Blayne Smith, Director of Health and Wellbeing at the George W. Bush Presidential Center and former Green Beret, joins new host Keith Thomas on the Boots on the Ground Podcast to talk about the Veterans Check-In Program and the importance of assisting veterans seeking mental health treatment.

Blayne discusses his journey through the military, working with mental health in the veteran community, and the importance of resources and organizations like Check-In.

Learn more about the Veteran Check-In Program at https://www.veterancheckin.org/

We’re on a mission to connect veterans with under-resourced communities. Our programs deploy veteran volunteers to work alongside nonprofit partners and community leaders to improve educational resources, tackle food insecurity, foster neighborhood identity, and more. The Mission Continues’ vision is for all veterans with a desire to continue their service to be part of a movement to transform communities.

The Boots on the Ground Podcast looks back at some of the best moments from the episodes with Anthony Morgan and Melissa Steinman.

If you don't want to miss a moment, listen to their full episodes on this podcast feed.

We’re on a mission to connect veterans with under-resourced communities. Our programs deploy veteran volunteers to work alongside nonprofit partners and community leaders to improve educational resources, tackle food insecurity, foster neighborhood identity, and more. The Mission Continues’ vision is for all veterans with a desire to continue their service to be part of a movement to transform communities.

The Boots on the Ground Podcast looks back at some of the best moments from the episodes with Gary Streeter and Daquane Mayes.

If you don't want to miss a moment, listen to their full episodes on this podcast feed.

We’re on a mission to connect veterans with under-resourced communities. Our programs deploy veteran volunteers to work alongside nonprofit partners and community leaders to improve educational resources, tackle food insecurity, foster neighborhood identity, and more. The Mission Continues’ vision is for all veterans with a desire to continue their service to be part of a movement to transform communities.

The Boots on the Ground Podcast looks back at some of the best moments from the episodes with Tara Tilson and Elliot Gaskins

If you don't want to miss a moment, listen to their full episodes on this podcast feed.

We’re on a mission to connect veterans with under-resourced communities. Our programs deploy veteran volunteers to work alongside nonprofit partners and community leaders to improve educational resources, tackle food insecurity, foster neighborhood identity, and more. The Mission Continues’ vision is for all veterans with a desire to continue their service to be part of a movement to transform communities.

The Boots on the Ground Podcast looks back at some of the best moments from the episodes with Kris Vanderburg and Jeaniel Image.

If you don't want to miss a moment, listen to their full episodes on this podcast feed.

We’re on a mission to connect veterans with under-resourced communities. Our programs deploy veteran volunteers to work alongside nonprofit partners and community leaders to improve educational resources, tackle food insecurity, foster neighborhood identity, and more. The Mission Continues’ vision is for all veterans with a desire to continue their service to be part of a movement to transform communities.

Miguel Vasquez is a dedicated Marine Veteran with distinguished service during the Global War on Terror serving during Operation Phantom Fury in Iraq. As a former Platoon Leader for The Mission Continues, Miguel has demonstrated exceptional leadership and commitment to community service. He remains highly active in the Los Angeles Platoon, continuously working to make a positive impact. Currently, Miguel serves as the Manager of Individual Giving for The Mission Continues, where he focuses on fostering support and resources for the organization's mission. His passion for veteran advocacy and community involvement makes him an inspiring mentor and public speaker, dedicated to supporting fellow veterans and their families.

We’re on a mission to connect veterans with under-resourced communities. Our programs deploy veteran volunteers to work alongside nonprofit partners and community leaders to improve educational resources, tackle food insecurity, foster neighborhood identity, and more. The Mission Continues’ vision is for all veterans with a desire to continue their service to be part of a movement to transform communities.

In this episode, we interview Rasheem Howell, Army veteran and Regional Operations Director for The Mission Continues. Rasheem shares his journey from growing up in New Jersey and Virginia, facing a troubled home life, to joining the Army in 98. Rasheem describes his military service as an AC technician at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, and his deployment with the 101st Airborne in 2003, where he experienced combat and personal loss.

After leaving the military, Rasheem faced challenges finding stable employment but eventually earned a bachelor's and master's degree. He found fulfillment through community service with The Mission Continues, starting as a volunteer and rising to the role of director of regional operations where he focuses on supporting platoon leaders and engaging veterans in impactful projects. He highlights affordable housing, mental health, and finding purpose as key issues for veterans and emphasizes the adaptability and loyalty of veterans, countering misconceptions about PTSD.

Rasheem encourages veterans to persist, utilize their GI Bill benefits, and contribute to their communities, expressing gratitude for the collaborative efforts within The Mission Continues.

https://www.missioncontinues.org/

We’re on a mission to connect veterans with under-resourced communities. Our programs deploy veteran volunteers to work alongside nonprofit partners and community leaders to improve educational resources, tackle food insecurity, foster neighborhood identity, and more. The Mission Continues’ vision is for all veterans with a desire to continue their service to be part of a movement to transform communities.

Juanita Myers is an Army veteran dedicated to serving her community and finding fulfillment in volunteerism and leadership. She transitioned to civilian life after prioritizing her family over multiple deployments. Facing initial challenges without a plan, she spent 15 years as an overseas contractor to support her children. Her volunteerism began in the military and continued post-service to combat depression. Juanita connected with The Mission Continues and became the Killeen platoon leader, focusing on community beautification through murals and neighborhood cleanups. Volunteering provides her with a sense of purpose and fulfillment, allowing her to positively impact the community and instill the value of service in young people.

https://www.missioncontinues.org/

We’re on a mission to connect veterans with under-resourced communities. Our programs deploy veteran volunteers to work alongside nonprofit partners and community leaders to improve educational resources, tackle food insecurity, foster neighborhood identity, and more. The Mission Continues’ vision is for all veterans with a desire to continue their service to be part of a movement to transform communities.