Podcasts about Humanitarian Service Medal

Send us a textPart II - Jayne Amelia talks with Colonel (Retired) Gregory J. Rosenmerkel who is a CASA in Colorado and was recently assigned a sibling set of three boys. Rosie grew up in Waukesha, WI and earned his commission and degree in Civil Engineering from the United States Air Force Academy in 1988.  He spent over 25 years as an Air Force officer/engineer with assignments to 11 different locations in the US and overseas.  He commanded units at both squadron and group levels and he led teams on deployments to Somalia, Panama, Haiti, Iraq, Afghanistan and several other locations. He's earned a Master of Science in Management from Colorado Christian University, a Master of Science in Civil Engineering/Construction from the University of Colorado at Boulder, and a Master of National Security and Strategic Studies from the US Naval War College in  Newport RI.In his last military assignment, then Colonel Rosenmerkel was the Commander, 11th Mission Support Group, (similar to a City Manager) at Joint Base Andrews, MD.  The group was over 1,200-people strong and provided base services to the Andrews community, the Pentagon and over 50 other units in the National Capital Region.  His awards and decorations include: the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal with five oak leaf clusters, Air Force Commendation Medal with oak leaf cluster, Army Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, Meritorious Unit Award, Outstanding Unit Award with three oak leaf clusters, Organizational Excellence Award with oak leaf cluster, Aghanistan Campaign Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Korea Service Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, NATO Medal and many others.        In their 13th move, he and his family settled in Glenwood Springs CO where he was the Engineering, Minerals and Fleet Staff Officer for the White River National Forest from 2013-2022.  He led a team of engineers and technicians to provide professional services in support of sustainable operations and multiple-use management of 2.3 million acres of public land. His wife of 33 years, Linda, is also a USAF Academy graduate and retired AF officer, currently working as a civilian for the Secretary of the Air Force's office.  Their son Ray is a Cadet Second Class (junior) at USAFA and their daughter Allison graduated the University of California in Santa Cruz in 2024. He is a licensed realtor, works part time as a bridge inspector and mentor for the USFS, teaches sporting clays shooting, and works at Ironbridge Golf Club.  He volunteers for the Western Slope Veterans Coalition and the Knights of Columbus as well as being a CASA. He and Linda enjoy biking, skiing, fitness, golfing and visiting family and friends all over the country.  *A few things from early life not in this bio--Rosie grew up in the same town as both sets of grandparents, most of his aunts, uncles and cousins and graduated from the same high school as his Mom and Dad.  He has two sisters and a brother, and he's #2.See bonusbabies.org to learn more about what we are doing and please donate to support us by making a 100% tax-deductible contribution. EVERY PENNY OF YOUR CONTRIBUTION GOES TO RECORDING AND PLATFORMING THESE STORIES. Yeah!IG@bonusbabiespodcastTW@BonusBabiesPodFB@BonusBabiesPodcast

Send us a textJayne Amelia talks with Colonel (Retired) Gregory J. Rosenmerkel who is a new CASA in Colorado and just assigned a sibling set of three boys.  Rosie grew up in Waukesha, WI and earned his commission and degree in Civil Engineering from the United States Air Force Academy in 1988.  He spent over 25 years as an Air Force officer/engineer with assignments to 11 different locations in the US and overseas.  He commanded units at both squadron and group levels and he led teams on deployments to Somalia, Panama, Haiti, Iraq, Afghanistan and several other locations. He's earned a Master of Science in Management from Colorado Christian University, a Master of Science in Civil Engineering/Construction from the University of Colorado at Boulder, and a Master of National Security and Strategic Studies from the US Naval War College in  Newport RI.In his last military assignment, then Colonel Rosenmerkel was the Commander, 11th Mission Support Group, (similar to a City Manager) at Joint Base Andrews, MD.  The group was over 1,200-people strong and provided base services to the Andrews community, the Pentagon and over 50 other units in the National Capital Region.  His awards and decorations include: the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal with five oak leaf clusters, Air Force Commendation Medal with oak leaf cluster, Army Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, Meritorious Unit Award, Outstanding Unit Award with three oak leaf clusters, Organizational Excellence Award with oak leaf cluster, Aghanistan Campaign Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Korea Service Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, NATO Medal and many others.        In their 13th move, he and his family settled in Glenwood Springs CO where he was the Engineering, Minerals and Fleet Staff Officer for the White River National Forest from 2013-2022.  He led a team of engineers and technicians to provide professional services in support of sustainable operations and multiple-use management of 2.3 million acres of public land. His wife of 33 years, Linda, is also a USAF Academy graduate and retired AF officer, currently working as a civilian for the Secretary of the Air Force's office.  Their son Ray is a Cadet Second Class (junior) at USAFA and their daughter Allison graduated the University of California in Santa Cruz in 2024. He is a licensed realtor, works part time as a bridge inspector and mentor for the USFS, teaches sporting clays shooting, and works at Ironbridge Golf Club.  He volunteers for the Western Slope Veterans Coalition and the Knights of Columbus as well as being a CASA. He and Linda enjoy biking, skiing, fitness, golfing and visiting family and friends all over the Country.  *A few things from early life not in this bio--Rosie grew up in the same town as both sets of grandparents, most of his aunts, uncles and cousins and graduated from the same high school as his Mom and Dad.  He has two sisters and a brother, and he's #2.See bonusbabies.org to learn more about what we are doing and please donate to support us by making a 100% tax-deductible contribution. EVERY PENNY OF YOUR CONTRIBUTION GOES TO RECORDING AND PLATFORMING THESE STORIES. Yeah!IG@bonusbabiespodcastTW@BonusBabiesPodFB@BonusBabiesPodcast

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.

Explore the extraordinary journey of LTC Oak McCulloch, a seasoned Army veteran and accomplished leader, in this captivating video. Born in Loudon, Tennessee, and raised in Kirkland, Illinois, Oak's path led him through the prestigious United States Military Academy at West Point, where he began his military journey.Over a 23-year career, LTC McCulloch served in various leadership roles in the Infantry and Armor branches, contributing to disaster relief efforts during Hurricane HUGO and Hurricane ANDREW. His operational deployments took him to Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Bosnia, and Kosovo, shaping his expertise in military strategy.Following his retirement from the Army in 2009, Oak transitioned to civilian life, making a significant impact as the Associate Director at the Bay Area Food Bank during the BP oil spill. His commitment to service extended to roles as Vice Chair for Military Affairs at the Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce and as a member of the Mobile Rotary International Club.In 2010, LTC McCulloch took on the role of Recruiting Officer for the Eagle Battalion Army ROTC program at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. Over 15 years, he transformed the program, earning recognition as the top recruiting officer in 2019 out of 274 recruiters.Beyond his achievements, Oak McCulloch is the author of "Your Leadership Legacy: Becoming the Leader You Were Meant to Be," published in February 2021. His educational background includes a Bachelor of Science in History from Northern Illinois University and a Master of Military Arts and Science from the United States Army Command and General Staff College.Throughout his military career, LTC McCulloch earned thirty-one military service awards, including the Bronze Star, eight Meritorious Service Medals, and the Humanitarian Service Medal. Join us in celebrating the remarkable life and accomplishments of LTC Oak McCulloch, a true leader and inspiration to many.

Welcome back to another episode of TM3 Impact! Tomas is joined by Dr. Ramon Cestero. Dr. Cestero is board certified in both general surgery and surgical critical care. During his time at Los Angeles County/USC, Dr. Cestero was awarded two commendations from the County of Los Angeles for his efforts as team leader of the LAC/USC Haiti Trauma/Critical Care Task Force after the 2010 earthquake in Haiti. From 2003 to 2013, Dr. Cestero served as an active duty Navy surgeon and served as Department Head, Combat Casualty Care Research at the US Naval Medical Research Unit in San Antonio. Throughout his Navy career, Dr. Cestero has completed multiple combat surgical deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan and served as the Chief of Trauma for the NATO Role 3 Multinational Medical Unit in Kandahar, Afghanistan in 2012. His military awards and decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Navy Commendation Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, and Navy/Marine Corps Achievement Medal. Currently, he is an Associate Professor of Surgery at the University of Texas Health Science Center, Medical Director of the Surgical/Trauma Intensive Care Unit, and Program Director of the Surgical Critical Care fellowship as well as the Trauma Surgery fellowship. Additionally, he is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons as well as the American College of Critical Care Medicine, and he has been selected as Vice Chair of the South Texas American College of Surgeons Committee on Trauma. He is also the Program Director of the UT Health San Antonio School of Medicine Executive Leadership Program which includes the Executive MBA for Health Professionals and the Executive Development Program for Emerging Health Leaders. His research interests include clinical trauma care, critical care diagnostics, surgical device development, and medical leadership and management.   Follow TM3 on social media: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thetomasmar... Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thetomasmart... Twitter: https://twitter.com/tomasm_3 Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tomasmart... Want to be on the TM3 Impact Podcast? Email us here: Krystal@lhmsat.com

Colonel Christopher Grice is the Acting Director, Joint Science and Technology Office, of the U.S. Defense Threat Reduction Agency ( https://www.dtra.mil/ ), a combat support agency within the United States Department of Defense (DoD), focused on countering weapons of mass destruction (WMD; chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and high explosives) and their mission enables DoD and the U.S. Government to prepare for and combat weapons of mass destruction and improvised threats, as well as to ensure nuclear deterrence. Previous to DTRA, Colonel Grice was Director of Materiel for the Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff, Headquarters Department of the Army (HQDA), as well as Division Chief for the Full Dimension Protection division. Prior to those assignments, Colonel Grice commanded the 69th Chemical Company in Hanau, Germany, the Blue Grass Chemical Activity at Blue Grass Army Depot, Kentucky, and the Pueblo Chemical Depot in Pueblo, Colorado. Colonel Grice's other key assignments included Instructor and Chief of Officer Training at the CBRN School, Battalion Executive Officer and Operations Officer for 110th Chemical Battalion at Joint Base Lewis McCord, Washington, Executive Assistant to the Director of the Joint Staff and Counter-proliferation Branch Chief for the Joint Staff, Senior Strategic Planner, U.S. Plans for United States Forces Korea. Colonel Grice's other operational and support deployments include Operation Joint Guardian in Kosovo as part of Task Force Falcon while the CBRN Officer for 2nd Brigade, 1st Armored Division and Operation Iraqi Freedom as the company commander of the 69th Chemical Company. A native of Galesburg, Illinois, Colonel Grice enlisted in the Army National Guard in 1989. He earned a Biological Sciences Degree from Southern Illinois University and a commission as a Chemical Officer in 1995. Colonel Grice also earned a Master of Science Degree in Environmental Management from Webster University in 2006 and a Master of Science Degree in Joint Campaign Planning and Strategy from the National Defense University (Joint Advanced Warfighting School) in 2015. Colonel Grice's awards and decorations include the Legion of Merit (with OLC), Bronze Star Medal, Defense Meritorious Service Medal (with OLC), Meritorious Service Medal (with OLC), Army Commendation Medal (with OLC), Army Achievement Medal (with OLC), Joint Meritorious Unit Award, Army Reserve Component Achievement Medal, Kosovo Campaign Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Korean Service Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, NCO Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon (Numeral 2), NATO Medal, Joint Chiefs of Staff Identification Badge, Army Staff Identification Badge, and the Senior Parachutist Badge. His foreign awards include the German Armed Forces Efficiency Badge. Support the show

First Sergeant Jason Belford enlisted in the United States Army on April 15, 2005. He completed Basic and Advanced Individual Training here at Fort Benning GA. First Sergeant Belford has  served in the 75th Ranger Regiment 3rd Ranger Battalion in all duty positions through First Sergeant. He is currently serving as the Bravo Company First Sergeant in the Officers Candidate school (OCS). He has also served in the 10th mountain division stationed out of Fort Polk LA where he did two Deployment with 2/4 Infantry Battalion.    Frist Sergeant Belford's awards and decorations include the 2x Bronze Star Medals, 2x Meritorious Service Medals , 7x, Army Commendation Medals, 2x Joint Service Achievement Medal, 2x Joint Service Accommodation Medal with C Device, 5x Army Achievement Medals, The National Defense Service Medal with Silver Star, 5x Army Good Conduct Medals, The Afghan Campaign Medal with SilverStar, The Global War on Terror Service Medal, 2x Humanitarian Service Medal, The Non Commissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon with the Roman Numeral 4, The Army Service Ribbon, The Overseas Service Ribbon with Roman Numeral 8, the Operation enduring Freedem Medal, Operation Inherent Resolve Medal, and the NATO Medal. Subscribe for more of The Black Site Show https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCj-T...Other Platforms https://theblacksiteshow.buzzsprout.com/

Jason Belford joined us this week to discuss his life prior to becoming one of the most elite Rangers in the 75th battalion. We spoke about his mental health, his struggle coming up and how is helping to develop the next generation of Rangers. Jason military accomplishments include Frist Sergeant Belford's awards and decorations include the 2x Bronze Star Medals, 2x Meritorious Service Medals , 7x, Army Commendation Medals, 2x Joint Service Achievement Medal, 2x Joint Service Accommodation Medal with C Device, 5x Army Achievement Medals, The National Defense Service Medal with Silver Star, 5x Army Good Conduct Medals, The Afghan Campaign Medal with SilverStar, The Global War on Terror Service Medal, 2x Humanitarian Service Medal, The Non Commissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon with the Roman Numeral 4, The Army Service Ribbon, The Overseas Service Ribbon with Roman Numeral 8, the Operation enduring Freedem Medal, Operation Inherent Resolve Medal, and the NATO Medal. @oneshot_rltw @rangerthoughts

One of the three pillars of the Human Experience is to lead, and today's guest is an outstanding example of what true leadership embodies. Oakland McCullooch spent 23 years in the Army and held numerous leadership positions in the Infantry and Armor branches. He assisted in disaster relief operations for Hurricane Hugo in Charleston, SC and Hurricane Andrew in South Florida. He has also held instructor positions at the US Army Ordnance School, the US Army Command and General Staff College, the Australian Command and Staff College, University of South Alabama and Stetson University. During his most recent position in the Army, he spent 3 years as the Professor of Military Science at the University of South Alabama where he led the training and commissioning of Lieutenants and tripled the size of the program.Oakland retired from the Army in September 2009 and joined the staff at the Bay Area Food Bank as the Associate Director. He left the food bank in December 2010 to become the Senior Military Science Instructor and recruiter for the Army ROTC program at Stetson University in DeLand, Florida. In October 2013, he became the Recruiting Operations Officer for the Eagle Battalion Army ROTC program at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University where he has more than doubled the size of the program. In 2019, Cadet Command selected LTC McCulloch as the top recruiting officer, out of 274 others. He received thirty-one military service awards including the Bronze Star, eight Meritorious Service Medals, and the Humanitarian Service Medal.In today's episode of Lead, Sell, Grow: The Human Experience, Oakland shares his experience in the army and the many lessons he learned about true leadership along the way. While many might think that being a leader just means telling others what to do, Oakland emphasizes that leadership is about people and that being a servant leader is what it is all about. People need to know that you have their best interest in mind in order for you to be able to lead them, otherwise you will end up with people that might get work done for you, but passion and motivation are the key pieces that are lacking. Tune in to hear all about Oakland's insight on how you can be a truly effective leader that people want to follow.Key highlights:● Oakland's background in the army leading up to his retirement in 2009● Oakland's reasons for being passionate about leadership● Lessons Oakland learned from being an army officer● Leadership is leadership- it doesn't matter where you practice it● People need to know that you have their best interest in mind to be able to lead them● Leadership is all about people and all about trust, if you lose trust or respect, people won't work very hard for you● The power of showing people you care about them● It is a privilege to being able to lead people- it's not about the title and more pay● Servant leadership is key● Leaders make a difference in people's lives● What can people do to improve their leadership skills?● What do good leaders do?● You need to be good at motivating people by finding a sense of purpose in their lives, a paycheck isn't enough motivation● How to get motivated in your leadership position● Why all leaders need a “Napoleon's corporal”● Why he wrote a book and what opportunities it led to● Our country is in need of good leadershipEpisode resources: ● Get Oakland's book: Your Leadership LegacyQuote from the episode:“It's mission first, people always.”Connect with Oakland: Website: www.ltcoakmcculloch.comLinkedInInstagram @ltcoakmccullochTwitter @LtcOaklandFacebookConnect with Eric: Be sure to connect with us in our Lead Sell Grow – The Human Experience Tribe Facebook group: Pick up your copy of B2B Sales SecretsLearn more about our services: www.TheGoalGuide.comImprove your sales and stay connected – Free Gifts Here https://shor.by/TheGoalGuide

COL Mike Story joins us from the U.S. Army War College in Carlisle, Pennsylvania to discuss his research on mindfulness and how it impacts the Warfighter. Bio below. Michael C. Story was born in Augusta, Georgia. He graduated from John Carroll University in 2000, with a Bachelor of Science in Biology and was commissioned into the Medical Service Corps. He holds a Master of Public Health in International Health from New York Medical College, a Master of Business Administration in Healthcare from George Washington University and is a current student at the U.S. Army War College earning his Master of Strategic Studies.Colonel Story has served in a variety of leadership positions including: Platoon Leader, 503rd Parachute Infantry Regiment (Air Assault), Camp Casey, Korea; Chief, Environmental Health, Department of Preventive Medicine, Keller Army Community Hospital, West Point, New York; additionally, during his tenure at West Point, he served as the Medical Officer for Cadet Basic Training, Department of Military Instruction, U.S. Military Academy; Executive Officer, Group Medical Plans and Operations, Preventive Medicine Officer, and a Civil Military Affairs Officer/CJ35, 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne), Fort Bragg, North Carolina; Company Commander, Charlie Company, 64th Brigade Support Battalion,, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, Fort Carson, Colorado; Chief Instructor, Environmental Health, Adjunct Lecturer for Texas A&M, School of Rural Public Health, and Training and Operations Officer, Department of Preventive Health Services, AMEDDC&S, Fort Sam Houston, Texas; Executive Officer, Office of the U.S. Army Dental Corps Chief, Fort Sam Houston, Texas; Detachment Commander, 71st Medical Detachment (PM) and interim Battalion Commander, 421st Multifunctional Medical Battalion (MMB), Baumholder, Germany; Deputy Commander for Administration, Reynolds Army Health Clinic, Fort Sill, Oklahoma, and Commander, 264th Medical Battalion, Fort Sam Houston, Texas. He is scheduled to assume command of the Weed Army Community Hospital, Fort Irwin, California in July 2022.Colonel Story's military education include: Army Medical Department (AMEDD) Officer Basic and Advance Course, Command and General Staff College, Brigade and Battalion Pre-Command Course, TRADOC Pre-Command Course, Defense Strategy Course, AMEDD Executive Skills Course, Principles of Military Preventive Medicine Course, Preventive Medicine Senior Leaders Course, Fundamental of Occupational Medicine Course, Medical Plans and Operations Course, Brigade Surgeon Course, U.S. Army Flight Surgeon Course, Survival Escape Resistance and Evasion (SERE) Level-C Course, Instructor Training Course, Basic Parachutist Course, and Air Assault Course.His awards and decorations include: Bronze Star Medal (3rd Award), Meritorious Service Medal (7th Award), Joint Service Commendation Medal, Army Commendation Medal (6th Award), Army Achievement Medal (9th Award), Joint Meritorious Unit Award (3rd Award), Meritorious Unit Citation (2nd Award), Army Good Conduct Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Medal, Korean Defense Service Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal, Non-Commissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon, Combat Medical Badge, Expert Field Medical Badge, German Troop Proficiency Badge (Gold), Chilean Parachutist Badge, Army Basic Instructor Badge, and the Order of the Military Medical Merit.

I'm so honored to have Oakland McCulloch on the podcast as he shares his decades of wisdom navigating leadership in the military and beyond! Oakland McCulloch was born in Loudon, Tennessee, and raised in Kirkland, Illinois.  After graduating from high school, he attend the United States Military Academy at West Point for two years.  He then graduated from Northern Illinois University and received his commission as an Infantry Officer through the Reserve Officer Training Course in 1986.       In his 23 year career in the Army Oak McCulloch held numerous leadership positions in the Infantry and Armor branches.  He assisted in disaster relief operations for Hurricane HUGO in Charleston, South Carolina and Hurricane ANDREW in south Florida.  His operational deployments include Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm in Saudi Arabia and Iraq as a Generals Aide-de-Camp, the Congressional Liaison Officer in support of operations in Bosnia and the Operations Officer during a Peace Keeping deployment to Kosovo.  He held instructor positions at the US Army Ordnance School, the US Army Command and General Staff College, the Australian Command and Staff College, University of South Alabama, and Stetson University.  His last position in the Army was a three-year tour as the Professor of Military Science at the University of South Alabama where he led the training and commissioning of Lieutenants and tripled the size of the program in his three-year tour. LTC McCulloch retired from the Army in September 2009 with over 23 years of active service and joined the staff at the Bay Area Food Bank as the Associate Director.  He was also the Vice Chair for Military Affairs on the Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce and a member of the Mobile Rotary International Club.  LTC McCulloch left the food bank in December 2010 to become the Senior Military Science Instructor and recruiter for the Army ROTC program at Stetson University in DeLand, Florida. In his 9 years at Stetson, the program grew from 15 Cadets to over 100 Cadets.  In October 2013, he became the Recruiting Operations Officer for the Eagle Battalion Army ROTC program at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University where he has more than doubled the size of the program in 6 years.  Cadet Command selected LTC McCulloch as the top recruiting officer, out of 274 recruiters, for 2019.  LTC Oak McCulloch published his first book in February 2021 – “Your Leadership Legacy: Becoming the Leader You Were Meant to Be”.       LTC McCulloch earned a Bachelor of Science degree in History from Northern Illinois University in 1987 and a Master of Military Arts and Science in History from the United States Army Command and General Staff College in 2002.  He received thirty-one military service awards including the Bronze Star, eight Meritorious Service Medals, and the Humanitarian Service Medal.You can find his book here - https://www.amazon.com/Your-Leadership-Legacy-Becoming-Leader/dp/1952037107

On this episode of Free Thinking, Montel talks with his friend Joe Van Fonda about his military service, his combat injuries, and why he choose to continue working with veterans once he entered civilian life. Joe served in the United States Marine Corps for more than 27 years. He retired out of Quantico, VA. in 2014 as the Regimental Sergeant's Major for the Wounded Warrior Regiment, where he oversaw the coordination of non-medical care to combat and non-combat wounded, ill, and injured Marines. His awards and decorations include the Purple Heart, Meritorious Service Medal, Navy, and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, Combat Action Ribbon, Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, and many more. He is now the Executive Director of the Disabled Veterans National Foundation. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

On this episode of Free Thinking, Montel talks with his friend Joe Van Fonda about his military service, his combat injuries, and why he choose to continue working with veterans once he entered civilian life. Joe served in the United States Marine Corps for more than 27 years. He retired out of Quantico, VA. in 2014 as the Regimental Sergeant's Major for the Wounded Warrior Regiment, where he oversaw the coordination of non-medical care to combat and non-combat wounded, ill, and injured Marines. His awards and decorations include the Purple Heart, Meritorious Service Medal, Navy, and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, Combat Action Ribbon, Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, and many more. He is now the Executive Director of the Disabled Veterans National Foundation. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

CCG Media presents High-Tech Sunday. On today's episode of High-Tech Sunday, our hosts, Rayondon Kennedy and Lango Deen sit down with Prospective Executive Officer of USS BAINBRIDGE and 2022 BEYA STEM Conference Career Achievement in Government awardee, CDR Desmond Walker, for a conversation on the Path of a Black Naval Officer. CDR Walker has served on USS BATAAN, where he received the Humanitarian Service Medal after support of Hurricane Katrina humantarian assistance and disaster relief. Later, the Commander served on USS CARL VINSON, where he excelled at anticipating problem areas in management of 26 assessable chemical and radiological programs. Ashore, CDR Walker served as a Nuclear Programs Manager, Section Head for Amphibious Warfare In-Service Readiness, and most recently, the Executive Assistant to Commander, Second Fleet / Commander, Joint Forces Command Norfolk. CDR Walker has received numerous recognition awards, such as the NNOA CAPT Sallee Kafer Mentoring Award in 2017 and NNOA Doris Miller Award in 2018 for his efforts in improving the connection between accession, retention and mentorship of Naval Officers. Keep up with CDR Walker via the following social media links: Facebook Instagram LinkedIn Twitter   Career Communications Group's High-Tech Sunday looks at professional development in technology through the lens of spiritual philosophies. In a time when digital information is critical more than ever, this weekly program is produced by and for CCG's community of alumni and professionals in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields, thought leaders, and aspiring students, to bring a concentrated discussion around technological advancements and achievements based on universal moral principles. The one-hour podcasts will be streamed every Sunday. The podcasts can be accessed through the BEYA Facebook page, Women of Color Facebook page, and CCG YouTube page ​in addition to Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Podbean, and Spotify. Please join us next time.  

On today's episode I interview Retired Lt. Col. Oakland McCulloch. Here is his bio: He was born in Loudon, Tennessee and raised in Kirkland, Illinois. After graduating from high school, he attend the United States Military Academy at West Point for two years. He then graduated from Northern Illinois University and received his commission as an Infantry Officer through the Reserve Officer Training Course in 1986. In his 23 year career in the Army Oak McCulloch held numerous leadership positions in the Infantry and Armor branches. He assisted in disaster relief operations for Hurricane HUGO in Charleston, South Carolina and Hurricane ANDREW in south Florida. His operational deployments include Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm in Saudi Arabia and Iraq as a Generals Aide-de-Camp, the Congressional Liaison Officer in support of operations in Bosnia and the Operations Officer during a Peace Keeping deployment to Kosovo. He held instructor positions at the US Army Ordnance School, the US Army Command and General Staff College, the Australian Command and Staff College, University of South Alabama and Stetson University. His last position in the Army was a three-year tour as the Professor of Military Science at the University of South Alabama where he led the training and commissioning of Lieutenants and tripled the size of the program in his three-year tour. LTC McCulloch retired from the Army in September 2009 with over 23 years of active service and joined the staff at the Bay Area Food Bank as the Associate Director. He was also the Vice Chair for Military Affairs on the Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce and a member of the Mobile Rotary International Club. LTC McCulloch left the food bank in December 2010 to become the Senior Military Science Instructor and recruiter for the Army ROTC program at Stetson University in DeLand, Florida. In his 9 years at Stetson, the program grew from 15 Cadets to over 100 Cadets. In October 2013, he became the Recruiting Operations Officer for the Eagle Battalion Army ROTC program at Embry- Riddle Aeronautical University where he has more than doubled the size of the program in 6 years. Cadet Command selected LTC McCulloch as the top recruiting officer, out of 274 recruiters, for 2019. LTC Oak McCulloch published his first book in February 2021 – “Your Leadership Legacy: Becoming the Leader You Were Meant to Be”. LTC McCulloch earned a Bachelor of Science degree in History from Northern Illinois University in 1987 and a Master of Military Arts and Science in History from the United States Army Command and General Staff College in 2002. He received thirty-one military service awards including the Bronze Star, eight Meritorious Service Medals and the Humanitarian Service Medal. LTC Oak McCulloch is married to the former Kelly Smyth of Wauconda, Illinois. They were married at Fort Sheridan, Illinois in 1987 and they have two children, Oakland Vincent McCulloch and Caileigh Nicholson. They also have a granddaughter, Ryleigh Jade Nicholson and two grandsons Christopher Bryce Nicholson and Oakland Maverick McCulloch. If you are a leader in any capacity whether it be the military, business, parent, grandparent, non profit founder, or other, you definitely want to listen to this!  PS: Stay all the way to the end to hear where we're at in regards to the fun "Listening Room"

This could be our most important episode to date. Dr. Gerald E. Harmon is a practicing family medical specialist and also the president of the American Medical Association. At arguably no time in our history due to Covid-19 and other medical issues, is serving these roles been more important. In this episode, Dr. Harmon shares the excellence he witnesses from his colleagues, his definition of Excellence, why taking the advice of medical professionals is a little bit of Excellence, the impact of Covid-19 and why vaccinations are important, and more.Dr. Harmon's bio is filled with Excellence, including serving as major general in the Air Force, chief physician for the National Guard Bureau and assistant surgeon general for the U.S. Air Force. He has also been decorated with the Air Force Commendation Medal and the Humanitarian Service Medal and other honors."One of the things I've learned with excellence is that my patients can trust me.," Harmon said during the episode. "They can trust their provider, the healthcare provider, whether it's me as a physician, whether it's someone coming in and taking their vital signs, (or anyone in the medical field. ) I've given interviews and people have said, 'what's the most important thing you've learned in medicine? And what's the most valuable thing you've taken away?' I think the most valuable thing I would take away is that people have trusted me. I've earned a patient's trust."Dr. Harmon offers terrific advice  throughout the episode, medical and otherwise.That's why I dubbed him, Dr. Advice.I hope you enjoy the episode. --Brian Hurlburt, host.For more about the Magnifying Excellence podcast, visit. xlete.com

Oakland McCulloch was born in Loudon, Tennessee and raised in Kirkland, Illinois. After graduating from high school, he attend the United States Military Academy at West Point for two years. He then graduated from Northern Illinois University and received his commission as an Infantry Officer through the Reserve Officer Training Course in 1986. In his 23 year career in the Army Oak McCulloch held numerous leadership positions in the Infantry and Armor branches. He assisted in disaster relief operations for Hurricane HUGO in Charleston, South Carolina and Hurricane ANDREW in south Florida. His operational deployments include Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm in Saudi Arabia and Iraq as a Generals Aide-de-Camp, the Congressional Liaison Officer in support of operations in Bosnia and the Operations Officer during a Peace Keeping deployment to Kosovo. He held instructor positions at the US Army Ordnance School, the US Army Command and General Staff College, the Australian Command and Staff College, University of South Alabama and Stetson University. His last position in the Army was a three-year tour as the Professor of Military Science at the University of South Alabama where he led the training and commissioning of Lieutenants and tripled the size of the program in his three-year tour. LTC McCulloch retired from the Army in September 2009 with over 23 years of active service and joined the staff at the Bay Area Food Bank as the Associate Director. He was also the Vice Chair for Military Affairs on the Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce and a member of the Mobile Rotary International Club. LTC McCulloch left the food bank in December 2010 to become the Senior Military Science Instructor and recruiter for the Army ROTC program at Stetson University in DeLand, Florida. In his 9 years at Stetson, the program grew from 15 Cadets to over 100 Cadets. In October 2013, he became the Recruiting Operations Officer for the Eagle Battalion Army ROTC program at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University where he has more than doubled the size of the program in 6 years. Cadet Command selected LTC McCulloch as the top recruiting officer, out of 274 recruiters, for 2019. LTC Oak McCulloch published his first book in February 2021 – “Your Leadership Legacy: Becoming the Leader You Were Meant to Be”. LTC McCulloch earned a Bachelor of Science degree in History from Northern Illinois University in 1987 and a Master of Military Arts and Science in History from the United States Army Command and General Staff College in 2002. He received thirty-one military service awards including the Bronze Star, eight Meritorious Service Medals and the Humanitarian Service Medal. LTC Oak McCulloch is married to the former Kelly Smyth of Wauconda, Illinois. They were married at Fort Sheridan, Illinois in 1987 and they have two children, Oakland Vincent McCulloch and Caileigh Nicholson. They also have a granddaughter, Ryleigh Jade Nicholson and two grandsons Christopher Bryce Nicholson and Oakland Maverick McCulloch.

Our guest is Lieutenant Colonel Oakland McCulloch, the author of “Your Leadership Legacy: Becoming the Leader You Were Meant to Be” In his 23 year career in the Army he held numerous leadership positions in the Infantry and Armor branches and instructed at the US Army Ordinance School, the US Army Command and General Staff College, the Australian Command and Staff College, University of South Alabama, and Stetson University. Leutenant Colonel McCulloch later became the Recruiting Operations Officer for the Eagle Battalion Army ROTC program at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University where he has more than doubled the size of the program in 6 years.  He received thirty-one military service awards including the Bronze Star, eight Meritorious Service Medals, and the Humanitarian Service Medal. In this special episode of Scaling Culture, Ron and LTC McCulloch discuss: What do “selfless service” and Servant Leadership mean?  What can we learn from our best and worst bosses?  Can we become leaders or is this something that only some people are born with? How to build a team where you as a leader make others feel valued and appreciated while still having them be the best version of themselves? For more information about LTC McCulloch, please go to www.ltcoakmcculloch.com or connect with him on LinkedIn. For more information about the Scaling Culture Podcast or our upcoming Masterclass or our 2nd book “Scaling Culture”, go to ConnollyOwens.com

An honor to speak with Dr. Harmon, a national thought-leader in Medicine, Medical Education, and Innovation!Gerald E. Harmon, MD, a family medicine specialist having practiced for more than 30 years in coastal South Carolina, became 176th president of the American Medical Association in June 2021. He was first elected to the AMA Board of Trustees in June 2013 and elected board chair in 2018. In addition, Dr. Harmon also served as the secretary of the AMA in 2016.In South Carolina Dr. Harmon has held several leadership positions in the South Carolina Medical Association, including chairman of the board and president. Dr. Harmon serves as a clinical professor at two of South Carolina's medical schools and is a member of the clinical faculty for the Tidelands Health Family Medicine residency program while regularly precepting physicians in training.In his hometown, Dr. Harmon is an adviser to the board of trustees for his community health system and is vice president in a multispecialty physician practice. He is a medical director for several organizations and volunteers as medical supervisor for his local school district's 23 schools. He has also been recognized with the Lifetime Achievement Award from his county's Chamber of Commerce. At the state level he has served as secretary for the State Aeronautics Commission.Before his retirement from the military as a major general, Dr. Harmon served the nation in the Air Force Reserve, on Active Duty, and in the Air National Guard holding responsibilities as chief physician for the National Guard Bureau and assistant surgeon general for the U.S. Air Force. His military decorations include the Distinguished Service Medal, the Legion of Merit, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Air Force Commendation Medal and the Humanitarian Service Medal.Dr. Harmon received his undergraduate degree in physics and mathematics from the University of South Carolina and, more recently, an honorary Doctorate of Public Service. He received his medical degree from the Medical University of South Carolina and completed his residency training program in family medicine with the U.S. Air Force at Eglin Air Force Base and is recognized as a fellow of the American Academy of Family Physicians.During the rare times when not actively practicing medicine, Dr. Harmon and his wife, Linda, enjoy spending time outdoors in their coastal hometown of Georgetown with their three married children and eight grandchildren.https://www.ama-assn.org/

Robert Graves, Com CheckThis show is about one of the 22 a day: His story told by his Mom Andrina Shields:(RIP) Apr 18, 1990 – May 29, 2017 (Age 27)He was born in Phoenix, Arizona April 18, 1990. Robert served in the United States Air Force from 2009 to 2013. He was stationed in Japan and deployed to Iraq. Robert received many accolades while serving our country including the Meritorious Service Medal, Air force Achievement Medal, Meritorious Unit Award, AF Outstanding Unit Award, AF Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal with one Service Star, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, and the AF Overseas Ribbon Short. Most recently he worked as a train conductor on the BSNF railroad in Grand Forks, North Dakota.https://www.legacy.com/obituaries/name/robert-graves-obituary?pid=185683162LinksCombat Vet Vision - https://www.facebook.com/CombatVetVisionhttps://www.facebook.com/aqseibertWarrior Built - https://warriorbuilt.org/PTSD Foundation of America - https://ptsdusa.org/Produced by Sitch Radio - https://sitchradio.com/If you would like to become a sponsor or advertiser Call Sitch Radio (714) 643-2500 X 1

Sunita L. Williams (Suni) was selected as an astronaut by NASA in 1998 and is a veteran of two space missions Expeditions 14/15 and 32/33. She is currently training for the first post-certification mission of Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft – the second crewed flight for that vehicle – and her third long duration mission aboard the International Space Station. Williams and her crewmates are working closely with Boeing to develop their new spacecraft systems, which will provide roundtrip crew transportation services to the International Space Station and, along with SpaceX’s CrewDragon, return the ability to launch humans into space from United States soil. Personal Data: Born September 19, 1965 in Euclid, Ohio to Dr. Deepak and Bonnie Pandya.  Considers Needham, Massachusetts to be her hometown. Suni and her husband Michael enjoy hanging out with their dogs, working out, working on houses, working on cars, working on airplanes, hiking and camping. Education: Needham High School, Needham, Massachusetts, 1983. Bachelor of Science in Physical Science, U.S. Naval Academy, 1987. Master of Science in Engineering Management, Florida Institute of Technology, 1995. Experience: Williams received her commission as an Ensign in the United States Navy from the United States Naval Academy in May 1987. After a six-month temporary assignment at the Naval Coastal System Command, she received her designation as a Basic Diving Officer and then reported to Naval Aviation Training Command. She was designated a Naval Aviator in July 1989. She then reported to Helicopter Combat Support Squadron 3 for initial H46, Seaknight, training. Upon completion of this training, she was assigned to Helicopter Combat Support Squadron 8 in Norfolk, Virginia, and made overseas deployments to the Mediterranean, Red Sea and the Persian Gulf in support of Desert Shield and Operation Provide Comfort. In September 1992, she was the Officer-in-Charge of an H-46 detachment sent to Miami, Florida for Hurricane Andrew Relief Operations onboard USS Sylvania. Williams was selected for United States Naval Test Pilot School and began the course in January 1993. After graduation in December 1993, she was assigned to the Rotary Wing Aircraft Test Directorate as an H-46 Project Officer, and V-22 Chase Pilot in the T-2. While there, she was also assigned as the squadron Safety Officer and flew test flights in the SH-60B/F, UH-1, AH‑1W, SH-2, VH-3, H-46, CH-53 and the H-57. She has logged more than 3000 flight hours in over 30 different aircraft. NASA Experience: Selected as an astronaut by NASA in June 1998, she reported for training in August 1998.  Following the return of Expedition 1, Williams worked within the Robotics branch on the station’s Robotic Arm and the follow-on Special Purpose Dexterous Manipulator.  As a NEEMO2 crew member, she lived underwater in the Aquarius habitat for 9 days.  After her first flight, she served as Deputy Chief of the Astronaut Office. She then supported a long-duration mission as Flight Engineer for Expedition 32 and International Space Station Commander for Expedition 33. Williams has spent a total of 322 days in space on two missions; she ranks second on the all-time U.S. endurance list for females. With 50 hours and 40 minutes, she is second on the list of total cumulative spacewalk time by a female astronaut. Spaceflight Experience: Expedition 14/15 (December 9, 2006 to June 22, 2007).  Williams launched with the crew of STS-116 on December 9, 2006, docking with the International Space Station on December 11, 2006.  As a member of the Expedition 14 crew, Williams served as Flight Engineer.  While onboard, she established a world record for females with four spacewalks totaling 29 hours and 17 minutes.    Expedition 32/33 (July 14 to November 18, 2012). Williams launched in July 14, 2012. Williams spent four months conducting research and exploration aboard the orbiting laboratory. She landed in Kazakhstan on November 18, 2012, after spending 127 days in space. With 50 hours and 40 minutes, Williams once again held the record for total cumulative spacewalk time by a female astronaut (has since been overtaken by Peggy Whitson with 10 spacewalks). In addition, Williams, who has spent a total of 322 days in space on two missions, now ranks sixth on the all-time U.S. endurance list, and second all-time for a female astronaut. She is currently training for the first post-certification mission of Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft – the second crewed flight for that vehicle – and her third long duration mission aboard the International Space Station. Awards/Honors: Awarded DSSM (2), Legion of Merit, Awarded Navy Commendation Medal (2), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal and various other service awards.   Follow Suni and her missions on twitter @astro_williams

Taken from NASA:Sunita L. Williams (Suni) was selected as an astronaut by NASA in 1998 and is a veteran of two space missions Expeditions 14/15 and 32/33. She is currently training for the first post-certification mission of Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft – the second crewed flight for that vehicle – and her third long duration mission aboard the International Space Station.Williams and her crewmates are working closely with Boeing to develop their new spacecraft systems, which will provide roundtrip crew transportation services to the International Space Station and, along with SpaceX’s CrewDragon, return the ability to launch humans into space from United States soil.Personal Data:Born September 19, 1965 in Euclid, Ohio to Dr. Deepak and Bonnie Pandya.  Considers Needham, Massachusetts to be her hometown. Suni and her husband Michael enjoy hanging out with their dogs, working out, working on houses, working on cars, working on airplanes, hiking and camping.Education:Needham High School, Needham, Massachusetts, 1983. Bachelor of Science in Physical Science, U.S. Naval Academy, 1987. Master of Science in Engineering Management, Florida Institute of Technology, 1995.Experience:Williams received her commission as an Ensign in the United States Navy from the United States Naval Academy in May 1987. After a six-month temporary assignment at the Naval Coastal System Command, she received her designation as a Basic Diving Officer and then reported to Naval Aviation Training Command. She was designated a Naval Aviator in July 1989. She then reported to Helicopter Combat Support Squadron 3 for initial H46, Seaknight, training. Upon completion of this training, she was assigned to Helicopter Combat Support Squadron 8 in Norfolk, Virginia, and made overseas deployments to the Mediterranean, Red Sea and the Persian Gulf in support of Desert Shield and Operation Provide Comfort. In September 1992, she was the Officer-in-Charge of an H-46 detachment sent to Miami, Florida for Hurricane Andrew Relief Operations onboard USS Sylvania. Williams was selected for United States Naval Test Pilot School and began the course in January 1993. After graduation in December 1993, she was assigned to the Rotary Wing Aircraft Test Directorate as an H-46 Project Officer, and V-22 Chase Pilot in the T-2. While there, she was also assigned as the squadron Safety Officer and flew test flights in the SH-60B/F, UH-1, AH‑1W, SH-2, VH-3, H-46, CH-53 and the H-57. In December 1995, she went back to the Naval Test Pilot School as an Instructor in the Rotary Wing Department and the school’s Safety Officer where she flew the UH-60, OH-6 and the OH-58. From there, she was assigned to the USS Saipan (LHA-2), Norfolk, Virginia, as the Aircraft Handler and the Assistant Air Boss. Williams was deployed onboard USS Saipan when she was selected for the astronaut program. She has logged more than 3000 flight hours in over 30 different aircraft.NASA Experience:Selected as an astronaut by NASA in June 1998, she reported for training in August 1998.  Astronaut Candidate Training included orientation briefings and tours, numerous scientific and technical briefings, intensive instruction in shuttle and International Space Station systems, physiological training and ground school to prepare for T-38 flight training, as well as learning water and wilderness survival techniques.  Following a period of training and evaluation, Williams worked in Moscow with the Russian Space Agency on the Russian contribution to the space station and with the first Expedition Crew.  Following the return of Expedition 1, Williams worked within the Robotics branch on the station’s Robotic Arm and the follow-on Special Purpose Dexterous Manipulator.  As a NEEMO2 crew member, she lived underwater in the Aquarius habitat for 9 days.  After her first flight, she served as Deputy Chief of the Astronaut Office. She then supported a long-duration mission as Flight Engineer for Expedition 32 and International Space Station Commander for Expedition 33. Williams has spent a total of 322 days in space on two missions; she ranks second on the all-time U.S. endurance list for females. With 50 hours and 40 minutes, she is second on the list of total cumulative spacewalk time by a female astronaut.Spaceflight Experience:Expedition 14/15 (December 9, 2006 to June 22, 2007).  Williams launched with the crew of STS-116 on December 9, 2006, docking with the International Space Station on December 11, 2006.  As a member of the Expedition 14 crew, Williams served as Flight Engineer.  While onboard, she established a world record for females with four spacewalks totaling 29 hours and 17 minutes.   (Astronaut Peggy Whitson subsequently broke the record in 2008 with a total of five spacewalks).  Williams concluded her tour of duty as a member of the Expedition 15 crew returning to Earth with the STS-117 crew to land at Edwards Air Force Base, California on June 22, 2007.Expedition 32/33 (July 14 to November 18, 2012). Williams launched from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, along with Russian Soyuz commander Yuri Malenchenko and Flight Engineer Akihiko Hoshide of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, on July 14, 2012. They were welcomed on the International Space Station on July 17, 2012, by NASA Flight Engineer Joe Acaba and Russian cosmonauts, Expedition 32 commander Gennady Padalka and Flight Engineer Sergei Revin. Williams spent four months conducting research and exploration aboard the orbiting laboratory. She landed in Kazakhstan on November 18, 2012, after spending 127 days in space. During their Expedition, Williams and Hoshide performed three spacewalks to replace a component that relays power from the space station's solar arrays to its systems, and repair an ammonia leak on a station radiator. With 50 hours and 40 minutes, Williams once again held the record for total cumulative spacewalk time by a female astronaut (has since been overtaken by Peggy Whitson with 10 spacewalks). In addition, Williams, who has spent a total of 322 days in space on two missions, now ranks sixth on the all-time U.S. endurance list, and second all-time for a female astronaut.She is currently training for the first post-certification mission of Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft – the second crewed flight for that vehicle – and her third long duration mission aboard the International Space Station.Awards/Honors:Awarded DSSM (2), Legion of Merit, Awarded Navy Commendation Medal (2), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal and various other service awards.Organizations:Society of Experimental Test Pilots, Society of Flight TestEngineers, American Helicopter Association. Follow Suni and her missions on twitter @astro_williams 

In this VetArtSpan podcast, host Fred Johnson has a conversation with Maxine Reyes, who talks about her life in the military with a husband who was also deployed, all the while while raising a child. Her transition to civilian life includes a re-blossoming of her artistic career as an in-demand musician. She is an active supporter of the veteran community and is a two-time recipient of the Humanitarian Service Medal and Military Outstanding Volunteer Medal. Her story is inspiring!

Our special host this episode is SOFREP writer and former Special Forces operator, Steve Balestrieri. He interviews Stephen "Butch" Whitehead, the DAV (Disabled American Veterans) national commander. Whitehead is a combat-disabled veteran of the Iraq War, was elected national commander for the more than 1 million-member DAV at the organization’s 2019 national convention in Orlando, Florida. A native of Trimont, Minnesota, Whitehead is a retired command sergeant major for 84th Troop Command Brigade in the Minnesota Army National Guard. Whitehead joined the Army in 1991 and completed two overseas deployments, receiving the Bronze Star in 2007 for combat service in Iraq. In 2012, he was awarded the Veterans Voices Award by then-Gov. Mark Dayton of Minnesota. Other military awards include a Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, five Army Achievement Medals, the Iraq Campaign Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Medal and the Humanitarian Service Medal. Currently, Whitehead serves as executive director of the Disabled American Veterans of Minnesota Foundation. He has served as adjutant for the DAV Department of Minnesota and is chair for multiple department-level committees. He was also recently appointed to the Minneapolis Veterans Affairs Medical Center Consumer Advisory Board, where he will serve for three years. If you haven’t already noticed, we have a ton of new SOFREP t-shirt designs and gear available in our store. As always, be sure to check out our Crate Club for Spec Ops grade gear hand picked by military professionals. See you all again next week! Learn more about your ad-choices at https://news.iheart.com/podcast-advertisers

Colonel Walter Watson USAF (Retired) was born in Columbia, South Carolina. He is the oldest of four children of the late Walter L. Watson, Sr. and Mildred Platt Watson. He attended public schools in Richland School District One and graduated from C. A. Johnson High School and Howard University in Washington, DC. At Howard, he earned a Mechanical Engineering degree and commission as an Air Force Officer via the ROTC program. Colonel Watson is the Senior Aerospace Science Instructor (SASI) of the C. A. Johnson Preparatory ROTC unit (SC-065). He entered the Air Force as an avionics maintenance officer. However, in 1973, he was selected for aviation training. This began a journey on a very diverse and distinguished flying career in the Air Force. He became a flight instructor, flight examiner, and flight commander in tactical fighter and strategic reconnaissance squadrons that flew F-4C/D/E, F-111D, and SR-71 aircraft. Colonel Watson’s distinctive and unique aviation accomplishment is that he was the first and only African American to qualify as a crew member in the SR-71, a super secret aircraft that set altitude and speed records that still stand today. The SR-71 routinely cruised at altitudes in excess of 80,000 feet at speeds over Mach 3 (2,100 mph). After his flying career, he continued to impact the Air Force in officer production and training. As Commander and Professor of Aerospace Studies at North Carolina A&T State University, his leadership helped his unit to achieve the following production milestones: 1) 20% of all African American Second Lieutenant pilots, 2) 50% of all African American Second Lieutenant navigators, and 3) 25% of African American female commissionees in 1993. These accomplishments led to assignments to a number of leadership positions at HQ Air Force Reserve Officers Training Corps (AFROTC at Maxwell AFB, AL). As the Chief of the AFROTC Scholarship branch, he supervised all scholarships for over 5,000 students across the nation with a budget exceeding $22 million annually. While at Maxwell AFB, Colonel Watson was a key decision-maker for Air Force relations with the Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCO). He created scholarships aimed specially for HBCUs Science Instuctor (SASI). In 1999 Colonel Watson developed a student award program for the Tuskegee Airmen Inc. The Tuskegee Airmen Inc award recognizes superior student performance for AFJROTC cadets and impacts 744 AFJROTC unitsand 104,000 students aroung the globe. In 1998 Colonel Watson was selected Teacher of the Year for C. A. Johnson Preparatory Academy. Additionally he was twice designated by Headquarters Air Force JROTC as an Outstanding Instructor (1998-1999 and 2001-2002). The Columbia Housing Authority selected him for the Wall of Fame induction in April of 2003 because of his distinguished military service and sustained contributions to his community. In August 2003, the Tuskegee Airmen, Inc. awarded him their highest award, the Noel F. Parrish Award. This award recognizes outstanding endeavors to enhance access to knowledge, skills, and opportunities. In addition to his Howard University engineering degree, Colonel Watson holds a Masters degree from Chapman College of Orange, CA, in Organizational Behavior and Human Resource Management. He is married to Joice P. Middleton Watson. They have a daughter, Major (Select) Alexandria R. Watson, son, Walter III, and a grandson, Isaiah S. Watson. Colonel Watson has received numerous awards, including the Meritorious Service Medal with two oak leaf clusters, Air Force Commendation Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal with two oak leaf clusters, Humanitarian Service Medal with one oak leaf cluster, and the Legion of Merit Medal.  

S3E4 This weeks episode broaches the subject of what it's like to be an Autism parent, while in the US Military. I had the honor to speaking with Josh Gibbs and learning about the unique challenges that our Military families face while raising a child with Autism. Josh shares how to navigate the system inside the military in order to find your child the help and services they need. I'm so grateful that Josh was willing to share a bit about his life and introduce us to Jai, his amazing son. ☺ Josh Gibbs Bio: Joshua Gibbs enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 1998. He graduated basic training at Parris Island, SC in August 1998 and began training with Charlie Company, 8th Tank Battalion in Tallahassee, FL where he was enrolled at Florida State University. Lance Corporal Gibbs attended Officers Candidate School in 2000 and upon completion of his B.S. in Criminology and subsequent commissioning, attended The Basic School in Quantico, VA. In October 2002, Second Lieutenant Gibbs was assigned to the 1st Marine Division in Camp Pendleton, CA, serving as the Assistant G-1 Operations Officer, Assistant G-1 Adjutant and G-1 Adjutant. During this time, he deployed twice in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM in 2003 and 2004. Josh has served at several duty stations around the world. His son, Jai Lando GIbbs was born in 2014, in New Orleans, LA. In August 2015, he was transferred to U.S. Marine Corps Forces Command in Norfolk, VA. During this tour, his son was formally diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder and enrolled in the Exceptional Family Member Program. In 2018, Major Gibbs received orders to the U.S. Marine Corps Forces Logistics Command in Albany, GA. However, it was discovered that this Command could not support the educational and therapeutic needs of his son and so a request was made to transfer his orders to U.S. Marine Corps Forces, South in Doral, FL. The MARFORSOUTH location could not only provide the services his son required, but was closer to immediate family members in the event of an emergency.  Major Gibbs' personal awards include the Meritorious Service Medal (2d Award), the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal and the Humanitarian Service Medal. He is a graduate of the Expeditionary Warfare School, the Command and Staff College and has an M.S. in Criminology. He has also written one book, Kingdom of Hook, a fictional origin story for Captain Hook which was inspired by cartoons his son watched as an infant. He currently resides in Miramar, Florida. You can find Josh: Twitter: twitter.com/ChiefJosheola http://bit.ly/2ZPjjAx (Support This Podcast) You can find me: https://my.captivate.fm/theautismdad.com (theautismdad.com) Twitter: https://twitter.com/theautismdad (https://twitter.com/theautismdad) This episode is sponsored by Mightier. Mightier is an amazing program out of Harvard Medical and Boston Children's. It uses video games to teach kids to emotionally self-regulate. Visit http://bit.ly/39HzS5Z (theautismdad.com/mightier) and find out more information, including how to get a free 30 day trial. This episode is brought to you by Probably Genetic. Probably Genetics is helping me with my oldest, who suffers from multiple rare genetic diseases. Probably Genetic is helping me to find the answers to questions that have long gone unanswered. Probably Genetic specializes in identifying rare genetic diseases that often go undiagnosed, especially in children already diagnosed with Autism. They are on a mission to make full genetic sequencing accessible to those who need it. They significantly reduced the cost and drastically reduced the wait time as well. If you are one of the countless people in need of genetic testing, please visit http://bit.ly/2RzPhNL (probablygenetic.com) to find out more and use the discount code "theautismdad400" to get $400 off. If you already had a... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://megaphone.fm/adchoices

Desi Maes As an Army Special Forces Green Beret, Army Ranger, Expert Infantryman and Demolitions Expert, Desi Maes served his country with distinction for over 20 years. As an entrepreneur, he has helped build two successful businesses following his tenure with two Fortune 500 companies.  Born in Ely, Nevada, Desi moved with his family to Colorado and was raised in Grants, New Mexico before settling in Midland, Texas, at the age of 13. His life was profoundly impacted by his experiences in the construction business during the oil field boom, where he worked for his father and lived in an RV on the job site, walking to school each day.  At 16, Desi helped his mom, Elizabeth, run the household and care for his 3 younger siblings after his parents split up. He worked many jobs, to include a cooking at numerous restaurants, doing dry wall work at apartment complexes, and also working for a local mortuary.  At the age of 19, Desi enlisted in the U.S. Army. He applied for the U.S. Army Special Forces and was one of a few dozen soldiers out of nearly 1,000 to successfully be selected to attend the Green Beret School. As a member of the 10th Special Forces Group, Desi trained police SWAT teams in numerous tactics. His unit was deployed to the Middle East during the first Gulf War and Provide Comfort. While in the Special Forces, Desi earned an associate degree and successfully completed Officer Candidate School, earning a commission as a Second Lieutenant. He would subsequently earn a bachelor’s degree and then a Masters of Business (MBA).  During his 201⁄2 years in the military, Desi served in numerous military units and functions to include but not limited to Special Forces, Infantry Platoon Leader, Light Infantry Commander, Assistant Professor of Military Science, and numerous other Operational functions. He rose to the rank of Major, and received several commendations, including two Meritorious Service Awards, five Army Accommodation Awards, three Army Achievement Medals, two National Defense Service Medal, the Humanitarian Service Medal, the Kuwait Liberation Medal and the Global War on Terrorism Medal. He also earned a Ranger Tab, Special Forces Tab, Expert Infantry Badge, Airborne Badge, Pathfinder Badge, and the Overseas Ribbon.  Desi traveled extensively both domestically and abroad, moving 16 times in his military career. Desi is trained in three foreign languages, including Polish, German and Spanish.  Committed to giving back to others and sharing his experiences, Desi would go on to teach business, marketing and human resources management courses as an adjunct professor at Park University, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and Southwest Texas State University (now Texas State University freshman courses).  Following his retirement from the United States Military in 2005, Desi settled in Texas and served as Director of Business Operations for Austin-based Dell, Inc., responsible for numerous cross-functional business operations across North America, Asia, Canada, and Latin America. He later served as Senior Vice President for Brinks, responsible for North American customer operations.  In 2013, Desi became part owner of the Harmony Products Group, while also starting PJEN LLC and (DBA Irving Renovation and Construction). As owner of PJEN, he does high-end home renovations and construction, including rebuilding devastated homes due to fires, custom pools, fireplaces and outdoor living structures. A Six Sigma Green Belt and PMP (Project Management Professional), Desi also consults for numerous companies in the areas of change management, process optimization and call center improvement.  A disabled veteran, Desi also volunteers his time and his company’s services to remodel homes for other disabled veterans and donate dozens of turkeys and gift cards over the holidays for veterans and local store employees. He is the proud father of four children and has been with his wife, Paula Anderson, since 2004. The couple lives in the heart of North Texas in Irving, where Desi serves on the neighborhood homeowner’s association board. Website: http://www.desiforcongress.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/desiforcongress Twitter: @desiforcongress Instagram: @desiforcongress

Composer and conductor Onsby Rose has had a remarkably diverse career as a performer, teacher, and railroad conductor and was recently appointed Director of Instrumental Activities/Associate Professor of Music at Dordt College. Topics: An overview of Onsby’s remarkably diverse career including a discussion about being a Marine Corps musician and his move to the classroom after a career working with professionals. How Onsby started to compose, his relationship with David Maslanka, and his recent success as a composer. His thoughts about what’s most important to teach aspiring music educators. Links: Onsby Rose Rose: Symphony No. 1 "Heroes" Dordt College Maslanka: Symphony No. 4 Biography: Onsby C. Rose hails from Royal Oak, Mi but grew up primarily in Abingdon, Va. Upon graduation from Abingdon High School in 1993, Mr. Rose attended the University of South Carolina as a music education major. After three years of studies, Onsby auditioned and was accepted a trombone instrumentalist for the US Marine Corps Fleet Band system. He then attended recruit training in Parris Island, SC, and Marine Combat training in Camp Lejeune, NC. Private First Class Rose was then transferred to the Armed Forces School of Music where he completed the six-month course of study in only two months. Upon his graduation from the School of Music then Lance Corporal Rose was assigned to the Marine Corps Logistics Base Band in Albany, GA as a trombonist. While there he also served as a music librarian and drill writer/instructor, writing and teaching Drum Corps style fields shows to the band for use at military tattoos. In Oct. of 1999, then Corporal Rose auditioned and was accepted for Duty with one of the two premier musical units in the USMC, The United States Marine Drum and Bugle Corps “The Commandant’s Own,” and was transferred to historic Marine Barracks 8th and I Streets SE, Washington D.C. While there Sergeant Rose served as a baritone bugler and assistant instrument repairman as well as deploying to Oman, Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait as musical support. Upon his re-enlistment, Sergeant Rose was transferred back into the Fleet Marine Corps bands as a trombonist with Marine Corps Band New Orleans, in New Orleans, LA. During his four years in the Crescent City, Onsby served as trombone and low brass section head, travel operations chief, brass quintet Non-Commissioned Officer in Charge, Small Ensemble Leader, Fiscal Chief, platoon sergeant, assistant drum major and assistant conductor. He toured internationally with the Brass quintet and visited 42 states and Europe in the course of his duties. In 2004 upon his promotion to Staff Sergeant he was accepted for the Marine Staff Non-Commissioned Officers Degree Completion Program where he attended East Tennessee State University and finished his Bachelor of Music degree and also studied conducting with Roxanne Haskill. After graduation Staff Sergeant Rose was transferred to the Armed Forces School of Music in Norfolk, VA where he served on staff as brass ensemble rehearsal conductor and registrar for the school of music. In 2007 Mr. Rose was Honorably discharged from the USMC after 11 years of faithful service. He then pursued activities outside the music field while he freelanced as a trombone player in Indiana, Virginia, and Tennessee. In 2012, following the death of his wife Julia, Onsby returned to a full time music position and was hired as the Director of Bands at Hampton High School and Elementary in Carter County, TN. Mr. Rose served as the Director of Bands in Hampton for the 2012-13 and 2013-14 school years. During his time there his bands consistently received superior ratings in both marching and concert performances in addition the enrollment in the overall band program increasing 10 fold. Following his time in Tennessee, Onsby was a Graduate Conducting Associate with the Bands of Appalachian State University where he conducted the wind ensembles, team taught music education classes, and helped administrate and teach the athletic bands under the guidance of the Director and Associate Director of Bands. Following his time in the high countrym Onsby was blessed to be accepted as a Graduate Conducting Associate for The Ohio State University. Currently a second year Doctoral Conducting Associate at The Ohio State University, Onsby studies conducting with Dr. Russel Mikkelson. After completion of his DMA, he hopes to become a Director or Associate Director of Bands at a college or university. He is also currently the music director and conductor of The Brass Band of Appalachia from Bristol, Virginia. The group consists of numerous professional brass players from the region coming together to form a British style brass band. Mr. Rose is honored to have been asked to become the first music director and conductor of this new group as well as a co-founder along with his friends Mr. Will Shell, and Dr. Art Haecker. In his spare time when not being a husband, father and graduate student, Onsby enjoys music composition for winds. His recent composition for wind band entitled Heroes from the Sea is set to have the world premiere by "The President's Own" United States Marine Band, on August 30th, 2017 during their concert on the steps of the U.S. Capitol Building. The work is approximately at the 4.5 grade level and can be purchased on this website or by emailing Onsby directly at onsby.rose@gmail.com. Onsby is a member of the Tennessee Secondary Schools Band Director Association (TSSBDA), East Tennessee State Band and Orchestra Directors Association (ETSBOA), North Carolina Music Educators Association (NCMEA), National Band Association (NBA), National Association for Music Education (NAFME), College Band Directors National Association (CBDNA), Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia National Music Fraternity, Kappa Kappa Psi Band Service Fraternity, and the American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers. He has held positions as a trombonist with the Johnson City Symphony, Kingsport Symphony, Elkhart Symphony, Band of America’s Few Marine Musician Alumni Band, State Line Wind Symphony, Elkhart Municipal Band, Truth in Jazz Big Band, and the various active duty Fleet Marine Corps Bands with which he served. His is the recipient of the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (2nd Award), National Defense Service Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Navy Unit Citation Award, Marine Corps Meritorious Unit Award, and numerous other awards and citations from his military career. Onsby currently lives in Blacklick, Ohio with his wife Jessica and their five boys, Aidan, Timothy, Caleb, Elijah, and Colin.  

Angela Beltz of Reynoldsburg is a 49-year-old Ohio National Guard veteran who served in Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm in 1990 and 1991. Beltz’ military career started after her junior year in high school, having joined the North Dakota Army National Guard in 1986. She grew up primarily on the Spirit Lake Nation reservation and wanted to experience life away from it, she said. She also was looking for a way to pay for college. Military service might be in Beltz’ blood, as her ancestry is rich in it. “My great-grandfather was a scout for the U.S. Cavalry, (and) my relatives on this side have served in every conflict,” she said. “My grandpa served in World War I before he was officially a U.S. citizen and allowed to vote.” On her father’s side, military service can be traced back to the Civil War, she said. Beltz also recently submitted an application to become a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution. Beltz’ basic training began at Fort Dix in New Jersey in 1986, during the summer between her junior and senior year, when she was only 17. She recalled a drill sergeant who was particularly challenging – frequently barking at her to do pushups. “He picked on me. Every time he saw me, he made me do pushups,” she said. “I hated going to eat because -- if he was marching us -- because I was guaranteed at least 100 pushups (during) that three-block (trek).” She said she had asked him at the end of basic training why he was so tough on her. He told her it was because she was so young and that he wanted to make sure she would make it. After basic training, Beltz returned to high school for her senior year. She recalled the students all thinking about homecoming and prom and how their hair would look. “Those things were no longer important to me,” she said. During a nine-month break, she said, she took part in an 11-day stint with the Marines but re-enlisted with the National Guard in North Dakota and attended refueling school at Fort Lee, Virginia. Beltz said the equipment for fuel was mostly the same as that used for water distribution. Beltz was deployed to Saudi Arabia in September 1990 and eventually was moved to Log Base Charlie near Rafha, a town in northern Saudi Arabia near the Iraq border, as part of the 134th Quartermaster detachment. The unit comprised 24 people ages 18-23, with the exception of three staff sergeants. Many of the soldiers had attended high school together, including her cousin. “We all basically grew up together, so it was really kinda weird,” she said. “It was like the Brady Bunch going to war.” While in Saudi Arabia, Beltz had to endure the threat of not only scud missiles but also chemical alerts. In one incident, a chemical plant had been bombed and the wind was blowing chemicals in the direction of her unit, prompting MOPP 4 – a mission-oriented protective posture that required all protection to be worn, including suit, boots, mask and gloves. She also described the stigma of being an American woman in Saudi Arabia, where women weren’t even permitted to drive. “You would see the strange looks of people … and you were a female and you were driving, they’re just like, ‘Oh, my gosh, you know, what is this woman doing driving?’” she said. “Some of the police and border people weren’t real happy to have us there.” After six months in Saudi Arabia, her unit came home and was invited to participate in a ticker-tape parade in New York City that “didn’t work out.” Her plane had developed a fuel leak and had to land at an Air Force base and wait for several hours to have the plane dug out of a snow bank. They had missed the parade. Upon returning home, her Dakota tribal elders honored her with two Indian names because she was an “Akicita” – meaning “warrior,” she said. One was Kowakapi-Sni-Winyan, which is translated to “I Am Not Afraid Woman.” The other is Tasunka-Na-Kan, which is translated to “She Rides Her Horse.” Beltz had met her husband, Daryl Beltz of Ohio, overseas during Operation Desert Storm and transferred to the Ohio National Guard upon her return. Beltz’ next deployment was to Stennis International Airport near Kiln, Mississippi, after Hurricane Katrina in 2005. She said numerous units from all branches of military and most of the states had arrived there, even a North Dakota unit she had recognized – a water-purification unit. The flooding was devastating, she said, but the looting was widespread. Military personnel and police were under fire on occasion while trying to secure areas from being looted, she said. “It just gives you a glimpse of the breakdown of society when there is no law and order,” she said. In some areas, however, local residents were more welcoming, she said, even inviting military personnel to cookouts. Following her retirement from service, Beltz was hired by DFAS-Columbus and continues to take care of soldiers and their families. She’s also an advocate for women serving in the military and for female veterans. She is the chairperson of the Ohio Women Veterans Advisory Committee, under the director of the Ohio Department of Veterans Services. Her decorations include the Army Achievement Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, the National Defense Service Medal with Star, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Armed Forces Reserve Medal, the Humanitarian Service Medal, the NCO Professional Development Ribbon, the Army Service Ribbon, two Kuwait Liberation Medals, a Driver Mechanic Badge, the Ohio Commendation Medal and the Ohio Defense Service Medal. Her husband, Daryl, also a Desert Storm and Afghanistan veteran, is a lieutenant colonel in the Ohio Army National guard. They have two sons, Wyatt and Garett. Wyatt is now an airman in the U.S. Air Force. “So the legacy continues,” she said. This podcast was produced and hosted by Scott Hummel, ThisWeek assistant managing editor, digital.

Today I have a very special interview. Larry Yatch is a US Naval Academy graduate and a 10 year veteran of the US Navy SEALs who led and planned the largest special operations mission in US history. During his career, Larry has been honored with the ‘Combat V’ for Valor in Battle “above and beyond the call of duty,” the Achievement Medal for Innovation in Navy SEAL combat tactics, the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal and the Humanitarian Service Medal for relief efforts in East Timor and Sri Lanka. His greatest accomplishment is not as a SEAL however; rather it is the fact that he has created an Exceptional Performance Formula for individuals and teams that integrate all the elite processes, structures, mindsets and skills that previously only a select number of special operators could access.

Today I have a very special interview. Larry Yatch is a US Naval Academy graduate and a 10 year veteran of the US Navy SEALs who led and planned the largest special operations mission in US history. During his career, Larry has been honored with the ‘Combat V’ for Valor in Battle “above and beyond the call of duty,” the Achievement Medal for Innovation in Navy SEAL combat tactics, the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal and the Humanitarian Service Medal for relief efforts in East Timor and Sri Lanka. His greatest accomplishment is not as a SEAL however; rather it is the fact that he has created an Exceptional Performance Formula for individuals and teams that integrate all the elite processes, structures, mindsets and skills that previously only a select number of special operators could access.

In episode 26 of The Project Management Show, we are honored to be joined LT Lawrence Yatch, a Navy Seal, now retired.  Larry is the CEO and Founder of Sealed Mindset and Creator of the Exceptional Team Formula, a FORMULA that Navy SEALs have been using for decades in some of the world's worst places to operate exceptional teams.  Larry also discusses how he has adapted these principles into his own personal work/life balance. Larry has been honored with the ‘Combat V' for Valor in Battle “above and beyond the call of duty,” The Achievement Medal for Innovation in Navy SEAL combat tactics; The Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal; and the Humanitarian Service Medal for relief efforts in East Timor and Sri Lanka. Larry has been recognized as a (Real) Power 50 Award winner by Minneapolis Business Magazine for his team performance planning strategies for turbo-charging teams to speed success.  And after 8 years of teaching innovative team optimization strategies to senior executives and managers at multi-million and billion dollar companies and also coaching high performing CEOs in the same, Larry has now bottled his Exceptional Team FORMULA in a planning software and training program to bring the Expert Navy SEAL Tactical Planner to YOUR teams. Larry has provided a special offer to PM Show listeners for a free 30-minute strategy session.  Please go to: https://www.plan-sight.com/ProjectManagementShow This episode is sponsored by Bravo Reporting Systems and Dash360            

Jennifer Hill asks retired Major General Mark Graham: “How can Veterans transition from service to civilian work?” General Graham offers resources and talks about the organization he works for Vets4Warriors.com. He shares how the organization offers 24-hour free help to Veterans ranging from support for mental illness to landing a job. vets4warriors.com The phone number is 855-838-8255 Major General (retired) Mark Graham is currently serving as the Senior Director, Rutgers UBHC National Call Center. Included in his duties is Director, Vets4Warriors and several other programs. MG Graham retired from the US Army on August 1, 2012 after almost thirty-five years of service. His final position was as the Director (G-3/5/7) U.S. Army Forces Command, Fort Bragg, North Carolina. In this position, he oversaw the plans, operations and training for Army forces (active and reserve component) stationed in the Continental United States and ensured conventional forces were prepared for worldwide deployment and combat. MG Graham and his wife, Carol, are tireless champions of military and civilian efforts to promote mental health and suicide-prevention awareness, and to eliminate the stigma surrounding mental health care. To honor the memory of their sons, 2LT Jeff Graham who was killed by an IED in Iraq in February 2004, and their son Kevin a Senior Army ROTC cadet who died by suicide in June 2003 while studying to be an Army Doctor at the University of Kentucky, the Grahams established the Jeffrey C. and Kevin A. Graham Memorial Fund to provide the “Question, Persuade, Refer” suicide prevention program at the University of Kentucky. The Grahams were instrumental in establishing the Jeffrey and Kevin Graham Memorial Endowed Lectureship in Psychology for the study of depression and suicide prevention at Cameron University, in Lawton, Oklahoma. Additionally, they support the ongoing efforts of the Pikes Peak Suicide Prevention Partnership, Colorado Springs, Colorado (El Paso County), through the "Jeffrey and Kevin Graham Support Services". The Graham’s story is featured in the award winning book, “The Invisible Front: Loss and Love in an Era of Endless War”, by Yochi Dreazen. MG Graham was commissioned a second lieutenant of Field Artillery in December 1977 at Murray State University. Spanning almost 35 years, MG Graham served in key command and staff positions in the United States, Germany and Korea. Past assignments include Field Artillery Battalion Command at Fort Sill, Oklahoma; Brigade Command in California as the first Active-Duty Army Colonel to command a National Guard brigade in peacetime; Commander of the Battlefield Coordination Detachment, Osan, Korea then the Executive Officer to the U.S. Forces Korea Commander; Chief of Staff and Deputy Commanding General of the U.S. Army Field Artillery Center and Fort Sill; the Deputy Commanding General of 5th U.S. Army/Army North where he supported evacuation and relief operations following Hurricanes Katrina and Rita; then as the Commanding General of Fort Carson, Colorado and Division West of First US Army. In addition to his Bachelor’s degree in political science, MG Graham holds a Masters of Business Administration from Oklahoma City University and a Master of Science in National Security Strategy from the National Defense University in Washington, D.C. He is also a graduate of the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College and the National War College. MG Graham’s numerous military awards include the Distinguished Service Medal, the Bronze Star Medal, the Defense Superior Service Medal, the Legion of Merit, the Meritorious Service Medal and the Humanitarian Service Medal.

Jennifer Hill asks retired Major General Mark Graham: “How can Veterans transition from service to civilian work?” General Graham offers resources and talks about the organization he works for Vets4Warriors.com. He shares how the organization offers 24-hour free help to Veterans ranging from support for mental illness to landing a job. vets4warriors.com The phone number is 855-838-8255 Major General (retired) Mark Graham is currently serving as the Senior Director, Rutgers UBHC National Call Center. Included in his duties is Director, Vets4Warriors and several other programs. MG Graham retired from the US Army on August 1, 2012 after almost thirty-five years of service. His final position was as the Director (G-3/5/7) U.S. Army Forces Command, Fort Bragg, North Carolina. In this position, he oversaw the plans, operations and training for Army forces (active and reserve component) stationed in the Continental United States and ensured conventional forces were prepared for worldwide deployment and combat. MG Graham and his wife, Carol, are tireless champions of military and civilian efforts to promote mental health and suicide-prevention awareness, and to eliminate the stigma surrounding mental health care. To honor the memory of their sons, 2LT Jeff Graham who was killed by an IED in Iraq in February 2004, and their son Kevin a Senior Army ROTC cadet who died by suicide in June 2003 while studying to be an Army Doctor at the University of Kentucky, the Grahams established the Jeffrey C. and Kevin A. Graham Memorial Fund to provide the “Question, Persuade, Refer” suicide prevention program at the University of Kentucky. The Grahams were instrumental in establishing the Jeffrey and Kevin Graham Memorial Endowed Lectureship in Psychology for the study of depression and suicide prevention at Cameron University, in Lawton, Oklahoma. Additionally, they support the ongoing efforts of the Pikes Peak Suicide Prevention Partnership, Colorado Springs, Colorado (El Paso County), through the "Jeffrey and Kevin Graham Support Services". The Graham’s story is featured in the award winning book, “The Invisible Front: Loss and Love in an Era of Endless War”, by Yochi Dreazen. MG Graham was commissioned a second lieutenant of Field Artillery in December 1977 at Murray State University. Spanning almost 35 years, MG Graham served in key command and staff positions in the United States, Germany and Korea. Past assignments include Field Artillery Battalion Command at Fort Sill, Oklahoma; Brigade Command in California as the first Active-Duty Army Colonel to command a National Guard brigade in peacetime; Commander of the Battlefield Coordination Detachment, Osan, Korea then the Executive Officer to the U.S. Forces Korea Commander; Chief of Staff and Deputy Commanding General of the U.S. Army Field Artillery Center and Fort Sill; the Deputy Commanding General of 5th U.S. Army/Army North where he supported evacuation and relief operations following Hurricanes Katrina and Rita; then as the Commanding General of Fort Carson, Colorado and Division West of First US Army. In addition to his Bachelor’s degree in political science, MG Graham holds a Masters of Business Administration from Oklahoma City University and a Master of Science in National Security Strategy from the National Defense University in Washington, D.C. He is also a graduate of the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College and the National War College. MG Graham’s numerous military awards include the Distinguished Service Medal, the Bronze Star Medal, the Defense Superior Service Medal, the Legion of Merit, the Meritorious Service Medal and the Humanitarian Service Medal.

Deloris Moton Quaranta Founder and Executive Director of the Northeast Florida Women Veterans, Inc Deloris (Dee) is the Founder and Executive Director of the Northeast Florida Women Veterans, Inc.  She retired from the US Air Force after 20 year of service and that career has taken her to places such as Italy, Philippines, Germany, Korea, Puerto Rico and several stateside bases. After retirement and returning home to Jacksonville to work for the state of Florida as a veterans’ representative, she was able to understand some of the challenges veterans face, especially women.  Answering to the call from women veterans, she founded the Northeast Florida Women Veterans, Inc. Currently, she is working to bring awareness to the needs of women veterans.  She was able to convince the Mayor to sign a proclamation to declare the third week of March each year, “Women Veterans Recognition Week”, she spearheaded a week-long celebration that culminated in honoring WWII female veterans, and she is actively engaged in various events highlighting women veterans..  Dee earned her Bachelor of Science in Business Management from Limestone College of Gaffney, South Carolina and her Master’s in Business Administration from The University of Phoenix. Dee’s volunteer efforts resulted in her receiving the Commander’s Award for Public Service and the Air Force Angel Award for Volunteerism.  Having provided direct support for the Oklahoma City bombing in 1996, she received the Humanitarian Service Medal.  In addition to the Commendation and Meritorious Service medals, she recently received the 2014 Workforce Champion Award, 2015 HandsOn Jacksonville Celebrate Good Award- Military category,  and Wealth Watcher’s Homes for our Heroes recognition.  She has served at guest speaker on numerous occasions to bring awareness to the challenges of female veterans.

  Deloris Moton Quaranta Founder and Executive Director of the Northeast Florida Women Veterans, Inc Deloris (Dee) is the Founder and Executive Director of the Northeast Florida Women Veterans, Inc.  She retired from the US Air Force after 20 year of service and that career has taken her to places such as Italy, Philippines, Germany, Korea, Puerto Rico and several stateside bases. After retirement and returning home to Jacksonville to work for the state of Florida as a veterans’ representative, she was able to understand some of the challenges veterans face, especially women.  Answering to the call from women veterans, she founded the Northeast Florida Women Veterans, Inc. Currently, she is working to bring awareness to the needs of women veterans.  She was able to convince the Mayor to sign a proclamation to declare the third week of March each year, “Women Veterans Recognition Week”, she spearheaded a week-long celebration that culminated in honoring WWII female veterans, and she is actively engaged in various events highlighting women veterans..  Dee earned her Bachelor of Science in Business Management from Limestone College of Gaffney, South Carolina and her Master’s in Business Administration from The University of Phoenix. Dee’s volunteer efforts resulted in her receiving the Commander’s Award for Public Service and the Air Force Angel Award for Volunteerism.  Having provided direct support for the Oklahoma City bombing in 1996, she received the Humanitarian Service Medal.  In addition to the Commendation and Meritorious Service medals, she recently received the 2014 Workforce Champion Award, 2015 HandsOn Jacksonville Celebrate Good Award- Military category,  and Wealth Watcher’s Homes for our Heroes recognition.  She has served at guest speaker on numerous occasions to bring awareness to the challenges of female veterans.

The Disabled Veterans National Foundation (DVNF) was founded in 2007 by six women veterans, each with years of experience as State Women Veterans Coordinators in various states around the country brbr Joseph VanFonda CEO brbr Joseph VanFonda served in the United States Marine Corps for more than 27 years. He retired out of Quantico, VA in 2013 as the Regimental SgtMaj for the Wounded Warrior Regiment. In this role, he was responsible for the coordination of non - medical care for combat and non -combat wounded, ill, and injured Marines, as well as Sailors attached to or in direct support of Marine units and their family members in order to assist them as they return to duty or transition to the veteran status. Joseph is a combat veteran who has a deep understanding of the Veterans Integrated System Network of the Department of Veterans Affairs. Knowing the many levels of care within the VA, Joseph has begun to implement a new core concept of operations of DVNF, known as Benefits and Resource Navigation (BaRN). This new and exciting concept of operations will help with the direct needs of our disabled veterans while providing additional resources that each disabled veteran earned while serving this great nation. Joseph is very familiar with working with nonprofit organizations. As the Wounded Warrior Regimental SgtMaj he served as one of the main points of contact and clearinghouse for persons or charitable organizations seeking to support wounded warriors through charitable gifts and special events. Asked why did you accept the Executive Director position? “I have served our wonderful nation for 27 years. I believe in DVN F's mission, which allows me to continue serving our American heroes our disabled veterans in need, and we will do this with a relationship, not a process approach” Joseph VanFonda's awards and decorations include the Purple Heart Meritorious Service Medal with two gold star (3rd award) Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with three gold stars (4th award) Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with four gold stars (5th award) Combat Action Ribbon, Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal (8th award) Humanitarian Service Medal with one star (2award) National Defense Service Medal with one star Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal (GWOTEM) Global War on Terrorism (GWOTM) Kuwait Liberation Medal Saudi Arabia Liberation Medal Southwest Asia Service Meda

Workshop Wednesdays with Tony Gambone with his guest Elizabeth McCormick As seen on ABC News “20/20,” CBS News, MSNBC, on FOX News Radio, on the front page of the Dallas Morning News and featured in the Wall Street Journal, Elizabeth McCormick has empowered audiences all over America with her action-packed speaking. As a Black Hawk Helicopter Pilot Elizabeth has Flown: Air Assault/Rappelling training missions VIPs like Generals, Governors and Congressmen and women Command & Control battlefield management operations Military intelligence missions (Don't Ask- Top Secret!) Elizabeth supported UN peacekeeping operations in Kosovo as the S-4 Logistics Officer in Charge at the Battalion level, receiving the Meritorious Service Medal for her excellence in service. A decorated pilot and officer, Elizabeth was awarded the Army Commendation Medal twice, Army Achievement Medal two times, National Defense Service Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, and the coveted Army Aviator Badge. A disabled veteran, Elizabeth was medically retired  as a Chief Warrant Officer 2 after a career ending injury. She was honored with the Congressional Veteran Commendation for her commitment to duty and community. Elizabeth is a founding member of the John Maxwell Team of speakers, coaches and trainers, as well as an award-winning sales consultant teaching her nationally acclaimed sales training: “It's Not Stalking, It's Follow-Up”. With her empowering, energizing delivery, Elizabeth is a sought-after keynote speaker.. http://www.yourinspirationalspeaker.com/elizabeth-mccormick/

As seen on ABC News “20/20,” CBS News, MSNBC, on FOX News Radio, on the front page of the Dallas Morning News and featured in the Wall Street Journal, Elizabeth McCormick has empowered audiences all over America with her action-packed speaking.   Elizabeth supported UN peacekeeping operations in Kosovo as the S-4 Logistics Officer in Charge at the Battalion level, receiving the Meritorious Service Medal for her excellence in service. A decorated pilot and officer, Elizabeth was awarded the Army Commendation Medal twice, Army Achievement Medal two times, National Defense Service Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, and the coveted Army Aviator Badge. With her empowering, energizing delivery, Elizabeth is a sought-after keynote speaker. She inspires audiences with her experiences and stories from her years as a Black Hawk Helicopter pilot and turns them into relatable lessons that any audience can put into immediate action. http://www.yourinspirationalspeaker.com/ www.christopherrausch.com   

Aaron Kahn is a litigator specializing in commercial litigation, trust and probate litigation, and white-collar internal investigations and defense. He has represented clients in both state and federal court, as well as in multi-million dollar arbitrations in connection with disputes involving personal and business torts, contract law, commercial fraud, unfair competition/false advertising law, trust & probate law, and constitutional law. His clients have included individuals, small businesses, charitable institutions, and large international corporations in a variety of industries including sports & entertainment, technology, retail, health care, manufacturing, real estate development, engineered products and services, financial services, legal services, and banking. Mr. Kahn's significant recent experience includes being a member of the trial team representing a major nonprofit organization, Log Cabin Republicans, in its high-profile lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of the US military's Don't Ask Don't Tell policy. During the two-week federal court trial, which concluded in July 2010, White & Case presented extensive documentary evidence and testimony by experts and former servicemembers, all of which demonstrated that the policy does not further any of its asserted governmental purposes. As part of the trial, Mr. Kahn presented and examined several witnesses, including highly-decorated and accomplished Air Force servicemembers discharged under Don't Ask, Don't Tell. Mr. Kahn's recent experience also includes defending a major technology company in several high-stakes class arbitrations before the American Arbitration Association, conducting internal investigations for several large corporations concerning allegations of fraud and Foreign Corrupt Practices Act violations, and representing charitable institutions in high-value trust and probate challenges. Aaron Kahn serves on the Loyola Law School Alumni Association's Board of Governors and is active in the Loyola Law School community. www.whitecase.com/aakahn/ Mike Almy joined the US Air Force in 1993 after graduating from Wright State University, where he earned his commission through Air Force ROTC, as a distinguished graduate. He served a total of thirteen years on active duty as a communications officer before he was discharged under "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" in 2006. In his last position in the Air Force he led a team of nearly 200 men and women, responsible for operating and maintaining the command and control systems used to control the airspace over Iraq. His discharge process lasted sixteen months and started after the Air Force searched his private emails in Iraq. During his career in the Air Force Mike has been stationed at Kelly AFB, Texas, Randolph AFB, Texas, Scott AFB, Illinois, Tinker AFB, Oklahoma, Quantico MCB, Virginia, Ramstein AB, Germany and Spangdahlem AB, Germany. He deployed to the Middle East four times during his career, supporting Operation Desert Fox, Operation Southern Watch and Operation Iraqi Freedom. He has a master's degree from Webster University, and is a graduate of Marine Corps University and Air University. His decorations include the Joint Commendation Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal and the Operation Iraqi Freedom Campaign Medal. He was named Officer of the Quarter, and Officer of the Year several times throughout his career. In 2005, he was named the top communications officer for the Air Force in Europe. In 2006 he was recommended for promotion to Lieutenant Colonel, even as the Air Force was actively seeking to discharge him under DADT. Since his discharge from the military Mike has worked as an IT consultant in the Washington, DC area, on projects for the Department of State and Department of Defense. His hometown is Dayton, Ohio. He has been an advocate for repealing Don't Ask, Don't Tell by testifying before the Senate Armed Services Committee and lobbying members of Congress. He spoke alongside Senators Lieberman and Levin when the bill to repeal DADT was introduced in the Senate. He has been interviewed on NPR, CNN, The Associated Press, The Rachel Maddow Show, Kathy Griffin's, My Life on the D List and the Advocate. He also escorted Lady Gaga to the MTV Video Music Awards and spoke at the repeal rally she held in Maine, before the vote in the Senate.