VOTG Video Podcast: Recent Episodes
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The Veterans of the Game Podcast takes a candid look inside the world of our military veterans. We will explore the lifestyles, the leisure activities, and sometimes even the laugh out loud moments of being a service member. Veterans of the Game discusses the human side of military veterans and gives insight into what veterans do when they take off the uniform or hang up the boots. “Come and share experiences as told by Veterans of the Game of life!”
Welcome to another Episode of the Veterans of the Game Podcast! Host, Army Chief Warrant Officer 3, Maine G. Terry sits down with army veteran Robert J. Stevens as they discuss Robert’s original reason for joining the army, the value of learning about yourself and understanding how to conform to military expectations, and the short story behind how he earned his “street name” Bobby J! Enjoy the podcast and listen to the stories shared by a Veteran of the Game of Life!
Guest Biography
Robert Stevens was born and raised in Anaheim, CA. He joined the army at 20. He spent 12 years in the service and completed deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan. Stevens ended up getting medically separated and now lives in the north Atlanta area with his wife Megan, his son Riley, two dogs, a cat, and 7 chickens. He is passionate about video games, completing renovations on his fixer-upper house, and gardening.
Highlights from the episode
- Stevens discusses his military journey and recalls the various lessons he's learned over the years between being a young soldier and growing into a Staff Sergeant.
- Quay Terry makes a guest appearance on the episode as Robert describes how he earned the nickname "Bobby J"
- Maine and Robert joke about the potential of spending an entire career in one duty station
- Finally, Robert talks about his passion for self sustained living and his D-I-Y home renovation projects
Resources:
Connect with Robert Stevens via
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/robert.stevens.9809?mibextid=ZbWKwL
Host Contact Info:
Connect with CW2 Maine Terry
Email: maine@onthecorner.us
Twitter: @MaineTheAce
Facebook: Maine.Terry
Podcast Network Info:
Connect with Ebony Ascent via
Website: www.EbonyAscent.com
Instagram: @EbonyAscent
Twitter: @EbonyAscent
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Ebony-Ascent-102276362483660
TikTok: @OnTheCornerMediaGroup
Welcome to Episode # of the Veterans of the Game Podcast! Host, Army Chief Warrant Officer 2, Maine G. Terry sits down with army Chief Warrant Officer Rod Rodriguez as they discuss the value that military leaders can receive from individual thinkers within the ranks, the evolution of the Military Intelligence Brigades, continuing the service oriented mindset beyond military service, and the importance of keeping your mind and body engaged after retirement! Enjoy the podcast and listen to the stories shared by a Veteran of the Game of Life!
Guest Biography
Dedan “Rod” Rodriguez is a US Army Reserve HUMINT Warrant Officer with over 20 years of military service. He's the founder of Clear Commo Studios, a professional media production house specializing in podcast production. He is the Producer of USSOCOM's SOFcast, Stars and Stripes' Military Matters Podcast, and the sound-scape designer for the hit podcast American Hysteria. Today he is expanding his entrepreneurial journey into the Florida Real Estate market as part of the Berkshire Hathaway Home Services group in Trinity Florida. He holds a BA in Intelligence Operations and an MS in Mental Health Counseling.
Highlights from the episode
- Rod discusses his military journey and laments about getting the duty station he wanted, but the assignment he didn’t.
- He shares his thoughts on the army’s Large Scale Combat Operations (LSCO) transformation and the importance of understanding the need to evolve.
- Rod describes his desire to remain in service-oriented fields and his passion for helping others in any way he can.
- Finally, Rod talks about his military legacy continuing through his sons who have joined the Marine Corps and Army as infantrymen.
Resources:
Connect with Rod Rodriguez via
Website: www.floridahomesbyrod.com ; https://www.clearcommo.com/
Instagram: @Clear_Commo
Twitter: @ClearCommo
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RodRodriguez.Realtor/?notif_id=1652689460047671¬if_t=page_user_activity&ref=notif
Host Contact Info:
Connect with CW2 Maine Terry
Email: maine@onthecorner.us
Twitter: @MaineTheAce
Facebook: Maine.Terry
Podcast Network Info:
Connect with Ebony Ascent via
Website: www.EbonyAscent.com
Instagram: @ebonyascent
Twitter: @ebonyascent
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Ebony-Ascent-102276362483660
Welcome to Episode 7 of the Veterans of the Game Podcast! Host, Army Chief Warrant Officer 2, Maine G. Terry sits down with army veteran Joseph Anderson as they discuss his interesting career as an Army Interrogator, the struggles with adhering to the army’s fitness standards, adjusting to life as a government contractor, and spending family time with crafts and music! Enjoy the podcast and listen to stories as shared by a Veteran of the Game of Life!
Guest Biography
Joe Anderson is a sci-fi nerd, band geek, and Army brat who calls Kansas home. After a failed college attempt to be a music teacher, Joe joined the Army and found his calling doing Human Intelligence (HUMINT) collection, particularly interrogation. With over 2000 interrogations in his career, plus hundreds of strategic debriefings, Joe prides himself on having a deep understanding of HUMINT theory. Joe served in the Army for 14 years before back injuries resulted in a medical retirement. Not to be dissuaded from doing what he loves, Joe is still doing HUMINT work as a federal civilian in the Washington, DC area. In August, Joe will have completed a Master's in International Science & Technology Policy from George Washington University. Joe lives with his genius wife, Kristen, and their three children, in a house filled with Legos, art supplies, video games, and Halloween props and decorations.
Highlights from the episode
- Joe discusses his time as a young K-State student, trying to find his way in the world as a musician….or potentially becoming an infantryman.
- He shares stories about his repeated deployments to the middle east in support of special interrogation missions during the surge.
- Joe describes the challenges that he faced with trying to transition into the civilian sector after health issues shortened his military career prematurely.
- Finally, Joe talks about his family’s love for music, crafting, and video games.
Resources:
Host Contact Info:
Connect with CW2 Maine Terry
Email: maine@onthecorner.us
Twitter: @MaineTheAce
Facebook: Maine.Terry
Podcast Network Info:
Connect with Ebony Ascent via
Website: www.EbonyAscent.com
Instagram: @ebonyascent
Twitter: @ascentebony
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Ebony-Ascent-102276362483660
TikTok:
Welcome to Episode 6 of the Veterans of the Game Podcast! Host, Army Chief Warrant Officer 2, Maine G. Terry sits down with Retired Army Staff Sergeant Chaene Kingrey as they discuss an army career that was cut short due to medical complications, the joys of having former students reach out to you, and making money as a variety streamer on XBOX and PC games. Take a listen!
Highlights from the episode
- Chaene talks about finding his way in the military despite not knowing what he wanted to get into. It turns out that military structure was the thing he needed to get on the right path.
- Chaene’s biggest regret was not getting the opportunity to serve in an overseas assignment, though he found his way through multiple assignments in America’s southwest.
- With video games being another passion in his life, Chaene has amassed a dedicated following of over 400 viewers to his Twitch channel “K2TheVeteran” where he’s given sage advice to inspiring young military recruits.
- The unique circumstances that led to him meeting his wife has budded into a 19 year relationship and a family of four children!
Resources:
Check out Chaene’s channel K2TheVeteran on Twitch.TV where he plays a variety of games and most importantly, builds a community of gamers who like to chill and discuss life before, during, and after the military1
Contact Info:
Connect with CW2 Maine Terry
Email: maine@onthecorner.us
Twitter: @MaineTheAce
Facebook: Maine.Terry
Welcome to Episode 5 of the Veterans of the Game Podcast! Host, Army Chief Warrant Officer 2, Maine G. Terry sits down with Army Veteran Mr. Brian Braddock as they discuss the army during the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” era, the trauma of dealing with gruesome terrorist videos as an Intelligence Analyst, and becoming an actor and screenwriter after leaving the army. Take a listen!
Guest Bio:
Brian Braddock served in the Army from June 2005 to June 2012 as an Intelligence Analyst. Much of his military service was devoted to assisting interrogation efforts in the Middle East during Operation Iraqi Freedom. After his military service, Brian began a career in the entertainment industry as an actor, performing on stage and in television and film productions based in Texas. He continues that career in San Diego, California as a screenwriter with his husband and Great Dane.
Highlights from the episode:
- Brian discusses his time as an intelligence analyst during a deployment with an army interrogation unit and having to review disturbing terrorist videos that left a lasting impact on his life.
- During the DoD’s infamous “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” era, Brian was subjected to an investigation in an attempt to out him for being gay.
- Though he had a brief career, Brian wishes he would have had the opportunity to ascend the ranks and lead his own team of Soldiers.
- Brian describes his time filming the ABC Television series “My Generation” and how that led to him ultimately moving to Southern California to pursue a career in film and screenwriting.
Resources:
Connect with Brian Braddock via
Email: bbraddock86@gmail.com
Twitter: twitter.com/MrBrianBraddock
Facebook: Facebook.com/bg221986
IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm4480935/?ref_=vp_close
Podcast Contact Info:
Connect with CW2 Maine Terry
Email: maine@onthecorner.us
Twitter: @MaineTheAce
Facebook: Maine.Terry
Welcome to Episode 03 of the Veterans of the Game Podcast! Host, Army Chief Warrant Officer 2, Maine G. Terry sits down with Quatyia Gatlin (my little sister) as they discuss her brief yet beneficial stint with the Air Force, a couple of basic training stories, the impact that the lesson instilled in her during basic training had on her transition into corporate America, and her plot to build a nationwide real estate and luxury home brand empire! Listen to the stories told by Veterans of the Game of Life!
Guest Biography
As an advocate of excellent service throughout her career, Quatyia Gatlin has delivered over 15 years of customer service and sales experience in the corporate realm. She has mentored and influenced her peers on relationship building through customer care and how to effectively increase their sales and productivity.
In 2014 Quatyia made the decision to become a licensed Realtor in the state of Florida and in 2019 she began her real estate practice in North Carolina with Keller Williams.
Quatyia’s current focus is on building her own Luxury Home Décor Brand called ‘Light August’ as a black, woman, independent business owner. Light August began with the vision of producing high quality, hand-poured organic candles and wax melts that were made from 100% soy wax and eventually expanding into a timeless home decor brand with the long-term goal of producing diffusers, linen sprays, and even furniture and art pieces.
Highlights from the episode
- Quatyia discusses her short, albeit very beneficial time in the Air Force where she learned the value of planning, time management, and not making excuses before she was medically discharged from the service.
- She shared stories about the time that her brothers went off to join the army and marine corps as she started exploring a life in corporate America.
- Quatyia discussed the challenges that she faced as she ventured into the realm of real estate and preached the value of finding an experienced mentor.
- Finally, Quatyia shares some words of wisdom that she believes will allow her to create her own Luxury Home Décor empire with her private brand Light August.
Resources:
Connect with Quatyia Gatlin via
Website: Lightaugust.com
Instagram: @_lightaugust_
Twitter: @_lightaugust_
Facebook: Light August
TikTok: @_lightaugust_
Episode 02: Army Major Joseph McKinney
Welcome to Episode 2 of the Veterans of the Game Podcast! Host, Army Chief Warrant Officer 2, Maine G. Terry sits down with Army Major Joe McKinney as they discuss the not so conventional career of an army 35D, the things that the army prepares you for before you transition to the civilian sector, and the joys of being a dad to a couple of kids with budding personalities. MAJ McKinney also shares his opinion on the state of army leadership and what improvements he’d like to see in the realm of accountability. Take a listen!
Highlights from the episode
- Joe discusses his wild and varied career as a young military officer on a quest to return from Hawaii to the east coast.
- One of the perks of joining the military is the ability to inadvertently problem-solve any task without much guidance or mentorship.
- Army leaders are failing the service by not holding insufficient officers accountable.
- Is 5 years old too soon to have a girlfriend?
Resources:
Reach out to MAJ Joe McKinney
https://www.allenintegratedsolutions.com
jmckinney@allenintegratedsolutions.com
Contact Info:
Connect with CW2 Maine Terry
Email: maine@onthecorner.us
Twitter: @MaineTheAce
Facebook: Maine.Terry
Episode 01: Marine Corps Gunnery Sergeant (Ret.) Ronel S. Gatlin
Welcome to the first episode of the Veterans of the Game Podcast! Host, Army Chief Warrant Officer 2, Maine G. Terry sits down with Retired Marine Corps Gunnery Sergeant Ronel S. Gatlin (and his son, Avery) as they discuss what made the Gunny join the Marine Corps, a little bit of his career path, and why he stresses taking care of your mental health as a service member.
Guest Biography:
Retired Marine Corps Gunnery Sergeant Ronel S. Gatlin was born in Brooklyn, NY in July of 1983. He enlisted in the Marine Corps on September 4th, 2001. He became an Aviation Supply Specialist and served in New River, NC and Cherry Point, NC before he deployed to Camp Al Asad AirBase, Iraq in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM in 2006.
In September of 2006, he was promoted into the position of NCOIC of the Supply Accounting Division at the Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 13 in Yuma, Arizona and was later sent forward to stand up the Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 40 in Camp Bastion, Afghanistan.
In August 2013, Gunnery Sergeant Gatlin led a team of Marine Aviation Logisticians in support of the Special Purpose Marine Air/Ground Task Force Crisis Response in Moron, Spain for an eight month deployment before being assigned duties as the Expeditionary Strike Group Lead Expeditor in support of L-Class Ships focused in Central, South, and Eastern European commands.
Gunnery Sergeant Gatlin concluded his career as the Customer Reconciliation Branch and Squadron Support Division Senior Noncommissioned Officer In Charge after being assigned to the Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 16 in San Diego, CA.
He is married to his wife Tara Gatlin and together they have two daughters, Wynter and Autumn as well as a son Avery. Gunnery Sergeant Gatlin was awarded the Navy Commendation Medal and five Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals for his service to our country.
Highlights from the episode
• Ronel discusses falling in on a career field that was never really his choice and making the best of it.
• Helpful tips on how to be a homeowner/landlord with some unsavory tenants in a state with tenant-friendly laws
• Encouragement to take your mental health seriously throughout your career.
Resources:
NSTR
Contact Info:
Connect with CW2 Maine Terry
Email: maine@onthecorner.us
Twitter: @MaineTheAce
Facebook: Maine.Terry