A podcast dedicated to sharing the powerful, often untold stories of America’s military veterans and Gold Star Families who continue to fight battles long after the uniform comes off. Each episode, we dive deep into the real and raw journeys of those struggling with Post-Traumatic Stress—and shine a light on the healing, hope, and help that’s possible.
In this episode of OHH – Feel the Heal, Jay Garstecki sits down with Jerry Shaffer, co-chairman and CEO of The Red Star Foundation. Jerry shares his journey from serving in the United States Marine Corps to leading a mission focused on supporting families of veterans and first responders lost to suicide. This powerful conversation sheds light on the impact of loss, the need for connection, and why no family should have to carry that burden alone.
8 Mar 2026
David Vargas - United States Air Force
Air Force and National Guard veteran David Vargas joins Jay for a conversation about service, transition, and the unseen battles many veterans face after the uniform comes off. David is President of Pinellas County Veterans Association.
1 Mar 2026
Larry Jackson - Ben Jackson Foundation
In this episode of Feel The Heal, Jay sits down with Navy veteran and Gold Star father Larry Jackson. Larry shares his own military journey, then opens up about the life and service of his son, Ben — an Air Force airman stationed in Japan who tragically passed away in an accident.
Larry reflects on Ben’s surprise visit home just weeks before his death, a moment that would later inspire the creation of the Ben Jackson Foundation. Born out of loss, the foundation now helps active-duty enlisted service members afford travel home to reconnect with family — something many can’t do simply because of cost.
The conversation centers on service, sacrifice, grief, and purpose — and how Ben’s legacy lives on through a mission that has already helped hundreds of young service members return home for weddings, final goodbyes, reunions, and moments that matter most.
It’s a powerful reminder that healing often begins with connection — and that even in tragedy, one life can continue to change countless others.
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
5 ratings
Host of Operation Healing Heroes?
Claim your podcast to manage its listing and keep your show details accurate.
Pod Engine is an independent podcast discovery and analytics service and is not affiliated with or endorsed by this podcast. Artwork and show content belong to their owners. Full legal notice.
Explore this show Podcast research with Pod Engine
