Are you a veteran? Go to this website: https://www.ccveterans.org/

A West Point graduate and a veteran of 30 years, Denton's story is one of navigating transitions, building community support systems, and advocating for comprehensive care for veterans. He shares his journey from military service to civilian life, his experience running for Congress, and his dedication to representing and supporting veterans.

Denton emphasizes the importance of storytelling and understanding the experiences of veterans. Denton's military career spanned 34 years, during which he served in various roles and locations. He taught lieutenants and commanded a mechanized company in Kuwait. He then trained units in California's Mojave Desert and spent a year in Saudi Arabia training the Saudis on equipment. He deployed twice to Iraq, experiencing combat and loss.

After retiring from the military, he faced challenges transitioning to civilian life and finding employment. He emphasizes the need for better support for veterans and their families during the transition process. Denton emphasizes the importance of welcoming home and providing care for veterans. He shares how Vietnam veterans made sure that Iraq and Afghanistan veterans received the welcome and support they didn't receive.

Denton discusses the need for sponsorship programs to help veterans transition back into society and the importance of finding and identifying veterans in the community. He encourages everyone to ask if someone is a veteran and to offer help and support. Denton also highlights the need for resources and support from the civilian community and the importance of bridging the gap between military and civilian understanding. He calls for service-oriented hearts and for everyone to find ways to help veterans and their families.

Have a story to share of your own? Email drea@dreahespen.com.

Sam Eddinger shares his extraordinary tale of loss, wisdom, and the relentless pursuit of growth in the face of adversity. The conversation explores the journey from intelligence to wisdom, the power of faith, and the transformation that leads to profound insights and living. Sam's story is not just about confronting grief, but also about the moments that compel us to change and the turning points that define us. The conversation explores the themes of cherishing loved ones, living without regrets, leaving a legacy, and finding wisdom in adversity. It emphasizes the importance of recognizing the brevity of life and making the most of every moment. The speakers discuss the role of faith in navigating difficult times and finding purpose. They also highlight the power of sharing personal experiences and wisdom to help others. The conversation encourages listeners to put themselves in the shoes of others and consider how they would feel in certain situations, in order to live with empathy and make meaningful connections.Takeaways: * Loss and grief can lead to profound personal growth and transformation.* Faith can provide comfort and strength in times of adversity.* The way we cope with grief and loss is unique to each individual.* The support and love of family and community can be a source of healing.* Appreciating and cherishing the people we love is important in the face of uncertainty. Cherish your loved ones and make the most of every moment with them.* Live your life today in a way that you won't have regrets in the future.* Leave a positive legacy by understanding and meeting the needs of others.* Adversity can provide opportunities for growth and wisdom.* Faith can provide comfort and guidance in difficult times.* Sharing personal experiences and wisdom can help others navigate their own challenges.* Put yourself in the shoes of others to cultivate empathy and make meaningful connections.Chapters00:00 Introduction: Sam Edinger's Extraordinary Journey03:24 From Loss to Growth: Navigating Grief and Transformation08:34 The Power of Faith in Times of Adversity13:18 Transforming Grief into Wisdom24:04 Cherishing Loved Ones in the Face of Uncertainty29:49 Cherishing Loved Ones and Living Without Regrets33:27 Leaving a Positive Legacy36:26 Finding Wisdom in Adversity39:21 The Role of Faith in Navigating Difficult Times44:00 Sharing Personal Experiences and Wisdom53:23 Cultivating Empathy and Making Meaningful Connections Sponsored by: VPM Solutions - Create your FREE profile here and find your new VA for Property Management or Real Estate today: https://app.vpmsolutions.com/create/?ref=bluehairgoddess If Sam's story resonates with you, or if you have your own to share, connect with us. Reach out on social media @dreabuer or email drea@dreahespen.com. Let's keep the conversation going and support each other in our journeys. Connect with Sam: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tempstguru LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sameddinger/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tempstguru/

Catie Brandstatter shares her 11-year experience with bullying and the challenges she faced at home. Despite the difficulties, she found strength and happiness in college, where she felt a sense of belonging and freedom. Catie credits her mom, faith, and perseverance for helping her through the tough times. In college, she discovered her true personality and gained confidence. She realized that there was nothing wrong with her and learned to internalize that belief. Catie shares her experiences of being bullied and the impact it had on her self-esteem and mental health. She discusses the challenges she faced in school and how it affected her academic performance. Catie also talks about her journey to self-acceptance and finding happiness in college. She shares her weight loss journey and the importance of choosing oneself. Catie emphasizes the need for compassion and understanding towards others, as everyone has their own struggles. She encourages listeners to persevere through difficult times and find strength in their own stories. If Catie’s story resonates with you, or if you have your own to share, connect with us. Reach out on social media @dreabuer or email drea@dreahespen.com. Let's keep the conversation going and support each other in our journeys. Thank you for listening, and remember, perseverance through the hardest times can lead to profound personal growth. Keep pushing forward, and let's uplift each other along the way. 00:00 Introduction and Overview 03:39 Dealing with Bullying for 11 Years 38:51 Finding Freedom and Belonging in College 40:18 Embracing Self-Acceptance and Confidence 40:48 Overcoming the Impact of Bullying 54:55 Finding Self-Acceptance and Happiness 55:23 Journey to Weight Loss and Choosing Oneself 01:08:48 The Importance of Compassion and Understanding 01:17:29 Persevering Through Challenges and Finding Strength Takeaways * Bullying can have a significant impact on a person's life, but it is possible to find strength and happiness despite the challenges. * Having a support system, such as a caring parent or mentor, can make a big difference in overcoming difficult times. * Faith and perseverance can help individuals navigate through tough situations and find hope. * College can provide a fresh start and an opportunity to discover one's true self and gain confidence. * It is important to remember that there is nothing wrong with you and to internalize that belief. * Bullying can have a significant impact on a person's self-esteem and mental health. * Finding acceptance and happiness in oneself is crucial for personal growth. * Weight loss journeys are unique to each individual, and it's important to listen to your body and do what works best for you. * Showing compassion and understanding towards others can make a positive difference in their lives. * Perseverance is key in overcoming challenges and finding strength in one's own story.