Featured Guests

Deb Olsen, Department Service Offcer, DAV MA
On this episode of The Great American Heroes Podcast, powered by Circle K the Official Convenience Store of the DAV Department of Massachusetts, Isaiah sits down with Deb Olson at the 10th anniversary of the DAV 5K Boston. Deb is a U.S. Marine Corps Veteran and currently serves as a Department Service Officer for DAV MA. Deb and Isaiah discuss the vital services DAV MA provides to our Veterans and share meaningful ways you can get involved in supporting their mission. Thank you for your service, Deb!

Jacob Wycoff, WCVB TV, Channel 4

On this episode of The Great American Heroes Podcast, powered by Circle K the Official Convenience Store of the DAV Department of Massachusetts, Isaiah sits down with WBZ-TV Channel 4 meteorologist Jacob Wycoff.

For the past five years, Jacob has been a dedicated supporter of the DAV 5K Boston, and the stories he and Isaiah share in this episode are truly unforgettable. (Just wait for the one about the two-dollar bill!)

Enjoy this meaningful and memorable conversation.

Lisa Hughes, WCVB-TV, Channel 4
On this episode of The Great American Heroes Podcast, powered by Circle K, the Official Convenience Store of the DAV Department of Massachusetts, Isaiah sits down with long time friend of the DAV Massachusetts, Lisa Hughes of WBZ-TV Channel 4.

From the very first DAV 5K a decade ago, Lisa has been an unwavering supporter of the DAV Department of Massachusetts, and we can’t thank her enough for her years of dedication, love, and advocacy.

Isaiah and Lisa dive into why supporting our Veterans matters now more than ever, reflect on the growth of the event, and share personal stories from their years working together.

Enjoy this heartfelt and inspiring conversation!

Jason Wolfe, COO Money Matters Radio

On this episode of The Great American Heroes Podcast, powered by Circle K, the Official Convenience Store of the DAV Department of Massachusetts, Isaiah sits down with broadcast veteran Jason Wolfe. Jason is the COO of Money Matters Radio, producer of The Financial Exchange, a two-hour daily business radio show syndicated on 15 radio stations across New England as well as nationally on Sirius / XM Business Channel 132. Jason’s team is a major supporter of the DAV Department of Massachusetts. With the network’s massive reach, DAV MA gains powerful megaphones to help ensure Veterans receive the benefits and support they’ve earned and deserve. A great conversation with valuable insights into service, advocacy, and community impact. Enjoy!

Brigadier General (Massachusetts) and DAV Department Commander Andrea Gayle-Bennett
On this episode of The Great American Heroes Podcast, powered by Circle K, the official convenience store of the DAV of Massachusetts, Isaiah sits down with Brigadier General (Massachusetts) and DAV Department Commander Andrea Gayle-Bennett. Her personal and professional résumé is truly remarkable. With over 35 years of service and countless accomplishments, Andrea has made an extraordinary impact on Veterans across Massachusetts. Isaiah and Andrea dive into a great conversation about all things DAV MA. Enjoy!

Paul Wahlberg of Wahlburgers and Alma Nova
On this episode of the Great American Heroes Podcast, powered by Circle K, the Official Convenience Store of the DAV Department of Massachusetts, Isaiah sits down with Paul Wahlberg of Wahlburgers and Alma Nova to discuss why he is so passionate about supporting our Veterans. Paul and his team have been incredible partners to the DAV Department of Massachusetts over the years. Thank you, Paul, for all your love and support.

Jim Blake, Regional Manager for Eastern Propane

On this episode of The Great American Heroes Podcast, powered by CircleK, the official convenience store of the DAV of Massachusetts, Isaiah speaks with Jim Blake, Regional Manager for Eastern Propane. Jim and his team are in their second year of supporting the DAV Department of Massachusetts, and their commitment has already made a remarkable impact.Isaiah and Jim discuss how Eastern Propane partners with DAV MA and why it’s so important for more individuals and organizations to step up in support of those who have served.

Dan Stack, CEO DAV Department of Massachusetts

On this episode of the Great American Heroes Podcast, powered by CircleK, the official convenience store of the DAV of Massachusetts, Isaiah sits down with Dan Stack, CEO of the DAV Department of Massachusetts. Together, they discuss Dan’s longstanding involvement with the DAV and explore the many programs and services available to the men and women who have served throughout Massachusetts. Listen in and personally experience this incredible day celebrating and supporting our Veterans!

Mark Voner, CEO - Veterans Development Corporation

This episode of The Great American Heroes Podcast, along with the next eight in the series, was recorded live at the 10th Anniversary DAV 5K Boston, held at Castle Island at Fort Independence in South Boston on Saturday, November 8th, 2025. This conversation, powered by CircleK, the official convenience store of the DAV of Massachusetts, our host, Isaiah sits down with Mark Voner. Mark is a longtime friend of the DAV Department of Massachusetts and the driving force behind Veterans Development Corporation, the title sponsor of the DAV 5K Boston. Isaiah and Mark discuss how their partnership began, the shared mission that continues to strengthen it, and the importance of supporting Veterans and their families across Massachusetts.

U.S. Navy Veteran Garrett Barton
On this episode of the Great American Heroes Podcast, Isaiah sits down with Garrett Barton — a proud U.S. Navy veteran, dedicated member of the Disabled American Veterans (DAV), and Field Business Consultant for Circle K Convenience Stores. For years, Circle K has been a major partner of the DAV Department of Massachusetts, and today Garrett shares an exciting major announcement about their ongoing collaboration — one you definitely don’t want to miss!Garrett also opens up about his time in the military, the vital role the DAV has played in his life, and how you can get involved to support veterans right here in the Commonwealth. Listen and be inspired by this great American hero’s story and his mission to give back to those who’ve served.

U.S. Navy Veteran Dennis Devine

On this episode of The Great American Heroes Podcast, powered by our friends at Circle K convivence stores, Isaiah talks with U.S. Navy Veteran Dennis Devine who served from 1967 through 1971. He comes from a long line of military family members and has been a proud member of the DAV Department of Massachusetts for over 50 years. The work Dennis does for the DAV MA is critical for Veterans to make sure they get the benefits they earned and deserve. Enjoy this episode.

Season 2, DAV MA Podcast

Matt Houston, Former Army Sergeant
On this episode of The Great American Heroes Podcast, powered by Circle K, The Official Convivence Store of the DAV Department of Massachusetts, Isaiah talks with former Army Sargeant Matt Houston. The two get into Matt’s time in Iraq and how the DAV Department of Massachusetts played a major role in securing his Military benefits. Enjoy this episode.

Mark Baldwin, VP of Emergency Preparedness of Eversource
On this episode of the Great American Heroes Podcast Isaiah talked with Mark Baldwin, the VP of Emergency Preparedness of Eversource. Mark and his team at Eversource have been supporting the DAV MA for 5 years and have raised over $100,000 for our Veterans right here in Massachusetts. Enjoy this episode.

Michael Dyer of Local 5-50 Sprinkler Fitters
On this episode of The Great American Heroes Podcast Isaiah talks with Michael Dyer from Sprinkler Fitters Local 5-50. 2025 will be the fifth year Sprinkler Fitters Local 5-50 has been partnered with the DAV 5K. Michael and his team have done so much for the DAV MA from having over 50 runners in the 5K to being part of the “Veteran Connection Area” at the 5K. On this episode, you will learn more about what they have done and how you and your team can get involved. Enjoy…

An Interview with Cadet Daphne Spunt

This episode of the Great American Heroes Podcast was recorded at the 2024 DAV 5K Boston at Fort Independence on Castle Island in South Boston. Isaiah talked with Cadet Daphne Spunt of the Massachusetts Bay Division of the Sea Cadets. The two talked about what the Cadets do with the DAV, the importance of the DAV 5K Boston for our veterans, and what the military means to Cadet Spunt. Enjoy . . .

Tiffany Chan and Jacob Wycoff

This episode of the Great American Heroes Podcast was recorded at the 2024 DAV 5K in Boston, MA at Fort Independence on Castle Island, South Boston. Isaiah talked with WBZ 4 Boston Hosts Tiffany Chan and Jacob Wycoff about this truly special event. The support that WBZ TV 4 Boston has given the DAV of Massachusetts, over the years, is unmeasurable. Isaiah, Tiffany, and Jacob had some fun this episode. Enjoy . . .

Paul Wahlberg Discusses His Support of the DAV MA
This episode of the Great American Heroes Podcast was recorded at the 2024 DAV 5K in Boston at Fort Independence on Castle Island in South Boston. Isaiah talks to loing time supporter of the DAV, Department of Massachusetts, Paul Wahlberg. Every year Paul and his team at Wahlbergers come out to Castle Island to support and feed the runners and veterans. On this episode, the two talk about what the veteran community means to them, how positive and fun the DAV 5K Boston is year after year, and how you can help the DAV in Massachusetts.

DAV 5K "Veteran" Lisa Hughes
This episode of the Great American Podcast was recorded at the 2024 DAV 5K Boston at Fort Independence on Castle Island in South Boston. Isaiah talked with our dear friend Lisa Hughes from WBZ TV 4 in Boston about all things the DAV Department of Massachusetts. She has been with us from the beginning and supports our veterans in any way she can. Learn about how she started with DAV, MA, how much is has impacted her life and how you can be involved as well. Thanks Lisa! ENJOY.

Phil Nadeau, DAV Transportation Coordinator
On this episode of the Great American Heroes Podcast, Isaiah talks to Phil Nadeau, the DAV Transportation Coordinator for the state of Massachusetts. Since the inception of the Massachusetts DAV Transportation Network in 1987, the DAV has traveled over 10,663,000 miles or 425 trips around the planet earth! All to take our men and woman who served this country to and from their VA medical appointments. 

Dan Quirk, Owner of Quirk Auto

On this episode of The Great American Heroes Podcast, our host Isaiah sits down with Dan Quirk, owner of Quirk Auto Dealers. Quirk has been a long time supporter of the DAV Department of Massachusetts. The guys talk about why Quirk Auto Dealers supports the DAV, where the Quirk story began and what we all can do to level up our support for the DAV Department of Massachusetts.

Matt Scott, VP, MBA Mortgage

Matt Scott, VP and Partner of MBA Mortgage is a good friend of the DAV Department of MA. During the Gulf War, they made a decision to relieve some of the financial stress of soldiers and their family members serving overseas and that committment has resonated with their corporate mission since. Visit MBA Mortgage: MBA Mortgage

Jim Blake, Eastern Propane Gas
Today we met with Jim Blake, Regional Manager of Eastern Propane and Oil of New England to discuss their support for the DAV of MA. Listen in and hear HOW Eastern Propane raises money for our veterans. We also discussed other programs that Eastern Propane makes available to the men and women who have served our country. 

Elle Rueger, Soledier Socks

Today we chat with Elle Reuger, Founder of Soledier Socks. She shares her story of Tommy, a friend serving in Afghanistan. Unbeknowst to her, he was fighting an infection in his foot and his number one request for his care package was a pair of QUALITY socks. Listen in and discover the IMPACT of a good quality pair of socks. 

Jason Wolfe
Jason Wolfe, the COO of Money Matter Radio, sat down with Isaiah at the DAV 5K Boston for this episode of The Great American Heroes Podcast. Jason and his team at Money Matters Radio have been an enormous media support sponsor of the DAV Department of Massachusetts for the last few years.

Coleman Nee
Isaiah talks with Coleman Nee. Coleman is the DAV National 3rd Jr Vice Commander, and served as Massachusetts secretary of veteran services from 2011-2015. Coleman was recently the Grand Marshall at the South Boston St Patrick’s Parade! He shares many things ongoing in the veteran community on this episode. 

Paul Wahlberg, Executive Chef

Paul Wahlberg joins us on location at Fort Independence in South Boston for the annual Veterans 5K race to help raise money for the DAV Department of Massachusetts. Paul shares his gratitude that organizations such as the Wahlbergers are able to get involved with organizations like the DAV.

Season 1, DAV MA Podcast

Lisa Hughes, DAV 5K Race
Lisa Hughes from WBZ TV Channel 4 in Boston joins us at Fort Independence to support our annual 5K race. She has been a friend to the DAV Department of Massachusetts for years. Lisa shows up year after year to kick off the 5K race as it is extremely important to her to give back to those who have given us so much.

Paul Wahlberg

Welcome to the second episode of The Great American Heroes Podcast. Our featured guest is Paul Wahlberg, Executive Chef and co-owner of Alma Nove in Hingham, MA and Wahlburgers worldwode. Paul has been a friend to the DAV Department of Massachusetts for years and has been coming out year after year to feed all the veterans and participants of the annual 5k event.

Mark Voner, CEO VDC
Another installment of our DAV 5k Race series of the Great American Podcast. Listen in as we speak with Mark Voner of Veterans Development Corporation, the Title Sponsor of this year’s event, at Beautiful Fort Independence in South Boston.

Lisa Hughes, WBZ TV Channel 4

Welcome to the first episode of The Great American Heroes Podcast. Our first guest is Lisa Huges from WBZ TV Channel 4 in Boston. She has been a friend to the DAV Department of Massachusetts for years. We love her energy and support for our Veterans. Lisa talked with our host Isaiah about why she is involved with the DAV. Enjoy our first DAV podcast episode.

Matt Scott, VP, MBA Mortgage
Matt Scott, VP and Partner of MBA Mortgage is a good friend of the DAV Department of MA. During the Gulf War, they made a decision to relieve some of the financial stress of soldiers and their family members serving overseas and that committment has resonated with their corporate mission since. Visit MBA Mortgage: MBA Mortgage

DAV MA Launches Great American Hero Podcast

DAV MA Launches Great American Hero Podcast

by | Jul 15, 2023

Listen in to our first two episodes.We are thrilled to announce the launch of our Great American Heroes Podcast! We will be featuring various supporters of the Disabled American Veterans program to discover more about the program itself and the fine people who are the...

DAV MA Launches New Website

DAV MA Launches New Website

by | Jun 4, 2023

4 JUNE 2023: For immediate release. As part of our continued and relentless pursuit to deliver exceptional service, the Disabled American Veterans Department of Massachusetts, (DAV MA), has launched a new website. For more than 100 years, DAV MA has been a strong and...

What Are You Waiting For?

Thanks to dedicated members across the nation, the DAV programs are far-reaching and the personal rewards fulfilling. Our members are diverse in their interests which is what has made the DAV so successful. Foremost in our hearts is the goal of assuring benefit entitlement and compassion for our disabled veterans.

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