Podcasts about airmen

 Show SummaryOn today's episode, we're replaying a session of the PsychArmor LGBTQIA Community of Practice with PsyhcArmor Instructional Designer Ramon Salazar and Lindsay Church, the Executive Director and Co-Founder of Minority Veterans of America. PsychArmor's Community of Practice (CoP) on Supporting LGBTQIA+ Veterans is a dedicated space designed to equip providers with the knowledge, strategies, and resources necessary to improve care for LGBTQIA+ Veterans.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. About Today's GuestLindsay Church (they/them) is the Executive Director and Co-Founder of Minority Veterans of America, a non-partisan, non-profit organization dedicated to creating an equitable and just world for the minority veteran community including veterans of color, women, LGBTQ+, and (non) religious minority veterans. Lindsay has over a decade of experience rooted in military and veteran advocacy and grassroots organizing and has worked among numerous coalitions to usher in transformational policy changes and reforms. They have facilitated agency-wide cultural competency trainings and assessments to ensure organizations and governmental entities are able to serve their minority and veteran constituencies effectively, efficiently, and in a culturally informed manner.Lindsay received their graduate degree, with a focus in international conflict and countering violent extremism, and their undergraduate degree, in Near Eastern Language and Civilization and Comparative Islamic Studies, from the University of Washington. They also hold an associate degree in Persian-Farsi from Defense Language Institute. Lindsay is a veteran of the U.S. Navy, where they served as a Cryptologic Technician Interpretative.Lindsay currently serves on the Task Force on Outdoor Recreation for Veterans, an interagency council charged with providing recommendations for public land managers and organizations to increase access to outdoor recreation for service members, veterans, and their families. Prior to founding and leading the Minority Veterans of America, Lindsay served as the Assistant Director and co-founder of Student Veteran Life at the University of Washington. Their previous appointments include LGBTQ Commissioner for the City of Seattle, Co-Chair of Congresswoman Suzan Delbene's (WA-1) Veterans Advisory Council, steering committee member for Recreate Responsibly Coalition, and Co-Chair of the Military Advisory Council for OutServe-SLDN (now Modern Military Association of America). Links Mentioned During the EpisodeMinority Vets Website PsychArmor Resource of the WeekThis week's PsychArmor Resource of the Week is the previous episode on STEP, episode 30 of the Behind the Mission Podcast. On this episode, Navy Veteran, CEO and Co-Founder of the Support the Enlisted Project, Tony Teravainen, talks about the need to support junior enlisted service members with financial education and assistance. You can find the resource here:  https://psycharmor.org/podcast/tony-teravainen 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 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  

People matter more than position, and leadership starts with taking care of others. Doing that right means a million acts. SUMMARY Those are lessons Lt. Col. Steven “Meathead” Mount '08 shares with listeners in the Season 4 premier of Long Blue Leadership. For Col. Mount, becoming a pilot was a major milestone, but becoming a husband and father had the biggest impact. Don't wait, listen today and become a better leader tomorrow.   SHARE THIS PODCAST FACEBOOK  |  LINKEDIN   COL. MOUNT'S TOP LEADERSHIP TAKEAWAYS Adoption shaped my understanding of support and love. Leadership is about lifting others to achieve their best. Mentorship plays a crucial role in personal and professional growth. Balancing family and career is a continuous challenge. It's important to have tough conversations as a leader. Resilience is key to overcoming setbacks in life and career. Listening more than talking is essential for effective leadership. Recognizing the importance of support systems can enhance leadership effectiveness. Leadership is defined by consistent, everyday actions. The military community thrives on teamwork and mutual support.   CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction to Leadership Lessons 06:43 The Impact of Adoption on Leadership 14:53 Navigating Challenges at the Academy 22:49 Career Path and Opportunities in Aviation 33:31 Balancing Family and Military Career 44:18 Continuous Improvement as a Leader     ABOUT COL. MOUNT BIO Lt. Col. Steven “Meathead” Mount is a decorated officer in the United States Air Force with a career marked by leadership, operational excellence, and a deep commitment to mentoring the next generation. A command pilot with thousands of flight hours, he has served in a variety of demanding roles across multiple aircraft and theaters, bringing a wealth of experience in both combat and peacetime operations. Beyond the cockpit, Lt. Col. Mount is widely recognized for his ability to lead diverse teams through complex challenges, foster innovation, and develop leaders at every level. His career reflects not only technical expertise but also a people-first leadership philosophy that emphasizes accountability, resilience, and service. Known by his call sign “Meathead,” he brings both humility and humor to the serious business of leading Airmen. His story is one of dedication to mission and country, but also of shaping culture, inspiring others, and leaving a lasting impact on the Air Force community.   CONNECT WITH THE LONG BLUE LEADERSHIP PODCAST NETWORK TEAM Send your feedback or nominate a guest: socialmedia@usafa.org Ted Robertson | Producer and Editor:  Ted.Robertson@USAFA.org    Ryan Hall | Director:  Ryan.Hall@USAFA.org  Bryan Grossman | Copy Editor:  Bryan.Grossman@USAFA.org Wyatt Hornsby | Executive Producer:  Wyatt.Hornsby@USAFA.org      ALL PAST LBL EPISODES  |  ALL LBLPN PRODUCTIONS AVAILABLE ON ALL MAJOR PODCAST PLATFORMS     TRANSCRIPT SPEAKERS Guest, Lt. Col. Steven Mount '08  |  Host, Lt. Col. Naviere Walkewicz '99   Naviere Walkewicz Welcome to the first episode of Season 4 of Long Blue Leadership, the podcast where we share insights on leadership through the lives and experiences of Air Force Academy graduates. I'm Naviere Walkewicz, Class of '99. We're kicking off this season with a story that shows how our earliest experiences can shape the kind of leaders we become. Lt. Col. Steve Mount, Class of 2008, call sign “Meathead,” didn't fully realize that truth until later in life. Adopted as an infant, he came to understand that love and support aren't guaranteed. They're gifts. Over his 17-year career, Col. Mount has flown missions across a wide range of aircraft, from the C-130 to special operations to the U-2. And today, he's in command. But through every stage, one belief has stayed with him: People succeed not only through their own efforts, but because someone believed in them. In this conversation, we'll talk about how those early lessons have shaped criminal mom's approach to leading airmen, mentoring the next generation of pilots, balancing mission and family and building teams that are rooted in trust. His story is a powerful reminder that leadership isn't about the me game, it's about lifting others so they can achieve their best. So what better way to start our new season? Col. Mount, welcome to Long Blue Leadership. Lt. Col. Steven Mount Thank you so much, ma'am for having me. I really do appreciate this opportunity to at least try to share some of my stories, experiences and honestly, if anything touches base with those who listen in and resonates, that's why I'm glad to be here. Naviere Walkewicz Well, let's start right with a way for them to connect with you. You mentioned your call sign is Meathead. Let's start there. Lt. Col. Steven Mount OK, I'll do my best to tell the story as quickly as I can. And the fun thing about being a pilot — but also I think this plays true in any type of storytelling environment — is, you know, only 10% of the story has to be true when it comes to your call signs. So to start… Oh my gosh— I know there's some friends out there who are going to laugh at this, especially of mine. Going through pilot training… The last part of the pilot training, when I was in the T-1s, when you get to that last part, you know, after you've gone through all the ups and downs, you kind of celebrate a little bit more. And that's what I've done. I had gone out with a couple of my rugby brothers that I played with at the Academy, and we'd gone out to just a country, a little country dance hall, and, you know, we're just enjoying and celebrating. And one of my rugby brothers introduced me to one of his friends through his wife, and this individual, who I didn't know much about at the time, had said— I said, “Yeah, I'm starting T-1s here and all that good stuff. And I immediately, immediately — especially in the celebratory mood I was in — thought, “Oh, this is another awesome student that's coming through. Like, hey, let me start giving you the tidbits. Let me start laying out what to expect.” And that's how I treated this individual for the rest of that evening. You know, we're dancing and having fun and just talking it up. And it was a good evening. It was really good evening. Come Monday morning, I get the word I'm flying with this new instructor in the T- 1s. And I had no idea who this individual was. I did not recognize the name at all. And I asked our flight schedule, like, “Who's this?” Is like, “Oh, it's a new person coming in. I think you're one of his first flights back in the T-1s training wise.” And I was like, “Well, OK, I'm ready to go.” And I sit down, and then this instructor sits down right across from me, and it's a major and sure enough, it's this, the person I thought was a student at the Texas dance, the country dance hall that we were at.   Naviere Walkewicz Oh boy!   Lt. Col. Steven Mount He looks me up and down. Oh, it was one of those moments of shock, of like, “What do I… Where do I go from here?” And he looks me up and down, he goes, and he laughs, and he goes, “Man, you are just such a meathead.” And so that's where it started. And call signs and nicknames— sometimes, some people like, wanna try change it throughout their careers and try to like, “No, that's not who I am. I don't want that to define me.” So as I'm leaving pilot training at Laughlin Air Force Base, Del Rio, I'm heading towards my first assignment in Tucson, Arizona for the EC-130 and I'm like, “OK, here we go. I'm gonna start fresh. I'm not that meathead that went through the Academy playing rugby. I'm not that meathead in pilot training to I just like to have fun. Just like to have fun. I do my own thing, and I'm gonna start fresh.” And I get out, and one of the very first meetings I had in the new squadron was with the DO, Lt. Col. Reimer. He sits down with me, and he says, “Come on in, because I'm in blues. He goes, come on in. Sit down. And then he's just quiet. I'm like, this is interesting. He looks me up and down and goes, “Yeah, you definitely look like a meathead.” And I'm like, “Whoa.” So sure enough, the major that I flew with was really good friends and had flown with this squadron, told this DO about me, and the DO got through his spiel, introduced me to my first flight commander before I deployed in Afghanistan, and goes, “Hey, this is Meathead. Take care of him. He's a good one.” I was like, “No, no, everyone, please, let's stop.” And then throughout the years, things kept happening that just reinforced the call sign, Meathead. I got into U-2s, me and a buddy, also pilots. We popped both tires on a T-38 at Long Beach Airport, and we closed down the airport for about five hours. It was on the local news. Not happy about that. And then there were multiple times where I tried to, like, get rid of the Meathead persona, the callsign, but I think it was finally solidified on a CNN interview on one of my U-2 deployments, where the lady interviewing us goes, “OK, we can't use your real name. So what name should we use? And before I could even say anything, one of my buddies just pops up and goes, “ It's Meathead.CNN lady, use Meathead.” And I was like, “OK.” And then international news in that interview, I am Capt. Meathead. And I never got away from the call sign, Meathead.   Naviere Walkewicz We are gonna find that clip of Capt. Meathead.   Lt. Col. Steven Mount It is out there, just U-2… I think the article under CNN: “U-2 spy plane carries out the mission against terrorist organizations.” You know, not that I didn't remember what it was called.   Naviere Walkewicz Well, I would say you heard it here first, but you didn't. You heard it maybe, if you heard it in the U-2 world or what have you. But we're gonna find it again. And so we're gonna resurrect here first, but we're so glad you're here. Yes, yes, this is awesome. And you know, I think one of the things I really enjoyed in our early conversation, and what we're gonna share today is how you kind of look back and you are very grateful and thankful for the upbringing you have. And so let's kind of go back to the fact, you know, not a lot of our guests share kind of their background, and the fact that you share that you were adopted. What did that kind of, what role did that play in your life? And, you know, was it insignificant? Or, you know, what did you glean from that? Lt. Col. Steven Mount Yeah, I really appreciate that question. And honestly, I really appreciate you giving the opportunity to kind of share that. It has played a huge role in my life. Adopted 11 months. And what it did for me is set the foundation of the family. It may not necessarily be one you have, it's the one who who's there for you, who supports you, who loves you. And then, honestly, the other part about being adopted, which I kind of— there were struggles, like, it wasn't perfect, but there were struggles in my mind where I wanted to show that those who adopted me, I wanted to show them that I could be more and thank them, you know, on a daily basis, for everything they had done for me, supporting me. So that drove me, that motivated me to get into the Academy, or even— back up, even like, do well in high school, get into the Academy, become a pilot. All of that was the basis of— I want to show that in a weird way, I want to show that your investment was worth it. You know, you found me, you gave me the love and support. So I'm going to give back to you by showing you what you were able to, you know, give a second chance, small, little child. And then the— but the other side of that, and I don't know how many of those who are adopted, who feel like this sometimes. Can't be the only one, but I can at least convey it here. There's a sense of, you know, “Why? Why was I adopted?” You know, what really happened in the sense that those who biologically brought me into this world, was I not worthy enough? Was I just a bad situation. And so there's that part I keep motivational wise to be like, “Well, I'm going to show them what they're missing out on.” And I know that's more of the negative kind of side of the whole internal conflict of being adopted. But I would be lying if I didn't say that that was part of the drive that kept me going throughout those years.   Naviere Walkewicz Something that came to my mind when you were saying that was, you know— when did you find out? And how old were you to kind of start having those, those thoughts and questions, you know, not only why, but how do I show that I am worthy?   Lt. Col. Steven Mount Yes, so my mother and father did an amazing job of, I remember, I can't remember the name of this particular book, but there was a book that she had given me that she read to me, and that, throughout the years, as I she utilized, helped me start reading and whatnot. And the basis of the book was, you know, cartoon with a little bit of words, is, “You were not purchased, you know, you were not bought at a store. You know you were, you were brought in and chosen and to be a part of a family.” So she, she wanted to have this idea that I always knew, that was adopted. She never wanted to surprise me, or she never wanted to be like, one day, like, “Hey, just so you know…” She did an awesome job of leading into that, Hey, you were adopted. But don't look at it as this, ‘We went to the store and we picked out the one we liked.' It's more of a, ‘We wanted you in our family.' And that's where it started.” It started, “We wanted a bigger family.” Whether they were, at the time, not able to grow or have themselves, they decided that, “We still want to grow a family. So let's look through adoption as a means.” So she had that book, I remember that book, and then the other book, which I still love to this day, and I got a copy for my kids, I Love You Forever, and how she would read that book to me every single night with the words, “…and I love you forever, like you for always. As long as you're living, my baby, you'll be.” That showed me that it didn't matter where I came from. This was my mom, you know, this was my family. So she did a really good job laying that foundation for me, for who I've become to be.   Naviere Walkewicz So would you put your parents in that bucket of inspirational leaders for you that have shaped you? And are there others?   Lt. Col. Steven Mount One-hundred percent. Like I said, the foundational piece of being that inspirational leader, to me in the sense of working on it all the time, right? It's not simple but accepting people for who they are. Where they're at in life. Accept them for their faults, accept them for the things that they don't like about themselves, but just accepting them and giving them the support, giving them the love that they need to show them, that they can do anything, I like to think for the most part, I'm an example of that because of what my parents did for me.   Naviere Walkewicz So, as a young boy, and you talked a little bit about this, you wanted to prove to them. So Was that something you feel over time, you continue to develop this desire to show your worth? And where have you seen that show up I guess even throughout your going— maybe even at the Academy, how has that kind of formed you as a leader individually?   Lt. Col. Steven Mount Yes, yes. So the showing the worth, the showing the value, or paying it back and showing my parents, once again, I use the word “investment” like it was good— I was good investment. Like I was a good return on investment. But it's helped when I've gone through those struggles, when I've gone— because the first time I put in for the Academy and… back up just a little bit. My dad likes to tell a story that I even told my fifth-grade teacher that she was, you know, “What do you want to do?” I was like, “I'm gonna be a pilot.” I said nothing else. Like, I want to be pilot. I want to fly. And then I had had an awesome mentor whose son, at the time, was going through the process of the Academy, sophomore year in high school, and she helped me with that. Good ol' Mrs. Williams, amazing. When I first initially applied for the Academy, I did not get it. I got a “Sorry, you are not competitive at this time.” Here starts some of those moments in your life to where, like, “OK. How can I bounce back? Do I accept the rejection, or do I find another means?” And even when that happened, that first time, my parents, they were like, “It's OK, it's OK. You don't need to…” They were always like, “You don't need to prove anything else. We love you, regardless.” I was like, “No, I need to prove this.” So I found other means, and I was, I will say, blessed in the sense that at that time, my running back coach for the high school reached out to the Academy. This happened early my senior year, and reached out and was like, “Hey, we have, I have someone who I think might do well for your program.” And then, sure enough, I got invited to come out for a football recruiting visit and I sat down with Fisher Deberry, and he just goes, “Would you like to play for this program?” And once again, I was like, “Wait a minute. No, no. I already got rejected. You know, I already gotten the…” But obviously I was going through my head, but all I said was, “Yes, sir, I would love to play for this program. I'd love to go the Academy.” And he made it happen. And I got recruited, and I got the invite to come out, to go the United States Air Force Academy. Wow. And once again, that only happened because my parents, they said, “Hey, we don't care what happens. We love you. Support you. You make the decision and we're here behind you.” And then I had a coach who was like, “I got you. I've seen what you do. I support this.” And went out on a limb for me. And then, in a sense, I guess Fisher DeBerry was also like, “I'm taking this football recruit, I hope he makes it through the Academy. So the love and support is, was there throughout.   Naviere Walkewicz What a path, I mean, that is quite unique. And, yeah, that's something to just kind of sit in a little bit, right? You know, the path of to your point, it just comes from support. And obviously you have to do the things to make sure that when the opportunity presents itself, you're ready to take that step, but what an incredible story of those who have supported you. Let's talk about a little bit before we kind of get into I think, what I think is the next real moment in your life — when you talk about becoming a father in your family. But while you're at the Academy, I'm just curious what more you learned about yourself as a leader, because you no longer had to prove to your parents that you were worthy of their investment, right? Like this is investment, right? Like this is a new season of your life. What did that look like for you as a leader?   Lt. Col. Steven Mount The challenges and the experiences I had the Academy — and I know I talked about this in one of my interviews previously with the foundation — was that I had to I went through my sophomore year and the rigors of academics, of the military side, of sports. It was taking this toll. I will say this many times. I'll continue to say I'm not the smartest crayon in the shed.   Naviere Walkewicz Wait, did you say crayon in the shed?   Lt. Col. Steven Mount I did. A little mixture of the sharpest tool in the box, exactly. I love it! I'm glad someone caught it. That's perfect! But yes, hard work was probably the foundation of what the Academy taught me was you persevere by hard work. You do the day in; you do the day out. You get after it. Because I was not getting after it after sophomore year. My GPA was not the best, and I had to approach my sophomore year, which very fortunate, because I had done my best to put in the time with the football program. But obviously I was losing ground in the academic side and that came back to almost biting, in the sense that I could have failed out. So I had had one of those— Once again, my father being an amazing mentor himself, whether he knows it or not. And I talked to him, and I said, “Dad, I think I have to quit football. I don't think I can continue with this, the rigors of all of this with the Academy.” And he goes, “Well, what was your dream?” I was like, “My dream was to fly.” He goes, “Well, did you go there to play football? Or did you go there to fly?” And that was an easy answer. But then I was thinking about all those coaches and mentors and those who helped me get to where I was, and I never really quit at something, and that's what it felt like. It really felt like I was quitting. I was quitting my teammates. I was quitting my coaches. And that weighs heavy on your soul, for all those out there who just are struggling, like, “Should I continue?” But my dad was right. My priorities weren't to become a football player, because I wasn't gonna be. I wasn't going to be. I wasn't going to become, you know, some — who can I name drop? — Chad Hall, you know, going to the NFL, doing amazing things. I wasn't going to be out there starting on, maybe third if they still have fourth string… maybe fourth string. So my dad helped me with those priorities by, once again, just being supportive. He never said one way or the other. He said, “What do you want to do?” And so I had that hard conversation with him, and went down to the Field House, and I said, “I apologize. I have to quit so I can concentrate on what I want to do for my dreams.” And once we had that was hard, that was very difficult. So that was one of the challenges at the Academy presented, and how I bounced back from that was you always go two ways. You always go into the woe is me and you know, just kind of beat yourself up and just hold on to that, that pride and ego being shattered. Or you can find a community, a support group, that will be there with you. And I found that almost immediately with my rugby brothers. They're just like me. They're like, “Hey, we just like to hang out at our own little table at Mitchell Hall. We like to just come out, play the sport, do what you love to do, athletic wise, and you'll have some more free time, obviously, for academics.” Not that I'd utilize that correctly still, but that's what it took to get me through those next couple years, that and my amazing roommates. I think all of us Academy grads and those who are going through right now, a support of a good roommate is huge. I that, uh, I appreciate the question, because now it's just dawning on me how much I just really appreciate my roommates at the Academy for their support as well. Very similar to my parents, it's like, “Hey, I don't care what you do, but I'm here to support you, love you regardless.” So I got a lot of that the Academy, and that's what helped get me through.   Naviere Walkewicz That's amazing. I think there's a couple of things I want to dig into a little bit. The first one is, you know, I think deciding to have that tough conversation where, one, you felt like you're already prideful, and you're having to, I'm putting in air quotes, “quit.” Can you talk about how you approached that, other than, I know you went and did it. But I think sometimes one of the most challenging things we can do as leaders is have a tough conversation when it involves us either stepping back or taking a step down from what seems to be the trajectory of what's next. And so I'm just— if you could just share a little bit more about that, I think that would be helpful.   Lt. Col. Steven Mount So, and I just want to clarify: As leaders, we have to recognize and we have to have the courage to have the tough conversations, because that wouldn't be the first time that I'd have to make a decision in that regard, or have the tough conversations to where it was gonna affect me personally or those around me. You deal with it understanding, one, give yourself a little bit of grace. Give yourself a little bit of grace in the sense that whatever tough decision you have to make, you're not alone. And I imagine you might not always be the first person who had either to make that decision or was going through something like that. I was not the only one going through something at that time like that. I didn't know that. And so I've had other conversations where others were like, “Yeah, I also, you know how to make that type of call to not play anymore or give up something, because my priority was this...” You know, what was driving me to succeed was something else, and that followed me well throughout my career, because I've had many, many tough conversations. I've had the tough talk as a leader. I've had to tell someone that, “I'm sorry, your dreams to become a pilot…” It's not going to happen because of their performance. I've had conversations on how to get through those tough moments and said how to get on the other side. And I know it's like a broken record, but it just comes through with the support of being there for that individual or being there to guide them to the next step. And I had that. I had that when I made that tough decision. I had someone want to give myself grace. Two, I realized I was not alone. And three, I had the support to get from this side of that tough decision bridge to the other side. And because that support was there, I learned that, and I learned to pass that on from all my leadership opportunities, to be like, “Let me be the one who guides you over this bridge. It's not gonna be fun. There's gonna be parts are gonna hurt. It's gonna be painful. But I will be next to you to get to the other side, to where we can get back to a good place. We get back to what really matters and get back to succeed in maybe another sense.” So the tough convos as leaders, you have to have those tough convos. Do not shy away from them. They're gonna happen, whether you like it or not.   Naviere Walkewicz I'm really glad you shared it that way, because I think it created a pathway to how to approach it, to your point. You know, it they're not comfortable, they're not designed to be that way. But if you start it with, you know, being that support in mind, and how to get someone, even if you're giving the worst news, the worst news where, “This was your dream, you're not gonna be able to do it because of this. And here's now where we're at, and how can I help you succeed through that?” I think that's what a wonderful lesson you just shared. And so I want to dive now into your career, because you had a really broad career, one that's not a traditional path, and I want to understand why it looked that way. So C-130, EC-130, Special Ops, you— talk a little bit about how you navigated that and what was the driving reasons behind that navigation?   Lt. Col. Steven Mount Yes, ma'am. So something you said earlier, which I really liked, I really love to try to convey to those around me, and actually, I've gone through some of these conversations over the last month and a half with younger instructor pilots. Luck is just the crossroad of opportunity and being prepared, and I'm pretty sure someone super smarter than me said that. I barely remembered. But the opportunities that present themselves to me for what I wanted to do, for my goals in the Air Force. So thankfully, even getting through pilot training, that was, in itself, amazing, transformational. Getting those wings, right? Getting those wings because pilot training, just like my Academy career, I had some ups and downs and some challenges but was able to get through because the sense of me becoming a pilot was first and foremost to fly. I want to be up there in the sky. I want to rush past the clouds. I want to touch the highest point I can. I want to be a pilot's pilot. And then right behind that was I want to accomplish the mission for whatever platform or whatever weapon system I'm given, aircraft wise. So those are my two biggest priorities. And that helped me understand that I had some failures of pilot training when I got to my first assignment, EC-130s. But that was perfect for me. That was— I never knew that. I never knew that in pilot training, that the EC-130 would fulfill me in that sense of my sense of purpose as much as it did. And I'm and getting out there, like said, four or five deployments to Afghanistan, as well as multiple TDYs. I was doing the mission, and I was happy, because I was— that's exactly what I wanted to do. That's exactly what young Meathead Mount was built for. But there were parts of me that still wanted to do more. Like, I felt like I could do more. I could be— I could help out more. I could— it's just itching, or not itching, but just burning in the back. It's like, “Hey, you are built for so much more. You can do more. Let's look for those opportunities.” So, funny enough, the first opportunity I had at that time, or I thought I had, was I reached out to— it's no longer around — but the 6th Special Operations Squadron at Duke Field. It was a combat aviation advisory mission. These individuals got to travel the world. I got to learn languages. Literally, they were sent to school to learn languages, to embed with other nations, to build those relationships, to be on the ground but still flying multiple different aircraft. I was like, “That's awesome. That sounds like me. That sounds like something I can do, and I can bring value to the table, and all the above.” So I put in my application; it was immediately rejected. In their eyes, I did not have the experience yet. I did not have what they were looking for, understandable. So here I am in another situation to where, like, “OK, well, what do I— is there any other means or ways that I can continue to fulfill my purpose as a pilot and get after the mission? Because that's what I really wanted to do, get after mission, whatever that looks like. I thought the sticks was an opportunity. They had said no to me, that's fine. And then I had an amazing friend reach out. He goes, “Hey, I heard you're getting a little long winded out there at EC-130s. You should put an application in for the U-2.” And I was like, “What are you talking about? I have no jet experience, other than the T-1. I don't have that background to be that type of caliber pilot.” He goes, “Nope, nope. They're looking for good guys and girls. They're looking for those who are motivated to do the mission. And if you could fly, you can fly, if you can't, well, you know, they'll figure that out, and they'll send you home.” And I was like, “OK.” And so I submitted for the U-2, put my application in, they call me out, and it's a two-week interview. The first week they have you in service dress, and you meet all the leadership, and you meet all the other pilots, and just have conversations. That's all, they just wanna get to know you. You know, “What's your true motivation for being here?” And I explained it, just like I've explained to you: “I wanna fly. I wanna do the mission. I wanna be a pilot's pilot. I wanna do all the cool stuff.” And they go, “OK.” Well, week two, they put you in U-2, a two-seater. They have two-seater trainers. They put you in a U-2. They give you all the weekend prior to study, and they say, “Cool, let's see what you got.” And they have an instructor, he instructs, he does his best to give you tidbits on how to safely land the U-2. And you have three days. You have two training flights and then a sort of assessment evaluation flight on that third day, and oh my gosh, did I ever humble myself as a pilot when I realized how horrible I truly was. I felt like I could not land the U-2 safely. I felt like I was messing everything up. I felt like— as soon as we got done with that third day of flying, and we got back into the squadron, and I remember the IP just being like, and then, you know, walks away because they have to talk to the squadron commanders. They have to go talk to the other leadership there. And once again, I find myself like, “OK, I 100% failed. I mean, I gave it my best. I gave it everything I had. But, you know, here I am gonna fall short again.” And they do this. And I realized this afterwards, that they do this, they do that like wait game, you know, they keep you in suspense for a reason. And I waited, it felt like hours and hours and hours. I imagine it probably might only be like hour, hour and a half. And a squadron commander called me in. He goes, “Yeah, the IP definitely didn't like some of this, some of these, these type of landings, some of this airmanship you're showing. I didn't really like this. But overall, he says you're a nice enough guy, so do you want the job?” And I was like, “Whoa.” And it blew my mind. And that was awesome. That was awesome because once again, leading up to that moment, it was the support of my friend who reached out. It was the support of my wife being like, “Yeah, I think you can do this.” And I had even called, my parents were like, “I had this opportunity to fly this really unique aircraft. It's going to be challenging. What do y'all think?” They're like, “Hey, we love you. Go get it.” And I was like, no other words of advice, no other like, inspiring — you know, my dad, a Florida farm man, was just like, “No, I think he'll do fine. We love you and just let us know how it goes.” I was like, man, I'm really missing out in motivational speeches. But you know what? The sentiment is there, and that's all I need. So I got that position, did a few years with the U-2. And then towards the end of the U-2 career, I got word from another friend saying the 6th Special Operations Squadron is growing. “We are looking for readily qualified and experienced people.”   Naviere Walkewicz And this is the one that rejected you.   Lt. Col. Steven Mount Yes, ma'am, I got rejected last time. He goes, “It's OK. Put in another application. You know, you're a little more experienced now, you've got a little bit more under your belt.” And I said, “OK,” and I put in an application, it got rejected again, and here I am, like, “What is going on?” My buddy reached out to me—   Naviere Walkewicz Your name is blacklisted in that group across the board. Like, “Oh, there's that Mount guy. Cross it out.”   Lt. Col. Steven Mount But I think that ended up being somewhat of a blessing. It was like, “Wow, This guy is motivated to come out here.” Because they had seen the last application years ago. They'd seen this one. And I think the word finally got around that's like, “Hey, he's actually really motivated to come try out, at least for this mission.” And so once again, from good mentors, they're like, “Go ahead, try it out. Put the application in one more time, see what happens.” I did, got picked up for assessment selection. It's another week, week and a half interview. They challenge you mentally, they challenge you physically. They put you in situations to see how you react. I don't wanna give too much away for that process, even though, you know, unfortunately that process is not there anymore. But after that grueling week, they once again, here I am in front of another squadron commander, and here they are opening my life in front of them, and they're saying, “Well, we don't like this. We definitely don't like this. Tell us a little more about this,” you know. And that was about an hour interview, sit down, and it's not just the squadron commander. It was leadership — four or five individuals. It was an Army lieutenant colonel's flight doc behind them, you know, kind of doing that very watching, waiting, assessing, and another one of the situations, I'm like, oh, “Here we go. I don't think it's gonna happen.” But then at the end of that interview, they sit down, squadron commander stands up and goes, “Welcome to the 6th.” And the only things I can think of — and I know a lot of listeners or viewers out there do the same thing, and I tell this to my young when they get their wings, I tell them this as well — think of that first person, or persons, that when something amazing happens to you, you immediately reach out to them and you tell them, “Thank you for the support, thank you for the love, thank you for believing in me when others didn't.” And that's exactly what I did after that one. I called my wife, and I called my parents. I said, “It happened. We got it. I got it,” you know, because it wasn't just me, and I know those experiences going from one mission to the next, and those setbacks have— I get to share these stories all the time with these young instructor pilots that I'm with, as well as students, because I get to utilize it as a leadership tool to be like, “Don't give up on yourself. That's first and foremost. And then even if you believe you might give up on yourself, trust me, there's someone like me or your family members or your squadmates, they won't give up on you. And just remember that.” And that's why I get to share these stories throughout my career, of like, “Hey, I failed at this. Look where I'm at now, because I had the support and because I kept going, Hey, I failed at this. Look how it played out. I'm here.” So a lot of my transition from different platforms and different experiences has helped shape that leadership side of me to say, simply put, “It's OK to fail, all right?” I mean, you're never going to succeed if you have this tried and failed a couple times, right? So, right,   Naviere Walkewicz Wow. Well, I want to go into— because you've mentioned this a couple times. We've talked about your parents, but you know, to have a career that's successful and to navigate that, you talked about your wife. So I'm curious if you can share with listeners who have to maybe the word is not choose between. But how do you navigate the importance of your marriage and that relationship with your profession, and trying to succeed in that trajectory, whatever that trajectory is for you. So maybe you can talk a little bit about how that, how that worked throughout all of those transitions.   Lt. Col. Steven Mount Oh, OK. I usually do better at this from a better half nearby, which she is, in a sense. She's trying to work out and give me her working space right now, which I love. I'm gonna start with this. It's not easy. It is work. It is reps, the day in, the day out. It's not easy. I don't believe I've ever had a convo with someone when they're trying to balance the work and family life to where it's like, “Oh, that was easy, you know, I just do this and they do this, and we're good to go.” No, it is constant conflict of schedules. It is sharing what's going on. It's the ups and downs. So I'd like to start with that: It's not easy. And if anyone ever tells you it is easy, please ask them how they're doing it, and then spread their wise words of wisdom to all of us. Because that's probably the first thing: It's not easy. Once you recognize that you can get past understanding like, “OK, I'm not alone in this, that this is not easy, and I can start talking and sharing my experiences and seeing from those who seem to have it together. What are they doing to make it work? So I start there. It's not easy. Second, you have to be a team. I think there's a lot of us that think that, and my wife definitely did initially, and that was on me, that she thought that my career was the most important, that what I did and how I executed the mission and where I was going, that that was the No. 1 priority. And I found it that's not the case. I found that's not the case, because, sure, when we didn't have kids yet, and we were in Tucson, it's a little easier, because I would go on my deployments, and she would go to the job, she would go to work, and she had and she supported that, because I was out there, you know, fighting the good fight, accomplishing a mission, doing everything the Air Force needed me to do. And that's what she knew was important for me. So she supported that through and throughout, and she supported it to where I imagined, to the sense of she didn't feel like she could speak to say things that maybe I would like in the sense of me doing my mission, or coming home from Afghanistan with some of my experiences. Ahe felt that maybe sometimes, that she didn't have a word to convey to like, “Hey, this really scared me.” Or, “Hey, when you were gone, I saw the news and I was frightened. And you know, when I saw this happen, I just wanted to reach out to you, and I just want to make sure you're OK.” And she never felt initially like that she could convey those feelings, because it might affect me. It might affect my, you know, mentality while being overseas and down range. So she held that in, she held it in. She kept strong. She put on the “I'm here to support you” and I feel bad, you know, thinking back on that, that I should have given her the space to like, “Tell me what you're feeling. Tell me what you're going through. I don't want you to, I don't want you to struggle in silence. If you know you see something or there's something that scares you, let me know.” And unfortunately, I didn't learn that lesson until way, way later in my career, because she'd always kept that strength in and even when we started having kids, she still did. I kick myself all the time now that— we got to California, in the U-2s, we had an incident down range to where they needed me to bump up my deployment out there, to get out there to take care of the situation. And I'd asked, I was like, “Well, how much sooner do you need me?” Because we had just had our first son. You know, the dynamic's changing. The family dynamic is changing, and especially with your first born. And they said, “We need you to leave in about a week.” Here I was once again. And I know we have kind of kind of mentioned that I was I was in the mean mentality I was in. I was gonna be a pilot's pilot. I was gonna get the mission done. I was going to do everything I could to prove myself, and if my country needs me to be out there in a week to take care of this mission, that my family and my wife will understand. And that was that was not the way I should look at it. It really wasn't. But because I was not seeing her as a teammate, and she held it in — and thank goodness we had her mother-in-law. We had some family come out and support with a new baby. But I could tell that was one of the first times to where looking back on it now that maybe I could have said, “Can you find someone else?” You know, maybe I should have what I'm doing, hopefully you're doing now and teaching others. You have to balance that family with mission and the prioritize what is truly important at that moment. And that's something I failed to do at that time. It would happen again later on, but thankfully— so when I got to the 6th Special Operations Squadron, and at this time, especially after we had our second child in California, the wife had mentioned more. She started coming out of the shell like, “Hey, I do need you a little bit more now. I need you, and I need to be able to express and convey what I do and don't like.” And I was listening, but I was not listening the way she needed me to listen. I was not being that teammate on my side. So I heard, “Hey, I just need more support with the family. So whatever career decision we make next, let's align that.” And I was in my head, I was like, “Yes, you're absolutely right.” That's why the 6th Special Operations Squadron, when I got that interview and I picked up, it was so important, because I had family in that area, and family could get to us easier. So I was thinking, “Awesome. I have the support system for you there. I got the assignment. You're going to be taken care of.” I can tell that's not yet what she was wanting. And I will credit good old Col. Valentino. I was spinning up to go to Lebanon with the team, and we're about to have our third child. And here I was once again, like, “Yep, gotta get back to the mission. Gotta show my value. Gotta get in there, do it.” And the wife understands. We have two kids already. We're gonna have a third. So we've already had two. We kind of know how this goes. We're good to go. But I could tell, once again, looking back, everything's— that she wasn't happy, but she was ready to put up that wall again, to be like, “OK, I have to support him. Have to support what he does, and I have to, because that's what the military is asking me. That's what this new community…” And then Col Valentino, he came down. He goes, “Hey, are you about to have another child?” And I was like, “Yes, sir.” He goes, “When?” And I gave him the date. And he goes, “Your deployment date is like, a month after that.” I was like, “Yes, sir. This is our third child. We'll be good to go. I have the support system for the wife now, and she'll be taken care of. Good to go.” And he goes, “No, you're staying home. I don't need you.” He goes, “Did you want to ask me if there's anyone else wants to go so you can be there for your wife and your family?” And that blew my mind, that just, I don't know. It came out of nowhere for someone in a leadership role to say, “No, I'm not gonna send you on this deployment. I want you to be there with your family.” And that held in tight, and from then on, everything changed, and how I led and how I would push the mission. But I wouldn't do it to the extent of, could I not help someone balance their family life with their mission? And that took too long for me to realize. So what I say to everyone out there, it's not easy, but you come home from a long day and you're mentally exhausted and the mission is not going good, or you're getting ready for deployment, take a moment, sit down and just talk with your teammate at home. You have to look at it as teammates. They are your partner. They will be just like I mentioned before. They will be your support system through thick and thin, because they've probably seen you at your worst, and they want you to be at your best. But you can't do that unless you take care of that home front and treat them as your teammate. Because I am still, to this day, trying my best to become the man that I hope that she sees in me and that she wants me to be one day, but I had to fail in seeing it back then so that could see it now. And I think that's one of these things I want to convey. Not easy, and they have to be your teammates.   Naviere Walkewicz Thank you for sharing that. And I think to have a leader that showed you that, which is, now you've imprinted that in your leadership style. You're thinking about the airmen that you come across and how to help them navigate some of those tough choices, but doing it with a, you know, a bigger view of not just the mission, but, like, how do you fit in that with your family? I think that's so powerful, and I'm really glad you shared that, because I know that some of our listeners and our viewers, that's gonna resonate with them as well, because they're gonna remember a time when, “Wow, I didn't even ask if I didn't have to go, or if I didn't have to do this, just because I'm so used to jumping when you say, jump,” right? And I think sometimes it's OK. It's OK. Just a question, like, I'm willing and ready to jump. I just want to make sure is someone else able to do it too because of these reasons, right? So I love that you share that.   Lt. Col. Steven Mount And those leaders have to know their people enough in that regard to also know because ultimately, when you get the mission, then yes, that's what we signed up for, yes. But those leaders know their people, and they know what situation they're in. For example, there's a few times in Special Operations to where we're going on another deployment. But we knew our people, and we knew that some did not have the balance at home, and things were not looking the best they could. “Hey, we can help you out. We can give you all the resources you need. We don't need you on this deployment.” But that takes good leaders, recognizing and taking care of their people and understanding that these individuals cannot be effective down range or where they go if their home life is not taken care of. So, I know that is something that's been talked about for all my leadership training for all the years, but actually applying it is going to start with our future leaders coming up to realize, know your people, know where you can take care of them so that they can take care of the mission.   Naviere Walkewicz That's right. That's right. So this has been incredible. I think the underlying lesson that you shared with us is, obviously having belief in yourself and doing the work and proving your worth, so to speak. But I think it's also recognizing that support network. So if I may ask, you, I have two questions. The first one is, what are you doing to be a better leader every day? Yourself, like, what is something you are actually doing to be a better leader?   Lt. Col. Steven Mount Oh my gosh. Well, I'm recognizing I know I'm not doing it right. Knowing that I'm about taking command already has the underlying nervousness and anxiety, and I realized taking command, why I have these emotions is because I'm afraid to fail, which that makes sense. That makes sense to any logical human being out there. That's like, yeah, I get that. But I have to realize, in that same token, it's OK to fail. It's OK to make mistakes. It's OK that some days you go in there, you're not gonna get it all right. This last year as a director of operations, I've walked out of that building, and there's days been like I didn't accomplish anything. I've messed things up. I didn't do this right. Why am I here? They could have found someone better. And then there were days where, like, yes, I did it, right? I got something accomplished. And on those days, I realized it's because I was taking care of the people and people's needs. And once again, when that happened, they were able to take care of the mission. And that's one of the things that every day I go into work and I ask myself, “Who can I help out? Who needs the motivational kick? Who needs someone to just talk with them? Who needs to share their story?” Because that's what leaders, ultimately, are. We take care of the people. And if I can go in there and just help one person every single day, I would like to think that that's a small success. So that's one thing I'm constantly working on. And it is an effort. It's not easy. It's not easy because you are taking so much and leaders, I don't care what level you're on, all the way from your very first flight command, all the way to your mission command, aircraft commander, all the way to where I am now. You're going to take a lot on your shoulders. You're going to bear, you know, the burden of others, pains, their grief, their successes, their failures. So I guess that's also answer that question. Get ready for that. OK? Because a good leader will do that. They will bear they will help hold the weight. They will support those who need it the most. And we got to do it day in, day out, the reps they have to. So I think I answered the first question, I apologize, was it was.   Naviere Walkewicz The second question is coming. So you're good, you're good. OK. What's something that you know now after having your 17-plus years in the in the military, but also just your life experience — but what's something you know now that you would share with a leader to kind of shorten that timeframe of, like learning those painful things to be better, right? So what would be something you'd share?   Lt. Col. Steven Mount Something I'd share to close that learning gap? Because once again, my call sign is Meathead— I learned lessons the hard way. Do your best to listen more than you talk. Do your best to just take the experiences of others, talk to others, but just listen. Just hear them. Just hear them. I believe that a lot of the things that I could have prevented may have already been told to me, or may have already been, you know, mentored to me, but I just didn't listen. Maybe they said something and “I was like, well, that doesn't jive with being cool or being a pilot, so I'm not gonna listen to that.” I'm pretty sure all of these lessons that hopefully either conveying or passing on, in a sense, I think I learned them early on. I just, I just didn't listen. So for all the leaders out there, do your best to listen, listen more than you talk. It will be wonders. Naviere Walkewicz Oh my gosh, that's just outstanding. And I what I really appreciate about that is, you know, you talked about how you're doing things to get better every day, but even just in the moment, you recognize like that's such an important piece of that is taking the time to listen and reflect so that you can actually really pick up on those cues, maybe, that someone needs your support. So yes, well, this has been incredible. As we wrap up today's episode, I keep coming back to something you said, which was all someone needs to do is just support you. Yeah. So here's the takeaway, leadership is found in how we show up for our people and how we believe in them, and how we remind them that they are capable for more than what they think they are. The question we can always ask ourselves today is, who needs me to believe in them right now? And you actually said that really well. So Col. Mount, I just want to thank you for joining us for this episode of Long Blue Leadership. Is there anything else you want to leave with our listeners today? Lt. Col. Steven Mount Yes. I don't think I'll ever be that leader that does one great act, and everyone's like, that's a great leader. I don't think I'll ever be that leader that gives like, one great speech, like, that's it. He nailed it. He's a great leader. No, if I'm gonna leave something with all of those you know at the Academy and the leaders in the Air Force now — which, by the way, thanks all of you. Me too, man, thank you for your service. You have no idea how much the world needs us right now, so you get out there and see it. So sorry. That was an aside. But thank you to everyone who's at the Academy now, who have served, whose families have served and will continue to serve. But one thing I'll leave to all those young leaders: Your leadership is defined by the acts, the million acts every day, not just by one act, not just by, like I said, not just by one amazing thing that you do. It's defined on you being there, and a million acts per day over a lifetime of your career, of showing up, showing that you care. That's huge, showing that you're fair and consistent. And they will see that your people will see that that those million acts day in day out, of how you treat them, and how you present yourself as a leader. And they will watch. They will watch, and if they can see that you care, and if they can see that you are doing those million acts day in, day out, and you're in there and you're in the grind and you're in the mud with them, they will give you everything, they will, and it's amazing to see, it really is, but that starts with you as the leader. So yeah, that's it, it's those million acts every day of a lifetime career that shows that you're a leader.   Naviere Walkewicz Well, we are so glad that you're out there leading and influencing so many. We're grateful for all of your years and more that you will do. Thank you so much.   Lt. Col. Steven Mount Thank you so much for the opportunity. I really, really enjoyed this. Thank you.   Naviere Walkewicz Good. Thank you for joining us for this edition of Long Blue Leadership. The podcast drops every two weeks on Tuesdays and is available on all your favorite podcast apps. Send your comments and guest ideas to us at socialmedia@usafa.org, and listen to past episodes at longblueleadership.org.   KEYWORDS Leadership, Resilience, Mentorship, Adoption / Family Foundation, Support Network, Perseverance, Tough Conversations, Mission & Family Balance, Trust, Listening       The Long Blue Line Podcast Network is presented by the U.S. Air Force Academy Association & Foundation      

On this episode of Beyond the Horizon, we sit down with Wing Commander Col. Donald Braskett and Command Chief Master Sgt. Charles Hansel for an introduction to the Ohio Adjutant General's 19 Fundamentals for the Soldiers and Airmen of the Ohio National Guard.You can connect with us on: Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/178WingInstagram: http://instagram.com/178th_wingYou can write to us at: beyondthehorizonpodcast@gmail.com

This week we are recorded live at the Minnesota State Fair, features inspiring insights from the Minnesota National Guard's leadership on service, recruitment, and veteran benefits. From the first female field artillery warrant officer to the future of the Guard, this episode is a must listen! Guests include: Maj. Gen. Shawn Manke – Minnesota National […] The post Military Appreciation Day 2025: Minnesota National Guard Leadership Insights appeared first on Minnesota Military Radio.

September is National Suicide Prevention Month. In this episode, we sit down with two experts for a candid conversation on what Airmen can do to combat this public health crisis beyond the recommendations found in the Department of Defense's annual training resources.

Guest: Clarence Lusane is an author, activist, scholar, and journalist. He is a Professor of Political Science at Howard University and is the author of many books including his latest Twenty Dollars and Change: Harriet Tubman and the Ongoing Fight for Racial Justice and Democracy.   Photo credit: Airmen from the D.C. National Guard were deployed in response to protests and riots after the death of George Floyd. (U.S. Army photo by Kevin Valentine) The post Federal Takeover of D.C. appeared first on KPFA.

Alex Wagner, the former Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Manpower & Reserve Affairs, joins Mike Shanley to discuss the Future of the National Security Workforce and how it's being shaped by rapidly evolving trends. The conversation covers the role of technology in defense, diversity and inclusion within the Department of Defense (DoD), how Silicon Valley is connecting with the DoD to drive innovation, and what these changes mean for the defense industry. RESOURCES: GovDiscovery AI Federal Capture Support: https://www.govdiscoveryai.com/ Opinion: "Actually there's not much DEI in the DOD" https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2025/01/29/hegseth-dei-defense-department-military/ BIOGRAPHY: Alex Wagner served as the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Manpower & Reserve Affairs from 2022 to 2025. Nominated by President Joe Biden and confirmed by the U.S. Senate, he was responsible for the entire human capital enterprise of the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Space Force, including recruiting and retention, talent management, compensation, health care and dependent care, discipline, oversight of the U.S. Air Force Academy and Air Force ROTC detachments, and reserve component affairs impacting nearly 700,000 Airmen, Guardians, and civilians. Previously, as Vice President at the Aerospace Industries Association, Alex led talent and workforce policy efforts on behalf of America's most prominent aerospace and defense companies. During the Obama administration, he served as Chief of Staff to the Secretary of the Army, spearheading creation of the Army Rapid Capabilities Office and the Army Digital Service. Over the course of several prior appointments in the Office of the Secretary of Defense, he shaped the development and implementation of DoD policies on nuclear and conventional weapons, including emerging autonomy in weapons systems. He earned a J.D. from Georgetown Law, an A.B. from Brown University, and is currently an adjunct professor at Syracuse University's Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs. LEARN MORE: Thank you for tuning into this episode of the GovDiscovery AI Podcast with Mike Shanley. You can learn more about working with the U.S. Government by visiting our homepage: Konektid International and GovDiscovery AI. To connect with our team directly, message the host Mike Shanley on LinkedIn. https://www.govdiscoveryai.com/  https://www.konektid.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/gov-market-growth/

Show SummaryOn today's episode, we feature a conversation with Laura White Ludvik, President of the Support The Enlisted Project, an organization with a focus on improving financial wellness to address food insecurity, homelessness, mental health conditions, suicide, and other crises through counseling, education, and financial support for enlisted service members, veterans and their families.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. About Today's GuestLaura White Ludvik, President of the Support The Enlisted Project, is a dedicated leader in the non-profit sector. She previously served as the Vice President of Philanthropy at Support The Enlisted Project before serving as the President of the USS Midway Foundation. With over two decades of experience, she has a proven track record in fundraising, community engagement, and organizational development, particularly focused on underserved populations in San Diego. A proud graduate of California State University, Chico, Laura combines her passion for ethical leadership with her extensive expertise in strategic communications and project management.. Laura is actively involved in the community, serving on multiple boards and receiving accolades such as the San Diego Business Journal's Women Who Mean Business Award. Outside of her professional life, she is a committed mother and wife, drawing inspiration from her family and her father's service as a Vietnam veteran.Links Mentioned During the EpisodeSupport The Enlisted Project Web site PsychArmor Resource of the WeekThis week's PsychArmor Resource of the Week is the previous episode on STEP, episode 30 of the Behind the Mission Podcast. On this episode, Navy Veteran, CEO and Co-Founder of the Support the Enlisted Project, Tony Teravainen, talks about the need to support junior enlisted service members with financial education and assistance. You can find the resource here:  https://psycharmor.org/podcast/tony-teravainen 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 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  

It's no secret that China is America's national security pacing threat. Join us to learn more about airpower and the Pacific theater with Gen. Kevin Schneider, Commander, Pacific Air Forces; and Air Component Commander, U.S. Indo-Pacific Command. He and his team are responsible for Air Force activities spread over half the globe in a command that supports more than 46,000 Airmen serving principally in Japan, South Korea, Hawaii, Alaska and Guam. The challenges he and his team work every day are hugely consequential.

This content is for Members only. Come and join us by subscribing here In the meantime, here's some more details about the show: It's a warm welcome then to the man himself: Dr. Brad Stone - the JazzWeek Programmer of the Year 2017, who's here every Thursday to present The Creative Source - a two hour show, highlighting jazz-fusion and progressive jazz flavours from back then, the here and now, plus occasional forays into the future. Please feel free to get in touch with Brad with any comments or suggestions you might have; he'll be more than happy to hear from you: brad@soulandjazz.com or follow him via Facebook or Bluesky. Enjoy! The Creative Source 28th August 2025 Artist - Track - Album - Year The Haas Company, Vol. 4    Incident at the Country Club    Thirteen    2025 Pat Petrillo    How's the Weather    Contemporaneous    2025 Juanjo Lopez    Return (Above)    Above, Beyond, Within    2025 Melissa Kassel & Tom Zicarreli Group    Sea Humanity    Moments    2025 Marc Seales with Ernie Watts    Rue Cler    People & Places    2025 Kelly Green    When It's Time to Go    Corner of My Dreams    2025 Michika Fukumori    Prelude Op. 28 No. 4 (Chopin) - How Insensitive    Eternity and a Day    2025 Alberto Pibiri    Double Rainbow    A New World    2022 Miguel Zenón Quartet    Vanguardia Subterránea    Vanguardia Subterránea    2025 Shout Section Big Band    A Hard Day's Night    Tatum's Swingin Session!!!    2025 Christian McBride Big Band    Moanin' (feat. José James)    Without Further Ado - Vol. 1    2025 Colorado Jazz Repertory Orchestra    Dreamcatcher (feat. Remy Le Boeuf)    Golden Lady    2025 The United States Air Force Band "Airmen of Note"    Llorando Se Fue    Around the Horn    2025 Sarah Wilson    Architecture in Space    Incandescence    2025 Summer Camargo    80 Years of Joy    To Whom I Love    2025 Markus Joachim Rutz    Denouement    Many Moons    2025 Ark Ovrutski    Thag's Dance    Bass Delight    2025 George Colligan    If the Mountain Was Smooth, You Couldn't Climb It    Live at the Jazz Standard    2025 Paul Yonemura    Could Be    Survivors/Thrivers    2024 Jorge Garcia    Kashmir    Still Crossing    2025 Tobin Mueller    Seasons Will Pass You By    Frangments    2025 PlainsPeak    At What Price Garlic    Someone to Someone    2025 The post The Creative Source (#CreativeSource) – 28th August 2025 appeared first on SoulandJazz.com | Stereo, not stereotypical.

This week, we're recorded live from the Minnesota State Fair with our co-host, the Commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs. We kick off with the MDVA Chief of Staff providing an overview of the department. We'll also dive into a Veteran apprenticeship program with Building Strong Communities and meet with leaders from the […] The post Military Appreciation Day at the Minnesota State Fair 2025 appeared first on Minnesota Military Radio.

 Show SummaryOn today's episode, we feature a conversation with Dr. Qwynn Galloway – Salazar, Senior Vice President of Engagement and Transformation at PsychArmor and founder and CEO of In Their Honor, an organization that supports veterans and those who care for them through the end of life.  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. About Today's GuestDr. Qwynn Galloway-Salazar is a veteran of the United States Army (01-06) and spouse to a retired combat Veteran. Her work has spanned the last 20 years, supporting our Nation's Military and Veteran communities. As the founder of In Their Honor, LLC, Qwynn serves as an End-of-Life Doula and Trainer. This Spring, she is slated to roll out state-specific training for End-of-Life Professionals supporting Veterans and their Caregivers; and training specifically geared towards the Veteran Caregiver community. In addition, serving as the Co-Principal Investigator of the Brooklyn College Veterans History Project, Qwynn conducts oral history interviews of Veterans, listening to how Veterans make meaning of their experiences and sharing with larger audiences. She believes, as a society, the way we make sense of the Veteran experience shapes the care and support future generations of Veterans receive.While blending her heart work with her head work, her doctoral dissertation entitled “Post-9/11 Women Veterans' Experiences Transitioning Into the Civilian Workforce” landed her the opportunity to serve as a qualitative researcher for the FY21 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), § 9104, Study on Unemployment Rate of Women Veterans Who Served on Active Duty in the Armed Forces after September 11, 2001. Along with co-authoring a chapter on “Vicarious Trauma and Compassion Fatigue” in Veteran care providers.Qwynn earned her Ph.D. from Walden University, specializing in Industrial and Organizational Psychology. She holds a Master of Arts degree in Professional Counseling and a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice. She serves on the Board of Directors for the American Association of Suicidology and the Advisory Board of the Veterans Studies Association.Links Mentioned During the EpisodeDr. Qwynn Galloway – Salazar on LinkedInIn Their Honor web site PsychArmor Resource of the WeekThis week's PsychArmor Resource of the Week is the PsychArmor Course Library. Whether you're a health care provider, educator, employer, caregiver, or simply someone who wants to make a difference — PsychArmor courses are designed for you.  You can find the resource here:  https://learn.psycharmor.org/collections 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 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  

This week: Dive into the Ribs for the Ribbon event from Big Lake Beyond the Yellow Ribbon, chat with the Minneapolis VA Health Care System about flu and COVID vaccines. Guests include: Bruce Brown – Big Lake Beyond the Yellow Ribbon Doug Schultz – Big Lake Beyond the Yellow Ribbon Megan Daman – Minneapolis VA […] The post Ribs for the Ribbon and VA Vaccine Insights appeared first on Minnesota Military Radio.

Show SummaryOn today's episode, we feature a conversation with Dr. Tara Galovski, Director of the Women's Health Sciences Division of the National Center for PTSD. We talk about the diagnosis and treatment of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder in veterans.  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. About Today's GuestTara Galovski, PhD, is the Director of the Women's Health Sciences Division of the National Center for PTSD at the VA Boston Healthcare System. Dr. Galovski is a researcher in the field of trauma recovery. She focuses on the development and testing of Cognitive Processing Therapy for survivors of interpersonal assault, combat, community violence and motor vehicle accidents suffering from Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). In her work with civilians, veterans and law enforcement, she has investigated the impact of gender differences, chronicity of trauma, type of trauma and the presence of comorbid psychiatric disorders on the development and maintenance of PTSD as well as the recovery from PTSD. Her research interests also include studying the presentation and expression of anger and health-related consequences of stress and anxiety.Dr. Galovski received her undergraduate degree from University of Rochester and received her doctorate in clinical psychology from SUNY-Albany. Her residency was completed at the University of Mississippi Medical Center. She joined the faculty of the University of Missouri- St. Louis before coming to BUSM. She holds numerous roles on journal editorial boards and professional societies.Links Mentioned During the EpisodeNational Center for PTSD Web site PsychArmor Resource of the WeekThis week's PsychArmor Resource of the Week is the PsychArmor course Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Narrated by Dr. Heidi Kraft, clinical psychologist and Navy combat Veteran, this course explains the difference between posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and posttraumatic stress (PTS). You can find the resource here:  https://learn.psycharmor.org/courses/Post-Traumatic-Stress-Disorder 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  

The Air Force has paused some permanent change of station moves due to personnel budget shortfalls. It's unclear how many Airmen are affected, but the delay only applies to moves within the United States and does not impact Space Force Guardians, reservists, Guard members, and Airmen relocating overseas. Earlier this spring, the service also delayed issuing some retirement and separation orders due to similar budget constraints. In May, the Defense Department instructed the service branches to develop a plan to reduce permanent change of station “discretionary move” budgets.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In the final episode of our Air War series we travel across the landscape of the First World War and discover what we can find that connects us to the story of the Royal Flying Corps and RAF in WW1, from memorials to cemeteries and sites of former aerodromes. Along the way we examine the stories of some of the Aces from James McCudden VC to Manfred Von Richthofen - The Red Baron - to Bob Little from Australia and Major Lanoe Hawker VC, before seeing the battlefields where Albert Ball VC's war ended and the fields where Mick Mannock VC crashed in 1918. We end at the Air Services Memorial at Arras which commemorates nearly a thousand British and Commonwealth aviators of the First World War.Mike O'Connor 'Airfields and Airmen' books published by Pen & Sword:Airfields & Airmen: Arras (2004)Airfields & Airmen: Cambrai (2007)Airfields & Airmen: Channel Coast (2007)Airfields & Airmen: Somme (2001)Airfields & Airmen: Ypres (2000)Sign up for the free podcast newsletter here: Old Front Line Bulletin.Got a question about this episode or any others? Drop your question into the Old Front Line Discord Server or email the podcast.Send us a textSupport the show

This week, we're recorded live from the 16th Annual Minnesota Military Family Foundation Golf Classic. Join us as we speak with MMFF leadership and board members, and connect with the Chanhassen American Legion Post 580 and Volunteers for American Veterans to explore how their golf events support the MMFF. Guests include: Chairman Bill Popp – […] The post The 16th Annual MMFF Golf Classic appeared first on Minnesota Military Radio.

Show SummaryOn today's episode, we feature a conversation with conversation with Lydia Owiti -Otienoh, a Kenyan-Born lawyer, project management and international development consultant, and the Founder & CEO of the Foreign‐Born Military Spouse Network (FMSN).  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. About Today's GuestLydiah Owiti is a Kenyan‐born lawyer, project management and international development consultant, and the Founder & CEO of the Foreign‐Born Military Spouse Network (FMSN).Confronting the hurdles of new cultures, unrecognized credentials, and limited job opportunities as a foreign‐born military spouse, Lydiah carried out a research to understand better and learn how best to support, she launched a peer support group, now having over 6,000 foreign-born military spouses, and the Foreign‐Born Military Spouse Playbook, a comprehensive guide to navigating military life, American culture, career readiness, immigration, among other things.Drawing on her personal experience, policy expertise and immigrant‐focused work, she now leads FMSN in outreach, advocacy, and empowerment, including shaping inclusive employment solutions and resource pathways for foreign‐born spouses.She is now part of President George W. Bush's Stand to Veteran Leadership Program (2025 cohort). The program is aimed at leaders from across the nation, including civilians, veterans, military spouses, and active military, who are addressing the most challenging issues facing the military-connected community.Links Mentioned During the EpisodeForeign Born Military Spouse Network Web siteForeign Born Military Spouse Network on FacebookPsychArmor Resource of the WeekThis week's PsychArmor Resource of the Week is the PsychArmor course Interviewing and Telling Your Story for Military Spouses. Taking the time to recollect your own story will help you to figure out the best way to position yourself with a potential employer and be able to edit it down to your ‘elevator pitch.'You can find the resource here:  https://learn.psycharmor.org/courses/Interviewing-and-Telling-Your-Story-for-Military-Spouses 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  

This week on Minnesota Military Radio, explore the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers St. Paul District’s vital mission. Learn about their efforts in flood management, environmental restoration, and overseeing extensive public lands and waters for recreation. From campgrounds to boat ramps, discover how they support communities and provide veterans with free military passes at recreation.gov. […] The post U.S. Army Corps of Engineers: Managing Floods and Recreation appeared first on Minnesota Military Radio.

Show SummaryOn today's episode, we feature a conversation with Army combat veteran Anthnoy Larson, founder and president of MO Vets Outdoors, a nonprofit organization based in Missouri dedicated to helping veterans reconnect with nature through outdoor activities like hunting, fishing, and camping. 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. About Today's GuestAnthony Larson is a U.S. military veteran and the founder and president of MO Vets Outdoors, a nonprofit organization based in Missouri dedicated to helping veterans reconnect with nature through outdoor activities like hunting, fishing, and camping. Established in 2018, MO Vets Outdoors aims to provide veterans with opportunities to heal, build camaraderie, and find peace in the outdoors. Under Larson's leadership, MO Vets Outdoors has grown into a vital resource for Missouri veterans, offering a range of programs and events designed to support their well-being and foster a sense of community.Links Mentioned During the EpisodeMO Vets Outdoors Facebook GroupMO Vets Outdoors Web sitePsychArmor Resource of the WeekThis week's PsychArmor Resource of the Week is the Behind the Mission Podcast Episode 157 with John Langford talking about Project Healing Waters. John is a Marine Corps veteran and Chief Executive Officer of Project Healing Waters. Project Healing Waters helps active military service personnel and Veterans in need through a dedicated, developed curriculum of fly fishing, fly casting, fly tying, and fly rod building. You can find the resource here:  https://psycharmor.org/podcast/john-langford 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  

This week, discover how the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) supports our heroes with benefits like state veterans homes and suicide prevention programs, and explore the vital role of the Minnesota Association of County Veterans Service Officers in partnering with MDVA. Guests include: Anne Sonnee – Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs Steve McCarthy – […] The post Serving Minnesota Veterans: The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs appeared first on Minnesota Military Radio.

Send us a textPeaches is back with your August 1st daily drop—after fighting his microphone and allergies like a true professional. He breaks down the latest military absurdities: an M18 that might go bang on its own, $800 million more to Ukraine (because why not), and bomber nostalgia getting its moment in the spotlight. From Air Force weapon inspections to Space Force getting ghosted on funding (again), this episode covers all the headlines that matter—plus a rant or two. Also, the Operator Training Summit in Nashville is coming up, so quit dragging your feet and get on board.

Department leaders and spokesmen have confirmed a review of the PT standards is underway to align with a military wide review of fitness standards. Master Sgt. Jacob Lewis, 433rd Airlift Wing public affairs superintendent, sat down with two Alamo Wing experts Master Sgt. Delbert Templeton, 433rd AW Resiliency Integrator First Sergeant, and Dena Lewis, 433rd AW Director of Psychological Health, to discuss some strategies and tools Airmen can use to navigate these transformative times.

Send us a textStrap in, because this “daily drop” is a full-throttle rollercoaster of Pentagon absurdity and global WTFs. From promoting a former Space Force whistleblower to Under Secretary of the Air Force, to blowing $200M on a border wall while ignoring busted pistols and flood victims—this episode doesn't pull punches. Peaches goes off on political aircraft pork, war with China (spoiler: lots of body bags), and the Space Force's asteroid defense ambitions. Oh, and yes, Pizza Cat is alive and well. You're welcome, internet.

This week, we’re recorded live from the National Veterans Wheelchair Games! Join us as we connect with leaders from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and Paralyzed Veterans of America, explore logistics and medical support with the Minneapolis VA Health Care System, and meet two inspiring athletes. Guests include: Dave Tostenrude – National Veterans Wheelchair […] The post National Veterans Wheelchair Games appeared first on Minnesota Military Radio.

Send us a textPeaches returns with another banger, torching bureaucratic blunders and Joint Force nonsense. From the Pentagon flexing like it just invented drone grenades, to the DoD accidentally letting Chinese engineers tinker with our cloud—this one's a spicy ride. He dives into the F-35 budget cut drama, Space Force cosplay, uniform updates that no one asked for, and yes, another near-miss in the skies. Also: Nashville OTS still has slots, and you might even get Uncle Sam to foot the bill (if your chain isn't lame). Buckle up—your commute just got smarter and more sarcastic.

Show SummaryOn today's episode, feature a conversation Maryalice Morro, a Navy Veteran, Healthcare professional, and former Hospital Administrator for both the Navy and the Department of Veterans Affairs.  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. About Today's GuestMaryalice Morro combines her energy and relentless enthusiasm to motivate and build high-performing teams. She is a visionary leader recognized for strategic planning, innovation, financial stewardship and talent management. She delivers quality outcomes while meeting project and financial goals. She recognizes the strengths in others and inspires them to achieve and surpass their goals by mentoring, supporting and creating the vision for their success.Maryalice is currently a consultant and works with aspiring leaders through formal and informal coaching and mentoring. She is an adjunct faculty for the Citadel's undergraduate nursing program, and several of Villanova University's certificate programs. She is the Program Coordinator for the Anne W. McNulty Institute's Women's Leadership Development Certificate Program and led the multidisciplinary team in creating this program. She serves as teaching faculty for University of Pennsylvania's Doctor of Nursing Practice, Executive Leadership track.Previously, Maryalice spent 35 years in government, with 29 years on active duty in the United States Navy, serving around the world in support of peacetime, humanitarian, and wartime missions. She was the Commanding Officer (CEO) of the Pensacola Naval Hospital and Chief of Staff for Navy Medicine East, serving 15 medical commands in the United States and abroad. She was appointed to the Senior Executive Service and was selected to serve as Director (CEO) for the Carl Vinson VA Medical Center in Dublin, GA, transforming an underperforming medical center into a vibrant healthcare center to meet the veterans' 21st century needs.Maryalice holds a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree from Villanova University, MSN from the Catholic University of America, MS from the Industrial College of the Armed Forces and BSN from Villanova University. She is Board Certified by AACN as a Nurse Executive – Advanced.Links Mentioned During the EpisodeMaryalice Morro on LinkedInVillanova University Women's Leadership Development CertificatePsychArmor Resource of the WeekThis week's PsychArmor Resource of the Week is the PsychArmor Course Myths and Facts of Military Leaders. This course identifies four of the most popular myths about military leaders and how they don't align with the reality of working alongside Veterans and Service members. You can find the resource here:  https://learn.psycharmor.org/courses/The-Myths-and-Facts-of-Military-Leaders 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  

According to the Pew Research Center, about 46% of American men considerit important to be seen as masculine, with 9% rating it as very important. Thissuggests that a notable portion of men attribute some significance toperceptions of masculinity, though levels of importance differ.Licensed Psychotherapist Timothy Wienecke focuses on supporting men asthey navigate issues related to masculinity, mental health, and accountability.Over the past two decades, Wienecke has worked in various roles such asadvocate, military service member, mentor, organizer, educator, and counselor,providing support during challenging times. With experience trainingindividuals in technical roles for the NSA and leading bystander interventionprograms in the Air Force, he has instructed over 3,000 Airmen in strategiesfor effectively preventing harassment and sexual assault. His contributionshave been recognized with awards including Airman of the Quarter, EarlyPromotion, and an Air Force Achievement Medal.After leaving the military, Wienecke continued his work as a peereducator at Auraria Campus and facilitated the launch of Colorado University atDenver's Peer Advocates for Veteran Education program. He has developed andtaught curriculum on topics such as time management, communication skills,gender dynamics, bystander intervention, cross-cultural communication, andmilitary culture. His efforts have been acknowledged with recognitions such asFeminist Ally of the Year, a Lifetime Achievement Award by the Phoenix Centerat Auraria, and Outstanding Graduate of the CU Counseling program.For more information: https://empoweredchangece.com/ Discover More: https://www.americanmasculinity.com/

This week on the Minnesota Military Radio Hour, we dive into the story of Minnesota's only Air Force Reserve unit, the 934th Airlift Wing, known as the “Flying Vikings.” Learn about their critical missions, training, and role in national defense. We also get the latest updates from the Minnesota Patriot Guard, honoring veterans and supporting […] The post Minnesota Military Spotlight: 934th Airlift Wing & Patriot Guard Update appeared first on Minnesota Military Radio.

Show SummaryOn today's episode, feature a conversation with Rear Admiral Terry Kraft, US Navy, Retired. Terry is the President and CEO of the USS Midway Museum, the longest-serving aircraft carrier int eh 20th Century that is now a museum in San Diego. Terry also serves on the board of directors for PsychArmor, and we talk about both of those roles in our conversation.  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. About Today's GuestRetired RADM Terry B. Kraft's military service spanned a remarkable 34-year Navy career highlighted by unparalleled leadership across diverse domains. As the son of a Navy captain, he graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1981 and earned his designation as a Naval Flight Officer in 1982. His academic achievements include a master's degree in political science from Auburn University, a fellowship at Harvard's Kennedy School of Government, and graduation from the Navy Nuclear Power Program. Throughout his military service, RADM Kraft excelled in operational and strategic roles. He commanded aviation squadrons, ships, and a carrier strike group. As Executive Officer of the USS Theodore Roosevelt, he contributed to major operations including Desert Storm, Iraqi Freedom, and Enduring Freedom. His pivotal shore assignments included roles with VA-128, the Air Command and Staff College, U.S. Pacific Command, and the Chief of Naval Operations staff. His leadership in Maritime Aviation, Unmanned Aerial Systems, and Intelligence and Surveillance capabilities reflects his strategic vision and innovative approach. Additionally, he commanded the Navy Warfare Development Command and U.S. Naval Forces Japan, where he spearheaded critical initiatives to advance naval operations.After retiring from the Navy, Terry continued to demonstrate exceptional leadership in the private sector. From 2015 to 2023, he held senior management roles at General Atomics, driving technological and strategic advancements. Now, as President and CEO of the USS Midway Museum, he combines a commitment to preserving naval history with a passion for public education—values closely aligned with PsychArmor's mission. Terry and his wife, a fellow Navy veteran, reside in San Diego, where they enjoy attending music concerts and spending time with their children sailing around San Diego Bay. Links Mentioned During the EpisodeUSS Midway Museum WebsiteTerry's Bio on PsychArmorPsychArmor Resource of the WeekThis week's PsychArmor Resource of the Week is the PsychArmor Course, the Basics of Military Culture. Understand key values, customs, and experiences unique to service members and veterans through stories from six American service members. Perfect for employers, healthcare providers, and anyone working with military-connected individuals. You can find the resource here:  https://learn.psycharmor.org/courses/military-culture-series 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  

This week, we explore educational opportunities and support for Minnesota's military community at Saint Paul College, delve into inclusion efforts and the 35th anniversary of the ADA with the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs, and get an update from the Minneapolis VA Health Care System. Guests include: Alan Duff – Saint Paul College Julie Severson […] The post Saint Paul College and 35th Anniversary of the ADA appeared first on Minnesota Military Radio.

U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Eric Bowen, the 169th Fighter Wing command chief master sergeant, hosts this episode of the Fox Chatter podcast, continuing the conversation on the new Deployable Combat Wing (DCW) construct. He also speaks with Chief Master Sgt. Erin Cheney, the 169th Maintenance Squadron senior enlisted leader, and Chief Master Sgt. John Quattlebaum, the 169th Mission Support Group senior enlisted leader, about what its implementation will look like at the wing level. Bowen then sits down with Senior Master Sgt. Mark Fuge, the president of the Top 3 Council, to discuss the Top 3 and what events Airmen can look forward to throughout the year.