Podcasts about Fort Belvoir

In this episode, Major Ceara Riggs, Associate Professor in the Administrative and Civil Law Department (ADA) at The Judge Advocate General's Legal Center and School (TJAGLCS) interviews Ms. Traci Voelke, Legal Assistance Attorney at Fort Belvoir and Gold Star Spouse. Ms. Voelke discusses various benefits available to the surviving spouses and children of Service members who have died while serving. Ms. Voelke explains the importance of available benefits, the timelines and processes for electing such benefits, and how various benefits interact or offset each other so families can make informed decisions and Judge Advocates can appropriately advise commanders. Ms. Voelke's husband, MAJ Paul Voelke, was killed in Afghanistan in 2012 while on his fifth deployment. Despite being the family care team coordinator for her husband's unit, she was not prepared for the myriad of benefit complexities that ensued but has since learned about the benefits available and advocated for additional benefits for surviving family members. Outside of her military work, she also serves as a board member and Survivor Outreach Coordinator for the 98 Fund / the Alaska Project, advises the Chief of Staff of the Army and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs on issues affecting military survivors as part of the Survivor Advisory Working Group, and recently served on the DoD working group, “Making Your Final Wishes Known.”

We welcome two people who have devoted themselves to educating the nation about the long Korean War and those who served and sacrificed for South Korea's freedom. The first is Susan Kee whose “Honoring Korean War Veterans” project has documented the stories of over 500 Korean War veterans and advocated for the families of those still MIA since the war. Joining Susan is Army Korean War veteran Ron Twentey, who served in Korea in 1955-1957. Ron grew up in a small farm community near Frederick, Maryland, and worked on local farms from the age of ten, performing hard labor without modern mechanized equipment. Earning 25 cents an hour, he gained an appreciation for the value of work. A strong childhood memory from 1944 was collecting milkweed pods for the war effort, which were used as a substitute for kapok in life jackets. This initiative made him feel like he was contributing to the war. During high school, Twentey watched the Korean War unfold. He was awarded a scholarship to the University of Maryland for his track and field abilities but was uncertain about his future. Ultimately, he decided to enlist in the U.S. Army for three years, intending to return to school afterward. His military service began with basic training at Fort Jackson, South Carolina, with the 101st Airborne Division. He then attended the Engineer School at Fort Belvoir, Virginia, specializing in military drafting. Upon completing his training, Twentey and his entire class of 22 men were assigned to Korea. Departing from Seattle, Washington, on a troop ship, he arrived in Inchon after a 20-day journey. From there, they took an old steam train north toward the DMZ. Unaware of their exact destination, they were dropped off and left alone until a convoy of trucks transported them to a replacement tent compound. That night, local Korean boys raided the camp, stealing Army blankets and supplies—a common occurrence due to poverty and shortages following the war. The next day, Twentey was assigned to Headquarters, 24th Infantry Division, G-3 Combat Operations, south of Munsan-Ni. The division had recently returned from Japan to safeguard the DMZ following the Korean War armistice. The fragile peace was frequently challenged by North Korean infiltrators. Twentey served as an Infantry Operations Specialist and Platoon Sergeant, maintaining records of minefield locations above the Imjin River, overseeing maps in the bunker and mobile war rooms, and tracking U.S. and UN troop movements within the DMZ. His work was classified, reflecting the sensitive nature of operations at the time. Additionally, he was tasked with plotting potential nuclear targets throughout North Korea. Using the “Atomic Annie” cannon as a potential delivery method, his job required pinpointing key targets—a task so secretive that he was ordered to forget about it once completed. Twentey served in Korea for 16 months before returning to the U.S. and becoming an engineering instructor. After leaving the military, he worked as a draftsman, eventually transitioning into marketing and communications. His contributions highlight the intricate and often perilous roles played by soldiers in the Korean War and its aftermath, emphasizing the enduring challenges of peacekeeping in a volatile region.

Published to coincide with the 250th anniversary, this sweeping narrative is an astute exploration of thefive critical military events that changed the outcome of the Revolutionary War.About theAuthor:John R. Maass is a staff member of the NationalMuseum of the U.S. Army at Fort Belvoir. He received a BA in history from Washington and Lee University and a PhD in early American history at The Ohio State University. He is the author of several books on U.S. military history, including North Carolina & the French and Indian War (2013); Defending a New Nation, 1783-1811 (2013); The Road to Yorktown (2015); George Washington's Virginia (2017); and The Battle of Guilford Courthouse (2020).For more info on the book click HERE

1.35 million applicants received a military entrance physical from 2016 to 2020, and about 15% of them received an initial disqualification. More than half of these disqualified applicants sought a waiver, and they were more likely than not to get approved. This whole system can be frustrating and opaque, so in this episode we dive into the medical standards and waiver process with a guest who was deeply involved. Dr. Christopher D. Meyering is a board-certified Primary Care Sports Medicine physician. He attended medical school at the Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine, Midwestern University and subsequently completed his Family Medicine internship and residency training at DeWitt Army Community Hospital at Fort Belvoir, VA. Following a 2-year assignment in Germany, he completed a Sports Medicine Fellowship at the Tri-Service Primary Care Fellowship at Fort Belvoir, VA. He is certified by the American Board of Family Physicians with a Certificate of Added Qualification in Sports Medicine, and he is a Fellow of the American Academy of Family Physicians. Dr. Meyering retired from the U.S. Army after 21 years of Service which included 3 combat deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan as a Battalion Surgeon for Infantry, Armor, and Field Artillery units. Several key positions during his career were assignments as the Command Surgeon for the U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command which oversees all recruiting and training for the entire U.S. Army; the Command Surgeon for the U.S. Army Recruiting Command which made him the medical waiver authority for the Army; and the Division Surgeon for the 1st Cavalry Division. Dr. Meyering was the Chief Medical Officer for the 2022 and 2024 DoD Warrior Games held in Orlando, FL. Additionally he was the co-medical lead for the 2021 Invictus Games held in The Hague, The Netherlands and for the 2023 Invictus Games in Dusseldorf, Germany. He is currently the Chief Medical Officer for all upcoming DoD Warrior Games and is the Medical Lead for Team U.S. at the 2025 Invictus Games in Vancouver and Whistler, Canada. He is the author of multiple peer-reviewed articles, book chapters, and published abstracts, and he has presented at international and national conferences and events. He was previously the assistant team physician for George Mason University and covered all collegiate sports. He volunteered medical services at multiple levels and events to include the Marine Corps marathon, the Army 10 miler, the Augusta Half Iron Man Triathlon, All Army Wheelchair basketball, USA National and Golden Gloves Boxing events, Army combatives tournaments, professional fast pitch softball, and Special Olympics. We reference a lot of data from this AMSARA report "Accession Medical Standards Analysis and Research Activity"Some other relevant reporting on the issue includes this piece from The War Horse and this discussion of recent changes from AUSACOL (R) Meyering told a story about national media attention on some of his work, and you can find that coverage here

(AURN News) — In a significant development concerning last month's devastating aviation disaster, federal investigators revealed this week that a military helicopter was operating well above the maximum altitude recommended when it collided with a commercial airliner landing at Reagan Washington National Airport, resulting in 67 people losing their lives. According to National Transportation Safety Board officials, preliminary air traffic control data from DCA indicates the U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter was flying at an altitude of 300 feet when it struck American Airlines Flight 5342 on January 30. This height was substantially above the maximum permitted altitude of 200 feet established for helicopters operating in that airspace. The catastrophic collision occurred between the American Airlines passenger jet which had departed from Wichita, Kansas, and the military helicopter conducting routine training exercises from Fort Belvoir, Virginia. The crash claimed the lives of all 64 individuals aboard the commercial aircraft, including 60 passengers and four crew members, along with three U.S. Army personnel in the helicopter. As part of their ongoing investigation, NTSB teams have been systematically recovering wreckage from the accident site. Key components of the CRJ 700 commercial jet, including its right wing and substantial portions of the cockpit, have already been retrieved. Investigators are also focused on recovering the Black Hawk helicopter's wreckage from the Potomac River, which they expect to accomplish this week.  The investigation continues as families and communities across the country mourn what stands as one of the deadliest aviation accidents in recent U.S. history. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Col. William "Burner" Dunn, former military attack helicopter pilot, shares his insights into the tragic collision in Washington, DC. Colonel Dunn flew in many of the world's deadliest hot spots in dozens of combat missions as an attack helicopter pilot. He and his team currently support U.S. Central Command (USCENTCOM), Marine Forces Central Command (MARCENT), U.S. Cyber Command (USCYBERCOM), U.S. Strategic Command (USSTRATCOM), and Special Operations Command Central (SOCCENT) around the world. In the aftermath of the devastating aviation disaster in Washington, DC—the worst in America since 2009—decorated veteran military attack helicopter pilot Colonel William “Burner” Dunn provides expert analysis. Colonel Dunn is a combat-proven pilot who has flown dozens of missions in some of the world’s most volatile war zones. He shares his no-nonsense, informed perspective on how this tragedy could have occurred in one of the world’s most heavily monitored air corridors. His military helicopter pilot expertise and credibility make him an invaluable voice in understanding this tragic event. He is a military attack helicopter pilot who has flown in and around Washington, DC. With decades of experience navigating high-stakes aerial operations, Colonel Dunn can tell us more about: -Why this military helicopter training flight might have veered into Reagan National Airport's flight path -The strengths and vulnerabilities of the Blackhawk UH-60 helicopter that collided with the American Eagle flight as it was about to land in Reagan National Airport -The 12th Aviation Battalion, based out of Fort Belvoir, which provides helicopter transportation and “technical rescue support” to the National Capital Region -Whether Washington, DC’s crowded airspace—encompassing Reagan National, Dulles, BWI, Andrews Air Force Base, and more—poses systemic risks to aviation safety William Dunn is the President of Strategic Resilience Group, LLC. He started the company in July 2016 after his retirement from a 33-year career in the United States Marine Corps, during which he rose through the ranks of Private through Sergeant, and Second Lieutenant through Colonel. He attended Old Dominion University, earning a bachelor's degree in business administration; and Boston University, where he completed his master's degree in Business Administration. He also completed a master's degree in Strategic Studies. Upon completion of the Marine Corps Basic School and the Infantry Officers Course in Quantico, Virginia, he reported to NAS Pensacola for flight training. He was assigned as a Marine Cobra pilot and completed multiple deployments including a seven-month deployment to Iraq as commander of HMLA-369, "The Gunfighters" in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom 06-08. He is married to his wife, Mimi, and they have two daughters, Sarah and Laura. More information on his book "Gunfighters Rule" here: https://www.amazon.com/Gunfighters-Rule-William-Dunn/dp/1662948980/ref=monarch_sidesheet_image NewsTalkSTL website: https://newstalkstl.com/ Rumble: https://rumble.com/c/NewsTalkSTL Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/NewstalkSTL Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NewsTalkSTL Livestream 24/7: bit.ly/NEWSTALKSTLSTREAMSSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

(8:05am) MORNING NEWS DUMP It'll be a while before we find out what may have caused the collision in the skies over the Potomac River in DC. Sen. Tim Kaine comments on the air traffic in the northeast corridor and at Reagan National Airport.Stephen Miller comments on the issues with DEI at the FAA.St. Louis City will hand out city government-issued ID cards to people who can't or won't get one from the State. They're called Gateway Cards and are not legal as ID for things like voting.Kristi Noem comments on the preparations at Guantanamo Bay for violent illegal aliens.Former ND Gov. Doug Burgum will be the new Secretary of the Interior. MO Sen. Josh Hawley is not super confident about Tulsi Gabbard getting enough votes to become the Director of National Intelligence (DNI).Blues (23-24-4) are on the road tonight to face the Avalanche (29-21-2) in Colorado at 8pm. (8:20am) Our Flashback Friday theme today is bad songs that were hits in the '80s. How did that happen?!? We tabulated listener votes for the "best worst" hit songs in the '80s...those songs that make you think "why did we love THAT song back then??" It was tough narrowing it down to 10 songs! You can check out the list on our website at www.newstalkstl.com Go to ON-AIR at the top of the page and the pulldown menu will show Mike Ferguson in the Morning. Click on that, go to our page, and scroll down to Mike's Morning Music. Click on that and you'll see the Flashback Friday song lists with links to the music videos for the songs! Enjoy the tunes! (8:35am) Col. William "Burner" Dunn, former military attack helicopter pilot, shares his insights into the tragic collision in Washington, DC. Colonel Dunn flew in many of the world's deadliest hot spots in dozens of combat missions as an attack helicopter pilot. He and his team currently support U.S. Central Command (USCENTCOM), Marine Forces Central Command (MARCENT), U.S. Cyber Command (USCYBERCOM), U.S. Strategic Command (USSTRATCOM), and Special Operations Command Central (SOCCENT) around the world. In the aftermath of the devastating aviation disaster in Washington, DC—the worst in America since 2009—decorated veteran military attack helicopter pilot Colonel William “Burner” Dunn provides expert analysis. Colonel Dunn is a combat-proven pilot who has flown dozens of missions in some of the world’s most volatile war zones. He shares his no-nonsense, informed perspective on how this tragedy could have occurred in one of the world’s most heavily monitored air corridors. His military helicopter pilot expertise and credibility make him an invaluable voice in understanding this tragic event. He is a military attack helicopter pilot who has flown in and around Washington, DC. With decades of experience navigating high-stakes aerial operations, Colonel Dunn can tell us more about: -Why this military helicopter training flight might have veered into Reagan National Airport's flight path -The strengths and vulnerabilities of the Blackhawk UH-60 helicopter that collided with the American Eagle flight as it was about to land in Reagan National Airport -The 12th Aviation Battalion, based out of Fort Belvoir, which provides helicopter transportation and “technical rescue support” to the National Capital Region -Whether Washington, DC’s crowded airspace—encompassing Reagan National, Dulles, BWI, Andrews Air Force Base, and more—poses systemic risks to aviation safety William Dunn is the President of Strategic Resilience Group, LLC. He started the company in July 2016 after his retirement from a 33-year career in the United States Marine Corps, during which he rose through the ranks of Private through Sergeant, and Second Lieutenant through Colonel. He attended Old Dominion University, earning a bachelor's degree in business administration; and Boston University, where he completed his master's degree in Business Administration. He also completed a master's degree in Strategic Studies. Upon completion of the Marine Corps Basic School and the Infantry Officers Course in Quantico, Virginia, he reported to NAS Pensacola for flight training. He was assigned as a Marine Cobra pilot and completed multiple deployments including a seven-month deployment to Iraq as commander of HMLA-369, "The Gunfighters" in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom 06-08. He is married to his wife, Mimi, and they have two daughters, Sarah and Laura. More information on his book "Gunfighters Rule" here: https://www.amazon.com/Gunfighters-Rule-William-Dunn/dp/1662948980/ref=monarch_sidesheet_image (8:50am) The top '80s song that people love to hate is Starship's "We Built This City." We try to figure out how that happened! NewsTalkSTL website: https://newstalkstl.com/ Rumble: https://rumble.com/c/NewsTalkSTL Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/NewstalkSTL Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NewsTalkSTL Livestream 24/7: bit.ly/NEWSTALKSTLSTREAMSSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For review:1. US Army Black Hawk Collides with Passenger Jet Near Reagan National Airport.The two aircraft crashed as the American Airlines flight from Wichita, Kansas, with 64 people aboard, was approaching the runway flying over the Potomac River. The Black Hawk was on a training flight from Davison Army Airfield at Fort Belvoir. There were no survivors found. 2. Eight Hostages released from Gaza after 482 days in captivity- 3 Israelis & 5 Thai citizens.3. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi visits Hamas leaders in Qatar.4. Iran Unveils Long-Range & Long-Endurance Drone- Shahed-149.5. Sweden's Latest Military Aid Package to Ukraine Worth $1.2 Billion.Sweden will also provide financing for priority needs such as artillery, long-range strike capabilities, and drones. 6. Netherlands to procure 22 x Skyranger Mobile Air Defense Systems protect the maneuver battalions of its medium and heavy infantry brigades. The Skyranger's Oerlikon 30 mm revolver cannon has a firing rate of around 1,200 rounds per minute, and can fire programmable airburst munitions. 

//The Wire//2300Z January 30, 2025////PRIORITY////BLUF: COMMERCIAL AIRCRAFT COLLIDES WITH ARMY HELICOPTER IN WASHINGTON D.C.// -----BEGIN TEARLINE------HomeFront-Washington D.C. - At approximately 9:00pm last night, American Airlines Flight 5342 collided with a VH-60M Blackhawk helicopter while on short final approach to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA). Both aircraft collided catastrophically, with the debris field largely landing in the Potomac River southeast of the airport. Following the incident, an extremely large scale Mass Casualty (MASCAL) Incident was declared, leading to a large inter-agency rescue operation. Throughout the night, 28x fatalities were reportedly recovered from the involved aircraft. This official casualty figure is expected to rise as the manifest of the American Airlines flight indicated 64x souls onboard at the time of the incident, and 3x crew onboard the Blackhawk. So far, no survivors have been reported from either aircraft. AC: Due to water temperatures being at freezing levels, even if anyone did survive the initial violent collision it is extremely unlikely for anyone to have survived being immersed in water at these temperatures for any length of time.Regarding the manifest of the Blackhawk, few details have been released due to both the privacy considerations for the families, as well as security concerns. The VH-60M helicopter in question was a US Army helicopter from Bravo Company, 12th Aviation Battalion operating out of Davison Army Airfield in Fort Belvoir, VA. This airframe was operating under the callsign of "PAT25", functioning as one of the Priority Air Transport aircraft for VIPs throughout the National Capitol Region (NCR). Per the latest information released by authorities, no VIPs were onboard at the time of the incident as this was a training flight.-----END TEARLINE-----Analyst Comments: At the moment, there are no indications of malign action regarding the collision of AA5342 and PAT25. So far all indications line up suggesting that not only was this a tragic accident, but that the potential for this exact scenario to happen has been many years in the making.Right now, one of the more overwhelming aspects of this accident is that of engagement farming, outrage-baiting, and the spread of generally false information. Or course, the question on everyone's mind is "How could this have happened?". Unfortunately, when it comes to Army aviation, especially within the National Capitol Region (NCR), this mishap is completely within the realm of possibility.Over the past few years, it also became popular for military aviation to fly without their transponders on, or perhaps more accurately, without using ADS-B transponder modes. In short, few military helicopters even have ADS-B, and those that do have been less inclined to use it. As much outrage abounds regarding this helicopter "flying dark" one must remember that most military aircraft do not have even have ADS-B transponders equipped, rather relying on different transponder modes to make their presence known to aircraft around them. As such, the absence of ADS-B data on public flight tracking websites does not automatically mean that the aircraft was "flying dark", they could have been using a different transponder mode that wouldn't show up on many public websites.Further concern has been expressed by various entities (to include the POTUS AND VPOTUS) regarding the cause of the collision. Rather unusually, both the President and Vice President have highlighted deficiencies among Air Traffic Control operators which may have lead to this incident. While many will take this as a crass and inappropriate response while families are still grieving, there may be more to the story than meets the eye, which requires the dropping of sugarcoating. For instance, closed-source mainstream media reporting has suggested that the

This episode continues a theme of bringing on guest's who crossed paths with Alex in the Army and helped shape his perspective on human performance. SGM Jaime Espinoza's career started with troubles involving weight gain, mental health, alcohol abuse, and more. But thanks to help from several people along the way (some human performance professionals, but also just fellow soldiers) he managed to overcome those hurdles and excel professionally. He joined us to talk about how, and how lessons he learned in the process can help improve outcomes for people experiencing the same challenges. Sergeant Major Jaime Espinoza is a native of Azusa, CA. Upon enlisting in the Army in August 2006, he attended basic training at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, followed by advanced individual training at Fort Huachuca, Arizona. After completing advanced individual training, he was awarded the MOS 35F Intelligence Analyst. His assignments, in ascending order, were with HHC 2-6 IN, 2 BDE, 1st AD, Baumholder, GE; Bravo Company, 304th MI, Fort Huachuca, AZ; HHD, 525th MP BN, Guantanamo Bay, CU; HHC, 4 BDE, 1st CAV DIV, Fort Hood; HHT, 1-9 CAV, 1st CAV DIV, Fort Cavazos; HHC, 4th BDE, 1st CAV DIV, Fort Hood; HHC, 3rd BDE, 4th ID Attached to Foundry Fort Carson, CO; Delta MI Company, 299th BEB, 4th ID, Fort Carson, CO; HHD, 1ST IO CMD Land, Fort Belvoir; United States Special Operations Command (USASOC). He has deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom(OEF) and Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF). He served in a variety of leadership and technical positions, including Junior Analyst, Targeting Analyst, S2 NCO, ASAS-L Master Analyst, Special Security Representative, Detainee Mail Analyst, S2 NCOIC, Senior Intelligence Sergeant, Platoon Sergeant, First Sergeant, Operations NCO, Observer Controller and Trainer, Foundry Instructor, Operations Sergeant Major. SGM Espinoza's military education includes the Joint Special Operations Forces Senior Enlisted Academy (Class 74). Other schools include the Small UAV Course, Army Basic Instructor Course, Foreign Disclosure Officer Course, Military Police Pre-Service Course, Army Space Cadre Basic Course, Master Fitness Trainer Course, Critical Thinking Course, Integrated Data Sources and Enhanced Analytics Course, Information Operations Capabilities, Application and Planning Course, Army Operations Security Program Manager / Officer Certification Level II Course, Anti-Terrorism Officer Basic Course Airborne Course and SERE course. He holds an Associate of Arts degree in Applied Sciences in Intelligence Operations from Cochise College, a Bachelor of Arts in History with a concentration in Military History from Southern New Hampshire University, and a Master of Arts in International Relations from New England College. SGM Espinoza's awards and decorations are the Meritorious Service Medal (2nd Award), Army Commendation Medal (7th Award), Army Achievement Medal (6th Award), Army Good Conduct Medal (6th Award), National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal (1 Campaign Star), Iraqi Campaign Medal (2 Campaign Stars), Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal,Humanitarian Service Medal, Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal (2nd Award), Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon (5th Award), Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon (3rd Award), NATO Medal, Luxembourg's International March of Diekirch Medal, Presidential Unit Citation (2 nd Award), Meritorious Unit Citation (3rd Award), Army Superior Unit Award. He has earned the Parachutist Badge, Army Basic Space Badge, Canadian Jump wings, Italian Parachutist Badge, German Bronze Parachutist, Polish Parachutist Jump wings and Netherlands Parachutist Jump wings, Norwegian Foot March Badge, Driver's badge with wheel and track clasps. SGM Espinoza is a recipient of the Military Intelligence Corps Association Knowlton Award.

June 14, 2025 will be the 250th anniversary of the formation of the US Army by the 2nd Continental Congress.  In preparation to celebrate the Army's birthday and to comemmorate the 250th Anniversary of the American Revolution, the National Museum of the United States Army at Fort Belvoir will debut a new exhibit on April 19, 2025.  Bringing together more than 200 artifacts from around the nation, the Army Museum will commemorate the leaders and men who formed the first army.  We talk with Chief Curator of the National Museum of the United States Army, Paul Morando.Tell us what you think! Send us a text message!

From podium plaques and flags to the doors of the presidential limo and Air Force One, it is always present: fifty stars encircling an eagle whose talons hold bundles of olive branches and arrows, and around that circle of stars, a band with the words “Seal of the President of the United States.” If you've ever wondered where that design came from and how those symbols are made, join Stewart McLaurin, President of the White House Historical Association, on a special tour of The Institute of Heraldry at Fort Belvoir, a U.S. Army installation in Northern Virginia. The art of heraldry goes back centuries and is usually associated with military groups and nobility. Colors and symbols created a design used as a form of identification. America's Founding Fathers were very cautious about adopting anything closely related to monarchy and the nobility, so there was no standard design based on traditional heraldry representing the Office of the President until the 1940s. Near the end of World War II, President Franklin Roosevelt asked heraldry experts and military personnel to create an official design for the presidential flag, seal, and coat of arms. Unfortunately, President Roosevelt died before the project was completed. Still, President Harry Truman saw it through and, in October 1945, signed an executive order establishing for the very first time a legal definition of the president's coat of arms and seal as used by the president. In 1948, President Truman did the same with designs for the Office of the Vice President. Those designs, as well as the Presidential Medal of Freedom, decorations, badges, flags, and other insignia for the U.S. military services and departments throughout the federal government, are created with the assistance of The Institute of Heraldry. And those plaques you see affixed to the podiums behind which the president and vice president speak? Unbelievably, all of those are crafted and painted by hand at the Institute and nowhere else.  In this episode you will hear from Charles Mugno, Director of The Institute of Heraldry; Thomas Casciaro, Chief of the Technical and Production Division at The Institute of Heraldry; as well as Michael Craghead, Exhibit Specialist at The Institute of Heraldry, who has been painting plaques for the president and vice president for over twenty years. We hope you enjoy this special look behind the scenes of the making of the presidential seal.  Find all our podcasts at: https://www.whitehousehistory.org/the-white-house-1600-sessions

Alixzandra P. Peña of Washington, D.C., a Floresville High School alumnus, has been commissioned as an officer in the U.S. Navy. She graduated from a five-week Naval Officer program, Officer Development School, in Newport, R.I., on May 3, 2024. On July 29, she was commissioned as a U.S. Navy ensign, as a Direct Commissioned Officer, sworn in by retired Col. Randy Bruett of Floresville. After further required training, Peña will be a supply officer at the Defense Logistics Agency at Fort Belvoir, Va. Her first salute was from her husband, Vincent Gonzaba of San Antonio, a U.S. Navy veteran. Additionally,...Article Link

Sean Hagerty is a 25-year veteran of the US Army, serving with the 75th Ranger Regiment before being selected and assigned to a special operations unit at Fort Belvoir, Virginia. Among his accolades over his decorated career are 3 Bronze Stars. Hagerty is also the author of 'Jones Point'.   'Jones Point' is a military-informed thriller about Dane Cooper, a special operations soldier who goes on a quest for revenge when his daughter gets abducted. His life would gain purpose again when a mysterious cabal offers him a path to redemption. The story intertwines his personal struggle with his efforts to investigate other cases of grieving parents, all while avoiding detection by an FBI agent and a dedicated team from the Virginia Bureau of Investigation.    Get a copy of 'Jones Point': https://amzn.to/3xzWCpC    Learn more about Sean Hagerty: https://authorseanhagerty.com/   Join the SOFREP Book Club here: https://sofrep.com/book-club See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

 Bio: Pete Newell Pete Newell is a nationally recognized innovation expert whose work is transforming how the  government and other large organizations compete and drive growth.  He is the CEO of BMNT, an internationally recognized innovation consultancy and early-stage tech accelerator that helps solve some of the hardest real-world problems in national security, state and local governments, and beyond. Founded in Silicon Valley, BMNT has offices in Palo Alto, Washington DC, Austin, London, and Canberra. BMNT uses a framework, called H4X®, to drive innovation at speed. H4X® is an adaptation of the problem curation techniques honed on the battlefields of Iraq and Afghanistan combined with the best practices employed by successful Silicon Valley startups. The result is a disciplined, evidence-based, data-driven process for connecting innovation activities into an accountable system that delivers solutions and overcome obstacles to innovation. Pete is a founder and co-author, with Lean Startup founder Steve Blank, of Hacking for Defense (H4D)®, an academic program taught at 47+ universities in the U.S., as well as universities in the UK and Australia. H4D® focuses on solving national security problems. It has in turned created a series of sister courses – Hacking for Diplomacy, Hacking for Oceans, Hacking for Sustainability, Hacking for Local and others – that use the H4X® framework to solve critical real-world problems while providing students with a platform to gain crucial problem-solving experience while performing a national service. Pete continues to advise and teach the original H4D® course at Stanford University with Steve Blank. In addition, Pete is Co-Founder and Board Director of The Common Mission Project, the 501c3 non-profit responsible for creating an international network of mission-driven entrepreneurs, including through programs like H4D®. Prior to joining BMNT, Pete served as the Director of the US Army's Rapid Equipping Force (REF).  Reporting directly to the senior leadership of the Army, he was charged with rapidly finding, integrating, and employing solutions to emerging problems faced by Soldiers on the battlefield. From 2010 to 2013 Pete led the REF in the investment of over $1.4B in efforts designed to counter the effects of improvised explosive devices, reduce small units exposure to suicide bombers and rocket attacks and to reduce their reliance on long resupply chains. He was responsible for the Army's first deployment of mobile manufacturing labs as well as the use of smart phones merged with tactical radio networks. Pete retired from the US Army as a Colonel in 2013. During his 32 years in uniform he served as both an enlisted national guardsman and as an active duty officer. He commanded Infantry units at the platoon through brigade level, while performing special operations, combat, and peace support operations in Panama, Kosovo, Egypt, Kuwait, Iraq and Afghanistan. He is an Army Ranger who has received numerous awards to include the Silver Star and Presidential Unit Citation. Pete holds a BS from Kansas State University, an MS from the US Army Command & General Staff College, an MS from the National Defense University and advanced certificates from the MIT Sloan School and the Stanford Graduate School of Business. Bio: Dr Alison Hawks Dr. Alison Hawks is one of the leading experts advancing public sector innovation. A researcher and academic-turned-entrepreneur, she is the co-founder and CEO of BMNT, Ltd., the innovation company that is changing how public sector innovation happens; and Chair of the Common Mission Project UK, BMNT's charitable partner that guides mission-driven entrepreneurial education in the UK. Dr. Hawks co-founded BMNT Ltd with (Ret) Col Pete Newell, the CEO of BMNT, Inc., in 2019 to bring BMNT's proven innovation approach to the UK market. Under her leadership BMNT has become a trusted innovation partner across all single Services of Defence, the Cabinet Office, and the national security community. She has also helped change how real-world government challenges are addressed in the UK, launching the “Hacking for” academic programmes created in the U.S. These courses that teach university students how to use modern entrepreneurial tools and techniques to solve problems alongside government at startup speed. As a result of her efforts, 14 UK universities are offering Hacking for the Ministry of Defence, Hacking for Sustainability and Hacking for Police. More than 480 students have taken these courses, addressing 103 real-world challenges. Dr. Hawks teaches mission-driven entrepreneurship at King's College London, Department of War Studies and at Imperial College London's Institute of Security Science and Technology. She was named the Woman of the Year for Innovation and Creativity at the Women in Defence Awards in 2022. She serves on the Board of Directors of BMNT, leading development of BMNT's innovation education programs while also guiding the integration of BMNT's rapidly expanding international presence. She was previously Director of Research at the Section 809 Panel, a U.S. Congressionally mandated commission tasked with streamlining and codifying defense acquisition. She was also an Assistant Professor at the School of Foreign Service, Georgetown University, as well as King's College London, Department of Defence Studies where she taught strategy, policy and operations in professional military education. Dr. Hawks' doctoral thesis was in military sociology. She received her Ph.D from the Department of War Studies at King's College London, and her MA in Strategic Studies from the University of Leeds. She holds a BA in Political Science from the University of California, San Diego. She has multiple peer reviewed publications on her research. Interview Highlights 03:50 BMNT 06:20 Serendipity 10:00 Saying yes to the uncomfortable 11:20 Leadership 15:00 Developing a thick skin 20:00 Lessons of an entrepreneur 22:00 Stakeholder success 25:00 Solving problems at speed and at scale 28:00 The innovation pipeline 29:30 Resistance is rational 34:00 Problem curation 38:00 Dual use investments 43:00 Accelerating change 47:00 AUKUS 52:20 AI   Contact Information   ·         LinkedIn: Ali Hawks on LinkedIn ·         LinkedIn Peter Newell on LinkedIn ·         Website:  The Common Mission Project UK ·         Website: BMNT US ·         Website: BMNT UK   Books & Resources ·         Scaling Up Excellence: Getting to More Without Settling for Less: Robert Sutton, Robert , Huggy Rao ·         Value Proposition Canvas ·         Business Model Canvas ·         Hacking for Defense ·         Hacking for Allies ·         AUKUS DIN ·         Impromptu : Amplifying Our Humanity Through AI, Reid Hoffman ·         Huberman Lab Podcast ·         Allie K. Miller ·         Wiring the Winning Organization: Liberating Our Collective Greatness through Slowification, Simplification, and Amplification: Gene Kim, Steven Spear ·         The Friction Project - Bob Sutton, Huggy Rao Episode Transcript  Intro: Hello and welcome to the Agile Innovation Leaders podcast. I'm Ula Ojiaku. On this podcast I speak with world-class leaders and doers about themselves and a variety of topics spanning Agile, Lean Innovation, Business, Leadership and much more – with actionable takeaways for you the listener. Ula Ojiaku My guests for this episode are Pete Newell and Ali Hawks. Pete Newell is the CEO and Co-founder of BMNT, an innovation consultancy and early stage technology incubator that helps solve some of the hardest problems facing the Department of Defense and Intelligence community. Ali Hawks is CEO of BMNT in the UK and also a Co-founder of BMNT in the UK. In addition to this, she is the Chair of the Board of Trustees at the Common Mission Project, and she Co-founded the Common Mission Project in 2019 and drove its growth as a Startup charity in the UK. Without further ado, ladies and gentlemen, my conversation with Pete and Ali, I found it very insightful and I'm sure you would as well. Pete, thank you Ali, thank you so much for being with us on the Agile Innovation Leaders Podcast. It's a great pleasure to have you here.  Pete Newell  Thanks so much for the invite.  Ali Hawks  Yeah. Thank you for having us.  Ula Ojiaku Right, this is the second time ever in the history of my podcast that I'm having two people, two guests. The first time was fun, and I know this one would be as well, and informative. I always start with asking my guests to tell us a bit about themselves. So your background, any memorable happenings that shaped you into the person you are today?  Pete Newell  So I'm a retired army officer. I enlisted when I was 18 and was commissioned when I left college in the mid 80s. I spent most of my career as an Infantryman in tactical units. I spent a great bit of time in the Middle East and other war zones. Towards the end of my career, I ended up as the Director of the Army's Rapid Equipment Force, which is essentially the Skunk Works that was stood up at the start of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars to accelerate technology to solve problems that were emerging on the battlefield, that weren't part of something else, somewhere else. And in that three-year journey, it probably exposed me to first and foremost, the speed at which new problems are presenting themselves, not just on the battlefield, but in the rest of the world. It exposed me to the speed at which technology is changing, being adopted and then being adapted for other purposes. So it's almost like chasing technology as it changes is a whole new sport, and it exposed me to  the challenges of large bureaucratic organisations and their inability to keep up with the speed of the changes in order to remain competitive, whether it was on the battlefield or in the commercial markets or something like that. Those epiphanies really drove, first, my decision to retire from the military, because I became addicted to solving that problem, and second, drove the impetus to launch BMNT in 2013. And in fact, you are right square in the middle of our 10th anniversary of being a company. So it really is, I think, a big deal because we started with four people on a driveway in Palo Alto, California, now we're a global company with multiple companies and are grateful, but that's the history of how we got started.  Ula Ojiaku  Congratulations on your 10th anniversary, and it's an impressive background and story. Ali, what about you?  Ali Hawks  So, my background, a little bit different than Pete's, by training I was an academic, so my training and my PhD was in military sociology. I was really interested in understanding people's experiences in the armed forces, both in the US and the UK. That is what my PhD was focused around, my thesis, and I went on to be an academic at King's College London here in the UK. I've also been an Assistant Professor at Georgetown University in the School of Foreign Service. But it wasn't until I then took a job with the US DoD, in something called a Congressional Advisory Panel called the Section 809 Panel, which was tasked with overhauling all of defense acquisition, and that's where Pete and I met. I think one of those formative experiences in my career was meeting Pete and going to the non-profit that Pete started and spun out of BMNT, it's called the Common Mission Project with a really big program, Hacking for Defense, and Steve Blank also Co-founded that as you know, and Joe Felter. I went to an educator course for this program in Fort Belvoir as a part of my job to understand, could we take these types of methods and put them into congressional legislation or DoD regulation as a way to change how people think about problems? And when I met Pete, it was the intersection of all of the things that I really love, academia, entrepreneurship, defense and national security. I went up to Pete and pitched him and said, I want to take this back to the UK and launch it. That was the start of what has been thousands of conversations about the value that we can add both in the US and the UK.  I worked in some law firms before I did my Master's and my PhD, but mainly my career has been in academia.  Ula Ojiaku  Wow. Thanks for sharing. And would you say it was serendipity that made your paths to cross and how are you finding the journey so far?  Ali Hawks  I think, yes, I think it's serendipity. I have a really different life journey than Pete. And I think in my career at the time when I met Pete, I hadn't really found what it is, what I felt like my purpose should be, or hadn't really found passion or joy in my work to that day. I found things I loved, I loved academia and I love teaching, but it just still didn't hit all of those things that you kind of get up every day and are like, this is what I'm meant to do. And I had done a lot of work on reflecting of what that would feel like and what that would look like and the elements it had to have. So by the time I met Pete, it was almost as if someone was flashing a huge sign at me saying, don't miss your turn, this is your turn. So I think serendipity, but also really understanding what it is that I wanted to do and the type of people I wanted to work with and the journey so far. I'll hand over to Pete in a second, but it's been nothing short of incredible. Pete has an amazing reputation, but as a business partner and as a leader, he allows people to truly learn, experiment, make mistakes, and he pulls everyone along by building confidence and empowering people that work for him. So in terms of kind of coming from academia and becoming a researcher turned entrepreneur, it's been the most formative experience of my career. Being able to work along Pete is like being able to work alongside that kind of guide or that guru, and you're like, wow, I can't believe I get to talk to this person every week and learn from them and be in business with them. So that's how it's going for me. Pete, how's it going for you?  Pete Newell You know, Steve Blank and I had a long conversation about serendipity when he and I met 2015 and here's my advice in serendipity. It really is if you have an active curiosity and a willingness to say yes to things that you wouldn't normally, and you're not adverse to taking risk, the chances of serendipity smacking like lightning greatly go up. And then I go back to my first trip to Stanford University in 2011. Well, I was still a military officer and saying yes to a number of things that people asked me to do, and just one conversation after another led to a meeting with two guys who were Stanford graduate school instructors who were writing a book. Those two decided to write a chapter in that book about the work I was doing at the Rapid Equipment Force. Now, when Huggy Rao and Bob Sutton decided to write a book and hire a case study writer who spent six months digging into your life, you learn all kinds of things about yourself and about the world, and when that's followed by a chance coffee with Steve Blank, who had no idea who I was, and I had no idea who he was, that 15-minute coffee turned into a four-hour discussion between the two of us. I typically would not have been at the Fort Belvoir thing that Ali was at, and I think our meeting was very brief, but it was, I think, six months later when I found her in the library at Georgetown University at some social event and we both decided that we wanted her to do something, and we wanted to do something in the UK, and we wanted to see something between allied countries come together. There was no strategy or grand business development, there was nothing that drove those conversations. It was simply in the spur of the moment, the curiosity takes over and you start to say I can see where this might work. Now, Ali will be the first to tell you, it has not been easy, but it has been a privilege to work with her and to continue to work between the two governments and the countries to see absolutely brilliant things done. And so I just say, I come back to, it's that curiosity connected with the desire to, the willingness to accept a little bit of risk, but learning how to say yes to things that you're uncomfortable with and digging just a little bit more. That opens up that opportunity so much more.  Ula Ojiaku I could see, it's evident to me the way Ali was talking about working with you, Pete, and your leadership, I'm wondering, could there have been anything about your military background that has influenced your leadership style as a whole? Pete Newell Yeah, everything in my background does. I can tell you, even growing up as a kid that the way my parents raised me influenced me positively, and negatively in some cases. My military background, I have been fortunate to work for a group of fantastic military leaders, I spent time in the Special Operations community, I spent time working for Stan McChrystal, I spent time in the Pentagon working for brilliant people. I also worked for some of the absolute worst bosses in the entire world, and I rarely say this about people, they were just bad human beings, and I will tell you in many cases what I learned watching a leader in a just really horrible environment influenced me more than watching the really brilliant guys out there. If you think about it, it's really hard to pattern yourself after somebody who is brilliant and driven and successful and kind and they do all that, but I'll tell you what, you can look at somebody who is really a bad boss and say, I don't want to be like them, and it happens in an instant, that I do not ever want to be like that person. That teaches you a lot about the environment that you want to create that people are going to work in. I have some hard areas, and Ali will acknowledge some of them, in the way people are treated in the workplace. Also as a graduate of the Special Operations community, I have strong feelings about how high performing people should be allowed to perform, and also expectations of how they work. I think the military left me with a high degree of not just respect, but you want to hire people, there's a certain degree of dedication to their success, whether they stay in your company or whether they leave, or they go someplace else, whether they're challenged or something else. And I'll tell you, if there was something hard about transitioning from the military to the business world is, in the military, you're given people and you're told to make them successful no matter what. In the business world, you tend to just fire people who are unsuccessful and not invest time and energy in them. I have never been able to make that change, and it's a bit of a struggle sometimes, because in the business world, you can't afford to hang on to people who are subpar performers, if you want to run a high-performance organisation. So if there's one of the things that I have learned is I am challenged in letting somebody go because I see it as a personal failure if somebody fails to thrive in my organisation, that has been built and imprinted by my past. I think Ali has a very different opinion, because she comes from such a great different place. Here's the beauty of it, the work with people like Ali and some of the others, we can argue and disagree and fight like cats and dogs sometimes, but we still love each other, and it is still an absolutely amazing environment to work in. That's really what, if you get it right, that's what life's like.  Ula Ojiaku What's your view, Ali?  Ali Hawks So we clearly have different backgrounds, I think that I was a bit of a late bloomer in terms of leadership style. Being in academia, you're not really in a leadership position because you're responsible for yourself, and in a way, it's a really good test bed for being an entrepreneur, because in academia you have to have such thick skin, because you turn in your peer reviewed journal publications, you turn in your papers and people write back and slash, and no one's trying to make you feel good. In fact, they want to help you, but also they're quite competitive. So that was a really good proving ground for being able to develop the thick skin for critical feedback or any feedback and really all of the knocks that come with being an entrepreneur. What I took into starting BMNT here four years ago was, things that I took from Pete and from the U.S. was really allowing people and high performers to work in the way that they feel best. One of the things I hated when I was younger in certain jobs, and working in law firms is punching your time card at 8 am, and you punch out at 5, and an hour for lunch, and it never felt right that that was the way to measure someone's productivity or to really enhance or empower people. And so the way that I approach it is we consider everyone to be an adult and to do their job, and also to be as curious as possible. So on our Standup this morning, with two new team members coming back into BMNT, one of the things that we agreed on is if no one's asking for time off to be creative or to have a day or two days to read a book that will enhance their knowledge or make them a better BMNTer, then we're failing. If no one has asked for that time by the end of this calendar year. So the way that I really approach leadership is how can I empower, but also invest in every single person, because it's not me delivering the everyday work, it's the people in my company, so they're building it alongside of me. I hire smart young people who will give feedback and we action that feedback. So we change things based on what we get from a 23-year-old, so everyone in the company feels really valued. And I think, learning from Pete, is also being really honest and transparent with everyone in the company when your chips are down and you have to say, guys, this is what's going on, and I found it has built such a strong cohesion in the team that we have now, that this year going into it is the most excited I've ever been about running BMNT. So taking a lot of what I learned from Pete and also my own experiences of feeling really caged, actually, in most of my jobs, and being able to understand that people work in very different ways, and if you allow them to work in the ways that are best for them, you really do get the best of everyone.  Ula Ojiaku That's very inspiring and insightful. Now, there was something Pete said earlier on about you, Ali, walking up to him and sharing the vision that you wanted to take back what BMNT is doing to the UK and so what made you go for it, what pushed you towards that? Ali Hawks Again, it was a lot of work on my part of really understanding what I wanted to do, and when I approached Pete that day, I was really excited and exuberant and I said, I want to take this back to the UK and I want to run it. And Pete is, as you get to know him, he's very calm and he's quiet, and he kind of looked at me and he said, you should talk to some people. And I thought, okay, I'll go talk to people. So I went out and I talked to people and I got Pete on the phone a few weeks later and I said, Pete, this is my dream job, this is what I want to do. And Pete said, prove it, do a Business Model Canvas. So I then hung up the phone, I googled Business Model Canvas, I watched YouTube videos on how to complete it. I was still working at the 809 Panel, so I was getting up really early to talk to people back in the UK, make phone calls, pulling on all of my contacts because I've been in defense and national security for gosh, since 2009, and I was canvassing everyone I knew, I filled out the Business Model Canvas, I sent it to Pete, he was going to be in DC about a week later, and he wrote back saying we should meet. So we then met and had an initial conversation around what it could look like, but it really wasn't until as Pete said in that library at Georgetown for a reception that we came together and having had both time to think and think about what I put down in the Business Model Canvas, but also how we got along, I think, and gelled as business partners, we decided, let's do it. So when we said we didn't have a plan, I had an idea of what we could do, and I have unfailing determination to make things work, and so I just knew, and I think we both knew if we tried it, that something would come of it, and if not, we would learn a lot from it. So we went from there and it took a while before we got a plan, to be honest, but we got there. Ula Ojiaku Well, here you are. Ali Hawks Exactly. Pete Newell You know, if there's one thing I have learned as an entrepreneur is that the plan you thought you were going to have, is never the one you actually execute. So the faster you begin to test it, usually by talking to people and doing things, the faster you will get rid of bad ideas. And it's not about finding the good idea, but it's about creating all the ideas you could possibly have and then killing them off quickly so that you understand the core of the value that you think you're going to deliver. Everything after that is the mechanics of how to build a business. I mean, that's not easy stuff, when you're launching a company, more importantly when you're launching one in a country you haven't been in in a while, but getting there is really about getting the thought process moving and getting people to disabuse you of the notion that every idea you have is brilliant. Ula Ojiaku I mean, I agree setting up a business isn't easy. I can't imagine the additional challenge of setting it up in the defense sector, the Department of Defense in the US, Ministry of Defence here in the UK. What sort of things would you say would be the additional? Do you have to go through hurdles to go through approvals, clearances and all that? Ali Hawks From the MOD experience, it's less about clearances and those types of things, it's more about understanding, winding your way through what feels like a maze, to find the right stakeholders that you can bring together at the right time to make a decision. So while there are individuals that hold budgets and can make decisions, there's a constellation of people around them that need to be aligned in concert with that decision. If you went to a business, of course, you'll have to have a couple of people on board, but the time to sale or the cost to sale is relatively straightforward. When you go into the government, you have a group of highly motivated people, highly mission-driven people who experience the pain of their problems every day, and they are trying to fight just as hard as you are in order to change something for the better. So in the first instance, you have great allyship with your customers, because you have a shared mission, and you're both working towards it, which is fantastic. The second is really trying to understand if that person has the budget and they need to sign off on it, how much do they need to care about it, or is it their chief of staff that needs to really care about it? Or is it their engineer? So I would say the difference is the amount of discovery that you do and doing that stakeholder mapping, is fundamental to success, but also knowing that people change jobs in the civil service and the Armed Forces every few years, that is a critical skill as a business working with the government, that stakeholder mapping and that discovery with your customers, customer development never ends. So I think that that is the longest pole in the tent in terms of finding the right people, and sometimes people say that's the person that has authority, you go talk to them and they say, no, I don't have any authority, so it's really trying to wind your way through the maze to align those key stakeholders. Pete Newell I would add to what Ali said, is that it's like climbing into a very complicated Swiss watch and you need to understand not just how things work, but you need to understand why they work the way they do, and how they work with other things, and then you need to understand who's responsible for making them work and who the beneficiary of the work is, and who possibly might want to make them not work. So, Ali's comment on stakeholder development, it's at the heart of everything you do -- you talk about more sociology and anthropology than it is anything, it truly is understanding why things work the way they do and what drives people to behave one way versus another. Once you figure that out, then you can figure out how to motivate them to behave one way or another, and where you might fit to help them in their daily job or whatever else. But that stakeholder development and understanding who's in charge, who benefits, who doesn't benefit, why something might be counter to something else is so critical in any consulting business, but in particular, if you are trying to get something done inside a government organisation. It, in many cases, it's archaic, but it still operates underneath a very definitive culture that you can map if you've been at it long. Ula Ojiaku So BMNT, you help government organisations to solve hard problems at speed and at scale. Can you expand on this? Pete Newell It's both I think. I go back to my experience, way back in the Rapid Equipping Force and 2010 is first and foremost, there are tens of thousands of problems that prevent the government from doing what it wants to do. The government is challenged, first, in being able to identify those problems; second, in translating those problems into plain English that other people might understand; third, in using that translated thing to find ever bigger groups of people, to then redefine the problem one more time, so that it makes sense for the rest of the world; and fourth, creating the policies and process that will attract people to come to them and work with them to solve those problems fast enough to build a solution before the problem changes so much that the calculus is completely out of whack again. And in all this there's a complicated long answer, but the impedance difference between the speed at which you develop and acknowledge a problem and your ability to get people to work on it, if it's out of sync with the speed at which technology is being adopted and adapted, you will constantly be perfectly solving the wrong problem, and you'll be constantly delivering things that are antiquated before the day they land in somebody's hands, so that's really the speed issue. I go back to what I said about sociology. This is the speed of your ability to get people to come together to work on something, and then the scale is determining, scale how fast, and scale how big. The scale how fast is, I can start to deliver a solution to this, but I know the solution is going to change every 6 months. So I don't need to commit to building tens of thousands of these over a 5-year contract, but I do need to commit to changing what I deliver every 6 months, or this is going to scale to some big end and it goes into a much different system, you have to be ambidextrous about your approach to scale, and unfortunately most procurement laws, both the United States and in the UK are not built to be ambidextrous. They're built to do one thing and one thing very efficiently only. Unfortunately, that's not the way the world works anymore. Ula Ojiaku Any thoughts, Ali? Ali Hawks As Pete said, and as a sociologist, the most often thing, and I think Pete said this a long time ago when we first met, is the government doesn't have a tech adoption problem, it has a people problem, and a lot of our work, a lot of our customers will come and say they have a tech problem, and they have a huge degree of urgency, but the things that get in their way are they have no common language, and they have no repeatable and scalable process in which to think about and work on their problems. And the framework that we developed, the innovation pipeline, is that process for them to do it. It's not complicated, it's methodology agnostic, and so it allows you to develop an entire workforce around a common language of innovating, mission acceleration, agile transformation, whatever you want to do, recognising that people are at the heart of it. The Head of Innovation at UC Berkeley and during one of our Lean Innovators Summit, said something that has stuck with me for several years now, ad he said, and it really hit home with our customers, because sometimes when I first started BMNT here, I was such an evangelist that I forgot to listen to the customer. I was just so convinced that they needed what we had, and I think the customer was telling me something else and I would get frustrated, and when I heard this, it was resistance is rational. When we go into a room with a group of people, we usually have a customer who is an evangelist of ours, or an early adopter, a huge supporter, and they have a couple of other people who feel the same way they do about change and innovation and moving rapidly, and then 70 percent of the team don't feel that same way. So approaching it and really empathising with the customers and understanding resistance is rational, why would they want to change? Things for them work, the way that they have always done, it works, and that is a rational response. So being able to then develop a service where you're connecting with them and saying, I understand that, and that's a rational response, and then using tools, like one of my favourite tools, the Value Proposition Canvas, to really understand, what are the jobs to be done, and the pains and the gains, and when you speak in that type of language, there are so many times that I have seen this kind of aha moment of like, oh, so if I did that, then I wouldn't have to do this anymore, or I would be able to do this different thing. And this is not complicated, these are not complicated tools or processes we're talking about, but the common denominators of it are discipline, consistency, and hard work. And I think, coming off what Pete said, when you want to get pace and speed, you have to be consistent and you have to be disciplined, and people have to understand what you're saying in order to get over that resistance is rational piece. Pete Newell I think Ali's spot on in terms of the problem with the problem. Oftentimes is, we can put a problem in a room and 10 people work on it and get 10 different versions of the problem, and so part of the art that's involved in the process is to get a group of people to agree to a common definition of a problem and use the same words, because many times we're inventing new words. It's new technology, new problem, but the first thing we do is get everybody to say the same thing the same way, and then start to talk to other people about it, because part two of that is you learn that your problem is probably not the right problem, it's a symptom of something else, and that whole process of discovery is a very disciplined, I would say it's a scientific methodology applied to how we communicate with people. You have to get out and test your theory by talking to the right people in a big enough diverse crowd to truly understand that whether you're on the right track or the wrong track. That's hard work, it really is hard work, and it's even harder to get what I would say critical feedback from people in the process who will challenge your assumptions and will challenge your test, who will challenge the outcomes of that. That's what our team does such a great job of, working with customers to teach them how to do that, but listening to them and helping them come together. At the same time, we're looking at the quality of the work and because we're a third party, we can look over the shoulder and say I see the test, and I see the outcome, but I don't think your test was adequate, or I don't think you tested this in an environment that was diverse enough, that you may be headed down the wrong path. The customer can still decide to go with what they learn, but in most cases, at least they're getting honest feedback that should allow them to pause and relook something. Ali Hawks I think for this particular reason, this is why BMNT is a leader in this space, is because the kind of jurisdiction around that front end of the pipeline, of are we making sure that we're choosing from enough problems and we're not stuck with a couple of investments that might be bad, so to speak, really validating that problem to decide, is it worth working on, is this even progressible, does anyone care about it, can it technically be done, does the organisation care about it, before spending any money on investment. Now that front end of the pipeline is gradually becoming a stronger muscle, and I'll speak for the UK, is gradually becoming a stronger muscle because of the work that BMNT has done, and both in the US and the UK, there is incredibly strong muscle memory around experimentation and incubation, which is fantastic. There's a lot of structure around that and frameworks and a lot of common language, which is amazing, because when you have that developed, going back to the beginning to refine before you put into the machine, so to speak, that's where what we call curation, really validating that problem, that's a single most determining factor on whether a problem will transition to an adopted solution. Most of government starts in experimentation and incubation, so they don't get the benefit of de-risking investment in a solution, and they don't necessarily get the benefit of all the learning to expedite that into incubation and experimentation. So I think where BMNT comes out and really owns that area is in that front end of the pipeline, and when you do that front end, you would be amazed at how fast the other part of the pipeline goes through discover incubation experimentation, because you've increased confidence and really de-risked investment in the solution. Ula Ojiaku Thanks for sharing that Ali, would you say you're applying lean innovation amongst other things to the framework you're referring to, or would that be something else? Pete Newell No, I think that it's all part of the process. We use a variety of tools to get to the data we want, and then it's a matter of doing analysis, and this is why Ali's background as an academic is so critical, because she's keen on analysis, and looking at the data and not skewing the data one way or another, and that's an incredibly important skill in this process. Again, this is really the application of a scientific methodology, and you need to be able to do that, but you need to understand how to get the data. So whether it's Lean or it's Scrum or it's some Google tool or something else. We have become really adaptive in the use of the tools and a mixture of the tools to drive a community of people to create the data we need to make an assessment of whether something's going the right direction or not. And that's the beauty of being involved with the Lean Innovation Educators Forum, the beauty of the time we spend with folks like Alex Osterwalder or with Steve Blank or with the folks from the d.school at Stanford or any of those places that are developing tools. It is understanding how to use and adopt the tool to fit the circumstances, but at the end of the day, it's all about creating the data you need to use the analysis that will drive an insight, that will allow you to make a decision. Too often I find people who are just overly enamoured with the tool and they forget that the tool is just a tool. It's about data, insight, and decisions, and you have to get to a decision at some point. Ula Ojiaku Data, insight, decisions. Amazing. So, if we shift gears a little bit and go into your Strategic Innovation Project, SIP, I understand that one of the shifts you're driving in the DoD and MoD respectively is about their approach to involving private investment in defence technology. Could you share a bit more about that? Pete Newell As part of the innovation pipeline, you have to eventually transition out of the discovery phase and at the end of discovery, you should know that you have the right problem. You have a potential solution and you have a potential pathway that will allow you to deliver that solution in time to actually have an impact on the problem. At that point, you start incubating that solution, and if it's a tech or a product, then you're talking about either helping a company build the right thing, or you're talking about starting a new company, and that new company will have to do the thing. Our work in terms of early-stage tech acceleration is really now focused on what we call dual-use technologies. Those technologies that are required to solve a problem in the military, but also have a digital twin in the commercial world. There has to be a commercial reason for the company being built that's actually going to solve the problem, and so as we looked at that, we found really interesting conversations with investors in the United States and then eventually overseas who were looking for a way to help defense get the technologies it wanted, but have portfolios that don't allow them to just invest in a defense technology, and they were looking for an opportunity to engage one, with like-minded investors, but two, in honest conversations about problems that existed in the military and in the commercial world so they can make better decisions about the deployment of their capital to create the right companies. I think it's probably been five years now we've been working on the hypothesis around this. we started to develop a very strong language around dual-use investments in early-stage tech acceleration and adoption, and we started to build new tools inside government programs, as well as new groups of investors and other folks who wanted to be involved. All that was fine in the United States, but then we found it was a slightly different application outside the United States, particularly in Europe, which is not necessarily the most Startup friendly environment in the world in terms of investment, but at the same time, understanding that the United States has an unequalled appetite for technology to the point where that technology doesn't necessarily exist within the United States, nor do the best opportunities to test that technology exist for the United States, so we had to come up with a way that would allow us to do the same type of investigation with our allies, which turns into this incredible opportunity amongst allied nations and companies and vendors and things like that. And I know that from Ali's standpoint, watching NATO DIANA and other programs start, that it is more challenging, it's a different environment in Europe than it is in the United States. Ali Hawks Picking up there and in terms of the way that we think about investment, and what Pete is talking about is a program we run called Hacking 4 Allies. We currently work with Norway and take dual-use Norwegian Startups into our incubator and accelerator called H4XLabs in the US and we help them enter the US defense market and the commercial market, and one of the things that we're starting to see over here is it is a pathway that doesn't really exist in Europe. So when we think about NATO's DIANA, what DIANA is focused on, which is dual-use and deep tech and what they are overly focused on, and I think is correct, is how do you raise investment in the countries themselves to help booster a whole range of effects around being able to raise money within the country? Ultimately, though, and a lot of what DIANA was doing, in terms of the concept and its focus on dual-use and deep tech, was before the invasion of Ukraine, and so at that time before that, I think in terms of the NATO Innovation Fund and thinking about investment and NATO, it wasn't as comfortable with dual-use and investing in dual-use as the US is, not only is the US comfortable, but you have things like we helped a private capital fund, where people feel a great deal of patriotism, or that it's a part of their service to be able to contribute in that way. That feeling doesn't exist, it exists here, but it manifests itself in a different way, and it doesn't manifest itself as let's invest in dual-use technologies to help our defense and national security. So there's different understandings and cultural feelings towards those things. Now, having had the invasion of Ukraine and now the war in Israel and Gaza and now in Yemen, I think that the change is accelerating, insofar as what are the capabilities that we need to rapidly develop within NATO to be able to feel secure on our borders, and what type of investment does that take? Now, US investment in Europe has dropped about 22 percent in 2023, and so they're a little bit nervous about investing in these companies, and so the strength that being able to change the investment paradigm, which is ultimately, the companies that are going to receive the investment from the NATO Innovation Fund and NATO DIANA, they want to develop in the country, but ultimately all of those companies and their investors want them to get to a bigger market, and that bigger market is the US. So, what we are able to do is to connect real dollars, government dollars and commercial dollars, to those companies. We are one of the only pathways outside of export regimes for the Department of International Trade here in the UK. We are one of the only private pathways that has not only been tested and proved, but that we are able to take more companies year on year, take them to the US and prove that model. Now that's really exciting, especially as we see some of the investment declining, because we're able to identify those companies, we're able to connect them to problems that matter that people are trying to solve, develop the use cases, and then help them on the commercialisation side of things in terms of going into a new market. I think that the way that we think about investment in the US from a BMNT perspective, and the US is a little bit different from Europe and the UK, but the exciting thing is now that we have this proven pathway to enhance and accelerate concepts like DIANA and the NATO Innovation Fund. Ula Ojiaku So it sounds to me like it's not just about the localised investment into the innovation, it's also about BMNT building pathways, so European Startups, for example, that want an inroad into the US, maybe vice versa. Pete Newell I think the AUKUS DIN, the Defense Investor Network really is the collection of the US Investor Network, the UK and Australia. All three countries had Defense Investor Networks that had been set up over the last several years and primarily focused on, one, allowing investors to engage other investors about topics that are of common interest when it comes to this dual-use paradigm; and two, being able to engage with people in the government about things the investors were concerned about. I'm very clear when I talk about the Defense Investor Network, it is about defense investors, not about the government's problem. I've had to redefine that multiple times, as this is about enabling investors to be more proactive and participate in building the right kinds of companies, not about the government telling investors what they need to do, or the government telling the investors how they need to do it. It really, it was built from the investor perspective, and then we found is that the investors were prolifically honest about their feedback to senior people in the government, which I think has been hard for people in the government to get that kind of feedback, but when an investor with a portfolio of 30 and 40 companies looks at the government and says, I will never do it the way you just described, and here's why. Until you change that quantity, it makes no sense for us to participate, invest in, do, you'd be amazed. Sometimes it is the first time somebody's been able to articulate why something isn't going to happen, and then people nod their heads, well, I'll quit asking for that, or I'll go back and change something to see what it is we can do. So, we went from Hacking 4 Allies, which started out as a BMNT program with the Norwegians, to Hacking 4 Allies with the UK, Australia, Norway. At the same time, we had set up the Defense Investor Network, but as soon as we started the Allies program in the UK, the UK-based investors raised their hands and said, what you're doing in the United States, we want to do here, and then the same thing happened in Australia. When they made the AUKUS announcement, it just made too much sense to be able to look at, if we really want a free flow of technology and problems across the AUKUS governments, then surely we should be building ecosystems of like-minded people who can help drive those conversations. So it was super, super easy to bring the AUKUS Investor Network together, it was just too easy. The part that I think is not so easy, but we need to do work on is we, those investors need to be fed problems that are of an AUKUS nature, and at the same time, the governments need to listen to the investors when they tell them they have problems investing in companies that aren't allowed to participate in exercise or training or contracting or acquisitions in a different country, and if you really want to make AUKUS a real thing, there are a lot of policies that have to change. There's been a lot of progress made, but I think there's a lot more left to do to, to really get the opportunity to happen. Ula Ojiaku And would you say some of the problems would be related to what government officials would call national security, because if it's a dual-use spec, whilst it has its secular or commercial use, in the military, you wouldn't want other people knowing how you're deploying that technology and the ins and outs of it. So could that be one of the issues here? Pete Newell My definition of national security really touches public safety all the way up to military, so it's both. I think if you dig into it, it touches everything from supply chain, to access, to raw materials, to manufacturing, to education and workforce development, and you name it. There's a paradigm shift that has to happen if we're going to build more things, more often rather than long term ships and things like that, that as allied nations, we have to be able to attack all of the underlying foundational problems, and that's my supply chain, raw materials, manufacturing, and workforce that's necessary for the future. No one country is going to get that fixed all by themselves, and I think, to me, that's the absolute brilliance of what AUKUS should be able to focus on. Ali Hawks I agree, and I think that to being able to co-invest as well, the opportunity for investors to come around and understand what are the opportunities to, not only co-invest and coordinate, but to be able to scan their companies and their deal flow to see where their companies can partner and secure greater work and contracts and scale. So I think that it's a really important initiative in terms of being a steward of an extremely important ecosystem, not only being a steward, but being able to build that ecosystem of support and development. How we look at national security in the UK is really no different than what Pete talked about, and when we think about working with companies and the willingness to work with big tech companies or small tech companies or whatever it is, it's not just simply one transaction where, here's the money and here's your software. So obviously the kind of employment and the skills, but what is the ecosystem around that technology that is necessary? Does it require sensors and chips, and what is it that it requires that's going to bring in multiple different industries to support it, and that's really what the agenda here around prosperity is. How do we invest in these types of technologies and their ecosystems around it to have a more prosperous Britain? So you have a wider spread of skills as opposed to just investing in one thing. I think that's where AUKUS brings three very important allies together to be able to do that individually, but then the option to do it across in terms of the broader strategy and the policy around AUKUS, is a once in a lifetime chance that I think has come up. Ula Ojiaku So I think the key thing here is, this is a space to be watched, there's lots of opportunity and the potential of having the sum being greater than the parts is really huge here. One last question on this topic. So you said deep tech, and with Open AI's launch of ChatGPT earlier on last year, the world seems to have woken up to, generative AI. Do you see any influence this trend would have, or is having, in the military space in the Defense Innovation space. Pete Newell I think the world has woken up and is staring into the sun and is blinded. The challenge with AI in general, and I would say that it's not the challenge, AI has a long way to go, and by and large, folks are really focused on the high end of what AI can do, but people have to learn how to use AI and AI has to learn. What we're not doing is using AI to solve the mundane, boring, time wasting problems that are preventing our workforce from doing the high end work that only a human being can do, and I don't care how many billions of dollars we're pouring into building robots and other things, it's all great, but we still have government people managing spreadsheets of data that, they become data janitors, not analysts, and it is particularly bad in the intelligence world. I quote the Chief Information Officer of a large logistics agency who said data is not a problem, we have tons of data, it's just crappy, it's not tagged, it's not usable, we have data going back to the 1950s, we have no means of getting that data tagged so it's useful. Now, if we put time and energy into building AI products that would correctly tag old data, it'd be amazing what we can do. In the cases that we have helped develop tools with our clients, they'll save anywhere from a million to 300 million dollars a year in finding discrepancies in supply chain stuff, or finding other issues. So imagine if we put that kind of work in place for other people, but free people up to do more, better, smarter things, how much more efficient the use of the government's time and money would be, so that that money and that time could be invested in better things. So when I say, yeah, the AI is out there and people's eyes are open, but they're staring into the sun. They're not looking at the ground in front of them and solving the things that they could be solving at the speed they should be doing it, and unfortunately, I think they're creating a gap where legacy systems are being left further and further behind, but those legacy systems, whether it's finance, personnel, supply chain, discipline, things like that, aren't going to be able to make the transition to actually be useful later on. So I would describe it as an impending train wreck. Ula Ojiaku And what would be, in your view, something that could avert this oncoming train wreck. Pete Newell I think a concerted effort, really just to have the government say we're going to use AI to get rid of as much of the legacy brute force work that our populations are doing so that we can free them up to do other things. Part of this is we're then going to take the money we save and channel that money back into investment in those organisations. Right now, the money just goes away, that's great, you did better, therefore, your budget's reduced. There's no incentive to get better that way, but if you look at an organisation and say, you know, if you can save 10 million dollars a year, we'll give you that 10 million dollars to reinvest back into your organisation to do better and something else. Now, you have some incentive to actually make change happen. Ula Ojiaku Any thoughts, Ali? Ali Hawks I think the exciting thing for us, the way that I look at it in terms of government is that that government enablement to be able to use AI, here they are building large language models for the government based on the data that they have, and there's a lot of excitement around it and there should be. It's a pretty exciting thing to do. I think where we're in a really strong position and what I find really exciting is being able to do what we do best, which is help them understand what is the query and how do you validate that query? So what are the basic skills that you need to be able to interact, and then to be able to retain the skills of critical analysis, so when the answer comes back, you do not take that as the end all be all. It is a tool. So within your decision-making process, it's decreasing the amount of time it takes you to gather a certain amount of information, but just as you would if you were doing a book report, you still have to validate the sources and understanding, and you have to apply your own judgment and your own experience to that packet of information, which is what we all do every day, but it's not really thought about that way. So I think that the way that people are looking at it here is it will be able give us the decision and it will be able to kind of do our job for us, and for some tools, yes, and I completely agree that we need to free up all of the mundane work that hoovers up the time of civil servants here, because it's extraordinary how they're bogged down, and it completely disempowers them and it contributes to low retention rates and recruitment rates. But I think also it's developing the muscle to be able to do that critical thinking in order to leverage human intelligence to engage with artificial intelligence. And I think that's where we are uniquely positioned to do that because that is the bulk of our work on the front end of the pipeline, which is how are you going to validate what you know, how are you going to get the problem statement in order to query what you need to query and then having the judgment and the analysis to be able to look at that answer and make a decision, based on your own human intellect. That's where I see it playing here. I completely agree with Pete, we have people looking into the sun being like LLMs and they're going to solve everything, but you sit, let's say a hundred people down in front of an LLM and tell me how many people know what to ask it, or how to use it and integrate it into their everyday workflow. There's a long way to go, but I feel really excited about it because I feel like we have something so incredible to offer them to be able to enhance their engagement with AI. Ula Ojiaku That sounds excellent, thank you. Just to go to the rapid fire questions. So, Ali, what books have you found yourself recommending to people the most? Ali Hawks So I don't read a lot of work books, in terms of like how to run a company or anything like that, sorry, Pete, but, and I have a 4-year-old and three stepchildren, so I don't actually read as much as I used to, but I have read over in the last few weeks, the book Impromptu by Reid Hoffman about AI, which is great, and I listen to a lot of podcasts on my commute into London, so the Huberman Lab podcast I listen to a lot, but if you're looking for workplace inspiration, I'm afraid I look at Instagram, listen to podcasts, and then I follow Allie K. Miller, who writes a lot about AI, came out of Amazon, and she is fantastic for breaking things down into really bite sized chunks if you're trying to learn about AI, if you don't come from a technical background. Ula Ojiaku Thanks, Ali, we'll put these in the show notes. And Pete, what about you? Pete Newell I will give you two new books. One of them is a fun one, Wiring the Winning Organization written by Gene Kim and Steven Spear. Steve Spear is a good friend of ours, he's been a great mentor and advisor inside BMNT for a long time, I've known Steve since way back in my early days. The other one is by Huggy Rao and Bob Sutton, and it's called The Friction Project, and it's just like you say, it's all about friction in the workplace. I think both of those books tend to lend themselves to how to drive performance in organisations, and I think, knowing all of the authors, that they are phenomenal books, but I think the experience the four of them bring to the dialogue and the discussion of what the future workplace needs to look like and the things we need to solve will all be buried in those books. In terms of podcasts, I'm all over the map, I chase all kinds of things that I don't know. I listen to podcasts about subjects that I'm clueless about that just spark my interest, so I wouldn't venture to pick any one of them except yours, and to make sure that people listen to yours. Ula Ojiaku You're very kind, Pete. Well, because you're on it, they definitely would. Would you both be thinking about writing a book sometime, because I think your story has been fascinating and there are lots of lessons Pete Newell Only if Ali would lead it. So I have picked up and put down multiple proposals to write books around the innovation process within the government and other places, and part of the reason I keep stopping is it keeps changing. I don't think we're done learning yet, and I think the problem writing a book is you're taking a snapshot in time. One of the things that we are very focused on for the military, we talk about doctrine, what is the language of innovation inside the government workplace? It's the thing that we keep picking up, we've helped at least one government organisation write their very first innovation doctrine, the Transportation Security Administration of all places, the very first federal agency to produce a doctrine for innovation that explains what it is, why it is connected to the mission of the organisation, and describes a process by which they'll do it. I think within the Ministry of Defence, Department of Defense, there needs to be a concerted effort to produce a document that connects the outcome of innovation to the mission of the organisation. We call that mission acceleration. We look at innovation as a process, not an end state. The end state is actually mission acceleration. There's probably a really interesting book just to be written about Ali's journey, and I say more Ali's journey than mine because I think as a woman founder of a defence company in the UK, all of the characters in the book are completely unlikely. So somewhere down the road, maybe. Ula Ojiaku Well, I'm on the queue waiting for it, I will definitely buy it. So where can the listeners and viewers find you if, if they want to get in touch? Ali Hawks We're both on LinkedIn, so Pete Newell, Ali Hawks, our emails too are on our various websites, bmnt.com, bmnt.co.uk. Ula Ojiaku Awesome. Any final words for the audience? Pete Newell I'll say thank you again for one, having us. Like I said, it's the first opportunity Ali and I have had to be on a podcast together. Any opportunity I get to engage with the folks and have this conversation is a gift. So thank you for giving us the time. Ula Ojiaku My pleasure. Ali Hawks Yes, Ula, thanks very much for having us on together. It's been great. Ula Ojiaku I've enjoyed this conversation and listening to you both. So thank you so much. The pleasure and the honour is mine. That's all we have for now. Thanks for listening. If you liked this show, do subscribe at www.agileinnovationleaders.com or your favourite podcast provider. Also share with friends and do leave a review on iTunes. This would help others find this show. I'd also love to hear from you, so please drop me an email at ula@agileinnovationleaders.com Take care and God bless! 

Today we delve into the intricate world of federal contracting with our esteemed guest, Katelyn Rigle. As the Operations Audit Liaison Small Business Coordinator for the Defense Contract Audit Agency (DCAA), Katelyn brings a wealth of experience and insight into the dynamics of government contracting, particularly for small businesses. Katelyn serves as the Operations Audit Liaison Small Business Coordinator for DCAA, stationed at Fort Belvoir, VA. With over a decade of experience, Katelyn has been an integral part of the DCAA team since 2009. She currently holds the role of small business liaison, providing invaluable education, guidance, and support to small and medium-sized businesses navigating federal contracts. In this episode, Katelyn shares her insights into the unique challenges and opportunities that small businesses encounter in the federal contracting arena. She discusses the importance of compliance, transparency, and accountability in securing and maintaining federal contracts. Katelyn sheds light on the role of the Defense Contract Audit Agency and its impact on ensuring the integrity of government contracts. As the agency's small business liaison, Katelyn highlights the various initiatives and programs aimed at empowering small and medium-sized businesses in the federal contracting space. She emphasizes the significance of collaboration between government agencies, the Small Business Administration, APEX Accelerators, and federal consulting firms in fostering the growth and success of small businesses. Join us in this enlightening conversation as we unravel the complexities of federal contracting and empower small businesses to thrive in the government marketplace. Tune in to The Daily Windup Podcast for this exclusive discussion with Katelyn Rigle!   DCAA Small Business Outreach Survey https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/NN5MKMD  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katelyn-rigle-b97ba0282/  Corporate LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/defense-contract-audit-agency/mycompany/  Company Website: www.dcaa.mil 

When Jackie Jones of Flourish Momentum shares her journey from an art educator to a therapist, we're reminded that sometimes the most profound changes in our lives come from unexpected transitions. This episode is a testament to how embracing the art of healing can illuminate a path toward reclaiming life after trauma, particularly for veterans and active-duty military personnel grappling with PTSD and its complex cousins. Together with Jackie, we uncover the layered realities of psychological conditions like moral injury and complicated grief, and the ways in which creative self-expression can be a powerful ally in the fight for mental well-being.The transformative power of art therapy takes center stage as we recount the evolution of its programs within the military healthcare system. By transcending skepticism and integrating into places like Fort Belvoir, art therapy has emerged as a critical tool for processing trauma and unearthing subconscious issues. Jackie's anecdotes bring to life the profound impact it has on individuals, from a man learning to accept his past to a veteran shouldering immense loss. These stories are a beacon of hope, illustrating that with the right support, the journey to self-acceptance and sharing one's pain is not only possible but life-changing.Our conversation wraps up, emphasizing the essential nature of personalized mental health treatment. We tackle the frustrations many encounter with overmedication and one-size-fits-all approaches, highlighting the promise of alternative therapies like sound bowl sessions and the importance of addressing the deep-rooted causes of emotional distress. As Jackie and I reflect on these themes, the episode becomes a call to action for anyone looking to understand their trauma and to find the courage to move forward in life. Join us for an honest, insightful look at the challenges and triumphs on the road to healing.Get in touch and follow Jackie below:https://flourishmomentum.com/IG: @Flourish_momentumYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/jackiejonesContact her on any of the links or simply drop her an email:Jackie@FlourishMomentum.com Contact Thad - VictoriousVeteranProject@Gmail.comThanks for listening!

This episode of the Lessons Learned for Vets podcast kicks off our 4th Season! We are excited to host Charlene Wilde who served as a US Army Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) Officer for six years. As a veteran and military spouse, Charlene is now the Senior Vice President of Operations at American Armed Forces Mutual Aid Association (AAFMAA). This podcast focuses on how she transitioned back into the civilian workforce after an 11-year break and the strategies she used to expand her opportunities at AAFMAA. We are grateful to AAFMAA for sponsoring this episode.  Charlene made the decision to separate from the military after she had her first child. With her husband recently deployed to Iraq and a short 6-week maternity leave over, Charlene persevered as a CBRN officer for awhile before realizing she wanted to prioritize her new role as a mother. Unfortunately, her command and unit were not supportive of military women who wanted to continue serving after becoming a mom. After Charlene separated, she found the support she needed through the military spouse community.  As a veteran and military spouse, Charlene spent a significant amount of time overseas with her husband. At the time, remote work was not as prevalent as it is today. Charlene had the desire to continue learning and serving, so she volunteered as much as she could through military organizations and spouse groups. Volunteering was an opportunity for Charlene to gain new skills - skills that helped her gain future employment. Charlene encourages mil spouses to take a strategic approach to volunteering in order to build a resume. Taking classes or pursuing certifications are also great ways to fill gaps on a resume. When Charlene began applying for roles after an 11-year break, she tailored her resume to focus on her organizational and leadership skills. She took advantage of Fort Belvoir's military spouse employment office and began networking. AAFMAA hired her as a team leader in 2015. Charlene admits that when she first reentered the workforce, she viewed her role as just a job. A year later, she shifted her mindset from job to career. With this mental shift, Charlene began to look for new opportunities to grow within the company.  AAFMAA has a long and solid history of serving the military community. It is the longest standing not for profit association to provide military families with affordable financial solutions, including life insurance, investment management, residential mortgages and Survivor Assistance Services. In addition, almost 40% of AAFMAA's workforce is either a veteran or a military spouse. Subscribe to our YouTube channel at https://tinyurl.com/llforvets22 Connect with Charlene at https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlene-wilde/ Explore AAFMAA services at https://www.aafmaa.com/ Download the AAFMAA transition timeline at https://aafmaa.com/ll4v SUBSCRIBE & LEAVE A FIVE-STAR REVIEW and share this with other veterans who might need help as they transition from the military!AAFMA, the American Armed Forces Mutual Aid Association is the longest-standing nonprofit association offering life insurance, wealth management, mortgages, survivor assistance and more. AAFMA is dedicated to helping servicemembers be ready for life after the military. AAFMAA would like to offer you their free Transition Timeline, a guide to help you create a solid military transition plan. Let AAFMAA help you get ready for your next step by visiting www.aafmaa.com/ll4v.

COL Tina Schoenberger is Director of the U.S. Army Nuclear and Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction Agency ( USANCA - https://www.usanca.army.mil/ ); a U.S. Army HQ field operating agency of both nuclear and CWMD military and civilian professionals, headquartered at Fort Belvoir, Virginia. USANCA is operationally and technically responsive to the Army's Total Force and the Joint Force commander, and they are responsible for delivering key nuclear, CWMD, and chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) subject matter expertise to the generating and operating forces. Col Schoenberger has a Bachelors degree in Microbiology and a Master of Science in Molecular Biology, both from Southeastern Louisiana University, and served as a Fellow in the Emerging Leaders in Biosecurity initiative (ELBI) Fellowship program, at the Center for Biosecurity of Pittsburgh Medical Center for Health Security. During her extensive career in the U.S. military, COL Schoenberger has previously served as: - an Army War College, Office of the Director of National Intelligence Fellow with duty at the National Counterproliferation and Biosecurity Center; - a Plans, Integration and Assessments Division Chief for USSOCOM J10- Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction (CWMD) Directorate; - a J5 Division Chief at the Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC), J5 Branch Chief, and the Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) liaison officer to JSOC; - a Military Assistant to the Deputy Director of DTRA, while serving at the U.S. Strategic Command's Center for Combating Weapons of Mass Destruction (SCC-CWMD), where she was a key planner in the Regional Contingency Team that led planning efforts in support of the Chairman of the Joint Chief of Staff, Department of State, and the National Security Staff, for the Syria Chemical Weapons destruction and elimination mission; - a J3 Science Advisor and primary subject matter expert (SME) leading the fielding of the Weapons of Mass Destruction – Civil Support Team (WMD-CST) up-graded Analytical Laboratory System (ALS) at the National Guard Bureau (NGB) and operated and maintained the ALS as the Nuclear Medical Science Officer for the 62nd Weapons of Mass Destruction – Civil Support Team in Louisiana. Support the show

4/4: The Case for Nukes: How We Can Beat Global Warming and Create a Free, Open, and Magnificent Future by  Robert Zubrin  (Author) https://www.amazon.com/Case-Nukes-Global-Warming-Magnificent/dp/1736386069/?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_w=UeGVv&content-id=amzn1.sym.ed85217c-14c9-4aa0-b248-e47393e2ce12&pf_rd_p=ed85217c-14c9-4aa0-b248-e47393e2ce12&pf_rd_r=143-0258134-6610437&pd_rd_wg=sJV8b&pd_rd_r=0137d795-3a42-44c6-84c4-74819fbb82e3&ref_=aufs_ap_sc_dsk The Case for Nukes is a unique book. In it, world-renowned nuclear and aerospace engineer Dr. Robert Zubrin explains how nuclear power works and how much it has to offer humanity. He debunks the toxic falsehoods that have been spread to dissuade us from using it by variously the ignorant, the fearful, the fanatical, and by cynical political operatives bought and paid for by competing interests. 1957 Fort Belvoir, VA

The House of Representatives is set to hold the first hearing in the impeachment inquiry into President Joe Biden next Thursday, Sept. 28. Meanwhile, the president's son is hoping to avoid having to show up in court for his arraignment: Hunter Biden's lawyers are seeking a video conference appearance for his gun charges. Freedom at last for the five Americans held prisoner for years in Iran. An army airfield at Fort Belvoir, Virginia, witnessed the long-awaited and deeply emotional family reunions. In Moscow, meanwhile, a court upheld the pre-trial detention of Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich. A GOP-led spending bill is coming before the House, with Republicans clearing the final hurdle yesterday. Even if it passes, however, it's unlikely the Democrat-controlled Senate will approve it. ⭕️Watch in-depth videos based on Truth & Tradition at Epoch TV

On the version of Hot off the Wire posted Sept. 19 at 7 a.m. CT: WASHINGTON (AP) — The Americans released by Iran after being detained for years have arrived back home and declared, “Freedom!” The former prisoners posed for a group photograph with their families at Fort Belvoir, Virginia, early Tuesday. The brother of one of the five freed Americans says “The nightmare is finally over." The Americans were freed as part of a politically risky deal that saw President Joe Biden agree to the release of $5.9 billion in frozen Iranian assets. The successful negotiations for the Americans' freedom brought Biden profuse thanks from their families but heat from Republicans for the monetary arrangement with one of America's top adversaries. NEW YORK (AP) — President Joe Biden will use his annual address before the U.N. General Assembly to make the case to world leaders — and the 2024 U.S. electorate — that he's reestablished U.S. leadership on the world stage. White House officials say Biden will use his Tuesday address to make a robust case for leaders to continue to back Ukraine's effort to repel a nearly 19-month-old Russian invasion that has no end in sight. In a pair of fundraisers on Monday night, Biden underscored to supporters that he stood up to Vladimir Putin's invasion, and questioned whether former President Donald Trump would have even attempted to help Ukraine stop the Russian land grab if he were in power. NEW YORK (AP) — Ukraine's leader and Russia's top diplomat could cross paths at the United Nations this week. And Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy suggested Monday that the world body needs to answer for allowing his country's invader a seat at the tables of power. Zelenskyy is due to address world leaders at the U.N. General Assembly on Tuesday, then speak Wednesday at a U.N. Security Council meeting about Ukraine. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov also is expected at the council meeting. Zelenskyy says that if there's still a place for Russia in the U.N., that's “a question to all the members.” He spoke while visiting injured Ukrainian military members at New York's Staten Island University Hospital. MOSCOW (AP) — A senior Kremlin official has called for closer policy coordination between Moscow and Beijing to counter Western efforts to contain them as he hosted China's top diplomat for security talks. Nikolai Patrushev, the secretary of Russia's Security Council chaired by President Vladimir Putin, told Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi that Moscow wants to further strengthen “strategic cooperation” with China. He reaffirmed Russia's support for Beijing's policy on issues related to Taiwan, the western Xinjiang region and Hong Kong, which he said “are being used by the West to discredit China.” The Kremlin has continuously expressed support for Beijing as Russia and China have grown increasingly close while their relations with the West deteriorate. MOSCOW (AP) — Evan Gershkovich, a Wall Street Journal reporter who was detained on espionage charges, appeared in a Moscow court Tuesday to appeal his arrest. A 31-year-old United States citizen, Gershkovich was arrested in the city of Yekaterinburg while on a reporting trip to Russia in late March. He and his employer deny the allegations, and the U.S. government declared him to be wrongfully detained. Russian authorities have not provided any evidence to support the espionage charges. Gershkovich is the first American reporter to face espionage charges in Russia since September 1986, when Nicholas Daniloff, a Moscow correspondent for U.S. News and World Report, was arrested by the KGB. NEW DELHI (AP) — India has expelled a senior Canadian diplomat and accuses Canada of interfering in its internal affairs, escalating a breach with Ottawa over alleged Indian involvement in the killing of a Sikh activist in Canada. It came a day after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said there were credible allegations that India was connected to the assassination of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Sikh independence advocate who was gunned down on June 18 outside a Sikh cultural center in Surrey, British Columbia, and Canada expelled a top Indian diplomat. India rejected the allegations as “absurd.” India has fought against a movement to establish an independent Sikh homeland known as Khalistan since the 1980s. In sports: Two NFL Monday night games with close scores, Patrick Mahomes wins without even playing, Adam Wainwright reaches a career milestone and big games down the stretch in Major League Baseball.  On the version of Hot off the Wire posted Sept. 18 at 4 p.m. CT: DOHA, Qatar (AP) — Americans held for years in Iranian custody walked arm-in-arm off a plane into freedom. Monday's release was part of a painstakingly negotiated deal between the United States and Iran. The U.S.-Iran prisoner swap saw the Biden administration agree to the release of nearly $6 billion in frozen Iranian assets owed by South Korea. Despite the release, tensions remain high between the U.S. and Iran over Tehran's nuclear program and other matters. Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi suggests the deal could be used to build trust with the U.S. But the exchange has unfolded during ongoing disputes between the two rivals and an American military buildup in the Persian Gulf. ROMEOVILLE, Ill. (AP) — A couple, their two children and three dogs have been found fatally shot in a suburban Chicago home. Police say Monday that their bodies were found about 8:40 p.m. Sunday in Romeoville by officers sent to the home by concerned family members. Police say the victims were believed to have been shot between Saturday night and early Sunday. The adults were identified as Roberto Rolon and Zoraida Bartolomei. The names and ages of their children were not immediately released. Police say the deaths are being investigated as murders. Romeoville is about 30 miles southwest of Chicago. WASHINGTON (AP) — Hunter Biden has filed a lawsuit against the Internal Revenue Service. He's arguing that two agents violated his right to privacy when they publicly aired his tax information as they pressed claims that a federal investigation of Biden had been improperly handled. The lawsuit filed Monday says that his personal tax details shared during congressional hearings and interviews was not allowed by whistleblower protections. The suit comes days after Biden was indicted on federal firearms charges amid a long-running Justice Department investigation. The charges alleging that he lied about his drug use to buy and possess a gun in October 2018 could put the case on track toward a possible high-stakes trial as the 2024 election looms. ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — It wasn't an escapee from the Country Bear Jamboree attraction, but a wild black bear managed to be the star of its own show at Walt Disney World. The bear was eventually captured Monday afternoon. The presence of the black bear in a tree in the Magic Kingdom delayed the opening of Frontierland, Liberty Square and Adventureland. Disney World says in a statement that staffers with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission were at the park, attempting to capture and relocate the bear. Wildlife officials say the bear was likely in search of food as it looks to pack on fat reserves for the winter. ISLAMABAD (AP) — Two years after the Taliban banned girls from school beyond sixth grade, Afghanistan is the only country in the world with restrictions on female education. Now, the rights of Afghan women and children are on the agenda of the United Nations General Assembly Monday in New York. The U.N. children's agency says more than 1 million girls are affected by the ban. It triggered global condemnation and remains the Taliban's biggest obstacle to gaining recognition as the legitimate rulers of Afghanistan. But the Taliban has gone further, excluding women and girls from higher education, public spaces like parks and most jobs. LOS ANGELES (AP) — ABC will be airing more “Monday Night Football” games than originally planned. An additional 10 games originally set to appear only on ESPN will be simulcast on ABC. The move is because of the ongoing strikes by the Writers Guild of America and the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists against the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers, which represents Disney, Netflix, Amazon and others. The strikes, which have been going on for months, have delayed most of the upcoming fall television season. The move also means that ABC has a game all 18 weeks of the regular season along with simulcasts of two playoff games. MONT BELVIEU, Texas (AP) — A Black high school student in Texas has been punished with an in-school suspension over his hairstyle for over two weeks, his mother said. The family has argued he is not violating the dress code, but when he arrived Monday wearing his hair still in twisted dreadlocks tied on top of his head, he was suspended again. School officials say Darryl George's dreadlocks violate the district's dress code. His mother says he isn't violating rules about hair length for boys. The incident recalls debates over hair discrimination in schools and the workplace. COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — The same Ohio river valley where the Wright brothers pioneered human flight will soon manufacture cutting-edge electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft. An agreement announced Monday between the state and Joby Aviation Inc. will bring air taxi production to a 140-acre site at Dayton International Airport by 2025. Futuristic eVTOL aircraft are making their way toward market around the world as a ridesharing alternative in crowded cities. California-based Joby's Ohio facility would produce up to 500 of the quiet aircraft a year, creating some 2,000 jobs. The project is supported by about $325 million in the state of Ohio, JobsOhio and local investment. BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) — Louisiana has had an unprecedented wildfire season, exacerbated by extreme heat and dry conditions. In August alone, there were more than 550 fires across the state, and officials say the season is far from over. One of the largest wildfires in Louisiana history continues to burn through land and threaten rural communities, which are used to flooding and hurricanes this time of year rather than drought and blazes. Louisiana's excessive wildfire season is just one climate disaster in a summer of weather anomalies that have plagued the country — from the first-ever tropical storm watch issued for southern California, destructive flooding in the Northeast and deadly wildfires in Maui. —The Associated Press About this program Host Terry Lipshetz is a senior producer for Lee Enterprises. Besides producing the daily Hot off the Wire news podcast, Terry conducts periodic interviews for this Behind the Headlines program, co-hosts the Streamed & Screened movies and television program and is the producer of Across the Sky, a podcast dedicated to weather and climate. Lee Enterprises produces many national, regional and sports podcasts. Learn more here.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

US Navy Commander Blake Dremann epitomizes the Navy core values. His career has had so many shocking turns that it deserves a full length feature film. Brought up in a faith environment and attending bible school, Blake found the military. He was in the first group of (perceived) women to integrate submarines and then became instrumental in opening up the military to transgender service. He led SPARTA, a non-profit advocacy organization, when President Trump attempted to fire all trans service members via tweet. Through it all, Blake won performance awards, changed perceptions, and fought to be the best version of himself. His journey is an inspiration. This is Blake's Official Navy Biography - COMMANDER BLAKE M. DREMANN SUPPLY CORPS UNITED STATES NAVY Commander Blake Dremann is assigned as the Ammunition Supply Chain Strategy Deputy and the Ordnance Audit Program Manager, NAVSUP Ammunition Logistics Center at Navy Supply Systems Command Headquarters, Mechanicsburg, PA. Commander Dremann is a native of St. Louis, MO and is a 2003 graduate of Ozark Christian College, earning his Bachelor of Biblical Literature. He received his commission through Officer Candidate School in Pensacola, FL in 2006 and after commissioning attended Navy Supply Corps School in Athens, GA. He earned his Master of Business Administration from Norwich University in 2019. Dremann's operational assignments include: division officer afloat as Food Service Officer, Disbursing Officer and Assistant Supply Officer, USS DENVER (LPD 9); and Supply Officer, USS MAINE (SSBN 741), earning MAINE's second Logistics Excellence Award and recipient of the 2015 Vice Admiral Robert F. Batchelder Award.  His most recent shore assignment was as Readiness Officer, Nuclear Enterprise Support Office at Defense Logistics Agency Headquarters in Fort Belvoir, VA.  Previously he was a Navy Intern, Joint Staff, Logistics Directorate, Washington, DC; where he became the Deputy Branch Chief for Capabilities, was co-lead for the biennial logistics war game and Combatant Command Integrated Priority Lists and Issue Nominations; served an Individual Augmentation tour as Assistant Coordinator, Commander's Emergency Response Program; Combined Joint Task Force - 101, Bagram, Afghanistan; and division officer ashore as Food Service Officer, Billeting Officer, and Sales Officer for Navy Support Facility, Diego Garcia. Dremann's personal decorations include two Defense Meritorious Service Medals, the Joint Service Commendation Medal, the Joint Service Achievement Medal, the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, and four Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals. He is qualified as a Submarine Warfare Supply officer, a Surface Warfare Supply officer and is a member of the Acquisition Corps.  Commander Dremann has also received the 2018 Department of Defense Pride Military Leadership Award, Modern Military Association of America's “Outstanding Advocate” Honoree for their 25th Anniversary, named a 2019 Out in National Security Next Generation Leader in National Security.

Brigadier General John W. Weidner assumed the duties as Deputy Director, Plans and Policy, United States Strategic Command (USSTRATCOM), on May 4, 2020. General Weidner was commissioned a second lieutenant in 1991 upon graduation from the Army ROTC program at St. John's University, Collegeville, Minnesota, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in physics.He completed a Ph.D. in medical physics from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 2012, and holds Master of Science degrees in medical physics, nuclear engineering, engineering management, and strategic studies. His military education includes the Engineer Officer Basic and Advanced Courses, the Combined Arms Services Staff School, the Command and General Staff College, and the Army War College. He is also a registered Professional Engineer in the state of Wisconsin. General Weidner most recently served as the Director of the US Army Nuclear and Countering WMD Agency at Fort Belvoir, Virginia, where he led the Army's capability to integrate nuclear weapon effects into conventional operations, and supported Army service component commands with nuclear and countering WMD expertise.General Weidner previously served as the Director of the USSTRATCOM Commander Action Group; Director for Strategic Capabilities Policy in the Defense Policy and Strategy Directorate on the National Security Council staff; Executive Director for the Office of Major Modernization Programs, National Nuclear Security Administration, Department of Energy; assistant professor in the Department of Engineering Physics at the Air Force Institute of Technology; stockpile associate for the Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) at Los Alamos National Laboratory, New Mexico; consequence management advisory team leader for DTRA at Kirtland Air Force Base, New Mexico; assistant professor in the Department of Physics at the United States Military Academy at West Point; and Deputy District Engineer for the St. Paul District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. He commanded B Company, 52nd Engineer Battalion at Fort Carson, Colorado and served as an Engineer Platoon Leader at Fort Riley, Kansas and in the Republic of Korea.EPISODE NOTES:Follow NucleCast on Twitter at @NucleCast Email comments and guest nominations to NucleCast@anwadeter.orgSubscribe to NucleCast podcast Rate the show

Nowhere is BRAC making a bigger difference than Fort Belvoir, Va., where 4.5 billion dollars is being done. Mary Cochran shows us one building that is the size of two aircraft carriers and is shaped like an eye, which represents the mission of this super sized space. Also available in high definition

Nowhere is BRAC making a bigger difference than Fort Belvoir, Va., where 4.5 billion dollars is being done. Mary Cochran shows us one building that is the size of two aircraft carriers and is shaped like an eye, which represents the mission of this super sized space. Also available in high definition

The Cognitive Crucible is a forum that presents different perspectives and emerging thought leadership related to the information environment. The opinions expressed by guests are their own, and do not necessarily reflect the views of or endorsement by the Information Professionals Association. During this episode, US Army LTC Brian Burbank discusses the Ghost Team's immersive information operations training capability at the National Training Center at Fort Irwin, California. The Ghost Team challenges brigade-sized units with multi-domain dynamics so that we can win the first battle of the next war. Research Question: Brian Burbank observes that everyone is talking about Artificial Intelligence and how it's going to change modern warfare.  The real question is how, and how do we make it useful to help a Commander win? Lots of value to automate the science of Leadership, so Commanders can apply the Art to enhance our information dominance (Our OODA loop is faster than our adversaries).  But if it doesn't help Commanders win, then it won't be of value. Resources: Cognitive Crucible Podcast Episodes Mentioned #129 Eliot Jardines on Open Source Intelligence Army FM 3-0 OPERATIONS Sooner Than We Think: Command Post Survivability and Future Threats with COL John Antal (USA, Ret.) Stratagem: Deception and Surprise in War by Barton Whaley Alchemy: The Dark Art and Curious Science of Creating Magic in Brands, Business, and Life by Rory Sutherland Link to full show notes and resources https://information-professionals.org/episode/cognitive-crucible-episode-131 Guest Bio: LTC Brian Burbank is a lifelong Maniac (born and raised in Maine) and enlisted in the United States Army Reserves in September 1998.  He served in the 94th Military Police Company until 2003 and deployed to Bosnia in 2000-2001.  He also briefly served in the Maine Army National Guard prior to commissioning.  LTC Burbank commissioned from the University of Maine Army ROTC program in 2003 and was branched Aviation and became a qualified UH-60 pilot.  He mostly flew a desk, despite a deployment to Afghanistan (2006-2007) and to Iraq (2008-2009), which led him to transfer into Information Operations (Functional Area 30) in 2013. As an Information Operations Officer, LTC Burbank served on the I Corps staff, participating in exercises in Thailand, Japan, and Australia, and numerous CONUS locations.  In 2016, LTC Burbank was assigned to 1st Information Operations Battalion, 1st Information Operations Command at Fort Belvoir, VA where he served as a Field Support Team Leader during a deployment in support of a JTF in Afghanistan (2017), Battalion Executive Officer, Force Management Officer, and Social Media Detachment Chief.  He then was assigned to III Corps and immediately deployed to Combined Joint Task Force – Operation Inherent Resolve in Kuwait (2020-2021).   LTC Burbank is currently assigned as the Ghost Team Chief within the Operations group at the National Training Center at Fort Irwin, California.  Ghost Team is comprised of key enablers to support Information Advantage, specifically Civil Affairs, Cyber Electromagnetic Activities, Public Affairs, Psychological Operations, and Space Operations.  Ghost Team is responsible for simultaneously coaching rotational training units and adjusting the scenario to provide a controlled, realistic, and contested training operational environment for the Army.  Ghost Team derives its heritage from the World War Two famed unit, the 23rd Headquarters, Special Troops, better known as “Patton's Ghost Army”. LTC Brian Burbank has been married to the lovely Olivia Burbank for almost 20 years and they share two children, Abby (16) and Evan (12).  They collectively enjoy shenanigans wherever they go.  Brian enjoys working on his 1969 Volkswagen Beetle (Herbie), brewing beer, gardening, terrorizing children and the neighborhood in his inflatable T-Rex costume, and most recently, dabbling with his wood pellet smoker. About: The Information Professionals Association (IPA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to exploring the role of information activities, such as influence and cognitive security, within the national security sector and helping to bridge the divide between operations and research. Its goal is to increase interdisciplinary collaboration between scholars and practitioners and policymakers with an interest in this domain. For more information, please contact us at communications@information-professionals.org. Or, connect directly with The Cognitive Crucible podcast host, John Bicknell, on LinkedIn. Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, 1) IPA earns from qualifying purchases, 2) IPA gets commissions for purchases made through links in this post.

In this episode, Kelli Hooke shows that applying for a job online can indeed result in employment. While stationed at Fort Belvoir, Kelli talks about how she saw an ad for a position with T Mobile in Seattle, for which she was ultimately hired. Kelli shares her thoughts on what it is like to work for a major tech company, and how working as a corporate counsel is a lot like being an SJA. Note: you will hear voices in the background of this interview. It is a testament to Kelli's ability to multitask. As a working woman with a husband and children, Kelli graciously gave up her time to talk to me while she waited on one of her children at an evening commitment. Kelli's LinkedIn profile can be accessed by clicking HERE.

Shawn Carrington is a native of Philadelphia, PA. He is a student and servant to God, his family, and his community. He is a graduate from Columbia Southern University class of 2020 with an M.S. in Organizational Leadership and a B.S in Business Management concentrating in HumanResource Management. He completed a graduate certificate program at Southern New Hampshire University, 2018 on Leadership of Non-Profit Organizations. He also graduated from Lee Senior High School Class of 1990 in Sanford, NC.Shawn has held numerous leadership positions throughout his 24-year military career, enlisting in the United States Army (USA) on May 27th, 1992, and retiring as a Sergeant First Class (SFC) from the United States Army on June 1st, 2016. He attended basic training at Fort Jackson,SC and advanced individual training at Fort Belvoir, VA.Currently, Shawn owns and operates two Limited Liability Companies (LLCs). His global brand is “MrShawnBiz.” SDot, LLC created in 2012, is a Real Estate Investment, Asset Management company, and SDotBiz Connections, LLC was formed in 2016 as a Strategic Leadership Consulting Company. Shawn is also the National Commander for NAMVETS, a 501c3 veteran service organization assisting veterans worldwide.Connect with Shawn Carrington: www.mrshawnbiz.comDr. Virginia LeBlanc “DocV”, The Pivot MaestroDr. Virginia LeBlanc (DocV) is a highly sought multi‐disciplinary expert and global thought leader delivering value across industries world‐wide sharing key ingredients to successfully pivot through transition gaps, earning her the nickname “THE Pivot Maestro.” Her work leading major change initiative with Joint Forces commands at the Pentagon, Department of the Navy, Booz Allen Hamilton, Indiana University, and the National Pan‐Hellenic Council birthed her passion in personal wellness and transformation through transition founding Defining Paths (DP)—not only a company but a heart‐centered, socially conscious movement and network for thought leaders, change makers, legacy builders, and purposed entrepreneurs—healing, rebuilding, and transforming lives and businesses from the inside out.A Holistic Coach, particularly serving retiring military and women leaders in career‐life transition, DocV specializes in putting YOU back in business guiding clients through next steps facing fears, connecting the dots, and thinking without a box while to live inspired with a “be your own boss” mind‐set.Dr. LeBlanc is the international bestselling author of Love the Skin YOU'RE In: How to Conquer Life Through Divergent Thinking, her autobiographical love‐letter to “Society” on socio‐cultural conditioning and how she overcame to define her path.Learn more at https://linktr.ee/definingpaths.Define Your Pathhttps://businessinnovatorsradio.com/define-your-path/Source: https://businessinnovatorsradio.com/ep-27-shawn-carrington-define-your-path-with-dr-virginia-leblanc-docv-the-pivot-maestro

The Most Conversation Stories Of The Week + Q&ATop Ten Conversational Stories Of The Week1 - Travis Scott Slams Rumors He Cheated on Kylie Jennerhttps://t.co/RedauG73IA (Sunday - 10/23/2022)2 -When We Were Young Festival Day One Cancelledhttps://t.co/rHUQib4166 (Saturday - 10/22/2022)3 - Russian strikes cause blackouts in much of Ukraine, more flee Kherson https://t.co/L9GtEQ3BA7 (Sunday - 10/23/2022)4 - Darrell Brooks found guilty in Waukesha Christmas Parade attackshttps://t.co/UNhcXcKwSB (Wednesday10/26/20225 - Marvel Stars Tom Hiddleston and Zawe Ashton Welcome First Childhttps://t.co/hFMhWrLnfK (Thursday - 10/27/2022)6 - 2 killed in shooting at St. Louis high school; gunman dead https://t.co/3cQ4G1lcKP ( Monday - 10/24/2022)7 - Nudes of Wisconsin Badgers volleyball team leaked from player's phone, police suspect hackinghttps://t.co/2QV1Nil6Ca (Friday - 10/28/2022)8 - Danny Masterson Accuser Resumes Agonizing Testimony That Caused a Juror Drop Out Over ‘Concerns'https://t.co/TJJaiSSgrf (Friday - 10/21/2022)9 - Sasha Obama Ruffles Feathers For Carrying School Books In Telfar On USC Campus https://t.co/8xZAAvORXn (Wednesday - 10/26/2022)10 - Hu Jintao: Former Chinese leader unexpectedly led out of Party Congress https://t.co/rlh5BW19dC (Sunday - 10/23/2022)The Almost-Rans (Stories 11-15)11 - The Powerball jackpot climbed to $800 million after no ticket matched all winning numbers in Wednesday's drawinghttps://t.co/yIJXitioXY (Thursday - 10/27/2022)12 -Kanye West Claims Quentin Tarantino, Jamie Foxx Stole ‘Django Unchained' From Him in Piers Morgan Interview https://t.co/XgWLbxg9l7 (Friday - 10/21/2022)13 - FBI, military police responding to reported 'barricade' situation at US Army's Fort Belvoir https://t.co/64Xafvrg8w (Sunday - 10/23/2022)14 - Duchess Meghan's Archetypes tackles the ‘Angry Black Woman' trope with Issa Raehttps://t.co/pw8o2dFTJE (Tuesday - 10/25/2022)15 - Kim Zolciak to lose $2.6M mansion to foreclosure after she ‘failed to pay back’ $300K loan following TV show cancelation |https://t.co/G6QbL75wNs (Wednesday - 10/26/2022)The Almost Irrelevant Headline Of The Week209- Ohio judge removed over 'unprecedented misconduct' including courtroom jokes about bribes, strip clubs https://t.co/Wja1xArjDy(Friday - 10/21/2022)Website: http://thisistheconversationproject.comFacebook: http://facebook.com/thisistheconversationprojectTwitter: http://twitter.com/th_conversationTikTok: http://tiktok.com/@theconversationprojectYouTube: http://thisistheconversationproject.com/youtubePodcast: http://thisistheconversationproject.com/podcasts#yournewssidepiece #coffeechat #morningnews

During this episode, COL Mike Taylor discusses the US State Department's Global Engagement Center's (GEC) hub & spoke model for directing, leading, synchronizing, integrating, and coordinating the efforts of the Federal Government to recognize, understand, expose, and counter foreign state and non-state propaganda and disinformation efforts aimed at undermining or influencing the policies, security, or stability of the United States, its allies, and partner nations. Our wide ranging conversation covers the major components of the GEC, its data-driven approaches, and the importance of coordination within the US government and with allies and partners. Links: Cognitive Crucible Podcast Episodes Mentioned #99 Roger Carstens on Hostage Negotiations & Diplomacy Active Measures: The Secret History of Disinformation and Political Warfare by Thomas Rid The Fortunes of Africa: A 5000-Year History of Wealth, Greed, and Endeavor by Martin Meredith Team of Teams: New Rules of Engagement for a Complex World by Gen. Stanley McChrystal Al-Mawla Tactical Interrogation Reports: Report A Report B Report C Link to full show notes and resources https://information-professionals.org/episode/cognitive-crucible-episode-106 Guest Bio:  Colonel Mike Taylor, U.S. Army, is the Director for Counter-terrorism at the Global Engagement Center (GEC), U.S. Department of State, in Washington, D.C.  He serves as the principal advisor to the GEC's Special Envoy and Coordinator on countering foreign Violent Extremist Organization's (VEO) propaganda and disinformation (CPD) activities.  In this role he is responsible for overseeing GEC CT operations and planning to include interagency and international coordination such as with the Communications Working Group of the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS.  Prior to the assumption of this assignment, Mike served as the Director, CJ39 Information Operations (IO), Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations, Operation Resolute Support (RS) and US Forces Afghanistan (USFOR-A). In previous assignments, Taylor served as the U.S. Army's Integrated Joint Special Technical Operations (IJSTO) Force Modernization Proponent Chief and as the U.S. Army Service IJSTO Chief, Operations and Technology Division, Operations, Readiness, and Mobilization Directorate, Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff, G-3/5/7, Washington, D.C.; Branch Chief, Deputy Director for Global Operations (DDGO), J-39, Joint Staff, Washington, D.C.; Information Operations Field Support Team Chief, 1st Battalion, 1st IO Command, Fort Belvoir, Virginia; and J39 IO Chief, Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force Arabian Peninsula (CJSOTF-AP), Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF), Balad, Iraq.   Earlier in his career, Taylor served in multiple tactical command and staff assignments to include as military advisor to the G-3, 1st Brigade, 4th Iraqi Army Division, OIF, Tikrit, Iraq; Commander, Headquarters and Headquarters Company (HHC), 24th Infantry Division and the United States Army Garrison, Fort Riley, Kansas; Commander, HHC, 1st Battalion, 34th Armor, 1st Brigade Combat Team (BCT) “Devil Brigade,” 1st Infantry Division (ID), Fort Riley, Kansas and OIF, Khalidiyah, Iraq; Commander, Cobra Company, 1st Battalion, 34th Armor, 1st BCT, 1st ID, OIF, Iraq; Plans Chief, 1st BCT, 1st ID, Ft. Riley, Kansas; Commander, Headquarters and Headquarters Troop (HHT), 3d Squadron, 16th Cavalry (CAV) Regiment, Fort Knox, Kentucky; and Executive Officer and Tank Platoon Leader with 2d Battalion, 72d Armor, Camp Casey, Korea.  Taylor enlisted in the United States Army Reserve and served as Wheeled Heavy Equipment Operator, 892d Transportation Company, Belleville, Illinois and Operation Desert Shield/Storm, Saudi Arabia.  Taylor's awards include the Bronze Star Medal with one oak leaf cluster, the Defense Meritorious Service Medal with two oak leaf clusters, the Meritorious Service Medal with one oak leaf cluster, the Army Commendation Medal with two oak leaf clusters, the Army Achievement Medal, the Valorous Unit Award, the Meritorious Unit Citation, the Combat Action Badge, Basic Parachutist Badge, and was also awarded the U.S. Armor Association's Bronze Medallion of the Order of St. George.    Colonel Taylor holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer and Operations Management from Eastern Illinois University, a Master's in International Public Policy from the Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS), Washington D.C., and is a graduate of the U.S. Army's Command and General Staff Officer's Course and the U.S. Army Information Operations Qualification Course.  Colonel Taylor was born in Biloxi, Mississippi and is the eldest of three children of a retired U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sergeant.  Taylor resides in Lake Ridge, VA, married to the former Constance (Connie) Lorraine Bremer, has two daughters Madison (Maddie) and Elizabeth (Ella), and enjoys cheering on the Green Bay Packers. About: The Information Professionals Association (IPA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to exploring the role of information activities, such as influence and cognitive security, within the national security sector and helping to bridge the divide between operations and research. Its goal is to increase interdisciplinary collaboration between scholars and practitioners and policymakers with an interest in this domain. For more information, please contact us at communications@information-professionals.org. Or, connect directly with The Cognitive Crucible podcast host, John Bicknell, on LinkedIn. Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, 1) IPA earns from qualifying purchases, 2) IPA gets commissions for purchases made through links in this post.

Joseph Greger Small Business Program Manager Mr. Greger is the Small Business Program Manager and is located at DCAA Headquarters in Fort Belvoir, Virginia. In this capacity, he serves as the program manager and audit expert for the small business program with responsibility to provide assistance, consultation and internal control with regard to audit requirements and their application to small business. Mr. Greger graduated from California University of Pennsylvania with a Master of Science in Business Administration and a Bachelors in Accounting. He began his DCAA career as an Auditor at the Herndon Branch Office in Northern Virginia. He was promoted to Supervisory Auditor then Branch Manager at the Springfield Branch Office. Mr. Greger has also served in Headquarters as an OWD Program Manager in the Operations Directorate. Mr. Greger resides in Alexandria, Virginia. Learn more about DCAA and the work they do: https://www.dcaa.mil/ --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/governmentcoins/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/governmentcoins/support

Joseph Greger Small Business Program Manager Mr. Greger is the Small Business Program Manager and is located at DCAA Headquarters in Fort Belvoir, Virginia. In this capacity, he serves as the program manager and audit expert for the small business program with responsibility to provide assistance, consultation and internal control with regard to audit requirements and their application to small business. Mr. Greger graduated from California University of Pennsylvania with a Master of Science in Business Administration and a Bachelors in Accounting. He began his DCAA career as an Auditor at the Herndon Branch Office in Northern Virginia. He was promoted to Supervisory Auditor then Branch Manager at the Springfield Branch Office. Mr. Greger has also served in Headquarters as an OWD Program Manager in the Operations Directorate. Mr. Greger resides in Alexandria, Virginia. Learn more about DCAA and the work they do: https://www.dcaa.mil/ --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/governmentcoins/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/governmentcoins/support

In this episode of the Belvoir In The Know Podcast, Fort Belvoir's School Liaison Officer, Ms. Kristen Acquah, discusses Month Of The Military Child events happening on Fort Belvoir, educational resources and how she supports military families with school-age children. For parents wanting additional information on the resources discussed, call Ms. Acquah at 703-416-9976 or visit the Fort Belvoir MWR website to send her an email: https://belvoir.armymwr.com/programs/school-support-services-1 See the full list of #MOMC events here: https://belvoir.armymwr.com/happenings/month-military-child

Attorney Scott Friedman is a litigator based in Cleveland, Ohio. He is a former officer in the U.S. Army JAG Corps who served as a military prosecutor in Fort Hood, TX; a civil litigator in the Army's Environmental Law Division in Fort Belvoir, VA; and deployed to Iraq as a Rule of Law and Claims attorney. After five years of active-duty service as a Army JAG, Scott entered private practice, working as an associate in a law firm where he represented businesses and medical professionals in personal injury lawsuits. In 2017, Scott opened his own practice, where he focuses on criminal defense, civil litigation, and he assists individuals through all stages of the Security Clearance Process. His clients include Military Members, DoD Government Civilian employees and DoD Contractors. https://ohiosecurityclearancelawyer.com/ https://scottjfriedmanlaw.com/ --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/ferah-ozbek/message

In this episode of the Belvoir In The Know Podcast, the Fort Belvoir Garrison Command Team discuss the importance of Behavioral Health and available resources with our special guests, Dr. (LTC) Peter Armanas, Director for Behavioral Health at Fort Belvoir Community Hospital, and Chaplain (CAPT) Dwight Horn, Pastoral Care Department Chief at Fort Belvoir Community Hospital. If you or a loved one is need of support, please contact the resources available on the Fort Belvoir Support Services Quick Reference Card: https://home.army.mil/belvoir/application/files/4816/3700/3488/Fort_Belvoir_Support_Services_Quick_Reference_Card.jpg

Guest, Congressman Jim Moran JAMES P. MORAN Former Congressman from Virginia's 8th district During his time in Congress, Rep. Jim Moran was a leader on the Appropriations Committee, bringing billions in economic investment to Northern Virginia to assist underserved communities – building up the region's transportation infrastructure and creating thousands of jobs, particularly in the defense and intelligence communities. Moran played a major role in funding the Woodrow Wilson Bridge Project, the Metro to Dulles, the widening of Route 1 to Fort Belvoir and the construction of numerous local road, bridge, environmental and public transit projects. The front page of the Washington Post cited the fact that “companies based in Representative James P. Moran's district in Northern Virginia reaped $43 billion in federal contracts – roughly as much as the entire state of Texas.” Moran was an outspoken opponent of the Iraq War from the very beginning and helped lead opposition in committee and on the floor to what he deemed a war of choice whose outcome would not strengthen American security, but rather align Iraq with the Shiite dominated Iran. In 1996, he co-founded the New Democrats – one of the largest caucuses in the House. Through the New Dems, he has supported free and fair trade and has been active on a range of issues promoting a stronger, center-left vision for our nation's economy. Since 2016, Moran has served as the Senior Legislative Advisor at McDermott, Will and Emery. In March 2016, he was appointed Professor of Practice in the School of Public and International Affairs in the College of Architecture and Urban Studies at Virginia Tech.

In this episode of the Belvoir In The Know Podcast, the Fort Belvoir Garrison Command Team talk about the importance of Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) in the home and office spaces with the Garrison's Industrial Hygienist, Sheryl Karidias. Sheryl also discusses her role in assuring safe and quality housing on Fort Belvoir. If you are concerned about the IAQ in your home on post, please reach out to the Housing Ombudsman, Alicia Luster, at her office number, 571-515-2055 or the Housing Hotline, 571-259-9867. For those concerned with IAQ in office spaces, please reach out to your facility manager.

In this episode of the Belvoir In The Know Podcast, the Fort Belvoir Garrison Commander and Command Sergeant Major introduce the Garrison's new Housing Ombudsman, Ms. Alicia Luster. All Fort Belvoir residents are encouraged to reach out to Ms. Luster if they have housing concerns. She can be reached at her office number, 571-515-2055 or the Housing Hotline number, 571-259-9867. For housing resources, visit the Housing Resident Portal at home.army.mil/belvoir.

In this episode of the Belvoir In The Know Podcast, the Fort Belvoir Garrison Command Team discusses The Villages at Belvoir's transition of ownership to The Michaels Organization, and what this means to Fort Belvoir residents, with Project Manager, Zach Allen. For more information about Fort Belvoir Housing, visit our website:https://home.army.mil/belvoir/index.php/about/Garrison/directorate-public-works/housing-services-office/housing-resident-portal

In this episode of the #BelvoirInTheKnow Podcast, the Fort Belvoir Garrison Command Team discusses everything you need to know about COVID-19 vaccines for kids with our special guests from Fort Belvoir Community Hospital, Dr. (LTC) Shaprina Williams and LT Antoinette Mantz. To schedule a COVID-19 Vaccine appointment with Fort Belvoir Community Hospital, visit: https://informatics-stage.health.mil/BelvoirCOVIDApp/. For questions, call the Vaccine Information Hotline: 571-231-7777, option 1. Learn more about COVID-19 vaccinations for children and teens here: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/recommendations/children-teens.html?s_cid=11370:cdc%20covid%20vaccine%20teens:sem.ga:p:RG:GM:gen:PTN:FY21

In this episode of the Belvoir In The Know Podcast, the Fort Belvoir Garrison Command Team and AFWC Director, Nicole Leth, discuss how the Fort Belvoir Armed Forces Wellness Center can help you achieve your health and fitness goals through their various services offered, such as metabolic testing, stress management, exercise prescriptions, healthy sleep habits and more. The AFWC is here to help you be physically and mentally fit! Learn more on their website:https://home.army.mil/belvoir/index.php/about/Garrison/headquarters-battalion/fort-belvoir-armed-forces-wellness-center

Through the mastermind's techniques and experiences, real estate masterminds have been known to help investors quadruple or treble their firms. It will not only transform your business but will also assist you in forming relationships that will help you close more sales in the future.   You may or may not agree, but as a real estate investor, you should consider joining mastermind groups to help you grow your business to new heights.   In today's episode, we will be joined by Joseph McCabe, an Entrepreneur from Philadelphia. Owner of 4 RE/MAX Affiliates Offices, CEO of Home | Front Mortgage, Owner of Keystone State Abstract, LLC, Vista Abstract LLC, and many other title agencies, Managing Partner of Surefire Group holding over 60 properties.    Joseph is also a managing partner in multiple home care agencies with gross revenue of 15 million nationwide. Joseph has many LP investments in the Tech and HealthCare space, including a board position with Lease Pitch. He's a Proud Veteran of the US Army Military Police Corps, and a Philadelphia Native graduating from Father Judge High School and Attending Pennsylvania State University and Cabrini College. He is a founding member of the National Museum of the Army at Fort Belvoir, VA. Joseph is a private pilot and leases airplanes at the northeast airport to flight schools. Joe enjoys traveling with his wife, Collecting Historical American art, Flying, and Powerlifting.   Listen to this podcast now and learn how mastermind groups could help you grow in your real estate journey!   Highlights:   [01:51] Why did Joseph describe his 2020 as full throttle? [06:35] What opportunity arises at Necker Island [07:30] What changes Joseph's mind on flipping houses? [08:30] How Joseph's Mastermind Group helped him in his success [12:05] Go Abundance: Membership and Net-worth Requirements [13:31] How did Joseph hit off with Richard Branson? [18:24] Joseph's takeaway from his weekend in Necker Island [23:34] What is Go Abundance? [26:10] Joseph's 1st Mastermind Group that changed his life [30:54] How did Joseph's journey go in the past, and how is it going now? Links: Website: https://www.homefrontloans.com/ https://www.gobundance.com/ Instagram: @josephcmccabe   People Mentioned: Richard Branson Bobby Castro

In this episode of the Belvoir In The Know Podcast, Fort Belvoir's Garrison Commander and Command Sergeant Major discuss Community Policing with the Fort Belvoir Police Department's first Community Relations Officer, Captain Joey Wallace. The Fort Belvoir community can contact Captain Wallace for safety concerns or issues on post via email at joey.a.wallace2.civ@mail.mil or phone at 703-806-4052.

Belvoir In the Know podcast with Fort Belvoir Industrial Hygienist Melvin Bolden who discusses his role, mold and other contaminant mitigation.

Belvoir in the Know podcast with the Fort Belvoir Safety Director Bridget Pilgrim.

In this collaboration with The Learning Ideas Conference 2021, each episode will feature conversations with a selection of conferences speakers from around the world. In these conversations, each guest shares highlights from their conference talk, highlighting their fascinating work in the field of learning, sharing insights and tips, as well as what they are excited about in the future of learning. The Learning Ideas Conference: https://www.learningideasconf.org/ (0:03:30 hours) * Introduction to The Learning Ideas Conference David Guralnick, Ph.D. Founder and Chair of The Learning Ideas Conference President and CEO, Kaleidoscope Learning New York, New York, USA Website: http://www.davidguralnick.com/ (0:15:00 hours) * Learning on the Seam: The Intersection between Learning Science and User-Centered Design Alicia Sanchez, Ph.D. Director of Innovation, Defense Acquisition University Department of Defense, Fort Belvoir, Virginia, USA Advanced Distributed Learning Initiative https://adlnet.gov/ DAU https://www.dau.edu/ (0:32:00 hours) * At Your Best: Artificial Intelligence, People Analytics, Highly Realistic Avatars, Innovative Learning & Development Methodologies * Speech Analysis for Advanced Simulation * Digital Learning and Medical Simulation * A Digital Mindset for the Society 5.0: Experience an Online Escape Room Fernando Salvetti, Ph.D., Logosnet, Houston, Texas, USA LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/fernandosalvetti/ Logosnet www.logosnet.org e-REAL https://e-real.net/about/ (0:48:30 hours) * Taking Project-Based Learning Online Gary Natriello, Ph.D., Teachers College, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA Website https://www.tc.columbia.edu/faculty/gjn6/ (1:07:25 hours) * How to Design Compliance Training that is Engaging for Frontline Workers Lucia Stejer, Kaplan Professional, Sydney, Australia LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucia-stejer-bbb0a122 Twitter: https://twitter.com/lstejer

Tune in to episode #65 of Ethnic Ish N More with host's NicoThaGreat & Melanie Marie of BudTalkSTL/Canna Education Collective as we chop with Adam Murphy of Midwest Mixtapes and Rapper/Graphic Designer Jay Alzier!If you have been following the mixtape game since the early 2000's, then you have heard all about Midwest Mixtapes and Adam Murphy has been keeping the movement going to new heights and more. We had to bring him back for the second time to chop it up with us and see how things are going.Jay Alzier is an up and coming rapper and graphic designer in St. Louis, MO and soon to be one of the premier got to people for your cover art work. Shoutout to our wonderful Sponsors Cash App. Donate at $Nicomar10 Numerology Corner: The number 6 signifies home, family, stability, balance, protection, gratitude, nurturing, care, responsibility, material aspects of life and honesty. The number 5 signifies major life changes, progress, learning through experience, free – will, freedom, making important life choices, adaptability and curiosity. The number 65 signifies family, spirituality, charisma, teamwork, harmony, coexistence, adventure, teaching, relationship energy, etc.Black sports players with the number #65HOF Elvin Bethea (NFL), Houston OilersRandom TopicsCan men and women be just friends?Why is Floyd Mayweather fighting Logan Paul?Original Yeezy shoe worn by Kanye sold for 1.5 MillionRIP to Black Rob and Shock G of Digital UndergroundAre you Stupid, Dumb or Drove?Caucasion Women in Fort Belvoir, VA#PluggedIn w/ Melanie Marie Follow Midwest Mixtapes and Jay Alzier on Social MediaMidwest Mixtapes: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/160375594072260Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/midwestmixtapes/Twitter: https://twitter.com/MidwestMixtapesWebsite: https://midwestmixtapes.com/Jay Alzier:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JayAlzierMusicInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/jayalzier/Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5EBZsp27DuiaC9bORHnj2fFollow Ethnic Ish N More and the Team on all social media platforms:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ethnicishnmoreInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/ethnicishnmore/Twitter: https://twitter.com/EthnicIshNMorewww.ethnicishnmore.comwww.mycitymymusic.comhttps://www.budtalkstl.com/https://www.thecannaeducationco.org/Host'sNicoThaGreat: https://www.instagram.com/nicothagreat357/Melanie Marie: https://www.instagram.com/misses_budtalkstl/Yeyo LaFlare: https://www.instagram.com/yeyo_laflare/

In this episode, the Garrison Commander and the Fort Belvoir School Liaison, Jaimie Albers, and the CYS Program Operations Specialist, Jessica Terrell, talk about programs and issues related to military children in observance of #MonthoftheMilitaryChild.

Belvoir in the Know speaking with Fort Belvoir Community Hospital Director, Navy Capt. Cindy Judy, about current COVID issues and vaccination status.

“Even in my moment of deepest despair, I couldn't quit, because that wasn't who I was. That wasn't how I was wired.” In an incredibly inspiring two-episode series, Colonel Gregory D. Gadson recounts his experience serving our nation in the United States Army for more than 26 years; the harrowing injury that nearly took his life and cost him both legs above the knees and normal use of his right arm and hand; his remarkable recovery and what got him through it; and his subsequent career as an actor, entrepreneur, artist, and advocate for wounded warriors, veterans and those with disabilities. Col. Gadson's story serves as inspiration for us all to be a force for positive change in our own communities. In the two-part interview, Gol. Gadson also discusses his experience and shares insights on issues that are top of mind pertaining to diversity and inclusion. In 2020, he was one of 12 veterans from exceptionally diverse backgrounds who came together to co-found diversitypop™, a new, effective, unbiased learning technology and mobile app and the world's first self-paced diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) learning & engagement application. After having accomplished so much in his life in so many different realms, Col. Gadson shares why he continues to give back to this day: “There's no more mountains for me to climb, no more dragons for me to slay. So now it's about paying it forward.... It's about preparing the next generation to deal with the problems that they're going to have to deal with.” A Chesapeake, Va. native, Col. Gadson, served our nation in the United States Army for more than 26 years. His service culminated as the Garrison Commander of Fort Belvoir, where he oversaw the daily operations of the post, a strategic sustaining base where more than 50,000 military personnel and employees provide logistical, intelligence, medical and administrative support, and command and control for a mix of more than 140 commands and agencies for the Department of Defense. A 25-year career Army officer, Col. Gadson's life is a portrait of courage in the face of great adversity. In May 2007, as commander of the 2nd Battalion, 32nd Field Artillery, Col. Gadson's greatest challenge came in Iraq, where an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) attack cost him both legs above the knees and normal use of his right arm and hand. Despite this, Gadson remained on active duty in the Army and continued to inspire many with his message of courage, perseverance, determination and teamwork. Refusing to be defined by the proverbial “hail of bullets,” he has since drawn upon the lessons of Pride, Poise and Team, learned as a West Point linebacker, and applied them to his life, career and family. Commissioned as a 2nd lieutenant of Field Artillery in 1989 from the United States Military Academy at West Point, Col. Gadson served in every major conflict of the past two decades, including Operations Desert Shield/Storm in Kuwait; Operation Joint Forge in Bosnia-Herzegovina; Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan and Operation Iraqi Freedom. He served in various assignments throughout the world and dedicated himself to leading the Soldiers, civilian employees and family members in living the Army Values of Loyalty, Duty, Respect, Selfless Service, Honor, Integrity and Personal Courage. He is a passionate advocate for wounded warriors, veterans and those with disabilities; on several occasions, testified before Congress on issues related to these groups. In 2007, Tom Coughlin, New York Giants head coach, asked Col. Gadson to meet with the then-struggling team. He talked to the players about service, teamwork, duty, perseverance and adversity. His message resonated and the New York Giants defeated the 18-0 New England Patriots in Super Bowl XLII. He made his silver screen debut in 2012 as a lead actor in the blockbuster movie Battleship; where he portrayed a war-injured veteran that helped save the world from an alien invasion. Col. Gadson continues a very energetic and dynamic lifestyle where he continues to serve his nation as an entrepreneur and managing partner of Patriot Strategies, LLC, a government services company. He continues acting, currently in The Inspectors, a family television series on CBS. He is also an accomplished photographer/artist and remains active in cycling, skiing and scuba. Col. Gadson serves on the Board of Directors for MedTechVets, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that assists and prepares transitioning service members and military veterans for meaningful employment in medical device and life science companies. MedTechVets' network has grown to nearly 100 life science and medical device companies, hundreds of mentors, and thousands of veterans. Col. Gadson's military awards include the Distinguished Service Medal; Legion of Merit (2); Bronze Stars (3); Purple Heart; the Meritorious Service Medal (3) and the Army Commendation Medal (3). He is a graduate of Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas; and holds master's degrees in Information Systems from Webster University and Policy Management from Georgetown University. He holds an honorary Doctorate of Law from Webster University. ABOUT US Welcome to the FourBlock Podcast, a show that examines veteran career transition and the military-civilian divide in the workplace. General Charles Krulak coined the term "Three Block War" to describe the nature of 21st-century military service defined by peace-keeping, humanitarian aid, and full combat. But what happens next? Veterans are often unprepared to return home and begin new careers. We call this the Fourth Block.  FourBlock is a national non-profit that has supported thousands of transitioning service members across the nation in beginning new and meaningful careers.  Mike Abrams (@fourblock) is an Afghanistan veteran, founder of FourBlock, and author of two military transition books. He'll be representing the military transition perspective. Lindsey Pollak (@lindsaypollak) is a career and workplace expert and New York Times bestselling author of three career advice books. Lindsey will be representing the civilian perspective of this issue.  Veterans, explore new industries and make the right connections. Find a career that fits your calling. Join us at fourblock.org/ Sponsor our program or host a class to equip more of our veterans at fourblock.org/donate. Follow FourBlock on Social Media  LinkedIn Facebook Instagram Twitter Podcast episodes are produced and edited by the Columbia University Center for Veteran Transition and Integration.

“Even in my moment of deepest despair, I couldn't quit, because that wasn't who I was. That wasn't how I was wired.” In an incredibly inspiring two-episode series, Colonel Gregory D. Gadson recounts his experience serving our nation in the United States Army for more than 26 years; the harrowing injury that nearly took his life and cost him both legs above the knees and normal use of his right arm and hand; his remarkable recovery and what got him through it; and his subsequent career as an actor, entrepreneur, artist, and advocate for wounded warriors, veterans and those with disabilities. Col. Gadson's story serves as inspiration for us all to be a force for positive change in our own communities. In the two-part interview, Gol. Gadson also discusses his experience and shares insights on issues that are top of mind pertaining to diversity and inclusion. In 2020, he was one of 12 veterans from exceptionally diverse backgrounds who came together to co-found diversitypop™, a new, effective, unbiased learning technology and mobile app and the world's first self-paced diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) learning & engagement application. After having accomplished so much in his life in so many different realms, Col. Gadson shares why he continues to give back to this day: “There's no more mountains for me to climb, no more dragons for me to slay. So now it's about paying it forward.... It's about preparing the next generation to deal with the problems that they're going to have to deal with.” A Chesapeake, Va. native, Col. Gadson, served our nation in the United States Army for more than 26 years. His service culminated as the Garrison Commander of Fort Belvoir, where he oversaw the daily operations of the post, a strategic sustaining base where more than 50,000 military personnel and employees provide logistical, intelligence, medical and administrative support, and command and control for a mix of more than 140 commands and agencies for the Department of Defense. A 25-year career Army officer, Col. Gadson's life is a portrait of courage in the face of great adversity. In May 2007, as commander of the 2nd Battalion, 32nd Field Artillery, Col. Gadson's greatest challenge came in Iraq, where an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) attack cost him both legs above the knees and normal use of his right arm and hand. Despite this, Gadson remained on active duty in the Army and continued to inspire many with his message of courage, perseverance, determination and teamwork. Refusing to be defined by the proverbial “hail of bullets,” he has since drawn upon the lessons of Pride, Poise and Team, learned as a West Point linebacker, and applied them to his life, career and family. Commissioned as a 2nd lieutenant of Field Artillery in 1989 from the United States Military Academy at West Point, Col. Gadson served in every major conflict of the past two decades, including Operations Desert Shield/Storm in Kuwait; Operation Joint Forge in Bosnia-Herzegovina; Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan and Operation Iraqi Freedom. He served in various assignments throughout the world and dedicated himself to leading the Soldiers, civilian employees and family members in living the Army Values of Loyalty, Duty, Respect, Selfless Service, Honor, Integrity and Personal Courage. He is a passionate advocate for wounded warriors, veterans and those with disabilities; on several occasions, testified before Congress on issues related to these groups. In 2007, Tom Coughlin, New York Giants head coach, asked Col. Gadson to meet with the then-struggling team. He talked to the players about service, teamwork, duty, perseverance and adversity. His message resonated and the New York Giants defeated the 18-0 New England Patriots in Super Bowl XLII. He made his silver screen debut in 2012 as a lead actor in the blockbuster movie Battleship; where he portrayed a war-injured veteran that helped save the world from an alien invasion. Col. Gadson continues a very energetic and dynamic lifestyle where he continues to serve his nation as an entrepreneur and managing partner of Patriot Strategies, LLC, a government services company. He continues acting, currently in The Inspectors, a family television series on CBS. He is also an accomplished photographer/artist and remains active in cycling, skiing and scuba. Col. Gadson serves on the Board of Directors for MedTechVets, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that assists and prepares transitioning service members and military veterans for meaningful employment in medical device and life science companies. MedTechVets' network has grown to nearly 100 life science and medical device companies, hundreds of mentors, and thousands of veterans. Col. Gadson's military awards include the Distinguished Service Medal; Legion of Merit (2); Bronze Stars (3); Purple Heart; the Meritorious Service Medal (3) and the Army Commendation Medal (3). He is a graduate of Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas; and holds master's degrees in Information Systems from Webster University and Policy Management from Georgetown University. He holds an honorary Doctorate of Law from Webster University. ABOUT US Welcome to the FourBlock Podcast, a show that examines veteran career transition and the military-civilian divide in the workplace. General Charles Krulak coined the term "Three Block War" to describe the nature of 21st-century military service defined by peace-keeping, humanitarian aid, and full combat. But what happens next? Veterans are often unprepared to return home and begin new careers. We call this the Fourth Block.  FourBlock is a national non-profit that has supported thousands of transitioning service members across the nation in beginning new and meaningful careers.  Mike Abrams (@fourblock) is an Afghanistan veteran, founder of FourBlock, and author of two military transition books. He'll be representing the military transition perspective. Lindsey Pollak (@lindsaypollak) is a career and workplace expert and New York Times bestselling author of three career advice books. Lindsey will be representing the civilian perspective of this issue.  Veterans, explore new industries and make the right connections. Find a career that fits your calling. Join us at fourblock.org/ Sponsor our program or host a class to equip more of our veterans at fourblock.org/donate. Follow FourBlock on Social Media  LinkedIn Facebook Instagram Twitter Podcast episodes are produced and edited by the Columbia University Center for Veteran Transition and Integration.

Interview with the Fort Belvoir Armed Forces Wellness Center Director

Podcast with Village Mayors as guests

Description-- Be in the know, on the go! Welcome to the "Belvoir In the Know"--the audio podcast for news, views and all things Belvoir! Belvoir In the Know features the leaders and innovators that make the installation dynamic and diverse.

Kathleen opens the show drinking a Spotted Cow beer from the New Glarus Brewery in honor of “all things Wisconsin,” and detailing the antics involved with muling cans of Spotted Cow back home whenever she’s in Wisconsin. Kathleen awards Green Bay her “best NFL city to tailgate in” tag, and tells listeners about her unbelievable time tailgating in the neighborhood around the stadium and then attending a Packers home game the last time she played Green Bay.She discloses her NFL bets leading into Championship Weekend and muses over the magic of Tom Brady no matter what team he plays for.“BAD GOOD FOOD”: In her quest for new and delicious not-so-nutritious junk food, Kathleen samples Smucker’s Uncrustables Taco Bites, which she wasn’t impressed with and doesn’t understand how basic beef tacos can be screwed up. She then tries Taco Bell’s Cheddar Crisps in both Mild and Fire flavor, and tells listeners that she would rather just go to Taco Bell and order her favorite meal, which is 2 beef soft tacos with extra hot sauce. PEPPERONI & GLASS HOT POCKETS: Kathleen reads a news release from Nestlé announcing the recall of almost 800,000 pounds of Hot Pockets due to contamination with glass and hard plastic. Kathleen says she’s tasted Hot Pockets and although she loves the pepperoni flavored kind, she isn’t sure that she would notice if they contained glass ☺ SHAKE SHACK ENTERS THE CHICKEN SANDWICH WAR: Kathleen loves Asian-inspired food, and is excited to learn that Shake Shack is offering Korean-inspired menu items in the US through April. 5th Although the restaurant is known for its burgers and skinny fries, they are attempting to make their mark in the ongoing chicken sandwich wars with the introduction of their Korean-Style Fried Chick’n and Gochujang Fries.TRUMP AC IMPLOSION AUCTION: As a follow up to Episode 20, Kathleen reports on the Boys & Girls Club of Atlantic City’s auction item allowing the winner to press the button to implode Trump Plaza. The property’s owner, Carl Icahn, has pulled the auction item for undisclosed reasons, but offered to donate the high bid of $175,000 to the Boys & Girls Club so that they wouldn’t miss out on the funding.TURMOIL IN Q LAND: As a follow up to Kathleen’s reporting of the insurgence on the US Capitol in January 2021, she reads reporting that QAnon followers are in disarray after “The Storm” didn’t take place and Joe Biden was inaugurated as US President. She reads messaging from some of the ideology’s key figures, CodeMonkeyZ, who tells Q supporters to go back to their lives, and she muses about the future of Q and their mission. MAN ACCIDENTALLY TOSSES $85M IN BITCOIN: In continuing with Kathleen’s obsession with cryptocurrency, she reads a report from the UK about a man who has confessed to accidentally destroying an old hard drive containing 7,500 Bitcoin, which has a current value of approximately $85M. He’s devising a plan to dig into a landfill where he believes the hard drive was disposed of, which involves approximately $70M in cost.INDIAN BANKSY: As a follow up to Episode 17, Kathleen discusses anonymous artists like the street artist 'Banksy,” and reads an article on an Indian artist known as “Tyler” who lives in Mumbai and is referred to as “Indian Banksy.”FIRST FEMALE TO REFEREE A SUPERBOWL: Kathleen is excited to read an NFL press release announcing that Sarah Thomas has been included in the Super Bowl LV officiating crew, taking place in Tampa in February. ANIMALS MOST LIKELY TO KILL YOU BY STATE: Kathleen continues with the segment Animals Most Likely to Kill You (By State), as reported by the Center for Disease Control. If you live in Maine be especially careful of moose, and in Maryland always have insect repellant with you. BIGFOOT HUNTING SEASON BECOMES OFFICIAL: Kathleen reads an article announcing that Oklahoma Rep. Justin Humphrey has proposed a bill outlining official Bigfoot hunting season in his district, which includes the heavily forested Ouachita Mountains where a Bigfoot festival is held each year. Humphrey maintains that issuing a state hunting license and tag could help boost tourism.THAI MONKEY GANGS: Kathleen reports on monkey gangs taking over farming areas in Thailand as they are starved due to the lack of tourism in the area in the wake of COVID. Devastated farmers have sought help from local government agencies so they can be compensated for the crops devoured by the primates in order to prevent the incident from happening again. Kathleen recommends that everyone watch the videos associated with these attacks.DISCOVERY OF THE TITANOSAUR: Kathleen is excited to share with listeners that the 98 million-year-old remains of the largest animal to walk Earth — a long-necked titanosaur dinosaur — were recently unearthed in Argentina. MAN LIVES IN O’HARE AIRPORT: Kathleen laughs out loud sharing news that a man lived inside Chicago’s O’Hare Airport for 3 months before detection. Kathleen loves the city of Chicago, but ranks O’Hare among the worst to be stuck in and therefore can’t image wanting to live there.STOWAWAY SURVIVES 5,600 FLIGHT: Kathleen reads an unbelievable report about stowaway Themba Cabeka, who held on to a jet's undercarriage for the entire 11-hour flight from South Africa to London Heathrow in 2015.WHAT TO WATCH THIS WEEK: Kathleen tells listeners to watch “Murder on Middle Beach” on HBO. MYSTERY OF THE WEEK: Kathleen tells the mystery of a secret collection of Nazi artwork located in Fort Belvoir.

Í Víðsjá í dag verður meðal annars hugað að herstöðinni Fort Belvoir í Virginíuríki Bandaríkjanna. Þar eru margar stofnanir bandríska landhersins til húsa en þar er líka að finna umdeilt safn listaverka sem á uppruna sinn í Evrópu um miðja 20. öld. Arnljótur Sigurðsson fjallar í tónlistarhorninu Heyrandi nær um hina furðulegu kólumbísku hljómsveit Meridian Brothers og stiklar á stóru í sögu kúmbíunnar, tónlistarstefnu sem sennilega hefur aldrei verið vinsælli en í dag, með nýjum kynslóðum sem hafa tekið hana upp á arma sína og víkka út og þenja. Einnig verður í Víðsjá í dag rætt við Kára Stefánsson, forstjóra Íslenskrar erfðagreiningar, um bókmenntaáhuga hans. Umsjón: Guðni Tómasson og Eiríkur Guðmundsson

Í Víðsjá í dag verður meðal annars hugað að herstöðinni Fort Belvoir í Virginíuríki Bandaríkjanna. Þar eru margar stofnanir bandríska landhersins til húsa en þar er líka að finna umdeilt safn listaverka sem á uppruna sinn í Evrópu um miðja 20. öld. Arnljótur Sigurðsson fjallar í tónlistarhorninu Heyrandi nær um hina furðulegu kólumbísku hljómsveit Meridian Brothers og stiklar á stóru í sögu kúmbíunnar, tónlistarstefnu sem sennilega hefur aldrei verið vinsælli en í dag, með nýjum kynslóðum sem hafa tekið hana upp á arma sína og víkka út og þenja. Einnig verður í Víðsjá í dag rætt við Kára Stefánsson, forstjóra Íslenskrar erfðagreiningar, um bókmenntaáhuga hans. Umsjón: Guðni Tómasson og Eiríkur Guðmundsson

Episode #005 - The Wounded Warrior Home Project at Fort Belvoir brings together the Army, Clark Realty Capital, Michael Graves & Associates, IDEO, and numerous other partners to pursue a unified mission to drastically improve quality of life for the increasing number of Wounded Warriors returning to active duty at Fort Belvoir. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mia.roseberry.9 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/roseberrymia/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/WWarriorHomes Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/miaroseberry/ Website: https://www.woundedwarriorhome.org/

Last week a stunning new museum devoted to Army history opened its doors in Fort Belvoir, Virginia. Meanwhile, the Army's own museum enterprise, part of the Army Center of Military History, wants to divest itself of surplus items of the more than half million artifacts is now cares for. Joining the Federal Drive with what's going on, the museum enterprise's historic material division chief, Stefan Rohal.

Ginny Rodriguez is a military spouse who after marrying her husband in 1982 had 4 kids and moved 29 times throughout his military career including multiple tours to Georgia, North Carolina, Germany as well as assignments in Kansas, Rhode Island, Texas, Korea, Kentucky, Fort Belvoir, and Fort Myer. In this conversation, Ginny shares her insights and lessons on building resiliency, making friends, and creating a support network. For more information please visit: www.bigbrobigsis.com Presented by The Barry Robinson Center Hosted by Erin Lindstrom

The Army has chosen today, Veterans Day, to open a museum of the U.S. Army. Not reopen, as in pandemic, but cut the ribbon to a stunning new facility at Fort Belvoir, Virginia. Here with the highlights, the museum's Chief of Exhibits Paul Morando, and Sgt. James Akinola, visiting soldier and the Army's soldier of the year.

Staying in the US Military ater a type 1 diabetes diagnosis isn't easy, but it can be done. Meet Jason Cyr. Diagnosed in 2011 while deployed in Africa, he was able to return to the Army and retire on his own terms a few years later. Jason is an élite cyclist and now a cycling coach. Stacey mentions another veteran who was able to stay on active duty after a type 1 diabetes diagnosis. You can listen to our episode with Mark Thompson here.   In Tell Me Something Good diabetes month stuff, a big milestone for the college diabetes network and a new podcast about diabetes and mental health. This podcast is not intended as medical advice. If you have those kinds of questions, please contact your health care provider. Check out Stacey's book: The World's Worst Diabetes Mom! Join the Diabetes Connections Facebook Group! Sign up for our newsletter here ----- Use this link to get one free download and one free month of Audible, available to Diabetes Connections listeners! ----- Get the App and listen to Diabetes Connections wherever you go! Click here for iPhone      Click here for Android Episode Transcription   Stacey Simms  0:00 Diabetes Connections is brought to you by One Drop created for people with diabetes by people who have diabetes by Gvoke HypoPen, the first premixed auto injector for very low blood sugar, and by Dexcom take control of your diabetes and live life to the fullest with Dexcom.   Announcer  0:22 This is Diabetes Connections with Stacey Simms.   Stacey Simms  0:28 This week, we're celebrating Veterans Day by sharing the story of Jason Cyr. He was diagnosed with type one while serving in the US military deployed in Africa in 2011.   Jason Cyr  0:40 You know, I was like oh my gosh, this is like my career is on this trajectory to continue to serve whether it's special operations or just back to the regular army. I really enjoy this I started because I really love working with soldiers mentoring soldiers leading soldiers and I was like this is all over now. So now what am I gonna do?   Stacey Simms  0:56 Cyr was able to stay in the military. He shares that story what he's doing now and why I have a photo of him on a unicycle In Tell me something good. Lots of Diabetes Awareness Month stuff and a big milestone for the college diabetes network. This podcast is not intended as medical advice. If you have those kinds of questions, please contact your health care provider. Welcome to another week of the show. I am so glad to have you along. I am your host, Stacey Simms, and we aim to educate and inspire about type 1 diabetes by sharing stories of connection. My son was diagnosed with type one right before he turned two, we are getting close to his 14 year diversity. My husband lives with type two, I don't have diabetes, but I have a background in broadcasting and local radio and television news. And that is how you get the podcast. It is of course diabetes Awareness Month. So there's lots of things you're seeing if you follow me on social media. I'm posting as I do every year, photos, stories of people in the Charlotte, North Carolina area where I live, who live with diabetes. And I also and this is the first time I'm doing this in diabetes Awareness Month, I'm running a contest, I'm running two contests, and they have started as this episode first airs, if you're listening to it, the week of veterans week of 2020, the contests are going so I'm not gonna spend too much time on them here because they are social media only one of them is in the Facebook group Diabetes Connections, the group you have to be in the group to take part and the other one is on my Instagram and Instagram for me is only Stacey Simms, I do not have a separate one for the show. It's enough. So you get pictures of me walking my dog and pictures of my husband cooking and diabetes awareness stuff and podcast stuff all in one Instagram feed. I want to give a brief shout out and thank you to the companies that are helping out with the Instagram contest. This is a multi company prize giveaway, we've got a lot of people taking part, it's possible that I may add to this list, and I will certainly revisit it. But big thank you to the folks at NRG bytes. Pump Peelz RX Sugar, Dia-Be-Tees, Wherever EuGO, T1D3DGear and GTTHL Apparel and to the world's worst diabetes mom, the book we're giving that away to I will list all of those fabulous people with links to the companies in the show notes Just go to Diabetes connections.com. But the best way to find out more about them is to head on over to Instagram and take part in that contest. big thank you to everybody for taking part in that. Kind of a subdued Diabetes Awareness Month, I think for many people with the election in the US and just a lot of diabetes burnout out there. So I hope the contest is a bright spot. But I'm also doing a panel that is this Friday, as you listen on November 13. And that is with my friends at One Drop. We've put together a great panel, we're going to be talking about community, how to get more involved, what we get from community and some surprises there. And we are talking to people with type one, type two and parents of children with type one. And that's going to be a lot of fun that is live on the Diabetes Connections Facebook page, and One Drop will be amplifying it as well. And speaking of One Drop Diabetes Connections is brought to you by One Drop and I spoke to the people there. And I've always been really impressed at how much they get diabetes. It just makes sense. Their CEO Jeff was diagnosed with type one as an adult. One Drop is for people with diabetes by people with diabetes. The people at One Drop work relentlessly to remove all barriers between you and the care you need. Get 24 seven coaching support in your app and unlimited supplies delivered. No prescriptions or insurance required. Their beautiful sleek meter fits in perfectly with the rest of your life. They'll also send you test strips with a strip plan that actually makes sense for how much you actually check. One Drop diabetes care delivered. learn more, go to Diabetes connections.com and click on the One Drop logo. My guest this week is a member of a very small club. Not only was Jason Cyr diagnosed with type 1 diabetes while he was in the military, he was allowed to stay in. And you may recall, I met Mark Thompson last year I spoke to him last November. And until this interview, Mark was the only other veteran I've ever talked to personally, who was able to stay in the military. After a diagnosis Mark story is slightly different. His career path after is different as well. I will link up more about mark in the show notes for this episode, you can go back and listen to the prior episode, and learn more as well. And those show notes and the transcript as always, at Diabetes connections.com. Now the military policy in the US is pretty straightforward for enlisting, you cannot enlist in the military with a chronic condition like type one. But there is just just a bit more wiggle room if you're diagnosed while you're already in. So Jason Cyr was diagnosed while deployed in Africa. And he thought as you can understand that his symptoms were you know, from the weather or the altitude or all of the extra activity, he always does big runner and a big biker. He's going to tell that story and what he's been doing since he retired from the military in 2016. Jason, thank you so much for joining me, your story is pretty remarkable. I'm excited to talk to you.   Jason Cyr  6:16 Oh, well, thanks for having me, Stacy. I really appreciate I don't know if it's a remarkable story. But I appreciate you saying that. I'm flattered.   Stacey Simms  6:22 You're the second person that I've interviewed or even have known with all the hundreds of maybe thousands of people that we've been lucky to meet the diabetes community who has been able to stay in the military after a type one diabetes diagnosis. So I'd say that's pretty remarkable. And I'd love let's just start right there. Can you tell me what happened where what was going on when you were diagnosed?   Jason Cyr  6:42 This was, oh, gosh, it was 2011. I was deployed to sock see the Special Operations Command Horn of Africa. And I was working in Kenya for that organization, basically, helping to do some work with with the Kenyan military. And we kind of set up well, that kind of we had set up an American style Ranger School there. And I was helping a lot of the officers and enlisted folks just make that organization and that school run more smoothly. I am a Ranger School graduate. My career started actually, in the 75th Ranger Regiment, specifically a third Ranger Battalion, spent most of my time at sea company. But so I was there. And we were, were doing some training. And because we were living in the Mount Kenya area of Kenya, it was that elevation. If I recall correctly, this is going back a few years now. I think it was about 11,000 feet or living that. And so I and I was running every day, I was probably running 10 miles a day or something like that, just because I didn't have my my bicycle there. And I was running with some Kenyans. And so I just kind of had some signs and symptoms, you know, the polydipsia polyuria weight loss, and I just sort of chalked it up to Hey, I'm eating different foods, and I'm living in at times in an austere environment and running every day. And like I said, at elevation, so I just kind of dismiss those things.   Stacey Simms  8:06 And I'm gonna just jump in polydipsia polyuria really thirsty really have to pay?   Jason Cyr  8:10 Yeah, exactly. just translate for me and drink. Yeah, sure. And drinking like a gallon of water that you know, cup. You know, I don't know. I betcha I was drinking a gallon of water a day. But I just sort of chalked it up to like, Oh, it's fine. I'm a special forces guy. This is normal. You know, we're supposed to be able to just sort of, I guess suck it up. Anyway, I did have a medic with me on the deployment of Special Forces medic at 18 Delta. And he multiple times said, Hey, you should there's something wrong with you. You've got to go get checked out. So I think he had reached out to the our battalion surgeon and the surgeon had had come down to to actually go and climb Mount Kenya with me. Like on a weekend, a four day weekend we had off. And so anyway, we went climbing mountain and after that, he said, Hey, you got to go get looked at so I had a meeting with I think that defense attache at the at the embassy in Nairobi A few days later. And so I said, Yeah, when I go down there, I've got to meet with him. I've got to brief him on some stuff that we're doing. And I'll go get checked. So I go down to the hospital after the briefing. And I present with like a blood sugar of like 840 I think, a one C of like 14. So at that point, obviously we knew something was wrong. superfit guy didn't think it was type two, but I was thinking I can't be type one. I'm 36 years older, or whatever it was 37 maybe at the time, wow. That of course starts a cascade effect where they evacuate back to I think we're in Djibouti at that time, and then eventually on to launch to Germany, where, you know, I got some more testing, done some more formal testing done and they said, hey, you've got type 1 diabetes. So you know, after probably a 15 minute pity party, I said Well, I'm gonna have to own this. So I went from there. Yeah, I guess at that point, I went to Fort Belvoir and Walter Reed Medical Center and got some more things done, figured out and then I went into the what's called the ward Transition battalion where they basically start proceedings to, you know, put you out or medically retire or whatever out of the military. And I guess long story short, I had some great officers that I worked for a two star, and at the time a full bird Colonel that that just said, Hey, you know, you can stay and we've just invested all this time and money in you. I was just about through grad school later on while I was there, and they just said, Hey, we know we're going to retain you. So you go to this medical board, and the board decides, hey, we're gonna put you out. But if you can provide overwhelming evidence that you can stay in and do it safely, and you're going to have these folks that are going to, I guess, you know, not deploy you or put you in an environment where you can make a bad decision if you're hypoglycemic, or something will let you stay in. And so, you know, I think at that point, I was probably at 17 years or something like that. So I really only had three years ago, and my company command was up, I was in a staff position. So there's probably little harm I could do if I had a had a low or something like that. And I think at that point, I had displayed that I you know, had run a marathon I was racing factor racing and a category one and, you know, elite level of still doing some like UCI races. And I think I had displayed that I owned the disease as well as you can, in that short amount of time. And the board made a decision to let me stay in 220. I actually ended up doing I think, 23 years all together. So I ended up staying, and probably six more years, and then retired.   Stacey Simms  11:26 All right. It's an incredible story. I have questions. You mentioned, when you were diagnosed, you had a 15 minute pity party. And I'm just curious. Now I'm assuming that's a little bit of an exaggeration. I'm not taking anything away. If it was 15 minutes and moved on. That's fantastic. It's amazing. But what what really went through your mind, because you had been, as you said, 1718 years in, you didn't know yet that you were going to stay. You didn't know yet that you'd be able to continue with marathons and bike riding and doing everything that you did, do you mind and I hate to get so personal. But just from my own experience, I had a little bit more than a 15 minute pity party when my son was diagnosed. I'm curious what really went through your mind at that moment?   Jason Cyr  12:06 Oh, well, you know, I think after 17 or 16, whatever it was probably 17 years of service, you're kind of like, Man, I've done all this stuff. I've served in all these great units. Why me? I've always been super fit. I think I just, you know, I was like, Oh my gosh, this is like my career is on this trajectory, to continue to serve. And you know, whether it's special operations, or just back to the regular army, I really enjoy this. I don't necessarily serve I mean, obviously, I serve because I love my country. But I serve because I really love working with soldiers, mentoring soldiers, leading soldiers. And I was like, this is all over now. So now what am I going to do? Because this has sort of been who I am and what I've done. In a nutshell that that is what it is. That said, I can't say that I wouldn't if my if my son is diagnosed with Type One Diabetes, I'm going to have a longer than 15 minute pity party, for sure. I can empathize with you. 100%. I think for me, it was just like, hey, let's just get on with it. Let's own this as much as we can.   Stacey Simms  13:02 That'd be just be the perspective of a parent versus family   Jason Cyr  13:05 Yeah. It's very different than me. Yeah. But yeah, I don't even Oh, gosh, I can't even imagine. I mean, I think it's difficult day to day. And I'm one of these people who probably there couldn't be a better person to get it. In my own opinion, because I'm just one of those people who constantly looks at my Dexcom. I'm constantly, you know, weighing what I shouldn't shouldn't put in my body. You know, how hard should I go? I'm constantly thinking about the dosages of insulin I'm taking. So I don't think it would be there's a better person to get it. But yeah, I mean, that's generally what went through my mind.   Stacey Simms  13:37 When you went back when you were clear to go back into what you were doing. I'm curious, what was your routine at the time? Because we're talking about what, seven or eight years ago you mentioned Dexcom? Did you have that then I think I read you were checking your blood sugar like 20 times a day at one point, you know, take us through the routine of that initial first year back in the service.   Right back to Jason answering that question. But first diabetes Connections is brought to you by Gvoke HypoPen, and almost everyone who takes insulin has experienced a low blood sugar and that can be scary. A very low blood sugar is really scary. That's where Gvoke HypoPen comes in. Gvoke is the first auto injector to treat very low blood sugar Gvoke hypo pen is pre mixed and ready to go with no visible needle. That means it's easy to use how easy you pull off the red cap and push the yellow end onto bear skin and hold it for five seconds. That's it. Find out more go to Diabetes connections.com and click on the Gvoke logo joke shouldn't be used in patients with pheochromocytoma or insulinoma visit gvoke glucagon comm slash risk. Now back to my conversation with Jason. He is talking about what it was like when he first went back into the army after being diagnosed.   Jason Cyr  14:58 I didn't have a CGM Immediately, and obviously, they didn't put me on a pump either. So I was, you know, manually doing this stuff, I was actually buying extra strips, you know, because I was testing like 15 or 20 times a day. And so the prescription that I had wouldn't, wasn't lasting that, you know, as long as it normally would. But part of the reason I was doing that is because I was also trying to figure out how to get back to racing at at least the highest level I could do. And at the time, I did have a USAC, or United States cycling Association, or USA cycling pro license. And so you know, as a pro, I was pretty mid pack fodder. But definitely fast enough that I was, you know, winning expert level races at Nationals, or at least getting on the podium. So I wanted to at least see if I could get back to that. And the way to do that, as far as I was concerned, is just collect data. And so my, my wife, who is a scientist helped me build this really wild looking Excel spreadsheet that had like linear regression on it. And I was just plotting points and figuring out, okay, if I go for 20 minutes at max effort, anaerobically, what happens to my blood sugar, and then if I go 40 minutes, what happens? And if I feed at 45 minutes, you know, what happens after that. And so I just was, I guess, in the course of training six days a week, I was just trying to figure out what happens, you know, if I have this much, you know, slow acting insulin on board, you know, what happens with that race effort. And then what happens if I have, you know, from working out or in a periodized stage, where I'm doing like six days of really hard training, and then taking a break? Is the insulin a lot more sensitive. And, you know, I found out obviously, that it was, so just things like that I was just trying to figure it out. my saving grace really was that my wife, unbeknownst to me, wrote a letter to Phil Sutherland that at the time team type one, and he immediately invited me at the time I think we were Sanofi or Sena Fie team type one. So I was on that team, I think, for a year. And then I got on to the team Novo Nordisk elite team. And just being around type one athletes at training camp in Spain, or in California, we did, we did quite a few training camps over the, I think, five years I was with that team. That was a huge help, because it was just a depth and breadth of knowledge and institutional knowledge that I just didn't have. I didn't know any other type one, athletes, I just started asking those guys questions. And then I also had unfettered access to a an endocrinologist, who's who was on the team, and I just started firing off questions and trying to figure it out. And so the trajectory that I had for learning how to race and deal with diabetes and still maintain a 12, or 14 hour week training schedule was great. And I couldn't have done it. Or I mean, I could have done it, but it would have taken I take a lot longer to figure out those variables. So I think having access to those guys was just great.   Stacey Simms  17:55 When you got your Dexcom, having been someone who already kept their own spreadsheet, and pretty detailed ones, I'm curious what you've done with your data, I famously on the show, have the perspective of my son and I, we're really not big data, diabetes, people we are go by feel, you know, we do great, it's all good. But I love respect and marvel at people like you who really dial into it. So with that being said, when you got the Dexcom, and you opened up clarity, or you looked at these things, what was that like for you?   Jason Cyr  18:29 Oh, it was huge. It's even better now with the six. I mean, I started off with before, you know, went through the five transition to the six. And the six is just like it's almost overwhelming the data that that? Well, it is overwhelming, but it's just great. It's also really great to see the the amount of stuff that's available to you. And so yeah, I use the data all the time. It's great. When I'm racing, we just, we didn't have much of a race season this year. But I think I did five races, and three of them were enduro racing, which is the it's a mountain biking discipline that I focus on. And those races can last for four to six hours, seven hours, you're only racing stages. But you're you're riding from the end of a stage all the way back up the mountain to another stage to race back downhill with these chips on your bike where they they're collecting time. And so seeing the trends, whether it's going up or down or it's really good to see it helps immensely. And then I also look at that data after the race to see it because that racing discipline is very anaerobic and going full gas for the three this to seven minutes or eight minutes that the stage lasts. When you finish because your anaerobic, you know you're you're dumping glycogen in your blood, you're getting these huge spikes that you know your body has to test to deal with later on. And so knowing exactly how much insulin to take, after, say two stages and maintain a good blood glucose level is really important. And obviously you couldn't do that with just by finger sticks, trying to figure it out. So it just Yeah, the data that I get from that informs my decisions and racing, especially over a long day, or days leading up to it, I couldn't do without it. So I think the CGM is really important.   Stacey Simms  20:12 I must have sounded ridiculous to you, I promise we don't just wing it with my son,   Unknown Speaker  20:16 or just   Jason Cyr  20:19 also get that I am a total geek. I mean, that's I think there's reasons to push me to cycling coaching, because I just love looking at heart rate data and power data and overlaying these things and figuring out the puzzle of how we make someone stronger and faster.   Stacey Simms  20:33 Yeah. And I'll tell you what podcast listeners are my listeners are super data people, which I feel bad sometimes that I'm their host, because people that listen to podcasts in general want more and more and more information. So sometimes I'm like, sorry, but you know, we do the best we can, and want to go back if I could, to some military questions. Because there are so many young people who were diagnosed with type one who unfortunately, cannot serve in the military. This has been their dream. And curious what your perspective is, do you think that will change? I know that there's they're looking at it. I mean, there was a study a year or two ago that they were doing at Fort Bragg, with people with type one trying to kind of see how more modern diabetes technology might help. What's your perspective on that?   Jason Cyr  21:16 Yeah, I think, and obviously, I'm not a physician, or a doctor in any way, or probably an expert, I'm probably an expert on my body and how it reacts, I think that maybe technology could fix the problem. That said, I make silly decisions. When I'm hypoglycemic, and soda, I think, to put a combat leader in a position where they have to make life and death decisions. And there's potential that you could be hypoglycemic in the moment, obviously, is detrimental. And that's just on face value. And I haven't looked at how the technology could change it. But I will say that it has made me much more aware of highs and lows just because of the alarms that are associated with a continuous glucose monitor. So yeah, I think it's possible. Yeah, for sure. But I would let you know, the experts make those decisions that said, I can empathize with someone who just really wants to be have a career in the military, because it's made me who I am. I mean, it does. Obviously, my military service doesn't define me as a person, but it is a huge part of my life. There's very few moments I will say that I did not enjoy in my 23 plus year career in the military. So yeah, I hope that we get to the point where that's technology fixes that or perhaps there's a cure someday, I certainly wouldn't enjoy that. Because I tell you what, the first thing I'm gonna do is eat a whole cheesecake.   Stacey Simms  22:39 When you return to the military, if your diagnosis what you do, what was your job? What were your duties? Um, I   Jason Cyr  22:45 think what was my first my, I think I was the, the Operations Officer for this critical infrastructure protection Battalion, which we started, we use a lot of 18 series, guys. 18 series guys are special forces, guys. And we modeled that program off of what the defense Threat Reduction agency does. And they typically use a, or at least in the past to have I'm not sure what they do now. They use a soft guy like a Seal or a Green Beret to do the targeting piece when we look at how we would defeat or take down like, say, a facility. And so I was I think I was an operations officer. And then I moved to the executive officer, the deputy commander of the that critical infrastructure protection Battalion, and I spent the rest of my career there, basically, because I was working for these two officers that wrote letters recommendation that keep me in the military and so that I finished my career out there. And you know, probably one of the reasons I did retire is I was never going to go and command a combat unit ever again. That was not going to happen. You know, I wanted to be obviously I joined the Ranger Regiment and then spent time as a special forces guys starting as an 18. Charlie, which is a special forces engineer. You know, I did those things because that's what I wanted to do.   Stacey Simms  23:55 You mentioned that now you're coaching your coaching other cyclists? Yeah, correct. How so? How is that going? And I'm struggling to think of how to ask this because you started doing that during this pandemic.   Jason Cyr  24:06 They I did and I have to say it's been it's been incredibly successful. The company is cycle strategies. We coach road cyclists, cyclocross, but we focus on you know, the mountain bike discipline, so enduro, downhill, cross country, mountain biking, and I thought, hey, because we're in the middle of a pandemic, this will give me some time to get my feet on the ground, figure out the business aspects, you know, subs, figure out the books, figure out how we're going to deliver the coaching process, and it's been busier than I ever thought maybe that's that is because of, of this. In the process of coaching. Most of it is online, I use an online platform called training peaks to coach my athletes, and I do do the other side of the business is the skills piece. And so I do do skills training with adults and kids, but we're wearing masks. I don't touch it. You know, we don't there's no contact. We just I'm really trying to do our best to stay six feet away in cycling is sort of a socially distance thing anyway. So   Stacey Simms  25:06 it's been amazing though, because cycling has been so popular. I mean, it's been more and more popular every year. But during the pandemic, we tried to get my son's bike repaired. And it was unbelievable. how busy everybody is there at a party. You know, everybody wants to bike ride right now.   Jason Cyr  25:21 Yeah, yeah, I know, our local bike shop has had a really difficult time, trying to come up with way logistically to come up with ways to find parts for folks and just keep the item. Yeah, so it's been great for the sport. I think it's Yeah, it's helped me with a few clients that have just decided, Hey, I'm going to take up cycling, I really enjoy this. Oh, I think I need a coach. And I'm getting an email. And yeah, it's, it's, it's been great. I love it.   Stacey Simms  25:46 What is your advice for people with type one who are reluctant to get active? Because it is a lot of work? And frankly, even with all the technology, there is still some fear, right? It's hard to do a two hour bike ride without going low. If you haven't done that already.   Jason Cyr  26:03 Yeah, my recommendation is, well, first off, I just think living a healthy lifestyle helps you control your blood sugar, much better. And isn't that the intent, obviously, we don't have a pancreas that functions, at least that part of the pancreas doesn't function properly, to provide insulin and the glucose back in the cells. And so exercising helps you a treat some of that out of your system to help to put it back in. It makes you more responsive to insulin. And again, I will full disclosure here, I'm not a physician at all. I'm not an endocrinologist. But that has been my experience. So yeah, that's the first point is it really helps me at least control my blood sugar by just exercising and being consistent about it. Second, it's, it's just a healthy thing to do. And the third thing I would add is that taking it slow. So you may start with 15 minutes of writing and see how your body responds to that. And then add another 15 minutes until you get to an hour something that would be my recommendation. And I just feel like it's a great way to live. Anytime I'm sedentary, I am now chasing numbers. But if I just stay active, generally active and I'm not saying I go out and you don't have to go out and train for two or three hours every day. That's nice. And I know folks that do do that. But I don't do that. I may go for a couple hour ride to three times a week. Otherwise, I'm just doing an hour and maybe a little bit of weightlifting or something in nowadays in the garage.   Stacey Simms  27:27 What do you still like after all this time about riding your bike about cycling?   Jason Cyr  27:32 Oh, yeah, that's a great question. I don't know I'm sure my wife would have. She would say I'm obsessed. I don't know. All things. two wheels. We have dirt bikes. We've got cyclocross bikes. I even got a unicycle this year, as a way to figure out how to work on some balance. I don't know I think for me, cycling creates an experience where I can think about the day I can decompress. I've always used cycling when I was in the military, especially command to decompress. So I would come home, I get on my bike for an hour, and I go just smash out some laps, and really get my heart rate up high a few times, do some intervals. And I would be completely decompress to come home and have dinner with the family and being a good husband and a good father. So for me, I think it's just a bit of an escape, perhaps the endorphins that are released in the process of of executing some physical activity. I'm not sure but I do know that I do a lot of thinking. When I'm while I'm writing,   Stacey Simms  28:27 how's the unicycling going?   Jason Cyr  28:29 Good. I took it took me a solid hour of falling before I figured it out. I put knee pads on and shin pads is pretty funny. The helmet everything. And I just went out there. I just started getting after it. But now I can ride all the way around town on it. Wow. Sure, my neighbors thought that I was   Stacey Simms  28:48 gonna say does anybody stop you? Or take Oh, yes.   Jason Cyr  28:50 Well, interesting enough. My neighbor lives right across the street. He's a really cool guy. He's probably in his maybe mid 50s or something like that here. This is all Jason Let me try that thing. And as I said, God, be careful this thing you'll get hurt. And he jumped right on it and wrote it right down the road massive. Oh, look at that. That's awesome. And he knew, you know, he, he had spent his his youth riding in them. But I didn't know that. So I thought it was great. I was amazed. That's awesome. That's fine.   Stacey Simms  29:16 Yeah, you just cycling isn't the kind of thing that you just jump on and go, that's somebody who had a little bit of experience?   Jason Cyr  29:21 No. And I've got a few kids that I coach, and they all ride unicycles. So I said, Well, hey, you know, if they're gonna do it, I've got to figure this out. So every time in between, like after races or before races, they're just riding around on the unicycle. And I have to say, what it really engages your core. I thought that was really cool. And then the second piece that you get out is this great building of motor skills, and motor schemata or proprioception that you're kind of building and so the balance that comes from that is great for cycling, especially the offer of disciplines.   Stacey Simms  29:52 So listen, I went all over the place. Was there anything you want to talk about that I didn't mention?   Jason Cyr  29:56 No, I would I would add that, you know, thank you so much for letting me You know, I guess, Share, share my story. I don't think it's remarkable. I'm flattered that you think it is. The last thing I would add is that service and the military and service to your country is one, it is just a great privilege to lead and serve one serve, but to lead and be given the great responsibility to lead men and women, I think is just it's a privilege, really, and I wouldn't have done anything else had I had a had an opportunity. I just I've really enjoyed my service to the military and just serve with all those people. Obviously, there's ups and downs. You know, I've lost friends along the way, you know, in Afghanistan and deployments, and just other places, training accidents, those kinds of things. But it's just been a great opportunity. And, and I enjoyed every bit of it.   Stacey Simms  30:42 Well, we can't say thank you enough for your service, and how much we appreciate everything that you've done. And thank you so much for coming on and sharing your story. And if you don't mind me asking, I would love to have a unicycle picture. Oh, sure. Next time you're on.   Jason Cyr  30:56 Absolutely. I've got your your number. I'll text you one.   Unknown Speaker  30:59 That'd be great. Thanks   Unknown Speaker  31:00 so much for joining me.   Jason Cyr  31:01 Thank you, Stacey. Thanks very much.   Unknown Speaker  31:09 You're listening to Diabetes Connections with Stacey Simms.   Stacey Simms  31:14 More information about Jason's story, he was written up quite a bit for bike riding with the Novo Nordisk folks, as he mentioned, I mentioned that unicycle shot, I will put that in the Facebook group as well. Many of you who gosh years ago used to follow my blog may recall that my kids elementary school had a jump rope club. And stay with me, there's a point here, the jump rope club was featured, we put them into the Big Blue test two years ago, which was a wonderful effort from the diabetes hands foundation to get people to exercise and check blood sugar. And it was a really great outreach efforts. So the jumper club was featured in that. But another elementary school where a lot of my friends kids went, had a unicycle club. And that always blew my mind. Because, first of all, who had the idea to start the unicycle club, and it was very popular, and they did just as much with those unicycles as my kids did with the jump ropes we had, like 40 kids, fourth and fifth graders zipping around on unicycles. It was bonkers, but good for you. Cornelius Elementary School in North Carolina, we salute you. Tell me something good coming up in just a moment. But first diabetes Connections is brought to you by Dexcom. And we started with Dexcom back in the olden days before share. Yeah, there were two years almost, I think we used it before share. Trust me when I say using share and follow apps has made a big difference. Then he and I now set parameters about when I'm going to call him or text him you know how long to wait, that kind of stuff. But it really helps us talk and worry about diabetes less. You know, if he's away on a trip or at a sleep over, it gives me peace of mind. It also helps I love this if I need to troubleshoot with him, because we can see what's been happening over the last 24 hours and not just at one moment. The alerts and alarms that we set also help us from keeping the highs from getting too high and help us jump on loads before there were a big issue. Internet connectivity is required to access the separate Dexcom follow app. To learn more, go to Diabetes connections.com and click on the Dexcom logo.   And tell me something good this week Happy Anniversary diaversary. Happy 10 years to the college diabetes network. I can't believe this organization is 10 years old. We have been following their progress from the beginning. The college diabetes network started when Christina Roth basically started a campus group by herself wanting peer support on college campuses. And then she expanded into a national nonprofit which only served the young adults it really was geared towards college kids. But as it grew, and Christina saw the need, it continued to expand and now includes information for high school students, college students, young professionals and people like me, parents and family who are trying to stay informed, stay calm, learn more about sending their students, their kids with T Wendy off to college. So congratulations to the college diabetes network with more than 224 chapters now on campuses across the country. They are just doing an incredible job. They have a bunch of celebrations going on this month. And Benny is he's a sophomore in high school. I'm trying not to get too far ahead of myself. I have learned with all these years with type one, you know, in my family, that while it's good to be prepared and think you know what's coming, you really don't know what each stage is going to bring with your child because every kid is different. So I've stayed away from college type one stuff as much as I can until we get just a little bit closer. another bit of good news this month. The diabetes psychologist podcast has launched and this is with Dr. Mark Heyman and I spoke to him earlier this year. And then kind of off the year we talked about his podcast and I'm thrilled that he took the dive It has done this, I will link it up in the show notes. There's just not enough in terms of resources right when it comes to mental health and diabetes. So kudos to him for launching this. He has launched it as a limited series. He has a bunch of episodes out, and we shall see if he continues, but I'm thrilled that he put these important episodes and good help out there. And this last one isn't really a concrete Tell me something good, but it's just something I love. You know, every year, there are diabetes challenges on Instagram and Facebook, you know, social media stuff, I'm sure there's stuff happening on tik tok and snapchat that I will never say, but it's all about, you know, post every day, and they give you something to post. And if you're interested, I mean, we're almost halfway through the month. But there's still a long way to go. I'll link up a couple in the show notes. And I'm sure you've seen them on Instagram, but I, I love these. I don't participate anymore, because I have a lot of other stuff going on. And you know, it's Benny's type one. I mean, it's really not something I can take pictures of all day long anymore. I'm not taking care of him in the same way. But I love to see these posts. I don't care if you're posting twice in a month or every single day, your posts are seen. They matter. And they make me smile. They're not all happy posts. Certainly they're all good news posts. That's not what diabetes is all about. But it really is heartening to remember that this community is still the DRC it's the diabetes online community, and your voice matters, your pictures matter. So thanks for letting me take part a little bit in what's going on in your diabetes life. That way, if you haven't told me something good story, you can always reach out Stacy at Diabetes connections.com. And I regularly asked for submissions in the Facebook group, Diabetes Connections group. A couple of reminders of things I've been telling you about in past episode First, the contests are going on right now I've got two contests this month, one on Instagram one on Facebook. So the Facebook one is only in the group. It's in our podcast group. But the Instagram one is on the Stacey Simms account, it's the only account I have over there. So definitely check those out. Again, links in the show notes, any app you're listening to will have the show notes. So you can always go back to Diabetes connections.com. And the second thing I want to make sure you know about is the ebook, Diabetes Connections extra. I'm giving this away for free. Yes, you do have to sign up for my newsletter. And if you already signed up for the newsletter, you can still sign up and get the book you will not get double the newsletter. Although, you know, would you really mind hearing from me more than once I know. But definitely sign up and get that ebook. I think it's really good for newer diagnosed families, for people who have maybe just started a CGM who have never really figured out what ketones are. And I think for veteran families, and really well educated people, let's face it, like yourself, probably who listened to this podcast every week. It's fantastic to give to the other people in your life, who may not really understand diabetes, because Diabetes Connections extra is full of conversations about the basic building blocks of diabetes management. And some people just learn better when they read a book, rather than sitting down with a grandma, or sitting down with your best friend who's interested and kind of explaining. And that's what I think it's really going to be good for. But   you tell me I'm interested to see what the reaction is to this. That is Diabetes Connections extra and we are giving it away for free, it will not be free forever. I'm going to put it on Amazon as an E book in a couple of weeks. Okay, thank you so much to my editor John Bukenas from audio editing solutions. And thank you so much for listening. It means the world to me that you're here week after week. I appreciate it so much. I'm Stacey Simms. I'll see you back here next week. Until then, be kind to yourself.   Unknown Speaker  38:38 Diabetes Connections is a production of Stacey Simms Media. All rights reserved. All wrongs avenged

Join Patti Katter and her guest, Gregory Gadson, as they talk about how a retired colonel became an actor, a motivational speaker, and a founder of his own company. Gregory made his acting debut in 2012, starring in the movie Battleship. He is also the founder of Patriotic Strategies, a government service provider. And despite losing both his legs in combat, he continuously proves to us all that you can do and be anything you want to be. In this episode, you’ll learn: · Why did Gregory join the military even though he wanted to pursue football? · From being a lieutenant colonel, he was promoted to the rank of colonel. · After losing both his legs and severely injuring his right arm, he continued to serve in a program called the Continuation of Active Duty. · He retired from the military in the year 2014 after more than 25 years of service. · Gregory started his own company called Patriotic Strategies with his partner, Kurt Gutierrez. · And much more! About Gregory Gadson: Colonel Gregory D. Gadson, a Chesapeake, Va., native; served our nation in the United States Army for more than 26 years. Col. Gadson's service culminated as the Garrison Commander of Fort Belvoir, where he oversaw the daily operations of the post, a strategic sustaining base where more than 50,000 military personnel and employees provide logistically, intelligence, medical and administrative support, and command and control for a mix of more than 140 commands and agencies for the Department of Defense. 25-year career Army officer, Col. Gadson's life is a portrait of courage in the face of great adversity. In May 2007, as commander of the 2nd Battalion, 32nd Field Artillery, Col. Gadson's greatest challenge came in Iraq, where an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) attack cost him both legs above the knees and normal use of his right arm and hand. Despite this, Gadson remained on active duty in the Army and continued to inspire many with his message of courage, perseverance, determination, and teamwork. Greg is a passionate advocate for wounded warriors, veterans, and those with disabilities; on several occasions, testified before Congress on issues related to these groups. Greg made his silver screen debut in 2012 as a lead actor in the blockbuster movie Battleship; where he portrayed a war-injured veteran that helped save the world from an alien invasion. In 2015, he completed season one of The Inspectors, a family television series on CBS. Greg continues a very energetic and dynamic lifestyle where he continues to serve his nation as an entrepreneur and managing partner of Patriot Strategies, LLC, a government services company. He is also an accomplished photographer/artist and remains active in cycling, skiing and scuba. Greg's military awards include the Distinguished Service Medal; Legion of Merit (2); Bronze Stars (3); Purple Heart; the Meritorious Service Medal (3) and the Army Commendation Medal (3). ~~~~ You can find Gregory Gadson on… Website: https://patriotstrategiesllc.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gregory.d.gadson Twitter: https://twitter.com/iamgreggadson Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gregory_98 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregory-gadson Speakers Bureau: https://premierespeakers.com/greg-gadson/bio --- Connect with Patti Katter! Website:http://pattikatter.com/#podcast --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/wakeupwithpattikatter/message

Traveling the country in a custom van going from course to course playing with subscribers of The Golfer's Journal, Casey Bannon is living out an absolute dream of a summer roadie. Now based near the TGJ's headquarters in Southern California, the DMV native is making his way through the area in preparation for several events in the mid-Atlantic. Launched in 2017, The Golfer's Journal has provided a much-needed alternative to traditional golf publications as an independent quarterly packed with stunning photography & stories that focus on the soul of the game. We met up with Casey at Fort Belvoir where he first caught the golf bug, played a few holes & got to learn his story in golf, how he got connected with TGJ & where the van is headed next. www.golfersjournal.com

In our second episode, we visit Ben Ellis at Fort Belvoir Golf Club, who along with a skeleton crew, is working to ensure the 36 holes on the property are in the best possible condition when it re-opens after closing due to Covid-19. Ben has extensive experience as a superintendent at several area facilities, is […]

In our second episode, we visit Ben Ellis at Fort Belvoir Golf Club, who along with a skeleton crew, is working to ensure the 36 holes on the property are in the best possible condition when it re-opens after closing due to Covid-19. Ben has extensive experience as a superintendent at several area facilities, is President of the Maryland Turfgrass Council and has recently been featured on PGA Tour Radio's Katrek & Maginess show and Golf Course Management Magazine.

Born in Tempe, Arizona in 1950. Grew up in Florida. Attended Dan McCarty HighSchool graduating in 1970. Attended Indian River Community College while workingpart and later full time at the local movie theatres as a concession stand, usher,projectionist, and manager. Received notice in October 1971 of the impending draft andwas inducted into the US Army in December of that same year.  Assignments included Fort Jackson, SC for Basic Training, Fort Dix, NJ for AdvancedIndividual Training, and posting as a Chaplain Assistant. From there, I reenlisted andwent to Fort Bragg for a year and then to the Federal Republic of Germany for the firstof three postings. In Nurnberg, I was in the First Armored Division with the 1st ArmoredDivision Artillery, which was possibly the best assignment ever.  Upon leaving Germany the first time, I was posted at Fort Belvoir, VA. I was then postedat Fort Dix, NJ (again), and then Fort Monmouth NJ at the United States Army ChaplainCenter and School. While at Fort Monmouth, I was an instructor and Platoon Sergeantfor future Chaplain Assistants.Don't Miss This Episode…“This Is The Year For Your New Book”

In all aspects of my personal, academic, and professional life, Destinee has an undeniable, strong motivation, and passion to help Service Members, Veterans, and their family members succeed. She grew up as a military ‘brat,’ she is an Army Veteran, and a military spouse. She worked for the Soldier For Life – Transition Assistance Program (SFL-TAP) as a career counselor and as Site Lead/Manager for the VA-TAP Benefits Advisors on Fort Belvoir and Quantico. She also worked with our wounded warriors as a transition coordinator. She has such a drive that she even continued my professional development and became a Certified Veteran Developmental Coach (CVDC), specializing in transition and development as well as career and life mapping. Through her doctoral degree, she has dedicated all her studies to further understanding Veteran transition and her dissertation topic is: The Post 9/11 Female Veteran Workforce Experience: A Multiple Case Study. She is the President and Co/Founder of We2AreVets 501C3 and is the volunteer Director of Women Veterans Programs and Resources for VETS2INDUSTRY. In her ‘free’ time, she is a very active mentor and coach.From 2008-2012, she was a Medical Service Officer/Healthcare Administrative Officer in the Army. She spent 4 years active duty in the 44th Medical Brigade in several different units (Area Support Medical Company, Combat Support Hospital, Dental Unit, Brigade Staff).Her friends and previous co-workers call me “Wonder Woman”. She is a mother to three sweet, energetic, smart little men - twins, ages 8 & 7. They also keep her motivated to be the best role model she can be.In this episode we talked about Destinee’s recently published dissertation: Post 9-11 Female Veteran Workforce Transition Experience. We talked about how the dissertation topic came to be, the research process, how she found women to talk to, the four themes that came out of her research, and what she is doing today.When she began her research, she found that there hadn’t been any research done on women veterans in the post 9-11 era. She knew that her experience didn’t fit the traditional transition and felt so alone. She had left the Army to be a military spouse and stay at home mom. Beginning her Ph.D. was something she decided to do for her. And she wanted to focus on women veterans and their transition process. She wanted to know if her experience was an anomaly. She put a call for women needing between eight to fifteen to participate. Within a day she had 72 women signed up to share their experience. This excited and encouraged her to continue her research. Women wanted to share their stories. She followed up with the first 15 women who signed up. It was a wide range of ranks and included four of the five branches. From her research, she took away four primary themes. Non-Traditional RouteIdentity ShiftRecognition Traditional Program and the need for reformationWe discuss the overall themes and a brief overview of what she learned. We ended the interview with advice for women veterans and women planning to join the military. For women veterans, get involved in the veteran community. Connect with other woman veterans and you will find a unique connection and build lasting friendships. Both Destinee and I ran away from the veteran community post-transition and coming back to the veteran community has been so welcoming and healing. For women looking to join she offered the advice of not losing yourself. The military molds and changes you, but that doesn’t mean you need to lose who you are and what you want. You should also connect with a mentor. If you don’t know anyone or need help finding a mentor both Destinee and I are happy to help. You can also check out my free Girls Guide to the Military that will help answer your questions toward military life. Connect with Destinee:LinkedInwww.coachforveterans.comMentioned in this Episode:The Post 9/11 Female Veteran Workforce Experience: A Multiple Case StudyVETS2INDUSTRYA Girls Guide to the MilitaryRelated Episodes:Military Women and their History - Episode 70Do You Know the History of the original Woman Pilots? - Episode 49 Advice from the 23rd Secretary of the Air Force - Episode 40

Join us as we traveled to Stafford County, Virginia and met with Kevin Good. Kevin is the Deputy Chief at Fort Belvoir Fire and Emergency Services. We dove into the topic of Youth in Leadership and beyond. Make sure to check out Fort Belvoir on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.If you have any feedback or questions for Kevin or regarding this episode feel free to e-mail us at firehouseleadership@gmail.com

In May 2007, Colonel Greg Gadson found himself face-up on a Baghdad street, having been blown out of his vehicle by a powerful roadside bomb. He was bleeding profusely from both legs, which he eventually lost. As a battalion commander, that day he was returning from a memorial service for two Soldiers from a sister unit who lost their lives...and now Colonel Gadson's Soldiers were trying desperately to save his. Retired Colonel Greg Gadson played football at West Point before becoming a Field Artillery Officer in 1989. He saw every major conflict until that fateful day in 2007, when he lost both his legs to an Improvised Explosive Device. In the years following his injury, he recovered and continued to serve, eventually becoming the Garrison Commander at Fort Belvoir and retiring in 2015. In this interview, he shares details of the IED attack and how his unit's pre-deployment training directly saved his life. COL Gadson also describes his decade-long partnership with the New York Giants and how he came to hold two Super Bowl Rings as a double amputee. Colonel Gadson is a powerful presence and an inspiration to be around. Please enjoy the conversation and lead well!

In May 2007, Colonel Greg Gadson found himself face-up on a Baghdad street, having been blown out of his vehicle by a powerful roadside bomb. He was bleeding profusely from both legs, which he eventually lost. As a battalion commander, that day he was returning from a memorial service for two Soldiers from a sister unit who lost their lives...and now Colonel Gadson's Soldiers were trying desperately to save his. Retired Colonel Greg Gadson played football at West Point before becoming a Field Artillery Officer in 1989. He saw every major conflict until that fateful day in 2007, when he lost both his legs to an Improvised Explosive Device. In the years following his injury, he recovered and continued to serve, eventually becoming the Garrison Commander at Fort Belvoir and retiring in 2015. In this interview, he shares details of the IED attack and how his unit's pre-deployment training directly saved his life. COL Gadson also describes his decade-long partnership with the New York Giants and how he came to hold two Super Bowl Rings as a double amputee. Colonel Gadson is a powerful presence and an inspiration to be around. Please enjoy the conversation and lead well!

Great use of a colon there Bren. Much improved from last week Round 1: The Army has issued guidance for the appropriate use of emojis so troops can avoid sexual assault and harassment charges and we have some questions about this.Round 2: A remarkable piece was released by the Washington Post about the War in Afghanistan that confirms what many have long suspected.Round 3: Santa Claus is causing a commotion on Fort Belvoir after he put on his uniform and took the post at a commissary to greet shoppers. 

Clinton Portis and co-host Monica McNutt are joined by Redskins defensive players Shaun Dion Hamilton and Cole Holcomb at Fort Belvoir.

Episode 11 of 26 Minutes With Clinton Portis is LIVE from Fort Belvoir! This week CP and his crew discuss the loss to the Falcons, Ryan Kerrigan joins and shares the best thing he saw last week, and a special live #AskCP!

It's episode 16 live from Fort Belvoir! This week Redskins.com's Staff Writer Jake Kring-Schreifels joins Cooley to discuss the Offensive Film Breakdown from the loss against the Falcons.

How do you evaluate millions of different signals when time is of the essence? This was the question that started it all. In 2009, the United States Army Intelligence and Security Command (INSCOM) at Fort Belvoir sought the capability to track national security threats in real time. The solution needed to produce instant results and visualize insights across massive streaming datasets. Nothing existed in the market that met their needs. Data warehouses were too slow, NoSQL wouldn’t scale and premium in-memory solutions promised real time but didn't deliver. These are the problems that led to the creation of Kinectica. Paul Appleby, CEO of Kinetica, believes that the data that is generated through business activities has become more valuable than the business activities themselves – heralding this new era he calls the “Extreme Data Economy.” For Paul, it is apparent that businesses are increasingly facing enormous challenges addressing massive sets of complex data at unparalleled speed, making it almost impossible to maintain business in motion. In order to understand this era of the data-driven economy, Paul believes it is incumbent upon business leaders and technologists to evolve their thinking around data to the point where data shapes business strategies, drives investments and enables hyper growth. Guest Info  Paul Appleby is the CEO as well as a board member of Kinetica, where he is responsible for accelerating Kinetica’s growth and furthering the company’s international expansion. Paul has over 25 years of experience successfully building and leading global teams for industry brands and startups alike. Paul came to Kinetica from BMC Software, where he was President of Worldwide Sales and Marketing. Prior to BMC, he was the Executive Vice President of Global Sales at Salesforce, and before that, Chief Revenue Officer at C3 IoT. Previously, Paul was Managing Director of EMEA and APJ for Travelex, the world’s largest non-bank foreign exchange provider. Prior to Travelex, he held senior executive positions overseeing the Asia Pacific region at both Oracle Corporation and Siebel Corporation. Earlier in his career, Paul was CEO of Gocorp and Director of both Financial Services and Telecommunications for SAP.

Chef Johnny Scott loves to teach young people the importance of developing workforce skills, an entrepreneurial spirit, and overcoming the shame of their past. Johnny honed his cooking skills working by his mother’s side in the kitchen; preparing food for fellow inmates in jail; and while touring the globe with his Air Force wife. In addition to running his Mission Kitchen catering business, Johnny can be found helping at-risk youth at the DC Juvenile Detention Center, The DC Dream Center, and The Boys Probation House in Fairfax County, as well as teaching healthy cooking classes at the USO Warrior and Family Center at Fort Belvoir. Join us as Johnny shares highlights and lessons learned from a life serving delicious food to others.

The US Army Artist in Residence SFC Juan Munoz might be the Army's best-kept secret. His job is to document through art the experiences of soldiers as they fulfill their duties both home and abroad. SFC Munoz deploys with troops for a month as a soldier/artist--expected to carry his weight and to document what he sees. SFC Munoz has an extraordinary amount of freedom: he chooses what to document and how to document it. In fact, when he was appointed, the army emphasized he was not creating propaganda but rather telling the stories of soldiers through art. In this week's podcast, we visit the studio of SFC Munoz at Fort Belvoir and learn about the role of the army's artists in residence.

The US Army Artist in Residence SFC Juan Munoz might be the Army's best-kept secret. His job is to document through art the experiences of soldiers as they fulfill their duties both home and abroad. SFC Munoz deploys with troops for a month as a soldier/artist--expected to carry his weight and to document what he sees. SFC Munoz has an extraordinary amount of freedom: he chooses what to document and how to document it. In fact, when he was appointed, the army emphasized he was not creating propaganda but rather telling the stories of soldiers through art. In this week's podcast, we visit the studio of SFC Munoz at Fort Belvoir and learn about the role of the army's artists in residence.

The US Army Artist in Residence SFC Juan Munoz might be the Army's best-kept secret. His job is to document through art the experiences of soldiers as they fulfill their duties both home and abroad. SFC Munoz deploys with troops for a month as a soldier/artist--expected to carry his weight and to document what he sees. SFC Munoz has an extraordinary amount of freedom: he chooses what to document and how to document it. In fact, when he was appointed, the army emphasized he was not creating propaganda but rather telling the stories of soldiers through art. In this week's podcast, we visit the studio of SFC Munoz at Fort Belvoir and learn about the role of the army's artists in residence.

Donald Trump loves putting his name on everything from ties to steaks to water — and, of course, his buildings. But now the Trump Organization appears to be borrowing a brand even more powerful than the gilded Trump moniker: the presidential seal. In recent weeks, the Trump Organization has ordered the manufacture of new tee markers for golf courses that are emblazoned with the seal of the President of the United States. Under federal law, the seal’s use is permitted only for official government business. Misuse can be a crime. Past administrations have policed usage vigilantly. In 2005 the Bush administration ordered the satirical news website The Onion to remove a replica of the seal. Grant M. Dixton, associate White House council, wrote in a letter to The Onion that the seal "is not to be used in connection with commercial ventures or products in any way that suggests presidential support or endorsement.” After listening to the new ProPublica/WNYC podcast Trump, Inc., a listener brought the signs to our attention. Eagle Sign and Design, a metalworking and sign company with offices in New Albany, Indiana, and Louisville, Kentucky, said it had received an order to manufacture dozens of round, 12-inch replicas of the Presidential Seal to be placed next to the tee boxes at Trump golf course holes. Two tee markers are placed on the ground at the start of a hole on golf courses to indicate where golfers should stand to take their first swing. “We made the design, and the client confirmed the design,” said Joseph E. Bates, who owns Eagle Sign, declining to say who the client was. An order form for the tee markers reviewed by ProPublica and WNYC says the customer was “Trump International.” The Facebook page for Eagle Sign and Design shows a photo of the markers in an album with the caption “Trump International Golf Course.” It is unclear how many Trump International golf courses could feature the markers. The Trump Organization owns four courses with the “International” name in the U.S. and abroad, with a fifth course in Bali, Indonesia, in the works. Eagle Sign makes a wide array of tee markers out of bronze and aluminum, and has made other signs for Trump’s courses, according to its website. At some of Trump’s golf courses, tee markers have sported the Trump family crest, which he took from the family that originally owned Mar-a-Lago without permission and then altered by adding his own name. Ethics experts have long been on the lookout for signs that the Trump Organization would exploit the office of the presidency for commercial gain. Several said that using the Presidential Seal on the company’s golf courses would fall into this category. A law governs the manufacture or use of the seal, its likeness, “or any facsimile thereof” for anything other than official U.S. government business. It can be a criminal offense punishable by up to six months in prison. The “law is an expression of the idea that the government and government authority should not be used for private purpose,” said Kathleen Clark, a law professor at Washington University specializing in government and legal ethics said. “It would be a misuse of government authority.” The Department of Justice declined to comment on whether it was aware the seal had been used by entities outside the government. The White House and the Trump Organization did not respond to request for comment. The presidential seal was first sketched out by President Millard Fillmore in 1850 and the current design — which shows a bald eagle with an olive branch in its right talon, a bundle of 13 arrows in the left, and a scroll bearing the words “E pluribus unum” in its beak — was chosen by President Truman and made official in a 1945 executive order.  The seal that adorns the president’s speaking lecterns is hand-made by the Institute of Heraldry, a department of the Army located at Fort Belvoir in Virginia that designs and provides guidance related to military and governmental symbols. Versions of the seal have occasionally been put to personal use by past presidents. George W. Bush and Barack Obama had custom sets of golf balls made with the seal. Ronald and Nancy Reagan had a set of presidential china bearing the seal, and there have even been M&M’s and jelly-beans that featured the seal. In this case, the difference is that a private company is using the seal, said Richard Painter, vice chairman of Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington, a government accountability group. Painter also served as an associate White House counsel during the George W. Bush administration. “If we had heard of a private company using it for commercial purposes, we would have sent them a nasty letter,” he said. Update: After this story was published, the Facebook page with the image of the Presidential Seal golf tee marker was removed. Screen shot of Facebook page of Eagle Sign & Design. (katherine Sullivan, ProPublica/WNYC/Facebook)      

Talking Manpower continues its conversation with Ms. Barbara Guy, Chief, Civilian Career Proponency Division, Assistant Deputy Chief of Staff, G1 for Civilian Personnel, Fort Belvoir, Virginia. Ms. Guy discusses her role, how she supports Civilian Career Programs and how different perspectives gave her a greater understanding.

Talking Manpower sits down with Ms. Barbara Guy, Chief, Civilian Career Proponency Division, Assistant Deputy Chief of Staff, G1 for Civilian Personnel, Fort Belvoir, Virginia. Ms. Guy discusses her role, how she supports Civilian Career Programs and how different perspectives gave her a greater understanding.

Talking Manpower sits down with Ms. Barbara Guy, Chief, Civilian Career Proponency Division, Assistant Deputy Chief of Staff, G1 for Civilian Personnel, Fort Belvoir, Virginia. Ms. Guy discusses her role, how she supports Civilian Career Programs and how different perspectives gave her a greater understanding.

A few years ago, Teodrose Fikre was an Associate at Booz Allen Hamilton making a six figure salary consulting agencies at the Pentagon, Fort Belvoir and Department of Treasury and a wide array of defense and civil agencies throughout the Washington, DC metro area.  I provided IT and business process improvement consultation for an alphabet soup of federal agencies and led a very comfortable life. I built up an "impressive array" of credentials and degrees; an MBA from Johns Hopkins, a PMP certification as well as a six sigma certified project manager. From the outside, I was the quintessential American success story. But these things, titles and accomplishments, could not fill the void I felt as accomplishments for the sake of accomplishment always felt like I was chasing unfulfilling pavements.Then the swerve of life happened and in a fell swoop, I fell into a crevice of turbulence. Equal parts malicious imposition and my own imprudence took me from upper-middle class comforts to day to day distress that comes with indigence. But where burdens exist, blessings are evident if we only look for them. It was precisely my two-year exodus that gave me a revelation of true injustice and gave me the wisdom to pursue truth and justice without regard to the labels and constructs that separate us.I am a published author and a writer whose speech idea was incorporated into Barack Obama's South Carolina victory speech in 2008. Once thoroughly entangled in politics and a partisan loyalist, a mugging by way of reality shed political blinders from my eyes and led me on a journey to fight for universal justice.For more about The Ghion Journal visit their website www.ghionjournal.com.

In today’s Grab Life Big Podcast, Dr. Steven Hatcher shares how he has dedicated his career to improving the lives of patients by providing exceptional smiles. For Steven, he wants his life filled with meaningful relationships and unforgettable experiences. Tune in, and be inspired in this information packed interview! In this episode, you will learn: Steven's brief bio. The biggest game changer in Steven's life. Steven's vertical income, net worth and other income sources. Steven's life happiness index. Steven's 10 year goals. The best thing that Steven’s coach has taught him. Steven's life's 5 greatest hits. Steven's bucket list items. Plus so much more! Dr. Steven Hatcher has created a patient-centered practice with an emphasis on personalized attention. He knows that good oral health requires a lifetime commitment to diligent care. He develops lasting relationships to help patients maintain long-term oral wellness. Dr. Hatcher is a University of North Carolina alum, where he majored in biology, and completed undergraduate studies. At UNC, he was awarded a cancer research grant from National Institutes of Health. After graduating from dental school, he began military service at Fort Meade, MD, spending the majority of his time in Washington, DC. Dr. Hatcher has been stationed at Fort Belvoir, the Pentagon, and Fort Meade. Dr. Hatcher is married to Dr. Sona Isharani. They and their daughter Sophie are residents of Greensboro. When Dr. Hatcher isn’t at the office creating stunning smiles, he enjoys time with his family. They like to ski, hike, golf, cook, and travel. The Dental Practice supports Steven Hatcher’s Personal Vision... Steven is a father, husband, son, brother and dentist in that order or importance. Life is short and he wants the limited time we have on this earth to be filled with enriching experiences that push our boundaries. Steven wants to experience as much of this life as possible. Before spending eternity with the heavenly father, he wants to enrich the lives of the people he touches. Honesty, empathy, integrity, generosity will guide Steven’s decisions within his relationships. He will continue to take good care of his body with regular exercise and sound dietary decisions. Providing comprehensive life changing dentistry will have dramatic impacts on the patients he treats. Steven hopes this has a ripple effect throughout our universe. Being the best comprehensive practice in the state will provide an abundant income for not only his family but his team members as well.