GenVets, Inc.

05/13/2026

Sometimes the smallest shift in perspective changes everything.

***dePrevention

01/19/2026

GenVets, Inc. needs 40 people to donate $25 to help end veteran su***de & and prioritize Post-Traumatic GROWTH for the military and veteran communities. I don't ask often. So please think about it.

Normally, I would be out on the corner selling lemonade...Forgive me, at my advanced age, with these winter temps.. my skin is too delicate... I am relying instead on Facebook's network, which I rarely do.

I’ll be in Tampa on February 28, 2026, attending the Red Star Foundation Gala in support of veteran mental health and su***de prevention—and I wanted to share why this night matters SO MUCH to the work I’m doing.

Through GenVets, Inc., I’m building a national initiative focused on next-generation, family-centered care for military & veteran communities. More on this to come--but, briefly, I plan to make multi-modality alternative mental health treatments and programming available ALL in ONE location for warriors, their children and families (for example: equine therapy, art, music & dance therapies, fly-fishing, narrative story-telling therapy and programming utilizing nature, music and art; farming and gardening with reciprocal benefits to state and local food banks/soup kitchens/shelters/farm to table establishments; yoga; and a multitude of other cutting edge techniques and evolving methods for Post-Traumatic GROWTH). If one thing doesn't work...there is something else to try. If a parent is there for narrative story-telling, a family member may be interested in equine therapy.

We need to meet our communities where they are ... on their time and at their pace... I want to give them THEIR SPACE.

GenVETS, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, is raising funds to sponsor tables at the Gala so we can bring together national leaders, clinicians, and partners for intentional conversation & collaboration around that vision.

They are ready to come. They are ready for the challenge.

I’ll be there to help convene and steward those discussions.
The ask is not about attendance—it’s about supporting GenVETS’s ability to create the space for this work to move forward.

If you’re able to support GenVETS financially TOWARD table sponsorship, thank you.

That support directly enables the conversations and connections that make this possible.

Details to DONATE are in the flyer below or click: https://givebutter.com/HAUSss

Grateful, always.

08/02/2025

I meant to share this post on Scott's actual birthday, Wednesday, July 30, 2025 — but time & life's distractions pulled me away before I made it to Facebook that night. I don't think a couple days matters much. My guess is that if he were still here with us--Scott would still be celebrating this weekend anyway...
It would have been SCPO Scott C. Dayton’s 51st birthday.
He was KIA in Syria on Thanksgiving Day, 11.24.16—leaving behind a wife and 2 kids. He was wickedly funny, fiercely loyal, and profoundly proud—proud to be an American & proud to protect what it means to be one.
His best friends celebrated him today through annual traditions that I suspect I’m not entirely privy to. As one of just 3 women on the Board of the Scott Dayton Legacy Scholarship, I’m fairly certain there’s a level of “behind-the-scenes” reverence that remains just between the brothers. Many of them are active duty or veterans—and their combined service spans all branches. Add to that the unique bond of Potomac Senior High School in Woodbridge, VA, and, well… let’s just say not all traditions are meant for LinkedIn. (Though I’m proud to be affiliated with every one of them—on and off LinkedIn.)
For me, my personal celebration of Scott began yesterday with a surprise letter from the IRS.
To my complete shock, the Scott Dayton Legacy Scholarship Foundation has officially been recognized as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization. This has been in the works since I founded it in October ‘22, though we awarded our first two $1,500 scholarships back in May 2024.
But here’s the thing—I hadn’t filed the IRS paperwork yet. I meant to. It weighed on me every day. It caused stress and anxiety. And still, the letter showed up—approved, official.
What I found out is that my Board—Scott’s best friends, our team—had quietly stepped in and done it for me.
No fanfare. No demand for recognition. They simply got it done.
In a time when “teamwork” can often feel performative or transactional, this was something else. They saw I was struggling, personally and professionally. They didn’t wait for me to ask. They didn’t wait for me to fall. They acted—without asking for credit or waiting for thanks. And that letter arrived in my mailbox the day before Scott’s birthday.
For those who know me, you already know what happened next: yes, I cried.
Scott’s death has become the inspiration for so much of what I’ve done and will continue to do. But it is his LIFE …these people—his people—their lives, their loyalty, their quiet strength—they inspire me every single day.
Today I celebrate his birth, knowing the rest of my life I will work to honor Scott’s memory—and the legacies of all his brothers and sisters who continue serve, have served, or made the ultimate sacrifice. And their families. Because families matter—those by blood or those forged in blood and with tears. No one gets that more than the military community.
If he could see the difference he’s made & the lives he’s touched—maybe 51-year old Scott would’ve enjoyed a toast.
I don’t make enough to post bail for the “old school” stuff …Not that anyone could ever CATCH him. Just ask our old Principal...

07/28/2025

“Let the Games begin” was an understatement.

Opening night of the 2025 in Colorado Springs did not disappoint. It was electric—patriotic, powerful, and deeply moving.

From the moment The United States Air Force Band struck its first note, the crowd knew this was more than a sporting event. This was a celebration of resilience, aptly themed “Limitless.”

Jon Stewart brought both humor and reverence as emcee—a reminder that storytelling still heals. U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Doug Collins and Ken Fisher Chairman & CEO of the Fisher House Foundation delivered remarks that honored not just the athletes, but their families, caregivers, and the unwavering support systems that got them here.

But the real stars of the night? The athletes: Proud, powerful, and united across service. Unforgettable.

Over these first couple of days, I’ve watched competition, had the privilege of volunteering at the Family Program Center, serving the families and caregivers of these remarkable competitors. These are the unsung heroes—packing coolers, cheering from the sidelines, managing medications, calming nerves, and anchoring their loved ones with quiet strength.

Whether I’ve been answering questions, restocking supplies, filing papers or, like today—getting beaten “Fair ‘n Square” in Jenga/Connect4 by tiny hero humans, it’s been an honor to serve those who serve behind the scenes.

was founded to support Veterans and military families through continued service, advocacy, and storytelling. This week, I’m grateful to live out that mission here on the ground.

More to come as the Games continue—next stop: volleyball, track & field, and wherever else I’m needed as I continue to witness what recovery, resilience, and service—without limits—truly look like. 🇺🇸

07/28/2025

“Let the Games begin” was an understatement.

Opening night of the 2025 in Colorado Springs did not disappoint. It was electric—patriotic, powerful, and deeply moving.

From the moment The United States Air Force Band struck its first note, the crowd knew this was more than a sporting event. This was a celebration of resilience, aptly themed “Limitless.”

Jon Stewart brought both humor and reverence as emcee—a reminder that storytelling still heals. U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Doug Collins and Ken Fisher Chairman & CEO of the Fisher House Foundation delivered remarks that honored not just the athletes, but their families, caregivers, and the unwavering support systems that got them here.

But the real stars of the night? The athletes: Proud, powerful, and united across service. Unforgettable.

Over these first couple of days, I’ve watched competition, had the privilege of volunteering at the Family Program Center, serving the families and caregivers of these remarkable competitors. These are the unsung heroes—packing coolers, cheering from the sidelines, managing medications, calming nerves, and anchoring their loved ones with quiet strength.

Whether I’ve been answering questions, restocking supplies, filing papers or, like today—getting beaten “Fair ‘n Square” in Jenga/Connect4 by tiny hero humans, it’s been an honor to serve those who serve behind the scenes.

was founded to support Veterans and military families through continued service, advocacy, and storytelling. This week, I’m grateful to live out that mission here on the ground.

More to come as the Games continue—next stop: volleyball, track & field, and wherever else I’m needed as I continue to witness what recovery, resilience, and service—without limits—truly look like. 🇺🇸

07/25/2025

🎙️ New Episode | VET’ed. with Jen M. Wagman
Ep. 9: From War Stories to Healing Songs – A Conversation with Kris Searles
📍 Recorded at the VTTV Resource Fair | National Museum of Military Vehicles, DuBois, WY

In this powerful episode, I sit down with Kris Searles—U.S. Army combat veteran, VTTV peer coach, father, and founder of Overwatch 6—who shares his deeply personal journey from the battlefield to breakthrough.

🎵 How can lyrics unlock healing when words fail?
🎤 Why does peer coaching hit differently when it’s veteran-led?
🫂 And what does it take to truly show up—for yourself and others?

Kris opens up about the moments that changed his path, the tools that transformed his healing, and the sacred space VTTV creates for Veterans and their families to reclaim their stories.

▶️ Watch now on YouTube: https://youtu.be/POijsV2ob_A
Or listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, iHeartRadio & more.


***dePrevention

In this moving conversation from the VTTV Resource Fair at the National Museum of Military Vehicles in DuBois, Wyoming, host Jen M. Wagman sits down with Kri...

07/14/2025

Happy Birthday, LCpl Chance Phelps, USMC (KIA, April 9, 2004).

He should've turned 41 today. Instead, we remember LCpl Chance Phelps, USMC--KIA at just 19 years old on April 9, 2004, during a convoy es**rt near Ar Ramadi, Iraq. He wasn't scheduled to go out that day. He volunteered. That's the kind of Marine he was. And to me, that choice says every...

07/01/2025

https://chng.it/F2KYKJSK2y

Stop VA's false narrative that dual service by married veterans is "double dipping" NOW

07/01/2025

🎙 NEW EPISODE – VET’ed. with Jen M. Wagman Podcast |
Ep. 8: Dr. Kent A. Corso on Peer Coaching, Su***de Prevention & Community-Led Change

After a short break, the VET'ed. Podcast returns with a compelling new episode. I sat down with Dr. Corso—behavioral health expert, clinical psychologist, su***deologist, and core partner in the Veterans Talking To Veterans (VTTV) initiative.

📍 Recorded live at the National Museum of Military Vehicles during Memorial Day Weekend in DuBois, Wyoming, this episode launches a special on-site series from the Resource Fair & Coaches’ Graduation Ceremony.

🔎 Dr. Corso shares the mission behind VTTV’s trauma-informed coaching model—now active in 12 communities & supported by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. This peer-led initiative offers Veterans and their families immediate support when traditional mental health care access is limited or delayed.

💬 Topics we cover:

🔹 Why coaching ≠ therapy—and why that distinction matters
🔹 How peer coaching is already saving lives
🔹 The biggest behavioral health challenges facing today's Veterans
🔹 What sustainable change looks like—from the inside out

🧠 As we mark PTSD Awareness Day, this conversation is a call to action. It’s for every clinician, Veteran, advocate, policymaker, and ally who believes we must build systems of care that work from within—rooted in trust, empathy, and lived experience.

🎧 Listen now—available on all major podcast platforms.

🔔 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share to support the mission.

"Su***de is behavior—and behavior is shaped by culture." In this powerful clip from the VET’ed Podcast, Dr. Kent Corso breaks down why su***de prevention eff...

12/21/2024

sponsored 50 backpacks this year for LINDAS LEGACY FOUNDATION INC’s annual Christmas Eve tradition where backpacks filled with winter essentials, clothing & some holiday cheer are delivered to the homeless in Baltimore. GenVETS will deliver to homeless on Christmas Eve morning.

Yesterday was Operation Backpack Packing at School of the Incarnation (“SOTI”) in Gambrills, MD where pre-K thru 8th grade students, teachers and volunteers worked all morning to fill 1,000 backpacks families & GenVETS sponsored!!! The truck was loaded by 11 am & on its way to the Baltimore staging area where the holiday magic will happen next week!

SOTI 4th Grade teacher, Sandi Dlugonski (pictured below, in her 33rd year of teaching!) has been leading this campaign of love for over a decade.

John Sly Rachel Nadjarian, MBA Beth Beacham White Mike Bowers Jeanette Middleton-Sudano Andrew Wonpat James Fischl Nancy Baker Jamie Rudert Glenda Smith