Veteran mental health is a conversation we can’t afford to ignore. Melissa Kithas shares how community, connection, and animals can support veterans and families.
September is National Suicide Prevention Month, but this is a conversation we need to have all year long.
In this episode of the Visibly Fit Podcast, I sit down with Melissa Kithas, Executive Director of the Airpower Foundation, to talk about the mental health challenges many veterans and their families face after service.
Melissa shares how the Airpower Foundation is working to support military members, veterans, and their families through mental health initiatives, community gatherings, counseling opportunities, equine therapy, service dogs, and other programs.
One part of our conversation that really stood out to me was the role animals can play in that process.
If you care about veteran mental health, suicide prevention, holistic approaches to healing, or supporting military families, I think this conversation will give you a lot to think about.
Watch the full episode, share it with someone who needs to hear it, and consider how you can become a source of hope for someone else.
Chapters:
[00:00] Podcast Preview
[01:25] Topic and Guest Introduction
[03:20] Meet Melissa Kithas
[04:20] Melissa’s Calling to Serve Veterans
[06:27] What the Airpower Foundation Does
[09:15] Veteran Mental Health & Family Support
[11:14] How Horses Can Support Healing
[14:54] How Service Dogs Support Veterans
[17:38] The Journey of Training a Service Dog
[19:30] Matching Service Dogs With Veterans
[21:26] A Story of Hope, Service & Resilience
[25:16] Why We Must Talk About Suicide Prevention
[26:42] Walking for Veteran Mental Health
[29:02] Melissa’s Faith & Calling to Serve
[31:15] A Message of Hope for Veterans & Families
Resources mentioned:
• Airpower Foundation:
- Website: airpowerfoundation.org
- Facebook: @AirpowerFoundation
- Instagram: @airpower_foundation
- YouTube: @airpowerfoundation5170
Connect with today’s guest:
Melissa Kithas is a nonprofit executive and community leader with more than 25 years of experience in business development and mission-driven initiatives. She serves as the Executive Director of the Airpower Foundation, where she leads programs supporting military service members, veterans, and their families.
Melissa is passionate about veteran mental health, suicide prevention, and creating meaningful connections within military communities. Her work includes initiatives involving mental health support, service dogs, equine therapy, workforce development, and community partnerships.
Through the Airpower Foundation, Melissa works to honor the sacrifices of military service members while helping veterans and their families find connection, support, and hope.
P.S. If you're just checking out the show to see if it's a good fit for you, welcome!
If you're really serious about becoming Visibly Fit, you'll get the best experience if you download the worksheets available at https://wendiepett.com/visiblyfitpodcast.
