Tom Patton, Ohio state representative spoke with America’s Work Force on Oct. 21 about accessibility to vape and vape products.
Rep. Patton first talked about the dangerous effects of vaping, and although a better alternative than cigarettes, are still harmful. He discussed how the packaging and the familiar flavors of the vape products are enticing young people to buy vape products. Patton said that this is a major problem, having underaged kids become addicted to nicotine, and how there is legislation being drawn up to help combat this problem. He said one way to make it harder for younger kids to obtain vape products is to limit the accessibility to them. Although tobacco products are age restricted in Ohio, having to be 21 or older to enter a tobacco store, vapes and vape products are available at gas stations where anybody is allowed to walk in. Patton suggested making stiffer penalties enforceable on facilities caught selling vape products to underaged patrons in hopes that will make it more difficult for a kid to get a vape.
Denise Weller, co-founder and executive director of Hearts for Patriots joined AWF to discuss what her organization does. The Hearts for Patriots organization helps caregivers of veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) better understand their spouses struggles by providing them with resources to help offer better support. Weller also talked about a fundraiser called the Steak Fry Fundraiser where proceeds are put towards providing resources to better understand how to help a person cope with their PTSD.
AWF host Ed “Flash” Ferenc spoke about Oregon and southwest Washington workers go on strike after 15 months of poor bargaining with their employers.
Gilbert began her time with AWF by talking about how unionized air traffic control workers give back to their union by devoting their time, even when off the clock, to help improve the union any way that they are capable of or by simply helping other members of the union. She said that even in So-Called “Right-to-Work” states, union density is still high amongst air traffic controllers. Gilbert said that this is because workers see the value in joining a union and understand that it is in the best interest of themselves, their job security, the bargaining rights of themselves and their coworkers. Furthermore, Gilbert talked about how the government shutdown from late 2018 until early 2019 added extra stress to the already immensely stressful job of the air traffic controllers and how it affected the safety of air travelers. Lastly, she discussed the budget for air traffic controllers and she hopes it remains a priority so that they can effectively do their jobs.
John Schluep, founder and CEO of Warrior’s Journey Home spoke with AWF on July 29 about his foundation and what they are all about. Warrior’s Journey Home is a non-profit organization designed to help heal the invisible wounds that veterans carry with them after they return home from the service. Schluep said that the organization hosts “healing circles” where veterans are welcome to show up, share their stories and provide spiritual healing for themselves and one another.
Seavey said neglect is occurring in VA homes all across the country, as many VA assisted living homes are receiving failing grades by the VA’s own ranking system for various reasons including, nurses sleeping on the job, providing less assistance than required and not repairing what he called atrocious living conditions. Seavey spoke about a rehabilitation program called Merging Vets and Players (MVP), where athletes help veterans cope with PTSD through various forms of workouts and talking about their problems. 
Norm Wernet, Ohio President of the 
On the Nov. 12 edition of AWF, Dan Doron, with the 
Jon Reiss, from the 
Editor of the 
Assistant Vice President and Military Advocate with the 
Ohio’s 11th District Court of Appeals Judge, Mary Jane Trapp, was our third featured guest on AWF, as she discusses two court cases. One case uncovered details of a widow who was filing a lawsuit against 
