Podcasts about Civil Air Patrol

Retired Lt. Col. Josh Cadice shares his story of going to the edge of space in one of the most iconic spy planes ever built.In this episode, Josh discusses flying the KC-135, wearing the pressure suit, piloting the mysterious U-2 at 70,000 feet, and its aerial reconnaissance capabilities. From Cold War origins to modern missions, this aircraft's legacy is as fascinating as it is classified. This one is going to be cool! Resources:U-2 Air Force Fact Sheet KC-135 Air Force Fact Sheet Chapters:(00:00) - Intro (01:14) - Flying the U-2 Overview (03:10) - Aviation Beginnings and the USAFA (04:18) - The Civil Air Patrol (04:39) - U-2 History (06:00) - Flying the KC-135 (07:19) - Stratotanker Upgrades (08:05) - Aerial Refueling (10:16) - Becoming a U-2 Pilot (11:42) - Dragon Lady Training (13:24) - First Solo (14:30) - Mission Training (15:00) - The Pressure Suit (19:18) - U-2 Takeoffs and Landings (20:35) - The Chase Car (22:03) - Landing Close Call (23:01) - Flying Missions at 70,000 Feet (26:07) - Operational Differences (27:49) - Aerial Reconnaissance (29:49) - What It Takes to be a U-2 Pilot (30:48) - Landing the Dragon Lady (33:24) - The Future of Spy Planes (34:51) - Flying for United (35:41) - Josh's Advice (36:56) - Outro

In the latest edition of the Tinker Talks Podcast, Clayton Cummins sits down with Col. David McCollum. the Commander of the Civil Air Patrol Oklahoma Wing, McCollum, discusses how he and his team of volunteer members support the Sooner state.

Michael Hill is Program Manager of College Workforce Programs at the Unmanned Safety Institute.  The Unmanned Safety Institute or USI is an approved training partner of ASTM International and the International Business Aviation Council. The Institute is dedicated to improving safety in unmanned aviation by applying time-honored aviation safety practices to unmanned aircraft systems. USI accomplishes this mission by developing workforce readiness programs, providing training to UAS crews, and helping flight service providers meet their safety goals. Michael is a certified UAV pilot in three countries with over 6,000 flight hours and more than 7,800 successful, incident-free missions as a Remote Pilot-in-Command. He holds industry and safety certifications from FEMA, OSHA, NIST, and USI. He is a highly sought-after public speaker and industry influencer, passionate about sharing his expertise on UAV technology applications for land, air, and sea operations. He brings a wealth of experience to USI, including aerial mapping, telecom and wind turbine inspections, oil and gas and critical infrastructure assessments, search and rescue operations, as well as involvement with state and federal regulations. An active advocate for the drone industry, he has served as the Policy and Legislative Chairman for the North Central Texas Council of Governments UAS Taskforce and as the Training Officer for the North Texas Public Safety Unmanned Response Team.  Additionally, he holds the role of 2nd Lieutenant and the former Director of Unmanned Operations for the Texas Wing of the Civil Air Patrol. In this addition of the Drone Radio Show, Michael talks about the Unmanned Safety Institute and how it helps prepare students for viable careers in the drone industry.

On Episode 106 of The Journey Is The Reward, our favorite aviation aficionados, Micah and Brian, are back, ready to pack for a trip and navigate the turbulent skies of memory lane. First up, we've got a burning question from Listener, Lu! Did Qatar handle the unfortunate dead passenger situation with the grace and dignity they should have or were there areas for improvement.Then, it's time for some serious travel talk! Micah, clearly envious of Brian's ninja-like packing skills, grills him on how he manages to jet-set for weeks without the dreaded checked baggage. Prepare for the reveal of Brian's mysterious suitcase (ooh, the suspense!) and his coveted tips and tricks. Spoiler alert: apparently, most packing gadgets are dead weight for our seasoned traveler, but he does have some secret weapons in his arsenal for staying fresh as a daisy on those long hauls. But wait, there's more turbulence! Our dynamic duo then throws it back to a classic segment from the legendary Airplane Geeks Podcast, Episode 269. The one and only Max Flight wanted to hear how listeners first caught the aviation bug. Brian, ever the enthusiast, penned his story, but a written word wasn't enough for Max! He wanted audio. And who did Brian tap for this crucial mission while under the weather? Our very own Micah, of course! Apparently, Brian's been enjoying Micah's dulcet tones on his previous submissions. High praise indeed!So, prepare your ears for a heartwarming tale as Micah channels his inner Brian and recounts the pivotal moment his father ignited his passion for all things aviation. But hold on tight, because the journey takes a detour when a certain "pinhead" at the Civil Air Patrol clipped Brian's wings before he even took flight! This leads to a powerful message from Brian himself: don't let anyone ground your dreams!So, grab your beverage of choice, settle into your favorite ejection seat (just kidding… mostly!), and get ready for another episode packed with listener love, packing prowess, nostalgic narratives, and a healthy dose of "don't let the naysayers win!" It's Episode 106 of The Journey Is The Reward – you won't want to miss it!As always, we're serenaded by the soul-stirring sounds of the Madalitso Youth Choir! Their Welcome and Goodbye songs were recorded straight from the Royal Livingston Hotel in Zambia and are pure magic. Experience this musical magic in person and join Brian on an epic group adventure to Zambia, Botswana, and South Africa in late September 2025! Reach out to him at Brian@TheJourneyIsTheReward.ORG for all the details. Let's make some memories and enjoy the Journey as it is the Reward!

Mentorship can make the difference between staying grounded and taking flight — especially when you're changing careers later in life. In this episode, I reflect on the mentors who helped shape my aviation journey, from my early days in Civil Air Patrol to the seasoned professionals who poured into my personal and professional growth.This isn't just about finding someone to help you prep for a checkride. It's about connection, encouragement, and learning the leadership, character, and mindset that create success beyond the cockpit. I'll share stories of how my mentors challenged, supported, and believed in me — and how you can find (or become) that kind of guide in your own journey.Whether you're starting flight training at 40, shifting from a long-time career, or wondering if anyone out there "gets it" — this one's for you.

It's Friday, March 28th, A.D. 2025. This is The Worldview in 5 Minutes heard on 125 radio stations and at www.TheWorldview.com. I'm Adam McManus. (Adam@TheWorldview.com) By Adam McManus Muslim militants kill 9 in Congo, Africa Muslim militants from the Allied Democratic Forces, a terrorist group, launched a brutal assault in North Kivu, Congo, Africa on March 8th, killing at least nine people, reports International Christian Concern. The attack began at dawn, catching villagers by surprise. Armed with guns and machetes, the Muslims targeted the farming community, swiftly overpowering the residents. The assault, which included the destruction of homes, left dozens of families displaced, worsening an already dire humanitarian crisis in the region. Eastern Congo remains plagued by violence, with more than 100 armed groups vying for control of the region's valuable resources. The innocent civilians continue to bear the heaviest cost. Despite repeated calls for action, the Congo government has been unable to protect its citizens from these frequent raids. According to Open Doors, Congo, Africa is the 35th most dangerous country worldwide for Christians. King Charles hospitalized from cancer treatment side effects Buckingham Palace has confirmed that King Charles III was taken to the hospital in a car yesterday after suffering predictable side effects from his cancer treatment, reports The U.S. Sun. He has had to cancel a string of engagements set for today in Birmingham, England. And he was unable to greet Ambassadors of three different nations yesterday. The King was at home at Clarence House last night where he was said to be in good form and continuing to work on State Papers and making calls from his study. (Look at the rooms inside Clarence House). On January 17, 2024, Buckingham Palace announced the King was diagnosed with an enlarged prostate. Then, on February 5th, the Palace revealed that the doctors discovered that he had cancer while operating on his prostate. Please pray for the full recovery of King Charles with minimal side effects. Trump affirmed two God-given genders, opposition to transgenderism President Donald Trump criticized gender ideology during a recent Women's History Month event held at the White House on March 25th. He reaffirmed the two genders created by God. TRUMP: “On Day One, I made the official policy of the United States government that there are only two genders: male and female. Is there anybody that disagrees with that in this room? (laughter)  I was thinking, maybe somebody from the press might raise their head. I don't think so. “For four long years, we had an administration that tried to abolish the very concept of womanhood and replace it with radical gender ideology. They destroyed women's spaces and even tried to replace the word ‘mother' with the term ‘birther person.' A mother became a ‘birther person.'  “Under the Trump administration, we're ending the Marxist war on women, and we're protecting women's rights, defending women's dignity, and standing up for the American moms and daughters.” Trump also made a definitive statement about men who pretend to be women. TRUMP: “No matter how many surgeries you have or chemicals you inject, if you're born with male DNA in every cell of your body, you can never become a woman! You're not going to be a woman. (applause) And that's why, last month, I proudly signed a historic Executive Order to ban men from competing in women's sports. And it was very popular.” Trump withdraws Stefanik's nomination to be U.N. Ambassador President Donald Trump has withdrawn the nomination of Republican Congresswoman Elise Stefanik of New York to be U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, reports The Epoch Times. Trump announced the move on Truth Social on March 27th, citing the narrow majority that the GOP has in the House of Representatives. He wrote, “As we advance our America First Agenda, it is essential that we maintain EVERY Republican Seat in Congress. I have asked Elise, as one of my biggest Allies, to remain in Congress to help me deliver Historic Tax Cuts, GREAT Jobs, Record Economic Growth, a Secure Border, Energy Dominance, Peace Through Strength, and much more, so we can MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN. With a very tight Majority, I don't want to take a chance on anyone else running for Elise's seat.” Trump said Stefanik will join his administration in the future. Manhattan's Planned Parenthood closes after years of pro-life prayer After years of monthly prayer processions, often led by a pro-life activist priest named Fidelis Moscinski, Planned Parenthood of Greater New York has announced it will be selling its SoHo building and shutting down its Manhattan abortion mill, reports LifeSiteNews.com. Wendy Stark, the New York abortion giant CEO, claimed the decision was made due to “the gap between inflation and stagnant (Medicaid/insurance) reimbursement rates.” Christian pro-lifers, like David who fought Goliath, know that you cannot continue to mock the living God and expect to be victorious. Psalm 34:16 says, “The face of the Lord is against those who do evil, to cut off the memory of them from the Earth.” Three survivors of Alaskan plane crash rescued And finally, fearing the worst after a prop plane was reported overdue for landing in Alaska last Sunday, search and rescue volunteers searched for the pilot and two children of elementary and middle school ages who had been on a sightseeing tour, reports Good News Network. Dale Eicher was one of the locals who heard the call for help. EICHER: “I saw the Facebook post about the missing plane and decided to go look for it.” Providentially, that singular Facebook post about the missing father and kids had been re-shared 420 times. John Morris, the father of the missing pilot, told CNN affiliate, Alaska's News Source, that his son's cell phone sent its final ping at about 5:00 p.m. Sunday evening over Tustumena Lake. Within an hour of flying, Eicher saw them. EICHER: “They were walking across the lake when I flew over the plane.” The Piper PA-12 Super Cruiser had crash landed on the frozen surface of Tustumena Lake. EICHER: “I was really shocked. I did expect that we would find them, but I didn't expect that we would find them alive, for sure. I've done a little bit of search and rescue before, and it doesn't always turn out this well.” The three survivors were taken to a Kenai Peninsula area hospital and treated for “non-life-threatening injuries.” When the reporter asked what motivated Dale Eicher to search for the missing plane, he said this. EICHER: “It's the right thing to do. I do volunteer with the Civil Air Patrol some. And I have my own plane.” Indeed, it was the right thing to do!  After all, as Genesis 1:27 articulates, each of us, including those three plane crash survivors in Alaska, have been created in God's image and are worthy of rescuing. Close And that's The Worldview on this Friday, March 28th, in the year of our Lord 2025. Subscribe by Amazon Music or by iTunes or email to our unique Christian newscast at www.TheWorldview.com. Or get the Generations app through Google Play or The App Store. I'm Adam McManus (Adam@TheWorldview.com). Seize the day for Jesus Christ.

In this podcast, you'll hear my conversation with three of last year's Call for the Arts Middle School Winners: Claire, Amaris, and Annabelle.  Listen as they discuss their beautiful works of art as an expression of their military experiences. Congratulations once again to all the 2024 CFA winners!   This podcast is made possible by generous funding from the Randolph Spouses' Club.  To learn more, visit https://www.randolphspousesclub.com/.   Audio mixing by Concentus Media, Inc., Temple, Texas.   Show Notes:   Resources:   Calling all artists, grades K-12: The 2025 Call for the Arts contest is NOW OPEN. Submissions will be accepted through April 30, 2025.  Good luck to every budding artist, we look forward to being amazed. See contest guidelines and link to entry form on our website: https://militarychild.org/programs-and-initiatives/the-call-for-the-arts/   Bio: Claire is 13 years old and currently in 8th grade.  She stays busy with figure skating, cross country and track, and Civil Air Patrol.  She is the second of four children born to Air Force parents.  She has moved 6 times with another move on the horizon in Summer 2025.   Amaris is in 8th grade, and her dad serves in the Army.   Annabelle is now 15 years old and in the 9th grade. Her father is an Air Defense Officer in the Army. She has two younger siblings, Audrey and Joey. Annabelle also has two “fur brothers”, Rusty and Archie. She is a competitive swimmer and keeps busy with both high school and year-round club swimming. She has moved 7 times thus far while her father has been active duty.

Episode 2987 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature Medal of Honor recipient U.S. Army CPT Eurípides Rubio. Information featured in this episode comes from Wikipedia and the Civil Air Patrol website. U.S. Army Captain Eurípides Rubio, a Medal … Continue reading →

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

Episode 371 Show Notes   Topic of the show: Off-Field Emergency Landing and CAP Response On this week's show, RH and AG discuss the excellent response of both ATC and Civil Air Patrol to an off-field emergency landing.  What can controllers learn from this story that will help them be better prepared to respond to a pilot in distress?  What can pilots learn from the event?  We also discuss amazing glider records, European flight following, and more of your awesome feedback.    Timely Feedback: 1. Patron EK sent feedback about OB 370 2. Patron CA also sent a quick note about 370   Feedback 1. Patron LB sent feedback about flying in Belgium 2. Patron TWH sent a note about glider flying 3. Patron DGL sent audio about an emergency   Have a great week and thanks for listening!  Visit our website at OpposingBases.com You can support our show using Patreon or visiting our support page on the website.  Keep the feedback coming, it drives the show! Don't be shy, use the “Send Audio to AG and RH” button on the website and record an audio message. Or you can send us comments or questions to feedback@opposingbases.com.  Music bumpers by audionautix.com.  Third party audio provided by liveatc.net.  Legal Notice The views and opinions expressed on Opposing Bases Air Traffic Talk are for entertainment purposes only and do not represent the views, opinions, or official positions of the FAA, Penguin Airlines, or the United States Army.  Episodes shall not be recorded or transcribed without express written consent. For official guidance on laws, rules, and regulations, consult an aviation attorney or certified flight instructor. 

Dive into the thrilling world of off-roading with Marc Lawson, the mastermind behind the Trail Team Challenge! In this detailed interview, we explore: Trail Team Challenge: Understand what it's all about, from marksmanship to survival skills. Learn how you can participate, whether you're driving a Jeep, Bronco, or any other mid-sized vehicle. Marc's Jeep Journey: From his days with the Civil Air Patrol to his current role at Tampa Jeep Lab, Marc shares his insights on Jeep modifications, including his thoughts on snorkels, lockers, and the notorious Gladiator issues. Event Details: Get the scoop on when and where the next Trail Team Challenge will be held, how to register, and what you need to prepare for this unique off-road competition. Jeep Mods and Maintenance: Marc talks about essential Jeep modifications for hurricane preparedness, the importance of quality parts like those from Mopar and Motobilt, and his experiences with various Jeep models. Community and Preparedness: Learn about the Jeep community's role in emergency services and how to be ready for natural disasters like hurricanes with your Jeep. SEO Keywords: Jeep Off-Roading Trail Team Challenge Jeep Modifications Jeep Gladiator Problems Jeep Snorkel Off-Road Competition Florida Jeep Hurricane Prep Jeep Community Tampa Jeep Marksmanship Jeep Navigation Skills Social Media Links: Website: FloridaTrailTeamChallenge.com Instagram: @TrailTeamChallenge Follow Marc on TikTok for Jeep tips and humor! Call to Action: Don't miss out on the adventure! Subscribe for more Jeep content, hit the like button, and comment below if you're ready to tackle the trails with us. Register early for the Trail Team Challenge and join the off-road legacy! Hashtags: #JeepTalkShow #TrailTeamChallenge #JeepLife #OffRoading #JeepMods #HurricanePrep #JeepCommunity #TampaJeepLab #JeepGladiator #JeepSurvival Note: This video is packed with valuable insights for Jeep enthusiasts and off-road lovers alike. Whether you're a seasoned off-roader or new to the scene, you'll find something useful in this conversation with Marc Lawson. Remember, preparation, community, and a love for adventure are key to enjoying your Jeep to the fullest. The Jeep Talk Show has been in publication for 15 years! We have a large group of team members and hosts. We publish five episodes a week. One episode, Chic Chat, is a women only hosted episode for women that feel more comfortable watching women talk about Jeeps and off road. We hope you give us a try and if you like the show please subscribe! Our website is https://jeeptalkshow.com. We do both video and audio only so you can watch or listen which ever is more conveinant depending on where you are and what you are doing. Driving to and from work, mowing the grass, or working out at the gym. Let the Jeep Talk Show 1000+ episodes make your day better and more entertaining! Join the Jeep Talk Show family! (chat server) https://jeeptalkshow.com/discord Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/jeeptalkshow (subscribe for commercial free episodes!) Round Table recording Tuesday's 7:30pm CT (Zoom meeting) https://jeeptalkshow.com/roundtable pass jeep Visit our website! https://jeeptalkshow.com Sign up for our newsletter! https://jeeptalkshow.com/newsletter Instagram @jeeptalkshow https://instagram.com/jeeptalkshow

On this episode of the Growing with Purpose podcast, host Paul Spiegelman sits down with Amy Courter, the Principle of Azimuth Centers of Excellence and a Certified EOS Implementer. Amy grew up outside of Flint, MI with humble beginnings and parents who lived out their heart-first, community values. She adopted those same values and wanted to find ways to be a part of and give back to her community. After excelling at a law enforcement program in high school and wanting to stay involved, she enrolled in the Civil Air Patrol, and has been a member ever since.  From the Civil Air Patrol and beyond, Amy has found ways to marry career and community. While working for a large tech company, she found purpose and alignment in her small, entrepreneurial clients. And now, as an EOS implementer, she appreciates working with a wide array of clients, many of which do meaningful work. Tune in to this episode to hear Amy and Paul discuss how she's adapted her experiences to fit many different roles, how being an athlete influenced her professional life, and why she took theater classes in college.  Show Notes:   2:35 - EOS and culture 8:57 - Early influences 18:37 - Joining the Civil Air Patrol 24:00 - Not a career path, but a scavenger hunt 30:15 - Sports and community involvement

Ever wonder what it takes to fly into danger to save lives? In this episode, Nik Fialka sits down with Reese, an Air Force Combat Search and Rescue pilot, to reveal the high-stakes world of aerial rescues—where precision, preparation, and bravery turn chaos into calm. Hear heart-stopping stories of daring missions, high-altitude hoists, and the relentless training behind them. Get an inside look at the sacrifices and teamwork that define one of aviation's most heroic roles. Ready to explore the bravery behind the green feet? Tune in and be inspired by these extraordinary tales!   WHAT YOU'LL LEARN FROM THIS EPISODE Why mastering high-altitude, high-risk maneuvers is crucial for every rescue pilot How combat search and rescue missions redefine the meaning of "no-fail" operations What it takes to coordinate aerial refueling and rescue missions in the world's harshest environments The untold stories of teamwork and ingenuity behind civilian and combat rescue missions How situational awareness and clear communication transform chaos into successful rescues The meaning behind the green feet: A symbol of unity and commitment in rescue missions   RESOURCES/LINKS MENTIONED Harborview Medical Center in Seattle | UW Medicine Air Force ROTC Behind Enemy Lines (2001)  The Guardian (2006) Fill a Bucket by  Carol McCloud and Katherine Martin | Hardcover and Paperback Russell Wilson Inside Combat Rescue - National Geographic Channel     ABOUT REESE FUTRELL Reese Futrell is a U.S. Air Force HH-60 Combat Search and Rescue pilot with over 1,900 flight hours, including 130+ in combat. As an Aircraft Commander and instructor, he excels in high-stakes missions like aerial refueling, low-level flight, mountainous rescues, and Alternate Insertion/Extraction techniques. A graduate of Central Washington University, Reese is also a Civil Air Patrol pilot and STEM speaker dedicated to inspiring the next generation of aviators. As a husband and father of two, he's passionate about advancing his aviation career while sharing his love of flight with others.     CONNECT WITH REESE  LinkedIn: Reese Futrell     CONNECT WITH US Are you ready to take your preparation to the next level? Don't wait until it's too late. Use the promo code “R4P” and save 10% on all our services. Check us out at www.spitfireelite.com!   If you want to recommend someone to be a guest on the show, email Nik at podcast@spitfireelite.com, and if you need a professional pilot resume, go to www.spitfireelite.com/podcast/ for FREE templates!     SPONSOR Are you a pilot just coming out of the military and looking for the perfect second home for your family? Look no further! Reach out to Marty and his team by visiting www.tridenthomeloans.com to get the best VA loans available anywhere in the US. If you're a professional pilot looking for a great financial planning partner for your retirement, tax, and investment, go to www.tpope.ceterainvestors.com/contact or call ‭704-717-8900 x120‬ to schedule a consultation appointment with Timothy P. Pope, CFP®. Be ready for takeoff anytime with 3D-stretch, stain-repellent, and wrinkle-free aviation uniforms by Flight Uniforms. Just go to www.flightuniform.com and type the code SPITFIREPOD20 to get a special 20% discount on your first order.  

In this episode of the Valley Today, host Janet Michael welcomes back Major Jacob Bixler and cadets from the Winchester Composite Squadron, Civil Air Patrol. The discussion kicks off with an introduction of Civil Air Patrol (CAP), touching on its role as the volunteer auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force and its focus on cadet programs, aerospace education, and emergency services. Major Bixler reintroduces the audience to the CAP and the diverse community involved, emphasizing the leadership opportunities for cadets. Cadet Lieutenant Colonel Lauren Creese shares her journey, inspired by her father, highlighting her growth in leadership and public speaking. She discusses her current involvement and future aspirations within CAP, including her aim to achieve the Spaatz Award before transitioning to an adult member. Cadet Chief Master Sergeant Cora Creese (Lauren's younger sister) also shares her experiences, discussing her interest in leadership and potential career in aviation. She emphasizes how CAP has helped her develop various skills and how it connects members as an extended family through shared activities and responsibilities. The conversation then shifts to the Wreaths Across America project, a community event organized by CAP at the Winchester National Cemetery. Major Bixler explains the mission of the event: to remember the fallen, honor those who serve, and teach future generations about the sacrifices made for the country. Both Lauren and Cora share their personal experiences with the event, noting its impact on participants and the community. Listeners learn about the logistics of sponsoring a wreath for $17 and the importance of ensuring no veteran's grave goes without a wreath. Major Bixler encourages community involvement and sponsorships to meet their goal of covering all 5,500 headstones. Click here to help. Wreaths Across America is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded to continue and expand the annual wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery begun by Maine businessman Morrill Worcester in 1992. The organization's mission – Remember, Honor, Teach – is carried out in part each year by coordinating wreath-laying ceremonies in December at Arlington, as well as at thousands of veterans' cemeteries and other locations in all 50 states and beyond. Founded in 1941 and established as the official civilian auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force seven years later, Civil Air Patrol is chartered by Congress as a nonprofit organization for the purposes of youth development, aerospace education, and to promote general aviation. In an auxiliary role as a Total Force partner of the Air Force, CAP operates the world's largest fleet of single-engine aircraft for search and rescue, disaster relief, training, and education. Civil Air Patrol is dedicated to serving America's communities, saving lives, and shaping futures.

The Florida Statewide Drone Expo is being hosted Saturday (12/7) at Azalea Middle School in St.Petersburg. We speak with Willis Reese, who heads the school's magnet aerospace program, about the expo and about their aerospace program as well as the Civil Air Patrol, which has a campus chapter. 

Col. (Ret.) Nicole Malachowski '96 shares her insights on leadership, resilience, resurgence, perseverance, advocacy, and how she continues to serve her country, even after her military career. ----more---- A SHOW NOTE:  There are two ways to learn from Col. Malachowski's leadership journey. If you're short on time, the audio version delivers the highlights of her stories in 40 minutes. Her leadership bites, takeaways, keys to leadership and transcript are below. The video version is 1:46:00 and is well worth the investment of your time. This version includes stories and details about the Colonel's journey she hasn't shared before. Click the "Play" button in the video above and settle in for a most enlightening conversation.    SUMMARY Col. (Ret.) Nicole Malachowski '96 is a trailblazer who has broken barriers in both military aviation and advocacy. She was one of the first women to fly combat fighter aircraft, accruing more than 2,300 flight hours in six different aircraft and serving in multiple high-stakes missions, including Operations Deliberate Forge and Iraqi Freedom. But her story doesn't end there. As the first woman to fly with the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, a White House Fellow, and a key advisor on military and veterans' issues, Nicole's career has been defined by leadership at the highest levels. After being medically retired due to a Tick-Borne Illness, she turned her focus to advocacy, leading efforts to improve care for the wounded, ill, and injured service members through the Air Force Wounded Warrior Program. Now a passionate advocate for Tick-Borne Disease research, Nicole serves on several national committees and advisory boards, including the Department of Defense's Congressionally Directed Medical Research Program.   NICOLE'S LEADERHIP BITES "Leadership is a journey." "The runway behind you is always unusable." "Don't think you have to be perfect to be a leader." "Believe those who believe in you." "Nobody wants to lead a scripted life." "Courage, compassion, and curiosity drive me today." "It's okay to admit when you make mistakes."   SHARE THIS EPISODE LINKEDIN  |  TWITTER  |  FACEBOOK   TAKEAWAYS Leadership is personal - It's about understanding what motivates and drives each individual on your team, and tailoring your approach accordingly. Believe in those who believe in you - Mentors like Mick Jaggers who supported and encouraged Nicole were pivotal in her development as a leader. Don't write yourself or others out of the script - As General Matthews told Nicole, "Nobody wants to lead a scripted life." Embrace opportunities to dream big and take risks. Radical acceptance is key - When Nicole's military career ended unexpectedly, learning to accept the situation allowed her to move forward and find new purpose. Personal values guide your path - Nicole's core values of courage, compassion and curiosity have been instrumental in navigating life's challenges and reinventing herself.   CHAPTERS 00:00  The Journey of Leadership 02:01  Colonel Malachowski's Early Life and Aspirations 06:01  Navigating the Air Force Academy 09:46  Leadership Lessons from Soaring 14:07  Overcoming Challenges in Pilot Training 17:50  Key Leadership Experiences in the Air Force 21:59  Becoming a Thunderbird Pilot 25:47  Transitioning to Civilian Life 30:02  Advocacy and New Beginnings 34:09  Personal Values and Resilience 37:54  Final Thoughts on Leadership   NICOLE'S KEYS TO LEADERSHIP SUCCESS Leadership is a journey that requires growth and learning. It's okay to admit mistakes and seek help. Resilience is key to overcoming challenges. Personal values guide decision-making and actions. Mentorship plays a crucial role in personal and professional development. Failure is often the price of entry for success. Authentic leadership is about understanding and connecting with people. The importance of representation in leadership roles. Transitioning to civilian life can be a new beginning. Embrace opportunities and seize the moment.   ABOUT NICOLE BIO Colonel Nicole Malachowski (USAF, Ret.) is a pioneering leader whose distinguished career spans combat aviation, military advocacy, and public service. As one of the first women to fly fighter jets, Nicole's journey included over 188 combat hours and multiple leadership roles, including F-15E Flight Commander, Instructor Pilot, and Flight Lead. She also made history as the first woman to fly with the USAF Thunderbirds. Throughout her career, Nicole demonstrated exceptional leadership, serving in high-level roles such as a White House Fellow and Executive Director of the ‘Joining Forces' program, where she advised the First Lady and Dr. Jill Biden on veterans' issues. After being medically retired due to a neurological Tick-Borne Illness, Nicole transitioned to a new mission: advocating for service members, veterans, and others impacted by chronic illnesses. She's a leader in the national Tick-Borne Disease community, serving on key advisory boards and government committees, and actively mentoring wounded veterans through the Air Force Wounded Warrior Program. Nicole is also a sought-after speaker, author, and consultant, sharing her experiences of overcoming adversity and breaking barriers to inspire the next generation of leaders. Her accomplishments include two master's degrees, induction into the Women in Aviation Pioneer Hall of Fame, and founding her own speaking and consulting firm. Today, Nicole continues to serve and lead, using her story to drive change and impact communities across the country.  - Adapted from Col. Malachowski's bio at nicholemalachowski.com   READ NICOLE'S FULL STORY HERE     CONNECT WITH NICOLE LINKEDIN  |  FACEBOOK  |  INSTAGRAM  |  NICOLE'S LINKTREE     ABOUT LONG BLUE LEADERSHIP Long Blue Leadership drops every two weeks on Tuesdays and is available on Apple Podcasts, TuneIn + Alexa, Spotify and all your favorite podcast platforms. Search @AirForceGrads on your favorite social channels for Long Blue Leadership news and updates!          ABRIDGED AUDIO TRANSCRIPT DOWNLOAD THE UNABRIDGED VIDEO TRANSCRIPT HERE  SPEAKERS GUEST:  Col. (Ret.) Nicole Malachowski '96  |  HOST:  Lt. Col. (Ret.) Naviere Walkewicz '99   SPEAKERS Naviere Walkewicz, Nicole Malachowski   Nicole Malachowski  00:11 You know, leadership is a journey. We're always put into positions that we're supposed to grow into. Don't think you have to be perfect to be a leader. It's okay to admit when you make mistakes, it's okay to ask for help, and it's okay to have failures, as long as you overcome them. And I like to remind folks at all levels of leadership, you know that the runway behind you is always unusable. All you ever have is the runway that's in front of you.   Naviere Walkewicz  00:34 My guest today is Colonel Retired Nicole Malachowski, USAFA class of '96. Her career has been nothing short of extraordinary. Colonel Malachowski is perhaps best known as the first woman to fly as a pilot with the Thunderbirds, a singular distinction that set her path to reaching even greater heights. However, what you might not know is that her journey took an unexpected turn when she faced a sudden life altering loss of her place in the Air Force. The challenges that followed were extreme and personal, but through them, Colonel malikowski demonstrated a resilience and strength that not only transformed her own life, but also empowered her to help others with their own struggles. In today's conversation, we'll dive deep into the personal and professional journey that led her to transition to civilian life, the lessons she learned from the hardships she faced along the way, and how she now advocates for others, sharing the wisdom she's gained from the tough battles she's fought and won. We'll also take a look back at her time at the academy, her experiences as a pilot and the leadership principles that have guided Colonel malikowski, she has become a powerful voice for resilience, perseverance and leadership, and I'm excited to hear her insights on all of these topics. Colonel Malachowski, may I call you Nicole?   Nicole Malachowski  02:34 Yes, please.   Naviere Walkewicz  02:34 Welcome to Long Blue Leadership, and thank you for being here.   Nicole Malachowski  02:37 Thank you for having me.   Naviere Walkewicz  02:38 It's a pleasure. It truly is. I think one of the things that's so exciting for our listeners is really getting to know you. And you know, I think there's no question about who you are in the media, I mean, all the things you've accomplished, but some things that are most special is when we just sit down and kind of get to know you behind the scenes.   Nicole Malachowski  02:53 Indeed, let's do it.   Naviere Walkewicz  02:54 So let's go back to even before the Academy. Where did you grow up? Where are you from? And what were you like as a little girl?   Nicole Malachowski  03:00 Sure, yeah. So I was actually born in central California, in a town called Santa Maria, and I was born, I consider very lucky, because I was born a woman in America, so there was a lot of opportunities, you know, afforded to me. Also very lucky to be born into a solid, you know, middle class family, you know, I was a kid who always had a roof over my head and food on the table, which makes it a lot easier, right, for you to seize opportunities and to be your best. And think it's important that we acknowledge that not everybody is born into that position. And so I was very, very lucky, I will tell you, I was definitely the loner, definitely an introvert. Always have been. A lot of people would be surprised by that, but I am a solid INFJ on the Myers Briggs, but as a young kid, just very quiet, kept to myself. I was very much a dreamer, very curious about things, so I loved to dive into books. I loved school. I was the kid that would take my lunch box, you know, out into the middle of the football field by myself and just stare up at the sky and the clouds moving by, and dream about things. I remember being in the Girl Scouts during junior high we moved down towards Southern California, where I learned about Civil Air Patrol, and then from there, in high school, we actually made a big move to Las Vegas, Nevada. I continued my time in Civil Air Patrol as a cadet, but also joined the Air Force Junior ROTC at my high school.   Naviere Walkewicz  04:16 I'm just drawn to this visual of you with your lunch box in the middle of the football field looking up at this guy. So were you dreaming about flying?   Nicole Malachowski  04:24 I was, you know, I went to an air show when I was five years old, and I remember seeing an f4 phantom fly by, and it flew by so low, and it was so loud, I had to cover my ears. And I remember, like, my chest rumbling, you know, the smell of jet fuel. And I remember thinking, man, like there's a person in there, like, I want to be, you know, that person. And I had come from a family that, you know, honored and respected military service. So both of my grandfathers were career military my father had been drafted into the army during Vietnam. So I knew that, like, you know, military service was honorable and noble and good. And when I discovered that that was a military plane. I remember as a kid putting one plus one is two. I'm like, wait, you can fly jets and serve in the military. That's what I'm going to be. And wow, that was around 1979 and that's right, there are no boundaries on things. So looking up at the sky, watching planes, and of course, in high school in particular, moving to Las Vegas, Nevada, because Nellis Air Force bases there. So, I mean, I would watch the red flag launches and watch how those jets fly. And of course, I would see the six ship of Thunderbirds flying by as a kid, thinking that was pretty cool. So to be honest, I set my sights on the Air Force Academy in elementary school.   Naviere Walkewicz  05:34 Oh, my goodness.   Nicole Malachowski  05:35 Yeah. So when I was five and decided to be a fighter pilot, you had decided, I mean, I was maniacally, maniacally focused. I did not have a backup plan. I am so lucky that things worked out because I have no idea what else I would have done, you know, with my career, but I remember in sixth grade, I wrote a letter to the Air Force Academy. They responded. The admissions office responded with a personalized letter letting me know I'm kind of young to apply now, but here's the application process. They sent me a whole bunch of Air Force Academy swag, and that was it sixth grade. I was going to the Air Force Academy, goodness, when you were actually old enough to apply. Now to the academy.   Naviere Walkewicz  06:13 Let's talk about that process. What was it like for you? Well, I mean, I think it was more exciting than anything else. I told you. I had stayed maniacally focused. I was very particular and organized about prioritizing how my application would look. So of course, I strove to have the good grades, and obviously stayed involved with the activities like Civil Air Patrol or participating in sports like running cross country and track, as well as doing, you know, community service type activities. So I was indeed focused on making sure that application looked good. I remember the thing I was probably the most nervous about were those interviews with your, you know, senators and your representatives, and wondering if I was going to be able to interview well. So I was, you know, putting my best foot forward. And I remember my senior year, it was approximately October, maybe coming up on November about this time, right? And I went to the mailbox to get the mail, and I had the application had already been in, right? Because everything was done before the fall, and I saw this giant envelope from the Air Force Academy. And I thought, No way, because it's only like October or November. And I started shaking, and I opened it right there at the mailbox. I had to go up the street. I opened it, and I feel bad because I think I littered like the envelope all over the street, but I remember opening it up, and the first line was, congratulations. You know, you've been accepted to the class of 1996 and I instantaneously just started crying and running as fast as I could back to my house.   Naviere Walkewicz  07:38 Had you been to the Academy prior to the acceptance?   Nicole Malachowski  07:41 No, never stood a foot on at all. And I remember when my parents came to drop me off for for Jacks Valley and everything basic training, when we came up over that hill, over Monument Hill, and you can see the chapel and the kind of imposing, you know, white buildings on a hill, I was like, Oh, wow, that's extraordinary. And I was really just excited. People ask, were you nervous that day? I was not, because I was just so happy that this, to me, was like the first step of the rest of my life. It was that first real step towards this goal of serving my country, you know, like people my family had, and getting to fly jets while I do it, how cool is that? I don't remember any highs or lows. I do remember I got my enjoyment becoming a cadet, you know, soaring instructor pilot.   Naviere Walkewicz  08:28 So let's talk about that. That is a, kind of a key leadership role as well.   Nicole Malachowski  08:32 Yes, that was my leadership role. So my senior year, I was the cadet soaring squadron commander. Oh, let's talk about Yes, yes. So obviously, between freshman, sophomore year, I signed up as soon as I could, you know, to take soaring, and when I discovered that you could actually apply to be a soaring instructor, and I remember that was a really like growth experience, because it's one thing to be able to fly a glider, it's another thing to be able to try to teach somebody how to do that. And I really, I I give a lot of credit to this, you know, sorry, instructor upgrade program teaching me the skills of, how do you communicate something technical? How do you communicate something hard, this idea that you need to be able to communicate it not just in one way, but two or three different ways, because each of your students is going to come at it with a different skill set or a different perspective or a different personality that responds to different type of teaching. So learning how to tailor your instruction and your care and your leadership to each individual was something I learned here, you know, as a sophomore, this idea that I would carry that on into my career as a leader and, you know, ultimately into being, you know, a fighter squadron commander. This tailored leadership actually started here, but soaring is what was my respite. Soaring is where I refilled that tank. It's one thing to be successful yourself. It's a whole different level to teach somebody else to be successful.   Naviere Walkewicz  09:55 So you knew you enjoyed Well, obviously you enjoyed the flying? And soaring, the leadership aspect, I think, was something that was new to you then. Or had you done that in Civil Air Patrol? Did you also have leadership there?   Nicole Malachowski  10:06 Yeah, I had leadership experience in Civil Air Patrol, but I think this was a different level. You know, my senior year becoming the cadet soaring squadron commander, it was really cool, because not only were you trying to take inputs from your peers and your colleagues on things we could improve or do differently, you know, valuing the other cadets opinions. But how do I translate that to leadership? How do I go now and talk to the real officers, the active duty officers in charge, and go, these are maybe resources we need, or things culturally, you know, that we need to change, and that was hard for me, you know, because I had never done that before. How do you advocate for your peers in a way that's understood, you know, by the active duty leadership. So that was really something that, again, would become important in my military career, because when you're put in a leadership role, you know, it's about, I think, advocating for the people who you are, you know, accountable for and responsible to, yes, and so how can you do that and do it in a way that it's received? Well, yes, you know, by the leadership above you,   Naviere Walkewicz  11:07 After you graduated from the Academy, you went on to pilot training.   Nicole Malachowski  11:11 I was slated to go early right after graduation, and I was a casual status Lieutenant flying gliders. Of course, went out for a jog and broke my ankle. So this would be my first kind of little, little detour. And I ended up, they offered me to go, to go to shepherd a lot later, or as soon as my ankle was healed, I could go to Columbus Air Force Base Mississippi right away. And I said, I gotta go, like, I cannot sit around and wait. I want to go to Columbus Air Force Base Mississippi. And everyone's like, what you're going to turn down, like, the chance of going to fighters to like, have to fight for it at Columbus. I like, I can't be stagnant. I need to go. So showed up at Columbus Air Force Base Mississippi, and again, really grateful for all of the flying experience that I had. I think that just those foundational procedures, you know, foundational knowledge, was vital to being a little more comfortable than other people that didn't have that experience. It was easy to be slightly ahead of the curve early on, but as I like to tell people, I fell flat on my face across the starting line my second check ride in pilot training, I failed. Now, pilot training at that time was about a year long. There were about 10 check rides, and at that time, failing one check ride, statistically, traditionally, would take you out of the running for graduating high enough to be a fighter pilot. This was devastating to me, and I remember even having fleeting moments that night of like, maybe I should just quit. Now this is, of course, the youth in me, right? I'm a 21 year old kid, and I'm just getting a little bit emotional about it, but if I can't be a fighter pilot and I just knock myself out of the running, I should quit. And I didn't call my parents because I didn't want to tell them I was too, like, embarrassed maybe, to say, like, hey, my dream that you all have supported is about to come to an end, because I messed up, and I made a really junior varsity mistake. And so I called my mentor, Sue Ross, and then she just let me talk, and she's like, are you done? And I'm done. And she goes, Well, are you going to do that again tomorrow? And I said, Sue, how am I supposed to get back in the jet tomorrow? How do I face my peers? I've been telling them I'm going to fly strike Eagles this whole time. Like this is so embarrassing. What if I fail again? What if I fail again tomorrow? And I remember, she talked me off the ledge, man, you know, and I came away. I came away with that conversation, realizing that indeed, I think I rarely believe failure is the price of entry for achieving something great, because if you have the right mindset, you come away with failures, I think a lot more committed, a lot more dedicated, a lot more focused, and I think a lot more humble, and all of those characteristics and traits are good things. You know, it worked out for me, and I did finish fourth in my class, and I had an extraordinary class. It was a time of great cultural change in the Air Force, because we were the first group of women to come through pilot training with the option of flying fighter aircraft.   Naviere Walkewicz  14:04 So talk about your time while you're in uniform. You had some key leadership positions. You were squadron commander. Can you share some of your stories with that and maybe even some high points and some lessons learned, where you as a leader felt that maybe, maybe it was a low point or a failure, but you grew from it?   Nicole Malachowski 14:20 Sure, sure. Yes. I mean, I had so many, you know, different fun assignments. You know, obviously when you're in your first fighter squadron, I got out at RAF Lake and Heath out there in England. I mean, what a rage right to be a lieutenant flying strike Eagles at 500 feet, 500 miles an hour, up Loch Ness, to live in the dream, you know, becoming in my second squadron, which was at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, becoming a, you know, flight lead and upgrading to instructor pilot. Very nervous to go into the instructor pilot upgrade. I went in very young. In fact, when I got to that squadron, the weapons officer said, hey, I want to put you in the instructor upgrade. And I was like, no. Away like I am not ready for that. I am not good enough for that. And I was new to the squadron. There were people technically older and more experienced than me. They were in the queue, and he wanted me to jump the queue, a guy by the name of Michael Jaggers, call sign, Mick, I'm still friends with him to this day, and I remember I avoided him. I avoided him like the plague because I did not want to upgrade to instructor. And I remember saying, Mick, I just am not sure I can do this. And he looked at me, and he said, it's not your job to get through it. It's not your job to get through it alone. It's my job. It's my job to ensure you have what it takes and what you need. It's my job to teach you to be a good instructor. So your success is going to be my success. I will not let you fail. What a glorious man, what a wonderful instructor. And the lesson learned here to people is this, believe those who believe in you. Believe those who believe in you.   Naviere Walkewicz  15:52 It's true, though it really is. And those people, I think sometimes your trajectory can change or just like, accelerate, because someone gave you a little bit of courage that you just needed that little piece.   Nicole Malachowski 16:03 And to learn as I gained experience and credibility how to replicate that and how to be that person for other people, right? Because it's about turning around. It really is about lifting up other people. Your success isn't your own. It's how can you help other people achieve the best of themselves? And that's what you know Mikey and Mick did for me. And of course, the rest, you know, being history, because then I had the credentials I needed to apply to be a Thunderbird. And then from the Thunderbirds, I could become a commander, yada yada, you know, but being an instructor pilot, again, in the F 15 e how extraordinary to teach a brand new pilot or WSO, not only to fly the aircraft, to how to employ it as a weapon system and then to turn around and go to war with them. There's no bigger honor. There's nothing, I think, more humbling than that.   Naviere Walkewicz  16:49 Can you share something that maybe you learned from the perspective of how to lead better?   Nicole Malachowski 16:55 So let's be honest, when you go into a fighter squadron, things are a little bit one note, right? I mean, we all are cut from a similar cloth. We all kind of have similar personality traits. You know, you don't want your fighter pilots any other way, putting the effort into understanding what drives and motivates individuals. So learning at that age how to put your arms around everybody that you're responsible for, not just the ones that maybe are easiest to lead, or maybe the ones you're the most comfortable, you know, interacting with as a leader is, how do I figure it out? You know, there were some guys that, if I were to call them on up to the front of the room, in front of the whole squadron, to compliment them on something they did, maybe a check right they had. Or this goes for my fighter squadron command as well. You know, they would love it, right? Because it it was how they were extrinsically motivated, and that's okay. There's nothing wrong with that. If that's what they need, and that's what you need to do to get the best of their strengths and best of their commitment go for it. And then were others that low? If I were to bring them in front of their peers to compliment them, they would shut down and never talk to me for the rest of the you know, their assignment. And so that's where I would take the time to write a handwritten note, maybe put it on the seat of their Humvee, or put it in their helmet, you know, in the fighter squadron. And then when they'd see me walking down the hallway, we give the knowing nod that they were acknowledged for their awesome, whatever it was, and we would move on.   Naviere Walkewicz  18:13 Yes. And so what I'm hearing, in a really, kind of summarizing way, is leadership is personal.   Nicole Malachowski 18:19 Very. it's all about people and it's about authenticity and connections.   Naviere Walkewicz  18:25 So speaking about personal and authenticity, I'd be remiss if we didn't talk about your journey to the Thunderbirds.   Nicole Malachowski  18:31 I knew this was gonna come.   Naviere Walkewicz  18:32 It's here, and so you know it is. It's a different time. There was no woman Thunderbird pilot before you.   Nicole Malachowski 18:40 I grew up in Las Vegas, Nevada, so the Thunderbirds were part of the backdrop. I knew that the Thunderbirds, you know, as a kid, were special and were considered, you know, elite. And kind of going back to my personality, I love being told that, you know, you can't do things. And the truth is, people laugh at this, but the truth is, when I applied to be a Thunderbird, I did it because the way my career was going, I wasn't ready to, I wasn't on timeline to go to ide yet or to go to ACSC, but I had, like, a weird year kind of gap, and I didn't they didn't really know what to do with me. I didn't know what to do with them, and my husband was going to be PCs in the Nellis. This is, like, a true story. Wow. I know people want me to say, well, I had this big, long dream when I was Thunderbird. Also thought about it was always in the background. Is something that, you know, wasn't, was an option. And I, you know, because of a lot of people who put a lot of effort into me, I was indeed qualified, you know, to get in there and to give it a try. But it wasn't something that was like an ultimate goal. I did not know they had not had a woman Thunderbird pilot when I applied, did not even occur to me. Remember, I had never known an Air Force without women fighter pilots in it. That's right, that's and we had all achieved the age where we had acquired the hours needed, and it just lined up with the timing. And I'm like, Well, that would be kind of fun and different to do. And. So I always tell people, you know, when you get those butterflies in your stomach that says, This could be something cool, something different, that is your cue to go do it. Don't worry about what anybody else is saying. And so, you know, I was able to put that application in. And in fact, I was I put that application in, and when I went and told everyone I was going to apply, generally speaking, people were really tickled and happy and happy and supportive. But as the days went by, people started to think about it. I heard, you know, it's too hard to be a Thunderbird, you probably won't get picked. I mean, statistically, no one gets picked to do that. They've never had a woman before. Are you sure you want to do that and this and that? And I remember the day I turned my application in. This was back when you still had hard copies, and you still had to mail them, okay, 2005 took it over to the group commander's Chief of Staff, slid it across the desk. I was super nervous, because the voice in my head was like, Nicole, other people become Thunderbird pilots, not you. That was the other people become Thunderbird pilots, not you. What are you doing? Why are you risking this? But I kept thinking, what's the worst that's going to happen? I don't get picked, like most people don't get picked, and I go back to flying strike Eagles with my community, which I love, like life is good, right? Either way, it's a win, win. So as I slid that application across the desk, said, I'm applying to be a Thunderbird. Here's my application. I remember the staff looked up to me and said, you know Nicole, It's hard to be a Thunderbird. You know Nicole, you probably won't get picked. And the exact words were, you know Nicole, they've never had a woman before, and the colonel can only stratify one person in that moment. Let's, I think there's leadership lessons here, because this person was not trying to be mean, right? What was coming out was, I think the unconscious bias all of us have to check ourselves on every day at all ages. I think what was coming out were the cultural paradigms of the Air Force at that time. And I think what was coming out, you know, were other people's expectations about what I should or shouldn't be doing. And in that moment, the truth is, I grabbed my application and I took it back, I went across to the officers club and grabbed a beer like any good fighter pilot would, and I remember thinking, thank God I didn't put myself out there. Thank God Nicole, you know, now I'm a 30 year old captain, so I'm still a young person, you know. Thank God you didn't risk failure. Who are you to think you could be a Thunderbird, silly girl, right? And in that moment, the weirdest thing happened. And I tell this story on stage, sometimes the door opened to the officers club, and in walk the Wing Commander, Brigadier General Mark Matthews, for whatever reason, comes over and starts talking to me. Now, this is weird, right? I'm a captain. He's a brigadier general. I don't know why he was talking to me, you know, like walking amongst the people that day, or, you know, just making small talk. And so I'm trying to hold my own talking to him a little bit nervous. It's a little you're probably still feeling a little bit down from totally down. And in that moment, over walks my squadron commander, a wonderful man by the name of Dan Debree. His call sign was, trash. Get it? Trash, debris. Trash. Walks over, super excited, very supportive of my application. And he's like, Hey, General, did you know Nicole's applying to be a Thunderbird now? Man, I mean, you could have slowed down time. I was like, ixnay on the underbird Fae like, this is terrible. Neither of these guys knew that I had removed my application. And Dan's standing there all proud. He's my squadron commander supporting me. A great man again. And Mark Matthews looks down at me, general Matthews, and he goes, that's great. How's your application going? And I'm like, I looked at him, and here's what happened. I said, you know, sir, it's hard to be thunder, but I probably won't get picked. They haven't had a woman, so I don't want to waste anybody's time.   Naviere Walkewicz  23:11 Oh, you said, I said it.   Nicole Malachowski  23:13 I said all of it. And this is kind of an embarrassing story to tell, but I'm just this is the truth, right? This is the vulnerable truth of how this happened. And and he looked down at me, and I will never forget this. And I hope folks listening who have big dreams and gnarly goals remember this. He looked down at me and he said, Nicole, actually. He said, Fifi. My call sign, Fifi. Nobody wants to lead a scripted life. And he walked away and left me in extraordinarily uncomfortable silence. And those words nobody wants to lead a scripted life have become my life's mantra. Every time I get the knot in my stomach that says that dreams too big or that idea is too innovative, don't rock the boat, I remember what he said, because those words, like they lifted the weight of the world off my shoulders, told me it was okay to dream big. It was okay to buck the status quo. It was okay to be different. He was telling me, it's okay to risk failure in pursuit of personal professional growth, and it's not so much. I think he's telling you and me to write ourselves into the script. What he was saying was, don't ever write yourself out of the script. And as leaders and teammates, don't you ever write anybody else or their wild ideas out of the script, either. And so nobody wants to lead a scripted life. And I, I hope what you're hearing in these stories, and maybe what I'm realizing just chatting with you, is these little turning points, these pivot moments where these really important people, the mark Matthews, you know, the Mikey whiteheads, the Mick Jaggers, the Sue Rosses, the Kim Jamesons, they all come at that right moment. You got to be open to that you know, and and how important your actions and your words are to making or breaking somebody else's journals.   Naviere Walkewicz  24:48 Yes, yeah, so you took that application back.   Nicole Malachowski 24:52 Sure did. Sure did. I did not get the number one stratification from the colonel, but I did from the general. And. So that worked out for me. When I really started thinking about, I think I was putting myself back in the kid in high school with her brown bag lunch out on the football field watching the Thunderbirds fly over that can tend to see that those six jets smoked behind in red, white and blue, screaming over your high school. You know, you wanted to be a fighter pilot. Since you're a kid, I'm staring up at them, thinking, there's people up there. You know, I want to be one of those people. This idea that there would be a little kid watching me as a Thunderbird pilot, and maybe someday go, maybe I could fulfill whatever my dream is. Maybe I could join the Air Force too, a little girl going, maybe I could be a fighter pilot someday. And I think the gravity and the weight of the mission of the Thunderbirds started to really impact me, because it had indeed impacted me as a kid, and the idea that I could be a part of that. And I think the other thing was, and maybe this sounds cheesy or trite, but it's not, you know, sitting at Al UD, drinking my one beer at three in the morning after I land from my night combat mission, sitting with all these great Americans from all over the country, from every different background, and thinking, I could go tell their story, and that's what Thunderbirds get to do. You get to represent the world's greatest Air Force and tell the stories of these airmen who are out there getting the job done, those tech piece those crew chiefs, you know, the folks that are working at the tower, the folks in the food hall, our medical professionals, the cyber the whole thing, right? And all of a sudden it got really exciting to me, like I could go out there with this team, with this mission, and we could represent our friends with the honor and the dignity and the respect that they deserve. And I think those two things kind of collided together, and I started getting really excited about excited about this Thunderbird thing. Ended up back at Lake and Heath painfully excruciating waiting for the vinyls. And when we got back from Iraq, they give you the kind of three weeks of downtime. My husband was a gracious man and took me on a Cruise of the Baltic Sea. We're sitting in our cabin in Oslo Norway, and the phone in the cabin rings. The phone in your cabin, phone in my cabin rings. It's about 10 o'clock at night, but full sun outside, because it's summertime in Norway. And immediately we looked at each other, and both of our heart we've talked about this, both our hearts sank, because why does a phone call come to military people on vacation? It's not never it's never good. Yeah, and I was a flight commander at the time. So was he we immediately thought something disastrous had happened, an aircraft accident, a death, you know, a car accident. And we let it ring another time, and he's like, You need to pick it up. And I picked it up. And I said, Hello. And they go, is this Captain malikowski? I said, Yes. And they go standby for the commander of Air Combat Command. Oh my gosh. And I looked at my husband, and I was like, What is going on? Well, I knew this was the consolation call. There was, I think, I think there was five or six of us who had made it to finals. Three people were getting good position. The other were not. And it is tradition that the commander of Air Combat Command calls all six, coach is very gracious and professionally courteous. And so I thought this was my consolation call. So I'm waiting, and it feels like an eternity, and all of a sudden I hear Stevie there, and I said, Yes. He goes, Ron keys which was General. Ron Keyes, Commander, Air Combat Command. I'm a young captain. I'm like, you've got to be kidding me. And I go, sir, how are you? He goes. We have a pretty amazing Air Force that we can find you in the middle of the Oslo Norway fjord, don't we? I said, Yes, sir, we do. He goes. Well, I know you're on vacation, so I want to keep it simple. I want to offer you a job. And I said, Yes, sir. He goes. How would you like to be Thunderbird number three? And I said, I stayed as professional as I could in my voice, but I was looking at my husband gesticulating, jumping up and down like you're not gonna believe I said, Sir, I would absolutely love that. He goes, Okay, great. You're the next Thunderbird number three. Look forward to watching you fly and get back to your vacation. And he hung up the phone. You know, the Thunderbirds are, at that time, 125 people from 25 different career fields who came together to make that mission happen. Wow, never been in a squadron with that many high performing, highly motivated people in my life. I am still dear friends with my crew chief, still friends with people on the team. It is such a crucible experience. It's a one off, you know. Well, fast forward. Finish up the Thunderbirds. I get a phone call. He goes, it's Viking blurling. I'm like, How the heck did this guy that I met once get my phone he goes, Hey, when I was an Air Force officer, a young fighter pilot, I did acse as a White House fellow, and I think you should be a White House fellow. I said, Well, what's the White House Fellowship? So he explains it to me, and I'm like, there is no way I will get picked as one of 12 to 15 people across the United States, across all career fields, including civilians, to be a White House fellow. Colin Powell was a White House fellow. I am not a White House fellow. This is ridiculous. So I entertained his conversation. He says, I want you to think about I'm gonna call you back tomorrow, same time. Boom. Phone rings. Viking borling, you're applying to be a White House fellow, no, sir. I'm not. Third day ping. Phone calls. You're applying to be a White House fellow. Anyways, I applied to be a White House fellow. Went through that whole process, semi finals, regional panel interviews, and then the finals, and was selected to be a White House fellow. I got assigned outside of the White House to the US, General Services, Administration, yes, like, it was exciting. And I was like, this is where the nuts and bolts happen? Well, the GSA also runs what's called the office of the president elect. Between election and inauguration, the incoming president and their team needs to have a place to get ready, like our current incoming administration is doing. It's a physical office building where they make decisions about cabinet secretaries, or they get their intelligence briefings and all of that. Guess who got put on the presidential transition support team to be up close and personal for the peaceful transition of power between George Bush and Barack Obama? Wow. The extraordinary part about the White House Fellowship was most of the fellows were civilian, and I had been nothing but military since I was 17 years old and showed up at the Air Force Academy. So to be able to look at leadership and teamwork and professionalism from a completely different lens, to see how people from the education field or from healthcare would solve a problem was fascinating. You know, we in the military can look to solve problems a very specific way, and a lot of us are a little bit very specific in how we do it. And so to learn how to look at problems and solve things in different ways was extraordinary.   Naviere Walkewicz  31:23 So your career trajectory is just really incredible. Because you've kind of talked about how you've been put in these places based off of circumstance, but then when you get there, it's all about, how do you make the most of it, seize the opportunity and see what's available.   Nicole Malachowski  31:38 A lot of times, you know, as human beings, we go, Well, I don't have this, or I can't do this right now, or not resource this way, man, find a way. Yeah, ask yourself the right question. What is it I can do right now with what I have?   Naviere Walkewicz  31:49 Well, that makes me feel like that's a really good lead into kind of what circumstantially happened to you, unexpectedly. Yes, so you're medically retired from the Air Force. Do you want to talk about how that happened?   Nicole Malachowski  32:00 And sure, sure, you know, the the greatest honor of my career was serving as the commander of the 3/33 fighter squadron. I enjoyed that, and I remember also during that time being physically fit, mentally fit, spiritually fit. And I remember feeling ill in the summer of 2012 like I had the flu, but within three months, I started having severe neurological problems, so things like word finding, slurring my words, inability to read write, inability to type, dropping things with my right hand, dragging my right leg, getting lost, driving home, and I remember going into a grocery store and having a complete panic attack because I didn't know what a grocery store was or why I was in there so very Alzheimer's dementia like symptoms. So in fact, what was happening was my brain was becoming inflamed with an infection. So over the next four years, my symptoms would wax and wane. They would come and go, they would change in severity. Obviously, I could no longer fly. I was grounded, but they said, Hey, you can stay in the Air Force. You just can't fly. And I said, that's great, because honestly, I just want to lead airmen. Lead airmen and be a part of a team. So, you know, there's a lot of details, you know, to this story, but my symptom list was like 63 symptoms long, covering every system in my body. And so they cast the net wide, and that's where tick borne illness came into it. And at that time, I was in a wheelchair. I couldn't talk. My husband was wheeling me around, and I remember when the doctor said, we come on in. We have the diagnosis. We know what's wrong with her. The doctor says she'll never fly again. And my husband said, Well, how long until she's better? And she goes, Well, treatment is going to take at least two years. And it was in that moment, it wasn't that I wasn't going to fly again, that hurt. But when they said two years, I knew that the military was going to medically retire me, I knew it was over, and I couldn't speak or say anything, and I was just devastated. I remember my goal was to be the commandant of the Air Force Academy. That was my dream. And all that just came crashing, you know, crashing down. And in that moment, so for nine months I couldn't walk, talk, read or write. I spent another year and a half in rehab, and during that time, obviously went through my medical evaluation board, but I was medically retired, I fought to stay in and then I realized my body wasn't gonna let me and once I accepted that it was over, you know, I was able to move forward so radical acceptance was a hard thing to come by. But the day of my retirement, December 29 2017 came, I was home alone because I was bedridden and house bound for two years. Um, was very hurtful. Remains hurtful. How my Air Force career ended. I love the Air Force based on all the stories that I told, but this moment is very painful for me. It still is. And, you know, I thought, well, what are you going to do about it? You know, you can't. Change that you were bit by tick, can't change that you have a brain injury. What are you going to do? Girl, you know, the fighter pilot in you is not going to quit. And that's when I decided, well, I'm going to, you know, I got to do something. And the phone rang, and the phone rang, and it was during this time, a gal by the name of Buff Bucha, retired colonel, had been in a helicopter accident broke her neck in Afghanistan. She said, Hey, how you doing? I said, I'm not good. She goes talk to me, and I remember for two hours just vomiting everything out to this person I didn't really know very well. Well, she was calling from the Air Force Wounded Warrior program, wow, and the Wounded Warrior program swooped in to save me, and I ended up becoming a trained ambassador and a trained mentor, which I still am to this day. I'm able to help other airmen who are being discharged, but I just want to give a shout out to the Air Force wind Warrior Program, psychologically and mental health wise, I don't know that I would have recovered, and that I would have recovered to the place that I am today without them. And so I want for the active duty, listening for people in the reserve and the guard. It is for you, yeah, it is for everyone, and it is literally a life saving program.   Naviere Walkewicz  32:45 Maybe talk about what you've been doing then since.   Nicole Malachowski  36:16 Yeah, I do leadership consulting and professional speaking, but predominantly, that helps pay the bills, and I enjoy it. Predominantly, I do patient advocacy work at the national level, so I'm on several government boards. I'm on several nonprofit panels. We've tripled them, and IH funding through the state and like TicK Act and things like that. I'm currently on a National Academies of Science Committee. Can't talk about that because our report will come out in the spring. I hope everyone will read it. But Lyme disease, I went from being a fighter pilot to being an expert on ticks and Lyme disease. Who knew the path to success is always going to be non linear.   Naviere Walkewicz  36:49 Yes, you also mentioned you have children. You have twins. Do so how is it talk about, like family life in this new kind of in the way that you're working now, right? You're not in uniform anymore. You're still pushing amazing things forward. You're consulting what's it like being a mom?   Naviere Walkewicz  37:06 Man, it's harder, it is harder to raise 14 year old twins than it is to get shot at  in combat, I will tell you that. So you know, the person that's been missing in this whole time we've been talking is the most important person in my life, which is my husband, Paul. So we will be married. We just, yeah, just had our anniversary. 23 years. I met him in my first fighter squadron in the late 90s. He's an F-15E WSO. So we met flying together. And my biggest cheerleader, my biggest supporter, the greatest human being on Earth, is my husband, Paul.   Naviere Walkewicz  37:38 I want to talk about this resurgence, because I feel like that is really important for some of our listeners. When they're, you know, they're thinking about you said you got to know who you are and what's important to you. And how did you get to that clarity?   Nicole Malachowski 37:52 You really need to be able to answer the question, what is it I value and why? And I'm talking about your personal values, the ones that you're going to wake up with every day and go, these are my values. And so I'll tell you what mine are. Mine are courage and compassion and curiosity, and I developed those as I went through this deep thinking and deep reinvention, when I lost my career and compassion, courage and curiosity are what drive me today.   Naviere Walkewicz  38:18 We'll ask for Nicole's thoughts on reinvention, resilience and leadership. But before we do that, I'd like to take a moment and thank all of you for listening to long blue leadership. The podcast publishes on Tuesdays in both video and audio, and is available on all your favorite podcast platforms. Watch or listen to all episodes of Long blue leadership and subscribe at longblue leadership.org so we have had an incredible journey together, and really where we'd like to go. One final thought on leadership, if you might, leave your listeners with something about leadership, and I can say just from being in this short amount of time with you, your your 3 Cs are coming out in spades, your compassion, your curiosity and your courage. So thank you.   Nicole Malachowski  39:01 Thank you. You know leadership is a journey. We're always put into positions that we're supposed to grow into. Don't think you have to be perfect to be a leader. It's okay to admit when you make mistakes, it's okay to ask for help, and it's okay to have failures, as long as you overcome them. And I like to remind folks at all levels of leadership, you know that the runway behind you is always unusable. All you ever have is the runway that's in front of you.   Naviere Walkewicz  39:25 Well said, well said, Thank you so much for being on long blue leadership.   Nicole Malachowski  39:29 Thank you for having me. And here's a shout out to the current cadets that are working hard up on the hill, yeah, wishing them best and hoping they take it one day at a time.   Naviere Walkewicz  39:36 Absolutely. And for our listeners, I mean, I think that it's, it's it's certainly one thing to say, you know, you get to meet these incredible leaders, but my ask of you is to share this with your networks, because it's great if you felt something and you've had an impact in your life, but imagine the magnitude you can have by sharing some of the stories of our leaders like Nicole today with your networks and the change we can make together. So until next time, thanks for being on. Long blue leadership, 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 social media@usafa.org, and listen to past episodes at longblueleadership.org.   KEYWORDS leadership, resilience, resurgence, Air Force Academy, mentorship, aviation, women in military, pilot training, overcoming adversity, personal growth, fighter pilot, mentorship, leadership, Thunderbirds, women in military, self-doubt, White House Fellowship, WASP, Air Force, personal growth, diversity, WASP, Air Force, medical retirement, resilience, leadership, Lyme Disease, tick-borne illness, self-discovery, personal values, reinvention, advocacy         The Long Blue Line Podcast Network is presented by the U.S. Air Force Academy Association and Foundation    

On episode 93, Micah and Brian talk about the Pacific Airshow Huntington Beach that didn't really happen.  Sadly, there was not any listener feedback or questions this episode. However, we did hear from Listener Lu. Listener Lu wants to know if we heard about the brawl on a Ryanair flight. Micah and I ask which one and talk about how some people don't know how to behave on flights.  Micah and Brian then talk about the Pacific Airshow that didn't really happen. However, I was able to talk with the PIO of the USAF Thunderbirds, the Chief Commercial Officer of Clay Lacy Aviation and a member of the Civil Air Patrol. Brian was also able to add in two interviews he conducted at the ground breaking ceremony of the new Clay Lacy Aviation FBO / MRO at the John Wayne Airport in Orange County, CA. He was able to rerecord some questions with Joe Barber and he was able to talk with the current CEO's mom, Sharron, who has an interesting aviation story of her own. The opening and closing music is provided by the Madalitso Youth Choir as they sing their Welcome song and their Good By song, recorded at the lobby of The Royal Livingston Hotel in Zambia. And if you would like to hear them sing live, get in touch with us at Brian@TheJourneyIsTheReward.ORG to learn about the group trip we are planning in late September or October, 2025. We hope you enjoy the show!

In this episode of the Wise_N_Nerdy podcast, Charles, Joe, and Kurt dive deep into childhood nostalgia, dad debates, and nerdy fandoms that keep them going. As always, the show kicks off with the question of the week: “What's your favorite childhood book?” Kurt brings up The Monster at the End of This Book, while Joe reminisces about The Book of Three, and Charles recalls A Wrinkle in Time along with a Star Wars read-along book. It's a trip down memory lane, full of beloved stories that shaped their youth. Next, it's time for the traditional roll of the dice, and the fates lead them to the “Council of Dads,” where a spirited debate unfolds about what makes good barbecue. The conversation is as smoky and flavorful as the perfect brisket! Rolling the dice again, they land on “What Are You Nerding Out About?” Charles shares his excitement over Venom: The Last Dance, while Joe talks up the mind-bending action of the movie Infinite. Kurt brings it home with his love for his latest 3D prints, the newest season of Demon Slayer, and his delightful experience using Too Good To Go for great food deals. In the “Daddy Tell Me a Story” segment, the guys share humorous tales from their youth. Charles recalls a series of questionable choices he made as a teenager in the Civil Air Patrol. Joe shares funny encounters with wildlife during scout camp, and Kurt tells the story of meeting his wife at band camp—a true love story born from shared musical passion. Of course, the episode wouldn't be complete without a series of bad dad jokes, which leave Charles hanging his head in defeat. The dads end with the “How Do I…?” segment, where they share insights on what makes a great leader—a conversation full of wisdom for aspiring leaders out there. Whether you're here for dad debates, nerdy passions, or wholesome stories, this episode has it all. So, come “Find Your FAMdom” and join us for another entertaining hour. Wise_N_Nerdy: Where Fatherhood Meets Fandom. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/wise-n-nerdy/support

Welcome to The Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS!In this two-part series, co-hosts Jack Schonely and Jon Gray sit down with Andrew Nicoletti, a sergeant and pilot from the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office. Get ready for an engaging conversation as we explore Andrew's unique journey into aviation, from his early experiences to his operational responsibilities in a busy county.Andrew discusses the intricacies of the Huntsman mission, particularly the challenges and nuances involved in dignitary details. The episode also highlights the critical importance of precautionary landings and the role of succession planning in law enforcement. Andrew shares how his experiences with the Civil Air Patrol and his education at The Citadel have shaped his career and outlook.As the conversation unfolds, themes of leadership, continuous training, and the challenges faced in aviation for law enforcement emerge. Andrew reflects on his military deployments and current aviation operations in Palm Beach County, emphasizing the necessity of mentorship, relationship building, and the meticulous planning involved in high-stakes scenarios.Whether you're interested in aviation, law enforcement, or leadership development, this episode is packed with valuable insights and lessons that are sure to resonate. Join us as we learn from the experiences and expertise of Andrew Nicoletti!Thank you to our sponsors Airbus, Metro Aviation and Spectrolab.

Welcome to The Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS!In this two-part series, co-hosts Jack Schonely and Jon Gray sit down with Andrew Nicoletti, a sergeant and pilot from the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office. Get ready for an engaging conversation as we explore Andrew's unique journey into aviation, from his early experiences to his operational responsibilities in a busy county. Andrew discusses the intricacies of the Huntsman mission, particularly the challenges and nuances involved in dignitary details. The episode also highlights the critical importance of precautionary landings and the role of succession planning in law enforcement. Andrew shares how his experiences with the Civil Air Patrol and his education at The Citadel have shaped his career and outlook. As the conversation unfolds, themes of leadership, continuous training, and the challenges faced in aviation for law enforcement emerge. Andrew reflects on his military deployments and current aviation operations in Palm Beach County, emphasizing the necessity of mentorship, relationship building, and the meticulous planning involved in high-stakes scenarios. Whether you're interested in aviation, law enforcement, or leadership development, this episode is packed with valuable insights and lessons that are sure to resonate. Join us as we learn from the experiences and expertise of Andrew Nicoletti!Thank you to our sponsors Precision Aviation Group, Technisonic and Wysong Enterprises.

Join Dr. Matt Davis as he talks with retired chaplain Lt. Col. Scott Nupson on this episode of On Mission. Mr. Nupson represents the Associated Gospel Churches Chaplaincy, a tool of the local church to endorse and send chaplains into limited access institutions (all branches of the military, Civil Air Patrol, Veterans Affairs, police, fire, federal prisons) in order to share the good news of Jesus Christ. Besides his career as a chaplain, he has been a pastor, husband of 35 years, and father of four, all whom serve faithfully in their local churches all over the world. Dr. Davis and Mr. Nupson provide context on chaplains in the American military, discussing their history and the spiritual needs of military personnel. They also address the legitimacy of the chaplain's role and Mr. Nupson's deployment experience and lessons learned. You will be encouraged by his faithful testimony of God's grace, and learn how to encourage and support the work of chaplains in our military.

Civil Air Patrol Group Commander Keith Kluzak talks about the squadron’s open house to learn all about what Civil Air Patrol has to offer. The open house will be Tuesday, September 17th, 6-8pm at the Stanton Airport.

 Civil Air Patrol Group Commander Keith Kluzak talks about the squadron's open house to learn all about what Civil Air Patrol has to offer. The open house will be Tuesday, September 17th, 6-8pm at the Stanton Airport. 

Welcome to The Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS!This episode was recorded on location in Nashville from the Nashville Metro Police aviation hangar, as part of The Hangar Z Vertical Valor Blades of Valor Tour. The road tour included visits to some of North America's top public safety aviation units, showcasing heroes who exemplify courage, dedication and selflessness in the line of duty every day. Jack Schoney, Brent Bundy from Vertical Valor Magazine and Jon Gray were invited into the Nashville Metro Police aviation hangar to see first hand the good work they are doing to protect the citizens and visitors of Music City.In this episode, we sit down with Sergeant Nate Dungum from the Nashville Metro Aviation Unit to explore the dynamic world of airborne law enforcement. Nate shares the unit's ongoing transformation and the significant strides they've made in enhancing mission capabilities.We dive into their K9 unit's collaboration with Spike's Canine Fund and discuss how social media plays a crucial role in recruitment and community engagement. Nate also emphasizes the importance of building strong relationships within the department, the power of mentorship, and the value of networking in law enforcement.Nate opens up about his extensive background in both law enforcement and the military, including his deployment to Iraq and his experiences with the Civil Air Patrol. He shares some lighter moments with tales of shenanigans during deployments and the critical role of artillery crews.As the conversation progresses, we explore the impact of new aircraft on their operations and the importance of prioritizing safety, especially in light of recent maintenance issues. Nate wraps up by offering a set of rules for successful unit operations, highlighting the significance of clear goals, humility, and a culture of trust. We also get a sneak peek into the upcoming construction of a new hangar for Nashville Metro Aviation and the vital role of maintaining a positive culture within the unit.This episode is packed with insight, experiences, and actionable advice for anyone involved in aviation or law enforcement.Thank you to our sponsors Anodyne Electronics Manufacturing, Summit Aviation and Robinson Helicopters 

Welcome to The Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical HeliCASTS!This episode was recorded on location in Nashville from the Nashville Metro Police aviation hangar, as part of The Hangar Z Vertical Valor Blades of Valor Tour. The road tour included visits to some of North America's top public safety aviation units, showcasing heroes who exemplify courage, dedication and selflessness in the line of duty every day. Jack Schoney, Brent Bundy from Vertical Valor Magazine and Jon Gray were invited into the Nashville Metro Police aviation hangar to see first hand the good work they are doing to protect the citizens and visitors of Music City.In this episode, we sit down with Sergeant Nate Dungum from the Nashville Metro Aviation Unit to explore the dynamic world of airborne law enforcement. Nate shares the unit's ongoing transformation and the significant strides they've made in enhancing mission capabilities.We dive into their K9 unit's collaboration with Spike's Canine Fund and discuss how social media plays a crucial role in recruitment and community engagement. Nate also emphasizes the importance of building strong relationships within the department, the power of mentorship, and the value of networking in law enforcement.Nate opens up about his extensive background in both law enforcement and the military, including his deployment to Iraq and his experiences with the Civil Air Patrol. He shares some lighter moments with tales of shenanigans during deployments and the critical role of artillery crews.As the conversation progresses, we explore the impact of new aircraft on their operations and the importance of prioritizing safety, especially in light of recent maintenance issues. Nate wraps up by offering a set of rules for successful unit operations, highlighting the significance of clear goals, humility, and a culture of trust. We also get a sneak peek into the upcoming construction of a new hangar for Nashville Metro Aviation and the vital role of maintaining a positive culture within the unit.This episode is packed with insight, experiences, and actionable advice for anyone involved in aviation or law enforcement.Thank you to our sponsors Airbus, Trakka Systems  and Astronautics Corporation of America

A conversation with Sam Eckholm '18 about his unique path and work to inspire the next generation of military leaders through social media and content creation.----more---- SUMMARY In this edition of Long Blue Leadership, host Lt. Col. (Ret.) Naviere Walkewicz '99, is talking with Sam about his journey from the three times he landed on the “footprints” on in-processing day through the challenges he faced as he learned to lead his peers, side-stepping career advice that might have left him in obscurity, his relentless perseverance pursuing his dreams, graduation in 2018, the history he's making now and Sam's continuing support of the Air Force Academy.     SOME OF OUR FAVORITE QUOTES "Putting yourself in other people's shoes is big." "If you have an end goal in mind, it's not going to be easy to get there. If it was easy, everyone would be doing it." "What you see as a finished polished video, the behind the scenes is crazy." "Don't lose sight of that end goal." "Dig deep down and realize what you want. And just relentlessly go after that."   SHARE THIS EPISODE FACEBOOK  |  TWITTER  |   LINKEDIN    CHAPTERS 00:00 - Putting Yourself in Other People's Shoes 21:13 - The Terrazzo Gap: Challenges and Perceptions 23:49 - Finding Passion in Clubs and Sports 27:40 - From Photography to Public Affairs 30:05 - Inspired by the F-22 Demo Team 31:00 - Pursuing a Career in Public Affairs 32:24 - Learning and Growing as a Young Lieutenant 33:22 - Challenges and Rewards of Public Affairs 34:22 - Maintaining Motivation and Finding Balance 35:44 - Leading Others and Finding Personal Outlets 38:41 - Transitioning to Entrepreneurship 41:49 - Impactful Moments and Inspiring Others 46:49 - Overcoming Challenges and Pursuing Dreams 53:31 - Supporting the Academy and Creating Impactful Content 56:19 - Final Thoughts and Message to Listeners   TAKEAWAYS  - Putting yourself in other people's shoes is important for effective leadership  - The Terrazzo Gap between intercollegiate athletes and non-athletes at the Academy is a unique challenge  - Being involved in clubs and sports at the Academy provides valuable experiences and friendships  - Passion for photography and social media can lead to a career in public affairs.  - Don't lose sight of your end goal and relentlessly pursue it.  - Advocate for yourself and trust in your own decisions.  - Creating meaningful impact requires hard work and dedication.  - Inspire others by sharing your journey and experiences.  - The Academy Blueprint program helps level the playing field for aspiring cadets.  - Expand your knowledge and learn from various sources of inspiration.  - Don't be discouraged by challenges and setbacks; they can lead to growth and success.   ABOUT SAM Deep down, Sam Eckholm always knew the Air Force Academy was where he belonged. As the son of an Air Force pilot and Academy graduate, he was brought up on the blue and silver. After graduating high school in Dallas, Texas, he followed in his dad's footsteps, attending the U.S. Air Force Academy as a member of the class of 2018. Following graduation, Sam was selected as a member of the F-22 Raptor Demonstration team, where he traveled the world as a Public Affairs Officer, documenting the 5th generation stealth fighter jet at air shows across the globe. After separating from active duty in 2022, Sam's passion for military service has not changed, but his ability to share that passion with an even larger audience has. His videos have accumulated over 100 million views online, with over 1 million followers across his social media platforms. Attending the Air Force Academy is what started it all, and Sam's goal is to help others achieve their dreams of throwing their hat in the air and graduating from the Academy. The Air Force Academy Blueprint is the culmination of almost two years of pouring his heart and soul into a singular project, and he can't wait to bring it to you. - Image and copy courtesy of Sam Eckholm CONNECT WITH SAM LINKEDIN  |  INSTAGRAM  |  FACEBOOK  |  TWITTER   LINKS WE MENTIONED ACADEMY BLUEPRINT SAM'S YOUTUBE CHANNEL     ABOUT LONG BLUE LEADERSHIP Long Blue Leadership drops every two weeks on Tuesdays and is available on Apple Podcasts, TuneIn + Alexa, Spotify and all your favorite podcast platforms. Search @AirForceGrads on your favorite social channels for Long Blue Leadership news and updates!          SAM'S YOUTUBE CHANNEL     TRANSCRIPT OUR SPEAKERS:   Guest:  Sam Eckholm '18  |  Host:  t. Col. (Ret.) Naviere Walkewicz '99   Sam Eckholm Putting yourself in other people's shoes is big. It's kind of hard to remember that because you're getting information from your leader, right, your boss, they're telling you one thing, it's hard for them to see kind of two layers down how that's going to impact everyone else. So, I mean, I would always just try to put myself in other people's shoes. Okay, if I do this, what's that gonna… how's that going to make this person feel?   Naviere Walkewicz My guest today is Sam Eckholm, USAFA class of 2018 and Air Force captain turned full-time entrepreneur and storyteller, the third in his family's Long Blue Line. Sam is the son of a 1989 graduate and the nephew of a 1993 graduate. All three hail from Cadet Squadron 28, the Blackbirds. We'll talk with Sam about his Dallas roots to the day he stood on the footprints at the Academy. We'll ask him about how he made his way from the wing to the F-22 Raptor demonstration team, then public affairs, out of the Air Force in '23, and now an entrepreneur, content creator and social media influencer. Sam's father and uncle were his main sources of inspiration for becoming a member of the profession of arms. And he has stayed close to the Air Force and the Academy ever since. He leads hopefuls to reach for their dreams and shares his passion for all things Air Force with the world. As we move through the conversation, we'll talk about lessons he's learned in being a leader, and what advice he would give to those aspiring to become leaders and leaders who want to be better. Sam, I'm really looking forward to this conversation. Welcome to Long Blue Leadership and thank you for being here today.   Sam Eckholm Naviere, it's always great to see you. It's always great to be back at the best school in the world.   Naviere Walkewicz Yes, it is. And I mean, I think what's so great about your story, Sam, and what's so unique for our listeners is they feel like they know you because you have such an incredible presence. But today, they're really going to get a chance to understand how you got here. And I think that's what's so fascinating for people.   Sam Eckholm Yeah, that means a lot. It's always fun to sit down and kind of talk a little bit more in depth. You know, with the videos I do, I'm trying to focus on highlights and showing some action and keeping the viewer's attention. But this is just kind of laid back.    Naviere Walkewicz  Let's talk and relive some fun, exciting , you know, stories from the Academy and beyond. Yes, this is about you now. So, you get to be the spotlight and I'm really excited to take everyone on this journey. So, let's roll it back a little bit. We'll start with a journey of Sam as a little boy, you know.  I know you shared you kind of grew up in Dallas after third grade. We had a little bit of a chat, but you did some bouncing around before that. Let's hear about your childhood.   Sam Eckholm Yeah, so my dad, an '89 grad, like you said went off to pilot training ended up flying KC-135s. So I was actually born at McConnell Air Force Base, right, and so Wichita, Kansas. Fun fact: little full-circle moment for me, I'm gonna' be headed out there in two weeks to do a KC-46 video with the unit there and first time I'll have been back since I was born. So that'll be really fun to see. But yeah, growing up I mean, I don't consider myself an Air Force brat because my dad did separate when I was young, but we bounced around every two years but Dyess McConnell, it was fun. Definitely have some early memories of him and his flight suit walking out on the flight line. And that probably sparked the initial interest in wanting to serve. I think I shoved that to a side for a little bit until I was a bit more mature and could realize what that actually meant. Kind of around the second or third grade, he got out, transitioned to the airline world settled on American Airlines, and moved to Dallas, Texas. And that's really where I call my home. That's where I grew up. And as you know, Dallas is a super not just for Academy athletes and future cadets. It's just seems like a hot hub, right, for a lot of people move there. So, I had a great experience. When it came time to applying to the Academy I knew I was going to have to have my ducks in a line because it's competitive. There's a lot of people trying to get in. But looking back I mean, I've been all over the world now at this point, but Texas always feels like home.   Naviere Walkewicz I love that you have your roots. So talk about what you were like as a kid. Were you really active in sports? Where are you — you kind of have the social media side, so, are you really interested in some of the dramatic arts? Like, tell me about what that looked like?   Sam Eckholm Yes, sports were always a big part of my family. My dad was actually a basketball player here at the Air Force Academy. My uncle played on the football team as well. So, they were huge athletes. I was always, growing up, I was playing tennis, basketball, golf with my dad, my brothers. I have two other brothers as well. We're all super competitive. Probably, I think what also helped me just realize the Academy was a great school because you know, what other college do you go into where everyone's so competitive and athletic, and sports are built into the curriculum? So yeah, I mean, I would say that was an important part of growing up. My dad especially instilled a lot of values he learned at the Academy in serving. And it's just so cool looking back now, because I didn't realize at the time what those were, and then you go through four years here, you go through five years active duty, and you're like, “OK,” that's why he was the way that he was. When I was actually here at the Academy, I had this mental checklist of stories, he told me, and I will try to like check them off as I also accomplished them. So, you know, his basic training experience, right? Him jumping off the 10-meter board and water survival; him going through survival training and getting some of that experience and jumping out of an airplane. It's really fun for me to experience those as well because those were the stories I had grown up with back home in Texas.   Naviere Walkewicz Wow. So, a house of three boys. Where were you in the lineup?   Sam Eckholm I was a middle child.   Naviere Walkewicz And so did your other brothers want to go to the Academy as well or that wasn't...   Sam Eckholm So my older brother Ben, he originally was interested. In fact, you know, he's only a year and a half older. So, we were only one grade apart. And I remember he went to one of those service academy, congressional just learn more about it, right. And he went with a couple of his buddies, and I think they turned him off from it, because they came back and said, “Oh, I ain't doing that. We're going to Texas A&M. We're gonna' have fun.” But I remember he came back and had this pamphlet he got from it. And I stole it from his bedroom. And then I started looking at it. And I was like, “OK, if he's not going to do that, I think this is something I want to do.” And we can talk more about that, obviously, but my brother did end up going a different route. He went to Texas A&M, not in the core there, just kind of a normal student. Little brother, he's like seven years younger than me. He was always interested in the academies, but you know, as he grew up, I think he navigated a little bit more towards another route as well. So, to answer your question, I was the only one who ended up going into an academy and serving, but they're still incredibly close to me. And I actually have this hilarious photo of my older brother. He came to visit during Parents Weekend. I was like a junior. And during Parents Weekend here at the Academy, my family would actually like stay at the Academy because all the other kids and their parents would go to Boulder, go to Garden of the Gods or the Broadmoor, whatever. And so, the Academy was completely empty. And so, it was kind of like this country club for my family. So, like, we would go down... And then you got like the golf course to yourself. You got these beautiful greens…   Naviere Walkewicz I could see you've got your stretch view…   Sam Eckholm Right, exactly. So, we would go down to like the athletic facilities and play tennis and just hang out and have fun. Anyway, there's this funny photo of my older brother. I gave him my PT uniform, the ringer tee and the shorts. And he like blended in as a cadet for the weekend. And it was really funny one day because retreat played and he was saluting. I'm like, “Well, they're gonna' think you're a cadet.” So, everyone's super close to me and the Academy, and they loved coming to visit. And I think in an alternate world, they would have all tried to come here too. But yeah, very close with the family.   Naviere Walkewicz That is outstanding. We love, hearing about the dynamics of kind of what your support network was like, what those influences were like in your life. You mentioned something about your dad sharing stories. What were those initial nuggets? I know you talked about the experiences they had, but what was he instilling with you and your brothers at that time when you were in those impressionable years?   Sam Eckholm Well, my dad is just one of the most like regimented individuals I know. He's very, very focused, you know. And now looking back, I think I just attribute so much from the Academy, and especially back in the '80s, you know, the way things were run and like how he did it, but you don't know that when you're a kid, right? Like, I heard the stories of the Academy. And I don't know, I think when I was young, I didn't think they were cool. And then as you get a little older, they are kind of cool, but you don't want to tell him they're cool, kind of like shove that in the back of your head. And then now I'm like, “Wow, that was really, really cool.” So yeah, I remember there was this photo we had in our house. I don't know if it was above our piano are just on some dresser and it was him in pilot training and his flight suit standing next to T-38. And I thought that was the coolest thing growing up. I mean, he looked like Tom Cruise from Top Gun. And so I literally to go to my room, I would walk past that every single day. And that photo is just like, I don't know, it's cemented in my mind of, “Wow, that was so cool.” And, you know, at the time, I did think “Hey, I'm going to be a pilot. I'm going to do this,” and learned obviously down the road there's so many opportunities to serve in the Air Force. But yeah, I mean, it was just such a cool thing to be able to say, “My dad went to the Academy. My dad's a pilot,” you know? Other people's parents, whatever they did, you know, still interesting. But to be able to say that was always so cool. I just wanted to be able to experience that, wanted to be able to do something different from my friends in high school, being able to have my dad actually, which I know a lot of applicants don't have someone who served in the Army. I'm trying to change that with the work I do to make everyone feel like they understand what they're getting into. But that was huge for me. And it was fun. I still remember I would text him through every milestone we had at the Academy, whether it was Recognition or Ring Dance or commitment. And he would kind of share where he was back then or a photo he had. And yeah, it was cool.   Naviere Walkewicz That's really beautiful. And, and it makes me think about how we capture now, and I think this might have been, this was happening during your class as well, but we had WebGuy, the WebGuy team actually capturing moments. And so, it's probably neat that he actually sees some of those while you're texting him. And those you know, those listening, the texting ability is not something we had back in the day when I was there. We just had the red phone booth to try to get your like five minutes to call.   Sam Eckholm I can't imagine that.   Naviere Walkewicz Yeah, it's wonderful. I think we preserve so much of the experience for our cadets.   Sam Eckholm Yeah, there's still a bit now where the family almost gets to feel a little bit of that assurance with us. Why are they still writing like letters home?  Pen to paper. Yeah, and you know, stamp. And yeah, WebGuy, I think was my mom's like, saving grace during basic as many moms out there. Yeah, shout out, Mom. I know you liked WebGuy. I always tried to smile when I saw a camera. So, she knew I was I could see how I was doing even though I sometimes was not that I was like, yeah.   Naviere Walkewicz So let's talk about life at the Academy. So, you were direct entry. Were you an intercollegiate recruit or just kind of in and started?   Sam Eckholm No, yeah, I was direct entry. I was very, very fortunate to get the principal nomination from my congressman who did that method out of Dallas. It was an incredibly competitive area. I mean, there were like 60 kids just from my area trying to get in and oh man, I was so stressed going in because I knew how bad I wanted it. I knew I looked great on paper. But the problem was 60 other kids also look really good on paper. So, the interviewer really helped me out there. I was able to talk about family experiences got the principal nomination, so I knew I was going to have my shot. So yeah, direct entry got here. And it's kind of funny because having a dad and uncle who went here, I thought I knew everything right? I had probably watched every single video and read every article, looked at everything on the Academy, I was obsessed. The second I got here, day one or Day Zero as they call it, like the bus ride here.   Naviere Walkewicz Tell me about your experience on the bus.   Sam Eckholm Oh, man, this is a lot different. Well, the bus is, I mean, I knew what was coming. I'd seen every single video, but it hits you different when you're there and they're screaming in your face. The footprints was really rough for me. I've told this story before, because then — I don't know what they do now — but they broke it up by your basic flights and your squadron. So, Cobras is what I was in. And so, all my future flight members were with me and we're on the footprints. And an upperclassman is — [there's a] crazy photo; I can send it to you guys — but just someone screaming at me, right? And I don't know what happened. But I think they lost track of me. So [I'm on the] footprints when the rest of my squadron was sent up the ramp to begin their in-processing, I got sent to the back of the footprints line to kind of do it again.   Naviere Walkewicz Really?   Sam Eckholm Yeah. And so, they did that for a few cadets. So, I got sent to do it again. And the crazy part is I went through that, I got sent a third time. But, and this is like the whole footprint spiel again. The whole “Get on attention.” So, I had like triple the footprints experience and then for the rest of the day because my squadron had already in process, I was so far behind. It was now like, “Are you lost, basic!” Like, I was that guy the whole time in the morning. So, it's just when I finally got there, at the end of the day, like to my squadron, I was already known and had the reputation, like the lost basic. You know it was for next six weeks, which turned into the next year, I was trying to get rid of that reputation that I was the lost basic, but hopefully now I've gotten rid of that.   Naviere Walkewicz All right. We'll leave that one alone. That's a fantastic story. Yeah. Wow. All right. So, let's talk about your life at the Academy. I know where you graduate from Squadron 28, legacy squadron, right? Let's talk about some of your experiences, both from the cadet perspective — athletics, academics, wherever you'd like to take us — but also let's weave in a little bit of some lessons you've learned about yourself during that time in leadership.   Sam Eckholm Yeah, I started out in CES-14 Baby Cobra. I don't know, I think what they're now doing like one and then three years. One and three. Yeah. I always knew that's what I wanted to do. Because like, literally, even when I was growing up, my dad had his A-jacket, and I saw the Blackbirds patch. And that was really cool. But yeah, I mean, my first two years were definitely different from my last two years, I always tell people, the first two years, I was discovering who I was both as a person but as a cadet, right? Like, you come in thinking you're going to do something and have a path and major in this and do this when you graduate. But it was so much information coming at me of here's what you can do, here are all the opportunities. And that's one thing, I'm really proud of myself for that — I didn't feel like I had to follow a certain path. You know, when I came in, I thought I was gonna' fly, I was gonna' be an engineer, I'm gonna' do this. And that's amazing for all the cadets who want to do that and are excited about it. But I knew I was excited about other stuff, too. You know, you mentioned kind of social media photography, that sort of stuff. I had that kind of in the back of my head, I just had to figure out a way how to make that work in the Air Force, right? Because I had no idea when I came in that was something you could kind of do. So the first two years were a lot of discovery, right? I did not, and this was kind of strategically, do any clubs or anything the first two years. I kind of regret that looking back, but I thought I just needed to be in the squadron with my flight. Versus now, I always encourage people at the Academy take advantage of the clubs, take advantage of the extracurricular stuff, because, I mean, you've formed so many friendships there.   Naviere Walkewicz I don't know if you agree, because you did a lot, right? And I definitely agree, I was not a recruited athlete. And so, I think I explored a lot of different lanes. But you know, one of the things that when you were talking, I was thinking about this, because when people see you and hear you now, you just have so much confidence. Did you always have that? Or is there a time when maybe that was not the case as a cadet?   Sam Eckholm Yeah, in high school, you know how it goes, right, you're at the top of the top in high school, especially someone going into the Academy. To go to the Academy., most students are presidents of their classes, or whatever. And so, you go from the top, and then you're dropped very quickly and humbled when you get to the Academy. So, I think I definitely lost a little bit of that. But then I built it back up. And I think that's kind of the goal of the Academy, right? They're trying to build back up leaders; you start as a follower. So, by the time I left, we can get to that, I was a squadron commander of CES-28. And that is, to this day, one of the most rewarding experiences. I learned the most about myself and talk about confidence. Getting up there every morning, talking to over 100 of your peers as their quote-unquote, cadet leader. I mean, that right there to this day, I'm like, if I can do that, and be able to tell other students my age, what they have to be doing, I can do anything.   Naviere Walkewicz Peer leadership is definitely a challenging type of leadership. What did you learn about yourself in that? Can you share a story where you're like, well, am I really cut out for this?   Sam Eckholm Well, it's hard because you have all different types of cadets, all different types of classes. Everyone has their thing that interests them. And let's be real, I mean, you're up here, right? You're not in the real Air Force, yet. You've been appointed this position. And so, some cadets are like, OK, come on. I mean, literally, two weeks ago, he was just, you know, Sam, and now he's like, oh, cadet first class at home squadron commander, cadet lieutenant colonel. So, with the younger classes, it's easier, because the rank structure, they kind of understand, but to your senior class, it's your peers. So, my mentality for that is that I was just going to try to be someone that everyone could relate to, that had everyone's best interest in mind. So, I would take so long for any decision or working with my AOC, just trying to advocate for what everyone wanted. I didn't see myself as higher, better, above anyone. It was just, I'm going to be the spokesperson for everyone. And I'm gonna' work as hard as I can to make sure everyone's happy. And I think there's a lot of lessons you can take from that approach. Of course, not every leadership position, you have the ability to do that. But at the Academy, I don't know, I think that was just a really cool opportunity to kind of explore and find out how that works. And I learned a lot from that. And because I've had opportunities to lead in my Air Force career and beyond, I still pull from those experiences. I'm like, “Well, this would maybe work here.” But yeah, I don't know. Did you have any opportunities to do the leadership stuff, the higher level here? It's so unique, there's nothing else like that.   Naviere Walkewicz No, it really is unique. And I think one of the things that, when our listeners are always looking for are those little nuggets. So you learn so much, you know. What is one takeaway from a pure leadership perspective that you could say, “I've leaned back into multiple times?” What would that be? Putting yourself in other people's shoes is big.   Sam Eckholm It's kind of hard to remember that because you're getting information in from your leader, usually from your leader, right, your boss, they're telling you one thing, it's hard for them to see two layers down how that's going to impact everyone else. So I would always just try to put myself in other people's shoes. “OK, if I do this,  how's that going to make this person feel?” But the other thing is you can never make everyone happy. And I had to come to grips with that. And that's hard for me because I'm the type of person — it like messes me up if I know someone's mad at me or upset or doesn't think I'm doing the right thing. But you learn real quickly, you grow up really quickly and realize that if 90% is good, I mean, that might even be because that might be the best 99 whatever number you want. 15 a year and I'm like, well, this is working. You can't make everyone happy. And I still struggle with that, because you want everyone to be happy, especially with what I'm doing now on social media, when there's millions of people watching what I'm doing, and you look at comments, and you're kinda' like, “Man, I tried so hard on this, and I could have done it differently.” But then if you change it for one person, and someone else isn't gonna' be happy… so thick skin, that's the biggest thing I had to realize I wouldn't be where I am today if I let that bother me. And I remind myself that that's better to be where I am today and have thick skin then be hiding in the corner because I was scared. I couldn't make everyone happy.   Naviere Walkewicz So that is a great lesson. Thank you for sharing that. So, the Academy was great. You had some wonderful leadership experiences. Can you share maybe one of your favorite things about the Academy while you were a cadet?   Sam Eckholm Yeah, well, you asked about clubs. Oh, and I mentioned I didn't do anything really the first two years, which is true. That completely changed. When I switched squadrons, I got super involved, still within the squadron, but also within the Academy. I was on the mock trial team. That was so fun. Gave me an opportunity to travel on the weekends. I ended up being a legal studies major because of that and really enjoyed just everything that came from that. You know, I love talking. I don't know if you knew that I love speaking and talking with other people, communicating. And in mock trial and legal studies, our exams were literally us standing at a podium delivering a fake appellate speech or like you're talking to a judge and that was really cool. And then being able to compete and travel by talking and being a lawyer was fun. And then I also had the opportunity to be on the women's basketball practice team, the scout team. So I was a basketball player in high school, not at the level they play at the Academy. But I was like, “Well, how can I continue doing this?” And so someone, one of my classmates, is like, well, the women's team they look for former high school players to come into rugby, the scout team, run their upcoming opponents' defensive and offensive plays against them. And I tried out for that and made it and that was such a blast. I never knew we do that. And I had a schedule. I was able to go down there — we got the merch, the swag bag. It was fun. So, I tell everyone I was on the women's basketball team. Some kind of laugh, but it was the most amazing opportunity I had. And there's so many things like that at the Academy. By the time I was a firstie — people ask if I had any experience with photography, video, social media while here. One answer I say is “I started the CS 28 Blackbirds Instagram account,” which is still running strong, right? But then I actually worked with my then-physics instructor to start a photography class for the Academy. So as part of the Fine Arts Department, is the first time it was ran. And it was an elective I was able to sign up for when I was a first-year. And yeah, I mean, we literally had like 30 cadets take this course and raised enough money that we were able to get everyone a camera. Our professor, Col. Maddox at the time, she's still in, but she was amazing. She taught us and instructed us because she had her own business doing wedding photography and stuff like that. And that was so cool. I remember going to class, it felt like I was at a normal school. I was taking a photography class. And so that was when I was graduating going into public affairs, as my career, realized that I'm going to keep this up. And it was just cool to be able to do something like that, that you don't think the Academy has. We've got some cool classes that you might not expect.   Naviere Walkewicz No, that's wonderful. And I think our listeners are really excited to hear that too. And before we go on to your career in the Air Force and that transition, I wanted to go back to a little bit about the intercollegiate experience because I think you have a really unique perspective, right? You are not a recruited athlete, but you experienced really diving into the Academy from that aspect. And then you got to have the schedule and understand the rigors of what our intercollegiate athletes experience and you will hear this term: “Teezo Gap.” What's your perspective on that? You know, for people that are just listening, I think that's a fascinating topic that we haven't really explored.   Sam Eckholm Yeah, was a cadet for the first two years not being an intercollegiate athlete, the Teezo Gap, as you mentioned, it's a completely different perspective. And I'll be honest, sometimes you buy into it, you're like, I mean, these athletes are having an easier — they get to go do this and travel and wear civilian clothes as freshmen with their team, you know, miss all the mandatory squadron events and the training sessions and so I'll be honest, you do have some of that perception. Now flashing forward, that completely changed when I got a taste of it. And this was a small taste of it. I mean, I was a scout team player. And it wasn't every day, I had to go down half the week because we had two different teams that did it. But even then, I can't imagine what they have to go through. Because you go down there, your schedule is modified to where you don't have afternoon classes. So, after lunch, you're kind of going down there. And then it is practice meetings, dinner, sometimes meetings again, and then homework, and then rinse and repeat. And at the same time, sure, maybe they're missing some squadron stuff, but you know what, they're not missing anything academically, that's the same. So I have so much appreciation for all of the intercollegiate athletes at the Academy and experiencing that gave me more of an appreciation. And I just, again, it's something you can't fully appreciate until you have done it yourself. But for those students that can be so successful on the field and then still graduate from this. I mean, I know I couldn't do it. I couldn't do it. So, to answer your question, it is something that I think people who aren't aware, or who are listening and you know, might have that perception that it exists. I think we need to work to change that a little bit. Because these people are incredible.   Naviere Walkewicz And again, it's just I mean, you can probably share more. So, you went through that. Like, it's fascinating. I really appreciate you sharing that. Yeah. I think that's a wonderful thing for people to hear. You know, some of the perceptions versus realities. So, let's talk about when you were in the military. So, you graduated the Academy, what AFSC did you get? Yeah, so public affairs?   Sam Eckholm Yes. 35P1. When I was a firstie, I kind of knew I was going to not do the pilot thing. Multiple reasons. People asked me why. Couple: I wasn't even fully medically qualified at the time. I had some color vision stuff. Probably could have gotten a waiver for that eventually. But you know, there was a long process. So that's where I first started to think, “Hey, maybe there's something else I can do, too. I just loved being on the ground talking to people, there was more I wanted to do than just fly. And so, I was trying to find a career field that allowed me to still be around aircraft, still be bebop and buzzing around and doing my thing but also having an impact. So, after my sophomore year, when we went on ops Air Force, I went to Travis Air Force Base and part of that trip, I got to shadow the public affairs career field. And while I was there, I still remember the feeling of like walking through the doors at the PA building, which was right by the wing staff,. They had like a full suite of Apple MacBook computers, airmen on Lightroom and Photoshop and editing videos. The San Francisco 49ers were in town to do a base visit and PA was out there escorting them. I got to interview the commander who was about to PCS and write a story on him. This was all in the span of like three days. And I was like, “What other career field is there where you can do all of this?” It's like kind of a jack-of-all-trades job. And so that visit, I was like, “Wow, this is really, really cool. I want to do this!” Now the next part was like, “Well, how do I do this?” So, I came to find out there was only five slots. Since I've graduated, I've heard some years they have had no slots, some years a couple slots. So, I don't really know how it works anymore. But I would go up to Harmon Hall, literally every day the first semester of my first year, second of my two-degree year, and I would just talk with, then at the time Lt. Col. Allen Herritage, who is the PA director. Now it'd be like, “Sir, how can I learn more about this job?” I was like, “How can you help me? How can you help me get this?” It's all about connections. And regardless of whether or not that actually did help, I know two things are true. I went up there every day and I talked. And then I also got public affairs. So, I just, I worked really hard, though. I mean, I worked so hard in school, and I had a good class ranking. And that definitely helped me and just networking as much as I could to let a FPC know that this is something that I want. So yeah, I dropped public affairs. I was so excited. I remember our squadron put on this awesome AFSC drop release with Nerf guns and blindfold maze stuff. And when I saw that, I was like, “This is gonna' be fun five years, or longer.” Yeah, I didn't know looking back. I mean, you know, we can get into that too. But it's a career field that is fun for life and I'm so glad I got it.   Naviere Walkewicz Wonderful. So let's talk about that. And let's talk about that career field and some of your experiences both from the experience perspective, but maybe where there was some leadership lessons you took as a public affairs officer.   Sam Eckholm Yeah, well, I was kind of thrust right into it. So, I got stationed at Langley Air Force Base. I was, I think the only one from my class, maybe one other who even got sent there. So, it's not like pilot training or a lot. You know, if you got your buddies, it's kind of like a little reunion and you run it back for the next couple years. I was off on my own, so to learn quickly what life was like, to be just Sam as an officer, as a lieutenant, it's like the first week when I was out there we were doing unit PT with my PA shop, running around the base track, which those who have been to Langley, it's a beautiful ride on the coast on the running ground. It's amazing running the flightline. And out of nowhere an F-22 took off just full-burner. But it wasn't a normal takeoff. It started doing maneuvers and rolls and just putting on this spectacle of a show. I mean, my ears were like, “Oh my gosh,” and I turned to my boss at the time. I was like, “What is going on right now?” She's like, “Oh, Sam, that's the F-22 demo team. They travel the air shows around the world just like the Thunderbirds, and they put on shows and help recruit and they actually take one PA person from our office to travel with them each year.” It was at that second I knew that's what I want to do. That right there, is what I want to do. And flash forward a few months, the opening came up. I was completely inexperienced at the time, but I pitched myself and sold myself and the commander at the time, Lt. Col. “Loco” Lopez, who's now out in Hawaii, is the squadron commander for the F-22 unit. And he's been a big inspiration to me. I interviewed with him and I was showing him a YouTube channel. “Look, I can edit, see, like, I can take photos, look at my Instagram.” And he hired me in for the next two years. And every year I was like, “What is real life?” I mean, we were at shows all over the world. I went to Dubai, Singapore, Chile, Hawaii, I mean, Alaska, pretty much every base here in the U.S. got to meet my classmates who were stationed there, got to run all the social media, do all the videos for the team, the coolest jet in the world. It's the F-22 — blew up their social media, just made it my goal to do what I called “no life.” Literally, for two years it's all I did was live, breathe F-22 demo team, and just really wanted to give it my all. And that was so fun. Now to go back to the leadership side of things: Imagine being a butter bar, a second lieutenant now thrust on a team, which has national-media-level attention. I remember I was at a show in Chicago andI just got called in to do an interview because our pilot wasn't available. And I'm literally in front of thousands and thousands of people having to just talk about the Air Force mission and these high-level questions that I was like,”Oh my gosh,” so back to your question of being confident. Like, that's probably where it came from. I just had to learn and had to fake it ‘till I made it. But what a fun experience for a young lieutenant and just something I'll never forget.   Naviere Walkewicz Wow. Well, I think something I took from what you said as well as you identify very quickly, when there's something that you really want to do and you make a path to get there. And I think in your relentless pursuit, in a way that is really convincing. And I think that's a lesson right? You have to put in the work, you obviously can't just only be talk, you have to be able to show like, you can put some cred behind it. And I think that's a lesson where you're able to share with folks, “Hey, if you're really interested in something, go all in for it.” And to your point, “and then live it.” Yeah, do that. soak it all in. So I think that's really inspirational. Were there any tough times you had as a public affairs officer?   Sam Eckholm Tons. PA, it's not always the good side of things, too, right? We really exist for the most part for the crisis communication, right? When something bad happens, to communicate that as well. And so, it doesn't matter if it's the highs or the lows, you still gotta' get out there and talk to people and make things happen. So, luckily, when I was on the team, you know, we didn't have anything catastrophic, any mishaps like that, but I know people who have right I mean, [I've] had mentors, PA world or former Thunderbird PAs when they've had crashes and there's a lot that goes on there. So, we always have to be prepared for that. And even though I didn't have to necessarily be thrust in that environment, that's still on your mind, you just have to be prepared. Now, the other thing was just tough with being in this lifestyle for two years is that when you're constantly gone, so we are TDY I mean, like, literally 300 days a year. And so, it's hard to continue to have the same motivation every single day when it's just the same show, monotonous, like doing everything day in and day out. And I think that's a lesson anyone can learn in the Air Force or beyond, you know, because a lot of the times it, it is repetitive. So, I would always look for ways to make it not repetitive. And for me if we're going to a different show, as a photographer, videographer making content, I would always try to do something different. I would always try to focus in on a different element of the story. So instead of just focusing on the pilot in the jet every time, I would tell behind-the-scenes stories of our maintainers, of our aircrew flight equipment specialists, of the fans who came and traveled across the country to watch and, doing tours with them and I would arrange a ton of school visits and talk to Civil Air Patrol units in JROTC and really just focus on the community relations and the recruiting side of things. And there's a lot I had to work with and that was really fun for me to mix and match and that was the way I just stayed motivated and still had fun with it. And even to this day, I'm always trying to one-up the last thing I did and branch out and evolve and just make everything interesting. And I think the viewers kind of understand that and appreciate it. And that's always my goal is for no one to ever click on a video of mine or see what I'm doing and be like, “Oh, that's kind of the same thing.” I want it to always be exciting.   Naviere Walkewicz I can absolutely appreciate that. And it seems like that kind of pace is, I mean, how do you maintain that? So maybe my question would be for you, Sam, what is your outlet? Because if you live, breathe as a leader, right, if you you expect a lot from your people, and you always want the best and you want something new, how do you maintain that level of give? And so, what's your outlet?   Sam Eckholm Yeah, well, kind of the first part of what you asked, I also had to realize that just because I'm this way doesn't mean everyone's this way, right? So, if you're a leader, and you are 100% committed and want it to be your entire life, that doesn't mean everyone's going to be that way. And I had to realize that because at times that can be frustrating, if you're leading a team and you're gung-ho about it, but like, OK, maybe they aren't, well, that's OK, you know, you need to, again, put yourself in their shoes and see what motivates them. And I learned that lesson as well, even back to when I was a squadron commander, I'd pitch an idea and I was so excited. And I can tell him that everyone's [not] gonna' be as excited as you, Sam. But yeah, my outlet, I mean, a lot of different stuff at the time, you know, I was just so excited about doing what I was doing. So as weird as it sounds, my outlet was my work. And that's something not everyone understands. But I actually felt depressed if I wasn't continuing to work, because I knew there was a time limit on how long I would have this opportunity. So, I was like, “Well, I'm going to keep working hard now.” And as I've moved on, I have found a healthy balance between work and other things. So, you know, friendships are incredibly important, especially other people in the space with what I'm doing, being able to talk with them and how they are handling stress levels. Because not everyone can relate especially to what I was doing and am doing. So other people in the space, in the industry, we're all dealing with the same things. So that's something I tell people all the time is, “Other people who are in your world — those are some awesome friendships you can have, because they understand what you're going through. Not everyone does.” That's a classic example of when people talk about the Academy, you go home on a winter break, none of your friends understand what you're going through. It's really, really hard, you know? Who does? Your classmates at the Academy. You go through that with them. And so that has been a huge thing for me: other people who have gone through what I have, like, we're in it together. And those are some times when I really feel like I can sit back, relax, and the stress is taken off.   Naviere Walkewicz Now that's really helpful. And I think I did chuckle in my head a little bit when you said, you know, “Actually, my outlet is my work.” But I think when you're doing your thing that you're wired to do and your passion, that makes sense.   Sam Eckholm Yeah, it's both fulfilling and exhausting. I mean, I love to travel to like, I do normal things as well. But in some way, even then I battled the whole, like, well, what can I be doing, especially when you're a full-time, have your own company entrepreneur. That was a huge adjustment for me. Because it's not like you have a salary job where there is some end at some point to kind of go home. It's like, well, you could always be doing more, right? You could always be working. And I've had to struggle with that sometimes, because it's like, I could keep working, keep working. So that's something I've learned and doing better at still to this day. But yeah, it's interesting.   Naviere Walkewicz So, let's talk about that transition. You know, you knew there was a time period on that F-22 demo team, and the PA role. But when did, you know, “I think I'm going to be moving out of this into my own kind of work.”   Sam Eckholm Yeah, so once I finished the F-22 team, I had to move on with my career. They don't let you do something in the Air Force forever, totally understood that. But I wasn't done personally inspiring, making content. I had developed kind of a following along the way of people who were just interested in what I was doing. So, I would kind of take my free time. I always made it my goal — I was like, I'm going to stay focused on the PA job. I never want anyone to be able to look at lieutenant at home and be like, “He's not locked in on this PA job. He's not focused. He's interested in these other things.” So, I would make that my goal. But my free time, my leave, my time on the weekends, instead of normal hobbies people do, I would make videos. That was my thing. And so, my next assignment, I went to Scott Air Force Base, I was 375 Air Mobility Wing, and that was a demanding and fun job. And I kind of still had this thing going on the side. It got up to the point where it's at the end of my Academy commitment, and I had a tough decision to make, right? I loved being in the Air Force. I was a captain at the time. I was excited. But as you rank up, you get more responsibilities, understandably, and I knew that I did not want to let that lack if I was going to stay in the Air Force. I did not want my airmen — I did not want people to think I was distracted doing something else. But I loved this other thing as well. So really, what I had to decide is, “Where am I having the biggest impact in the Air Force?” And as weird as it sounds, right, because you think of serving — most of the time people think like, in uniform active duty. Well, I think of service in many different ways, right. And I actually felt, and I know this is true, that I could serve the Air Force, the military, our country, better on the outside, continuing to inspire people by doing these videos, making this content, showing people what life was like, inspiring all these kids on the outside, being able to go at that with 100% of my time. And luckily, that wasn't just a personal decision I made. I was having conversation with like, the highest levels of leaders in Air Force recruiting and public affairs explaining this as well. And that's just what I decided I wanted to do. And it was scary. It's very scary going from a job, one that I had worked since I was a freshman in high school to get to in the Air Force, to now kind of giving that up to do this other thing. But we're really helping the viewers, it wasn't giving it up to me, it was just doing it in a different way. I would say I'm still connected now more than I was even when I'm in with what I'm doing. I'm not in uniform, you know, I don't have my CAT card anymore. But I am serving more than I ever thought I would be around the units traveling to bases every single week filming what I'm doing. So that's kind of what helped me make that decision. And it was the right decision. And to this day, the comments I see from kids, the people I've been able to help and resonate with, it's crazy. And it's something that probably wouldn't have been able to happen if I stayed in just with the amount of you know, stuff I would have had to do on the normal job side. Right?   Naviere Walkewicz Wow. So, you talked about impact. And that was really important to you. What's one of years or maybe a couple of your most favorite, impactful moments that you've had since moving into the entrepreneurial side of things?   Sam Eckholm Yeah, I mean, it's hard sometimes when you're like a video creator, because what you see is numbers on a screen, right? You see views, you see comments, which can be really inspiring too. But sometimes, you know, you miss the in-person interactions because you're traveling and it's the videos people see. But I always, even to this day, a couple times a year, I do like in-person events, I just went out to an airshow and was in San Antonio and I did a couple of these previous years. And it's a different feeling when you're out there. And there's tens, dozens of people, who are like literally waiting in line just to say hi, to take a photo to tell me that like, hey, these videos are the reason they want to join or have joined or have inspired them. It's crazy. And that to me keeps me going. And that was so, so impactful. And you know, I have a folder on my computer. On my phone I have like screenshots of all the messages I've gotten, because when I'm having a hard day or when I'm like, “Man, this is tough,” I can look back at those and be like, “Well, this is why it's all worth it. And this is why I do the things that I do.” And yeah, it's cool being a creator who's not just in it for themselves. And I try to tell people that really what I'm doing is to inspire other people. It's tough. It probably looks really cool when you see all the things I'm doing. And that is fun. But it is a lot. But I know the impact that's possible. I remember when I was a freshman in high school looking for content online, and there wasn't too much of it. And I wanted to change that. And I know Naviere, we've worked so much together and you've seen the stuff I've done and you know how much it means to me. So just being able to see and hear from people, it means everything.   Naviere Walkewicz Yeah, so what's your, is there a story, a video that you've done that just, it just kind of sits right into your heart like this one is just so special? I mean, we probably have so many, but is there one that you just feel has really resonated with, you know, youth or just that level of impact? Is there one you can speak to?   Sam Eckholm Yeah, well, I'll give, I'll give kind of two. So, one that is incredibly special to me in a personal way. I actually got to go back and do a video on the KC-135 and I brought my dad out there for that. Yeah, that was something I always wanted to do. And he's great. I was a little nervous. I was like, “How is he going to be on camera?” But he knocked it out of the park to the point where some comments were like, “He needs to come to every video like that. You need to take over the channel at this point. Everyone loves you so much.” But it was so fun. I mean, he studied for weeks on the facts of the aircraft. He was an instructor for the instructors at the schoolhouse. It took him a few minutes, but literally after half an hour, he knew his way around that aircraft so well and was teaching the current pilots out there some things that they didn't know. Anyway, so I look back — that video is like a full-circle moment for me. And that resonated with a lot of people too, who just enjoyed seeing my inspiration and have some people who look at me as their inspiration. Like it's just really, really cool to see outside of that. I mean, I would say a really personal project of mine was when I actually got to come out here to the Academy and do a complete tour of the grounds and the campus and facilities. With the audience I've been able to build, a lot of people know me as an Academy grad. And so they reached out asking me questions about the Air Force Academy. “What it's like to apply?” How they can get in. And it's hard to answer all of those questions because that's all I'd be doing if I did it. So, I was like, “Well, what's a way I can put this message out to everyone?” And so, you know, I worked with your team, worked with the Academy team, and we came out here for a week and filmed what I think is the most beautiful school ever. And I just wanted to show that and that video to this day is, I don't know, 1.2-something million views. And you go scroll through those comments, the amount of people who didn't know it exists — which probably sounds crazy to us, right? — that now know and can see all of these cool things you would have access to and can do if you're cadet, I mean, I think that video is going to have returns and just inspire people for years to come. That was such a big project I wanted to do to get back to my school and to show other people, “This school did this for me. You guys need to understand what it can do for you, too.” So, I'm really proud of that one. I have a lot of people reaching out to me about that still to this day. Every single week, you know, “Hey, Sam, I want to go here. I watched this video. How can I do it?” And I'm like, “Alright, well, let's talk. Here's what you need to start doing. You need to do this.”   Naviere Walkewicz I love that. So, it's really unique, your journey, right? Because you have been a leader of peers, of people, of airmen, etc. You've also been, I think, a leader of yourself, and you know, in part of how you navigate that. One of the ways I think our listeners really feel connected with our guests is, you know, life is pretty imperfect. What are some challenges you've experienced along the way in your life, just in your professional and personal life, that you have has felt as evolved you as an influencer as a leader, as someone who inspires you to share any with a group that makes them feel like, okay, Sam, I'm in? You know, I'm kind of like, Sam, you know, in some way, what would that be?   Sam Eckholm Yeah, I mean, like I said, it's one of the things I sometimes struggle with when you have an online presence is you kind of gravitate towards only showing the highlights. And that's just how the business works, right? I mean, I don't want to be putting out negative content all day. But then, you know, you're right. I mean, some people kind of see like, “Oh, everything seems to be going well.” I mean, that's not the case. Absolutely not, especially with what I was doing. There's a reason it's very hard to get into this space, especially being in the Air Force. I made some decisions that some might have said would hurt my career, right? Even going back to the demo team, that was a job that typically you don't do as a lieutenant, right. And I was told, “Hey, this might hurt your career going forward.” But I also knew that this was something I wanted to do. And I had goals in mind. And I was young and I just hated the idea that a decision I made when I was 23 years old would ruin my career. I was like, “There's no way that can be true. I'm so young, I've got so much opportunity.” And so, I'm glad I kind of listened to myself. And that was a big decision. But even along the way, making videos while being in the Air Force, I was writing the rules, because there weren't regulations for what you can and can't do. And I was having a lot of tough conversations with people. I'm like, “I'm trying to do the right thing here. You guys gotta help me, I see a lot of potential in this.” So that kind of lesson can be applied to, I think, anyone. A lot of people, I feel, want to do certain things or have dreams and goals. And neither one get talked out of it. To talk themselves out of it. Three, you just look at the negatives, and it gets in your head. And it makes it hard for people to kind of pull the trigger and do it. And I completely understand that. “Comfortable rut” — I kind of use that phrase — you get comfortable in thing and it's hard to break away from that. And so, I don't know, for me, that's the biggest advice I give people: If you have an end goal in mind, it's not going to be easy to get there. If it was easy, everyone would be doing it, right? I mean, especially being an entrepreneur. It's hard, it's a gamble, it's a risk. And you've got to prepare yourself. I never say, “Hey, just go take this without any plan or backup plan.” And I always had that in place. But you know, I guess I kind of am a risk taker in some world. And I know I have good intentions at heart. And I know what I'm trying to do. And I think that was really important is just having the backup plans, having a good background, having things set in place to where I'm able to do this and — I don't know, coming across as a good person has been huge. So, people hopefully watch my stuff and, like, “Sam's good. He's doing the right thing.”   Naviere Walkewicz So, I don't know, it's hard. If you have any specific advice on that, because you've done so much. But when people look at your stuff, hopefully you can kind of resonate and don't think it's all good all the time. But I think you'll come across as very approachable. I think it's lovely for them to hear in your own words some of the struggles that you have when you're thinking about your content when you're thinking about the delivery of it. They maybe don't get that glimpse, right? They just see the final product. I think it's good for listeners to hear that you've kind of had to advocate for yourself, trust in yourself. And I think you've shown a path of what belief and grit and, going back to your core of, “My intention is to create meaningful impact and do great things for our Air Force and for the future leaders,” right? I think you can always hang your hat on that with pride.   Sam Eckholm Yeah, and I always tell people like what you see as a finished polished video — like, the behind the scenes is crazy. It's like, cameras everywhere, months and months of coordination for the shots and for these approvals. We plan videos — like I'm planning now that you will see six months from now. That's how long it takes. And things change. When I first started out, and it was fun, it was a hobby, it was just what I was doing. And then now when it becomes like, a full-time job, and you have a team now I've got employees who rely on me, like things kind of changed with that. And, you know, definitely the advocating for yourself is something that sometimes hard to do. But it's, it's necessary. And so yeah, it's a lot of lessons I've learned, and I'm still learning. But I'm not going anywhere. I'm gonna' keep going hard.     Naviere Walkewicz So, love that. So, your dad and uncle were inspirations to kind of get you into the profession of arms, the Air Force Academy, who inspires you now? Do you listen to any particular leaders? Are there books you read when you have time? You know, what, what kind of fills your inspiration bucket, Sam?   Sam Eckholm Yeah. You know, it's crazy. It sounds, there's not necessarily like a, like a one specific person who inspires me. And that's just because I try to consume so much different stuff and take the best from all of those. So yeah, I'm constantly learning, right? If I'm not creating content, I'm watching other content for inspiration, listening to a ton of podcasts, like this one here. So yeah, there's so much we can take from different people and different leaders. It is hard a little bit in my case to find someone who's exactly done what I've done. But there's a lot of people who have done other things and kind of made it, like Col. Kim Campbell, I've been listening to her actually, like what she's been doing with her Air Force career and then afterward and like, I've actually never met her.     Naviere Walkewicz You feel like you've met her, right?   Sam Eckholm I actually tried to. Same thing with Michelle Karen-Mace. You know, she's not Academy grad, but she's all over the world. And we did similar things in our careers. And so, she's been awesome to talk to as well, in pretty much any Academy grad. And that's something that I really enjoy. Being a member of the Long Blue Line, we come from the same roots. And everyone's very intelligent and understands things. And I've just been able to have so much support with what I've been doing through the grad network, especially when I go out to different bases and units like grads, like, “Hey, Sam, what's up? I'd love to work with you.” And that's been really cool. So, yeah, I mean, a ton of different inspiration from a lot of different people. And, you know, hopefully, I can eventually be that inspiration for someone else who wants to do something similar to what I'm doing. That's exciting to draw inspiration not just from people, but experiences. And what you see, just you're constantly looking for, yes, kind of pieces.   Naviere Walkewicz That's pretty special. So, you know, let's talk about right now what is, you know, how are you in support of the Academy through what you're doing? Maybe kind of share with our listeners what that looks like.     Sam Eckholm I'm always trying to further the Academy mission with literally every video I produce. I'm always doing something else. So I had the awesome opportunity to partner with Air Force recruiting and we did a six-video series exploring different aircraft, different career fields, — one of my favorite videos we did is actually went down and experienced Air Force Special Tactics officer training for a week in Hurlburt. And I was literally hands and feet behind my back bobbing through the pool like going through selection that normal people train for years for, I had like a week of advance to go out there and do that. So I tried to put myself in uncomfortable situations to show other people what that's like. It was extremely brutal. And I think there's more of that coming down the road as well. As you know, one of the huge goals was to give back to people trying to go to the Academy and honestly level the playing field in my mind with people who maybe don't have graduates or parents who went to the Academy and worked extremely hard work with you guys on the Air Force Academy blueprint program to just have a resource out there where anyone can navigate the Academy application can know what they need to be doing in high school, and to know what to expect once they actually get to the Academy too, and that's been incredibly successful. I mean, we have over 300 atudents enrolled — over two dozen who've been accepted this past class.   Naviere Walkewicz I was going to ask: Have you seen any of those come through?   Sam Eckholm Yeah, we have. Well, this will be the first year. so they haven't entered yet because we launched last August, right? So yeah, I'm excited. There will be a little mafia of Blueprint students here at the Academy as well. And like I said, that was something — you get so man

The conversation today spans a variety of topics, including the mission of the Civil Air Patrol, its educational programs, and the personal experiences of its members. Joining host Janet Michael is Major Jacob Bixler, leader of the Winchester Squadron, who explains that CAP is an all-volunteer auxiliary of the United States Air Force. Bixler sheds light on the three primary missions of CAP: cadet programs, aerospace education, and emergency services. The Winchester Squadron comprises 109 cadets and 46 adult members. Cadet Captain Matthew Simpson and Cadet Senior Master Sergeant Phoenix Riner join the discussion, sharing their personal journeys within CAP. Matthew discusses his initial attraction to flying and how CAP helped him obtain his private pilot's license at a lower cost. He emphasizes the leadership skills and career opportunities that CAP offers. Phoenix talks about how he was introduced to CAP by a family friend and how the organization has enriched his life, providing valuable lessons applicable in various aspects of his daily life. Both cadets mention the profound impact CAP has had on their confidence and personal development. Jacob underscores the importance of cadets leading themselves and the various opportunities for career exploration, including cyber training and emergency services. The conversation also highlights CAP's role in community service and the unique learning experiences it provides to its members. The conversation concludes with a teaser for future discussions on CAP's involvement in Wreaths Across America and other community activities, encouraging listeners to learn more about this impactful organization. Find more details on their website: https://vawg.cap.gov/units/winchester and follow them on Facebook.  

Send us a Text Message.Are you in a profession where being up-to-date on your certifications isn't enough to guarantee success in high-stakes situations? This week, we delve into the often-overlooked difference between currency and true proficiency in training. Inspired by a thought-provoking article from an aviation association, we draw fascinating parallels between the rigorous training standards of aviation and the essential skills needed for everyday life. Greg shares compelling personal anecdotes, including his time with the Civil Air Patrol and his family's aviation background, illustrating how early exposure to these concepts can shape one's career and interests.We examine how society frequently confuses being current with being truly proficient, especially in critical fields like law enforcement and aviation. Using vivid analogies such as Disney's entertainment tactics versus pilots' meticulous safety checklists, we underscore the importance of true proficiency for safety and effectiveness. Lastly, we discuss how enhanced training through cognitive engagement can better prepare individuals for the unpredictability of real-world scenarios. By shifting focus from rote repetition to varied and complex training situations, we argue that true proficiency comes from being challenged and pushed outside comfort zones. Join us for an enlightening conversation that challenges conventional approaches to training and highlights the necessity of true proficiency in all areas of life.Thank you so much for tuning in, we hope you enjoy the episode and please check out our Patreon channel where we have a lot more content, as well as subscriber only episodes of the show. If you enjoy the podcast, I would kindly ask that you leave us a review and more importantly, please share it with a friend. Thank you for your time and don't forget that Training Changes Behavior!Article Link: https://www.aopa.org/training-and-safety/active-pilots/safety-and-technique/currency-vs-proficiencySupport the Show.Website: https://thehumanbehaviorpodcast.buzzsprout.com/shareFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheHumanBehaviorPodcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehumanbehaviorpodcast/ Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/ArcadiaCognerati More about Greg and Brian: https://arcadiacognerati.com/arcadia-cognerati-leadership-team/

BJ Lange currently resides in Los Angeles, where he is actively involved in the improv community as both performer in various groups, including his two-man comedy duo, Tacklebox Improv, and instructor, at The Improv Trick, 3-2-1 Acting Studios, and The Second City Hollywood, where he leads the Improv for Veterans Program. BJ also teaches at the prestigious Orange County School of the Arts Acting Conservatory and coaches the high school's Improv Club.BJ completed several improv programs, including iO West (formerly improvOlympic West) and Upright Citizen's Brigade Theatre LA. He is a graduate of The Second City Hollywood Conservatory additionally completing the long form improv and musical improv programs. He has also studied at The Groundlings School. Naturally, this background in theatre performance, voiceover, and improv has been invaluable as BJ has moved into hosting duties for both live and televised events, including Maxim's Spring Break in Panama City Beach, GameRiot for MTV2, X-Games BMX Jams, LG National Texting Championship, Mobile World Cup, and the Simon D Tour Live! presented by ABC Family. Two-time testicular cancer survivor BJ's passions outside of “Yes, and”-ing, include beatboxing, riding motorcycles, aviation, barbecuing, and extensive volunteer work. A retired USAF Reserve medic and pilot, BJ proudly volunteers as a Public Affairs Officer for the Civil Air Patrol, the U.S. Air Force Auxiliary. Finding a way to combine his passion for performing with his devotion to service, BJ is an athlete, mentor, and ambassador in the Air Force Wounded Warrior Program, serving also as a comedy coach teaching improv as part of the resiliency programs. He is a member of the Veterans of Comedy, Veterans in Media & Entertainment, and the American Legion, and a cast member of DIAVOLO Dance Theatre's Veterans Project, which recently performed at the Kennedy Center.You don't want to miss this one! Check it out! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Discover how Kelli Weed's journey took her from the ground to the skies, overcoming challenges and celebrating triumphs along the way. Kelli shares her experiences in bush flying, her involvement with various aviation organizations, and her inspiring story of conquering self-doubt to pursue her dreams. Tune in for an uplifting episode about resilience and passion in aviation.   Key takeaways to listen for Kellie's transition from sheep farming and biotech to aviation The main differences between typical flying and backcountry flying Challenges faced by women in aviation and how representation matters Importance of self-awareness and making safe choices in aviation Inspiring advice for the next generation of pilots and women in aviation   Resources Ninety-Nines Angel Flight West Elevated Access Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) Recreational Aviation Foundation (RAF) Civil Air Patrol Captain Jenny Beatty   About Kelli Weed Kelli Weed is a Commercial Aerial Photography Pilot with EFS Geotechnologies, holding extensive qualifications, including Commercial AMEL/ASEL with instrument, tailwheel, and ASES ratings. She has amassed 900 total flight hours, with specific expertise in multi-engine, IFR, high-performance, and tailwheel aircraft. Beyond flying, Kelli serves as the Ninety-Nines Professional Pilot Leadership Initiative Captain and Chapter Chair and is a SkyWest Cadet. She volunteers actively with organizations such as Angel Flight West, Elevated Access, the Experimental Aircraft Association, the Recreational Aviation Foundation, and the Civil Air Patrol, demonstrating a deep commitment to the aviation community.    Connect with Kellie LinkedIn: Kelli Weed Instagram: @kelliweed   Connect with Us Website: Angel Flight West LinkedIn: Alan Underwood  YouTube: Plane Success Instagram: @thealanunderwood Facebook: Alan Underwood

Sent us text! We would love to hear from you!Everyone has a talent in something. It may be apparent or hidden inside of you, just waiting to come out. In a time of great social and political change, Mexico has elected its first female president. The country where women have only been allowed to vote for a few decades will now be led by a Jewish woman whose grandparents emigrated to the country after fleeing NAZI persecution during World War II. North and South Korea have been at odds with each other for more than seventy years. The North had taken the unusual step of displaying their displeasure with their neighbor to the south by intentionally sending large balloons filled with trash designed to eventually crash and make a mess that had to be cleaned up. North Korea has given their intention to stop the practice, but promise to resume the trashy flights if South Korea promotes propaganda against their regime.Young college athletes can be paid legally. The NCAA has agreed to a revenue sharing plan with colleges that will allow individual schools to compensate for their athletic participation without penalty, thereby changing the face of amateur sports. If a young person is interested in learning to fly there are many sources of information available for those interested in flight training. Organizations such as the Commemorative Air Force, Civil Air Patrol, and Reserve Officer Training Corps units in high schools and colleges are just some of the resources available to those who have an interest in aviation. Turbulence while flying is just as unwanted by the aircrew as it is the passengers. Sometimes severe turbulence is undetectable, therefore to avoid any big surprises, keep your seat belt fastened at all times. Meet two wingmen who personify sacrifice as well as mutual support.The Gouge  

Scott Kaplan discusses the significance of the Civil Air Patrol's geospatial mission in providing real-world damage assessments during natural disasters. He highlights the organization's extensive volunteer efforts and their role in supporting FEMA. Kaplan also mentions the growth of the national geospatial program within the Civil Air Patrol and its potential to provide career opportunities in the geospatial field for cadets.

As a child, Lt. Col. (Ret.) Rochelle Kimbrell '98, dreamt that one day she would defy gravity, taking her rightful place in the sky among the stars.----more---- SUMMARY Rochelle Kimbrell shared her journey of growing up as a young black girl in a small town in Colorado who dreamed of becoming a fighter pilot. Despite being told she couldn't or shouldn't pursue this goal, she developed a strong work ethic and passion for flying from a young age. She meticulously planned her path, gaining leadership experience in Civil Air Patrol and excelling academically to earn an appointment to the Air Force Academy. Kimbrell overcame challenges like failing a class by changing majors and learning from mistakes. As one of the first female fighter pilots, Kimbrell faced obstacles like lack of proper gear and medical issues. She discussed the difficulties of balancing pregnancy/motherhood with her flying career due to changing policies. After 13 years of active duty service, Kimbrell transitioned to the reserves and pursued public speaking and entrepreneurship. This allowed her to find fulfillment in empowering and mentoring others, especially young minorities.   OUR FAVORITE QUOTES "My parents always feel this to just just go out and chase our dreams and follow our dreams, and, you know, to forge our own paths and to be strong." "I think we plan our vacations really well. But I don't think we plan our lives really well." "You've got to have a plan for your life. Like yes, you can change course 100%. But you've got to have first vision, so that you can start working towards it and figure out what it's going to take." "You learn that there are many paths that can lead there. And so it was it was okay. And that everybody's gonna have a setback." "I want to impact people's lives. I want to empower people to be their best selves." - Lt. Col. (Ret.) Rochelle Kimbrell '89   SHARE THIS EPISODE FACEBOOK  |  LINKEDIN  |  TWITTER  |  EMAIL   CHAPTERS 00:00:  Introduction and Background 06:34:  Overcoming Doubts and Breaking Barriers 25:43:  Challenges Faced by Female Fighter Pilots 32:50:  The Importance of Mentorship 49:33:  Dare to Dream and Pursue Your Goals   SOME TAKEAWAYS - Believe in yourself and pursue your dreams, even when others doubt you. - Having a plan and being willing to pivot can lead to unexpected opportunities. - Overcoming challenges and setbacks is part of the journey to success. - Representation matters - being a role model can inspire others to pursue their own dreams. Female fighter pilots faced challenges in terms of camaraderie, gear, and facilities. - Balancing motherhood and a career as a fighter pilot was challenging. - Mentorship is important, and mentors don't have to look like you. - It's important to dare to dream and pursue your goals, despite obstacles and failures. - Planning your life and having a clear vision of where you want to go is crucial.   COL. KIMBRELL'S BIO Retired U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Rochelle Kimbrell is a charismatic trailblazer whose road to becoming the US military's first Black female fighter pilot started when she was a little girl growing up in Parker, Colorado. She had a dream that was beyond the imagination of most. In a time before women were allowed to fly fighter aircraft and women being in combat was literally against the law, those boundaries were no deterrent for Rochelle. Powered by a dream, Rochelle crafted a plan to achieve this dream and the journey to success through failure took commitment. The story of her journey is legendary and can ignite a flame in any individual or team and challenge them to dare to dream again. Rochelle not only broke several glass ceilings in the F-16 community, her experiences transformed into operations on the ground and then on to the highly technological remotely piloted aircraft. Rochelle has over 2100 hours piloting military aircraft and over 975 combat and combat support hours. Rochelle retired from the Air Force in 2020 after almost 22 years of service.  She is a full time public servant pouring her time and energy back into her community. She volunteers as an orientation pilot in the Civil Air Patrol, shares her story and teaches leadership and success principles to individuals and organizations across the country through her Dare To Dream (Dare-2-Dream.com) speaking platform and is also a full time mother to 2 amazing boys and wife to an awesome husband. - Copy credit:  AthenasVoiceUSA.com   CONNECT WITH ROCHELLE LINKEDIN  |  WEBSITE   ABOUT LONG BLUE LEADERSHIP Long Blue Leadership drops every two weeks on Tuesdays and is available on Apple Podcasts, TuneIn + Alexa, Spotify and all your favorite podcast platforms. Search @AirForceGrads on your favorite social channels for Long Blue Leadership news and updates!        TRANSCRIPT OUR SPEAKERS Our guest, Lt. Col. (Ret.) Rochelle Kimbrell '89 | Our host is Naviere Walkewicz '99   Naviere Walkewicz Col. Kimbrell, welcome to Long Blue Leadership and thank you for being here today.   Rochelle Kimbrell Thank you so much, Naviere.  That's an awesome intro and I'm really excited to here today talking with my alma mater.     Naviere Walkewicz  00:49 That's right. Well, that's my pleasure. And you know, I think it's always especially wonderful when I get to speak to someone that I was at the Academy with at the same time. So, we're kind of going back in the day. And we can say that because, you know, we're amongst friends here. But this is a great opportunity to share with our listeners a little bit about you and your journey. So, we're really excited.   Lt. Col. (Ret.) Rochelle Kimbrell  01:08 Awesome, excited to be here.   Naviere Walkewicz  01:09 Well, let's go back in time a little bit. Let's go back to you as a little girl. Can you share a little bit with our listeners about where you grew up, what your family life was like? Take us on the journey.   Lt. Col. (Ret.) Rochelle Kimbrell  01:21 Take you on the journey. All right. So absolutely. So, my family actually migrated here from Guyana in South America. So, my dad moved out here for college, went to Howard, and then he was getting his Ph.D. in Indiana — Purdue — when I was born. So, I'm the youngest of four. And we moved around a little bit, and then we ended up settling in Colorado. So, I actually grew up in Parker, which is only about an hour down the road, 45 minutes down the road from the Academy. And, you know, we grew up in a time where — Parker now is a thriving metropolis, but it was a really small horse town. Growing up where we were one of two Black families that I was aware of growing up, and I was the only Black person in my class from kindergarten all the way through graduation. So, it was an interesting time; it was an interesting town. But I'm an animal fanatic. I grew up showing horses and showing dogs and you know, when I tell people about where I grew up, and I talk about, you know, Parker had one stoplight and Main Street had a saloon with still saloon doors on it. We used to ride our horses down to the candy store, the Mountain Man Fruit and Candy store, and there was a hitching post outside. And people were like, “You're from Montana?” I'm like, “No, no, no, no, just up the road about 45 minutes.” So, a very different place back then. And my parents just being immigrants, you know, they knew that America was kind of the place where you come to make your dreams come true, the land of opportunity, they believed that you do it through education, and if you were educated, then you could go out and achieve whatever you wanted to. And so they always feel this — to just go out and chase our dreams and follow our dreams, and, you know, to forge our own paths and to be strong and to go for it, you know. They knew that they didn't have all the answers, but that they were out there, and that there was nothing that was stopping us other than ourselves. So, they always fostered that in us growing up, which I really appreciate. So, when I came out of left field with the crazy notion of being a fighter pilot, they had no idea. Military life? What that was like? What that was about? But they said, you know, go after it. You know, figure it out and go do.   Naviere Walkewicz  03:47 That's amazing. I mean, it sounds like, just right from the get-go, you had such wonderful role models of not being afraid, right, and taking the chance at the dream and pursuing things that are greater and bigger and whatever we want to achieve. Maybe you can expand on that. Because from horses to fighter jets, you know, it's like, “Wait, that's a big leap.” Let's talk about how did you know that you wanted to become a fighter pilot.   Lt. Col. (Ret.) Rochelle Kimbrell  04:11 So, from about kindergarten, I wanted to be an astronaut. And I was always just fascinated with space and the stars and the sky and weightlessness and speed and defying gravity. Like, it was all just really interesting to me. And I just wanted to be up there among the stars from day one. And so in kindergarten, I wrote away to NASA and asked, you know, what do I have to do - on that line paper - you know, and said, “How do I become an astronaut?” and they sent back a ginormous package of huge pamphlets and books and things that I never got all the way through. But, you know, kind of laying that process out of what that would look like and all the things that you can do and learn. And as I continue to learn about it, watch a little bit of it, learn you know what that was like, somewhere along the way I found out that not all astronauts get to go to space. I didn't want to do all that training and maybe not get picked, right? So, I think, you know, as I've dissected my life, I kind of go back and I think about, you know, being picked and maybe being, you know, that minority child not always being picked first. I think that was one of my stepping stones to saying, you know, if it really comes down to you've done all the training, and somebody still has to choose you, I wasn't confident that I would be chosen to go to space. So somewhere along the road I learned about fighter jets, you know. We had Academy kids that used to come down to our church, and they would sing over Christmas, and then they'd spend a couple of days with you, and then go back — our church had that program. So, over time I'd heard some of them talking about being fighter pilots, and I kind of probed him, you know, hid around the corner, and listened to what they're talking about — being, you know, fighter pilots. And I was like, “That sounds pretty cool, like fast and jets, and it's up there in the sky; you're still defying gravity. I want to do that.” And so that's where that kind of passion came from. And, you know, the animals were just, you know, animals are great companions. So, I think just growing up in the in those scenarios, they were comforting. It was challenging, it was fun. And I think it really is kind of along the same lines, you know, you kind of set your mind out and you're gonna go do something that's challenging, but it fills that need for you. And that's what flying became for me further into my life.   Naviere Walkewicz  06:35 That helps explain the move from horses to the stars, and then into the cockpit of a fighter jet. So when you said your parents and your family was really supportive of you going to the Academy, did you know the Academy was the route you're gonna take?   Lt. Col. (Ret.) Rochelle Kimbrell  06:49 Absolutely. So, once I decided I wanted to be a fighter pilot. My dad got me a flight lesson when I was 14, a discovery flight. And that just really sealed the deal. I mean, just being in control of a little Cessna up there, 14 years old, you know, you take off and the world is your oyster. It's a whole different perspective. It's just a different view of life in general. And that's how I feel about flying to this day. I love it. It's the ultimate freedom. It's amazing. So, from there, I kind of reverse engineered my life. I said, “How do I become a fighter pilot?” Because my parents didn't have the answers. And so I started asking the questions. And I really looked at it as this is the goal: to get to the Air Force Academy, because they had the most pilot training slots. So, I looked around, I didn't learn a lot about ROTC, I didn't learn a lot about it. Because I learned that they didn't have a lot of slots at the time. I never heard the word Reserve, I never really heard the word Guard. So that was interesting going forward — that there were other paths, but I didn't know about them. So I knew the Academy had the most pilot training slots. And I said, “OK, how do I get there? How do I get to the Academy?” You know, so you start reading and seeing things and it's good grades, you've got to be well rounded, and you've got to have leadership, sports, you've got to have all of these things. I'm like, “I don't know what this well-rounded thing means. But OK, good grades. I can do the good grades, I do good grades and try to figure out all the rest of the stuff.” I ended up joining Civil Air Patrol when I was in, I think, eighth grade. And that really just opened up a huge — it was really like a foot in the door for me because it was military-esque. You know, they're an auxiliary of the Air Force. So, you're wearing the uniform, you're doing the marching and lots of leadership opportunities. So, I actually ended up commanding the drill team and taking us to nationals and doing encampments up here at the Air Force Academy. So, we run the leadership reaction course before I even came here, you know, and it was that leg up that I needed for not having, you know, family, second generation, all that, it was the leg up that I really needed to crack the door and go, “OK, this is something that yeah, I could do this.” So, I got to have those leadership experiences. And I played sports. You know, all sorts of different sports. I did soccer and volleyball and ran track and ended up doing swimming so that I could pass basic swimming, those types of things. So it was really a well thought out chartered course, because I knew I wanted to go to the Academy. And I think that's something that I've tried to pass on to my kids is like, “You've got to have a plan for your life.” Like, “Yes, you can change course 100%. But you've got to have first vision, so that you can start working towards it and figure out what it's going to take.” I don't think that we spend enough time doing that sometimes. I think we plan our vacations really well. But I don't think we plan our lives really well.   Naviere Walkewicz  09:42 I was just gonna say that sounds like a really good leadership nugget right there. I mean, honestly, when did you realize you — have you always been a planner or was that something as a kid that you've, you knew about yourself or just developed about yourself?   Lt. Col. (Ret.) Rochelle Kimbrell  09:55 I would say that that was the first big plan that I created. And it was very intentional. The people that say, “Oh, I just, you know, showed up and I took a flight at the Academy and decided I wanted to go fly.” That's not how this worked for me. Like, I've been calling for this from day one. So yeah, absolutely.   Naviere Walkewicz  10:20 You had said something about in Civil Air Patrol, you were leading, you took your team to nationals. I would love to learn more about what that leadership journey was. And the reason I asked that is because sometimes our listeners think, you know, “What does leadership look like? And if I've not been involved in something, can I still get to a leadership position in it?” You know, and so it sounds like you took that on.   Lt. Col. (Ret.) Rochelle Kimbrell  10:40 So, I think as a young person, it's a little bit scary, because it's the first time that you're leading your peers, and trying to get people to do things that they don't necessarily want to do, because part of our competition was running. We played volleyball, and we drilled, you know, and it was voluntary, obviously, it's not, you know, to get in there and to go to the drill team. But it was really creating that camaraderie among the people that made them want to show up and want to show up at their best. And it was just kind of my first crack at getting to do that. And I think we were super successful in being able to create that environment that people wanted to be around where they got to be themselves and come out, and everybody had a strength and everybody had weaknesses, that we had to cover everybody, you know, and then we get to build them up. And you see that growth. And maybe at the time, I wouldn't say that I took that all in and knew what was, you know — that this is what was happening. But as I go back and dissect, I feel like that's where we got some of our successes is because the environment that we created was so fun, so welcoming, but we all were on a mission and we wanted to win. So, we had that vibe underneath that was driving us, but people could show up as themselves. So, it was pretty awesome.   Naviere Walkewicz  11:56 I see that strength in you. Just the theme that it's kind of running through everything you're talking about is, you know, kind of finding a way and I think bringing others along with you — sounds like that's kind of where we're headed. So I really like that. Maybe let's talk about when you got into the Academy. What was that experience like? Did you get the letter? How did you find out? And what were your first reactions?   Lt. Col. (Ret.) Rochelle Kimbrell  12:18 So, the only two places that I applied to were the Air Force Academy and the Naval Academy. My mom was like, “You should apply to MIT.” I don't know if they have a good pilot program, but they don't have the most pilot training slots.That was my plan and so I actually got accepted to the Naval Academy first, quite a while before I got accepted to the Air Force Academy. I ended up with a vice presidential nomination for the Academy for the Air Force Academy. And I waited. And I was really excited about the Naval Academy. I had been out to visit and it's a beautiful campus. And it would be super fun to go and learn how to crew and do things that I've never done. And I thought it'd be fun to do a summer on a boat. And I wanted to go away from home. So, it was really, yeah, it was really enticing to actually just say, “Yeah, I'm gonna go to the Naval Academy.” And then when I got that acceptance letter from the Air Force Academy, I was like, oh, OK, this is what it's always been about. And so I sat down and I made a list of where I wanted to go, and why I chose these two schools. And the Air Force Academy just came out with, this is what I was set out to do. These are the goals that I had, and this will fulfill all those goals. And that's probably what I should do, even though it's not away from home. And it's not, you know, and I was like, but that was the goal. So, I stepped foot in and it was awesome. I mean, it was everything that I thought it was gonna be, you know, a lot of people, not a lot, some people look back and wonder what they got themselves into when they show up here. And I knew exactly what I was getting myself into. I was excited about it. I had actually got to train with the PJs while I was in Civil Air Patrol. And that was way harder than basic training. So, when I showed up, I was like, “Oh, this is awesome.” People were like, “How do you know how to blouse your boots?” So, I'm like, “Because this was my plan.” I was like, “This was my plan all along.” And then you start asking people, “Why are you here?” Because you have all the different things right? There's other people that thought to be here and there's other people that showed up for they don't know why. And there's other people that were gonna just try it out. And so, you had the plethora, you had all of the… but I was one of those people. It's like this is where I have been fighting to get in from the time I was 14.   Naviere Walkewicz  14:49 Obviously it shows that hard work pays off. And you know, one of the other things that stood out to me, she's [Col. Kimbrell] wearing a red blazer because she is Red Class and I did want to acknowledge the fact that I noticed so, you're welcome.   Lt. Col. (Ret.) Rochelle Kimbrell  15:00 Awesome. Thank you. Dominate.   Naviere Walkewicz  15:03 So, you know, I am doing my part, you know, as a Gold Class, you know, just paying homage. So, let's talk about time at the Academy, and you said it was everything you'd hoped it to be.   Lt. Col. (Ret.) Rochelle Kimbrell  15:15 So it was, well, school was a little harder than I hoped it would be. The hope was that it would prepare me to go on to be a fighter pilot was the hope. And I think, you know, I just knew what I was getting myself into. So, there were no huge surprises, which I think was helpful as I walked through the journey. So, showing up doing basic — that was all well and good. The camaraderie that we built around that being, you know, Screaming Demons, and then, you know, going into the Killer Cobras. For my first two years, just a solid group of human beings. We had phenomenal upperclassmen, like, you know, just the greatest leadership team to teach us leadership and teach us exactly what I'm talking about. And that's probably where it solidified, was, you know, really working hard. You're working your tail off, but being part of something greater than yourself. And that was the first time I really learned about that piece of leadership, that it wasn't just about me going off to be a fighter pilot. But there's all this team building that has to happen in between. And that's kind of when that started to set in. And I think the Academy does that very well, in building teams and strong teams through challenge. So, I came in and, you know, did the things. It was a walk-on to the fencing team for a semester. And then I learned about falconry. And, you know, we only select four people from each class to be falconer just for their time here to take care of our mascots, to love them and just be amazing. And to go out and represent the school as well. And so, you know, my love of animals, it was perfect. And it was my kind of escape from when things did get crazy. I got to go down to the muse and play with the birds. And, you know, we brought our beloved Aurora here when she was just a little fledgling (with) fluffy feathers. So when I came back, 20 years later, she was still alive, and I got to see her and handle her. And it was awesome. So, I did that for my four years here, which afforded me lots of opportunities to go out and talk to high schools and do all kinds of different things. That's one thing I talked to people about, you know, going out and doing the hard things and getting in programs that are rigorous, make sure you have your outlet, make sure that you're taking care of yourself, whatever that looks like, you know, whether it's falconry or, whether it's you know, meditation or yoga, or whatever it is, make sure that you take that time to do that so that you can enjoy your experience, even though it's super challenging.   Naviere Walkewicz  17:51 One of the questions I think some of our listeners have is, you know, your time as a cadet. While a lot of things, you expect them to be challenging, to have an outlet and such, you know, maybe you can share an example where it was a challenge that you had to overcome something or you learned something about yourself having to go through an experience a challenge. Can you share maybe a setback or something that helped you grow as a leader?   Lt. Col. (Ret.) Rochelle Kimbrell  18:13 Definitely, I think, you know, failing or almost failing the class like that — that had never happened; it never occurred to me that it could happen. Um, you know, we all come in here, as you know, top rated top academics, you know, we've not always done things well. But we have surpassed many in our journey to get here. And I was always really good at math. It was something that I prided myself on being good at. And then I hit that Engineering Math 343 and it crushed my world. And so, I started out as an Engineering Mechanics major. And when that happened, they were like, “Well, you can take that again, or you can change your major.” And I was like, “I'll just change my major.” And that was kind of the first time that I had backed down from my plan. But I realized that there are many paths that could lead there. And so it was OK. And that everybody's gonna have a setback. So that was kind of the first big pill. I mean, not the first, but that's one that I definitely remember to this day that I had to swallow for myself. “Oh, I'm not gonna graduate with this degree that I thought I was gonna graduate with.” But it afforded more opportunities and different doors to open to find out, you know, that I really enjoyed doubly. So, I took a bunch of classes and so I got to branch out a little bit more than I would have been just being on the straight and narrow and not learning to pivot. And so, I think that was my first lesson in learning to pivot, which would suit me later on in my career for sure.   Naviere Walkewicz  19:55 Now that's a great example. And I think that it's really, you know, good for people to hear that sometimes there are many ways we can get to an end goal. And just because the plan has to shift, that's absolutely OK. And that's life. Right? So, in the intro, we talked a bit about couldn't and shouldn't. So, let's kind of dive into that a little bit. Was that more after graduation? Would you say there were things even at the Academy that kind of followed that trajectory?   Lt. Col. (Ret.) Rochelle Kimbrell  20:23 I think that was all the way from the time I was little, you know, when I was a little Black girl growing up in Parker, people thought I couldn't and shouldn't do a lot of things. And that really, I think, even from a really young age, that really became the fuel to part of who I became. Going against the grain was my norm, like it became my norm as I was growing up. And, you know, for our military history buffs, you would know that women weren't even allowed to fly fighters until '93. And I graduated high school in '94. So, starting at 14, it was not just a, “You shouldn't” it was, “It's against the law.” Like, I would tell people I'm going to be a fighter pilot. And [they'd] say, “Well, you can't.” And I would tell them, I was like, “Well, I'm young.” So that's either gonna change, or I'm gonna change it. Like, those were my words that came out to people starting very young. And fortunately, I didn't have to change it, it changed right at the cusp — right in the nick of time, it changed. But it also came with a lot of challenges. You know, I remember being in pilot training and flying out across country, somewhere in the middle of nowhere, Texas, and crawling out of the T-38. And the guy at the gas station at the, you know, the [place] where we fill up our airplanes saying, “They let you fly that?” And I was like, “They let you talk?” That's what I said. And because I was spicy when I was younger, you know, sometimes it wasn't, you know, the most appropriate way. But standing up for yourself and knowing that you deserved as much of an opportunity as the next person to give it your best.   Naviere Walkewicz  22:11 I mean, there are so many lessons that we could just take from that just in general. I love that you said if there's not a way, I will find it or something to that… and you know, to that degree. Talk about that a little bit. So, when you went to pilot training, that path was afforded to you. But I'm sure it wasn't just like, “I want to be,” so it's done. Right? You had to work really hard. So talk about what some of that looked like, if you don't mind.   Lt. Col. (Ret.) Rochelle Kimbrell  22:36 Um, so pilot training, whew, that was a, you know, I was thinking in my mind I was prepared because I had my pilot's license, you know? I knew that I could take off and land. But that happens. And once you start, once you get over the simulator process, and the ground part process of pilot training, everybody catches up to you in about two weeks — everybody's taking off and landing, like that was nothing special. So that was eye opening. I was like, “Oh, OK, I thought I had a leg up.” You know, it was the pace of learning and growth of going through what pilot training takes you to and just the professional process of training is fascinating. Like, it's very fascinating. If you sat back and you watched what you can learn in a year, when focused solely on, you know, two airplanes, you know, one airplane for six months, one airplane for another six months, and just what you need to do. You learn a lot, and I had a lot to learn, and it was rigorous. And it really took a team effort as far as study groups, and just learning how to study and those people who had family members, and were legacy pilots and legacy fighter pilots were, you know, you need those people in your group to just kind of help you decipher what it is, or I needed those people in my group to help me decipher what it was that I was reading and studying. So it was awesome. I had a great group of guys and gals initially in my class. And then once I split off to [T-38s] from that point, for many years, I was the only woman in my squadron that was flying, or in my group.   Naviere Walkewicz  24:14 Well, can you talk about that a little bit, I think, you know, you said the only female. I was a “loggie,” so I was helping to load aircraft. And I did get, during ops Air Force, a ride in a F-16D model. So, I got to sit in the back seat. I'm like, “This is great.” But that was my extent beyond the soaring program at the Academy. So can you talk about what it's like being a female fighter pilot and some of the experiences that you had maybe that aren't glamorous that people don't know about, like maybe don't even know to ask or what that was like? I think it's, really unique for people to hear some of what had to be overcome so that things are now normal.   Lt. Col. (Ret.) Rochelle Kimbrell  24:51 I mean, I think it was a lot of little things that we had to, or though I'll just say that I'll just talk from my perspective. I won't speak for all the female fighter pilots out there because we are all walked very different paths. So, I think for me, it was a lot of little things that you had to deal with on a day-to-day that didn't allow me to show up at my best necessarily every day because I was focusing on the wrong things based on kind of the surroundings and what I was walking into. You know, I kind of think about it as some — this is a recent analogy that I've kind of come up with —it's kind of like, if you were out in public and you walked into the men's restroom, right. And that's where you were supposed to be, but you didn't feel like you were supposed to be there. Right? And so that was very similar to the initial walking into, you know, the T-38 is a little bit different because we started out, and I think I want to say, we actually had a large class of women going into my 993 team down at Laughlin. I think there were six of us. But then everybody went off — my roommate went off to helicopters, and then everybody else went “heavies.” And I was the only one that went fighters so you kind of had camaraderie with those guys initially. And so going into 38s was not as big of a deal. I think it was more showing up at Luke, and going through our fighter training unit there FTU, at Luke, where that's the first time you meet some other people and then every squadron subsequent to that. And I know for now, I do know, for many of us female fighter pilots, the gear was an issue. So just not having sizes that fit, not having good relief systems on the airplanes that women could use. So instead of focusing on things like tactics, and you know, where I need to be in formation, what our target is, and where I am on my target, you know, sometimes you can think about, like, I really gotta go to the bathroom and there's nothing I'm gonna be able to do about it for the next two hours, which doesn't make a good teammate. When you're a four-ship, and one person is not in the game fully, right, that is something that you absolutely need to be in the game fully 100 percent, 100 percent of the mission, 100 percent of the time. And I think that some of those basic needs not being met didn't afford me to be fully present when I needed to be at times. You know, and then that kind of goes hand in hand with, you know, potential leak-causing medical issues further down the road of, you know, not hydrating when you're flying jets, which is key, like you have to be hydrated to pull nine Gs. And I know, I flew not hydrated many times because I was concerned about other things. So those are some of the things that I think on the leading edge of, “Yeah, let's get women in the cockpit and the fighters,” you know, for a lot of reasons. That's a great idea. But we needed to think about it as a community kind of. What does that require, you know, what, what differences, you know, physiologically, whatever it is, does that require? And have we addressed that before we invite people into this space and say, “Yeah, go be a fighter pilot.” You know, we all managed and we figured it out. And, you know, that's the resiliency, that's the tenaciousness, that's the, “We're gonna do this, you know, come hell or high water. That's what we're gonna do.” And I think that was the mentality like, “I'm allowed to be here, I'm going to do my best to make the grade. I've done the things I'm, you know, I've made the grade and training, there's no reason that I shouldn't be able to go do this,” right? And then there's the reality of, here's a few things we need to tweak. And we're many years away from fixing those problems. Some of that has been arranged, and or some of that has been solved now, and some of it is still being worked on, you know. And I think we've come a long way in the realm of pregnancy and having babies and having kids in the fighter community. You know, it's kind of on the leading edge of that, too.   Naviere Walkewicz  29:16 You must be in my head. I was going to ask, you know, what it's like to be a fighter pilot and have children?   Lt. Col. (Ret.) Rochelle Kimbrell  29:23 So, and that's, you know, that's challenging. It was very challenging. And I think, being on the leading edge, the commander's didn't necessarily know what to do with you. I was at a non-flying assignment when we chose — I say chose — but I use that word loosely, because I had asked, you know, if I was on a non-flying assignment, which meant I would have to go to a transition course in order to go back to the jet. And so, I got married while I was at the non-flying assignment. And I asked, “If I went to the transition course and then subsequently decided to have a child, what would that look like?” And my commander said, “Well, we don't have to give you another transition course.” So essentially what that means to everybody who, you know, just to make it perfectly clear, your flying career would be over if I chose to have a child. So that was the thought process at the time by some, not all, because it was very commander-dependent. It was very, you know, they had the power, so we chose to have my son before I went to the transition course. And the rules at the time were that you were allowed to PCS, they were allowed to PCS you three months after you had a baby. Well, I had an emergency C-section. And three months after I had a baby, I couldn't do a sit up, they were ready to PCS me back-to-back to go pull nine Gs. And I was trying to explain that to the guy at the assignments. And he's like, “But the book says…” and I'm like, “I understand what the book says. However, we've got to think outside the box here a little bit. And I'm gonna need a little bit of an extension here before I can go the course. So, I can do a sit up, maybe stand up, maybe just do some basic things aside from pulling nine Gs.” And so, I think it was six to seven months after having my son I ended up at my course. And I was in Italy with a 9-month-old, going back to the jet, which was crazy. I'm not sure that it was sane at all. I mean, I don't know, for those people who've had babies, and you know what the first two years of life is like with the amount of sleep that you get. And it doesn't matter how phenomenal your spouse is, if you're the mom, you're the mom, and you've still got duties that you have to perform, whether it's you know, child's hungry, there's only one person that can do something about that. So, it was interesting. And then, you know, the other part of that is support for your spouse, you know. We were one of the few people that had young kids showing up in Italy — he was the only guy and in the spouse's area, he had no support. With a 9-month-old in a foreign country, didn't speak the language. It was tough. It was challenging.   Naviere Walkewicz  32:20 That is. And so how did you I mean, aside from we just got through it, you know, what were some of the things that you might share with others? Look back. How were you able to so maybe others can think about what that looks like?   Lt. Col. (Ret.) Rochelle Kimbrell  32:36 We really did just get through it, right? We did, we leaned on each other, we, you know, went through some struggles there and, you know, I mean, I think, what I would tell people, you know, if they're thinking about whatever it is that you're going to actually go through in your life, right, and you're choosing a partner, you have understand each other's, you know, lives, and you have to be strong in your partnership to try and do something like this, you know, like, you'll talk to a lot of mil-to-mil families and the things that they've had to go through, and we weren't mil to mil, but you know, there's different things that you have to go through. So really having a partner that understands, and that you can figure things out and you're committed to each other even when it gets hard. I think, you know, because you can't necessarily always count on going into a new place and it being a certain kind of way. Right? You hope that you would have this type of support and that type of support. But having never seen the dynamic, they might not know how to have that type of support for you. So, it was a lot of opening new doors that people just kind of looked at us and didn't have any. We can't help you. We appreciate you.   Naviere Walkewicz  34:02 I think just sharing that because I think a lot of times, people don't, you know, really think about, you know, what does that look like and sometimes it just looks like you just take a step forward and you open up a door and you kind of, you know, assess and you go forward. And I think that there's something to be said about just moving forward. And it sounds like that's what you did really well. And through communication and everything as well. Maybe you can share, were there any leaders along the way that kind of supported you or inspired you to kind of get through some of the difficult times whether they're in that as a new mom or just in your career in general? What did that kind of look like from an inspirational standpoint?   Lt. Col. (Ret.) Rochelle Kimbrell  34:38 So, this was my struggle that I did not understand. And I really try to help young people and people up and coming and even people who are established in their careers, try to help them understand mentorship, because while we throw around the word “mentorship” a lot, we don't really talk about what does that really look like? And so along my career, I would hear “mentorship.” And I thought to myself, “I need to find another Black woman fighter pilot to help me figure out how to do this.” OK, well, when you are the first, there's nobody else out there to help you do that. And so I thought that I had to figure it out on my own and forge my own path, which made it harder for me. And part of that was self-imposed — 100 percent. But I didn't understand. So, as I got older in my career, and as I had, you know, gone through some trials and tribulations and I really sat down and I learned what mentorship was, I make sure that people understand three things about mentorship: You need to find somebody who sees you and the journey that you're on, and believes that you can do it. That's the first thing they need to be successful in wherever it is that you're trying to go. So, if I'm looking for a successful fighter pilot, they need to have been a successful fighter pilot. And that's what they need to be, right? I can't learn from a successful mechanic or a successful cook, or whatever. They need to be where you're trying to be successful. And then they need to be willing to take the time out of their own life to show you how to do it. Right? And if they're not those three things, then they're not a good mentor. But that doesn't mean they have to be the same color, creed, race, religion — none of that. That is not a factor. So, I was looking at all the wrong factors while looking for mentorship. And so, I really never had any solid mentors going through.   Naviere Walkewicz  36:38 When did you realize that and like, at what point did that kind of shift the way you look at things or the way you, you know, continue to pursue your professional — whether both in the uniform or outside the uniform — career?   Lt. Col. (Ret.) Rochelle Kimbrell  36:50 So, I realized that when I got around an outside organization that was not part of the military and I found true mentorship. And I think sometimes we're just in the military, we're very busy. And you have to pursue mentorship, right? It's not going to fall in your lap, it's not going to, you know, somebody may pass across your path and say, “I will mentor you if you want.” But if you don't pursue that, it's probably not going to happen, because that person is successful. They're busy, they're doing their thing. And you have to want their mentorship. And so, it wasn't until I was about to separate from active duty and go on to the Reserve that I started to understand what I had kind of missed. And I was like, “Oh, that's that mentorship thing that people have been talking about.” I mean, the word was around for the whole time. But the explanation and my understanding of it was not.   Naviere Walkewicz  37:55 What a good time for that to come, though. Yes. And when you're at that crossroads. So how many years active did you do? 13? OK. And that's interesting, because some people will say, “Once you get to 10, just stay in.” And so that was a big decision for you. What led you to that?   Lt. Col. (Ret.) Rochelle Kimbrell  38:12 So, it was looking around and saying, “You're 13 years, you have another seven years.” Seven years is a long time. And it's seven years of your life. And seven years of my life, like it's not just seven years, right? And so, I was looking at people 10 years ahead of me, and they were mostly airline pilots, or sim operators. I don't love the simulator. I don't want to operate the simulator, like, I mean, it has its place, its value, it's a valuable tool, but it was not my favorite place to be. So, I did not want to be a sim operator. And, you know, my joke to myself is that, you know, passengers on airlines don't like to go upside down. So, I don't think those are the planes I want to fly either, right? You know, they're, you know, a great career path, you know, but a lot of times as we transition, we look at the skill sets that we've learned. And that kind of easy-button is to just stay with the skill sets. We weren't because we spent, you know, a solid portion of our life, you know, 20 to 30 years learning that skill set. So that's what people would typically lean on. And being the outlier that I am, you know, a strange human being that I've come to be, you know, against the grain. That's not what I wanted to do. I wanted to have impact in other people's lives in a different way. And I was searching for something that I didn't necessarily know. And so, I was able to find it. So I was really excited about that, which really changed my whole trajectory of how I make decisions, why I make decisions. I really dissected things that I had done and what had made me successful in my career to a point, what was holding me back what had held me back from being, you know, from reaching the ranks, which is what some people would consider more success. And how do I want to live? You know, once you become a mom, in my opinion, your priorities change. It wasn't about me and my freedom and flying jets. And it's amazing, and it's awesome. And it's fun, and I love it. And living the fighter pilot life, it was, “I gotta build a life for these kids too,” you know, for my two boys, and I have to be a person that I need to be my boys' hero. Right? So, the rest of the world, you know, they're wishy washy, take it or leave it, you know. Some people are gonna love you, some people are gonna hate you, that's fine. But I need to be my boys' hero. I'm the only person that can be their mom in their life. And I needed to be that.   Naviere Walkewicz  41:05 I really appreciate that. I mean, I'm going back to something you said earlier about, everyone has an individual experience and it shapes them in different ways. And you can't say just because this person had this, others will have this. But I think what you just said really strikes home, because sometimes the biggest decisions we make really don't depend on others — it depends on where we are and what we want to do and who we want to be. So, who did you want to be, in addition to being there for your boys, like you want to be their hero? What did that translate to for you on the outside of military service?   Lt. Col. (Ret.) Rochelle Kimbrell  41:38 So that translated into, you know, being really a mentor. I wanted to have impact in other's lives. And I realized that sometimes that's going to translate individually to helping people individually. But when you really dive into people's lives — that they actually want mentorship, that actually want change — that's powerful. And that changes families. That changes generations. So I've been able to start working with people on that level.   Naviere Walkewicz  42:21 So it sounds like you made a pretty big leap from, you said, you went to the Reserve, so you had the ability to continue to serve and you know, and then retire in 2020. But you invested in yourself in an entrepreneurial way. And I'm sure there were trials and tribulations and that, in itself, right, because, you know, you have a message to share? And what was that journey like? And how do people who are thinking about something like that do it successfully from what you've learned?   Lt. Col. (Ret.) Rochelle Kimbrell  42:48 Yeah so I think, you know, really, it is learning your own self-worth. And then not allowing yourself to settle for anything less than that, knowing that you have value to add. And if you are not being treated that way, if you are not able to give your full self in the way that you want to, then maybe, you know, you have to look at it and say, “Is there a better way that I can use this one life that I was given?” And are there other people that need to hear your story, and so part of it was transitioning into speaking, because I learned that I had more value than just being a fighter pilot, right? I think that we are all normal people. And some people choose to do extraordinary things, right. But we're all just people. And anybody's capable of doing something extraordinary if they choose themselves. And so, I really had to unpack that in myself and say, I know when I talk to high schoolers, when I talk to young Black girls, when I talk to any minority, they get excited about possibilities for themselves. And there is value in helping people get excited about possibilities for themselves. Because they get out of their own way. They get out of listening to people who've told them that they only belong in a certain area, certain place, a certain socioeconomic class, whatever it is, and they see possibility. And for me, I knew if there was somebody in the world who could do that for my boys, and they would see a speaker wherever they would see somebody and it brought on possibility for them of what they could do in their life and they didn't do it I would be frustrated. It would be like you're not living your value right. And so, I thought that of myself, I'm like, “If I can show one person that they have more possibility and they have more value than they've ever known that they had and it causes them to act, that's it.” Like, that's why I'm here on this Earth…   Naviere Walkewicz  45:01 You're glowing because you're actually doing something you're so passionate about. I can tell that it really is to your core, you know, the part of your journey. It's wonderful to see when you have that ability to change someone's life, or it's more personal and it leads to, maybe, generational change. Can you share a story or maybe an example where you've had that happen with you and someone else?   Lt. Col. (Ret.) Rochelle Kimbrell  45:23 So, there's a young man out in Oregon, and his name is Jeremiah Stroupe. And he's one of my mentors. Absolutely. And he has really helped me walk this journey, and has really helped me find the value and be able to communicate it a little bit better. And he has helped my husband and I communicate better. He has helped us get our marriage back on track, he's just helped us get our finances and just understand, like our true value, outside of what people think, right. And I've never been a big, “I worry about what people think.” But we are all a little bit programmed by society, by media by, especially with social media now, but by those things, and you have a tendency to react in different ways to what you are bombarded with. And so he really helps me to walk that line to be better, and to impact more. Because he was able to help me get my life on track in transition, you know, like we were talking about as I was transitioning out of the military, because that's a hard time for people. And do you walk into a space where now you get to be the rest of you, if you weren't that before. Like some people don't have to do that transition. But I feel like walking through the time frame that we have walking through the fighter pilot world, I feel like I had to be a little bit of a chameleon and transform some of who I fully was to assimilate, as opposed to be completely accepted as myself. And so now I get to be me. And that took me years to remember who that was, who that's grown into. And to be able to see my whole self and then be able to value my whole self and then be able to give my whole self — I'm still working on it. It's still a work in progress. I'll work on it till the day I die. But I really had to take a step back. And I realized how much of myself I had put away to do the mission. And so, you know, as people are coming up and they're making these hard decisions — and I would do it again because it's what I wanted to do. I wanted to fly jets, I did fly jets, it was amazing. I've crossed paths with some amazing wingmen, flight leads, leaders, leadership, you know, yeah, there's the people that you know, that you don't get along with. But all in all, it's been an amazing journey. But the walk back to self was a little bit shocking to me, as I kind of unpacked and moved on to the next phase. But it's been really freeing, too. So, it's been awesome.   Naviere Walkewicz  48:33 I feel like time has flown by; there's so many good things we covered. Was there anything that I didn't ask you that you wanted to share with our listeners?   Lt. Col. (Ret.) Rochelle Kimbrell  48:42 No, we did cover a lot of things. I mean, I think I really love to share that mentorship piece, because I think it's important for people to know that your mentors don't have to look like you, don't have to be like you. In fact, it's better if they're not.   Naviere Walkewicz  48:55 I think that's a great message. I really do. And I think that really opens up — I mean, then it's almost like the whole world is your oyster. Really, you know what I mean? And so, I think that's a beautiful thing. Well, what we'd like to do is we'd like to share with our listeners key lessons they can take away around leadership. And I think we've heard some along the way, but if you had to boil it down, and they're thinking about Col. Kimbrell, Rochelle, what are some of the things you want to leave our listeners with when it comes to leadership?   Lt. Col. (Ret.) Rochelle Kimbrell  49:21 I would just leave you with: Dare to dream, right? Because what you have in your heart is not necessarily what people are going to see you for, see you as. But it's OK. So dare to have that boldness about yourself, to dream what you want to dream about yourself and then to go after it. And there are going to be obstacles, understand there's going to be obstacles, there's going to be failures. You don't grow unless you fail. And you have to learn how to walk through those but you have to learn from your failures in order to grow from them. And don't be afraid of that. So, I just challenge people to dare to dream — it doesn't matter if you're 10 or if you're 80, there's still more life in you, you can still have another dream, and you can still go after it. And that's really my biggest challenge is a lot of ways to get to places. And I would say, plan your life. Take the time, like you would a 10-day vacation to figure out how you're going to get there. Where do you want to go? And how are you going to get there? And who do you want to take with you?   Naviere Walkewicz  50:36 Thank you. So, may I just ask, what's your dream today?   Lt. Col. (Ret.) Rochelle Kimbrell  50:41 My dream today is just to be impactful. I want to impact people's lives. I want to empower people to be their best selves. I want to raise good citizens with my two boys. And I want to live free.   Naviere Walkewicz  51:00 Well, I think you're on your way because you inspired me today. So thank you for that.   Lt. Col. (Ret.) Rochelle Kimbrell  51:03 Thank you. Good to be here. Appreciate your time.   Naviere Walkewicz  51:06 Definitely. Thank you.     KEYWORDS fighter pilot, Air Force Academy, childhood, dreams, challenges, perseverance, role model, female fighter pilot, camaraderie, gear, facilities, motherhood, mentorship, transition, speaking, mentoring     The Long Blue Line Podcast Network is presented by the U.S. Air Force Academy Association and Foundation      

Peter Randolph is an Emergeny Mangement Officer with the Huntsville-Madison County Emergency Management Agency - a city-county government agency serving the population that visits, works and lives in Madison County, AL. Peter is as experienced as they come in all things preparedness as well as his work and experience in gun crime coordination, firearm toolmark analysis, and the NIBIN program. Peter did both Scouting and Civil Air Patrol in his early years then completed a B.S. degree from Jacksonville State University in Crisis/Emergency/Disaster Mangement. For more information visit https://madisoncountyalema.gov Host/Interviewer: M. Troy Bye, Owner, Our Town Podcast Website: ⁠⁠https://ourtownpodcast.net ⁠⁠ Spotify Channel: ⁠⁠https://spoti.fi/3QtpT8z⁠⁠ Audio available on all platforms - just search for "Our Town Podcast" Follow us on social media: LinkedIn: ⁠⁠http://bit.ly/41rlgTt ⁠⁠ Facebook: ⁠⁠https://bit.ly/ourtownpodcast ⁠⁠ Instagram: h⁠⁠ttps://www.instagram.com/ourtownpodcast/⁠ --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/m-troy-bye/support

A conversation with Maj. Julian “Cosmo” Gluck '12, a flyer with the heart of a pilot, the soul of a golden age aviator, and an insatiable yearning to learn. Why? In part to support developing leaders of tomorrow. ----more---- SUMMARY Major Julian "Cosmo" Gluck '12, shares his background and experiences in the Air Force and as a bomber pilot. He discusses his childhood, involvement in various activities, and his decision to join the military. Major Gluck also talks about his leadership roles at the Air Force Academy and the challenges he faced. He then delves into his experience flying B-52s and explains the difference between a pilot and an aviator. Finally, he clarifies the distinction between rated and non-rated officers. He discusses his involvement with the Order of Daedalians, a professional fellowship organization for military aviators. He also shares his experience transitioning to Harvard Business School and the Air Force Reserve and about the importance of leadership across different lanes. Julian reflects on what he has learned about himself and his future plans. He emphasizes the significance of giving back and volunteering, as well as the impact of the Air Force Academy and alumni involvement.   OUR FAVORITE QUOTES "I would say the juxtaposition between the military lifestyle—which often is more regimented—and a desire to both give back and be creative. So these secondary and tertiary desires that I really wanted to have in my personal life and professional life to continue to self-actualize and feel comfortable were always at sort of a crossroads, but the Academy made that possible." "I think there is a lot of strength in knowing that you do not know something. And through my time in business school, there is a lot that I think many of those who are coming from civilian careers—that more directly relate to business—would think is just information that everyone is armed with that is absent for many of us who were not as directly involved in running for-profit organizations or who weren't involved in sales, investment banking, or any of these other careers." "I would say, I'm going to do a plug for the AOG: If there are things that you want your AOG to do, you are the person who can help facilitate that as well, just like I aim to, like many others. An alumni organization, a nonprofit, a charity is only as strong as its membership corps." "I think overall down the road, as long as I'm making a positive impact in my circle and in my community, that's the most important thing to me. Like, I don't want to give up the uniform. I've loved serving in the Air Force, and I'll stay in the Air Force Reserve—hopefully as long as they'll keep me—and it would be great to have more opportunities to lead again." "I would leave you with, if you have some time available, if there's money that you're seeking to donate, there is a cause that will resonate with you. Just go to the search engine of your choice, maybe it's Ask Jeeves … [or] go to Lycos—I think that was a search engine—in your Netscape Navigator. Go look up on AOL these interests, and you'll be able to find a charity that works for you.” - Maj. Julian "Cosmo" Gluck '12   SHARE THIS EPISODE  FACEBOOK  |  LINKEDIN  |  TWITTER  |  EMAIL   CHAPTERS 00:00:  Introduction and Background 04:01:  Childhood and Life Before the Academy 08:01:  Leadership Roles at the Academy 14:53:  Flying B-52s 19:50:  Difference Between Rated and Non-Rated 21:30:  The Order of Daedalians 26:14:  Transitioning to Harvard Business School 30:06:  Leadership Across Different Lanes 33:08:  Learning About Oneself 37:15:  Future Plans 40:10:  Giving Back and Volunteering 42:37:  The Air Force Academy and Alumni Involvement   TAKEAWAYS FOR YOU - The Order of Daedalians is the professional fraternal order of military aviators and commemorates the service and valor of World War I pilots while providing fellowship for current and former flyers today. - Programs like the Civil Air Patrol—the civilian auxiliary of the Air Force—provide another avenue for service members, veterans, and civilians to give back in meaningful ways. - Transitioning from the military to civilian life can provide opportunities for strategic development and new ways to support organizations. - Leadership takes different forms in various contexts, from leading in the military to leading in the classroom. - Humility and the willingness to learn from others are important qualities for personal growth and effective leadership. - Giving back and volunteering in various organizations can provide a sense of fulfillment and make a positive impact in the community. - The Air Force Academy and alumni involvement play a significant role in shaping individuals and fostering a sense of pride and service.   MAJ. GLUCK'S BIO Maj. Julian "Cosmo" Gluck is a reservist in the Defense Innovation Unit in the Office of the Secretary of Defense. He additionally serves as Chairman Emeritus of the Department of the Air Force Company Grade Officers' Council, supporting the 47,000 captains and lieutenants of the Air & Space Forces. Maj. Gluck grew up in LaGrange, Georgia and received his commission in 2012 as a Distinguished Graduate of the United States Air Force Academy. During his career he was selected as the 2018 Air Force Times Airman of the Year, received the 2019 Secretary of the Air Force Leadership Award, was named to the 2020 Forbes 30 Under 30, and chosen as one of the 2023 Ten Outstanding Young Americans by JCI USA. Prior to his current position, Maj. Gluck served on Air Combat Command staff; served as Aide-de-Camp to the Commander of Seventh Air Force; led 64 aircrew flight equipment and SERE personnel; and was Executive Officer for the Department of Defense's largest bomb group. He is an instructor pilot in the B-52H Stratofortress and is a graduate of Euro-NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training. Maj. Gluck flew combat missions in Operations INHERENT RESOLVE and FREEDOM'S SENTINEL out of Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar and has deployed in support of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command. MAJOR AWARDS AND DECORATIONS - Meritorious Service Medal with oak leaf cluster - Air Medal - Aerial Achievement Medal with oak leaf cluster - Air Force Commendation Medal with five oak leaf clusters - Air Force Achievement Medal with oak leaf cluster - German Armed Forces Badge for Military Proficiency in Gold PUBLICATIONS “Opening the Door to Cultural Understanding and Mutual Cooperation,” Journal of Indo-Pacific Affairs, June 2021 “The Gray Legion: Information Warfare Within Our Gates,” Journal of Strategic Security, December 2021 “Kasa-obake: A Spirited Case against Abandoning the U.S.-Japan Nuclear Umbrella,” On the Horizon, May 2022 “South Korea's Second Sight: Risks and Rewards for the ROK-US Alliance with Russia,” Issues & Insights, June 2023 PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS AND ASSOCIATIONS - British-American Project - Center for a New American Security - Council for the United States and Italy - Order of Daedalians - Pacific Forum   CONNECT WITH JULIAN LINKEDIN  |  @JULIANRGLUCK ON INSTAGRAM     ABOUT LONG BLUE LEADERSHIP Long Blue Leadership drops every two weeks on Tuesdays and is available on Apple Podcasts, TuneIn + Alexa, Spotify and all your favorite podcast platforms. Search @AirForceGrads on your favorite social channels for Long Blue Leadership news and updates!        TRANSCRIPT OUR SPEAKERS Guest, Maj. Julian "Cosmo" Gluck '12  |  Your Host, Lt. Col. (Ret.) Naviere Walkewicz '99   Naviere Walkewicz 00:01 My guest today is Maj. Julian “Cosmo” Gluck, USAFA Class of 2012 graduate of distinction based in Boston. He is currently serving in the Air Force Reserve in the Defense Innovation Unit and pursuing his MBA at the Harvard Business School. There is so much in Maj. Gluck's background that we'll just touch the surface for now. He flew B-52s for more than six years, and in 2023 he was named one of 10 outstanding young Americans, which puts him in the company of American presidents, statesmen and generals, including the Air Force Academy Association and Foundation's Gen. Mike Gould, Class of '76, who received the honor in 1985. In 2020, Maj. Gluck was named to Forbes 30 Under 30 list for law and policy. In 2018, he was named Air Force Times airman of the year. He is a published author, public speaker and contributor to international discourse on public policy, sharing his lessons in leadership with students in elementary school, at university, senior leaders in defense, nonprofits, and national level elected policymakers. We'll talk with Maj. Gluck about his work as a member of the Air Force Reserve, and how that relates to his membership in the Order of Daedalians, a fraternal organization founded after World War I comprised of aviators. He is a gregarious man of warmth, humility and humor, always willing to share what he knows with those aspiring to become aviators, lead or be better leaders, and always ready with an enthusiastic, “Howdy!” This should be a very enjoyable conversation. Joining us from Boston, Julian, welcome to Long Blue Leadership.   Maj. Julian Gluck '12 01:42 Well, I feel like I have to say howdy now, but I was gonna' say it anyway. So good to be here.   Naviere Walkewicz 01:46 Howdy. So glad you're here with us today. Thank you for making the time. We are really excited to learn more about your thoughts on leadership. But as we like to, we want to kind of take a step back, rewind the time a little bit and learn about young Julian. Why don't we start there? Tell us about your childhood life before the Academy.   Maj. Julian Gluck '12 02:06 Sure. So, I grew up all around primarily the southeastern United States. My dad's a pilot and was going through different positions. My mom's an occupational therapist. They had met in Texas, but I was born in Florida. And then over the course of my childhood, I lived in Florida, Tennessee, Maryland, South Carolina and Georgia, where I finished out elementary school, middle school and then high school. And when I was a kid, I was involved in a myriad of different activities. I really enjoyed acting and got the chance to co-star in a public broadcasting television show with the GPB, one of the stations back in Georgia. I did a little bit of entrepreneurship, starting a company when I was 14. I became involved in the Civil Air Patrol and high school wrestling, extemporaneous speech competitions. And with all the different activities going on, I wanted to continue on the tradition in my family of military service. Applied to the Air Force Academy. Thankfully, the “Zoo” let me in. And it's been a great time since.   Naviere Walkewicz 03:04 Who were some of the influences in your life that kind of led you down that path. I know you mentioned, you know, your family has had many that have served. Are those who influenced you? Are there others maybe that you read or influenced you as well.   Maj. Julian Gluck '12 03:16 The members of my family are the largest influence on my decision to join the military. I'm fifth generation. As you go through different lines in the family, people on both sides had served primarily in the United States and hearing their stories of both sacrifice of putting the organization over oneself, the service to country really resonated with me as a kid. And so I knew even when I was very young that I wanted to serve in the military, as well as a lot of the reading I did as a child, I would say. And then going through my time at the Academy was also very much a philosophical focus throughout. A lot of philosophy mixed in as well with the standard books that one would read as a kid.   Naviere Walkewicz 04:01 Five generations. Would you say that it was destiny then to go into the military via the Air Force Academy or just the military in general? Or was it really intentional on your part?   Maj. Julian Gluck '12 04:11 I think there were definitely some elements of the Academy being the destination. Now as far as Air Force Academy versus a few of the others, I would say lesser options with our rivals on the East Coast there. I wasn't initially sure which one I was going to apply to. And ultimately the Air Force Academy made the most sense to me, primarily because of the Academy's awesome record of placing people into really impactful, strategic roles later on. I like the emphasis on technology. And I think as well, having a Japanese program which only the Air Force Academy and maybe the Naval Academy had, I wanted to take Japanese classes, so that was something that was on my mind.   Naviere Walkewicz 04:54 Did you take Japanese class?   Maj. Julian Gluck '12 04:56 [Speaking Japanese here.] So, I did indeed study Japanese. It was my minor at the Academy, and sometimes really useful either in like bilateral track to diplomatic scenarios or ordering sushi at really nice restaurants.   Naviere Walkewicz 05:16 I don't think I would be as successful. All I remember is [speaking Japanese here], which is, “Where is the bathroom.”   Maj. Julian Gluck '12 05:22 That's really important.   Naviere Walkewicz 05:26 So let's talk about the Academy. Maybe what were some of the roles in leadership you had? Or let's just talk about your Academy experience in general. Kind of set the stage for us.   Maj. Julian Gluck '12 05:34 So, the first leadership role I ever had at the Academy was the Mitchell Hall Food Focus Committee. So, Doolie year, freshman year, I'm sitting in the SAR, the squadron assembly room — I'm not sure if the audience is all super-familiar with the acronyms or if they've changed over time — but I'm in the SAR, and they're like, “Hey, we have a volunteer opportunity.” And I'm just thinking in my mind, I've been at the Academy for a few weeks, this is my chance to be an impactful leader early on, and they just needed someone to test out the food at Mitchell Hall. I raised my hand really proudly. And over the course of the year, I gave my own attempt at food criticism to the excellent staff and Mitchell Hall trying to shape the meals cadets would have. Now, I'm not sure if I've had any jobs since then that is quite as impactful. I'm still trying to chase that incredible opportunity to rate how hard the cookies were, or that the chicken fillet sandwiches were pretty solid. But after that one, I would go into primarily roles that were focused on sort of command-oriented leadership, I was the first sergeant I believe, squadron superintendent for basic cadet training. I served on group staff a couple of times culminating as the Group Commander for Cadet Group 1, First Group, so I had a great time doing that. My summers were spent flying gliders, doing the SERE program when we still had CST, and as well as getting the chance to do an internship at the Senate. So, I was the one cadet that was sent there as sort of an interim military legislative assistant, and did basic another time, as well as the Director of Military Guidance Officers. Another role that I did through sophomore through first year was the Personal Ethics and Education Representative Program, the Peer Program, at a really good time. And I thought that it was really valuable getting to speak with cadets who are having troubles in their personal life, professional life, and really be able to help for more challenging issues, such as ones that may involve the law or medical needs. And then for ones that I felt like I could have a good handle on being able to practice my interpersonal communication and super useful later on in my career.   Naviere Walkewicz 08:06 You held many leadership positions, and I'm sure there are many accolades that came with that. What were some of the challenges that you experienced in those positions? And how did you balance being a leader all the time with your own needs, and developing yourself?   Maj. Julian Gluck '12 08:20 I would say the juxtaposition between the military lifestyle which often is more regimented, and a desire to both give back and be creative. So, these secondary and tertiary desires that I really wanted to have in my personal life and professional life continue to self-actualize and feel comfortable. We're always at sort of a crossroads. But the Academy thankfully made that possible. Now I did that at the expense of probably getting eight hours of sleep per night, maybe about half of that most of the time, and a lot of all-nighters, but I think there were some people who are just hardcore DGs and still got eight hours of sleep. I'm not one of those. I did not get a lot of it. But when I was there doing the cadet leadership jobs, I needed an outlet. So, for Doolie year, I acted with Blue Bards, I tried to relive a little bit of that child acting background and that was a lot of fun. We did Grease and 12 Angry Men. Then through both four degree year, all the way up through first year, and a little bit as a casual lieutenant, I sung with the In the Stairwell acapella group, and was a beatboxer and sung bass as well. And that was a phenomenal time getting to perform for the senior leaders that came in at the White House a couple times, and then later on getting to relive that as well as an alumnus at the America's Got Talent semifinals doing an exhibition before the then current crop of cadets just totally crushed it out there on the stage. So, I think throughout that time at the Academy, just being able to go, “Hey, I need to really focus on academics, I need I grow in my leadership capabilities.” But I also want creative things. And then community service-oriented things. And that was where I became involved with programs like the Knights of Columbus, when I was a cadet finding ways to give back and the local community and lead volunteer projects across the state of Colorado and then eventually, nationally, internationally.   Naviere Walkewicz 10:20 I really appreciate you sharing that. Because I think sometimes there might be a misconception or a perception even that, you know, you can be a leader and you have to be really strict and focus and you can't really focus on other things that you're really passionate about, or you know, that bring joy as well. Right. So maybe you can't have both, but I really appreciate that you shared that you can. So, do you prefer beatboxing or bass? What does that sound like?   Maj. Julian Gluck '12 10:44 Well, these days, so I recently joined the Harvard Business School acapella group, which is called Heard on the Street. And I'm still beatboxing. But I'm getting a little bit more into the singing part primarily because over the past 10 years, it's mostly been playing along with my guitar, and singing karaoke. So, I definitely enjoy beatboxing but I'm enjoying doing more singing these days as well.   Naviere Walkewicz You're holding back on…   Maj. Julian Gluck '12 Go to YouTube and see some old clips. I think I'll refrain from beatboxing on your… I haven't checked this mic to see if like a…. [Beatboxing]   Naviere Walkewicz 11:25 So, that was amazing. No, I think that the mic came through fantastically. And no, that is wonderful. We really appreciate that. And again, it also plays into, you know, we really can be fully immersed in a lot of things, right? We don't have to just be down one lane when it comes to leadership and, you know, pursuing our dreams. So, let's talk a little bit about while you were in the military. You share that you flew B-52s for over six years. What was that experience like? And then I'm gonna' ask you a follow-on about flying because there's something as a non-flier, non-rated grad, I just have a question on so first, tell us about what it was like flying B-52.   Maj. Julian Gluck '12 12:05 So, flying the B-52, aka the “Buff,” was a blast. It's a very challenging aircraft, I think, compared to many others in the inventory. It is an older platform. It's older than my father. And based on earlier versions that are older than both my parents, and probably many of the current cadets' grandparents. My grandfather, in fact, asked me when I told him I fly the B-52, “They're still flying those?” And I was like, “Indeed, Grandpa, and you enlisted in the Air Force after they'd already been in service.” But I can tell you, although they are up there in years, it's a very lethal platform. It's an effective platform. It's constantly being brought to the forefront of innovation through the incredible work that the tech community does, that the primes and other companies are able to leverage with different technologies as far as munitions, its radar capabilities, a lot of exciting changes with new engines that will be coming about for the next generation of bomber pilots. So, I enjoyed flying it. It definitely had its moments where it tested my limits. And I'm super grateful for the instructors and weapons school graduates who helped develop me from a young, very uncertain co-pilot to being a more adept, and I would say, empowered aviator, as I continued to like, become more comfortable, and eventually have the chance before I departed the community for other opportunities to instruct as well.   Naviere Walkewicz 13:39 What were some of the challenges that you faced in that? Was it more just a level of comfort? Or was it other things?   Maj. Julian Gluck '12 13:44 I think in the B-52, there's a wide range of different mission-sets that you need to be familiarized with. I mean, not only the nuclear deterrence mission, that is the Secretary of Defense's No. 1 priority, and extremely critical for our ability to deter and assure you also have the close air support mission, you see just a massive suite of different weapons, you need to be able to control an aircraft that has sometimes sluggish controls. And as you're powering through different regimes in the airplane, you also need to be not only taking care of your own aircraft, but if you're flying in formation, as a formation leader, mission leader or even a mission commander, you need to be able to have an awareness of all the other aircraft and players that are out there in the “kill box” or wherever you're operating. So, I think as we're moving up from co-pilot to aircraft commander and mission lead and eventually to instructor, the stakes become higher. The challenges as far as your knowledge set your situational awareness and task management increase. And thankfully with great instructors and those in more senior positions who believed in the opportunity to continue to progress, I had the just joy of a lifetime getting to fly the B-52. Particularly with my crew in 2016 to [2017], as a young co-pilot out in Iraq, Syria and Afghanistan in operations Inherent Resolve and Freedom Sentinel. So, by far the most impactful, meaningful six months of my life, and that would not have been possible without the B-52 community.   Naviere Walkewicz 15:29 That's really powerful. Thank you. One of the questions that's on my mind, and I think for others that maybe aren't in the aviation community — so, pilot versus aviator: Can you demystify this?   Maj. Julian Gluck '12 15:40 Sure, I'll do my best. And I think it also depends on which branch, the terminology differs a little bit, I believe in the Navy particularly. But for the Air Force, I would normally think of an aviator as a rated individual who would either be a pilot, a weapons systems officer or navigator, a flight surgeon, others who have a set of wings on the officer side, and that take part in some aspect of the airplane. Pilots in particular are the ones normally controlling the aircraft as far as the movements of it, which you would normally think of as aviating — whereas like weapon system officers doing the navigating.   Naviere Walkewicz 16:26 That is helpful. One of the things we do is we know we have a group of listeners that may not know some of our terms. So, can you explain the difference between rated and nonrated?   Maj. Julian Gluck '12 16:35 I will do my best with that as well. So, a rated officer is a person who has gone through a formal technical training program that relates to the flying of a particular mission system. Whether that is an aircraft or a UAS, or remotely piloted aircraft. So, unmanned aerial system for UAS, so these individuals have on their service dress or mess dress or on their flight suit, a set of links that indicate that there's this particular skill set that was developed over time. And the rated aviators have particular requirements. As far as medical, in addition to their technical training, you have to make sure you're able to still fly. And they also have certain other personnel system requirements. So, when I think rated, I think of a person who is in the cockpit or on the airplane with a very specific job of like, an air battle manager is a rated aviator, who on different command control platforms, has a particular mission set with controlling battlespace, that's also considered rated.   Naviere Walkewicz 17:48 We want to make sure that everyone feels able to connect with what you're sharing. So that was a fantastic…   Maj. Julian Gluck '12 17:54 If there's anything wrong, just go to the comments. Just continue to like — increase the social media exposure by saying, “Cosmo, you're wrong!” And I'll make it.   Naviere Walkewicz 18:03 No, that's perfect. Thank you. Well, before we kind of leave this topic of aviation, I'd really like to learn a little bit more about the Order of the Daedalians. Can you talk about this organization a bit? How did it come to be part of your life? I think that's just one that we're not all familiar with.   Maj. Julian Gluck '12 18:20 The Order of Daedalians is a professional order of military aviators that was founded by World War I pilots around 1934. And these particular pilots wanted to start an organization that would commemorate the service that occurred, all the valor that took place in the skies for the Great War, and then afterward to be able to continue to interact with each other and then have a network of convivial interaction between them. But over time, the Order of the Daedalians, and through its charitable arm, the Daedalian Foundation, has grown into this organization for all military aviators of around 10,000. I believe in our current membership, and our organization not only helps connect aviators from the past and present, but also to continue to commemorate that service of the founders of the organization. We do scholarships to the tune of hundreds of thousands of dollars to help students in ROTC programs who wish to become military aviators. And we also have in addition to those academic scholarships, flight scholarships that teach people how to fly. We have a program that supports a Junior ROTC and awards program for different rated aviation training programs to celebrate the success and excellence of the students who are in there. So as the youngest member of the board of trustees, I'm grateful to get to learn from incredible senior leaders and general officers who have flown a variety of different aircraft. And I think it is a wonderful program for those who are still on active duty or in the Reserve as well as those who have separated or who are retired, who would like to continue to swap stories. There are a lot of fantastic speakers who come in and continue to contribute to the next generation of flyer while still paying homage or respect to those who came before us.   Naviere Walkewicz 20:16 What's something that's been really personal to you that you've been proud to see the Order of the Daedalians take part in? Can you share maybe a more specific story?   Maj. Julian Gluck '12 20:24 So, coming into the organization, I noticed that we had, and I will say this resonates with a lot of sort of Golden Age fraternal organizations like the Knights of Columbus and many others, a wealth of experience with our older members who are very dedicated. Perhaps they're fully retired from their jobs, they have a lot of time to give back, but not as many younger members who are coming in, particularly those who are still actively wearing the uniform and flying. So thankfully, with the support of the full-time professionals at the Order of Daedalians and our trustees and directors at the foundation and the order itself, we got together to discuss a lot of ways to innovate the organization to bring it into its next phase, particularly to help drive recruitment and retention with a lot of these potential younger members by having the opportunity to go to bases and really advocate that the order of the Order of the Daedalians is not only a force for good in that it's helping train new aviators, which is a critical need for the national security enterprise, but it's also a fantastic retention tool by providing a strong network of mentorship. So my hope is that a lot of the meetings that we had take place that focused on bringing everyone together, will eventually culminate in a desire for perhaps any listeners to this particular podcast, who go, “You know what, this is a historic program, I would like to volunteer or be a part of it and get to listen to some amazing stories, and then do my part to give back as well.”   Naviere Walkewicz 21:59 Thank you for sharing that. And that really speaks very clearly to me. That's one of the things here at the Association that we're working to do as well, you know, really ignite our younger graduates into membership and participation and engagement. Well, let's shift gears a little bit from the world of aviation, you know, you talked about it as a cadet, you had kind of two facets that you're really interested in the creative side, and also the leadership side. Of course, they don't have to be mutually exclusive. Maybe you can talk about what it's like now to transition. You're at the Harvard Business School, you're an author, let's talk about this lane a little bit.   Maj. Julian Gluck '12 22:35 So, I am super grateful to be a reservist. I had a really engaging time on active duty. It was fantastic for leadership development with some fantastic leaders over the years. But the wonderful thing about the Air Force is there's so many different ways to continue serving in uniform. One of my big interests, that was my desire to go back to school, and find other opportunities to support organizations, including the United States government, through ways that I thought were more focused on strategic development. Going to the Reserve, transitioning through the Palace Chase program, and going back to school has made all of that possible. So as a reservist, now I'm assigned to the Defense Innovation Unit, and the Office of the Secretary of Defense where we help with dual-use technologies, helping bring a lot of the technologists and founders leaders of different programs who have ideas that can support a range of portfolios for the Department of Defense, such as autonomy, AI, energy, human systems, bringing those together to help improve our DOD systems, particularly for a lot of these smaller companies that could use a lot of support. So that has been fantastic. I'm still very much in an embryonic stage within my Reserve service. There's a lot for me to learn. And as I'm going through this transition, it's been amazing getting to talk to reservists who've been there and done that. They've done the transition, and they're continuing to give back. It's not about the money for them. It's about a way to continue to give back to our United States military. And that's something it's really inspiring to me, and inspired me a lot when I was out in Korea as an aide and with all the reservists who would come in to be part of the chase and take time away from their families and from their busy jobs to suit up, you know, put on their flight suits, come out to Korea and really make a difference for our bilateral/multilateral organizations out there. So that's been fantastic. At Harvard, it's been a wonderful learning opportunity. I loved my time at the Academy. I wouldn't trade it for anything. It was the perfect undergrad experience for me. Now going through as a grad school student, I'm kind of getting to see that other side. I've got the more college dorm-style apartment even though I'm not living on campus. As you know, it's not quite hacky sack in the quad that I was imagining that college would be. But the range of different people who are members of the HBS Class of 2025 is so interesting, people from all around the world, very different backgrounds. I mean, of course, we have venture capitalists, consultants, bankers here, but there's also a very, I would say, engaged and interesting veteran group. And I really love hanging out with the other veterans who are in both my section and the class at large. In fact, one of the traditions that we started in my section is the veterans would all wear Hawaiian shirts on Fridays, and so I had to buy a lot more Hawaiian shirts, because I was never stationed at Hawaii, did not have a hardly any of them. And that's where I found this Air Force Academy, Hawaiian shirt.   Naviere Walkewicz 25:55 So, that is outstanding.   Maj. Julian Gluck '12 25:58 I don't think anyone else who's coming on your podcast is probably gonna' have one of these. So, yes, it's been really great at HBS. I'm learning a lot. I have two and a half more semesters left. And I'm excited for what comes next as well.   Naviere Walkewicz 26:12 Well, let's dig into that a little bit. So, you went to the Academy, you had incredible opportunities to lead. You've done some of this in the Reserve. And then also, at Harvard, what does leadership look like across those different lanes? How have you seen leadership evolve, and how has it shaped you during this time?   Maj. Julian Gluck '12 26:34 The opportunities I had to lead both at the Academy and on active duty, certainly inform and help bring different context and experience to the leadership opportunities I may have at school now or that I hope to have in the future. I will say there's a lot to learn to bring that into full realization as I continue through this transition from military to the civilian world. So as I look at like my experience as a flight commander for aircrew, flight equipment technicians, and SERE when I was at Barksdale, or getting to serve as a director of staff at Air Combat Command, and the A-3, a lot of those involved, be able to help our junior enlisted to be able to work with phenomenal senior non-commissioned officers how to help pass information up and down the chain to innovate, to go through a lot of the administrative challenges that are elements of bureaucracy and probably omnipresent no matter what sort of organization you're in. So those have been great. Now, at school, I would say a lot of the leadership could be leadership in the classroom. For me as someone not coming from Goldman Sachs or Bain, I have a lot of learning and followership I'm enjoying in the classroom right now is getting to really just taken a lot from all of the incredible experiences of my younger section mates and classmates who have had very relevant experience. And then the aspects of the veteran experience that also relate myself and many others in the veteran community who are students at my business school, and I'm sure at many of the other ones across the country in the world are able to relate to is also super-useful. So, I'm excited as I go into professional work, both this summer and after graduation, to be able to bring the gregariousness as described at the beginning to my next job and a lot of those fantastic opportunities to learn and serve in the military as I continue to grow and hopefully become a more effective cross-sector leader.   Naviere Walkewicz 28:48 So, you talked about, you know, you have a lot to learn. What has been something you've learned about yourself so far in this journey, thinking about leadership and what our listeners are hoping to glean? You know, what's something you've learned about yourself weather as a follower, to your point, you know, how important is it to be a follower in the world of leadership, etc.?   Maj. Julian Gluck '12 29:10 I think there's a lot of strength in knowing that you do not know something. And through my time in business school, there is a lot that I think many of those who are coming from civilian careers that more directly relate to business would think is just information that everyone is armed with. That is absent for many of us who were not as directly involved in running for profit organizations or who weren't involved in sales, investment banking or any of these other careers. So, during my time at HBS, I've definitely practiced the skill of humility. I have seen it in action with some of the challenging tests that I have taken so far over the past semester and a half and I'm learning about myself the sorts of activities that I really enjoy as I consider the kind of careers that are on the outside flying airplanes. And then going into, let's say consulting is a big leap. But there are also a lot of elements of that sort of leadership that are, I would say, at least are correlate with each other. And as I continue to figure out, what am I skilled at, what do I enjoy, and sometimes those aren't always aligned, I can reach out to mentors to classmates, to grads, in particular, I've reached out to a lot of grads who are out there in the civilian world to find out, ‘What do you recommend? How do I improve? How do I grow in this?' And I'm excited for the kind of development that I hope to see and that I will strive to really develop over the next year and a half and then many years ahead?   Naviere Walkewicz 30:54 And has there been a tidbit of leadership from some of those mentors, you've reached out to in the graduate committee or across different lanes that have really impacted you? And if so, what would you share with the group?   Maj. Julian Gluck '12 31:06 I would say, a lot of the grads I have spoken with that are maybe from like the '90s and 2000s, who have gone to business school or law school or medical school, have shared how much of an impact the military had on them. And where there are sometimes vacuums for that sort of selfless leadership and that aspect of giving back that are in uniform, that you really need something like that, to continue to really feel like you're giving it your all, and that you're in the right place - that you could be like, you could be making millions and millions of dollars. That is a story that was relayed to me by a former Air Force pilot. But if you are not finding a way to really do something for others, it may come across meaningless in many ways, like you can be happy on a yacht. I'm sure if anyone out there has got one, I'm happy to hop on sometime over spring break. But programs like the Civil Air Patrol to the Air Force Auxiliary, that giveaway for grads, who are perhaps still in uniform or out of uniform to continue to give back to do things such as domestic search and rescue, or helping mentor and teach middle school, high school and college students. Those are ways that like really connect you with service, that aren't full time jobs, that have less responsibility. I would say then continuing to serve in the Reserve and still allow a lot of different freedoms that maybe you want to experience that provide another shade of meaning that perhaps you're not getting in one full career.   Naviere Walkewicz 32:44 And I think that's really meaningful for people to hear, right? I think, when you're looking at success, how you define success, certainly, there's an element of being able to have the freedom to do things that you want, that money brings. But there's also the fulfillment internally that comes from being part of or doing something bigger. So how much longer in your program?   Maj. Julian Gluck '12 33:03 So, I've got two and a half semesters left. I'll graduate, God willing, or I think I remember from my four-degree days, and basically that 20, if you make it that far, like I heard that a lot.   Naviere Walkewicz 33:16 All right, so May 2025. What's next, Julian?   Maj. Julian Gluck '12 33:19 I'm not sure quite yet after graduation. This summer, I have a really phenomenal opportunity lined up to be a consultant with McKinsey & Company in their London office. So, this is the pre-LinkedIn update. I'll be at McKinsey this summer. I applied to a few other fellowships, and I'm interested in finding ways to continue to learn about these different sectors, how one can grow a company as well as an organization that is a not-for-profit, like most of my experience or within government service. After graduation, I hope to have continued opportunities over the decades to come to give back. Certainly interested in public service, as well as being able to develop different organizations. So, we'll see. But I'm definitely excited for this summer. And I think there's a lot that I have to learn with McKinsey just across the pond.   Naviere Walkewicz 34:18 You're certainly no stranger to kind of putting everything into something and kind of seeing the benefits that come from that — all of the awards I went through beyond learning and seeing what's out there, what you just described, is there something else that you're like, at some point down the road, this is something I'm striving for?   Maj. Julian Gluck '12 34:34 I think overall down the road, as long as I'm making a positive impact in my circle — and in my community — that's the most important thing to me. Like I don't want to give up the uniform. I've loved serving in the Air Force and I'll stay in the Air Force Reserve, hopefully as long as they'll keep me and it would be great to have more opportunities to lead again. Being a flight commander was immensely rewarding. I really loved working with the airmen and if I had other opportunities to lead more directly in the future, I'd love to do so. And hopefully continue to give back, serve other organizations and continue to volunteer at the local level and on up.   Naviere Walkewicz 35:13 And you've had many different experiences in leadership. What are the one or two things you want to leave with the audience to take away from this from you?   Maj. Julian Gluck '12 35:24 I would say and I'll plug sort of my company grade Officers Council message. I had a great time in CGSC as lieutenant and a captain and now serving as chairman emeritus for the department, Air Force CTOC. I would say that, for those who are still on active duty, wherever you're stationed, there is a fantastic place where you can serve your community and do your part. And for our grads, and retirees, no matter where you're at, there is a charity that would love to have you on their team. So, providing your time, your talents, your treasure to a variety of organizations, if you want to work with kids, there are fantastic charities out there that will help you mentor the next generation. If you want to support the elderly and those who've come before us. There are plenty of organizations as well. So, I would leave you with, if you have some time available, if there's money that you're seeking to donate, there is a cause that will resonate with you, just go to the search engine of your choice. Maybe it's Ask Jeeves and just put, you know, what I might have to check after this broadcast. Just making sure I said a different one, it would sound like maybe a sponsorship message, but go to Lycos I think that was a search engine in your Netscape Navigator, go look up on AOL, your interests, and you'll be able to find a charity that works for you. And for the other tidbit of leadership, if there is something that you are not good at, there are people who will help you who care about you, that will continue to take time to help you improve in that. And I'm finding that every day at HBS as I make my way through finance classes and accounting that there are classmates who know far more than me, are far smarter than me. And that can really help out. And I think that's the same in uniform, I got lots of help when I was a pilot in the B-52 and would never have made it through pilot training or the bomber schoolhouse in the FTP or many other programs without incredible support from peers and instructors. So that's what I'll leave.   Naviere Walkewicz 37:32 Those are gifts of information that just keep giving in so many ways. So, thanks for sharing that. Well, we're at a point where I want to make sure that you had a chance to share everything that you would like to with our listeners. Was there anything I didn't ask you, or something that you really want to share when it comes to leadership?   Maj. Julian Gluck '12 37:50 I would say, I'm gonna do a plug for the AOG. If there are things that you want your AOG to do, you are the person who can help facilitate that as well. Just like I aim to, like, many others, an alumni organization, a nonprofit, a charity is only as strong as its membership corps. So, as you continue to think about how you want the Air Force Academy to be a part of your life after graduation, if you're the kind of person that says, “Hey, I drove away from Arnold Hall or North Gate or South Gate with the chapel in my rearview mirror, and it's kind of the furthest thing from my memory at this point,” then, I urge you to consider the impact that the school had, whether it was the those icy days marching outside, or perhaps some of the more fond memories that you'll have of the Zoo. Not everything and everyone's cadet experience was perhaps what you hoped it would be. But all of us were shaped by that experience there. I love the Academy. I got a lot out of it. And I hope to continue to give back to it, whether it's through the AOG, or just being able to talk with the current crop of cadets, alumni and give back. We're either cadets or alumni of an incredible institution. And let's show those other service academies that the Air Force Academy is truly the premier military academy in the United States.   Naviere Walkewicz 39:15 I can get behind that. That's outstanding. Thank you so much. So Julian, for our listeners. If anyone wants to get a hold of you, how would you suggest they do that?   Maj. Julian Gluck '12 39:23 You'll probably find me surrounded by case studies at HBS. So just wake me up so I'll do some more studying. Other ways — you can find me on LinkedIn. I'm one of the only Julian Glucks. You can also find me on Instagram, it's JulianRGluck. If you put it without the “R”, it'll be one of those other Julian Glucks who's probably tired of people reaching out to him. So, I'm happy to talk with current cadets, grads and continue to build those bonds that we have as Zoomies.   Naviere Walkewicz 39:54 Thank you so much for joining us today on Long Blue Leadership, Julian. It's been fantastic.   Maj. Julian Gluck '12 39:58 Always happy to chat with you and anyone else from the glorious old Zoo so thank you very much   Naviere Walkewicz 40:03 Thank you.     KEYWORDS aviators, cadets, leadership, academy, volunteer, organization, continue, flying, Air Force Academy, Julian, Gluck, give, military, charity, opportunities, pilot, serve, learn, rated, fantastic, program, leader     The Long Blue Line Podcast Network is presented by the U.S. Air Force Academy Association and Foundation      

Josh became infatuated with the military and flying after watching “Top Gun”. Josh did everything he could to learn about aircraft and to prepare to become a pilot, including participating in the Civil Air Patrol. Josh needed glasses to correct his vision so becoming a pilot wasn't feasible, but it didn't stop his desire to serve. Josh enlisted in the Infantry with the goal to apply to West Point and to enter the Academy. When he reported to his first duty station at Joint Base Lewis McChord he told his chain of commmand his intentions and his company commander supported his ambitions. Nine months after reporting to Joint Base Lewis McChord Josh would be reporting to the United States Military Academy Prep School and West Point the year after. Josh would graduate West Point and commission as an Armor Officer; serving in South Korea, deploying from Fort Carson with the 3rd ACR to Iraq, and later to Kuwait as a staff officer in the Coalition Forces Land Component Command (CFLCC). Josh would leave the military upon the completion of his initial military service obligation and began a journey of discovering his passions for elevators, photography, serving others, and Artificial Intelligence. This is his story. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/joe-harrison0/support

In this episode, we take a journey into the heart of service and leadership with Maj. Gen. Edward D. Phelka and CMSgt Todd H. Parson from the Civil Air Patrol (CAP). They unravel the captivating story of this premier public service organization taking us from its humble beginnings with a mission to mobilize the nation's civilian aviation resources for national defense service to a formidable force as a Total Force partner and auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force. Maj. Gen. Phelka and CMSgt Parson share their experiences and shed light on how CAP's more than 64,000 members selflessly dedicate their time, energy, and expertise to serve communities across this country and the world. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yournextmission/message

A-10 Warthog pilot and combat veteran, Col. (Ret.) Kim “KC” Campbell '97, recounts an incident over Baghdad leading her to make a decision that changed her life then and informs how she leads to this day. ----more---- SUMMARY Kim shares her leadership journey, from overcoming resistance to pursuing her dreams to describing the life changing effect one very long hour had in the cockpit of her A-10. She emphasizes the importance of continuous improvement and professional development throughout one's career. She discusses the challenges of balancing life and leading, and the lessons she learned from failures and pushing outside her comfort zone. She shares the importance of having a wingman who supports you in both personal and professional aspects of life.   OUR FAVORITE QUOTES "Any leader that isn't working to be better and trying to develop themselves along the way, is probably going to hit an endpoint at some point. We have to constantly learn to improve and adapt and it requires work. Leadership requires work." "When I started out, I had this idea that leadership was like, put on this tough exterior, have the answers, be strong and credible and capable.” "I absolutely think leadership requires work. It's not easy. There are challenges, there are things to learn, things to adapt. It's just constantly one of those things that professional development, for me is something that should continue throughout your career throughout your life, always looking for new ways." "I think one of the things that really sticks out to me that we learned as cadets is the idea of having a wingman by your side personally, professionally. Someone that will have your back someone that will support you." "If you want something, you're going to have to work for it. And it's not going to be easy."  - Col. (Ret.) Kim "KC" Campbell '97   SHARE THIS EPISODE FACEBOOK  |  LINKEDIN  |  TWITTER  |  EMAIL   CHAPTERS 00:00:  Continuous Improvement and Professional Development 03:52:  Overcoming Resistance and Pursuing Dreams 06:36:  Lessons from Running Cross-Country 08:58:  Persistence and Overcoming Rejection 13:02:  Leadership Journey at the Air Force Academy 15:17:  Finding Passion and Purpose in the A-10 16:14:  Life-Changing Moment in Baghdad 19:51:  Lessons and Vulnerability in Writing a Book 22:09:  Balancing Life and Leadership 26:14:  Leadership Development and Growth 28:37:  Authenticity and Human Connection in Leadership 32:16:  Family's Influence on Leadership 36:58:  Learning from Failure and Pushing Outside Comfort Zone 41:11:  Building Human Connections and Getting to Know People 42:34:  The Importance of Having a Wingman 43:31:  The Importance of Having a Wingman 43:59:  How to Get in Touch 44:30:  Connect with Kim 44:55:  Feedback and Connection 45:26:  The Story Behind the Call Sign 45:54:  Book Title and Conclusion   OUR FAVORITE TAKEAWAYS  - Leadership requires continuous improvement and professional development.  - Overcoming resistance and pursuing dreams are essential in leadership.  - Balancing life and leadership is a challenge that requires flexibility and grace.  - Building human connections and having a wingman for support are crucial in leadership.   KIM'S BIO Kim “KC” Campbell is a retired Colonel who served in the Air Force for over 24 years as a fighter pilot and senior military leader. She has flown 1,800 hours in the A-10 Warthog, including more than 100 combat missions protecting troops on the ground in both Iraq and Afghanistan. In 2003, Kim was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for Heroism after successfully recovering her battle-damaged airplane after an intense close air support mission. As a senior military leader, Kim has led hundreds of Airmen both at home and abroad in deployed locations and enabled them to succeed in their missions. She has experience leading complex organizations and driving cultural change. Kim knows what it takes to be a successful leader, to inspire and empower high performance teams to achieve success. Kim is passionate about leadership and feels strongly that leaders earn trust by leading with courage and connecting with their team. - Bio copy and image credit:  www.kim-kc-campbell-com CONNECT WITH KIM  |  LEARN MORE  |   BUY FLYING IN THE FACE OF FEAR   ABOUT LONG BLUE LEADERSHIP Long Blue Leadership drops every two weeks on Tuesdays and is available on Apple Podcasts, TuneIn + Alexa, Spotify and all your favorite podcast platforms. Search @AirForceGrads on your favorite social channels for Long Blue Leadership news and updates!   FULL TRANSCRIPT SPEAKERS Our guest, Col. (Ret.) Kim "KC" Campbell, '97  |  Our host, Naviere Walkewicz '99 Col. (Ret.) Kim "KC" Campbell  00:11 Any leader that isn't working to be better and trying to develop themselves along the way, is probably going to hit an endpoint at some point. We have to constantly learn to improve and adapt and it requires work. Leadership requires work. It's, you know — it's not easy. There are challenges; there are things to learn. Professional development should continue throughout your career, throughout your life, always looking for new ways. Naviere Walkewicz  01:07 My guest today is retired Col. Kim Casey Campbell, a 1997 graduate of the Air Force Academy, a warrior whose career included supporting warfighters on the ground from the cockpit of an A-10 Warthog, where she earned the callsign “Killer Chick.” She's a mom, wife of a retired Air Force colonel and published author. She's a motivational speaker on the topic of leadership. That includes the story of a moment where, if she hadn't also learned to be a good follower, she might not be with us today — as in, not alive. Col. Campbell's path to the Air Force Academy was one of overcoming resistance; she won the first fight of her life to join the wing, then she went on to lead it. We'll talk with her about her book, “Flying in the Face of Fear,” her time at the Academy, and much more. Kim, thank you for being here today. Col. (Ret.) Kim "KC" Campbell  01:54 Thanks so much for having me. I appreciate it. Naviere Walkewicz  01:56 It's always a pleasure speaking to someone that — we were at the Academy the same time. I was, '99. You're my upper classmen? You probably had me do pushups or something? And you recently came back for your reunion? Col. (Ret.) Kim "KC" Campbell  02:11 Well, now that I live in Colorado, it's always, you know — I get to spend a lot of time at the Air Force Academy. But it is always so good to see my classmates. And I think it's so much fun, because you kind of forget anything that was bad. And the memories are things that you might want to forget. And it's just, I don't know, fun to bring everybody back together again and see everyone and see what people have accomplished. And you know, their personal life and professional life. It's just a lot of fun. Naviere Walkewicz  02:36 I love that. I find that, you know, things stayed the same, but they're different. What was something that really stood out to you that you thought was a kind of a span that that space of time, it really didn't get touched? What was something that stood out? Col. (Ret.) Kim "KC" Campbell  02:48 I don't know. I mean, having taught at the Air Force Academy as well, I find that, like, the drive to serve. And I just — it's fun to see, like, where the cadets are now and their excitement to serve and to graduate and go out and be lieutenants in the Air Force and Space Force. So that's definitely something new. But that drive that we all had — it's kind of a reminder of where we were back then and that excitement that we felt for what's to come. And it's fun to see that [in] my cadets today, too. Naviere Walkewicz  03:15 I agree, I have the pleasure of being able to come back through work and see some of those cadets, and I'm always blown away at what they're able to accomplish now, much more I think, than what we did when we were here. Col. (Ret.) Kim "KC" Campbell  03:25 I love the opportunity to mentor cadets when I get the chance and, you know, just the amazing things that they have in front of them — challenges and opportunities — but really excited for them about what's ahead. Naviere Walkewicz  03:39 Yes. So, speaking about cadets, let's kind of dial back the time a little bit. Our listeners want to get to know you better. Let's go back in time for you. What were you like as a young girl? What was your childhood like? Where'd you grow up? Things like that. Col. (Ret.) Kim "KC" Campbell  03:54 Well, I grew up in San Jose, California. My dad was an Air Force Academy grad class of 1970. I had zero desire to go to the Air Force Academy or to join the military until 1986. And it was not “Top Gun.” But it was actually the launch of the Space Shuttle Challenger. And I think, for me, there was just something in that moment of, you know — obviously the thrill and excitement of flight, but then watching the tragedy that played out. I think there was something in that moment that I just connected with in terms of, like, this idea that the astronauts died doing something that they believed in, something that was bigger and more important than themselves. And that was a turning point for me. I mean, I think before that, I probably wasn't all that driven, didn't really have anything that I was going after, kind of along for the ride in school. But once I decided that that's what I wanted to do — I wanted to be an astronaut — it flipped a switch. I mean, I just became very driven, very committed. I talked to my parents about it. And my dad said, “Well, a lot of those astronauts were pilots and many of them had gone to the Air Force Academy. It might be something you would consider.”  I don't think he actually thought I would go through with it. And I think it, for me — that was a huge turning point. I think my life changed dramatically from kind of the young social butterfly, not a lot of interest, along for the ride… and then really committed and driven... Naviere Walkewicz  05:20 So what did that look like when you said it changed dramatically? What did you do differently from that point? Col. (Ret.) Kim "KC" Campbell  05:25 Well, I talked to my dad about the things that I needed to do to get into the Air Force Academy. And I became very committed. In school, … I was already involved with sports, but now it was like, how to be the best at what I was doing and being more involved in just various extracurricular activities. And then I joined the Civil Air Patrol. And that was my first opportunity to wear an Air Force uniform and start learning about this thing called leadership. And I really figured out that I enjoyed it. I love the attention to detail, the sense of camaraderie. And so that, for me — it was like this turning point. I kind of just took a different path. And even my friends were, you know — they watched me completely change and shift the things that I was interested in doing. Naviere Walkewicz  06:08 That's really interesting, because it was one moment in time that really changed your trajectory quite a bit. Absolutely. Not to jump to your book yet, but there was a story in there that really stood out to me, and it kind of is probably along the timeframe when you made some changes in your decisions. But it was when you're running cross country. And you talked a little bit about how you handled a particular situation. Do you mind sharing that? I just think that's a great story to talk about how driven you were? Col. (Ret.) Kim "KC" Campbell  06:37 Yeah, I ran cross country. I knew it would be good for me to go to the Air Force Academy. Again, everything I did, there was, like, some motivation to, you know, how I can prepare myself to be at the Air Force Academy. I also love to run so I was running cross country — it was, I think, the district finals and a cross country race. You know, we're all jammed in at the front before the gun sounds. And then, you know, it's the sprint to try to get out in front. And during this race, all packed in, a runner accidentally stepped on the back of my shoe and it came off and there was, like, this second of hesitation of, like, “Well, should I stop? Should I put on the shoe? What do I do?” And I just thought, “Well, then I'm going to be at the back. How am I going to get up to the front?” So I decided to keep running, you know, which, at the time, I didn't really consider all the consequences. But I kept running. I ran, I think it was about 2 miles — I raced through the hills, initially pavement and then hills in San Jose, California. And it was so funny, because my coach had seen the shoe laying in the parking lot. All the coaches are kind of standing around looking at each other. … And she's like, “Oh, I know, that's Kim's shoe.” Like, she just knew. And I ended up finishing the race. ... It wasn't my best performance — without the shoe — and it was pretty painful by the end. But I think more than anything, that moment for my dad sealed in this idea of like, “Maybe she does have what it takes.” Like, "Maybe she does have the mental toughness,” because I think there was a part of him that wasn't really sure that I was gonna go through with it, that I would be able to handle the stress and the challenges. And I think that one moment for him was like, “All right, she's got something…, she's got it.” So, it was a turning point, although it did earn me a pair of crutches and a trip to the emergency room. Yeah. So, you know, consequences. I learned those as well. Naviere Walkewicz  08:35 I think that is a great story. It was one of the moments in the book where I just felt really connected to you. I thought, “Wow, that is truly showing grit and perseverance. And I have something I'm going to do.” And so, it leads into a lot of, I think, where you've had in your career, I've had some moments like that. Yeah. So maybe we can dive a little bit into your journey to the Air Force Academy. Because, as I mentioned in the introduction, you didn't get accepted the first time; there was some resistance. Let's talk about that. Col. (Ret.) Kim "KC" Campbell  09:04 Yeah, you know, you do everything possible to go to the Academy. I mean, I worked hard in school, I did these extracurricular activities. Let's just say my [Law School Admission Test] scores weren't spectacular. And I knew that, but I was hoping that everything else would kind of make up for it. And I just kept trying on my LSAT. I took it five times [and got] the same score five times even after taking a course, and so that was an area of struggle. And in April of my senior year, I got that letter in the mail and I was really excited because it was the blue letterhead and it said AF on it. I should have known because it was a small letter and it said, you know, “Thanks for applying, but it's very competitive and essentially, try again next year.” And I was devastated. Devastated because that's all I wanted; it was all I had worked for. It was, for me — I really didn't want to go anywhere else. My parents made me apply to other schools but I didn't ­— it wasn't what I wanted. And, you know, thankfully, I had this team of people around me that were supportive, between my parents and my teachers, my liaison officer — my liaison officer who was my dad's classmate from the Academy class of '70. He said, “You know, Kim, if this is what you want, don't quit. Go after it, you know, keep working hard, we'll get you there.” You know, it was like, it didn't mean this year. But I think he was just trying to, you know, give me the pep talk of like, “You can still do this, don't quit on it.” And he said, “You might consider writing the Academy a letter.” And I was like, oh, you know, this is the day of handwritten letters. And instead of one letter, I decided I would write the Academy, the admissions office, every week, to tell them anything I had done to improve. You know, an A on a test, 10 more push-ups, a few more pull ups. And then, eventually, I took the ACT and got a better score, got a competitive score, and finally got my acceptance letter in June, so like, you know, the first part of June before reporting and it said, you know, “We, we will accept you as part of the class of 1997.” And, you know, there was no doubt in my mind, I mean, I had other plans, I was going on an ROTC scholarship to [the University of California at  ] San Diego. And immediately, when I got that letter, I knew that my path was going to change because I obviously — that was what I wanted. But yeah, the rejection hurt, certainly. But I think it also gave me motivation. Naviere Walkewicz  11:21 I was going to say, it seemed like you learned something about yourself. You know, a lot of our listeners are looking for, you know, when they're listening, it's not always the highs that get people to the next level. Sometimes, working through some of those trials and tribulation — what's something you learned about yourself in that in that moment? Col. (Ret.) Kim "KC" Campbell  11:36 Well, it's funny, I mean, like you say, sometimes the things that aren't on our bio or résumé, are the things that make us really stronger and who we are. And that rejection was a little bit of a turning point for me, because I think about, you know, I could have quit, I could have quit on my dream. But again, that support network that was around me, that encouraged me to just go after it. And I kind of used that rejection as almost motivation to make sure I didn't just survive at the Academy, but to excel. Like, I was almost like, I needed to prove that I belonged here. Even after, the admissions office called me to the office — after I had gone through basic training — and they wanted to meet me because they had seen all these letters. But it is it is a little bit of like, if you want something, you gotta go after it. It's not always going to be easy; there's going to be challenges. And if you know, if it's truly what you want, then you've got to stick with it. And despite, you know, a little bit of painful rejection along the way. Naviere Walkewicz  12:35 You've shown what, you know, going for something that's really important to you looks like, and I think there's something to be taken from that for our listeners, for sure. So, from almost not getting into the Academy to being the wing commander, the cadet wing commander — share a little bit about that journey, because not many of us experience that either. Col. (Ret.) Kim "KC" Campbell  12:52 Yeah, well, it goes back to a little bit of proving that I belonged here. You know, I think for me … maybe because of my parents, you know, they instilled in me this idea that if you want to fix something or if you want to make a mark on something, then you have to kind of step up. And I just realized that I really enjoyed the leadership roles that I had, whether it was team captain of sports, or once I joined the Civil Air Patrol, I kind of felt this natural pull to be a leader in those organizations. And so, when I got to the Academy, I just kind of felt like, well, this is a path that I have enjoyed in the past, why not give it a shot and go for it? My dad had been the wing commander when he was here as a cadet. And so yeah, there is a legacy. And I just, you know, I learned so much from my parents and this idea of really like stepping up. And if you want to do something, if you want to make a difference, especially if you're going to complain about it, then do something about it. And so, I just I really enjoy the leadership roles. I like the idea of being able to make a difference. I certainly learned a lot along the way. I had role models and mentors here at the Academy that, you know, helped me to kind of evolve and adapt my leadership style while I was here, but I really enjoyed it. I really think it set me on a path of, you know, learning something early in what is a leadership laboratory, you know, learning, not always getting it right. But it kind of set me up for leadership lessons and leadership later in my career as well. Naviere Walkewicz  14:24 Those are all really fantastic examples of, you know — I think how that evolved and what you learned about yourself in leadership. Would you say that your dream changed to be an astronaut to become an A-10 pilot? Because it was, you know, that was your path? What did that look like when you knew that you weren't going to try to become an astronaut or you were, you know, really inspired by the A-10? Col. (Ret.) Kim "KC" Campbell  14:46 You know, it's interesting because I think we set goals for ourselves. We had these dreams and then sometimes our priorities change over time and letting go of that dream was a little bit hard. If I'm honest, I would still love to do it. I would still love to be an astronaut someday and, you know, there's still a chance. But I found that once I went on to fly the A-10, I just I loved it. I loved the mission, I really found my passion and my purpose supporting our ground troops. And I think part of that was because my entire career flying A-10 was after 9/11. We deployed multiple times to combat, so I really saw where I was making a difference. And I was making a difference and helping our ground troops get home safely. And I didn't want to leave that. I just really felt committed to that role in that job and the responsibility of it. And so … I kind of just took a different path at that point. And sometimes it's hard, you know, to take that path and go off this course that it really had been a dream of mine for so long. But I absolutely love flying. Naviere Walkewicz  15:46 You had some very unique challenges. And so, I think one that many may be familiar with, but if you're not a listener that knows about this, you know, you had experienced a very challenging time after flying for about 20 years, while you were over Baghdad. Col. (Ret.) Kim "KC" Campbell  16:07 Yeah, you know, those life-changing moments that you think really are never going to happen to you. Right? … I think back to being a cadet, right, and just the moments of like, you know, the, you have this goal, you have these dreams, you have this idea of what your life is going to be like. And then for us, you know, 9/11 changed that dramatically. But it gave me the opportunity as an A-10 pilot to go do exactly what I was trained to do, which is close air support and supporting our troops on the ground. And this mission back on April 7, 2003, was no different than any of the other missions in terms of that was what we were going to do, was close air support. At this point, our ground troops had moved all the way to Baghdad, and so we were going to be right there with them. And I think the big difference for us that day was the weather wasn't very good; there were clouds covering Baghdad. And, you know, we actually didn't think we were going to be able to do anything; we kind of thought we would air refuel and then kind of just wait for a task. And we thought, well, maybe today is not a day where we're going to be able to help. And then we got a call that there are troops in contact, they were taking fire, they needed immediate assistance. And it's just that moment of like, we're going to do everything we can to get in there. And thankfully, we found some holes in the weather and we're able to get down below the clouds to support the ground troops. But again, it's everything that we train for, everything that we plan for. It's till a little bit surreal when you actually see the firefight happening, I remember dropping down below the weather and just seeing like tracers and smoke, and it's very surreal. And then kind of the reality of OK, we gotta get in there quickly. So, we did a couple of passes of guns and rockets on the enemy location and then pulling off target. My last pass is when I just felt and heard the loud explosion at the back of my airplane and I knew immediately I was hit. I mean, there was no doubt in my mind; I think the jet just nosed over. I remember looking down at Baghdad below and instinctively just pulled back on the control stick and nothing happened. And that's kind of when I felt like time slowed down a little bit, like I knew that it could go really poorly. And I just fell back on my training, you know, I fell back on everything that I was trained to do — trying to figure out what's going on in the cockpit, despite lots of things going wrong, lots of flashing lights. And I realized very quickly that my hydraulics were depleted, which meant that I had no control over the airplane at this point. But thankfully, the A-10 is built with backup emergency systems. And I was able to get in our backup emergency system. And then slowly the jet started to climb up and away from Baghdad. And that was kind of that like, that was the moment I'm like, alright, I might actually survive this because there was that period of time where I was like, I could crash like I could have to eject and the thought of ejecting over Baghdad was not a good one. And so just, you know, you think about all these things, and when time slows down, and I was just very thankful that it turned out the way it did. And then I had to get the airplane back to our home base, which is a whole different story of, of spending the longest hour of my life, trying to decide what I was going to do and how it was going to play out. Naviere Walkewicz  19:20 I think most could never imagine being in that situation. And you talk about moments that matter. So, getting into your book a little bit — “Flying in the Face of Fear,” I had the chance to listen to the audio version of your book, and it was wonderful. I think what's so powerful about it, as you take these moments in your career throughout your life, where these moments have helped you and thinking about how you navigate leadership, how you just navigate better. What are some of your most favorite parts about the book you wrote that like — what really is one — you chose those different chapters. What are the ones that really — just like, “I must tell this one because this one really spoke to me.” Col. (Ret.) Kim "KC" Campbell  20:06 I think a couple things. I mean, as I was flying back from Baghdad, I remember the stories of the pilots that came before me. I had read about their stories in a book called “Warthog” about A-10 pilots during Desert Storm. And in that hour back, you know, just struggling to kind of get the airplane under control and keep it in control, I remembered the stories of the pilots that came before me. And, sadly, not all of them survived. You know, there were three pilots that attempted to land in manual reversion, which is my backup emergency system that I was in. And I remember their stories, you know, I remembered, you know, the lessons that we learned, even from the fatality that we learned from those pilots. And so, I think that's what was so important to me is to capture those lessons so that the next generation, you know, will certainly have aviators, but also leaders — it's this idea of sharing stories, to help others. It's this idea of sharing your experiences and your lessons learned, even if they're, like, some painful lessons along the way, right? Painful lessons from failure, or mistakes or just tough experiences. To me, that's what was most important was to share like that true, authentic lesson, to try to just help others and maybe give people a little bit of a different perspective. That was what really drove me to write the book and what was so important for me to share. Naviere Walkewicz  21:31 That's powerful. I think one of the things that, you know, when listeners or readers were going through that, they might say, “How does this apply to me?” You know, “I'm, I'm not a pilot, I'm not over a warzone.” You know, “How, how do I relate this to me?” And I think what you did really artfully was just the lessons you told a story through your lens, but you really made it relatable in so many different levels. Sometimes we'll have listeners or readers ask about, “How do you balance life?” You have this profession and you have a family, you're a mom? How did you do that? And do you call it balance? Or do you call it just regular, you know, balls in the air? Col. (Ret.) Kim "KC" Campbell  22:13 Sometimes I look back, I'm like, “Oh, my gosh, I don't know how we did this.” I mean, my husband was also active duty, we he spent 25 years and I spent 24 years and we were both A-10 pilots, we had kids, we did wait later in life to have kids pretty much because we were deployed nonstop in the first part of our careers. But sometimes I look back and I'm like, I have no idea how we did it. But I do know, I mean, we were really true partners and the journey, we — I guess the blessing of having a life-changing experience very early in your career and very early in your marriage is it gives you an opportunity to talk about the things that are really important and that really matter. And I think that's one thing that my husband and I did after that mission was really put life in perspective — when you think there are times when you may not survive. And so, we really sat down and just talked through what was important to us. And we didn't have kids at the time when that happened. And we just realized that family was important to us; having kids at some point was important to us. And I do I think the word balance I'm OK with it. I do, you know — I know there's lots of other words that people like you know, work-life harmony, work-life integration, work-life balance. For me, what I realized is that I initially put so much pressure on myself to be, like, this mom, a fighter pilot, a leader — like trying to do all of these things. And what I recognize is that balance comes for me anyway, it was over time. Like if I tried to have this perfect balance every day, like, first off, it was not achievable in my world. But I realized, for me, it was, like, overtime, like, if … I had one day where I was going to stay late at work, there was a lot going on, my airmen needed me — then I would try the next day or you know, few days later to just really make sure that I spent more time with my kids or maybe left early to spend time with my kids. Whatever it was, I just tried to find long-term balance and, you know, that's hard when you deploy for six months and then you know, … sometimes that balance comes over months or over a year. But I think that helped me also give myself some grace that it's not always gonna go exactly as we plan and some days are better than others. But I'm doing the best I can, you know? … I keep working on it. And I think it's just one thing that we were pretty hard on ourselves because we want to be able to do it all and sometimes we just need to give ourselves a little bit of grace. Naviere Walkewicz  24:35 Do you think that being hard on ourselves is normal to a leader or do you think that's just different personalities? Col. (Ret.) Kim "KC" Campbell  24:45 I don't know. When I look back at my life, even as a young girl, like, I've always been pretty hard on myself and I always think when people say, “What's the one piece of advice you would give to your younger self?” it would be, “Don't be so hard on yourself.” I think it's probably just an very natural reaction. But I think, you know, sometimes we have this view of how we want things to turn out. And the truth is like, “You're gonna make mistakes, you're gonna fail.” I had this idea of perfection, and I realized: First off, it's just not possible you can work to achieve it and, and want to, you know, consistently try to improve and get better. But I think also, again, just not to be so hard on yourself, because it is going to, you know, there, there's going to be this path of ups and downs and challenges. And the reality is that it is painful at the time, but we come out stronger, like I look at some of the worst experiences, like just in terms of struggles, and the worst, you know, the hardest things I guess I've done is probably a better word. And truly, those made me stronger and a better person. You just don't see it in the moment. And that's the hard thing, you know, and so it's not being so hard on ourselves, because it's going to happen. But the truth is, how you respond is what really matters the most. Naviere Walkewicz  25:58 We talk about leadership, and I think, you know, response to leadership is one piece of it for sure. What about do you think leaders are born? Or are they made? Do you think that part of your leadership was an evolution? Or do you think people already just come with those natural talents? Col. (Ret.) Kim "KC" Campbell  26:14 I mean, I think you may have some natural talents. But I think any leader that isn't working to be better and trying to develop themselves along the way is probably going to hit an endpoint. At some point, you know —  I look back and my final job in the Air Force was here at the Academy as the director for the Center for Character and Leadership Development. And I learned so much about myself in that year, I learned so much from this amazing team that works there, who are all experts in leadership and leadership development. And I love that that came in the final point of my career, you know, and I just feel like you, we have to constantly learn to improve and adapt. And my leadership style when I first started out was very different than, you know, when I finished my career And I think it's because I was learning, I was figuring out what works, I was making mistakes, and thankfully, having people, you know, share their feedback with me. So, I absolutely think that it requires work. Leadership requires work. It's, you know, it's not easy. There are challenges, there are things to learn, things adapt, your team is different. It's just constantly one of those things that professional development, for me is something that should continue throughout your career, throughout your life, always looking for new ways. And learning from your team as well. Like right now, I learned a lot from my kids. But I've learned a tremendous amount from the airmen that have worked for me as well. And that's just, it's rewarding, but I think it's one of those things that just helps us to continue to learn and grow. Naviere Walkewicz  27:44 I was actually going to ask you, you know, what does learning as a leader look like? And you really touched on that. Because, I think a lot of listeners are looking for those nuggets, or “How do I get better as a leader?” So, it's not necessarily just professional development. That's part of it, certainly, but it's also looking at others, learning from others. … What would you say are some of those lessons or traits that you picked up from others that you adopted into your leadership style? Col. (Ret.) Kim "KC" Campbell  28:08 I think the biggest thing for me, as I look back and had some reflection time on this is, you know, I think when I started out, I had this idea that leadership was like — put on this tough exterior, like, have the answers, like, be strong and credible and capable. And I do think credibility is important. But I've also learned that that human connection, and really, just be authentic and true to who you are. But really connect with people on a human level like that, for me is night and day from, you know — I knew that I needed to get to know my airman like that was, you know, that made sense. But I think, really, truly connecting with people and taking the time to learn from them, like walking around and just getting to know your team on a very human level. Like meeting with them on a personal level also, like getting to know them and then their families. You know, obviously there's limits to this based on your position and your role. But I think just connecting with people and finding out where they struggle, you know, where do they add value? What do they bring to the organization? Letting them teach you what they do — I've had a few leadership roles where, you know, I'm not the expert, you know? I don't have the same background that everyone does. And I just really learned to learn from my team — whether it was driving a front loader with my civil engineers; suiting up in a fire suit and go into the burn house with my firefighters — those were moments that I just, there's some of my favorite moments is taking the time to really connect and get to know people and it builds trust. I did not start out that way. But to me, that was the most important thing that I learned and I learned it from my airmen. Naviere Walkewicz  29:45 There was a story you shared in your book about when you took command and it can get really tough. And I think it really talks about the connection piece.  Was it your son…? Col. (Ret.) Kim "KC" Campbell  29:57 Yeah, he's 15 now. Yeah, he, you know, kids have a mind of their own. And he did at my change-of-command ceremony first, this was for squadron command. And he decided in the middle of the ceremony to just get up and come up on stage and sit in my lap. And I was, you know — there's that part of me that is just was so worried about what my team was thinking, you know, like, obviously not proper military protocol. I was trying to figure out how I was going to do the rest of the ceremony with my son up on stage with me. But I think, in that moment, like, I just remember looking down at my son, and even though my mind is racing, because I'm so worried about what people are thinking, that I look at him, and I'm like, You know what, this is me, right? Like, I'm a mom; that's just part of who I am. Yes, I am going to be a commander of 150 people. And sometimes I can't control my 3-year-old son. Like, that's just reality. But it put this perspective of like, letting people in a little bit to see me for who I was, you know, yes, I'm a mom, I'm a fighter pilot, I'm wife, I'm a leader. Like, here I am, you know, these, I'm all of these things. And at that, really that one moment, like, in the days after, when I spent time just walking to the different locations and meeting my team, like, that's the thing that came up was my son on my lap. I mean, that was the highlight for everyone. And so, it was this idea that my young airmen, you know, they taught me a lesson that day to like — we earn trust when we, like, create those connections and open ourselves up to have a little bit of vulnerability. So yeah, my 3-year-old kind of opened my eyes to just letting people in and letting people see who for who you are. Naviere Walkewicz  31:39 Well, that is certainly one way that your family, your 3-year-old at the time, influenced you as a leader. How else would you say — I know you said your dad is a grad. Your mom probably played a strong role in your leadership throughout the years, and your husband being in the military as well. Talk about your family's influence on you as a leader. Col. (Ret.) Kim "KC" Campbell  31:58 I think it all really started out growing up. My mom was an oncology nurse and she really, you know — she taught me a lot about that compassionate side, but also very credible and capable as an oncology nurse. And my dad, really from the moment that he decided that he was going to let me into his world of what going to the Air Force Academy … instilled in me this idea that if you want something, you're going to have to work for it. And you're, you know — it's not going to be easy. I remember, I did a lot of sports, like cross country and soccer. And so, my upper body strength wasn't great going into my application for the Academy. Naviere Walkewicz  32:37 And so you're gonna talk about the pull up? Col. (Ret.) Kim "KC" Campbell  32:40 I couldn't do any. And my dad was like, "Well, if you're gonna go to the Academy…” and I think this was still a little testing, like, “Do you really want this? Are you really willing to put in the work?” He said, “All right, we'll install a pull up bar in the bathroom. And every time you go in and out, you can do a pull up.” And I did. And that meant that by the time I got to the Academy, I could max the pull ups. It but it was, it's, you know — it's that little early lesson of like, “If you want something you got to put in the work.” And, you know, that stayed with me. I mean, obviously, throughout my career, throughout my life, it's things that I talked to my kids about now. You know, you can have goals, and you can have dreams, but you have to put in the work. So, they absolutely, like they've been my role models, my heroes, my mentors. They still are, you know? Now they thankfully live close by; I get to see them more. But yeah, they've actually, you know, they've really been tremendous in my life. And, you know, I rely on them for their advice and mentorship. So, that's been really powerful. And then, you know, having a husband who was also a colonel, also a commander, to have somebody in your life you can bounce ideas off of who will have your back and give you honest feedback, right? Like, you know, we're very honest with each other. And we'll give each other feedback. And so that's really important. You know, it's that wingman support of somebody who is always there, that has your back, that's looking out for you, will support you, but will also push you to be at your best and, and who has been a true partner ... So, yeah, family is really important to me, I think it can make a tremendous difference in our lives, and my kids now teach me a lot of things as well — patience being one of them. Naviere Walkewicz  34:23 Being out of the uniform now, you know, what are some things that you're doing to continue to develop yourself as a leader? Col. (Ret.) Kim "KC" Campbell  34:32 I think it's continuing to push myself outside my comfort zone. You know, I retired a few years ago, and that was a hard transition. You know, I miss the people I miss the camaraderie I miss that sense of commitment to service. And I realized that there's so many ways you can serve outside of the military as well. And for me, I realized part of it being in the Center for Character and Leadership Development, how passionate I was about inspiring others. and helping other leaders, whether they're brand-new leaders, or maybe even very experienced leaders look at something from a different perspective or to continue to push themselves out of their comfort zone because we can get comfortable in the way we've been doing things. And so, I just realized that that's something I'm passionate about. And so I've realized, I'm maybe I'm not serving in uniform anymore, but I'm trying to give back in a way, and I love the opportunity to mentor our next generation of cadets. But I also love the opportunity to travel to talk to different teams and organizations from the public and private sector to talk about leadership and talk about overcoming hard things and putting in the work. And that's been a lot of fun and very rewarding. Naviere Walkewicz  35:44 I can imagine that journey of developing yourself even outside of uniform, you know, as a, as a leader, you talk about pushing yourself outside your comfort zone. Can you share a time maybe where you've been doing that and you failed, and what that looked like, and how you picked yourself up or a time when you really saw some benefit from pushing yourself out of the comfort zone? Col. (Ret.) Kim "KC" Campbell  36:05 I can talk to both. I think anytime you try something new, that feels a little bit scary, like, it just feels daunting. And I think even just for me, if I look back, probably earliest in my career, just being one of the only women going into a fighter squadron — that felt very outside of my comfort zone. I mean, yes, I had gone through pilot training. And I had gone through the training… but it felt very nerve-wracking to go into a fighter squadron. For the first time. I mean, the, one of the biggest failures I had was my final checkride and pilot training. And that was a moment where, you know, I had done so well, up to that point, minus some early bouts of air sickness, which is a totally different story, I might have read just when you think you have this whole thing planned out. But my final ride and pilot training was my formation ride — I had put myself out there as wanting to fly fighters at that point, we had made our dream sheet of fly the A-10. Like, I felt like I had done so well up to that point and really put in the work. And then I really struggled with my final formation checkride. And again, sometimes those moments that are so hard and such a struggle are also the moments where you learn the most. And I had made some mistakes in the ride and the flying and the formation, and I didn't let them go. Like, I just kept focusing on the mistakes. And I performed terribly on the ride. And, you know, thankfully, my instructor gave me some honest feedback and was like, “Kim, you're a good pilot, but that was a terrible ride.” But I think that one ride really reinforced to me this idea of when you make a mistake, like, let it go. Like, you can't focus on it, you just learn the lesson and don't do it again, but let it go. So, I think you know, that was one of those ones where, you know, it certainly didn't go so well. But I think it really made me stronger, and a better pilot and a better leader, and I'm thankful that I learned that early in my career. I will tell you, on the positive side of getting outside my comfort zone — like, I never thought I was going to be an author and I never it wasn't on my dream list. It wasn't a goal that I had set my for myself. And I joked to my husband a few times, like I wrote the book, but then was going to have the courage to publish it because it felt very vulnerable. It felt very vulnerable to put myself out there and to share some of the stories and, you know — the good stories are one thing, but the mistakes, the failures, you know, the things that didn't go as well, it felt very vulnerable. And, you know, he always laughed, he's like, “Of course you are.” You have to take your own advice, you know, even when you're scared, you do it anyway. And so, pushing myself outside my comfort zone to publish the book and put it out there. And now to get the feedback from people of how important it is to hear the not just the good, but the bad, right, the struggles, the challenges, and to know that, yes, you can have this amazing résumé and done some amazing things and how to have a great career. But what are the things behind that? And I think that's sometimes what we miss. And so, I'm thankful for the opportunity. And it's been a reminder to me that even when it feels uncomfortable, that we have to go for it, you know, to put ourselves out there and give it a shot. And, you know, this has been incredibly rewarding. Naviere Walkewicz  39:20 Well, I have to say, you know, it's funny that we've only just met in person for the first time today when we hugged and said hello, because I feel like I've known you — I mean, aside from reading the book. I remember going on LinkedIn when you got the box of your shipment. And I just remember being in that moment with you — I think you were so emotional about opening up the box and seeing your book and holding it in your hand, like this was a special moment. … So, I think you know your leadership. The way you inspire people has transcended, you know, different social mediums and also just people that you never even met. So, I thank you for that moment because, yeah, I mean, that really inspired me as well. Col. (Ret.) Kim "KC" Campbell  40:01 I think it was also, you know, seeing the book for the first time, but also like, “Oh yeah, like, now it's in print, there's no turning back now.” But yeah, you know, even pilots and guys that I flew with were like, “We thought we knew pretty well, but, like, we had no idea that the some of these things were going on or that, you know, these were some of the things that you were feeling.” And just, I appreciate that, you know, that they recognize that. But there's sometimes that there's a lot more going on with people that we don't recognize. And so, you know, putting yourself out there is a little scary. But it is, like I said — it's just been such an honor to be able to connect with people and for them to share their stories with me, and to know that in some way I can help make a difference on their journey. Naviere Walkewicz  40:46 Well, for those listeners that are looking for nuggets, and how to get to know people better when you just said that, you know, we thought we knew you, we didn't know you were handled all those things going on, how would you share with leaders that they might do that better for people that work for them? Their colleagues? What does that look like if they're not reading a book? Col. (Ret.) Kim "KC" Campbell  41:06 I think it means, you know, we often say, "Well, I have an open-door policy." I think it's more than that — it is getting out of your office, getting away from the computer, and walking around and really talking to people and just taking those small moments with people as individuals, as humans, and really getting to know them. And, you know, again, it's all about, like, “Let them teach you something; you don't know everything.” You know, how can you learn more? How can you continue to develop and grow? What can you share with them that you learned on your own journey? Yes, you can do that in large groups, but sometimes that one on one, like, hey, I've been there, I know what you're feeling. I struggle there too. This is where I failed. You know, those little moments are really important. And it lets your team see you as human to Right. Like you're not perfect, you don't have all the answers, you have your own challenges. I think that is truly important that human level connection really is important. Yes, you should be credible, you should be capable. You have to put in the work, but that humility and approachability is also so important. Naviere Walkewicz  42:07 What are the one or two key lessons in leadership that you'd really love to share with our listeners? Like, what do you want them to take away? Col. (Ret.) Kim "KC" Campbell  42:14 Yeah. I think one of the things that really sticks out to me — and it's something that we learned as cadets as well — is the idea of having a wingman by your side personally, professionally, — someone that will have your back, someone that will support you. I think it has been so critical throughout my life; I think at that moment over Baghdad, when everything was going wrong, I mean, just everything was going wrong. And all I said over the radio was, "two got hit, two got hit." That was it. And immediately my wingman stepped in. He, you know, immediately provided me guidance and support when I needed it most. And you know, when the adrenaline is pumping, we're feeling overwhelmed, like that wingman can step in and help us to see the bigger picture and make the best possible decision. And I think that mutual support, like, yes, it's that moment over Baghdad of having that mutual support. But I think back to as a cadet, right, like, the moments of struggle through basic training, or recognition, or just academics, whatever it was, like, having people that you could count on to be your support network was huge. And even, you know, as a leader at, you know, as a colonel, as a leader, as a commander all these different times, I wasn't alone. I had, you know, a team, I had chiefs that were just incredible, who had shut the door and given me honest feedback. But who would also support me, and I think that is just so critical to have somebody by your side. And again, it's personal. It's professional. I mean, my husband has been my wingman. I think it's just a reminder that we don't have to do hard times alone, that we can have a wingman by our side that we can count on.   Naviere Walkewicz  43:47 That is a fantastic lesson. Well, there's always the possibility that when our listeners, you know, review this and we go back through the, through our time together, they'll be things that they would wish they'd wish we talked about. Yeah. So how can they get a hold of you? You know, what does that look like? Col. (Ret.) Kim "KC" Campbell  44:04 Well, first off, I would love for people to reach out if there's a question or something that someone wanted to ask or, you know, that we didn't cover. I think it's important that people reach out and ask the question, I love to connect with people. The easiest way to get in touch with me is probably through my website because it has links to all the social media channels, and my email. So, the website is kim-kc-campbell.com. And again, it has links to LinkedIn and Instagram and Twitter and all the different locations that you could find. It also has links to my book if people are interested in the book. It's available Amazon Barnes and Noble, your favorite local bookseller wherever you would like to purchase the book. And like you said, it's available in an audio version. It's available in hardcopy, but yeah, please reach out. I'm open to feedback as well. I love when people share some thoughts about the book and thoughts about the podcast. It would be great to connect. Naviere Walkewicz  45:01 Well, I'd be remiss if we didn't end with just the quick story of how KC came to be. Like, can you just share with our listeners how you got that call-sign? Col. (Ret.) Kim "KC" Campbell  45:10 Yeah, the KC part, right? So everybody thinks it's my initials, because that's the easy button. But it's every fighter pilot has a callsign. And I got mine after being designated combat mission ready in the A-10. And we're not in the room when they tell stories about us from our experience, but I was the only female fighter pilot and our A-10 Squadron. And so, I came back into the room, lots of tears, lots of excitement, and they said, “Your new callsign is KC.” And I was like, well, that's kind of lame. I didn't say that out loud. Because it's my initials. And they said, it stands for “Killer Chick.” And I was like, “All right, well, that's fitting.” You're like, “I can handle that.” Naviere Walkewicz  45:46 Well, this was wonderful, Kim. Can you remind listeners one more time the name of your book just so in case you missed it? Col. (Ret.) Kim "KC" Campbell  45:53 Yes. “Flying in the Face of Fear: A Fighter Pilot's Lessons on Leading with Courage.” Naviere Walkewicz  45:58 Thank you so much for your time today. Col. (Ret.) Kim "KC" Campbell  46:00 Thank you so much. I appreciate it.   KEYWORDS Air Force Academy, moment, cadets, learned, Baghdad, pilot, leadership, felt, listeners, Academy, book, work, leader, lessons, important, people, talk, callsign, life, stories   The Long Blue Line Podcast Network is presented by the U.S. Air Force Academy Association and Foundation   

Today's Episode Dr. Raj talks with Dr. Mike Shoemaker about their shared history in medical research, his background in physical therapy, and how he became a pilot amongst an arduous medical career.  Today's Guest Dr. Shoemaker received a B.S. in Physical Education with an Exercise Science Specialization from Calvin College in 1996. In 1999 he earned his Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from Slippery Rock University, and earned his PhD in Interdisciplinary Health Sciences from Western Michigan University in 2012. He was board-certified as a Geriatric Clinical Specialist by the ABPTS (American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties) from 2002 to 2022. His practice has been focused in cardiopulmonary and geriatric rehabilitation across multiple practice settings including acute care, long-term acute care, long-term care, subacute care, and outpatient care. He currently practices in the cardiothoracic critical care setting at the Corewell Health Meijer Heart Center. Dr. Shoemaker is an active member of his professional association. He currently serves as a delegate to the APTA House of Delegates and has served the roles of Legislative Director, Vice President, and President of the Michigan Chapter of the APTA. Dr. Shoemaker's research interests span 44 peer-reviewed papers, 5 textbook chapters, 28 peer-reviewed platform/poster presentations, and 7 continuing education presentation workshops. He is an instrument-rated commercial pilot, flight instructor, and instrument flight instructor. He serves as an instructor pilot, check pilot, and mission pilot who flies for Search & Rescue and Homeland Security missions for the Civil Air Patrol.  About Dr. Raj Dr Raj is a quadruple board certified physician and associate professor at the University of Southern California. He was a co-host on the TNT series Chasing the Cure with Ann Curry, a regular on the TV Show The Doctors for the past 7 seasons and has a weekly medical segment on ABC news Los Angeles. Want more Dr. Raj? Check out the Beyond the Pearls lecture series! The Ultimate High Yield Bundle: The complete review of high-yield clinical medicine topics necessary for graduate medical education board exams including NBME, USMLE Steps 1/2/3, ITE and ABIM Boards. You can also listen to the Beyond the Pearls podcast. Check out our other shows: Physiology by Physeo Step 1 Success Stories The InsideTheBoards Study Smarter Podcast The InsideTheBoards Podcast Produced by Ars Longa Media To learn more about us and this podcast, visit arslonga.media. You can leave feedback or suggestions at arslonga.media/contact or by emailing info@arslonga.media. Produced by: Christopher Breitigan and Erin McCue. Executive Producer: Patrick C. Beeman, MD Legal Stuff The information presented in this podcast is intended for educational purposes only and should not be construed as professional or medical advice. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

MDJ Script/ Top Stories for Dec 19th         Publish Date:  Dec 18th      Commercial: Henssler :15   From the Henssler Financial Studio, Welcome to the Marietta Daily Journal Podcast.  Today is Tuesday, December 19th, and Happy heavenly Birthday to Mr. Tiger Al Kaline. *** 12.19.23 – BIRTHDAY – AL KALINE*** I'm Dan Radcliffe and here are the stories Cobb is talking about, presented by Credit Union of Georgia.  Cobb Board Deems Dog 'Dangerous' Following Assault on a 5-Year-Old Child Smyrna Prepares for Vote on Proposed 4.8% Salary Hike for City Staff And Each Tomb at Marietta National Cemetery Honored with a Wreath All of this and more is coming up on the Marietta Daily Journal Podcast, and if you are looking for community news, we encourage you to listen and subscribe!  BREAK: CU of GA  STORY 1: Cobb Board Labels Dog 'Vicious' After Attack on 5-Year-Old During a "vicious dog" hearing at the Cobb Public Safety Village, a five-year-old girl was attacked by a pit bull mix named Bentley at her grandparents' north Cobb home. The dog bit her in the face, causing injuries that required plastic surgery, 30 stitches, and an overnight hospital stay. The girl's father recounted the attack at the hearing, and the Cobb Dog Control officer judged Bentley as "vicious" under the state's Responsible Dog Ownership Law. Despite challenges to this classification, the board upheld the determination, imposing restrictions on Bentley's owners, including registration, signage, insurance, and confinement measures. STORY 2: Smyrna to Vote on 4.8% Pay Increase The Smyrna City Council is set to vote on proposed pay increases for city employees, including a 4.8% cost-of-living adjustment based on the Employment Cost Index. The total cost, including merit-based pay increases, is $952,691. Merit increases will be determined by employees' yearly evaluations, with all employees receiving at least a 4.8% raise. The city council will vote on the matter at their upcoming meeting, with the pay adjustments set to be effective for the pay period between Dec. 25 and Jan. 7. STORY 3: Every Grave at Marietta National Cemetery Gets a Wreath Hundreds of volunteers gathered at Marietta National Cemetery to lay wreaths on all 18,846 graves in a solemn ceremony. The Georgia Wing of the Civil Air Patrol, including cadets, played a key role in the event, honoring each branch of the military. Despite earlier concerns about lower wreath sponsorships, the community came together, with volunteers, including Marietta High School cadets, ensuring every headstone received a wreath. The cemetery, the final resting place for combatants from the American Revolution to the Global War on Terror, witnessed an outpouring of respect and remembrance for those who served. We have opportunities for sponsors to get great engagement on these shows. Call 770.799.6810 for more info.  We'll be right back  Break: ESOG STORY 4: Mission 1:27 Provides Dignity to Families in Need at Christmas Market The 4th annual Christmas Market, hosted by Mission 1:27 and Walton Communities, attracted hundreds of volunteers to help financially struggling families purchase toys at a discounted rate of 75-80%. The event, held at Living Stone Church, featured a selection of 6,000 donated toys, ranging from $2 to $20. Families expressed gratitude for the opportunity to select and buy gifts for their children, with each child receiving three presents. The event, supported by 400 volunteers, aimed to spread joy and hope, empowering families in need during the holiday season. STORY 5: All About That Bass: TubaChristmas Brings Cheer To Marietta Square Dozens of low brass players gathered at Glover Park on the Marietta Square for the annual TubaChristmas event. Led by Dr. Paul Dickinson, a teacher of tuba and euphonium at Kennesaw State University, the group performed Christmas carols after a brief rehearsal at Marietta First Baptist Church. The band comprised musicians of all ages, including veterans who participated in the first TubaChristmas in 1974, 20-year regulars, and children experiencing their first TubaChristmas. The diverse performers showcased their love for music, drawing onlookers to enjoy the festive tunes and unique instruments, including creatively decorated sousaphones. We'll be back in a moment  Break: DRAKE – INGLES 8 STORY 6: Cobb's Family Advocacy Center, First in Georgia, Opens The Cobb Family Advocacy Center, the first of its kind in Georgia, has opened in Marietta to provide comprehensive support for domestic violence victims. The center, also known as a Family Justice Center, aims to reduce family violence and domestic violence homicides. Modeled after successful centers across the country, it offers victims a single location for services such as meeting with law enforcement, obtaining protective orders, counseling, and assistance with housing and employment. The facility houses various organizations, including law enforcement agencies, attorneys, and nonprofits, creating a collaborative and supportive environment. The center received funding from Cobb County commissioners and federal grants. STORY 7: Cobb and Marietta Schools See Slight Gains in CCRPI Scores In the latest College and Career Ready Performance Index (CCRPI) report, Cobb and Marietta's school districts, recovering from pandemic learning loss, demonstrated modest gains in various categories. While performance improved in every area except high school readiness, both districts saw notable gains in elementary and middle school readiness. However, high school readiness scores decreased in both Cobb and Marietta. The report also highlighted progress scores, with Marietta's elementary progress score of 93.2 standing out. Graduation rates for both districts increased slightly, remaining above the Georgia average. State School Superintendent Richard Woods acknowledged areas for improvement and emphasized continued investment in academic recovery. Break: Henssler :60  Signoff-   Thanks again for hanging out with us on today's Marietta Daily Journal podcast. If you enjoy these shows, we encourage you to check out our other offerings, like the Cherokee Tribune Ledger Podcast, the Gwinnett Daily Post, the Community Podcast for Rockdale Newton and Morgan Counties, or the Paulding County News Podcast. Read more about all our stories and get other great content at MDJonline.com.   Did you know over 50% of Americans listen to podcasts weekly? Giving you important news about our community and telling great stories are what we do. Make sure you join us for our next episode and be sure to share this podcast on social media with your friends and family. Add us to your Alexa Flash Briefing or your Google Home Briefing and be sure to like, follow, and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.   Produced by the BG Podcast Network   Show Sponsors: henssler.com ingles-markets.com cuofga.org drakerealty.com esogrepair.com   #NewsPodcast #CurrentEvents #TopHeadlines #BreakingNews #PodcastDiscussion #PodcastNews #InDepthAnalysis #NewsAnalysis #PodcastTrending #WorldNews #LocalNews #GlobalNews #PodcastInsights #NewsBrief #PodcastUpdate #NewsRoundup #WeeklyNews #DailyNews #PodcastInterviews #HotTopics #PodcastOpinions #InvestigativeJournalism #BehindTheHeadlines #PodcastMedia #NewsStories #PodcastReports #JournalismMatters #PodcastPerspectives #NewsCommentary #PodcastListeners #NewsPodcastCommunity #NewsSource #PodcastCuration #WorldAffairs #PodcastUpdates #AudioNews #PodcastJournalism #EmergingStories #NewsFlash #PodcastConversations See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

CTL Script/ Top Stories of December 16th        Publish Date: December 15th    Henssler :15  From the Ingles Studio Welcome to the Award-Winning Cherokee Tribune Ledger Podcast  Today is Saturday, December 16th and Happy Birthday to the iconic cartoon character, Yosemite Sam. *** 12.16.23 – BIRTHDAY – YOSEMITE SAM*** I'm Keith Ippolito and here are the stories Cherokee is talking about, presented by Credit Union of Georgia.  Civil Air Patrol to Join Wreaths Across America Event at Georgia National Cemetery Body of Recently Recovered WWII Solider Will Be Buried at Georgia National Cemetery in Canton Cherokee County Students Advance to Super Regionals Robotics Competitions We'll have all this and more coming up on the Cherokee Tribune-Ledger Podcast, and if you're looking for Community news, we encourage you to listen and subscribe!  Commercial: CU of GA STORY 1: Civil Air Patrol to Join Wreaths Across America Event at Georgia National Cemetery The Ellijay Composite Squadron is participating in a Wreaths Across America event at the Georgia National Cemetery in Canton to honor veterans. Wreaths Across America, founded in 2005, places wreaths on veterans' graves every Christmas at 3,700 locations across the U.S. The public is invited to join the wreath-laying ceremony at 9 a.m. on Saturday at the Georgia National Cemetery, with a ceremony scheduled to follow around 10:30 a.m. Remote parking and shuttle service will be available at Sutallee Baptist Church near White. The event aims to honor and remember those who sacrificed for freedom. STORY 2: Body of Recently Recovered WWII Solider Will Be Buried at Georgia National Cemetery in Canton The body of WWII U.S. Army Pfc. Hood E. Cole, recovered earlier this year after nearly 80 years, will be buried at Georgia National Cemetery in Canton on Jan. 15. Cole, 26, from Atlanta, was killed in action on Jan. 14, 1945, during an attack by German forces near Baerenthal, Fr. His body was unrecoverable due to the fighting, and he was declared non-recoverable on May 11, 1951. Recent research identified remains X-9441 and X-9442 in Belgium as possibly associated with Cole. DPAA scientists used anthropological and dental analysis, as well as DNA analysis, to identify his remains. Cole's name will be removed from the Walls of the Missing at Epinal American Cemetery, and a rosette will be placed next to it. For family and funeral information, contact the Army Casualty Office at 800-892-2490. STORY 3: Cherokee County Students Advance to Super Regionals Robotics Competitions Cherokee County School District teams excelled in regional First LEGO League robotics competitions, with three advancing to super regionals. The E.T. Booth Middle School Bot Builders, Mill Creek Middle School LEGO Cats – Navy, and R.M. Moore Elementary School STEM Academy Lego Splash teams achieved high scores and will compete in the super regionals event next month. Mill Creek's team received the Core Values award, while R.M. Moore's team secured first place in the Project category. The super regional competition will feature top teams from public and private elementary and middle schools, hosted by Mill Creek Middle School. We have opportunities for sponsors to get great engagement on these shows. Call 770.874.3200 for more info.  Back in a moment  Break: DRAKE – ESOG – INGLES 3 STORY 4: Cherokee County Chick-fil-As Raise Over $100K for Educational Foundation The six Chick-fil-A restaurants in Cherokee County set a new fundraising record at the Cherokee County 5K race, presenting a check for $107,000 to the Cherokee County Educational Foundation. The funds were raised during the record-breaking race held on August 13 at Etowah River Park in Canton, with over 2,100 runners participating. The annual 5K race supports teaching, learning, and achievements for teachers and students in the Cherokee County School District. Additionally, more than $17,000 was contributed to Cherokee County Special Olympics. The next Cherokee County 5K is scheduled for August 17, 2024. STORY 5: Cherokee County Farm Bureau Seeking Entries For High School Art Contest The Cherokee County Farm Bureau is promoting the 2024 Georgia Farm Bureau High School Art Contest, encouraging ninth to twelfth-grade students to participate. The contest welcomes entries from public, private, and homeschool students, with the opportunity to win cash prizes. Artwork must be created in black, white, and gray on an 8.5 by 11-inch white paper, using various media. The state winner will receive $250, and 10 district winners will each get $100. Students can contact the Cherokee County Farm Bureau for entry forms and contest rules, with a submission deadline of February 9. The contest aims to foster creativity and raise awareness of Georgia agriculture's contributions. Commercial: CHEROKEE CHAMBER – HELLER LAW STORY 6: Hames Road Closure to Continue Until Jan. 3 Hames Road in Cherokee County, from Hillview Lane to Jamerson Road, is anticipated to remain closed until January 3, according to the Cherokee County Roadway Capital Program. The closure, initiated on December 4, is attributed to weather conditions, upcoming holidays, and safety considerations. Alternative routes are advised for drivers in the affected area during this period. STORY 7: Cherokee Sheriff's Deputies Shop with Kids for Christmas Joy The Cherokee Sheriff's Foundation's Christmas Joy program in Cherokee County involves deputies taking children shopping for Christmas presents during the "Shop with a Cop" events at Walmart on Riverstone Parkway in Canton. The program, held over three nights, aims to provide gifts to children who may not otherwise receive them. Alongside presents for children, the Christmas Joy program also offers comfort items to seniors in need in Cherokee County during the holiday season. Donations to support the program can be made year-round at cherokeesheriffsfoundation.org. We'll have closing comments after this.  COMMERCIAL: Henssler 60  SIGN OFF –   Thanks again for listening to today's Cherokee Tribune Ledger podcast. If you enjoy these shows, we encourage you to check out our other offerings, like the Marietta Daily Journal Podcast, the Gwinnett Daily Post, the Community Podcast for Rockdale Newton and Morgan Counties, or the Paulding County News Podcast. Get more on these stories and other great content at tribuneledgernews.com. Giving you important information about our community and telling great stories are what we do.   Did you know over 50% of Americans listen to podcasts weekly? Make sure you join us for our next episode and be sure to share this podcast on social media with your friends and family. Add us to your Alexa Flash Briefing or your Google Home Briefing and be sure to like, follow, and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. 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Did Lee Harvey Oswald go to Stripling Junior High School? And did he know David Ferrie from his time in the Civil Air Patrol? Twitter - https://twitter.com/solvingjfk Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/solvingjfk Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/solvingjfkpodcast Tik Tok - https://www.tiktok.com/@solvingjfk Transcripts and Sources - https://www.solvingjfkpodcast.com

Welcome back to Your Drone Questions Answered! In today's episode, John Dickow dives into the fascinating world of using drones in search and rescue operations. Joined by First Lieutenant Martin Lessem from the Massachusetts Wing, DOU, and the Civil Air Patrol in the US Air Force Auxiliary, they unravel the intricacies of this critical application of drone technology.

By Walker Mills Dr. Frank Blazich, a curator of modern military history at the Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of American History and a Colonel in the Civil Air Patrol, joins the program to discuss his book “An Honorable Place in American Air Power:” Civil Air Patrol Operations, 1942-1943. In his book, Dr. Blazich covers the … Continue reading Sea Control 482 – “An Honorable Place in American Air Power”: Civil Air Patrol Operations, 1942-1943 with Dr. Frank Blazich →

Links1. An Honorable Place in American Air Power:” Civil Air Patrol Operations, 1942-1943 by Frank Blazich, Air University Press, 2020.2. Civil Air Patrol Air Force Auxiliary website.

In a world where diversity is taking flight, representation becomes the compass guiding many toward the unexplored skies of possibility. As a young person, there's power in seeing someone from your own roots engaged in aerospace. It ignites fresh curiosities and can be the gateway to opportunities in the industry.In this podcast episode, we connected with Clarence Garden, Vice President of Fly For The Culture, a nonprofit on a mission to bring more diversity to aviation. Clarence shares his personal story of how he soared into the world of aviation as part of an underrepresented community and is now influencing the lives of young people in similar communities through impactful experiences like discovery flights.Tune in to hear how Fly For The Culture is breaking barriers by showcasing diverse careers in aviation and getting young people involved in the world of flight with thrilling first-time experiences, and even charting the course for some to earn their wings before their driver's license!Diversity is the jet fuel that propels the aerospace community forward. Share this episode with your family, colleagues, and friends to help create awareness about the limitless possibilities in aerospace. There's a career waiting for someone who has no idea it exists.Learn more about the FAA's internship programs and summer Aviation Career Education Academies!Meet Our Guest:  Clarence Garden is from Atlanta, Georgia. He holds a BA in Political Science and an MA in International Relations. With a diverse background, including active duty as an Air Force Officer and various roles in aviation, Clarence is currently a Beechjet 400 First Officer for Wheels Up Private Jets. Beyond his aviation career, he serves his community through roles in Civil Air Patrol, academia, and as Vice President of Fly For The Culture, aiming to introduce diverse careers in aviation. Most importantly, Clarence is a dedicated family man, married with two children.Disclaimer: Reference in this podcast to any specific commercial product, process, service, manufacturer, company, or trademark does not constitute endorsement or recommendation by the U.S. government, Department of Transportation, or Federal Aviation Administration. As an agency of the U.S. government, the FAA cannot endorse or appear to endorse any specific product or service.  

Welcome to episode 111 of The Hangar Z Podcast, brought to you by Vertical Helicasts. In this episode, host Jon Gray celebrates the 50th episode of The Helicopter Podcast with Halsey Schider. To mark the occasion, Gray takes over The Helicopter Podcast to interview Schider.  Gray has been working behind the scenes and on the mic to help build MHM Publishing's new Vertical Helicasts podcast network.  Like Hangar Z, The Helicopter Podcast is also a proud member of the Vertical Helicasts family. The Helicopter Podcast features guests from every segment from within helicopter aviation.  Schider is an engaging host who delivers casual conversations, answers questions, gives sound advice and talks shop with his guests. The Helicopter Podcast is produced by helicopter professionals for all types of helicopter people. Schider started his aviation journey at age 14, when he joined the Civil Air Patrol. Eighteen years later, after having had the opportunity to fly in all kinds of different helicopter operations, including emergency medical services, his passion for aviation (specifically helicopters) is stronger than ever.  Schider has also always had an entrepreneurial spirit, starting his first business at age 12 by mowing lawns. You will enjoy getting to know him during this interview. To listen to The Helicopter Podcast, visit the show page on the Vertical Helicasts website. The Hangar Z Podcast is proud to thank its sponsors, who have made this episode possible. Thank you to sponsors Garmin, SHOTOVER and Metro Aviation.

We're back for Halloween with another tale of flim-flam bullshit straight from the taint of America - Florida! In the 1960s, an L. Ron Hubbard wannabe opened up a fake aerospace academy and called himself a "general" despite having zero military experience aside from a brief stint in the Civil Air Patrol. As if that wasn't dumb enough, the school fell siege to a supposed mass Satanic possession incident involving its students a decade later. Join us as we discuss the Miami Aerospace Academy!This show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on this podcast, contact us at https://www.spreaker.com/show/4113581/advertisement

Jonathan Worthington is adjunct professor of theology at Bethlehem College and Seminary in Minneapolis, Minnesota, incoming Chaplain for the North Hennepin Composite Squadron of the Civil Air Patrol, and Director of Research at Training Leaders International. He joins us to talk about training pastors and ministry leaders around the world. Full show notes available at echozoe.com/185