Neil O’Connell, Executive Director of the Mt. Soledad National Veterans Memorial, discusses the recent completion of the Phase III new wall construction; the site enhancement project; and its growing presence in the community. O’Connell is joined by Becky Evleth, Special Events Manager, to talk about the Veteran Honor Ceremonies; its Evening Company Social Events; and Corporate Volunteer Clean Up program.

Major General Alfred Flowers, Board Chair of Reach Resilience, discusses the mission of the organization; the national crisis of suicide among veterans; and the “Face the Fight” initiative to reduce veteran suicides by 50% by 2030. The Major General chats about ways the public can support this important mission.

Dave Robbins, Advisory Board Vice Chair for the Salvation Army’s Adult Rehabilitation Center (ARC), is joined by colleagues Bridget Potterton, an ARC Advisory Council Member, and Norman Mackenzie, the organization’s Community Engagement Coordinator, to talk about ARCs 120-bed facility for men and 10-bed facility for women. The three share their personal ARC experiences, as well as the programs and services of the ARC.

Agnes Barrelet, Founder and Executive Director of the San Diego Animal Sanctuary and Farm, is joined by Travis Neil, Head Animal Keeper at the Sanctuary, to describe the animals who reside at the sanctuary; its community outreach; and foods produced at the farm. Accompanying Barrelet and Neil are “Beardy” a bearded dragon lizard and two baby Sulcata tortoises

Cheryl Kilmer, Founder and CEO of TERI, Inc., and Dan DeSaegher, Chief Development Officer for the the nationally recognized organization, chat about TERI’s 40-plus years of championing inclusivity for those with special needs; its Campus of Life; and its myriad programs and services.

Dr. Gary Weitzman, President & CEO of the San Diego Humane Society, discusses the over capacity of animals in its care, hitting an all time high of 2,584 animals on July 7. To combat this overwhelming situation, SDHS is offering a free “Clear the Shelters Day” on Saturday, August 26. Weitzman talks about its Summer to Save Lives program and heat safety for animals during the hot summer months.

Kristin Fogle. Executive Director of San Diego Writers, Ink, discusses the organization’s mission to promote literature; provide artistic development for writers at all levels; and facilitating artistic collaboration. Fogle talks about their 17th Anthology – “A Year in Ink” – now open for submissions. She chats about their upcoming poetry certificate; “drop in” writing programs; and “First Friday’s” at Liberty Station.

Jonathan Mosier, President of the Downtown San Diego Lions Club, talks about the Club’s more than a century of giving back in the areas of vision and hearing impaired; affordable senior/disabled housing options; and youth-serving programs.

Allie Sarnataro, Executive Director of Ride Above Disability Therapeutic Riding Center (RAD), is joined by RAD volunteer and Board Secretary, Lisa Jacobsen, and student rider Michael Dendel, to shout out the priceless benefits of RAD for special needs individuals. Dendel chats about his favorite horses, while Sarnataro and Jacobs discuss the need for volunteers and fundraising.