ËÄÉ«AV

Hosted by Gabe Kautzner, a combat veteran who is a Wounded Warrior Project-certified peer tutor, and produced by Nelson VanDenburgh ’19, "Voice of the Veteran" is a podcast that gives veterans a platform to share their experiences.

March 4, 2019

By Renee Chmiel, Office of Marketing and Communications

When Gabe Kautzner, a 20-year veteran of the United States Army, returned to civilian life, he says that he didn’t always know what services were available to veterans. Kautzner, an outreach specialist for veterans at New Haven Vet Center in Orange, Connecticut, began hosting "Voice of the Veteran" on WNHU to make sure that other veterans knew about the services, programs, and resources offered to them.

"It is especially helpful because listeners can contact the providers directly," said Kautzner, who was deployed to Iraq three times. "They don’t have to contact us. They can get services they need in private."

Nelson VanDenburgh ’19, a member of the Army National Guard who produces the podcast, says they want to reach as many veterans with diverse backgrounds as possible.

"This is a platform for everyone – not only veterans of the global war on terror, but also of the Vietnam and Korean Wars," said VanDenburgh, a communication major. "It is crucial that we reach the entire veteran community."

On the podcast, guests such as service providers and representatives from Veterans Affairs departments, join Kautzner to discuss a wide range of topics, including mental health, job opportunities, and housing needs. "Voice of the Veteran" has also presented information about new bills passed in Connecticut that impact veterans, where they can get their taxes done for free, and about job fairs that serve them.

"I think we’re actually making a difference, which is great. That’s the whole point of the show."Nelson VanDenburgh ’19

"I’m very devoted to this podcast because I feel that it connects with a lot of veterans," Kautzner said. "Being a veteran myself, I know that it’s really important."

. Kautzner and VanDenburgh are always looking for new guests to join them on the podcast, and for new ways to help veterans.

"There’s a strong veteran presence in this area," said VanDenburgh. "You feel like you’re in this hub of veteran activity, so that’s how this podcast was born. I think we’re actually making a difference, which is great. That’s the whole point of the show."