A Salute to Freedom, and A Home Base Salute to all Veterans and Military Families

Retired Navy SEAL Capt. Ryan Croley founded the Warrior For Life Fund (WFLF) in 2012 after never skating or picking up a hockey stick until his mid-thirties, creating an opportunity for veterans, active duty service members, and families to meet and compete on the ice no matter the skill level, ability…or disability. Frank Simonetti played for the Boston Bruins from 1984-1988, and as a Bruins Alumni continues to help raise funds and awareness for people in need through organizations like WFLF. With some pre-game smack talk for the tied series between the Bruins Alumni and WFLF Teams and a conversation about the therapeutic bonds on and off the ice, Dr. Ron talks with Ryan and Frank at Home Base, overlooking the USS Constitution – an appropriate backdrop for a Bostonian Bruin, and a Navy Veteran.

Thank you Ryan Croley, of the Warrior For Life Fund (WFLF) and Frank Simonetti of the Boston Bruins Alumni  for your service on and off the ice and for connecting people through the great sport of hockey. Thanks for visiting us at Home Base and for all your work in bringing the Bruins-Military worlds together for some great therapy and great times. Special thanks to colleague Dr. Joe Bonvie who has been bringing sport, psychology and service together with passion for many years.

Make sure to check out the BFit Challenge that will take place January 28th 2024, or sign up virtually for January 19th-26th, and the Home Base BFitTeam!

Many thanks to Annie Tamburello, SLP and Brain Injury Specialist (And wife of Ryan Croley) who treats veterans, servicemembers and civilians with TBI who need cognitive rehab. Check out Cortex Initiative at VA Beach for more information. Through the WFLF they are doing great work, and along with Frank Simonetti and others it’s about that impact factor and showing that support for those who need the help. And thank you to our partner and friend  Navy Seal Foundation for all you do to help support organizations like WFLF.

Home Base Nation is the official podcast for Home Base Program for Veterans and Military Families – Our team sees veterans, servicemembers and their families addressing the invisible wounds of war at no cost. This is all made possible thanks to a grateful nation – And if you want to learn more on how you can help, visit us at www.homebase.org, or if you or anyone you know would like to connect to care, you can also reach us at 617-724-5202.

• Theme music for Home Base Nation: "Rolling the Tree" by The Butler Frogs
• Follow Home Base on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn
• The Home Base Nation Team is Steve Monaco, Army Veteran Kelly Field, Justin Scheinert, Chuck Clough, with COO Michael Allard, Brigadier General Jack Hammond, and Peter Smyth.
• Producer and Host: Dr. Ron Hirschberg
  Assistant Producer, Editor: Chuck Clough
  Chairman, Home Base Media Lab: Peter Smyth

The views expressed by guests to the Home Base Nation podcast are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. Views and opinions expressed by guests are those of the guests and do not necessarily reflect the view of the Massachusetts General Hospital, Home Base, the Red Sox Foundation or any of its officials.

On the show today, Marine Veteran, teacher in the classroom and on the track – Hal Croft, including two of his former Reading, MA High School students – Film Producer Brandon Millett, and Home Base's Executive Director Brigadier General Jack Hammond. Host Ron Hirschberg sits with Hal, Brandon and Jack to talk teaching, building bonds on and off the track and battlefield, and healing wounds of war in and out of the clinic. It was just a few years prior to starting his teaching career that in 1967 in Vietnam Hal Croft would earn both a Silver Star for valor in action, and a Bronze Star for saving four fellow Marines at Khe Sanh. We also learn that Hal taught track and field just like the classics in his English literature class, and like Hemingway’s quote "Courage is grace under pressure," Hal lived it every day on his track. 

Thank you Hal Croft, General Jack Hammond and Brandon Millett, for joining us on Home Base Nation. Service, leadership and creativity all come together in talking with you all, and the story of resilience and comradery of the Reading High School Track Team is awesome – We are very excited to see CROFT the film soon, and you can go to www.halcroftfilm.com for all information and updates on the documentary release.

Home Base Nation is the official podcast for Home Base Program for Veterans and Military Families – Our team sees veterans, servicemembers and their families addressing he invisible wounds of war at no cost. 

If you are your loved one is experiencing any emotional, mental health struggles, you are not alone and please contact Home Base at (617) 724-5202, or visit www.homebase.org.

To Donate to Home Base where every dollar goes to the care of veterans and military families that is cost to them, go to: www.homebase.org/donate.

• Theme music for Home Base Nation: "Rolling the Tree" by The Butler Frogs
• Follow Home Base on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn
• The Home Base Nation Team is Steve Monaco, Army Veteran Kelly Field, Justin Scheinert, Chuck Clough, with COO Michael Allard, Brigadier General Jack Hammond, and Peter Smyth.
• Producer and Host: Dr. Ron Hirschberg
  Assistant Producer, Editor: Chuck Clough
  Chairman, Home Base Media Lab: Peter Smyth

Home Base Nation is the official podcast of Home Base Program for Veterans and Military Families, a partnership of the Massachusetts General Hospital and the Red Sox Foundation. To learn more and connect with us at Home Base Nation: www.homebase.org/podcast

The views expressed by guests to the Home Base Nation podcast are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. Views and opinions expressed by guests are those of the guests and do not necessarily reflect the view of the Massachusetts General Hospital, Home Base, the Red Sox Foundation or any of its officials.

Thank you Jennifer Jenkins for How You Serve, and a very happy Thanksgiving to the Jenkins family! Wounded Warrior Project's Jennifer Jenkins is the spouse of a Navy Veteran, the sister of an Army Veteran and the mom of a Marine. She is an award-winning author and has helped build a community of support for military families and veterans for more than 8 years in her role as a Warrior Speaks Communication Specialist. Jennifer was “drafted” into the military the same day her brother Army Specialist James Smith was injured from an IED blast in Iraq in 2005, and for the past 18 years Jennifer has empowered him and many others to regain independence and live fulfilled lives as wounded-but-not-broken, warriors. And although her Marine son was injured years later less severely, she says that that phone call felt exactly the same. Many thanks to our friends at WWP for this opportunity to share Jennifer’s story – Author, Advocate, and a unique military family member trifecta – Spouse, Sister, and Mom. 

Many thanks to our guest Jennifer Jenkins of the Wounded Warrior Project, a triple military family member who connects, serves and empowers so many across the country who have served. Thank you WWP for all you do for our veterans and military families, and for Home Base and our Warrior Care Network sisters and brothers in Atlanta, LA and Chicago. For more, please check out woundedwarriorproject.org

Home Base Nation is the official podcast for Home Base Program for Veterans and Military Families – Our team sees veterans, servicemembers and their families addressing he invisible wounds of war at no cost. 

If you are your loved one is experiencing any emotional, mental health struggles, you are not alone and please contact Home Base at (617) 724-5202, or visit www.homebase.org.

To Donate to Home Base where every dollar goes to the care of veterans and military families that is cost to them, go to: www.homebase.org/donate.

• Theme music for Home Base Nation: "Rolling the Tree" by The Butler Frogs
• Follow Home Base on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn
• The Home Base Nation Team is Steve Monaco, Army Veteran Kelly Field, Justin Scheinert, Chuck Clough, with COO Michael Allard, Brigadier General Jack Hammond, and Peter Smyth.
• Producer and Host: Dr. Ron Hirschberg
  Assistant Producer, Editor: Chuck Clough
  Chairman, Home Base Media Lab: Peter Smyth

Home Base Nation is the official podcast of Home Base Program for Veterans and Military Families, a partnership of the Massachusetts General Hospital and the Red Sox Foundation. To learn more and connect with us at Home Base Nation: www.homebase.org/podcast

The views expressed by guests to the Home Base Nation podcast are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. Views and opinions expressed by guests are those of the guests and do not necessarily reflect the view of the Massachusetts General Hospital, Home Base, the Red Sox Foundation or any of its officials.

US Navy Combat Veteran Dr. Jesse Ehrenfeld has worn two hats, both literally and figuratively whether donning his surgical cap in the OR, or his camouflage cap down range, and they seem to blend together when you talk with him about humanity, what the right thing to do is when it comes to stigma, equity in healthcare and equality for all, no matter who we are, both at home and abroad. In this episode, host Dr. Ron Hirschberg talks with Dr. Ehrenfeld about his role as the current President of American Medical Association and how his military experience has shaped it, about stigma in mental health, about the fight for rights in the LBGTQ+ community - in and out of the military - and current issues in Israel and Gaza that are on all of our minds. 

       This episode was recorded on 10-23-23 at Home Base Center of Excellence

Many thanks to our guest Dr. Jesse Ehrenfeld, Navy Veteran, and current president of the American Medical Association for being on the podcast and your visit to Home Base. Thank you for your service in many ways in the operating room both overseas and stateside, with your work in medical leadership hat that has been shaped by the military hat you have worn over your career.

Home Base Nation is the official podcast for Home Base Program for Veterans and Military Families – Our team sees veterans, servicemembers and their families addressing he invisible wounds of war at no cost. 

If you are your loved one is experiencing any emotional, mental health struggles, you are not alone and please contact Home Base at (617) 724-5202, or visit www.homebase.org.

To Donate to Home Base where every dollar goes to the care of veterans and military families that is cost to them, go to: www.homebase.org/donate.

• Theme music for Home Base Nation: "Rolling the Tree" by The Butler Frogs
• Follow Home Base on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn
• The Home Base Nation Team is Steve Monaco, Army Veteran Kelly Field, Justin Scheinert, Chuck Clough, with COO Michael Allard, Brigadier General Jack Hammond, and Peter Smyth.
• Producer and Host: Dr. Ron Hirschberg
  Assistant Producer, Editor: Chuck Clough
  Chairman, Home Base Media Lab: Peter Smyth

Home Base Nation is the official podcast of Home Base Program for Veterans and Military Families, a partnership of the Massachusetts General Hospital and the Red Sox Foundation. To learn more and connect with us at Home Base Nation: www.homebase.org/podcast

The views expressed by guests to the Home Base Nation podcast are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. Views and opinions expressed by guests are those of the guests and do not necessarily reflect the view of the Massachusetts General Hospital, Home Base, the Red Sox Foundation or any of its officials.

Academy Award and Golden Globe nominee Mariel Hemingway is known for her iconic roles in Lipstick, Manhattan, and Star 80. But did you know she created a Mental Health Foundation, and that she is from a military family? Her dad enlisted in WWII just after Pearl Harbor, was in the OSS which would become the CIA. Her grandfather, the great American writer Ernest Hemingway was denied enlistment for visual impairment but served the frontline in Italy with the Red Cross as an ambulance driver in 1917. Ron and Mariel talk about service, wellness, mental health, about her 2015 memoir "Out Came The Sun," and being able to tell your story no matter the challenge, and never being afraid to let that story go. 

Many thanks Mariel Hemingway for joining us on Home Base Nation. Thanks for your passion for mind body health, and helping others through your work with the Foundation and the collaboration with partner Bobby Williams on all things wellness. Your family story and legacy are remarkable and at the same time as you say, there is nothing unique about many of these challenges and triumphs we all share. Please check out the memoir Out Came the Sun: Overcoming the Legacy of Mental Illness, Addiction, and Suicide in My Family which is also read by the author on Audible. And of course, follow our friend’s Melissa and Mariel’s great podcast Out Comes The Sun Podcast and for wellness and mental health resources, please check out Mariel Hemingway Foundation. 

Special thanks to Dr. Rudy Tanzi, MGH scientist and artist for the introduction to our guest. 

If you are your loved one is experiencing any emotional, mental health struggles, you are not alone and please contact Home Base at (617) 724-5202, or visit www.homebase.org.

To Donate to Home Base where every dollar goes to the care of veterans and military families that is cost to them, go to: www.homebase.org/donate.

• Theme music for Home Base Nation: "Rolling the Tree" by The Butler Frogs
• Follow Home Base on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn
• The Home Base Nation Team is Steve Monaco, Army Veteran Kelly Field, Justin Scheinert, Chuck Clough, with COO Michael Allard, Brigadier General Jack Hammond, and Peter Smyth.
• Producer and Host: Dr. Ron Hirschberg
  Assistant Producer, Editor: Chuck Clough
  Chairman, Home Base Media Lab: Peter Smyth

Home Base Nation is the official podcast of Home Base Program for Veterans and Military Families, a partnership of the Massachusetts General Hospital and the Red Sox Foundation. To learn more and connect with us at Home Base Nation: www.homebase.org/podcast

The views expressed by guests to the Home Base Nation podcast are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. Views and opinions expressed by guests are those of the guests and do not necessarily reflect the view of the Massachusetts General Hospital, Home Base, the Red Sox Foundation or any of its officials.

On October 9th, 2023 we reflect on the contributions of Indigenous peoples in the US, and what is more of a profound contribution than dedication to and protection of our country? In Post 9/11 times, about 1 in 5 Native Americans have joined the armed forces, and we recognize and salute the service and resilience that runs deep and strong throughout our military history. This episode highlights a recent visit to Home Base from Rear Admiral Michael Weahkee, sharing discussions on the Indian Health Service, and an abridged special conversation with Marine Veteran and Navajo Code Talker Peter MacDonald.

Our heartfelt thanks to Navajo Code Talker Peter MacDonald and your family for your ongoing service, and of course the three things we all need to hold onto tightly: Knowledge, Wisdom, and Strength. Thank you to Admiral Michael Weakhee for your presentation and partnership as we optimize care for our Native veterans and their families. 

WWII Navajo Code Talker Hon. Peter MacDonald at the Home Base National Center of Excellence - YouTube

Since 2010, Mass General Brigham (MGB) has partnered with the Indian Health Service serving Navajo Nation in both New Mexico and Arizona. In 2023 faculty from across MGB will have volunteered a total of 30 weeks at Navajo IHS hospitals, led 24 remote CME talks and mentored four providers from Cherokee Nation for partnering in substance use disorder care.

Ellen Bell, Director of Community Health Outreach and Training Programs at MGB reflected in a recent interview - saying, “Inadequate infrastructure, limited specialty care and woeful underfunding contribute to well-documented and astounding health disparities in our Native American communities – all of which were severely intensified during the COVID pandemic.”

The Home Base Team has been collaborating with the medical, educational, and government leadership in Arizona on a three-phase launch of mind-body healthcare for veterans and families that includes urban and rural partnerships with the Navajo Nation community specifically. Warrior Health and Fitness programming is coming soon this year, followed by intensive clinical and outpatient programming in early 2024 – All thanks to the efforts of Dr. Louis Chow, Army Veterans Felicia Pinckney and Bill Davidson, Erin Dwyer, Air Force Veteran Marcus Denetdale, Laura Harward, Karianne Kraus, Marine Veteran Armando Hernandez, and others, along with leadership Mike Allard and Brigadier General Jack Hammond.

As Home Base moves forward with planning in Arizona and Navajo Nation, we aim to carry on the Mass General Brigham initiative that started in 2010 with colleague Ellen Bell and others to partner in healthcare, battling health disparities while always chipping away at stigma in mental health especially in these regions. For more information and to access care and or provide support to our growing programs, please connect with us at www.homebase.org.

If you are your loved one is experiencing any emotional, mental health struggles, you are not alone and please contact Home Base at (617) 724-5202, or visit www.homebase.org.

To Donate to Home Base where every dollar goes to the care of veterans and military families that is cost to them, go to: www.homebase.org/donate.

• Theme music for Home Base Nation: "Rolling the Tree" by The Butler Frogs
• Follow Home Base on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn
• The Home Base Nation Team is Steve Monaco, Army Veteran Kelly Field, Justin Scheinert, Chuck Clough, with COO Michael Allard, Brigadier General Jack Hammond, and Peter Smyth.
• Producer and Host: Dr. Ron Hirschberg
  Assistant Producer, Editor: Chuck Clough
  Chairman, Home Base Media Lab: Peter Smyth
• Closing Guitar Music: Lucy Little
• Special thanks to David Schmitz and the Waves Media Team for curation of content both live and multimedia video

Home Base Nation is the official podcast of Home Base Program for Veterans and Military Families, a partnership of the Massachusetts General Hospital and the Red Sox Foundation. To learn more and connect with us at Home Base Nation: www.homebase.org/podcast

The views expressed by guests to the Home Base Nation podcast are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. Views and opinions expressed by guests are those of the guests and do not necessarily reflect the view of the Massachusetts General Hospital, Home Base, the Red Sox Foundation or any of its officials.

On the show today, The Honorable Carlos Del Toro, the 78th Secretary of the Navy. Dr. Ron Hirschberg and Home Base COO Michael Allard visit the Pentagon and have the opportunity to sit with SECNAV and staff and discuss how great leaders need to know what their troops are going through, they need to be empathic and above all - know that mental health IS health. The SECNAV takes pride in the people - the sailors, marines, reservists and civilians and their families who all make it possible for our Navy and Marine Corps to succeed. Recorded in May, 2023 during "Mental Health Awareness" it was 100% clear that all other 11 months of the year are just as important, and as he reflects on his visit to Home Base, it was an honor to be partners in service to the active duty, veterans and families who need the help. Our own Marine Veteran Jake McCaffrey (Peer Recovery Specialist at Home Base) is interviewed on his strong work in healing others through their recovery, while telling his own story.

                                                                                                          ____________________

Thank you, Secretary Carlos Del Toro, for your service, leadership and for truly caring for the more than 900,000 sailors, marines and civilians who are all part of the US Navy and Marine Corps. It was an honor to have you and your wife visit Home Base and returning the favor at the Pentagon was something we at Home Base will never forget - as you obviously place health and wellbeing at the highest priority. 

Thank you, Marine Veteran and Home Base Peer Recovery Specialist Jake McCaffrey, for your service, and for your candid conversation on life’s challenges and successes. The Home Base team is lucky to have you as someone who can help many others heal in similar struggles…

Special thanks to LT Gabrielle Dimaapi and Chief Shannon Renfroe from Office of the Sec of the Navy for your stewardship and hospitality, and for your ongoing service.

• The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is free and available 24/7. Calls are confidential, available to any person in suicidal crisis or emotional distress, and supports people calling for themselves or with concern for loved ones.  The Veterans Crisis Line connects Service members and Veterans in crisis, as well as family members or friends, with qualified VA responders through a confidential call, online chat, or text. Veterans can Dial 988 and Press 1 to talk, or text 838255 to connect with a VA responder. And remember, You can make a difference by learning warning signs and knowing the risk factors of suicide Learn more with American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, at www.afsp.org

This episode was recorded and edited by Chuck Clough, of Above The Basement Productions.

If you are your loved one is experiencing any emotional, mental health struggles, you are not alone and please contact Home Base at (617) 724-5202, or visit www.homebase.org.

To Donate to Home Base where every dollar goes to the care of veterans and military families that is cost to them, go to: www.homebase.org/donate.

• Theme music for Home Base Nation: "Rolling the Tree" by The Butler Frogs
• Follow Home Base on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn
• The Home Base Nation Team is Steve Monaco, Army Veteran Kelly Field, Justin Scheinert, Chuck Clough, with COO Michael Allard, Brigadier General Jack Hammond, and Peter Smyth.
• Producer and Host: Dr. Ron Hirschberg
  Assistant Producer, Editor: Chuck Clough
  Chairman, Home Base Media Lab: Peter Smyth

Home Base Nation is the official podcast of Home Base Program for Veterans and Military Families, a partnership of the Massachusetts General Hospital and the Red Sox Foundation. To learn more and connect with us at Home Base Nation: www.homebase.org/podcast

The views expressed by guests to the Home Base Nation podcast are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. Views and opinions expressed by guests are those of the guests and do not necessarily reflect the view of the Massachusetts General Hospital, Home Base, the Red Sox Foundation or any of its officials.

On this week’s Home Base Nation, host Dr. Ron Hirschberg interviews the interviewer at NPR Studios in New York City, with the award-winning correspondent and author, Quil Lawrence. Quil has been walking the walk with correspondence on war, government, culture and more for more than 25 years, down range during OIF and OEF, and NPR's Bureau Chief in both Baghdad and Kabul beginning in 2009. Since returning home in 2012, Quil covers veterans’ issues, in addition to national security, and climate for NPR News.

• This week, September 10-16 is National Suicide Prevention Week, and September is National Suicide Prevention & Awareness Month. Suicidal thoughts can affect anyone regardless of age, gender or background but there are certain groups of people who are at higher risk of suicide. Suicidal thoughts, although common should not be considered normal and often indicate a more serious issue. 
• The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is free and available 24/7. Calls are confidential, available to any person in suicidal crisis or emotional distress, and supports people calling for themselves or with concern for loved ones.  The Veterans Crisis Line connects Service members and Veterans in crisis, as well as family members or friends, with qualified VA responders through a confidential call, online chat, or text. Veterans can Dial 988 and Press 1 to talk, or text 838255 to connect with a VA responder. And remember, You can make a difference by learning warning signs and knowing the risk factors of suicide Learn more with American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, at www.afsp.org

Thank you Quil Lawrence for joining the conversation on serving our veterans and military families in your own way, on reporting and connecting with so many, and for making a difference in this space for more than 20 years. 

For more information and his Story Archives, you can simply go to NPR website and search for Quil. His latest report on September 1st is a timely piece Marking 2 years since the U.S. withdrew from Afghanistan, on all the efforts to an ongoing crisis of inability to evacuate Afghan allies, on the moral injury to our troops and the politics behind the issue. In addition to his work as a correspondent and journalist, Quil is the author of Invisible Nation: How the Kurds' Quest for Statehood is Shaping Iraq and the Middle East,and editor for Pictures on the Radio, a book of the late photographer David Gilkey's work for NPR News.

Thank you to colleague Colonel Dan Arkins, US Army, Retired - Director of Development at Home Base, who first introduced us to Quil Lawrence and his great work with veterans and much more.

This episode was recorded and edited by Chuck Clough, of Above The Basement Productions.

If you are your loved one is experiencing any emotional, mental health struggles, you are not alone and please contact Home Base at (617) 724-5202, or visit www.homebase.org.

To Donate to Home Base where every dollar goes to the care of veterans and military families that is cost to them, go to: www.homebase.org/donate.

• Theme music for Home Base Nation: "Rolling the Tree" by The Butler Frogs
• Follow Home Base on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn
• The Home Base Nation Team is Steve Monaco, Army Veteran Kelly Field, Justin Scheinert, Chuck Clough, with COO Michael Allard, Brigadier General Jack Hammond, and Peter Smyth.
• Producer and Host: Dr. Ron Hirschberg
  Assistant Producer, Editor: Chuck Clough
  Chairman, Home Base Media Lab: Peter Smyth

Home Base Nation is the official podcast of Home Base Program for Veterans and Military Families, a partnership of the Massachusetts General Hospital and the Red Sox Foundation. To learn more and connect with us at Home Base Nation: www.homebase.org/podcast

The views expressed by guests to the Home Base Nation podcast are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. Views and opinions expressed by guests are those of the guests and do not necessarily reflect the view of the Massachusetts General Hospital, Home Base, the Red Sox Foundation or any of its officials.

In Part II of this conversation, Ron and Garry talk about gaining the trust from military leadership during wartime, with the opportunity to visit Kuwait during the Gulf War after getting the call directly from the battlefield, and how just like visiting Walter Reed, these are chances to Get it Right in order to follow him or her from servicemember to veteran and from deployment to home. They discuss how he’s not really that guy who could ever really tell a joke, and where his humor seems to come from, about his love for putting on a show ever since he was a little kid, and how he shares the mission to support veterans with fellow cartoonist (among other things), Jake Tapper.

Thanks for tuning in to Home Base Nation with writer, cartoonist and longtime supporter of our veterans and military families, Garry Trudeau. 

Thank you Garry for your unwavering support of veterans and their families, and expertise in creating worlds that tell stories that make us think, feel, laugh, and smile. Make sure to pick up his series of four books on these journeys of recovery!

Home Base has a serendipitous connection with Garry and our mutual respect and connect to the incredible Fisher House. Proceeds from sales of the four books we discuss, which feature forewords by the late Senator and Veteran John McCain and General Richard B. Myers, former chairman of the joint chiefs of staff, benefit Fisher House providing temporary lodging for military families - currently at 92 homes across the country, with more expanding overseas. Home Base has partnered with Fisher House for many years and we are grateful every day for the ongoing support they provide our veterans, servicemembers and families, enabling them to visit and stay in Boston at our Center of Excellence.

This episode was recorded and edited by Chuck Clough, of Above The Basement Productions.

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If you are your loved one is experiencing any emotional, mental health struggles, you are not alone and please contact Home Base at (617) 724-5202, or visit www.homebase.org.

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Theme music for Home Base Nation: "Rolling the Tree" by The Butler Frogs

Follow Home Base on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn

The Home Base Nation Team is Steve Monaco, Army Veteran Kelly Field, Justin Scheinert, Chuck Clough, with COO Michael Allard, Brigadier General Jack Hammond, and Peter Smyth.

Producer and Host: Dr. Ron Hirschberg
Assistant Producer, Editor: Chuck Clough
Chairman, Home Base Media Lab: Peter Smyth

To Donate to Home Base where every dollar goes to the care of veterans and military families that is cost to them, go to: www.homebase.org/donate.

Home Base Nation is the official podcast of Home Base Program for Veterans and Military Families, a partnership of the Massachusetts General Hospital and the Red Sox Foundation. To learn more and connect with us at Home Base Nation: www.homebase.org/podcast

The views expressed by guests to the Home Base Nation podcast are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. Views and opinions expressed by guests are those of the guests and do not necessarily reflect the view of the Massachusetts General Hospital, Home Base, the Red Sox Foundation or any of its officials.

In Part I of this conversation, Dr. Ron Hirschberg talks with the Pulitzer Prize and Emmy winner, and Army’s Commander’s Award for Public Service honoree Garry Trudeau. Garry talks about learning that characters need to "known who they are" from his days working with MASH's Robert Altman, and tells us that not only did his dad and grandfather both serve, they were also both physicians. He talks about an eye-opening visit to Walter Reed Medical Center, with stories of injury and resilience that not only informed his storytelling, but have had lasting impacts on him for the long haul. As a big fan of author Sebastian Junger, he talks about that innate need for the tribe to survive, and of course explains a bit of his own creative process. 

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Thanks for tuning in to Home Base Nation with writer, cartoonist and longtime supporter of our veterans and military families, Garry Trudeau. 

Thank you Garry for your unwavering support of veterans and their families, and expertise in creating worlds that tell stories that make us think, feel, laugh, and smile. Make sure to pick up his series of four books on these journeys of recovery!

Home Base has a serendipitous connection with Garry and our mutual respect and connect to the incredible Fisher House. Proceeds from sales of the four books we discuss, which feature forewords by the late Senator and Veteran John McCain and General Richard B. Myers, former chairman of the joint chiefs of staff, benefit Fisher House providing temporary lodging for military families - currently at 92 homes across the country, with more expanding overseas. Home Base has partnered with Fisher House for many years and we are grateful every day for the ongoing support they provide our veterans, servicemembers and families, enabling them to visit and stay in Boston at our Center of Excellence.

This episode was recorded and edited by Chuck Clough, of Above The Basement Productions.

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If you are your loved one is experiencing any emotional, mental health struggles, you are not alone and please contact Home Base at (617) 724-5202, or visit www.homebase.org.

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Theme music for Home Base Nation: "Rolling the Tree" by The Butler Frogs

Follow Home Base on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn

The Home Base Nation Team is Steve Monaco, Army Veteran Kelly Field, Justin Scheinert, Chuck Clough, with COO Michael Allard, Brigadier General Jack Hammond, and Peter Smyth.

Producer and Host: Dr. Ron Hirschberg
Assistant Producer, Editor: Chuck Clough
Chairman, Home Base Media Lab: Peter Smyth

To Donate to Home Base where every dollar goes to the care of veterans and military families that is cost to them, go to: www.homebase.org/donate.

Home Base Nation is the official podcast of Home Base Program for Veterans and Military Families, a partnership of the Massachusetts General Hospital and the Red Sox Foundation. To learn more and connect with us at Home Base Nation: www.homebase.org/podcast

The views expressed by guests to the Home Base Nation podcast are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. Views and opinions expressed by guests are those of the guests and do not necessarily reflect the view of the Massachusetts General Hospital, Home Base, the Red Sox Foundation or any of its officials.