Podcasts about Airman

Send us Fan MailTrent sits down at AFA with 2nd Air Force Command Chief CMSgt Colin Fleck to talk about what may be one of the biggest shifts in Air Force Basic Military Training in decades.The conversation starts with legacy. Trent wears his father's jacket and talks about how one generation of service can change the trajectory of an entire family. Chief Fleck shares his own family story — grandparents who served, a father in the Army, joining after September 11th, a son who became a Marine, another who just graduated Air Force BMT, and a daughter who married an Airman.Then they get into why BMT is changing.The goal is not to trash what came before. BMT built generations of successful Airmen. The question is whether the Air Force can do more to prepare the next generation for a fight that probably will not look like Iraq or Afghanistan.That means putting the Air Force back into Air Force Basic Military Training.Instead of learning discipline, teamwork, attention to detail, and military bearing without always seeing where those skills connect to the mission, trainees are now getting hands-on mission context. There is already an F-16 on the ground. C-130s are coming. Trainees are working simulated weapons loading, cargo movement, aircraft refueling, runway repair, casualty movement, planning, risk management, debriefs, and after-action reviews.The point is not to make every trainee a maintainer, defender, or weapons troop. The point is to make them understand what it means to be an Airman first and how every career field contributes to generating airpower.Chief Fleck also explains where the culminating exercise is headed: an austere airbase environment, ground and air threats, small UAS, CBRN, limited sleep, noise, pressure, aircraft generation, cargo, refueling, and a real test of whether trainees can operate as a team.And for the NCOs waiting for these Airmen?Do not squash them.They may show up more mission-focused, more willing to plan, more curious about risk, and more proud of being Airmen than previous generations. Challenge them. Teach them. Ask them questions. And get back to the basics that can actually save lives: TCCC, small arms, CBRN, physical fitness, and preparing people to do hard things.Because as Chief Fleck puts it: Airmen joined the military to do military shit.Links:- www.bmt.projects-af.com- OnesReady.com- OperatorTrainingSummit.comChapters:00:07 - CMSgt Colin Fleck at AFA01:08 - Why Trent Wore His Father's Jacket02:30 - Chief Fleck's Family Legacy04:45 - What the Name Tape Means05:21 - Why People Really Join07:01 - Building the Next Generation07:44 - The Moral Imperative to Prepare Airmen09:52 - Changing BMT Is Not an Indictment of the Past11:44 - So What Is Actually Changing?13:54 - Putting the Air Force Back Into BMT15:54 - An F-16 on the Drill Pad17:37 - C-130s Are Coming Too18:37 - What Training Got Rebalanced20:03 - Why MTIs Are Buying In21:54 - From the Drill Pad to the Airfield24:21 - Building a Culminating Event Airmen Earn25:40 - What NCOs Need to Do Next31:03 - What Comes Next for BMTSupport the showJoin this channel to get access to perks: HEREBuzzsprout Subscription page:  HERERegister for our Operator Training Summit:  OperatorTrainingSummit.comFind an Air Force Recruiter: AirForce.comCollabs:Ones Ready - OnesReady.com 18A Fitness - Promo Code:  ONESREADY ATACLete - Follow the URL (no promo code):  ATACLeteDanger Close Apparel - Promo Code:  ONESREADYDFND Apparel...

Send us Fan MailA Tech Sergeant makes a call that feels right and gets punished for it anyway: an Airman has an off-base counseling appointment that costs money to cancel, but the squadron has a mandatory formation. When leadership says “everyone means everyone,” do you protect the Airman or protect the standard? We start there, then pull the thread all the way through what accountability really looks like in the Air Force when a direct order and human reality collide.From that fan mail, we jump into the debate that lit up the comments: do first sergeants actually need to exist at the squadron level, or has the Air Force built a dependency that lets NCOs and senior NCOs avoid the hardest parts of supervision? We talk morale, discipline, commander awareness, separations, treatment team meetings, and the “single point of contact” argument, then challenge whether those duties are truly unique to the diamond or just centralized by habit and policy. We also get blunt about the places we already have for accountability and advocacy, like IG and EO, and why “people problems” keep getting passed uphill.Then we go tactical: how to respond to paperwork, when to go to ADC, what a strong rebuttal includes, and why the EPB has to measure how leaders take care of Airmen, not just operational output. We even debate bigger structural ideas like shifting Chiefs away from squadron-level roles and rebuilding leadership responsibility from the ground up.Subscribe, share this with a supervisor or a shirt, and leave a review if you want more honest conversations like this. Where do you stand: keep the diamond as-is, or train leaders so the job becomes optional?

Show SummaryOn today's episode, we're having a conversation with Elizabeth Musselman, an Elizabeth Dole Caregiver Fellow, about the unrecognized evolution of veteran caregiving and the hidden burdens placed on military children.Provide FeedbackAs a dedicated member of the audience, we would like to hear from you. If you PsychArmor has helped you learn, grow, and support those who've served and those who care for them, we would appreciate hearing your story. Please follow this link to share how PsychArmor has helped you in your service journey Share PsychArmor StoriesAbout Today's GuestElizabeth Musselman is a military caregiver and a 2026 Elizabeth Dole Foundation Caregiver Fellow. In this role, she works with policymakers, Special Operations families, and veteran-serving organizations on the mental health needs of children living in veteran caregiver homes, a population largely absent from current policy and program design. Her advocacy focuses on the intergenerational effects of combat injury, including how a veteran parent's symptoms shape a child's development, attachment, and role in the family. She is a member of the Hidden Helpers Coalition and delivered the keynote address at the 2025 Elizabeth Dole Foundation National Convening in Washington, D.C. Elizabeth previously built a career in finance and technology and earned her J.D. before becoming the full-time caregiver for her husband, a retired U.S. Army Special Forces veteran, and raising their three children in the home his service shaped. Links Mentioned in this Episode Elizabeth Dole Foundation WebsiteMCON Health SummitElizabeth on LinkedInPsychArmor Resource of the WeekThis week's resource of the week is the PsychArmor course, Supporting Youth Who Support Veterans. Caregiving youth often make sacrifices to provide care for family members who are ill, injured, elderly, or disabled. This course acknowledges the contributions of these youth caregivers, goes into the scope of the problem, and offers some solutions.You can find the resource here:  https://learn.psycharmor.org/courses/supporting-youth-who-support-veterans Episode Partner: Are you an organization that engages with or supports the military affiliated community? Would you like to partner with an engaged and dynamic audience of like-minded professionals? Reach out to Inquire about Partnership Opportunities 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  

Be protected if you ever have to defend yourself or family, JOIN CCW Safe TODAY! https://lawofselfdefense.com/ccwsafeFormer Deputy Eddie Duran, charged with manslaughter in the shooting death of Airman Roger Fortson in claimed self-defense, was provided a three-day self-defense immunity hearing in the first week of August—essentially a mini-trial in which the state bears the burden of disproving self-defense by clear and convincing evidence.On Friday, September 11, Judge William Stone issued a rather shocking 34-page order denying the sought immunity and ordering that Duran continue to trial. That order is what we'll be breaking down today—and it's the same order that compelled Duran's defense attorneys to immediately file the following Monday a motion to have the judge recuse himself—which was promptly denied--as well as, on Friday, September 18, an interlocutory appeal to seeking a writ of prohibition essentially ordering the trial judge to grant immunity to Duran. On September 22, just two days ago, the District Court of Appeals has ordered the State to provide their response to these motions by no later than 5 PM today, September 24. The defense has also requested a stay of the trial proceedings while the DCA considers the merits of the stay of prohibition, given that otherwise jury selection for this trial begins this Monday. Join me LIVE at Noon ET as we break down Judge Stone's denial of immunity, and then join us again at 2 PM ET as we break down the defense motion for recusal as well as the petition for a write of prohibition and a stay of the trial proceedings!Make sure you're ready to win the LEGAL FIGHT that follows the PHYSICAL FIGHT if you're ever compelled to defend yourself or your family from criminal predation. Learn why I am PERSONALLY a member of CCW SAFE, and why YOU SHOULD CONSIDER JOINING, TOO:  https://lawofselfdefense.com/ccwsafeAll @TheBrancaShow mugs & MORE! https://tinyurl.com/k778wj2kJOIN OUR COMMUNITY! Exclusive Members-only content & perks! Only ~17 cents/day! $5/month! YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/hn32rfz9 Locals: https://tinyurl.com/yck4w9kfFOUNDING FATHERS SPEED DIAL: Founding Fathers SPEED DIAL: https://tinyurl.com/3f7pc8nzEpisode #1461.

For complete Medicare guidance, dial (617) 644-0093 to speak with my trusted partner, Chapter Medicare Advisors.Lawyers for Eddie Duran, the former deputy who shot and killed Airman Roger Fortson while responding to a reported domestic at the Fortson apartment and confronted by Fortson holding a pistol in hand when he opened his door, have been denied an appellate court order for self-defense immunity for their client.As a result, jury selection in Duran's manslaughter trial is expected to begin on Monday. Although the appeal for a writ of prohibition—an order to the trial court to grant immunity—was denied, the argument for that appeal nevertheless does an excellent job of laying out the defense legal arguments and strategy for their client at trial.As a result, we'll break down those legal arguments and strategies of that motion in today's shows. NOTE: The motion is nearly 50 pages long, so we'll be covering it in sequential shows. Part 1 will run for the first hour, roughly Noon ET to 1 PM ET,  and will be open-access on YouTube, Rumble, and at LawofSelfDefense.com.Part 2 will run for the second hour, roughly 1 PM ET to 2 PM ET, and will be members-only on YouTube, Locals, and at LawofSelfDefense.com. Part 3, should we still not be finished, will be exclusively for our members at LawofSelfDefense.com.Being a member at any level costs only pennies a day and gets you much additional Attorney Andrew Branca insight, expertise, and humor—so why not join the family! Join me LIVE starting at Noon ET!All @TheBrancaShow mugs & MORE! https://tinyurl.com/k778wj2kJOIN OUR COMMUNITY! Exclusive Members-only content & perks! Only ~17 cents/day! $5/month! YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/hn32rfz9 Locals: https://tinyurl.com/yck4w9kfFOUNDING FATHERS SPEED DIAL: Founding Fathers SPEED DIAL: https://tinyurl.com/3f7pc8nzEpisode #1462.Chapter and its affiliates are not connected with or endorsed by any government entity or the federal Medicare program. Chapter Advisory, LLC represents Medicare Advantage HMO, PPO, and PFFS organizations and stand alone prescription drug plans that have a Medicare contract. Enrollment depends on the plan's contract renewal. While we have a database of every Medicare plan nationwide and can help you to search among all plans, we have contracts with many but not all plans. As a result, we do not offer every plan available in your area. Currently we represent 50 organizations which offer 18,160 products nationwide. We search and recommend all plans, even those we don't directly offer. You can contact a licensed Chapter agent to find out the number of products available in your specific area. Please contact Medicare.gov, 1-800-Medicare, or your local State Health Insurance Program (SHIP) to get information on all of your options.

Send us Fan MailAaron, Trent, and Peaches are back, and Trent just returned from AFA with a firsthand look at where the Air Force is trying to take Basic Military Training.Apparently some people at AFA thought BMT was a company selling rockets, so we are off to an excellent start.Underneath the jokes, though, there is a serious shift happening. Trent talks about seeing senior Air Force leaders getting behind a renewed investment in the enlisted force and asking a question that probably should have been asked more often:How do we prepare Airmen from day one for the missions they may actually have to perform?That means connecting BMT to the Air Force mission earlier. Not just marching, folding clothes, saluting, and surviving basic training — but understanding how every Airman contributes to generating combat airpower.Aaron gets into why that matters strategically. America's enlisted force is one of its biggest advantages, and developing Airmen earlier means introducing mission context before they are an E-7 sitting through their first serious brief on the threat.Then Trent casually reveals he has been teaching MTIs palm strikes and muzzle strikes because apparently BMT needed more violence.Naturally, that turns into drill-sergeant tough-guy fantasies, Ohio, night jumps, Air Advisor tabs, retired PJ reunions, and Vegas weather.The crew also checks back in on the Chapman documentary discussion, JTAC qualifications, the difference between being JTAC-qualified and doing air-to-ground integration professionally, and why CCTs exist on other SOF teams in the first place.That leads into a bigger issue: why are Special Warfare communities still fighting each other like staff sergeants in the team room?Competition is built into these communities. People compete for schools, deployments, opportunities, reputation, and resources. But eventually somebody has to stop fighting over beret colors and start solving the actual problems.Especially when the latest SWAS numbers still are not producing enough people to sustainably feed PJ, CCT, SR, TACP, officers, and the rest of the enterprise.Also: old Ones Ready episodes recorded from Africa, Chief Bass, internet mistakes, and the disturbing realization that Aaron may actually own an Air Advisor tab.Links:OnesReady.comOperatorTrainingSummit.comChapters:01:05 - Modern Athlete and OTS Updates04:54 - Trent Comes Back From AFA05:50 - People Thought BMT Was a Rocket Company07:40 - Why the Air Force Is Rebuilding BMT08:32 - Start Preparing Airmen Earlier10:15 - Connecting Every Job to the Mission11:07 - Aaron's Prestigious Air Advisor Career13:37 - PJ Reunions and Getting Old17:02 - Why “Airman First” Matters19:53 - Trent Teaches MTIs Palm Strikes21:42 - “I'd Punch the Drill Sergeant” Guys22:54 - Chapman Documentary Check-In24:17 - JTAC Qualified vs. CCT25:57 - Why Special Warfare Keeps Fighting Itself29:10 - Beret Colors Need to Stop Running the Conversation30:18 - SWAS Still Isn't Producing Enough People31:58 - Recording Ones Ready From Africa32:37 - Chief Bass and Taking Social Media Risks33:41 - OTS and Wrap-UpSupport the showJoin this channel to get access to perks: HEREBuzzsprout Subscription page:  HERERegister for our Operator Training Summit:  OperatorTrainingSummit.comFind an Air Force Recruiter: AirForce.comCollabs:Ones Ready - OnesReady.com 18A Fitness - Promo Code:  ONESREADY ATACLete - Follow the URL (no promo code):  ATACLeteDanger Close Apparel - Promo Code:  ONESREADYDFND Apparel...

Show SummaryOn today's episode, we're having a conversation with Brandy Dykhuizen and Joe Hudak, founders of Living Proof Stories, exploring how structured storytelling helps Veterans process lived experiences, build civilian connections, and move from raw isolation to processed post-military growth.Episode Partner:Are you an organization that engages with or supports the military affiliated community? Would you like to partner with an engaged and dynamic audience of like-minded professionals? Reach out to Inquire about Partnership Opportunities Provide FeedbackAs a dedicated member of the audience, we would like to hear from you. If you PsychArmor has helped you learn, grow, and support those who've served and those who care for them, we would appreciate hearing your story. Please follow this link to share how PsychArmor has helped you in your service journey Share PsychArmor StoriesAbout Today's GuestBrandy Dykhuizen is a San Diego-based writer, narrative artist, producer, and mentor who uses storytelling to bridge social divides and spark genuine, human-to-human connection. Over the past decade, she has designed, produced, and led storytelling programs, writing workshops, and live performance events for a wide range of organizations, spanning Veteran services to local arts and culture initiatives across San Diego County.As the co-founder of Living Proof Stories, Brandy works alongside community members, Veterans, military families, and emerging writers to help them shape their lived experiences into clear, impactful narratives. Rooted in the belief that personal storytelling is a vital component of mental wellness, community integration, and social cohesion, her work focuses on helping individuals find their voice, process complex personal journeys, and share their stories in ways that foster deep empathy and authentic connection.Joe Hudak is a retired Special Forces Veteran, storyteller, mentor, and therapist dedicated to helping others navigate adversity and transform their experiences into meaningful stories. He teaches storytelling as a performance art, coaching and mentoring amateur writers while producing monthly live storytelling shows that bring personal narratives to life.In retirement, Joe leads the mentor program for the San Diego Superior Court's Veteran Treatment Court, where he coordinates approximately 30 volunteer mentors and personally mentors three to four Veterans participating in the program. His commitment to service extends beyond the courtroom: for the past four years, Joe has worked as a therapist at a psychedelic-assisted therapy clinic in Mexico.Passionate about ameliorating human suffering, Joe focuses much of his work on Veterans and first responders, while also supporting people dealing with trauma and addiction. Across all his endeavors, Joe believes in the power of connection, compassion, and storytelling to foster healing and growth.Links Mentioned During the EpisodeLiving Proof Stories WebsiteLiving Proof Stories on InstagramPsychArmor Resource of the WeekThis week's PsychArmor Resource of the Week is the PsychArmor course Connecting with the Veteran In Your Life. This course provides information to help caregivers understand and address a lack of connection with the Veteran in their life. The new course incorporates a strengths-based approach to connections between a caregiver and a Veteran.You can find the resource here: https://learn.psycharmor.org/courses/connecting-with-the-veteran-in-your-lifeContact Us and Join Us on Social Media Email PsychArmorPsychArmor on XPsychArmor 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  

Members of Team Andersen gathered for a 9/11 remembrance ceremony in front of the 36th Wing Headquarters Building on Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, Friday, Sept. 11, 2026.The ceremony was held in remembrance of all the first responders who risked their lives Sept. 11, 2001. (U.S. Air Force video by Airman 1st Class Kyle Jones)

Send us Fan MailThe fastest way to lose a talented Airman is to treat their confidence like a character flaw, then act surprised when they stop listening. We start with a fan mail question from a Staff Sergeant trying to lead a young troop who has the skills and potential to go far, but also has a “cool guy” mindset, resists feedback, and dismisses experience. We talk through what's really happening under the surface, why respect isn't automatic just because you have rank, and how to earn buy-in without turning mentorship into a power struggle.From there, we get practical: how we manage expectations person to person, why development happens on their timeline, and what to do when coaching isn't enough. We also get into the uncomfortable middle ground every supervisor faces, balancing grace with standards. Sometimes the answer is more responsibility. Sometimes it's a hard conversation. Sometimes it's paperwork as a shock and awe reminder that the position still matters. And if you want someone to trust you, we're blunt about the work it takes: get to know their background, listen actively, and build a relationship that can carry real feedback.We close by zooming out into credibility and identity. We touch on leadership optics, consistency, and why people judge the messenger as much as the message, then react to a Cam Newton clip about life after football and connect it to identity after military service and the reality of transition. If you've ever wondered who you are when the title fades, this one will land. Subscribe, share this with a supervisor or mentor, and leave a review with the best leadership lesson you learned the hard way.

It's Tuesday, September 15th, A.D. 2026. This is The Worldview in 5 Minutes heard on 140 radio stations and at www.TheWorldview.com.  I'm Adam McManus. (Adam@TheWorldview.com) By Kevin Swanson and Timothy Reed Sexually perverse activists threatened outspoken Australian pastor LGBTQ activists attacked a pastor's home last week in Sydney, Australia, reports MyChristianDaily.com. Four people, two wearing hoods, cut the electricity to the home and then threatened to kill the pastor, his wife, and their newborn baby. They knew each member of the family by name. Other relatives were also mentioned by the assailants. The pastor, Andrew Sedra, is known for his public opposition to abortion and the homosexual/transgender agenda in Australia. In a message on her Instagram account, Millicent Sedra said, “We thank God for His continual protection as we boldly preach the Word of the Lord.” She included what appears to be a home video of the event on the post.  Pakistani Christian teen stands up to Muslim mob Here's a story of a young 17-year-old boy who stood up against a mob of Muslim bullies who were harassing a Pakistani Christian girl.   Ikhlaq Masih was severely beaten unconscious with iron rods which required his hospitalization. Stand up to bullies and be prepared to pay the cost. That's real courage for every young man listening today.   Isaiah 1:17 speaks of this.  “Learn to do good; Seek justice. Rebuke the oppressor. Defend the fatherless. Plead for the widow.” Turkey arrested 162 connected to homosexuality The nation of Turkey has announced 162 arrests involving 22 associations and businesses that promote homosexual and transgender material, which they find harmful to children, reports CNN. The groups reportedly have also “received large sums of funds from public institutions and foreign organizations abroad” to promote homosexuality in Turkey.  This is part of a broader pro-family campaign to contain the promotion of homosexuality in Turkey, and salvage the birth rates. Turkey President Recep Erdogan has publicly stated his commitment to improving the nation's birth rate — now hovering around 1.5 which is identical to America's low birth rate. British Parliament kills assisted suicide bill By a very close vote count of 286 to 270, British members of Parliament managed to kill an assisted suicide bill last Friday.  Both the Roman Catholic Church and the Anglican Church opposed the bill, reports the BBC. Alithea William of the Society for the Protection of Unborn Children called this a huge relief. In her words; “Parliament has stepped back from the very brink in rejecting this bill which would have put vulnerable people at incredible risk.”  Global trade down Global trade continues to suffer as the war in the Middle East drags on.  The Strait of Hormuz has been all but closed since March of this year, and with it, inflation has risen and global trade growth has been cut in half. According to the World Bank, global growth is set to fall to only 2.5% for 2026. By way of comparison, the Gross World Product growth rate has averaged around 3.7% per year over the last decade or so. Plus, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development is projecting above 4% inflation in the United States this year alone. U.S. treasury yields are highest ever In economic news, long-term U.S. treasury yields are the highest they've been since the early 2000s, reports CNBC. And the 30-year mortgage rate hit 7.12%. That's where it was around 2001 — some 25 years ago before the big dip in borrowing rates took place in the American economy.  Gas diesel prices skyrocket Gas and diesel prices are up.  The current average for just one gallon of diesel is a whopping $6.23, while a gallon of gas sits at an average of $4.31. Newly-unveiled Charlie Kirk statue vandalized A newly unveiled statue of slain activist Charlie Kirk was vandalized outside of the Turning Point USA headquarters in Phoenix, Arizona.  In a statement, Turning Point USA noted, “We will restore the statue and replace the signs, but we are also reviewing the footage of the incident and are working with law enforcement to identify who did this and hold them accountable.”  Erika Kirk, Charlie's widow, added, “They thought a bullet would silence my husband's voice but it only made it louder. They think spray paint can obscure his legacy, but it will only spread it further. Every attempt to tear down what Charlie built makes us root deeper and work even harder.” LifeSiteNews.com reported that she also said, “And if you think crossing out the name of Jesus Christ will silence Christians, history has already proved you wrong. We know what it costs to stand firm for Christ and we will stand anyway. God will not be mocked.” (Galatian 6:7) Kirk's murder reignited an ongoing debate about the link between rhetoric and violence in politics, with many blaming assassin Tyler Robinson's actions in part on years of Democrat officeholders and left-wing activists not merely disagreeing with conservatives about issues such as transgenderism, but classifying disagreement as hateful and oppressive.  Kirk was killed at Utah Valley University on September 10, 2025. The 8-foot bronze statue was put up on September 10, 2026 to commemorate the one-year anniversary of his murder. U.S. Airman shot down over Iran grateful to God And finally, that Air Force colonel, whose F-15E Strike Eagle was shot down over Iran in the early weeks of the war, was interviewed by Norah O'Donnell on CBS's  60 Minutes about his ordeal.   Known by the call sign “Bravo,” he was the Weapons Systems Officer and landed five miles away from the pilot. O'DONNELL: “So, your seat was damaged by Iranian fire, and yet you still were able to eject safely.” BRAVO: “I was.” O'DONNELL: “Did your parachute deploy?” BRAVO: “My parachute was damaged in the initial attack. At one point, when I looked up and saw, “No parachute,” it was the most terrifying thing I've ever seen. So, I paused right then and I prayed, ‘Lord, Your will be done. But, if I'm getting through this, I need help.” O'DONNELL: “While you're in the air.” BRAVO: “Yeah.” O'DONNELL: “Is that almost like free falling, or how would you describe that?” BRAVO: “Free falling is a good way to put it.” O'DONNELL: "So, how fast do you think you were going when you hit the ground?” BRAVO: “Professionals, based on my description and the injuries that I had, the professionals think I hit the ground going somewhere between 70 and 100 miles an hour.” O'DONNELL: “How did you survive that?” BRAVO: “A modern-day miracle. I believe that it's a testament to God's provision in my life to bring me through that moment in a way that -- didn't prevent injuries -- but prevented any catastrophic injuries that would have affected my ability to survive. I'm grateful -- eternally -- for knowing that He was there with me.” Psalm 34:17 says, “When the righteous cry for help, the LORD hears and delivers them out of all their troubles.” Close And that's The Worldview on this Tuesday, September 15th, in the year of our Lord 2026. Subscribe for free by Spotify, Amazon Music, or by iTunes or email to our unique Christian newscast at www.TheWorldview.com.  Plus, you can get the Generations app through Google Play or The App Store. I'm Adam McManus (Adam@TheWorldview.com). Seize the day for Jesus Christ.

Show SummaryOn today's episode, we're having a conversation with Navy Veteran and Psychiatric Physician Assistant Bill Reynolds, clinical director of the Unbroken program at The Meadows, discussing specialized trauma and addiction treatment, cultural competence, and holistic recovery support for veterans and first responders.Episode Partner:Our sponsor this week is Aetna, a trusted health care company, committed to serving Veterans, military families, and caregivers through meaningful, community-centered care. Provide FeedbackAs a dedicated member of the audience, we would like to hear from you. If you PsychArmor has helped you learn, grow, and support those who've served and those who care for them, we would appreciate hearing your story. Please follow this link to share how PsychArmor has helped you in your service journey Share PsychArmor StoriesAbout Today's GuestBill Reynolds is an experienced psychiatric provider and program leader with a 30-year U.S. Navy career and a master's degree from the University of Nebraska at Omaha. During his Navy service, Bill worked in diverse operational environments, including submarine duty, supporting the U.S. Marine Corps in combat, and serving as the medical officer for a U.S. Navy SEAL Team. He brings firsthand understanding of the challenges of military service and years of experience working with first responder communities, along with deep expertise in mental health care, addiction medicine, post-traumatic stress, and military leadership.As the founder and architect of highly regarded programs for active-duty military, veterans, and first responders, Bill combines clinical skill with operational and leadership experience in high-pressure environments. At The Meadows, he provides both clinical and strategic leadership, guiding program development and care with a focus on respect for service, cultural insight, and lasting recovery.Links Mentioned During the EpisodeThe Meadows WebsiteThe Meadows Unbroken ProgramPsychArmor Resource of the WeekThis week's PsychArmor Resource of the Week is the PsychArmor course Inner Conflict & Survivor's Guilt. In this course, Dr. Heidi Kraft describes the concept of moral injury and survivor's guilt in the military and Veteran community. You can find the resource here: https://learn.psycharmor.org/courses/inner-conflict-survivor-guilt Contact Us and Join Us on Social Media Email PsychArmorPsychArmor on XPsychArmor 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  

U.S. Air Force Senior Master Sgt. Henry Hatfield and Airman 1st Class Joel McChesney discuss the traffic management office (TMO) with Senior Master Sgt. Leslie Kaiser at the 122nd Fighter Wing Fort Wayne, Ind., Feb. 28, 2025. TMO schedules and coordinates passenger and cargo travel and manages inbound and outbound military equipment, aircraft parts and base supplies (U.S. Air National Guard audio by Senior Master Sgt. Leslie Kaiser)

Show SummaryOn today's episode, we're having a conversation with Marine Corps Veteran Patrick Forystek, Director of the Center for Veterans and Military-Affiliated Students at Michigan State University, discussing academic transition, peer support networks, and building comprehensive campus communities for student veterans and military families.Episode Partner:Our sponsor this week is Aetna, a trusted health care company, committed to serving Veterans, military families, and caregivers through meaningful, community-centered care. Provide FeedbackAs a dedicated member of the audience, we would like to hear from you. If you PsychArmor has helped you learn, grow, and support those who've served and those who care for them, we would appreciate hearing your story. Please follow this link to share how PsychArmor has helped you in your service journey Share PsychArmor StoriesAbout Today's GuestPatrick Forystek is a Marine Corps veteran whose journey from combat deployments to higher education leadership has been shaped by a commitment to service, resilience, and helping others succeed. He served from 2008 to 2012 with 1st Battalion, 11th Marines as an artillery cannoneer and section chief, deploying with the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit and later to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.Like many veterans, Patrick faced the challenges of transitioning from military service to civilian life and higher education. What began as a search for his own path after the Marine Corps became a calling to help other veterans navigate the same journey. After earning a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Michigan-Flint and a Master of Science in Management from Walsh College, he built a career focused on supporting military-connected students and creating opportunities for them to thrive. Today, Patrick serves as Director of the Center for Veterans and Military-Affiliated Students at Michigan State University, where he leads programs, partnerships, and initiatives that support more than 2,500 military-connected students. Throughout his career, he has remained motivated by a simple pay-it-forward philosophy: honoring the mentors, educators, and fellow veterans who helped him succeed by ensuring the next generation has access to the same support, guidance, and sense of community.Patrick's work and advocacy are rooted in the belief that military service does not end when the uniform comes off, but that it evolves into new opportunities to lead, serve, and make a difference in our community and in the lives of others.Links Mentioned During the EpisodeMSU Center for Veterans and Military-Affiliated Students WebsiteCVMAS on InstagramPsychArmor Resource of the WeekThis week's PsychArmor Resource of the Week is the PsychArmor course Choosing a College and Major. This course provides service members, Veterans, and their families with tools and resources to assist them in achieving their dreams of higher education You can find the resource here: https://learn.psycharmor.org/courses/Choosing-a-College-and-Major Contact Us and Join Us on Social Media Email PsychArmorPsychArmor on XPsychArmor 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  

Made in Taiwan: TC Brown Returns After Five Decades Episode description TC Brown arrived in Taiwan in 1968 as an 18-year-old US Air Force military policeman who knew almost nothing about the country. The four years he spent here during the Vietnam War era would change his life. More than five decades later, Brown returned to discover a country transformed. In this episode of Taiwan Talk, the veteran journalist and author of "Made in Taiwan" recalls the Taiwan he first encountered, reflects on the people and experiences that shaped him, and explains why he believes part of him was truly "Made in Taiwan". -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Show SummaryOn today's episode, we're having a conversation with Registered Nurse, Military Spouse, and Workforce Development Advocate Tracy Steele, founder of Community Cultivator, an organization dedicated to strengthening well-being, belonging, and career stability for military spouses through community connection and professional developmentEpisode Partner:Our sponsor this week is Aetna, a trusted health care company, committed to serving Veterans, military families, and caregivers through meaningful, community-centered care. Provide FeedbackAs a dedicated member of the audience, we would like to hear from you. If you PsychArmor has helped you learn, grow, and support those who've served and those who care for them, we would appreciate hearing your story. Please follow this link to share how PsychArmor has helped you in your service journey Share PsychArmor StoriesAbout Today's GuestCommunity Cultivator was founded by Tracy Steele, SPHR, CPRW — a longtime military spouse, workforce development leader, and advocate for military spouse employment and community connection.​After more than two decades navigating military life, Tracy experienced firsthand the challenge of constantly rebuilding career momentum, professional networks, and community with every move. Through strategic volunteering, networking, and workforce development leadership, she became passionate about helping military spouses recognize their value and confidently pursue meaningful opportunities.But she realized military spouses needed more than job resources alone. They needed connection, belonging, and access to opportunities that could grow with them wherever military life led next.​So she built Community Cultivator.​What started as a vision in San Diego is growing into a nationwide movement helping military spouses build stronger careers, deeper connections, and lasting opportunities together.Links Mentioned During the EpisodeCommunity Cultivator WebsiteForeign Born Military Spouse NetworkSugar Bear Foundation WebsitePsychArmor Resource of the WeekThis week's PsychArmor Resource of the Week is the PsychArmor course 15 Reasons to Hire a Military Spouse. As an employer, you are looking for untapped talent pools. One talent pool that can be overlooked is the diverse and highly educated group of military spouses. Take this course to learn the top 15 Reasons to Hire a Military Spouse. You can find the resource here: https://learn.psycharmor.org/courses/15-Reasons-to-Hire-a-Military-Spouse Contact Us and Join Us on Social Media Email PsychArmorPsychArmor on XPsychArmor 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  

Send us Fan MailAaron, Trent, and Peaches are back in the team room talking about something the Air Force should have fixed forever ago: when someone turns down a promotion or loses a line number, that stripe should not just vanish into the bureaucratic shadow realm.Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force Wolfe is pushing an initiative that would allow those unused promotions to go to the next qualified Airmen in line. Wild concept: if the Air Force says a career field needs ten Tech Sergeants, and two people cannot or will not take the stripe, maybe promote number eleven and twelve instead of kneecapping the career field for no reason.The boys break down how cutoff scores actually work, why the number is not magic, how career fields get hurt when stripes disappear, and why this is one of those rare Air Force changes that is just objectively good.Then it turns into classic Ones Ready: AFPC smoke, Total Force Service Center manning insanity, why knowing a guy at Randolph can magically make the system work, why centralizing admin into one mega-machine broke the personal side of personnel management, and why treating every Airman like a number is not actually fair.To close it out, Aaron pulls up audio from then-Lt Col Dave Goldfein after being shot down over enemy territory. Calm voice. Dead airplane. “Start finding me, boys.” The crew talks about the rescue team, General Tom Palenske leading the helicopter package, Robbie Bean, missiles flying through rotor discs, and why sometimes you launch with incomplete information because Americans go get their people.Also: Trent's new headphones, Peaches explaining crypto delay, Fat Tony-adjacent bureaucracy energy, Operator Training Summit updates, and the ongoing demand that Ones Ready deserves 100K subscribers.Links:OnesReady.comOperatorTrainingSummit.comChapters:00:00 - Ones Ready Intro00:59 - Peaches Steals the Team Room01:39 - Trent's Headphones Deserve Respect02:06 - What Is Going on in the Air Force?02:15 - CMSAF Wolfe's Promotion Fix03:05 - Why Stripes Used to Disappear04:48 - Aaron Missed Master by Almost Nothing05:23 - Air Force Testing Is a Shell Game07:47 - Turning Down Stripes Hurts the Career Field08:30 - Cutoff Scores Are Not Magic09:05 - Space Force Figured This Out First09:26 - Declination Letters and Chief Stripes10:30 - When Tiny Career Fields Break the System12:16 - Good Ideas Still Hit Red Tape13:52 - The “Back in My Day” Crowd14:14 - Wolfe Gets a Huge W15:01 - A1 Might Have to Do Their Job15:39 - AFPC Smoke Session16:06 - AFPC Has Way Too Much Power18:20 - If a Friend Can Fix It, the Rules Are Fake19:46 - How Centralized Admin Broke the System20:48 - Six People Running Total Force Chaos21:31 - Airmen Became Numbers22:02 - Clovis, Family Reality, and Assignment Pain22:43 - Functionals, Favors, and Doing the Work23:49 - Goldfein Shot Down25:23 - “Start Finding Me, Boys”25:39 - The Rescue Team Tradition26:17 - Tom Palenske Led the Rescue27:41 - Playing the Name Game at Dinner28:04 - Missiles Through the Rotor Discs29:30 - Launch Now, Figure It Out30:24 - Operator Training Summit Updates31:00 - Help Ones Ready Hit 100K31:37 - AFA, Travel, and Final Chaos32:27 - Go TrainSupport the showJoin this channel to get access to perks: HEREBuzzsprout Subscription page:  HERERegister for our Operator Training Summit:  OperatorTrainingSummit.comFind an Air Force Recruiter: AirForce.comCollabs:Ones Ready - OnesReady.com 18A Fitness - Promo Code:  ONESREADY ATACLete - Follow the URL (no promo code):  ATACLeteDanger Close Apparel - Promo Code:  ONESREADYDFND Apparel...

Show SummaryOn today's episode, we're having a conversation with Navy Veteran Dr. Erik Won, President and Chief Medical Officer of Wave Neuroscience, an organization utilizing advanced neuroimaging and magnetic resonance therapy to help veterans recover from post-traumatic stress. DisclaimerThis podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and does not establish a doctor-patient relationship. The views and opinions expressed by the guest are entirely his own and do not reflect the views, policies, or official positions of his employer or company. Content is not intended to substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.  Wave supplies MeRT to licensed clinics who provide treatment to patients. Talk to your physician to see if MeRT is right for you. Episode Partner:Our sponsor this week is Aetna, a trusted health care company, committed to serving Veterans, military families, and caregivers through meaningful, community-centered care. Provide FeedbackAs a dedicated member of the audience, we would like to hear from you. If you PsychArmor has helped you learn, grow, and support those who've served and those who care for them, we would appreciate hearing your story. Please follow this link to share how PsychArmor has helped you in your service journey Share PsychArmor StoriesAbout Today's GuestDr. Erik Won is President and Chief Medical Officer of Wave Neuroscience, Inc; a biotechnology company that has innovated breakthrough technologies called Magnetic e-Resonance Therapy (MeRT) and Synchronized Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (sTMS). MeRT recently received FDA Breakthrough Technology designation and FDA clearance for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorders. These approaches utilize computational neuroanalytics and brain imaging to customize treatment protocols with the aim of restoring optimal neurological function.These modalities represent a form of precision-guided medicine that has been researched or is currently being used by premier institutions such as US Special Operations Command, Stanford University School of Medicine, Duke University - Human Performance Opti-Lab, University of Southern California (USC) Center for Neurorestoration, the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) - David Geffen School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Brown University, Air Force Research Laboratory, and the Texas A&M Institute for Bioscience and Technology.Erik joined Wave Neuroscience after serving as the Chief Physician and Chief Technology Officer (Health Services) for the Boeing Company. He also served as a US Navy Flight Surgeon for Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 268, and received the distinction of serving as the ACE Flight Surgeon for the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit, 1st Marine Expeditionary Force. Dr. Won has been published in numerous peer-reviewed journals, textbooks, and presented in numerous academic conferences. He completed his residency at the Harvard OEM combined residency program and was appointed Chief Resident. He received a Masters in Public Health (MPH) from the Harvard School of Public Health and Masters in Business Administrations (MBA) from the University of Southern California, Marshall School of BusinessLinks Mentioned During the EpisodeWave Neuroscience WebsiteBrain Treatment Center WebsitePsychArmor Resource of the WeekThis week's PsychArmor Resource of the Week is the PsychArmor course Brain Health & Wellness Learning Series – PTSD. Nearly everyone goes through a traumatic event at least once during their lifetime. Military service members and Veterans are especially vulnerable to the lasting effects of post-traumatic stress due to the nature of their duties and experiences. While this can be a difficult diagnosis to navigate, it is treatable, and social support is one of the leading factors for lasting recovery. Having someone to trust and confide in while feeling heard and validated is a vital part of the healing process. This series on post-traumatic stress disorder explores the presentation and diagnosis of PTSD, its impact on both the Veterans you support and the lives of those around them, and effective treatment modalities, so you'll be better equipped to provide meaningful support. You can find the resource here: https://learn.psycharmor.org/courses/WWP-BHW-PTSD Contact Us and Join Us on Social Media Email PsychArmorPsychArmor on XPsychArmor 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  

Send us a message or question! Ep. 75 – Stanley Booker: Airman, Prisoner, Saviour, Spy, with Sean Feast How does a young RAF observer go from flying operations with 10 Squadron to becoming one of the few Allied airmen imprisoned in a Nazi concentration camp?In this episode of Never Mind the Dambusters, Jane Gulliford Lowes and James Jefferies welcome back acclaimed aviation historian and author Sean Feast to discuss his compelling new book, Airman, Prisoner, Saviour, Spy: The Remarkable Story of Stanley Booker DFM.Stanley volunteered for aircrew at just eighteen years of age and qualified as an observer, joining 10 Squadron RAF during the crucial months leading up to D-Day. Shot down over occupied France in 1944, he was captured, brutally interrogated by the Gestapo at Fresnes Prison, and became one of 168 Allied airmen deported to Buchenwald Concentration Camp as so-called "Terror Flyers."Against all odds, Stanley survived.His story didn't end with liberation. After the war, he flew more than 200 sorties during the Berlin Airlift, later worked with British intelligence during the Cold War, and spent decades fighting for official recognition of what he and his fellow airmen had endured.This is an extraordinary story of courage, survival, resilience and the long struggle for justice.In this episodeHow Sean Feast first met Stanley Booker and why he felt compelled to tell his story.Stanley's training and operational career as an observer with 10 Squadron RAF.The mission that ended with Stanley's aircraft being shot down over occupied France.Capture, betrayal and interrogation by the Gestapo at the notorious Fresnes Prison.The little-known story of the Allied "Terror Flyers" imprisoned at Buchenwald Concentration Camp.Why Stanley and his fellow prisoners spent decades seeking official recognition.Stanley's remarkable post-war career during the Berlin Airlift and later intelligence work in divided Berlin.Sean reflects on Stanley's legacy and what readers can learn from his extraordinary life.About our guestSean Feast is one of Britain's leading aviation historians and authors. A former journalist, he has written extensively on RAF Bomber Command, the Pathfinder Force and the wider Allied air war. His work is renowned for combining meticulous research with deeply personal stories that illuminate the human experience of war.Featured bookAirman, Prisoner, Saviour, Spy: The Remarkable Story of Stanley Booker DFM by Sean FeastAvailable here:https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1911714376Mentioned during this episodeRAF 10 SquadronBuchenwald Concentration CampFresnes PrisonThe "Terror Flyers"The Berlin AirliftGeorge BlakeAbove Us the Stars by Jane Gulliford LowesRelated listeningIf you enjoyed this episode, you may also like:Peenemünde, V-Weapons & the Master Bomber with Sean Feast (Series 4)Internment of Allied Airmen with Andrew WhiteBomb Disposal in Hamburg with Thomas RostJoin the conversationHad you heard of the Buchenwald Airmen before listening to this episode?Why do you think it took so many decades for their experiences to receive official recognition?Join the discussion in the Never Mind the Dambusters Facebook group or connect with us across our social media channels.Support the showPlease subscribe to Never Mind The Dambusters wherever you get your podcasts. You can support the show, and help us produce great content,  by becoming a paid subscriber from just $3 a month here https://www.buzzsprout.com/2327200/support . Supporters get early access to episodes and invitations to livestreams.  Thank you for listening! You can reach out to us on social media at @RAF_BomberPod (X) or @NeverMindTheDambusters (Instagram)You can find out about James' research, articles, lectures and podcasts  here .You can read more about Jane's work on her website at https://www.justcuriousjane.com/, and listen to podcasts/media stuff here

Let us know what you think!See Brian Regan live November 19 in Salt Lake City | Members Only Join the Six Club for $6/month to get access and support veteran entrepreneurs. https://warriorrising.org/6cslc/  How do you build a stronger relationship with God when life is filled with noise, distractions, struggles, and doubt?In this episode, Fr. Stephen Gadberry shares his journey from military service to the Catholic priesthood and the lessons he has learned about faith, silence, prayer, reconciliation, and spiritual discipline.From learning to sit quietly with God to praying for the people who have hurt us, Fr. Gadberry offers practical ways to develop a deeper spiritual life. He also addresses shame, feelings of unworthiness, confession, forgiveness, and why faith—like every other meaningful part of life—requires intentional practice. Listen now. Follow the show. Share this with the veteran or entrepreneur who needs to hear it. Chapters:00:00 Meet Fr. Stephen Gadberry 01:55 From Military Service to the Priesthood 04:07 Leaning Into the Cross 06:01 Shame, Unworthiness and Confession 08:11 Why Silence Is Essential to Prayer 12:02 Starting Your Week With Faith 15:56 Discerning God's Call 19:59 Praying for Your Enemies 24:03 Making Time for Adoration 28:01 Practical Steps for Returning to Faith 33:12 Finding Your Spiritual Wingmen 36:54 Confession, Reconciliation and Healing 41:00 Community, Conflict and Respect 44:02 Seeing the Suffering in Others 47:54 Silence, Prayer and Daily Discipline 52:05 Moving Beyond Shame and Accepting Forgiveness 55:03 Final Thoughts With Fr. Stephen Gadberry Sponsored by: Transcend Use my referral link to book a consultation for Peptide Therapy http://transcendcompany.com/DenyCaballero PRECISION WELLNESS GROUP  Use code: Security Halt Podcast 25 Website: https://www.precisionwellnessgroup.com/ WARRIOR RISING Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wearewarriorrising/?hl=en Website: https://warriorrising.org/ Donate Today: https://warriorrising.org/?form=donate SPECIAL FORCES FOUNDATION Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/specialforcesfoundation_/ Website: https://specialforcesfoundation.org/ Request Help: https://specialforcesfoundation.org/get-support/   Security Halt Mediahttps://www.securityhaltmedia.com/Instagram: @securityhaltX: @SecurityHaltTik Tok: @security.halt.podLinkedIn: Deny Caballero   Looking for custom handmade items, military memorabilia, or laser engraving? Contact Eric Gilgenast.Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/haus_gilgenast_woodworks_main/Website: https://www.hausgilgenastwoodworks.com/SOF Heritage Designs Custom belt Buckles. Of the Regiment for the Regiment SOF-HD.Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sofhdesigns/Support the showProduced by Security Halt Media

Show SummaryOn today's episode, we're having a conversation with Military Intelligence and Civil Affairs Veteran Rebecca Monaco, co-founder of Next Mission, an organization dedicated to empowering and supporting resettled Afghan women veterans who served alongside U.S. Special Operations forcesEpisode Partner:Our sponsor this week is Aetna, a trusted health care company, committed to serving Veterans, military families, and caregivers through meaningful, community-centered care. Provide FeedbackAs a dedicated member of the audience, we would like to hear from you. If you PsychArmor has helped you learn, grow, and support those who've served and those who care for them, we would appreciate hearing your story. Please follow this link to share how PsychArmor has helped you in your service journey Share PsychArmor StoriesAbout Today's GuestRebecca Monaco, MPH, is a public health leader, researcher, and program strategist with more than ten years of experience leading complex initiatives across healthcare, nonprofit, government, and military organizations. She earned her Master of Public Health from Dartmouth College, where she developed a passion for behavioral health research, implementation science, and innovative approaches to improving care. Her current interests focus on psychedelic-assisted therapy, women's health, and translating emerging research into real-world impact.A former U.S. Army Civil Affairs and Intelligence Officer, Rebecca deployed to Afghanistan as a Cultural Support Team (CST) member with Joint Special Operations Command, where she served alongside Afghan Female Tactical Platoon (FTP) members. Following the fall of Afghanistan, her team coordinated the evacuation of 42 Afghan female Special Operations personnel, an experience that continues to shape her commitment to service, leadership, and advancing opportunities for vulnerable communities.Rebecca currently serves as the volunteer Project Manager and Board Secretary for NXT Mission, where she leads initiatives supporting refugee resettlement, education, workforce development, and long-term integration for displaced Afghan women and families across the United States.Links Mentioned During the EpisodeNext Mission WebsiteNext Mission on LinkedInPsychArmor Resource of the WeekThis week's PsychArmor Resource of the Week is a previous episode of the Behind The Mission podcast, episode 184 with Kari McDonough. Kari is Vice President of Welcome.US and Senior Advisor to the Welcome Fund, a program of Welcome.us that provides a source for grantmaking to organizations as they involve community members to welcoming coalition allies coming to the US as part of resettlement efforts. You can find the resource here: https://psycharmor.org/podcast/kari-mcdonough Contact Us and Join Us on Social Media Email PsychArmorPsychArmor on XPsychArmor 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  

Show SummaryAs military-connected students head back to school, we're revisiting a conversation with Mary Bier, MBA, President and CEO of the Military Child Education Coalition (MCEC). Mary joins host Duane France to discuss the unique educational experiences of military-connected children, the challenges families can face navigating school transitions, and how MCEC helps families, educators, and communities support military students throughout their educational journey.Episode Partner:Our sponsor this week is Aetna, a trusted health care company, committed to serving Veterans, military families, and caregivers through meaningful, community-centered care. Provide FeedbackAs a dedicated member of the audience, we would like to hear from you. If you PsychArmor has helped you learn, grow, and support those who've served and those who care for them, we would appreciate hearing your story. Please follow this link to share how PsychArmor has helped you in your service journey Share PsychArmor StoriesAbout Today's GuestMary Bier, MBA, is the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Military Child Education Coalition (MCEC). A seasoned leader with more than 20 years of experience in business strategy, organizational leadership, and community engagement, she brings a dynamic vision to MCEC's mission of ensuring every military-connected child has access to quality educational opportunities.As a military spouse and parent, Bier has firsthand insight into the unique challenges and strengths of military families. This lived experience fuels her passion for advocating for military-connected students, ensuring they receive the educational support and opportunities they deserve.Bier's professional background spans both the corporate and nonprofit sectors, where she has successfully led high-impact initiatives, built collaborative partnerships, and served as a subject matter expert on veteran and military family issues. She has been invited to the White House to share insights on military-connected programs, testified before the New York City Department of Veteran Affairs, and facilitated expert panels on military family well-being.Prior to joining MCEC, Bier held leadership roles in business strategy, customer success, and military initiatives, where she was instrumental in scaling operations, optimizing talent development, and fostering inclusive organizational cultures. Her ability to translate strategic goals into actionable outcomes has driven mission impact across multiple organizations.At MCEC, Bier is committed to expanding the organization's reach, deepening partnerships, and championing the needs of military-connected children. Under her leadership, MCEC will continue to be a trusted resource for families, educators, and policymakers dedicated to supporting military students on their educational journey.Bier holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) with a focus on Management and Organizational Behavior and a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish from California Lutheran University.She resides with her family in Madison, Wisconsin.Links Mentioned During the EpisodeMilitary Child Education Coalition Website Heroic Hearts ScholarshipCall for the Arts ScholarshipMonth of the Military Child ToolkitPurple Star National AdvocateStudent to Student ProgramPsychArmor Resource of the WeekThis week's resource of the week is the PsychArmor course, Supporting Children Who Support Veterans. Although your children may be small now, we hope this course gives you some building blocks to address any parenting challenges you may encounter as your children mature.You can find the resource here: https://learn.psycharmor.org/courses/Supporting-Children-Who-Support-Veterans  Contact Us and Join Us on Social Media Email PsychArmorPsychArmor on XPsychArmor 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  

Show SummaryOn today's episode, we're having a conversation with Military and Veteran Spouse Stephanie Rundle, founder of Bridge and Banner, an organization that provides support for learning continuity for children who move frequently, which includes active duty military families. Episode Partner:Our sponsor this week is Aetna, a trusted health care company, committed to serving Veterans, military families, and caregivers through meaningful, community-centered care. Provide FeedbackAs a dedicated member of the audience, we would like to hear from you. If you PsychArmor has helped you learn, grow, and support those who've served and those who care for them, we would appreciate hearing your story. Please follow this link to share how PsychArmor has helped you in your service journey Share PsychArmor StoriesAbout Today's GuestStephanie Rundle is an educator, military spouse, and military child advocate whose experience was built in classrooms across the country, serving as a teacher, instructional coach, and leader. Stephanie began her role in education upon earning her degree in Birth through Kindergarten Education from Western Carolina University. Within the walls of formal education, she created unique learning experiences that embraced the diverse learning needs of her students, preschool through fourth grade. While teaching, she earned a Master of Curriculum and Instruction from Grand Canyon University, after which she became an Instructional Coach and Professional Development Coordinator. Outside the classroom, Stephanie continues to actively serve her community by volunteering in schools, with military-focused nonprofits, and on military installations. Stephanie's engagement across settings enabled her to build relationships with military-connected families as they navigated the impact of frequent military relocations on their children's academic continuity. In 2024, she was committed to mitigating those impacts and applied to the George W. Bush Stand-To Veteran Leadership Program. As a scholar, Stephanie launched The Continuing Education Plan, now known as Bridge & Banner™, a fiscally sponsored project of the nonprofit Veterans Collaborative™. Bridge and Banner™ provides tools to strengthen partnerships between teachers and parents, amplifying the parents' ability to advocate for their child's academic needs during military transitions. Stephanie is committed to advancing her research on academic continuity as a 2026 Tillman Scholar attending Mississippi State University's Doctor of Educational Policy and Organizational Design program. Stephanie aims to advance educational policy by providing a clear path for action across academic and community programs, ensuring transparency and addressing academic continuity for all vulnerable student populations.Links Mentioned During the EpisodeBridge and Banner WebsiteBridge and Banner on FacebookPsychArmor Resource of the WeekThis week's PsychArmor Resource of the Week is the PsychArmor Course Introduction to Public School Interstate Compact for Military Children. Identifying who qualifies for the Interstate Compact, understanding the five key policy areas the Interstate Compact addresses, and discussing the schools and grades to which the Interstate Compact applies are the learning objectives of this course You can find the resource here: https://learn.psycharmor.org/courses/introduction-to-public-school-interstate-compact-for-military-children Contact Us and Join Us on Social Media Email PsychArmorPsychArmor on XPsychArmor 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  

United States Air Force forward operating installations face a grave threat given air and missile threats, especially when it comes to small Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (sUAV). Recent combat events in places like Ukraine and the Middle East highlight the significance of this threat. It's time to pursue new operational concepts, tactics, and procure necessary technologies to mitigate this threat. Join us for the release of the Mitchell Institute's newest report exploring how the U.S. Air Force can address the sUAV threat, Defeating the Drones: The Airman's Imperative to Defend Against Small UAV, by Brig. Gen. Houston Cantwell, USAF (Ret.), Senior Fellow for the Mitchell Institute Center for Unmanned and Autonomy Studies. Gen. Glen VanHerck, USAF (Ret.), former commander of United States Northern Command (USNORTHCOM) and North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD), will join the Mitchell Institute to provide his unique perspectives and insights on the report's findings and recommendations.

Show SummaryOn today's episode, we're having a conversation with Dr Debbie Bradbard, Military and Veteran Spouse and the inaugural director of the Boeing Center for Veteran Transition and Military Families at the Virginia Tech in Alexandria, VA. The center's goal is to harness the potential of service members, veterans and their families to thrive in tomorrow's workforce—through skills, mentorship, research, entrepreneurial support, and resources that build future-ready careers and drive economic opportunityEpisode Partner: This episode is sponsored by CareLinx by Sharecare, connecting Veterans, Service Members, and military Families with trusted home care and caregiver support.  Provide Support: Take a moment to turn your gratitude into action. For just $15, you can help provide military culture training to one person who supports veterans and their families, equipping them to respond with greater understanding, confidence, and care. GIVE HERE through our giving page at psycharmor.org. Provide FeedbackAs a dedicated member of the audience, we would like to hear from you. If you PsychArmor has helped you learn, grow, and support those who've served and those who care for them, we would appreciate hearing your story. Please follow this link to share how PsychArmor has helped you in your service journey Share PsychArmor StoriesAbout Today's GuestDeborah Bradbard is the inaugural director of the Boeing Center for Veteran Transition and Military Families at the Virginia Tech in Alexandria, VA.  As a Senior Researcher at Syracuse University's, D'Aniello Institute for Veterans and Military Families (IVMF), Bradbard spent nearly a decade publishing signature publications and shaping policy and best practices for veterans and military families.  Her work on military spouse and veteran employment have been cited by the White House, members of Congress, CNN, the Center for Deployment Psychology and utilized by national professional organizations including The American Psychological Association (APA) and The Society for Human Resource Management Foundation (SHRM) where her work has been downloaded by over 20,000 human resource professionals nationwide.  As Director of Research and Policy at Blue Star Families (BSF), she directed implementation of their national survey whose results have had an enduring influence on military family policy on spouse employment, childcare, and financial readiness. In the private sector at Booz Allen Hamilton, she developed clinical support tools that have been utilized by providers across the entire military health system of over 3 million users.  A frequent speaker for national conferences, Bradbard educates policy makers, elected officials, and employers about the evolving needs of the military community.  A psychologist by training, Dr. Bradbard received her Ph.D. from Auburn University and her MPA from Syracuse University.Links Mentioned During the EpisodeBoeing Center for Veteran Transition and Military FamiliesVirginia Tech in DC on LinkedInDr. Bradbard on LinkedInPsychArmor Resource of the WeekThis week's PsychArmor Resource of the Week is the PsychArmor Course Understanding and Utilizing Your Educational Benefits. provides service members, Veterans and their families with a comprehensive overview of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs educational benefits program. You can find the resource here: https://learn.psycharmor.org/courses/Understanding-and-Utilizing-Your-Educational-Benefits Contact Us and Join Us on Social Media Email PsychArmorPsychArmor on XPsychArmor 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  

Show SummaryOn today's episode, we're having a conversation with Veteran family member Chris Weedon, Founder and Executive Director of the Mentally Shredded Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to preventing burnout and strengthening mental resilience through movement, reflection, conversation, and community.Episode Partner: This episode is sponsored by CareLinx by Sharecare, connecting Veterans, Service Members, and military Families with trusted home care and caregiver support.  Provide Support: Take a moment to turn your gratitude into action. For just $15, you can help provide military culture training to one person who supports veterans and their families, equipping them to respond with greater understanding, confidence, and care. GIVE HERE through our giving page at psycharmor.org. Provide FeedbackAs a dedicated member of the audience, we would like to hear from you. If you PsychArmor has helped you learn, grow, and support those who've served and those who care for them, we would appreciate hearing your story. Please follow this link to share how PsychArmor has helped you in your service journey Share PsychArmor StoriesAbout Today's GuestChristopher D. Weedon, MBA, is the Founder and Executive Director of the Mentally Shredded Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to preventing burnout and strengthening mental resilience through movement, reflection, conversation, and community. A former collegiate soccer captain who also competed at the semi-professional level, and a former strength and conditioning coach, Christopher created the Mentally Shredded 3-in-1 Method after navigating his own mental health challenges and recognizing the need for proactive, accessible wellness experiences. Since 2022, the organization has served more than 2,000 participants through live programs and reached more than 10,000 people through educational content and The Mentally Shredded Show podcast. Christopher is building a scalable model that equips organizations and communities to make mental wellness a regular practice rather than a crisis response.Links Mentioned During the EpisodeMentally Shredded WebsiteChris Weedon on InstagramMentally Shredded on InstagramChris Weedon on LinkedInPsychArmor Resource of the WeekThis week's PsychArmor Resource of the Week is the PsychArmor Course Bolstering Resilience, part of the Brain Health and Wellness Learning Series. This mini-course series on resilience, sponsored by Wounded Warrior Project, spotlights five supporting factors proven to bolster resilience among service members, veterans, their families, and caregivers: SMART goals, mental health, nutrition, sleep, and exercise. Each element builds upon a foundation of service and increases the ability to successfully cope with high levels of stress and pressure. You'll learn why these supporting pillars are so important to overall well-being, their application in daily life, and how it's never too late to make a lasting change. You can find the resource here:  https://learn.psycharmor.org/courses/WWP-BHW-bolstering-resilience Contact Us and Join Us on Social Media Email PsychArmorPsychArmor on XPsychArmor 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  

When an active shooter turned a military installation into a combat zone, Navy Airman Ryan Blackwell found himself staring down the barrel of a weapon. Drawing on base-level readiness and pure instinct, Blackwell's split-second decisions during the assault highlight the realities of survival under extreme duress. This episode breaks down the raw mechanics of an insider threat encounter and the warrior mindset required to survive it.

Show SummaryOn today's episode, we're having a conversation with Marine Corps Veteran Chris Gonzalez, Co-Founder of A-G Associates, an organization that provides insight, expert guidance, and lived experience to strengthen public health and safety systems, advance military and veteran wellbeing, and help mission-driven organizations achieve measurable impact. We talk about their partnership with PsychArmor to support MCON Health, and their recently announced Fall In initiative. Episode Partner: This episode is sponsored by CareLinx by Sharecare, connecting Veterans, Service Members, and military Families with trusted home care and caregiver support.  Provide Support: Take a moment to turn your gratitude into action. For just $15, you can help provide military culture training to one person who supports veterans and their families, equipping them to respond with greater understanding, confidence, and care. GIVE HERE through our giving page at psycharmor.org. Provide FeedbackAs a dedicated member of the audience, we would like to hear from you. If you PsychArmor has helped you learn, grow, and support those who've served and those who care for them, we would appreciate hearing your story. Please follow this link to share how PsychArmor has helped you in your service journey Share PsychArmor StoriesAbout Today's GuestChris Gonzalez is President and Co-Founder of A-G Associates (A-G). Chris' accolades range from entrepreneurial awards on the Inc, 5000 (Inc. Magazine) Vet100 (Institute for Veteran and Military Families) and Young Alumni Achievement Award (Frostburg State university) to Bridging the Gap Achievement Award by the Greater Baltimore Committee for philanthropic efforts. Under Chris' leadership, A-G has grown into one of the fastest growing companies in the country, placing in the top 15% of the Inc. 5000 list (#592). A-G has made a significant contribution to the fields of mental health and substance use for military personnel, military families, veterans, behavioral health clinicians, peer support specialists and others. These events have led to the development of policy, resources and grant programs. A U.S. Marine and combat veteran with tours in Iraq and Afghanistan, Chris drives organizational and program transformation initiatives across the public, private, and non-profit sectors. Chris is the Associate Producer of Bastards' Road, a full-length film about a Marine Corps Veteran who conquers post-traumatic stress by walking across the country. He has also coached several fitness programs and served on the Board of Directors for the Maryland Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Health Care Access Maryland, Mentoring Mentors and American Warrior Festival/Strength in Numbers. Chris has been a keynote speaker at the Center for Naval Analyses, Mental Health America, Frostburg State University's Sloop Leadership Institute, and the Project Management Institute. He is a certified Facilitator/ Trainer through the Marine Corps,  WholeScale Change™ facilitator and Project Management Professional (PMP). He is a graduate from Operation Hand Salute, an Executive Development program through John F. Kennedy University and AT&T. He received his BS in Social Science from Frostburg State University in 2001, and his Master of Arts in Education from Towson University.Links Mentioned During the EpisodeLinks Mentioned During the EpisodeA-G AssociatesMCON HealthThe Fall In InitiativePsychArmor Resource of the WeekThis week's PsychArmor Resource of the Week is the Behind the Mission podcast episode 223 of the Behind the Mission Podcast highlighting MCON. In this episode, we have a conversation with Marine Corps veteran Waco Hoover, an entrepreneur and investor with over 20 years of experience in venture capital, M&A, entertainment, media and live events. We talk about MCON, an annual event that celebrates military culture and includes MCON Health conducted in partnership with PsychArmor. You can find the resource here:  https://psycharmor.org/podcast/waco-hoover-mconContact Us and Join Us on Social Media Email PsychArmorPsychArmor on XPsychArmor 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