S.O.S. (Stories of Service) - Ordinary people who do extraordinary work
From the little league coach to the former addict helping those still struggling, hear from people from all walks of life how they show up as a vessel for service and drive for transformational change. Hosted by Theresa Carpenter, a 28-year active duty U.S. naval officer who found service was the path to unlocking trauma and unleashing your inner potential. All views are mine alone and not on behalf of any other entity.
S.O.S. (Stories of Service) - Ordinary people who do extraordinary work
From Service to Policy: How Veterans Are Shaping the Future | Jason Loughran - S.O.S. #188
What better people to shape policy than those who have made the ultimate sacrifice to serve their nation?
In this episode, we discuss the critical nature veterans can play within the political arena- think politics is not for you? You may change your mind after this episode!!!
Jason Loughran is a United States Navy veteran and a dedicated advocate for veterans’ rights. As the Senior Advisor of Intergovernmental Affairs at the New York City Department of Veterans’ Services, Jason plays a pivotal role in shaping policies and legislation that support veterans and their families.
Previously, as Assistant Commissioner of Community Services, he led initiatives expanding access to housing, mental health care, employment, entrepreneurship, and education for veterans. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he launched “Mission: VetCheck,” a groundbreaking program that connected over 30,000 veteran households with wellness calls and critical resources—earning national recognition from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
Beyond his work in city government, Jason is a national leader in veterans’ advocacy. As Chairman of America First Veterans (A1 Vets) and Co-Founder of the Veterans’ Caucus within the New York Young Republican Club, he champions veteran representation in politics and policy-making. He also spearheaded the “Voices of Valor” campaign, mobilizing hundreds of veterans and their families to engage in the democratic process.
Jason’s military service includes a deployment to Afghanistan in 2010 as part of Operation Enduring Freedom, where his unit earned a Presidential Unit Citation for their heroic efforts. His impact has been widely recognized, earning him accolades such as the 2019 Baruch College Leadership in Public Service Award, the 2021 Irish Echo Community Champion Award, and City & State’s 2023 NYC 40 Under 40 list.
Join us as Jason shares his journey from military service to veteran advocacy, the challenges veterans face today, and his mission to ensure those who served receive the support they deserve.
More on America 🇺🇸 First Veterans: https://www.americafirstvets.org/
Visit my website: https://thehello.llc/THERESACARPENTER
Read my writings on my blog: https://www.theresatapestries.com/
Listen to other episodes on my podcast: https://storiesofservice.buzzsprout.com
Watch episodes of my podcast:
https://www.youtube.com/c/TheresaCarpenter76