Marcus A. Ruzek & veteran philanthropy Artwork

Givers, Doers, & Thinkers—A Podcast on Philanthropy and Civil Society

Givers, Doers, and Thinkers introduces listeners to the fascinating people and important ideas at the heart of American civil society. We speak with philanthropists, foundation leaders, reformers, social entrepreneurs, nonprofit executives, religious believers, historians, sociologists, philosophers, journalists, and anyone else who will help us understand contemporary civil society’s achievements and failures. We also sprinkle in practical advice for nonprofit leaders and fundraisers. This is the podcast for anyone interested in that vital space where philanthropy and civil society intersect.

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Givers, Doers, & Thinkers—A Podcast on Philanthropy and Civil Society

Marcus A. Ruzek & veteran philanthropy

January 10, 2024 • Season 5 • Episode 9

This week on Givers, Doers, & Thinkers, Jeremy speaks with Marcus A. Ruzek about how to help and how to hurt our nation's veterans.

Marcus Ruzek is the Senior Program Director at the Marcus Foundation. Marcus is a combat veteran who served as an Army Special Forces Officer (Green Beret). He served in the Army for 13 years and received three Bronze Star medals. His work at the foundation focuses on military veterans and free enterprise programs.

Jeremy starts this conversation by hearing more about Marcus' background in the military and transition to the Marcus Foundation, created by Bernie Marcus, co-founder of Home Depot. Marcus highlights the foundation's approach toward veteran-focused entrepreneurial philanthropy. He also shares the challenges facing veteran services: entitlement culture, healthcare bureaucracy, mental health, and traumatic brain injuries.

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