All Stories Matter - Toni Kennedy, a veteran for all veterans

Updated 8 days ago

In this compelling episode of 'All Stories Matter,' host Marvinetta Woodley Penn delves into the inspiring story of Toni Kennedy. Toni shares her journey from growing up in Kalamazoo, joining the military, and eventually founding Veteran First, an organization dedicated to helping veterans connect with vital resources. This episode highlights the challenges and triumphs of veterans and the importance of community support. Marvin and Toni discuss the significance of storytelling and how every person's narrative contributes to the broader human experience. Tune in for an episode filled with heartfelt stories, valuable insights, and a call to action for supporting veterans in need.

Chapters

Introduction and Host Announcement (00:00:16)
The host, Marvinetta Woodley Penn, welcomes the audience to the show 'All Stories Matter' and introduces herself.

Marvinetta Woodley Penn, the host, greets the audience with a warm welcome in various time zones and platforms. She introduces the show 'All Stories Matter' and herself as the host.
Season Announcement and Cliffhanger (00:00:35)
Marvinetta teases a surprise for the next season starting in January, leaving the audience with a cliffhanger.

Marvinetta announces that she will be back in January for a new season and hints at a surprise for the audience, creating a sense of anticipation with the mention of a cliffhanger.
The Importance of Stories (00:01:00)
The host emphasizes the significance of personal stories and how everyone has a unique story worth sharing.

Marvinetta discusses the importance of stories, whether they are personal, organizational, or family stories, and how they matter. She believes everyone has a story and encourages people to recognize the uniqueness of their own experiences.
Introducing Guest Toni Kennedy (00:01:36)
Marvinetta introduces her guest, Toni Kennedy, a Rotarian from the Kalamazoo Rotary Club, known for her engaging personality.

Marvinetta expresses her excitement about having Toni Kennedy on the show. She met Toni at the Rotary Club and was impressed by her strong and engaging personality. Toni is finally on the podcast after Marvinetta's efforts to have her share her story.
Support for Public Media (00:03:08)
The host urges audience support for Public Media Network due to funding cuts, highlighting its role in open storytelling.

Marvinetta talks about the importance of supporting Public Media Network, especially during the giving season, due to government funding cuts. She highlights the network's mission to provide access and a voice for everyone through storytelling.
Toni Kennedy's Background and Military Service (00:04:30)
Toni shares her background, growing up in the Bronx, joining the military, and the influences that led her to serve.

Toni Kennedy shares her story, starting with her childhood in the Bronx. Influenced by her military family, she decided to join the military to explore new opportunities and break away from the routine life in New York.
Military Experience and Challenges (00:10:03)
Toni describes the regimented life in the military and the challenges faced, including memorable training experiences.

Toni talks about her military life, the disciplined environment, and teamwork. She recounts a memorable experience of digging foxholes, highlighting the importance of paying attention and the camaraderie among fellow soldiers.
Roles and Skills in the Military (00:13:02)
Toni discusses her role in orthopedics, the skills she learned, and her interactions with other military branches.

Toni explains her role in orthopedics and the self-sufficiency taught in the military. She shares experiences of working with Marines at Quantico and the skills she acquired, such as casting and basic nursing.
Travel and Overseas Experience (00:18:23)
Toni recounts her deployment to Sinai, Egypt, as part of a multinational force, and the cultural exchanges experienced.

During her military service, Toni was deployed to Sinai, Egypt, as part of a multinational force. She describes the cultural interactions with contingents from various countries and the opportunity to travel and experience different cultures.
Transition to Civilian Life (00:23:06)
Toni discusses the difficulties of transitioning to civilian life and finding work despite her military experience.

After leaving the military, Toni faced challenges in transitioning to civilian life. Despite her skills, she struggled to find work due to a lack of certifications and the absence of transition programs at that time. She shares her feelings of being lost and the difficulties in adapting to civilian life.
Introduction and Personal Transition (00:29:43)
The speaker discusses their transition from the military to civilian life, highlighting the lack of support and the challenges faced during this period.

The speaker recounts their transition from military service to civilian life, emphasizing the absence of proper guidance or support from the community at the time. They describe feeling isolated and without resources, lacking a job or a clear path forward.
Struggles and Negative Influences (00:30:19)
Facing challenges after military service, the speaker describes meeting negative influences, including domestic violence situations, and the cultural pressures to keep issues private.

The speaker reflects on the difficulties encountered after leaving the military, including the influence of negative relationships and domestic violence. They discuss cultural expectations within the Hispanic community to keep personal struggles private, which compounded their isolation.
Move to Michigan and Continued Challenges (00:31:00)
The speaker moves to Michigan, hoping for a fresh start, but continues to face domestic violence and isolation despite having some friends in the area.

Hoping to improve their situation, the speaker relocates to Michigan, where they have friends from their military service. However, they continue to face challenges, including an abusive relationship and a lack of familial support, as their family remains in New York.
Escaping Domestic Violence (00:32:19)
The speaker eventually escapes an abusive relationship, finding relief when their partner leaves them for someone else, allowing them to move forward.

The speaker describes the turning point in their life when they finally leave an abusive relationship. Their partner moves on, which provides the speaker with the opportunity to rebuild their life without fear, marking a significant positive change.
Community Involvement and Building a New Life (00:33:37)
Involved in community efforts, the speaker works on block watches and other initiatives, finding a sense of purpose and connection.

The speaker becomes actively involved in community building, working with figures like Tammy Taylor and participating in initiatives such as block watches. This involvement provides them with a renewed sense of purpose and belonging in their new environment.
Founding Veterans First (00:35:00)
Inspired by personal experience, the speaker founds Veterans First to support veterans, focusing on community connection and crisis prevention.

Drawing from their own difficulties transitioning from military to civilian life, the speaker establishes Veterans First, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping veterans connect with necessary resources, preventing crises, and fostering community support.
Event Planning and Support Initiatives (00:38:55)
Veterans First organizes events to connect veterans with services, including an upcoming fair with VA participation and community support.

Veterans First is planning a veterans fair at Mount Zion Church, bringing VA representatives to assist with enrollment and provide other resources. The event aims to connect veterans with the services they need, supported by community organizations and volunteers.
Challenges and Outreach to Unconnected Veterans (00:41:00)
Focusing on outreach, the speaker discusses the high number of unconnected veterans and the importance of reaching them through community partnerships.

The speaker highlights the issue of veterans who are not connected to VA services, particularly in specific areas. They emphasize the need for community outreach and partnerships to identify and assist these individuals in accessing the benefits they deserve.
Recognizing Women's Contributions and Services (00:45:00)
The speaker discusses the lack of recognition for female veterans and the initiatives aimed at addressing their specific needs and contributions.

Addressing the unique challenges faced by female veterans, the speaker talks about efforts to recognize their contributions and provide targeted services. Initiatives include women's groups, support for military families, and educational opportunities to empower women who have served.
Importance of Community Support and Future Plans (00:50:00)
The discussion emphasizes community involvement in supporting veterans and outlines future plans for expanding services and recognition events.

The speaker underscores the vital role of community support in assisting veterans, detailing plans for future events and collaborations to enhance service delivery. They invite community members to participate in efforts to support veterans through various means, including donations and volunteering.
Conclusion and Call to Action (00:55:00)
Concluding with a call to action, the speaker encourages community involvement and outlines ways to support veterans through upcoming events and initiatives.

Wrapping up the discussion, the speaker calls on the community to get involved by attending events, spreading awareness, and supporting Veterans First's mission. They emphasize the importance of recognizing and addressing the needs of veterans to ensure they receive the support they have earned.
Early Communication (00:59:09)
Discussion on the importance of getting information out early for flexible usage.

The speaker emphasizes the need to distribute information early so that recipients can utilize it as they see fit.
Contact Information (00:59:22)
Providing contact details for urgent and non-urgent communication.

The speaker shares their phone number and explains their response time for urgent and non-urgent matters, noting that urgent calls are answered quickly, but weekend inquiries may wait until Monday.
Encouragement to Reach Out (01:00:16)
Encouraging veterans to reach out for any reason, including just for a chat.

The speaker encourages veterans to contact them for any reason, including simply having a cup of coffee and a chat, ensuring there are no limitations on the reasons for reaching out.
Closing and Appreciation (01:00:32)
Closing remarks with gratitude and a call to spread the message widely.

The speaker concludes the session by expressing gratitude to the audience for tuning in and encourages them to spread the information widely, followed by a final thank you and farewell.