
Welcome Home - A Podcast for Veterans, About Veterans, By Veterans
Welcome Home is a Willing Warriors and the Warrior Retreat at Bull Run project. The program highlights activities at the Warrior Retreat and issues impacting all Veterans. For questions or feedback, please email us at podcast@willingwarriors.org.
Episodes
123 episodes
Accidental Entrepreneur: When Plan A Becomes Plan Me
What happens when a decorated Army lieutenant colonel with 20 years of service faces an unexpected divorce just as she's transitioning to civilian life? For Olivia Nunn, it meant becoming what she calls an ...
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Season 3
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Episode 121
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28:34

The Cold War: America's Forgotten Conflict
Hidden in the rolling countryside of Northern Virginia lies a remarkable time capsule preserving one of America's most consequential—yet understudied—chapters of history. The Cold War Museum at Vint Hill stand...
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Season 3
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Episode 120
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30:31

The Silent Battle Within
What happens when the system fails those who've sacrificed everything to protect it? Frank Larkin, former Navy SEAL and CEO of Troops First Foundation, takes us on a heart-wrenching journey throu...
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Season 3
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Episode 119
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55:59

The Marine Corps Legacy: Inside One of America's Premier Military Museums
Step into the living legacy of the United States Marine Corps through the eyes of Colonel Gentry, Director of the National Museum of the Marine Corps. What began as two modest facilities has transformed...
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Season 3
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Episode 118
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27:21

The Hunt for Revolutionary Treasures: A Museum Curator's Tale
Paul Morando, Chief Curator at the National Museum of the United States Army, unveils the fascinating story behind the museum's newest exhibition, "Call to Arms: The Soldier and the Revolutionary War." Th...
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Season 3
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Episode 117
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32:18

Dustoff: The Lifesaving Legacy of Col. Douglas Moore's 1,874 Vietnam Combat Missions
The heroism of Vietnam War helicopter pilots rarely receives the spotlight it deserves, but Colonel Douglas Moore's story stands as a testament to extraordinary courage under fire. With over 1,874 combat missions flown and 2,782 wounded soldier...
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Season 3
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Episode 116
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30:39

History's Guardians: How Archaeology Is Rebuilding Veterans' Careers
Archaeology might conjure images of dusty excavations and Indiana Jones adventures, but for veterans seeking meaningful employment transitions, it's becoming an unexpected bridge to civilian careers. In this eye-opening conversation, host Chef ...
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Season 3
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Episode 115
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34:37

Horsepower with Heart: When Corvette Enthusiasts Rally for Veterans
When American muscle meets military gratitude, something special happens. The sixth annual Vets for Willing Warriors Corvette Show returns to the breathtaking 37-acre Warrior Retreat a...
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Season 3
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Episode 114
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28:31

The 40-Cent Solution: How Simple Dog Tags Are Saving Veterans' Lives
What if saving a veteran's life could be as simple as a 40-cent dog tag? That's exactly what Ben Guinan and Robert Adamczyk from Dog Tags 4 Life are doing with their groundbreaking suicide prevention ini...
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Season 3
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Episode 113
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24:21

The Ben Ward Story: Creating a Legacy of Service at the Warrior Retreat
Meet Ben Ward, a remarkable young man who began his philanthropic journey at just 10 years old when he donated his birthday money to support Wounded Warriors at the Warrior Retreat at Bull Run. What started as a modest $60 contribution has grow...
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Season 3
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Episode 112
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25:39

Building a Home for Heroes: The Puller Veterans Care Center Coming Soon
Northern Virginia's veteran community has been eagerly watching the construction of the Puller Veterans Care Center, and now we're getting closer to its highly anticipated opening. Mary Tietjen, the center's Director of Admissions, will join us...
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Season 3
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Episode 111
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29:17

When Your Classroom Follows You Around The World
What if your child's education could follow your military family around the world? For service members facing 7-15 relocations during a career, finding educational stability for their children often feels impossible. Each PCS move brings the st...
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Season 3
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Episode 110
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26:03

From Marine to Mentor: Ryan Woodruff's Journey at Clear Path for Veterans
When Marine veteran Ryan Woodruff returned from two combat deployments to Iraq, he found himself adrift in civilian life. "It was even difficult just to strike up casual conversation," he reveals, describing the profound disconnect many veteran...
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Season 3
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Episode 109
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38:09

Rescued Horses, Rescued Heroes: A Transformative Connection
A profound connection exists between traumatized warriors and rescued horses. Both have experienced hardship, both carry invisible scars, and both possess remarkable resilience. This powerful relationship forms the foundation of the life-changi...
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Season 3
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Episode 108
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28:03

Semper Fi & America's Fund Transforms Lives
What happens when a Marine survives what should have been unsurvivable? Tony Porta's story begins with a catastrophic IED blast in Iraq that claimed the lives of his fellow Marines and left him with burns over his entire body. From that moment ...
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Season 3
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Episode 107
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33:54

Behind the Scenes: Upcoming Events at the Warrior Retreat
The transformative power of community support takes center stage in this revealing conversation with your host and Diane Lunsford, the Warrior Retreat Events Coordinator. As the organization celebrates its 10th anniversary of opening its doors ...
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Season 3
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Episode 106
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36:42

Championing Veteran Health: Dr. Matthew Reinhard on Interdisciplinary Approaches to Military Exposure Research
Ever wondered how military service shapes a career in healthcare? Join us for a captivating conversation with Dr. Matthew Reinhard, a leading figure in neuropsychology and the Director of the Complex Exposure Threat Center of Excellence at the ...
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Season 3
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Episode 94
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27:47

Military Kids Matter: The Blog Giving Voice to Children of Wounded Warriors
What happens when the children of wounded warriors grow up and decide to create the support system they wish they'd had? Meet Sinaiyah (16) and Azara (14) Emami, two remarkable sisters who are changing the landscape for military children naviga...
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Season 3
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Episode 104
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23:11

From Military Paychecks to Civilian Budgets: Creating Your Financial Battle Plan
Financial transitions can be just as challenging as emotional ones for our military service members. Veterans who once had legal, financial, and human resources support readily accessible suddenly face navigating these complex systems alone—oft...
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Season 3
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Episode 103
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27:42

Defending Our Hidden Heroes: Colonel Schaffer's Mission to Protect Military Children
Colonel Adrienne L. Schaffer Esq., a retired Army JAG officer with over 33 years of service, reveals the often-overlooked struggles of military children and the powerful work of the Milit...
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Season 3
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Episode 102
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30:43

Serving Those Who Served: Inside The Warrior Retreat Volunteer Community
The heart and soul of the Warrior Retreat beats through its remarkable volunteer community. With only one full-time executive director and six part-time staff members, this extraordinary sanctuary for wounded veterans thrives thanks to the dedi...
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Season 3
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Episode 101
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32:57

SEAL Team 6: Inside Stories with an Original Plank Owner
A rare conversation with Frank Phillips, one of the original "plank owners" of SEAL Team 6 and Red Cell, takes us behind the curtain of America's elite counter-terrorism unit and reveals startling truths about national security vulnerabilities ...
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Season 3
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Episode 100
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44:17

Empowering Military Families: Overcoming Challenges with Operation Homefront
What unique challenges do military families face, and how can we support them in times of need? Join us for an enlightening conversation with Vivian Dietrich, the Senior Regional Director for Region 4 of
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Season 3
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Episode 99
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26:30

Supporting Veterans Through Mindfulness and Compassion
What if the key to healing and thriving after service lies in mindfulness and community? Join us as we welcome Charla and David Truesdale, the dynamic force behind the Warrior Spirit Project, a no...
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Season 3
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Episode 98
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23:09

Brain Injury Awareness Month: Understanding TBI and Its Impact
Brain injuries are more common than most of us realize, and this episode sheds light on the critical issue of traumatic brain injury (TBI) awareness. Join host Larry Zilliox, along with Donna Meltzer, CEO of Brain Injury Services, and Dr. Julie...
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Season 3
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Episode 97
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40:47
