Compassionate Warrior

Overcoming enormous physical, mental, and emotional odds, Vietnam verteran William A. Roper has walked the road of devastating traumatic brain and bodily injury all the way to physical thriving and spiritual awakening. Now he is sharing his method and the journey. A student of meditation and New Thought, William’s mission is to express his gratitude for his own healing by assisting veterans suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and Traumatic Brain Injury, and ANYONE engaged in the process of overcoming adversity through igniting their will to achieve their goals.

To book or learn more about William, contact his agent Adrienne at www.tbivet.com.

What the Heck, Keck?

Bill Keck is a dear friend who recently suffered a TBI. He’s had a lengthy road of recovery the past couple years, and then a car accident too. Bill has always been strong as a bull, and few have had a more colorful past and turn around.

Prior to his retirement, Bill, a US Navy Veteran who did two tours in Nam, developed an alcohol and drug treatment center, within Siena Francis House Homeless Shelter. He worked there for almost 20yrs, during which he wrote a book about recovery and miracles. Please watch: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HHjh6OZvwug

Bill and I have been out of touch for a few years, so I was shocked to hear about his brain injury. After being a host for so long, I wonder if he had prior blows to the head during his service, either to our country or at the shelter.

MILD Brain Injury, Really?

Dr. Diane Roberts Stoler, Ed.D. is a Neuropsychologist, Board Certified Health Psychologist, Board Certified Sports Psychologist, and Trauma Therapist with over 35 years experience. In 1990, Dr. Diane had a stroke while driving her car, resulting in a 60 mph head-on auto accident. She has since undergone brain surgery, and sustained two more concussions. From her experience and expertise, Dr. Diane wrote Coping with Mild Traumatic Brain Injury, the first comprehensive guide to brain trauma and its hidden effects. Due out November 5th, but now available for preorder, is her new book Coping with Concussion and Mild Traumatic Brain Injury, which includes information on sports and blast injuries. Dr. Diane’s experiences have led her to devote her clinical practice, writings and personal appearances to helping organizations and individuals overcome life’s obstacles and achieve their goals. www.drdiane.com

Vets Helping Vets

My guest is SgtMaj Pepe Ramirez USMC (Ret), President and CEO of Combat Vets Helping Combat Vets, Inc. He is part of their Combat Vets Counseling Team. He had three tours in Operation Iraqi Freedom (2003, 2004 & 2006). He interned at Spalding Rehab Hospital, which specializes in treating amputees, strokes, and Traumatic Brain Injuries. SgtMaj Ramirez has held more billets, and earned more military awards, than I can list here. Tune in to hear more about this exemplary Patriot, and how he is still serving today. Semper Fi.

http://www.combatvetshelpingcombatvets.com

Brain Tumor, Endless Journey

Kerri Brantley is a Captain in the Missouri Army National Guard and native of Boise, Id. She recently moved to Maryland, where she is a writer/editor for Joint Hometown News Service at Fort George G. Meade. Kerri is still active in the Army National Guard. She joined to provide for her family and serve her country. Kerri is a single-mom and combat Vet who is currently working on her masters in Management in Public Relations.

Kerri’s mom was diagnosed with a rare type of brain tumor that was never supposed to reoccur. Unfortunately it has, in spite of some of the latest technology and treatments. Kerri’s mom is not in shape for the interview, but I felt this was such an incredible journey, that it needed to be told. Our prayers need to be with them.

I had occasion to meet Kerri when I was speaking to her about a common passion of ours. It was then that I heard the story about her mom. Hopefully we can enlighten you on both.

Saturday Smatterday…What’re We to Do?

Help me figure that one out!

I will be pinch hitting once more this evening. Craig is out on a mission, some hosts are MIA…So I’m holding down the fort. Hmmmm, is everyone but me out on Saturday nights?! Thankfully our southern gentleman Tuesday host LesPaul Morgan and Annie Ricketts joined me.

I’m feeling rode hard and put up wet. You ever get like that? hahaha Asked and answered! Been on Sensory Overload all week, with a full basket and feeling like I’m coming down with something. Beautiful day, but I feel the chill in the air. Good night to kick back, then hit the sack.

Then we spoke of symbolism, awareness, advocacy, animal totems 🙂 , Global Picnic this Saturday the 21st and lots more! We even hatched some brilliant new ideas for the future! Join in and make Annie’s dream come true, and we all benefit. See www.biglobalpicnic.org and register yours now.

Your host tonight is your regular Wednesday night host, Kim Justus

Tribute to Real 9-11 Survivors

This is a powerful show you won’t want to miss! Whether you’ve survived a terrorist attack, a natural disaster, or a personal tradegy like our brain injuries, we all have a common bond.

My guest tonight is Anthea Appeal, who spent 20yrs with the NYC Police Dept. She was a first responder on 9-11, retired shortly after, and will share her experience with us. www.antheaappel.com

My second guest was to be SSgt Tim Chambers, better known as the “Lone Marine” of Rolling Thunder. He was stationed in Washington on 9-11, and one of the first to make it to the Pentagon, to save lives. Unfortunately he was detained and unable to make it, with regrets. www.thesalutingmarine.com

Survivors, Care Givers, Boundaries…Fantastic Frank Show

Kim Justus will be sitting in Franks seat tonight with guest Kristy L. She is a mom with a 16yr old son, struggling with the effects of his brain injury. How far should the care takers go, and what part belongs to us survivors? New boundaries of when to help, and when to let go will be discussed. Callers welcome. We appreciate your input.

TBI, Kids and the Family

Michael Coss is author of The Courage to Come Back:Triumph Over TBI – A Story of Hope (2011), and the inspiration behind the creation of the Michael Coss Brain Injury Foundation. The foundation was created to raise money for kids in financial need for dealing with challenges associated with their brain trauma. All proceeds of Michael’s book, go to the foundation and the kids. His father Bob Koss, will also be joining us for a duel perception of the events as they have occurred.

Michael is also winner of the 2011 Courage to Come Back Award for Physical Rehabilitation (Coastal Health). Join us to hear this moving account of Michael’s journey through the world of TBI.