SITREP NYC

In this conversation we hear from Marine Corps veteran, advocate, and champion of selfless service, Derek Coy. Coy talks about the formative experiences that led him to the military, the ups and downs of transitioning from Texas to NYC, and about why he considers the Big Apple the best place in the world to be a veteran. Derek Coy is the Veterans’ Health Officer at the New York State Health Foundation. He’s a veteran of both the military and non-profit space having held positions at the Doe Fund, ACLU, and Iraq & Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA) prior to joining NYSHealth.

In this episode we talk about using ancient Greek plays to act as catalysts for community-driven discussions about uncomfortable issues, and about using age-old approaches to help individuals heal from trauma and loss. Later in the conversation we hear about how one individual, DVS Coordinator Monique Rada, has connected with the performances on multiple levels. Bryan Doerries is the co-founder and Artistic Director of Theater of War Productions. Monique Rada is a Navy veteran and Engagement Coordinator at the New York City Department of Veterans’ Services.

In this conversation we hear from a fierce community advocate about the movements she’s leading to combat power imbalances, and the formative experiences that have shaped her life & career. Pam Campos-Palma is an Air Force veteran, organizer, strategist, movement leader and community advocate focused on justice, peace & security, and empowering the disenfranchised.

In part two of our conversation with the co-founders of the Black Veterans Project, we learn more about Kyle and Richard’s mission to archive, amplify, and advocate on behalf of their community.

In part one of our conversation with the co-founders of the Black Veterans Project, we talk about the experiences that shaped them in and out of uniform, and how they’re using what they’ve learned to continue serving their community.

In this conversation we hear from a true servant leader about what it takes to build a supportive infrastructure for student veterans and about the community bonds forged through teamwork & physical exertion. Betsy Montañez is the Assistant Director of the Veterans and Military Resource Center at NYU’s School of Professional Studies. She has more than 13 years of experience working in veterans higher education.

Titus Battle is a veteran of the US Army Reserves recently housed by DVS. He is currently serving as a Resiliency Facilitator for Volunteers of America. In today’s conversation we hear his tale of survival and self-discovery – an unbelievable journey spanning four decades of trauma, addiction, and homelessness, but ultimately defined by his resilience.

On our inaugural show, we hear from the senior leaders of DVS. The team tells us about how they first came to work in City government and their collaborative process of setting and executing the agency’s vision and mission. They talk about continued service, reframing veteran narratives, and about the kind of department they hope to leave for their successors.