Honoring Service: Acts of Kindness, Travel, and Military Appreciation

In this heartfelt episode of Big Blend Radio, we honor Memorial Day and Military Appreciation Month by exploring the deep connections formed through acts of kindness—especially within the military community. The conversation also highlights how travel can deepen our understanding of military history and sacrifice.

Guests Joelle Machia and Ryan Slough, founders of the Wanderers Compass travel blog, share their inspiring story of meeting through the nonprofit organization Soldiers’ Angels. They discuss the emotional bonds built through care packages, letters, and food, and how small gestures can create lasting impacts for both soldiers and supporters.
Follow their adventures:
https://www.wandererscompass.com/

Innkeepers Steve & Karen Wilson of The Lion & The Rose Bed & Breakfast in Asheville, North Carolina, and Tiffany Bertram of Tiffany’s Bed & Breakfast in Hot Springs, Arkansas, share how they honor veterans through initiatives like baking for troops and offering free stays for veterans in November. They also discuss veteran support efforts and historical military sites within their communities.
Learn more about their inns:
https://www.lion-rose.com/
https://www.tiffanysbedandbreakfast.com/

Through moving personal stories and thoughtful conversations, this episode shines a light on the power of giving, the importance of remembrance, and the many meaningful ways we can support those who serve.

🎧 Chapters:

00:00 – Introduction to Wanderer's Compass and Military Appreciation
03:05 – The Journey of Connection through Soldiers’ Angels
05:59 – The Impact of Food and Care Packages
09:08 – Building Bonds: From Soldiers to Family
12:05 – The Ripple Effect of Kindness and Compassion
15:03 – The Importance of Communication and Understanding
18:12 – Volunteering and Supporting Veterans
21:06 – The Role of Community in Veteran Support
23:52 – Personal Stories and Emotional Connections
27:13 – Encouraging Engagement with Veterans
30:02 – Conclusion: The Power of Giving and Connection
38:32 – The Impact of Travel on Understanding History
41:53 – Visiting War Memorials: A Personal Journey
44:52 – The Importance of Learning Real History
48:21 – Reflections on War and Its Consequences
54:11 – Exploring Turkey: A New Adventure
56:52 – Connecting with Innkeepers: A Tribute to Veterans
01:06:04 – Honoring Military History and Service
01:09:46 – Community Support for Veterans
01:12:39 – Understanding Sacrifice and Service
01:20:17 – Exploring Family History and Genealogy
01:26:14 – Baking for Troops and Community Engagement

🔗 Keep up with Big Blend Radio’s network of shows:
https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork