Podcasts about iraqi freedom

What if the pain you've buried is the very thing standing between you and your healing? This powerful interview pulls back the curtain on one man's darkest moments to show you what's possible when you stop running and start facing the truth.How This Helps You?Let's be real—most people are carrying wounds they've never told anyone about. And as long as those wounds stay hidden, so does the healing. In this conversation, you'll see how the deepest pain can become your greatest turning point—if you're willing to go there.Why Must You Listen?Discover how trauma, when confronted with truth, can become the foundation for purpose and personal transformationLearn how even the most chaotic childhood doesn't have to define your futureHear what it really takes to serve others without losing yourself—whether you're in a crisis profession or just trying to show up for your own lifeWhat's It All About?Joe Smarro's story isn't easy to hear—but it just might be exactly what you need to. From childhood abuse and chaos so intense he once set his own bed on fire, to tours of duty as a U.S. Marine, to the high-stakes role of police crisis negotiator—Joe has lived through storms most can't imagine. But the greatest battle he ever faced? Was the one inside.This episode doesn't glorify pain. It reveals the truth of it. And in that truth, you'll find the possibility of your own redemption.You'll hear about the suicide calls, the emotional toll of policing, and the moment a man died in Joe's arms. But you'll also hear what happened next—and how Joe's journey now helps others face what they've been running from.This isn't just Joe's story. It's a wake-up call for anyone who's tired of pretending they're fine.Looking for the Links?SolutionPoint+ (Joe's Mental Health Training Org)JoeSmarro.comConnect with Joe on FacebookFollow Joe on InstagramConnect with Joe on LinkedInPress play now to discover how the pain you've hidden might just be the path to the healing you've been searching for.Today's Featured GuestJoe Smarro is a decorated US Marine Corps combat veteran, serving in Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. After military service, he joined the San Antonio Police Department in 2005, becoming a key member of the SAPD Mental Health Unit and growing it into a model of best practices. He delivered a TEDx talk in San Antonio in 2018, titled "I See You," and co-starred in the Emmy-winning documentary "Ernie & Joe: Crisis Cops." Joe co-founded SolutionPoint+ in 2017, focusing on mental wellness and safety in organizations. He left SAPD in 2020 to expand his impact in law enforcement across the nation, aiming to eradicate suicide in policing.Hey, it's Kevin!I hope you enjoyed today's episode! If there is ever anything I can do for you, please don't hesitate to reach out. Below, you will find ALL the places and ALL the ways to connect!I would LOVE to hear from you! Send me a Voice MessageWant to be a guest on GRIT, GRACE, & INSPIRATION? Send Kevin Lowe a message on PodMatch!

Major General (Ret.) Rick Evans shares the history and significance of the Strategic Air Command (SAC) and the United States Strategic Command (STRATCOM), focusing on the evolution from Building 500 to the new Command and Control Facility (C2F). The conversation covers the historical context of SAC, the transition to STRATCOM, the necessity for a new facility, funding challenges, and the operational capabilities of the new C2F, highlighting its importance in national security.Major General, USAF (Ret.) Richard J. Evans III (Rick) serves as the Executive Director for the National Strategic Research Institute (NSRI), a national security-focused research institute created by the University of Nebraska. Before joining NSRI, he served more than 35 years in the U.S. Air Force and Air National Guard, retiring at the rank of Major General in October, 2019. He was previously the Director of Reserve Forces and Mobilization Assistant to the Commander, U.S. Strategic Command, Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska. He served as the principal advisor to the Commander on reserve component matters related to the command's diverse missions, including strategic deterrence, nuclear operations and command, control and communications, space and cyberspace operations, full-spectrum global strike, integrated missile defense, joint electromagnetic spectrum operations and joint warfare analysis.Maj. Gen. Evans received his commission in 1984 as a distinguished graduate of the Air National Guard Academy of Military Science. He has commanded at the detachment, squadron, group and wing levels. His operational flying assignments include instructor weapon systems officer in the RF-4C; and instructor and evaluator navigator in the KC- 135 Stratotanker. His staff assignments include: wing- level operations, plans, tactics and personnel assignments; Special Assistant to the Director, Air National Guard for the Quadrennial Defense Review 2010; Acting Director for Space and Information Superiority at the National Guard Bureau; and National Reconnaissance Office Liaison Officer to U.S. Strategic Command. He also served as Chair of the Air National Guard's KC-135 and Space, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance and Cyber Weapon System Councils and was a member of the Air Directorate Field Advisory Council from 2004-2012. Maj. Gen. Evans has commanded expeditionary forces and flown combat missions in the KC-135 supporting operations Uphold Democracy, Decisive Endeavor, Deliberate Guard, Deliberate Forge, Allied Force, Southern Watch, Northern Watch, Noble Eagle, Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. He also served as Director of Mobility Forces for NATO Operation Unified Protector. He is a graduate of the U.S. Air Force Fighter Weapons School and master navigator with over 4,000 flying hours, including 153 combat/combat support hours. He has also completed over 100 operational missions as an Airborne Emergency Actions Officer leading the Battle Staff on the U.S. Strategic Command E-6B Airborne Command Post.Socials:Follow on Twitter at @NucleCastFollow on LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/nuclecastpodcastSubscribe RSS Feed: https://rss.com/podcasts/nuclecast-podcast/Rate: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/nuclecast/id1644921278Email comments and topic/guest suggestions to NucleCast@anwadeter.org

Welcome to "The Readiness Brief," a limited podcast series hosted by The O2X Podcast, designed to explore the critical importance of readiness within the tactical community. In each episode, we bring to the forefront seasoned members of the O2X Integrated Readiness Platform (IRP) network, engaging in insightful conversations with senior leaders across the tactical population."The Readiness Brief" aims to foster a deeper understanding of the O2X Integrated Readiness Platform (IRP) while spotlighting successes and valuable insights from organizations committed to preparedness.Part 4 features O2X Program Manager Brendan Stickles and Captain David "Heavy" Ganci.Captain David "Heavy" Ganci, a Naval Flight Officer who commissioned through OCS in 1999, has served as a cornerstone of the VAQ Electronic Attack community for over two decades. His operational career spans combat deployments with four distinguished squadrons—the "Gauntlets" of VAQ-136, "Patriots" of VAQ-140, "Gray Wolves" of VAQ-142, and as commanding officer of the "Zappers" of VAQ-130—participating in Operations Southern Watch, Iraqi Freedom, Enduring Freedom, New Dawn, and Inherent Resolve. Between operational tours, he served as a tactics instructor at the Electronic Attack Weapons School, worked as Assistant Aviation Officer Community Manager at PERS-43, earned his Master's degree at the Naval War College, and served in the Pentagon's Office of Legislative Affairs before being selected as Aide-de-Camp to Secretary of the Navy Kenneth Braithwaite. Currently serving as Deputy Commodore of Commander Electronic Attack Wing U.S. Pacific Fleet, Captain Ganci's decorations include the Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Individual Action Air Medal with combat "V," and Strike Flight Air Medal with six awards, reflecting a distinguished career leading the Airborne Electronic Attack Community across the globe.Brendan Stickles currently serves as Program Manager for Federal Government Accounts at O2X Human Performance, following a distinguished career that blended military service with high-level government advisory roles. A Navy Commander with over 18 years of jet flying experience and more than 550 carrier landings, he commanded an EA-18 squadron aboard the USS Eisenhower that earned consecutive "Battle E" awards for combat efficiency during Operation Inherent Resolve. After his military career, Stickles transitioned to serve as Special Advisor for Defense to Vice Presidents Kamala Harris and Mike Pence, where he managed a comprehensive portfolio including veterans' issues, national security, defense innovation, and military readiness as Director on the National Security Council. A Naval Academy graduate with degrees in history, an MBA from UNC, and an MPA from Harvard, he later served as a consultant with Boston Consulting Group before joining O2X in 2023, bringing his unique combination of operational military experience, senior government advisory expertise, and business acumen to the human performance sector.Building Homes for Heroes:https://www.buildinghomesforheroes.org/Download the O2X Tactical Performance App:app.o2x.comLet us know what you think:Website - http://o2x.comIG - https://instagram.com/o2xhumanperformance?igshid=1kicimx55xt4f 

THE INTERVIEW Native Americans serve at a higher percentage than the general population. Still, there are misunderstandings about their culture and spiritual beliefs even among their brothers and sisters in the armed forces. In this week's episode, Army veteran Mitchelene BigMan talks about her military service as a Native American, importance of culture, creation of a Native American women veterans nonprofit and more. SCUTTLEBUTT Down the Reddit Rabbit Hole: Native Americans and the U.S. Military Tribal flags removed from Phoenix VA hospital under new federal policy Memorial Honoring Native American U.S. Veterans proposed for Minnesota Capitol grounds Special Guest: Mitchelene BigMan.

“Bobby V” originally enlisted in the Army as an Airborne Ranger in January of 1988. After completing Infantry Basic Training and the Ranger Indoctrination Program he was assigned to the 1st Ranger BN Hunter Army Airfield, Savannah, Georgia.  As a Ranger, he participated in combat operations in support of Operation Just Cause, Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm. In 1994 he was reassigned as a Ranger Instructor at the 6th Ranger Training Battalion in Camp Rudder Florida.He was accepted into the Warrant Officer Program in 1997. He attended Initial Entry Rotary Wing Training, Warrant Officer Basic Course and UH-60 Black Hawk transition.   After completing the UH-60 aircraft qualification at Fort Rucker he participated in combat operations in support of Operation Task Force Hawk deploying to Albania, Macedonia and Kosovo.In 2001 after a successful assessment and selection he was assigned to A Co. (Shadows) 3rd Battalion, 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne) at Hunter Army Airfield, Georgia. Upon arrival to the 160th he attended the Special Operations Training Course, Survival Evasion Resistance and Escape Level-C Course. He received his Fully Mission Qualification in 2002 and Tracked Maintenance Test Pilot in 2005.  In 2007 he was assigned to D Co. (Raiders) 3rd Battalion, 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne) at Hunter Army Airfield, Georgia as a Fully Mission Qualified Pilot and Maintenance Test Pilot. From 2008 through 2015 he was assigned to multiple companies in 3rd Battalion, 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne) at Hunter Army Airfield, Georgia as a Fully Mission Qualified Pilot and Maintenance Test Pilot – Maintenance Examiner, the Battalion Liaison Officer to Special Operations Command Southern Command, Maintenance Test Pilot – Maintenance Examiner.  In 2015 he was assigned to D Co. AVUM-AVIM (Dark wing) 3rd Battalion, 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne) at Hunter Army Airfield, Georgia as the Senior Fully Mission Qualified Pilot and Maintenance Test Pilot – Maintenance Examiner. He has made numerous deployments with D Co. (Raiders), C Co. (Shadows) and D Co. (Darkwing) in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM, IRAQI FREEDOM, NEW DAWN and INHERENT RESOLVE totaling over 860 days deployed to combat logging 1100 hrs of combat/ imminent danger.Chief Warrant Officer Five Villarreal military schools include the Individual Infantry Training course, Airborne Course, Ranger Indoctrination Program, Ranger Course, Jungle Warfare Training Course, Primary Leadership Development Course, French Foreign Legion Guyane Commando Course, Basic Noncommissioned Officer Course, Warrant Officer Candidate School, Army Aviation Branch Qualification Course, OH-58A Recon Air Interdiction Course, UH-60 Aircraft Qualification Course, Special Operations Training Course, Survival Evasion Resistance Escape Level-C Course, Aviation Maintenance Manger Course, Maintenance Test Pilot Course / Examiner, Warrant Officer Advanced Course, Warrant Officer Intermediate Level Education Course, SIX Sigma Green Belt Certification Course, Six Sigma Black Belt Certification Course, FAA Airline Transport Pilot (Helicopter) & Unmanned Aircraft System Remote Pilot . His awards and decorations include:  Bronze Star (2), Meritorious Service Medal (2), Air Medal Valor (1), Air Medal (4),  Army Commendation Medal (4), Joint Service Achievement Medal (2), Army Achievement Medal (5), Joint Meritorious Unit Award w/ oak leaf cluster (2), Army Meritorious Unit Commendation (1), Airforce Meritorious Unit Commendation (1), Army Good Conduct Medal (2), National Defense Service Medal (2), Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal w/ bronze arrowhead (1), Southwest Asia Service Medal w/ bronze Star (2), Kosovo Campaign Medal (1), Afghanistan Campaign Medal (1), Iraq Campaign Medal (7), Inherent, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal (1), Global War on Terrorism Service Medal (1), NCO Professional Development Ribbon (2), Army Service Ribbon (1), Overseas Service Ribbon (1), NATO Medal (1), Kuwait Liberation Medal (Saudi Arabia) (1), Kuwait Liberation Medal (Kuwait) (1), Combat Infantry Badge, Expert Infantry Badge, Combat Action Badge, Ranger Tab, Parachute Badge w/ bronze service star, Jordanian Parachute Badge, Egyptian Parachute Badge, French Forces Legionnaire Guyane Commando Badge, Master Aviator Badge.He is now retired and enjoys spending time with and raising his two daughters, fishing and has plenty of option on politics, domestic and Global affairs and politics.

The Indo-Pacific is one of the most consequential regions in the world. It's home to economies, trade routes, and allies vital to American prosperity and security.It is also a region where the Chinese Communist Party, building on decades of defense sector cooperation with Russia, has expanded its military capabilities at a breathtaking pace. The more capable the Chinese military has become, the more aggressively Beijing has acted to coerce its neighbors and undermine American interests.Someone who grapples daily with this reality is General Ronald Clark, the Commander of U.S. Army Pacific, or USARPAC.For those who are not denizens of the Department of Defense, USARPAC is the Army service component command within U.S. Indo-Pacific Command. In other words, you can think of him as the top American soldier in the Pacific. A combat leader with decades of experience, General Clark has led American soldiers in Europe, the Middle East, and the Pacific. He's a veteran of Operations Desert Shield, Desert Storm, Iraqi Freedom, and Enduring Freedom. But now he focuses full time on the Pacific.He joins guest host Bradley Bowman, Senior Director of FDD's Center on Military and Political Power, to discuss why the Indo-Pacific matters to Americans, the role of land power there, and what the Army is doing to deter and defeat adversaries—including forward-positioning forces, conducting rigorous training, and deepening cooperation with key allies such as the Philippines.

The Indo-Pacific is one of the most consequential regions in the world. It's home to economies, trade routes, and allies vital to American prosperity and security.It is also a region where the Chinese Communist Party, building on decades of defense sector cooperation with Russia, has expanded its military capabilities at a breathtaking pace. The more capable the Chinese military has become, the more aggressively Beijing has acted to coerce its neighbors and undermine American interests.Someone who grapples daily with this reality is General Ronald Clark, the Commander of U.S. Army Pacific, or USARPAC.For those who are not denizens of the Department of Defense, USARPAC is the Army service component command within U.S. Indo-Pacific Command. In other words, you can think of him as the top American soldier in the Pacific. A combat leader with decades of experience, General Clark has led American soldiers in Europe, the Middle East, and the Pacific. He's a veteran of Operations Desert Shield, Desert Storm, Iraqi Freedom, and Enduring Freedom. But now he focuses full time on the Pacific.He joins guest host Bradley Bowman, Senior Director of FDD's Center on Military and Political Power, to discuss why the Indo-Pacific matters to Americans, the role of land power there, and what the Army is doing to deter and defeat adversaries—including forward-positioning forces, conducting rigorous training, and deepening cooperation with key allies such as the Philippines.

President Trump is using his executive power to rip the lid off the deep state's most egregious fraud, waste, and abuse—starting with USAID. But what about Congress? Reps. Keith Self and August Pfluger join The Kevin Roberts Show to reveal how they're working to codify Trump's reforms, gut the bureaucracy, and put America back on the path to military strength and fiscal sanity. From cutting trillions in waste to dismantling Biden's radical policies, this episode breaks down the real fight for America's future.About Rep. Pfluger: Serving his third term in the U.S. House of Representatives, Congressman August Pfluger represents 20 counties in Texas' 11th Congressional District, including Brownwood, Killeen, Llano, Midland, Odessa, and San Angelo. August grew up in San Angelo, where he lives with his wife Camille and three daughters. August graduated from the U.S. Air Force Academy before serving in the military for twenty years as a decorated fighter pilot and squadron commander, including two deployments to Syria and Northern Iraq. August also served on the United States National Security Council (NSC) during President Trump's first presidency and still serves as a colonel in the U.S. Air Force Reserves. In Congress, August is the first Member to represent Midland and Odessa on the House Energy and Commerce Committee. He also serves as Chairman of the Republican Study Committee – the largest caucus of conservatives on Capitol Hill – and as Chairman of the House Homeland Security Subcommittee on Counterterrorism and Intelligence. Additionally, August co-founded the MACH 1 Caucus and the Texas Ag Task Force. He is a conservative Republican, a proud husband and father, and a devoted follower of Jesus Christ.About Rep. Self: Keith Self was born in a military hospital during his father's service in the United States Army and was raised in Texas.  After graduation from High School in Amarillo, he accepted an appointment to The United States Military Academy at West Point, where he began a 25-year career of service to our country.Keith's Army tours included Airborne Infantry Platoon Leader, Airborne Infantry Company Commander, Special Forces Detachment Commander and Special Forces Company Commander.  His service took him to Europe, the Middle East, and the Pentagon, where he worked on the most sensitive military programs.  He deployed to Grenada, Bosnia, Afghanistan, and Iraqi Freedom. During his career, Keith received the Master Parachutist Badge, Ranger Tab, Special Forces Tab, and Joint Staff Badge.  He retired with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.Upon retiring from the Army, Keith was elected County Judge in Collin County, TX, in 2006.  He served three consecutive terms before retiring in 2018.Keith and his wife Tracy have been happily married since his graduation from West Point.  They reside in McKinney, TX and are active members in their church and local community.

On Today's Episode – Mark and Matt dive into the day's topics including how Gavin Newsome paid for his own statue in City Hall among other things.We hop right over to returning guest Retired Colonel Rob Maness (Bio Below). We continue the chat about how the Left is trying to normalize EVERYTHING, and use our tax dollars to do it. Tune in for all the fun@robmaness - X@colrobmanesshttps://www.robmaness.com/Retired Colonel Rob Maness has a lifelong record of dedicated service to the nation. As a 17-year-old high school senior, he decided to enlist in the United States Air Force and serve in uniform as the country faced multiple crises around the world.Having worked his way up from the enlisted ranks to full colonel, he retired from active duty in 2011, ending his military service of more than 32 years. Following military retirement Rob returned to Louisiana to work as an executive in a Fortune 500 energy corporation. He is currently founder and the owner of Iron Liberty Group and resides in Gulfport, Mississippi.Rob has proven his competence at the local, state, and federal levels of government with his demonstrated leadership and effectiveness as a steward of our citizen's tax dollars. He has broad experience working at the Louisiana State Legislature, in the national budget process, national emergency response decision-making, law enforcement, successful community relations with governments at all levels, and working directly with citizens to meet today's challenges. He has provided direct, executive oversight to local schools in coordination with elected school boards, working to make them secure and more effective to meet the needs of America's military children. His leadership and combat experiences give him a unique perspective when considering how national action impacts our American families.During his military service, Colonel Maness led numerous combat operations, including as a bomber squadron commander in Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. Colonel Maness served as an enlisted bomb disposal technician in three assignments countering terrorism before being commissioned and selected for flight training. As a Joint Chiefs of Staff operations officer he was on duty in the National Military Command Center located within the Pentagon during the September 11, 2001 attack. In the ensuing months, he directly assisted the United States national security team with creating, synchronizing, and executing the campaign plan for the global war on terrorism. Colonel Maness authored the first theater nuclear war plan and designed decision-making tools for the Presidential nuclear decision handbook strengthening U.S. extended strategic deterrence policy in European and Pacific regions. Colonel Maness served as the Vice Commander of America's largest Airborne Intelligence Wing conducting strategic and battlefield intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance operations against America's enemies. He went on to command Kirtland Air Force Base, Albuquerque, NM, the sixth largest U.S. Air Force Base encompassing 53,000 acres and 22,000 employees, housing our nation's most critical assets.After running for the U.S. Senate on this America First Platform, Rob founded GatorPAC and its Veterans Leadership Fund, a Federal political action committee. The PAC educates grass roots political activists on the most effective ways to influence their elected officials, get a candidate elected, or to fight for a cause. It advocates for policies that protect your liberty, fight for limited government, and ensure prosperity. He has also served as a board member at Military Veterans Advocacy, Inc., a veteran's advocacy group fighting for veteran toxic exposure benefits, committed to preventing veteran suicides, and ensuring military families have equal access to benefits. He has served as a non-voting board member of the Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce and Hispano Chamber of Commerce in his role as Commander of Kirtland AFB. As president of his local chapter of the Military Officers Association of America, he led a team that created an annual scholarship fund for graduating high school students. Rob is a Life Member of the NRA, Veterans of Foreign Wars, the American Legion, Disabled American Veterans, and the Military Officers Association of America.He is also a member of the Louisiana Military Order of Foreign Wars and the Society of the Sons of the Revolution. Active in the community, Rob served as an elected member of the Republican Party Executive Committee representing St. Tammany Parish Council District 1 for two terms and served on the board of the only Republican Men's Club in Louisiana. He Currently serves on the Harrison County and Gulfport Mississippi GOP Executive committees.Rob graduated Cum Laude at the University of Tampa and holds master's degrees from Harvard University's Kennedy School, the Air Command and Staff College, and the US College of Naval Warfare.His military awards and combat decorations include the Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star and Air Medal.Rob is married to the former Candy Smith. They have five children, including three sons serving in the military (one former US Navy, one former US Army guardsman, one active US Air Force), and five grandchildren. They are members of the Baptist Church.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On Today's Episode – Mark and Matt dive into the day's topics including how Gavin Newsome paid for his own statue in City Hall among other things. We hop right over to returning guest Retired Colonel Rob Maness (Bio Below).  We continue the chat about how the Left is trying to normalize EVERYTHING, and use our tax dollars to do it.  Tune in for all the fun @robmaness - X @colrobmaness https://www.robmaness.com/   Retired Colonel Rob Maness has a lifelong record of dedicated service to the nation. As a 17-year-old high school senior, he decided to enlist in the United States Air Force and serve in uniform as the country faced multiple crises around the world. Having worked his way up from the enlisted ranks to full colonel, he retired from active duty in 2011, ending his military service of more than 32 years. Following military retirement Rob returned to Louisiana to work as an executive in a Fortune 500 energy corporation. He is currently founder and the owner of Iron Liberty Group and resides in Gulfport, Mississippi. Rob has proven his competence at the local, state, and federal levels of government with his demonstrated leadership and effectiveness as a steward of our citizen's tax dollars. He has broad experience working at the Louisiana State Legislature, in the national budget process, national emergency response decision-making, law enforcement, successful community relations with governments at all levels, and working directly with citizens to meet today's challenges. He has provided direct, executive oversight to local schools in coordination with elected school boards, working to make them secure and more effective to meet the needs of America's military children. His leadership and combat experiences give him a unique perspective when considering how national action impacts our American families. During his military service, Colonel Maness led numerous combat operations, including as a bomber squadron commander in Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. Colonel Maness served as an enlisted bomb disposal technician in three assignments countering terrorism before being commissioned and selected for flight training. As a Joint Chiefs of Staff operations officer he was on duty in the National Military Command Center located within the Pentagon during the September 11, 2001 attack. In the ensuing months, he directly assisted the United States national security team with creating, synchronizing, and executing the campaign plan for the global war on terrorism. Colonel Maness authored the first theater nuclear war plan and designed decision-making tools for the Presidential nuclear decision handbook strengthening U.S. extended strategic deterrence policy in European and Pacific regions. Colonel Maness served as the Vice Commander of America's largest Airborne Intelligence Wing conducting strategic and battlefield intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance operations against America's enemies. He went on to command Kirtland Air Force Base, Albuquerque, NM, the sixth largest U.S. Air Force Base encompassing 53,000 acres and 22,000 employees, housing our nation's most critical assets. After running for the U.S. Senate on this America First Platform, Rob founded GatorPAC and its Veterans Leadership Fund, a Federal political action committee. The PAC educates grass roots political activists on the most effective ways to influence their elected officials, get a candidate elected, or to fight for a cause. It advocates for policies that protect your liberty, fight for limited government, and ensure prosperity. He has also served as a board member at Military Veterans Advocacy, Inc., a veteran's advocacy group fighting for veteran toxic exposure benefits, committed to preventing veteran suicides, and ensuring military families have...

In this Leveling Up episode of the PRS Global Open Deep Cuts Podcast, Dr. Azari discusses the nuances of bread and butter hand surgery procedures like carpal tunnel and Dupuytren's fasciectomies, his approach to providing trainees with gradually increasing levels of responsibility and autonomy, how he builds rapport with patients and personalizes his approach to each patient's needs and goals, why it's sometimes important to go against your instincts when dealing with problematic patients, his interest in and lessons learned from hand transplantation, and why patients can be a bit like circling helicopters.   Dr. Kodi Azari is a Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery and Plastic Surgery at UCLA Medical center in Los Angeles, California. He serves as the Chief of Reconstructive Transplantation as well as the Medical Co-Director of Operation Mend which is a UCLA program aimed at providing complex reconstructive surgery for wounded service members injured in Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom.   Dr. Azari completed General Surgery and Plastic Surgery training at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, a Tissue Engineering Fellowship at Carnegie Mellon University, and a Hand and Microsurgery Fellowship at UCLA. He has been one of the lead surgeons on 7 hand transplantation operations including the first double hand transplantation and first arm transplantation performed in the United States.   He is a founding member of the American Society for Reconstructive Transplantation, and has served as an Associate Editor for the “Annals of Plastic Surgery,” Guest Editor for “Current Concepts in Organ Transplantation,” and contributing editor for the “Yearbook of Hand and Upper Limb Surgery.”   Your host, Dr. Puru Nagarkar, is a board-certified plastic and hand surgeon, and Associate Professor of Surgery at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas.   #PRSGlobalOpen #DeepCutsPodcast #PlasticSurgery #LevelingUp

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

Drew Bankey is not only an Iraqi Freedom war veteran and medicine man but holds such Native American distinctions as sun dancer and sacred pipe carrier.  Drew is co-founder of Sacred Journies Within, a nonprofit plant medicine church. He is author of the internationally-distributed books "I'm Perfect and So Are You" and "Find Your Inner Guru". A clear channel of Osiris, Archangel Michael, and Source!https://www.facebook.com/andrew.bankeyDrew's Website:https://www.sacredjournieswithin.com/our-storyDrew's Youtube:https://www.youtube.com/@DrewbankeyTypical Skeptic Podcast Links:☯ https://youtube.com/c/typicalskeptic -  Youtube ORYoutube.com/@typicalskeptic https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/typical-skeptic-podcast--5897400https://www.spreaker.com/show/typical-skeptic-podcast_1Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/4cgu5sK7h852WVw33oi2BpPodchaser - https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/typical-skeptic-podcast-2990304/episodeshttps://www.rumble.com/typicalskeptichttps://www.rokfin.com/typicalskepticApple Podcasts -  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/typical-skeptic-podcast/id1588674537Join the patreon to support for a small amount or on a long term basishttps://patreon.com/typicalskepticSocial Mediafacebook.com/robert.kalil.7instagam.com/kalilroberttwitter.com/robertkalil1121❤show support for the podcast https://paypal.me/typicalskepticmediacashapp $kalil1121 venmo @robert-kalilor buy me a coffee at https://buymeacoffee.com/typicalskeptic

This week we are talking once again with Dan "Dry Dock" Shockley on "Staying Healthy as a Veteran"  For Veteran's Day this year we are featuring Dan because even though he has been dealt a hard blow with a hereditary colon cancer gene he is not letting that slow him down one bit!  As a matter of fact he is thriving and advocating for others around the globe as a hereditary colon cancer ambassador!  Here is some more about Dan:   ​Dan Dry Dock Shockley, retired U.S. Navy veteran; Operation Desert Storm; Enduring and Iraqi Freedom veteran and a hereditary colon cancer WARRIOR.  The U.S. based Colon Cancer Alliance featured his journey for their Veterans Day blog. The below url provided for your reading pleasure: https://www.ccalliance.org/blog/prevention/dan-drydock-shockley-colon-cancer-warrior-forges-on Also, in honor of Rare Cancer Day, 30 September, the NORDpod featured him as a special guest. The below url provided for your listening pleasure: https://open.spotify.com/episode/6cJJwWXEp34wD8ulFBXNQu?si=m6_V8YwJRwqEAWxXzTp3Cw&utm_source=native-share-menu&dl_branch=1  Additionally, he has been a regular contributor to the UK based Rare Revolution team. They recently invited me to be part of their National Patient Advocate Day campaign. My input can be viewed on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tv/CSwmNDwjuLQ/?utm_medium=copy_link In closing, here's his latest article which was featured by the Montreal based, RareDIG Organization. https://www.raredigmcgill.com/HORD/Season-Four

Don't miss our newsletter! That's where we drop weekly knowledge bombs to help you make sense of defense! Mike hosts Col. Joseph Little, callsign “Little Joe,” to discuss how the US Air Force is modernizing the legendary B-52 BUFF to keep it flying into the 2050s—100 years after its first flight. Col Little is a B-52 Weapons Systems Officer, a US Air Force Weapons School graduate, a former test squadron commander, and currently serving as the Detachment 5 Commander of the Air Force Operational Test and Evaluation Center (AFOTEC), where he oversees the B-52J program. The B-52J modernization program is a $48 Billion transformation designed to extend the bomber's life into the 2060s. It includes new engines, advanced cockpits, upgraded radar, and more, making it the most significant overhaul in the aircraft's history. This episode covers not just the tech but also tactics, weapons, historical milestones, and untold war stories. Whether you're a fan of military aviation or interested in strategic operations, this insider's look at the B-52 is a must-listen! For those interested in #military #nationaldefense #warfare #nationalsecurity #defense #nationaldefense #tech #technology #defensetech #army #navy #airforce #innovation #b52 #BUFF #bomber #aviation #airplanes #aerospace   Links • Sign up for our ⁠amazing newsletter⁠! • Support us on ⁠Patreon⁠! • Mike Benitez (LinkedIn) • Joseph Little (LinkedIn) • AFOTEC, Det 5 (LinkedIn)   ---- Follow us on... • ⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠ • Instagram⁠ • ⁠X⁠ • ⁠Facebook⁠ • ⁠Website⁠   ---- Show Notes 00:49 intro 03:24 yesterday vs today 04:57 B-52 in 2024 05:17 changing the crew roles 05:53 bombardier wings 06:12 The youngest oldest B-52s 08:04 BUFF origins 08:39 Orange BUFF 10:14 test units 11:13 test lessons from Vietnam 13:32 B-52 modernization 14:40 the B-52J 16:18 radar upgrade 21:15 quad crew concept 23:29 Fox-4 kill 24:30 new engines - why 8? 28:22 fixing the tanker bill 28:46 Iraqi Freedom tankers 30:10 engine nacelle issues 32:20 testing validated the model 33:05 rest of the engine mods 35:10 alert start requirements 36:21 cockpit upgrades 38:15 BUFF legacy - James Earl Jones 39:01 culture and change 42:49 the nuke consideration 43:29 AEHF radio upgrade 44:50 B-52 nose job? 46:54 Story 1 - aerial mining 48:44 Story 2 - CBU-105 combat drop 52:05 brakes? 52:51 outro

Pre-Order Be Afraid of the Dark (Part 1): https://www.10percenttrue.com/product-page/baotd Support me with a coffee! https://www.buymeacoffee.com/10percenttrue Discussion on Discord: https://discord.gg/9vJ3hPYFQh Special thanks to Jim for his indexing:

Part 2 of this history of Air Force Global Strike Command features former Commander Jim Kowalski. He discusses the challenges and accomplishments of standing up the Global Strike Command. The conversation covers topics such as basing decisions, culture change, resourcing, and the importance of maintaining a strong nuclear force. Lt. Gen. Kowalski emphasizes the need for a public awakening to the dangers posed by peer and near-peer adversaries and the importance of recognizing and honoring the mission of the nuclear force. He also shares a story about General LeMay's focus on excellence in the job. Overall, the episode provides insights into the early years of the Global Strike Command and the ongoing challenges it faces.General Kowalski was commissioned in 1979 through the ROTC program at the University of Cincinnati. He held a variety of operational commands, including a bomb squadron, an operations group, a bomb wing, and an air control wing over his 35-year career. Kowalski retired from active duty on 1 September 2015.Kowalski's experience includes command of the 405th Air Expeditionary Wing in Southwest Asia where he led a combined wing of B-1Bs, E-3s and KC-135s for operation Iraqi Freedom. His previous staff assignments include Headquarters Air Combat Command, Headquarters U.S. Air Force and the Joint Chiefs of Staff. In January 2009 he led the organization and activation of the Air Force's first new major command in 27 years and subsequently served as the second Commander of Air Force Global Strike Command. In that position he oversaw the modernization of the Air Force's nuclear-capable bomber and missile systems and developed the strategic forces five-year plan. His last assignment was Deputy Commander of U.S. Strategic Command. A command pilot, he has over 4,600 flight hours, including 127 combat hours, in the B-1, B-52, and E-3. His decorations include the Defense Distinguished Service Medal, Bronze Star Medal, Air Medal, and Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal.Following military service, Kowalski was a vice-president for the Northrop Grumman Corporation. He supported the company's portfolio of defense systems including the B-2, B-21, and the Minuteman III and Sentinel ballistic missile systems. In 2023, he retired from Northrop Grumman and now advises on management and defense issuesChapters00:00 Introduction and Recap00:49 Stand-up of the Global Strike Command03:20 Basing Decisions and Location06:29 Challenges of Activation and Moving Personnel09:24 Structure, Authorities, and Culture Change16:24 Resourcing: Personnel and Funding Challenges19:29 Reemphasizing Nuclear Competencies and Strengths25:32 Budget Constraints and Future Challenges32:00 Wish for a Public Awakening to the DangersSocials:Follow on Twitter at @NucleCastFollow on LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/nuclecastpodcastSubscribe RSS Feed: https://rss.com/podcasts/nuclecast-podcast/Rate: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/nuclecast/id1644921278Email comments and topic/guest suggestions to NucleCast@anwadeter.org

In this Legacy Series, Lt. Gen. James Kowalski discusses the creation of Air Force Global Strike Command (AFGSC) in response to incidents that highlighted the need for improved nuclear enterprise management. The incidents included the accidental shipment of warheads and fuses, which raised concerns about operational oversight and surety processes. The stand-up of AFGSC aimed to consolidate the Air Force's nuclear enterprise and ensure a dedicated focus on nuclear deterrence. General Kowalski emphasizes the importance of maintaining a strong nuclear mission and integrating nuclear planning with conventional operations. The conversation will continue in a second episode.General Kowalski was commissioned in 1979 through the ROTC program at the University of Cincinnati. He held a variety of operational commands, including a bomb squadron, an operations group, a bomb wing, and an air control wing over his 35-year career. Kowalski retired from active duty on 1 September 2015.Kowalski's experience includes command of the 405th Air Expeditionary Wing in Southwest Asia where he led a combined wing of B-1Bs, E-3s and KC-135s for operation Iraqi Freedom. His previous staff assignments include Headquarters Air Combat Command, Headquarters U.S. Air Force and the Joint Chiefs of Staff. In January 2009 he led the organization and activation of the Air Force's first new major command in 27 years and subsequently served as the second Commander of Air Force Global Strike Command. In that position he oversaw the modernization of the Air Force's nuclear-capable bomber and missile systems and developed the strategic forces five-year plan. His last assignment was Deputy Commander of U.S. Strategic Command. A command pilot, he has over 4,600 flight hours, including 127 combat hours, in the B-1, B-52, and E-3. His decorations include the Defense Distinguished Service Medal, Bronze Star Medal, Air Medal, and Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal.Following military service, Kowalski was a vice-president for the Northrop Grumman Corporation. He supported the company's portfolio of defense systems including the B-2, B-21, and the Minuteman III and Sentinel ballistic missile systems. In 2023, he retired from Northrop Grumman and now advises on management and defense issues. Socials:Follow on Twitter at @NucleCastFollow on LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/nuclecastpodcastSubscribe RSS Feed: https://rss.com/podcasts/nuclecast-podcast/Rate: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/nuclecast/id1644921278Email comments and topic/guest suggestions to NucleCast@anwadeter.org

Cyber Security on everyone's radar goes in depth with Terence Bennett, CEO of Dream Factory Software a young cybersecurity company specializing in API Code Automation. Terence an ex Naval Intelligence Officer at NCIS and Surface Warfare Officer during operation Iraqi Freedom. Dream Factory Software is helping to prevent hacking by bad actors with its API code-automation platform.

The Ukraine military continues to take ground inside of Russia using missiles and drones in the first invasion of Russian territory since World War II. Russia has been forced to move army units, drone teams and artillery into the Kursk region in order to repel the incursion. Ukraine's top military commander says his forces have captured over three hundred fifty miles of Russian territory and Putin has vowed to deliver a 'worthy response.' FOX's John Saucier speaks with Ret. Gen. Vincent E. Boles, served in both Operation Desert Storm and Iraqi Freedom, who says this move by Ukraine has multiple reasons behind it. Click Here To Follow 'The FOX News Rundown: Evening Edition' Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Ukraine military continues to take ground inside of Russia using missiles and drones in the first invasion of Russian territory since World War II. Russia has been forced to move army units, drone teams and artillery into the Kursk region in order to repel the incursion. Ukraine's top military commander says his forces have captured over three hundred fifty miles of Russian territory and Putin has vowed to deliver a 'worthy response.' FOX's John Saucier speaks with Ret. Gen. Vincent E. Boles, served in both Operation Desert Storm and Iraqi Freedom, who says this move by Ukraine has multiple reasons behind it. Click Here To Follow 'The FOX News Rundown: Evening Edition' Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Ukraine military continues to take ground inside of Russia using missiles and drones in the first invasion of Russian territory since World War II. Russia has been forced to move army units, drone teams and artillery into the Kursk region in order to repel the incursion. Ukraine's top military commander says his forces have captured over three hundred fifty miles of Russian territory and Putin has vowed to deliver a 'worthy response.' FOX's John Saucier speaks with Ret. Gen. Vincent E. Boles, served in both Operation Desert Storm and Iraqi Freedom, who says this move by Ukraine has multiple reasons behind it. Click Here To Follow 'The FOX News Rundown: Evening Edition' Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Pamela is a mom of three boys and a military spouse. Born and raised in Moncton, Canada, Pamela is an entrepreneur, nonprofit founder, skincare developer, magazine and event creator, podcaster, cleft lip warrior, and athlete. Pamela is an ambassador for Smile Train. Transitioning and pivoting is no feat for Pamela, before marrying her US Air Force pilot, she resided in Kuwait for a decade. As one of the few Canadians who remained in Kuwait after the evacuation amidst operation Iraqi Freedom, Pamela built shelter in home where she would seek refuge with her then one-year-old baby. Pamela has the ability to handle tough situations and uses her strength to empower women. Pamela began her quest for empowering women in 2018.  It has since branched into a global effort to shine a bright light on the extraordinary women of the world! 

Jeremy Harrell, an esteemed U.S. Army Combat Veteran of Iraqi Freedom, dedicated nine years of his life to honorable service, rising to the rank of Non-Commissioned Officer. Following his military career, driven by an entrepreneurial spirit and a steadfast commitment to his fellow veterans, Jeremy established Veteran's Club Inc. in Kentucky upon retirement. This nonprofit has made a profound impact on countless veterans through pioneering programs designed to enhance their lives. Jeremy's leadership and advocacy remain instrumental in enriching and empowering the veteran community across the nation.Jeremy shares his experience of joining the US Army and deployment to Iraq during the early stages of the 2003 Iraq War. He discusses his motivation to serve, influenced significantly by the impact of the September 11th attacks, and reflects on the bittersweet feeling of celebrating Independence Day as a veteran.Jeremy reflects on his interactions with prisoners of war, emphasizing the importance of treating them as human beings deserving of dignity.He recounts his experiences in combat and the challenges he faced upon returning home.Jeremy highlights the mission of Veterans Club Inc. in supporting the lives of veterans, and providing essential community and resources to those who have served.Learn more about Veterans Club Inc.Leave a review of this podcast on your favorite platform; it helps us get these stories out to more people who need to hear them!To give specific feedback directly to us on what you like about the podcast and what you don't, fill out this 5-minute survey.Don't let fear win. Get your FREE copy of the Unbeatable Army Survival Guide HERE

In this podcast episode, Glen Pugh, a retired Air Force veteran and outreach specialist for the Veterans Land Board in Texas, shares his journey from the military to his current role. He recounts his 30 years of service, including deployments and his transition into civilian life, where he worked for a congressman and a state senator before joining the Veterans Land Board. Glen discusses the Board's mission to inform Texas veterans about their benefits, including land loans, nursing home stays, and cemetery arrangements. He also talks about starting a private security company that employs veterans and provides various security services and training programs. Glen emphasizes the importance of veteran support and encourages veterans to take advantage of the benefits offered by the Veterans Land Board.------------To answer the question as to whether or not veterans registered at one of the cemeteries can still be buried there although they moved out state, the answer is yes. Once registered, they're eligibleTexas Veterans Land Board | Twitter | Facebook | InstagramGet your discount on a brand new BlendJet2 by going to our link: https://zen.ai/analytics12subscribe and follow us: https://linktr.ee/AucoinAnalytics---------------------Disclaimer:The views and opinions expressed on the podcast 'This Week Explained' are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any organization or entity. The information provided on the podcast is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered professional advice or a substitute for independent research and analysis. Each individual listener should research and identify their own opinions based on facts and logic before making any decisions based on the information provided on the podcast. The podcast hosts and guests are not responsible for any actions taken by individuals based on the information provided on the podcast.

Tim Gallaudet is a retired Navy Admiral and Oceanographer. Gallaudet's afloat tours included Oceanographic Unit 5 aboard USNS Harkness, USS Peleliu, and USS Kitty Hawk. During these tours, Gallaudet served in Operations Southern Watch, Provide Promise, Sharp Guard, Deny Flight, Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. He also led management of the nation's fisheries, coastal resources and waterways, weather satellites, weather services, and environmental research as Deputy Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Today, he is the CEO of Ocean STL Consulting, a firm that is enabling public and private entities to explore USOs (unidentified submerged objects) and the ocean at large. Shawn Ryan Show Sponsors: https://lairdsuperfood.com - USE CODE "SRS" https://shopify.com/shawn https://meetfabric.com/shawn https://ziprecruiter.com/srs https://bubsnaturals.com - USE CODE "SHAWN" https://ShawnLikesGold.com | 855-936-GOLD #goldcopartner Tim Gallaudet Links: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/rear-admiral-tim-gallaudet-phd-us-navy-ret-b18185149 Ocean STL Consulting - https://www.oceanstl.com X - https://x.com/gallaudettim Podcast - https://www.coastalnewstoday.com/curator/adm-tim-gallaudet Please leave us a review on Apple & Spotify Podcasts. Vigilance Elite/Shawn Ryan Links: Website | Patreon | TikTok | Instagram | Download Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Join us this week for an engaging conversation with Isaac G. Lee, author of "Hangar 4." This groundbreaking book is the first to detail the Marine Corps' CH-53E "Super Stallion" operations during Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom. Known by his call sign "Whisky," Lee provides a fascinating look at his illustrious career. His journey begins in Quantico's dense forests and progresses to leading a CH-53 squadron. His experiences are detailed through personal journal entries. Lee offers a unique insight into the challenges of flying the Marines' largest helicopter in support of combat missions. His stories combine sharp humor with steadfast professionalism. For exclusive content, visit our Patreon page at https://sothereiwas.us/patreon. Enjoy a gripping story about a 'near-death' encounter involving a lucky mule! Your support helps us deliver special content exclusively for our patrons. May 8, 2005, Two CH-53 from Marine Heavy Lift Squadron 465 sit on the flight line of Al Asad, Iraq as a fire from the base dump illuminates the sky. (USMC photo by Cpl. Alicia M. Garcia) U.S. Marine Maj. Isaac G. Lee, Operations Officer, Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 461 (HMH-461), transports a U.S. Army CH-47 Chinook for transport while piloting a CH-53 E Super Stallion during a Tactical Recovery of Aircraft and Personnel (TRAP), undisclosed location, Afghanistan, March 20, 2011. HMH-461 performs TRAP missions in order to retrieve U.S. Armed Forces equipment and conduct investigations in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. (U.S. Marine Corps Photo by Sgt. Ricardo A. Gomez/FOUO).

America's Heroes Group Roundtable with Partner Battle-Proven Leadership Saturday March 30, 2024March is Women History Month Host: Cliff Kelley Co-Host: Sean Claiborne Executive Producer: Glenda  Smith Digital Media Producer: Ivan Ortega Scout's Honor Productions Saturday's Topics: 5:30 - 6pmPartner: Jennifer-Ruth Green - is a Lt Col in the Indiana Air National Guard, A Graduate of the United States Air Force Academy, Combat Veteran of Iraqi Freedom, Author, and Founder CEO of Battle-Proven Leadership 

Karl Kadon, a lifelong resident of Cincinnati, is an alumnus of Walnut Hills High School, Miami University, and the Salmon P. Chase College of Law. Since 2006, he has served as a Criminal Chief, a federal prosecutor, stationed at the Cincinnati branch office of the United States Attorney's Office for the Southern District of Ohio.In his role, Kadon dedicated a significant portion of his federal career to the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force, focusing on pursuing major drug dealers and drug cartels. In 2019, he was appointed as the Deputy Criminal Chief overseeing the Task Force. Shortly thereafter, he assumed the position of Chief of the Criminal Division of the U.S. Attorney's Office, where he took charge of all investigations and criminal cases. Over the past two decades, Kadon has either personally litigated or supervised some of the most notable federal prosecutions in the Southern District of Ohio, earning several awards and recognitions for his contributions.Before becoming a federal prosecutor, Kadon served as the Chief Assistant Prosecuting Attorney for the Hamilton County Prosecutor's Office. Prior to that, he held the position of Deputy City Solicitor for the City of Cincinnati, where he was responsible for managing all civil litigation and criminal prosecution matters. In 1987, he was commissioned as an officer in the United States Army Reserve, serving as a Judge Advocate ("JAG") in the Judge Advocate Generals Corps until his retirement in 2015 as a Lieutenant Colonel. His military service included mobilization for Operation DESERT STORM, deployment as Deputy Staff Judge Advocate for the Special Operations Component of U.S. Central Command during Operations ENDURING FREEDOM and IRAQI FREEDOM, with assignments in the Gulf, Afghanistan, and other regions.Beyond his professional and military commitments, Kadon has actively participated in youth soccer and the Boy Scouts. He previously served on the Board of Directors for the Dan Beard Council of the BSA and currently holds positions on the Board of Directors of the FC Cincinnati Foundation and the Miami University Alumni Association Advisory Board.

Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Bradford J. Shwedo '87, uniquely suited to his calling, explains how he leverages lessons from the past to equip present-day warriors to dominate future warfare.    ----more---- SUMMARY A leader of warriors can never over-prepare for potential battle. Lt. Gen. Shwedo, director of USAFA's Institute for Future Conflict, draws on the distant past to teach today's cadets how to lead tomorrow's warriors into 21st century battles and win.   LEARN. ENGAGE. LEAD! Read more about the IFC in the first of a three-part series, Future Focus, in December 2023 Checkpoints! (Pg. 42)         OUR FAVORITE QUOTES IN THIS EPISODE "I saw that the Air Force figured out how to win with what you got. They would figure out a way through leadership to win with what they got." "Leadership is all about working with people, and you've got to understand people." "I work for you, I'm removing your impediments so you can do that, you know, kill the bad guys." "Don't forget who you are. There were there were times when we were shoveling show. I have learned to show up when it's crappy." "My focus had to be the Dean. And the direction comes from the national defense strategy. So we actually have a meeting a week with the futures guys. And that gives us insight."   VIDEO:  BRIEF ON THE IFC TO THE ASSOCIATION OF GRADUATES AND FOUNDATION - 1-11-2024   SHARE THIS EPISODE FACEBOOK  |  LINKEDIN  |  TWITTER  |  EMAIL   CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction and Background 02:24 Early Competitive Streak and Decision to Join Air Force Academy 06:16 Being Open to Opportunities and Trusting the Process 07:38 Preparation and Academic Background 09:30 The Importance of Studying History and Being Prepared 10:56 Leadership Lessons from the West Wing 12:52 The Shift to Special Access Programs and New Ways of Thinking 16:34 Leading in Cyber and Intelligence Operations 17:30 The Decision to Join the Institute for Future Conflict 19:22 Shifting the Focus of Leadership and Academics 20:50 Helping Cadets Understand the Larger System 23:13 Preparing Cadets for the Future Fight 25:43 The Rise of Third Parties in Warfare 26:37 Motivating and Understanding People as a Leader 28:52 Are Leaders Born or Made? 30:19 Lessons in Leadership: Don't Forget Who You Are 31:17 Advice for the Next Generation of Warriors and Leaders 34:07 Leadership is About Working with People 36:21 Final Thoughts and Contact Information   OUR FAVORITE TAKEAWAYS - Leadership is about working with people and understanding what motivates them. - Being open to opportunities and trusting the process can lead to valuable experiences and career paths. - Studying history and being prepared can provide a strong foundation for future challenges. - Leaders must be aware of the changing nature of warfare and the rise of third parties in conflict.   GENERAL SHWEDO'S BIO Lt. Gen. (Ret) Bradford J. Shwedo '87 is the Director, Institute for Future Conflict. Previous to this position, he was the Director for Command, Control, Communications and Computers (C4)/Cyber, Chief Information Officer, Joint Staff, J6, the Pentagon. Lt. Gen. Shwedo has commanded at the detachment, squadron, group, wing and numbered air force levels. During these commands, his units were engaged in direct support to Iraqi Freedom, Enduring Freedom and the greater Global War on Terror providing worldwide Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance and Cyber operations. He also led an Intelligence Team to Desert Shield/Storm. His last command was 25th Air Force at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas, where he led 30,000 personnel in worldwide operations, delivering multisource ISR products, applications, capabilities and resources. When he was the Chief, Information Dominance and Chief Information Officer for the Office of the Secretary of the Air Force, he led four directorates that supported 77,000 personnel and cyber operations across the globe with a portfolio valued at $17 billion. Lt. Gen. Shwedo graduated from the U.S. Air Force Academy in 1987 with a degree in Military History and was also a student athlete, lettering in football. - Copy and image courtesy of www.USAFA.edu LEARN MORE ABOUT THE IFC   ABOUT LONG BLUE LEADERSHIP Long Blue Leadership drops every two weeks on Tuesdays and is available on Apple Podcasts, TuneIn + Alexa, Spotify and all your favorite podcast platforms. Search @AirForceGrads on your favorite social channels for Long Blue Leadership news and updates!        FULL TRANSCRIPT SPEAKERS Our host is Dr. Doug Lindsay '92  |  Our guest is Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Bradford J. Shwedo '87   Gen. Shwedo  00:01 I saw the Air Force figured out how to win with what you got. They would figure out a way through leadership to win with what they got. They would put us in situations where they would facilitate our positives and negate our negatives. So, when you sit there and go, “Well, you didn't give me X, Y or Z, so we lost.” No, my expectation is we'll work to get what you need. But the expectation is still you win with what you got.   Doug Lindsay  00:55 My guest today is Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Bradford J. Shwedo, USAFA Class of 1987. Gen. Shwedo leads the Air Force Academy's Institute for Future Conflict as its first director. Throughout our conversation, you'll hear us refer to the Institute as the IFC. Gen. Shwedo was named to the position in March 2021 by Academy Superintendent, Gen. Richard Clark. The IFC is preparing cadets to wage and win wars in nontraditional domains. As we progress through our conversation with Gen. Shwedo, you will quickly understand why he was chosen to lead this pioneering institution where future-think informs everything they do. The general graduated from the Academy with a bachelor's in military history while also lettering in football. His career led him into an intelligence space, beginning with an assignment at Goodfellow Air Force Base in Texas in 1989, then Germany and Saudi Arabia. He served as threat manager with the 487th Intelligence Group from 1993 to 1995. He moved to the Pentagon as offensive information warfare chief in 1995. Between 1998 and 2020, he spent time in Korea, several assignments at CIA headquarters in Virginia, at Buckley Air Force base here in Colorado, and several more assignments at the Pentagon. He served in multiple command and leadership positions, and at one point was in charge of four directorates supporting 77,000 personnel, global cyber operations and assets valued at $17 billion. He's a consummate warrior, logistician, strategist and leader. Gen. Shwedo. Welcome to Long Blue Leadership.   Gen. Shwedo  02:33 Thanks so much. The pleasure is mine. Thanks a lot for having me.   Doug Lindsay  02:36 Absolutely. Let's, let's start kind of at the beginning if we if we can.  It seems like from an early age that you had a competitive streak.  Can you talk a little bit behind that background and that upbringing?   Gen. Shwedo  02:48 So, I will tell you, I was very, very pleased when the Air Force came knocking. And it started with football, as you brought up. And I was recruited as a high schooler to come out here and play and I think as what you were talking about my earlier career. I think I'm very much a product of the Academy across the board. It's not just one single piece. And one of the larger ones, though, was football, and quite honestly, and we'll talk about history, because that was very much one and then different comms programs, also big influences, but coming here to play football, it was amazing to me. There were so many great athletes, I wasn't one of them. But it was amazing to me every Saturday, we would go out there and we'd look at these guys that any layman would say there's no way these guys are going to win. And I learned a lot about leadership and a lot about, you know, capabilities and competitions in Falcon stadium. And I saw in Air Force that they figured out how to win with what you got. They would figure out a way through leadership to win with what they got. They would put us in situations as individual athletes, where they would facilitate our positives and negate our negatives on that competitive streak. All that background at Falcon Stadium was priceless. I mean, I learned a lot both playing and coaching on how to do that. And once again, that reflects greatly on the people in the Department of Athletics, who every day have to do exactly what I witnessed. But what a great life lesson for when after you graduate and you're no-lie defending the country. We expect you to win with what you got.    Doug Lindsay It's a no fail mission. Right?   Gen. Shwedo Absolutely. Absolutely. And what a great training ground, you know, to kind of lick your wounds when you didn't get the right lesson. But on game day, I felt like we were always there. We always understood what we needed to do. And we put those people in the right places so we could win that day.   Doug Lindsay 04:49 You realized that as you went through football and as you were coaching and doing that, but before that, when the Academy did come knocking or — what was it that intrigued you about it? Obviously the opportunity to play football… What was your thought process of that whole idea of saying, “I'm gonna go out to Colorado and I'm gonna do that?” And there's that service component as well.   Gen. Shwedo 05:07 I think the one thing that really impressed me about the Air Force Academy, and they still do this: They sell you on the whole program. You know, there are some places where, and I was getting recruited from other schools, where they're just focusing on the football, or whatever. And what I loved about the Air Force Academy was they sold you the whole package. And quite honestly, I encourage cadets when I meet with them to think of this place as a buffet. Because there's lots of things you don't know the Air Force does that is really, really cool. And my biggest problem was, I wanted to do everything. I mean, I wanted to be a pilot, I wanted to be an astronaut. I wanted to be a combat controller, I wanted to be an intelligence officer — I thought all of those things were really cool. And when I tell the cadets, look, “I know what you want to do right now. But think of this place as a buffet, you don't just sit down and eat one sample of those things. And you rapidly find out there's lots of different things that you may want to do.” And that's kind of the way I've been through my career is, you know, wow, that's really cool. Or that I'd like to do that. And [I've] been very lucky to be able to pounce on a lot of those opportunities.   Doug Lindsay 06:15 Being open to the process and kind of trusting the process, that there's something here that we're going to, we're looking out for you. I always thought that was kind of nice in my 22 years that there was always someone there looking out for me, protecting me from myself, so to speak, of, “Hey, you need to go here at this time. And you need to do that.” Even though it wasn't quite the vector I wanted to go, it was still probably the best one at the right time.   Gen. Shwedo 06:38 It is things you do for the team that doesn't always, you know, align with what you want to do. But in the long run was absolutely the right call.   Doug Lindsay 06:47 Right. And you mentioned the team, right. That's something I think that I learned as well, kind of going through this, it felt very much — when I would fail a GR test, it was very much me. But it was always kind of in the context of something larger about the about the team. And that's where that always felt like I was going through it alone. But I really wasn't because there were all these other people around me. No, you're exactly right. What else really resonated that set you up for success when you got on the Academy?   Gen. Shwedo 07:12 You know, on the academic side, I felt well prepared for what I was about to jump into. And, you know, military history for me was exactly what I wanted to do. There's an old Bismarck quote that says, “Only fools learn from their mistakes, wise men, you know, learn from other people's mistakes.” And that's kind of what dragged me to military history, because I was like, you know, there's a lot of life lessons there. And, you know, it was reading that I really enjoyed. Also, within the academics, you know, a long, long time ago, we studied about the Soviet Union, and World War III, and all of those things. And as you said, I went to intel school in '89. But I rapidly found myself in 1990, in Desert Shield, and all of those things that I had studied — because the Iraqis used a lot of the Soviet organize, train and equip structures — I knew what they were doing before. So, I had studied here. So, I felt really well prepared by the time Desert Storm started. And then that started kicking me off, you know, in the right direction,   Doug Lindsay 08:24 I always felt a little unsettled at the Academy, because it was always pulling me to do different things, not just be stuck in my lane, but learn that there are other lanes out there and that I can actually be in that lane and be OK, you know, whether it's academics or military or athletics. And I think there's something to that idea of not just letting people be a little unbalanced, and being comfortable with that in terms of being able to figure out where they need to be or what they need to do. Does that fit in with what you're talking about?   Gen. Shwedo 08:53 You're exactly right. And you know, everybody jokes about the GRs and the quizzes and knowing where you're going to take a hit here and you're gonna focus on that, as I talked about siri, that was not comfortable, but you kind of sucked it up. But first of all, you know, dealing with cadets in this job is the most humbling experience in my life. They're so much smarter than I ever was. And, you know, it's really humbling, and it's an honor to do that. But they fire, you know, evil questions back at you. And it's actually really fun to answer those questions. So, a lot of them will go, you know, “I'm learning all this stuff that's not applicable and blah, blah, blah.” And they'll ask me questions. So, when I was doing cyber, on the joint staff, we have these things called committee meetings and principal committee meetings. And those are either chaired by — the principal is chaired by the president or National Security Council and when you walk in, they are underwhelming conference rooms in the West Wing of the White House, I can assure you, and at a principals committee meeting you have a secretary of defense, the secretary of state, secretary of treasury, chairman of the joint chiefs of staff and sometimes when it would come to cyber, or frequencies that you know different election security. They go, “BJ, you take the meeting.” So, I would go and you know, the first time I walked on the West Wing of the White House, it was a significant emotional event. But back to the cadets, I have told them a hundred times, you know, when you go in there, first of all, you better be prepared, you better do all the studies. So, all of these things that we do to cram is not a bad thing. But the next piece is, I've told them numerous times, some of the things that I learned in Colorado Springs carry the day in West Wing discussions, because I remember studying those things, and, “Well, you're forgetting this portion of their history, or you're forgetting this piece.” And often, I'm sure you had it when you were running around, cadets are like, “Oh, when will I ever use this?”   Doug Lindsay 10:54 Surprisingly, actually, you will.   Gen. Shwedo 10:55 I'm embarrassed to tell you, yes, you will.   Doug Lindsay 10:59 Well, so thinking about that idea of being in the West Wing and being there and being tapped to say, hey, you're the guy, you're successful at that point at the highest levels. But at some point, there's that idea that you're the person, right, you're the one that's got to be able to speak and articulate in that way. What was that like the first time that kind of went through that?     Gen. Shwedo 11:18 It's very humbling, you know. First of all, you look down at [your] stars, you're like, where the hell did these come from? Because, because you do still feel like you're a cadet, you know, 24/7. And, honestly, when you walk into these rooms, you know the seriousness of the situation. By that time, you know most of the people around the table, and, you know, you're prepared. They will give you three-ring binders. And I tell the cadets this, I'm like, look, you know, the world is not — and we've had cadets come and they go, you know, “What's all this Hamas, and, you know, Israeli thing?” because our squadron's kind of split. And I go, guys, I go, “I know you're in an academic situation. So, you think things are either right or wrong. But the world is gray.” Talking to the cadets, oh, we went through the history of, you know, the Middle East and all that. And they're kind of drooling, because it's been 20 minutes, and I go, “By the way, that three-ring binder, that's the first tab. And if you haven't read everything in that binder, you're gonna get mauled in this situation.” And I go, you know, the next piece is, and we went back and forth where there wasn't, you know, there were so many grays associated with it, and I go, “Now, when you get up from that conference table, you're gonna walk out, and there will be people waiting to talk about the border, the Ukraine, or they're…,” you know, and it has a conga line of problems that that they deal with every day. And I go, “Oh, by the way, you better be well versed on all of those too.” And, you know, when they see that, it is that transition to, from an academic situation where it's right and wrong, to what we're going to dump them into the grays. And I think they do see, that's where some of these applicable situations that they had in Colorado Springs may come back. Once again, is it a GR quiz, OK, well, a quiz is gonna die, all right there. And I'm not too proud to tell you that speed reading is a good thing. And they will drive you from the river entrance at the Pentagon and drop you off in front of the White House. And by the way, soon as you get back from the White House, there's another meeting waiting for you on another thing that you better be prepared for. So this whole thing, there's a method, I think, to the Academy's madness, throwing all this stuff at you.   Doug Lindsay 13:39 So, you kind of come out as a military history major. So really more, here's what was done to here's what's going on to here's kind of what it looks like in the future. What do you think it was that appealed to you?   Gen. Shwedo 13:55 I was very lucky. And, you know, came out of Desert Storm, and I knew I was too dumb to get a master's on my own. So, they sent me to the Defense Intelligence Agency, and I started seeing some of the new stuff and some of the things that were in the intelligence community. So that job in the 487 Intelligence Group, I was working new bombs, missiles and PGMs. And then they go, there's this new thing, and it's going to be a Special Access Program. You're gonna get into all of those things. And I think what led me to that was I could pass a polygraph. I mean, I grew up in this little town in North Carolina. And you know, the first time I took a polygraph, they said, “Have you done drugs?” No. “Have you done drugs?” No. The guy goes, “Have you done drugs?” No. And he turns off the machine and says, “You've never done drugs.” That's because I'm from Reedsville. We'll get drugs in about 20 or 30 years. But all kidding aside that started getting me down to all the Special Access Programs and every one of them was cooler and cooler and cooler and I had a blast when I worked special programs during 9/11. And when President Bush said, “This is going to be unlike any war you've seen before. A lot of it is going to be in the shadows.” And you won't see what was being done. That's kind of where I was. And what was wonderful because there weren't very many people with those clearances. So, I would usually go straight into the chairman's office and say, “This just came in from the White House, we need to do X, Y or Z.” And he would do that. So then fast forward, we weren't talking about cyber, we just didn't talk about it. I was at the CIA. And they said, “Congratulations, you're going to be a group commander, you're going to transition an intel group into the first attack squadrons for the Air Force.” So that's how I did that. And then I stuck around to be the wing commander. But you know, that realm is just, like you said, lots of excitement, lots of new ways of thinking and doing things. So, I was very, very excited to be able to jump into that at an early age — captain. Really, I will tell you, our airmen are amazing, amazing. And when you start pitching them into a fight that they really appreciate. And sometimes, especially in cyber, when you change a one to a zero, they, the overall group doesn't know what's going on. So, I usually would charge our junior guys to do the math down range. And say, “By the way, when you turn that one to a zero, bad guy X, who wanted to blow himself up in the Mall of America is no longer with us.” And then all of a sudden, everybody walks around with a big bow chest, and they're very proud of what they do. And then it's just starts snowballing. And everybody's doing better and better things. And I tell a story often but, you know, I walked in at 3 o'clock in the morning and there was all kinds of math on … the board, and I go, what's up with all the math and he goes, “Oh, Airman so-and-so figured out how long we go to jail if we did this on the outside.” Now, of course, everybody's kidding. But I'd be you know, those are those airmen that that are just rockstars, and you're so proud to be around them. And just like I was telling you about football, I wasn't the athlete, we had a bunch of rockstars I ran around with. And it was just a lot of fun to be a part of that organization.   Doug Lindsay 17:27 You're like, tailor made for your role right now. It seems like everything kind of fit into your ability and where you're at right now to be at the IFC. So, when, you know, the folks approach you, Kaminsky and Fox, and those folks approached you, what was it about this one that really made you say, “Yeah, that's where I want to go?”   Gen. Shwedo 17:49 So, I will tell you, you know, relationships matter. And you know, we have brothers and sisters across, you know, this place. So, and you know, when you call somebody a brother or sister, you may not mean it. Most of the people I run around with really do mean it. So, I got a phone call from Gen. Clark, who was a teammate of mine. And he was also in seventh squadron with me. So, we've known each other for very long time. I was still on active duty. And he goes, “Hey, brother, I need a favor.” And I'm like, “Sure, brother, whatever you need.” Don't answer the phone like that. Doesn't work well. But all kidding aside, he, you know, he said, because he and I have known each other he goes exactly what you said, “Hey, I'm looking at all the things you did, and what they want to do. This makes all the sense in the world.” And, you know, really, the major reason I came was a brother asked me to do something, and I'd do anything for him.   Doug Lindsay 18:50 But what the IFC is doing is it's changing our mental model, right? It's out of those traditional ways. We think about academics, how we prepare leaders, we're taking a little bit of different approach there. So, what's that been like helping the Academy transition to that new mindset?   Gen. Shwedo 19:08 My focus had to be the dean. And the direction comes from the national defense strategy. So, we actually have a meeting a week with the future guys. And that gives us insight. But then going back and figuring out what we're going to put into the curriculum. We did a curriculum review as soon as we got here. And I was joking, and I said, “OK, everybody knows Word products. We're going to do a universal insert, delete, every time you see ISIS and Al Qaeda, they'll say Russia and China.” But all kidding aside, that was kind of where we started rooting out some of the problems as we did. If I'd had a dean that didn't agree or believe, we'd be done a long time ago, but she's been wonderful. Gen. Clark has been awesome, you know, facilitating all of this. And because we can go classified or do anything else, it really starts, as you said, shifting the focus. And saying there is a reason why the Air Force Academy is different than an ROTC unit or a regular, you know, OTs or whatever, we're going to ingrain that across the board. This is basically teaching them, “You're a part of a much bigger, you know, orchestration. And, boy, it's a different way of thinking, but definitely gives you insight into how to do different things, you know, thinking two or three layers above when you're just in a cockpit.” “I don't understand why I'm doing this.” But two or three layers above, “I totally get it. Now I understand it.”   Doug Lindsay 20:41 Well, and helping people see that connectedness to the larger system, right? So, it not it may seem like I'm an independent person doing this, right. But as part of that larger system and…   Gen. Shwedo 20:49 I still want you to independently be padlocked on that target and do all of that. But as opposed to grumbling, “I don't understand why I'm doing this,” or the urgency of me … doing this from the way that they're telling me…,” it totally makes larger sense, as opposed to shut up and do it. We're Americans, we challenge everything. And honestly, I think that's what gives us the advantage over China or something else. We question everything. That's not necessarily bad.   Doug Lindsay 21:18 Yeah, that's right. Within context, right? That's right. So, what's it like from a leadership standpoint? Obviously, at the highest levels, this one's a little bit different, maybe some more influence? Sure, more of those dotted lines and things? What's it been like to lead that organization through, from the beginning to where it is now, from the big idea to a concept?   Gen. Shwedo 21:40 I really am not looking to take credit for anything. So, whenever a future conflict thing comes off, we may have pulled lots of strings, but whoever's carrying it out or is involved, we try to push it, and we'll look at what they did, because that makes the better team and, you know, sometimes I wince a little bit when they go, “Well, the IFC did this.” Well, actually, a lot of people did. And when people go, “Well, you know, who is in the IFC? Who's studying under the IFC?” Well, as I said, all three mission areas. Well, when did the IFC does well, I mentioned Firstie Flag. Well, actually, that's not mine, that's the Commandant's. We've helped out. But it's common. It's an outstanding job. And I would never say, “Look at what the IFC did.” But when you look at all of these different things, where we'll bring speakers in somebody else, or will fund, you know, some conference, you know, the donors may say, “Hey, BJ, what are you doing, you know, with this money?” I can show them that it absolutely forwarded the future fight. It's giving the cadets great insight on that future fight. But somebody else may walk in and go, “But that was my conference.” And I will say you're exactly right. And we are very proud.   Doug Lindsay 22:57 Obviously, we're sending out people who are competent in certain domains as an academic institution as well. But from a leadership standpoint, where are you seeing the value of the efforts of what IFC and the larger team is doing on helping cadets understand their leadership and their role in leading that effort moving forward?   Gen. Shwedo 23:16 There's several things with that. So, the first piece is making them aware of the threat. And you know, the dean has introduced me and said, “This is BJ. Gen. Shwedo, he's making evil minds.” And I'm here to tell you that the evil minds already exist. What we gotta do is make them aware of the environment we're dumping them in. And a case in point, I have one cadet, he raises his hands like, “You know, hypersonic missiles. I don't understand what's the big deal about that.” And I go,” OK, well, first of all, yes, they're fast. But as you remember from Physics 110 a ballistic missile trajectory is all mathematics. That's how the Patriot works. Hypersonic missiles can maneuver. So, all your math is now dead.” And I go, “Oh, by the way, when you look down-range and you see all those antennas, NORAD, for the most part was looking up to the north, because the quickest way to get an ICBM to the United States was over the top. You can actually take a hypersonic missile, put it in a low earth orbit, and that attack will come out of Antarctica.” Same cadet immediately raises his hand and goes, “So the maneuvering — is that RF, command guide?” And he's immediately trying to get into it. And I'm like, I love you, man. Because, honestly, when you start making them aware of the threats, they immediately start thinking countermeasures. So, from the leadership standpoint, they understand that piece, another thing we're teaching them is, and it's a snarky way of saying it, but forget cylinders of excellence — and cylinders of excellence during the global war on terrorism. We could show up in one cylinder of excellence like I told you about the Predator, the Reaper, fire that missile, declare victory and go home. If we're going to fight a great power competition or whatever, we are going to be in that situation where we need air, land, sea, space, cyber all showing up. So, break down the cylinders. And then the last part of this great power competition: We need to keep it at competition and not get to conflict. For the most part, we've been stuck at bombs, bullets and beans in the spectrum of conflict. This is competition down here. This is conflict over here. And what we're teaching the cadets is no, you got to participate across the board. And it may be heavy, more in cyber or information operations. But you're going to use those tools all the way across the spectrum. But I really don't think our citizenry is ready for great power conflict. They're so used to us running up the score to a hundred to nothing that they don't understand what that is. And the Russians and Chinese on the competition scale, had been running unopposed because we have been padlocked on ISIS and Al Qaeda. So, we're resetting their awareness. So, when they are future leaders, they make those impacts on the lower level. So, we just like I told you at the beginning, we never got to World War III.   Doug Lindsay 26:14 A lot of impact in a short amount of time. What are you hearing, even anecdotally from them about that experience and that mindset and that ability to play at that level?   Gen. Shwedo 26:23 A kid that walks up to me goes, “Sir, I had no idea my country does this, but I want to do it really badly.” You energize that excitement, and then they come back and start telling all of these friends, I mean, you know, when I came here, I knew we were doing cool stuff, but being able to come back and see all of those things. Boy, that makes me want to study more that makes me want to get even better at whatever that buffet, right, that I want to do, it is — and it's just one more thing that energizes me to make sure that I get it right.   Doug Lindsay 26:56 When you put energized, passionate, excited cadets together, and you start talking about the ability to solve complex problems and have an influence…   Gen. Shwedo 27:05 So, I used to call them evil bar-napkins. They come up with, you know, these great ideas. And it is humbling, because they, you know, they grew up a different way than I did. That's probably a lot more applicable to that future fight. And that is why so many people come to these guys. And that's why our research department gets so much money, because they want to drag these guys in. I think we have more opportunities than we have cadets for research. Because they're so in demand, people understand how smart they are.   Doug Lindsay 27:38 If Gen. Shwedo was Cadet Shwedo going through the Academy right now, knowing what you know in terms of your trajectory and what you've learned over your time, and then knowing the opportunities that exist in the IFC, what would you tell yourself to think about as you're going through this process, if you got off the bus this summer to start all over?   Gen. Shwedo 27:59 I would look up and say, “You're very lucky. It's going to, they're going to be times it's just going to suck. You better be ready for that. But I will tell you it's worth the fight.” You know, I've seen and done very, very cool things that people will not know about for a very long time. And then the last part is because I just got off the bus and my head shaved, and I'm pissed off at everybody, “Suck it up. It's, it's worth the price of admission. But when you get out, honestly, all of this training all of this, you know, experiences preps you for those future opportunities.”   Doug Lindsay 28:35 So, Gen. Shwedo, as a student of military history, and a teacher of leadership, and there's a question that we often like to ask just based on people's experience, are, in your opinion, are leaders born or are they made?   Gen. Shwedo 28:47 You know, it's funny, I often get the question, you know, “Hey, is there a book that you really advocate for leadership?” And I just kind of smile and go, “Look, leadership,” just like I was telling you with the coaching and all that other stuff, “leadership is all about working with people. And you've got to understand people. And it's a little more work than that.” Just like you said, I need to find the positives, I need to see what you as a person excites you, what motivates you. And then when I was telling you facilitate the positives and negate the negatives, and I believe, … people are born with the capability to get to know you a lot better, but it does come back to motivating you and finding where I can put you in that situation, that you're going to excel just like we were talking about earlier, and then keep you out of those situations where you may not perform. That is kind of the one-on-one leadership. Well, it's more of a pyramid organization by design. So, you find leaders that also go along those lines and then when I have a problem, I go down that pyramid along those lines. But I think it's, it would be pretty sad if you're either a leader or not. I do believe that if you're not very good at figuring out people, etc, you can eventually learn that. But it is easier for some than others. That's kind of it. Leadership is definitely motivating people and understanding what motivates [them]. You know, Patton used to say, “I don't measure the merits of my company commanders by the calluses on their ass.” And what you are saying is, “Get out.” And you do need to get out there and you know, motivate, understand, talk to the folks and for, you know, here and everywhere else, because our airmen are so amazing. It's actually one of the best parts of the day. And some of these guys are just denying them that opportunity.   Doug Lindsay 30:53 And within the context of warfare, obviously, you've mentioned this earlier, that we've seen the world change and conflict in the 21st century doesn't take place in what we think in traditional areas, like the battlefield. So, what advice would you like to offer the generation coming up behind you and us that, who want to be warriors, that maybe want to join the Long Blue Line and, and want to become leaders for the…?   Gen. Shwedo 31:17 …Future fight? I will tell you, you know, fundamentally, as I said before, it's a lot different than global war on terrorism, and you know, some of these other pieces, but what I'm seeing, especially with technologies, is the rise of the third parties. So, when it comes to cyber, we've watched the Ukraine, where these third-party cyber gangs, are now playing. And you know, when you look at the Russian cyber capability, where the Russian government stops, and the Russian mafia begins, is not a real good, fine line. And we're seeing some of these guys pitch into the fights. When I'm talking to the cadets. I'm like, “You can ignore this, but you'll do it at your own peril.” And more disconcerting, a lot of these well-intentioned people that may think that they're helping the fight, there was one report where they had gotten into the space systems of the Russians. And they had the ability to turn off the satellites. Well, in a nuclear scenario in first strike, making your adversary blind before you do that is a precursor. And sometimes countries don't want their missiles stuck in holes. So, when they start seeing all of those warnings go, they launch in the other direction. So, these well-intentioned people could cook off a much larger campaign. So, I tell the cadets that you cannot ignore these capabilities. Another one is drones. I mean, Richard Clark, who was the previous SOCOM commander, quite rightly pointed out that a bomb has not fallen on U.S. troops since 1953. These drones that we're seeing, and, you know, they are blowing up tanks, they have pushed the Black Sea Fleet out of port. You know, we've seen all of this. And fundamentally, you're going, “Okay, how do we counter that?” And can we promise that a bomb will not fall on there with F-22s and F-35s. Back to those evil minds, they start looking on those countermeasures, but we're dumping them fundamentally in a much different environment than what their teachers fought in the global war on terrorism. So, we've got to equip them with all of those capabilities. And then the last part were those drone drivers. And the cyber folks. They may not look like a battle dress uniform, they may look, you know, like somebody, and oh, by the way, they probably can't run, you know, the 2-mile run or anything like that. But they're still effective on the battlefield. And you need to understand that when we go forward.   Doug Lindsay 33:52 You've led at different levels. You've obviously learned a lot of lessons along the way. What are some of the, maybe a couple key takeaways you've learned about leadership?   Gen. Shwedo 34:00 I think the lesson is, don't forget who you are. You know, I wasn't born a general. I very much was scrubbing toilets, you know, up on the Hill. And I think going back to don't forget who you are, and being able to, you know, hey, there were there were times when we were shoveling snow. I have learned, you know, back to getting to know that your people show up when it's crappy. Don't show up only when it is convenient for you. But you showed that hey, I love you because I'll show up. And it really is: Never forget who you are. I mean, you know, you sure as hell wouldn't get that vote when you were second lieutenant. So, it's not going to change your life too much. And I think people understand when you really care about them, you know, and if you care about them, they'll do what you know, whatever needs to be done. And the last part is my airmen used to roll their eyes. Of course, you were on the hook for the vision and for the battle plan. But as I said before, these are amazing airmen, and they will do whatever needs to be done to win that fight. But I'd often tell them when they were, you know, struggling, “Look, I work for you, I'm removing your impediments so you can do that, you know, kill the bad guys.” And you know, I've made a career out of playing practical jokes on bad guys, because these guys were really good at it. But when I'd say, “I work for you…” they roll their eyes. But eventually they understood that if there wasn't enough gas here, if there wasn't, remove those impediments, so they can do that. And so that was something that I did as a lieutenant, captain, I've been pretty good at it, you know, up to this point.   Doug Lindsay 35:38 So, and it really helps that value proposition, they feel like they really are part of a team. Now, do they matter regardless of the, of the level of the organization?   Gen. Shwedo 35:45 Absolutely. And, you know, to understand and, you know, the military, on the Army side, you know, the leaders eat last. I've got numerous Army brothers; I don't like talking about it. But all kidding aside, there's a lesson there. And you know, be humble and understand that you really do work for those guys, because they are doing the mission. And once you do that, and once they understand that they no-lie will remove those impediments and, no-lie, they do care about you, you'll be amazed what kind of feats that you'll see happen on the other end.   Doug Lindsay 36:19 Well, thank you for that. Any final thoughts or anything we didn't talk about that you want to talk about?   Gen. Shwedo 36:23 No, I can't thank you guys enough for the opportunity and, you know, asking about the Institute for Future Conflict. Honestly, everything they've done has nothing to do with me and everything to do with this command team here because they have given me all the opportunities. From Gen. Clark, the Dean, the, you know, the comm and the Department of Athletics and people kind of have a furrowed brow. Yes, we have, we have a focus on the Department of Athletics, too. So, thanks for the opportunity so I can share with you with all the great things they're doing to make our cadets ready for that future fight.   Doug Lindsay 36:55 Appreciate that. And appreciate your example and what you're doing with that. If people want to connect with you or get in touch with the IFC and find out kind of what's going on, what's the best way for them?   Gen. Shwedo 37:04 Absolutely. So, if you just Google Institute for Future Conflict, it'll come up. And then on the bottom, you'll see a couple of lieutenant's names. Luckily, and I tease them all the time — I compare and contrast me, coaching, football and teaching boxing and unarmed combat and you're getting two different worlds. But they often are the ones that we tease them and go, they're the real bosses of the IFC, they'll get back to us on what we need to do or to answer questions or anything along those lines.   Doug Lindsay 37:34 That's great. And I know that Checkpoints magazine has a three-part series that's coming out that kind of amplifies some of the people and some of the team members that you built on there that you mentioned as well today. Looking forward to that.   Gen. Shwedo 37:46 So lastly, there's not that many Shwedo's in the globe — you can find me fairly quickly.   Doug Lindsay 37:48 That's great. Well, we thank you for your time. Thank you for your legacy. Thank you for all that you're doing for the Academy.   Gen. Shwedo 37:55 Thanks for the opportunity. Thanks a lot.   KEYWORDS cadets, leadership, Air Force Academy, cyber, IFC, learned, Academy, warfare, conflict, 21st century, understand, opportunity, missiles, led, future, football, Air Force, airmen, work, leaders, studied, history, West Wing     The Long Blue Line Podcast Network is presented by the U.S. Air Force Academy Association and Foundation     

Seth Smith is a retired Army Signal Warrant Officer who served 24 years. The majority of my career was spent at Fort Liberty but there were multiple overseas tours and deployments. Seth married his Command Sergeant Major's daughter almost 30 years ago, and have 4 children and enjoy calling North Carolina home. Jonathan Shores, Ph.D. has spent over half of his life working in higher education and has experience helping over 200 collegiate institutions reach record levels of enrollment, working both with and directly at numerous colleges.  He currently serves as the Chief Enrollment Officer and Executive Vice President at the University of the Cumberlands in Kentucky.   Dr. Shores is a proud veteran of the United States Air Force, where he still serves in a reserve component as a Chief Master Sergeant.  In the Air Force he serves as the Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Air Mobility Command 4-star General at Scott Air Force Base in Illinois.  He has been to over 40 countries and has deployed and/or assisted in support of Operation Enduring & Iraqi Freedom, Joint Forge, and Coronet Oak. Wisdom Imparted by Seth Smith --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/vets2pm/support

Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) and Senator Roger Wicker (R-MI) are the chairman and ranking member, respectively, of the Senate Armed Services Committee. On January 11, they issued a noteworthy joint statement after receiving a briefing from Admiral John Aquilino, the commander of all U.S. military forces in the Indo-Pacific. The briefing's topic? The threat from China and how we should respond. The two senators called Admiral Aquilino's briefing “sobering” and said “Failure to maintain deterrence against China… would be catastrophic for American national and economic security.” They said tackling the challenges must be a top priority for the committee and called for a number of urgent steps.While many of us have been focused on the aftermath of the deplorable October 7 terror attack on Israel and growing instability and war in the Middle East, things have still been happening in the Indo-Pacific. So, what has China been up to? What has the U.S. military been doing to bolster deterrence? What additional steps must be taken?Guest host Bradley Bowman, senior director of FDD's Center on Military and Political Power, asks these and related questions to Admiral Aquilino. Also joining the conversation: retired Rear Admiral Mark Montgomery. Admiral John AquilinoAdmiral Aquilino is the 26th Commander of the United States Indo-Pacific Command. That's the Pentagon oldest and largest combatant command covering 36 nations, 14 time zones, and more than 50 percent of the world's population. He oversees 380,000 service members and DOD civilians and is responsible for all U.S. military activities in the Indo-Pacific. That means he spends a lot of time thinking about the People's Republic of China. Prior to his current assignment, he's commanded a carrier strike group, led all U.S. naval forces in the Middle East, and was the commander of U.S. Pacific Fleet, among many other assignments. In addition to being a leader, he's also a pilot and warrior. He's accumulated more than 5,000 flight hours. He's been an F-14 and F-18 pilot and has 1,500 carrier landings. He's also a graduate of the famous TOPGUN school. Admiral Aquilino has deployed many times, including in support of Operations Deny Flight, Deliberate Force, Southern Watch, Noble Eagle, Enduring Freedom, and Iraqi Freedom.Rear Admiral (retired) Mark MontgomeryRADM Montgomery is the senior director of the Center on Cyber and Technology Innovation at FDD where he is also a senior fellow. Mark spent 32 years in the U.S. Navy, commanded a carrier strike group, and worked as the director of operations at U.S. Pacific Command.

Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) and Senator Roger Wicker (R-MI) are the chairman and ranking member, respectively, of the Senate Armed Services Committee. On January 11, they issued a noteworthy joint statement after receiving a briefing from Admiral John Aquilino, the commander of all U.S. military forces in the Indo-Pacific. The briefing's topic? The threat from China and how we should respond. The two senators called Admiral Aquilino's briefing “sobering” and said “Failure to maintain deterrence against China… would be catastrophic for American national and economic security.” They said tackling the challenges must be a top priority for the committee and called for a number of urgent steps.While many of us have been focused on the aftermath of the deplorable October 7 terror attack on Israel and growing instability and war in the Middle East, things have still been happening in the Indo-Pacific. So, what has China been up to? What has the U.S. military been doing to bolster deterrence? What additional steps must be taken?Guest host Bradley Bowman, senior director of FDD's Center on Military and Political Power, asks these and related questions to Admiral Aquilino. Also joining the conversation: retired Rear Admiral Mark Montgomery. Admiral John AquilinoAdmiral Aquilino is the 26th Commander of the United States Indo-Pacific Command. That's the Pentagon oldest and largest combatant command covering 36 nations, 14 time zones, and more than 50 percent of the world's population. He oversees 380,000 service members and DOD civilians and is responsible for all U.S. military activities in the Indo-Pacific. That means he spends a lot of time thinking about the People's Republic of China. Prior to his current assignment, he's commanded a carrier strike group, led all U.S. naval forces in the Middle East, and was the commander of U.S. Pacific Fleet, among many other assignments. In addition to being a leader, he's also a pilot and warrior. He's accumulated more than 5,000 flight hours. He's been an F-14 and F-18 pilot and has 1,500 carrier landings. He's also a graduate of the famous TOPGUN school. Admiral Aquilino has deployed many times, including in support of Operations Deny Flight, Deliberate Force, Southern Watch, Noble Eagle, Enduring Freedom, and Iraqi Freedom.Rear Admiral (retired) Mark MontgomeryRADM Montgomery is the senior director of the Center on Cyber and Technology Innovation at FDD where he is also a senior fellow. Mark spent 32 years in the U.S. Navy, commanded a carrier strike group, and worked as the director of operations at U.S. Pacific Command.

The White House still can't figure out how many Americans are held hostage by Hamas. A massive pro-Israel rally is held in Washington, DC. KJP mispronounces another word and Dana addresses her own problems with trying to pronounce words. Hamas is killing people at their hospital HQ. Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade promises a non-binary and transgender extravaganza. Country Music Superstar John Rich joins us on his new song and video for “The Man” featuring Veterans from WWII, Korea, Vietnam, Iraqi Freedom and Desert Storm. AOC still calls for a ceasefire. Police arrest the man who's skate killed hockey player Adam Johnson.Please visit our great sponsors:Black Rifle Coffeehttps://blackriflecoffee.com/danaChange the lives of Veterans and their families with the Boot Campaign with every purchase of the Ready-to-Drink Coffee!Express VPNhttps://expressvpn.com/danaGo incognito and protect your privacy with 3 extra months FREE.Headrest Safehttps://theheadrestsafe.comUse code DANA for an exclusive $50 off. Hillsdalehttps://danaforhillsdale.comHillsdale College: Developing Minds. Improving Hearts. KelTechttps://KelTecWeapons.comSign up for the KelTec Insider and be the first to know the latest KelTec news. Patriot Mobilehttps://patriotmobile.com/danaGet FREE activation with the offer code DANA. Wise Food Storagehttps://preparewithdana.comSave $50 on your 4-Week Survival Food Kit plus free shipping when you order today!

John Rich joins us on his new song and video for “The Man” featuring Veterans from WWII, Korea, Vietnam, Iraqi Freedom and Desert Storm. KJP mispronounces another word and Dana addresses her own problems with trying to pronounce words.Please visit our great sponsors:Black Rifle Coffeehttps://blackriflecoffee.com/danaChange the lives of Veterans and their families with the Boot Campaign with every purchase of the Ready-to-Drink Coffee!Express VPNhttps://expressvpn.com/danaGo incognito and protect your privacy with 3 extra months FREE.Headrest Safehttps://theheadrestsafe.comUse code DANA for an exclusive $50 off. Hillsdalehttps://danaforhillsdale.comHillsdale College: Developing Minds. Improving Hearts. KelTechttps://KelTecWeapons.comSign up for the KelTec Insider and be the first to know the latest KelTec news. Patriot Mobilehttps://patriotmobile.com/danaGet FREE activation with the offer code DANA. Wise Food Storagehttps://preparewithdana.comSave $50 on your 4-Week Survival Food Kit plus free shipping when you order today!

This week we are talking once again with Dan "Dry Dock" Shockley on "Staying Healthy as a Veteran"  For Veteran's Day this year we are featuring Dan because even though he has been dealt a hard blow with a hereditary colon cancer gene he is not letting that slow him down one bit!  As a matter of fact he is thriving and advocating for others around the globe as a hereditary colon cancer ambassador!  Here is some more about Dan:   Dan Dry Dock Shockley, retired U.S. Navy veteran; Operation Desert Storm; Enduring and Iraqi Freedom veteran and 9 hereditary colon cancer WARRIOR.  The U.S. based Colon Cancer Alliance featured his journey for their Veterans Day blog. The below url provided for your reading pleasure: https://www.ccalliance.org/blog/prevention/dan-drydock-shockley-colon-cancer-warrior-forges-on Also, in honor of Rare Cancer Day, 30 September, the NORDpod featured him as a special guest. The below url provided for your listening pleasure: https://open.spotify.com/episode/6cJJwWXEp34wD8ulFBXNQu?si=m6_V8YwJRwqEAWxXzTp3Cw&utm_source=native-share-menu&dl_branch=1    Additionally, he has been a regular contributor to the UK based Rare Revolution team. They recently invited me to be part of their National Patient Advocate Day campaign. My input can be viewed on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tv/CSwmNDwjuLQ/?utm_medium=copy_link In closing, here's his latest article which was featured by the Montreal based, RareDIG Organization. https://www.raredigmcgill.com/HORD/Season-Four  

Maj. Gen. Jason R. Armagost is the Commander, Eighth Air Force, and Commander, Joint-Global Strike Operations Center, Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana. "The Mighty Eighth" is responsible for the service's bomber force and airborne nuclear command and control assets, encompassing approximately 24,000 Airmen across six installations, and proudly operating more than 150 E-4, B-1, B-2, B-52 and T-38 aircraft. The J-GSOC serves as the central command and control node for all operations within Air Force Global Strike Command, orchestrating warfighting and readiness activities for the Commander, Air Forces Strategic.Maj. Gen. Armagost graduated from the United States Air Force Academy and was commissioned in 1992. He has served in multiple operational and training assignments and logged more than 2,900 hours in the B-2A, F-16CJ, F 16CG, B-1B, B-52H and T-38A. His notable educational and staff assignments include a fellowship at the Center for International Security and Cooperation at Stanford University, California, Chief of Nuclear Operations on the Joint Staff at the Pentagon, and Director of Strategic Plans, Programs, and Requirements at Air Force Global Strike Command.Maj. Gen. Armagost commanded the 13th Bomb Squadron at Whiteman AFB, Missouri, the 5th Bomb Wing at Minot AFB, North Dakota, and the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing at Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar. His operational assignments supported contingency operations during operations Desert Strike, Southern Watch, Iraqi Freedom, Enduring Freedom, Inherent Resolve, Freedom's Sentinel and Deliberate Resolve. He also served as the Deputy Commanding General for Security Assistance Group-Ukraine, where he led coordination of the DoD's historic security assistance support effort to the Ukrainian government. Further, he has flown numerous combat missions in the F-16CJ, B-2A, B-1B and the B-52H.EPISODE NOTES:Follow NucleCast on Twitter at @NucleCastEmail comments and story suggestions to NucleCast@anwadeter.orgSubscribe to NucleCast podcastRate the show

This Roundtable features Katz  Milanec, ALL RISE, Veteran Legislative Voice, and Battle-Proven Leadership. September is National Suicide Prevention and Hispanic Heritage MonthHost: Cliff Kelley Co-Host: Sean Claiborne Executive Producer: Glenda Smith Digital Media Producer: Ivan Ortega, Scout's Honor Productions5:30pm Partner Lt Col Jennifer-Ruth Green Battle-Proven Leadership Partner:Jennifer-Ruth Green - is a Lt Col in the Indiana Air National Guard, A Graduate of the United States Air Force Academy, Combat Veteran of Iraqi Freedom, and Founder/CEO of Battle-Proven Leadership.

On this special episode of The AirPower Hour, we had the opportunity to sit down with the 19th Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force, Joanne Bass.  After growing up in a military family, Chief Bass joined the Air Force in 1993 and after 30 years has held a multitude of roles including leadership positions at the squadron, group, wing, and major command levels.  As the Senior Enlisted Leader of the United States Air Force, CMSAF Joanne S. Bass represents the highest enlisted level of leadership, and as such, provides direction for the enlisted force and represents their interests, as appropriate, to the American public and to those in all levels of government.  She has significant joint service and special operation experience and has participated in several operations and exercises as well as deployments in direct support of Operations Southern Watch, Enduring Freedom, and Iraqi Freedom.

5:30 PMPartner Lt Col Jennifer-Ruth Green Battle-Proven Leadership Partner:Jennifer-Ruth Green - is a Lt Col in the Indiana Air National Guard, A Graduate of the United States Air Force Academy, Combat Veteran of Iraqi Freedom, and Founder/CEO of Battle-Proven Leadership

5:30 PM CTPartner Lt Col Jennifer-Ruth Green Battle-Proven Leadership Partner:Jennifer-Ruth Green - is a Lt Col in the Indiana Air National Guard, A Graduate of the United States Air Force Academy, Combat Veteran of Iraqi Freedom, and Founder/CEO of Battle-Proven Leadership

5:30 pm Partner Battle-Proven Leadership, Jennifer-Ruth GreenPartner: Jennifer-Ruth Green is a Lt Col in the Indiana Air National Guard, A Graduate of the United States Air Force Academy, Combat Veteran of Iraqi Freedom, and Founder/CEO of Battle-Proven Leadership

In this week's Team Never Quit episode, Marcus has a deep dive conversation with U.S. Air Force PJ, and combat rescue officer, Jonathan Harmon. NOTE: “PJ” (Air Force Pararescuemen) are the only DOD elite combat forces specifically organized, trained, equipped, and postured to conduct full spectrum Personnel Recovery (PR) to include both conventional and unconventional combat rescue operations. Jonathan was instrumental in successfully locating Marcus in Afghanistan with the most miniscule of data which facilitated his subsequent rescue. Listen in to Jonathan's fascinating details of all that it takes to bring our soldiers home.   In this episode you will hear: • My Aunt was a WASP (Women's Auxiliary Service Pilot). She flew aircraft across the Atlantic, and trained other pilots. They would test and assure that an aircraft was safe to fly. (10:06) • I had absolutely no intention of joining the military. I was into skating & surfboarding. (16:28) • I loved skydiving. I was with my peeps for the first time in my life. (23:23) • [Red ants] get real pissed off when you do 8 counts on top of them. (29:57) • [In Afghanistan rescue missions] you're out there rescuing kids and village elders. You want to let them know that you stand shoulder to shoulder with them. You're not gonna leave ‘em high and dry. (51:09) • It wasn't that I traded a life for a degree, but that how it felt. I promised myself that I would never allow my education get in the way of my job. (65:33) • One of the best things we learned was that one of the best medicines, sometimes, is lead. (70:12) • Most people don't know that 1003 Victor became known as Iraqi Freedom. (75:42) • I had the chance to coordinate about 1,000 rescue missions. Recovery missions as well as rescue missions. (76:05) • Reintegration is the process that returns people with homer, helping them transition back from captivity or isolation, back to their units and families so they can become “value added.” (78:18) • We're seeing Post traumatic stress in epic proportions. (79:26) • As a PJ, we focus on medical – combat medicine. (80:41) • I can't declare a personnel recovery event, because they're not my forces. (91:38) • It's important to know that a report has to come through a channel that is bonafide. (91:47) • [Operation Red Wings - After a series of signals and analysis, I thought] what I feel like is that I've got somebody on the run. And I'm really certain it's an American, because of where they're running and how they're running. And it gave me a confidence factor that I had at least one survivor. [97:34) 

Partner Battle-Proven Leadership, Jennifer-Ruth GreenPartner: Jennifer-Ruth Green is a Lt Col in the Indiana Air National Guard, A Graduate of the United States Air Force Academy, Combat Veteran of Iraqi Freedom, and Founder/CEO of Battle-Proven Leadership.

Partner Lt Col Jennifer-Ruth Green Battle-Proven Leadership Partner:Jennifer-Ruth Green - is a Lt Col in the Indiana Air National Guard, A Graduate of the United States Air Force Academy, Combat Veteran of Iraqi Freedom, and Founder/CEO of Battle-Proven Leadership.

Partner Lt. Col Jennifer-Ruth Green Battle-Proven Leadership Partner:Jennifer-Ruth Green - is a Lt. Col in the Indiana Air National Guard,  A Graduate of the United States Air Force Academy, Combat Veteran of Iraqi Freedom, and Founder/CEO of Battle-Proven Leadership 

Partner Women Have A VOICE Debra Denhart Panelist:Jennifer-Ruth Green - is a Graduate of the United States Air Force Academy and a Combat Veteran of Iraqi Freedom. She is the Founder of Mission Aero Pipeline, a non-profit providing Aerospace and STEM training to underrepresented youth and currently serves as a Lt. Colonel in the Indiana Air National Guard.