Every Soldier Counts Podcast

Every April the Department of Defense pays additional attention to events that can ruin lives and impact readiness, sexual assault. Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month focuses on creating a culture where DoD personnel make a commitment to eliminate it from our organizations. In this episode we speak with 19th ESC Sexual Assault Response Coordinator Mrs. Bethany Cortes the Area IV SHARP Program Manger/Lead Sexual Assault Response Coordinator and Sgt. 1st Class Korina Marquez the Area IV SHARP Program NCOIC/Sexual Assault Response Coordinator. This year's theme is “Intervene. We Are A Team: There is US in TrUSt.

What better way to recognize our children during the Month of the Military Child than to bring them into the studio and ask them what it's like for them to always be on the move. We speak with Angel and Charity Williams, daughters of U.S. Army materiel Support Command-Korea Deputy Commander Dr. Nelson K. Williams, Rowan and Fletcher Covert, daughter and son of 19th ESC Chief of G1 (Administration) at 19th ESC, Kori, Navy, and Titus, daughters and son of 19th ESC Public Affairs Officer, Maj. Javon Starnes, and Jonathan and Joshua Lopez, sons of Cpt. Aaron Lopez, 19th ESC Operations Officer.

In this episode we speak with Lt. Col. Aubrey Ashford, Current Operations (G33) Chief at 19th ESC. Lt. Col. Ashford talks about his Army experience as we focus our attention on the contributions African Americans during Black History Month.

Staying in the Army and in the Republic of Korea is the topic as we speak with the 19th ESC Command Career Counselor about opportunities available to Soldiers.

The Army's Integrated Personnel and Pay System or IPPS-A is officially online and ready for use by Soldiers across the Army. In the latest episode of the 19th ESC Every Soldier Counts Podcast, 19th ESC's Human Resources Techs talk about this revolutionary leap forward in Army Human Resources.

In our first episode of 2023 we sit down with the 19th ESC G-1 (Personnel) to discuss the personnel selection process and why an assignment with 19th ESC in the Republic of Korea is the Assignment of Choice.

In our 50th episode of the 19th ESC Every Soldier Counts Podcast our new host and new 19th ESC Public Affairs Officer Maj. Javon Starnes sits down with the U.S. Army Chief of Chaplains Maj. Gen. Thomas Solhjem. Solhjem was in the Republic of Korea visiting the troops a couple of days after Thanksgiving and stopped by our studio during the Daegu leg of the trip.

In this episode we sit down with 19th ESC Safety Officer Mr. Christopher Starnes to discuss some of the safety issues you can run into during the fall and into the winter months.

In Episode 45 of the Every Soldier Counts Podcast we discuss Counterproductive Leadership behaviors such as bullying, poor self-control, talking down to others and etc. which prevent the establishment of a positive organizational climate and can prevent units from accomplishing their mission.

In episode 46 of the 19th ESC Command Chaplain Lt. Col. Terry Cobban and 19th ESC Resiliency NCO Staff Sgt. Dana Snowden talk about ways you can get help. If you are thinking about or experiencing thoughts of suicide, support is within reach. Whether it be a friend, family member or fellow Soldier, chaplain or local mental health professional, you are not alone. 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: Dial 988 on any DSN phone or 0808-555-118 on your cellphone. USFK Korea-wide Suicide Crisis Lifeline: Dial 911 on any DSN phone or 0503-322-0118 on your cell phone. If you are South Korean employee and need help call LIFELINE KOREA at 1588-9191.

In episode 47 of the Every Soldier Counts Podcast we sit down with 19th ESC's G1 Lt. Col. Yolanda Nieto and discuss her Mexican heritage and, as she gets ready to retire, her 35 years of service in the U.S. Army.

In episode 48 of the 19th ESC Every Soldier Counts Podcast, 19th ESC Operations Sgt. Maj. Gina Aceves shares her heart-wrenching and inspiring story of how she went from being a young girl whose family was regularly homeless to a Sergeant Major in the U.S. Army.

In episode 48 of the 19th ESC Every Soldier Counts Podcast, 19th ESC Operations Sgt. Maj. Gina Aceves shares her heart-wrenching and inspiring story of how she went from being a young girl whose family was regularly homeless to a Sergeant Major in the U.S. Army.

In this episode Sgt. Maj. Gina Aceves shares the heart-wrenching and inspiring story of how she went from being a young girl whose family was regularly homeless to a Sergeant Major in the U.S. Army.

As part of 19th ESC Hispanic Heritage Month we speak with the 19th ESC G1 (Personnel) chief Lt. Col Yolanda Nieto who talks about her family history, her 35 years of service in the U.S. Army, and why she thinks an Army career is a good idea for Hispanic American women.

September is National Suicide Prevention Month and a time to raise awareness about ways we can all play a part in helping to prevent suicide. In this episode, 19th ESC Command Chaplain Lt. Col. Terry Cobban and 19th ESC Resiliency NCO Staff Sgt. Dana Snowden talk about ways you can get help, and get help. If you are thinking about or experiencing thoughts of suicide, support is within reach. Whether it be a friend, family member or fellow Soldier, chaplain or local mental health professional, you are not alone. 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: Dial 988 on any DSN phone or 0808-555-118 on your cellphone. USFK Korea-wide Suicide Crisis Lifeline: Dial 911 on any DSN phone or 0503-322-0118 on your cell phone. If you are South Korean employee and need help call LIFELINE KOREA at 1588-9191

September is Suicide Prevention Month and a time to raise awareness about ways we can all play a part in helping to prevent suicide. In this episode 19th ESC Command Chaplain Lt. Col. Terry Cobban and 19th ESC Resiliency NCO Staff Sgt. Dana Snowden talk about ways you can get help. 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: Dial 988 on any DSN phone or 0808-555-118 on your cellphone. USFK Korea-wide Suicide Crisis Lifeline: Dial 911 on any DSN phone or 0503-322-0118 on your cell phone. If you are South Korean employee and need help call LIFELINE KOREA at 1588-9191

In this episode members of the 19th ESC Inspector General team discuss counterproductive leadership. If you need to speak with someone in IG, call the following numbers: U.S. Army IG Hotline from Korea at 001-1-703-545-1845 or via DSN at 312-865-1845 or the speak to the 19th ESC IG by calling 0503-363-4076 or DSN 315-763-4076

As a young man, CSM Christopher Reaves didn't see the Army as part of his future, even after hearing stories from his father of the memorable bonds he developed as a Soldier in the Vietnam War. But when his college career didn't develop like he envisioned, Reaves gave the Army a second look and now he serves as the Senior Enlisted Advisor for 403d Army Field Support Brigade on Camp Henry. Listen to this episode as CSM Reaves talks about his Army career and how 403d AFSB serves as an important partner to 19th ESC and Eighth Army.

As a young man, CSM Christopher Reaves didn't see the Army as part of his future, even after hearing stories from his father of the memorable bonds he developed as a Soldier in the Vietnam War. But when his college career didn't develop like he envisioned, Reaves gave the Army a second look and now he serves as the Senior Enlisted Advisor for 403d Army Field Support Brigade on Camp Henry. Listen to this episode as CSM Reaves talks about his Army career and how 403d AFSB serves as an important partner to 19th ESC and Eighth Army.

As a young man, CSM Christopher Reaves didn't see the Army as part of his future, even after hearing stories from his father of the memorable bonds he developed as a Soldier in the Vietnam War. But when his college career didn't develop like he envisioned, Reaves gave the Army a second look and now he serves as the Senior Enlisted Advisor for 403d Army Field Support Brigade on Camp Henry. Listen to this episode as CSM Reaves talks about his Army career and how 403d AFSB serves as an important partner to 19th ESC and Eighth Army.

The COVID-19 pandemic created barriers for traditional Army training, and some leaders -- such as Staff Sgt. Seth Browning of 498th CSSB -- saw a chance to innovate. SSG Browning has created dozens of YouTube videos that instruct Soldiers on basic elements of Army maintenance and answer frequently asked questions that can help a military vehicle fleet stay in top condition. Listen to this episode as SSG Browning explains how he taught himself video editing, his history as an Army instructor, and his family's legacy of military service. Don't forget to subscribe to the Every Soldier Counts Podcast so you don't miss an episode!

You may have seen them perform at several different events or concerts in Area IV (including the 2022 Liberty Fest), and now you can hear two of the main voices of the Eighth Army Band on the Every Soldier Counts Podcast. Listen to SPC Brittany Simmons and SPC Darren Baker as they discuss their journeys to becoming a U.S. Army singer and what it's like to be a musician in Korea. This episode also discusses SPC Simmons' duet on "We Go Together" with Republic of Korea Army, click the below link to view it: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ktmQTa82q_0

On the eve of his change of command ceremony, listen to Brig. Gen. Steven. L. Allen, 19th ESC Commanding General, reflect on his time with Team 19 and what has made his time in Daegu so memorable. Don't forget to subscribe to the Every Soldier Counts Podcast so you don't miss an episode!

June is a busy month -- the Army birthday, D-Day Anniversary, Pride Month and the anniversary of the Korean War. That's one of the reasons the Army now recognizes June as Army Heritage Month, celebrating the many milestones and historic individuals that help make us the world's greatest fighting force. To talk about Army Heritage Month, we welcome the Team19 Military Equal Opportunity duo of Lt. Col. Tom Campbell and Sgt. 1st Class Juan Negron.

Did you know that one of the oldest institutions in the U.S. Army is the Office of the Inspector General? The talented Team 19 IG has carried on the tradition once started by Baron von Steuben, and we talk to them about how they serve Soldiers, the commander, and what services they offer that many people might not know about. Don't forget to subscribe to the Every Soldier Counts Podcast

Lt. Col. Jun Yi has an unforgettable link to Camp Henry, and an inspiring life story. As a baby, he and his sister were placed in the care of an Army Military Policeman, and would later be placed in a Daegu orphanage. Listen to Lt. Col. Yi's story as he takes us through the turbulent events that eventually led him back to his mother, and serving with 19th ESC as its senior military intelligence officer. You can also read an article about Lt. Col. Yi's life by visiting the 19th ESC web site at www.army.mil/19thesc

On a special episode of the Every Soldier Counts Podcast, we turn the mics over to an NCO and his squad as they discuss a variety of issues relating to preventing sexual assault and harassment in our ranks. Listen as Staff Sgt. Landon Allen leads a free flowing discussion with his Soldiers! The views expressed in this podcast and the mention of any particular platforms or brands are on behalf of the individual alone and do not represent official endorsement by, or connection with, the Department of Defense, United States Army or 19th Expeditionary Sustainment Command.

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Prevention Month, and to kick it off we welcome Sgt. 1st Class Milka Paulino, Area IV Sexual Assault Response Coordinator to the studio. SFC Paulino tells us what motivated her to become a victim's advocate, and how 19th ESC is leading the way in fostering an environment free of harmful behaviors so that everyone can reach their maximum potential. Don't forget to subscribe to the Every Soldier Counts Podcast so you don't miss a single episode!

Depending on where you are in your Army career, it can seem overwhelming to look at all the options available to you. To help break down the many Army career options out there -- including options to stay longer in Korea -- we again welcome the Team 19 Retention duo of Sgt. Maj. Winter Washington and Sgt. 1st Class Samantha Recker. In addition to information that can supercharge your career, we also talk with the team about their awards from Eighth Army recognizing their performance! Don't forget to subscribe to the Every Soldier Counts Podcast so you don't miss a single episode!

As an Observer Coach/Trainer at the National Training Center, Lt. Col. Daniel Cole got an up-close look not only at Army sustainment operations, but also how the Army trains its leaders and Soldiers in some of the most realistic of environments. It made such an impression on him, he started a podcast to share these valuable lessons learned. Now he's on our team ... and our podcast! Listen to Lt. Col. Cole's story as he now serves as the Executive Officer at U.S. Army Materiel Support Command-Korea. The views expressed in this podcast and the mention of any particular platforms or brands are on behalf of the individual alone and do not represent official endorsement by, or connection with, the Department of Defense, United States Army or 19th Expeditionary Sustainment Command.

For CW2 Corey Bollinger and Capt. Priscilla Abuan, coming to Korea and working for 19th ESC was a clear choice for a variety of reasons. For other potential Team 19 teammates, they may be conflicted about moving to Korea or unsure about the many missions of 19th ESC and how it can benefit their career. On this episode we talk to CW2 Bollinger and Capt. Abuan, both from our G1 section, to talk about the difficult choices Soldiers face when charting their next career move, and why 19th ESC might be the best choice. We also discuss different options available to Soldiers already in Korea for their next assignment. Don't forget to subscribe to the Every Soldier Counts Podcast so you don't miss an episode!

One of the next Army acronyms you'll need to familiarize yourself with is IPPS-A: Integrated Personnel and Pay System - Army. To get the latest and greatest on this important new change, we talk with WO1 Brent Piunti and CW2 Desmond Porter, who describe exactly what IPPS-A is and how it will affect you. For more information on IPPS-A, including training -- visit https://ipps-a.army.mil Don't forget to subscribe so you don't miss one episode of the Every Soldier Counts Podcast!

Maj. Fred Dequina was given a unique question not often asked of Soldiers -- would you like to work in Canada? On this episode of the Every Soldier Counts Podcast we talk to Maj. Dequina about his experience working with the Canadian military, how he makes fitness his passion, and what he does as the 19th ESC G4. Subscribe to the Every Soldier Counts Podcast so you don't miss a single episode!

A radio spot for the Every Soldier Counts podcast from 19th ESC

Col. Lisa Rennard has held several different leadership positions across Korea during her Army career, and in this episode she sits down as commander of the 403rd Army Field Support Brigade. Col. Rennard explains the wide-ranging mission of 403rd AFSB, how they work with Team 19 and talks about her personal leadership style and goals. The views expressed in this podcast and the mention of any particular platforms or brands are on behalf of the individual alone and do not represent official endorsement by, or connection with, the Department of Defense, United States Army or 19th Expeditionary Sustainment Command.

In a special ***EMERGENCY*** episode of the podcast, we sit down with Sgt. Michael Scribner and Pfc. Valentina Ortiz Saenz, who were recently named the 19th ESC NCO and Soldier of the Quarter. They are joined by their sponsor, Staff Sgt. Dante Hawkins to discuss how they prepared for this grueling event and what it's like working in financial management on Camp Casey. We're also joined by bonus guests Spc. Angelica Hernandez and CW2 Desmond Porter of 19th ESC G1. Spc. Hernandez just competed in the Eighth Army Human Resources Professional of the Quarter board. Congratulations to all of our guests, and thank you for representing 19th ESC!

It's the first joint episode of the Every Soldier Counts Podcast, as we welcome Marine Corps Col. Douglas Burke of Combat Logistics Regiment 37 to the studio. Col. Burke and CLR37 help lead the Marine Corps logistics operation in Japan, and also partner with Republic of Korea Marine forces. On the episode we talk about his experience in the Marine Corps, working with the different services, and what life in Japan is like.

This episode recognizes some of the unsung contributors to Team 19, the spouses! We welcome Janelle Allen, Lana Peters and Sunny VandeGevel to the podcast to discuss their experiences as military spouses, life in Korea for families and how the Soldiers and Family Readiness Group (SFRG) can support spouses and family members. The views expressed in this podcast and the mention of any particular platforms or brands are on behalf of the individual alone and do not represent official endorsement by, or connection with, the Department of Defense, United States Army or 19th Expeditionary Sustainment Command.

When Cpl. Nyle Bey started live-streaming his favorite video games, he thought it would just be a fun hobby. Little did he know that this hobby would lead to meeting his future wife and open other doors in his career. On this episode of the Every Soldier Counts Podcast, we talk to Cpl. Bey about his audition for the Army E-Sports team, how he's met friends around the world with live-streaming, and playing against Korean gamers.

The Mental Health Gym doesn't have an actual physical space, but exercising at it might be one of the most important things you do. CPT Ryan Sever, Area IV Behavioral Health Officer, joins the Every Soldier Counts Podcast to discuss what you can do to stay in top shape mentally, and what mental health exercises he recommends. CPT Sever also talks about the behavioral health resources available to Soldiers and family members in Area IV, and what someone can expect when they visit his office on Camp Walker. Don't forget to subscribe to the Every Soldier Counts podcast so you don't miss a single episode!

The new Army Career Intermission Program (CIP) and important changes to re-enlistment opportunities are discussed on this episode as we welcome back the Team 19 Retention leaders: Sgt. Maj. Winter Washington, Master Sgt. Matthew Savage and Sgt. 1st Class Samantha Recker. The trio of career experts talk about how new changes can affect your military career, and what makes Korea the assignment of choice.

The Sentinels at the Tomb Of The Unknown Soldier are some of the Army's most highly-disciplined Soldiers. At Team 19 we are happy to have a former Sentinel in our ranks, and today you hear the story of how Sgt. Tre Banda spent a memorable tour at 3d Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) serving as a culinary specialist, and later as a Tomb Guard.

Maj. Edward Chang has had an exciting military career that has taken him from the world of Special Forces to being the Command Surgeon for Team19. This year, he completed a major career milestone that's usually reserved for more junior Soldiers: earning the Expert Field Medical Badge. On this episode of the Every Soldier Counts Podcast, we talk to Maj. Chang about his role as the chief medical officer for 19th ESC and his experience in helping to combat the COVID-19 pandemic.

Sergeant Audie Murphy has been an inspiring figure in the U.S. Army for decades, and the Army's premiere leadership organization pays tribute to his service. On this episode of the Every Soldier Counts Podcast, we talk with Master Sgt. Harry Willis III, who helped revitalize the Area IV Sergeant Audie Murphy Club. We also talk to MSG Willis about his early Army career (8:45), how he once qualified for the All-Army Wrestling Team (11:15) and how he keeps himself motivated (19:20).

On this episode we are happy to welcome the command team of 19th Expeditionary Sustainment Command -- Brig. Gen. Steven Allen and Command Sgt. Maj. Chad Peters. CSM Peters comes to Korea after spending a year in Kuwait, and we're happy to introduce him as the new Command Sergeant Major of Team19. CSM Peters talks about his early days in the Army stationed at the White House Communications Agency (5:15) and how he's enjoying Korea so far (7:05). And after appearing on the inaugural episode of the Every Soldier Counts Podcast, the commanding general of 19th ESC -- Brig. Gen. Steven Allen -- is back to speak about the fight against COVID-19 (8:45), and the importance of sponsorship for incoming Soldiers (20:15)

Do you know how to read an LES? Have you ever set up a real budget for your finances? August is Financial Readiness Month, and we're talking with Cpt. Courtney Hull of 176th Financial Management Support Unit, and Ms. Lana Edwards, the Area IV Financial Readiness Program Manager, so they can answer all questions about finance. During our conversation, we talk about how Ms. Edwards' office can help you (6:30), common financial problems Soldiers encounter (11:15) and what one piece of advice they can give about finance to help military families (21:20). Don't forget to subscribe to the Every Soldier Counts Podcast so you don't miss one episode!

25th Transportation Battalion is always on the move, and deciding what will move where, in Korea. To learn more about their unique mission, we talk with Lt. Col. Jason Book, commander, and Master Sgt. Jason Wright, Operations NCOIC, about all the ways the Spearhead Battalion affects operations in Korea. In addition to the battalion's mission, we talk about leadership philosophy (5:12), what a movement control team is comprised of (9:55), working with the Republic of Korea Army (13:45), and the battalion's MOVE vision (16:50). Don't forget to subscribe to the Every Soldier Counts podcast so you don't miss a single episode!

There has been a recent rise in COVID19 infections across the Korean Peninsula, so we sat down with two experts on the subject of prevention: 1LT James Rainey, Deputy Command Surgeon and Mr. Yo Han Ahn, community relations specialist. Our guests discuss how unvaccinated individuals are the most vulnerable to infection (2:00), how Republic of Korea infection restrictions work (6:07), the importance of following the Core Tenets (12:05) and understanding the Delta Variant (15:55) Don't forget to subscribe to the Every Soldier Counts Podcast so you don't miss an episode and follow 19th Expeditionary Sustainment Command on Facebook.

498th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion is a unit with a mission so wide-ranging it even has a platoon stationed in Japan. The Every Soldier Counts podcast talks with the 498th command team of Lt. Col. Romaine Aguon and Command Sgt. Maj. Thomas Skelton about a variety of topics spanning the unit's interesting lineage (5:01), the different job specialties who work in 498th (12:01), the value of having a positive command climate (18:40) and the many things the battalion has accomplished in the past year (28:45). Don't forget to subscribe to the Every Soldier Counts podcast so you don't miss a single episode!

How are you planning your fun summer activities? Routine missions? Anything worth doing is worth doing safely, and on this episode we talk with Phillip Merchant, the Team 19 Command Safety Director. Mr. Merchant explains the easy ways you can ensure your summer activities and missions are done safely -- and yes, that includes drinking water! Mr. Merchant also tells us how he went from an Infantryman to a safety guru. Don't forget to subscribe to the Every Soldier Counts Podcast