Interviews - Obama Presidency Oral History

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Interviews Timeline Map
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    Testifying before the Senate Armed Services Committee as a subject-matter expert on women veterans BriGette McCoy
    04:30
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    Veteran insights on health of the force and veteran's organizations meetings Chuck Hagel
    02:50
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    Addressing the needs of a changing veteran population and modernizing VA services David Shulkin
    07:41
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    President Obama's expectations for VA reform and the high-performance organization model Robert McDonald
    03:39
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    Reflections on the significance of the Joining Forces initiative and the role of the First Lady Denis McDonough
    04:50
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    Influence of military health concerns on current role as Secretary of Veterans Affairs Denis McDonough
    03:38
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    Differences in VA leadership selection process between 2010 and 2014 David Shulkin
    02:14
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    Reflections on serving in the Obama and Trump administrations David Shulkin
    03:05
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    Desire to make a difference through service and improving lives from military to CEO of Proctor & Gamble Robert McDonald
    02:49
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    Morale and culture at the VA during the tenure of the undersecretary David Shulkin
    03:25
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    Reflections on President Obama's leadership and personal approach with service members Chelsea and Jeremy Haynes
    02:52
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    Bipartisan support and strategy for transforming the VA with congressional collaboration Robert McDonald
    03:40
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    Federal efforts to address homeless veterans during the Obama administration Diane Johnson
    02:07
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    Vice President Biden's respect for American service members and personal connection to the military Shailagh Murray
    06:35
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    Michelle Obama's engagement with military personnel and focus on mental health Melissa Winter
    02:30
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    Evolution of mental health support for drone program operators in the Air Force Heather Linebaugh
    05:47
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    Michelle Obama's realization of military spouses' challenges leading to Joining Forces initiative Katie McCormick Lelyveld
    03:23
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    Progress in reducing homelessness at HUD and the Mayors Challenge to End Veteran Homelessness Shaun Donovan
    01:25
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    Addressing racial disparities in military leadership and the importance of diversity Earl Smith
    03:52
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    Involvement in the development of Joining Forces and its strategic planning Tina Tchen
    02:11
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    Reflections on leaving the Defense Department and becoming Secretary of Defense Ash Carter
    01:24
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    Speechwriting for the Mayors Challenge to End Veteran Homelessness event Tyler Lechtenberg
    04:48
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    Challenges in writing speeches for Memorial Day and commencements Sarada Peri
    02:31
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    Challenges of reporting on VA healthcare system issues and political dynamics Rob Nabors
    07:40
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    Addressing biases and management issues in FEMA's hiring process Craig Fugate
    04:58
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    Leadership challenges and decision-making at the Veterans Health Administration David Shulkin
    02:20
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    Addressing military sexual assault and avoiding undue command influence Tina Tchen
    03:03
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    Improving VA's electronic medical records and decision-making as secretary David Shulkin
    04:06
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    Assessment of the Obama administration's efforts on veteran issues and the need for women veteran programs Ginger Miller
    04:37
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    Reflections on the challenges and impact of advocating for women veterans Ginger Miller
    01:02
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    Veteran's reflections on potential Agent Orange exposure and grandchild's health Earl Smith
    02:40
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    Efforts to reform state licensing requirements for military spouses Sarah Hurwitz
    01:55
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    Navigating the controversy over granting full-practice authority to nurses at the VA David Shulkin
    05:20
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    Advocacy for military families' health and wellness within the Obama administration Jocelyn Frye
    05:08
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    Convincing her mother to sign enlistment papers and overcoming opposition to join the military BriGette McCoy
    04:05
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    Coordination of veteran homelessness initiatives across federal agencies and local governments Matthew Doherty
    05:31
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    Interactions with military agencies regarding a report on domestic terrorism threats Daryl Johnson
    03:14
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    Reflections on working with President Obama and contributions to the Pentagon Robert Gates
    03:28
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    Reflections on Joining Forces and the impact of the Obama administration on veterans and military spouses Ginger Miller
    06:24
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    Description and personal significance of Vietnam War combat patches Earl Smith
    03:13
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    Securing a White House meeting to discuss women veterans' issues with Women Veterans Interactive Ginger Miller
    03:38
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    Visiting the White House as a wounded warrior and meeting President Obama Chelsea and Jeremy Haynes
    01:28
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    Assessing the potential for implementing change in a new position David Shulkin
    01:19
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    Societal recognition and gratitude for military and frontline workers compared to Vietnam era Earl Smith
    02:39
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    Decision to donate brain for CTE research and meeting with Ann McKee Robert McDonald
    02:41
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    Reflections on sharing experiences of military sexual trauma during testimony BriGette McCoy
    06:48
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    Accomplishments and policies focused on during the final months at the Defense Department Chuck Hagel
    05:06
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    Establishment of comprehensive support facilities for Special Operations families William McRaven
    02:36
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    Diplomatic efforts in Afghanistan and the influence of past war experiences on policy decisions John Kerry
    05:49
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    Reflections on being honored by the President of Afghanistan and the Defense Secretary Chelsea and Jeremy Haynes
    03:31
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    Convening authority and collaboration with NFL on brain injuries Robert McDonald
    02:48
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    Reflections on the 2008 presidential election and candidate Obama's approach to veterans' issues BriGette McCoy
    05:48
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    Implementing private sector strategies in the VA and overcoming initial tensions Robert McDonald
    04:33
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    Discussion on the shared responsibility for troops with President Obama Robert Gates
    02:01
  • Supreme Court
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    Valuing substantive discussions with senators during the nomination process David Shulkin
    02:23
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    Learning about advocacy and the importance of integrity in politics during the Obama years Ginger Miller
    08:11
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    Vietnam veteran's experience and struggles after returning home Earl Smith
    02:36
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    Attending a White House Halloween event and reflections on President Obama's visits to Walter Reed Chelsea and Jeremy Haynes
    03:14
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    Addressing the diverse needs of veterans from different conflicts as Secretary of VA Robert McDonald
    04:10
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    Recovery and first steps at Walter Reed after an injury Chelsea and Jeremy Haynes
    04:32
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    Receiving recognition and attending a Pentagon reception after a mission Rick Jordan
    02:19
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    First impressions and adapting to military life during deployment Chelsea and Jeremy Haynes
    02:04
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    Joining Forces initiative's impact on veteran employment and military family support Tina Tchen
    06:08
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    Engagement with VSOs and representing veterans' interests in the Obama administration David Shulkin
    04:51
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    Reflections on President Obama's personal encounters with individuals affected by his decisions Terry Szuplat
    04:35
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    Collaboration with Dr. Biden on military family support initiatives Sarah Hurwitz
    01:15
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    Discussion on representation of women veterans in the administration's events Ginger Miller
    02:55
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    Advocacy for removing MST cases from the military chain of command and stopping military rapists BriGette McCoy
    04:38
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    Creating a sustainable VA: overall vision, funding approach, and governance structure proposals David Shulkin
    06:28
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    Joining Forces initiative pillars: jobs, education, wellbeing, and cultural change for military families Tina Tchen
    08:31
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    Evolving relationship with the US military during tenure and coordination in Haiti earthquake response Rajiv Shah
    05:34
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    Addressing veteran homelessness and developing a master plan for VA land in Los Angeles Robert McDonald
    05:16
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    Journey from homelessness to advocating for veterans and their families Ginger Miller
    06:50
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    Connecting with troops as Secretary of Defense and the impact of personal actions Robert Gates
    12:39
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    Efforts to increase VA budgets through congressional hearings Robert McDonald
    03:31
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    Establishing Women Veteran Social Justice as a nonprofit organization BriGette McCoy
    02:06
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    Recruitment and retention challenges for the Cape Ray mission Rick Jordan
    02:35
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    Creation of the Office of Strategic Partnerships at the VA and its impact Robert McDonald
    02:55
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    Reassessing US military strategy and purpose in Afghanistan Chuck Hagel
    04:21
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    Discrepancies between authorization and appropriations committees on Blue Water Navy benefits Robert McDonald
    02:18
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    Writing speeches for recurring events and finding new angles Sarada Peri
    04:32
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    Reflections on transparency and war from a military career spanning Vietnam to the Obama administration Michael Mullen
    06:24
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    Michelle Obama's authenticity and compassion in her initiatives as First Lady Jennifer Simon
    03:07
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    Impact of the Choice Act on Veterans' healthcare during Obama administration David Shulkin
    02:17
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    Formation and growth of a social group for women veterans dealing with sexual trauma BriGette McCoy
    01:25
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    Efforts to change the culture at the VA during tenure as chief of staff Rob Nabors
    01:28
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    Experiencing and challenging racism and sexism in the military BriGette McCoy
    03:18
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    Obama's response to the rise in military sexual assaults and prioritization of the issue Chuck Hagel
    01:26
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    Challenges of scaling initiatives and Joining Forces program launch events Tina Tchen
    06:00
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    Addressing the veteran suicide crisis with same-day appointments and high-risk identification David Shulkin
    05:37
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    Veteran's experience with PTSD and seeking care through the VA BriGette McCoy
    07:33
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    Establishing the Veterans Experience Office and implementing human-centered design at the VA Robert McDonald
    01:26
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    Challenges faced by women veterans in accessing VA services and benefits BriGette McCoy
    05:30
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    Addressing veterans' issues and President Obama's visit to Phoenix Robert McDonald
    08:56
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    Reflections on the diverse team and American identity at the US embassy in India Richard Verma
    03:51
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    Navigating military skepticism and implementing spouse licensure reciprocity through Joining Forces initiative Tina Tchen
    09:15
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    Reflections on the veteran mentality and the challenges of post-combat adjustment Robert McDonald
    07:37
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    Reflections on military camaraderie and the impact of leadership during service Heather Linebaugh
    05:07
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    Earl's personal salute to President Obama and their conversation Earl Smith
    03:18
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    Obama's relationship with military leadership during policy changes Jeh Johnson
    03:11
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    Addressing the military sexual assault crisis and the role of the chairman vs. Secretary Hagel Martin Dempsey
    05:20
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    Initial White House visit and meetings before accepting a role in veteran affairs Robert McDonald
    04:37
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    Interaction with President Obama and First Lady on veteran homelessness initiative Matthew Doherty
    02:40
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    Addressing the VHA wait-time crisis with private sector experience David Shulkin
    03:15
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    Efforts to combat sexual assault in the military and promote women's roles during the Obama administration Tina Tchen
    18:13
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    Supporting Obama's campaign as a credible military endorser and addressing misconceptions Scott Gration
    04:03
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    History and evolution of containerization and the Ready Reserve Fleet Rick Jordan
    03:55
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    Debate on VA privatization and the importance of keeping it public Robert McDonald
    04:53
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    Reflections on the stark realities of military service Chelsea Manning
    02:21
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    Experience with White House security and attending an event with First Lady Michelle Obama Ginger Miller
    02:16
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    Handling accusations and misunderstandings in political interactions Robert McDonald
    03:14
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    Reforming the VA: initiatives to improve appointment scheduling and expand healthcare access David Shulkin
    04:31
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    Reflections on the lack of questioning in financial risk assessment pre-crisis and reforms at the Fed Dan Tarullo
    08:30
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    Pride in crafting President Obama's Memorial Day and D-Day commemorative speeches Cody Keenan
    02:07
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    President Obama's personal interaction with an injured individual Chelsea and Jeremy Haynes
    02:42
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    Neglect of veterans' care in favor of defense spending and recruitment priorities Chelsea Manning
    03:49
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    Veteran's transition to civilian life after Vietnam War service Earl Smith
    01:09
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    Collaboration with Joining Forces and its impact on veterans' issues Robert McDonald
    02:41
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    Evaluating candidate Obama's message and background during the 2007-2008 campaign BriGette McCoy
    04:26
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    Higher education cost reforms and veterans' unemployment initiatives during the Obama administration Danielle Gray
    03:06
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    Support from family and sense of duty during military deployment Chelsea and Jeremy Haynes
    02:59
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    Legislative changes and the impact on for-profit colleges and student debt Tom Harkin
    10:48
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    Translating veteran homelessness strategies to address youth homelessness Matthew Doherty
    03:12
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    Michelle Obama's connection with military families and personal relatability Alan Fitts
    04:35
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    Learning about political advocacy through personal experiences and representing women veterans BriGette McCoy
    06:42
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    Surprise at ROTC becoming an issue during the 2008 Columbia presidential forum Lee Bollinger
    02:14
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    Challenges of implementing the Veterans' Access to Care Act in the VA system Rob Nabors
    02:54
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    Issues faced by women veterans in the 2011 claims adjudication process BriGette McCoy
    06:53
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    John Kerry's congressional testimony and Chuck Hagel's significance to enlisted personnel Earl Smith
    01:00
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    Feeling compelled to share a military patch with Senator Obama Earl Smith
    02:34
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    Joining Forces initiative and collaboration with Home Base to support veterans and military families Robert McDonald
    04:45
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    Utilizing coordinated entry and assessment processes to prioritize services for veterans Matthew Doherty
    03:35
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    Inspiring cultural and innovative change within government agencies Maya Shankar
    02:35
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    Impact of deployment on views of the military and the Iraq War Chelsea Manning
    06:12
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    Managing high call volumes as Secretary of Veterans Affairs Robert McDonald
    03:03
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    Initial weeks as head of the Veterans Health Administration David Shulkin
    01:27
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    Impact of Joint Chiefs' leadership on military attitudes towards LGBTQ service members Leon Panetta
    04:54
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    Incorporating survivor voices into military sexual abuse policy changes Chuck Hagel
    02:57
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    Dr. Biden and Mrs. Obama's work on Joining Forces and military spouse issues Lauren Vrazilek
    02:30
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    Impact of reporting sexual harassment on military career trajectory BriGette McCoy
    06:57
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    Support for veterans' programs and the military-civilian divide in the Obama administration Bro Adams
    03:40
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    Reflections on writing President Obama's first speech at the Naval Academy Terry Szuplat
    04:44
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    Reflections on election night 2008 as a homeless veteran and hopes for change BriGette McCoy
    03:21
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    Discussions on publishing VA wait times and the administration's hesitance David Shulkin
    04:40
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    Speculation on Obama's perspective as a wartime president and pivotal moments Jon Favreau
    02:44
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    Reflections on military deployment and its impact on career choices Mark Lippert
    03:34
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    Rehabilitation experience and pursuit of independence at Walter Reed Chelsea and Jeremy Haynes
    06:35
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    Handling of the DHS memo on right-wing extremism and its impact on veterans Janet Napolitano
    03:34
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    Governors' reluctance to fully implement social programs due to political priorities Tom Vilsack
    03:32
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    Relationship between the Merchant Marine and the Navy Rick Jordan
    01:11
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    Adjusting to life after prison and the challenges of reintegration Norman Brown
    04:57
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    Reflections on conversation with Secretary McDonald about VA leadership David Shulkin
    02:22
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    Collaboration with NASDVA and advancements in exoskeleton research for veterans Robert McDonald
    04:28
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    Testifying on veteran issues and advocating for diversity on panels BriGette McCoy
    03:09
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    Outreach strategies for connecting women veterans through Women Veterans Interactive Ginger Miller
    06:53
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    Engaging veteran communities and navigating political discussions on social media BriGette McCoy
    03:27
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    Impact of the Obama election on a veteran's personal situation and VA claims process BriGette McCoy
    04:04
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    First Lady's development of the Joining Forces initiative for military families Jocelyn Frye
    13:38
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    Understanding PTSD and Agent Orange's impact on veterans through personal connections Robert McDonald
    02:51
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    Receiving the White House Champion of Change honor for work with women veterans Ginger Miller
    04:30
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    Expanding support for women veterans through organic program development at Women Veterans Interactive Ginger Miller
    05:13
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    Challenges faced by the VA in meeting the needs of an aging veteran population Robert McDonald
    06:55
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    Engagement with military leaders for Joining Forces initiative and leveraging Let's Move! Andrea Mokros
    01:23
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    Experience with the Senate confirmation process and interactions with the Department of Veterans Affairs David Shulkin
    05:35
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    Advocacy for addressing military sexual trauma and cultural change within veteran organizations BriGette McCoy
    07:52
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    Joining Forces initiative and intervention in military pay and VA claims process issues Tina Tchen
    09:45
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    Challenges of adapting VA healthcare for changing demographics and needs of veterans Rob Nabors
    09:01
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    Contacts and process for a federal appointment in 2014 David Shulkin
    03:34
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    Challenges and cultural changes in the VA under Secretary Bob's leadership Robert McDonald
    05:36
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    Advocacy for women veterans and the growth of Women Veterans Interactive Ginger Miller
    04:04
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    Career reflections of a combat pilot and experiences in the US Air Force Scott Gration
    04:31
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    Defining success in the Mayors Challenge to end veteran homelessness Matthew Doherty
    03:22
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    First Lady Michelle Obama's support for veterans and Joining Forces initiative Robert McDonald
    02:05
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    Experiences and interactions with fellow servicemembers while serving in the military and administration Mark Lippert
    03:41
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    Origins of Joining Forces initiative and Michelle Obama's collaboration with Jill Biden Susan Sher
    01:13
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    Recruitment process for a leadership role at the Department of Veterans Affairs Robert McDonald
    03:06
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    Reasons for being selected by Obama for a position in the administration Chuck Hagel
    02:59
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    Collaboration on the 25 Cities Initiative to address veteran homelessness Matthew Doherty
    03:04
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    Addressing invisible injuries and the establishment of the Brain Trust Summit at Veterans Affairs Robert McDonald
    04:24
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    Improving VA clinics through human-centered design and customer experience mapping Robert McDonald
    02:03
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    Obama's visits to Walter Reed and his personal connection to individuals Pete Rouse
    04:01
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    Experience with the HUD-VASH housing program and its challenges BriGette McCoy
    03:23

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