2025 Veteran Town Hall
Veterans Brain health:
The Hidden Cost
of Service
Let’s talk about it
If you’ve experienced memory issues, mood swings, trouble sleeping, or feeling “off” without knowing why, you’re not alone. Many veterans face these challenges, often unaware they may be linked to Repeated Blast Exposure (RBE)—a brain injury sustained through service that can impact mental health and well-being over time.
At this veteran-led town hall, we’re bringing together experts, providers, and advocates to discuss
- What RBE is and How It Impacts Brain Health
- The Connection Between RBE, Cognition, and Your Well-being
- Proven Treatment Options That Are Changing Lives
- How to Access Support and Be Your Own Best Advocate
- What We are Doing About it & How You Can Support
Most importantly, there are solutions. Effective treatments exist, but many veterans don’t know about them—and they aren’t covered by insurance.
It’s time to change that.
More action can be taken to protect and restore brain health. Effective treatments exist, but many veterans don’t know about them.
It’s time to change that.
Join us for this critical discussion. Your voice matters. Your health matters. Let’s make sure every veteran gets the care they deserve.
RSVP today – limited seating + parking is available!
2:30 - 3:30 PM Open Networking
Veteran Brain Health Forum
Event Speakers1. Bruce Parkman
2. Michael Hartford
Panel Members1. Matthew Smith
2. Dr. Marissa McCarthy, MD
3. Dr. Joseph Dituri
... followed by a social mixer in the lounge.
Event Speakers
Bruce Parkman
Chairman of the Board
Army Special Forces Sgt Maj (RET), Founder/Strategic Growth Development Officer at Blue Fusion
Founder, The Mac Parkman Foundation | Retired Green Beret | Advocate for Brain Health
Michael Hartford
CAPT, MEDICAL SERVICE CORPS, USN (RET) VICE-PRESIDENT,
MANASOTA VETERAN
Michael W. Hartford is a distinguished leader and dedicated advocate for veterans and military families, bringing decades of service and expertise to the Veteran Town Hall 2025. As a Special Projects Healthcare Consultant for Avalon Action Alliance, Michael is at the forefront of healthcare innovation and veteran support, working to expand access to life-changing treatments. His career is a testament to resilience, leadership, and a deep commitment to those who have served. Join us as he shares his insights on veteran healthcare, military family well-being, and the future of innovative treatment solutions
Panel Members
Matthew Smith
USMC, VETERAN
U.S. Marine Corps Veteran | Advocate for Veteran Mental Health & Alternative TherapiesMatthew Smith, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran of the 1st Battalion, 5th Marines, has faced firsthand the challenges of PTSD, anxiety, and depression following a traumatic event during his service and honorable discharge in 1999. After years of struggling within the traditional healthcare system, his journey toward healing took a transformative turn in 2021 when he explored alternative therapies that reshaped his recovery. At the Veteran Town Hall 2025, Matthew will share his personal experiences, shedding light on veteran mental health, the complexities of PTSD, and the importance of innovative treatment approaches—offering hope and sparking vital conversations about recovery and resilience.
Dr. Marissa McCarthy, MD
Founder, Raeven Health | Program Director, University of South Florida | Brain Injury & Veteran Health Advocate
Dr. Marissa McCarthy, MD, is a board-certified specialist in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation with a dedicated focus on Brain Injury Medicine. As the Founder of Raeven Health and Program Director at the University of South Florida, she is pioneering new approaches to veteran brain health, recovery, and rehabilitation. Beyond her medical expertise, Dr. McCarthy serves as a senior advisor for non-profits combatting veteran suicide and improving service member well-being. At Veteran Town Hall 2025, she will share her insights on traumatic brain injury, treatment innovations, and the critical need for expanding care for those who have served.
Dr. Joseph Dituri
NAVAL OFFICER, RET. AND PH.D
Retired Naval Officer | Hyperbaric & Brain Health Researcher | Advocate for Veteran Recovery
Dr. Joseph Dituri, a retired Naval Officer with over 30 years of service, is a pioneering force in hyperbaric medicine, traumatic brain injury research, and deep-sea exploration. With expertise in saturation diving, ship repair, and hyperbaric systems, his work now focuses on advancing clinical trials for brain injury repair as the Assistant Vice President for Veteran’s Clinical Research at the University of South Florida. Passionate about veteran recovery and cutting-edge medical solutions, Dr. Dituri’s insights at the Veteran Town Hall 2025 will illuminate the future of brain health, treatment innovations, and the life-changing potential of hyperbaric medicine.
Event Location
Bruce Parkman, a retired Green Beret with over two decades of service, is a leading advocate for brain health and veteran well-being. As the Founder of The Mac Parkman Foundation, he is at the forefront of raising awareness about the devastating impact of Repeated Head Impacts (RHI) and Repeated Blast Exposure (RBE) on athletes, service members, and veterans. His mission is clear: promote education, early diagnosis, and innovative treatments to combat the long-term effects of brain trauma, including mental illness and suicidality. At this Veteran Town Hall 2025, Bruce will share his expertise, insights, and vision for a future where brain health is prioritized in medicine, psychology, sports, and military service—ensuring a safer, healthier path for generations to come.