hmTv at HMTC Podcasts Ep 336: Many Voices Once Community with Gaitley Stevenson Mathews and guest Donna Zephrine on hmTv
Ep 336
Many Voices, One Community
Guest: Specialist Donna Zephrine
In this powerful and deeply moving episode, host Gaitley Stevenson-Mathews sits down with Specialist Donna Zephrine, a two-tour Iraq War veteran whose courage, resilience, and unwavering commitment to service continue long after her military uniform came off.
Donna shares her remarkable journey—from her childhood as the daughter of Trinidadian immigrants, to her years as a 63 Bravo in the United States Army, to the intense realities of deployment during the early invasion of Iraq. She opens up about the difficult transition home, the lasting impact of combat, and the strength it takes to rebuild a life after war.
Yet this conversation is far from a story of struggle alone. Donna has become a powerful force for healing and hope on Long Island, engaging with countless organizations including the Joseph Dwyer Project, the VA adaptive sports program, Wounded Warrior Project, Team RWB, AMVETS, VFW, American Legion, and more. She also plays a key role in the 22 PTSD Awareness Challenge, honoring veterans lost to suicide and advocating for those still fighting silent battles.
Donna and Gaitley also explore the role of faith in her healing journey, including her transformative experiences with Heroes to Heroes in Israel and Warriors to Lourdes in France—moments that helped restore strength, connection, and purpose.
Authentic, emotional, and profoundly inspiring, this episode shines a light on the courage of one woman who continues to serve her nation by lifting others up.
Many voices. One community. A story of service, struggle, and unbreakable hope.