Dedira is excited to be living her dream of owning her own non-profit organization. The idea came out of her love for music and her mission to make a difference here in the US with our youth. Music was a very important part of Deidra's school experience where she played in her high school marching and concert bands. She started by playing the flute and ended up playing the sousaphone and tuba. She didn't realize at the time how lucky and blessed she was to have that opportunity as part of her school experience. Deidra's goal now is to work with musicians, community leaders, businesses and schools to help provide as many instruments and supplies as possible to the classrooms and our nations veterans.
In Deidra's former career she worked in baseball (Orioles, Mets and the Bowie Baysox) and then spent a few years working doing marketing in corporate America. She is also on the Board of Directors for another fun organization called Mammojam and volunteers every summer as a camp councilor for the Mid-Atlantic Burn Camp.
Currently Deidra works at the University of Maryland, School of Medicine and just finished her Masters in Non-Profit Management at UMUC.
Show Notes: veteranpodcast.com/023
The organization was created in order to match successful veterans in the civilian community with soldiers. This partnership will provide a resource to those soldiers currently exiting the military. A soldier, re-entering the civilian community comes with some challenges. These challenges are mostly in understanding what technical and non-technical career opportunities exist and just where to begin. With the advice of successfully transitioned veterans they will gain a resource which should increase their odds of a successful transition.
Show Notes: VeteranPodcast.com/022
Eric Kazmierczak began his new mission as Director of Operations for the Resurrecting Lives Foundation in August 2014. Eric was born and raised in Columbus, Ohio. In October of 1993 he joined the Marine Corps and started his career as an Infantry Rifleman with his first tour of duty at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. From this beginning he would progress through the Marine Corps ranks and retire as a Staff Sergeant (SSgt). During his time in the Marine Corps he held numerous leadership positions at all levels of command.
During his Marine Corps career, Eric would participate in operations in; Bosnia, Operation Uphold Democracy in Haiti, Riverine operations with UNITAS in South America. Volunteer for Recruiting Duty in Cleveland Ohio, where he was meritoriously promoted to SSgt in 2001. In 2005 and 2006, Eric would complete two combat tours as an Infantry Platoon Sergeant to eastern Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Finally, he would serve as Staff Non-Commissioned Officer In Charge of the Command and Operation Center, Marine Pacific Command and Operations Chief for the 3rd Marine Regiment in Hawaii. In 2009 he retired from active duty Marine Corps. Eric’s personal decorations include the Navy Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, and Combat Action Ribbon.
After being retired from the Marine Corps, Eric went to work as a local Warrior Care Coordinator assisting Veterans with TBI and PTSD. He provided non-medical care to combat and non combatant wounded by assisting and facilitating their transition to civilian life.
While still on vacation I thought it would be great to give you a special treat. This week I am introducing you to some of the other great veteran-focused podcasts out there. I like to share the podcast love. :-)
Links to the podcasts are in the show notes: http://veteranpodcast.com/020