Mission: San Diego Military: Recent Episodes
CloudCast
Our support for the military community could never be enough. Mission: San Diego Military, hosted by Drew Schlosberg, President of DS Studio and former Public Relations Director for The San Diego Union Tribune, is produced in partnership with the San Diego Military Advisory Council (SDMAC), A Nonprofit Mutual Benefit Corporation Supporting, Promoting, And Representing The Common Business Of The Military, Its Quality Of Life, And Defense Industry Community In San Diego.
RADM (Ret.) Mark Balmert, President and CEO of the San Diego Military Advisory Council (SDMAC), chats about the organization's resumption of its signature breakfast series events; challenges of military spouse employment; and military leadership changes in our region.
Maurice Wilson, President and Executive Director of REBOOT, chats about how the REBOOT program works to shift the mindset of transitional service members and help them find post-military careers that align with their passions. Wilson talks about the "Managing Your Transition Timeline" app; virtual REBOOT workshops; and the Veteran Career Matching app.
Tim Ney, Executive Director of Armed Services YMCA San Diego, chats about the recent successful Big Bay Boom event and how the iconic annual event supports the YMCA's myriad programs and services. Ney discusses resources that provide opportunities for military spouses; the Horse of the Sun Ranch, and new child development centers.
RADM (Ret.) Mark Balmert, President and CEO of San Diego Military Advisory Council, is joined by Charles Parisi, CEO and Founder of Cloudcast Media, to talk about the hundreds of contributions the military has made to everyday life. Balmert and Parisi highlight the upcoming 20-part 9/11 podcast series.
Ryan Weaver, a U.S. Army Combat Veteran, and two-time Gold Star family member discusses
his transition to become a popular country artist and songwriter. Weaver chats about his single
and music video, Never Forgotten, written and performed to honor those lost on 9/11. In the
video, Rich Weaver, an NYPD detective, shares his behind-the-scenes story of how he helped
raise the American flag amidst the rubble of the downed WTC towers.
Mark Balmert, President and CEO of San Diego Military Advisory Council (SDMAC) and co-host of "Mission: San Diego Military" show goes from co-host to interviewee to chat about how SDMAC has successfully navigated through the rough waters of the pandemic. He discusses the return of the in-person SDMAC Breakfasts, as well as the Annual SDMAC Achievement Awards set for August 12 at the Admiral Kidd Club.
Peter Bartoli, a cybersecurity expert, Managing Partner of Downtime Associates, CIO of Market Insight Solutions LLC, adjunct professor, and head coach of the competitive hacking team at SDSU, chats about his experiences at the Defense Advanced Research Agency (DARPA). Bartoli discusses the importance of educating oneself on security measures, ransomware, and protecting organizations from crippling hacks.
Ed Hiner, Best-Selling Author, and decorated Navy Seal talk about his newest book GUTS: Greatness Under Tremendous Stress. Hiner describes how anyone can face stress head-on and develop resilience. Hiner chats about how his involvement with foster youth at San Pasqual Academy had an impact on the writing of GUTS.
Nancy Rohland-Heinrich, Vice-Chancellor of Communications and Community Engagement for National University, chats about the university's historical support of active-duty students and veterans at the graduate and undergraduate levels. Rohland-Heinrich discusses NU's upcoming 50th Anniversary celebration in the Fall.
Bob Kurkjian, USO West Region President, discusses the impact of USO in support of military family resilience; disaster response in support of the military, and the upcoming USO San Diego Golf Tournament.
Major Steve Harvey, Director of NavalX SoCal Tech Bridge, discusses how Tech Bridge brings novel and innovative technology to leverage the SoCal ecosystems assets such as Installations, Industry, and Research. He also explains what it means to establish a collaborative DOD and Commercial Industry market. Major Harvey talks about two upcoming Tech Bridge events on June 23, “The Unmanned Logistics Systems Demonstration,” and June 24, "The Electric Mobility Symposium.” The events will showcase autonomous vehicles and an all electric battlefield simulation to show how the military can integrate 5G technology to speed up ability and increase lethal precision.
William Lu, San Diego Chapter Lead of the Veterans Beer Club, is joined by colleague Kathryn Warren of the Beer Club's National Leadership Team to chat about the Club’s mission and services. Lu and Warren discuss the Beer Club's upcoming 5th Anniversary event that will be for their “Second Chance” Brewery event on Saturday, June 19. Lu and Warren highlight the Club's focus on networking.
Michael Minc, Founder, and Chairman of the Gene Vance Jr. Foundation for the Catastrophically Injured discuss the history and mission of the Foundation, along with criminal justice reform for impacted veterans.
VADM (Ret.) John Bird, Senior Vice President for USAA, chats about the history of the Poppy Honor Wall, which recognizes those fallen military members who have sacrificed their lives for the United States since WWI.
Neil O'Connell, President and CEO of Mt. Soledad National Veterans Association, is joined by Phil Kendro, the Association's Vice President and Event Producer to chat about the programs the Association provides to honor both living and fallen veterans. Kendro details their upcoming Memorial Day Live event that will feature the commemorative film, "Last Full Measure" in a live and virtual setting. O'Connell highlights the dedicated work of the Association's volunteers and docents.
Mark Balmert, President and CEO of the San Diego Military Advisory Council (SDMAC), is joined by Nancy Worlie, Interim General Manager for KPBS, and Mark Vizcarra, Director of the upcoming film, Hun Pilots, to talk about the virtual G.I. Film Festival. Worlie highlights the veteran-centric film festival, which features independent films made by veterans, for veterans. Vizcarra chats about his service background as well as his experiences as a filmmaker.
Mark Balmert, President and CEO of the San Diego Military Advisory Council (SDMAC), is joined by Stephen Holley, Retired Navy SEAL Officer, and Co-Founder and President & CEO of Carry the Load, to chat about his organization's mission to honor the nation's heroes and emphasize the importance of Memorial Day. Holley details Carry the Load's relay events, in which participants from around the country march in remembrance of fallen soldiers, handing off American flags to another participant every 5-miles, until eventually meeting in Dallas, Texas. Holley also discusses the role his organization will play in helping troops transition into civilian life as they are withdrawn out of Afghanistan.
Kathy Roth-Douquet, CEO of Blue Star Families, is joined by Justin Schmitt, AVP of Corporate Responsibility for USAA to talk about the 35th anniversary of "Month of the Military Child." Roth-Douquet highlights the struggles and strength of children of military service members. Schmitt discusses resources available to service members and their families.
Mark Balmert, President and CEO of the San Diego Military Advisory Council (SDMAC), is joined by Lisa Marcolongo, Family Action Life Group Co-Champion for the San Diego Veterans Coalition. Marcolongo elaborates on the unique challenges military spouses face. Marcolongo also speaks about resources service members and their families can take advantage of in San Diego.
Mark Balmert, President and CEO of the San Diego Military Advisory Council (SDMAC), is joined by Ron Stark, President of the San Diego Veterans Coalition (SDVC), and Maurice Wilson, 1st Vice President of the SDVC. Stark discusses the Coalition's mission to honor veterans and their commitment to the United States as well as ensure service members are able to find success post-service. Wilson chats about the greatest challenges veterans face post-service and how the SDVC aims to assist in overcoming those obstacles.
Mark Balmert, President and CEO of the San Diego Military Advisory Council (SDMAC), is joined by Gary Johnston, San Diego County Chief Resilience Officer for the Office of Emergency Service (OES) and COVID-19 Safe Reopening Team Lead. Johnston discusses OES's coordination of all-hazard planning, mitigation, response and recovery. Johnston chats about the headway San Diego County has made in safely reopening shuttered businesses. Johnston also advises listeners on how best to protect themselves as case numbers in the county gradually decrease.
Mark Balmert, President & CEO of the San Diego Military Advisory Council (SDMAC), is joined by Melinda Gomez and Lauren Ramos, Fellowship Program Managers for Hiring Our Heroes, a program of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation. Gomez and Ramos discuss how the fellowship successfully links veterans and their spouses with employment opportunities that play to their strengths. Balmert highlights the upcoming Townhall Speaker Series event with Mayor Todd Gloria.
Mark Balmert, President & CEO of the San Diego Military Advisory Council (SDMAC), is joined by Ron Stark, President of the San Diego Veterans Coalition, to talk about the coalition's commitment to serving veterans and their families through collaboration and cooperation with like-minded organizations. Balmert highlights the upcoming Townhall Speaker event with Mayor Todd Gloria.
Mark Balmert, President and CEO of the San Diego Military Advisory Council (SDMAC), is joined by Greg Martin, President of the Warrior Foundation Freedom Station, an organization that enables post-9/11 veterans to live self-sufficient lives. Balmert highlights the successful relaunch of SDMAC's virtual Townhall Speaker series. Martin discusses the Freedom Station's Mentorship program and the importance of maintaining a sense of community post-service.
Tim Ney, Executive Director of the Armed Services YMCA (ASY), discusses the ASY's mission to enhance the lives of military families and address the unique challenges they face. Ney discusses the threat of food insecurity, the resiliency of military spouses, and the struggle service members face when leaving their families for deployment, all of which the ASY addresses. Ney also chats about the ASY's Achievement Academy and Horse of the Sun Ranch programs.
Mark Balmert, President & CEO of the San Diego Military Advisory Council (SDMAC) is joined by Phil Kendro, Vice President of the Mt. Soledad National Veterans Memorial Association. Balmert promotes SDMAC's Town Hall Series, which will feature various virtual presentations beginning March 4, 2021. Kendro provides a brief history of the memorial, the nation's only national memorial to honor both living and deceased service members. Kendor describes the breathtaking views from the memorial, which honors more than 5,200 veterans. Kendro chats about the upcoming Memorial Day ceremony at Mt. Soledad.
Mark Balmert, President & CEO of the San Diego Military Advisory Council (SDMAC), is joined by SMA (Ret.) Jack Tilley, the 12th Sergeant Major of the Army and Co-Founder of the American Freedom Foundation (AFF), and Ted Hacker, a former Nashville-based music producer and President of the American Freedom Foundation (AFF). Balmert discusses the SDMAC "Zoom" Speaker Series which will kick off in the coming months. Hacker details AFF's history of supporting veterans, while SMA Tilley chats about the upcoming launch "Your Next Mission," a forthcoming vodcast/podcast targeted at veterans and transitioning service members moving into civilian life.
RADM (Ret.) Mark Balmert, President & CEO of the San Diego Military Advisory Council (SDMAC), discusses how the organization is adapting and evolving through the COVID-19 pandemic. Balmert chats about the organization's membership growth and upcoming virtual SDMAC events.
Dylan Fisher, Senior Manager of Economic Development and Advocacy for the North San Diego Business Chamber, talks about his role in connecting veterans with the business community. Fisher outlines the Operation Connect program, which aims to assist veterans in sharpening their networking skills as they transition into civilian life.
Mark Balmert, President & CEO of the San Diego Military Advisory Council (SDMAC), is joined by Jesse Gipe, Pacific-South Director of the National Security Innovation Network (NSIN). Gipe discusses the non-traditional problem-solving techniques which help the NSIN stay on the cutting edge of national security. Gipe also highlights the vast possibilities for college students looking to work in the national security field.
Mark Balmert, President and CEO of the San Diego Military Advisory Council (SDMAC), is joined by Sam Freidman, Salesforce Manager for the San Diego Workforce Partnership (SDWP), and Jardea Jenkins, Program Specialist for Ticket to Work and RETAIN. Balmert chats briefly about new changes made to SDMAC's Board of Directors. Friedman discusses how the SDWP helps veterans and transitioning service members translate their skills into the business world. Jenkins speaks to the solution-oriented, can-do spirit veterans bring to the workplace.
Chris Thorne, Director of Account Management for HireMilitary, discusses the organization's mission to assist veterans and transitioning service members as they enter the next phase of life after military service. Thorne highlights HireMilitary's proactive approach to securing jobs with a high likelihood of employment. Thorne also touches on the challenges which make transitioning to civilian life difficult.
Mark Balmert, Executive Director of the San Diego Military Advisory Council (SDMAC), is joined by Terry McKearney, President of the SDMAC Foundation, to highlight the foundation's mission and commitment to help veterans, transitioning service members and their families pay for higher education through scholarships.
Mark Balmert, Executive Director of the San Diego Military Advisory Council (SDMAC), discusses 2020 highlights in the face of the devastating pandemic. Balmert talks about continued COVID-19 related challenges in 2021; the SDMAC Foundation; and operational changes that SDMAC will be undertaking next year.
Mark Balmert, Executive Director of the San Diego Military Advisory Council, is joined by Tina Atherall, CEO of PsychArmor Institute, to talk about the Institute's mission to utilize the power of education and learning to improve the lives of military service members and their families. Atherall discusses how PsychArmor's 200+ courses aim to educate civilian populations to better improve communication with military members. Atherall highlights the success her organization has had in training other nonprofit organizations, such as Habitat for Humanity and Hidden Heroes.
Mark Balmert, Executive Director of the San Diego Military Advisory Council, is joined by Craig Stammen, a pitcher for the San Diego Padres and recipient of the prestigious Bob Feller Act of Valor Award. Stammen chats about what led him to become an avid supporter of the military, his experiences overseas in Afghanistan while on a USO-sponsored trip, and what receiving the Bob Feller Act of Valor Award Means to him. Stammen also discusses the peculiar nature of playing baseball during the COVID-19 era.
Tasha Ross, Director of Corporate Relations at the UCSD Rady School of Management (ROSM), talks about the school's unparalleled commitment to supporting veterans as they transition into the business world. Ross discusses the School's partnership with the San Diego Military Advisory Council (SDMAC) in the development of the annual San Diego Military Economic Impact Report. Ross chats about UCSD's acceptance into the Yellow Ribbon Program and its StartR Veteran, an accelerator program that provides coaching and workshops tailored toward veterans with entrepreneurial ideas.
Earl "The Pearl" Wederbrook, a retired Marine Corps Colonel and past SDMAC President, discusses pertinent issues facing local military members and their families in San Diego County. Wederbrook talks about encroachment and how it affects military operations; housing challenges; and the massive impact of military spending in the San Diego region.
Adam Heyde, the San Diego Operations Manager for Jingoli Power, talks about his company's dedication to hiring San Diego veterans. Heyde chats about his military career, Jingoli Power's affiliation with the San Diego Military Advisory Council, and the Department of Defense's Skill Bridge program.
Mark Balmert, Executive Director of the San Diego Military Advisory Council, is joined by retired Marine Corps Colonel, Jack Harkins, Executive director of the San Diego Veterans Museum. Harkins discusses the Veterans Museum's mission and the building's historical significance. Harkins chats about the upcoming Veterans Week Virtual Celebration Ceremony and the Veteran of the Year Award, which will both be live-streamed. Balmert discusses the SDMAC and Fleet Week virtual breakfast on November 12.
Mark Balmert, Executive Director of the San Diego Military Advisory Council, is joined by Fleet Week Board President, Gordon Rutherford, to talk about Fleet Week, an annual celebration that honors local military service members. Rutherford chats about the in-person and virtual events that will take place between November 9 through November 15. Balmert highlights the SDMAC and Fleet Week virtual breakfast on November 12
Mark Balmert, Executive Director of the San Diego Military Advisory Council, talks about the 2020 SDMAC San Diego Military Economic Impact Study, conducted in conjunction with the UC San Diego Rady School of Management. The study highlights the $33 billion of direct spending tied to the region's defense industry and $52 billion of indirect spending. Balmert notes that 342,000 jobs in San Diego county are also tied to the defense industry. Balmert shouts out next month's Fleet Week San Diego events.
Ed Hiner, a retired Navy SEAL with a storied 20-year career, chats about his work with underrepresented youth through his company, Asymmetrical Evolution. Hiner, a best-selling author, talks about his E3 Workshops for students.
Mark Balmert, Executive Director of the San Diego Military Advisory Council, is joined by Dr. Nancy Rohland-Heinrich, Senior Vice President, External Relations at National University, to discuss the university's mission of providing a flexible, quality education for the military community. Rohland-Heinrich talks about National University's military roots as it was founded nearly 50 years ago by U.S. Navy Captain David Chigos. Balmert chats about the upcoming release of the San Diego Military Economic Impact Study and its live stream event on Tuesday, October 13.
Mark Balmert, Executive Director of the San Diego Military Advisory Council, is joined by Stephanie Kiesel, CEO of zero8hundred, to chat about the organization's mission to connect service members to programs that suit their specific needs as they transition into civilian life. Balmert discusses the October 13 roll-out of the annual San Diego Military Economic Impact Study, as well as SDMAC's involvement with zero8hundred. zero8hundred website: www.zero8hundred.org
Mark Balmert, Executive Director of the San Diego Military Advisory Council, is joined by Gene Fisher, Co-Chair of the California Defense Communities Alliance (CDCA) to discuss CDCA's mission and key initiatives. Balmert discusses the October 22 roll-out of the annual San Diego Military Economic Impact Study.
Mark Balmert, Executive Director of the San Diego Military Advisory Council, and Drew Schlosberg, President of DS Studio, are joined by Tim Ney, Executive Director of Armed Services YMCA San Diego. Ney discusses the YMCA's mission to serve active duty military and their families. Ney talks about the YMCA's unwavering ability to serve families throughout the COVID - 19 epidemic, managing to not shut their doors for even a single day. Ney chats about the YMCA's Horse of the Sun Ranch and upcoming Matching Gift Campaign. Balmert discusses the annual San Diego Military Economic Impact Study and its October 14 launch, as well SDMAC member, Glorietta Bay Inn.
San Diego Military Advisory Council: www.sdmac.org
Armed Services YMCA: https://www.asymca.org/san-diego-home;
Horse of the Sun Ranch: https://www.asymca.org/horseofthesun-san-diego;
Armed Services YMCA Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ASYSandiego/
Mark Balmert, Executive Director of the San Diego Military Advisory Council, is joined by
Ted Hacker, Co-Founder of the American Freedom Foundation, and his colleague, SMA (Ret.) Jack Tilley, the 12th Sergeant Major of the Army, to talk about the Foundation's virtual "Warriors to Workforce Summit" on September 16-17. Balmert discusses last week's SDMAC Achievement Awards and the 2020 San Diego Military Economic Impact Study. Balmert highlights SDMAC member, Mitsubishi Cement Corporation.
Mark Balmert, Executive Director of the San Diego Military Advisory Council, is joined by Ashley Camac, Executive Director of USO San Diego, to talk about the hundreds of thousands of active duty military and their families the USO serves annually through its myriad programs and services. Balmert discusses the SDMAC Achievement Awards, which was "live" streamed on September 2. Balmert highlights SDMAC member, USO San Diego.
Mark Balmert, Executive Director of the San Diego Military Advisory Council, is joined by Ed Hiner, President of Asymmetrical Evolution and Co-Founder of The Curiosity Mission, to chat about leadership skills Balmert and Hiner employed during their Navy careers: Balmert as a Rear Admiral and Hiner as a Navy SEAL. Hiner discusses his Asymmetrical Evolution curriculum. Balmert talks about upcoming SDMAC webinars, and the SDMAC Achievement Awards, which will be "live" streamed on September 2. Balmert highlights SDMAC member, Northrup Grumman.
Mark Balmert, Executive Director of the San Diego Military Advisory Council, is joined by Ron Stark, President of the San Diego Veterans Coalition. Stark talks about the Coalition's massive reach and it's far-reaching impact due to it's vast volunteer network and wide-ranging services . Balmert chats about the SDMAC Achievement Awards, which will be held virtually as a "live" stream on September 2, along with the organization's webinars. Balmert shouts out SDMAC member Navy Federal Credit Union for its longtime support.
Mark Balmert, Executive Director of the San Diego Military Advisory Council, is joined by Gary Johnston, Chief Resilience Officer for the San Diego County Office of Emergency Services (OES). Johnston discusses the myriad emergencies that OES is prepared to handle in partnership with our region's first responders. Balmert talks about the SDMAC Achievement Awards, which will be held virtually as a "live" stream on September 2. Balmert also chats about the annual San Diego Military Economic Impact Study; SDMAC membe LevitZacks; and the stellar work of the USO and Armed Services YMCA in their outreach to military families.
Mark Balmert, Executive Director of the San Diego Military Advisory Council, is joined by Captain Paul Frantz, Commanding Officer, Special Missions Training Center for the U.S. Coast Guard, to talk about the wide-ranging mission of the Training Center. Balmert discusses SDMAC webinars; the SDMAC Achievement Awards; and SDMAC member, BAE Systems.
Mark Balmert, Executive Director of the San Diego Military Advisory Council, and Charles Parisi, CEO of Cloudcast Media (filling in for vacationing Drew Schlosberg), are joined in studio by Capt. Tim Barelli, Commander, San Diego Sector, United States Coast Guard, to discuss the unique and multi-faceted role of the Coast Guard as a hybrid law enforcement and military agency. With responsibility for the safety, security and environmental protection of a territory ranging from Arizona, Southern Utah, and Southern Nevada to the maritime boundary with Mexico and extending another 200 miles offshore, Capt. Barelli shares how his lean and highly focused San Diego Sector team covers such a vast geographical area.
For more information on SDMAC, please visit www.sdmac.org.
Mark Balmert, Executive Director of the San Diego Military Advisory Council, and Charles Parisi, CEO of Cloudcast Media (filling in for vacationing Drew Schlosberg), are joined in studio by retired Navy SEAL Lt. Commander Ed Hiner to discuss the promise and purpose behind Asymmetrical Evolution, his education company offering the "PhD, ME" degree to high school students. From self-leadership and personal accountability to habitudes and discipline, Ed's SEALpreneurship program has it all. You'll also listen to Mark and Ed discuss mission and mustangs!
Mark Balmert, Executive Director of the San Diego Military Advisory Council, is joined by VADM Yancy Lindsey, Commander, Navy Installations Command (CNIC). VADM Lindsey, the former San Diego "Navy Mayor," talks about the mission of CNIC; his experience as Commander of the Navy Region Europe, Africa, Central Command; and his goals as CNIC. Balmert discusses SDMAC projects in the COVID-19 era.