USA Cares Podcast
124 episodes - English - Latest episode: over 1 year ago - ★★★★★ - 6 ratingsGet your mid-week pick-me-up by listening and subscribing to the USA Cares Podcast on any major streaming service and check out some of the fascinating people and stories we highlight each week.
The series focuses on veterans, service members, and military families sharing their stories in an authentic, conversational setting.
*The views and opinions expressed on this podcast are those of our guests and do not represent those of USA Cares Inc.
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Episodes
E57: No Tougher Duty, No Greater Honor with special guest GySgt L. Christian Bussler (Ret.)
February 09, 2022 13:00 - 50 minutes - 46.5 MBThis week's topic is a very sensitive one (trigger warning). The Author of "No Tougher Duty, No Greater Honor", Christian Bussler grew up as an Air Force brat in the 1970's and 1980's. He joined the Marine Corps Reserves right out of high school and was assigned to MP Co "C" in Dayton, Ohio as an 0311 Rifleman. He was crossed trained as a 9051 Graves Registration/Mortuary Affairs Marine in the early 1990's. in 2003 his platoon of Mortuary Affairs specialists was activated to head to Kuwait, a...
No Tougher Duty, No Greater Honor with special guest GySgt L. Christian Bussler (Ret.)
February 09, 2022 13:00 - 50 minutes - 91.2 MBThis week's topic is a very sensitive one (trigger warning). The Author of "No Tougher Duty, No Greater Honor", Christian Bussler grew up as an Air Force brat in the 1970's and 1980's. He joined the Marine Corps Reserves right out of high school and was assigned to MP Co "C" in Dayton, Ohio as an 0311 Rifleman. He was crossed trained as a 9051 Graves Registration/Mortuary Affairs Marine in the early 1990's. in 2003 his platoon of Mortuary Affairs specialists was activated to head to Kuwait,...
Inter-Service Career Transition with Guest Nic Bush
February 02, 2022 13:00 - 88.2 MBMatt is in the studio with co-host Stefanie Jones, who is stepping in for Alexa, and guest, Nic Bush. Nic is currently serving his 17th year with the U.S. Military and is currently stationed in Louisville, Kentucky. While this show has typically discussed service members transitioning into civilian roles, Nic offers a different perspective and shares his experience with navigating inter-service career and service branch transition. Nic, who was stationed at Ft. Hood in 2009 and serving as a ...
E56: Inter-Service Career Transition with Guest Nic Bush
February 02, 2022 13:00 - 48 minutes - 44.7 MBMatt is in the studio with co-host Stefanie Jones, who is stepping in for Alexa, and guest, Nic Bush. Nic is currently serving his 17th year with the U.S. Military and is currently stationed in Louisville, Kentucky. While this show has typically discussed service members transitioning into civilian roles, Nic offers a different perspective and shares his experience with navigating inter-service career and service branch transition. Nic, who was stationed at Ft. Hood in 2009 and serving as a c...
Civilian Life with Special Guest Shelby Hebing
January 26, 2022 13:00 - 43 minutes - 75.7 MBThis week, Alexis & Matt are joined by Shelby Hebing. Shelby is a military spouse to an active-duty soldier and holds the position of a career development advisor and military transition advocate at her family's duty station in Virginia. In this episode, Shelby discusses her 12 years of experience as a military family member & mother, and how she helps transitioning veterans prepare for civilian life after serving. You can now directly subscribe and listen to the podcast on Facebook's mobile...
E55: Civilian Life with Special Guest Shelby Hebing
January 26, 2022 13:00 - 43 minutes - 39.6 MBThis week, Alexis & Matt are joined by Shelby Hebing. Shelby is a military spouse to an active-duty soldier and holds the position of a career development advisor and military transition advocate at her family's duty station in Virginia. In this episode, Shelby discusses her 12 years of experience as a military family member & mother, and how she helps transitioning veterans prepare for civilian life after serving. You can now directly subscribe and listen to the podcast on Facebook's mobile ...
E54: Black Rifle Coffee - Dan Horgan
January 19, 2022 13:00 - 42 minutes - 38.5 MBAlexis, Matt, and Trace are in the studio today to chat with Dan Horgan. Dan is the Director of Special Projects at Black Rifle Coffee, a Veteran-owned company that has been making waves for not only their great coffee but also the media they produce, and the support they provide to veterans. Dan shares with the team what is happening at Black Rifle Coffee, and his own story of his struggles in transitioning out of the military and into the civilian workforce. The USA Cares podcast feed is no...
Black Rifle Coffee - Dan Horgan
January 19, 2022 13:00 - 42 minutes - 75.8 MBAlexis, Matt, and Trace are in the studio today to chat with Dan Horgan. Dan is the Director of Special Projects at Black Rifle Coffee, a Veteran-owned company that has been making waves for not only their great coffee but also the media they produce, and the support they provide to veterans. Dan shares with the team what is happening at Black Rifle Coffee, and his own story of his struggles in transitioning out of the military and into the civilian workforce. The USA Cares podcast feed is n...
Senior Leaders Program with Monique Gavin
January 12, 2022 13:00 - 50 minutes - 90.3 MBMatt welcomes Alexis back to the studio this week and the two have a discussion with Army veteran, Monique Gavin, who was also a participant in our Senior Leaders Program. She was in the military for 20 years, and multiple overseas deployments before deciding to retire. Her husband is still in the military, and she is the mother of three children at 18, 14, and 7 months old. Monique will be sharing her story of transitioning into civilian life and her experience going through the Senior Lead...
E53: Senior Leaders Program with Monique Gavin
January 12, 2022 13:00 - 50 minutes - 45.9 MBMatt welcomes Alexis back to the studio this week and the two have a discussion with Army veteran, Monique Gavin, who was also a participant in our Senior Leaders Program. She was in the military for 20 years, and multiple overseas deployments before deciding to retire. Her husband is still in the military, and she is the mother of three children at 18, 14, and 7 months old. Monique will be sharing her story of transitioning into civilian life and her experience going through the Senior Leade...
E52: Welcome Aboard - Dr. Greg Bishop
January 05, 2022 13:00 - 33 minutes - 30.2 MBOn this episode of the USA Cares Podcast, Matt is joined by special and returning co-host, Stefani Jones to welcome Dr. Greg Bishop to the USA Cares team. Dr. Bishop is a Navy veteran with an Academic background. He now works at USA Cares to help assist veterans with the various new career transition programs and opportunities that the Organization is working on. Dr. Bishop and the hosts discuss all things Navy, a little bit about football, a lot about resumes, and even a few things about sky...
Welcome Aboard - Dr. Greg Bishop
January 05, 2022 13:00 - 33 minutes - 75.9 MBOn this episode of the USA Cares Podcast, Matt is joined by special and returning co-host, Stefani Jones to welcome Dr. Greg Bishop to the USA Cares team. Dr. Bishop is a Navy veteran with an Academic background. He now works at USA Cares to help assist veterans with the various new career transition programs and opportunities that the Organization is working on. Dr. Bishop and the hosts discuss all things Navy, a little bit about football, a lot about resumes, and even a few things about sk...
USA Cares Year in Review
December 29, 2021 13:00 - 24 minutes - 55.4 MBUSA Cares President Trace Chesser is back in the studio today to join Matt. The two discuss the year of 2021 and the great things that have came out of this year for USA Cares. The organization has grown to numerous new states, have started numerous new partnerships and events, and they have helped over 500 veterans and their families with various life changing needs. They also discuss some of the amazing stories they have been able to tell through this podcast. The team at USA Cares wants t...
E51: USA Cares Year in Review
December 29, 2021 13:00 - 24 minutes - 22 MBUSA Cares President Trace Chesser is back in the studio today to join Matt. The two discuss the year of 2021 and the great things that have came out of this year for USA Cares. The organization has grown to numerous new states, have started numerous new partnerships and events, and they have helped over 500 veterans and their families with various life changing needs. They also discuss some of the amazing stories they have been able to tell through this podcast. The team at USA Cares wants to...
10 Veterans Create a Credit Union | Abound Credit Union with President Ray Springsteen
December 22, 2021 13:00 - 35 minutes - 82 MBThis week, Matt & Alexis are joined by the President & CEO of Abound Credit Union, Ray Springsteen. Abound Credit Union is a Kentucky based credit union that was created by a group of Veterans out of Ft. Knox, KY in 1950. Today, they have grown to become Kentucky’s largest credit union with 18 locations and over 100,000 members. In the past few years, Abound CU has partnered with USA Cares on many occasions, and have helped make an impact on lives of hundreds of veterans through the work th...
E50: 10 Veterans Create a Credit Union | Abound Credit Union with President Ray Springsteen
December 22, 2021 13:00 - 35 minutes - 32.6 MBThis week, Matt & Alexis are joined by the President & CEO of Abound Credit Union, Ray Springsteen. Abound Credit Union is a Kentucky based credit union that was created by a group of Veterans out of Ft. Knox, KY in 1950. Today, they have grown to become Kentucky’s largest credit union with 18 locations and over 100,000 members. In the past few years, Abound CU has partnered with USA Cares on many occasions, and have helped make an impact on lives of hundreds of veterans through the work the ...
"The New Battle" Stop Soldier Suicide, Nick Black
December 15, 2021 13:00 - 40 minutes - 93.3 MBDid you know that more Veterans have lost their lives from suicide since 2001 than being killed in combat? That number adds up to over 140,000+ active duty or veteran service members and military members also are at a 50% higher risk than anyone else to take their own lives. This week, Alexis and Matt are joined by Army Commissioned Officer Veteran, Nick Black. After returning from his last deployment to Afghanistan, One of Nick's soldiers took their own life. The incident greatly impacted ...
E49: "The New Battle" Stop Soldier Suicide, Nick Black
December 15, 2021 13:00 - 40 minutes - 37.1 MBDid you know that more Veterans have lost their lives from suicide since 2001 than being killed in combat? That number adds up to over 140,000+ active duty or veteran service members and military members also are at a 50% higher risk than anyone else to take their own lives. This week, Alexis and Matt are joined by Army Commissioned Officer Veteran, Nick Black. After returning from his last deployment to Afghanistan, One of Nick's soldiers took their own life. The incident greatly impacted Ni...
1 YEAR ANNIVERSARY - USA Cares Podcast
December 11, 2021 13:00 - 8 minutes - 7.41 MBShow Notes Matt & Alexis refelct on a year of USA Care's podcast. They recall the guest, the stories told, the inspiration from and connection to our country's veterans. Here's to another year in the making!.Thanks for listening, Everyone!.Show Links www.usacares.org FB - @usacaresorg Twitter - @USACares IG - @usacares YouTube - USA Cares YouTube . Guest LinksAndrew J. McCawley - Studio EngineerSpeakeasy Podcast Network
Families of the Fallen, The Woody Williams Foundation with Tyra Anderson
December 08, 2021 13:00 - 35 minutes - 590 MBThis week, Matt and Alexis are joined in the studio by Tyra Anderson. Tyra is a loan officer at Stockton Mortgage in Louisville and a board member of The Woody Williams Foundation. The Woody Williams Foundation's mission is to support Gold Star Families (Military families that have lost a family member in combat) through scholarships, outreach, and the implementation of community memorial monuments dedicated to those who have made the ultimate sacrifice. As a Gold Star Family member herself...
E48: Families of the Fallen, The Woody Williams Foundation with Tyra Anderson
December 08, 2021 13:00 - 35 minutes - 32.8 MBThis week, Matt and Alexis are joined in the studio by Tyra Anderson. Tyra is a loan officer at Stockton Mortgage in Louisville and a board member of The Woody Williams Foundation. The Woody Williams Foundation's mission is to support Gold Star Families (Military families that have lost a family member in combat) through scholarships, outreach, and the implementation of community memorial monuments dedicated to those who have made the ultimate sacrifice. As a Gold Star Family member herself, ...
E47: A Homebuyers Toolkit for Veterans - Kevin Miracle
December 01, 2021 13:00 - 33 minutes - 30.4 MBKevin Miracle is a US Army veteran, and Executive Director of the USA Cares Ft. Campbell Chapter. Kevin will be sharing his compelling story of military career and transition into civilian life. He currently works as a Loan Partner with Veterans Lending Group (NMLS 3029/1727374) educating veterans and active duty service members about their VA home loan benefits, and providing them with tools and information to be their own advocates during the home buying process.Where to find USA Cares: www...
A Homebuyers Toolkit for Veterans - Kevin Miracle
December 01, 2021 13:00 - 33 minutes - 45.6 MBKevin Miracle is a US Army veteran, and Executive Director of the USA Cares Ft. Campbell Chapter. Kevin will be sharing his compelling story of military career and transition into civilian life. He currently works as a Loan Partner with Veterans Lending Group (NMLS 3029/1727374) educating veterans and active duty service members about their VA home loan benefits, and providing them with tools and information to be their own advocates during the home buying process.Where to find USA Cares: w...
Sending Care with Blue Star Mom, Leslie Capps
November 24, 2021 13:00 - 42 minutes - 58.3 MBLeslie is an LPN and community lead with VETS employee resource group (ERG) at Norton Healthcare. She's also a Blue Star mom (A familly member of a deployed service member) with a son who recently recently left on his 3rd deployment. We'll be discussing the emotions that go along with deployments, her involvement with the VETS ERG at Norton, sending care packages to service members, and helpful ways you can help support our deployed services members. Where to find USA Cares: www.usacares.o...
E46: Sending Care with Blue Star Mom, Leslie Capps
November 24, 2021 13:00 - 42 minutes - 38.9 MBLeslie is an LPN and community lead with VETS employee resource group (ERG) at Norton Healthcare. She's also a Blue Star mom (A familly member of a deployed service member) with a son who recently recently left on his 3rd deployment. We'll be discussing the emotions that go along with deployments, her involvement with the VETS ERG at Norton, sending care packages to service members, and helpful ways you can help support our deployed services members. Where to find USA Cares: www.usacares.org ...
Invisible wounds with US Army Veteran, Marla Kiser
November 17, 2021 13:00 - 1 hour - 101 MBThis week, Alexis and Matt welcome US Army Veteran, Marla Kiser to the studio. After meeting with Matt at a recent USA Cares event, Marla shared with Matt her personal story of the injuries she sustatined while serving, that many veterans can relate to. Through her bravery, Marla has deciced to put it all out there and discuss being medically retired from the army, self-discovery during & after her service, and how important it is to get help and utilize resources available. www.usacares.or...
E45: Invisible wounds with US Army Veteran, Marla Kiser
November 17, 2021 13:00 - 1 hour - 67.4 MBThis week, Alexis and Matt welcome US Army Veteran, Marla Kiser to the studio. After meeting with Matt at a recent USA Cares event, Marla shared with Matt her personal story of the injuries she sustatined while serving, that many veterans can relate to. Through her bravery, Marla has deciced to put it all out there and discuss being medically retired from the army, self-discovery during & after her service, and how important it is to get help and utilize resources available. www.usacares.org ...
Meet Our New Chairman! Andy Dytrych
November 10, 2021 13:00 - 52 minutes - 71.6 MBAlexis & Matt welcome Andy Dytrych to the studio this week. Andy is a US Army veteran and Director of New Product Development Operations for Atria Senior Living. He is also the USA Cares chairman of the board. In this episode, Andy will be sharing his story - career in the military and transition into civilian life, how he became involved with USA Cares and why it's important to support veterans year round. Show Links www.usacares.org FB - @usacaresorg Twitter - @USACares IG - @usacare...
E44: Meet Our New Chairman! Andy Dytrych
November 10, 2021 13:00 - 52 minutes - 47.7 MBAlexis & Matt welcome Andy Dytrych to the studio this week. Andy is a US Army veteran and Director of New Product Development Operations for Atria Senior Living. He is also the USA Cares chairman of the board. In this episode, Andy will be sharing his story - career in the military and transition into civilian life, how he became involved with USA Cares and why it's important to support veterans year round. Show Links www.usacares.org FB - @usacaresorg Twitter - @USACares IG - @usacares YouT...
E43: Allies in Afghanistan, Stephen Davis
November 03, 2021 12:00 - 44 minutes - 41.1 MBAlexis & Matt welcome Stephen Davis to the studio this week. Davis is a veteran with 32 years of service in the Kentucky National Guard, and a deployment to Afghanistan. He retired in 2013, after an extensive military career. With the recent hostile takeover in Afghanistan, Stephan has been working with The Human First Coalition in assisting American citizens and allies reach safety in the aftermath of the Taliban's rapid takeover. Davis discusses the impact the coalition has made so far, and...
Allies in Afghanistan, Stephen Davis
November 03, 2021 12:00 - 44 minutes - 61.6 MBAlexis & Matt welcome Stephen Davis to the studio this week. Davis is a veteran with 32 years of service in the Kentucky National Guard, and a deployment to Afghanistan. He retired in 2013, after an extensive military career. With the recent hostile takeover in Afghanistan, Stephan has been working with The Human First Coalition in assisting American citizens and allies reach safety in the aftermath of the Taliban's rapid takeover. Davis discusses the impact the coalition has made so far, an...
E42: Clean The World, Bruce Matthews
October 27, 2021 12:00 - 34 minutes - 31.4 MBThis week, Alexis and Matt are joined by Bruce Matthews, VP of Business Development for Clean the World. After discovering that the discarded soap bottles at hotels were thrown away, founder Shawn Seipler started Clean the World with a mission of collecting and recycling discarded soap and plastic amenity bottles, and giving the soap to those in need. -Since the organization started in 2009, Clean the World has partnered with over 8,000+ hotels & resorts partners and has distributed over 63 ...
E41: What Veterans Might Not Know About Education and Wealth, with Jeb Jarrell
October 20, 2021 12:30 - 39 minutes - 36.4 MBShow Notes This week, Matt in Alexis welcome Certified Financial Planner, Army Veteran, and owner of Plentiful Wealth, LLC., Jeb Jarrell to the studio. Jeb has taken advantage of many less discussed veteran opportunities throughout his life, and shares with the crew some information on some of the resources that Veterans might now know about such as: Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E) (Formerly known as Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment) DOD SkillBridge And the Blended Retirem...
Ep40: How to Keep Motivated After You Serve, Sgt Maj (R) Anthony “Spuds” Spadaro
October 13, 2021 12:00 - 57 minutes - 39.9 MBJoining from Hawaii this week is Seargent Major Anthony "Spuds" Spadaro. Sgt Maj Spuds is veteran of 35 years in the Marine Corps and culminated his career as the US INDO Pacific Command Senior Enlisted Leader. In this episode, Spuds discusses his military career, his continued service, and his advice to veterans who have or will be transitioning out of the military. Show Links www.usacares.org FB - @usacaresorg Twitter - @USACares IG - @usacares YouTube - USA Cares YouTube Sponsor...
E40: How to Keep Motivated After You Serve, Sgt Maj (R) Anthony “Spuds” Spadaro
October 13, 2021 12:00 - 57 minutes - 52.4 MBJoining from Hawaii this week is Seargent Major Anthony "Spuds" Spadaro. Sgt Maj Spuds is veteran of 35 years in the Marine Corps and culminated his career as the US INDO Pacific Command Senior Enlisted Leader. In this episode, Spuds discusses his military career, his continued service, and his advice to veterans who have or will be transitioning out of the military. Show Links www.usacares.org FB - @usacaresorg Twitter - @USACares IG - @usacares YouTube - USA Cares YouTube Sponsors The ...
E39: When the Parents Serve the Kids Serve
October 06, 2021 16:00 - 38 minutes - 34.8 MBThis week, Matt & Alexis welcome returning guest, Alison Hedges and a special guest, daughter Lexi into the studio to discuss the life of a military child. There are 1.2 million children of active duty military members today, who face their own set of challenges that are often under heard. Lexi. who has spent most of childhood as the daughter of an Army Officer, shares her own unique experience of living in this role. . Show Links www.usacares.org FB - @usacaresorg Twitter - @USACares IG - @...
E38: A 9/11 Story - Rebuilding After Tragedy
September 29, 2021 16:00 - 52 minutes - 48.4 MBOn today's episode... Matt and Alexis are joined by Pat Troy of Cantor Fitzgerald, an innovative New York based finaical firm that was started in 1945. Pat began his work at Cantor Fitzgerald in 1987, and moved to Chicago in 1998 to expand the business. He's still technically working with them to this day. He's a NY native, and currently resides in Chicago. In 2001, Pat held the position of Managing Director of Cantor Fitzgerald. On the tragic day of september 11th, Cantor Fitzgerald lost 65...
E37: From Injury to Inspiration
September 22, 2021 16:00 - 37 minutes - 34.1 MBShow Notes Matt and Alexis welcome Michael Lemmons, veteran and Founder of VETRECKY. VETREC has set out to improve the lives of Veterans and their families through connections with the outdoors and inspire members of the military and veteran community to become active, healthy, and resilient. VETREC is achieving this by investing donations and other contributions to purchase, store and maintain outdoor equipment, host outdoor activities, provide a free equipment check-out program, provide shu...
E36: Freedom isn’t Free; It's Our Duty to Step Up and Help
September 15, 2021 16:00 - 28 minutes - 26.2 MBMatt and Alexis welcome Mike Arnold, Executive Director of the USA Cares Michigan Chapter to the podcast. They touch on the emotional climate within the US Military at the moment and why we need to continue supporting our service members and veterans now more than ever. Mike shares his excitement about getting involved with USA Cares and how he feels it’s his duty. . Show Links www.usacares.org FB - @usacaresorg Twitter - @USACares IG - @usacares YouTube - USA Cares YouTube LinkedIn - USA Car...
E35: 20th Anniversary of 9/11 with Special Guest SEAC(R) John Wayne Troxell
September 08, 2021 16:00 - 52 minutes - 48.4 MBShow Notes Matt and Alexis welcome SEAC (R) John Wayne Troxell to the podcast. Troxell was the keynote speaker at the USA Cares Annual Gala this year and continues to speak passionately about his perspective gained through nearly 38 years of service in the US Military. He speaks to his viewpoints on a number of international issues in which the United States has been involved over the past decade. . Show Links www.usacares.org FB - @usacaresorg Twitter - @USACares IG - @usacares YouTube - USA...
E34: Getting Veterans in Homes
September 01, 2021 16:00 - 39 minutes - 36.5 MBShow Notes Matt, Trace, and Alexis welcome two special guests to the podcast, Colleen English Balderson and Stephen DeMuth who are heavily involved with VAREP. Veterans Association of Real Estate Professionals (VAREP), is a non-profit 501(c)(3) and HUD-approved housing counseling organization dedicated to increasing sustainable homeownership, financial-literacy education, VA loan awareness, and economic opportunity for the active-military and veteran communities. Colleen and Stephen expound u...
E33: Windows of Opportunity with Tim Helfrich
August 25, 2021 16:00 - 36 minutes - 33 MBShow Notes Matt is joined this week by Donor Relations Manager, Stefanie Jones, and they welcome Tim Helfrich, President of Renewal by Andersen to the podcast. Together, they highlight the recent partnership formed between Andersen and USA Cares, and how much of an impact these types of partnerships have for both organizations. Andersen commits a certain amount of their operating budget to philanthropic endeavors and the employees of the company actually vote on what organization funds will b...
E32: What Can We Do for Our Veteran Community? - with Mayor Bill Dieruf
August 18, 2021 16:00 - 33 minutes - 30.4 MBMatt and Trace were excited to welcome Mayor Bill Dieruf of Jeffersontown to the podcast. Together, they recap the USA Cares Annual Gala and reflect on the incredible support shown and the inspiration that laced the event. The Mayor highlights the driving factors of Jeffersontown, the emphasis on family, and all around support for all members of the community. They draw parallels to the veteran community and the demand for advocates and care for all those in need. . Show Links www.usacares.o...
E31: Victory Over Difficult Times - with Special Guest, Emily Chambers
August 11, 2021 13:00 - 35 minutes - 32.8 MBMatt Castor and Alexis Becker of USA Cares welcomes Emily Chambers to the podcast. Emily lost her husband (Cpl. Nich Dieruf) of 3 months at the age of 22, when he was killed in action while deployed to Iraq in 2004. USA Cares helped her get through the tragedy, she started a non-profit in his name and also ran the Marine Corp Marathon in 2019 with her best friend in his honor; plans to climb Gold Star Peak at the end of August. She is since remarried with 3 kids, and keeps Nich's memory alive...
E30: I’MPOSSIBLE with Mark Devon Bush
August 04, 2021 16:00 - 35 minutes - 32.7 MBMatt Castor and Alexis Becker of USA Cares welcomes US Air Force Vet, now CEO of Step Above Georgia, Mark Devon Bush, to the podcast. From his experience as a correctional officer at 19 years old, joining the Air Force, becoming a K9 handler in an explosives unit, to becoming CEO of his own company; Mark reflects on the team building and leadership skills he gained from his military experience and how he’s been able to apply that in the civilian sector. He encourages service members making th...
E29: SFC (R) Will Summers - 12 Strong: The Declassified Story of the Horse Soldiers
July 28, 2021 16:00 - 53 minutes - 49.2 MBShow Notes Trace, Matt, and Alexis welcome a very special guest, SFC (R) Will Summers of the Horse Soldiers who were the first to infiltrate Afghanistan after the 9/11 attacks. Will touches on the portrayal of his team in cinema as the 12 US Horse Soldiers fighting Taliban Forces, but dives deeper into the rawness of his team’s mission; and how faith carried them to achieving victory. Will reminds people why it’s so important to support service members and veterans, and that it is always take...
E28: "Do You Like Camping?" - How the Army Recruits
July 21, 2021 16:00 - 51 minutes - 47.2 MBMatt Castor, Trace Chesser and Paula Presley of USA Cares welcomes the animated Army SFC (Retired) Lucas "K" Kudrna to the podcast. K reflects on his 22 year career in the Army, from basic training to deployment into combat zones and his experience as an MP. K expresses the trials and hardships service members can face internally as they transition into civilian life and how important it is to have a support system like USA Cares. K now works as a Quality Improvement Engineer at GE Appliances...
E27: A Life Built on Determination
July 14, 2021 16:00 - 38 minutes - 35.6 MBShow Notes Host of the podcast, Matt Castor, is joined by Trace Chesser, and together they welcome USA Cares Spokesperson, Bryan Anderson, back to the show. Bryan reflects on his experience as a soldier and getting severely injured by an IED. Bryan shares how he took this life-altering experience and used it to build a life for himself. Including, how he has dedicated himself to doing good and bringing about positive change in the world. Bryan is now a proud veteran as well as an actor, autho...
E26: New Women of USA Cares
July 07, 2021 16:00 - 30 minutes - 28.2 MBHost of the podcast and VP of Outreach & Development, Matt Castor, welcomes two incredible women to the podcast; USA Cares’ new Communications & Marketing Manager, Alexis Becker, and former veteran, Recruiter for Tesla, and proud supporter of USA Cares, Kimberly Jeane. Alexis shares her background in P.R. and her path that led her to USA Cares. Kimberly bears some very difficult, vulnerable times in her life that she was able to grow from and why she is so motivated to help veterans and honor...
E25: Old Army Stories & The Bonds They Make
June 30, 2021 16:00 - 34 minutes - 31.2 MBStefanie Jones, Donor Relations Manager, CEO, Trace Chesser, and Josh Kerby, Multimedia Designer for USA Cares sit down together and exchange some military stories. Trace and Josh speak to how the Army shaped them as individuals and instilled a tremendous sense of respect and humility in them. From rigging helicopters and jumping out of airplanes to the challenges faced when transitioning out of the military, there are countless experiences that bond our service members and veterans together....