Finding Strength in Community and Faith with Lena Fowler Artwork

Untold Valor: Veterans Recovery in Action

Welcome to Untold Valor, a podcast with a unique focus on veterans with stories of courage, recovery, perseverance and strength. Listen as veterans share their perspectives on what it's like to battle mental health challenges, combat addictions, and overcome other adversities unique to those who have served. We'll also speak with experts who have valuable experience working with veterans through their recovery journeys. Our mission is to reach veterans with a message of recovery and hope. Untold Valor is made possible by Voice & Vision... Bringing help, hope and healing to individuals, families and communities affected by mental illness, addictions, and disabilities in Southeastern Pennsylvania. Voice & Vision's work with veterans began with one veteran meeting another who had mental health challenges and was very isolated. The impact of that relationship on both veterans was life-changing, and a mission to expand that work led to CompeerCORPS, a network of military veterans who provide peer mentoring friendships with other veterans. These veterans spend time together each week promoting mental health and substance use recovery through the healing power of camaraderie, support and friendship. Financial support for Untold Valor is provided by a Veterans' Trust Fund grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs. Resources: Voice & Vision: https://voiceandvisioninc.org/ CompeerCORPS: https://voiceandvisioninc.org/compeercorps/ #Recovery #WholisticHealth #Community #podcasting #podcasts #podcastcommunity #podcasterthoughts #veterans #camaraderie #support #friendship #mentalhealth #mentoring #UntoldValor #help #hope #healing #individuals #families #communities #mental illness #addictions #disabilities #battle #courage #recovery #perseverance #strength #life #lifechanging #brokenness #willingness #understanding #therapy #communication #thriving #success #negativethoughts #win #openness #suicide #family

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Untold Valor: Veterans Recovery in Action

Finding Strength in Community and Faith with Lena Fowler

March 20, 2024 • Voice & Vision, Inc. & CompeerCORPS

We’re excited to welcome Lena Fowler to the show this week. Lena is a decorated United States Navy veteran with 17 years of service, including deployments in Operation Desert Storm and at ground zero in the aftermath of September 11th. She’s here to share her story, from overcoming personal tragedies to facing the challenges of war and transitioning back to civilian life.

Listen in as Lena talks openly about her experience with PTSD, her journey to seeking help, and the profound impact of community support and faith in her life. Through her work as the Community Outreach Specialist at the Veterans Multi-Service Center in Philadelphia, Lena exemplifies the power of giving back and empowering others. Her inspiring story serves as a reminder that, even in the darkest times, there is hope and strength to be found in reaching out and supporting one another.

Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:

0:00 - Intro
1:34 - Lena’s experiences in the Navy, Army Reserve, and Army National Guard + her career-ending stroke
8:00 - Lena’s journey with PTSD
11:02 – Finding support, both spiritually and through community, when dealing with PTSD
14:52 – What Lena is doing now with the VMC Center
16:19 – Lena’s message to veterans who are struggling

LENA FOWLER

Lena L. Fowler is a decorated United States Navy Veteran, serving 17 years, including in Operation Desert Storm and at Ground Zero in the aftermath of September 11th. Lena is the Community Outreach Specialist at the Veterans Multiservice Center in Philadelphia, where she casts a wide net to build relationships with corporations, organizations, and schools to support military veterans. Lena is a powerful force for good in the community, using her positive attitude and tireless energy to leave no veteran behind. In her free time, she enjoys volunteering, reading, and photography. Lena lives in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, and is available for freelance assignments and speaking engagements.

EPISODE LINKS

The VMC

https://www.vmcenter.org/

Guardian Revival

https://www.guardianrevival.org/non-profit-financial

RESOURCES

Need immediate help? Contact the Veterans Crisis Line via phone, text or online chat. Dial 988 then Press 1 or text 838255 or use the online chat at https://bit.ly/3OunXzg

Voice & Vision: https://bit.ly/3miwFoy

CompeerCORPS: https://bit.ly/3GgKryU

Information on how to apply for VA Healthcare Benefits from anywhere in the USA: https://bit.ly/40PtrrN or call 877-222-8387 (M-F 8am-8pm EST)

To apply for veteran’s benefits and find resources in Pennsylvania veterans need to contact their County Office of Veterans Affairs as listed in this document: https://bit.ly/3m8PBWS

View more about PA’s resources for veterans: https://bit.ly/416cf0Q

Financial support for Untold Valor is provided by a Veterans’ Trust Fund grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs.