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Join Jerry Wellman of Overwatch Capital as he discusses the opportunities in clean energy infrastructure for veterans and communities with Rob Howard and Rod Matthews. Discover how renewable energy projects like biomass, solar, wind, and community choice aggregation can provide economic development, job training, and sustainable futures for local communities. From waste-to-energy solutions to grid modernization, this episode dives deep into how veterans can play a pivotal role in the clean energy sector. Topics: Introduction: Clean Energy and Economic Development for Veterans Understanding Community Choice Aggregation (CCA) – What It Is and How It Works The Rise of Renewable Energy Projects: Solar, Wind, Biomass, and Battery Storage How Veterans Can Enter the Clean Energy Workforce The Role of Microgrids in Urban and Rural Areas Policy and Legislation: How Government Supports Clean Energy Initiatives Circular Economy in Action: Waste-to-Energy and Biomass Soil Augmentation and Fertilizer Production from Biomass Ash Financial Incentives and Opportunities for Veterans in Clean Energy Q&A and Final Thoughts

In this episode of America's Heroes Group Roundtable, Col. Dr. Damon Arnold speaks with Adelena Marshall, Mental Health RN, and Carolina Stewart, RN MSN Licensed Clinical Nurse Leader in Community Care, about the growing concerns surrounding workforce reductions at the VA. They discuss the challenges nurses face in providing safe and efficient care to veterans amidst staffing cuts, the potential impact on patient care, and the essential role of National Nurses United in advocating for necessary changes. Topics: Introduction to Adelena Marshall and Carolina Stewart Overview of National Nurses United and Their Advocacy Efforts The Realities Behind the Perceived Nursing Shortage at the VA The Impact of Workforce Reductions on Veteran Care Nursing Staff Ratios and the Effect on Patient Care Essential Support Roles: How Ancillary Staff Reductions Compound the Problem Case Study: Centennial Veterans and Their VA Care Experience The Risks of VA Privatization and Its Effect on Veterans’ Health Community Care and Home Health Support for Veterans Q&A and Final Remarks

Join Col. Dr. Damon Arnold, host of America's Heroes Group, as he speaks with Julie Appleby, Senior Correspondent for KFF Health News. In this episode, they explore the implications of Julie’s recent article, "The Ranks of Obamacare 'Fixers' Axed in Trump's Reduction of Health Agency Workforce," published on April 22, 2025. Discover how critical caseworker positions at the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) are being cut, the consequences for ACA enrollees, and the broader impact on public health systems across the United States. Topics: Introduction to Julie Appleby and Her Work with KFF Health News Overview of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) Caseworker Program The Role of Caseworkers: Who Are the "Fixers" and What Do They Do? The Trump Administration’s Reduction in Health Agency Workforce The Fallout: How ACA Enrollees Are Affected by Caseworker Layoffs Impact on the CMS Exchange Customer Solutions Group Implications for ACA Navigators and the Reduction in Support Services Broader Public Health Concerns: Medicaid, Mental Health, and Chronic Diseases The Future of Healthcare Access in the U.S.: What to Expect in 2025 and Beyond Q&A and Final Remarks

Join Col. Dr. Damon Arnold, retired U.S. Army Combat Medic and CEO of the African Diaspora Association of Public Health Professionals (ADAPHP), LLC, as he addresses the pressing public health concerns impacting communities across the United States. From chronic disease management and mental health support to the rising cost of healthcare and vaccine-preventable diseases, Dr. Arnold delves into the vital work ADAPHP is doing to advocate for equitable health access, promote preventive care, and support underserved populations. Topics: Introduction to ADAPHP, LLC and Its Mission Social Determinants of Health: The Impact on Underserved Communities The Affordable Care Act and Rising Healthcare Costs Addressing Chronic Diseases: Obesity, Diabetes, and Heart Disease The Role of Diet and Nutrition in Preventive Health Mental Health Crisis: The Need for Increased Access and Support Vaccine Awareness: The Resurgence of Measles and the Importance of Immunization Addressing Homelessness Among Veterans and Vulnerable Populations Workforce Shortages in Healthcare: Public Health Professionals in Demand The Call to Action: How Individuals and Organizations Can Support Public Health

Join America's Heroes Group as we welcome two distinguished guests — Carol Whitmore, Senior Vice Commander-in-Chief of the National VFW, and Eugene Blackwell, Senior Vice Commander of the Illinois VFW. Both are U.S. Army Veterans with decades of service and a passion for advocating for veterans. In this discussion, they share updates on the national and state VFW initiatives, addressing key issues such as veteran homelessness, mental health support, intergenerational leadership, and the evolving mission of the VFW. Topics: Introduction to VFW Leadership: Carol Whitmore & Eugene Blackwell VFW Mission and Core Values National VFW Initiatives for 2025 Tackling Unaccredited Claim Consultants and Protecting Veterans' Benefits Addressing Veteran Homelessness and Mental Health Support Strategies for Engaging Younger Veterans in VFW Leadership Illinois VFW Updates: Community Outreach and Intergenerational Connections Upcoming National VFW Convention in August 2025 Personal Stories of Military Service and Lessons Learned Q&A and Final Remarks

Join Dr. Damon Arnold, retired U.S. Army combat medic and host of America's Heroes Group, as he speaks with Susan Jaffe, a contributing writer for KFF Health News and the DC Correspondent for The Lancet. In this compelling discussion, they delve into Jaffe's recent article, "When Hospitals Ditch Medicare Advantage Plans, Thousands of Members Get to Leave Too," published on April 28, 2025. Learn about the complex dynamics behind hospitals opting out of Medicare Advantage plans, the impact on beneficiaries, and the special enrollment periods that can provide relief. Topics: Overview of Medicare and Medicare Advantage Plans Why Hospitals Leave Medicare Advantage Networks The Impact on Patients and Providers Special Enrollment Periods and Patient Rights Differences Between Urban and Rural Access to Care How to Navigate Medicare Advantage Plan Changes Legislative Responses and Consumer Advocacy Resources for Affected Patients and Families

Financial fallout in 2025? Stock market dips, high inflation, rising interest rates, job insecurity—how do you protect your finances in times like these? Lisa Gavin, President of Next Level Coaching & Funding, shares powerful money mastery tips to help you build a financial strategy, grow your credit, reduce debt, and prepare for economic uncertainty. In this episode: How to strategically maneuver financially in 2025 The danger of opinions vs. advice in financial decision-making What most schools & families never teach you about credit Why refinancing could save you hundreds per month How to use debt consolidation to increase your credit score The benefits of building business credit and turning your hustle into a real income stream Why funding and cash flow are critical in unpredictable times Get coached to another level with Money Mastery Coaching Learn more: https://www.coachtocash.com

High blood pressure. Heart disease. Alzheimer’s. Dementia. What if the root of these chronic diseases isn’t genetics—but what’s on your plate? Join C. Sadeek Colquitt, U.S. health advocate and Executive Director of the Plant-Based Afrikan Center for Nutrition, as he breaks down the truth behind nutrition, disease, and healing through food in this powerful episode of America’s Heroes Group. Topics include: The truth about cholesterol and why your body makes enough  How animal-based foods contribute to chronic illness Plant-based foods that help reverse high cholesterol How nutrition impacts brain health and memory Why heart disease starts in our teenage years Simple steps to reduce risk, build longevity, and reclaim your health Contact: [email protected] Learn more: https://www.pbacenterfornutrition.org Follow: @PlantBasedAfrikan

U.S. Army Vietnam Combat Veteran. Bronze Star. Purple Heart. 40+ Years as an Attorney. In this insightful episode of America’s Heroes Group, Attorney Ernesto Borges—Vietnam War combat veteran and managing partner of Bill Busters Bankruptcy Law Firm—shares both his military and legal journeys. From the battlefield to the courtroom, Atty. Borges breaks down: His personal experience with the VA system, combat exposure, and disability benefits The urgent need for protecting veterans' healthcare and rights Legal services offered to veterans: bankruptcy, estate planning, VA benefits, real estate closings, and more His mission to help others build generational wealth through homeownership and legal education Pro bono and discounted services available to veterans in need 📍Located in Chicago with 4 offices but has a national referral network. 📞 Contact: (312) 853-0200 💻 Visit: https://www.billbusters.com

How do you spark purpose, build community, and break generational barriers? In this powerful episode of America's Heroes Group, U.S. Army Reserve Veteran Ryan Harris (Executive Director, Tomorrow Starts Today) and E. Rene' Soulé (Program Director, Mixon-Clayton Bridge Builders Memorial Foundation) share how they are transforming lives through STEM, STREAM, youth career programs, and community housing development. They discuss: How STEM and STREAM education helps students discover purpose early The impact of elder tech literacy to protect seniors from scams Training youth in construction and skilled trades via YouthBuild-inspired models Building high-quality housing for low-to-moderate income families Teaching real-world math through Monopoly, budgeting, and hands-on activities Creating partnerships that empower change from the classroom to the community Programs discussed span Louisiana, Indiana, and Illinois, impacting youth, veterans, and underserved communities.

How do you house thousands of homeless veterans and win government contracts to scale the mission? In this powerful episode of America’s Heroes Group, U.S. Army Veterans Yvette Jones Swanson, Founder of Vet Mentors LLC, and Derrick Green, Government Contracts Expert and SBA/VA-certified business owner, break it all down. How to build ethical, effective housing programs for veterans Why service-disabled veteran-owned (SDVOSB) certification matters The dangers of turning veteran housing into a hustle What procurement really means — and how to do it right Why collaboration between realtors, nonprofits, and contract experts is key Swanson, who has personally housed over 5,000 homeless veterans, and Green, an acquisitions and procurement expert, reveal how their partnership is shaping the future of veteran housing with accountability, integrity, and long-term vision.

In this heartfelt episode of America's Heroes Group, we sit down with Yvette Jones Swanson, a U.S. Army Veteran, realtor, national advocate, and founder of Vet Mentors LLC. With over 22 years of relentless service, Yvette shares her powerful journey from being a homeless female veteran to becoming a trailblazing force who has housed over 5,000 veterans. She dives into her groundbreaking publications and courses, including: The Veterans Path to Home – a 3-hour state-approved CE course From Boots to Business – guiding veterans from service to entrepreneurship Collaborative Housing Solutions – tools for caseworkers, realtors, and community leaders Veteran Care Home Start-Up Guide Brave Reflections Journal – therapy support for veterans Veterans Real Estate Guide – helping vets use their VA loan and become investors Yvette teaches how to access funding, utilize AI, build veteran housing programs, and create real impact. Her story is raw, real, and deeply inspiring.

In this veteran-led conversation, Rob Howard and J.R. Wellman break down how America’s shifting energy infrastructure is opening doors for veterans across rural and urban communities. Whether you’re transitioning out of the military or seeking to pivot into a booming industry, this episode delivers actionable insight on how to plug into the 2025 clean energy economy. Topics covered: What is a circular energy economy? Real examples of turning waste into power (like food, heat, methane) Infrastructure buildout across the U.S. and where veterans fit in Top transferable skills veterans bring to energy and utilities Paths into solar, hydrogen, microgrids, and renewable fuels From enlisted to entrepreneur: how to launch your own clean energy business National overview: where the clean energy jobs are—by region Building a workforce pipeline: skills, training, networks, and hiring support This is a roadmap for veterans to find purpose, stability, and success in an industry that’s fueling America’s next chapter.

The April 15 tax filing deadline is around the corner—and if you’re a veteran, small business owner, or everyday taxpayer, you can’t afford to miss this episode. CPA and financial strategist David Milanec joins America’s Heroes Corp Roundtable to break down everything you need to know, from last-minute filing tips to veteran-specific tax breaks and business credits that can save thousands.  Learn about: Automatic 6-month extensions Common mistakes that cost taxpayers refunds Tax benefits for veterans & military families Recordkeeping and financial health Illinois’ Angel Investment Credit for veteran-owned businesses The danger of misclassifying employees vs. contractors How tax planning can reduce your liability (one case dropped from $600K to $10K!) 📞 Need help filing or planning? Call (708) 914-8220 to speak with Katz Milanec.

Does a new bill actually protect Medicaid—or is it smoke and mirrors? In this powerful episode of America's Heroes Corp Roundtable, Dr. Damon Arnold interviews KFF Health News senior correspondent Julie Appleby about her fact-checked exposé on a House budget resolution that claims to safeguard Medicaid... but doesn’t. Together, they break down what the bill really says (and doesn’t say), how $880 billion in cuts could only realistically come from Medicaid, and what that means for: Veterans in long-term care Seniors in nursing homes Working families relying on support State Medicaid programs The future of U.S. healthcare equity Julie exposes why PolitiFact rated the congressman's statement as FALSE, and how behind-the-scenes budget maneuvers could change Medicaid as we know it.