The Military Wire with Mike Schindler: Recent Episodes
The Military Wire with Mike Schindler
The Military Wire with Mike Schindler features interviews with some of America's Most Elite Men and Women who have served this country. Their raw stories of overcoming, finding mission and purpose, and the impact they are having in their communities will provide insightful tips and fast-track your ability to change your life and your own community.
In this episode, Jacqlyn and her team of hiring and recruiting experts for the state of California share how Veterans can land high-paying, secure state jobs.
If you are in transition, listen to the secrets that could land you an interview, offer, and the beaches of California.
There are certain steps to successfully landing great paying and secure state and federal jobs. In this episode, Mike talks with several key hiring and recruiting professionals in the state of California on what it takes to navigate and land one of the thousands of job openings in the state.
If you are a transitioning service member or have transitioned and are looking for your next mission, be sure to listen to this episode. You may find yourself heading to sunny California.
We all face storms - some more than others. Successfully navigating the storms in life - whether mental, financial or emotional - has a lot to do with mindset.
There is an upcoming episode featuring the US Coast Guard and their efforts to rescue the F/V Scandies Rose. Earlier this year, the ship tragically went down off the Alaska coast. Captain Wild Bill, one of Deadliest Catch’s most well-known captains, shares about how his US Navy experience prepared him for the work in the Bering Sea, working in one of the world’s most dangerous professions.
Capt Bill also shares how he is working through a storm that sunk friends - the captain and crew onboard the Scandies Rose.
For a sneak peak, visit: https://youtu.be/ElsG0BMFAM8
With unemployment approaching 20 percent, the competition for any job - especially the good ones - will be fierce.
Shane Andersen, a US Army Veteran and Human Resources Director for PIN Business Networks, a STILL growing and very successful marketing and advertising company based out of Denver, shares how to compete in the COVID and post-COVID job market.
While this was recorded pre-COVID, the information is even more relevant today. In this episode you'll learn:
*How to separate yourself from the other job applicants
*How to get the job you really want
*The ONE THING most applicants fail to do that will get their resume noticed.
Check out PIN Business Networks - they are hiring!
How many of us know someone who has a failed VA or healthcare story? Many, I'm sure. And while there are improvements on many levels, there is still work to be done.
One healthcare giant is not only helping Veterans navigate the healthcare system, they are also attracting and retaining veterans as employees and effectively training communities on what policies are best. They are a part of the solution to some of these failed experiences.
In this episode of The Military Wire our guest, Darin Davis who is the regional veterans executive for Humana and also serves in an Army National Guard line unit with the 39th Infantry Brigade out of Arkansas, shares how Humana, a health insurance company, is focusing on innovated ways to better serve their clients. And while Humana offers the traditional health and supplemental insurance plans to serve all types of individuals, families, people with Medicare, servicemen, servicewomen and veterans, it is their commitment to innovative ways that set them apart.
Humana has a long history of serving our Military and Veterans and families, and they do so through Humana Military®, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Humana Inc., which is a Department of Defense contractor administering the TRICARE health program for active duty and retired military as well as their families.
Currently, Humana Military is responsible for the 32-state TRICARE East Region, serving more than 6 million beneficiaries.
And they are looking for Veterans who want to help improve how we serve the healthcare needs of those who serve and have served.
To learn more, visit www.HumanaMilitary.com
Your military experience - and certainly your military achievements - will aid you in your corporate journey. But is there a secret to succeeding? And can you expect to just do a lateral move from the responsibilities you had in the military to corporate?
Depends.
Our guest on The Military Wire is Brian Jenkins. Considered a national HR leader, Brian graduated from Cornell and Pepperdine, has worked at some top tier companies like HP and Texas Instruments, and his HR experience ranges from large (HP, 350K employees) and medium (TI, 30K employees) companies to the small (WageWorks, 2k employees) and emerging companies.
There aren't many issues Brian hasn't faced or experienced in his HR people management experience. He's supported businesses through growth and difficult/reducing phases, including issues around change management.
And what he's recognized through all his experience is the value Veterans bring - as well as some of the common hang-ups to Veterans succeeding.
In this episode, you'll hear Brian share how Veterans can leverage their experience and knowledge to truly succeed in corporate.
What you say and do in an interview can either close the deal or take you out of the running.
There are plenty of programs and organizations that help with interview preparation. And there is a case one could make that every person you interview with is looking for a different style or method – BUT there are some things you SHOULD do and SHOULD NOT do in an interview – and today we are going to unpack this very topic with a Marine Corps Veteran who serves in Human Resources in a global company.
There’s a scene in the Matt Damon Robin Williams movie Goodwill Hunting where Ben Affleck is sitting in on an interview for Matt Damon’s character telling the interviewers they are suspect, slouching in his chair, and being over-confident – but the scene works in his favor. It’s an enjoyable scene but one that certainly only plays out in the movies – or maybe not.
Our guest on The Military Wire is Melanie Busch, Human Resources Business Partner with Crawford & Company, a global, multi-billion dollar company that protects the interests and properties of millions. Prior to her HR life, she Served as the Ammunition Records Chief, which is responsible for the accountability, serviceability and record keeping of over $20 million of inventory as well as the Combat Marksmanship Instructor of her unit of more than 70 Marines, resulting in 100% combat readiness of all troops under her command. In corporate she has held several key positions – one including talent acquisition.
To learn more about the job opportunities at Crawford, visit: https://www.crawco.com/about/careers
Government jobs. Are they worth pursuing? Do they pay great? Are they secure? On this episode of The Military Wire our guest today is going to shed light on how to effectively navigate and position yourself for a government job.
Our guest on The Military Wire is Darryl Washington / Former US Army Officer, former professor of military science at Texas A & M, who works for NASA - the most respected government agency in the country - in Human Resources.
His span of expertise is impressive and he shares how he landed at NASA and how you could potentially land one of the many thousands of open and available government jobs.
Do you have what it takes to succeed in one of the fastest growing media and technology firms in the world?
You likely have the skills and maybe even the training; but do you have what it takes to thrive and advance?
Our guest on The Military Wire, Betsy Kippenhan Vice President of Human Resources - Washington Region at Comcast, shares her thoughts on not just what skills it takes, but the mindset one of the largest and fastest growing media and technology companies in the world looks for in their employees.
Ms. Kippenhan serves as an executive leader of all HR-related activities for Comcast throughout the state of Washington. She is also the leading executive in the state for building a workforce that includes active military/reservists and military veterans, as well as women and minorities/people of color.
She previously served as Comcast’s West Division Vice President of Talent Management and Operations in Denver, Col, where she oversaw talent acquisition practices across 14 states.
For more information on available careers, visit: https://jobs.comcast.com/programs/military
Fighting depression, anxiety and even moral injury for those who serve can be a battlefront that is tough to win. In this episode, you'll hear from a military spouse and clinical director who shares how animal assisted therapy can be a life saver.
Many of us know someone who has struggled with depression, sadness, unresolved emotional issues – I think all of us know someone who has. Mental health conditions are common in the United States. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, nearly one in five U.S. adults live with a mental illness (46.6 million in 2017). More than 1.7 million Veterans received treatment in a VA mental health specialty program in fiscal year 2018.
Yet, often there is a stigma attached to getting help – and while there is no better alternative to getting one on one help, there are some effective ways to help address some of these issues without having to walk through the clinic doors. Our guest on The Military Wire, Prairie Conlon, LPC, has a Master’s Degree in professional counseling and a Postgraduate Degree in Military Behavioral health counseling. She was recently featured on MILITARY MAKEOVER with Montel Williams, and is also a military spouse. She's lived what she is discussing on this episode and shares how animal-assisted therapy can greatly benefit a Veteran or a military spouse.
Inc magazine published an article Why a Mentor is A Must – and in it movie maker George Lucas noted, "Mentors have a way of seeing more of our faults that we would like. It's the only way we grow."
In this episode of The Military Wire, you'll hear from a military mom Andrea Biwer, also the Executive Director of Des Plaines Chamber of Commerce in the Greater Chicago area who is transforming how their community is honoring and positioning veterans for success and she shares how they are helping Veterans understand their value. You'll also hear from Marne Diethorn, Director of Human Resources at Rivers Casino in Des Plaines who is also a Marine, no longer on active duty, and she shares how mentorship played a role in her corporate success and how mentorship will be key to your success.
If you want to truly grow, find a mentor.
Your military training likely positioned you well to be an asset in corporate. But...you need to translate it so the hiring manager understands how you will add value.
In this episode, David Van Slambrook, Director, Human Resources, Law & Corporate Affairs and Finance at Starbucks, who previous to this job served 28 years in the United States Army, served as a garrison commander, battalion commander, Inspector General, asst. Chief of Staff for United States Pacific Command and retired out as a colonel, shares how he struggled a bit but then got his "break" and how he is helping Veterans "get their break" by better translating their experience.
If you've ever wanted to work at an international company that values Veterans and military spouses, be sure to look up David on LinkedIn and message him directly.
In this latest episode, longtime Hollywood director Todd Robinson shares his thoughts on those who serve our country in uniform - and how this service above self mentality can truly shape your future.
Todd's latest film, The Last Full Measure, tells the true story of Vietnam War hero William H. Pitsenbarger (Jeremy Irvine), a U.S. Air Force Pararescuemen (also known as a PJ) medic who personally saved over sixty men. The film tackles many issues some wrestled with in Vietnam while also uncovering a “cover up” that, when exposed, brought closure to many.
When we all look at our service - the acts performed, the missions accomplished, the tasks completed may not be worthy of a Medal of Honor, but they are worth knowing you accomplished something 93% of Americans have never achieved: service to your country in the military.
The Last Full Measure is a must-see. It has an A-list cast, it tackles some issues often left unaddressed and it is in many ways therapeutic.
Mission. Purpose. Identity. Three words that are clearly understood by most who serve in our military. And then we get out and some lose sight of this – it becomes a journey to “find our place” after service. Our guest on The Military Wire – former Special Forces Lieutenant Colonel Brad Taylor, now best selling author, will shed light on how he found his mission, purpose, and identity after his service to our country – and we’ll talk about his latest book “Hunter Killer” on this episode of the Military Wire.
Best-selling author Brad Taylor served more than 21 years in the US Army Infantry, retiring as a Special Forces Lieutenant Colonel. Numerous infantry and SF positions, including eight years in the 1st Special Forces Operational Detachment – Delta where he commanded multiple troops and a squadron – he’s conducted operations in numerous locations, including Iraq, Afghanistan and other classified locations – he also served as an Assistant Professor of Military Science at The Citadel in Charleston, SC. His books have sold over 2 million copies.
To learn more about Brad, visit his FB profile or visit Hunter Killer.
Identity. In the military our identity – who we are, our rank, our mission, our purpose, is all packaged pretty tightly. We know where we stand in the ranks, others know our skills and accomplishments from the ribbons and medals on our uniforms (chest candy) and the newest recruit, boot, airman knows exactly what level of respect to display just by looking at a uniform. Identity in the military is not a secret.
And then we get it. And all of that changes. Today’s guest on The Military Wire is Jen Anthony. Jen served 20 years in the US Air Force achieving the highest enlisted rank of E-9, Chief Master Sergeant. Only one percent of the enlisted force reach the rank of "Chief" and she did so at a time when the total population of female service members was less than 19%. She has worked all over the world to include places like Iraq, Afghanistan, Egypt, and Turkey. While in service, she specialized in offensive and defensive cyberspace operations coupled with a strong background in leadership and professional development.
She shares her story how she went from being in the 1% club of enlisted to transitioning and becoming what felt to be the most invisible Veteran in the country. Her journey and her experience isn't unique and her method to discovering her new identity is one you can duplicate.
Be sure to check out this episode if you are about to transition - or have transitioned.
Veteran myths and stereotypes seem to take on a life of their own - and sometimes influence HR hiring decisions. HR Expert David Alsop, Senior Director and Head of Human Resources for Ultradent, a global dental and orthodontic manufacturing company that has experienced non-stop growth for over 30 years, shares how he personally held some misconceptions and how today he not only advocates for the skills, abilities and leadership veterans bring to the workplace but makes it a point to influence other hiring managers to understand the value Veterans bring.
To learn more about the hiring opportunities at Ultradent, visit their website at www.ultradent.com or visit David Alsop on his LinkedIn profile.
How does one become a top tier leader – and where does one start after military service to get on this pathway to corporate leadership? We’ll unpack this topic today with one our nation’s top Hospitality Recruiters & Human Resources Executive – who just happens to also be an Artificial Intelligence Enthusiast.
There are hundreds of books on leadership – and those of us who have served in the military in many ways can clearly see how we can advance to the next level of positional leadership – what time is required, what certifications or qualifications. But corporate is different. There isn’t always a clear path to the next level of leadership. And even if you are a top tier leader in the military doesn’t automatically guarantee you a top tier leadership position in corporate.
Our guest today on The Military Wire is Wymillian Cobb, one of our nation’s top Hospitality Recruiters & Human Resources Executives with over 14 years’ experience - who just happens to also be an Artificial Intelligence Enthusiast. She and her husband own have an HR Staffing firm, VJT Strategic HR Hospitality and one of their primary areas of focus is to help those who get into the industry succeed and grow to become top tier leaders.
To learn more about how Wymillian may be able to help you, visit her at Wymillian Cobb.
Have you ever just "lost motivation" or if you lead teams, felt your teams just don't seem to be engaged? In this episode of The Military Wire, you'll hear from one of America's Elite and top performers, Eric Kapitulik, on how to re-engage and how to engage your teams so that you truly can achieve your best year yet.
Erik Kapitulik, founder and CEO of the Program, is a former Infantry Officer and Special Operations Officer with 1st Force Reconnaissance Company, 1st Marine Division. He received his MBA from the University of Chicago Graduate School of Business in 2005 and Founded The Program in 2008. He’s participated in eight IronMan Triathlons, The Canadian Death Race Ultra Marathon, The Eco Challenge, And The America Birkebeiner Ski Marathon. He has summitted five of the Seven Summits: Mt. Kilimanjaro, Mt. McKinley, Mt. Aconcagua, Mt. Elbrus, and most recently, Mt. Everest.
To learn more about Eric and how he can help you achieve your best year yet, visit TheProgram.org
What does it mean to be you after that uniform comes off? And how do you even start defining your own personal brand? In this episode of The Military Wire, Dianne DeSevo, Global Chief Human Resources for one of the top global branding companies, shares how you define and build your brand after your military service.
Dianne is no stranger to helping companies (and individuals) build their brands. Today, with The Engine Group – a global creative media and marketing company - Dianne continues to help global companies "brand" their identities. And those same techniques and strategies work for individuals.
Prior to The Engine, she served as Vice President of Human Resources at Disney ABC Television and Director of Human Resources at Time Warner.
To learn more about The Engine Group, visit their website.
To reach out to Dianne, ping her on Linkedin and just let her know you heard about her on The Military Wire.
Communicating vs Selling your Value. I think we’ve all heard the adage “people don’t like to be sold, they love to buy.” Sitting before someone in HR – hoping to get that job – sometimes may feel like having to do a sales job. You are competing against countless others and this is your one chance to turn the head of the employer and close the deal.
But is there a difference in selling vs communicating value and do the approaches have different outcomes.
In this episode of The Military Wire, you'll hear from Michelle Olson, a military spouse, also a military employment counselor - and a Human Resource Specialist for a Berkshire Hathaway Company – (think Warren Buffet) - Johns Manville, who’s products are used in a wide variety of industries including building products, aerospace, automotive and transportation, filtration, commercial interiors, waterproofing and wind energy. A proud member of the Berkshire Hathaway family of companies, we serve customers in more than 80 countries around the globe.
She shares her perspective from a the spouse lens as well as the HR lens - and you'll want to take notes.
To learn more about the opportunities at Johns Mansville, visit their website or reach out to Michelle.
(**Slight audio issue at 4:54 but then the interview resumes)
In this episode of The Military Wire, you'll learn what the top three best career fields are after military service from retired Marine Corps Colonel, now Member Outreach Manager Clay Stackhouse.
Clay served our nation's military as a Marine Aviator retiring as a Colonel. Traveled to 34 countries and completed 5 combat/contingency deployments in the Former Yugoslavia, the former Zaire, Sierra Leone and Iraq. Became a Marine One pilot, a White House Liaison Officer, a Squadron Commander and was instrumental in the 2013 re-write of the JCIDS manual.
To learn what the top ten best career fields after military service are for those who have served, visit Best Careers After Service List.
Grabbing the attention of HR takes a bit of luck and science. In this episode of The Military Wire, Dan Johnson, former infantry officer who is now leading Human Resource efforts at a global company shares how you can narrow your niche - what you present - in order to grab the attention of HR...and perhaps land that dream job.
Dan Johnson is the Senior Director of Human Resources for the Rings, Turbines, & Energy Group with manufacturing locations in the United States, Mexico, United Kingdom, and Czech Republic. Annual Revenue exceed $1.2 billion and an employee population base of over 2,300.
Dan also served in the military as an officer, went through the transition process, and faced some of the same challenges many who are transitioning face today – a bit of uncertainty – but today, he’s leading a great team and helping others who served find ways to better their transition.
To get in touch with Dan Johnson, check out his LinkedIn profile.
In this episode you'll hear from former Marine Corps Master Sergeant, now HR Director at a global company, Chris Patton, share how his company retains Veterans for 10+ years and what questions to ask that will help you crush the interview.
Harvard Business stated that the cost of losing an employee is about $60,000. With costs to onboard and recruit being roughly $4000, then an investment of 6 – 9 months into the employee, it’s easy to see why retention is so important for companies.
Finding the “best-fit” is critical from both a company perspective and from a "career perspective."
Chris Patton reveals how certain questions can help you in your job hunt determine "best-fit" and reduce your chances of rolling out of a company in the first two years. His advice isn't theory. His company has found ways to attract best-fit Veterans who stay an average of 10 years.
That company? Travelers Insurance. This company that has been around for more than 160 years and have earned a reputation as one of the best property casualty insurers in the industry; the only property casualty company in the Dow Jones Industrial Average. 30,000 employees and 13,500 independent agents and brokers in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom and Ireland.
To learn more, visit www.travelers.com
Even with a competitive job market, you can rise above and target the best-fit job by aligning your skills with some of America's top companies. HR Expert Anthony Shares how to best do this in today's episode of The Military Wire.
To learn more about Anthony, visit leadershipandmore.com If you are transitioning, and want to Discover Your Post-Service Identity, reach out to us at www.opmilfam.com and we can discuss how you can start to plan your best year ever after transition.
In this episode you'll hear from one of the country's top experts on Leadership on what it takes to be a 21st Century Leader.
Many Veterans possess "leadership skills" - however, in today's corporate setting one also needs not only professional leadership skills but also personal leadership skills.
Monty unpacks what the research shows and how today's Veterans truly can excel in today's marketplace.
To learn more about Monty and his efforts, visit: https://www.linkedin.com/in/montyhipp/
Monty L. Hipp is the Founder and co-owner of The CompleMentor, a life-action design firm engaging with leaders and their teams by focusing on personal and professional priorities that accelerate growth.
As a leader with over 30 years of experience in leadership development, non-profit management, Monty has provided executive leadership in for-profit and non-profit teams across the U.S. As an innovator and creator, Monty has a unique ability to move an idea to strategy, and put a big picture idea into a small frame.
The life-action grid, created by Monty focuses on personal growth, professional development, and life priorities is impacting leaders and their teams in significant ways.
As a communicator Monty has spoken in 20 countries and all across the USA on topics that have transformed thousands of people from all sectors of life and leadership. His ability to inspire and provide real time solutions for people continues to bring transformational results in others personally and professionally.
Getting the attention of Human Resources can almost seem like "mission impossible." In this episode, Jennifer Hellwig, former Command First Sergeant with the Air Force, who now serves as a Senior Executive Human Resource Manager for two different companies shares how she struggled to even get the interview, and through the struggle discovered the "secret" to grabbing the attention of HR - of which she shares on this episode.
Listen if you want to know:
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How she had to craft her resume to properly communicate her training and skills
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How she moved her resume to the top of the pile
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And the "one thing" that moves a resume to the top of the pile
To learn more about the engineering and aerospace company Jennifer represents, visit: Cornerstone Research Group
Heroes are made every day. In this episode we unpack Kris Paronto's latest book The Patriot's Creed.
In The Patriot's Creed, Kris Paronto uses the seven core Army Values that all soldiers learn in Basic Combat Training, and the experiences of other servicemen and women and First Responders, to explain how anyone can improve themselves, the world around them, and live a heroic life.
Kris Paronto is best known for his experiences fighting the terrorist attack on the US State Department Special Mission Compound in Benghazi, Libya, on SEPT 11, 2012. The Movie 13 Hours was the feature of that experience. Kris went on to write the best-selling book The Ranger Way and has a new book out called The Patriot’s Creed.
To learn more about Kris and what he is doing in the market place, visit:
https://www.kristantoparonto.net/ http://14thhourfoundation.nationbuilder.com/ https://www.battlelinetactical.net/
Stephen Bollinger graduated from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point in 1987 and then began his career path within the U.S. Army, ultimately taking part in Desert Shield and Desert Storm. In 1991, he was proudly awarded the Bronze Star Medal for exceptional service during combat.
And he realized something important - Your service doesn't have to stop after the uniform comes off. In this episode you'll learn how you can position your service attitude to change an industry - or just your workplace.
After serving in war, Stephen Bollinger wanted to make a difference in helping people in the world of health.
For the past few years, he has identified certain “problem spots” in women’s health care and has found ways to bring medically proven technologies directly to the end user. For him, his career is inspired by the idea that military service never fully ends because even when you leave the service, you are always thinking about how to make the lives in the field better. By innovating in women’s health, he is able to touch the lives of both females in and out of the military, ultimately improving the lives of millions.
Bollinger has seven medical patents with multiple pending, and over the past 20 years has built (and sold) four successful businesses. He has held multiple leadership positions from Founder, President, and Chief Operations Officer of early stage companies, to an even broader spectrum of roles across global operations, marketing, product management and sales. Currently, he is President & CEO of Rinovum Women’s Health LLC, where he has helped innovate and launch new women’s healthcare products directly available to the end user, including The Stork Products (an at-home conception aid) and Revive (a reusable bladder support). 1 in 3 women experience light bladder leaks and are in need of this type of solution, especially physically active women.
Mentorship can change your life for the better. In this short episode you'll discover why a mentor is important and what you can change in your life that will improve your pathway to success.
For more, visit www.OPMILFAM.com
In this episode you'll learn what the first step is to an effective job search, what the most common mistakes are in job searching, and what makes you - a Veteran - stand out in a resume search.
Transitioning from military service to the civilian sector can be a bit challenging. Everything is getting switched up. Who am I, what do I do next, how do I answer questions, How do I know what company to work for, what should my resume look like – all these questions start swimming around in our head.
In this episode, you'll learn from Staci McIntosh, Human Resources Director, Nevada Region, First Service Residential, who has 20 years of Human Resources executive/management experience in all major focus areas within HR. She especially loves coaching others to be their professional best at work and during the job search process. She is also the author of the six job search and career advancement books comprising the One Hour Handbook Series and the Anti-Entrepreneur Series.
Visit her website at: sensiblesolutions.net
STOP. Don't take that FIRST JOB without listening to this episode. U.S. Army Veteran turned HR Expert with over 20 years experience, author of From Broken to Brilliance, shares how you can avoid job jumping and avoid that "good job" that leaves searching for the right job.
For over 20 years, John has encouraged and inspired both leaders, managers, and employees, to know their gifting/talents, discover their life's mission, and develop a partnership with the divine focused on alleviating world suffering. This results in a healthier, happier, bought in, and more productive employee serving your customers, company/organization, and changing the world.
In short, he helps encourage people to raise their standard and live their best lives working for others or themselves.
Areas of Effectiveness Include, but are not limited too:
• Personal and Professional Coaching • Inspirational Public Speaking • Wellness Advocacy (EAP, Mental Health, and Socializing Its Importance) • Teambuilding
To learn more, connect John via email: learnit2012@gmail.com.
Have you ever wondered why some people have success and others don't? Sanjay is an accomplished actor, MMA fighter and author of the book "The Food Talk" who shares his experience and his daily habits that have helped him land commercials, a feature film, and publish a successful book. These same habits are ones you can incorporate in your own life and don't require you to "starve" your way to success.
To learn more about Sanjay, visit The Food Talk.
Battle changes every person who experiences it. In this episode, you'll hear from Purple Heart recipient and Best-Selling author Sean Parnell who took his mess and made it his message through his fictional best-selling books. You'll learn how you can take your mess and make it part of your message as you go through life's transitions.
A bit more on Sean:
- Sean Parnell is a Purple Heart recipient and led the most decorated unit in global war on terror.
- Parnell’s legendary Army unit that served in Afghanistan and was the subject of the National Bestseller, OUTLAW PLATOON.
- It was the events on 9/11 that urged Sean to join the Army and defend the country. During a 485-day deployment in 2006-2007, only a single member of his platoon was killed.
- Since returning home, three members of the platoon have taken their own lives. To grapple with the fact that they lost three times as many men to post-war suicide than in combat is to begin to grasp the true burden of war that veterans carry.
- Sean created American Warrior Initiative to help veterans.
- AWI partnered with a service dog organization called Custom Canines to provide service dogs to in-need veterans.
- Sean is a dynamic speaker and has appeared on multiple media platforms including Fox News, CNN and others.
- ALL OUT WAR features Eric Steele—an Alpha—an elite clandestine operative under the direct command of the President of the United States.
- Steele is the hero that America needs right now, he knows right from wrong, good from bad and knows there is no gray area in protecting the United States of America.
Purchase his book here: ALL OUT WAR
Have you ever just stopped and asked yourself, "why do I exist? What is my purpose?" I totally get it. I was there. In this episode you'll hear from me on how this journey began - how we went from super humble beginnings, to big highs, to super lows and rebirth to where we are today - impacting thousands of military and Veteran families across the nation while helping companies transform how they hire and retain those who serve.
This episode is "the rest of the story." To learn more, visit: www.OMFCares.org
Life is full of transitions. Mindset is key to success. Our guest - Dave Baranek- helps us understand what it takes to develop the mindset that not only helped him become a radar intercept officer (RIO), operating the weapons system in the Navy's F-14 Tomcat fighter but then be selected to become an aerial combat instructor at the elite Navy Fighter Weapons School, better known as Topgun. While serving as an instructor in 1985, he had the unusual experience of flying aerial sequences used in the film "Top Gun."
How many of us have envied the success of someone we met in person or we saw on a movie screen? Honestly, you’ve had those thoughts of, “I see that success, I want that success, I’ve got to get it done.” Some of you put in the work, but after exhausting yourself, you aren’t any closer to where you want to go. A year or two goes by and you aren’t any farther along in your journey.
You aren't alone. It’s not uncommon. Few seem to be on-point and on-mission. But not because of a lack of desire – but know-how – and mindset.
Dave shares how mindset is key to your success and the small steps you can take to incorporate those changes into your life.
Vision. Some have their eyesight yet lack direction. Others have lost their sight, yet know the direction they want to go. Some are simply blind in both areas. In this episode you'll learn about what it takes to gain vision back in your life and about a new technology, eSight, that is helping bring back sight to those who are visually impaired.
Imagine for a moment, you serve your country and you do it well – not uncommon. But then you get injured in battle – injured to the point your vision for your life changes – maybe you lose your sight; maybe your “planned career” now needs to change. You once could see, but now you are visually impaired. Or maybe your vision for your life is going off the rails. You are not alone. Today we are going to give you steps to help you gain vision - and for those who have actually lost their physical sight, we have a tremendous resource for you.
ON the show today I have Gale Pollock, retired United States Army major general who served as the ACTING Surgeon General of the Army Medical Department, the Deputy Surgeon General of the United States Army from October 2006 to March 2007, and also as chief of the Army Nurse Corps. In addition, GEN. Pollock served as Exec Director, Fox Center for Vision Restoration, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. Today, she is helping Veterans see.
TOPIC: What Stands Between You and Your Best-Fit Job – Casey Hurst on A Veteran Job Seeker’s Perspective on Job Hunting
Some of you may simply be struggling with how to identify the best fit job or struggle with the lack of feedback from the job seeking process.
In this episode, you'll hear from Casey - a veteran job-seeker - on how he is navigating the job hunt and where he is finding success.
SUMMARY:
Zip Recruiter and Call of Duty Endowment recently released a study which revealed that Veterans are typically quick to get hired but roll out of that first job at a higher rate than their civilian counterpart within the first six months – both the veteran and the employer lose when this happens.
I’m sure many of us know someone who has experienced this – it can be a struggle even to get an interview so when you do, and it results in an offer, you take it. Not uncommon – as the study shows.
Some of you may simply be struggling with how to identify the best fit job or struggle with the lack of feedback from the job seeking process.
You aren’t alone. Our guest, Casey, shares his experience as a job seeker. An Army officer, with an impeccable record, who from all appearances is doing everything right – taking advantage of resume workshops, fellowships, networking, yet still working to land his talents, skills and abilities inside a company where he will no doubt improve morale and profits.
WHO AM I? Have you ever looked in the mirror and asked yourself “who is staring back at me?” You wear the uniform or wore it – had your identify assigned to you – but you still don’t know who you are. Maybe you’re not who you thought you would be? Maybe you’ve done things that are incredibly impressive followed by things you are far from proud of – which creates this internal conflict – and leads you to ask the question WHO AM I.
You aren’t alone. Gary V helps us unpack his journey to discovery WHO HE IS despite being defined by the military and society of who he should be.
This episode will help you start that journey to self - discovery.
Our guest led a dual life – and one where he battled with his dual identity. Gary Villanueva’s training in Special Operations is extensive - Retired 1st Special Forces Group, Ft Lewis WA 1999 (Retiring rank: E-8 Master Sergeant, no combat tours)
He then became an Activated Retiree; Operation Enduring Freedom Iraq, 1st Special Forces Group 2008-2009 (in the rear with the gear, still no combat tour)
Finished 21 years of service in the United States Army, Operation Iraqi Freedom veteran. Six years as a Special Forces Operations Sergeant coordinating detachment (1 year A-Team Operations Sergeant) and company operations. eight years as a Special Forces Medical Sergeant specializing in combat trauma management. six years as a Special Forces Engineer Sergeant specializing in military explosives, field (theater) construction, and fortifications.
Start the journey. Ask for help. Get a mentor. You'll find you when you find your gift.
Getting ahead in corporate requires a certain attitude. In this episode, you'll learn how Dwight Zimmerman - one of the nation's most respected historians moved along his career to showcase some of America's most pivotal events. His steps can be duplicated to help you move along your career path.
You also learn that in 1986, in more than a thousand theaters across the country, American audiences flocked to see one of the year’s most hyped movies. I was one of those Americans who raced to see what was promised to be an action-packed, thrilling movie starring Tom Cruise, Kelly McGillis, and cool jets. Some critics said the movie would amount to a failure – but in the first weekend, sales totaled $8.2 million, more than half of the movie’s $15m budget – and it went on to amass more than $300m and is still considered one of the Navy’s best recruiting tools.
That movie is Top Gun. It not only became a recruiting jackpot for the Navy, but according to Dwight Zimmerman – one of the nation’s top historians and author of the new book TOP GUN: 50 Years of Naval Air Superiority – it was the catalyst to helping shift an attitude of despair and embarrassment many felt when it came to our military.
Sarah Roberts, West Point Graduate and Head of Military and Veteran Programs at LinkedIn, shares how to effectively leverage LinkedIn to land your next job in this episode of The Military Wire.
Roberts is a West Point graduate, graduate of Gonzaga, worked at Amazon and Microsoft after her time in the Army.
In this episode you'll learn:
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Some of the common mistakes people make with their LinkedIn profile and how to avoid them
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How to position your profile as a problem solver and not as one trying to sell themselves
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What is LinkedIn Premium and how Veterans and their spouses can take advantage of this program at no cost for one year.
Not every experience in your life is a good one. In this episode, Lt. Col. Bill Riley (Ret.), author of the book "Baghdaddy: How Saddam Hussein Taught Me to be a Better Father" shares how both his childhood experiences - unstable and violent home, absent father and a mother who struggled with mental illness - and his military experience - witnessing the violence of war - shaped who he is today: a true asset to his community and more importantly, to his family.
Your past does not have to define you. Learn from it. Focus on the good of the moment. Plan for a great future. And be flexible.
In Bill's latest book, Baghdaddy, you'll be taken on a journey where you'll likely see parts of yourself and you'll understand that even the toughest assignments and roughest childhoods can be teaching moments.
Are you struggling with your past getting in the way of your future? Imagine if you were most-likely responsible for the death of a fellow soldier...and that soldier was American Hero Pat Tillman. Steven Elliott, author of War Story, shares how we worked through being one of two most likely responsible for Pat Tillman's death.
Steven Elliott was one of the Rangers who served with Pat's brother but through investigation was determined to be one of two individuals responsible for the shot that ended Pat Tillman's life. Steven allowed that experience to grip him - turned to alcohol, lost his marriage, lost hope - but was able to pull through and his story of overcoming is incredible - the journey painful and told in his new book War Story.
In this episode you'll learn how to beat Veteran Underemployment. Dan Goldenberg, Naval Academy and Harvard Business School graduate, serves as the Executive Director of the Call of Duty Endowment and walks our listeners through the latest studies on Veteran underemployment and what our listeners can do to beat it.
Check out the latest study here.
In this episode, you'll hear from Jeb Blount, the bestselling Author of ten books and one of the world's most respected thought leaders on sales, leadership, and customer experience, on what he is doing to aid the military in recruiting talent and what you can do to land your next job.
Unemployment fell to a 49-year low as the U.S. created 263,000 new jobs in April. Those increases in hiring were concentrated mainly at white-collar businesses, construction and health care. And while this is great news for those individuals and industries, America is becoming more at risk as military recruiters are competing against higher wages and for qualified candidates who are willing to protect and defend the United States. This episode also unpacks what the country is doing to shore up this short-fall.
His book, Fanatical Military Recruiting, is a must-read for anyone who is exploring the sales industry.
Country Music Legend Charlie Daniels shares in this episode why those who serve this country deserve the best America can give and why its important for those who have served to seek help.
From his Dove Award-winning gospel albums to his genre-defining southern rock anthems and his CMA Award-winning country hits, few artists have left a more of a mark on America's musical landscape than Charlie Daniels. Over the course of his career, Daniels has received numerous accolades, including his induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame, the Musicians Hall of Fame and becoming a member of the Grand Ole Opry.
One of his greatest achievements is being a lifelong patriot.
He was awarded the Office of the Secretary of Defense Medal for Exceptional Public Service award for his support of military personnel and as well as the AmVet Silver Helmet award, an annual award that recognizes various patriotic achievements and presented by the AmVets, an organization formed by World War II veterans.
To learn more about Charlie Daniels, visit www.CharlieDaniels.com or his non-profit, which supports military and veteran families The Journey Home Project.
In this episode, you learn how to overcome adversity. Forging a positive legacy, especially if you take on a leadership role of any capacity, is not easy in a political environment driven by accusations, innuendos, and a preponderance to believe someone is guilty before they are innocent.
General Ward talks about how one can face and overcome adversity, regardless of the issue, and the important role of faith, true friends, and family plays in every person’s life.
Check out Historymaker's segment;we all can learn from his discipline to work hard every day to “improve the foxhole.”
If you are a military spouse, you'll want to tune in to this episode with Cameron Cruze, Head Riveter and co-founder of RRiveter.com, a military spouse-driven manufacturing company that employs the talents of military spouses across the country.
Because of the transient lifestyle, constraints of moving, cost of caregiving, and flexibility required to balance family obligations when a servicemember is away, many spouses seek or require remote work opportunities.
After charging two thousand dollars each to their credit cards, Lisa and Cameron purchased a commercial sewing machine and a small supply of leather and canvas. At first, it was a two-woman operation, but as demand grew, so did the team.
In 2016, after a successful appearance on Shark Tank, Bradley and Cruse made their pitch and wound up with three offers. They decided to accept an offer from billionaire investor Mark Cuban, who already had a track record of working with and supporting military affiliated companies.
And now they are employing military spouses across the country.
Cruze and Bradley are changing the military spouse employment landscape. Check out how you can be a part of this great mission.
Visit RRiveter.com
You CAN separate yourself from the pack. In this episode, former BUD/s instructor and Navy SEAL Garrick Fernbaugh, now founder and president of Red Frog, a Tactical Curriculum Development / Security Consulting Company that is breaking new ground in the science of tactical training, shares how he took his desire to prove himself to become one of America's Elite.
He shares the steps he took - steps you can take - that have positioned him to influence an industry. That desire to continue to prove himself wasn't without challenges. Transition wasn't easy. Finding mission and purpose wasn't easy. Starting his company wasn't easy.
But it wasn't about easy. It was about proving he could do it and making a difference.
Everyday we all have a choice to make: get up, go along, go to bed OR get up, prove you are here to make a difference, go to sleep knowing you haven't wasted oxygen.
Check out Garrick's company - what he and his team teach could save your life and make a generational difference.
Take yourself to the next level of performance. In this episode you'll hear from Olympian, former fighter pilot, and CEO of Eberlestock, Glen Eberle on how he is changing the world. And how you can change the world as well.
In life we’ll face adversity, challenges, and events that can be crippling – if we let them. Glen rose above. He took a bad situation and made good from it.
I sat down with Glen Eberle of Boise-based Eberlestock , a company that designs, manufactures and sells a range of sporting gear and tactical gear for hunters, outdoor enthusiasts, and military tactical combat units. In this episode you'll hear how his company almost collapsed due to a warehouse fire years ago. That fire left him with only a few smoke-scented inventory items. He and his wife packed those items up in their truck and left for SHOT SHOW in Vegas – and came away with a considerable order that gave his company a new beginning.
In life's transitions we'll have many of our own "warehouse fires." Events that are demoralizing and devastating.
But we can learn from those events. And those events can help us become world-changers.
Watch the Eberlestock story here.
Mentorship will change your life. In this episode you'll learn how Scott Wealing, Former Army Ranger, CEO of Briggs Core Dynamics, and one of America's Elite soldiers embraced mentorship at a young age, how it influenced his life and is one of the core reasons he is on the frontlines of improving the safety of communities nationwide.
You may not have the skills that Scott has - but you can certainly incorporate the secret to his success in your own life.
Dig in and discover why a mentor can change your life.
And while your at it, check out Briggs Core Dynamics. What they teach just may save the life of someone you love.
What will your story be? In this episode learn how Oklahoma Hall of Fame Inductee Bob Ford succeeded in his transition and is now changing the Vietnam Veteran narrative across the country.
Bob also has a new book. In his gripping memoir, Black Cat 2-1: The True Story of a Vietnam Helicopter Pilot and His Crew (Brown Books Publishing Group), Bob Ford delivers a vivid portrait of camaraderie, danger, and survival. From July 1967 to July 1968, Ford flew over one thousand missions in Vietnam.
On November 3, 2018, Ford was inducted into the Oklahoma Military Hall of Fame, and was awarded the Major General Douglas O. Dollar Distinguished Public Service Award. Named for the founder of the Oklahoma Military Hall of Fame, the award recognizes exemplary public and community service and support of veterans. Ford has funded college educations and student expenses for needy families; placed computers in schools; and donated bicycles for Christmas Santa drawings. In September 2017 he donated a Huey helicopter to the Oklahoma History Center in Oklahoma City for permanent display. Ford’s decorations include the Air Medal with 13 Oak Leaf Clusters with one for Valor and the Bronze Star Medal.
A gifted storyteller, Ford shared his experiences in a StoryCorps segment recorded in Oklahoma City in March 2018. In September 2018, Ford narrated the audio book version of Black Cat 2-1, available now on Audible/Amazon and iTunes. For more information, visit http://www.blackcat2-1.com/
You can view Ford's book trailer here: https://youtu.be/G082NxzX9dE.
In this podcast you’ll hear from Army Veteran Luis Bordonada and Hollywood actor Max Martini that “asking for help is NOT a show of weakness.” You’ll also get the “behind the scenes” on what makes the movie, written and directed by Max Martini, Sgt. Will Gardner a MUST-WATCH on working through issues related to combat and transition.
“You can’t heal unless there is a dialogue.” Max Martini, who has long portrayed roles of great warriors in such movies as Saving Private Ryan, The Unit, and 13 Hours once again delivers an incredible performance as Sgt. Will Gardner, an Iraq War Veteran, who suffers from PTSD and the lingering effects of a traumatic brain injury (TBI), which he sustained years earlier when he and his platoon, led by his fellow soldier and best friend, Tops (Hardwick), came under attack. Enduring painful flashbacks to his harrowing combat days and humiliating setbacks in the present, Will sets out on a spirited motorcycle journey across America in hopes of reconciling with his young son and former wife (Röhm). Along the way, he encounters other veterans and a young woman (Rabe) who will push him to confront some of his most painful memories in hopes of finally finding some peace and closure.
He is joined by a powerful cast: Omari Hardwick(Starz's POWER, SORRY TO BOTHER YOU), Lily Rabe(F/X’s American Horror Story), Dermot Mulroney(INSIDIOUS: CHAPTER 3), Robert Patrick(CBS’s Scorpion, Terminator 2), Elisabeth Röhm(Law & Order), JoBeth Williams(Poltergeist), Luis Bordonada(Barracuda), Leo Martini(Edge) and Gary Sinise(CBS’s CSI: NY, Forrest Gump).
Mona Vista Productions will donate a portion of the film’s proceeds to three charities which support veterans suffering from Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), PTSD and veteran homelessness: Higher Ground, Warriors Heart and the Gary Sinise Foundation.
Cinedigm will release the picture in select theaters, On Demand and Digital in January 2019 with a Blu-ray™and DVD release to follow in February 2019.
Check out Sgt. Will Gardner today.
In this episode with female Combat Veteran Daniella Young you'll learn how to navigate your transition to a successful outcome. After growing up in a seriously bad religious cult, she went on to became a Captain in the US Army, and is now doing CEO forums and has an upcoming TEDx talk –
Daniella is one of the first women to serve on a ground combat team in active war and is now a Speaker, Writer, and owns her own company.
In this episode, you'll learn how one Veteran became a top voice at LinkedIn and how you can effectively leverage LinkedIn to gain the career you desire.
Daniel Savage, Head of Military & Veterans Programs at LinkedIn, is a West Point graduate, has a Masters from Harvard, and helped launched the Onward to Opportunity program, through the Institute for Veterans and Military Families, which helps active duty prepare for life after the military.
But it wasn't always easy. In Dan's words, “Career transitions are never easy. As a military veteran, I found the transition from military to civilian life to be daunting, and the ambiguity around choosing a civilian career path to be disorienting. I’ve been incredibly fortunate – along my journey, a handful of key leaders have invested in me, and I’ve had the wonderful opportunity to work on numerous projects geared toward helping others navigate their own transition.”
This episode will provide some insight and a bit of "what to do" and "what not to do" when it comes to your own transition.
Check out Dan's LinkedIn.
If you are getting ready to transition or have transitioned - and want a corporate career - this is a must-listen. "How you navigate the military civilian divide" will be revealed in this session.
Carol Eggert is Senior Vice President, Military and Veteran Affairs. In this role, she works collaboratively across Comcast NBCUniversal to provide strategic leadership to all aspects of programs and outreach engaging the military and veteran community, including recruiting, hiring and building talent at all levels of the organization.
Carol brings more than 30 years of military and civilian experience to Comcast. In her civilian role, she assisted various organizations in the private, government and non-profit sectors with their initiatives in knowledge management, strategic planning and project management. During her career, she served in the Army, the Army Reserve and the National Guard, serving in a variety of command and staff positions, including Assistant Adjutant General, Battalion Commander and Chief of Staff and recently retired as a Brigadier General.
She also has worked with members from all branches of the military, completed numerous overseas deployments, including a 15-month combat tour in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom as Chief of the Women’s Initiatives Division and Senior Liaison to the U.S. Embassy, Baghdad, where she conducted a full-scale analysis of women’s initiatives and developed a strategic plan for the economic and political empowerment of Iraqi women under the U.S. Secretary of State.
She is the recipient of numerous awards and commendations in recognition of her contributions to the military, including the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, Purple Heart and multiple awards of the Meritorious Service Medal.
Carol is a graduate of the prestigious U.S. Army War College, where she also served on the faculty and was later selected as the Deputy Commandant for Reserve Affairs. She holds a bachelor’s degree in liberal studies, two master’s degrees in instructional design and strategic international studies, and a doctoral degree in organizational leadership. Carol serves on the Corporate Advisory Board for West Chester University, and the Boards of Directors for Valley Forge Military Academy Board, the Philly POPS, and PsychArmor.
Her leadership in the private sector has been recognized by HillVets, who placed her on their 2016 list of the 100 most influential veterans in America, and by the Philadelphia Business Journal, who named her one of their 2016 Veterans of Influence.
U.S.VETS is honoring BG Carol Eggert at their annual Gala on November 8 in Beverly Hills. She is receiving their Harry Pregerson Public Service Award for her support of Veterans.
Find out more about Carol Eggert here.
If you are transitioning, this interview is a must with General Wesley Clark. **please note, due to the General's location, there are some breaks/deadspots in the interview.
The secret to success. Overcoming challenges and adversity. Global warming. And now, a new film that will challenge what we do and why we do it. It’s not every day one gets to interview one of America’s most accomplished soldiers and leaders and gain insight on why he does what he does and how others can follow in his footsteps.
General Wesley K. Clark was always drawn to the military for an unknown reason. It could have had something to do with his father’s service in the Navy that influenced his decision to serve. Regardless, the young Wesley Clark went on to become a West Point valedictorian, a Rhodes Scholar, the Former NATO Supreme Allied Commander, an author, co-chair of Growth Energy and now a subject matter expert in how we use and leverage energy resources in Jeff Bridges’ Award-Winning Documentary ‘Living in the Future’s Past.’
This podcast unpacks what makes General Wesley Clark stay one of America's Greatest Assets and how you can follow in his footsteps.
Viewing life through a sniper's scope was a daily practice for Special Forces, Green Beret Rod Rodriguez. Getting blown up was just a part of life. And when it came time to transition - not by choice - but through a med board, suddenly his daily practice was truly foreign - and more traumatic than his military experience.
When life changes unexpectedly, how will you respond?
In this episode, President and Chief Executive Officer at Global War on Terror Memorial Foundation Rod Rodriguez chronicles his military experience, how his wife's transition was polar opposite of his, and his journey to becoming one of America's Greatest Assets after his military experience.
Rod will tell you that he is just a normal kid from New Mexico. And this normal kid from New Mexico, after serving our country with honors, is on a new mission to bring tribute to those who have served and continue to serve in America's longest conflict.
The Global War on Terror (GWOT) Memorial Foundation, the congressionally-designated non-profit foundation is tasked with organizing, fundraising and coordinating efforts to build a new memorial on the National Mall in Washington, D.C..
Former President George W. Bush was named as its honorary chairman.
What you'll learn from this podcast is that success takes work. And Rod's humble approach to achieving success is one that many can duplicate. Rod chose to give back as his next mission and purpose.
What will be your next mission and purpose after military service?
"Continuing my service to others first through established leadership in the military and civilian communities through teamwork as well as collaboration." - Michael "Rod" Rodriguez
Our circumstances can sometimes be overwhelming. When Andrew lost his wife, he had a choice to make. What will you do when death hits you in the face?
Andrew E. Coussens spent nearly eight years deployed as a contractor for a classified US government program that is still active in numerous areas of the world in support of the War on Terror.
He spent three years simultaneously training partner nations in counter-terrorism tactics for the US State Department’s Global Anti-Terrorism Assistance program.
Since leaving these programs, Mr. Coussens has been employed as a consultant for The Activity Group, a company that provides field-trauma solutions for the US military (AFRICOM), Federal law enforcement agencies, SWAT/Emergency teams, and tactical medical programs worldwide.
His first novel is sure to be a best seller. A Failed State is an international war on terror novel that is fast-paced, and very real.
Damien Collins, who struggles with severe anxiety, a troubled marriage, and a custody dispute over his five-year-old daughter, is a member of this elite intelligence-gathering team trying to stop the spread of ISIS and its emergence in the hotbed of Afghanistan. Damien’s team has confidants within ISIS-Khorasan that could turn the tide of the struggle. While Damien’s team rushes to solidify their victories, he has to juggle his own chaos at home.
Check out A Failed State
Your transition doesn't have to be difficult. This live, in-person interview with retired CDR Don Leingang, now Executive Director of the world's busiest USO, describes how his plane crash was his first introduction to the USO...and how the USO can support your transition.
Check out the USO PNW: https://northwest.uso.org/sea-tac
"...85 percent casualty rate. Lucky to make it back…"
Mike Schindler, host of The Military Wire, interviews one of America's most elite combat Veterans Sean Parnell, former Commander of a 40 Man Elite infantry platoon called The Outlaws, which became one of the most feared American units in the Afghanistan war.
We cover his best selling book, Outlaw Platoon, his latest book Man of War, how he found a new mission and purpose after service and what those who want to support those who have served can do to help.
There's even a bit of advice for those who are transitioning on how YOU CAN FIND MISSION AND PURPOSE.
To read more about this great book, visit: Parnell's Man of War
