227 – Joshua Carrigg of Gaithersburg, MD, Master Sergeant U.S. Army & Father of Three All with Special Needs

Our guest this week is Joshua Carrigg, of Gaithersburg, MD, a Master Sergeant in the U.S. Army. Joshua and his wife, Austin, have been married for 20 years and are the proud parents of three: Christian (20), Nicholas (17) who has Autism and adopted daughter Melanie (9) who has Down syndrome and other special healthcare needs. Joshua joined the US Army at 20 and has served for 19 years including two deployments to Iraq ’in 03-’04 and ’06-’07. Joshua’s wife, Austin, is the founder and CEO of the Exceptional Families of the Military (EFM), a volunteer-led, non-profit organization specializing in helping

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176 – U.S. Army Colonel Mark Huhtanen Of Columbia, SC Is A 25 Year Combat Veteran With A 15 Year Old Non-Verbal Son With Autism

David Hirsch’s guest this week is Colonel Mark Huhtanen of Columbia, SC, a 25 year combat veteran of the US ARMY, who has served four active duty tours, and is the father of two, including a non-verbal son with Autism. Mark and his wife, Shelly, have been married for 18 years and are the proud parents of two boys;Hayden (17) and Broden (15) who is non-verbal and has Autism. Serving in the military and raising a family presents unique challenges. Raising a child with special needs, while serving in the military requires an extra level of dedication and additional resources like

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110 – Retired Navy SEAL Master Chief Stephen Drum Reflects On His Brother With Severe Special Needs

On this Special Fathers Network Dad to Dad Podcast, host David Hirsch talks with Stephen Drum, a retired Navy SEAL who has a brother with significant special needs. Steve is a public speaker who talks about his 27 years as a Master Chief in the SEALS. He’s seen combat and led teams in and out of incredibly sticky situations. Listen to his story on this Special Fathers Network Dad to Dad Podcast. Find out more about Stephen Drum and see a demo of his public speaking: https://stephendrum.com Transcript: Dad to Dad 110 – Retired Navy SEAL Master Chief Stephen Drum

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109 – Brian & Allen Lynch, Medal Of Honor Recipient, Reflect On Raising A Child With A Super Rare Genetic Disorder

This is the Special Fathers Network Dad to Dad Podcast. When we say Dad to Dad that’s exactly what we have today, because David Hirsch is talking to special father Brian Lynch and his father Allen Lynch. Brian’s daughter Cailinn was diagnosed early in her life with a rare chromosome disorder, while Brian’s father Allen is one of only 80 living recipients of the Medal of Honor. It’s an intriguing conversation between two special dads. Show Links: AJ Lynch Foundation – https://ajlynchfoundation.orgKaty’s Kloset – http://www.teamupwithfamilies.org/katys-kloset/ Children’s Hospital Wisconsin – https://childrenswi.org Illinois Fatherhood Initiative – www.4fathers.org  Special Fathers Network – https://21stcenturydads.org Transcript:  Dad to Dad 109 Brian & Allen

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078 – Chad Johnson (ret. Army) Confronts PTSD With The Help Of Retrieving Freedom & His Oldest of Six Kids’ CHARGE Syndrome

On this Special Fathers Network Dad to Dad podcast, Host David Hirsch speaks with Chad Johnson. Chad is a father of six children and a military veteran with three tours of duty. Chad talks frankly to David Hirsch about dealing with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, while raising 6 kids including Cameron who was diagnosed with CHARGE Syndrome. Chad is also heavily involved with Retrieving Freedom a 501(c) 3 non-profit organization that pairs military veterans and youth with Autism with service dogs. Chad also has his own service dog, who has really helped Chad deal with his PTSD. To see more on

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049 – Haki Nkrumah is devoted to helping teen fathers.

In this Dad to Dad Podcast we hear from the inexhaustible Haki Nkrumah, who has devoted his life to helping young fathers be better dads. Haki started the charitable organization Young Fathers of Central Florida, and he helps young dads with multiple programs addressing the most serious young fatherhood issues. It’s a great story and one you should hear on this Dad to Dad podcast. Transcript: Dad to Dad 49 – Haki Nkrumah is devoted to helping teen fathers. Haki Nkrumah: We got to keep our kids alive from domestic violence, domestic abuse. We have to fight for all that.

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