Cavalry Agency, Navy Federal Credit Union, Purdue University Global and Veterans United Home Loans proudly present Your Next Mission™ podcast with the 12th Sergeant Major of the Army and Co-Founder of the American Freedom Foundation, Jack L. Tilley. Your Next Mission™ is a new program initiative of the American Freedom Foundation. where you will be listening and enjoying outstanding and interesting guests who will provide insights and real take-a-ways for our Veterans, military service members, military spouses and families as it relates to their transition from military to civilian life. We'll be addressing topics and issues either you, a family member or friend may already be dealing with; this podcast will be a place where we can laugh and cry together and have frank and honest conversations about questions we’re all trying to answer and have some fun along the way. To learn more about the Your Next Mission, please visit YourNextMission.org. You can even send SMA Tilley a message by leaving him a message or sending him an email. He'd love to hear from you! Send him your questions and stories. Message | 844.424.1134 Email | smatilley@yournextmission.org

In this episode of Your Next Mission®, SMA Jack L. Tilley sits down with LTG Chris Mohan and CSM Jacinto Garza, the leadership team of United States Army Materiel Command (AMC), to answer the question many ask but few fully understand:Who actually keeps the Army ready?AMC is the backbone behind the force.They sustain global operations.They modernize equipment.They rebuild the Organic Industrial Base.They power readiness through advanced manufacturing and data-driven sustainment.If you've ever wondered:• How does the Army maintain readiness between wars?• Who ensures equipment is modernized and fielded on time?• What role does innovation and data play in future warfighting?• Where does institutional leadership shape the future fight?This episode provides the answers.For Transitioning Servicemembers and Veterans, this conversation also reveals how enterprise-level leadership, logistics, manufacturing, and sustainment translate directly into civilian industry, federal service, and defense-sector careers.This is not just a discussion about logistics.It's a conversation about national readiness.If you care about the future of the force, modernization, and leadership at scale — this episode is for you.

In this episode of Your Next Mission® video podcast, SMA Tilley welcomes Steven Grayhm, writer, director, and star of the new movie, “Sheepdog,” along with his co-star, Matt Dallas. The film follows a Veteran's emotional journey as he confronts the effects of trauma while transitioning back into civilian life.Together, they explore how real Veteran stories shaped the film—and why listening without judgment matters. They also share the demanding path behind the project: years spent listening, earning trust, carrying the responsibility of representing lived experience, and choosing authenticity over convenience to ensure these stories were told with honesty, respect, and care.

Health is the foundation of every successful transition after military service. In this episode of Your Next Mission® video podcast, SMA Tilley sits down with John “JJ” Pinter, Deputy Director of Team Red, White & Blue and U.S. Army Veteran, to discuss why health, consistency, and community are critical long after the uniform comes off.Many of the negative outcomes we see in the Veteran space don't appear overnight. They often stem from a transition that lacked structure, connection, and a focus on physical and mental wellness. In this conversation, we explore how prioritizing daily movement, sustainable habits, and human connection directly impacts long-term performance, clarity, and overall well-being.

Invisible wounds can follow Warriors long after the uniform comes off. How do mission, purpose, and leadership evolve after service? In this week's Your Next Mission ® video podcast, SMA Tilley welcomes Kevin Weaver, Co-Founder, President & CEO of The Warrior's Journey, and U.S. Air Force Veteran, for a powerful conversation about peer-to-peer support, the invisible battles Veterans face, and the importance of connection, purpose, and community beyond service.

A Veteran's Journey through Healing and Recovery begins this week on the Your Next Mission® video podcast where SMA Tilley welcomes MSG (R) Pasha Palanker. A U.S. Army Combat Veteran, whose journey is forged in moments where life and death stood eye to eye with an insurgent in a split second that forever changed this warrior's life. Together, they unpack the mindset required to survive, the weight of accountability, and the hard-earned steps Pasha took through healing and recovery to move forward as trauma, loss, and the echoes of war followed him home.

How do Mission, Purpose, and Leadership evolve after the uniform comes off? In this week's Your Next Mission ® video podcast episode, SMA Tilley sits down with SFC Johnny Vargas, also known as “Viva La Vargas” across Social Media, for a powerful conversation about impact, responsibility, and choosing to be a light in a dark world. Johnny shares why real leadership isn't about rank, platforms, or recognition. It's about showing up for people, leading with empathy, and using your influence to help others win. This episode speaks to Veterans, leaders, and anyone searching for meaning, connection, and direction in their next chapter.

The $1 Mission changing the Military is happening behind the scenes and most people never hear about it. In this week's episode on Your Next Mission® video podcast, SMA Tilley welcomes Robert Irvine, Chef, Entrepreneur, Author, Philanthropist, Tireless Supporter of our Nation's Veterans, Military, Families and First Responders and Founder of the Robert Irvine Foundation. Together, they explore how modernizing the military food service, improving nutrition, and focusing on human performance directly impact readiness across the Joint Forces. From major installations to daily life for Servicemembers and their Families, this conversation highlights why fuel, recovery, and leadership matter.

In this week's Your Next Mission® video podcast, SMA Tilley explores with SFC (R) William A. “Stevo” Stephens Jr., Founder of 1821 Productions Voice of the Voiceless, the Three Pillars outlined in his books: The Mirror, The Broken Mirror, and No Filter.Through his Three Pillars—therapeutic poetry, coping mechanisms for military transition and self-development, and advocacy—Stevo shares how creative expression, personal growth, and continued service play a critical role in Veterans Wellness, helping them rediscover their identity and sense of purpose after leaving military service.

Evolving to meet the fight for the future of our Force: In this week's Your Next Mission® video podcast episode, SMA Tilley sits down with CSM Chad B. Harness from the U.S. Army Southern European Task Force-Africa (SETAF-AF) to discuss how the Army is evolving to adapt to tomorrow's future operational landscape

Inside the VA: Straight Talk brings you a direct, honest conversation as SMA Tilley sits down with The Honorable Dr. Paul R. Lawrence, Deputy Secretary of the VA, for a powerful episode focused on the future of Veteran care.Together, they break down the VA's next-generation electronic health record system and why seamless DoD-to-VA connectivity is essential for faster access, safer care, and a better experience for every Veteran.


Service, security, and confidence matter when navigating Open Enrollment Season. In this episode of Your Next Mission® video podcast, SMA Tilley outlines the steps Retired Veterans and Military Families need to take to protect their dental & vision coverage with Senior Manager of Community Relations & Field Strategy for Blue Cross and Blue Shield Federal Employee Program, FLTCM (R) Paul Kingsbury, and Blue Cross Blue Shield Association Uniformed Services Advisory Board Member, 15th SMA (R) Daniel A. Dailey .Transitioning from active duty brings new responsibilities, and understanding your options is critical. SMA Tilley shares practical advice and firsthand insights to help you make confident choices as you retire, ensuring your benefits meet your needs.Your service doesn't end after active duty — your health and your family's security matter now more than ever. Watch and take charge of your next mission with confidence!


In this week's Your Next Mission® video podcast, SMA Tilley welcomes Victoria Kelly and Karin Tanabe, writers and producers of the PBS Documentary Atomic Echoes: Untold Stories from World War II. This powerful conversation uncovers the human impact behind the dropping of the atomic bomb in Nagasaki and Hiroshima. Don't miss this riveting discussion filled with historical insights, compelling storytelling, and the long-term repercussions for the survivors.

In this episode of Your Next Mission® video podcast, titled Journey For A Cause, SMA Tilley welcomes Michael Kendall, President and Founder of No One Fights Alone Foundation & Christopher Farrington, Chief Operations Officer at Courser Racing Foundation. In this dynamic conversation, these Veterans highlight their heroic journey rowing across the Pacific Ocean to bring awareness to the national tragedy of Veteran suicide. Tune in to hear the physical and mental challenges they faced during this 35 day, 2,800 mile expedition.

In this episode of Your Next Mission® video podcast, titled “Voice of the Army”, the 15th SMA (R) Daniel A. Dailey, the VP of NCO & Soldier Programs at the Association of the United States Army (AUSA) joins SMA Tilley for a dynamic conversation about the incredible work being done by AUSA—the Voice of the Army. As we gear up for the Annual Meeting kicking off next week, they dive into how AUSA continues to advocate for Soldiers, Families, and Army initiatives around the globe. Tune in to hear stories, insights, and why AUSA remains such a vital force in supporting and representing our Army community.

In this episode of Your Next Mission® video podcast, SMA Tilley welcomes MG Daryl O. Hood, Commanding General, and CSM William M. Shoaf, Command Sergeant Major, of the U.S. Army Training Center and Fort Jackson as they dive into what it takes to lead and train America's future Soldiers. From Civilian to Soldier — it all starts at Fort Jackson.

Healing from the Heart. In this episode of Your Next Mission® video podcast, SMA Tilley welcomes Claire Lawless, Former Senior Director, Quality Assurance & Brandi Salvatore, Case Manager, The Steven A. Cohen Military Family Clinic at Alaska Behavioral Health at Cohen Veterans Network. They highlight Cohen Veterans Network's mission to provide accessible, barrier free, high-quality mental health care for Veterans and their families.

In this episode of Your Next Mission® video podcast, SMA Tilley welcomes Judy Isaacson Elias, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Heroes to Heroes Foundation. They discuss the organization's unique one-year program for Veterans built around rediscovering values, relationships, and finding spiritual healing.

Transformation Journey. In this episode of Your Next Mission® video podcast, SMA Tilley welcomes LTC(R) JC Glick, Author, Speaker and Chief Executive Officer of the COMMIT Foundation. In this candid and revealing conversation, they share LTC Glick's journey through transition that led to four suicide attempts and how he found identiy, purpose and community that gave him strength moving forward.

Break The Silence. In this episode of Your Next Mission® video podcast, SMA Tilley sits down with Babs Chase, Senior Vice President, Strategic Initiatives, at the Elizabeth Dole Foundation & Executive Director of Face the Fight™. Together, they have a candid conversation uniting diverse voices to break the stigma around the national tragedy of suicide in the Military and Veteran community.

In this special episode of the Your Next Mission® videopodcast, SMA Tilley goes it alone with thoughts about his life from humble beginnings, journey through military service, and the challenges he faced transitioning to civilian life. Along the way, he shares how faith and family arethe two pillars that have guided him throughout his life.

In this episode of the Your Next Mission® video podcast, SMA Tilley welcomes LTG Brian S. Eifler, Deputy Chief of Staff, U.S. Army G-1, and SGM Christopher P. “Smoke” Stevens, U.S. Army G-1 Senior Enlisted Leader. They discuss their primary focus on Army personnel and outline the development of effective policies designed to sustain personnel readiness—recognizing that people are the Army's greatest mission.

In this episode of Your Next Mission® videopodcast, SMA Tilley sits down with Jerome Tennille, U.S. Navy Veteran and Manager of Strategic Partnerships and Community Impact at Navy Federal Credit Union (NFCU). Together, they explore how NFCU goes beyondbanking—serving their members, Active Duty Servicemembers, Veterans, and Military Families with long-term support, strategic partnerships, and a deep commitment to community impact.

In this episode of Your Next Mission® video podcast, SMA Tilley interviews Chris Hale, CEO of VIQTORY and the Vetrepreneur Academy, as well as a U.S. Navy Veteran.Their discussion focuses on the ways military experience prepares Veterans for entrepreneurial success and examines how the Vetrepreneur Academy facilitatestheir transition into business ownership.

In this special episode of Your Next Mission® video podcast celebrating the U.S. Army Chaplain Corps 250th birthday, SMA Tilley is joined by the leaders of the Corps; command team, Chaplain (MG) William Green, Jr. and RSGM Meaghan B. Simmons. Together, they honor the Army Chaplain Corps' legacy of guiding Servicemembers and Families through life's battles with care, compassion, love and respect setting the conditions for them to help us as a nation towin!

In this episode of the Your Next Mission® video podcast, SMA Tilley is joined by two distinguished guests: Leslie Santiago-Rodriguez, Manager of Uniformed Services Community Relations at Blue Cross Blue Shield Association(BCBSA) and U.S. Army Veteran and Jason David,Executive Director of Ibis Public Sector, Board Advisor for Blue Cross Blue Shield Association, and Retired U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sergeant. Together, they explore how Blue Cross Blue Shield Federal Employee Program goesabove and beyond to ensure that Active-duty Servicemembers, Retired Veterans, and their Families fully understand their vision and dental benefits—and how tomake the most of them.

In this episode of the Your Next Mission® video podcast, SMA Tilley sits down with SGM (R) Mark Reilly, CEO & President of The Washington Tattoo. Together, they dive into the healing power of music and its ability to empower Veterans and Transitioning Servicemembers byrestoring identity, offering purpose, and creating a sense of belonging in the face of mental health challenges.

In this episode of the Your Next Mission® video podcast, SMA Tilley welcomes Amy More, Clinical Director, The Steven A. Cohen Military Family Clinic at Red Rock in Colorado Springs and Ashley Jensen, Senior Manager, Clinical Practice, Cohen Veterans Network. Together, they explore how military children often face many of the samemental health challenges as their parents who serve and how Cohen Veterans Network is working to address these unique needs through compassionate,evidence-based care.

In this episode of the Your Next Mission® video podcast, SMA Tilley welcomes LTG Jonathan M. Stubbs, Director of the Army National Guard, and CSM James Brian Kendrick, Senior Enlisted Advisor of the Army National Guard. Together, they delve `into the Army National Guard's vital role in protecting America's freedoms and ideals, as well as the uncommon calling to serve in the Army National Guard.

In this episode of the Your Next Mission® video podcast, SMA Tilley sits down with CSM (R) Robert Cobb, Army Relationship Director, Military Affairs, USAA. They dive into USAA's mission to hire Veterans and their Spouses,and CSM Cobb opens up about his own transition from military to civilian life, offering a powerful glimpse into what it takes to build a future after service.

In this touching and inspiring episode of the Your NextMission® video podcast, SMA Tilley talks with CSM Steve Devot and his wife Courtney, parents of Kobe Devot. On October 26, 2024, Kobe was seriously injuredin an automobile accident. They discuss the day of the incident and how the power of prayer, resilience, faith, and love played a major role in Kobe's recovery.

Kicking off Season #6 of Your Next Mission® video podcast,SMA Tilley welcomes the 3rd Infantry Division Command Team, MG Christopher R. Norrie, Commanding General, and CSM Jonathan Reffeor, Division Command SergeantMajor. Together, they celebrate the Army's 250th Birthday, reflecting on the significance of this milestone, the esteemed history of the 3rd Infantry Division, and the pride of being a Dogface Soldier.

In the latest episode of the Your Next Mission® video podcast, SMA Tilley speaks with Sherman Neal II, Deputy Campaign Director of Sierra Club Military Outdoors Program. They discussed the history of the Sierra Club and itsmilitary outdoor program, as well as the benefits of exploring the outdoors.

In commemoration of Memorial Day and its spirit ofremembrance and reflection, this special episode of Your Next Mission® video podcast brings SMA Tilley together with Dr. Allison Finkelstein, Senior Historian, and SGM Myong Hall, Senior Enlisted Advisor to the ExecutiveDirector, at Arlington National Cemetery. They delve into the history of Arlington and its establishment as the pre-eminent national cemetery, as well as the significance and observance of Memorial Day at this historic site.

In the latest episode of the Your NextMission® video podcast, SMA Tilley sits down with LtCol (R) Dan Kaepernik, Chief Executive Officer of The Headstrong Project and a U.S. Marine Corps Veteran. Together, they explore The Headstrong Project's mission of providingconfidential, obstacle and stigma free, trauma-focused mental health care for Veterans, Servicemembers and their affected Families.

In the latest episode of the Your Next Mission® video podcast, SMA Tilley is joined by Katie Fallon, Executive Director of Bridle Paths. They discuss howequine assisted therapy can establish a strong foundation for healing and growth for those suffering from physical, psychological, and emotional trauma, and how the connection between horses and humans is making a difference in the lives of our Veterans and Families.

In recognition of National Small Business Week and National Small Business Month, we highlight Navy Federal Credit Union for its dedication to assisting Veterans in starting their own small businesses. In the latest episode of the Your Next Mission® video podcast, SMA Tilley sits down with Will Scott, Vice President of Business Solutions at Navy Federal Credit Union, along with business entrepreneurs Aaron and LaVonia Gipson,owners of Hair Formations Salon. They discuss the requirements for establishing and managing a business, emphasizing the importance of a dedicated andsupportive team which has contributed to their 40 years of success.

In this episode of the Your Next Mission® videopodcast, SMA Tilley sits down with Besa Pinchotti, Chief Executive Officer of the National Military Family Association (NMFA). They discuss various challenges that Military Families encounter and outline the initiatives NMFA isundertaking to support these families.

In this episode of the Your Next Mission® videopodcast, SMA Tilley interviews CMSgt Karmann- Monique Pogue, Command Senior Enlisted Leader of Space Training and Readiness Command (STARCOM), U.S. SpaceForce. They discuss the establishment of U.S. Space Force and STARCOM's mission to train Guardians for operations in the space domain.