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Ben is a US Army Veteran who served a one year tour in Afghanistan. Ben's unit was scheduled to return home on June 28th, 2012. On the day before, June 27th, his best friend, Sgt James Skalberg, was killed by an IED Explosion. After coming home, Ben struggled with symptoms of PTSD. After the urging of his wife to get some help, he was able to overcome his diagnosis. A few years later, Ben became a career Firefighter and works in a very busy area of the city.
We talk about military service, public service and the importance of seeking help if you think you need it.

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Craig is an US Army Ranger Veteran who is passionate about helping other veterans. Last December he participated in the Worlds Toughest Row. A 3,000 mile rowing race across the Atlantic with three other Army Rangers to raise awareness about Veterans Mental Health. Craig is also a fellow Save A Warrior Alum. We attended the same cohort in October of 2021. We talk about what Save A Warrior did for us and Craig also talks about his experience with the Heroic Hearts Project and his plan to become a Soma Breath Certified Instructor to help Veterans!

More information about Save A Warrior:
https://saveawarrior.org/

Worlds Toughest Row Team: Fight Oar Die
https://www.usvetrow.org/

Heroic Hearts Project:
https://heroicheartsproject.org/

Information about Soma Breath:
https://www.somabreath.com/

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Todays episode features Joseph Bonanno.
Joe Bonanno is a 21 year veteran firefighter with the New York City Fire Department and served in Engine 319, Ladder 129 and Ladder 152. Joe’s father was a 34 year FDNY veteran firefighter in Engine 88 and Engine 306 as well as his brother Michael, also a firefighter in Engine 315, Engine 216 and Ladder 7.
While serving as a firefighter, Joe became certified as a fitness trainer and nutritionist with certifications from New York University, The American Council on Exercise, The Aerobics and Fitness Association of America and The International Sports Medicine Association.
Joseph started preparing healtier meals at the firehouse for his crew and in 1995, he published his first cookbook, The Healthy Firehouse Cookbook. Joseph also entered and won may firehouse cooking contests which led to appearances on "Live with Regis", The Martha Stewart Show, The Today Show, Good Morning America and many others.
Josephs was with the crew of FDNY Ladder 3 filming a local news spot the morning of 9/11. Later that morning, all 12 crew members would be killed in the collapse of the towers. Joseph and his brother, Michael who was also an FDNY Firefighter spent the following days at ground zero helping to search for any survivors and recover their lost brothers. Sadly, Josephs brother Michael committed suicide in 2012.
Joseph now works to help firefighters who may be struggling with mental health problems by partnering with the Firefighters Behavioral Health Alliance to bring an end to Firefighter Suicide.

Check out the American Firehouse Cuisine Website Here!
https://americanfirehousecuisine.com/

The American Firehouse Cuisine YouTube Show!
https://www.youtube.com/@americanfirehousecuisine

For information about the Firefighters Behavioral Health Alliance:
https://www.ffbha.org/

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