Podcasts about squadron commander

In this edition of Long Blue Leadership, host Naviere Walkewicz '99 talks with Emma Przybyslawski '10, an Air Force Academy graduate whose path has taken her from the front lines of tactical special operations in combat zones to the founder's chair at Strike Solutions. SUMMARY With 1,634 confirmed kills, and personal threats from ISIS, Emma knows what high-stakes leadership looks like. She opened up about her transition to the tech world, the power of the Air Force Academy network, and the role that courage, flexibility, and humor play in both survival and success. Whether you're in uniform or in a startup, Emma's insights on active listening and continual growth are essential to your success as a developing or seasoned leader.   SHARE THIS EPISODE LINKEDIN  |  FACEBOOK   EMMA'S 10 BEST LEADERSHIP TAKEAWAYS Leadership Requires Courage and Action “You have to be courageous and lean forward… even when you're not sure.” → Leaders don't wait for certainty—they move, learn, and adapt. Course Correction Is a Leadership Strength “You're not always going to get it right, but you can course correct.” → Mistakes aren't fatal if you're willing to pivot and improve. Ownership Is the Price of Admission to Elite Teams “You meet the standard or exceed it—or you're not on the team.” → High-performance cultures are built on individual accountability. Active Listening Builds Trust and Influence “Sometimes somebody just needs you to listen… and engage without fixing.” → Listening is one of a leader's most powerful tools. Feedback Isn't Personal—It's Growth Fuel “Ask for feedback—and be willing to take it.” → Good leaders seek the truth about themselves, even when it stings. You Can Lead From Any Seat Emma's career includes transitions from cadet to combat controller to business owner. → Title doesn't define leadership—character and action do. Clarity of Standards Drives Excellence “There was no rank—just performance. You either deliver or you're gone.” → Clear expectations reduce confusion and elevate teams. Mission Over Ego Her willingness to return to the Academy after leaving shows humility. → Leadership often means swallowing pride for a greater goal. Diversity Demands Curiosity, Not Assumptions “Ask people about their experience—don't assume you understand it.” → Inclusive leaders replace judgment with curiosity. Leaders Multiply Leadership “Your leadership should raise the waterline for everyone around you.” → Leadership is about impact—lifting others as you grow.   CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction to Emma Prisboslawski's Journey 01:26 Life in Special Operations 07:02 Navigating Chaos: A Day in Emma's Life 10:40 The Academy Experience: A Personal Journey 18:04 Leadership Lessons from Military Experience 27:52 The Importance of Active Listening in Leadership 28:21 The Power of Listening and Empathy 29:51 Navigating Career Transitions 32:18 Embracing Technology and Innovation 35:55 The Importance of Networking 36:24 Building Strike Solutions 37:48 Navigating the Vast Tech Landscape 40:14 Learning from Mistakes 42:31 Giving Back to the Academy 46:31 Continuous Self-Improvement and Leadership   ABOUT EMMA BIO Emma Przybyslawski '10 is the daughter of Mj. Gen. (Ret.) Anthony '76 and Priscilla Pzybyslawski. She spent her childhood counting the number of states she lived in as a military brat. While at the Academy, she loved living in Cadet Squadron 19 and eventually led the Wolverines as Squadron Commander to Outstanding Squadron of the Year. Upon graduation, Emma was commissioned as a special operations intelligence officer and spent her Air Force career either overseas supporting counterdrug efforts or counterterrorism operations in the Middle East; she was awarded a Bronze Star during her last deployment for her combat efforts in Iraq. She decided to separate from the Air Force in 2016 and started her civilian career in the high-tech industry. Emma has since founded Strike Solutions, a defense company focused on bringing advanced technology solutions to various DoD operational mission sets. In her free time, she has a passion for traveling, food, spending time with family and friends, and sports – but all of those things are best enjoyed with her husband and Air Force pilot Chris Spach and their Bernese Mountain Dogs, Gunner and Harley.   CONNECT WITH EMMA LINKEDIN  |  STRIKE SOLUTIONS     ALL PAST LBL EPISODES  |  ALL LBLPN PRODUCTIONS AVAILABLE ON ALL MAJOR PODCAST PLATFORMS     TRANSCRIPT OUR SPEAKERS GUEST:  Emma Przybyslawski '10  |  HOST:  Lt. Col. (Ret.) Naviere Walkewicz '99    KEYWORDS leadership, resilience, military, special operations, personal growth, Air Force Academy, women in combat, entrepreneurship, active listening, mentorship, leadership, empathy, career transition, technology, networking, innovation, military, Air Force Academy, personal growth, mentorship     The Long Blue Line Podcast Network is presented by the U.S. Air Force Academy Association & Foundation    

Send us a textWelcome back, you beautiful bastards, to the Ones Ready podcast where we're diving deep into the swamp to see if Trump's second stint in office is a leadership lesson or just another circus. Did he learn from his first term or is he still winging it like a first-time squadron commander? Tune in for some real talk, minus the BS, on how to gain some damn clarity in your own life. Like, subscribe, check out our membership, leave a review, and consider becoming a member because, let's face it, you need this wisdom. Support the showJoin this channel to get access to perks: HEREBuzzsprout Subscription page: HERECollabs:Ones Ready - OnesReady.com 18A Fitness - Promo Code: 1Ready ATACLete - Follow the URL (no promo code): ATACLeteCardoMax - Promo Code: ONESREADYDanger Close Apparel - Promo Code: ONESREADYDFND Apparel - Promo Code: ONESREADYHoist - Promo Code: ONESREADYKill Cliff - Pro...

Ever wondered what it's like to go from piloting Predator drones in the Air Force to flying cargo under the stars? Jonathan Songer shares an epic journey of resilience, high-stakes decisions, and surprising lessons learned from life in the sky. From unconventional career moves to his unique take on mentorship, this conversation will change how you view the aviation world. Tune in and get ready to see flying from a whole new perspective!     WHAT YOU'LL LEARN FROM THIS EPISODE Strategies for navigating challenging work schedules as a pilot Life adjustments to make your dream of flying a reality Unique challenges of flying in non-radar airspace and the adrenaline rush of low-level cargo runs What it's like to fly just above the ground with complex maneuvers in tight airspaces How Jonathan transitioned from Air Force drones to a 737 cockpit     RESOURCES/LINKS MENTIONED The Citadel JetBlue OBAP Ace Academy Delta Professional SkyWest Airlines Envoy Air     ABOUT JONATHAN SONGER Jonathan is a Boeing 737 First Officer with Kalitta Charters II, a Part 121 Supplemental Airline Carrier. With over 1,600 hours in crewed aircraft and 4,000 hours in remotely piloted aircraft, Jonathan is an expert in flight safety, aviation decision-making, and crew resource management. He previously served as a subject matter expert in unmanned systems and as the Senior Manager for Advanced Air Mobility with MassDOT Aeronautics and MassAutonomy. Jonathan's experience in the defense industry includes working with medium-altitude, long-endurance unmanned aircraft as an instructor, evaluator/check airman, and lead pilot. He also served in the United States Air Force as an Air Mobility pilot on the KC-135 Stratotanker and as a Squadron Commander and Director of Operations for MQ-1 and MQ-9 remotely piloted aircraft. During his tenure in the USAF, he was Chief of Unmanned Intelligence Systems at US Air Forces Central Command. Jonathan holds an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) Certificate and an FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate. He earned a B.S. in Physics from The Citadel and an M.S. in Military Operations from Air University.     CONNECT WITH JONATHAN LinkedIn: Jonathan Songer     CONNECT WITH US Are you ready to take your preparation to the next level? Don't wait until it's too late. Use the promo code “R4P” and save 10% on all our services. Check us out at www.spitfireelite.com!   If you want to recommend someone to guest on the show, email Nik at podcast@spitfireelite.com, and if you need a professional pilot resume, go to www.spitfireelite.com/podcast/ for FREE templates!   SPONSOR Are you a pilot just coming out of the military and looking for the perfect second home for your family? Look no further! Reach out to Marty and his team by visiting www.tridenthomeloans.com to get the best VA loans available anywhere in the US. If you're a professional pilot looking for a great financial planning partner for your retirement, tax, and investment, go to www.tpope.ceterainvestors.com/contact or call ‭704-717-8900 x120‬ to schedule a consultation appointment with Timothy P. Pope, CFP®. Be ready for takeoff anytime with 3D-stretch, stain-repellent, and wrinkle-free aviation uniforms by Flight Uniforms. Just go to www.flightuniform.com and type the code SPITFIREPOD20 to get a special 20% discount on your first order.  

On this week's episode I spoke with Colonel Kim “KC” Campbell DFC “Retd” served in the Air Force for 24 years as a fighter pilot and senior military leader. Kim is a keynote speaker sharing her story about a life changing combat experience while weaving in ideas and lessons about leadership, teamwork, perseverance, and decision making in stressful environments. Kim has flown 1,800 hours in the A-10 Warthog, including more than 100 combat missions protecting troops on the ground in both Iraq and Afghanistan. She is a distinguished graduate of the Air Force Academy and has a Master of Arts in International Security Studies and a Master of Business Administration from the University of London. She has served as a Squadron Commander, Operations Group Commander, Air Force Senior Fellow at the Atlantic Council, and Military Assistant to the Under Secretary of Defence for Policy in the Office of the Secretary of Defence. Most recently, Kim served as the Director for the Centre for Character and Leadership Development at the United States Air Force Academy. In 2003, Colonel Campbell was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for Heroism after successfully recovering her battle-damaged airplane after an intense close air support mission in Baghdad. In 2023 Kim published her bestselling book FLYING IN THE FACE OF FEAR A fighter Pilot's Lessons on Leading with Courage. Kim is a mum a wife and now travels around America speaking and helping veterans transiting out of the military.     Presenter: Adam Blum Guest: Kim “KC” Campbell Editor: Kyle Watkins Investigative Consultant: Adam Holloway

We did a contracting episode a few weeks ago where we aired out a few grievances mostly focused on how strength and conditioning coaches in contracted roles with the military are treated. In that conversation we acknowledged that we have limited experience with contracting, and we were open to having an expert come on and set the record straight.  As it happens, this week's guest is exactly the kind of expert we were looking for. Chris Larkin is LMR Technical Group CEO and Cofounder and his background covers enlisted and officer service in Air Force Special Warfare and extensive involvement in military human performance in multiple different roles. Chris spent 28 years total in the Air Force as an enlisted Combat Controller and Special Tactics Officer, starting to advocate for military human performance initiatives even before commissioning. He served as the first Squadron Commander at the Special Tactics Training Squadron and helped establish the Combat Athlete Program (which pre-dated SOCOM POTFF) working with AF Research Lab and USAFA Human Performance Lab. He had HPO specific facilities built at the STTS and 23 Special Tactics Squadron – some of the first built in the DoD and even ran one of the first ever Human Performance Symposiums (bringing in industry, academia, and other military units to help solve HPO problems). He wrote his thesis at the Joint Advanced Warfighting School (JAWS) on “Combat Fitness a Concept Vital to National Defense” and was an Operational Squadron commander when POTFF came to AFSOC and even deployed HPO staff into Afghanistan to expedite the recovery process. His credentials include a bachelors in Exercise Science, Master Fitness Trainer, ACSM Exercise Leader, and USA Triathlon Coach. He's also an accomplished athlete in his own right. He ran Division 1 Cross Country and Southwest Texas State University. He has represented the Air Force in downhill skiing, triathlon, pentathlon, and Ironman - including 3 Ironman finishes. And he has 3,000 parachute jumps – including numerous demonstrations at events including NFL, MLB, NASCAR.

In this episode of "Out of the Wild Blue Yonder," hosts Mark Tate and Luther King kick things off by diving into Week 5 of the 2024 college football season. They break down the current AP Top 25 standings as of September 19, 2024, with a particular focus on SEC dominance, including Georgia, Alabama, and Ole Miss. Luther shares his thoughts on Alabama's performance, while Mark gives insight into Auburn's latest challenges as both teams prepare for crucial upcoming matchups. The main topic of the episode continues their Squadron Commander series, focusing on days 366 through 545 in command. Luther and Mark provide six essential success tips for USAF squadron commanders during this period. Luther discusses the importance of monitoring use/lose leave and fostering a healthy work-life balance for both squadron members and leadership. He also emphasizes the need for summer safety and the value of reassessing squadron priorities. Mark tackles topics such as reviewing strategic offsite outcomes, fostering squadron camaraderie, and focusing on preparing personnel for annual awards. Their insights provide commanders with practical strategies to maintain momentum and set their units up for long-term success. In the health and wellness segment, the hosts highlight the importance of gut health. They explain what gut health is, how it impacts overall well-being, and ways to optimize it through proper diet, including foods rich in probiotics and prebiotics. They also offer advice on lifestyle changes, such as reducing stress, staying active, and staying hydrated, to promote a healthy gut and, ultimately, a healthier life. Please visit their website at https://outofthewildblueyonder.com. Send comments to comments@outofthewildblueyonder.com. Watch the podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@OutOfTheWildBlueYonder-y6e/videos Follow them on X: https://x.com/ootwblueyonder.

Segment 1: Jury Awards $687K To Woman Fired For Religion Dr. Chaps discusses a recent case where a jury awarded $687K to a woman who was fired for her religious beliefs. Segment 2: Squadron Commander Loses Pension Fighting Woke Ideology A report on Matthew Loehmer, a squadron commander who lost his pension due to his stance against woke ideology in the military. Segment 3: Clayton Van Huss SWRC.com Biblical Archeologist An interview with Clayton Van Huss, a biblical archaeologist from SWRC.com, exploring his latest discoveries and their significance.ories. Get free alerts at http://PrayInJesusName.org © 2024, Chaplain Gordon James Klingenschmitt, PhD. Airs on NRB TV, Direct TV Ch.378, Roku, AppleTV, Amazon FireTV, AndroidTV, GoogleTV, Smart TV, iTunes and www.PrayInJesusName.org

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.

In this 30th episode of the Treble Victor Podcast, which is specifically for Treble Victor members and prospective members, Rupert Whiting talks to Mark Gasparotto, an Ontario-based member. Mark talks about creating the book "Clearing the Way: Combat Engineers in Kandahar" and gives an in-depth look at the realities of 23 Field Squadron, who served with the 1st Royal Canadian Regiment Battle Group in Kandahar in 2006.  Mark was the Squadron Commander and it was an eventful, tragic and incredibly interesting tour that he has documented for future generations of military leaders to learn from. Link to the Book: https://www.amazon.ca/Clearing-Way-Combat-Engineers-Kandahar/dp/1926582594 Remember to subscribe to the Podcast wherever you're listening from so you don't miss future episodes. Also, be sure to check out the previous episodes with interesting members from right across the country. You may be surprised who is in the network, and knowing who is in the network makes the network work! Update your personal and business accounts by logging onto the Treble Victor portal at www.treblevictor.org.

To influence for good, character paired with strong leadership skills is paramount. Brig. Gen. (Ret.) Dana Born '83 brings the two together in Ep. 8 of Long Blue Leadership. ----more---- SUMMARY Brig. Gen. (Ret.) Dana Born discusses the importance of character and leadership in the Air Force Academy's mission. She shares her background and career, including her time as the Dean of Faculty at the Academy. The General reflects on her class reunion experience and the impact of her family's military background. She explores the concept of leaders being born vs. made and highlights the value of curiosity and courage in leadership. Gen. Born emphasizes the importance of seeking help and mentorship and shares recommended readings for developing leadership skills.   OUR FAVORITE QUOTES "Character and leadership are paramount for Air Force Academy graduates to influence for good." "I think that if I were to say there's two really important takeaways, those for me have been, be curious, be more curious. And that is just really asking a lot of questions." "I think leading with your heart and leading with, like the recognition that things that are hard, make your heart rate go up. Courage, you know, our heart rate goes up when we're in danger physically, morally, psychologically. And I think leaning into that to where our heart rate goes up a little bit is how we learn and grow." "I think there's that keeping the both and in the integration of that is what helped me in some of those tough decisions. I mean, I remember having to take a security clearance away from a lieutenant colonel, for all the right reasons, but trying, you know, that person then was going to lose their position in the Air Force, because it required a security clearance. And, and it wasn't a situation that I put that person in, right, they put themselves in that position, but what I didn't want to do was deliver the news in a way that then the individual would feel like they have nothing left right to or would ultimately, you know, take their life, right, that always was present to say, uh, don't want this person to go away with anything other than, you know, your life is not over." "I think courage, you know, the root word of courage is heart. And I think leading with your heart and leading with, like the recognition that things that are hard, make your heart rate go up. Courage, you know, our heart rate goes up when we're in danger physically, morally, psychologically. And I think leaning into that to where our heart rate goes up a little bit is how we learn and grow."  - Brig. Gen. (Ret.) Dana Born '83   SHARE THIS EPISODE FACEBOOK  |  LINKEDIN  |  TWITTER  |  EMAIL     CHAPTERS 00:00  Introduction: Character and Leadership 01:22  General Bourne's Background and Career 05:36  Early Life and Decision to Attend the Air Force Academy 08:19  Becoming the Dean of Faculty at the Air Force Academy 11:49  Challenges and Lessons as Dean 22:59  Discovering Leadership Abilities 24:24  Lessons from Friction Moments 26:19  Pivoting and Overcoming Challenges 27:49  Best Attributes of Leaders 29:46  Seeking Help and Mentorship 32:06  Balancing Compassion and Difficult Decisions 34:26  Family's Influence on Leadership 38:12  Developing Leadership Skills: Curiosity and Courage 40:04  Purpose and Passion 41:53  Recommended Readings 44:42  Conclusion     GEN. BORN'S BIO Dana H. Born (Co-Director, Center for Public Leadership (CPL); Faculty Chair, Senior Executive Fellows (SEF) Program; Lecturer in Public Policy, Harvard Kennedy School of Government) is a retired Brigadier General with 30 years of service in the United States Air Force. Prior to coming to Harvard, from 2004-2013, she served two terms as the Dean of the Faculty at the United States Air Force Academy where she was also the Professor and Head of the Behavioral Sciences and Leadership Department. Previously, Dana served as an Exchange Officer with the Royal Australian Air Force, Assistant Director for Recruiting Research and Analysis for the Assistant Secretary of Defense (Force Management Policy), Deputy Chief of the Personnel Issues Team for the Department of the Air Force (DC/Staff Personnel), Aide and Speech Writer to the Secretary of the Air Force, Squadron Commander for 11th Mission Support Squadron at Bolling AFB, DC and in Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. A graduate with distinction of the United States Air Force Academy, Professor Born received her B.S. in Behavioral Sciences (1983), M.S. in Experimental Psychology from Trinity University, TX (1985), M.A. in Research Psychology from University of Melbourne (1991) and Doctorate in Industrial and Organizational Psychology from Penn State University (1994). She received Penn State University's Alumni Fellow Award (2012) and Distinguished Alumni Award (2018) and was awarded an Honorary Doctorate from Simmons College in Humane Administration (2007). Born is the recipient of the Secretary of the Air Force's Eugene M. Zuckert Award for Outstanding Management Achievement, Air Force Association's Hoyt S. Vandenberg Award for outstanding contributions to Aerospace education, Air Force Distinguished Service Medal, Legion of Merit and Defense Meritorious Service Medal. She has been honored with the Harvard Kennedy School (HKS) Annual Teaching Awards as well as the Harvard Kennedy School of Government Innovation in Teaching Award in 2017. Dr. Born is a Trustee on the United States Air Force Academy's Falcon Foundation – serving on the Strategy, Governance and Scholarship Committees; Supporting Director on the USAFA Endowment Board, Past President of the Massachusetts Women's Forum; Senior Consultant for the Core Leadership Institute; Peer Evaluator for the Higher Learning Commission; Member of the Women Corporate Directors, International Women's Forum and Council on Foreign Relations; Council Member on Boston Mayor's Pay Equity Workforce; Advisory Board Member for “With Honor;” and “A Child's Guide to War” documentary, “Blue Star Families,” Senior Officer for Mission: Readiness; Past-President of the American Psychological Association (Society for Military Psychology) and previous Independent Director on Board of the Apollo Education Group having served on Compensation, Audit and Special Litigation Committees.  - Copy and image credit:  Harvard University         Gen. Born is a member of the HOW Conversations video (and podcast) series hosting team, bringing together a varied group of experts and leaders to discuss timely issues of our reshaped world through the lenses of moral leadership, principled decision-making, and values-based behavior. VIEW THE VIDEO SERIES  |  LISTEN TO THE PODCAST  - Copy and image credit:  Harvard University     ABOUT LONG BLUE LEADERSHIP Long Blue Leadership is a production of the Long Blue Line Podcast Network, drops every two weeks on Tuesdays, and is available on Apple Podcasts, TuneIn + Alexa, Spotify and all your favorite podcast platforms. Search @AirForceGrads on your favorite social channels for Long Blue Leadership news and updates!          FULL TRANSCRIPT   SPEAKERS Our guest, Brig. Gen. (Ret.) Dana Born '83  |  Our host, Lt. Col. (Ret.) Naviere Walkewicz   Gen. Dana Born  00:06 Through mentorship and wise counsel, in early days actually and magnified through the time at the Air Force Academy, that character is paramount. It's also not enough, because you want to be a person of strong character that also has leadership, qualities that help influence for good. We can have leadership where people are able to influence but maybe not for good. And we can have character but have people of great character that aren't able to mobilize the influence. And so, I have just been, I guess, embracing that character and leadership aspect of our mission.   Naviere Walkewicz  01:19 My guest today is retired Brigadier General Dana Born, a 1983, graduate of the Air Force Academy. I'm excited to host this conversation with General Born, a recognized and widely respected expert in moral leadership, serving as a lecturer in public policy at Harvard University's Kennedy School of Government. We're going to explore the trajectory of General Born's own development as a leader. Our conversation will begin with her days as a cadet at the Air Force Academy, where she received a Bachelor of Science degree in Behavioral Science and Leadership. General Born began building her body of work then, first as a student, then analyst and researcher, now writer, teacher and speaker on public policy and society in the field of moral leadership as a How Institute for Society Distinguished Fellow through her distinguished 30 year military career, and since her retirement from the Air Force in 2013, she has been formally recognized more than 20 times for her exemplary service and academic excellence. In 2004, she became the first female Academy graduate to return to her alma mater as the Dean of Faculty, a role she held for two terms. Her work has been published more than 40 times and she has delivered nearly 200 presentations. General Born has endorsed more than a dozen books on leadership and public policy, and has contributed to five others. In addition to her work at Harvard, she hosts a video podcast series called HOW Conversations during which she discusses the tenets of moral leadership. Her guests include nationally and internationally recognized leaders from the private, military and public sectors. General Born. Welcome, and thank you for being here today.   Gen. Dana Born  02:54 Thank you so much for the wonderful introduction. And it's great to be in the Long Blue Line conversation with you and all our other members of our tremendous extended family in our Air Force. So glad to be here.   Naviere Walkewicz  03:07 Thank you so much, ma'am. And you know, you recently were just here for a reunion. How was that experience?   Gen. Dana Born  03:13 It was spectacular. The only way I can describe it is like going to see family members that you haven't seen for a while. And even after 44 years, since our induction day, it was like just picking up where, you know, we left off in terms of the connection, the common bond, it was probably better than I anticipated. And I can't actually explain why. But it was just so special. It was poignant as well, because certainly during those times, we spend time reflecting on those that are no longer with us. And it was very powerful in terms of the way that our class decided to do that with. We don't call it a yellow cap, right, because there's nothing yellow in the military, but with our gold caps. And classmate who remembered our fallen friend, and lit a candle on behalf of them. And it was too many hats. It was too many candles, it was too many people that we have lost. But it was something that was spectacular in another way because we had such great stories to share that sort of brought back you know, the legacy and the person of our classmates. And so I think we left with a little bit more spring in our step in terms of let's make our lives and the lives of those we love count each day. So it was really inspiring and quite an amazing time.   Naviere Walkewicz  04:41 I love hearing that. I get to come back for my 25th next year and even though I'm, you know, here working in this capacity, there is something so special that's timeless. With graduates, when they come together, we really do just kind of pick up where we left off and so I'm looking forward to that as well.   Gen. Dana Born  04:57 We got together with our what we call "dooley squadron," but you know, with our classes that we were with for the first two years, and then also with the last two years, because we transitioned after our three-degree year, and there was one individual that was in my, like, all four years together. And so that was kind of fun as well, yes.   Naviere Walkewicz  05:18 What our listeners love to do is kind of get to know our speakers as well. So if we could travel back to maybe your childhood and early days before the Academy. We'd really like to get to know what Gen. Born was like back then, you know, where did you grow up? What were you like? What were you into? Maybe you can take us back.   Gen. Dana Born  05:36 That's going back aways because I entered the Air Force Academy in 1979. So it really is going back decades here. But I grew up in a small town in upstate New York called Penn Yan. And, you know, we maybe had two or three thousand people. It was a very small town. If you think of Norman Rockwell, that is kind of, you know, the the old world, maybe even American Graffiti. That is my hometown. Everybody knows everybody pretty much still to this day. And I graduated from high school, the same day that I flew out to start basic training the next day. I literally didn't get to stay for my whole high school graduation. Because on the East Coast, graduations tend to be late June and of course, that's when basic Cadet training begins. So I hopped on a commercial airplane for the very first time, the day I graduated from high school. I flew airplanes before I drove a car. But I flew with my flight instructor actually to the nearest airport and then flew commercially, for the first time in my life, to go start basic training. I'd never been west of Ohio, and of course, people think about Ohio as the Midwest. So it was really going into a brave new world for me, certainly.   Naviere Walkewicz  06:58 So, were you always someone very courageous looking at new things. I mean, you said you were flying before you got into a car. So that's a bit telling there. What are their characteristics? Would you say you had as a young girl?   Gen. Dana Born  07:11 Yeah. I think that's, I wouldn't have characterized it actually as courageous. But I was certainly enjoyed adventure and the outdoors. I mean, some of my favorite activities. My dad was the vice president of a local college. And we grew up on a lake. So you know, waterskiing sailing, you know, boating, I loved to run, I love to fly, I love to ski. So there was that adventurous spirit. And certainly, I think that was part of the selection to go to the service academy. But it was also my dad, being a college professional and administrator, he took me to a college fair at the University of Vermont, I still remember this. And my dad had been enlisted in the Coast Guard, and right after World War Two, but he taught me how to salute. And I was always just kind of enamored with that part of his life. And I saw a Coast Guard Academy booth at this fair. And I got really excited. I went back to my father who was at his booth for his college and I said, "Dad, I know where I want to go, I want to go to the United States Coast Guard Academy." And then, when I applied, they said, "Oh, you missed the application date for this year, you'll have to come next year." And I was not wanting to wait to go to college. Right? I was ready. And so they said, well, there's these other academies. And I went back and talk to my track and cross country coach, and he did some exploration for me. And he said, "What about the Air Force Academy?" And I said, "Where is that?" And they said, "Colorado," and I thought, okay, skiing, mountains, you know, running. And that really was, it was his kind of helping me search through, okay, if this isn't an option, you know, what are your other options? And it turned out to be serendipity, just a very good fit and very grateful to this day, you know, for his mentorship.   Naviere Walkewicz  09:07 Well, I was going to ask how the Air Force Academy came into the picture. And it was by chance from the US Coast Guard Academy timing being off.   Gen. Dana Born  09:16 It was meant to be, I think, and, you know, I've had fun, you know, with over the years certainly while I was the dean working closely with the leadership at the Coast Guard Academy, you know, just kind of puns you know, they've changed their application date, I think to be more aligned now, but it was it was funny in talking with them about that, but it worked out really for the better. Well, you're also aware I have a mixed family in terms of you know, having Marine Corps and Air Force and Navy and Coast Guard. So we're all really in the same profession.   Naviere Walkewicz  09:56 We went kind of back in the early childhood days, but you just about your family kind of having mixed roles in different services. What does that all look like?   Gen. Dana Born  10:05 Yeah, I actually just recalled, as you were asking that question, I thank you for digging deeper there, because I forgot to mention Army as well and certainly my brother in law was a West Point graduate.   Naviere Walkewicz  10:16 We did that for him.   Gen. Dana Born  10:19 So appreciate that. You know, it's interesting, because I did not other than my dad's Coast Guard service really did not have a lot of military in my family. And but when I met my now husband, who is a Naval Academy graduate, when we were assigned to the Pentagon, it opened up a whole like military side of the family, because he does have a brother that went to VMI, one that went to West Point, he went to the Naval Academy, his father was a WWII aviator, who retired from the Navy. And so I and my family was primarily all educators, right? So I must say that it was providence, right, to get to the dean of the faculty position where I think it was keeping both sides of the family happy the educators as well as blended military service. And then of course, we have two daughters who are serving now, and one of them is 2020, graduate from the Air Force Academy, whose IP instructor pilot in helicopters and our youngest, who's a Naval Academy graduate who is in the Marine Corps now and just heading over to serve in Okinawa for three years as a comm. strat. officer in the Marine Expeditionary Forces. So we are certainly in a family business of of military service.   Naviere Walkewicz  11:41 Ma'am, you just shared a little bit about your time at the Academy as dean, first female graduate to become dean and then you serve two terms. What was that like?   Gen. Dana Born  11:50 It's interesting, that you asked that question and, of your, I know your own background in working a lot of issues, particularly women in leadership issues in diversity, equity inclusion, I find it actually paradoxical to think of myself as kind of the, you know, the first female dean because it is a fact, I'm just really grateful that we have a currently serving dean who's also a female. And it's interesting, because we just want to fit in, right, and just be the dean. And yet, if we don't say female dean, then we're invisible. And so it really is paradoxical. Anytime you're a minority of having a an adjective that caveats or clarifies, you know, that your your role. So I recognize that, but I'm really just so thrilled that I had the opportunity, and again, through a lot of mentors, encouraging and supporting through that journey, because I think I like many others, particularly women, take ourselves out of the running, because we haven't seen somebody go into that kind of an authority position before that look like us or are like us. So it was really people telling me, you know, don't you think it's your duty, you know, to offer to serve in that capacity, you know, why take yourself out of the running, if the Air Force thinks you're the right person at the right time, and you're willing to, then it's your duty to put your name in. And, and that was really the thinking that drew me to apply. And I'm really glad to have had that opportunity, not just for one term, but for to, and to see that, you know, there's more behind me that are more, you know, diverse, that is really good for our Academy.   Naviere Walkewicz  13:36 I'm glad you brought that up, because I actually struggled in asking that question for the similar reasons of saying first female to do something and at the same time, having been walking in those paths, understanding that sometimes people need to see people who have walked in those shoes that look like them, etc. So I'm glad that you kind of talked about the importance of recognizing those things, even though at the same time we see ourselves as I'm the qualified person to be doing this. So I appreciate you showing that.   Gen. Dana Born  14:01 It's hard to do though, too, because, you know, if you think about the generation of the first several classes to go through the academy, it was really a token time. I mean, I think we had 8.4% women that came in in our class. And so we didn't want to be seen as anything other than fitting in. And so it is hard for us also. And I remember when General Desjardins and I were serving together as the comm and the dean, right the first time you had two females in those two roles. And we had to kind of get over that. We had many conversations to say, hey, if the current population is wanting to have conversations, you know about women in the military, we need to have those conversations. Those are, you know, part of what we bring and it was and we had to listen a lot, right, because there was so much we didn't know about how the experience is similar and we're different for the now cadet, right, while we were in those positions.   Naviere Walkewicz  15:03 And that was actually one of the questions I had, from your experiences as a cadet, the highs and lows. And then what did that look like for you in the role then if dean, how did that change your perspective? Or, you know, looking at how you improved things, or made a difference?   Gen. Dana Born  15:17 I'm gonna go back to the highs and low question because the high was clearly meeting some of the most amazing, talented, diverse people that I had been exposed to, if you think about coming out of this small town, to the cadet wing that was twice the size, much more diverse representing countries around the world. I was, I was so in awe of look at who I'm here with, I was also very scared because we all got that, you know, warning that look left look, right, one, one or two of you aren't going to be there, right, at graduation. So it was a little, a little bit of a fire, right to say I better stay giving it my best, but I really think that's a high. And to this day, that's and even as the dean, it was always a wow moment to look around and see the incredible people that we got to be in the kind of common cause with and gave me great hope always for the future, both while I was a cadet and as the dean and now serving, you know, with the Air Force Academy Foundation, it's really inspiring and elevating, and provides hope during times that, you know, can be very daunting. The low, I would just want to get that out of the way, right? The low is always hard to talk about. But I think one of my low points, but it didn't last long. Because I I really had a love of flying, and a love of the air, I lost my pilot qualification probably because I was not studying properly. And, you know, my flashlight under my covers trying to pass that "EE" test or something. And so I did not have the opportunity to fly upon graduation. And that was hard. Because one the culture, you know, we're so oriented towards, "What you're, you're not going to fly?" And I couldn't, it was just not an option for me. And so I really just had to pivot in terms of what are the other needs and ways that I might be able to serve. But that that was a hard time to do that. And it was actually right before commitment. And so people were asking, you know, are you still gonna stay? And I thought, "Well, why wouldn't I am sure the Air Force has other, you know, ways to serve." So, but that was that was kind of a low. And I think another I don't know is if it's a low, but it might be one that I look back on. I was intercollegiate for 12 seasons. And so I had a whole lot of depth of really athletics, and really close friendships because of that, and a lot of travel to places I've never traveled to. But I also then think I didn't get as much breadth of experience of because time was so precious and trying to keep up academically. You know, and I think as I look back, you know, I had participated in theater when I was in high school, but I didn't have time for you know, Blue Bards or anything outside of really athletics and some of the military work that we got to do and keep up with academics and, you know, try to do well there and in my major.   Naviere Walkewicz  18:50 So ma'am you mentioned something about the pivot you had to make and you know, some of the disappointment that came with that. How did you kind of get to that positive headspace when your plan changed so dramatically.   Gen. Dana Born  19:02 It's hard for me to go back and put myself in what did it there. But I can think of examples like right now what comes to mind for me is the iRobot or the I don't know what how you refer to it, but those, you know, round circular vacuums that if yes, if they get up against a wall, they know that they're there to clean the floor, and they just find a redirect and they keep going. And that's sort of what I think it's been for me, you know, when you kind of stay oriented on your purpose and what you are passionate about. It's easy to not give up but to find another way. And that happened to me when I was fortunate enough to be in a PhD program sponsored by the Air Force Academy in the Air Force to go to Penn State University and right after my second year, the Air Force was downsizing and trying to provide opportunity for people to not have a commitment to school and to be able to basically give up that commitment and not come into the Air Force. And I got that letter that said, "Hey, you can you know, we're sorry. But right now we have an option if you'd like to, you know, get out of the Air Force, you can." And I remember thinking like, you've invested in me to be here for this PhD program. And, you know, I'm hopeful that there's something with this I can do for my Air Force. And so no, I don't want to get out. And so it was kind of like that same iRobot response of I'm here to do this. And so I'm going to figure out a pivot to be able to stay and contribute in a way that might be valuable.   Naviere Walkewicz  20:44 That is a great analogy, ma'am. That's fantastic. Well, I know this is not new to you, ma'am. Because with you're hosting other podcasts on leadership, there's questions that you know, our listeners love to learn about, that you're very familiar with. So I'd like to start with one that you ask often about leaders being born versus made. And I know your thoughts on this, that they are both born and made. But I'm hoping you might be able to share a little bit more about what led you to that perspective.   Gen. Dana Born  21:12 I think it's through mentorship and wise counsel, in early days, actually, and magnified through the time at the Air Force Academy, that that character is paramount in terms of us being effective humans. And it's also not enough, because you want to be a person of strong character that also has leadership, qualities that help influence for good. And I remember, during my time, even as the dean when we were developing the character and leadership center, and talking about do we call it the in because it used to be the Center for Character Development? Or do we call it the Center for Leadership Development? And are they the same, and I was fascinated with those conversations, because we really got to a point where it is both and and we need to call out character and leadership. Because we can have great, or I won't say great, but we can have leadership where people are able to influence but maybe not for good. And we can have character, but have people of great character that aren't able to mobilize the influence. And so I have just been, I guess, embracing that character and leadership aspect of our mission, primarily, from the time at the Air Force Academy to present day research and investment in teaching and working with executives, graduate students, undergraduates and boards.   Naviere Walkewicz  22:50 Was it would you say at the Air Force Academy is when you knew yourself to be a leader? Or, when did you have the desire to lead?   Gen. Dana Born  22:59 Interestingly enough, I think about that back at my small town of Penn Yan, New York, and some of that, I have to attribute to the fact that we didn't have many people. I mean, my school had 1,000 people but bused in from 20, or 30 miles in every different direction. And so the because the town wasn't that big, so we had a chance. Matter of fact, I was like, I was Miss Flying Club, you know, for the parade. I was, you know, the head of women's athletics for my school, I got to be on Student Council and be a treasure for my class, and, you know, captain of the cross country team and the track team, it really did stretch me into places that I might not have sought out myself. But people kind of put me in those positions, and then helped me to learn through those positions. But I must say, most of my learning was when things didn't go so well, you know, how come you know, people aren't buying into this, you know, motto. And, you know, what is the dynamic that's happening? You know, we're, we're fractured as a team, you know, how can we fix this? And so it was really through some of those friction moments that I probably learned the most and really loved the opportunity have an input and an influence?   Naviere Walkewicz  24:19 Can you share some of those because I think some of our listeners are certainly in parts of their leadership journeys, where they're, they may be facing some of those, you know, friction moments or their early parts of their leadership lessons. You know, what were some of the early lessons that you took on that you might share with them if they experience something like that?   Gen. Dana Born  24:38 I think what came to mind for me, more recent examples, clearly, because they're still pretty fresh. But what came to me when you were talking about maybe early years, was I think we're I may be let myself downs nd we're I didn't feel as though I did well enough to be considered a leader. Right? You have to, you know, it's the hero's journey. And I think that I've learned over the years that you don't need to be perfect as a leader. Quite the contrary, right people can relate and, and really be on their own development journey more when we are human and imperfect. And that took me a long time to really embrace because there is that pressure, right, that we feel like we have to be perfect. And we have to know so much, and do so well. And I think that that's, that's not people know that humans aren't perfect, right? So if you're coming across perfect, right? People look for the chinks in the armor. And the higher you are, the higher you fall. So I think that I had that experience at the Air Force Academy, I shared recently in a Sabre Society, talk that, you know, I had been a commander during 9/11, at Bolling, Air Force Base. And it really, I was so proud of how my unit did, and the people that were recognized for just excellence, and we were prepared, and we were responsive. And it was really exciting. And I chose to stay in and ended up at the Air Force Academy as a department chair. And I brought my same self and my same, you know, you know, command energy and I failed miserably in the first, you know, several months, we were going through the sexual assault and sexual harassment crisis, and I was being fairly directive, which worked well with the population I was leading in Washington, DC during 9/11 did not work as well, when you have a very small but mature, you know, mostly PhDs, professional faculty, that I needed to listen to more and not be directive, and it took not long, you know, for what we call it, the Air Force Academy, the blanket party for quite respectable people to come in and say, ma'am, this isn't working and to swallow that humility pill, and, and realize, okay, we need to, I need to adapt here, not lose myself, but adapt to this new environment and situation,   Naviere Walkewicz  27:11 Maybe you can share some of the best attributes that you've you've come across in leaders, because, you know, everyone leading from the authentic selves, brings it forward in their own ways. But what are some of the ones that you see time and true, and again, that are really spoken with you as best attributes?   Gen. Dana Born  27:27 I think what I have grown to really value is people who probably listen well, and who are curious, and, and I've, I've, I've also found people who see the individual in each person, like, what makes Naviere tick, what is it that's important to you personally, and professionally? You know, what are the ways that you are at your best, and that I think is, is really helpful. I also, I don't know why it just came to me, but I'm kind of led to share it is, I heard some great advice. When I was a younger officer, and for where people were not performing to expectations, instead of blaming the individual or feeling as though you know, they're no good, we need to their poor performer label and move them on. It's really better when we asked three questions, when somebody's not meeting, a standard, you know, have I been as a person, you know, leading? Have I been clear in the expectations? And if I have, then the next question is, have I prepared them? Or given them the right training? Or, you know, opportunity to be good at what I'm asking them to do? And then the third is, if the answer to the first two is I have, I did, then what else is happening in their lives that for whatever reason, they're not meeting, you know, the expectations or standards. And if there's nothing there, then you start the performance plan. But, that was, I think, when people are like giving you space to learn and grow and taking kind of a co collaborative ownership of performance. I've, I've, I've thrived in those situations more than and I hope people in my leadership have thrived in those situations more as well, because it is more of a approach that is a shared approach to getting the mission accomplished and taking care of people.   Naviere Walkewicz  29:38 That's an amazing nugget that you shared. I mean, I'm just I can think back throughout my career and times when I probably should have leveraged something like that, and I might have been more effective. Thinking about what pieces have I not maybe done as well or have I done those things, as you said, kind of do a reflective piece from a leadership perspective, to be able then to collaborate in a you know, a better way forward. That's awesome, ma'am. Thank you.   Gen. Dana Born  30:02 Yeah, I had a couple of terrible times of moral discernment, I would say, in decision making when those situations came up, particularly when, you know, you're having to make a decision where somebody's going to be incarcerated. And, you know, I, I had one of those situations where, you know, I was actually eight months pregnant, and the individual was a failure to show up for he was an honor guardsman failure to show for several funerals. And his, his wife was eight months pregnant. And here I was sitting, as you know, the summary court official having to decide if I'm going to throw, you know, him in a situation where he's absent from his family, and, you know, and what kind of financial, leeway will I have in order to help the family but still hold him accountable. And that was very, very difficult because of my own, you know, situation and empathy. But at the same time, it hit me during that decision that there are a lot of airmen who are not there for the birth of their kids or for special events and are deployed in harm's way. And they're doing the mission, not A.W.O.L.. And so I ultimately decided to, you know, incarcerate him for his failure to go and being A.W.O.L. and also try to protect with some leniency, his family situation.   Naviere Walkewicz  31:39 Leading with compassion, but always being accountable, ma'am, that's, it's tough. And I think, you know, we have many listeners that find themselves in those situations. And I've often been asked, you know, I'm a mom, how can I advance my career professionally, I have to do all these other things as well. And so maybe a question that I might tie to that a little bit. You know, how do you how did you balance, that compassion side of leadership and still be able to make some those difficult decisions in the moment? And you know, what would you share with others and how they might do that and think through things when it maybe feels a little bit too hard or too daunting?   Gen. Dana Born  32:15 It is very hard and is daunting. And you use the term balance, and I, I love the word balance. You know, I'm a middle child, and I'm a Libran. You know, I like balanced, but I have found balance to be very difficult. There's a term called. "balance is bunk." And I like that because it's anytime I feel like I've had anything in balance, it's about ready to go on tilt. And so I try to change out the word balance with the word integrate, that works better for me or Harmonize How do I bring together those things and the Airforce in the time that I was working at the in the Chief of Staff's personnel office came up with a motto, "People First in Mission Always," and it can be, "Mission First." And people always, but it's sort of like the chicken and the egg, they both actually go together. And they're very important. And so I think there's that keeping the both and in the integration of that is what helped me in some of those tough decisions. I mean, I remember having to take a security clearance away from a lieutenant colonel, for all the right reasons, but trying, you know, that person then was going to lose their position in the Air Force, because it required a security clearance. And, and it wasn't a situation that I put that person in, right, they put themselves in that position, but what I didn't want to do was deliver the news in a way that then the individual would feel like they have nothing left right to or would ultimately, you know, take their life, right, that always was present to say, uh, don't want this person to go away with anything other than, you know, your life is not over. But you know, this is a very serious trajectory that you have to decide how you're going to go forward from this point. And that was hard, very hard, but it's both people and mission that I think we have to embrace in the way that we carry on what we're responsible for, for our nation.   Naviere Walkewicz  34:25 Well, I think about you know, some of those stories that you shared and some of the experiences you had, I mean, you probably had to go home and, and your your network at home, your family was there with you through all of the journey. How has your family influenced you as a leader and maybe what role do they play in that?   Gen. Dana Born  34:40 I talked a lot with my family, like the time around the dinner table was really sort of transparency. And that bothered my children because I started to hear things back that I thought they shouldn't have to be hearing some of this, and so I also kind of drew inward and decided that that I, "Who can I talk with," right, because I don't want to bring work home, so to speak, that weighs down the family. I want to focus on them. And so I went through a period where I suffered in silence. And I think many leaders and many people, as particularly when you have, you know, security issues that you can't talk about certain things with others. I think we need to find a way and I ultimately did find someone that I could go to and say, I need some advice. And that was monumental, because it helped me understand that I had not been doing that with with great mentors. And I thought about it. And it shocked me that I was not asking for advice. And I thought, How do I feel like if Naviere or someone comes to me and ask for advice, I feel like, wow, if they think I have, yeah, exactly. They're including me, I have something to offer. They care about what I have to say. And so I really had an epiphany that said, I need to do that more. And I started to reach out. And in one case, I reached out to the Chief of Staff of the Air Force, you know, having talked with the superintendent first. And it was phenomenal. Because I had such a different perspective on something I was ruminating over. And I thought Why did I wait so long?   Naviere Walkewicz  36:26 What advice would you give to some that are suffering in silence, and maybe can't see that next step? And to doing that what actually helped you to go seek help and ask for help or ask for guidance and mentorship?   Gen. Dana Born  36:39 I think recognizing, well, in some cases, vulnerability is a strength. And, you know, Brene Brown, who I really do love her work. And her, her, her YouTube or, you know, Netflix, a lot of great science and also practice, but she said, What makes you vulnerable, makes you beautiful. And I think that that is part of it is to recognize that, you know, we're all vulnerable, or we're all broken in maybe different places, right to quote some history. And so I think it connects us and builds trust when we are willing to be vulnerable. And I think it takes courage as well, to let ourselves be seen for all, you know, we have a saying that's warts and all. And, you know, to let ourselves be really fully seen,   Naviere Walkewicz  37:33 That resonates with so many people. I think a lot of times people when they're listening to podcasts, and they're, they're just trying to learn and get better in their professional career in their personal lives. Just a can take one little thing that someone really resonates with. And I think you sharing that bit about being reflective and not necessarily suffering in silence, but but looking for helping others I think is going to be really powerful for some. So thank you for sharing some of that.   Gen. Dana Born  37:56 I think the key takeaway is, is just building on what we just talked about, like if I had a foot-stomper, right from our Air Force Academy days, that's like, if you're starting to fall asleep, right? I use that at Harvard. And I'm like, "Does anybody know what foot stamper actually means?" It means, you know, this, is it pay attention. And I'm, I'm really motivated by the John F. Kennedy quote, "Leadership, well, learning and leadership are indispensable from each other." I think that if I were to say there's two really important takeaways, those for me have been, be curious, be more curious. And that is just really asking a lot of questions. Leaning into not judgment, but leaning into really digging into and trying to understand. And that gets us, I think, in a whole different place. That is a good place. And so I haven't always done that. Well, curiosity is like a growth mindset. And I think that is something that I really would recommend to our listeners, be more curious. And I think that's being helped by Chat GPT and Generative AI because it's all about the questions you ask. And, and then it kind of gets at what answers you get. And I think that's maybe training us to be, you know, more curious and careful in how we're asking and being curious. The other is courage. And you brought this up earlier, but I think courage, you know, the root word of courage is heart. And I think leading with your heart and leading with, like the recognition that things that are hard, make your heart rate go up. Courage, you know, our heart rate goes up when we're in danger physically, morally, psychologically. And I think leaning into that to where our heart rate goes up a little bit is how we learn and grow and how we basically can make positive change. So, those two things together, curiosity and courage, under the umbrella of learning and leading go, you know, they're indispensable to each other is the takeaway. I thought you might ask me like, you talked about purpose earlier. What is your purpose? What is it that gets you out of bed in the morning? And what is it that keeps you going through the tough times? And what is it at the end of your, you know, last breath that will have been your dash in your life, your purpose, your why, and mine actually is a simple phrase to myself. I use the term, "kick chocks", and "kick chocks" is, you know, the bricks in front of the wheel of the airplane, and when you're ready to go, you gotta get, gotta get rid of them, or you can't take off. But sometimes you have to kind of have the chocks there, to pause and to, you know, refuel and to do things. So kick chocks, to me has sort of been a way that I am channeled. Some call it your true north, or your Polaris, your compass, and it speaks to me because I can, I can go, go, go, go and never put chocks in front. I also can keep chocks in front of myself and, and limit myself and, and I'm passionate about what is it that somebody needs to have a break? You know? And when is it when somebody has got something in the way or team or organization that's holding them back? And how do I help identify that and kick chocks with them so we can take off. So, it speaks to me. But yeah, the purpose I think, purpose and passion and the individualization of that, so because everybody is so different comes from our life stories, and I love learning about people's purpose.   Naviere Walkewicz  41:51 General born, might you share with us, you know, maybe what you're reading, watching or listening to that's helped you develop your leadership skills.   Gen. Dana Born  41:59 I love to listen to everything. I mean, I am a listener, you know, we all know how we we learn best, I'm really auditory. So podcasts I pick up, I really do a lot with the Council on Foreign Relations. I do listen also to a lot of leadership podcasts, because I just find the whole topic of leadership fascinating for so many different approaches to what we think we're all talking about the same, it just really is expansive of my understanding. And I also now there are so many ways that you can have, you know, auditory books, and or listen to even academic journal articles. So usually, it's a treadmill thing to listen. And I just, I think that is my approach. I also I do like to read, and I think my favorite leadership book is going to shock you. But it's it's sort of got a nautical theme, I think, not an Air Force theme, but its endurance about Shackleton and Antarctica. And there's so many leadership lessons in that book, endurance is one of my favorites. And another one of my favorites is and they're both kind of historical, is Man's Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl, written in 1946. I've read that so many times, and he wrote it in nine days, but it's because he wrote it while he was a prisoner in the Nazi prison camp. And then he rewrote it after it was burned. And he was liberated. And it's just an amazing, timeless evergreen read about life and about leadership, about purpose about meaning. And then most recently, for a current one is True North, and that is emerging leaders by Bill George and Zack Clayton. And I just think that that is a great pedagogy of thinking about ourselves. Put our own oxygen mask on first so that we can better care for the mission and the people that are entrusted to us and the change we want to see in the world. So, that's a current reader TrueNorth for emerging leaders.   Naviere Walkewicz  44:24 It's been amazing. Thank you so much for taking the time, ma'am. It's been a pleasure and an honor.   Gen. Dana Born  44:28 It's a pleasure and an honor. And I thank all our listeners for listening in and we wish you well.   KEYWORDS Air Force Academy, leadership, people, Air Force, talk, family, dean, work, leader, serve, flew, cadet, Academy, Coast Guard Academy, recognized, years, terms, leading, long, podcasts       The Long Blue Line Podcast Network is presented by the U.S. Air Force Academy Association and Foundation      

General Pringle discusses her experiences as a cadet, including unique firsts. and she highlights the challenges she faced in her career and the lessons she learned. ----more---- SUMMARY Retired Major General Heather Pringle '91 shares her journey from the Air Force Academy to commanding the Air Force Research Laboratory. She emphasizes the importance of teamwork and being the best wingman. General Pringle discusses her experiences as a cadet, including unique firsts. She highlights the challenges she faced in her career and the lessons she learned. General Pringle also provides advice for other leaders, emphasizing the value of honesty and feedback. She encourages listeners to pursue their dreams and make a difference in the world.   OUR QUOTE PICKS "The mission gets done 100 times better if the whole team is working in concert it the success or the failure of the mission isn't on one person's shoulders. It never is on one person's shoulders." "Everyone has a story. And so if someone's a supervisor out there, I would say job number one is to listen and know your team, listen to their stories." "I would just say, don't think about me, you know, just go for it. And if you need help, call me. So that's it, that I just said, go for it. There's nothing should be stopping you."   SHARE THIS EPISODE FACEBOOK  |  LINKEDIN  |  TWITTER  |  EMAIL   CHAPTERS 00:00:  Introduction and Teamwork 01:06:  General Pringle's Journey 03:22:  Cadet Life and Experiences 04:22:  Unique Firsts and Exchanges 05:41:  Impressions of Today's Cadets 06:08:  Indoctrination Day and Early Memories 07:30:  Involvement in Clubs and Groups 08:19:  Challenges and Lessons Learned 09:39:  Transition to Air Force Research Laboratory 12:32:  Commanding Air Force Research Laboratory 14:46:  Transition to Civilian Sector and Nonprofit Work 19:05:  Advice for Supervisors and Taking Care of Your Team 20:30:  Overcoming Challenges and Embracing Failure 23:49:  Lessons from Mentors and Leaders 24:46:  Being the Best Wingman and Team Player 25:12:  Commanding Air Force Research Laboratory 27:33:  Transition to Civilian Sector and Nonprofit Work 30:25:  Lessons Learned and Being True to Yourself 34:36:  Final Thoughts and Encouragement   TAKEAWAYS FOR LEADERS AND ASPIRING LEADERS - The importance of teamwork and being a good wingman in achieving mission success. No one person carries the burden alone. - As a leader, it's important to listen to your team's stories to better understand and support them. Everyone comes from a unique background. - Facing challenges and setbacks are an opportunity to learn and grow. Don't get discouraged by failures or non-selections - keep pursuing new opportunities. - It's important to be honest with yourself and others for personal and professional development. Be open to feedback to improve. - Focus on serving others through your work and giving back to your community through service and leadership. - Believe in yourself and pursue your dreams and passions. With perseverance, you are capable of more than you realize.  - The success or failure of a mission is not on one person's shoulders; it requires a whole team working together.  - Embrace challenges and failures as opportunities for growth and learning.  - Be true to yourself and embrace your unique story and background.  - Take care of your team and listen to their stories; everyone has a unique perspective and contribution to make.  - Don't be afraid to ask for help and seek feedback to improve as a leader.   BIO Major General (Ret.) Heather Pringle '91 Gen. Pringle retired as Commander of the Air Force Research Laboratory, Air Force Materiel Command, Dayton, Ohio, and Technology Executive Officer, supporting both the United States Air Force and United States Space Force. She led a $2.5 billion science, technology and innovation enterprise in accelerating the discovery and development of solutions for Airmen and Guardians. She was responsible for formulating a comprehensive technology portfolio that anticipates future warfighter needs, while promoting risk-taking and problem solving across her 6,000-member government workforce. She accelerated the delivery of cross-domain solutions through partnerships with industry, academia, and international allies, and executed an additional $2.3 billion in externally funded research and development. Through the laboratory's technology and functional directorates, AFWERX and the 711th Human Performance Wing, her team produced a deep technical and medical bench, pushed the boundaries of modern technology and improved the science for tomorrow. Prior to her last assignment, Maj. Gen. Pringle served as the Director of Strategic Plans, Deputy Chief of Staff for Plans and Programs, Headquarters U.S. Air Force, the Pentagon, Arlington, Virginia. - Copy and image credit:  www.af.mil     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 Naviere Walkewicz '99 | Our Guest is Maj. Gen. (Ret.) Heather Pringle '91   Major Gen. (Ret.) Heather Pringle '91  00:09 The mission gets done 100 times better if the whole team is working in concert. The success or the failure of the mission isn't on one person's shoulders. It never is on one person's shoulders. Just like being a cadet isn't just on the cadet's shoulders. There's a whole team of folks out there who, if we are the best wingman that we can be, then the mission will succeed.   Naviere Walkewicz  01:00 My guest today is retired Major General Heather Pringle, a 1991 graduate of the Air Force Academy. General Pringle's journey from in-processing day to her current role in the nonprofit sector spans 32 years. Along the way, she served in education, warfighter support, research, innovation and global leadership roles culminating in the command of the Air Force Research Laboratory, Air Force Materiel Command. There is a unique first from her days as a fourth degree that stands out. And it makes me wonder how that affected the trajectory of your Air Force career. We'll talk about that with the general and much more. General Pringle, thank you for being here today.   Gen. Heather Pringle  01:36 Thanks for having me, Naviere. And please, call me Heather.   Naviere Walkewicz  01:39 So Heather, let's kind of go back a little bit, you know, to some early days. Back to the beginning. Let's talk about what you were like as a kid where you grew up, about your family?   Gen. Heather Pringle  01:50 Well, I grew up in a small town in Idaho. And I guess before we really dig in, I do want to say, thanks so much for having me here. It's yes, it's an honor to be able to talk to your audience and share some stories. And if there's any way I can be of help, that's what I'm all about.   Naviere Walkewicz  We love that. Thank you.   Gen. Heather Pringle  So, growing up in small town in Idaho, it's well known for the place where Evil Knievel jumped the Snake River Canyon, but he did not land on the other side, or the part of the canyon where I grew up. But the excitement surrounding it really enthralled me. And you asked what I was like growing up, and I love to challenge. I'd love to learn new things. And maybe that was a little difficult on my parents. But boy, they did a such a great job of instilling values in me and always doing my best and working hard and trying to make a difference for others.   Naviere Walkewicz  You grew up, you moved to Idaho.   Gen. Heather Pringle  I'm the oldest of three and my sister served in the Air Force as a nurse and my younger brother, also known as “Zoom”, also served in the Air Force as well. He was a pilot, and yes, so he was a pilot. There you go.   Naviere Walkewicz  03:11 That's awesome. And another long blue line graduate of the Air Force Academy.   Gen. Heather Pringle  03:15 Absolutely. He was class of 1996.   Naviere Walkewicz  03:18 Is that something? Did you know you wanted to go to the academy? How did that come about?   Gen. Heather Pringle  03:22 My aunt and uncle live on a ranch in Wyoming. And that's where I spent my summers. So that part about hard work and doing chores and you know, dawn to dusk type stuff. They taught me a lot about working to make a contribution. And my aunt was a high school teacher. And as part of her curriculum, she went on a trip to Annapolis. And she came back and she said if she had her life to do over again, she would go to a service academy. That was the first I'd ever heard of a service academy. I'm so grateful to my aunt and uncle. And I did my own research and found out about the Air Force Academy in Colorado. And it had an exchange with France…   Naviere Walkewicz  Okay.   Gen. Heather Pringle  …which was really fun. That intrigued me as well. So, I just worked hard and did my best and I got lucky.   Naviere Walkewicz  So did you get to go on an exchange?   Gen. Heather Pringle  While I was a cadet?   Naviere Walkewicz  Wow.   Gen. Heather Pringle  Yes, I did. And I used to joke that it was my favorite semester at the Academy. But there were a lot of great semesters out the Academy, but France was a unique one that is so unique. Yeah, we do. My brother and I have a unique distinction that we're the only brother sister at least couple years ago that was true. The only brothers sister combo that went to the French exchange. Naviere Walkewicz  Oh my goodness. That's cool.   Gen. Heather Pringle  It is kind of cool. But I'm sure today's cadets have already surpassed that milestone and many more.   Naviere Walkewicz  05:02 The level of talent coming in and just how smart they are. I don't know that I would have made it in today's…, for sure where I was, you know, back, you know, in '95.   Gen. Heather Pringle  05:13 I completely agree. It's mind blowing. And I'm just so impressed by the cadet population and their talent and their selfless drive. It's amazing. And I'm very honored. They make me look better than I am. And they're, just fantastic. And the future is really bright. And we're in great hands.   Naviere Walkewicz  05:39 I think that's true. They make they make us look good, because really they represent the long blue line from you know, from years before and as we move forward. So, talk about that a little bit more the cadet life. I know you graduated from five were you always in Vandy? What was Cadet life like for you?   Gen. Heather Pringle  05:55 So Cadet life was, oh, I don't even know how to describe it. But let's see, I started we're…   Naviere Walkewicz  06:03 You're not military at all, like no exposure. So that was it. You literally showed up? Let's talk about just ID (induction day) what was that? Like? Let's start there, indoctrination day.   Gen. Heather Pringle  06:10 Okay, I have a couple of memories. So, the first one is I was on the plane, and my parents shipped me from Idaho to Colorado Springs. And I'm sitting next to somebody on the plane who has this little gold book in front of him. And I'm looking and I said, “Well, hi. I'm Heather.” And it turns out the individual was going to the Academy and had this book. He said, “Well, we have to memorize quotes.” And so that was the first part and then the bus ride from the airport to at the time, that was the Bring Me Men” ramp. It was dreary, it was raining. It was a rare rainy day here in Colorado. And so, you know, the ambiance started to sink in. And the weight of what I was about to enter started hitting me and I started getting worried. And could I cut it? Was I good enough? And all I could do was try. And the other funny memory that I have new here is they take you around on indoctrination day and you get measured for boots, you get measured for uniforms, etc. And they cut your hair.   Naviere Walkewicz  07:27 Yes. I remember that vividly.   Gen. Heather Pringle  07:28 Yes, and I had my hair cut before I went because I was going to be as prepared as I could. And immediately after getting my hair cut, they hand you the little placard to hold it under your chin and they were going to take your military identification photo. And I had the biggest grin because I was just proud and happy to be a part of the cadet corps and loving life. And then immediately after that, an upperclassman came around and definitely trained the smile right out of me. It was the last one for a little bit.   Naviere Walkewicz  08:02 Oh my goodness. So that was definitely a memory for sure. Let's talk a little bit more about while you're at the Academy. I know you, going before the Academy, you dabbled in different things and challenges. What were some of the experiences that you got involved with, or maybe clubs or groups that you can get involved as well while you were at the Academy?   Gen. Heather Pringle  08:19 Oh, that was, that was so fun. And the clubs really helped build that feeling of connection and camaraderie and family in addition to your squadron, right? I was a walk-on the track team. I was a hurdler.   Naviere Walkewicz  Wow.   Gen. Heather Pringle  Not great. I'm really, really not great. I was definitely the walk-on. But there's something for everyone. And that's, that's the goodness of it. And it just was really great. And I'm still friends with some of my track colleagues. And I'm really lucky to make some great friends during that time. I thought I'd mentioned as well, it wasn't all roses, as you can imagine. And in high school, I really liked physics. And I thought, you know, maybe I'll do physics. And I did not do well on the test that I had. So, I pretty quickly dropped physics as a major. And that's a tiny little regret that I have. Human Factors, which is no regret whatsoever. I loved it. And I loved the opportunity to combine technology and the human side of it. And it's it really worked out very, very well. At the time though I was a little disappointed that I didn't quite cut it but that's one of the thoughts that I had might be of interest is don't give up on your dreams when you're going through the Academy. And I'll say that even when one door closes a window opens and you're right, Human Factors, was the best thing ever. I loved it, I pursued it as a scientist and met many great people. And I leave the physics to the really, really talented people, which is there are so many out there.   Naviere Walkewicz  10:14 Well, that really speaks volumes, because so many listeners I think are at, you know, different points when you come to a crossroad. And you kind of wonder which way do I go. So, I think that's a really great story that you shared there. Because sometimes the path that you're not even seeing is the one that you should be going on. And that's kind of how you, you approached it. So, at the Academy, were there any particular leaders that really spoke to you and shaped you in a way that you knew was going to kind of make a difference in your career after the academy?   Gen. Heather Pringle  10:43 You look to so many around you. I leaned on so many people from my roommates along the way to faculty. I was really drawn to the academic side. And I had a lot of faculty that I looked up to, and they encouraged me. My academic advisor, for example, made a friendly bet with me once that I should get a particular grade point average. And, you know me, I love a challenge. So, I didn't just meet the challenge, but you know, that's a little, that's my personality. Unfortunately, yes, well, it can get in the way sometimes, too, but, um, you know, and then my AOCs. I still have my Cadet coin from 5th Squadron from 1991. I just can't believe how many people are dedicated to helping cadets succeed across the weighing across the base. I mean, we can't forget all those folks that are keeping the dorms warm, and ensuring that, you know, all the grounds are kept up to speed. And I, if I could say thank you to all of them for the lack of thank you's that I said at the time, I would love to do so now.   Naviere Walkewicz  12:14 So, I did want to touch on this unique first that your class experienced. So, you know, your class was amongst the first cadets to receive desktop computers. Let's talk a little bit about that. Because, you know, I can think a lot of firsts that cadets have, but this was game changer for the Academy. How did that kind of, what did that look like for you, and did it, you know, shape anything for what you wanted to do in the future?   Gen. Heather Pringle  12:38 The freshmen had computers and the sophomores, but not the juniors and not the seniors. Interesting, very fascinating tool differential. So, I do remember getting the computer during basic training and trying to figure out how to stick the floppy in to boot up the computer and use it right. And we also had an intranet at the time. And I would say that our class got very, very good at coordinating spirit missions using our computers, and the juniors and seniors were none the wiser. And so, we would say, you know, we had to be pretty good about doing that. But we could never pull the wool over the eyes of our sophomores and they were always right there to get us. But I even remember a couple of upperclassmen requesting services, for example, in terms of entering papers into the computer so that they would have a document because I had it and they didn't, rather than handwriting or typing right on a typewriter.   Naviere Walkewicz  13:47 So, just share, do you have a particular spirit mission that still stands out into your mind that you remember?   Gen. Heather Pringle  13:54 Oh, I don't even know if I should get into those.   Naviere Walkewicz  13:58 Fair enough? I think we all have those. Those spirit missions are li those just stay with us.   Gen. Heather Pringle  14:03 Yeah. Let's just say, you know, I really bonded with my classmates. Yeah. And I'm really grateful for having those friends over the years as well. So yeah, there. We, I'm sure, we weren't the best, or the worst. But yeah, we made our mark.   Naviere Walkewicz  14:22 I think of all, every class, I think, feels like they either had the toughest or they had the best spirit mission.   Gen. Heather Pringle  14:29 So, you know, yeah, we're probably right in the middle, right in the middle.   Naviere Walkewicz  14:33 Well, maybe we can shift a little bit to your career. But before we do, for those listeners that are thinking about the Air Force Academy or kind of, you know, lessons that you learn, if you can go back and talk to Cadet Heather, you know, what would you say to her?   Gen. Heather Pringle  14:46 Oh, I would say just keep going for it and enjoy it because it's over too quickly. And I think I didn't really realize how many people were there to help me and I don't think I asked for help enough when I needed it. So, I would say that there are people that want you to succeed. And they're there to help cadets succeed. So that would be my message.   Naviere Walkewicz  15:16 Let's talk about this 32 years of amazing leadership in the in the Air Force, and I know that you're very modest.   Gen. Heather Pringle  15:24 (It) spans two centuries. So, I think it's not all that remarkable. And I have to say, you know, even given that the long blue line, there are so many leaders to look up to, like Heather Wilson, David Ogilvy and Mark Welsh, so many great leaders to look up to. It's very humbling just to be a part of it, and to help someone else make it better and follow in their great footsteps.   Naviere Walkewicz  15:55 Yes, well, I think that's part of what makes us so special is because I think every, you know, person that shares their experiences when it comes to their, like leadership lessons, or just some of the trials, tribulations, successes, someone that's listening on the other end can pick something from that and say, like, that really, that really spoke to me. So, you know, we'll talk about your career. Maybe you can just share just off the bat, you know, you're a mom?   Gen. Heather Pringle  16:19 I am a wife…   Naviere Walkewicz  16:20 You are also you know, you did 32 years and leadership positions. What's that like, juggling all of that? How did you do that?   Gen. Heather Pringle  16:27 I don't know that I did it very well. You know, you just do the best you can. But first is having a great husband who supported me along the way and made sure that the kids were fed. And yeah, I'll say they had dirt on their faces, or, you know, my daughter dressed in mismatched, you know, whatever. But it was just, it was just a great life. And I'm really grateful that he was helping me through the ups and the downs. It's hard to be a mom and to be active duty, and it gets harder over time. It's especially hard when they're little juggling. And you kind of feel like, wow, I'm failing at being a mom, I'm failing at being an officer, and how do you manage both? And I would just say, give yourself a break, and be the best you that you can be. I once tried to be something or meet a standard that I thought was the right thing to do. But once I decided, you know what, I'm Heather, I'm from Idaho, and not many of us are, and I'm a mom, and I just kind of owned that as part of my leadership. I was happier. And I don't know if I did better, but I was able to go further because of it. And I was much more comfortable in my skin. And, you know, you take the highs and the lows, and you just keep going.   Naviere Walkewicz  18:10 No, that's wonderful. I think there's young officers that feel that pressure at both moms and dads. And so I think that's, it's nice to hear those who have done so well to admit, you know, hey, it's tough at times, and sometimes you gotta lean on your network, and your network can be a lot of different things. So thank you for sharing that.   Gen. Heather Pringle  18:28 Yeah, well, you, you might end up going to work once in a while was spit-up on your shoulder, or, you know, kind of being a little, you know, or late to a soccer game. And you don't have to, I guess that's what I'm really saying, is you don't have to be perfect. Across the board. Just be you.   Naviere Walkewicz  18:49 I think that's a great nugget for those that are listening that maybe are feeling some of those pressures. What advice might you give to supervisors that maybe have some, some members in their, on their teams that you might say, maybe consider giving grace? Or what does that look like to you that you might share?   Gen. Heather Pringle  19:06 Well, this is something that I learned from General Mark Walsh, and he said, everyone has a story. And so, if someone's a supervisor out there, I would say job number one is to listen and know your team, listen to their stories. And every individual in the military is serving and comes from all these unique, amazing backgrounds. And they've conquered their own challenges, whether it's past or present. And so, when supervisors understand that, then they can better meet the individual in the middle. Of course, the mission has to get done and you want it to be done. Well, national security is an imperative and we're depending on our uniformed members, so I'm not worried about our military letting us down. I just want to make sure that we're living up to what our military needs. And so, listen, learn, and see if we can meet in the middle.   Naviere Walkewicz  20:12 I mean, it goes back to taking care of your people. And then I think that you just said, you couldn't have said that any better.   Naviere Walkewicz  20:20 Maybe you can share some of the challenges that you might have experienced. You talked about, you know, being a mom and being a leader. Talk about just in leadership in general. What was maybe one of the most challenging things you've experienced? And how did you overcome that?   Gen. Heather Pringle  20:34 I had a variety of challenges. Throughout my career, I'll say I didn't have necessarily a straight line in the way that I went. And I think that's great. And I didn't know if I was, you know, I applied to a lot of different opportunities, you know, there's so many, and I, you know, I didn't get half of them or more. I wanted to be a Squadron Commander down at Air Education and Training Command down at Lackland. And I didn't get selected. That's okay. It like, it's, I kept going and doing other things, and other doors opened, and so you just, you just don't give up. That would have been an amazing opportunity. And what they do down at Lackland is phenomenal. But, you know, that's just one example of, you know, something I tried and didn't pan out. But what do you do, you just keep going and try something new, or work on those skills and learn from it. The worst thing I could have done, or the worst thing anyone could do, is to let that you know, non-selection define them as an individual or feel like, you know, all hope for the future is lost. That's not, couldn't be, couldn't be further from the truth. In fact, all learning comes from failure. And that's something we need to embrace, to improve, to adapt to change, and to keep getting better, right? And to grow as leaders to grow as a leader. So, I love a challenge. So, I took those failures as a challenge. All right, what am I going to learn what I'm going to do next?   Naviere Walkewicz  22:23 And it probably even helped in your, you've probably mentored others, you know, that are going through similar challenges that actually like let's look at it this from a different vantage point. And because you kind of went through those different experiences, you're able to be even more impactful in their lives.   Gen. Heather Pringle  22:35 It is important to be honest and give feedback that helps individuals grow. And so, another thought maybe for supervisors is we don't do them any favors if we don't tell them honestly, where they're strong, but where they need to work. And so, we all want to improve, and we all want to be the best that we can at whatever job that we've been given. So, I welcome that kind of feedback. And I'm currently learning about what I need to do. And so, I've got a lot to learn. So, I'm all ears every day all day long.   Naviere Walkewicz  23:14 I think there's a, I don't know that it's not a direct quote, it's certainly not in contrails. But there's something that talks about I think, truly being kind is being honest, you know, being truthful with people. And I think that's some of the best ways we can be kind is by just being honest and truthful with others. So sure. Now, that's wonderful. So you had mentioned that some of the best things that, you know, advice you can give to someone is ways that they can improve. Was there any particular mentor leader that just gave you something that really stuck with you, aside from general wells that maybe you've taken with you in your career as a growth opportunity?   Gen. Heather Pringle  23:45 A lot, I honestly, I really have so many people that I'm grateful for leaving a mark on me. You know, I learned or watched from afar, General Laurie Robinson and she would always say, “Be the best airman you can be, but also be the best wingman that you can be.” And I think that is another area where not only trying to improve yourself but uplift your teammates. And the mission gets done 100 times better if the whole team is working in concert. And the failure, the success or the failure of the mission isn't on one person's shoulders. It never is on one person's shoulders. There's a whole team of folks out there who if we are the best wingman that we can be, then the mission will succeed.   Naviere Walkewicz  24:44 Right, now teams are where it's at. And you had the opportunity to lead an incredible team at AFRL. And what's so, I think, so cool about that is you were at a time when you were supporting both Air and Space Force. Let's talk a little bit about that and talk about what was it like when you found out you're going to be commanding, you know, Air Force Research Laboratory? How did that feel and maybe just kind of share some of those moments with us.   Gen. Heather Pringle  25:08 Well the Air Force Research Lab, which you know, don't get confused about Air Force in the name, because it's there for the Space Force too, and provides a ton of amazing technologies for guardians. That was the honor of a lifetime, a huge privilege, because that team is eye-wateringly smart, and brilliant, and innovative. And they are, every day focused on solving problems for warfighters. What can be a higher calling than that? I, I just enjoyed getting to know them, helping them succeed. And they're doing some amazing things for, you know, they shoot lasers, they build robots, they blow things up. They code like crazy, right? It's just they love it, they love it. And they're great at it. They're the best in the world. And I'm forever grateful to have had that opportunity. And I know they continue that mission, even today. That's the other beauty of the military. So even when you have an opportunity, you're always moving, right. And now I know that the research lab is in wonderful, amazing, great hands of a test pilot, and doing even better things. And so it keeps getting better and better. Just like those cadets were better than we were back in the day. AFRL is better today than it ever was. And it's going in the right direction. And I would encourage anybody who's listening to go look up the research lab, because it's pretty inspiring, and they don't get the credit they deserve. That's for sure.   Naviere Walkewicz  27:00 Well, that is good for people. I think people always want to know, like, how do we get to some of these technologies that are doing all of these things and supporting our guardians, our Air Force, or you know, what does that look like? And I think that's cool that you said, “Hey, go check it out.” And part of that is maybe that journey will take them there as well.   Gen. Heather Pringle  27:15 Yeah. So that'd be great.   Naviere Walkewicz  27:17 How did you find out, so talk about just I think that's such a wonderful opportunity to like you said, you know, chance of a lifetime. How did you find out when you were selected for that?   Gen. Heather Pringle  27:26 Oh, I don't even remember. It was probably a blur. I was pretty incredulous though. I'll say this when I graduated in 1991. So last century, I never would have dreamed that I would have had such an opportunity or such a wonderful, yeah, opportunity to be a part of a team like that. So, as I said, my trajectory or my path may have been weaving, and I got so lucky to be there. And now they're doing great things. I just remember trying to relish every moment and trying to relate to the team that what they did mattered. And they're in it for the long haul. So, when they're solving problems, it's not a two-day problem. It's a problem for 10 years from now. So, it can be a little discouraging, but that's where you kind of have to have that you're in it for the long game. So, I don't really remember it was kind of a blur.   Naviere Walkewicz  28:33 Just the whole experience was itself just amazing. Yeah.   Gen. Heather Pringle  28:37 And it was also COVID. So that was a bit of a tricky wicket to navigate and figure out, well, how are you going to lead a distributed, diverse organization like that?   Naviere Walkewicz  28:57 Yeah, that's cool. That is, was there a particular capability that under your leadership, and with the team with you that you could, you know, just share about that you're proud of that kind of was accomplished during your tenure?   Gen. Heather Pringle  29:08 Well, they did it all. So, all the credit goes to the 10,000 professionals who do all that problem solving. They were focused on everything from, oh, the Battle Network, JADC to, to all this space technologies which are so exciting, and also the collaborative combat aircraft was a big one. And the other thing, I'll mention it here, too, even in that organization, it was important to think about who else is contributing to that mission. So, all of those technologies were collaborative efforts with acquirers and Air Force Materiel Command and the program offices with the warfighters, who were helping us understand what is needed on the battlefield and everyone in between. So, none of that work gets done without the whole team contributing.   Naviere Walkewicz  30:16 Was there any moments that you remember that you were surprised? Were there any particular people that just really kind of stood out to you that you were just so incredibly happy that you were able to be a part of their team? While you're there?   Gen. Heather Pringle  30:29 I used to say that if I, if I'm not surprised every single day, then the Air Force Research Lab isn't doing its job. Over the course of a couple years, there were plenty of surprises and lots of opportunities to learn, right? Say that in quotes. So, you were asking before the show, what are unicorns? Yeah, and I may have overused the phrase, but I always thought of the team at the research lab as unicorns because each one was unique. We had opera singers and fiction writers and band players. And, by the way, the world record for pumpkin chucking in a trebuchet is held by an AFRL team. Everyone had a unique story, they came from such amazing backgrounds, and here they were dedicated to serving the nation through technology.   Naviere Walkewicz  31:30 So that is how you catch unicorns? Well, let's talk a little bit about your transition from the military side to the civilian sector and nonprofit work. What does that been like for you?   Gen. Heather Pringle  31:42 Well, it was, it was hard to say goodbye to the team. And but, you know, like all things, you know, life goes on, and they're doing amazing, which is, I'm so proud of them, and so happy for them. And that's what you love to see. And that's truly the beauty of the military. And coming to being a retired person I love being called Heather. So that's probably, and mom, actually, I love mom first. And I get that a lot more than, you know, when I was full time military. And I have found that a lot of the things that you learned those gifts that you pick up through your military career are valued by the civilian sector. So having a mission focus, thinking about, you know, what is it you're trying to accomplish, and then focusing all your efforts on that. And you can't forget, it all starts with the team and who they are and the leadership that permeates everything. So, no mission gets accomplished, without the team there behind it. So, I've spent time getting to know this new team, that I'm a part of learning their unique contributions and understanding what the mission is. And then again, relying on that whole external teamwork, that external group of partners and stakeholders who also want success for that mission, and you find it's not lonely, you're not alone in accomplishing that, that so many people want you to succeed. And that's, that's what I want for your listeners. I want them to go conquer the world, make it better, you know, sweep up all that broken glass that me and my troubled classmates made and it's a little change, you know, you I'll say I have more to give and so that spirit of service before self, if that isn't in my blood, I'm, I am really hoping to continue to serve my family, my community, and my team and so I've got more to give and the Academy gave me those foundational skills to give more.   Naviere Walkewicz  34:18 I mean, well, starting with your family to your time as a cadet to your time in the military, and now the civilian, this new journey. What are some of the most important lessons that you've learned? Maybe in leadership and maybe just in you know, being a successful servant?   Gen. Heather Pringle  34:35 Oh, well, you know, and it's not always success. It's going through setbacks, learning more and trying to be more honest and sometimes those learnings are hard, too. And I had to, I had, there were times when I had to think long and hard about okay, what does this really mean? Am I being truly honest with myself and uh, you know, I'm not, I'm far from perfect. But, you know, I guess just, you know, being the best person that you are. Own whatever unique story that you are. Don't try and be something you're not. You know, I'm from Idaho, you're from Nebraska, we can do that. And it makes the solution so much better. And the more we help each other, the more successful our world will be. I guess the one thing I haven't mentioned really is take time to be with your family and know that they're making your service possible. And now I'm giving back to them.   Naviere Walkewicz  35:46 I mean, you've given so many incredible nuggets about yourself, and I think that people can really relate to that are listening. What's something that you really want them to remember about you?   Gen. Heather Pringle  35:57 I would just say, don't think about me, you know, just go for it. And if you need help, call me. So that's it, that I just said, go for it. There's nothing should be stopping you. And you know, every challenge is an opportunity to learn and I bet you are so much better than you even know that you are. So go for it.   Naviere Walkewicz  36:21 I think that was a great boil down nugget there. Well, I do want to just make sure we're there anything that I didn't ask you that you would really love for our listeners to hear?   Gen. Heather Pringle  36:32 No, I just want to say thanks for having me. I hope it's been an enjoy. It's I've enjoyed the conversation. So very much. Yeah. You know, it's it's important to be part of this community and give back and thanks for doing these kinds of podcasts to spread the word and get people excited. Yes, about coming to the academy and serving our Air Force in our space force. There is so much out there to do really is and we need great people and there's a lot of us out there rooting for you.   Naviere Walkewicz  37:11 Thank you very much. Thanks so much and Heather you have a wonderful day.   Gen. Heather Pringle  You as well.     KEYWORDS team, Academy, cadet, great, Air Force, mission, Air Force Academy, work, military, love, leadership, unique, amazing, Idaho, serving, challenge, learn, opportunity, Heather, mother, mom, leader, succeed       The Long Blue Line Podcast Network is presented by the U.S. Air Force Academy Association and Foundation

Martha McSally shares her journey of healing and growth and how to release negative baggage to embrace a future filled with possibility. Listen now and start living life on your own terms. Here's a glance at what you'll discover from Martha in this episode: Courage Under Fire: Discover how Martha McSally's experiences as a Squadron Commander in Afghanistan teach valuable lessons in handling high-pressure situations and making critical decisions. Breaking Barriers: Insights into overcoming monumental challenges, like Martha's journey to allow women to fly in combat, applicable to breaking your own industry barriers. The Resilience of a Fighter Pilot: Learn how the principles of resilience and focus, honed in the cockpit, can be applied to bounce back from personal and professional challenges. Overcoming Personal Trauma: Gain insights into Martha's journey of overcoming personal trauma and how these experiences shaped her strength and determination. The Power of Self-Definition: Explore how Martha emphasizes the importance of defining oneself beyond external roles and titles, focusing on the essence of who you truly are. Harnessing Your Inner Strength: Learn from Martha's approach to identifying and harnessing inner strengths to overcome life's challenges and achieve success. Embracing Vulnerability for Growth: Understand the importance of acknowledging and embracing vulnerability as a path to personal growth and authentic living. Transforming Fear into Action: Discover Martha's strategies for confronting and transforming fear into a driving force for action and change. The Journey of Forgiveness and Healing: Martha shares her insights on the power of forgiveness and the healing process, and how they play a crucial role in moving forward. Creating a Life of Purpose and Integrity: Be inspired by Martha's commitment to living a life aligned with her core values and purpose, encouraging others to do the same.

The guys sit down with Col Steve Fox to discuss his leadership philosophy and his experiences. He provides his take on what young MSCs should be looking out for, what skills they should develop and what he looks for as a 2-time Squadron Commander, and prospective Group Commander.

Welcome to another gripping episode of our podcast where we delve into the dynamic world of the Air Force's 29th Weapon Squadron. This session, recorded live at the ATA, features an exclusive interview with the squadron's esteemed commander. We explore the multifaceted roles of C-130 aircraft, from standard logistics missions to advanced capabilities like the Rapid Dragon initiative. The commander sheds light on the evolution of these aircraft into versatile platforms capable of undertaking a wide range of missions, including electronic warfare and precision airdrops.The discussion also navigates through the challenges and triumphs of young officers and enlisted members in the squadron. The commander highlights common pitfalls, such as underestimating one's skills due to rank or inexperience, and praises the remarkable creativity and problem-solving abilities displayed by the younger generation.One key theme of this episode is the importance of innovation and asking 'why' – a characteristic that drives progress and leads to better understanding and solutions. We also touch on the importance of training intensity, where 'practice should be harder than the game,' preparing airmen for any eventuality.For those aspiring to join the Air Force, the commander offers invaluable advice: to be bold, take initiative, and not to shy away from solving problems. This mindset, he insists, not only leads to personal growth but also contributes significantly to the advancement of the Air Force.Tune in to this insightful conversation at the ATA, full of firsthand experiences, advice, and a deep dive into the operational and strategic aspects of the Air Force's 29th Weapon Squadron.Collabs:Ones Ready - OnesReady.com 18A Fitness - Promo Code: 1ReadyAlpha Brew Coffee Company - Promo Code: ONESREADYATACLete - Follow the URL (no promo code): ATACLeteCardoMax - Promo Code: ONESREADYDread River - Promo Code: ONESREADY Eberlestock - Promo Code: OR10Hoist - Promo Code: ONESREADYTrench Coffee Company - Promo Code: ONESREADYThe content provided is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. The host, guests, and affiliated entities do not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the information provided. The use of this podcast does not create an attorney-client relationship, and the podcast is not liable for any damages resulting from its use. Any mention of products or individuals does not consti...

Robert “Cujo” Teschner: Debrief to Win Robert “Cujo” Teschner is a retired F-15 / F-22 fighter pilot. He is also a former F-15 Weapons School Instructor, F-22 Squadron Commander, senior Joint Staff officer, and combat veteran. He holds advanced degrees in Operational Art and Science and National Security Strategy and has extensive experience in tactical planning and execution, and organizational leadership. From 2004 to 2006, he served as the US Air Force's expert in post-mission debriefing, the methodology used by high-performing military teams to self-correct and improve continuously. Cujo retired immediately after his promotion to full Colonel due to complications from cancer-related care and started an international business consulting practice based in St. Louis, MO. His company is called VMax Group. VMax Group's mission is to teach, inspire, and nurture teams on how to really “team”, making work more fulfilling, and making teams much more effective. He is the author of Debrief to Win: How America's Top Guns Practice Accountable Leadership...and How You Can, Too!* Many of us recognize we could get better at reflecting our team's work, but we rarely get beyond what went well and what didn't. One of the best ways to stop making the same mistakes is to look at the truth of what's already happened, and learn from it. In this conversation, Cujo and I look at the value of a debrief and how to bring that practice into your organization. Key Points Saying, “We learned a lot of important lessons today,” doesn't actually prove that any learning has happened. The context of military and civilian debriefs are both different, but the stakes are still high in both venues. A debrief is not about blame or shame. Instead, it's an affirming, positive experience that builds future leaders. A key benefit of regular debriefs is to institutionalize the process of challenging conversations. Psychological safety is critical for this to happen well. Objectives should measurable, achievable, and time-constrained. Debrief should focus on the objectives and the decisions that were made to meet those objectives. Be cautious about outsourcing debriefing to external facilitators. An effective debrief should be led by someone who has participated in the mission or project. Resources Mentioned Debrief to Win: How America's Top Guns Practice Accountable Leadership...and How You Can, Too! by Robert “Cujo” Teschner Robert “Cujo” Teschner's website Interview Notes Download my interview notes in PDF format (free membership required). Related Episodes Five Steps to Hold People Accountable, with Jonathan Raymond (episode 306) How to Build Psychological Safety, with Amy Edmondson (episode 404) The Way to Make Better Decisions, with Annie Duke (episode 499) Discover More Activate your free membership for full access to the entire library of interviews since 2011, searchable by topic. To accelerate your learning, uncover more inside Coaching for Leaders Plus.

*See Dr. Homan LIVE: See Paul Homan, PhD present a Christian Worldview on Climate Change at the Rocky Mountain Creation Fellowship tonight! This Friday, Dec 8, 2023! Dr. Homan received his PhD from the Naval Postgraduate School, he's married to Janee, a father of 4, an avid outdoorsman, a runner, hiker, and a skier. Dr. Homan recently retired as the Director of Meteorology at the United States Air Force Academy. He is a regular speaker on the topic of Climate Change in both secular and church forums. Dr. Homan has served as a Squadron Commander, an advisor to the Iraqi Air Force, and worked on several international research initiatives during his career in the Air Force.   *The Presentation: Follow along with Dr. Homan's slides for an enlightening, fact based, and easy to understand explanation of what warms the planet, why, and how much.   *Door County Coffee: get yourself some Door County Coffee, tee-up the show and tell us what you think!   *Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha'apai: Hear about the #1 greenhouse gas in the atmosphere, and See how one volcano's eruption gave us our warmest summer on record, (and seriously affects the climate).   *Long Cool Summer? Dr. Homan predicts that without another Hunga Tonga like event the summer of 2025 will be cooler than '24! Flag the tape! It's a prediction!   *You do the Math: CO2 represents about .04% of Earth's atmosphere, or 400 parts per million, (ppm), Methane is .00017%, or 1.7ppm, and Water Vapor accounts for 2% of Earth's atmosphere, or between 20,000 - 100,000 ppm. Why do media climate change charts leave out the water vapor? Find out! *They are Gretchen Whitmer: Michigan's Chief Hysteric (and governor) thinks she has the power to ban the fossil fuel industry by 2040. Flag the tape. We think not...   *The IPCC Zombie: The 2009 stake in the heart of the Climate Cult (The IPCC "Climategate" Email Scandal) just couldn't kill it.   *Genesis of the Truth: Dr. Homan takes us right back to Genesis for the real environmental order!  

*See Dr. Homan LIVE: See Paul Homan, PhD present a Christian Worldview on Climate Change at the Rocky Mountain Creation Fellowship tonight! This Friday, Dec 8, 2023! Dr. Homan received his PhD from the Naval Postgraduate School, he's married to Janee, a father of 4, an avid outdoorsman, a runner, hiker, and a skier. Dr. Homan recently retired as the Director of Meteorology at the United States Air Force Academy. He is a regular speaker on the topic of Climate Change in both secular and church forums. Dr. Homan has served as a Squadron Commander, an advisor to the Iraqi Air Force, and worked on several international research initiatives during his career in the Air Force.   *The Presentation: Follow along with Dr. Homan's slides (PPTX, PDF) for an enlightening, fact based, and easy to understand explanation of what warms the planet, why, and how much.   *Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha'apai: Hear about the #1 greenhouse gas in the atmosphere, and See how one volcano's eruption gave us our warmest summer on record, (and seriously affects the climate).   *Door County Coffee: get yourself some Door County Coffee, tee-up the show and tell us what you think!   *Long Cool Summer? Dr. Homan predicts that without another Hunga Tonga like event the summer of 2025 will be cooler than '24! Flag the tape! It's a prediction!   *You do the Math: CO2 represents about .04% of Earth's atmosphere, or 400 parts per million, (ppm), Methane is .00017%, or 1.7ppm, and Water Vapor accounts for 2% of Earth's atmosphere, or between 20,000 - 100,000 ppm. Why do media climate change charts leave out the water vapor? Find out! *They are Gretchen Whitmer: Michigan's Chief Hysteric (and governor) thinks she has the power to ban the fossil fuel industry by 2040. Flag the tape. We think not...   *The IPCC Zombie: The 2009 stake in the heart of the Climate Cult (The IPCC "Climategate" Email Scandal) just couldn't kill it.   *Genesis of the Truth: Dr. Homan takes us right back to Genesis for the real environmental order!   See Our List Of Evidence Against Global Warming!   Dr. Homan Climate Change, Part 1  

*Door County Coffee: get yourself some Door County Coffee, tee-up the show and let us know what you think after you listen!   *See Dr. Homan LIVE: See Paul Homan, PhD present a Christian Worldview on Climate Change at the Rocky Mountain Creation Fellowship meeting next Friday, Dec 8, 2023! Dr. Homan received his PhD from the Naval Postgraduate School, he' married to Janee, a father of 4, an avid outdoorsman, a runner, hiker, and a skier. Dr. Homan recently retired as the Director of Meteorology at the United States Air Force Academy. He is a regular speaker on the topic of Climate Change in both secular and church forums. Dr. Homan has served as a Squadron Commander, an advisor to the Iraqi Air Force, and worked on several international research initiatives during his career in the Air Force.   *Earth's Energy Balance: Listen in (and check out Dr. Homan's slides) for an enlightening, fact based, and easy to understand explanation of what warms the planet, why, and how much.   *Cowed: Find out what a problem you are, what a problem your agriculture is, your energy production, your wetlands, and especially your cows! *Gaslit? Hear Dr. Homan break down the properties of the various greenhouse gasses & decide for yourself if what you're hearing is the full story, (whether here at RSR, or other media and government sources).  

*Door County Coffee: get yourself some Door County Coffee, tee-up the show and let us know what you think after you listen!   *See Dr. Homan LIVE: See Paul Homan, PhD present a Christian Worldview on Climate Change at the Rocky Mountain Creation Fellowship meeting next Friday, Dec 8, 2023! Dr. Homan received his PhD from the Naval Postgraduate School, he' married to Janee, a father of 4, an avid outdoorsman, a runner, hiker, and a skier. Dr. Homan recently retired as the Director of Meteorology at the United States Air Force Academy. He is a regular speaker on the topic of Climate Change in both secular and church forums. Dr. Homan has served as a Squadron Commander, an advisor to the Iraqi Air Force, and worked on several international research initiatives during his career in the Air Force.   *Earth's Energy Balance: Listen in (and check out Dr. Homan's slides) for an enlightening, fact based, and easy to understand explanation of what warms the planet, why, and how much.   *Cowed: Find out what a problem you are, what a problem your agriculture is, your energy production, your wetlands, and especially your cows! *Gaslit? Hear Dr. Homan break down the properties of the various greenhouse gasses & decide for yourself if what you're hearing is the full story, (whether here at RSR, or other media and government sources).  

In both the public and private sectors, demand for behavioral health care is outpacing availability and capacity. The pressure on the behavioral health system necessitates innovation with regards to the methods and models of therapeutic interventions. What can we do when there are just not enough therapy slots available on the calendar to accommodate the need? And how can these needs best be met when clinical presentations are becoming more diverse while evidence-based psychotherapies tend to be narrowly focused on specific diagnoses? Join us for a fascinating discussion with Drs. William Isler and Adam Hodge about an innovative transdiagnostic group therapy approach leveraging Unified Protocol to serve better those who serve–and beyond!William C. “Chuck” Isler, Ph.D.Dr Isler currently works as a civilian for the Air Force Counter-Insider Threat Hub. He served more than 20 years as an Active Duty Air Force Psychologist, completed a post-doctoral fellowship in Clinical Health Psychology, worked on the fellowship faculty, and later became the Fellowship Director. Dr. Isler held multiple additional roles, including Consultant for Clinical Psychology, Deputy for the Mental Health Division, Chief, Deployment Mental Health, Program Manager for Primary Care Behavioral Health and Squadron Commander. ​​Adam S. Hodge, Ph.D.Dr. Hodge currently works as an Active-Duty Air Force Psychologist at Wright-Patterson AFB. His primary duties include working in an embedded role as part of the Operational Support Team at Wright-Patterson AFB, and he also serves as an adjunct faculty member for the APA-accredited Clinical Psychology Internship at Wright-Patterson. Dr. Hodge is actively involved in research, including research on Group Unified Protocol, and is collaborating on efforts to disseminate Group Unified Protocol training across the Department of Defense. Resources:Unified Protocol Institute: unifiedprotocol.comUnified Protocol for Transdiagnostic Treatment of Emotional Disorders: Therapist Guide (Treatments That Work), Barlow, D., Farchione, T., et alMore info about the DHA Targeted Team-Based Care pilot: https://health.mil/News/Dvids-Articles/2023/05/17/news444960

Chris "Switch" Roness, Colonel(Retired), is a 27 year veteran of the USAF and is Founder/CEO of Chris Roness Enterprises, LLC. Chris has served at the Joint Staff and is a graduated Squadron Commander with distinguished service and leadership in Special Forces, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance, Nuclear Operations, Nuclear Security, Combat Search and Rescue; and Defense Support to Civil Authorities.  As a strategist, he has conducted leading edge research and advised key U.S. leaders on emerging trends in strategy. Chris is a decorated United States Air Force pilot, who has flown in combat operations world-wide. His acumen includes human performance, mindfulness, economics, technology, finance, and banking. He has earned two Masters degrees and is dedicating his life to serving our veterans through his premier human performance and mindfulness system called "You M.A.T.R;" Leduc Entertainment is a video production company with offices in New Orleans, Atlanta and Los Angeles. We help business owners and creatives scale their businesses through video marketing. Using YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn and Twitter, we are able to communicate your message, brand and product in an engaging way. Your business deserves great videos! 

Episode page with transcript, videos, and more My guest for Episode #218 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is Colonel Kim “KC” Campbell, who served in the Air Force for 24 years as a fighter pilot and senior military leader.  KC has flown 1,800 hours in the A-10 Warthog, including more than 100 combat missions protecting troops on the ground in both Iraq and Afghanistan.  KC is now a keynote speaker and bestselling author. Her new book, Flying in the Face of Fear: A Fighter Pilot's Lessons on Leading with Courage is now available! KC is a distinguished graduate of the Air Force Academy and has a Master of Arts in International Security Studies and a MBA from the University of London.  In 2003, Colonel Campbell was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for Heroism after successfully recovering her battle-damaged airplane after an intense close air support mission in Baghdad. She has served in roles including Squadron Commander, Operations Group Commander and, most recently, KC served as the Director for the Center for Character and Leadership Development at the United States Air Force Academy. In this episode, KC shares her favorite mistake story about a time her visor fogged up when flying an A-10 Warthog in a training mission. What did she learn from this mistake, including how to let mistakes go — to put them aside and debrief at the right time? She also discusses almost being shot down over Baghdad — would it have been a mistake to eject? Was it almost a mistake not to? As she says on her website: "But how can we improve if we don't learn from our mistakes?” Questions and Topics: Learning to stay calm under stress? — learned over time?? Kids and sports —- Lenny Walls – Ep 51 Learning to stay calm under stress? — learned over time?? Distinguished Flying Cross for Heroism Almost being shot down over Baghdad? Debriefing, learning, and moving forward? Planning for contingencies is a way of preventing mistakes… Mistake of ejecting too soon vs. too late? Is this critiqued? For learning? How many women when you became a fighter pilot? Lessons for women navigating male-dominated environments? Debriefing from mistakes as fighter pilots and learning — what's that culture??? Learning and overcoming them… Question from your video — “Vulnerability isn't about weakness… it's about being open to uncertainty” – help your team be willing to be more innovative… try new things…  Please follow, rate, and review via Apple Podcasts, Podchaser, or your favorite app — that helps others find this content, and you'll be sure to get future episodes as they are released weekly. You can also financially support the show through Spotify. You can now sign up to get new episodes via email, to make sure you don't miss an episode. This podcast is part of the Lean Communicators network. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/favorite-mistake/support

Episode page with transcript, videos, and more⁠ My guest for Episode #218 of the ⁠My Favorite Mistake podcast is Colonel Kim “KC” Campbell⁠, who served in the Air Force for 24 years as a fighter pilot and senior military leader.  KC has flown 1,800 hours in the A-10 Warthog, including more than 100 combat missions protecting troops on the ground in both Iraq and Afghanistan.  KC is now a keynote speaker and bestselling author. Her new book, ⁠Flying in the Face of Fear: A Fighter Pilot's Lessons on Leading with Courage⁠ is now available! KC is a distinguished graduate of the Air Force Academy and has a Master of Arts in International Security Studies and a MBA from the University of London.  In 2003, Colonel Campbell was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for Heroism after successfully recovering her battle-damaged airplane after an intense close air support mission in Baghdad. She has served in roles including Squadron Commander, Operations Group Commander and, most recently, KC served as the Director for the Center for Character and Leadership Development at the United States Air Force Academy. In this episode, KC shares her favorite mistake story about a time her visor fogged up when flying an A-10 Warthog in a training mission. What did she learn from this mistake, including how to let mistakes go — to put them aside and debrief at the right time? She also discusses almost being shot down over Baghdad — would it have been a mistake to eject? Was it almost a mistake not to? As she says on her website: "But how can we improve if we don't learn from our mistakes?” Questions and Topics: Learning to stay calm under stress? — learned over time?? Kids and sports —- ⁠Lenny Walls – Ep 51⁠ Learning to stay calm under stress? — learned over time?? Distinguished Flying Cross for Heroism Almost being shot down over Baghdad? Debriefing, learning, and moving forward? Planning for contingencies is a way of preventing mistakes… Mistake of ejecting too soon vs. too late? Is this critiqued? For learning? How many women when you became a fighter pilot? Lessons for women navigating male-dominated environments? Debriefing from mistakes as fighter pilots and learning — what's that culture??? Learning and overcoming them… Question from your video — “Vulnerability isn't about weakness… it's about being open to uncertainty” – help your team be willing to be more innovative… try new things…  Please ⁠follow⁠, rate, and review via ⁠Apple Podcasts⁠, Podchaser, or your favorite app — that helps others find this content, and you'll be sure to get future episodes as they are released weekly.  You can now ⁠sign up to get new episodes via email⁠, to make sure you don't miss an episode. This podcast is part of the ⁠Lean Communicators network⁠.  

Emma is the daughter of a classmate from the Pink Panthers and is full of enthusiasm and experience. From AF brat to the zoo, after 4 high schools, to eventual CS-19 Squadron Commander to foreign travels during cadet summers she shares her pre-active duty life. Upon graduation the path continued -- USAF intel in Honduras (counter crime) to Eglin & Hurlburt in FL (AFSOC) to joint ops in Iraq (counter ISIS) = Receipient of the Bronze Star from Seal team 7. She is currently the co-founder of Strike Solutions after leaving active duty and figuring out her best path. Finally, she is nearing the end of her 8 year term on the USAFA Board of Directors.

https://slasrpodcast.com/   SLASRPodcast@gmail.com  Link to Golden Gaiter Awards Survey Welcome to the Sounds Like a Search and Rescue Podcast! Also known as SLASR. Join an experienced search and rescue volunteer and his friend as they discuss all things related to hiking and search and rescue in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. This week we are joined by Ben Rossi and Jack Daley of the NH Civil Air Patrol. We had previously covered Civil Air Patrol way back in episode 28. This week we wanted to revisit Civil Air Patrol to learn more about Jack's experience as a new member and Ben's role as Squadron Commander of the Concord Composite Squadron. In addition to the Civil Air Patrol topic we will do a deep dive on the updated Search and Rescue data for 2022 - this will include some new insights on yearly trends, causes of incidents and some ideas on ways to potentially limit search and rescue events in the future. Order Free Stickers Fill out the form for free SLASR Stickers (last shipment was on Nov 11) About NH Civil Air Patrol How to Join Civil Air Patrol Civil Air Patrol History NH Wing Civil Air Patrol NH Squadrons Civil Air Patrol Topics Section of Lincoln Woods Trail might be closing in 2023 Fear Mongering in the White Mountains - AT Thru Hikers don't be afraid but be afraid.  Extreme Cold Weather coming to New Hampshire - avoid hiking  Artificial Intelligence is now copying voices Stomp and Grandma Stomp's Transcendental Meditation adventures in the Catskills. Earthquakes in New Hampshire CA State Legislature exploring permit system for Mount Baldy Golden Gaiter Awards Reminder Pop Culture Talk - Last of Us gets MetroWest MA setting terribly wrong, Physical 100 on Netflix Beer Talk - no one is drinking tonight No Recent Hikes but Stomp has Snowmobile Guiding Stories Stomp explains some snowmobile routes Notable Hikes Segment of the Week - Welcome Ben and Jack from Civil Air Patrol Segment Two - Mike reviews Search and Rescue Data updates from 2019 through 2022 Show Notes Apple Podcast link for 5 star reviews SLASR Merchandise SLASR LinkTree Lincoln Woods Work permit request Fear Mongering in the Whites Voice AI Earthquake Legislature working on strict permitting process after spat of rescues on Mt. Baldy. Search and Rescue Presentation Preventative Cardiology Sponsors and Partners Vaucluse - Sweat less. Explore more. – Vaucluse Gear CS Instant Coffee Alzheimer's Association - 48 Peaks Sweet Beginnings Daycare  

Glenn founded One 9 Investments while serving as an Assaulter Officer in Canadian Special Operations Forces; Joint Task Force 2. As a Squadron Commander, Glenn specialized in leadership, command, and strategic planning and successfully translated these skills with the creation of a venture capital fund that invests utilizing the principles of special operations planning, risk mitigation, and execution. Having served on multiple combat deployments in Afghanistan, sensitive information operations in the Middle East, and Hostage Recovery operations in Africa he was a strategic planner and tactical commander. A graduate of McGill University, The Army Operations Course, The Special Operations Assaulter Course, Canadian Securities Course, and Ivey Executive Leadership program, arms Glenn with an unconventional perspective and application to the investment battlefield.

Special Tactics Training Squadron, or STTS, is one of the premier training squadrons in the entire Air Force. Every single Combat Controller and Special Reconnaissance Airman passes through the doors of STTS, and for a good reason- it's where ST performs it's final evaluations on all candidates before they hit their unit. Maj Chris Walsh, a Special Tactics Officer, took over STTS after his stint trying out for the Olympic Bobsled team as part of the World Class Athlete Program and has worked hard to make the organization the crown jewel of the ST pipeline. He was kind enough to talk about all things STTS- where it's going, its challenges, and what he has in store for you at the end of your pipeline. Huge thanks to Maj Walsh for coming on, and make sure to follow his IG @walsh.usa . Hope you all enjoy this one and train hard!Enlisted to Officer Application:  https://www.afspecwar.com/_files/ugd/ccb394_94e4733d7cdb4f9bb9b8be6183a15ecb.pdfROTC/Academy/Civilian/Officer Application: https://www.afspecwar.com/_files/ugd/ccb394_a18f3d5ef19a4c3994ea890dbd787535.pdfDon't forget to subscribe to the Podcast on your favorite player! http://bit.ly/2OG2OlfHave a question?  Email us at info@onesready.comFollow us on Instagram http://bit.ly/2OeNoFIAs always, THANK YOU for your support; we truly appreciate it!#specialtactics #onesready #military  Collabs:18A Fitness - Promo Code: 1ReadyAlpha Brew Coffee Company - Promo Code: ONESREADYATAC Fitness - Promo Code: ONESREADYCardoMax - Promo Code: ONESREADYEberlestock - Promo Code: OR10Hoist - Promo Code: ONESREADYOut of Regs Pomade - Promo Code: ONESREADYStrike Force Energy - Promo Code: ONESREADYTrench Coffee Company - Promo Code: ONESREADY

Lt Col Sam Schindler knows about lots of stuff- Special Tactics Officer, AFSPECWAR recruiting, assessment and selection- he's been in for 27 years and has seen it all. As the commander of the 331st RCS, he is in command of all the things you want to know about. Lt Col Schindler is not only an awesome operator and leader, but he has also crushed his role helping you, the next generation of AFSPECWAR candidates, achieve your goals. Hope you all enjoy this one and train hard!Don't forget to subscribe to the Podcast on your favorite player! http://bit.ly/2OG2OlfHave a question?  Email us at info@onesready.comFollow us on Instagram http://bit.ly/2OeNoFIAs always, THANK YOU for your support; we truly appreciate it.#onesready #podcast #military  Collabs:18A Fitness - Promo Code: 1ReadyAlpha Brew Coffee Company - Promo Code: ONESREADYATAC Fitness - Promo Code: ONESREADYCardoMax - Promo Code: ONESREADYEberlestock - Promo Code: OR10Hoist - Promo Code: ONESREADYOut of Regs Pomade - Promo Code: ONESREADYStrike Force Energy - Promo Code: ONESREADYTrench Coffee Company - Promo Code: ONESREADY

We are proud to welcome our first helicopter pilot, "GT" this week: Capt. Wayne Tunick USN (ret) author of the book "American Quest" The book is a fun read and traces the career of a young man who had never considered the military as he serves his country and his fellow man. GT had a successful career as a Navy Helicopter pilot who learned early on the seriousness of aviation in a crash that could have easily cost him his life and it changed the way he approached flying for the rest of his career. And, while everyone couldn't experience exactly what he did, GT tells us how he demanded exacting standards of his fellow aviators so they could be ready to meet any challenge they faced - expectedly or unexpectedly in the airplane. GT's experiences range from incredible to terrifying - and how he was fortunate enough to be able to learn from his experience and pass that on to other pilots throughout his career - including two tours as a Squadron Commander. Over the years GT came up with 18 Rules to live by. They are republished here: COMMANDING OFFICER, HSL-44 AIRCREW POLICY THIS IS A LIFE AND DEATH BUSINESS. DON'T DIE BECAUSE YOU WERE STUPID. KNOW YOUR NATOPS-IT WILL SAVE YOUR LIFE. KNOW YOUR TACTICS. YOU MUST KNOW HOW TO FIGHT WHEN CALLED UPON. TRAIN HARD. THE REAL THING WILL BE EASIER. DEVELOP STANDARD PRACTICES. DO THINGS THE SAME WAY. WHEN YOU GET RUSHED-YOU WILL STILL DO THEM THE SAME. BUT DON'T GET RUSHED. NEVER HESITATE TO SPEAK UP OR IF NEEDED, TAKE CONTROL OF THE AIRCRAFT. IF YOU HESITATE YOU WILL DIE. HAVE A BURNING DESIRE TO LEARN THE AIRCRAFT. INSTILL THAT DESIRE IN OTHERS. NEVER STOP LEARNING. PRACTICE RISK ASSESSMENT. ASK YOURSELF: “IS IT WORTH THE RISK?” DO NOT CONFUSE A HOSTILE AREA WITH A WAR. THERE ARE HOSTILE AREAS ALL OVER THE WORLD. OPERATIONAL NECESSITY RARELY, IF EVER, PRESENTS ITSELF DURING PEACETIME. USE THE BOOK. CHECKLISTS, PREFLIGHTS, BRIEFS, AND DEBRIEFS REQUIRE DEDICATED EFFORT. NEVER GET COMPLACENT. NEVER TAKE AN AIRCRAFT THAT DOESN'T “FEEL” RIGHT. NEVER GIVE IN TO PERCEIVED PRESSURE. ERR TO CONSERVATISM. BETTER TO COME BACK AND FIGHT ANOTHER DAY. USE YOUR CREW. IF YOU ARE THINKING IT. SAY IT. OTHERS ARE PROBABLY THINKING THE SAME THING. AW'S ARE ONE THIRD OF THE CREW. MONITOR THE NAV TABLE, ASK QUESTIONS, DO NOT LET THE PILOTS KILL YOU. YOU DON'T CRASH GOING UP. NIGHT DECENTS OVER WATER ARE THE MOST DANGEROUS THING WE DO. RESPECT THEM. LEARN FROM YOUR MISTAKES. THEN NEVER REPEAT THEM!!!! EXPERIENCE IS A TOUGH TEACHER, IT GIVES THE TEST FIRST AND THE LESSON AFTER. THE SH-60B HAS 3 FORECASTED CLASS “A” MISHAPS THIS FY. ARE YOU ONE OF THEM? THE ANSWER IS NO!!!

Alex joined the British Army in 1971 and served for 20 years; 10 years with the Royal Green Jackets (RGJ), and 10 years with the Special Air Service (SAS), reaching the rank of Major.In this episode Alex talks about joining the British Army as an officer, serving with the Royal Green Jackets (RGJ), and what it was like going through special forces selection to join the British Special Air Service (SAS).Alex also shares his time as a Squadron Commander in the SAS. He describes what it was like in Oman as part of the Sultan's Special Forces (SSF), and lastly he talks about becoming an author with his book, The Devil's Magistrate.Watch Episode on YouTube:Part 1: youtu.be/dYbRqzrWuNUPart 2: youtu.be/1YVphNzLdlkTikTok:tiktok.com/@militaryveteranspodcastInstagram:instagram.com/militaryveteranspodcastTwitter:twitter.com/MilVetPodcastLinkedIn:linkedin.com/company/military-veterans-podcastMerchandise:milvetpodcast.com/merchIf you've enjoyed any episode from the show, please head over to Spotify or Apple Podcasts, and give the show a 5 star rating. It really will help the show be found by others. Many thanks! Message at the end of the recording is from your host Gav, giving you information on how you can support the show through Patreon.Supporting monthly would help the show record future episodes and help with the upkeep of previous recordings. £5 a month will give you access to bonus recordings, where Gav and the guest chat about things that don't make it into the main recording. Thank you.Support the show

Another first for the show! This week "Father" joins Fig and Repete in the first Air Force pilot interview on So There I Was. Father flew the F-15 Eagle acquiring 3800+ hours and was the Squadron Commander in St. Louis, MO when he finished his career. Father had the misfortune of being the witness to an accident so mystifying at the time the Air Force Grounded the entire fleet of Eagles world-wide. The good news is that Father's wingman survived and went on to fly for a major US airline. Fortunately Father's description of what happened helped expedite investigators' ability to piece together what really happened. You can see a video re-creation of the mishap here on Military.com Even the recreation doesn't do justice to how improbable and wild this mishap was. This is our longest show yet, but we think you'll be entertained throughout. We were!

In this episode, we'll feature Rob Cujo Teschner to share his story from life and business hardships to success. Join us for an in-depth discussion about the current global conflict and the significance of having solid leadership qualities during these challenging times. Don't miss this meaningful conversation, and start developing your true potential as a leader!Key Takeaways To Listen ForThe value of courage and effective leadership in guiding a team2 questions you need to keep in mind in choosing the right leaderMilitary leadership: Its serving culture and uniquenessHow military training is conducted and how soldiers handle pressureGood impacts of trusting your team membersThe significant role of having contagious motivations in difficult situationsResources Mentioned In This EpisodeDebrief to Win: How America's Top Guns Practice Accountable Leadership… and How You Can Too! By Robert C. Teschner | Hardcover and Paperback  The Lord Of The Rings Trilogy by J.R.R. Tolkien | Hardcover and PaperbackThe Chronicles Of Narnia by C.S. Lewis | Hardcover and AudiobookRob's Podcast Guesting: ½ Reversing Upside Down Accountability: Rob “Cujo” Teschner About Robert “Cujo” TeschnerVMax Group's Founder and CEO, Mr. Rob "Cujo" Teschner, is a former F-15C Instructor at the prestigious US Air Force Fighter Weapons School. "Cujo" is also a former operational F-22 Squadron Commander. More importantly, he was the US Air Force Subject Matter Expert on the practice of debriefing. The work he did while on active duty is still in use across the force and is used to train the next generation of leaders at the Air Force Academy.With over 20 years of experience teaching teamwork principles to high-performing teams, "Cujo" and the VMax Group team are uniquely positioned to help your organization achieve excellence and survive the disruption of the business battle space.Connect with RobWebsite: VMax GroupAmazon: Robert “Cujo” TeschnerConnect With UsMaster your context with real results leadership training!To learn more, visit our website at www.greatsummit.com.For tax, bookkeeping, or accounting help, contact Dr. Nate's team at www.theincometaxcenter.com or send an email to info@theincometaxcenter.com.Follow Dr. Nate on His Social MediaLinkedIn: Nate Salah, Ph.DInstagram: @natesalah Facebook: Nate SalahTikTok: @drnatesalahClubhouse: @natesalah

In our latest Women Peace and Security podcast episode, we interview the Squadron Commander of Engineer, Evelyn Smith Orostica, of the Chilean Air Force.

I turned off my Big Ben alarm clock at 0230, the usual wake-up time for our Linebacker mission. When the scheduling board simply indicated “Special”, we knew it would be a 0400 mass briefing at Wing Headquarters for a bombing mission over North Vietnam. We wouldn't know our target until the mission briefing. The schedule was normally posted at the end of each day's flying, and the previous day I had seen my name listed for the number four position in Jazz Flight for today's Special. My Weapon Systems Officer would be Bill Woodworth. F-4 pilots quickly become creatures of habit mixed with ritual, and I walked the short distance to the Ubon Officer's Club to have my standard breakfast: cheese omelet, toast with butter, and coffee. I had successfully flown thirty-one Counters – missions over North Vietnam – and I wasn't about to change anything without a pretty compelling reason. A few weeks earlier, the Thai waitress had misunderstood me when I had ordered, and brought me a plain Omelet. I politely ate it, and the mission on that day was the closest I had come – up until then – to getting shot down. After breakfast, I walked to the 8th Tactical Fighter Wing Headquarters building, and performed my usual routine of stopping by the Intel desk and checking the Shoot-down Board. The Shoot-down Board was a large Plexiglas-covered board that listed the most recent friendly aircraft losses, written in grease pencil. We could tell, at a glance, if any aircraft had been shot down the previous night, the call sign, aircraft type, and survivor status. There were no friendly aircraft losses over North Vietnam to enemy action in the previous day. That was not surprising. The Special for the previous day had been canceled when the strike leader, my Squadron Commander, Lieutenant Colonel Brad Sharp, crashed on takeoff when his left tire exploded at 160 knots. He aborted, taking the departure end barrier, and his aircraft caught fire when pieces of the shredded tire pierced his left wing fuel tank. Brad's emergency egress was delayed when he got hung up by his leg restraint lines. As he sat in his seat, seeing the canopy melting around him, his WSO, Mike Pomphrey, ran back to the burning aircraft and pulled him out, saving his life. As Mike dragged him to a drainage ditch 100 yards away to hunker down, the ejection seats, missiles and, eventually, bombs cooked off. Ubon's only runway was out of commission, and the entire Linebacker mission, for all bases, was canceled. Overnight, the runway at Ubon was repaired, and our mission was on for this day. The mission briefing was in a large auditorium. The Wing Commander led the Mission Briefing, followed by an Intel Briefing and Weather Briefing. Slides were projected onto the screen to show the targets on a map of North Vietnam, then reconnaissance photos of the individual targets for the strike flights. Jazz Flight's target was POL (Petroleum, Oil, Lubricants) storage near Kep Airfield, north of Hanoi. During the briefing, we all received our mission line-up cards, showing our Estimated Times Enroute (ETE), fuel computations, strike frequencies, and flight de-confliction information. A mass strike over Route Package Six, the area of North Vietnam covering Hanoi, Haiphong and points north, required a massive orchestration effort. The run-in directions, Time Over Target (TOT), and egress plan for each of the sixteen four-ship strike flights, plus all of the same information for support flights, such as MiG-Cap, were designated to exacting specifications. After the mass briefing, we assembled in our respective squadrons for our individual flight briefings. When I walked into the 25th Tactical Fighter Squadron, my first order of business was to check the Flight Crew Information File Book. The FCIF was a book that had last-minute changes to procedures and other instructions for aircrews. After reading the latest entries in the book, each crewmember would initial his FCIF card and turn the card over in the vertical card file so that the green side of the card was facing out, instead of the red side. That way, the Ops Officer could instantly see if all the crews were flying with the most current information. The briefing for Jazz Flight lasted about 45 minutes. Our Flight Lead briefed engine start and check-in times, flight join-up, frequencies, tactics, and our munitions load. Today we would each carry two 2,000-pound Mark-84L laser-guided bombs. After the briefing we waited our turns for the most important part of the preflight. The building that housed our squadron had not been designed for a mass launch of 32 crewmembers all needing to use the latrine at the same time. It was a three-holer, and everyone always badly needed to use the facility before a mission up north. It was a major bottle-neck to our individual plans. After that essential stop we went by the Life Support section to leave our personal items, such as wedding rings, wallets and anything else we wouldn't need for the flight, in our lockers. The only thing I would carry in my pocket was my ID Card and my Geneva Convention Card. And, of course, I had my dog tags around my neck. Then we would pick up our G-suits, helmets, survival vests and parachute harnesses and board the “bread truck” for transportation to the flight line, with a quick stop at the armory to retrieve our .38 caliber Smith & Wesson revolvers. Our Thai driver always had a cooler stocked with plastic flasks of cold water, and we would grab several and put them in leg pockets of our G-suits. I also grabbed several piddle packs. The F-4 did not have a relief tube, so we carried piddle packs. The piddle pack was a small plastic bag with a 2 inch by 6 inch sponge inside and a spout at one end. When you used this portable urinal, the entire assembly would expand to about the size of a football. This flight was scheduled to be a bit longer than the standard mission, so I grabbed three piddle packs. There were two ways to get to Pack Six from Ubon: right turns and left turns. With right turns, the missions are about 45 minutes shorter. Head north over Laos, refuel on Green Anchor, make a right turn at Thud Ridge and proceed to the target. Left turns takes us to the east coast of Vietnam, and proceed north “feet wet”, then make a left turns toward Vinh to strike our targets. Today we would make left turns. We launched off at dawn and headed into the rising sun. Our route of flight took us east across Laos to DaNang, then north to the Gulf of Tonkin, then northwest to our target in the area of Kep. Our refueling would be along Purple Anchor as we headed north for pre-strike and south for post-strike. One of my rituals during every refueling, in between hook-ups, was to break out one of the water flasks, finish off an entire pack of Tums, and fill one of the piddle packs. Using the piddle pack in the seat of the Phantom was easier said than done. It required a bit of maneuvering.  I handed the jet over to Bill, my WSO, as I loosened my lap belt, loosened the leg straps on my parachute harness, and unzipped my flight suit from the bottom. Then I did my best to fill the piddle pack without any spillage. Our route was already taking us feet wet, and I wasn't looking forward to becoming feet wet in any other respect. Bill flew smoothly, and I finished my business with no problem, and took control of the airplane again for our refueling top-offs. We conducted our aerial ballet in total radio silence as our four airplanes cycled on and off the refueling boom, flying at almost 400 knots, as we approached the refueling drop-off point. When we finished refueling, we switched to strike frequency and headed north-northwest to the target area. Typical for a Linebacker mission, strike frequency was pretty busy. There were “Bandit” calls from Disco, the Airborne Early Warning bird, an EC-121 orbiting over the Gulf of Tonkin. And SAM breaks. And, of course, the ever-present triple-A (Anti-Aircraft Artillery)that produced fields of instant-blooming dandelions at our altitude. We pressed on. In the entire history of the Air Force, and the Army Air Corps before it, no strike aircraft has ever aborted its mission due to enemy reaction, and we were not about to set a precedent. Weather in the target area was severe clear, and Flight Lead identified the target with no problem. We closed in to “fingertip” formation, with three feet of separation between wingtips.  “Jazz Flight, arm ‘em up.” We made a left orbit to make our run-in on the designated attack heading. Then a left roll-in with 135 degrees of bank. My element lead, Jazz Three, was on Lead's right wing, and I was on the far right position in the formation. Our roll-in and roll-out was in close fingertip position, which put me at negative G-loading during the roll-out. During negative-G formation flying, the flight controls work differently. I was on the right wing and a little too close to Element Lead, so I needed to put the stick to the left to increase spacing. Totally unnatural. At the same time, I was hanging against my lap belt, which I had forgotten to tighten when I had finished my piddle-pack filling procedure. My head hit the canopy, as dust and other detritus from the cockpit floated up into my eyes. But I maintained my position. We rolled out on the correct run-in heading, and reached our delivery parameters right on profile. Five hundred knots at 20,000 feet. Lead called our release.  “Jazz Flight, ready, ready, pickle!” We all pushed our Bomb Release “pickle” buttons on our stick grips at the same time, and eight 2000-pound bombs guided together to the target that was being illuminated by the laser designator in the Lead's Pave Knife pod, guidance performed by his WSO.  Immediately after release, we performed the normal 4-G pullout. And I was instantly in excruciating pain. I screamed out in pain on our “hot mike” interphone.  “Are you okay?”  Bill called.  “I think I've been shot in the balls!” I screamed. Then, I realized what had happened. I had carelessly neglected to tighten my lap belt and parachute harness leg straps after relieving myself during the refueling. My body had shifted, and my testicles had gotten trapped between the harness and my body. With a 4-G pull, my 150-pound body was exerting 600 pounds of pressure on the family jewels. As soon as I knew what the problem was, I unloaded the aircraft to zero Gs, to try to readjust myself. But I was still headed downhill, and Mother Hanoi was rushing up to me at 500 knots. And I was getting further out of position in my formation. So I gritted my teeth and pulled.  When we got onto the post-strike tanker, I adjusted myself, but the damage had been done. I was in agony all the way back to Ubon. As soon as I landed, I went to see the Flight Surgeon and told him what had happened. He told me to drop my shorts and show him my injury. “Wow! I'd heard you guys had big ones, but these are even larger than I expected.”  I looked down, and saw that my testicles were swollen to the size of large oranges. The Flight Surgeon put me on total bed-rest orders, telling me I could only get out of bed to use the bathroom until the swelling subsided. While I was flat on my back, waiting for the pain to subside, I couldn't get that stupid old joke out of my head, the one where the kid goes into a malt shop and asks for a sundae with nuts, and the clerk asks, “Do you want your nuts crushed?” And the kid has a wise-crack answer. All of a sudden, it didn't seem so funny. After about five days I was feeling much better.  The Flight Surgeon had offered to submit my injury for a Purple Heart, but I declined. For starters, my injury was not due to enemy action, it was due to my carelessness. And I wasn't too keen on standing in front of the entire squadron at my next assignment while the Admin Officer read the citation to accompany the award of the Purple Heart. “On that day, Captain Nolly managed to crush…”. No thanks! A few months later, the Flight Surgeon showed up at our squadron.  “You're famous, and made me a famous author,” he beamed, as he held up the current issue of Aerospace Medicine magazine. In the article, he recounted how a 27-year-old pilot had experienced a strangulation injury to his testes that came very close to requiring amputation. Castration!  “There was no use in telling you and making you worry, when there was nothing we could do for you other than bed rest, and wait to see if you healed,” he commented. Well, it's been 41 years now, and I'm at an age where I don't embarrass as easily. More important, I sired three healthy children several years later, so the equipment works just fine, thank you.  Lots of guys have great “There I was” stories of their time in Vietnam. I racked up 100 missions over the north, and had some exciting missions.  This mission was not the most exciting, but was certainly the most memorable.

Welcome to the thirty-third episode of the Lessons from the Cockpit podcast! One of the greatest assets US leadership owns is the ability to move patients, cargo, and relief supplies anywhere on the planet literally in twenty-four hours. It's all done from one place! Colonel Geno Redmon was my KC-135 Squadron Commander in Okinawa Japan during the mid-90s. As Vice Commander of Air Mobility Command's Tanker Airlift Control Center on 9/11, Geno tells us how air mobility operations were planned and executed to defend the US from attack and move US and allied forces to Afghanistan to hunt Osama bin Laden. His TACC Team leaned way forward watching the Battle of Roberts Ridge unfold through the same CIA Predator video feed I was watching at the Saudi Arabian Air Operations Center. Geno tells the story of the first C-17 crew into Karshi Khanabad and speaking with Marine Corps Brigadier General Jim Mattis as his troops prepared to occupy an Afghan airfield. Support for the Lessons from the Cockpit podcast comes solely from Wall Pilot, very detailed custom airplane profiles printed on vinyl and can be peeled off and stuck to any flat surface or framed for the walls of your home, office, or hanger. Aircraft profiles are available in right (Crew Chief names!) or left side (Aircrew names!) profile images. Custom images can be created with aircrew names, unit markings even specific weapons loads, and nose art in four, six, and eight-foot long vinyl graphics. Wall Pilot has printed a thirty-footer for one customer!   A graphic is available of the 909th Air Refueling Squadron KC-135 in four, six, and eight-foot long images. Two KC-10A Extender graphics are available for jets based at McGuire and Travis Air Force Bases at Wall Pilot. The C-130J is an AMC workhorse flying missions all over the world and is also available from Wall Pilot. The book Tanker Pilot: Lessons from the Cockpit Geno and I talked about around his firepit is available on Amazon. Thirty-two pictures taken during events discussed in the book are included in all four formats: hardback, softback, kindle, and audible Thanks for listening and please download and share this and previous episodes of the Lessons from the Cockpit podcast with your family and friends found on my website at markhasara.com  

Welcome to the thirty-third episode of the Lessons from the Cockpit podcast! One of the greatest assets US leadership owns is the ability to move patients, cargo, and relief supplies anywhere on the planet literally in twenty-four hours. It's all done from one place! Colonel Geno Redmon was my KC-135 Squadron Commander in Okinawa Japan during the mid-90s. As Vice Commander of Air Mobility Command's Tanker Airlift Control Center on 9/11, Geno tells us how air mobility operations were planned and executed to defend the US from attack and move US and allied forces to Afghanistan to hunt Osama bin Laden. His TACC Team leaned way forward watching the Battle of Roberts Ridge unfold through the same CIA Predator video feed I was watching at the Saudi Arabian Air Operations Center. Geno tells the story of the first C-17 crew into Karshi Khanabad and speaking with Marine Corps Brigadier General Jim Mattis as his troops prepared to occupy an Afghan airfield. Support for the Lessons from the Cockpit podcast comes solely from Wall Pilot, very detailed custom airplane profiles printed on vinyl and can be peeled off and stuck to any flat surface or framed for the walls of your home, office, or hanger. Aircraft profiles are available in right (Crew Chief names!) or left side (Aircrew names!) profile images. Custom images can be created with aircrew names, unit markings even specific weapons loads, and nose art in four, six, and eight-foot long vinyl graphics. Wall Pilot has printed a thirty-footer for one customer!   A graphic is available of the 909th Air Refueling Squadron KC-135 in four, six, and eight-foot long images. Two KC-10A Extender graphics are available for jets based at McGuire and Travis Air Force Bases at Wall Pilot. The C-130J is an AMC workhorse flying missions all over the world and is also available from Wall Pilot. The book Tanker Pilot: Lessons from the Cockpit Geno and I talked about around his firepit is available on Amazon. Thirty-two pictures taken during events discussed in the book are included in all four formats: hardback, softback, kindle, and audible Thanks for listening and please download and share this and previous episodes of the Lessons from the Cockpit podcast with your family and friends found on my website at markhasara.com  

Welcome to the thirty-third episode of the Lessons from the Cockpit podcast! One of the greatest assets US leadership owns is the ability to move patients, cargo, and relief supplies anywhere on the planet literally in twenty-four hours. It's all done from one place! Colonel Geno Redmon was my KC-135 Squadron Commander in Okinawa Japan during the mid-90s. As Vice Commander of Air Mobility Command's Tanker Airlift Control Center on 9/11, Geno tells us how air mobility operations were planned and executed to defend the US from attack and move US and allied forces to Afghanistan to hunt Osama bin Laden. His TACC Team leaned way forward watching the Battle of Roberts Ridge unfold through the same CIA Predator video feed I was watching at the Saudi Arabian Air Operations Center. Geno tells the story of the first C-17 crew into Karshi Khanabad and speaking with Marine Corps Brigadier General Jim Mattis as his troops prepared to occupy an Afghan airfield. Support for the Lessons from the Cockpit podcast comes solely from Wall Pilot, very detailed custom airplane profiles printed on vinyl and can be peeled off and stuck to any flat surface or framed for the walls of your home, office, or hanger. Aircraft profiles are available in right (Crew Chief names!) or left side (Aircrew names!) profile images. Custom images can be created with aircrew names, unit markings even specific weapons loads, and noseart in four, six, and eight-foot long vinyl graphics. Wall Pilot has printed a thirty-footer for one customer! A graphic is available of the 909th Air Refueling Squadron KC-135 in four, six, and eight-foot long images. Two KC-10A Extender graphics are available for jets based at McGuire and Travis Air Force Bases on Wall Pilot's website. The C-130J is an AMC workhorse flying missions all over the world and is also available from Wall Pilot. The book Tanker Pilot: Lessons from the Cockpit Geno and I talked about around his firepit is available on Amazon. Thirty-two pictures taken during events discussed in the book are included in all four formats: hardback, softback, kindle, and audible Thanks for listening and please download and share this and previous episodes of the Lessons from the Cockpit podcast with your family and friends found on my website at markhasara.com

19-OCTOBER-1917. While serving within the Australian Remount Depot, Australian Imperial Force as a Squadron Commander, Major Andrew Barton "The Banjo" Paterson served with distinction as part of the Desert Mounted Corps during the First World War. He is also widely known as the most famous Bush Balladist of the 20th Century, having penned the iconic Waltzing Matilda. Prior to his service in the First World War, he was an official Correspondent in the Second Anglo-Boer War, the Spanish-American War and the Boxer Rebellion. While he served the duration of the war, this is one aspect of the Banjo's life that is not known. For show notes, photos and transcripts visit www.thedocnetwork.net and visit our linktree for our socials https://linktr.ee/iwodmj to follow me for more Australian Military History Content you can follow me on TikTok/Instagram/Twitter @docwinters. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/iwasonlydoingmyjob/message

A vote in the US Senate to make abortion the law of the land… it was 49-51… which way did it go? Senate Candidate Mark Meuser calls-in to give us the details. San Diego Unified School District gets into the abortion debate, Richard Berrera joins the show to talk about it. And Congress voted to give another $40 billion to Ukraine… Is this a good idea? Greg Raths, retired F-18 Squadron Commander and candidate for Congress talks with Lou about it.

The Soldier Code Duncan Brannan pt 2 I've been blessed with being able to interview many influential people on this podcast. I've interviewed several people over the years that you may have seen on TV or heard on radio or seen speak at conferences, etc. My guest today is just such a person. He is well known, especially for those born in the late 1990's and it is my privilege to introduce to you, “Barney the Dinosaur!” My guest today has been the voice of Barney and many others. He even had multiple voice overs in the smash hit, “DragonBall Z!”  He has also been the voice over artist for celebrities such as Martha Stewart, Chuck Swindoll and others. But, most importantly, he has spent the last 30 years in various aspects of ministry, serving the Most High God and sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Duncan Brannan is also the author of a magnificent book, https://amzn.to/3hE4BGA (“The Soldier Code: Ancient Warrior Wisdom For Modern Day Christian Soldiers.”)  This book, which, like I started with, relates the Spiritual similarities of war with the natural. Understanding this relationship will make you a far better soldier in the “Army of the Lord.” Back in the 1980's, I was a Cavalry officer and we were required, by our Squadron Commander as part of our officer development program, to read at least one book per month on tactics, history or leadership.  I was an avid reader. I read Tsung Su's book, “The Art of War,” as you have.  But, I have to admit, what you have put together in this book is awesome. You were able to bridge that gap between natural warfare and Spiritual warfare like I have not seen before.  Tell us what makes this book unique from all of the other books that are circulating in Christian circles that discuss Spiritual warfare… You shared with us the six cultures are that you've included in your book. What did you find as the common denominators in all of these warrior cultures? Also, on the jacket of your book, another area says your readers will learn, “Powerful strategies to defeat enemies within and without.”  What do you mean by that and how is this accomplished? Your book is released the third week of March, how can someone obtain a copy? Is it available on Amazon? If someone wanted to get in touch with you, maybe to get more information, ask a question or possibly to do an interview such as this. How can they do that? How can they get in touch with you? I'll put links to this down in the show notes. Folks, this is a definite book to add to your reading list. I can't recommend this any more highly than to say, you need to buy two or three copies. Sow them. Buy one for your pastor, too. I know your pastor will be blessed by it. Pastor Barney, I mean Pastor Duncan, thank you for joining us today. I enjoyed our conversation to much. I do appreciate your time… CONTACT INFORMATION: https://amzn.to/3hE4BGA ()   Website:  https://thesoldiercode.com/ (https://thesoldiercode.com) Book:  https://amzn.to/3hE4BGA (“The Soldier Code: Ancient Warrior Wisdom for Modern-Day Christian Soldiers”) – on Amazon

Eric Oehlerich is a retired U.S. Navy Commander (SEAL) from the Naval Special Warfare component of the USSOCOM's Joint Special Operations Command. He is a Senior Fellow for Technology and National Security with the Middle East Institute, an Analyst for ABC News, and the Lobo Institute's Co-founder.  Check our Eric's organization here: https://www.loboinstitute.org Today's Sponsors:

Our next speaker went from his childhood home in rural Idaho to serving and working in countries literally all over the world as both a member of the United States airforce and a medical ear nose and throat specialist.  This is Michelle Burk, and today on the “I AM IN” podcast, you will hear from Dr. Brian Affleck.  Brian grew up in Ammon, Idaho. He served a Spanish-speaking mission in Chicago, Illinois. He graduated from Brigham Young University with a bachelor's degree in microbiology. He attended medical school at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Science, F. Edward Hebert School of Medicine. After medical school, he began his surgical training at Travis Air Force Base in California. After a year of surgical training, he served in the Air Force as a Flight Surgeon for six years. During that time he deployed to multiple locations and participated in a variety of missions including combat sorties, humanitarian and medical support, and direct Presidential support for George W. Bush. He served as a Squadron Commander and Chief of the Medical Staff. He retired from the Air Force after 25 years of service to his country.After retirement, the Afflecks moved to La Grande, Oregon for two years and ultimately settled in Southwest Idaho now working at Saltzer Medical Group as an ENT. He practiced in Nampa for eight years and has recently moved to a new office in Meridian. Brother Affleck serves in the community as the Scoutmaster for Troop 888 in Meridian and has been heavily involved in scouting since he turned 18.Brian married Mary Webb and together they have five children and ten grandchildren. Brother Affleck has served in a multitude of callings including nursery, primary, young men's, bishopric, high council, and stake young men's president. He currently serves as the Primary Chorister in his ward. 

Dr. Born is a retired Brigadier General with 30 years of service in the United States Air Force. Prior to coming to Harvard she served two terms as the Dean of the Faculty at the United States Air Force Academy where she was also the Professor and Head of the Leadership Department. Previously, Dana served as an Exchange Officer with the Royal Australian Air Force, Assistant Director for the Secretary of Defense, Deputy Chief of the Personnel Issues Team for the Air Force, Aide and Speech Writer to the Secretary of the Air Force, and Squadron Commander for 11th Mission Support Squadron in Operation Enduring Freedom.A graduate with distinction of the United States Air Force Academy, Dr. Born received Penn State University's Alumni Fellow Award and Distinguished Alumni Award. Born is the recipient of the Air Force's Zuckert Award for Outstanding Management Achievement, Air Force Association's Vandenberg Award for outstanding contributions to Aerospace education, Air Force's Distinguished Service Medal, and Legion of Merit and Defense Meritorious Service Medal. She has also been honored with the Harvard Kennedy School Annual Dean's Teaching Awards as well as the Harvard Kennedy School of Government Innovation in Teaching Award. Dr. Born is a Distinguished Moral Leadership Fellow.

Segment I - I break down Crimson Vow's Spirit Squadron. I give my thoughts on the deck and the style of play I would use. Then add five cards and an honorable mention to help improve the deck. Segment II - Alchemy Format - I break down what the format is and isn't and share my thoughts on this new digital format. Segment III - Shout Outs! Looking for the best of the best, the cream of the crop and the crème de la crème. Announcement - The 75th Episode with a special guest, a Modern Master who is fishy! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/mtgectoplasm/support

Captain Will "Pyro" Dubois was a fighter pilot assigned to the 77th Fighter Squadron. On 1 December 2014 "Pyro" was lost in a mishap on a combat mission in support of Operation Inherent Resolve. This is a three part episode.Donate to Pyro's WingsPyro's WingsAIBPart I: The Accident Investigation ReportPart II: Matt "Blitz" Ayres was the 77th FS Commander and joins the podcastPart III: Former squadron members join the podcast to share stories about Pyrohttps://afterburnpodcast.com/Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-afterburn-podcast/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Here is my first Pink Panther roomie, Steve Jorgensen. Steve was a CS-36 Squadron Commander our Firstie year, lead the mass procurement event of Trans AM's our 2nd Class year, became an F-15 pilot in PACAF and left Active Duty for American Airlines where he flew for over 30 years. Now Steve occupies his time working with all types of railroads. He has great stories about skiing, flight physicals, and being a Pink.

This seminar takes place in the context of Ireland and Norway's 2021-22 membership of the UN Security Council. It seeks to provide national, regional and global outlooks that relate to national security, well-being and prosperity. While focusing on the three main institutions for peace and security – UN, EU and NATO – the panel of experts also offer national perspectives. The Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for Defence, Simon Coveney T.D., provides opening remarks at this seminar. The panel includes: Jacqui McCrum, Secretary General of the Department of Defence Ambassador Øystein Bø, Permanent Representative of Norway to NATO Lieutenant General Seán Clancy, Chief of Staff of the Defence Forces Dr Kari M. Osland, Senior Research Fellow for Peace, Conflict and Development at NUPI About the Speakers: Jacqui McCrum joined the Department of Defence as Secretary General in August 2020. Prior to that, she served as Deputy Secretary General in the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection. Previously, she was the Director General and Accounting Officer in the Office of the Ombudsman, Offices of the Information Commissioner and Commissioner for Environmental Information, among others. Ambassador Øystein Bø was appointed as Norway's Permanent Representative to NATO in 2018. Previously, he was a Senior Advisor in the Section for Security Policy and North America and served as State Secretary for the Norwegian Ministry of Defence from 2013. Lieutenant General Seán Clancy is the newly appointed Chief of Staff of the Defence Forces. Previously, he served as the Deputy Chief of Staff served in appointments including Squadron Commander, Chief of Air Staff Support in Air Corps Headquarters and Director of the Strategic Planning Branch on the Chief of Defence's Staff. Dr Kari Osland is a Senior Research Fellow in the Research Group for Peace, Conflict and Development at NUPI. Her work focuses predominancy on conflict dynamics, insurgencies, peace operations and peace building. Dr Osland has provided consultancy work to the UN, the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and to the Norwegian Policy Directorate. She has work experience in the Balkans, Afghanistan and in Africa (Niger, South Sudan, Sudan).

Today's guest on this bonus episode of the Danger Close Podcast is Brad Taylor. Brad Taylor served more than two decades in the U.S. Army before retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel. He held multiple positions, including Squadron Commander, in the 1st Special Forces Operational Detachment – Delta, more commonly referred to as Delta Force.  For more on this highly classified unit, see Wikipedia. Brad deployed to Afghanistan in the early days of the war and lead special operations forces in Iraq and other hot spots around the globe.   Today, Brad Taylor is a bestselling author who has written fifteen thrillers, including his 2011 breakout debut One Rough Man, and the latest in his Pike Logan series, American Traitor.  His sixteenth book in the series, End of Days, hits shelves in January and is now available for pre-order.  You can follow him on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @bradtaylorbooks. Presented by SIG Sauer.

Today's podcast is going to take on a slightly different format. I am going to have a discussion with a long-time friend and a retired US Air Force Colonel who served as a Vice Wing Commander, a flying Squadron Commander and is currently a major airline Captain. It will not be a “gotcha” type interview. It will be a respectful conversation on a topic we have slight disagreements on. We will discuss Policing in America and will include why an officer is always on guard, techniques to improve policing and how we can improve relations with the public to include training our young members of our society. Today's story time is about the friends you make in the military and the unmatched comradery and loyalty amongst us. This story is about a leader that directly affected my life when it counted and unexpectedly re-entered my life. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What do you do when your aircraft is hit by enemy fire over Baghdad and your control inputs no longer function? You have 20 seconds to figure it out or you'll be forced to eject over enemy territory. This week we hear Colonel Kim "KC" Campbell tell the tale of her harrowing mission in 2003. She learned a lot about herself that day. She faced her fear with courage. Listen in as we talk about confidence, perseverance, preparation, assertiveness and authenticity. Show notes: Colonel Kim “KC” Campbell served in the Air Force for 24 years as a fighter pilot and senior military leader. Kim is a keynote speaker sharing her story about a life changing combat experience while weaving in ideas and lessons about leadership, teamwork, perseverance, and decision making in stressful environments. Kim has flown 1,800 hours in the A-10 Warthog, including more than 100 combat missions protecting troops on the ground in both Iraq and Afghanistan. She is a distinguished graduate of the Air Force Academy and has a Master of Arts in International Security Studies and a Master of Business Administration from the University of London. She has served as a Squadron Commander, Operations Group Commander, Air Force Senior Fellow at the Atlantic Council, and Military Assistant to the Under Secretary of Defense for Policy in the Office of the Secretary of Defense. Most recently, Kim served as the Director for the Center for Character and Leadership Development at the United States Air Force Academy. In 2003, Colonel Campbell was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for Heroism after successfully recovering her battle damaged airplane after an intense close air support mission in Baghdad. https://www.linkedin.com/in/kim-kc-campbell/ https://twitter.com/kchawg987 https://www.athenasvoiceusa.com/kim-kc-campbell

Colonel Kim “KC” Campbell served in the Air Force for 24 years as a fighter pilot and senior military leader. Kim is a keynote speaker sharing her story about a life changing combat experience while weaving in ideas and lessons about leadership, teamwork, perseverance, and decision making in stressful environments. Kim has flown 1,800 hours in the A-10 Warthog, including more than 100 combat missions protecting troops on the ground in both Iraq and Afghanistan. She is a distinguished graduate of the Air Force Academy and has a Master of Arts in International Security Studies and a Master of Business Administration from the University of London. She has served as a Squadron Commander, Operations Group Commander, Air Force Senior Fellow at the Atlantic Council, and Military Assistant to the Under Secretary of Defense for Policy in the Office of the Secretary of Defense. Most recently, Kim served as the Director for the Center for Character and Leadership Development at the United States Air Force Academy. In 2003, Colonel Campbell was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for Heroism after successfully recovering her battle damaged airplane after an intense close air support mission in Baghdad. Let's Go!!

Meet my next guest Jennifer Rogers who is a Commanding Officer with a unique perspective. She is a University of Texas graduate who is hooking her Maintenance professionals by listening, holding high standards, and taking care of them. Listen to her Air Force journey that is deeply rooted in the family business. 

Court: Evangelists Don't Harass Complainers By Preaching, Governor Protects Women From 'Transg' Men Invading Bathrooms Get free alerts at http://PrayInJesusName.org​​​​​ (c) 2021, Chaplain Gordon James Klingenschmitt, PhD. Airs on NRB TV, Direct TV Ch.378, Roku, AppleTV, Amazon FireTV, AndroidTV, GoogleTV, Smart TV, iTunes and www.PrayInJesusName.org

Finishing up with the Teaching Moments based on John Kotter's book, Leading Change, I discuss the importance of a clear vision. Arguably the most important thing for an organization to have and be clear on, the vision is what guides and directs the actions of everyone from Squadron Commander down to the newest Airman. Knowing the mission goals and how your specific job fits into that vision is both empowering and reinforces the drive to always perform at our best.

The 325th Security Forces Squadron at Tyndall Airbase in Panama City, FL is the first to implement robotic dogs in patrolling. The Squadron Commander the base, Major Jordan Criss, & the CEO of Ghost Robotics, Jiren Parikh, share how their unusual collaboration came about, the behind the scenes of how the patrol dog was made, weaponization & hacking concerns, use cases, cost effectiveness & what they feel is most misunderstood about this kind of technology.Host:  www.meredithforreal.com | www.instagram.com/meredithforreal | meredith@meredithforreal.com | www.youtube.com/meredithforreal | www.facebook.com/meredithforrealthecuriousintrovertGuest: https://www.tyndall.af.mil/  |  https://www.facebook.com/325FWTyndall  |  https://twitter.com/TeamTyndall  | https://twitter.com/Ghost_Robotics  |  https://www.instagram.com/teamtyndall/  |  https://www.instagram.com/ghostrobotics/ Sponsors: https://uwf.edu/university-advancement/departments/historic-trust/ | https://itsyourmagazine.com/ | https://www.ensec.net/

Margaret “Peggy” Dennis Carnahan is retired from the U.S. Air Force and currently a Captain for NetJets. Peggy is a member of the 1980 U.S. Air Force Academy Class, the first to graduate women! She rose to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel, serving as an Air Force Instructor Pilot and Squadron Commander. Her awards include Air Training Command Master Instructor (1985) and Outstanding Young Women of America (1987). Peggy’s impressive bio is included at the end of this article.  Being the first in anything is rarely easy. Each career path comes with its own set of challenges and the Air Force is no exception. Today Peggy is considered a trailblazer for women military aviators, but it almost didn’t come to be. Very early on in her career she began to realize obstacles she would need to overcome if she was going to have any success at all. We’re sharing Peggy’s story with our readers as a testament to what can be achieved if one is willing to break barriers, from within and without.  Peggy, the sixth of seven children, grew up on a farm approximately 60 miles south of Chicago in a small town whose population was less than 3,000. Peggy was named after her grandmother Margaret, who passed away a few months before she was born. Her small town wasn’t big enough to have two “Margarets”, so she was given the nickname “Peggy”. Her father, an engineer and farmer, and her mother, a schoolteacher, set expectations for all of their children to attend college. Peggy’s brother who is five years older went to the Air Force Academy, and her sister, two years older than her, got a full Army ROTC scholarship to Arizona State.  As Peggy was exploring her options, she spoke with the local insurance agent, who was her dad’s high-school friend. He was a Colonel in the Air Force Reserve and a local Liaison Officer. Peggy vividly remembers stopping by to see him on a Friday to pick up a letter of recommendation for an ROTC scholarship. He asked her to look at the Air Force Academy as on option, as President Ford had recently signed a law abolishing the all male tradition in military service academies. The only catch was that she needed to give him an answer by Monday! She was 17 years old, and as one might expect from the forward thinking of a 17 year old, she decided that it would be a good idea. Why not! Besides, she had the thought that mountains are prettier than cornfields! And, one of her male high-school classmates was going to attend as well. She would have an ally, though in reality she rarely saw him.  Peggy struggled throughout her four years at the Air Force Academy, close to quitting several times. Eventually she realized she didn’t think beyond her decision to attend. Where were her four years going to take her? The Academy was challenging because of her mindset and lack of clarity. It took Peggy two years before she developed a mindset of “I want what this will give me; I want to be part of this group; I want these people to be my peers; I want to be one of them”. Today when she speaks with young people who are considering going into the Academy, she encourages them to consider what it will give them, and what their other options don’t, and to be sure that they want it!  When Peggy entered the Academy, she knew she was there because the initiative of having women was mandated by Congress, but hadn’t spent much time thinking about what she wanted from her time spent there – what her future would look like. Flying was not an option when she entered; there were no female pilots at the time. The Air Force was just starting to test that possibility. Looking back, Peggy realized that she was presented with an opportunity, and to fully benefit from this, she had to be willing to want what they had to offer and to get through it!  The whole emphasis in the Academy is teamwork. The basic training premise is to make the individual go away and build cadets back up as a member of a team where they are all the same. Competing against each other is a great way to fail. You can’t get through there by yourself. You do it as a team. You do it as a military unit. You have to take care of your roommate, you have to take care of people in your squadron, and you work together as a team. Because if you try to make it as an individual, you’re not going to make it.  Peggy was in awe with the other women. Coming from a fairly sheltered small town, she didn’t even have girl’s sports in high school until her sophomore or junior year and then they had no uniforms. The girls had to buy their own t-shirts and use masking tape to make numbers to create their own uniforms. Coming from that kind of environment, she met other women who were playing soccer since they were six years old. Peggy was astounded with the other women’s backgrounds and talents. She was surrounded by superstars and found it eye-opening and humbling!  Peggy’s roommate in her upper class years was Gwen Knuckles, the daughter of an Air Force Master Sergeant. She had traveled the world and lived overseas, a very different upbringing from Peggy. But that was not the only difference in the two women. While Peggy continued to struggle, Gwen was excelling and enjoying her time in the Academy. Gwen was bound and determined she was going to medical school. Her focus and positive outlook had a huge influence and impact on Peggy’s own focus and looking ahead to the future, in terms of where she was going and what she was going to do. In Peggy’s words, “She was a lifesaver for me.” In retrospect, Peggy realized that Gwen wanted to be there, did not complain, knew why she was there and where the Academy was going to get her, was clear on what she wanted to do, and more than anything, had a positive attitude. From that point forward, Peggy began looking at the positive side of things, and gravitated towards people with positive energy.  Gwen would go on to medical school and serve as a doctor in the Air Force. Peggy went into the Air Force flight school and began the next phase of her career – pilot training. At the time, there was a pilot shortage and women could officially go to pilot training, it was no longer a test program. There were only 26 women who were pilot qualified in her class, and they were still pretty much considered an oddity! Another factor in Peggy’s decision to go to pilot training was that her older brother did his pilot training five years earlier, and she wanted to show him that she could do it! Once in pilot training, Peggy’s mindset was one of determination and she knew what she had to do. She knew it would require a lot of work, concentration, and studying. And she was determined that if she didn’t make it, it wasn’t going to be for lack of effort on her part! She was not going to fail because she didn’t work hard enough. Positive mindset and focus! Peggy became the dedicated disciplined student she could have been previously, asking herself, “What can I really do?” She made sure she had set study time, sleep time, etc., making sure she did her part to ensure a successful outcome. And, in her words, “It turned out that I was actually kind of good at it and that I enjoyed it!” Peggy realized that the Air Force airplane recognizes talent. It doesn’t care who you are; it just cares about the skills of the pilot that has the controls.  Peggy excelled in pilot training and stayed on as an instructor. The program has changed quite a bit since then with technology and new aircraft. Then, it was a two-phase program where she flew T-37 for about six months and then flew the T-38 twin-engine tandem seat supersonic jet, which is still in use for pilot training.  One of the reasons Peggy wanted to remain as an instructor was because she felt strongly that the military would open up combat aircraft to women. And in 1993 Congress repealed the Combat Exclusion Law, but it took another year for the Air Force to allow women into combat cockpits. By that time, Peggy was considered too close to her retirement for the Air Force to consider her a candidate. Up until that point, the Air Force had severely restricted opportunities for women to have orientation flights in fighter aircraft. Peggy noted that this restriction significantly hampered her ability to counsel future pilots on career choices. When a four-star General visited her base and stated that he wanted more fighter pilots, Peggy asked, “If you want me to convince people to become fighter pilots, why am I not allowed to learn what that entails?” Right then and there, the General turned to the Colonel and said “Make it happen!”  Additionally, when women started looking for other ways to move their careers, Eileen Collins, the first woman to command a space shuttle, was the only female T-38 instructor on Peggy’s base, and Peggy was there!  Greatest Obstacles Peggy’s positive attitude has served her well, through a great career in aviation. One of the biggest obstacles she had to overcome was her own mindset. When she began, she didn’t think she was capable of some things, didn’t think she was good enough, didn’t think she had the potential, and would sell herself short. Additionally, she was raised thinking her options were to become a schoolteacher, nurse, or secretary. Peggy really shifted her trajectory with pilot training, where she decided she was going to put in her full effort and be as good as she could be. She knew she would either make it or not, and that it was up to her. She eliminated the thought that had crossed her mind many times – the thought that she is a woman and shouldn’t be there. Peggy shifted that by telling herself that she had every right to be there; every right to be like the others who were there. If she was not good enough it was not going to be because of her gender. Today, when Peggy looks back she realizes the societal changes and how opportunities have progressed for women. The mindset of women had also changed in how they view themselves, and women still have a ways to go. It takes several generations.  Peggy’s insights and perceptual filter shifts inspire and empower those following in her footsteps. She has trained many cadets and has helped them with their mindset – they are worthy and can be a great contributor to the Air Force, even if they are not the best graduate in their Academy class. She did it, and they can do it too! Peggy would not change a thing from her past experiences. They have all contributed to where she is today, and she is happy where she is.  Peggy’s guiding philosophy: “Stay optimistic; then your eyes stay open to opportunities. You’ll see the positive in the opportunities, and it’s up to you to act on it. You’re the one responsible.” “People can see and feel a positive attitude.” She shared the following from Colin Powell leadership lessons: “Optimism is a force multiplier.”  Peggy overcame obstacles and shifted her mindset to a positive one, and as a result, became a pilot trainer pioneer to pave the path for other women to have an opportunity to fly military aircraft for their country and is considered a “warrior” for women and their advancement. Additionally, because of her positive attitude, she has had incredible opportunities to witness some important events in history, such as the awarding of the Congressional Gold Medal to the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP), her mentors. In the course of her military and commercial flying careers, she has had the opportunity to brush shoulders with aviation legends such as General Chuck Yeager, as well as notable persons in the worlds of politics and entertainment.

My next guest leads one of the most diverse aircraft maintenance squadrons in the Air Force. Hailing from a small border town he shows respect and honor to his family by continuing a legacy of hard work, never forgetting where he came from.  Lieutenant Colonel Perez is a natural leader, how could he not with the support base he has. Both he and his wife serve and sacrifice in order to live this maintenance life. 

Our Deputy is one of the most unique Maintenance Officers I have ever met. His perspective can give insight into different ways to get things accomplished. He is a three time Squadron Commander, Kadena alumni, former professor, and most importantly a family man. 

Listen in as we turn the tables with our usual interview style. Lt Col Ballew takes over the interview to get some feedback from Lt Col Dibble on being a Squadron Commander.

The CEO Confidant – Angel Ribo pt 1In this day and time of COVID, many business owners, small, medium and large corporations, are facing unprecedented pressures and situations. Many have never planned for the things they are currently experiencing. You may be one of these businesses adversely impacted. Well, today’s program is especially for you.  Our guest today helps “C” level executives to make their businesses better, more profitable and more efficient. The information you will hear today can also be applied to just about any level of business. Maybe not directly, but at least indirectly. The information is applicable, actionable and, in this environment, very needful. Angel Ribo is a business consultant, International CEO, Philanthropist and the founder of “The CEO Confidant,” an organization that helps “C” level executives to become more aware of the implications of their business decisions and the decision making processes. First question I always start with is this. Other than that brief information I just shared, can you tell us in your own words, “Who is Angel Ribo?” You help a lot of high level executives in your business. I know this is a challenging area since many at this level are very guarded in how much they share with others. How have you been able to overcome this and gain the confidence of this, basically, closed-knit group? Do most of these executives come to you for help in increasing sales, increasing performance of staff, or other things? Can you give some examples? One saying I have seen you use, in some posts and some videos, is the phrase, “So What?”  I love how you use this to snap people into focusing on specifics. Can you give us some examples of how you use this? As a junior officer in the military, we had a Squadron Commander who was notorious for asking the hard questions. I actually learned a lot from him that I’ve continued to use in business, as a police officer supervisor and in the ministry. It involves asking detailed questions and not accepting general answers.  Folks, the information you heard today can impact your business, the business of someone you know or care about and it can impact your family and community as well. If you have a business, or if you know someone who has a business, give them Angel Ribo’s contact information. Share the link to this podcast episode with them. The information they receive may save their business.  CONTACT INFORMATION:Email:  angel@angelribo.com LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/angelribo/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/angelribo/) Support this podcast

A former squadron commander in the U.S. Airforce and former Lt. The Colonel who once served in the United States Pentagon joins us to share non-delusional fact-based reasons for HOPE. Text “Truth” to 918-552-5142 to Receive 38 Non-Delusional Reasons for Hope

Alex Lloyd interviews SAS veteran Bob Hunter. Life on the Line tracks down Australian military veterans and records their stories. The Season 4 finale is with Bob Hunter, a former Squadron Commander in the Special Air Service Regiment. Bob was in command the night of the 1996 Black Hawk disaster, where two helicopters collided, and 15 SASR and 3 Aviation Regiment soldiers lost their lives. Bob spoke to Alex Lloyd about his years with the Australian SAS, his Middle East and Bougainville deployments, and about SAS culture and leadership. This interview with Bob is the Season 4 finale. Life on the Line will return in 2021.

[39:00] Flying in a Grumman F14 Tomcat, a supersonic fighter aircraft at over 1500 mph (almost 2500 kph) in the middle of a conflict can certainly put one's communication and leadership skills to the ultimate test. A split second action, reaction or decision can mean the difference between life and death. It also makes for a great movie and we all know and love as Top Gun staring a very young Tom Cruise (a.k.a Maverick).   In this exciting and lighthearted episode Greg speaks with Dave "Bio" Baranek, former TopGun Flight Instructor, F-14 RIO (Radar Intercept Officer), TopGun Instructor and Squadron Commander. Bio shares his insights, stories, lessons and experiences, many taken from his new book, TomCAT Rio: A Topgun Instructor on the F-14 Tomcat and the Heroic Naval Aviators Who Flew It. He also contrasts it from his two previous books, Top Gun Days & Before Top Gun Days.   Top Gun fans will not be disappointed. You'll hear a little about the movie where as a young TopGun instructor, Bio and his colleagues acted as consultants on the film and actually flew in the planes. He'll contrast what really happened to Goose (Anthony Edwards) in the movie; how it was written for Hollywood and how it can happen and be avoided in the real world.   Bio tells great stories that offer up a number of life and leadership lessons that can apply to anyone. He also opens up about some of his challenges, sharing how he handled the real life  "Danger Zone," mistakes he and others made and how had to learn to deal with what he referred to as his "Deadly Foe," called complacency...and more.   Dave “Bio” Baranek retired from the United States Navy in 1999 after successful and satisfying twenty-year career. He's now a defence contractor and author living in Satellite Beach, Florida. To get his bio and more about Bio, see more pictures or read more flying stories, visit www.TopgunBio.com.   TomCAT Rio is published by Skyhorse Publishing (208 pages including: large pictures and a 10-page glossary). It's available as a hard cover or Kindle e-book. You can find it along with Baranek's other books on Amazon and at Barnes & Noble.    PS. If you end up having Kenny Loggins' Danger Zone spinning in your head as you listen to the interview, don't fret, it's happened to all of us.   Headshot photo credit: Nicki Hovanec

Welcome back to another episode of

TREMBLE by Dana Duthie North Korea is at it again. Kim Jong Un raids and kills several UN weapons inspectors and holds three others hostage at one of his suspected nuclear sites. The U.S. unilaterally mounts a SEAL Team raid to rescue the hostages while simultaneously launching a massive air attack to destroy the facility. The U.S. and South Korean presidents play “tit for tat” trying to resolve a major upheaval in Seoul. Brad Mitchell, the 80th Squadron Commander is shot down and rescued by the SEALS. They make their way through the jungle to escape, though without the hostages. Things ease back to normal - as normal as can be on the Korean peninsula. Colonel Dana Duthie’s career as an Air Force fighter pilot is the basis for many of the experiences in his books. His Air Force career spanned 24 years, from pilot training in Georgia and instructor in Texas to the skies over Southeast Asia, and from flying the F-4 phantom in Germany to the F-16 Falcon in South Carolina, Korea and Germany. The theme of “Phantoms of the Shah” spawned from his tour with the 10th Tactical Fighter Squadron in Germany flying the F-4 during 1975-79. “Tremble” is based in South Korea where Duthie was a squadron commander of the 80th Fighter Squadron flying the F-16 in 1985/6. “Dark Rain” dwells on the twilight of the hero’s career as a Colonel in the Air Force and it has bits and pieces of Duthie’s total experiences as an Air Force fighter pilot. Colonel Duthie also “paid his dues” with three headquarters assignments and professional schooling. He retired from the Air Force in 1992. He lives in Broomfield and Steamboat Springs, Colorado with his wife. They have two children and three grandchildren nearby. One of their grandsons is currently assigned to the USS Carl Vinson, nuclear aircraft carrier in the Pacific. https://www.amazon.com/Tremble-Dana-Duthie/dp/1648583814/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=dana+duthie&qid=1597188320&sr=8-2 www.danaduthiebooks.com http://www.bluefunkbroadcasting.com/root/twia/daduthie2.mp3

Today I’m joined by Randy Hetrick — the Founder and CEO of TRX.    In today’s episode, we discuss Randy’s journey from Navy SEAL to inventing the TRX suspension trainer. The company’s “triple threat” of innovative products, professional education, and fitness content. And why Randy believes TRX represents a more accessible approach to exercise than more expensive connective fitness options.    About Randy    Randy Hetrick is the founder and CEO of TRX Training, one of the world’s leading fitness brands. After graduating from USC, Randy attended BUD/S and began a 14-year career as a Navy SEAL. He completed multiple deployments, and his operational career culminated as a Squadron Commander of the SEAL’s elite special missions unit where he was tasked with leading the nation’s most crucial special operations missions. While on one deployment in Southeast Asia, Randy created the Suspension Trainer®–perhaps the most prolific piece of exercise equipment in history and later the first TRX product.   In addition to his role at TRX, Randy is also an investor and advisor to early-stage businesses, a speaker to organizations around the world, and a regular lecturer on leadership and entrepreneurship at his alma maters (USC & Stanford).    More from Fitt Insider    Fitt Insider is a weekly newsletter and podcast about the business of fitness and wellness.    From product launches and funding news to game-changing innovation, Fitt Insider provides listeners with insights and analysis on this ever-evolving industry.    Join your peers and colleagues from companies like Equinox, Apple, Peloton, Goldman Sachs, Nike, and ClassPass by subscribing.     Website:  http://insider.fitt.co

Thank you for listening!  Please, consider sharing and subscribing. Bio from the Stanford Graduate School of Business' website:  "Randy Hetrick is the founder and CEO of TRX Training, one of the world's leading fitness brands. After graduating from USC in 1987, Randy attended BUD/S and began a 14-year career as a Navy SEAL. He completed multiple deployments, and his operational career culminated as a Squadron Commander of the SEAL's elite special missions unit where was tasked with leading the nation's most crucial special operations missions. While on one deployment in Southeast Asia, Randy created the Suspension Trainer®–perhaps the most prolific piece of exercise equipment in history and later the first TRX product."  -Stanford.edu More on today's guest: In addition to his role as Co-Chairman of TRX, Randy is also an investor & advisor to early-stage businesses; is a speaker to organizations around the world, and a regular lecturer on leadership & entrepreneurship at his alma maters (USC & Stanford); and is working on his first book, a survival guide for entrepreneurs. Watch this interview on YouTube to see the original TRX band!   Follow Randy on Instagram: @randyhetrick Follow Jonathan on Instagram: @hearthealthyhustle

Kim Campbell is a fierce warrior in every aspect of her life. I am still in awe from our conversation.    Most widely recognized for her combat experience in Operation Iraqi Freedom, Kim “Killer Chick” (KC) Campbell received the Distinguished Flying Cross for Heroism when the airplane she was flying while supporting ground troops was hit with a  surface to air missile. She was able to successfully save her wounded A-10 aircraft and recover back to base, a daring feat only accomplished successfully  once before.    Kim is a distinguished graduate from the United States Air Force Academy. She is a Marshall Scholar with two master's degrees, one in business administration from the University of London, and one in international security studies from the University of Reading, England.  She has served as a Squadron Commander, Operations Group Commander, Air Force Senior Fellow at the Atlantic Council, and Military Assistant to the Under  Secretary of Defense for Policy in the Office of the Secretary of Defense. She is a  command pilot with 1,800 hours in the A10, including 375 combat hours. She has  flown combat missions in Operation Southern Watch, Enduring Freedom, and Iraqi  Freedom.  Kim is still serving in the Air Force, currently assigned to the United States Air Force Academy as the Chair, Airpower Innovation & Integration, Department of Military and Strategic Studies. She is married to Colonel Scott Campbell and has two sons.   

On this edition of “A Space Pro”, I interview Lt Col Robert “Mutha” Folker, the 7th Intelligence squadron squadron commander. The 7th intelligence squadron falls under 16th Air Force and the 70th ISRW. In this interview we hear the insights from a career intelligence officer on how the USSF could organize its intelligence professionals. He highlights a prescription to ensure intelligence is at the forefront of the service. A space pro podcast covers topics from military, industry, civil and education sectors. To gain a better understanding of what the US Space Force is all about and why it is a critical component to our National Security, please go to www.ussfa.org and sign up for updates on all topics related to our newest military service. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/a-space-pro/support

This ANZAC Day is unlike any other. In this special episode a collection of Australian veterans offer their perspective and reflections on service and ANZAC Day. Lest we forget.   Intelligence Summary (INTSUM)  01:00- The ANZAC Dedication: "They have not died in vain....."  02:06- Introduction and context by Ben and Tim  05:00- Colonel Matt .... former Army mechanic, SAS soldier, SAS officer and Commando Regiment Commanding Officer  09:00- Mark Wales ..... former SAS Troop Commander   11:30- Monika Georgieva ..... former Infantry Platoon Commander  13:29- Matt Cross ..... former Infantry Officer  15:50- Poem .....  "Old Soldiers Never Die" by George Mansford ... recited by Rob Redenbach  17:40- Ben Pronk ..... former SAS Commanding Officer  23:00- Col Busby ….. former SAS Regimental Sergeant Major  28:00- Peter Tinley …. Former SAS Operations Officer and Squadron Commander  33:00- Andrew Hastie …. Former SAS Troop Commander  37:20- Luke Gosling ….. Former Infantry Officer  42:20- Vince Connelly …. Former Infantry Officer  46:00- Phil Hayes St Clair …. How Army life shaped Phil  47:20- Viv Blycha …  Logistics Officer  51:10- Cameron Smith …. Former Commando Troop Commander  54:00- Bruce McLennan … Former SAS Squadron Sergeant Major  59:10- Tim Curtis ….. Former SAS Squadron Commander  1:03:00- Daniel Jackson …. Former Royal Australian Navy Clearance Diver  1:08:52- Ian Young ….. Former SAS Squadron Commander  1:09:00- Lachlan Burg …. Former Artillery Officer  1:13:25- Sarah Watson …. Former Intelligence Officer  1:16:00- Simon Hawken …. Former Infantry Senior Non-Commissioned Officer  1:19:34- Final Comments from Ben and Tim ... and introducing the Ode  1:20:00- The Ode… read by Col Busby (ex SAS Regimental Sergeant Major)  1:21:45- The SAS Roll of Honour … read by Col Busby (ex SAS Regimental Sergeant Major)   Music 'Getting Away with It (All Messed Up)' … played by the SAS Band ‘Tongue Charge' ... played live in Afghanistan (with backing vocals by Angry Anderson)      

In this episode of Office Call, Maj Nesta Garner is joined by Lt Col John Forbes, Commander, 27th Special Operations Comptroller Squadron, Cannon AFB, New Mexico. The two discuss the Virtual Comptroller Squadron Commander’s Course.

You may have caught Randy on How I Built This with Guy Raz. In this interview, we take a different direction and dig into the early experiences that laid the foundation for Randy’s future success. Randy is the founder and CEO of TRX, the human performance and training company. After rowing at USC where he studied history and martial arts, he had a 14-year career in the Navy as an officer, SEAL Operator and Squadron Commander of the SEALs Special Missions Unit. Following that, he got his MBA at Stanford’s Graduate School of Business where he invented the TRX Suspension Trainer.  I met Randy in the mid 2000s and wrote about him and the TRX suspension trainer for Outside magazine. It struck me as a revolutionary way to train and a hell of a good idea. I ended up leaving journalism to go work for Randy and had a front-row seat as the company skyrocketed from a startup to a global business with over $50 million in annual revenue. TRX gear and training programs are widely used in the military, in gyms, and by pretty much every pro sports team on the planet. If you dig this episode, please share it with a friend, hit subscribe and rate the show. Go to www.choosethehardway.com to sign up for The Hard Way newsletter and get cool stuff worth knowing + updates on new episodes.

Lieutenant General William G. Boykin, a native of North Carolina, was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant in the Infantry from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University in 1971. His early assignments in conventional units included the 2nd Armored Division, the 101st Airborne Division, and as a company commander in the 24h Infantry Division (Mechanized). Special Operations assignments included positions as: A Platoon Leader and then the Company Executive Officer in 1st Battalion (Ranger) 75th Infantry, Fort Stewart, Georgia; Branch Chief at the Florida Ranger School, Eglin, Florida; and Director for Operations at the Joint Special Operations Command, Fort Bragg, North Carolina. Additionally, LTG Boykin has served a total of thirteen years in the Special Forces Operational Detachment - Delta, as a Detachment Commander, Staff Officer, Squadron Commander (twice), the Deputy Commander, and finally, as the Commander. In 1994, LTG Boykin was assigned to Washington, D.C. and the Pentagon as the Chief, Special Operations Division, Office of the Joint Chiefs of Staff followed by a posting to the Central Intelligence Agency as the Deputy Director of Special Activities and promotion to the rank of Brigadier General. Next, he was assigned to the Army Staff as the Deputy Director for Operations, Readiness, and Mobilization. In 1998, LTG Boykin was assigned to Fort Bragg, North Carolina as the Commanding General, United States Army Special Forces Command. In 2000, he was assigned as the Commanding General, United States Army John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center, Fort Bragg, North Carolina. In 2003, following the creation of the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence, LTG Boykin was assigned as the Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence in charge of Intelligence and Warfighting Support. LTG Boykin earned a Bachelors of Science Degree from Virginia Tech University in education and a Masters Degree from Shippensburg University in Public Administration. He attended the Armed Forces Staff College and the Army War College. Some of LTG Boykin's badges include: the Master Parachutist Badge, the Ranger Tab, and the Special Forces Tab. LTG Boykin is a combat veteran who has participated in numerous operations; some of which include the Iranian Hostage Rescue Mission, Granada, Panama, and with Task Force Ranger in Mogadishu, Somalia. Some of LTG Boykin's awards include the Distinguished Service Medal, Defense Superior Service Medal (with 3 Oak Leaf Clusters), Legion of Merit (with Oak Leaf Cluster), Bronze Star Medal, Air Medal, and the Purple Heart (with Oak Leaf Cluster). Recently, LTG Boykin was the Wheat Professor of Leadership Studies at Hampden- Sydney College in Farmville, Virginia. Currently, he is the Executive Vice President of Family Research Council. He is married to the former Ashley Steele of Darien, Connecticut, and they have five children between them. Get your copy of Never Surrender Boots on the Ground: You need to have a battle buddy! Someone you can confess your sins to, call at 2am, you would take into the dark alley, and someone you meet with once a week. www.meninthearena.org Men in the Arena Books and Swag Support the Podcast The online Men in the Arena forum  

There's a famous expression, "When one door closes, another one opens". That's certainly been my experience, although it didn't always look rosy when I was in the middle of a situation. I was furloughed from United on April 1, 1981 (April Fool's Day). It was just after midnight, and I turned in my cockpit key, my company ID, and my flight manuals, and I was unemployed. Job prospects were miserable. The only pilots who had gotten work were the ones who were furloughed first. We had to sell our home, and moved out on our wedding anniversary. It was tough. A door had closed. Through networking, I had gotten in touch with another furloughed pilot and heard that Lockheed was hiring. I interviewed and was hired for a job no one could tell me about until I had a security clearance. So I dutifully went into work every day and sat in a processing office waiting for my security clearance to come through. And I waited. Although I was getting paid - about the same as what I made at United - I hated the one-hour drive in California traffic, and I missed flying. One day I came across an article in the Air Force Times about the Palace Recall Program, and I called the number listed. I told the person that I had left the Air Force almost four years earlier, and I was interested in geetting back in. He said, "You're not going to get in unless you're a fighter pilot". I said I was, and he let me apply. A total of 246 officers applied for the program, and 13 were accepted. I was one of them. I ended up flying for the entire time I was furloughed, earned the Tactical Air Command Instructor Pilot of the Year Award, and eventually became a Squadron Commander. It was great, and it wouldn't have happened if I hadn't been furloughed. A door had opened. I've found this "door closes-door opens" numerous times in my career.

Col. William "Greg" Gregory served in the U.S. Army Air Corps and saw extensive combat over North Africa and Europe during World War 2.When the Air Force was created he continued his role as a pilot and eventually became part of the clandestine U-2 spy plane program, rising to the position of squadron commander. It was his squadron that flew many of the spy missions over Cuba during the Cuban Missile Crisis.He was later awarded a medal by the CIA for his service, as well as a letter of appreciation by President Kennedy.However…before we start I have to thank our fans who are helping the podcast financially.So how do you join this select band? Well sign up to Patreon for the price of a couple of coffees a month you help to cover the show’s increasing costs and keep us on the air, plus you get the sought after CWC coaster too.Just go to Patreon.com/coldwarpodToday’s episode is brought in conjunction with The Cold War Museum and I’m delighted to welcome Col William Gregory to Cold War Conversations.It was such an honour to speak to Greg and hear first-hand from someone so deeply involved in the Cuban Missile Crisis. Thanks again to the Cold War Museum for arranging the conversation.If you’d like to learn more then head over to our show notes which are at coldwarconversations.com/episode80 or will show as a link in some podcast apps. The show notes also have some videos relating to thisSupport the show (https://www.patreon.com/coldwarpod)

The Learning Leader Show With Ryan Hawk #313 - Listener Supported (Q & A) Episode -- Build Confidence Like Beyonce, How To Ask The Right Questions, & When To Make A Job Change Full show notes can be found at www.LearningLeader.com Notes: Leaders who sustain excellence = Have a mindset of growth They assume they have so much to learn Question from Ed Arnston -- Lt. Col in The United States Army -- "All of your guests are excellent and offer a lot of wisdom, but as you've done more than 300, what are the top 5 in power rankings of guests on your show? Kat Cole - Courage & Confidence + Curiosity & Humility George Raveling - The curiosity of a 5 year old, he is a learning machine Brian Koppelman - Follow your curiosity and obsessions with great rigor Jim Collins - Who is YOUR WHO? General Stan McChrystal - “Your character is something you can control.  You can decide what your character is.  Nobody can take it from you.” Questions from CaSaundra Garber -- Technical Project Manager, Portland, Oregon -- Who have you always wanted to have on your podcast that you haven't made happen yet?  Reading The Alliance, what are your thoughts on it? Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, Oprah, a panel with Aaron Rodgers, Peyton Manning, Tom Brady "You are the sum of your experiences."  A lot of the learnings of my life have come from the great coaches I've played for in my life. One of the biggest parts of The Alliance is the idea of doing "a tour of duty."  Changing jobs and learning new skills and the benefits of it.  Tour of duty = What do you want to learn and gain in this specific area of business?  Don't get a job just to have a job, take a job that will give you a tour where you come out of it in a planed time frame and you've learned something new. --> David Epstein writes about this in Range and on THIS episode.  People that earn roles in the C-suite have a variety of roles on their way to that position.  Open your mind more to take on a role that is currently completely outside of what you do.  This also helps you walk a mile in the shoes of others and creates compassion/empathy. Question from Daniel Jellings -- Manager Local Government, Adelaide, Australia -- Career has been linear, regular promotions along the way, became a manager about five years ago.  What are your thoughts on proactively exploring other roles that are outside of my current skill set (that could be a side step) in order to eventually become a General Manager? Learn as much as possible about the people you may go work with... Try as best you can to simulate what it will be like to work with those people. "You have to mow the grass in both places."  There are a lot of advantages to seeking opportunities that force you to stretch and learn.  They are initially uncomfortable.  "If you want something extraordinary to happen to you, you're going to have to take a an uncomfortable risk in every dimension of your life." -- Scott Galloway Question from Ryan Ogle -- Championship Director for PGA of America, Bend Harbor, Michigan -- What is your current morning and evening routine?  What is your process for utilizing a daily journal? Wake up at 4:45 -- Drink water, stretch, read, journal, workout, breakfast with family, drive daughters to school, work.  When finishing manuscript, I wrote a lot during the early hours of the day.  At night, I like to read out of books (Kindle in the morning and at the gym). Discussed my preparation process for a podcast. A daily journal is helpful to remind yourself of your mindset at that particular time of your life.  It helps you remember what it was really like at that time.  And why I use technology (instead of paper and pencil) to write in my journal. Why I'm fascinated by The Wright Brothers... -- "If you're trying to do something of significance, you will have people who question you, who may think you're nuts." Question from Andrew (Opie) Brodbeck -- Former professional baseball player, Clearwater, Florida  -- What skills from playing football helped you in your business life off the field?  Took a personality test and didn't pass it based on the company feedback?  How to deal with that and develop confidence in yourself in something off the field?  How to lead a dysfunctional team that lacks trust (Chelsea)? It's important to properly set your expectations and realize you'll never get the rush of playing in front of 105,000 people again. Some of the skills that translated: How to prepare, how to deal with adversity, how to be resilient, how to develop the willingness to work... I was able to share what I learned from the best coaches.  Showing that you're coachable.  you must be coachable to learn something new.  Being comfortable with a daily scoreboard (which we had in a sales environment).  On the first day of employment, I asked the VP, "who's the best?"  And then shadowed that person. Confidence -- How to build it like Beyonce?  "Confidence is built through a series of successful events in your life."  Those successful events were built through preparation.  Run a success autopsy -- Why did we win?  Why did it go well?  Create momentum in your life.  Create success in multiple life categories -- Those people take their framework wherever they go to create success.  No only means "not yet." Read Pat Lencioni's work on the dysfunction of a team Question from Lizzie Merritt-- Manager/Leader, Jacksonville, Florida. (and member of my Leadership Circle)  --The quality of your leadership depends on the quality of your questions. I imagine there are plenty of examples of massive failures that can be traced back to a leader not asking the right questions.While this concept is simple on the surface, it gets tougher in practice.  As a leader, how do you respond with questions instead of answers?  How do you know the right questions to ask? Leading with questions -- As a new manager, you may have the need to "always have the answers."  As you develop more wisdom and confidence, you'll stop doing this.  The greatest mentors in our lives are the ones who don't give the answers, they are the ones who help me figure out the answers.  They ask the poignant questions to help me figure it out.  The first questions are good, but the best questions are the follow ups.  Listen, distill, synthesize, ask more, then go deeper....  Don't script questions, but prepare with notes on that person and what they're doing, be an active listener (think like a trampoline)... Write down the qualities of leaders you admire, like, look up to, and write down the qualities of the leaders you feel the opposite about.  Review it regularly... Dealing in uncomfortable conversations -- Crucial Conversations (book).  It should never be a surprised when giving someone bad news about their performance.  The feedback should be happening on a regular basis.  "It is in our best interest for you to improve."  Kim Scott's book Radical Candor  "It's a lot harder when you care" -- "Because I care about you, I need to tell you something difficult." Question from Eric Liddic-- Print broker, Dayton, Ohio -- What advice would you give to someone who hasn't sold in the past, but needs to sell now? Great sales people: are fantastic listeners, they care, and they try to help.  Read Dan Pink's book To Sell Is Human Analyze why you've won each deal in the past.  Understand how you can replicate that. Create a reason for people to call you (put useful material out in the world: podcast, blog, do a project for free) Why Joe Girard was the greatest car sales professional of all time -- "If you get a lemon, it gives me the opportunity to show off." Question from Marietta Sanders -- Lt. Colonel, Squadron Commander, US Air Force, stationed in United Arab Emirates -- What are the common areas you see the best leaders focus on within their businesses? The WHO -- Who will you surround yourself with?  The WHO is the biggest determining factor in your long term success.  Consistently surround yourself by people who are smarter than you. Great leaders have an ability to help "see around the corners."  They share their vision to make their followers feel better about where they're going.  They have vision. Great communication skill -- You have regular moments where you need to share the vision with vivid clarity.   How to attract and retain top talent -- When someone is looking outside of your organization for another job is because those people don't have clarity of their future within your organization.  The leader's job is to provide clarity for the people that they lead.  Great leaders are always on the look out for compelling stories... Then taking the story, distilling it to it's essence (the core themes), and then relating it to my specific role (the "what's in it for me?" OR "why should I care?")

Think of the organizations with which you've been a part - were they filled with mostly good people - but the results just didn't match the organization's potential? That sums up the results from my first medical center crew: I was failing as a leader. My crew was uninspired, not making progress, didn't work together - I could go on - it was NOT pretty! I searched for a solution - I tried books, courses, & workshops - they all told me WHAT a good leader should be. Most of them provided lists of things that sounded great! But…as I tried to put their lessons to use, I became even MORE frustrated! Until I had a crazy thought (inspired by my time as an Air Force flyer), “Could there be something similar in getting an aircraft or organization “off the ground” & to its desired destination?” That crazy thought became an epiphany that resulted in the tools we use to help good people become great leaders by showing them not just what but HOW! Let's go back to those organizations with which you've been a part. What could they have accomplished if…every leader…had been: Competent, Compassionate, & Collaborated to achieve the desired vision?  Is it possible: Productivity would have greatly improved, Turnover would have been reduced & the entire crew would have looked forward to Monday! Now, imagine what your life would be like, how would you feel, when this describes the results in YOUR organization…Pretty great, right?  As the Executive's Ally, I have a system - built, tested, & refined in the “trenches” of the greatest leadership laboratory - that helps leaders of leaders achieve awesome results by turning: Goals, Dreams, Big Visions and Big Purpose into Reality.  Are you one of these leaders? Are you committed to TRUE excellence? Do you want to UNLEASH the potential in your entire team? If so, don't do it alone. Find a coach who can help you get where you want to go.  Be overjoyed when you find your organization filled with an entire team of Competent, Compassionate, and Collaborative leaders!  Ken is a retired United States Air Force Lt Colonel and has extensive experience in leadership and management.  He worked for decades in the business environment, healthcare sector, and spent many years in the military as a flyer and Squadron Commander. Ken has worked with the United States Military, the American College of Healthcare Executives, Johnson & Johnson, colleges/universities, and many others.  Ken earned a Bachelor's in Health Policy Administration from Penn State, a Master's in Business with an emphasis on Management at the University of Northern Colorado; plus, he is a Board Certified Healthcare Executive (CHE) and Certified Leader Coach (CLdrC). 

George E. Hardy in March 1943, at the age of 17, passed the written and physical examinations for the US Army Aviation Cadet program.  In July 1943 he was called to active duty and sent to Keesler Army Air Field, Biloxi, Mississippi, for basic training.  In September 1943 he was assigned to the 320th College Training Detachment at Tuskegee Institute in Alabama.  His group was scheduled to take college-level courses, at Tuskegee Institute, for a period of five months. This training was cut short in the beginning of December, as his group was transferred to Tuskegee Army Air Field (TAAF) for Aviation Cadet training, as part of Class 44-H.  In September 1944 he graduated as a single-engine pilot and was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Army. In November he was transferred to Walterboro AAF in South Carolina for combat flying training in P-47 aircraft.  This combat flying training was completed in early February 1945, and he was shipped overseas to Italy.  In Italy, he was assigned to the 99th Fighter Squadron, 332nd Fighter Group, where he flew 21 combat missions over Germany in P-51 aircraft.  Those missions were mainly high-altitude escort missions of heavy bombers, but many of the missions also included strafing of ground targets.  He returned from Italy in August 1945 and served at TAAF, until it closed in the summer of 1946.  In July 1946 he was transferred to Lockbourne AAF, Ohio where he was assigned to the 99th Fighter Squadron, flying P-47 aircraft. He was discharged from active duty in November 1946. He attended New York University, School of Engineering, in the Bronx, from September 1947 to May 1948. He was recalled to active duty at Lockbourne Air Force Base (LAFB), Ohio, in June 1948.  He was assigned to the 301st Fighter Squadron, 332nd Fighter Group, flying P-47 aircraft.  In September 1948 he was reassigned as a student in the Airborne Electronics Maintenance Officers Course at Keesler AFB, Mississippi.  The course of study covered radar and long-range navigational equipment on fighter and bomber aircraft.  He graduated in August 1949.  In July 1949 the USAF instituted racial integration and personnel at Lockbourne AFB were reassigned to Air Force bases worldwide.  After graduation in August 1949, he was transferred to the 19th Bomb Group (B-29 Aircraft) on the island of Guam. He was further assigned to the 28th Bomb Squadron as a maintenance officer. His primary job was supervising about 25 airmen in maintenance of electronic equipment on the assigned aircraft.  As a pilot he was also required to fly and was assigned as a copilot on a B-29 aircrew.  The Korean War started 25 June 1950, and the 19th Bomb Group was transferred to Kadena Air Base, Okinawa. He flew 45 combat missions over Korea in the B-29 aircraft. In March 1951 he returned to the states and was assigned to 6th Bomb Wing, at Walker AFB in New Mexico, as a maintenance officer. In June 1951 he was transferred to Lowry AFB, Denver, Colorado for seven months training as an Armament Systems maintenance officer, specifically on B-36 aircraft.  The B-36 aircraft was the largest aircraft in the Air Force, capable of intercontinental bombing missions without refueling.  The armament systems field included not only the electronic navigational and bombing systems but also included the retractable gun turrets and maintenance and loading of the bomb bays.  After the training at Lowry he was transferred back to Walker AFB and in December 1952 he was transferred to Carswell AFB, Ft Worth, Texas. He became part of the 42nd Bomb Wing (B-36 aircraft) and in March 1953 the wing was transferred to Limestone AFB, Maine. He served as a maintenance officer in the 42nd Armament and Electronics Maintenance Squadron (AEMS), until August 1955. In August 1955 he transferred to the United States Air Force Institute of Technology at Wright Patterson AFB, Dayton Ohio.  He entered the undergraduate engineering program and in August 1957, received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Electrical Engineering. In September 1957 he was assigned to the 3rd AEMS, 3rd Bomb Wing (B- 57, Canberra aircraft) at Johnson Air Base, Japan.  He was soon assigned as Maintenance Supervisor, a position he held for almost 3 years. The 3rd Bomb Wing  areas of operations were in Japan, Korea and Okinawa. He became jet-qualified as a pilot and in 1959 he received the aerial rating of Command Pilot. In June 1960 he was promoted to the grade of Major. In November 1960 he transferred to Plattsburgh AFB, New York.  He was assigned as Squadron Commander of the 4108th AEMS, in the 4108th Air Refueling Wing (KC–97aircraft).  In the second half of 1962 his squadron held the 8th Air Force trophy for best AEMS squadron.  In November 1962 he was notified by the Air Force Institute of Technology of his eligibility to apply for a new graduate level systems engineering course specializing in reliability engineering.  He applied for the course and was reassigned, in January 1963, to the USAF Institute of Technology, at Wright Patterson AFB, Dayton Ohio.  In August 1964 he graduated with a Master of Science Degree in Systems Engineering - Reliability. In September 1964 he was assigned to the Electronic Systems Division of Air Force Systems Command, at  Hanscom  AFB, Massachusetts.  In 1965 he received his promotion to the grade of Lt. Col.  In August 1966 he was assigned as Chief of Engineering and Program Manager, for the Development, Installation and Cutover of the 490L Overseas AUTOVON (AUTOmatic VOice Network) Communications Switches, part of the Department of Defense first worldwide direct dial telephone system.  The AUTOVON services within the continental United States was provided by the various telephone companies.  With completion of the overseas switches, the Department of Defense and other government agencies would have almost worldwide, direct dial telephone access.  The initial sites in Europe, Panama and the Pacific were successfully cut over in 1969. At the end of 1969 he received notice of a flying assignment in Vietnam and was provided with refresher flight training as an AC-119K Gunship Aircraft Commander. He was assigned to the 18th Special Operations Squadron at Phan Rang Air Base in Vietnam in April 1970.  Although the squadron headquarters was at Phan Rang Air Base, the aircraft were located at two operating locations, one at Udorn Air Base, in Thailand, and the other at DaNang Air Base in Vietnam.  He was assigned as the Operating Location Commander at Udorn Air Base, Thailand through August 1970.  Missions were flown at night over northern Laos searching for truck traffic from North Vietnam.  In September 1970 he was transferred to DaNang Air Base in Vietnam as Operating Location Commander.  Missions were flown at night over central portions of Laos looking for truck traffic from North Vietnam.  He flew 70 combat missions before returning to the states in April 1971. In May of 1971 he  was assigned to the Inspector General's office at Air Force Systems Command,  Andrews AFB in Maryland.  He served in the IG's office until November 1971 when he retired with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. His decorations include the Distinguished Flying Cross with Valor, the Air Medal with eleven (11) Oak Leaf Clusters, and the Commendation Medal with one Oak Leaf Cluster.  

Chuck’s aviation career is the result of a life-long interest in aviation, which was made stronger as his father - an Air Force pilot in three wars - took him to countless air shows where he watched the Thunderbirds and Blue Angels perform.  This led to enrollment in USAF ROTC at the Citadel and a subsequent pilot slot.  He brought the discipline he learned at the Citadel into his Air Force flight training and graduated near the top of his class.  As a result of his performance in Undergraduate Pilot Training, he was selected by the Air Training Command as an Air Force instructor pilot.  He excelled in this role and was offered a position as a career trainer, which he gladly accepted.  Chuck spent the next 24 years educating and training pilots, serving in various capacities including Standardization/Evaluation Chief Spin Pilot, Squadron Commander, Air Operations Inspector and Director of Operations/Training for the Civil Air Patrol.  Throughout his career, he helped Air Force pilots improve their skills.  Chuck retired from the Air Force in 2000 with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. After military retirement, he turned his attention to general aviation (GA) where he found a huge discrepancy between the training and proficiency the Air Force offered and what was present in GA. This began his quest to bring GA training closer to the level offered by the military and the airlines through improved standardization and proficiency training.  Since 2000, he has maintained this focus on providing quality GA flight instruction. Chuck has influence well beyond the borders of the United States.  As a Platinum Cirrus Instructor Pilot, he helps with ground and flight training internationally through the Cirrus Owners and Pilots Association Foundation’s Cirrus Pilot Proficiency Program.  As a result of these efforts, owners and renters enhance their knowledge, proficiency, and safety in technologically advanced aircraft, making them more professional pilots. As co-founder and Chief Instructor of Independence Aviation (IA), Chuck helped craft a unique and effective environment that emphasizes high-quality training in technologically advance aircraft and which fosters proficiency, safety, and fun in aviation.  Since 2007, he helped grow the business from three instructors and two airplanes to more than 18 instructors and 13 aircraft with a strong base of loyal clientele. Chuck was named Chief Instructor Emeritus in acknowledgement of his many outstanding accomplishments as Chief Instructor at IA.

Lee Ellis was on his first Air Force assignment, flying an F-4C aircraft out of Danang, South Vietnam, when he was forced to eject over Dong Hoi and captured. He endured 5 1/2 years as a Prisoner of War (POW) in the infamous Hoa Loa prison, nicknamed the Hanoi Hilton. It was during that incarceration, in the crucible of leadership, that he learned the lessons that guided him through the rest of his career and his life. After repatriation, he returned to flying, serving as a T-38 Instructor Pilot (IP), Stan-Eval Flight Examiner (SEFE), and Squadron Commander. His final assignment in the Air Force was Commander of the Air Force ROTC Program at the University of Georgia. He now travels and lectures extensively on Leadership, and has written four books.

Nick Hinch started his Aviation career as an Air Force navigator on the B-52, flying over Hanoi during Operation Linebacker II. He then went to pilot training and rose to B-52 Squadron Commander and Wing Assistant Director Of Operations. Following a 20-year Air Force career, he became an airline pilot with United Airlines, then went overseas to fly B777s for Air India.