Veteran Transition Stories & STAR Program | Chris Elder & Yogi Hernandez on Mil2Vet

VET S.O.S. Presents: Military Transition Resource Show with Shawn Welsh and Keith Cassant

Welcome to Season Four of the VET S.O.S. Podcast! In this powerful episode, hosts Shawn Welsh and new co-host Keith Cassant are joined by Chris Elder and Yogi Hernandez, the co-hosts of the Mil2Vet podcast. Chris and Yogi share their unique and inspiring experiences of transitioning from military service to civilian life. They highlight the challenges and emotional toll that veterans face during their transitions, offering invaluable insights for others going through similar journeys.
Chris Elder’s Transition Story
Chris, a veteran and horse boarding facility manager, opens up about his medical retirement due to Meniere’s disease and the challenges he faced trying to secure medical care in Japan during the COVID-19 pandemic. He also discusses his transition from the military, how he navigated medical issues, and the importance of bringing resources to transitioning service members. His experience includes relocating to Washington State and spearheading efforts to bring educational programs and mentors to support veterans through the transition process.
Yogi Hernandez’s Transition Experience
Yogi, an active-duty Navy Chief Petty Officer, discusses his emotional and mental journey transitioning from Japan to San Diego. He opens up about the personal challenges he faced, including feelings of isolation and the lack of support he encountered after leaving his command role. Yogi emphasizes the importance of mentorship, the San Diego Veterans Coalition, and the critical role these resources played in helping him through his transition. Together with Chris, Yogi co-created the Mill2Vet podcast to help others who are going through similar transitions by sharing helpful resources and offering a sense of community.
The STAR Program and Advocacy for Better Support
In the latter part of the episode, Yogi and Chris introduce the STARR (Shore-Based Transition Assistance and Reintegration Readiness) program. This initiative was created in response to the difficulties they faced during their own transitions. Yogi explains how the STARR program aims to provide better guidance and support for veterans, especially those going through medical boards. They discuss the overwhelming amount of resources available to transitioning service members and the need for a more structured and less confusing process. Both Chris and Yogi stress the importance of advocating for change to ensure that veterans get the care and support they deserve.
🔗 Links Mentioned in the Episode:
Mill2Vet Podcast and Resources: https://mil2vet.com/
👉 If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more stories of inspiration, resources, and support for the veteran community. Join us for future episodes as we continue to bring awareness and resources to veterans in need!
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