Podcasts about Active duty

My guest today is Air Force Chief Master Sergeant (Retired) Michelle “Taz” Zayatz.  Michelle grew up in Pittsfield, MA and graduated from Taconic High School.  In 1982 she joined the Air Force with an Air Force Specialty Code of 276 Aerospace Control and Warning System.  Her first assignment was to the 667th Air Control and Warning Squadron at Hofn Air Station, Iceland in 1982.  After completing that remote tour she was assigned to the 2nd Communications Squadron at Buckley Air National Guard base in Colorado.  During this assignment, she met and married her husband, Allen.  In 1986, Michelle separated from Active Duty and accompanied her husband as he finished his Active Duty career in the Air Force.  Throughout their subsequent PCS moves, she continued her career by joining the Air National Guard in MS, NY and CO.  In 1998, she transferred from the COANG to the Air Force Reserves and became a founding member of the 8th Space Warning Squadron at Buckley AFB.  In 2006, Michelle moved to the 310th Space Group at Schriever AFB.  In 2007, she requested to be reassigned to stand up the new 310th Mission Support Group in Denver.  Chief Zayatz retired in 2011.

Show SummaryOn today's episode, we're featuring a conversation with Chad Graham, Executive Director of the Congressional Medal of Honor Society. The Congressional Medal of Honor Society, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, is dedicated to preserving the legacy of the Medal of Honor and its Recipients, inspiring Americans to live the values the Medal represents, and supporting Recipients as they connect with communities across America.Provide FeedbackAs a dedicated member of the audience, we would like to hear from you about the show. Please take a few minutes to share your thoughts about the show in this short feedback survey. By doing so, you will be entered to receive a signed copy of one of our host's three books on military and veteran mental health. Links Mentioned in this Episode Congressional Medal of Honor Society WebsitePsychArmor Resource of the WeekThis week's resource of the week is a video of a livestream event titled, "Breaking the Wall of Silence" - MoH Recipient Forum on Active Duty & Veteran Suicide. This video features a multi-generational panel of Congressional Medal of Honor recipients sharing their insight, experience, and perspective on key factors surrounding active duty and veteran suicide. You can find the resource here:  https://www.youtube.com/live/-_iIfzvYCFM?si=IyDoS4EmqiiXEqdF Episode Partner: This week's episode is brought to you by Humana, a leading health and well-being company that has joined forces with PsychArmor to develop campaigns and courses that support veterans and their families in achieving their best health. To learn more about how Humana honors and serves veterans visit healthequity.humana.com/veterans” Contact Us and Join Us on Social Media Email PsychArmorPsychArmor on TwitterPsychArmor on FacebookPsychArmor on YouTubePsychArmor on LinkedInPsychArmor on InstagramTheme MusicOur theme music Don't Kill the Messenger was written and performed by Navy Veteran Jerry Maniscalco, in cooperation with Operation Encore, a non profit committed to supporting singer/songwriter and musicians across the military and Veteran communities.Producer and Host Duane France is a retired Army Noncommissioned Officer, combat veteran, and clinical mental health counselor for service members, veterans, and their families.  You can find more about the work that he is doing at www.veteranmentalhealth.com  

The culture and trauma of military service fuel widespread alcohol addiction among US combat personnel. Luckily, active-duty members by and large have access to the insurance-covered care they need… and inpatient rehab is among the best options, say these experts. Learn more at https://onatreatmentcenter.com/tricare-approved-alcohol-rehab-facility/ Ona Treatment Center City: Browns Valley Address: 6041 Bald Mountain Rd. Website: https://onatreatmentcenter.com/

Unit of Action Slick Sheethttps://www.af.mil/Portals/1/documents/2025SAF/Units_of_Action_Reference_Sheet.pdfReoptimization for Great Power Competitionhttps://www.af.mil/reoptimization-for-great-power-competition/USAF Units of Action: Combat Wings, Air Base Wings, Institutional Wings defined > Air Force > Article Displayhttps://www.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/3908057/usaf-units-of-action-combat-wings-air-base-wings-institutional-wings-defined/————————USAF Units of Action: Combat Wings, Air Base Wings, Institutional Wings definedPublished Sept. 17, 2024The Department of the Air Force implementation of a new construct that will evolve wings into cohesive Units of Action by separating into Combat Wings, Air Base Wings and Institutional Wings will be a phased approach, starting no later than the summer of 2025.The new concept will create several organizations capable of conducting deployed combat operations, as well as base defense. Under this future construct, base, institutional and combat missions will transition into distinct organizations – called Institutional Wings and Combat Wings – each with separate commanders.Air Force combat wings will be structured as mission-ready Units of Action, with all the necessary elements stationed together at the same installation, where they can train together on a day-to-day basis.Deployable Combat Wings will evolve to deploy as fully trained teams and will replace the Expeditionary Air Base and Air Task Force models previously announced in Sept. 2023.Combat Wings will focus on mission-level warfighting readiness, supported by Air Base Wings who are focused on power projection platform readiness (the installation).Institutional wings will continue to provide support and capabilities essential to the organize, train and equip requirements of the U.S. Air Force.The goal is 24 Deployable Combat Wings fielded to meet the Air Force's rotational demands and provide depth for emerging crises – 16 Active Duty and 8 Reserve Component Wings.The phased implementation approach includes:Establishing Air Base Wings at installations that host Combat Wings and/or Institutional Wings with supported/supporting relationships.Establish the deployable variant of the combat wing: the Deployable Combat Wing. Each DCW will have a redesigned concept of support for GPC schemes of maneuver, including Agile Combat Employment, to ensure the wings are prepared to execute their wartime functions and missions with assigned Airmen and units.The Air Force will begin deliberately implementing Combat Wings, Air Base Wings and Institutional Wings across the force as early as summer 2025. The first Combat Wings should be ready to deploy elements by late 2026 (FY27).Evolution from XAB to ATF to CWIn 2023, the Air Force established the Expeditionary Air Base (XAB) as an initial force presentation model in its transition from Air Expeditionary Wings to a future force presentation model. The Air Force has been deploying Airmen under the XAB construct since the fall of 2023 and will continue to do so in the coming years.The first Air Task Forces entered the AFFORGEN cycle during the reset phase in the summer of 2024 and will become deployment-ready in the fall of 2025. These initial ATFs will replace some of the XABs as the US Air Force's deployable unit of action.During this pilot period, the Air Force will deploy Airmen using both the XAB and ATF force presentation models. Concurrently, the Combat Wing, Air Base Wing and Institutional Wing phased approach will begin. Combat Wings will replace ATFs and XABs.

This episode is part two of our conversation with Christie Andersen, our first-time mom planning her home birth while her husband Ryan had been stationed in Korea throughout the whole pregnancy. And a lot has changed since our last conversation! For one, we had a baby! Little Charlotte has since stepped on the scene, and we get to hear all about her grand entrance. Christie shares Ryan's homecoming, anxiety around whether or not she'd actually go into labor while he was home, and how she dealt with the pressure of all the calls and texts inquiring as to baby's arrival. We get to hear the whole process, as it's still fresh in her mind (Charlotte is just 2 weeks old now! They welcomed their baby girl into the world from the comfort of their home along with Christie's mother, a close friend, a midwife, a doula and 2 midwife assistants (quite the full house, which we can relate to!). One of my favorite takeaways from Christie's story is “be open, go with the flow.” It sounds simple, but it's incredibly profound and relevant when it comes to birthing babies. Offers From Our Awesome Partners: Needed: https://needed.sjv.io/XY3903 - use code DIAH to get 20% off your order The FamilyAlbum app: Share your family's precious moments with your loved ones + get 11 free photo prints delivered each month CLICK HERE. More From Doing It At Home: Doing It At Home book on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3vJcPmU DIAH Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doingitathome/ DIAH YouTube: https://bit.ly/3pzuzQC DIAH Merch: https://www.teepublic.com/stores/doingitathome Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode we're talking with Christie Andersen about her upcoming home birth. Christie was pregnant at the time of our recording, just days away from giving birth. We were incredibly excited that Christie wanted to share her homebirth story with us and let us into her experience as a soon-to-be-mom. On top of all of that magic, Christie was excitedly awaiting the return of her husband, who was on active duty and heading back home that very evening. This is a great story because it's ongoing. Christie Andersen is pregnant - in fact just a couple of days away from her due date at the time of this interview. So this is our first “before and after” style interview where we're talking to a mom who is actively planning and preparing for her home birth (her first!). Then in a couple of weeks, once mom and baby are a little bit settled, we're going to do another interview to recount the actual birth and compare thoughts and feelings for both before and after birth. Christie's husband Ryan was deployed right after they found out they were pregnant. Christie originally intended for a hospital birth but decided to make the switch around 20 weeks, in a bold move to follow her heart and trust her body. Even though he's been thousand of miles away for the entire pregnancy, Ryan has been fully supportive of Christie in her process of transitioning to home birth planning and was traveling home for the birth at the exact moment we were chatting with Christie on the phone for our interview. So already Christie's story is an amazing one - planning a home birth and also representing the community of women and families who experience pregnancies and births often without spouses or other family present because of active military duty. We're so honored to share her journey and excited to bring you the rest in part 2 sometime soon! Offers From Our Awesome Partners: Needed: https://needed.sjv.io/XY3903 - use code DIAH to get 20% off your order The FamilyAlbum app: Share your family's precious moments with your loved ones + get 11 free photo prints delivered each month CLICK HERE. More From Doing It At Home: Doing It At Home book on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3vJcPmU DIAH Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doingitathome/ DIAH YouTube: https://bit.ly/3pzuzQC DIAH Merch: https://www.teepublic.com/stores/doingitathome Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mike Herne - lifelong outdoorsman, accomplished writer, dedicated active-duty U.S. Army service member, and skilled photographer. A Ranger-qualified infantryman, Mike spent 33 months in combat in Afghanistan, serving in every position an infantryman can hold, from machine gunner to Scout sniper to platoon sergeant. With a deep-rooted passion for the outdoors, Mike is an avid bowhunter who constantly strives to refine his skills and pursue excellence in his craft. When he's not fulfilling his military duties, you'll find him hunting, fishing, or training for his next backcountry adventure. Over the years, Mike has honed his expertise and developed a genuine love for sharing his knowledge with others, becoming an inspiring teacher for hunters of all experience levels. In addition to his outdoor pursuits, Mike has overcome a deeply personal struggle with alcohol and addiction. With unwavering determination, he has been sober for over 900 days. In this episode, Mike opens up about his journey toward sobriety, offering a raw and compelling story of resilience, personal growth, and redemption. His experiences not only shape his life in the outdoors but also fuel his desire to help others who may be facing similar challenges. As a passionate advocate for the preservation and growth of hunting, Mike's definition of success lies in his ability to educate and inspire others, helping to cultivate a broader appreciation for the sport. His enthusiasm and commitment to the outdoors make him an engaging voice within the hunting community. In this episode, Mike Herne joins Bobby Marshall in the studio for an in-depth conversation about hunting, archery, writing, life in Colorado, his personal journey with addiction and sobriety, and the broader outdoor lifestyle. Tune in for valuable insights and stories from a seasoned expert who embodies the spirit of adventure and resilience. Be sure to subscribe and follow us on social media for updates on new episodes, upcoming events, and exclusive content. www.TheMountainSidePodcast.comAffiliates LinksSponsor Linkswww.Knicpouches.comMountain Side listeners Use Discounts code: MOUNTAINSIDE15 to receive 15% off all K-Nic products!www.BulletProof.comMountain Side listeners Use Discounts code: MOUNTAINSIDE to receive 20% off all Bulletproof products!www.ProTekt.comMountain Side listeners receive 10% off all ProTekt products! Use this link to receive discount code.

Dr. Heather Wilson, a 1982 Air Force Academy graduate, formerly the 24th Secretary of the Air Force, and first USAFA graduate to hold the position, discusses her unexpected journey to the role, emphasizing the importance of integrity, service, and leadership. ----more---- SUMMARY Dr. Wilson shares her unexpected journey into leadership, the importance of integrity, and the lessons learned from both successes and failures. She reflects on her family legacy, the influence of mentors, and how her military background shaped her leadership style. Dr. Wilson emphasizes the value of collecting tools for leadership and adapting to different environments while maintaining core values. In this conversation, she discusses the importance of finding purpose in one's mission and the value of relationships, particularly family support. She reflects on her journey as a woman in leadership, the significance of legacy in public service, and her unexpected path to serving in Congress. Dr. Wilson emphasizes the lessons learned in collaboration and the importance of humor in leadership, ultimately encouraging future leaders to uphold high standards and not to shame their families.   SHARE THIS EPISODE LINKEDIN | FACEBOOK   TAKEAWAYS Dr. Wilson's journey to becoming Secretary of the Air Force was unexpected and transformative. Leadership often requires owning failures and focusing on solutions. Integrity is foundational to effective leadership and builds trust. Adapting leadership styles to different cultures is essential for success. Mentorship and influences from family play a significant role in shaping leaders. Collecting tools and knowledge is crucial for effective leadership. Quality management principles can be applied to various fields, including education and social services. Leadership is not linear; it involves navigating different paths and chapters. Building strong teams and hiring the right people is vital for organizational success. Direct communication and honesty are key components of effective leadership. Doing things that matter with people you like is essential. The most important decision in life can be personal, like choosing a partner. Family support enriches life and provides joy. Women in leadership often face unique challenges but can pave the way for others. Legacy is about making lasting changes in systems and strategies. Unexpected opportunities can lead to significant career changes. Collaboration and giving credit to others is key in leadership roles. Humor can help create a relaxed atmosphere in serious environments. Education is crucial for transforming lives and communities. Leadership is not always a straight path; adaptability is important.   EPISODE CHAPTERS 00:00  Introduction to Long Blue Leadership 01:25  Unexpected Call to Leadership 03:16  Lessons from Leadership Challenges 08:28  The Importance of Integrity 10:07  Adapting Leadership Styles 12:23  Influences and Mentorship 15:25  Family Legacy and Influence 17:41  Learning from Team Members 21:29  Applying Quality Management Principles 24:07  Navigating Non-Linear Leadership Paths 24:20  Finding Purpose in Mission and Relationships 28:06  The Importance of Family Support 30:08  Navigating Leadership as a Woman 34:30  Legacy and Impact in Public Service 36:29  Unexpected Paths: Serving in Congress 41:03  Lessons in Collaboration and Leadership   ABOUT DR. WILSON - IMAGES AND BIO COURTESY OF UTEP BIO Dr. Heather Wilson became the 11th President of The University of Texas at El Paso in 2019 after serving as Secretary of the United States Air Force. She is the former president of the South Dakota School of Mines & Technology, and she represented New Mexico in the United States Congress for 10 years.  Active in community and national affairs, she is a member of the National Science Board, which oversees the National Science Foundation, and serves as a board member of the Texas Space Commission. She was the inaugural Chair of the Alliance of Hispanic Serving Research Universities, and is a member of the board of directors of Lockheed Martin Corporation. Dr. Wilson is the granddaughter of immigrants and was the first person in her family to go to college. She graduated from the U.S. Air Force Academy in the third class to admit women and earned her master's and doctoral degrees from Oxford University in England as a Rhodes Scholar. UTEP is located on the U.S.-Mexico border – in the fifth largest manufacturing region in North America – and serves over 24,000 students with 170 bachelor's, master's and doctoral degree programs in nine colleges and schools. In the top 5% of public universities in the United States for research and designated a community-engaged university by the Carnegie Foundation, UTEP is America's leading Hispanic-serving university. It is the fourth largest research university in Texas and serves a student body that is 84% Hispanic. President Wilson is an instrument rated private pilot. She and her husband, Jay Hone, have two adult children and two granddaughters. Dr. Heather Wilson served as the 24th Secretary of the Air Force and was responsible for the affairs of the Department of the Air Force, including the organizing, training and equipping and providing for the welfare of 660,000 Active-Duty, Guard, Reserve and civilian forces their families. She provided oversight of the Air Force's annual budget of more than $132 billion and directs strategy and policy development, risk management, weapons acquisition, technology investments and human resource management across a global enterprise. Dr. Wilson has more than 35 years of professional experience in a range of leadership and management roles in the military, higher education, government and private industry. Before assuming her current position, Dr. Wilson was president of the South Dakota School of Mines & Technology, an engineering and science research university. From 1998 to 2009, Dr. Wilson was a member of the U.S. House of Representatives, where she served on the House Armed Services Committee, the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence and the House Energy and Commerce Committee. Before being elected to Congress, Dr. Wilson was a cabinet secretary in New Mexico's state government responsible for foster care, adoption, juvenile delinquency, children's mental health and early childhood education. From 1989 to 1991 Wilson served on the National Security Council staff as director for defense policy and arms control for President George H.W. Bush during the fall of the Berlin Wall and the collapse of the Warsaw Pact. From 1991 to1995 and again from 2009 to 2013 Wilson was in the private sector. In 1991, she founded Keystone International, Inc., a company that did business development and program planning work for defense and scientific industry. She served as a senior advisor to several national laboratories on matters related to nuclear weapons, non-proliferation, arms control verification, intelligence and the defense industrial base. Wilson also served on the boards of two publicly traded corporations as well as numerous advisory and non-profit boards.   CONNECT WITH DR. WILSON LINKEDIN  |  UTEP     ALL PAST LBL EPISODES  |  ALL LBLPN PRODUCTIONS AVAILABLE ON ALL MAJOR PODCAST PLATFORMS     FULL TRANSCRIPT SPEAKERS Guest:  Dr. Heather Wilson '82  |  Hosts:  Lt. Col. (Ret.) Naviere Walkewicz '99   Naviere Walkewicz  00:00 Welcome to Long Blue Leadership, the podcast where we share insights on leadership through the lives and experiences of Air Force Academy graduates. I'm Naviere Walkowicz, Class of '99. Our story is about a leader who reached heights fellow Air Force Academy graduates had not reached before her, and this was at a time when opportunities to do so were still new. My guest is Dr. Heather Wilson, Class of '82. As you heard, she served as the 24th secretary of the Air Force, but there is a unique distinction attached to that. Dr Wilson, welcome to Long Blue Leadership; we have much to discuss. Let's start with you becoming the secretary of the Air Force, our 24th.   Dr. Heather Wilson  00:37 Yeah, that wasn't part of my life's plan. Secretary Designate Mattis did call me. I was in South Dakota as the president of the South Dakota School of Mines and my cell phone rang and he said, “This is Jim Mattis, and I want to talk to you about becoming secretary of the Air Force.” And honest to goodness, my initial answer was, “Sir, you do know that being a college president is like the best job in America, right?” And he said, “Yeah, I know. I just came from Stanford.” And I said, “I didn't apply for any job. I mean, I like it out... I'm a gal of the West. I like the mountains. I like hiking and biking and fly fishing.” And he said, “Yeah, I know. I grew up on the Columbia River in Washington.” And I thought, “This isn't working,” but we talked several more times, and it was pretty clear that I was being called to serve in a way that I didn't anticipate, but that was what I was supposed to do.   Naviere Walkewicz  01:35 What a transformative moment in your life, I'm sure.   Dr. Heather Wilson  01:38 Well, it was. Again, my entire life, I think, is a diversion from its planned course. But I turned out — I didn't anticipate that, and it meant — my husband doesn't really much like big East Coast cities that rain a lot and have a lot of traffic, and so from a family point of view, it wasn't what we personally wanted to do, but you're called to serve. And we've been called to serve in different ways in our lives and sometimes, even if it feels inconvenient, you're still called to serve. It turned out to be wonderful and I really enjoyed the experience, both of working with Sec. Mattis, but also getting back to spending time with airmen. And so it turned out to be wonderful, but it wasn't what I expected.   Naviere Walkewicz  02:25 Well, you said it, ma'am. As we know, service and leadership aren't linear, and so we're really excited to dive into some of those experiences today. Maybe share, as secretary of the Air Force, some of those moments in leadership that stuck with you. Let's just kind of start there.   Dr. Heather Wilson  02:42 Certainly. There were good days and not so good days. I think one of the things that I really benefited from was that I had a partner in the chief of staff, Dave Goldfein, who was absolutely fantastic. And we've remained very close friends. We started at the Academy the same day and he would joke and tell people that we didn't graduate on the same day because he went stop-out for a year. But we didn't know each other well as cadets, but we were formed by some of the same experiences and I think that helped tremendously. I didn't really understand that in our system of government, the civilian secretary has almost all the authority, but the chief of staff has almost all of the influence. And if you can figure out how to work together, you can get a heck of a lot done. And Dave and I both had that same approach, and it turned out to be a great partnership.   Naviere Walkewicz  03:42 That's pretty incredible. In fact, the time of your service in that role, I was actually working under your umbrella at U.S. STRATCOM. I was at Strategic Command there as a government civilian and as a reservist. And so, I can certainly speak to, I think, some of the amazing things that you did. Can you share a little — you talked about some ups and downs. What was maybe one of the failures as secretary of the Air Force that you learned from that helped you throughout your life?   Dr. Heather Wilson  04:11 Well, I know the day. I think it was Nov. 5, 2017, and it was a Sunday, late morning or early afternoon, and my phone rang. I was upstairs in the study in my row house in Virginia and it was the inspector general, Gen. Syed. And that morning, a young man had walked into a church in Sutherland Springs, Texas, and opened fire and killed a lot of people, and it turned out he had been an airman, and the general said, “You know, we're not sure yet, but he may have been convicted of a crime that would have required us to tell the FBI and the national criminal records check system that he had committed a crime that would not allow him to purchase a weapon, but we may have failed to notify.” We didn't know, we wouldn't know that afternoon but I talked to the chief and we all got together on Monday morning at 9 a.m. and Gen. Syed confirmed that he was an airman, he had been convicted of a domestic violence-related crime, and we had not properly notified the FBI, and as a result, he had been able to buy a weapon. Um, that was not a good day. And we talked about what we should do next, and our general counsel wasn't there — he was traveling that morning, but a more junior lawyer was there, who suggested kind of — and, you know, other people said, well — it actually got worse because there was an IG investigation, an internal audit from several years before, that showed that all of the services were not properly reporting to the national criminal records system. So we hadn't fixed the problem. We knew; we had been informed there was a problem and hadn't fixed it. And some people said, “Well, you weren't here at the time.” That doesn't matter. You wear the uniform, or you wear the cloak of office, and you have to take responsibility for the institution. And of course, the lawyers would say, “Well, you know, maybe you want to fuzz this and not take — you know, there's investigation going on,” or something. But we knew enough of the facts that morning, Monday morning, and Dave Goldfein and I decided to own it, to own the failure and focus on fixing the problem. And we did. And in the short term that was very uncomfortable. We sat in front of the Pentagon press corps and took their questions, and we went to Capitol Hill and informed the members of Congress on what had been done and not been done and why. But in the long term, by owning failure, we were able to focus on fixing the problem rather than just trying to manage responsibility and accountability, and it turned out to be a much better approach. So, sometimes the most important lesson is to own failure.   Naviere Walkewicz 07:09 I'm so glad you shared that, ma'am, because I think some people have a fear of failure, but there are many times when failure is inevitable, and to your point, owning it is the right approach. Something you said when you're sharing that, it made me think about us as cadets and our core values: integrity first. And that really resonated with how your approach was. Would you say that was born for you at the Academy and kind of through your career that's where it stayed, or has that always been part of your fabric?   Dr. Heather Wilson  07:36 I think the Academy was absolutely formative in that way, in the Honor Code. And, you know, integrity first, service before self, and excellence in all we do, now replaces what was there when I was a cadet, over the archway there. But I think that's woven into the fabric for airmen, and it's part of our culture, and it drives you. And I think — you know now we look at, how do we evaluate officers? It's the same way I now evaluate leaders — any leaders that work with me — and it's the way I evaluate myself: accomplish the mission, lead people, manage resources and make your unit better, all on a foundation of values. But it's that last part of it: all on a foundation of values. If you don't have that, the rest of it almost doesn't matter. You can try to make your unit better, but if you're lying about it, nobody's going to trust you. If you're leading people and managing resources, but you don't have integrity, it doesn't matter. So, integrity first, and that commitment to trying to be honest and direct with people builds those relationships of trust, which lasts for decades throughout a career.   Naviere Walkewicz  08:53 Absolutely. And the key word, I think, that foundation you talked about — how has that foundation served you in leadership as you've explored other areas outside of the military, amazing roles leading UTEP, also at the South Dakota School of Mines, in higher education? I'm sure that there's a translation of what that looks like. Can you share maybe an example of how that came into play?   Dr. Heather Wilson  09:15 Sure, it happens all the time. I think in any leadership position, whether you're in corporate life, in community life and a nonprofit, or in higher education, leading with a foundation of values, being honest, complying with the law, following the rules or changing the rules. It doesn't mean — that's one of the things that I think is probably important for leaders. You get to a point as a leader where your job is not just to follow the rules, but to look at the systems and identify the rules that need to be changed, but to be direct and honest about that too. Where it's not “Well, I think this rule doesn't make any sense, so I'm going to skirt it,” or “I'm not going to tell people that I've complied with something and I haven't.” In fact, you know that happened to me this morning. I got a disclosure that I was supposed to sign for a report that was published yesterday to the director of National Intelligence on a committee that I serve on, and they sent this kind of notification on what you can talk about publicly, and all of those things, and I hadn't given up my right to speak publicly about unclassified matters, and I responded, “I understand what you've said. I want to let you know that this is how I interpret this, and this is the way I'm going to act.” I was very direct about it. “I didn't give up my First Amendment rights as a citizen because I worked on your task force.” So, very direct. And I think that directness is something that — not all cultures are that way, including higher education culture. I have to be a little bit careful about that sometimes — the airman's tendency to have a frank debrief isn't always the way other cultures and work cultures are. They're just not always like that, so, I have to be a little bit careful sometimes that I don't crush people's will to live or something.   Naviere Walkewicz  11:13 I was actually thinking about that as you were speaking how, if you have the foundation, especially from the military, we kind of understand that directive approach and certainly those core values that we know of. And I'm curious, how do you adapt as a leader to those who maybe don't have that foundation? How do you bring them up to speed and kind of help them establish that?   Dr. Heather Wilson  11:32 Well, it's a two-way street. It means that I have to understand the culture that I'm in and the way in which I talk with senior faculty may be slightly different than the way I might talk to somebody who just got off a flight line and was too low and slow on final or something, you know? But at the same time with both a sense of humor and a little bit of grace… It was really funny when I was at South Dakota Mines, my provost was a long-time academic. And of course, I had served in Congress for 10 years as well. And he once said something to me that just made me crack up. He said, “You know, you are the least political president I've ever worked with. And the funny thing is, you're the only one that was really a politician.” And he said, “You remind me more of a military officer.” And I thought, “Yeah, that's probably true.” But I was fairly direct as a member of Congress as well. And so, I've just found that that works better for me in life, I guess.   Naviere Walkewicz  12:37 You were sharing how, you know, I think it was the provost that said that you really didn't remind him as someone that was very political, even though you're the only politician he's known. And so what was your time like serving in Congress? I mean, that's 10 years you did, I think, correct?   Dr. Heather Wilson  12:52 I did. And again, I didn't expect to serve in Congress. My predecessor became very seriously ill shortly before the filing deadline for the election that happened in 1998, and my phone rang. It was a Thursday night. This happens to me. I don't know why, but it was a Thursday night, and my phone rang. I was working in Santa Fe, cabinet secretary for Child Welfare, and it was Sen. Pete Domenici, the senior senator for the state of New Mexico. And he said, “You don't know anything about this, but I'm coming to New Mexico this weekend, and I want to talk to you about running for Congress.” Well, that's a quiz; that's not a question. Because a quiz has a right answer, which is, “Sir, I'd be happy to talk to you about whatever you want to talk about.” He's a United States senator. So, we talked about all kinds of things, and he called me from the airport when he was heading back to Washington that Sunday night, and he said, “Look, if you will run, I will help you.” And I decided to run. It was eight days before the filing deadline. I talked to my predecessor — he was fighting skin cancer — and said, “Look, why don't you just focus on fighting cancer? Two years from now, if you want to run again, you can have this seat back. I'll try to do my best for the next two years.” And then 30 days later, he died. I mean, you're not supposed to die of skin cancer. And so, I ended up serving for 10 years in the Congress in a very difficult swing district that I probably shouldn't have won in the first place. But I enjoyed the service part of it. I enjoyed the policy work part of it — intellectually challenging. Some of the partisan silliness I didn't like very much. And then when I left the Congress, ran on successfully for the Senate and became a university president. One of the great things — I tell people now that I was released from Congress early for good behavior. But it was nice to be in a town where people were waving at me with all five fingers. I mean, it was wonderful. So, I enjoyed the service, and I enjoyed a lot helping people — doing casework and things. But it was also a little bit less of a partisan time where you could try to listen and learn and serve well and try to serve your constituents without just being under attack mercilessly and in social media, or something. It was maybe perhaps a different age.   Naviere Walkewicz  15:25 Well, I chuckled when you said waving with all five fingers. That got a good one out of me. I thought about when you're in that, because that wasn't something you were looking to do, and this seems to be a bit of a theme in your leadership trajectory as well. You've kind of been tapped on the shoulder, and you know, for the ones that you didn't apply for or run for, plan for, have been such transformative positions in your life.   Dr. Heather Wilson  15:50 Yeah, and I think maybe that happens to people more than we might acknowledge, because when we're planning our lives, we think we know what's going to happen, but in reality, we adapt to situations that develop and opportunities open that you didn't know were there or someone asked you to take on a special project and that leads you in a direction that you didn't anticipate. So while mine seem particularly unusual in these very different chapters of my life, I don't think it's all that unusual. We just look forward and project in straight lines, and when we look backward, we tell a story in a narrative and it's not always a straight line. But I've been blessed to be asked to do some things. And perhaps in our relationship, my husband and I, he doesn't like change. I love it, and so in our relationship, he's kind of the keel and I'm kind of the sail, and together, we go places.   Naviere Walkewicz  16:56 That's awesome. And I think that particular time and journey in your career serving in Congress was probably one that you established new tools in your leadership toolbox. Were there any that particularly stood out — moments, either when you were having to, you know, forge new policy or achieve things that you hadn't prior? Because Congress is a kind of different machine.   Dr. Heather Wilson  17:21 Yeah, it's a very big committee, and it's not executive leadership. And so I'm probably more predisposed to executive leadership than just being on committees. It takes a very long time to get anything done in Congress, and our government is intentionally designed that way to protect us from tyranny. So you have to take that philosophical approach to it, even if you're frustrated day to day. I did learn how to get things done by giving other people credit. And there were several times — the changes to the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act is probably one example — where I had sponsored legislation in the House. It had taken quite a bit of time — changing Congress. There were continued problems, and I went to others and tried to put them in positions of leadership and support them. And ultimately, it was a Senate bill that passed, but which had been shaped in the background by multiple people, including me, and I was OK with that. And the same thing happened on pieces of legislation about public lands in New Mexico. I remember I came out in favor of doing something in northern New Mexico with respect to some public lands, and I got out ahead of Pete Domenici and he was not happy about that. He was very clear about not being happy about getting a little bit ahead of him on it. But in the end, the piece of legislation there that was signed, and another one on Zia Pueblo were Senate bills. They weren't House bills. But I had moved things forward on the House side, and it didn't matter to me that that it said “S” rather than “H” in front of the name of the bill. So as long as you don't really care about who gets the credit, you can get a lot done in the Congress.   Naviere Walkewicz  19:11 That is a powerful lesson. And somewhere in the back of my mind, I think there's a Contrails quote, and I can't remember all of it, but I remember the end of it is, “…if you don't care who gets the credit.”   Dr. Heather Wilson  19:11 Yeah, that was probably one of the short ones. Schofield's quote was — we all did pushups for those.   Naviere Walkewicz  19:30 Yes, I had a starting moment. I was about to get down…   Dr. Heather Wilson  19:35 … and start to sweat…   Naviere Walkewicz  19:37 … and take my punishment. That was wonderful, ma'am. I'm glad we actually went back and did that journey.   Dr. Heather Wilson  19:42 When I think about my service in the Congress, where I made the most difference, it was in committee work, and particularly on the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, where I served for a significant amount of time, including post-9/11. And I think that work, because the Intelligence Committee, most of it is in private, it's dealing with really hard, really important issues, and you don't bring your staff there. You have to do the work. And I think probably that's where I did some of my most important work as a member of Congress, was in Intelligence.   Naviere Walkewicz  20:18 Thank you for sharing that. Who are some other influencers, some key influencers in your life, that have maybe walked alongside you or helped you in these different roles that you've carried in your amazing career.   Dr. Heather Wilson  20:31 Oh, they're different people at different times, but certainly as a young person, my grandfather was very important to me. My grandfather had been one of the first flyers in the RAF in World War I, and then came to America in 1922 and flew in the Second World War for what became the Civil Air Patrol. So he did sub search off the Atlantic coast, and varied parts, around to bases, in New England. So, he was important to me as a child. My dad died when I was young. My dad also had been enlisted in the Air Force. He was a crew chief and also a pilot, commercial pilot, after he got out of the service. So I grew up around airplanes and my grandfather was very important to me, and there were other people along the way. When I was a cadet, there was a group commander, Lieutenant Colonel — it's funny, you still remember… anyone who remembers my middle initial, I know it's like, “Oh, this may not be good,” but Robert L. Rame, Lt. Col. Robert L. Rame was the 4th Group commander and my first Air Officer Commanding. General — sorry, Maj. William S. Reeder. He was an Army officer and had been a prisoner of war in Vietnam. Really, I was terrified of disappointing him. It's funny, I just got a Christmas card from him. Life's long, right?   Naviere Walkewicz  21:53 Wow. What connections. I'd like to kind of go back a little bit to your grandfather. You said he was really important to you in your life. Can you share maybe some of the ways he influenced you? Obviously, you're third-generation aviator in your family. Is that how you knew you're going to go into service?   Dr. Heather Wilson  22:08 Well, the Academy wasn't an option until I was a junior in high school, and so I knew I was going to college, but I didn't really think about where. And then they opened the Air Force Academy to women when I was a junior in high school. So, my grandfather had two sons, and he had five grandsons, and me. But he was pretty — I would say — the way he might say it is he was pretty sweet on me; he and I were very close. We used to play chess after school when I was in high school, and I remember once we just finished playing chess, and I was a senior in high school — so, my grandfather was an aviator; he was also a mechanic. He could use any tool, I mean, he was just amazing with his hands. And I had learned a new tool in school, and I took out a piece of graph paper and I drew a drew a curve, and I said, “Grandpa, do you think you could find the area under this curve?” And he said, “Well, I'd probably count up the squares and estimate from there on the graph paper.” And I then I showed him something new and it was called calculus, and it was the first time in my life that I realized I had a tool that my grandfather didn't have. He had a high school education and had gone into the RAF during the First World War, and he was a great mechanic and a really good man, but I realized that there were opportunities for me that maybe my grandfather never had.   Naviere Walkewicz  23:56 I actually got chill bumps when you shared that. Pretty powerful. Thank you so much. Can you talk about, throughout your career — you said if people remember your middle initial, and I'm sure that many on the military side would, because you're amazing… Have you learned from anyone maybe that is not a mentor of you, but someone that has kind of come under your wing? Can you share some leadership lessons that you've learned from those serving alongside and under you?   Dr. Heather Wilson  24:24 Oh my gosh, I learn stuff every day from the people whom I'm privileged to work with. And one of the things that I learned over time was, and as you get more senior, the most important thing you do as a senior leader is hire good people who know things that you don't know, because it's not possible to know everything you need to know to lead a large organization. So, you have to organize yourself well and then get great people and let them do their job. So, I learn things every day. I was interviewing somebody yesterday that we're trying to attract to come to the university who is on the communication side of things — marketing and communication and branding. And you know that creative, visual side of my brain, if you did a brain scan, it would be like a dark hole. That's not a strength of mine. And so those kinds of things are — you have to realize what your strengths are, and then to fill in the team and put together a team, which together can accomplish the mission.   Naviere Walkewicz  25:34 I'd say your grandfather is still kind of, you know, influencing that. It's almost like you're filling your toolbox with all those areas.   Dr. Heather Wilson  25:43 That's funny you use that word. I've told this story before, but my father was both a pilot and a mechanic, and he built an experimental aircraft in our house, and we lived on this, kind of the last house that they would plow to on the end of the road in the winter, right? So, in a very small town, and at that time, there were still traveling salesmen, and the Snap-on tools guy would come probably every six weeks or so, and he had this, like red truck with an accordion thing on the back that looked just like the toolbox in the corner of the garage, right? And we knew that when the Snap-on tools guy came, do not go out. I mean, it was like Christmas for my dad. Do not interfere when the Snap-on tools guy is there. And so he'd go out and lean against the truck, and we could see him laughing and stuff. And eventually my dad would reach in his pocket and pull out his billfold and give the guy a bill, and he'd go back, and he'd lift up the back of the accordion thing and reach in there and give my dad a tool. And my dad would — then the truck would back out, and go on to his next stop. But my dad would take that tool and we'd scramble into the garage to see what he got and stuff. And my dad would usually put that tool in the box in the corner and then go back to what he was doing that day, working on his car or whatever he was doing. And it occurred to me that my dad didn't need that tool that day, but he collected tools, and someday he'd need that tool. And I think great leaders collect tools even when they don't need them today, because they're going to be times when you bring everybody to — you know, there's that great scene in Apollo 13, but it happens around the staff and Cabinet table, and it'll happen in your planning room as a pilot where you've got a new problem, and everybody brings in their tools and says, “OK, how can we make a carbon monoxide filter, or carbon dioxide filter, out of what we've got here on the table?” So, collect tools. And I think that's one of the things I learned from my dad.     Naviere Walkewicz  28:00 Oh, that is an amazing story. Can you share maybe a tool that you've had in your toolbox, that you learned way back when, maybe at the Academy, or as a young girl, that you've recently pulled out and used?   Dr. Heather Wilson 28:12 Well, one of them — I'm not so sure it's recent, but when I was a small business owner, there was a group in New Mexico called Quality New Mexico, and they taught small business owners the Baldrige Principles for quality management. And then I ended up being the Cabinet secretary for child welfare in New Mexico. So, I took over a foster care system, which was under a federal consent decree for not getting kids forever homes and an overly crowded juvenile justice system. I mean, every intractable social problem was — I realized after a while why I became Cabinet secretary for child welfare, because nobody else wanted that job. I mean it was a really difficult job, but I had these tools on quality management. I thought, “I think we can apply these same principles to improving foster care, to improving the juvenile justice system.” And so we did, and there's some things I was proud of there, but one of my last acts as Cabinet secretary before I ended up leaving and running for Congress was to sign the end of the federal consent decree that had been in place for 18 years that said that the state was not getting foster kids forever homes. We changed the system, but we did it using those quality management principles, which I had learned as a small business owner almost as a lark. So, there's one example. But, you know, we just went through a global pandemic. It was very much a pickup game. Nobody had ever been through that. So, we all got together and figured out how we could use the tools we had, including the research capability on my campus to be able to sequence DNA so that we could do testing on campus and get the results, ultimately, within six hours and then feed that back so we could detect disease before someone was symptomatic, so you could suppress disease on campus for those who had to be on campus. There's some things you can't do remotely. And so, we had our own testing system on campus, which was remarkable. Well, why'd we have that? Because we had some tools in the box.   Naviere Walkewicz  30:37 Well, you've used those tools amazingly as you've navigated your career. How would you say that — because yours is… we talked about not being linear. It's kind of been multiple paths and…   Dr. Heather Wilson 30:50 Different chapters.   Naviere Walkewicz 30:51 Yes, I love that. Different chapters. How would you say that you've navigated leadership through that? And has there been a thread that's been common through all those different chapters that you've…   Dr. Heather Wilson  31:04 Yeah, we talked a little about integrity, and that certainly is there. But I when, when people say things like, you know, “Why are you at UTEP?” Or, “Why did you shift to higher ed?” Or, “Why did…” The mission matters so developing people matters. Defending the country matters. So, a mission that matters with people I like. And I realized that when you get down to it, you should do things that matter with people you like and if that's your filter, as long as you can put food on the table, there's a lot of different things you can do, but it should be something that matters with people you like. Otherwise, that time between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. can seem forever unless you're doing something you like.   Naviere Walkewicz  31:49 That is a powerful thread. Mission matters with people you like. How has your family supported you through this?   Dr. Heather Wilson  31:56 I live a blessed life. I tell this to students, and probably, as a younger woman, I wouldn't have said these things because I was so focused on being taken seriously, I suppose. But, I lightened up after time and realized, OK, I'm probably too serious. But the most important decision I've made in my life is not to go to the Academy or to run for Congress or to become a college president — none of those things are the most important decision I've made in my life. The most important decision I made in my life was to marry the guy I married. I married a guy who's actually retired Air Force now, but he was a lawyer. Despite that, he's a nice guy and sometimes, I think, particularly for women, there's always that fear that you're going to sit down when you're in a getting into a serious relationship, and it's going to be one of those conversations that says, “OK, we're thinking about making this permanent. Who's going to give up her career?” And it's not really a conversation, or at least maybe it wasn't in my era, but Jay never had that conversation with me. It was always we could do more together than either of us could do alone, and he has been so supportive of me. And, yeah, vice versa. But I had to go back east for something last week, and I knew that even in this big reception that I was in with all these people, that he wasn't going to be there, and if he was, he'd still be the most interesting guy in the room. So, I married well, and my family always — we're a very close family. And I think while my obligations to my family didn't end at the front porch, my family gave richness and dimension to my life that I never really anticipated as a young woman, and it's given me joy. Success seemed possible to achieve; joy always seemed like a gift from God, and I have had joy because of my family.   Naviere Walkewicz  34:18 Thank you for sharing that. You talk about when you're hiring, you choose people that kind of fill gaps, but it sounds like, also on your personal team, you want to make sure that you're choosing it, you know...   Dr. Heather Wilson  34:30 Yeah, you're going to be roommates for a long time. That matters. And there's the things that you just kind of have to get over. You know, I'm not going to clean around his sink, and he's not going to be bothered about the fact that my closet's color coordinated. I mean, we just live with that, right?   Naviere Walkewicz  34:49 I appreciate that about you so much. You talked a minute ago about some things you learned about yourself as a leader. You know, “Not take myself too seriously.” Can you share a little bit more about that journey on your own, like that personal leadership journey that you've made?   Dr. Heather Wilson  35:07 Yeah, and I think it's easier as you go on. And honestly, very early on, I was very often the only woman in the room, and so I wanted to be taken seriously. I was also very often the youngest person in the room. And so those two things made me want to be taken seriously. As I went on and got more responsibility, I realized that the truth is I am a very serious and successful woman. My husband would say that I was raised in the home for the humor impaired, and that I've been in therapy with him for over 30 years. So, I gradually learned to see the humor in life. I still am not one that stands up and tells jokes or something, but I see the humor in life and I don't take myself too seriously. The person that I watched who used self-deprecating humor better than any leader I've ever seen was actually Dave Goldfein. Everyone knew when he walked into a room, or if he stood up on a stage at a town hall meeting with a bunch of airmen or something — everybody knew that they were gonna laugh. At some point in that meeting we're gonna laugh, and not at someone else's expense, but at his. And it made people relax around him. He was very, very good at it. But I also knew that his self-deprecating humor was really a cover for exceptional competence, and I never underestimated that, but it made people relax and brought a little bit of joy to whatever intractable problem we were looking at.   Naviere Walkewicz  36:51 Well, you shared about sometimes when you're coming up through your leadership, you were often the only woman in the room and sometimes the youngest in the room. What would you like to share on your thoughts of what has that impact been, and what do you see as your legacy?   Dr. Heather Wilson  37:07 Well, there were some times, particularly early on, when women flying or women in positions of command was new, where you just had to do the job and realize that you were probably changing attitudes as you went and that it would be easier for those who came after you, and that's OK. I don't see that as much anymore. Although, when I was elected to Congress, I think probably 10% to 15% of the House was women. Now it's more than that, and once it gets to be more than 30% in any room, it doesn't sound — it's almost like you walk into a restaurant where it's all guys or all women, and you notice the difference in the room, the tones of the voices and things. Once you get to about a third, it feels like it's comfortable, but early on, I always was very conscious of it and conscious of the obligation to do well, because I was being judged not only for myself, but for an entire group of people. And so, I was sensitive to that, and wanted to make sure that I didn't, like — “Don't shame the family,” right? So make sure that you keep the doors open. As far as legacy is concerned, and I think back in my time as Air Force secretary, I would say there's two things that I hope linger, and they have so far. One is a change to the promotion system to make sure that we have the right kind of talent to choose from at all levels in the organization, and so that, I think, has continued to persist. And the other one that will be changed over time and has to be changed over time, had to do with the science and technology strategy of the Air Force and the need to stay ahead of adversaries. I think this is a completely separate conversation, but I actually think that that we are at greater risk of scientific and technical surprise today than at any time since the end of the Second World War. And if you go back and read books about engineers of victory, or there's a whole lot of books about how science and technology was brought to bear in prevailing in the Second World War. I think we're at risk now in a way that we've kind of become complacent about. So, science and technology strategy is something that I hope is a legacy.   Naviere Walkewicz  39:36 That's amazing, ma'am. And I think not only for our military, but you're able to influence that in the spaces that you are now.   Dr. Heather Wilson  39:43 Yeah, engaging the next generation, which is a heck of a lot of fun. You know, the University of Texas at El Paso is a wonderful institution — 25,000 students, half of them are the first in their families to go to college. About 70% or so come from families making less than about $45,000 a year. So, this is a university that transforms lives, and it's a university that — of my 25,000 students, over 5,000 are studying engineering. Another couple thousand are studying science, College of Nursing, College of Education. This has a tremendous impact on the region and on the lives of those who choose to educate themselves. And so it's a wonderful mission to be part of, and I think it's important for the nation. I think regions of the world who choose to educate their people in the 21st century will thrive, and those that don't are going to be left behind, and that's why I do what I do.   Naviere Walkewicz  40:44 Well, it clearly aligns with your foundation and your mission, ma'am, and I think that's outstanding. We're going to ask for Dr. Wilson's final thoughts next, but before we do, I'd like to take a moment and thank you for listening to Long Blue Leadership. The podcast publishes Tuesdays in both video and audio and is available on all your favorite podcast platforms. Be sure to watch, listen and subscribe to all episodes of Long Blue Leadership at longblueleadership.org. So, Dr. Wilson, I would love to take a moment to gather some of your final thoughts, what you'd like to share today.   Dr. Heather Wilson  41:21 Well, assuming that most of the folks who listen to this are either cadets or young officers or grads, I leave them with one thought, and that is, don't shame the family. Don't shame the family. People will look up to you because you are an Air Force Academy graduate, or you are an Air Force cadet. The standard is higher, so live up to the standard.   Naviere Walkewicz  41:50 Ma'am, we started with you being direct. You ended direct. I think that is amazing. Thank you very much. Thanks for being on Long Blue Leadership.   Dr. Heather Wilson  41:58 My pleasure.     KEYWORDS leadership, Air Force Academy, integrity, mentorship, quality management, Dr. Heather Wilson, military service, personal growth, career journey, unexpected opportunities, leadership, integrity, family support, women in leadership, public service, legacy, mission-driven, personal growth, collaboration, Congress     The Long Blue Line Podcast Network is presented by the U.S. Air Force Academy Association and Foundation    

Welcome to TABLE TALK TODAY, a special series hosted on the RSVP Show with April D. Metzler and in Kingdom collaboration with the nonprofit organization supporting leaders in the ekklesia of God - ⁠Kingdom Industries United⁠. Key Topic Focus: Supporting Those Who Serve Our Country and Their Families Key Strategy Question: Transitioning from Active Duty to Civilian life is achievable, right? Season 1 - Episode 9 For this episode of Table Talk Today, April visits with her cohosts, Michelle VanDusen & Tabatha Strother, along with special guest and military veteran, Jessica Hurtado, about how we can be a support to and show our appreciation for Military Families and their role back home to help the men and women who serve in our U.S. Military branches across the nation and overseas. They share encouragement and tips for helping both the families of military members and the members, themselves. They each share personal testimonies about the impact of military service on family dynamics. Their Biblical Application focus is found in 2 Timothy 2: 1-4. Let's Visit. Original Air Date: 11/16/2022 on SOLWIN TV Network (previous collaboration for exclusive network release) Table Talk Today is not another podcast or tv show. This is strategic collaboration in action. Get ready for candid, real, and vulnerable conversations that lead you to seeing the Bible in action; hear solutions and tips from our cohosts and special guests; plus receive an extra dose of encouragement, too! Stay til the end to catch the behind the scenes section on this episode with bloopers! Download the App for KIU: ⁠https://kingdomindustriesunited.com/#get-the-app⁠ Get Connected with April's new business that will support our nonprofit initiatives at KIU and download a free ebook for Intentionally Teachable Leaders here: ⁠⁠⁠https://intentionallyteachable.com/connect⁠⁠⁠ Connect with Michele VanDusen at: https://www.michelevandusen.org Connect with Tabatha Strother at: https://www.youtube.com/@talkingwithtabatha Connect with Jessica Hurtado at: https://herestoresmysoul.life Find her books on Amazon at: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Jessica-Hurtado/author/B088GPCC5Z

The Trump administration is sending more U.S. soldiers to the U.S.-Mexican border. AP correspondent Donna Warder reports.

//The Wire//2300Z January 31, 2025////ROUTINE////BLUF: RECOVERY EFFORTS CONTINUE AT CRASH SITE IN WASHINGTON, FALSE INFORMATION SURROUNDING THE INCIDENT BECOMES MORE PERVASIVE. AMERICAN TRADE TARIFFS ON CHINA, MEXICO, AND CANADA ANNOUNCED.// -----BEGIN TEARLINE----- -International Events- Sweden: Wednesday night, local counter-Islam activist Salwan Momika was murdered in Stockholm. Five assailants were arrested after one shot him in his apartment that evening. AC: Momika was a highly controversial figure who gained notoriety for being the pro-Israel activist at the heart of the Koran burnings in Sweden in 2023, and for his legal activism with regards to Islam in Sweden. Of note, local media did not know of his murder until the next morning, as he was scheduled to appear in court for one of the many cases he was the defendant in. When he did not show up, the court noted that the defendant was deceased, leading to the media inquiry. No further details have been provided regarding the details of this murder.Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC): The conflict has continued to escalate, both domestically and internationally. The Rwandan-backed M23 rebels are in complete control of Goma, which has led to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) to voice concerns regarding their medical facilities in the city. Specifically, the ICRC facility in Goma was partnered with the local medical institute that served as the leading authority for Ebola research throughout the region. The ICRC is concerned that the instability throughout the region could result in a lab leak.-HomeFront-Washington D.C. - Recovery operations continue in the Potomac, with more wreckage and remains being recovered overnight. The remains of 41x people have been recovered so far, with 28x being identified as of this afternoon.Throughout the continent, American trade policy is taking form, with the White House announcing the implementation of a 25% tariff on most Canadian and Mexican trade imported into the United States. A separate 10% tariff on trade with China has also been announced as being in the works. AC: As of right now, these trade polices are not in place, however press statements this afternoon have suggested that at least some of the tariffs will be implemented tomorrow. However, the documentation pertaining to these policies has not been published, so the exact impact of these trade policies (and also the impact of negotiations) is unknown at this time.-----END TEARLINE-----Analyst Comments: On the information front, the false information circulating on social media surrounding the aircraft collision in Washington D.C. has become staggering. Overnight, seemingly out of nowhere, many well-known engagement farming accounts on Twitter/X made posts claiming that the pilot of the crashed Blackhawk was a transgender individual. By morning, all big accounts had deleted their posts citing this news story.The source of this claim can be traced back to a handful of single accounts (all of which bear many markers of deception) who made these claims without a single shred of evidence. For one, the female pilot of the Blackhawk has not yet been identified by authorities. The transgender person claimed to have been the pilot during this incident did not match the unit either; he was from a completely different unit and service branch altogether (National Guard vs. the Active Duty pilots involved in the crash). Perhaps the most damning bit of evidence to prove that this story is false is that the transgender pilot is still alive, and he is making the rounds on the media circuit, having been granted a platform to speak by this story surging through social media.Though largely speculative, this could have been the general plan for the scam, which is in line with fairly typical con jobs within the realm of information exchange.1 - Rand

President Donald Trump issued an executive order to end affirmative action for federal contractors. He also directed all federal staff working on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs to be put on leave. And it doesn't end there. Trump also put an end to the orders and policies of the Biden administration that focused on race politics. This is all a part of Trump's sweeping moves to purge DEI from the federal government.

AP Washington correspondent Sagar Meghani reports officials say the Pentagon will start sending active-duty troops to help secure the southern border.

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AP Washington correspondent Sagar Meghani reports on the military status of the man killed in a Tesla truck explosion outside Donald Trump's Las Vegas hotel.

Chapels on Air Force bases across the globe play a pivotal role in the spiritual health and readiness of Airmen and their families. The Tinker Chapel serves as a place of worship for service members and their families, providing a space to worship and receive spiritual support from chaplains, catering to a diverse range of faiths and denominations across the military, all while upholding the constitutional right to freedom of religion; essentially acting as a spiritual center for the Air Force community. In the latest edition of the Tinker Talks Podcast, Chaplain (Maj.) Andrew Peck discusses his new role as Chaplain, services the chapel offers and how to navigate the holidays. Peck is also spreading the word about an upcoming event, ‘Military Chaplaincy Explo: A Day in the Life,' which will take place March 7, 2025, at Tinker AFB. This event is designed to provide attendees with an immersive look at military chaplaincy and the mission of the Chaplain Corps. It will feature opportunities to: • Learn about the daily life of a military chaplain • Enjoy lunch and hopeful conversation with Airmen currently serving on Tinker AFB • Tour an E-3 Sentry (AWACS) aircraft • Connect with Air Force, Army, and Navy recruiters to discuss service opportunities in Active Duty, National Guard, and Reserves.

The Tales of a Marine

With one of the most militarily and energy strategic states in our union, Alaska, being in the Arctic, and the extensive interests we have on the other side of the planet in Antarctica, do you wonder why our nation's icebreaking “fleet”—being what it is—amounts to an antique road show? Are you curious how our plan to replace them is making the LCS program look like a successful and well-run program? Can a nation of 335 million souls learn something from a nation of 5.5 million?Today's Midrats is for you with our guest, Peter Rybski.Pete is a retired nuclear-trained surface warfare officer who has served on six different ships and a couple of overseas staffs. His last job on Active Duty was as the U.S. Naval Attache to Finland. It was in that position that he began a deep dive into icebreakers and icebreaking technology. Pete retired in 2021, but remained in Finland, where he and his family live 106 miles from the Russian border.Forgot the most important part- He writes about icebreakers, security policy, and general life in Finland over at his Substack, Sixty Degrees North.ShowlinksSixty Degrees North article on USCG Polar Security Cutter ProgramSea ice trackerUSCGC Healy (WAGB-20)gCaptain article on Chinese icebreakersPolar Security Cutter Program from WikipediaWind Class icebreakersIcebreaker Collaboration Effort (ICE)Sam LaGrone article on the VT Halter icebreaker programLe Commandant Charcot, French icebreaking cruise shipFinland icebreaking Missile CorvettesAker ArcticDr Elizabeth Buchanan on XSummaryThis conversation delves into the critical role of icebreakers in U.S. Arctic strategy, highlighting the challenges faced by the U.S. Coast Guard in maintaining and expanding its icebreaker fleet. Guest Peter Rybski shares his experiences in Finland, where he developed a keen interest in icebreakers, and discusses the historical context of U.S. icebreaker capabilities compared to other nations. The dialogue also addresses procurement issues, legal challenges, and the necessity for armed icebreakers in the Arctic, culminating in a discussion about international cooperation through the Icebreaker Coalition.TakeawaysThe U.S. has not built an icebreaker in 50 years.80% of the world's icebreakers are designed in Finland.The Coast Guard has been slow to prioritize icebreaker needs.China is rapidly expanding its icebreaker fleet.The procurement process for U.S. icebreakers is dysfunctional.International cooperation is essential for icebreaker capabilities.The U.S. needs to consider purchasing foreign-built icebreakers.Armed icebreakers are necessary for Arctic security.The Icebreaker Coalition aims to enhance collaboration among allies.Political will is crucial for advancing U.S. icebreaker strategy.Chapters00:00: Introduction to Icebreakers and Arctic Strategy06:10: Transitioning to Finland: A Personal Journey13:03: The Importance of Icebreakers in Global Trade18:12: Challenges in U.S. Icebreaker Procurement24:34: The Complexity of Icebreaker Design and Construction30:00: Understanding the Delays in Icebreaker Development31:15: Legal and Political Constraints in Shipbuilding34:34: The Need for a Comprehensive Icebreaker Strategy37:17: Arming Icebreakers: A Strategic Discussion43:52: The Icebreaker Coalition: Collaboration and Challenges47:19: Finland's Defense Purchases and U.S. Relations51:42: China's Growing Influence in Antarctica53:53: Future Insights and Closing Thoughts

Send us a textJoin us for an exciting interview with Active-Duty Air Force EOD Tech & Mountaineer Brian Price! In this episode Brian shares stories from his recent summit of Mt Rainier in Washington as he prepares to leave in a couple of days to attempt to summit Granite Peak in Montanna.  Brian shares his love of mountain climbing and is a huge advocate for hitting the peaks! Support the showClick here to support Behind the Warrior Podcast today! https://interland3.donorperfect.net/weblink/weblink.aspx?name=E110509&id=354

Hello, I just started federal employment this July. I served Active Duty in the Army for 9 years from 2009 to 2018. In 2018 I joined the reserves. I will be going part time in my Federal job this Sept. Does it make since to by back my military time. Would it only be the 9 years on Active duty. When I retire from the reserves then would I still be able to collect my reserve pension and FERS? Does it affect disability that I receive from the military? - Katie https://zurl.co/xhS6

One of the toughest challenges in military human performance is how to implement programs that work for reserve service members. With only a couple days a month of direct interaction, how do you improve their health and fitness behaviors the rest of the month? Who better to workshop solutions to this issue with than the Chief of the Army Reserve? Lieutenant General Robert Harter was an H2F skeptic at first (we discuss why), but now he's a believer and trying to mobilize the right leaders and resources to improve human performance for his part time soldiers. LTG Harter was confirmed by the U.S. Senate on August 1, 2024, and assumed the dual role of Chief of Army Reserve and Commanding General, U.S. Army Reserve Command. As the Chief of Army Reserve, LTG Harter is the principal advisor on Army Reserve matters to the Secretary of the Army and the Chief of Staff of the Army. As Commanding General of U.S. Army Reserve Command, he leads a community-based force of more than 174,000 Citizen Soldiers and 11,000 Civilians – with a footprint that encompasses all 50 states, five U.S. territories, and more than 23 countries across the globe. His previous General Officer assignments include Commanding General of the 81st Readiness Division, Deputy Chief of Army Reserve, Chief of Staff for Army Material Command, and Commanding General, 316th Expeditionary Sustainment Command (deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom). After graduating from Virginia Tech in 1988 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in communication, LTG Harter received his Active Duty commission as a Field Artillery Officer. He also holds a Master of Science degree in National Security Strategy from the National War College. As his initial Active Duty assignment, LTG Harter served as a platoon leader in the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, Bad Hersfeld, Germany (deployed to Desert Storm). After branch transferring to the Ordnance Corps, he completed Active Duty assignments with the 101st Corps Support Group, Fort Campbell, Kentucky, and the U.S. Army Munition Center and School, Redstone Arsenal, Alabama. LTG Harter then transferred from Active Duty to the Active Guard and Reserve (AGR) program in 1999. His AGR assignments include Support Operations Officer, 55th Sustainment Brigade, Distribution Management Center Chief, 316th Expeditionary Sustainment Command (deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom), and Assistant Chief of Staff, Office of Chief of Army Reserve. LTG Harter and his wife Erin have been married for over 35 years and have three children. They currently live in Stafford, Virginia.

Jocko Willink is a retired Navy SEAL, CEO of Echelon Front, bestselling author, and the host of the wildly popular Jocko Podcast. His insights on discipline, ownership, and mindset have transformed lives in boardrooms, on battlefields, and beyond. From leading combat missions in Iraq to helping businesses and individuals thrive under pressure, Jocko's approach to life is as relentless as it is empowering.In this episode of The Resilient Life, Ryan sits down with her long-time friend to answer some of the most-requested questions. From advice to transitioning service members, to improving mental health, and what's on Jocko's Thanksgiving table, don't miss this up close and personal conversation.CONNECT with The Resilient Life Podcast:Instagram SUBSCRIBE Get the latest video podcast on YouTubeGet the latest audio podcastCONNECT Ryan Manion on Social Media:Facebook - Twitter - Instagram - LinkedIn  LEARN about Travis Manion FoundationMEET Jocko WillinkInstagram

Dr. Jonathan Snow is Co-Founder and Chief Innovation Officer of Avenue Z. He was President and Founder of The Snow Agency (acquired by Avenue Z). Jonathan has an interesting background in that it blends two entirely different skill sets: digital marketing and dentistry. Jonathan earned his Bachelor of Science degree at Ramapo College of NJ and subsequently his Doctor of Dental Medicine degree at Rutgers University, where he finished top 5 in his class of over 100 doctors. After dental school, he served Active Duty as a General Dentist and Captain for three years in the US Air Force. Following his military service, Dr. Snow specialized in Orthodontics, where he attended a 3-year residency program at Maimonides Medical Center in Brooklyn, NY.During his time as a dentist, Dr. Snow got his start in digital marketing when he built an affiliate marketing / influencer platform that drove 9 figures in revenue within 2 years of launch. Leveraging his influencer network, he co-founded and launched several e-commerce stores, generating over $50M in revenue in under 3 years, with his brother/partner Daniel Snow, eventually leading to the establishment of The Snow Agency, a full-service digital marketing agency.The Snow Agency is a performance marketing agency that helps ambitious 8 and 9-figure brands unlock new growth through holistic strategy and execution. The Snow Agency has taken brands from launch to $100M run rates in under 4 years, worked with the largest Shopify brands in the world, and was named the Inc 5000 #2 fastest growing marketing company in the United States. The Snow Agency was acquired by Avenue Z in 2023.Avenue Z is a strategic marketing and communications firm breaking traditional boundaries between marketing, advertising and PR. From the Wall Street Journal to TikTok, PR to social and search, Avenue Z creates narratives that drive commerce, connections, and conversion, across all channels. With experts, tech and teams based in Miami, NYC, Boston, Orlando, and Tel Aviv - it drives global influence.Jonathan Snow also serves as an advisor to Revere Partners VC (the world's only oral health VC fund) as well as numerous tech and DTC brands, he is an Industry Expert for KeyBank Capital Markets, public speaker, and newsletter author. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/dylanconroy/support

Elizabeth, Active Duty Air Force, solves a lot of damage to her knee with the X10. ACL, MCL - there was a lot to rehab. Solving Ligament Tears with X10 Therapy.

A few months ago, Captain Toti began a Christian ministry for active duty, reservists, and veterans locally in Brevard County, Florida. He started this ministry because he saw a need in the local veteran community. It meets every Monday night at the Church at Viera in Viera, Florida. Interested active duty, reservists, veterans, and their spouses can register at https://churchatviera.com/military. Bill authored "From CO to CEO: A Practical Guide for Transitioning from Military to Industry Leadership"

Joined by Capt Jimmy Owenby, a UH-60 Black Hawk and UC-35 pilot, we discussed what the differences between flying in the Army and the Air Force, Active Duty vs. Reserves, and the mission of the Black Hawk. Be sure to subscribe so you don't miss the next episode! *Views expressed are not endorsed by the U.S. Department of Defense or its components.*

Send us a textIn this episode, Aaron, Peaches, Trent, and guest Matt Caples get into the nitty-gritty of what it takes to succeed in Air Force Special Warfare, from choosing between Guard and active duty to maximizing every opportunity. They dive into everything from competitive AGR slots to the stark reality of failing the IFT, and why being disciplined and proactive isn't optional—it's essential. Matt gives an insider look at how the Guard works, including the freedom to manage your time and career, and how to get back into the game if you've been on the sidelines. The team lays it out: the pros, the cons, and what it truly means to earn your place in a competitive world.If you're ready to take ownership, face the hard truths, and figure out if you've got what it takes to thrive in special warfare, this episode pulls no punches. Whether you're in the Guard, active duty, or considering a big career move, this conversation will show you how to turn your ambition into action.Join the Ones Ready community, hit subscribe, and check out OnesReady.com for more gear and insights to keep you mission-ready.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Guard Training Process03:03 Understanding the One-Level Program05:57 Navigating Guard Unit Slots09:00 Active Guard vs. Traditional Guard12:13 Transitioning Between Guard Types14:57 ASVAB and Vision Requirements17:58 Physical Requirements for Special Warfare22:01 Understanding ASVAB Challenges24:07 Navigating Prior Service Recruitment26:08 VA Disability Ratings and Recruitment28:12 Opportunities in the Guard29:57 Addressing ASOS Closures32:06 Reality of TacP Cuts38:06 The Recruitment Process ExplainedSupport the showJoin this channel to get access to perks:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9aFBBZoBcQk8UUN_pO7nDA/joinBuzzsprout Subscription page: https://www.buzzsprout.com/680894/subscribeCollabs:Ones Ready - OnesReady.com 18A Fitness - Promo Code: 1ReadyATACLete - Follow the URL (no promo code): ATACLeteCardoMax - Promo Code: ONESREADYHoist - Promo Code: ONESREADYS4FE-D - Promo Code: ONESREADYDanger Close Apparel - Promo Code: ONESREADYKill Cliff - Promo Code: PODCASTKC20The content provided is for informationa...

With Veterans Day coming up, with get some vets together to have conversation about their days on active duty. Rique, Sam, Sherman, Marcel, and special guest Denny Pettway rep their services. the Navy, Army and the Marines. Lee and Larry add to the conversation. #talknrandomish #meuradioathens #wingkingh #QuinnsVisualImpact #DennyPettway

VET S.O.S. Podcast goes live at the 2024 Military Influencer Conference in Atlanta. We discuss the military transition process with two servant leaders who are doing amazing things to help transitioning veterans. Kingsley Scott serves as the Director of Career Services at Divergence Academy, a leading provider of immersive and accelerated learning programs in technology. With over 20 years of honorable military service, he brings a proven track record of leadership, excellence, and resilience to the role. He is an authorized trainer for the Resilience-Building Leader Program (RBLP) and an Ambassador for the Air Force Wounded Warrior Program (AFW2). Kingsley specializes in helping Veterans leverage the skills they learned in military service, guiding them on how to translate those skills to navigate their new journeys in the civilian sector. Matthew Philip Wee joined the U.S. Department of State as a Civil Service Foreign Affairs Officer in 2023 for the Bureau of Political-Military Affairs in the Office of Regional Security and Arms Transfer for the Third-Party Transfers team in Washington, D.C. Matthew served in the United States Marine Corps for 20 years of Active-Duty. Matthew volunteers with numerous Veteran and Military organizations, continuing to give back to the community in as many ways as possible. #vetsos #vetsospodcast #military #militarylife #transitioningmilitary #militarytransition #militaryspouses #militaryspouse #militaryfamily #militaryfamilies #militarycommunity #militarysupport #militaryveterans #vets #veterans #veteran #veterantransition #transitioningveterans #veteranservices #honorveterans #veteranswife #supportourveterans #veteransupport #veteransusa #veteranshelpingveterans #careerchange #transitioningservicemembers #linkedin #sof #coastguard #navy #spaceforce #marines #army #nationalguard #airforce #usmc #usmcr #us #usa #education #podcast #entertainment

Imagine serving your country with unwavering dedication, only to find yourself struggling to provide basic meals for your family. This week on Sisters in Service, we confront the urgent and often overlooked issue of food insecurity among military families. Drawing from my own experiences as a single parent in the Air Force, I bring to light the harsh financial realities faced by so many within our ranks. Despite what appears to be a generous military budget, systemic barriers like the inclusion of the Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) as income make countless service members ineligible for crucial food assistance programs. This episode is a heartfelt plea for change, a call to acknowledge and address the needs of those who serve.As we unpack these systemic issues, the focus shifts to advocacy and the pressing need for legislative action. The frustration is palpable as we discuss the role of active-duty personnel and the necessary push for accountability from our leaders, particularly in Congress. This conversation underscores the responsibility of decision-makers to ensure military families have their basic needs met. We close with an empowering reminder: it's never too late to demand change and work toward solutions, no matter how insurmountable the challenge may seem. Tune in to understand why this issue demands our collective attention and action.Support the show

Building a real estate investing empire while on active duty may seem like a monumental task, but it's entirely possible with the right strategies. Johnny Lynum, a Lieutenant Colonel in the U.S. Air Force, has done just that, growing his portfolio to over 115 properties worth $14 million. In this episode, Johnny shares his journey into real estate investing, the methods he used to build wealth while serving full-time, and the lessons he learned along the way. He discusses how he identifies promising markets, common pitfalls new investors should avoid, and offers practical advice for fellow service members who want to get started in real estate.  Johnny Lynum is a Lieutenant Colonel in the United States Air Force who has served for over 19 years as a developmental engineer and intelligence officer. He is also an author, philanthropist, seasoned real estate investor, and coach. He has actively invested in real estate since 2006 and has purchased and sold single and multifamily properties across the SouthEast. Johnny has over 115 doors in his real estate portfolio valued at over $14M, primarily located in Panama City, FL, and Montgomery, AL, real estate markets. Through his military service, Johnny has gained tremendous experience by leading diverse teams in deployed environments and managing a $1.3 billion dollar development contract. These skills have been instrumental in his ability to scale his real estate investing business while still actively serving our country full-time. https://milmo.co/podcast/real-estate-investing-empire

The story of Uriah the Hittite and King David highlights the importance of staying on active duty in our faith. Uriah's unwavering commitment to his comrades contrasts sharply with David's moral downfall when he became complacent. This teaches us the dangers of spiritual negligence and the need for constant communication with God. By being intentional in our faith and engaging in aggressive service, we can fulfill our spiritual mission and strengthen our relationship with God.

Women Veterans ROCK On The Hill - The Podcast! is the Award-Winning Podcast for Today's Women Veterans and Military Families. Its New People, New Policies & Prose with Dynamic Women Leaders for Women On The Move!  We are the Premier Civic, Business, and Nonprofit Leadership Community for Today's Women Veterans, Military Millennials and Emerging Leaders of Generation Z. Retired U.S. Army Major April Harris is "Transforming Lives Through Theater Education at "The Theatre Lab of Washington, DC. -  April Harris teaches a unique version of The Theatre Lab's "Life Stories Program" specially designed for today's Military Women called "Finding Your Voice." The Theatre Lab offers this pioneering, tuition-free program that supports Women Veterans in creating original dramatic works using their own life experiences.  The "Life Stories Program" has been proven to increase self-esteem, reduce feelings of isolation, and improve communication and critical-thinking skills.  Contact Us At www.WomenVetsRock.org to Register Early for our Spring 2025 Tuition-Free Class.  Our Classes @ The Theatre Lab Are Open To: Women Veterans; Active Duty; Reservists; National Guard; ROTC; Military Spouses; and Military Moms Too.   Subscribe Today and Stay Connected To The Women Veterans ROCK Podcast Posse! ABOUT THE HOST Deborah Harmon-Pugh is a recognized authority on Women's Leadership in America. She has dedicated the past two decades to assisting women advance into positions of influence by leveraging their expertise and leadership strengths. She is the creator of proven and powerful Leadership Development Programs that guide women to becoming leaders in Civic Leadership, Business Leadership, and Nonprofit Leadership. Professor Deborah Harmon-Pugh is the National Campaign Chair of Women Veterans ROCK; The Women Veterans Civic Leadership Institute; and The Women Veterans Public Policy Delegation To Capitol Hill. She teaches in the Graduate School of Studies at Chestnut Hill College. Professor Deborah Harmon-Pugh is a retired Military Spouse of 27 years. ABOUT OUR SPONSOR Comcast NBCUniversal - We thank Comcast NBCUniversal for their support of Women Veterans, Military Families, and America's entire Military Community. For more information on how Comcast NBCUniversal is supporting the military community, visit the link below. ⁠⁠www.corporate.comcast.com/values/military⁠⁠ VISIT US & SUBSCRIBE TODAY Our Website Is: ⁠⁠WomenVetsRock.org ⁠⁠ FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA ⁠⁠Facebook: @WomenVeteransRock⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Twitter: @WomenVetsRock⁠⁠ ⁠⁠LinkedIn: @WomenVeteransRock⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Instagram: @WomenVetsRock⁠⁠ ⁠⁠YouTube: @WomenVetsRock

Whether you're an active military member, veteran, or high-earning busy professional looking to achieve financial stability through real estate, you must hear this episode with Shelon “Hutch” Hutchinson!Hutch shares his journey of exploring several ways to invest in real estate, his transition to multifamily passive investing and syndication, and his continuous mission to guide people in the military service to improve their financial situation!Key Points & Relevant TopicsHutch's life working as an active marine while trying different investment strategies in real estateWhy Hutch decided to transition from single-family investing and flipping to multifamily syndicationThe significance of developing trust with potential investorsAdvantages of real estate investing for active military members' retirementOptions for active military members to plan for their retirementBuilding relationships, networks, and deal flow for more investment opportunitiesWhy people should have an abundance mindset when investing in real estateResources & LinksSignup to download Hutch's free eBook “Operations Manual”Apartment Syndication Due Diligence Checklist for Passive InvestorAbout Shelon “Hutch” HutchinsonShelon "Hutch" Hutchinson is an active-duty Marine with over 25 years of service and a bachelor's in Aeronautics. He has served in various leadership and managerial roles, overseeing the maintenance and flightworthiness of aircraft and hydraulic systems. As a co-founder of H Squared Capital, LLC, Hutch helps veterans and high-net-worth investors achieve financial freedom and own more of America by investing in apartment buildings. With over four years of experience in multifamily syndication, he has acquired, repositioned, and rebranded several properties with a team of top performers. Additionally, Hutch co-hosts "The Multifamily Real Estate Experiment" podcast which is focused on multifamily apartment syndication, sharing his insights and expertise with other aspiring and experienced investors. Get in Touch with HutchWebsite: https://www.hsquaredcapital.com/ LinkedIn: Hutch (Shelon Hutchinson) The Marine InvestorTo Connect With UsPlease visit our website www.bonavestcapital.com and click here to leave a rating and written review!

As the U.S. & Israeli war in the Middle East continues to expand with new threats of a significant Israeli attack on Iran, the Pentagon last week sent thousands of additional troops to the region. The USS Harry S Truman has been preparing for much of 2024 for a deployment to the Mediterranean Sea and departed on September 20th. Squadrons of F-15E, F-16 and F-22 fighter jets, along with A-10 attack aircraft, will not replace the American troops and equipment already in the region, but instead will now supplement them.The history of resistance and refusal within the ranks of active-duty servicemembers is usually hidden or when it is mentioned, it's maligned by the mainstream media and politicians. To dig into some of that history, the lessons for the anti-war movement, and what you should know if you yourself are going to be deployed or know someone who's going to be deployed, we're joined today by Mike Prysner. He's an Iraq war veteran turned anti-war organizer, a producer of The Empire Files, co-host of the podcast Eyes Left and much more.Support the show

In this episode, we're thrilled to welcome Paden Sickles, a ACP Mentor, Veteran entrepreneur, and the innovative founder of SickFit. Paden shares her inspiring journey, detailing the pivotal challenges she faced when transitioning from Active Duty to launching her own business. She discusses the support systems that helped her to navigate the transition and running a successful small business. Join us for this candid conversation, packed with valuable lessons and practical tips for aspiring entrepreneurs. Don't miss the chance to learn from Paden's experiences and discover what it truly takes to succeed in the competitive business landscape.Connect with Paden Sickles:Paden's LinkedIn ProfileSickFit WebsiteReady to Take Your Entrepreneurial Journey to the Next Level?If you're a Veteran or Military-Spouse entrepreneur looking for mentorship and support, don't miss out on ACP Ventures! This new entrepreneurial mentorship program offers 1:1 yearlong mentorship with an industry expert and access to the ACP Village, where you'll find on-demand resources, support, and community.Sign up today at ACP Ventures — your next breakthrough could be just around the corner!Support the show

$85,000 in debt and a brand new truck to a wealthy and generous life?! In this episode, Air Force officer Garrison shares his financial journey from $85,000 in debt to working towards financial independence. He discusses following Dave Ramsey's Baby Steps, buying a home in the military, running a crash pad rental business, and helping his Airmen with financial education. Spencer and Jamie explore Garrison's experiences with budgeting, investing, and balancing financial goals with personal passions like Disney vacations. Topics: Opting into the Blended Retirement System (BRS)? How did Garrison start his financial journey as a young officer? What sacrifices did Garrison make to pay off debt? Is buying a house in the military a good idea? How does Garrison's crash pad rental business work? How does Garrison help his Airmen with financial education? How does Garrison balance financial goals with personal spending? Resources mentioned: Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace University (military discount) The Military Money Manual book TSP Course Spencer and Jamie created (promo code below) Monarch Money app Rich Dad Poor Dad book Our podcast episode about the Baby Steps   For a limited time, Spencer is offering one-on-one Military Money Coaching sessions! Get your personal military money and investing questions answered in a confidential coaching call. Check out the Confident TSP Investing course at militarymoneymanual.com/tsp to learn all about the Thrift Savings Plan and strategies for growing your wealth while in the military. Use promo code "podcast24" for $50 off. Plus, for every course sold, we'll donate one course to an E-4 or below- for FREE! If you have a question you would like us to answer on the podcast, please reach out on instagram.com/militarymoneymanual or email podcast@militarymoneymanual.com. If you want to maximize your military paycheck, check out Spencer's 5-star rated book The Military Money Manual: A Practical Guide to Financial Freedom on Amazon or at shop.militarymoneymanual.com. I also offer a 100% free course on military travel hacking and getting annual fee waived credit cards, like The Platinum Card® from American Express, the American Express® Gold Card, and the Chase Sapphire Reserve® Card in my Ultimate Military Credit Cards Course at militarymoneymanual.com/umc3. The Platinum Card® from American Express and the American Express® Gold Card waive the annual fee for active duty military servicemembers, including Guard and Reserve on active orders over 30 days. The annual fees on all personal Amex cards are also waived for military spouses married to active duty troops.

Our guest for this episode has been on Active Duty for over 34 years, with much of that spent in Special Operations, and he's still scoring 600s on his ACFTs. Our wide ranging conversation covers everything from how he's maintained a high level of physical performance across his long career to the role that physicality plays in developing young leaders. We even dig into ideas for improving the health and fitness culture across our country. Lieutenant General Steve Gilland commissioned into the United States Army upon graduation from the United States Military Academy in 1990. As an Infantry Officer, he served in a variety of tactical assignments in Air Assault, Armor, Mechanized Infantry, Ranger, and Special Operations units. He has served in the 24th Infantry Division, the 2nd Infantry Division, the 75th Ranger Regiment, the United States Army Special Operations Command, the 1st Cavalry Division, the 101st Airborne Division, the 2nd Infantry Division, the III Armored Corps, and the United States Military Academy. Lieutenant General Gilland has commanded at every level up to Division and participated in numerous operational deployments to the Middle East, Africa, and Afghanistan. Prior to assuming duties as USMA's 61st Superintendent, he served as the Deputy Commanding General (Maneuver) of III Armored Corps, Fort Hood (known as Fort Cavazos since 2023), Texas. Lieutenant General Gilland holds a Master's Degree in Military Operational Art and Science from the Air Force Command and Staff College. He has the long list of awards you would expect, plus he has earned the Combat Infantryman's Badge, Expert Infantryman's Badge, Ranger Tab, Master Parachutist Badge, Air Assault Badge, and - notably less common than the rest - the Military Free Fall Jumpmaster Badge. Lieutenant General Gilland has been happily married to his West Point classmate Betsy, for more than 33 years. Team Gilland are the proud parents of three children.

Every day we are living in the middle of a great spirtual battle between the Kingdom of God and the Kingdom of Darkness. God has enlisted us, tasked us and equips us to engage in this battle because He has chosen to fight not just FOR us, but WITH us and THROUGH us.

Send us a textLanae Lang is a young military officer who shares her journey of embracing unexpected changes and finding fulfillment in her career. Lanae initially resisted moving to Colorado for her military assignment, but she ultimately grew to love it. However, the transition wasn't easy, as her move came after the end of a relationship, leaving her lonely and disconnected from friends and family.Determined to build a new social circle, Lanae leveraged social media and joined a running club to meet new people, showcasing her innate ability to connect with others. She acknowledges the challenges of balancing passions while serving, noting the varying demands of different military assignments. Lanae reflects on her Vietnamese heritage and upbringing in Springfield, Illinois, emphasizing the roles her family and church played as positive influences. Instilled with a sense of pride from her grandfathers' Air Force service, she was introduced to the ROTC program by a cousin, which set her on her military path. She recounts being grounded and mentored by an amazing leader, receiving constructive feedback from peers, and learning to advocate for herself.In addition, Lanae discusses her admiration for the character Jeremiah Fisher from "The Summer I Turned Pretty," her certification as a lifeguard, and her views on handling online hate by focusing on advice from respected sources. A touching story about her grandfather attending her officer commissioning ceremony highlights the pride and bond within her family.Connect with Passing The Torch: Facebook and IG: @torchmartin More Amazing Stories: Episode 28: Purple Heart Recipient CMSgt Ben Seekell – Your Capacity is Limitless Episode 31: Todd Henry – Choose To Be Brave Episode 35: Brook Cupps – Shaping Leaders On and Off The Court Episode 41: Lee Ellis – Freeing You From Bond That Make You Insecure

The following guest sits down with host Justin White:•   Evan Kaufman – Military Loan Originator, WeVett Home LoansDetermining a Loan Product or Demographic to Focus on as a Strategy for Mortgage BrokersThe beauty of the wholesale channel is that mortgage brokers can offer a variety of loan products to fit their borrowers' needs. That said, some brokers choose to narrow their focus to a specific loan type or demographic. How can brokers determine their niche and dominate it? Listen to Episode #78 of Good. Better. Broker. as we talk with a real estate agent turned broker whose “super niche” is serving active-duty military members.In this episode of the Good. Better. Broker. podcast, you'll learn why finding a niche loan product or demographic can be a driver of success.In this episode, we discuss ...•   1:29 – how Evan went from real estate broker to mortgage broker•   2:46 – why Evan chose the broker channel when he became an LO•   4:00 – why Evan chose to focus on helping active-duty military members•   4:56 – how Evan decided a niche was going to be the majority of his business•   6:03 – Evan's approach to working with borrowers•   7:33 – what's required to help military families going through the loan process•   8:37 – timing recommendations on buying and selling•   11:17 – Evan's goal for all his clients•   13:15 – why Evan focuses on direct-to-consumer business•   16:24 – Evan's marketing content strategy•   18:26 – targeting a demographic niche vs. a geographic niche•   21:19 – how loan originators can identify their nicheShow Contributor:Evan KaufmanConnect on LinkedInConnect on FacebookConnect on InstagramJustin White is UWM's in-house brand journalist and the host of the daily news video, Inside Pass. He creates engaging content across multiple platforms to promote the benefits of the wholesale channel and partnering with UWM. A seven-time Emmy-award winner, Justin is a graduate of the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University.Connect with Justin on LinkedIn, Instagram or TwitterConnect with UWM on Social Media:•   Facebook•   LinkedIn•   Instagram•   Twitter•   YouTubeHead to uwm.com to see the latest news and updates.

Subscribe to the Mike Drop Patreon Page to see Ad-Free Episodes Early + Bonus Content at https://www.patreon.com/mikedrop The Mike Drop Podcast supports active-duty police officers in all capacities. The views and opinions expressed by Zach Pfannenstiel on this podcast are reflective of Echelon K9 and not of the San Diego Police Department.  Patrol Officer. Gang Suppression Team Officer. Canine Handler. Training Sergeant. For Zach Pfannenstiel, these aren't just familiar titles - they're positions he's served as a faithful executor of the San Diego Police Department - a department that he still serves under today. He's also dedicated a notable amount of time in his career to the canine unit; over a decade in fact, where he continues to serve as the Training Sergeant responsible for overseeing a team of over 40 working dogs.  But law enforcement is about more than simply catching criminals, - just last April, Zach testified in Sacramento to combat the elimination of Police Canines with Assembly Bill 3241, representing all Canine Handlers in the State of California. It's a thankless job, but somebody's got to do it - fortunately for us, Officer Pfannenstiel is still on duty.  ---------- Support Zach Pfannenstiel -  Website - https://www.echelonk9.com IG - http://www.instagram.com/echelonk9 ---------- Sponsors:  Beam Take advantage of Beam's biggest sale of the year and get up to 40% off for a limited time when you go to https://www.shopbeam.com/MIKEDROP and use promo code MIKEDROP at checkout! ---------- Fueled by TeamDog | www.mikeritlandco.com | @Teamdog.pet ALL THINGS MIKE RITLAND: SHOP for Fueled By Team Dog Performance Dog Food, Treats, Apparel, Accessories, and Protection dogs - MikeRitlandCo.com - https://www.MikeRitlandCo.com Team Dog Online dog training - TeamDog.pet - https://www.TeamDog.pet Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Medal of Honor is so revered that it's the only decoration specially emblazoned on headstones in Arlington National Cemetery. The Medal of Honor is so revered that when an Active Duty recipient wears it in uniform, it is customary, though not technically required, for all officers, no matter their seniority, to initiate a salute. If a buck sergeant is in uniform and wearing their Medal of Honor, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff will more than likely salute first. The Medal of Honor is so revered that the children of recipients are guaranteed a nomination to Service Academies, such as West Point. They still must compete for final admission, but the incredibly difficult nomination process is entirely waived for their application. The Medal of Honor is so revered that recipients and their dependents are entitled to special military ID cards for particular privileges at commissaries and priority on military air travel. The Medal of Honor is so revered that every state offers some degree of special license plate for drivers who are recipients. The Medal of Honor is so revered that recipients receive an automatic special pension from the VA that's tacked on to any other pensions, retired or medical, they may have. Adjusted for cost-of-living regularly, it's currently $1671.16 per month. The Medal of Honor is so revered that all living recipients are entitled to an invitation to every presidential inauguration and inaugural ball. The Medal of Honor is so revered that a fragile, cowardly, insecure, and deeply narcissistic piece-of-s**t like Donald Trump can't stand knowing he'll never receive a similar universal respect.Charlotte's Web Thoughts is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to Charlotte's Web Thoughts at charlotteclymer.substack.com/subscribe

      What transformative role do physical therapists play in the military, and how is cutting-edge technology enhancing their capabilities? On this episode of Wa Docs, we welcome Army Major Jon Umlauf, DPT, DSC, who shares his compelling journey from an environmental science officer to a pivotal figure in military physical therapy. Major Umlauf dives into the essential functions of physical therapists within the military health system, both in garrison clinics and deployed settings, showcasing the revolutionary impact of musculoskeletal ultrasound on patient care and treatment decisions.     Join us as Major Umlauf discusses his hands-on experience integrating MSK ultrasound into his practice, initially through on-the-job training and mentorship. We explore the intricacies of developing structured training programs accessible and tailored for physical therapists, emphasizing the importance of continuous education and practical experience. Jon also opens up about his grant-funded research aimed at advancing MSK ultrasound training, which serves to broaden its applications further and improve the quality of military healthcare.        Moreover, we delve into the personal and professional dynamics of dual-military couples, featuring insights from Jon and his wife, Major Lindsey Umlauf. They share their experiences balancing career aspirations and personal life while highlighting the Army's supportive measures for co-locating couples. Through their narratives, Jon reflects on his legacy in military medicine, underscoring the significance of leaving a lasting positive impact, fostering knowledge sharing, and the relentless pursuit of improvement. Tune in to gain an in-depth perspective on the evolving landscape of military physical therapy and the pivotal role of musculoskeletal ultrasound in mission success.   Chapters: (00:04) Military Physical Therapist on Musculoskeletal Ultrasound (07:55) Advanced Training in Musculoskeletal Ultrasound (21:03) Enhancing Musculoskeletal Ultrasound Training Programs (27:15) Ultrasound Training Impact on Deployed Settings (32:12) Future of Military Physical Therapy Ultrasound (44:55) Supporting Military Couples in Careers   Chapter Summaries: (00:04) Military Physical Therapist on Musculoskeletal Ultrasound   Army Major Jon Umlauf shares his journey to becoming a military physical therapist and the impact of MSK ultrasound on practice.   (07:55) Advanced Training in Musculoskeletal Ultrasound - Physical therapists are using MSK ultrasound for diagnosis and treatment, but lack formal training.   (21:03) Enhancing Musculoskeletal Ultrasound Training Programs Transformative impact of distance education on physical therapy and musculoskeletal ultrasound, interdisciplinary learning, and implementation in military units.   (27:15) Ultrasound Training Impact on Deployed Settings Musculoskeletal ultrasound training programs in field settings improve diagnosis, decision-making, and communication for mission success.   (32:12) Future of Military Physical Therapy Ultrasound Portable ultrasound machines in military medicine face challenges with battery life and gel availability, but physical therapists can use them for acute ankle sprains.   (44:55) Supporting Military Couples in Careers Dual military couples in the medical profession discuss co-location, career planning, and leaving a positive impact through service.   Take Home Messages: Revolutionizing Diagnosis with MSK Ultrasound: Musculoskeletal ultrasound is transforming military physical therapy by improving diagnostic accuracy and treatment decisions. This advanced imaging technology enables physical therapists to better assess and manage musculoskeletal conditions, leading to enhanced patient care both in garrison clinics and deployed medical units. Innovative Training Programs: The development of structured, interdisciplinary training programs is crucial for equipping military physical therapists with the skills needed to effectively use MSK ultrasound. These programs, supported by grant-funded research, offer both asynchronous and hands-on training methods to build proficiency and improve patient outcomes. Practical Applications in Field Settings: Portable ultrasound devices are proving invaluable in deployed environments, aiding in the diagnosis and management of injuries such as Achilles ruptures and ligament tears. Despite challenges like battery life and the availability of ultrasound gel, the technology significantly enhances decision-making and communication among healthcare providers in austere conditions. Balancing Professional and Personal Lives: Dual military couples face unique challenges, but support systems within the Army help them balance their careers and personal lives. Open communication and strategic career planning are essential for achieving mutual success and maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Future Directions in Military Physical Therapy: Continuous improvement and innovation are key to advancing military healthcare. Future efforts will focus on overcoming barriers such as access to equipment and enhancing training programs to expand the use of MSK ultrasound. The goal is to leave a lasting positive impact on military medicine by sharing knowledge and striving for excellence in patient care. Episode Keywords: Military Physical Therapy, Musculoskeletal Ultrasound, Army, Physical Therapist, Diagnosis, Treatment, Service Members, Training, Interdisciplinary Programs, Deployed Medical Units, Personal and Professional Journey, Dual Military Couple, Military Health System, Active Duty, Mentorship, Continuing Education, Distance Education, Curriculum, Deployment, Portable Ultrasound Machines, Battery Life, Ultrasound Gel, Enhanced Training, Acute Ankle Sprains, Dual Military Couples, Co-locating, Career Plans, Legacy, Military Medicine, Service   Hashtags: #MilitaryPhysicalTherapy #MSKUltrasound #WarDocsPodcast #MilitaryMedicine #PhysicalTherapist #ArmyHealthcare #DualMilitaryLife #BattlefieldMedicine #PTInnovation #HealthcareAdvancement   Honoring the Legacy and Preserving the History of Military Medicine The WarDocs Mission is to honor the legacy, preserve the oral history, and showcase career opportunities, unique expeditionary experiences, and achievements of Military Medicine. We foster patriotism and pride in Who we are, What we do, and, most importantly, How we serve Our Patients, the DoD, and Our Nation. Find out more and join Team WarDocs at https://www.wardocspodcast.com/Check our list of previous guest episodes at https://www.wardocspodcast.com/our-guestsSubscribe and Like our Videos on our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@wardocspodcast Listen to the “What We Are For” Episode 47. https://bit.ly/3r87Afm WarDocs- The Military Medicine Podcast is a Non-Profit, Tax-exempt-501(c)(3) Veteran Run Organization run by volunteers. All donations are tax-deductible and go to honoring and preserving the history, experiences, successes, and lessons learned in Military Medicine. A tax receipt will be sent to you. WARDOCS documents the experiences, contributions, and innovations of all military medicine Services, ranks, and Corps who are affectionately called "Docs" as a sign of respect, trust, and confidence on and off the battlefield,demonstrating dedication to the medical care of fellow comrades in arms.     Follow Us on Social Media Twitter: @wardocspodcast Facebook: WarDocs Podcast Instagram: @wardocspodcast LinkedIn: WarDocs-The Military Medicine Podcast YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@wardocspodcast

Preparing for the changing seasons can be easy to ignore in the normal shuffle of military life. Join our partner Leah Fernandez as she walks through what projects to tackle before fall. She provides insight for where to start whether you own or rent, moving or not. Leah's expertise is apparent as she keeps the recommendations simple and achievable, even for the busiest families and tightest budgets. MilHousing Network is a proud partner of Leah Fernandez, and The Properties by Leah Team. Serving the greater D.C. area, they have given back over $135,000 to the local community recently. Leah and her team are honored to work with the Active Duty and Veteran communities, and are humbled to provide an unmatched level of service, lending to a seamless home buying and selling process. CLICK HERE Helping military families connect with military real estate experts throughout the US. Learn more about MilHousing Network at https://milhousingnetwork.com/.

In this episode of Veteran On the Move, Joe welcomes Air Force Veteran Kathy Lowrey Gallowitz. Kathy retired after a distinguished 29-year career spanning Active Duty, Reserves, and Air National Guard. Initially a nurse, she transitioned to Public Affairs, specializing in community outreach and bridging the civilian-military gap. With experience navigating multiple duty statuses and the challenges of civilian employment, Kathy founded Vanguard Veteran and authored two books: Beyond Thank You For Your Service and The Veteran Champion Handbook for Civilians. She empowers employers to recognize the unique skills and experiences Veterans bring to the workplace, encouraging them to develop programs that foster Veteran growth and success within their companies. Together with Joe, she discusses the essential aspects of the hiring process that Veterans should be aware of and the importance of networking.  Episode Resources: Vanguard Veteran   About Our Guest    Retired LtCol Kathy Lowrey Gallowitz is an award-winning businesswoman with first-hand experience hiring Veterans who coaches employers on how to boost productivity and reduce turnover by hiring and retaining Veterans. She helps companies become Veteran-Ready through the creation of a Veteran Talent Strategy. Her Veteran Talent Academy equips employers to find, hire, and leverage Veterans skill sets. Kathy is the Founder & CEO of Vanguard Veteran, LLC, author of Beyond Thank You For Your Service, The Veteran Champion Handbook for Civilians, and has Masters degrees in Nursing and Political Science. She grew up as a Navy brat, served nearly 30 years as an Air Force Officer, and is married to an Army combat Veteran. Kathy also equips volunteer faith community leaders to build Military Ministries to cultivate mutual support, a sense of belonging, and spiritual resiliency for military-connected people.     About Our Sponsors Navy Federal Credit Union   Navy Federal Credit Union thinks that tapping into your home's equity shouldn't come at a high price. They're here to help you get more out of your home base with their home equity loan options. Navy Federal has home equity loan options that could be used for home renovations, big purchases, and high interest debt consolidation. We've used equity in our home for all sorts of things over the years. Navy Federal covers one hundred percent of closing costs, which means you could save hundreds of dollars.  Plus, they don't have application or origination fees. To learn more about Navy Federal's home equity loan options, visit NavyFederal.org. At Navy Federal, our members are the mission.        Join the conversation on Facebook! Check out Veteran on the Move on Facebook to connect with our guests and other listeners. A place where you can network with other like-minded veterans who are transitioning to entrepreneurship and get updates on people, programs and resources to help you in YOUR transition to entrepreneurship.   Want to be our next guest? Send us an email at interview@veteranonthemove.com.  Did you love this episode? Leave us a 5-star rating and review!  Download Joe Crane's Top 7 Paths to Freedom or get it on your mobile device. Text VETERAN to 38470. Veteran On the Move podcast has published 500 episodes. Our listeners have the opportunity to hear in-depth interviews conducted by host Joe Crane. The podcast features people, programs, and resources to assist veterans in their transition to entrepreneurship.  As a result, Veteran On the Move has over 7,000,000 verified downloads through Stitcher Radio, SoundCloud, iTunes and RSS Feed Syndication making it one of the most popular Military Entrepreneur Shows on the Internet Today.

On this episode, Derek sits with Rich Ingram.  Rich is a former US Army Infantryman turned Officer who was severely wounded in Iraq.  After an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) hit his Humvee, his arm was damaged to the point of amputation and Rich, not letting this obstacle stop him, became the first amputee to become commissioned as an active duty officer in the US Army.  Rich will be discussing the life events that led him to join the Army, that fateful day, his rehabilitation and his time working to become an Officer, his multiple deployments and what led him to leave the armed forces.  Rich is also an accomplished athlete and motivational speaker and we will be discussing how he became a celebrated Triathlete and the platforms that he speaks on.Website: https://www.richingram.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richtingram/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/richtingramSPONSOR - Go to https://betterhelp.com/derekduvallshow for 10% off your first month of therapy with @betterhelp and get matched with a therapist who will listen and help #sponsored

It's okay to rent on active duty! You don't need to buy a house to build wealth. You can safely ignore the push from VA loan sellers, real estate agents, and mortgage brokers. In this episode of the MMM podcast, Spencer and Jamie challenge the common belief that buying a house is essential for building wealth, especially for active duty military personnel. We explore why renting might be a smarter financial decision for those who move frequently, and debunk popular myths about homeownership. We discuss the hidden costs and risks of real estate investment, including unexpected repairs, market fluctuations, and the impact on lifestyle flexibility. The episode also touches on the misconceptions surrounding real estate as a passive income source and the true nature of home equity. Whether you're an active duty service member considering buying a home or simply curious about alternative wealth-building strategies, this episode offers valuable insights to help you make informed financial decisions. Join us as we examine why renting might be the better option for many and how you can build wealth without relying on real estate. For a limited time, Spencer is offering one-on-one Military Money Coaching sessions! Get your personal military money and investing questions answered in a confidential coaching call. Check out the Confident TSP Investing course at militarymoneymanual.com/tsp to learn all about the Thrift Savings Plan and strategies for growing your wealth while in the military. Use promo code "podcast24" for $50 off. Plus, for every course sold, we'll donate one course to an E-4 or below- for FREE! If you have a question you would like us to answer on the podcast, please reach out on instagram.com/militarymoneymanual or email podcast@militarymoneymanual.com. If you want to maximize your military paycheck, check out Spencer's 5-star rated book The Military Money Manual: A Practical Guide to Financial Freedom on Amazon or at shop.militarymoneymanual.com. I also offer a 100% free course on military travel hacking and getting annual fee waived credit cards, like The Platinum Card® from American Express, the American Express® Gold Card, and the Chase Sapphire Reserve® Card in my Ultimate Military Credit Cards Course at militarymoneymanual.com/umc3. The Platinum Card® from American Express and the American Express® Gold Card waive the annual fee for active duty military servicemembers, including Guard and Reserve on active orders over 30 days. The annual fees on all personal Amex cards are also waived for military spouses married to active duty troops.

with Samuel Finlay, author of Breakfast with the Dirt Cult (2012) 7/18/24 S6E47 To hear the complete continuing story of The Perfume Nationalist please subscribe on Patreon.

PREVIEW: #ALLEGATIONS: Conversation with colleague Jerry Hendrix, USN (retired) re the upsetting report of charges filed against a retired four-star admiiral for alleged influence-peddling while active duty. More detail tonight. 1943 USS New Mexico