America's Heroes Group

Join Col. Dr. Damon Arnold, retired U.S. Army Combat Medic and CEO of the African Diaspora Association of Public Health Professionals (ADAPHP), LLC, as he addresses the pressing public health concerns impacting communities across the United States. From chronic disease management and mental health support to the rising cost of healthcare and vaccine-preventable diseases, Dr. Arnold delves into the vital work ADAPHP is doing to advocate for equitable health access, promote preventive care, and support underserved populations.Topics:Introduction to ADAPHP, LLC and Its MissionSocial Determinants of Health: The Impact on Underserved CommunitiesThe Affordable Care Act and Rising Healthcare CostsAddressing Chronic Diseases: Obesity, Diabetes, and Heart DiseaseThe Role of Diet and Nutrition in Preventive HealthMental Health Crisis: The Need for Increased Access and SupportVaccine Awareness: The Resurgence of Measles and the Importance of ImmunizationAddressing Homelessness Among Veterans and Vulnerable PopulationsWorkforce Shortages in Healthcare: Public Health Professionals in DemandThe Call to Action: How Individuals and Organizations Can Support Public Health

Join America's Heroes Group as we welcome two distinguished guests — Carol Whitmore, Senior Vice Commander-in-Chief of the National VFW, and Eugene Blackwell, Senior Vice Commander of the Illinois VFW. Both are U.S. Army Veterans with decades of service and a passion for advocating for veterans. In this discussion, they share updates on the national and state VFW initiatives, addressing key issues such as veteran homelessness, mental health support, intergenerational leadership, and the evolving mission of the VFW.Topics:Introduction to VFW Leadership: Carol Whitmore & Eugene BlackwellVFW Mission and Core ValuesNational VFW Initiatives for 2025Tackling Unaccredited Claim Consultants and Protecting Veterans' BenefitsAddressing Veteran Homelessness and Mental Health SupportStrategies for Engaging Younger Veterans in VFW LeadershipIllinois VFW Updates: Community Outreach and Intergenerational ConnectionsUpcoming National VFW Convention in August 2025Personal Stories of Military Service and Lessons LearnedQ&A and Final Remarks

Join Col. Dr. Damon Arnold, host of America's Heroes Group, as he speaks with Julie Appleby, Senior Correspondent for KFF Health News. In this episode, they explore the implications of Julie’s recent article, "The Ranks of Obamacare 'Fixers' Axed in Trump's Reduction of Health Agency Workforce," published on April 22, 2025. Discover how critical caseworker positions at the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) are being cut, the consequences for ACA enrollees, and the broader impact on public health systems across the United States.Topics:Introduction to Julie Appleby and Her Work with KFF Health NewsOverview of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) Caseworker ProgramThe Role of Caseworkers: Who Are the "Fixers" and What Do They Do?The Trump Administration’s Reduction in Health Agency WorkforceThe Fallout: How ACA Enrollees Are Affected by Caseworker LayoffsImpact on the CMS Exchange Customer Solutions GroupImplications for ACA Navigators and the Reduction in Support ServicesBroader Public Health Concerns: Medicaid, Mental Health, and Chronic DiseasesThe Future of Healthcare Access in the U.S.: What to Expect in 2025 and BeyondQ&A and Final Remarks

In this episode of America's Heroes Group Roundtable, Col. Dr. Damon Arnold speaks with Adelena Marshall, Mental Health RN, and Carolina Stewart, RN MSN Licensed Clinical Nurse Leader in Community Care, about the growing concerns surrounding workforce reductions at the VA. They discuss the challenges nurses face in providing safe and efficient care to veterans amidst staffing cuts, the potential impact on patient care, and the essential role of National Nurses United in advocating for necessary changes.Topics:Introduction to Adelena Marshall and Carolina StewartOverview of National Nurses United and Their Advocacy EffortsThe Realities Behind the Perceived Nursing Shortage at the VAThe Impact of Workforce Reductions on Veteran CareNursing Staff Ratios and the Effect on Patient CareEssential Support Roles: How Ancillary Staff Reductions Compound the ProblemCase Study: Centennial Veterans and Their VA Care ExperienceThe Risks of VA Privatization and Its Effect on Veterans’ HealthCommunity Care and Home Health Support for VeteransQ&A and Final Remarks

Join Jerry Wellman of Overwatch Capital as he discusses the opportunities in clean energy infrastructure for veterans and communities with Rob Howard and Rod Matthews. Discover how renewable energy projects like biomass, solar, wind, and community choice aggregation can provide economic development, job training, and sustainable futures for local communities. From waste-to-energy solutions to grid modernization, this episode dives deep into how veterans can play a pivotal role in the clean energy sector.Topics:Introduction: Clean Energy and Economic Development for VeteransUnderstanding Community Choice Aggregation (CCA) – What It Is and How It WorksThe Rise of Renewable Energy Projects: Solar, Wind, Biomass, and Battery StorageHow Veterans Can Enter the Clean Energy WorkforceThe Role of Microgrids in Urban and Rural AreasPolicy and Legislation: How Government Supports Clean Energy InitiativesCircular Economy in Action: Waste-to-Energy and BiomassSoil Augmentation and Fertilizer Production from Biomass AshFinancial Incentives and Opportunities for Veterans in Clean EnergyQ&A and Final Thoughts

Join Dr. Damon Arnold, retired U.S. Army combat medic and host of America's Heroes Group, as he speaks with Susan Jaffe, a contributing writer for KFF Health News and the DC Correspondent for The Lancet. In this compelling discussion, they delve into Jaffe's recent article, "When Hospitals Ditch Medicare Advantage Plans, Thousands of Members Get to Leave Too," published on April 28, 2025. Learn about the complex dynamics behind hospitals opting out of Medicare Advantage plans, the impact on beneficiaries, and the special enrollment periods that can provide relief.Topics:Overview of Medicare and Medicare Advantage PlansWhy Hospitals Leave Medicare Advantage NetworksThe Impact on Patients and ProvidersSpecial Enrollment Periods and Patient RightsDifferences Between Urban and Rural Access to CareHow to Navigate Medicare Advantage Plan ChangesLegislative Responses and Consumer AdvocacyResources for Affected Patients and Families

Financial fallout in 2025? Stock market dips, high inflation, rising interest rates, job insecurity—how do you protect your finances in times like these?Lisa Gavin, President of Next Level Coaching & Funding, shares powerful money mastery tips to help you build a financial strategy, grow your credit, reduce debt, and prepare for economic uncertainty.In this episode:How to strategically maneuver financially in 2025The danger of opinions vs. advice in financial decision-makingWhat most schools & families never teach you about creditWhy refinancing could save you hundreds per monthHow to use debt consolidation to increase your credit scoreThe benefits of building business credit and turning your hustle into a real income streamWhy funding and cash flow are critical in unpredictable timesGet coached to another level with Money Mastery CoachingLearn more: https://www.coachtocash.com

High blood pressure. Heart disease. Alzheimer’s. Dementia.What if the root of these chronic diseases isn’t genetics—but what’s on your plate?Join C. Sadeek Colquitt, U.S. health advocate and Executive Director of the Plant-Based Afrikan Center for Nutrition, as he breaks down the truth behind nutrition, disease, and healing through food in this powerful episode of America’s Heroes Group.Topics include: The truth about cholesterol and why your body makes enough How animal-based foods contribute to chronic illnessPlant-based foods that help reverse high cholesterolHow nutrition impacts brain health and memoryWhy heart disease starts in our teenage yearsSimple steps to reduce risk, build longevity, and reclaim your healthContact: [email protected] more: https://www.pbacenterfornutrition.orgFollow: @PlantBasedAfrikan

U.S. Army Vietnam Combat Veteran. Bronze Star. Purple Heart. 40+ Years as an Attorney.In this insightful episode of America’s Heroes Group, Attorney Ernesto Borges—Vietnam War combat veteran and managing partner of Bill Busters Bankruptcy Law Firm—shares both his military and legal journeys.From the battlefield to the courtroom, Atty. Borges breaks down:His personal experience with the VA system, combat exposure, and disability benefitsThe urgent need for protecting veterans' healthcare and rightsLegal services offered to veterans: bankruptcy, estate planning, VA benefits, real estate closings, and moreHis mission to help others build generational wealth through homeownership and legal educationPro bono and discounted services available to veterans in need📍Located in Chicago with 4 offices but has a national referral network.📞 Contact: (312) 853-0200💻 Visit: https://www.billbusters.com

How do you spark purpose, build community, and break generational barriers?In this powerful episode of America's Heroes Group, U.S. Army Reserve Veteran Ryan Harris (Executive Director, Tomorrow Starts Today) and E. Rene' Soulé (Program Director, Mixon-Clayton Bridge Builders Memorial Foundation) share how they are transforming lives through STEM, STREAM, youth career programs, and community housing development.They discuss:How STEM and STREAM education helps students discover purpose earlyThe impact of elder tech literacy to protect seniors from scamsTraining youth in construction and skilled trades via YouthBuild-inspired modelsBuilding high-quality housing for low-to-moderate income familiesTeaching real-world math through Monopoly, budgeting, and hands-on activitiesCreating partnerships that empower change from the classroom to the communityPrograms discussed span Louisiana, Indiana, and Illinois, impacting youth, veterans, and underserved communities.