Podcasts about wounded warriors

A special Memorial Day rendition of Ben Morse's "So God Made a Soldier," adapted from Paul Harvey's original "So God Made a Farmer." Donate to Wounded Warriors on Ben's website: morseproductions.weebly.com.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Music Legend Lee Greenwood discusses the inspiration behind his iconic song 'God Bless the USA,' its cultural significance, and his commitment to supporting wounded warriors and military families. He shares insights into his personal journey, family values, and evolving political perspectives, emphasizing the importance of patriotism and community support. The Tudor Dixon Podcast is part of the Clay Travis & Buck Sexton Podcast Network. For more visit TudorDixonPodcast.com Fore more info on Lee Greenwood CLICK HERESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On episode 688, Dan and Jack Holmes of The Football Weekend discuss the battle for La Liga in the last El Clásico of the season. They talk about Luka Modric's goodbye, Eric Garcia earning his place, and much more!Listen to the Full Show - HEREWatchalongs - HEREJoin the Discord server!Listen on Apple Podcasts iOS App, Spotify and, if you want to support the show, head over to Patreon for more content!Become a Patreon to support the show and check out our Match Reviews – Thank you!Access our exclusive, listeners-only Facebook Group here.Follow us on Instagram!Find us and watch exclusive content on YouTube!Click here to subscribe via Apple PodcastsClick here to subscribe via Spotify

Today Mike gets a chance to talk with Jake Moore of War-X. This is not your mother's OCR and this year Hubie Cushman is adding to the race. THATS RIGHT Indian Mud Run Obstacles are coming to WarX this year!Something very different, fun, and inclusive. They work to create an atmosphere of a war-zone in their permanent OCR facility in Ohio but at the same time make sure all the Heroes from Operation enduring warrior are able to run their race. Mike and Jake talk about why they do what they do in Ohio as well as reasons for you to come out and get involved. Recently War-X facilities have become the official OEW training grounds.Sign up Here:https://www.thisiswarx.com/war-x-race...Note from War-X: Everyone at War-X believes in supporting veterans, law enforcement, and all those who have personally sacrificed for our freedoms. We have partnered with Operation Enduring Warrior (OEW), and directly support their efforts with disabled and adaptive veterans. Operation Enduring Warrior is a 501(c)(3) non-profit 100% volunteer-run organization whose mission is to honor, empower and motivate America's wounded military service members, enabling the lives of our Wounded Warriors to go in directions they once thought impossible. War-X is the official training site for Operation Enduring Warrior and their masked athlete team. We host several events each year to help raise public awareness and support for OWE. 100% of all revenue generated from our events directly benefit their initiatives.https://www.enduringwarrior.org/WANT FREE STUFF? Do us a favor and rate us and leave a review on your favorite Podcast Platform. Screenshot it and email the review to us at BeastNetPodcast@gmail.com and we will send you a sticker.www.BeastNetPod.comMusic Info:https://beastnetpod.com/music#beastnetpod #OCRBuddy #DOHUSA #OCRaddix #OCRStrong2020 #raceLOCAL

We recap the wild Weekend of Celeb news including the Minecraft Movie dominating the box office, Post Malone Loving out loud and new Publationship alert! We also recap our weekend and are joined by Jacob Norotsky from the Wounded Warrior Project. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We recap the wild Weekend of Celeb news including the Minecraft Movie dominating the box office, Post Malone Loving out loud and new Publationship alert! We also recap our weekend and are joined by Jacob Norotsky from the Wounded Warrior Project. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Will "Cheese" Chesney is a certified badass, former Navy SEAL Operator who was deployed on Operation Spear, the raid that ended with the killing of Osama Bin Laden. Hear Cheese tell David Vobora his remarkable story, from working as a dog handler with his beloved dog Cairo, being injured in action, raiding the compound in Abbottabad, Pakistan, and struggling with demons after the war. (00:00) - Intro (1:30) - Youth in Texas (5:10) - Joining Navy SEALs (20:30) - Deploying as a Navy SEAL (25:40) - Becoming a Combat Attack Dog Handler (38:50) - Cairo the Dog (46:55) - Operation Neptune Spear: Killing Bin Laden (1:09:15) - Last Operation as a SEAL Operator (1:23:55) - Overcoming Post War Demons (1:29:00) - Cairo's Story Life After with David Vobora is an inspirational and motivational podcast that dives deep into guest's personal stories of hardship, perseverance and personal realization. After playing professional football, overcoming addiction, working with Wounded Warriors, and creating the Adaptive Training Foundation, David knows that life-altering events come in many ways, but they always come. On the new series, former “Mr. Irrelevant” in the NFL Draft, Vobora, talks with incredible guests about overcoming adversity in the face of unimaginable circumstances. David identifies crucial—and sometimes tragic—moments in their lives' that helped shape both their success and who they are today. Motivational Podcast | Inspirational Podcast | Perseverance Make sure to like, follow and subscribe on Life After's YouTube and social pages, linked below: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCaFfMRZJRbo2_57YUmjqylA Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lifeafterwithdavidvobora/?hl=en Twitter: https://x.com/LifeAfterWithDV Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lifeafterwithdavidvobora https://youtube.com/@lifeafterwithdavidvobora?si=IdpcHfEtN5V_UQJn And check out the Green Light Podcast here: https://greenlightpodcast.org/

Olympic gymnastics all-around gold medalist, five time medal winner, and cultural icon Nastia Liukin chats with David Vobora about her remarkable journey to become a champion and the struggles of achieving a lifetime goal at eighteen years old. Nastia shares details of her tense friendship with teammate and rival Shawn Johnson, manifesting her olympic gold medal and reflects on her personal journey after sport. A remarkable story of one of the United States' olympic heroes and her Life After. (00:00) - Intro (1:30) - Youth in Gymnastics (20:35) - Celebrity and Fame (38:00) - Road to Olympics (41:45) - Relationship with Shawn Johnson (52:45) - Manifesting the 2008 Olympic Gold Medal (1:10:45) - 2008 Olympic Finals (1:36:00) - 2012 Olympic Trials (2:05:55) - Gifts Life After with David Vobora is an inspirational and motivational podcast that dives deep into guest's personal stories of hardship, perseverance and personal realization. After playing professional football, overcoming addiction, working with Wounded Warriors, and creating the Adaptive Training Foundation, David knows that life-altering events come in many ways, but they always come. On the new series, former “Mr. Irrelevant” in the NFL Draft, Vobora, talks with incredible guests about overcoming adversity in the face of unimaginable circumstances. David identifies crucial—and sometimes tragic—moments in their lives' that helped shape both their success and who they are today. Motivational Podcast | Inspirational Podcast | Perseverance Make sure to like, follow and subscribe on Life After's YouTube and social pages, linked below: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCaFfMRZJRbo2_57YUmjqylA Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lifeafterwithdavidvobora/?hl=en Twitter: https://x.com/LifeAfterWithDV Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lifeafterwithdavidvobora https://youtube.com/@lifeafterwithdavidvobora?si=IdpcHfEtN5V_UQJn And check out the Green Light Podcast here: https://greenlightpodcast.org/

Winner of the Congressional Medal of Honor, Flo Groberg joins David to talk about his remarkable life. From immigrating from France to America, his family's devastation at the hands of extremists, training as a competitive runner, to protecting the most valuable American assets in Afghanistan, Flo Groberg is an American hero with an unforgettable story. Hear Flo describe the pressure packed moments where his quick actions saved countless lives from a suicide bomber, and the pain that came with terrible injuries. (00:00) - Intro (1:40) - Growing Up In France (10:00) - Moving To America (16:55) - Running Career (24:45) - 9/11 (29:40) - Leadership Training (39:30) - Deploying In Afghanistan (50:25) - August 8th, 2012 (1:22:25) - Find A Positive In Every Negative Situation (1:31:10) - The Medal Of Honor (1:54:50) - Life After Make sure to check out the full episode on the Life After YouTube page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCaFfMRZJRbo2_57YUmjqylA Life After with David Vobora is an inspirational and motivational podcast that dives deep into guest's personal stories of hardship, perseverance and personal realization. After playing professional football, overcoming addiction, working with Wounded Warriors, and creating the Adaptive Training Foundation, David knows that life-altering events come in many ways, but they always come. On the new series, former “Mr. Irrelevant” in the NFL Draft, Vobora, talks with incredible guests about overcoming adversity in the face of unimaginable circumstances. David identifies crucial—and sometimes tragic—moments in their lives' that helped shape both their success and who they are today. Motivational Podcast | Inspirational Podcast | Perseverance Make sure to like, follow and subscribe on Life After's YouTube, social and audio pages, linked below: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCaFfMRZJRbo2_57YUmjqylA Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/life-after-with-david-vobora/id1797989547 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2FEdwHNUOappPocc8oLKwU?si=7fd872c330ca4e88 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lifeafterwithdavidvobora/?hl=en Twitter: https://x.com/LifeAfterWithDV Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lifeafterwithdavidvobora https://youtube.com/@lifeafterwithdavidvobora?si=IdpcHfEtN5V_UQJn And check out the Green Light Podcast here: https://greenlightpodcast.org/

Walt Piatt, Wounded Warrior Project CEO, joins JMN to reflect on his first year accomplishments, and share initiatives for future involvement in helping warriors acheive and sustain their best lives.

01:00 I was intoxicated for a month with Trump II 05:00 Polarized America, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nOlMkcqXAIg 07:00 Tariffs, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RBoGJlpSdpY 12:00 The Vanishing Neighbor: The Transformation of American Community (2014), https://lukeford.net/blog/?p=159303 30:00 AI can be a great editor, https://lukeford.net/blog/?p=159508 49:20 From Harding to Trump: The REAL History of American Conservatism | Matthew Continetti, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KITCo1ZKLiY 57:00 We embrace that which reduces our tension, https://lukeford.net/blog/?p=159442 56:20, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tMgTDHlkWrk 1:05:00 Matthew Continetti, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Matthew_Continetti 1:07:00 Aaron Renn: The Wounded Prophet: When alienation reveals what conformity conceals: why our most profound truths often come from those most deeply wounded, 1:08:50 The Wounded Warrior, https://www.aaronrenn.com/p/the-wounded-prophet 1:09:40 Cinema Paradiso, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cinema_Paradiso 1:22:00 The Sound of Cinema: Ennio Morricone & Cinema Paradiso, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VLJ-78Pe0rc 1:45:00 What Catholics should learn from Protestants, https://socialpathology.blogspot.com/2021/12/some-thoughts-on-george-bailey-and.html 1:47:00 Michael joins to talk about Tucker's tweet about Iran, https://x.com/TuckerCarlson/status/1898505111359418731 2:05:00 Cotto v Ford On Voter Fraud (6-10-21), https://rumble.com/viha7l-killstream-mirror-cotto-v-ford-on-voter-fraud-6-10-21.html 2:28:00 George Bailey & the Protestant elite, https://www.aaronrenn.com/p/george-bailey-protestant-elite 2:40:00 Michael Anton Says He Does Not Know Who Truly Won The 2020 Election, But He's ‘Moved On', https://lukeford.net/blog/?p=137453 2:53:50 The Hidden Costs of Defending Others Online: Defending the weak against attacks by the strong is noble, but needs to be done wisely., https://www.aaronrenn.com/p/defending-the-cancelled 3:14:45 Aaron Renn: Don't Be Fooled, Pot is Dangerous: Even the New York Times is deeply troubled by the problems with our Wild West approach to legalizing pot. https://www.aaronrenn.com/p/pot-is-dangerous 3:16:00 Farewell to the best loser in sporting history, https://www.smh.com.au/sport/farewell-to-the-best-loser-in-sporting-history-20250306-p5lhlp.html 3:19:45 Tim Dillon says we need to wrap up the Ukraine war show, and move on to sequels, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tMgTDHlkWrk 3:24:00 The US Push for Peace & Europe Panics - John Mearsheimer, Alexander Mercouris & Glenn Diesen, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rh9CtLw_poA 3:37:00 How do you help someone who won't listen to you? 3:55:00 Gene Hackman story hits me because I fear dying alone, https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2025-03-07/gene-hackman-betsy-arakawa-death-investigation-update

In this episode Chris and Steve interview Freedom Hunters Founder and Program Director Anthony Pace along with Board member and East Coast Coordinator Bud DePlatchett. Freedom Hunters is a Military Outreach program dedicated to honoring those who protect our freedoms. Freedom Hunters reflects the outdoor community's appreciation to our troops by taking select active duty and combat veterans, families of fallen heroes, and children of the deployed, as well as those wounded or injured, on outdoor adventures.Chris and Steve discuss the inner workings of Freedom Hunters including how the organization is formed and supported, how hunt recipients are selected and relive hunting trips taken with military guests on all types of game. Hound hunters will enjoy Bud DePlatchett's exciting accounts of deer hunts with hounds on Virginia's eastern shore. Listeners will also enjoy a look at the relationships between the warriors and the hunting dogs as well as those between hound owners and their hounds.This powerful episode reveals the emotion and extreme dedication of Freedom Hunters as they take active duty, wounded, and Gold Star families of the deployed on hunting and fishing trips to relax and recoup. As Anthony and Bud reveal the vision to recognize, thank and extend appreciation to all members of the military and their families, Chris and Steve share a special announcement concerning Freedom Hunters and the Houndsman XP podcast.Release Date: 06-23-19 ►Get Your Houndsman XP Info, Gear & More Here!www.HoundsmanXP.com►Become a Patron of Houndsman XP! Check out our Tailgate Talks.|

This week on the Rental Roundtable, we sat down with John Melia, founder of the Wounded Warrior Project and owner of Contender Equipment Rentals. John shares his incredible journey from military service to building a successful rental business - and the lessons he's learned along the way. In this episode, we cover:✅ The story behind founding the Wounded Warrior Project and its $1B+ impact✅ How leadership and community drive rental business growth✅ The power of cash flow management for long-term success✅ How rent-to-own strategies help serve unbanked customers

Allison DuBois is a New York Times Best-Selling Author who has published 6 books, Don't Kiss Them Good-Bye, We Are Their Heaven, Secrets of the Monarch, Talk to Me, Into the Dark, and Love Can't Tell Time. Her books are printed in several languages, and are popular worldwide helping to guide people through their grief and gain an understanding of paranormal abilities. She inspired the NBC/CBS hit television show MEDIUM, it ran for 7 seasons, Patricia Arquette won an Emmy for playing “Allison DuBois” and it's still watched by millions of people around the world. Allison hosts the ‘The Dead Life' podcast (Yea Network) looking at life after death and all things ethereal through the eyes of guests from different walks of life, The Dead Life is in the top 1% of all podcasts. YEA Networks distributes The Dead Life on Apple, Spotify, YouTube, and all popular podcast forums. Allison is the founder and Head Mistress of Dead University, her own online school for the gifted, teaching students about Mediumship, Astrology, Earth Magick,and Healing. Allison has conducted live seminars Internationally for 17 years and is presently appearing in select cities in the U.S. Allison DuBois initiated the Amber Alert in the state of Arizona in 2000, and served on the task force to design it. She has helped numerous Arizona charities including Homes for our Troops, Wounded Warriors, Florence Crittenton, Panda, KISS-FMs Christmas Wish program etc. to raise money and bring awareness to causes close to all of our hearts; primarily to help children and our veterans. Allison is married to Joe DuBois and the mother of three daughters. Allison and her husband Joe currently live in Scottsdale, AZ.

Seth and Sean are joined live on Radio Row in New Orleans by Army Veterans Brian and Natalie Vines to talk about their service, injuries sustained during said service, and how the Wounded Warrior Project helps veterans in similar situations. Visit WoundedWarriorProject.org for more information.

In this compelling episode of the VET S.O.S. Podcast, we are joined by Stephen Hudson, a Navy veteran and the visionary founder and CEO of AI Ready Veteran, to discuss his revolutionary AI platform designed to ease the military-to-civilian transition. Drawing from his own experiences as a 20-year Navy veteran and successful entrepreneur, Stephen takes us on a journey through the challenges service members face when entering the civilian workforce and how AI is now making this process more accessible than ever. Stephen shares his personal story of transitioning in 2005, from navigating his first job interview to understanding the nuances of civilian workplace culture. These experiences inspired him to create a tool that addresses the pain points many veterans encounter—such as translating military skills, preparing tailored resumes, and tackling salary negotiations. With a team of expert collaborators and input from neuropsychologists, AI Ready Veteran offers a suite of tools that doesn't just focus on careers but also includes support for mental health, family transition, and entrepreneurship. What You'll Learn in This Episode: - The Military-to-Civilian Transition Reality: Discover the cultural and professional hurdles veterans often face and why 44% leave their first post-military job within a year. - AI-Driven Solutions for Veterans: Explore how AI Ready Veteran leverages cutting-edge generative AI to simplify resume building, interview prep, and even salary negotiation. - Support Beyond Careers: Learn about tools for mental health resources, family support, and how this platform ensures veterans' well-being during transition. - Entrepreneurial Empowerment: Hear how the platform equips veterans to start their own businesses with easy-to-use tools, from market research to incorporation. - Community Impact and Accessibility: Understand how partnerships with organizations like Wounded Warrior, CSX, and Florida Power & Light make this tool widely accessible, including financial assistance for veterans in need. Stephen also discusses new features, such as explainer videos for each tool, making the platform user-friendly even for those unfamiliar with AI technology. Takeaways for Listeners: This episode is a must-listen for veterans, active-duty service members, spouses, and anyone involved in the transition process. Whether you're looking for career support, starting a business, or seeking mental health resources, this platform is your lifeline. Resources Mentioned in the Episode: Visit AIReadyVeteran.org to learn more about the platform and sign up. Follow AI Ready Veteran on LinkedIn for the latest resources, blogs, and updates. Final Note: Don't miss this inspiring and informative episode. Whether you're a veteran yourself or supporting one, Stephen Hudson's work is proof that the right tools and resources can make all the difference. #vetsos #VeteranSupport #MilitaryTransition #AIForGood #VeteranEntrepreneur #CareerTools

During the 2025 SHOT Show in Las Vegas, we had a chance to sit down with Cody Gill and From Field to Plate chef Jeremiah Doughty to talk food, getting new people involved in the life-changing power of the outdoors and much more! Doughty is known for his recipes and food photography found on his social outlets, as well as Turkey Call magazine. And, Gill is involved with the NWTF mission through his local chapter, but also dedicates his time to getting people outdoors through his project "West Texas Outfitters."

Today, Diane shares her major healing breakthroughs and how we are at our best when we are no longer wounded warriors, but joyful warriors on today's tough spiritual battleground. Learn more about Diane Canada at ladyupamerica.com

Join Jeff and Mark as they discuss the Navy, Alcohol Culture, Politics and more! All opinions expressed by the guest belong to only the guest and are not always reflected by the host.  The OTR podcast: The Trauma Recovery Podcast for Veterans, First Responders, and their families. Creator and Host Mark Meincke Sponsored by Canadian Legacy Project https://www.canadianlegacy.org/ Produced by Jessika Dupuis Support a Hero HERE Recover Out Loud! Book your Guest Appearance HERE  Find the OTR podcast on Facebook X Instagram TikTok Spotify

Bible teacher Carol McLeod, author of "Today is a Verb," helps us see God in the now, and how we can see Him in the ordinary moments of life.  Dr. Damon Friedman of SOF Missions talks about how they help former military personal find freedom from PTSD and other physical and emotional traumas from their service.  Faith Radio podcasts are made possible by your support. Give now: Click here

Religiously Incorrect Podcast | 12.15.24“Wounded Warriors”Pastor Jeff and Pastor Todd discuss recent health emergencies in the church involving well-known pastors, the response, and what we can learn from these experiences.#SundayNightService #RIP #RealRawUncutFollow us on YouTube, IG, Twitter, and FB!Hosts: Pastor Todd and Pastor JeffProduced by: Marsh Media Group LLCProduction: Big MikeDesign by: Larry JohnsonMusic: J. Austin & Tevin MichaelFOLLOW:WEBSITE: http://www.ReligiouslyIncorrectPodcas...FACEBOOK:   / religiouslyincorrectpodcast  TWITTER:   / officialripc  INSTAGRAM:   / religiouslyincorrectpodcast  

In this week's episode we talk with Roy Hill about a program he's a big support, SOWW (Special Operations Wounded Warrior) This episode is also brought to you by MantisX I've been a long time Mantis user from their original MantisX to the Mantis X10 and now excited about their most recent product Mantis Blackbeard… The post Special Operations Wounded Warrior first appeared on The Firearm Trainer Podcast.

Be sure to listen to a special message from John Kaplan on his conversation with Tom Deierlein, a former U.S. Army Major and combat wounded Operation Iraqi Freedom Vet. He's also a Bronze Star and Purple Heart recipient. Support Tom's foundation: https://tdfoundation.org/Force Management is hiring for a Sales Director. Apply here: https://hubs.li/Q02Zb8WG0

In hour 1, Chris talks about the big stories of the day while raising money for Wounded Warriors and their Families with Fisher House For more coverage on the issues that matter to you, download the WMAL app, visit WMAL.com or tune in love on WMAL-FM 105.9 from 9:00am-12:00pm Monday-Friday  To join the conversation, check us out on X @WMAL and @ChrisPlanteShow Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In hour 2, Chris talks about the big stories of the day while raising money for Wounded Warriors and their Families with Fisher House For more coverage on the issues that matter to you, download the WMAL app, visit WMAL.com or tune in love on WMAL-FM 105.9 from 9:00am-12:00pm Monday-Friday  To join the conversation, check us out on X @WMAL and @ChrisPlanteShow Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In hour 3, Chris talks about the big stories of the day while raising money for Wounded Warriors and their Families with Fisher House For more coverage on the issues that matter to you, download the WMAL app, visit WMAL.com or tune in love on WMAL-FM 105.9 from 9:00am-12:00pm Monday-Friday  To join the conversation, check us out on X @WMAL and @ChrisPlanteShow Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In hour 1, Chris talks about a plan to pardon Everyone on Kash Patel's enemies list, the CEO murdered in Manhattan and more, as we raise money for Wounded Warriors and their familes with Fisher House! For more coverage on the issues that matter to you, download the WMAL app, visit WMAL.com or tune in love on WMAL-FM 105.9 from 9:00am-12:00pm Monday-Friday  To join the conversation, check us out on X @WMAL and @ChrisPlanteShow Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In hour 2, Chris talks about the CEO murdered in Manhattan and more, as we raise money for Wounded Warriors and their familes with Fisher House! For more coverage on the issues that matter to you, download the WMAL app, visit WMAL.com or tune in love on WMAL-FM 105.9 from 9:00am-12:00pm Monday-Friday  To join the conversation, check us out on X @WMAL and @ChrisPlanteShow Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In hour 3, Chris talks about a plan to pardon Everyone on Kash Patel's enemies list, the CEO murdered in Manhattan and more, as we raise money for Wounded Warriors and their familes with Fisher House! For more coverage on the issues that matter to you, download the WMAL app, visit WMAL.com or tune in love on WMAL-FM 105.9 from 9:00am-12:00pm Monday-Friday  To join the conversation, check us out on X @WMAL and @ChrisPlanteShow Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode of the Revenue Builders Podcast, hosts John McMahon and John Kaplan are joined by Tom Deierlein, a West Point graduate, serial entrepreneur, Wounded Warrior, and Angel Investor. Deierlein shares his extraordinary journey from being an Airborne Ranger and Bronze Star recipient to becoming the CEO of Thundercat Technology. He recounts his return to active duty at age 38, being critically wounded in Iraq, and his inspiring recovery at Walter Reed. Focused on the theme of grit, Deierlein discusses the importance of persistence, resilience, and long-term goals in overcoming obstacles, using examples from his life and referencing Angela Duckworth's studies on grit. This episode is a powerful testament to the strength of character and determination needed to achieve greatness despite adversity.ADDITIONAL RESOURCESConnect and learn more about Tom Deierlein:https://www.linkedin.com/in/tomdeierlein/Enjoying the podcast? Sign up to receive new episodes straight to your inbox: https://hubs.li/Q02R10xN0HERE ARE SOME KEY SECTIONS TO CHECK OUT[00:03:53] Tom's Early Career and Sales Background[00:05:59] Transition to PTC and the Dot-Com Era[00:10:22] The Call Back to Military Service[00:16:15] Deployment and Civil Affairs in Iraq[00:20:33] The Sniper Attack and Aftermath[00:30:09] The Body's Healing Process[00:30:35] The Challenge of Standing Up[00:31:46] Facing Dark Days[00:32:01] Defining Grit[00:33:29] The Power of Persistence[00:37:12] Rehabilitation Journey[00:38:45] Discovering Grit[00:42:17] Early Examples of Grit[00:45:05] Ranger School Challenges[00:48:21] Teaching Grit[00:58:15] The Stockwell ParadoxHIGHLIGHT QUOTES[00:53:17] "Excellence is not an act, but a habit."[00:53:46] "Talent will not: nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not: the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent."[00:59:58] "Confront the facts, have the discipline to acknowledge the harsh realities of your current situation, but maintain faith. Have an unwavering faith that you will prevail no matter how long it takes."

Brook Sparks and Caiden Moldovan of Coast Realty join Justin to discuss the 14th Annual OBX Fins and Feathers event put on by the Wounded Warriors in Action Foundation. This five-day hunting/fishing expedition takes place January 15 to 19 for those who fought and paid a price for our country's freedom. Brook and Caden describe the events that take place over those five days and are looking to gain some assistance from the community to help with the cause. You can go online at https://wwiaf.org/event/14th-annual-nc-obx-fins-and-feathers/Or email Brook directly at brook@coastrealtync.com Outer Banks This Week Podcast Presented by:Kelly's AutomotiveSponsored by:Author Jan DawsonDare Education FoundationInn on Pamlico Sound & Cafe PamlicoRadcliffe MarineWanchese Off Road

November is coming to an end, but there are still bucks cruising and time to capitalize! Noel and Lance talk about Lance's yearly volunteering work for a Wounded Warriors hunt in Missouri, and they also discuss some tactics and perspective when it comes to filling a tag this late in the rut.    Follow Noel: @noelgandy Follow Lance: @no_insta_lance   Check out the First Gen Hunter Website Follow First Gen Hunter Instagram: @first.gen.hunter Facebook: @first.gen.hunter  

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

Banana sells for 6 million Dollars, Wounded Warriors, Nike SB | Anti Hero, P-Rod addresses the Guy Mariano Song, Budget or Buttery, FA Elijah Berle Rodeo Technology, NB# Intervals, Jhanka Criaturas Creature Video Part and much more! Timestamps 00:00:00 Nine Club Live #73 00:05:00 Just a few Jeron boards remain! 00:10:25 Wounded Warriors 00:19:00 Banana sells for 6 million Dollars 00:23:00 Vincent Milou Bubble part and the Bamboozling 00:32:00 Nike SB | Anti Hero 00:39:00 P-Rod addresses the Guy Mariano Song 00:48:00 Tom Penny Skating Chicken's Pool 00:54:00 Budget or Buttery 01:04:00 Paul's now on Bones Wheels! 01:06:00 FA Elijah Berle Rodeo Technology 01:14:00 Jhanka Criaturas Creature Video Part 01:30:00 NB# Intervals: Brandon Westgate 01:43:00 NB# Intervals: Tiago Lemos 01:59:00 SOTY Board Update 02:05:00 NB# Intervals: Jamie Foy 02:25:00 SOTY Board adjustment and PROD input 02:36:00 Thank You!!!! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this Veterans Day episode of Diversity Dialogues, a production of the New York State Unified Court System's Office of Diversity and Inclusion, we explore leadership, service and camaraderie from the perspective of a woman who followed an unlikely path to become an Army medic, treating Wounded Warriors during Operation Desert Storm, and then an equally unlikely path to become the first Black woman ever to serve as Deputy District Executive and now District Executive in the Eighth Judicial District. Ms. Moore discusses her journey, the influence of Buffalo area role models such as judges Wilbur Trammell, Samuel Green, Rose Sconiers, Shirley Troutman, Jeanette Ogden and Kevin Carter, and her commitment to lifting as she climbs. “It's very important that to the best of my ability, I make myself available to anyone who wants to speak to me, who I'm able to assist in moving forward, to the youth who come after us,” Ms. Moore said. “Every one of us has someone who was behind us, who has made it easier for us to get where we're going. And it is due to their hard work, their sacrifice, their willingness to lift as you climb.” Transcript: https://ww2.nycourts.gov/sites/default/files/document/files/2024-11/Tasha%20Moore.pdf

As a senior Navy Chaplain, Bob Evan's calling has always been to serve and care for others, whether it was his troops, fellow service members, or the wounded warriors he encountered. When his fiancée, Gretchen, was severely injured by a mortar round in Afghanistan, Bob's role shifted from chaplain to devoted caregiver.Despite his extensive training and experience as a pastoral counselor, Bob candidly admits that he struggled at times to provide the proper support and care for Gretchen as she navigated life-changing injuries, including deafness. However, Bob's unwavering love and commitment to Gretchen never wavered. He made it clear that he would accompany her on this new journey, no matter the challenges. Bob's journey as a caregiver is one of resilience, compassion, and a deep understanding that true caregiving requires listening, learning, and loving the person you are caring for.As Bob shares his insights and lessons learned, it's clear that his role as a caregiver has profoundly impacted his own spiritual and personal growth. He has become an advocate for greater support and resources for military caregivers, recognizing the vital importance of self-care and finding respite to be an effective, loving caregiver.About Bob:Bob Evans, a graduate of Bowdoin College (A.B. - 1976), Princeton Theological Seminary (M.Div. - 1979), Candler School of Theology (Th.M. - 1992), and the Naval War College (M.A. - 2003), served over 25 years in the United States Navy. He retired as a Captain in 2008 after entering the Navy by direct commission in December 1982.During his tenure, he served as a Senior Leader for the U.S. Fleet Forces, U.S. Atlantic Fleet, Joint Forces Command, Combined Forces Command-Afghanistan, and Naval Forces Europe, Africa, and Southwest Asia. He received the Bronze Star for his service in Afghanistan.Bob began his career with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) in May 2011 as Chief of Chaplain Services at Aleda E. Lutz VA Medical Center in Saginaw, MI. He joined the Atlanta VA in January 2013 as Chief of Chaplain Services and later also served as Acting Assistant Director. In February 2014, he was appointed Assistant Director of the Atlanta VA Health Care System. He then served as Interim Associate Director/Chief Operating Officer of the Dorn VA Health Care System in Columbia, SC, for six months before being selected as Associate Director/Chief Operating Officer for the Western North Carolina VA Health Care System in Asheville, NC. He held this role from January 2017 until his retirement from Federal Service in December 2019.Now retired, he is a devoted caregiver to his wife, who lost her hearing in combat, and a strong advocate for veterans, their families, and all who serve the common good. He actively listens to others, helps them discover their passions, and supports them in turning their dreams into purposeful lives.Support the showConfessions of a Reluctant Caregiver Sisterhood of Care, LLC Website: www.confessionsofareluctantcaregiver.com Like us on Facebook! Tweet with us on Twitter! Follow us on Instagram! Watch us on Youtube! Pin us on Pinterest! Link us on LinkedIn!Tune in on Whole Care Network

As a senior Navy Chaplain, Bob Evan's calling has always been to serve and care for others, whether it was his troops, fellow service members, or the wounded warriors he encountered. When his fiancée, Gretchen, was severely injured by a mortar round in Afghanistan, Bob's role shifted from chaplain to devoted caregiver. Despite his extensive training and experience as a pastoral counselor, Bob candidly admits that he struggled at times to provide the proper support and care for Gretchen as she navigated life-changing injuries, including deafness. However, Bob's unwavering love and commitment to Gretchen never wavered. He made it clear that he would accompany her on this new journey, no matter the challenges. Bob's journey as a caregiver is one of resilience, compassion, and a deep understanding that true caregiving requires listening, learning, and loving the person you are caring for. As Bob shares his insights and lessons learned, it's clear that his role as a caregiver has profoundly impacted his own spiritual and personal growth. He has become an advocate for greater support and resources for military caregivers, recognizing the vital importance of self-care and finding respite to be an effective, loving caregiver. About Bob: Bob Evans, a graduate of Bowdoin College (A.B. - 1976), Princeton Theological Seminary (M.Div. - 1979), Candler School of Theology (Th.M. - 1992), and the Naval War College (M.A. - 2003), served over 25 years in the United States Navy. He retired as a Captain in 2008 after entering the Navy by direct commission in December 1982. During his tenure, he served as a Senior Leader for the U.S. Fleet Forces, U.S. Atlantic Fleet, Joint Forces Command, Combined Forces Command-Afghanistan, and Naval Forces Europe, Africa, and Southwest Asia. He received the Bronze Star for his service in Afghanistan. Bob began his career with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) in May 2011 as Chief of Chaplain Services at Aleda E. Lutz VA Medical Center in Saginaw, MI. He joined the Atlanta VA in January 2013 as Chief of Chaplain Services and later also served as Acting Assistant Director. In February 2014, he was appointed Assistant Director of the Atlanta VA Health Care System. He then served as Interim Associate Director/Chief Operating Officer of the Dorn VA Health Care System in Columbia, SC, for six months before being selected as Associate Director/Chief Operating Officer for the Western North Carolina VA Health Care System in Asheville, NC. He held this role from January 2017 until his retirement from Federal Service in December 2019. Now retired, he is a devoted caregiver to his wife, who lost her hearing in combat, and a strong advocate for veterans, their families, and all who serve the common good. He actively listens to others, helps them discover their passions, and supports them in turning their dreams into purposeful lives. Support the show Confessions of a Reluctant Caregiver Sisterhood of Care, LLC Website: www.confessionsofareluctantcaregiver.com Like us on Facebook! Tweet with us on Twitter! Follow us on Instagram! Watch us on Youtube! Pin us on Pinterest! Link us on LinkedIn! Tune in on Whole Care Network

Alex Fesiak - in Ukraine  Scott Maxwell - executive director of Wounded Warriors speaking of the importance of his program  GUEST: Brad Bradford - Toronto City Councillor   new Toronto policy could allow buildings up to 11 storeys tall on busier streets. Here's where — and what the mayor thinks of the plan Greg Layson - Digital & Mobile Editor - Automotive News Canada She couldn't get out': Deadly Toronto Tesla fire draws attention to risk of electronic door failure

The expert singing voice of Marine veteran and Nashville-headquartered singer-songwriter Sal Gonzalez warms up and brings to fruition a special celebration event held last week by Rush Truck Centers in Nashville, Tennessee, in this edition of Overdrive Radio. Rush was announcing the big winner of the quite expensive, final, only 2025 build of a Peterbilt 389. A 389X, to be exact, that Rush Truck Centers won the final 389 build slot for, with Pete retiring the model for good. As Rush Enterprises CEO Rusty Rush explains in the podcast, the build slot was awarded after an auction among Pete dealers and was secured for 1.5 million dollars. Peterbilt and Rush donated those proceeds then to the well-known Wreaths Across America and Truckers Against Trafficking nonprofits, then held a sweepstakes delivering another half a million to the Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) org: https://www.overdriveonline.com/equipment/article/15705889/last-of-the-389s-goes-to-oklahoma-small-fleet-shane-best-trucking That's where songwriter Gonzalez enters the picture. In the podcast, hear Gonzalez's harrowing, moving story of losing part of his left leg in Iraq, then returning home to pursue a songwriter's dream only to fall into an addictive pattern and seek out the support of WWP. Likewise, get ready for a moving song, "Heroes," Gonzalez wrote as a result of his subsequent work with the nonprofit, inspired by fellow veterans and his own experience. We'll hear, too, from Rusty Rush, detailing the sweepstakes and its ultimate winners, Shane Best Trucking owners Jennifer and Shane Best, out of Pryor, Oklahoma. The win was fitting for the small fleet owners in more ways than one – the 379X will add to their fleet of 17 Peterbilts doing dump work around their region, yet don't expect a lot of wear and tear on it. The Bests plan to keep the rig around for many years to come, working with Rush Truck Center hands in Tulsa, Oklahoma, to finish out the rig with back-end mods as a show unit. With any luck, work should conclude in time enough for September 2025 -- look for the Bests and the last of the 389s out at the Guilty by Association Truck Show in Joplin, Missouri, then. Also in the podcast, a window on the presentation Rush, Peterbilt's Jason Skoog, and reps from the Wounded Warrior Project, with Sal Gonzalez rounding things out with that moving, terrific song we're happy to be able to share with you. More about Wounded Warrior Project: https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/ Truckers Against Trafficking: https://overdriveonline.com/15680845 Wreaths Across America: https://overdriveonline.com/15304350

Send us a textWAYLON JENNINGS, HANK SNOW, LORETTA, DEL REEVES all in some way relate to traveling in their country hits. It might be a bit of a stretch but TEX RITTER and  DON GIBSON relate to times and places you travel to. I am pleased to have had the opportunity to interview one of our Wounded Warriors , Clarence Grear ,who traveled to Saskatchewan to attend Wounded Warriors Weekend. It was a life changing experience for him which inspired him to start a company he calls "Lures For Vets" which produces fishing lures with the purpose of raising money to support our various veterans projects nation wide. LEFTY FRIZZELL , PATSY CLINE and TOM T.HALL and even ME are all here for your enjoyment. I've even added an episode of "Take Charge". Please share with someone ya love.

Tracy Colson of OBX Jeep Invasion joins Justin on the show this week to talk about their upcoming gathering Friday September 20th thru Sunday September 22nd at the Soundside Event Site in Nags Head. OBX Jeep Invasion is a three-day event with different activities, vendors and fun all to raise money for different charities each year! This year the charities selected are the Dare County SPCA, The Wounded Warriors in Action and the Virginia Tillett Community Center Toy Drive. If you'd like to learn more about this even go online to obxjeepinvasion.com!

Michael Knowles sits down with Sam Brown, a decorated Purple Heart recipient and current Senate nominee. Sam shares his incredible journey from the battlefield to the political arena, discussing his service, the challenges he faced after being wounded in combat, and his commitment to serving his country in a new capacity. With candid insights into his views on leadership, patriotism, and the issues that matter most to him, this interview provides a deep dive into the life of a true American hero. Don't miss this inspiring conversation that blends bravery, resilience, and a passion for making a difference. Today's Sponsor: Hallow - Download the Hallow app and get 3 months free at https://hallow.com/Knowles

Beth King joined the military to provide for her son and became the first female in her company to fully progress to the role of crew chief. One fateful night in Afghanistan, her Chinook was hit by an RPG, throwing her from the helicopter. Her harness caught her, saving her life, but the incident left her with serious injuries that were not immediately apparent to others.   She went 18 months without treatment, only to later discover that she had suffered a traumatic brain injury (TBI). As her symptoms worsened, she was eventually medically discharged from the military.   Her injury, compounded by PTSD, anxiety, and depression, led King to isolate herself. Eventually, the Wounded Warrior Project helped renew her sense of community, reigniting her love of sports and, ultimately, her zest for life. Now, it is King's turn to give back, helping other veterans find a sense of purpose as they return to civilian life.   Find out more about Wounded Warrior Project: https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/   Join the SOFREP Book Club here: https://sofrep.com/book-clubSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this 15 minute solocast I share my experience at the Wounded Warriors United Wisconsin Warriors on the Water Event in Oshkosh, Wisconsin over the weekend, and then I share my thoughts on a few organizations that put on veterans hunting and fishing trips. And my biggest regret with discovering these organizations. Links: Wounded Warriors United Wisconsin  Take a Vet Fishing Ultimate Veteran Adventures Hometown Hero Outdoors

Join special guest speaker Pastor Lonnie Snell as he shares a powerful message on how to experience emotional healing from the wounds we experience in life.

In this episode, Chris Needles, Chief Development Officer of Wounded Warrior Project, reveals how technology is revolutionizing support for veterans and transforming fundraising efforts for nonprofits. Discover their groundbreaking strategies, the unexpected challenges they face, and the transformative power of connection and listening. This episode is all about work that matters and making a real difference. Don't miss this compelling conversation that will change your perspective on nonprofit leadership and innovation.About Chris NeedlesAs Chief Development Officer of Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP), Chris Needles is responsible for leading the organization's direct response and business development teams. This includes the development and execution of strategic and diversified plans to grow and manage significant fundraising efforts.Prior to joining WWP, Chris served as Vice President for Development - Principal gifts and Central Development Programs, at the Rutgers University Foundation in New Brunswick, NJ. In this role, he led the Foundation's principal gifts program focused on donors capable of making gifts of $5 million or greater. Chris also supervised and enhanced several core teams in central development with university-wide scope, including estate and gift planning, foundation relations, corporate engagement, presidential initiatives, regional development, international advancement, and athletics development.Chris also spent more than 17 years at the University of Florida in Gainesville, serving in executive leadership positions encompassing corporate and foundation relations, major gifts, regional development, international advancement, and campaign planning. Chris's tenure at Florida spanned all or part of three highly successful campaigns that raised a total of more than $6.5 billion.Most noteworthy among his volunteer activities, Chris served seven years on the board of directors at Oak Hall School in Gainesville - including four years as board president, where he led comprehensive strategic plan and facilities master plan processes and co-chaired Oak Hall's first head of school search in 25 years.Chris is a graduate of the University of Notre Dame's Mendoza School of Business. He earned an MBA degree in Organizational Management from Rutgers Business School, as well as a Master of Science degree in Sport Management from the University of Massachusetts – Amherst.

We release new content every Tuesday morning so be sure to subscribe so you don't miss a single episode. Subscribe here Today's show is brought to you by Cooper's Cask Coffee. Cooper's makes barrel aged coffees with hints of your choice of rum, rye, whiskey or bourbon. They source single origin roasts from around the world and you can get yours by going to CoffeewithMikeandKeith.com The Winner of our Aero Precision Solus Competition Rifle contest is Matt L. from Harrisburg PA.Ways to support the show:1. Join our mailing list: Thegunexperiment.com 2. Subscribe, Leave us 5 stars and comment on Apple or Spotify3. Follow us on instagram and/or FB: Instagram Facebook4. Be a part of our private community, join our Discord page!5. Be sure to support the sponsors of the show. They are an integral part of making the show possible.Ask us anything at AskMikeandKeith@gmail.comGet Your Gun Experiment Merch HereTonight's guest co-host is currently the Senior Public Relations Director for Swanson Russell and a board member for the Special Operations Wounded Warriors Foundation. It's been a while since we spoke last, but I'm pleased to welcome back Roy Hill.Tonight's Topics of DiscussionI. Intro: Catch up with RoySwanson RussellSpecial Operations Wounded Warrior FoundationControlling the NarrativeII. Mass Shooting In Upstate NY (Resource)III. Professor under Fire for Assination Comments Full Court Press:IV. LaPierre Handed 10 Year BanV. Biden/Harris to overhaul Supreme CourtGoing for Gold:VI.

The meditative Story of Chiron is a descriptive story of the small planets (asteroids) of the wound healer. It shows our power of healing allowing us to move through our healing journey. About the Host: Katherine is an esteemed practitioner of Chakra, Astrology, and Tarot Alchemy, harnessing the cosmic forces and energies to manifest magic and success. As the visionary behind the acclaimed Chakras & Cusswords Podcast, she curates an oasis for the contemporary mystic, guiding seekers on a transformative journey of self-discovery. Her illustrious presence has graced prestigious platforms such as Good Day Sacramento, The Astrology Magazine, TMZ and the revered Aura app. Elevating her craft to the forefront, the Chakras & Cusswords Podcast has earned distinction as one of the Top 5 Chakra-inspired Podcasts. Furthermore, Katherine is a certified life, chakra, and meditation coach, specializing in the holistic healing of mind and soul through the profound resonance of sound energy. Her expertise serves as a beacon of hope and renewal for those embarking on the path of personal growth and spiritual enlightenment. Links: Building your business and brand through the Chakras https://www.chakrascusswords.com/product-page/creating-your-business-or-brand-through-the-chakras-work-book Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chakras_cusswords/ Lifestyle, Nurse Love 101: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtWgA6zxwaZd-CpNUi3CO5w Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@chakras.cusswords #manifestation #lawofattraction #manifest #chiron #spirituality #meditation #chakra #astrology #meditation #meditate #astrology --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/chakrascusswords/support

This week's guest is Mario Lopez, a wounded warrior who served deployments to both Iraq and Afghanistan. He survived critical injuries from a roadside bomb in Afghanistan, which brought him to The Burn Center at the San Antonio Military Medical Center at Fort Sam Houston. After years of surgeries and recuperation, Mario has gone on to write a book about his experiences, and he is a self-taught artist whose work now hangs at the very military installation here where he was treated.

What if breaking decades-old societal norms could lead to profound personal and collective healing? Join us as we welcome Taylor, a veteran, Wounded Warrior, and seasoned victim advocate with over 20 years of experience. Taylor shares their incredible journey from personal trauma to becoming a beacon of hope and support for others. Learn how a transformative experience with a dedicated therapist specializing in domestic violence survivors ignited Taylor's passion for advocacy, emphasizing the power of finding one's voice and blending compassion with candid honesty. We dive into Taylor's multifaceted identity as a teacher, artist, and spiritual practitioner, shedding light on the importance of emotional openness and healing.Discover the complexities and responsibilities of being a victim advocate as Taylor unpacks the importance of early therapy and personal healing journeys. Taylor highlights the need for setting healthy boundaries and ensuring that advocates don't hijack others' stories, but instead, focus on their own healing to better support others. Through personal anecdotes and reflections, we explore the spiritual guidance and intentionality essential in this line of work, aiming to foster smoother personal and professional journeys. Taylor's insights into the lifelong journey of healing, reconnecting with one's inner child, and the transformative power of forgiveness are both enlightening and empowering.Finally, we delve into the deeply personal experiences of trauma, resilience, and identity. Taylor and the hosts discuss the significance of reclaiming derogatory terms as badges of honor and the journey from victimhood to survivorhood. Through Taylor's transformative work with their spiritual practitioner business, Onbound Soul Fire Healing, we emphasize the importance of celebrating personal growth and resilience. Tune in to hear inspiring stories of healing and the power of advocacy in overcoming life's challenges, and find out how Taylor's journey can inspire your own path to healing and empowerment.Support the Show.