Description In this episode of Comfort Conversations, host Erin Youngblood sits down with Dr. Luke Casias of the Durango Veterans Clinic to shed light on the complex — and often misunderstood — world of veteran healthcare.

Together, they discuss the clinic’s structure under Valor Healthcare, the realities of aging veterans, and the critical resources available to those who served. Dr. Casias explains how veterans can access everything from mental health services and home care to transportation and housing support, all through the VA system — often at no cost when properly referred.

Listeners will learn why starting with a Veteran Service Officer (VSO) is essential, how “community care” referrals work for veterans far from major VA hubs, and why regular visits to the clinic matter. Dr. Casias also addresses common health challenges like PTSD, dementia, and diabetes — and shares how VA services can be more accessible and life-changing than many realize.

Whether you're a veteran, a caregiver, or a family member, this episode is a must-listen for understanding how to navigate the VA system and unlock the care our heroes deserve.


Episode 7: Veteran Care with Dr Casias

Every Truckin' Tuesday, Wreaths Radio's Susan Patten chats with professional drivers, and other members of the transportation industry, about their involvement with the mission to remember, honor, and teach.

You can listen to Wreaths Radio anytime, 24/7, at www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/radio

Trucking Tributes Dennis Nation Baylor 2025

Trucking Tributes Elisabeth Barna Virtual Convoy 2025

Trucking Tributes NATSO Foundation 2025

Ken David - DAV Stakeholder Call - 5-29-25

This source analyzes a **new Florida law** concerning **VA disability claims**, which the speaker asserts **benefits claim companies** more than veterans. The law aims to **protect veterans from "claim sharks"** by regulating unaccredited benefit advisors and capping their fees, but the speaker argues it redefines "claim shark" to **legalize the practices** of larger, lobbying companies. The speaker criticizes the **minimum fee requirement** and percentage-based charges as unethical. As an alternative, the speaker promotes their own **evidence-based VA claim service**, detailing a **five-step process** for veterans seeking assistance, emphasizing a **one-time flat fee** and prioritizing free accredited options first.

Buy One For Yourself

Florida VA Claim Law_ A Deeper Look

“Bloodline of the Brave” is a cinematic instrumental tribute to the generations of U.S. military service in my family. Built with emotional melodies and a proud, patriotic atmosphere, this track honors the legacy of those who stood for freedom — from World War I through Vietnam and beyond.

This is not just a song. It’s a salute through sound — to courage, duty, and the enduring American spirit.

🎖️ For the brave who served. For the families who remember.

Bloodline Of The Brave (432Hz)

“But I can tell you one specific moment that changed my life. I had made Jesus at 19 my Savior. He gave me my salvation, but I was living a life in which he was not my Lord. So, it started with me being obedient to realize I can't do this on my own. Life is hard, right?" https://www.klove.com/news/faith/ashlee-leppert-understands-trauma-and-now-mentors-female-veterans-first-responders-who-are-struggling-andpodcast-55295  

Ashlee Leppert Understands Trauma - And Now Mentors Female Veterans, First Responders, Who Are Struggling

Deneen Day is an EOL Doula/Grief Companion. She also helps families especially those with children navigate the challenges of having a family member with Alzheimer's while cherishing the memories along the way.
This is pretty heavy work and she finds peace that work/life balance in hiking.
Earlier this year she ticked off an item on her bucket list by hiking in Africa including  the land of the Assin Manso Slave River Site. This very sacred ground is where many of our African American ancestors who were captives were taken to take their last bath before being paraded on the auction blocks. Hiking and honoring the ancestors is one of her "Why's"
Upon her return she participated in another of her "Why's" Honor Flight Columbus. The organization honors and celebrates our nation’s senior Veterans with a trip to DC to see their memorials. She volunteers several times a year accompanying and providing support for these veterans 
In her work as an EOL/Doula/Grief Companion she reminds families that memories matter. In fulfilling one of her bucket list goals and supporting the veterans through Honor Flight Columbus she shares how she practices in her own life what she preaches - Memories Matter!

Deneen Day: Finding Balance Hiking in Africa & Serving in Her Community

Welcome to the season TWO of the Thought Garden - on Air! Host Alexis Quintal, CEO and Owner of Rosarium has invited entrepreneurs and media professionals with an understanding personal branding to share their stories and journey.

Our next guest for season 2 is Chief Personnel Specialist (Ret.) Melvin Azofeifa, USN, Executive Director of Stairway For Heroes, a nonprofit supporting veterans through golf and community programs. After serving over 15 years in the Navy in key leadership roles—including financial operations and overseas deployments—Melvin turned his focus to helping veterans find camaraderie and healing through sport.

Connect with Alexis on LinkedIn here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠www.linkedin.com/in/alexisrquintal/⁠⁠⁠⁠Learn more about Rosarium at ⁠⁠⁠⁠www.rosarium.work⁠⁠⁠⁠

Connect with Melvin on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melvinazofeifa/
Learn more about Stairway for Heroes: https://www.stairwayforheroes.com/

Thought Garden on Air with Melvin Azofeifa: Building a Legacy of Support

We are dedicated to a single purpose: empowering veterans to lead high-quality lives with respect and dignity. We accomplish this by ensuring that veterans and their families can access the full range of benefits available to them; fighting for the interests of America’s injured heroes on Capitol Hill; and educating the public about the great sacrifices and needs of veterans transitioning back to civilian life.

This mission is carried forward by:

- Providing free, professional assistance to veterans and their families in obtaining benefits and services earned through military service and provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and other agencies of government.
- Providing outreach concerning its program services to the American people generally, and to disabled veterans and their families specifically.
- Representing the interests of disabled veterans, their families, their widowed spouses and their orphans before Congress, the White House and the Judicial Branch, as well as state and local government.
- Extending DAV’s mission of hope into the communities where these veterans and their families live through a network of state-level Departments and local Chapters.
- Providing a structure through which disabled veterans can express their compassion for their fellow veterans through a variety of volunteer programs.

Wreaths Across America Radio is a 24/7 internet radio station for and about our veterans, as we pursue the mission to remember, honor, and teach. 

Dec. 14, 2024 is National Wreaths Across America Day.

REMEMBER the fallen;
HONOR those who serve;
TEACH our children the value of freedom.

501(c)3 non-profit organization formed in 2007 as an extension of the Arlington Wreath Project, with over 3,700 participating locations in all 50 states, and 26 national veteran cemeteries on foreign soil.

Author, Public Speaker, Radio Host of Collections by Michelle Brown Blog Radio

The Authors on the Air Global Radio Network is an international digital media corporation featuring  podcasts, book reviewers and conference media coverage..  Our content is available on audio and video platforms in 153 countries.

New tracks tagged #Veterans