DVNF Operation Mission Possible (OMP) Podcast

Military, contract, and law enforcement working K9s perform demanding jobs, but retirement is not always simple.In this episode of Operation Mission Possible, Joseph VanFonda, USMC SgtMaj (Ret.) and CEO of Disabled Veterans National Foundation (DVNF), speaks with former U.S. Navy SEAL and Warrior Dog Foundation founder Mike Ritland about what it takes to give these dogs a safe and dignified life after service.Mike explains how accepting two retired Special Operations K9s with no other placement options led to the creation of Warrior Dog Foundation. Today, the organization provides specialized rehabilitation, carefully considered rehoming opportunities, and lifelong sanctuary care when adoption is not a safe option.Their conversation explores the demanding roles working K9s perform, the physical and behavioral challenges some experience after service, the expertise required to care for them safely, and the careful process used to determine whether a dog can be placed in a new home. Mike also discusses the Home with Handler program, which helps former handlers create an appropriate environment to retire their K9s at home.Mike and Joe also reflect on purpose after military service and how finding a mission larger than oneself can help shape the transition to civilian life.During the episode, DVNF awards $20,000 in unrestricted support to Warrior Dog Foundation and commits to continuing that support next year.Learn more about Warrior Dog Foundation:https://warriordogfoundation.org/Read more about the Operation Mission Possible Podcast:https://www.dvnf.org/podcast/#DVNF #OperationMissionPossible #OMP #WarriorDogFoundation #MilitaryWorkingDogs #WorkingK9s #Veteran #Dogs #ptsd

What can horses teach us about trust, connection, and finding purpose after military service? In this episode of Operation Mission Possible, Joseph VanFonda, USMC SgtMaj (Ret.) and CEO of Disabled Veterans National Foundation (DVNF), speaks with Dr. Michelle Ruehl, Colonel, USAF (Ret.), and Executive Director at StableStrides.Michelle shares how her 21-year Air Force career took her around the world as a pilot, educator, and leader, and how her longtime connection to therapeutic horsemanship eventually led her to a new mission at Stable Strides.Recorded from the barn on July 3rd alongside StableStrides staff, volunteers, military family members, and therapy horses, the episode offers a firsthand look at the organization’s work. Michelle explains how StableStrides provides adaptive riding, equine-assisted services, life coaching, internships, and other programs for veterans, military families, first responders, and people with disabilities.The conversation also explores the transition from military service into civilian life, the importance of rebuilding purpose and community, the lasting effects of loss and moral injury, and the unique ways horses can help people recognize their own emotions, behaviors, and relationships.Michelle also discusses the financial realities of caring for therapy horses and keeping these programs available. During the episode, DVNF awarded $25,000 in unrestricted support to Stable Strides and provided a $3,000 college scholarship to a student from a military family participating in the organization’s internship program.This conversation highlights the importance of finding a new mission after service, building trusted communities, and creating spaces where veterans and military families can reconnect with purpose, support, and one another.Learn more about Stable Strides:https://stablestrides.org/Access more episodes of the Operation Mission Possible (OMP) Podcast:https://www.dvnf.org/podcast/#StableStrides #DVNF #OperationMissionPossible #Veterans #MilitaryFamilies #equinetherapy #AdaptiveRiding #AirForce

Col. John Mayer (Ret.) from Forged Valor talks with DVNF's Joseph VanFonda USMC SgtMaj (Ret.) about the need for veterans they help to be at peace with a "happy heart" before they can work with horses.#ForgedValor #DVNF #happyheart #mentalhealth #veterans

In this episode of Operation Mission Possible, Joseph VanFonda, USMC SgtMaj (Ret.) and CEO of Disabled Veterans National Foundation (DVNF), sits down with Anthony Supa, Marine Corps veteran and founder of Slice of Charity.Anthony shares how a small Toys for Tots fundraiser at his pizzeria grew into Slice of Charity, a nonprofit built around community, service, and helping people through food. What began with a few dozen people gathering at a restaurant has grown into large-scale events and a mission to provide meals for veterans, military families, children, and others facing hardship.The conversation also highlights Slice of Charity’s upcoming effort to provide thousands of meals to veterans during the week of July 4th. As Anthony explains, the need grew far beyond what his team originally expected, with thousands of veterans requesting support.During the episode, DVNF awarded $22,000 to Slice of Charity to help provide meals for veterans and support the additional staff and resources needed to carry out the effort.This conversation explores service after the uniform, food insecurity, community partnerships, and what can happen when veteran-serving organizations work together toward the same mission.Learn more about Slice of Charity: https://sliceofcharity.org/Access more episodes of the Operation Mission Possible (OMP) Podcast: https://www.dvnf.org/podcast#SliceOfCharity #DVNF #Veterans #OperationMissionPossible #Podcast #MarineCorps #FoodInsecurity #VeteranSupport #CommunitySupport

What does healing look like for a combat veteran after war? In this episode of Operation Mission Possible, Joseph VanFonda, USMC SgtMaj (Ret.) and CEO of Disabled Veterans National Foundation (DVNF), sits down with Forged Valor co-founders Col. John Mayer (Ret.) and Mo Smith. They discuss how Forged Valor grew out of work with catastrophically wounded Marines at Walter Reed, and why horses, ranch work, and meaningful purpose can play such a powerful role in recovery. John reflects on the early days of bringing wounded veterans into the arena and onto working ranches, while Mo shares how he was called in to help shape what would become Forged Valor. This conversation explores resilience, service, identity, and the importance of giving veterans more than treatment alone, giving them something noble to be part of again. Learn more about Forged Valor: https://www.forgedvalor.org/ Access more episodes of the Operation Mission Possible (OMP) Podcast: https://www.dvnf.org/podcast #ForgedValor #DVNF #Veterans #OperationMissionPossible #Podcast #HorseTherapy #MarineCorps #MentalHealth #WoundedWarriors #Resiliency

For many veterans and first responders, the toughest battles begin after the uniform comes off. In a world shaped by algorithms and outrage, it can feel impossible to quiet the mind, to find your footing, to breathe.In this candid conversation, Dr. Marty Rossman and Joseph VanFonda, USMC SgtMaj (Ret) and CEO of DVNF, dig into the pull of social media, the spiral of stress, and practical ways to reset. They introduce DVNF’s free Mission Possible course and share simple mind-body tools that help you think more clearly, sleep better, and step back into the flow.Together, they explore the “performance zone,” how to start a digital detox, and core skills like Three Keys to Relaxation, Weeding Your Mental Garden, and The Observer. Joe also speaks directly to veterans navigating real-world pressure, and how DVNF programs work to restore stability and hope.Whether you are a veteran, a family member, or someone who wants to be part of the solution, this episode offers grounded steps you can use today.Apply to be a guest or check out our past sessions:https://www.dvnf.org/podcast/Start the free Mission Possible course here: https://www.dvnf.org/mind-body-spirit-course/

For Army veteran Eric D. Thomas, the fight didn’t end after deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan. After returning home, he encountered the same frustrating gaps in care that leave so many veterans and first responders behind. Instead of turning away, he stepped in—and founded the CJ3 Foundation to stand in that gap.In this powerful episode, Dr. Marty Rossman and Joseph VanFonda, USMC SgtMaj (Ret) & CEO of DVNF speak with Eric about his military career, the pain that led to CJ3’s creation, and the mission that now fuels his life: serving those who’ve served us.Together, they explore CJ3’s four pillars—advocacy, mental wellness, service dogs, and outdoor retreats—and the deep personal commitment behind them. Eric also opens up about his own journey through trauma and healing, and what keeps him going when the weight of it all feels too heavy.Whether you’re a veteran, a supporter, or someone who believes in the power of second chances and service-driven purpose, this conversation will move you—and may just help someone you care about.🔗 Learn more about the CJ3 Foundation: https://cj3foundation.org🎙 Access more episodes of the Mission Possible Podcast: https://www.dvnf.org/podcast#CJ3Foundation #Veterans #MissionPossiblePodcast #DVNF #CombatVeterans #ServiceDogs #FirstResponders #VeteranSupport #HealingThroughService

For Navy veteran Shannon Hough, the hardest battles weren’t fought overseas—they came after her military service. After enduring Military Sexual Trauma (MST) and years of silence, Shannon found healing through purpose. She now leads Shield of Sisters, a nonprofit dedicated to helping women veterans navigate the long, often unseen road to recovery.In this moving conversation, Dr. Marty Rossman and Joseph VanFonda, USMC SgtMaj (Ret) & CEO for the DVNF speak with Shannon about her personal story—how trauma shaped her early years, how it nearly cost her everything, and how she ultimately found strength in service to others.They explore MST’s far-reaching impact, the difficulty of speaking up, and how visualization, peer connection, and purpose-driven living (ikigai) can help survivors rebuild their lives. Shannon also shares how Shield of Sisters is offering more than support—it’s offering a path forward.Whether you’re a survivor, a veteran, a supporter, or someone searching for tools to grow through hardship, this episode offers real stories, real resources, and real hope.Chapters & Topics:00:00 – Welcome & Shannon’s Early Military Journey08:30 – MST, Coercion, and the Burden of Silence20:15 – The Long-Term Impact and Unseen Struggles31:10 – Rock Bottom Moments and Turning Points45:15 – Letting Go of Trauma: The Bowling Ball Metaphor52:20 – Programs at Shield of Sisters: Retreats, Peer Support, Advocacy58:10 – A Message for Survivors: “You Can Go Now”

What happens when the mission ends? For Jessy Lakin, a veteran and founder of Alaska Warrior Partnership, leaving the military meant stepping into a whole new set of challenges. In this conversation, DVNF CEO Joseph VanFonda USMC SgtMaj (Ret), and Dr. Marty Rossman talk with Jessy about the realities of veteran transition, the struggles many face with PTSD, career changes, and personal identity after service.Jessy shares his own story—highlighting the importance of mental wellness, connection, and finding a new mission in civilian life. Whether you’re a veteran, a supporter, or someone looking for inspiration, this episode is a must-watch.Chapters & Topics:00:00 - Introduction and Jessy's Deployment16:02 - Jessy's Harrowing Experience in Iraq24:01 - Jessy's Traumatic Experience and Recovery28:25 - Jessy's Combat Experience and Mental Health35:28 - Jessy's Military Experiences and Relationship Struggles40:47 - Jessy's Journey With Combat and Betrayal47:08 - Jessy's Struggles and Frustrating Assistance52:19 - Overcoming Negative Thoughts and Self-Doubt59:11 - Addressing Invisible Wounds and PTSD1:03:48 - Veterans Support and Collaboration DiscussedIf you or someone you know is struggling, you are not alone. Reach out. There is help, and there is hope.👉 Sign up for the Mission Possible course for free access to future live sessions and resources for wellness and empowerment: https://www.dvnf.org/mind-body-spirit-course/#Veterans #Healing #Military#Civilian #Transition #PTSD #Purpose #AlaskaWarriorPartnership

In this podcast session, DVNF CEO Joseph VanFonda, USMC SgtMaj (Ret) and Dr. Marty Rossman are joined by the extraordinary Dr. Rory Cooper — military veteran, inventor, and pioneering force in rehabilitation engineering. From his journey of resilience after a life-changing spinal cord injury to his groundbreaking work in assistive technology, Dr. Cooper shares powerful insights on adaptability, purpose, and using adversity as fuel for change.Discover how Dr. Cooper's work with the Human Engineering Research Laboratories (HERL) has revolutionized wheelchair design, robotic assistance, and accessibility innovations. Gain perspective on his advocacy for inclusive air travel through the Air Carrier Access Act and hear his advice on overcoming life's toughest challenges.This episode is a must-watch for veterans, innovators, and anyone seeking inspiration to turn obstacles into opportunities. Watch now and learn how resilience, the power of community, and a shift in thinking from being "better than" others to "better for" them can create lasting impact.👉 Sign up for the Mission Possible course for free access to future live sessions and resources for wellness and empowerment: https://www.dvnf.org/mind-body-spirit-course/#Veterans #Resiliency #empowerment #innovation #USA #MissionPossible #HERL #RoryCooper