In today's episode, Erin talks with Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor (LPMHC), Mark Jorges. Mark came on to speak on issues he has seen in service-members who transition and the mental health challenges they face related to adjustment, navigating the VA process, and civilian life. 

Mark is a U.S. Army veteran  and saw all of these issues during multiple iterations of military service.  He served in the AD Army, Reserves, and National Guard  and understands the obstacles service members face trying to navigate mental health resources after the military.

Mental Health Resources and Links:
Mental Health/Vocational Rehab:  www.va.gov   
Mental Health/Peer Support/Exercise & Wellness: www.woundedwarriorproject.org
Mental Health: www.heroicheartsfund.org
Physical Wellness/Peer Support:  www.catchaliftfund.org
Hosting AD military and veterans for holiday meals: www.rememberourmilitary.org
Disabled Veterans Advocacy/Support Services: www.dav.org

To connect with Erin:
Life After the Uniform Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/lifeaftertheuniform
Life After the Uniform Facebook Podcast Page: https://www.facebook.com/ErinSilverPodcast
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/erinsilverpodcast/ 

In this episode,  Erin talks with US Army Master Sergeant (Retired), Darrell Williams. I could list Darrell's complete bio and CV, and I'm sure you would be impressed (I will provide a few key highlights below), but what is truly special about Darrell is that he is so much more than his professional accomplishments. He is a mentor in every sense of the word, he is passionate about helping others, and he is a natural leader with integrity who inspires others to do their best. 

Darrell and I talked about a topic that both of us are passionate about - the military transition process. Darrell gave actionable, real world advice on helping service members leave the military and enter the civilian world. If you are getting ready to retire or separate, this is an episode you won't want to miss!

Darrell is the Chief, Military Human Resources for Operations at the Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA). He serves as the human resources senior advisor on all military matters. Previously, Darrell, He was also assigned to the White House Communications Agency (WHCA), where he served as a Human Resources Manager, Operations Lead, and Vice Presidential Communications Officer for over 500 Presidential and Vice Presidential missions. a Master Certified Life Coach and Inspirational Speaker, started Alliance Seminars Coaching as a veteran-owned, faith-based organization that provides keynote speaking, certified workshops, and life coaching services to clients. Darrell provides excellent advice and mentoring for veterans seeking to work with the government and how to find and pursue your purpose.

Career highlights include leading several short notice Presidential missions that included examining the effects of Hurricane Andrew in Florida and Tornado Damage in Arkansas; selection as the Staff Support Unit Manager of the Year; selection as a WHCA All-Star; as well as the White House Communications Agency Senior Manager of the Year. Additionally, he was selected as a DISA Outstanding Mentor and Mission Support Services Team Lead of the Year.
 
 He received numerous professional awards to include the Presidential Service Badge. He is also a recipient of the Lacey B. Ivory Service Award; Roy Wilkins Renown Service Award; the National Louis University Reach Award; and the Strayer University Outstanding Alumni Award for his dedicated leadership in the DoD and community.
 
 He was also inducted into the White House Communications Agency Hall of Fame.

To connect with Darrell:
https://speakerhub.com/speaker/darrell-williams
https://www.allianceseminars.org
https://www.facebook.com/allianceseminars
https://www.linkedin.com/in/darrellwilliams

To connect with Erin:
 Life After the Uniform Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/lifeaftertheuniform
Life After the Uniform Facebook Podcast Page: https://www.facebook.com/ErinSilverPodcast
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/erinsilverpodcast/ 

In today’s episode, Erin talks with Mike Demo. Mike is a U.S. Marine Corps veteran turned CEO. Mike and I got to sit down and just talk about what life was like in the Marines in the early 2000s and how a mental illness misdiagnosis derailed his career. This episode is all about how Mike’s experience impacted his life after separating from the Marine Corps. As many of us know, it’s not an easy or linear path. There are ups and downs, good days and bad, and a misdiagnosis only adds to the stress and confusion of an already difficult situation.

But Mike’s story doesn’t end there. A little over 20 years after enlisting in the Marine Corps, Mike is the host of the Intentional Disruption podcast, a married father of two, and CEO of the Delta Enhancement Group. He is actively looking to help 10 veterans buy into their first business this year and currently has 8 slots remaining.

To connect with Mike:
Website: https://michaeldemo.com/
Intentional Disruption Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/47FU04K0vswiC13kzz9ujg?si=CzUmcaMDR32xuUEg-3dHXg&nd=1
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-demo/ 

To connect with Erin:
 Life After the Uniform Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/lifeaftertheuniform
Life After the Uniform Facebook Podcast Page: https://www.facebook.com/ErinSilverPodcast
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/erinsilverpodcast/