May 31, 2013

Supporting Those Who Serve

Nearly two million Americans have served in military operations overseas in Iraq and Afghanistan and many more veterans live and work among us. For many veterans, the transition between military and community life can be difficult.

Veterans and military families are disproportionately affected by substance abuse, mental health issues, and family troubles. Tragic consequences like suicide, alcohol abuse and prescription drug overdose far too often plague our nation’s heroes. Community coalitions can be a key component to helping veterans in need.

During the hour-long program Supporting Those Who Serve, hear about the potential problems returning veterans face and what is available to help them. Learn how you can be part of the solution. We’ll travel to Philadelphia to see how CADCA’s VetCorps is making a difference.

Key Concepts:

  • Hear about the problems many returning veterans face
  • Learn about CADCA’s VetCorps program
  • Find out why members of the National Guard and Reserves face different challenges than their active-duty counterparts

Host:
Mary Elizabeth Elliott, Vice President, Communications, Membership, IT, CADCA

Content Providers:
Kareemah Abdullah, Director of the National Community Anti-Drug Coalition Institute, Vice President of Training Operations for Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America (CADCA)

Kareemah Abdullah is responsible for executive and strategic direction of the Institute with an emphasis on the development of coalitions serving economically disadvantaged areas throughout the United States, territories and tribal communities.

As the Vice President for Training Operations, Abdullah is the chief architect for CADCA’s youth programs, featuring the National Youth Leadership Initiative (NYLI), military services including CADCA’s VetCorps Program, as well as fee-for-service operations. Abdullah also served as the Vice President for Development accountable for CADCA’s strategic partnership and resource procurement.

For seven years, Abdullah was the Institute’s Deputy Director for Training and Technical Assistance. Prior to joining CADCA, Abdullah, served as Chief Executive Officer of Genesis Prevention Coalition, Inc., based in Atlanta, Georgia.

Rachel Brysacz, Air Force Veteran, CADCA VetCorps Member

Rachel Brysacz grew up in Northeast Ohio and while attending college at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, enrolled in the Air Force Reserve Officer Training Program (AFROTC). Brysacz was awarded the Commanders Leadership 3-year Scholarship, and after graduation with a BA in International Studies, earned a commission into the United States Air Force as a Second Lieutenant.

In the Air Force, Brysacz spent five months deployed to Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, working in the Combined Air Operations Center in the Air Mobility Division.

Since leaving the Air Force, Brysacz has been very active in the veteran community, volunteering as the CADCA VetCorps Prevention Coordinator in Wilmington, NC.

Brysacz is a nationally certified EMT, an avid equestrian and a self-proclaimed adrenaline-junkie. She is studying to earn a master’s degree in nursing with the goal of working as an Acute Care Flight Nurse.

Koby Langley, Senior Advisor for Wounded Warrior, Veteran and Military Family Initiatives at the Corporation for National and Community Service

Before serving as the Senior Advisor for Wounded Warrior, Veteran and Military Family Initiatives at the Corporation for National and Community Service, Koby Langley previously served at the Department of Defense where he was appointed to the Senior Executive Service and worked as the Special Assistant to the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Wounded Warrior Care and Transition Assistance Policy.

Having served in Kosovo and Iraq, Langley is a decorated officer, two-tour combat Veteran, and a recipient of the Bronze Star for Service.  He served as a JAG Attorney, supporting hundreds of federal litigation cases for the Justice Department, and the U.S. Army.

A graduate of Notre Dame University, Langley went on to earn his Juris Doctorate from the University of Colorado, Boulder and then attended the Judge Advocate General School at the University of Virginia. Langley also holds a MPA from Georgetown University and is a Harvard Law School Certified Mediator.

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