In this heartfelt and insightful episode of the VET S.O.S. Podcast, we welcome Christina Etchberger, founder and CEO of It's a Military Life, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting military families, spouses, and veterans. Christina’s inspiring journey began as a military spouse and educator, and her determination to make a difference has evolved into a thriving 501(c)(3) organization that empowers the military community through innovative programs. Christina takes us through the origins of It's a Military Life, which started as a personal blog during her husband's deployment and grew into a full-fledged nonprofit. She shares how the organization addresses the unique challenges faced by military families, emphasizing the importance of connection, empowerment, and community. We explore the three cornerstone programs of the organization: - Veteran Pen Pal Project: Reviving the art of letter writing to connect veterans in hospice care, veteran homes, and deployed service members with supportive communities through thoughtful correspondence. - Military Child Life: Providing a platform for military spouse and veteran authors, distributing books that reflect the military family experience, and creating opportunities for children to connect and learn through storytelling. - Military Connection: Offering workshops, cohorts, and mentorship programs to help military spouses and transitioning veterans build careers, develop skills, and thrive in the civilian workforce. Christina also highlights the impact of their efforts, from delivering over 100,000 cards to veterans during the holidays to helping military-focused authors bring their stories to a broader audience. She emphasizes the organization's commitment to collaboration, whether through volunteer opportunities, ambassador roles, or partnerships with other organizations. In this episode, Christina shares actionable ways to get involved, whether as a volunteer, donor, or sponsor. Her passion for empowering others shines as she reflects on her journey, the dedication of her volunteers, and the transformative power of community. Tune in to this episode for a powerful conversation about resilience, service, and the importance of creating meaningful connections in the military community. Listen now on YouTube, iHeartRadio, Odyssey, and the TuneIn app. Let’s make a difference together! https://www.itsamilitarylife.org/ #vetsos #MilitaryFamilies #VeteranSupport #MilitarySpouse #NonprofitLeadership #Empowerment

🎙️ VET S.O.S. Podcast - Season 5 Premiere! 🎙️ Welcome to the highly anticipated first episode of Season 5 of the VET S.O.S. Podcast! We're thrilled to kick off the new year with a special guest who embodies the spirit of service and innovation—Susan L. Combs, founder of Pancakes for Roger Inc. Susan shares the deeply personal and inspiring story of how her father, the late Major General Roger E. Combs, and his simple request for pancakes during hospice care became the catalyst for a global movement. Through Pancakes for Roger Inc., Susan has channeled her grief into a force for good, creating pathways to honor veterans and their families. Episode Highlights: - The Pancakes for Roger Story: Learn how a moment of love and care sparked a nonprofit that has reached all 50 states and 29 countries across all seven continents. - A Lifelong Commitment to Service: Raised in a military household, Susan’s upbringing instilled a service ethos that drives her philanthropic endeavors today. - Empowering Veterans: Discover how Pancakes for Roger supports veterans through creative initiatives, such as: - Veteran Legal Assistance: Partnering with the University of Missouri’s School of Law Veterans Clinic to help veterans navigate VA claims and discharge upgrades. - Pancake Month: An annual February tradition inviting people worldwide to share pancake photos, raising awareness and funds for veteran support programs. - Future Initiatives: Susan’s plans for programs like “Soldier Shark Tank” to foster veteran entrepreneurship and tiny home communities for veteran recovery. Fun and Heartwarming Details: - From creative pancake designs to incredible locations (like Antarctica!), hear how Pancake Month has become a beloved tradition. - Stories of meaningful connections, including military bases, families, and organizations coming together to support the cause. Be Part of the Movement: February is Pancake Month! Whether you’re enjoying classic buttermilk pancakes, waffles (aka “pancakes with abs”), or international variations like crepes and scallion pancakes, your participation makes a difference. Share your photos on social media with the hashtag #PancakesForRoger and tag the organization to support veterans worldwide. 🔗 Learn more and join the movement: pancakesforroger.org 📸 Don’t forget: Posts must be public to be counted toward donations! This is an episode packed with inspiration, laughter, and actionable ways to give back. Tune in to hear Susan’s incredible journey, and join us in making an impact—one pancake at a time. 🌟 #vetsos #vetsospodcast #PancakesForRoger #VeteranSupport #MilitaryFamilies #ServiceAndSacrifice

We sit down with Robert Pangaro, veteran advocate helping veterans with a givers heart. Robert describes his transition from the military and how it was less than ideal. He talks about the work he has and still does to assist veterans in so many different areas of their lives. He also discusses the work he does with Guidehouse to help veterans find meaningful work with an outstanding organization.

Robert Pangaro is a retired Army Veteran with a distinguished service record and extensive experience in supporting transitioning military members. He holds a PhD in Public Policy and Administration, with a focus on Special Education Reform and Veteran Healthcare Reform. After his military career, Robert moved into a career in education working his way up from elementary to the collegiate level, working in areas such as special needs, and behavior intervention all while tirelessly working to support homeless veterans. Rob has also served as a chaplain for a few transitioning veteran organizations. He is a husband to an amazing wife and a father to 7 children.

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