In this episode of VET’ed., host Jen M. Wagman sits down with U.S. Army Veteran Tim Sheppard (Ret.), Executive Director of the Wyoming Veterans Commission who served 40 years across the Army and Army National Guard, and Dr. Julie Elledge, Ph.D., LMFT, MCC.

NBC-HWC, BCC— the visionary behind the "Veterans Talking to Veterans" program and Founder & MCC Coach at Mentor Agility. Together, they pull back the curtain on the hidden struggles our heroes face after hanging up the uniform—from the emotional aftermath of the Afghanistan withdrawal to the quiet, devastating realities of food insecurity.

This conversation goes far beyond standard policy; it tackles the raw, human necessity of helping veterans truly thrive. Dr. Elledge explains how their intensive coaching framework acts as a protective net across communities, waking up the leadership skills of veterans to save their peers from despair. Director Shepard highlights how localized state initiatives like the Hunger Initiative provide a vital "hand up, not a handout," reminding local communities, including civilians, that true veteran care begins right at home.

Whether you are a veteran searching for a supportive network to navigate civilian life or an advocate looking to understand how grassroots mobilization changes lives, this episode serves as a powerful testament to the healing power of structured camaraderie.

To learn more about August 1-2 2026 VTTV Stronger Together Summit, visit veteranstalkingtoveterans.com

To learn more about GenVETS, visit https://genvets.org.

To leave comments, suggestions or ask questions regarding VET’ed. with Jen M. Wagman, email VETed@genvets.org

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In this episode of VET’ed, host Jen M. Wagman looks ahead to the 2026 Warrior Games in San Antonio by sitting down with an extraordinary panel: Colonel David Paschal, US Army, (Ret.) , Director of the Warrior Games; Lieutenant Colonel Dr. Stephanie Shaver (USAF), founder of the Healing Hut; and Tish Stropes Vice President of Strategic Initiatives for Fisher House Foundation. Together, they peel back the layers of what physical and mental recovery truly look like for our nation's wounded service members.

Dave shares how the nature of military injuries has fundamentally shifted over the years—moving from sustained battlefield trauma to devastating civilian accidents, cancer, and neurodegenerative illnesses like ALS—and explains why the need for a team identity remains a critical lifeline for these heroes. Dr. Shaver shares the raw, life-altering impact of the Healing Hut's integrative, alternative modalities, while Tisch highlights the quiet, exhausting sacrifices made by the caregivers and families standing on the sidelines. This conversation is a profound reminder that a gold medal is the least important thing happening on the field; the true victory is giving our veterans a launchpad to reclaim their lives, their community, and their sense of purpose.

To learn more about the Warrior Games, visit dodwarriorgames.com.

To learn more about Fisher House, visit fisherhouse.org.

To learn more about GenVETS, visit genvets.org.

To leave comments, suggestions or ask questions regarding VET’ed. with Jen M. Wagman, email VETed@genvets.org

🔔 Available wherever you get your podcasts!

👍 Subscribe, Like & Follow @VETedPodcast for more episodes that inform and empower Veterans, transitioning service members, and their families.

#Veterans #MentalHealth #WarriorGames2026 #AdaptiveSports #FisherHouse #HealingHut #Resilience #Community #FamilySupport #InvisibleWounds

In this episode of VET’ed., host Jen M. Wagman sits down with Marty Trujillo, a 30-year Marine Corps veteran who is now leading the charge to heal families and veterans from the ground up. As the Executive Director for Colorado Youth Outdoors (Southern Region), Marty shares his insights into why our current approach to veteran mental health and transition is missing the mark. It isn't about adding more complex programming; it's about stripping away the noise, removing the technology, and rebuilding core human relationships.

From powerful metaphors about looking into a two-way mirror to personal stories of finding humility after hanging up the uniform, Marty explains how nature and shared experiences provide the ultimate space for genuine connection. Whether you're a veteran trying to navigate life after service or a family member looking to reconnect, this conversation is a powerful roadmap to finding your anchor and finishing the race strong.

To learn more about Colorado Youth Outdoors, visit www.coloradoyo.org

To learn more about the 501(c)(3) nonprofit veterans service organization GenVETS, Inc. visit www,genvets.org

To leave comments, suggestions or ask questions regarding VET’ed. with Jen M. Wagman, email VETed@genvets.org

🔔 Available wherever you get your podcasts!

👍 Subscribe, Like & Follow @VETedPodcast for more episodes that inform and empower Veterans, transitioning service members, and their families.

#Veterans #MentalHealth #ColoradoYouthOutdoors #FamilyConnection #Community #Resilience #MarineCorps #Healing #VeteranSupport #PostTraumaticGrowth