MOAA's Never Stop Serving Podcast

As we conclude our third season of the Never Stop Serving Podcast, host Olivia Nunn speaks with MOAA member Col. Nicole Malachowski, USAF (Ret). Our season has largely focused on war stories, but in this episode we learn of a dynamic career cut short by a surprising illness. After several deployments flying the F-15E Striker Eagle, Malachowski became the first female pilot in the Thunderbirds, the Air Force's demonstration team. Following several assignments, including command of the 333rd Fighter Squadron, she was named a White House Fellow and Executive Director of the Joining Forces Initiative to support military families. In 2017, Malachowski was forced to medically retire due to the debilitating effects of a tick-borne illness. She has since become an advocate for wounded warriors and patients suffering the effects of tick-borne diseases.

In this episode of the Never Stop Serving Podcast, host Lt. Col. Olivia Nunn, USA (Ret), speaks with Silver Star recipient Maj. Josh Glover, USMC (Ret). During his second deployment to Iraq, Glover, then a first lieutenant, was serving as a Quick Reaction Force platoon commander when they were sent out to secure a downed CH-53 helicopter. During the mission, the QRF platoon was ambushed but able to fight through and return back to friendly lines, inflicting numerous enemy casualties on the way. Later that same day, they were called out to rescue a rifle platoon fighting behind enemy lines. Lt. Glover and his platoon engaged and defeated a company-sized enemy element to reach the besieged Marines. 

In this episode of the Never Stop Serving podcast, host Lt. Col. Olivia Nunn, USA (Ret), speaks with Maj. Brian Cillessen, USMC (Ret). In January 2005 then-Capt. Cillessen was attached to a Special Forces ODA as an embedded trainer and Marine adviser for Afghan National Army commandos. While returning from a mission, his convoy was ambushed. Cillessen, now a television producer and host on The Sportsman Channel, details the actions in this battle that earned him the Silver Star.

In April 2004, Joe Ruggiero was a petty officer serving with a Coast Guard Law Enforcement Detachment aboard the Navy's USS Firebolt in the Persian Gulf. Ruggiero and a team of Coast Guardsmen and sailors were conducting a boarding operation near an oil terminal when the boat they were intercepting detonated in an apparent suicide bombing, killing two sailors and one Coast Guardsman. For his actions that day, Ruggiero, now a Chief Warrant Officer 2, became the first Coast Guardsman since the Vietnam War to earn a Purple Heart and a Bronze Star with V.  

As Afghanistan fell to the Taliban in 2021, Elliot Ackerman, a former Marine Corps infantry officer and MARSOC team leader, found himself in the middle of an unofficial evacuation effort to help Afghan allies escape the country. Ackerman, a Silver Star recipient and author, wrote about the effort and his experiences in Afghanistan in his latest book, "The Fifth Act: America's End in Afghanistan."

Melissa May didn't grow up with fighter pilot dreams but the self-described "tree hugger and snowboarder" was recruited to swim at the the Air Force Academy. In due time May found herself flying combat missions over Libya by day and changing diapers by night. Now a retired lieutenant colonel, May talks about these adventures, the mission over Baghdad that earned her a Distinguished Flying Cross and her transition to a commercial pilot for United.

In this episode Lt. Col. Olivia Nunn, USA (Ret.) speaks with retired Col. Chris Barnett, a U.S.  Air Force Pave Hawk pilot, who was pulled off an instructor assignment and sent to Afghanistan to fly combat rescue missions in Helmand Province. His life-saving actions in the spring of 2009 resulted in two Silver Stars. Chris tells our host Olivia Nunn about the high op tempo his unit faced, and the challenge of returning home. 

In this episode, Silver Star recipient Delorean Sheridan, a retired Air Force senior master sergeant, walks listeners through an insider attack he stopped on March 11, 2013 in Afghanistan. After serving more than 20 years, Sheridan now works on Capitol Hill. 

Never Stop Serving: Season 3 , Episode 1War Stories: CW5 Doug Englen In this episode Lt. Col. Olivia Nunn, USA (Ret.) speaks with retired CW5 Doug Englen, an Army Chinook pilot with more than 2,500 combat missions under his belt. Englen started his career as an enlisted crew chief aboard a Huey in Desert Storm. After leaving the service for a brief period, Englen rejoined and went to flight school as a warrant officer. For the next 21 years, Englen flew with the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment and copiloted the first helicopter into Afghanistan following the Sept. 11 attacks. Englen was chosen by Adm. William McRaven to plan the air component of the mission to capture or kill Osama Bin laden, calling him, "without a doubt, the finest Army aviator of our generation." Season 3 is sponsored  by MOAA Insurance Plans, administered by Association Member Benefits Advisors (AMBA).

The Concussion Legacy Foundation (CLF) was founded by Chris Nowinski, Ph.D., and Robert Cantu, M.D. Nowinski met Dr. Cantu, a world-renowned concussion expert while seeking treatment for the Post-Concussion Syndrome (PCS) he developed from a concussion suffered during his career as a professional wrestler with WWE. Trauma, TBI changes a person and leave an impact that lasts a lifetime. The work that Dr. Nowinski has started is vital to the military community. After 20 years of war in Iraq and Afghanistan, our veterans are working through mental health, many of who still do not understand the signs and symptoms. It's important we start the discussion now so that we can change the narrative for tomorrow. Listen to Olivia Nunn speak with Dr. Nowinski about the Concussion Legacy Foundation and the vital work they are doing. 

Mental Health. It's more than two buzzwords. Mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act. It also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices. Unfortunately, for many of us in the military, it a been a taboo topic. It's been part of our world, but we don't talk about it. For fear of losing our jobs, our clearances, and our identities, we've kept the conversation of mental health quiet. Listen to Olivia Nunn speak to retired Marine Veteran and retired 1st responder Matt Kress. He serves as the Chief Strategy Officer at HeadStrong Project, about why their organization can tackle the topic "head" on and do it well. 

You've served your nation honorably, and you've hung up your uniform and tucked away your boots ... so, now what? Life after service can be challenging. Leaving the structure of the military can be scary and stressful. Owning your transition is essential, but what happens when your transition doesn't go as planned? What happens when you are placed under fire to recreate yourself? Listen to Olivia Nunn speak to Zachary Bell, a Marine veteran, about his experience after leaving the Marine Corps. Zachary shares his challenges and how he ended up in the medical industry, and how that led to being known as the "Veteran with a Sign." 

Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion are these just the latest buzz words, or do they actually mean something in the military? Is the military a diverse fighting force? How do we grow a diverse fighting force? Does diversity matter? Listen to Olivia Nunn speak to Ms. Pat Williams, the Program Director of Engagement Career Transition Services at MOAA and a 35-year Navy Veteran, and Mr. Anselm Beach, the Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army for Equity and Inclusion, about the very topic of DEI. Let's get comfortable with the uncomfortable conversation of diversity. So tune in and listen to the changes and what can be done. 

So, you've transitioned from the military, and you've landed your first job; life is great! You are on your way to settling into another fantastic career beyond the boots... right? Well... maybe not...Roughly 44% of veterans leave their first civilian job within a year of employment, according to Hiring Our Heroes' Veteran Employment Survey: Understanding the Challenges and Creating Long-Term Opportunities for Veteran Employees. Although the reasons for leaving their job varied, 31% indicated that they accepted their first job to make ends meet and never intended to stay. Another 30% left due to finding a better job, while 19% left because the job did not align with their expectations.Listen to Olivia Nunn speak to the Virginia Department of Veteran Services experts Katie Spinazzola and Alfredo Torres talk about why your first job may not be a good fit and what to do about it. 

Community and tribe are two words we often hear in the military community. But, does it matter when it comes to mental health? When many of us leave the military, we hear that our identity and the sense of giving back are lost. We also know that this sense of loss can impact our mental health. So how do we give back? What is community? Listen to Olivia Nunn speak to Dr. David Tharp, the CEO and Co-Founder of Project Healing Heroes, on why giving back to the community and how to give back is vital. 

What do Special Forces, National Football League, Acting, and Mental Health have in common? Well, in this case, Nate Boyer! This week, Olivia Nunn can catch up with her long-time friend and Army veteran Nate, the co-founder of Merging Vets and Players. If his name sounds familiar, it could be because he played for the University of Texas in Austin football team and the Seattle Seahawks. Listen to Olivia and Nate catch up and chat about his foundation and the importance of coming together off the battlefield and playing field to reduce Soldier suicide. 

You've planned for your future, or have you? What exactly are you planning for your future? Is there a difference between savings and investment planning? Do you need to know what stocks are? Is having a 401K or a Roth IRA essential? Do you feel overwhelmed simply asking these questions?Whew! So many questions about money! You've come to the right podcast if you have ever asked these questions! Listen to Olivia Nunn chat with Lila Quintilani, Program Director Financial Benefits Education Counselor, and MOAA, talk about these money matters and more! 

This week we turn the tables on podcast host Olivia Nunn and she shares her story. Find out why Olivia wanted to serve in the U.S. Army, why giving back matters to her and, more importantly, why mental health in the Military Community matters. This is an episode you don't want to miss and well-timed as we conclude Women's History Month. Special thanks to guest host Army veteran Rod Rodriquez.

The military family stays together because of the glue that binds it. Our unsung heroes are the military spouses who run the household, who play nanny, caregiver, boo-boo fixer, carpool driver, after-school sports practice pick-up, homework enforcer, chef, and so much more. But what we don't talk about is how all of these titles weigh heavily on the military spouse, and how all of these responsibilities day in and day out, year after year, impact their mental health. AND YET, we say to the military spouse ... drive on. Listen to Olivia Nunn speak to Jen Amos and Jenny Lynne, two amazing military spouses and podcast hosts from "Holding Down the Fort."  

The following episode contains content related to a suicide attempt. Discretion is advised. If you or someone you know is in crisis, contact the Veterans Crisis Line at 1-800-273-8255 (press 1) or via www.veteranscrisisline.net.Mental health and the military is not a new conversation, but it's a conversation that doesn't happen enough or openly enough. Mental health impacts not only the service member but also the military families. When we don't address our mental health journey, or seek help for the trauma we've experienced, it can lead to a dark place for many of us. For some, it could lead to thoughts of suicide. Listen to Olivia Nunn speak with Army veteran Sammy Villela about his journey and how he almost used a permanent solution that could have impacted his family and friends. "Stepping back from Suicide" is a complicated conversation, but one that was needed. 

Special Operations troops are highly skilled and equipped to win any mission assigned. So, transitioning out of the military should be a breeze, right? Wrong! As they prepare to transition from uniform, Special Operations service members find the same challenges many transitioning service members have shared and more.But why are today's transitioning programs missing the mark with Special Operations? Why are their challenges so unique? Listen to Olivia Nunn speak to SGM Matt Parrish from Special Operations Command and MSG Yuma Barnett from the 75th Ranger Regiment, two experts who understand the unique challenges presented to the Special Operations community. 

You did it! A well-earned military career has come to a close; you have faithfully served 20 or more dedicated years to our nation. The time has come, and you now receive a monthly retired check from good old Uncle Sam each month. You can now sit back, relax, play a few rounds of golf and live off that retired check...  right? Well, for most retired service members, the answer is no, and for most retired service members, that retired pension gets taxed at both the federal and state levels. However, there are a few states that even though they have an income tax, they exempt military retired pay and pensions, which can be a real added benefit and cost savings, not only to the military member and their families but it becomes a value-added benefit to the state. Listen to Olivia Nunn speak to retired colonels Jeri Graham and Lee Lange, both of whom are MOAA members who advocate in helping to get all 50 states to exempt military retired pay and pensions. Find out why that's important for not only the military member but for the state and the economy. 

A successful career in the military is no easy feat, regardless of whether that means four years or 30 years. For many, what's even more daunting is creating a second career beyond the uniform. For many military members, trying to answer the question of, "what do I want to be when I grow up," tends to be hard when transitioning after a life of service to the nation. In this episode, listen to Olivia Nunn speak to Pat Cole, the Program Director Career Transition Services at MOAA, who is the resident transition expert, along with Tasha McCullar, a MOAA member, Army Veteran, and more importantly, someone who navigated the transition space and successfully marketed herself for a second career and is thriving. Listen as they talk about the resources readily available to transitioning service members, the tools needed to market oneself, and the simple things you can be doing today to market yourself for a second career. 

Arlington National Cemetery is one of the country's oldest national cemeteries. The cemetery's rolling hills mark the final resting place for more than 14,000 veterans, including those who fought in the Civil War. The nation's premier military cemetery is at a critical crossroads in its history. Nearly all 22 million living armed forces members and veterans are eligible for less than 95,000 remaining burial spaces within these hallowed grounds.Listen to Olivia Nunn speak to Mark Belinsky, Director of Currently Serving and Retired Affairs and MOAA, about the proposed changes at Arlington National Cemetery. Specifically, how these changes could impact current veterans and their families and the importance of calling into your local Congress members to help advocate for our heroes. 

Service to our nation includes so many great benefits, health care being one of them. But what happens when you retire from the military? Where does your health coverage come from? What will it cost? Will the coverage be the same?  Is your coverage automatic when you retire? If you have these questions and more, you will want to tune into this episode to find out!Listen to Olivia Nunn speak to teammate and resident expert Paul Frost, the Program Director for Financial Benefits Counseling, Education, and Veteran Services at MOAA. Listen as they talk about COLA and fees and it being the open season and so much more. You will not want to miss this important episode as it relates to your health. 

Veterans have routinely reported illnesses and disabilities long after they return home from deployments, triggering a battle with the VA for health care and financial benefits. As many as 2.6 million veterans of the Vietnam War were exposed to Agent Orange, a tactical herbicide sprayed to destroy thick vegetation, according to ProPublica. The toxin has been recognized by the VA as a cause of certain presumptive diseases — a status that eliminates the burden of proof of servicemembers as they file claims for benefits — but studies linking other diseases have yet to be recognized.Most recently, veterans exposed to open-air burn pits and other environmental dangers during deployments in support of the war on terrorism are eligible to register their service with the VA. However, researchers, including VA staff, have not completed studies on hazards related to burn pits and other military environmental exposures, according to the VA.Listen to Olivia Nunn speak with teammate Cory Titus, the Director of Veteran Benefits and Guard and Reserve Affairs at MOAA about the importance of understanding the work behind the push for policy and legislation surrounding toxic exposures for our military members. 

Joining the military can be an exciting and life-changing experience. There are many reasons why young men and women across the United States show an interest in wanting to join the Armed Forces. Some have multigenerational respect for the military and want to serve as their older relatives did. Others wish to job security and the benefits that come along with being in the military. A few military benefits include 30 days of paid vacation per year, health, dental, and life insurance coverage, leadership opportunities, specialty training, and more. For all the good reasons and opportunities the military offers, recruiting for our Armed Forces remains a challenge. Listen to Olivia Nunn speak with Army Major General Kevin Vereen, Commanding General of U.S. Army Recruiting Command, and Marine Corps Major General Jason Bohm, Commanding General of Marine Corps Recruiting Command, about today's recruiting climate. 

Transition or Transformation? However you frame it, it's a change, and change requires planning. Leaving the military after 20 plus years can be exciting but also daunting. One part of the planning phase must include your finances. For many of us, our paychecks have been a given. Every month, twice a month, a check has been deposited on time to our checking accounts. How do you plan for your financial success when there isn't a pay structure? How do you prepare and invest in a 401K, a Roth IRA, or even a rainy day savings stash? If you are one of the annual 200,000 transitioning service members and you find yourself wondering what you should be doing to prepare from a financial standpoint. Listen to Olivia Nunn speak with Shane Ostrom, CFP® , the Program Director for Finance at MOAA, on how you can prepare for your military retirement. 

The Military Officers Association of America exists to preserve the benefits earned by all service members, past and present. When it comes to money, specifically pay and benefits, our service members need to know that organizations are advocating on their behalf. Every year the discussion of pay comes up as part of the Department of Defense's budget. Host Lt. Col. Olivia Nunn, USA (Ret)  and Col. Dan Merry, USAF (Ret), MOAA's vice president of government relations,  discuss the very important topic of pay and benefits and why pay and advocacy go hand in hand.