The Massachusetts Military Support Foundation Presents:
VOICES
of
VETERANS
"Voices of Veterans" will be a panel of veterans and veteran service organizations discussing the challenges veterans face as they reintegrate into the civilian community. Veteran service programs in Massachusetts and on the Cape are integral to the success and well-being of the veterans who have given us their all.
WHAT
A panel discussion among veterans who are now serving the needs of
other veterans
WHEN
Wednesday
June 14, 2023
7:00 PM
WHERE
VETERANS
Veterans confront visible and invisible challenges as they transition from miliary to civilian life, navigating work, family, and everyday living. Many of our veterans have experienced the physical, emotional, and mental impact of combat. All have experienced the unique military culture of service, chain of command hierarchy, self-expectations of strength and control, strong sense of rules and regulations, “never leave a brother behind” ethos, and self-sacrifice.
Understanding and addressing these challenges is imperative for both those who have served in the military and for civilians. Our veterans have not only given their all to preserve our freedoms and our way of life, but they continue to live with a strong sense of service and purpose.
Veterans represent an invaluable and unique resource for our community. Their experience is incredible. Often, they are not aware of this and do not see how valuable their military skills and experience are to the community and the workforce. To shine a light on what our veterans will be facing and the people and organizations that have developed programs and tools to serve the veterans as they reintegrate into civilian life, we will be hosting a panel discussion.
PANEL
PARTICIPANTS
The panel discussion will be led by Steven Xiarhos, State Representative of the 5th District in Barnstable County and retired Deputy Chief of Police at Yarmouth Police Department.
Don Cox
FOUNDER MASSACHUSETTS MILITARY SUPPORT FOUNDATION
Don Cox is the founder and president of the Massachusetts Military Support Foundation and has been serving active-duty military, guard members, and veterans since its establishment in 2017. He is also an incorporator of USA4Vets, a national organization that aims to assist and enhance the lives of veterans and their families.
Cox has been recognized for his work and has received awards as an executive. He is a highly experienced professional in areas such as food insecurity, family programs, fund-raising, and more. He has been the founder and president of the Cape Cod Military Support Foundation since 2013 and has served as its board chair and CEO since 2019.
Steven Xiarhos
FOUNDER NICHOLAS G XIARHOS MEMORIAL FOUNDATION
When Steve became a Gold Star father, he started the Nicholas G. Xiarhos Foundation in honor of his son, a fallen soldier and hero. In addition, he started Big Nick’s Ride, a motorcycle road to honor his son Nicholas and 15 other Massachusetts fallen heroes.
The Nicholas G. Xiarhos Memorial Fund supports local military families, wounded warriors, deployed military troops and other causes.
Nicholas died on the battlefield in the Garmsir District of Helmand Province in Southern Afghanistan on July 23, 2009 while going to the rescue of his fellow Marines in combat. Nicholas fought for the freedom of the people of Iraq and Afghanistan . He chose to make a difference in the world and was a true American Patriot.
Derek Hill
MARINE RAIDER
Former U.S. Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command Raider and Government Clandestine Services Operator and his service dog, Jax
Damon Green
VP DIRECTOR B FREE WELLNESS
“One Call Away” is the targeted initiative of the B Free Wellness Veterans Program. The primary focus is Veteran Suicide Prevention and Awareness. A grassroots movement founded by our VP Director, Damon Green.
Damon began saving money to purchase clothes, food, and necessities to hand out in December 2016. As word got around, he began getting donations from other people that also wanted to do their part.
Joined by his sister on Christmas Eve, he drove from Provincetown to Boston providing whatever he could for veterans in need. This later led to hosting group sessions in his home and therapy walks through the beautiful trails of the Cape.
Nicole Sheridan
PROGRAM DIRECTOR EMERALD HOLLOW THERAPEUTIC RIDING CENTER, INC.
The Equus Effect, developed by Jane Strong and David Sonatore, is an experiential learning and coaching program designed to teach through physical experience. This program is offered free of charge to all US Military personnel in conjunction with the Cape Cod Vet Center through the generous support of the Dennis Field of Honor and The Nicholas G. Xiarhos Memorial Foundation Fund.
The "At Ease" program facilitates a relationship and bond between the veteran and their horse. Veterans are trained in horsemanship to learn how to handle, care for, and ride their horses. Participants are challenged to execute many tasks requiring initiative, confidence, commitment, and empathy to facilitate trust with their horses. No horse experience is necessary.
BJ Ganem
CEO & FOUNDER SIERRA DELTA - SERVICE DOG NETWORK FOR VETERANS
BJ Ganem leads the organization and coordination of all administrative functions for Sierra Delta. BJ is a natural leader whose personal experience with military-to-civilian transition influences his insight into what support veterans need when returning home.
On November 25, 2004, the vehicle BJ was driving was struck by an Improvised Explosive Device (I.E.D.). The attack left BJ with an amputated left leg, mild brain injury, and shrapnel wounds. Above all, the attack left BJ with the unprepared realization he would no longer be a Marine Infantryman in the fight for freedom.
After navigating the landscape of transition, BJ found his purpose in helping other men and women transition into society. BJ also ensured veterans received accurate discharges.
Nicholas Nadeau
OUTREACH COORDINATOR CLEAR PATH FOR VETERANS
Clear Path provides support through a wellness-based Veteran’s Community Center in Devens, MA, to bolster those who served, with an emphasis on reconnecting Veterans to their communities upon their return home. Clear Path’s work extends throughout MA. Their vision is to create a community that understands and supports the journey home for our Veterans and their families and inspires other communities to do the same.
SPONSORS
Massachusetts Military Support Foundation
Massachusetts Military Support Foundation was founded by President & CEO Don Cox. Don leads a small team of regulars and many volunteers who are committed to helping Veterans and active-duty Military families in need. Many volunteers are Veterans themselves, representing each branch of the United States Military. Massachusetts Military Support Foundation (MMSF) grew from a successful regional nonprofit on Cape Cod. After seeing the success and importance of our work on Cape Cod, we knew it was imperative to expand our reach to the rest of the Commonwealth. Since then, MMSF has proved essential during the federal government shutdown of 2018-2019, and most recently the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Chatham T Company is owned and operated by Sandra Wycoff. The doors first opened in Chatham on Memorial Day Weekend of 1979.
We take pride in and guarantee every product we sell. Our staff is knowledgeable and is willing to assist our customers with a professional and courteous attitude.
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American fare served alongside New & Old World wines in a Colonial setting with a fireplace.
RPM Carpets and Floor Coverings
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TICKETS
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