On this Memorial Day episode of the VET S.O.S. Network, Crystal Serrano-Hairston and Jennifer Land break down how Wounded Warrior Project delivers critical mental health support through triage services, complex case coordination, and the nationwide Check-In Program.

In this conversation, we explore:• How veterans access mental health care through WWP• What happens when a veteran calls for help• How the Check-In Program supports veterans and families—even outside WWP eligibility• How advocates manage burnout while serving veterans with severe trauma

Whether you're navigating military transition, supporting a veteran in crisis, or searching for trusted mental health resources, this episode offers clear, actionable guidance and hope.

Crystal Serrano-Hairston is a Veteran Advocate with Wounded Warrior Project, leading complex behavioral health coordination efforts across VA and private systems. Jennifer Land manages mental health operations and partnerships for WWP, overseeing triage and the Check-In Program connecting veterans nationwide to care.

The VET S.O.S. Network connects veterans, spouses, and service members with real resources and real people who want to see you thrive.

VET S.O.S.VET S.O.S. Presents Operation Startup VET S.O.S. Presents Learning Lifeline VET S.O.S. Presents The Scoop

Website: vetsospodcast.comX/Twitter: @vetsospodcastLinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/vetsospodcastYouTube: youtube.com/@vetsospodcastFacebook: facebook.com/vetsospodcastInstagram: instagram.com/vetsospodcastTikTok: tiktok.com/@vetsospodcast

#VETSOS
#VeteranMentalHealth
#MilitaryTransition
#WoundedWarriorProject
#PTSDAwareness
#VeteranSupport
#MentalHealthMatters
#MemorialDay
#GrabTheLifeline
#VeteransHelpingVeterans

Description:Tim Admire and Fitha Dahana-Ellis join the VET S.O.S. Network to dive into how Wounded Warrior Project connects veterans and families to life-changing mental health care and support services.

In this episode, we explore:• What happens when a veteran calls the WWP Resource Center• How Warrior Care Network delivers accelerated trauma treatment• The critical role spouses and family advocates play in recovery• Why reaching out is a sign of strength — not weakness

Whether you're navigating military transition, supporting a struggling warrior, or searching for trusted mental health solutions, this episode provides clear, actionable guidance and hope.

Tim Admire is a U.S. Army combat veteran and Warrior Support Coordinator at Wounded Warrior Project, where he triages crisis calls and connects veterans to essential resources.

Fitha Dahana-Ellis is a Veteran Advocate with Warrior Care Network and a military spouse who brings lived experience to her advocacy work, helping families access advanced trauma treatment programs nationwide.

The VET S.O.S. Network connects veterans, spouses, and service members with real resources and real people who want to see you thrive.

VET S.O.S.VET S.O.S. Presents Operation Startup (Veteran Entrepreneur Spotlight)VET S.O.S. Presents Learning Lifeline (Veteran Educational Resources Spotlight)VET S.O.S. Presents The Scoop

Website: vetsospodcast.comX/Twitter: @vetsospodcastLinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/vetsospodcastYouTube: youtube.com/@vetsospodcastFacebook: facebook.com/vetsospodcastInstagram: instagram.com/vetsospodcastTikTok: tiktok.com/@vetsospodcast

#VETSOS
#WoundedWarriorProject
#VeteranMentalHealth
#MilitaryTransition
#WarriorCareNetwork
#VeteranSupport
#MentalHealthAwareness
#VeteranCommunity
#MemorialWeek
#GrabTheLifeline

Description:

Jonny Ball joins VET S.O.S. to dive into veteran transition in the UK and share insights on mental health recovery, leadership, and global veteran support.

In this episode, we explore:

• The differences between UK and U.S. transition systems• Turning personal struggle into national policy impact• Building the UK Afghanistan Veterans Community• How industry partnerships are creating career pathways for veterans

Whether you're navigating military transition, building a business, pursuing higher education, or searching for tools to strengthen your next chapter, this conversation gives you clear, actionable steps you can use today.

About the Guest:

Jonny Ball is a UK Army veteran, policy advocate, and consultant working across the veteran support ecosystem. He co-founded the UK Afghanistan Veterans Community and plays a key role in veteran employment and mental health initiatives across the UK.

Grab the Lifeline:

The VET S.O.S. Network connects veterans, spouses, and service members with real resources and real people who want to see you thrive.

Follow the Show & Explore More Episodes:

VET S.O.S.VET S.O.S. Presents Operation Startup (Veteran Entrepreneur Spotlight)VET S.O.S. Presents Learning Lifeline (Veteran Educational Resources Spotlight)VET S.O.S. Presents The Scoop

Connect with VET S.O.S.:

Website: vetsospodcast.comX/Twitter: @vetsospodcastLinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/vetsospodcastYouTube: youtube.com/@vetsospodcastFacebook: facebook.com/vetsospodcastInstagram: instagram.com/vetsospodcastTikTok: tiktok.com/@vetsospodcast

#VETSOS #VeteranTransition #MilitaryLife #VeteranSupport #MentalHealth #Leadership #InvictusGames #CareerTransition #AfghanistanVeterans #GrabTheLifeline

Description:

William “Stevo” Stephens joins the VET S.O.S. Network to dive into overcoming trauma, navigating military transition, and using storytelling as a tool for healing and impact. In this episode, we explore:• The challenges of transitioning from military service to civilian life• The role of trauma, identity, and mental health in that journey• How writing, podcasting, and service can create purpose

Whether you're navigating military transition, rebuilding your life, or looking for ways to support others, this episode delivers actionable insight you can use today.

About the Guest:

Stevo is a retired U.S. Army Sergeant First Class, podcast host, and award-winning author dedicated to helping veterans heal through storytelling. His Reflections Series and podcasts focus on mental health, resilience, and giving a voice to those who feel unheard.

Grab the Lifeline:

The VET S.O.S. Network connects veterans, spouses, and service members with real resources and real people who want to see you thrive.

Follow the Show & Explore More Episodes:

VET S.O.S.VET S.O.S. Presents Operation Startup (Veteran Entrepreneur Spotlight)VET S.O.S. Presents Learning Lifeline (Veteran Educational Resources Spotlight)VET S.O.S. Presents The Scoop

Connect with VET S.O.S.:

Website: vetsospodcast.comX/Twitter: @vetsospodcastLinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/vetsospodcastYouTube: youtube.com/@vetsospodcastFacebook: facebook.com/vetsospodcastInstagram: instagram.com/vetsospodcastTikTok: tiktok.com/@vetsospodcast

#VETSOS #VeteranPodcast #MentalHealthAwareness #VeteranLife #TransitionSuccess #PTSDSupport #VeteranAdvocacy #LeadershipGrowth #Storytelling #GrabTheLifeline

Description:

Randy McElwee joins the VET S.O.S. Network to dive into veteran entrepreneurship and share how military leadership systems can be applied to build successful businesses. In this episode, we explore:

• The challenges of transitioning without a clear plan• How military skills translate into entrepreneurship success• Building structure, systems, and teams using Special Forces principles

Whether you're navigating military transition, building a business, or searching for tools to strengthen your next chapter, this conversation gives you clear, actionable steps you can use today.

About the Guest:

Randy McElwee is a retired U.S. Army Special Forces Master Sergeant and entrepreneur. As the founder of Gracie Jiu Jitsu Athens and creator of the Going Commando Success Program, he helps veterans and business owners build disciplined, scalable organizations using proven leadership systems.

Grab the Lifeline:

The VET S.O.S. Network connects veterans, spouses, and service members with real resources and real people who want to see you thrive.

Follow the Show & Explore More Episodes:

VET S.O.S.VET S.O.S. Presents Operation Startup (Veteran Entrepreneur Spotlight)VET S.O.S. Presents Learning Lifeline (Veteran Educational Resources Spotlight)VET S.O.S. Presents The Scoop

Connect with VET S.O.S.:

Website: vetsospodcast.com
X/Twitter: @vetsospodcast
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/vetsospodcast
YouTube: youtube.com/@vetsospodcast
Facebook: facebook.com/vetsospodcast
Instagram: instagram.com/vetsospodcast
TikTok: tiktok.com/@vetsospodcast

#VETSOS #GrabTheLifeline #VeteranEntrepreneur #MilitaryTransition #Leadership #StartupLife #Entrepreneurship #VeteranOwned #BusinessCoaching #SpecialForces

Description:

Kerry Steuart joins the VET S.O.S. Network to dive into overcoming PTSD, chronic pain, and loss of identity through yoga, mindfulness, and intentional living. In this episode, we explore:

• How veterans can process trauma and rebuild their identity after service• The power of breathwork, meditation, and yoga for mental clarity and healing• How Live Bliss is helping veterans and communities rediscover balance and purpose

Whether you're navigating military transition, managing stress, or searching for tools to strengthen your next chapter, this conversation gives you clear, actionable steps you can use today.

About the Guest:

Kerry Steuart is an Air Force Gulf War veteran and founder of Live Bliss. After battling PTSD and chronic illness, he transformed his life through yoga and mindfulness, now helping others find healing, balance, and purpose through coaching and wellness programs.

Grab the Lifeline:

The VET S.O.S. Network connects veterans, spouses, and service members with real resources and real people who want to see you thrive.

Follow the Show & Explore More Episodes:

VET S.O.S.VET S.O.S. Presents Operation Startup (Veteran Entrepreneur Spotlight)VET S.O.S. Presents Learning Lifeline (Veteran Educational Resources Spotlight)VET S.O.S. Presents The Scoop

Connect with VET S.O.S.:

Website: vetsospodcast.comX/Twitter: @vetsospodcastLinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/vetsospodcastYouTube: youtube.com/@vetsospodcastFacebook: facebook.com/vetsospodcastInstagram: instagram.com/vetsospodcastTikTok: tiktok.com/@vetsospodcast

#VETSOS #GrabTheLifeline #VeteranMentalHealth #PTSDRecovery #Mindfulness #YogaHealing #MilitaryTransition #VeteranWellness #MentalHealthSupport #VeteranResources

Description:Wilson Bautista Jr. joins the VET S.O.S. Network to dive into how veterans can successfully transition into cybersecurity careers and share insights on mentorship, career alignment, and overcoming transition challenges.

In this episode, we explore:• The hidden challenges of military transition and mental health• Why traditional cybersecurity training often fails veterans• How the Cyber Ohana Project helps veterans find the right career path faster

Whether you're navigating military transition, pursuing cybersecurity, or searching for a supportive community, this conversation gives you clear, actionable steps you can use today.

About the Guest:Wilson Bautista Jr. is a former Marine Corps officer and CEO of JunCyber, as well as Executive Director of the Cyber Ohana Project. He helps veterans transition into cybersecurity through mentorship, targeted training, and community-driven support.

Grab the Lifeline:The VET S.O.S. Network connects veterans, spouses, and service members with real resources and real people who want to see you thrive.

Follow the Show & Explore More Episodes:VET S.O.S.VET S.O.S. Presents Operation Startup (Veteran Entrepreneur Spotlight)VET S.O.S. Presents Learning Lifeline (Veteran Educational Resources Spotlight)VET S.O.S. Presents The Scoop

Connect with VET S.O.S.:Website: vetsospodcast.comX/Twitter: @vetsospodcastLinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/vetsospodcastYouTube: youtube.com/@vetsospodcastFacebook: facebook.com/vetsospodcastInstagram: instagram.com/vetsospodcastTikTok: tiktok.com/@vetsospodcast
#VETSOS #Cybersecurity #VeteranCareers #MilitaryTransition #CyberOhana #TechForVeterans #VeteranSupport #CareerChange #CyberJobs #GrabTheLifeline

E.J. O’Brien joins the VET S.O.S. Network as part of the Military Effect Campaign to discuss career readiness, mentorship, and finding purpose after military service through FourBlock.

In this episode, we explore:• Why military transition is a lifelong journey• How veterans can translate experience into civilian value• The power of mentorship, sponsorship, and community• Why purpose matters more than titles and paychecks

Whether you’re transitioning out, pivoting careers, or supporting someone navigating life after service, this conversation delivers clear, actionable insight grounded in real-world experience.

E.J. O’Brien is a retired U.S. Air Force senior enlisted leader and Vice President at FourBlock, where he helps veterans and military spouses prepare for meaningful civilian careers. With over two decades of leadership experience, E.J. is dedicated to strengthening the military-to-civilian pipeline through mentorship, education, and connection.

The VET S.O.S. Network connects veterans, service members, and military spouses with real resources and real people who want to see you thrive.

VET S.O.S. VET S.O.S. – Operation StartupVET S.O.S. – Learning Lifeline

Website: vetsospodcast.comX/Twitter: @vetsospodcastLinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/vetsospodcastYouTube: youtube.com/@vetsospodcastFacebook: facebook.com/vetsospodcastInstagram: instagram.com/vetsospodcastTikTok: tiktok.com/@vetsospodcast

#VETSOS #VeteranTransition #CareerReadiness #MilitaryLeadership #FourBlock #VeteranSupport #PurposeDriven #MilitaryEffect #VeteranCommunity #GrabTheLifeline