Starting the Conversation: Focusing on Mental Health Awareness

May is Mental Health Awareness month. If you are a proud veteran or service member who finds it difficult to reach out to others during life transitions, know that the VFW and veteran community is here for you. During this episode of the #StillServing podcast, Host Rob Couture reaches out, checks in, and starts the conversation about mental health and wellness. He speaks with the National Director for VA/DOD Mental Health Collaboration, a military evangelist and member of the President's Council on Sports, Fitness, and Nutrition, and Ms. Veteran America 2019 2nd runner-up. They discuss the challenges veterans face, share useful resources and perspectives, and remind us of the many ways to connect so we don't have to go it alone.

Doctor Chris Loftis talks about the new "1 Step Today" initiative that is part of the Make a Connection campaign. The honorable Rob Wilkins from the President's Council on Sports, Fitness, and Nutrition, discusses wellness from the top of our head to the soles of our feet and how veterans can stay motivated and inspired. And, Ms. 2019 2RU Zoe Magnertta, from VFW Post #2245 shares her story of overcoming the challenges of transitioning into civilian life in our #StillServing Spotlight.

National Director for VA/DoD Mental Health Collaboration, Veterans Health Administration, Dr. Chris Loftis —

• Chris describes how the 1 Step Today program helps veterans connect during Mental Health Month. [2:58]

• The Make the Connection website assists veterans in overcoming the stigma about mental wellness by helping them express what they are experiencing. [4:38]

• Mental wellness is important for all veterans, even those in non-combat positions. [9:41]

• What veterans should do if they want to reconnect with a supportive community. [12:12]

Member of the President's Council on Sports, Fitness, & Nutrition and Military Evangelist, Honorable Robert Wilkins —

• Robert describes his role as a member of the President's Council on Sports, Fitness, and Nutrition. [21:30]

• Slowly removing the COVID-19 and how to regain a high quality of life. [26:49]

• Participants of the Rolling Thunder motorcycle rally need to be fit because the ride takes its toll on a body. [30:44]

• Robert describes how his family stays mentally and physically fit. [32:25]

• No matter how proud you are, reaching out to others will be one of the best things to increase mental wellbeing. [37:09]

#StillServing — Ms. Veteran America 2019 2RU from VFW Post #2245, Zoe Magnetta —

• Being on the cover of VFW magazine was an honor for Zoe. [44:36]

• Zoe spent 12 years in the Navy and helped others thrive during her service as a Drill Instructor. [48:05]

• As an Aviation Electronics Technician, Zoe served on an aircraft carrier during the Gulf War. [51:40]

• Zoe recalls the difficulty she experienced finding work after honorably discharging from the Navy. [56:15]

• The Ms. Veteran America competition and Final Salute focus on ending homelessness for women veterans. [1:02:10]

For more information or continue the conversation, please visit:

Veterans of Foreign Wars Website

VFW Podcast Page

@VFWHQ on Twitter

VFW on Facebook

@RobCoutureVFW on Facebook

VFW Unmet Needs Program

Call 1-888-JOIN-VFW

Text "NEEDS" to 20222 to donate to the Unmet Needs Program

Today's VFW — Share Your #StillServing Story

Make the Connection— 1 Step Today

Health.GOV

Ms. Veteran America

Final Salute, Inc