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In this episode of the USA Cares Podcast, we're joined by special co-host Richard Carullo and guest Jacob Ragain from Wayside Christian Mission. Together, we explore the essential resources available to veterans, focusing on the support systems that help them transition to civilian life. Jacob shares the impactful work being done at Wayside Christian Mission, highlighting the programs and services that make a real difference in the lives of veterans. Whether you're a veteran, know someone who is, or simply want to understand how to better support those who have served, this episode offers valuable insights and information. Tune in to learn more about the resources available and how we can all play a part in supporting our heroes.
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In this episode of the USA Cares Podcast, we sit down with renowned war correspondent Kevin Sites to explore his remarkable career and his compelling book, In the Hot Zone. Kevin takes us through his experiences reporting from some of the most dangerous conflict zones around the world, sharing the challenges, dangers, and the emotional toll of being on the frontlines. We discuss the stories behind the headlines, the human impact of war, and what drove Kevin to document these critical moments in history. Whether you're familiar with his work or learning about it for the first time, this conversation offers a profound look into the life of a journalist committed to bringing the truth to light in the world's most volatile regions. Don't miss this eye-opening episode!
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In this powerful episode of the USA Cares Podcast, we are honored to speak with retired Navy SEAL Captain Ed Gallrein. With decades of experience in some of the most challenging environments imaginable, Ed shares his insights on leadership, resilience, and the unwavering commitment required to serve as a Navy SEAL. We dive into his storied career, the lessons he's learned along the way, and how those lessons apply to both military and civilian life. From the highs and lows of leading elite teams to the transition to civilian life, Ed offers invaluable wisdom that will resonate with veterans, active-duty service members, and anyone interested in the principles of leadership and service. Tune in for an inspiring and thought-provoking conversation with one of America's most distinguished military leaders.
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In this episode of the USA Cares Podcast, we sit down with acclaimed author Kelly Kennedy to discuss her powerful book, The Unit. Join us as we delve into the real-life stories that inspired this gripping account of the soldiers of Charlie Company, their struggles, sacrifices, and the bonds that held them together during the darkest times. Kelly shares her experiences embedded with the troops, the challenges of capturing their stories, and the impact her book has had on readers and veterans alike. Whether you're familiar with The Unit or hearing about it for the first time, this episode offers a unique and profound look into the lives of the brave men and women who serve our country. Don't miss this compelling conversation!
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About Our Guest
Shawn Dawley, president of OT2 Consulting, is an accomplished leader, leadership educator, and keynote speaker dedicated to helping all leaders at all levels unlock their power, passion, and purpose!
A former Director and Vice President at a Fortune 100 company and nationwide firm, respectively, Shawn first spent 25 years in the United States Air Force, serving as a combat pilot, commander, and inspector general, with enriching experiences in over 80 countries across 6 continents.
A former Fellow at Harvard University, Shawn has a Bachelor of Science in Aeronautics, a Master of Business Administration, a Master of Arts in Political Science, and a Master of Arts in Military Studies... after struggling and barely sliding by in high school!
Shawn draws on decades of cockpit, combat, command, and corporate leadership experience to bring the principles of neuropsychology to life, helping leaders become the people that others want to follow!
Visit Shawns Website
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Join us on the latest episode of the USA Cares podcast, where host Matt Caster, along with friends Anise McEwen and Josh Kerby, engage in an insightful conversation with special guest Carson Parker, the newly appointed Government Relations Manager at USA Cares. The team discusses the organization's mission of honoring veterans and extending support to those in need.
In this episode, they delve into the significant work Carson is leading in Frankfurt, Kentucky, collaborating with state representatives and senators to address critical issues facing veterans, including the alarming rise in homelessness among female veterans. The team also touches on the impactful Homeless Veterans Reintegration Program and its role in helping veterans reintegrate into the workforce.
As the conversation unfolds, they share inspiring stories from recent events, such as a successful breakfast gathering and the touching stories of Tim Metheny. The hosts also express gratitude to sponsors Hardee's and Carl's Jr for their continued support of the Stars for Heroes initiative.
Tune in for an engaging discussion that sheds light on the challenges veterans face and the crucial role USA Cares plays in providing hope, encouragement, and support. Don't miss out on this episode full of heartwarming stories, insights, and the latest initiatives from USA Cares.
For more information about the podcast and to access previous episodes, visit usacarespodcast.org. Your feedback is always welcome, so head to the website and share your thoughts.
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SHOW NOTES
Summary
Jimmy Blackmon, a retired Colonel (USA) with extensive military experience, shares his background and military service. He discusses the ability of the military to break down barriers and create a sense of camaraderie. Blackmon emphasizes the importance of mentors and honest feedback in personal and professional growth. He also talks about his experiences in combat, including the significance of the deck of cards used to identify high-value targets. Blackmon shares his insights on the challenges and lessons learned in Ranger School. Additionally, he discusses his passion for writing books and creating music. Finally, Blackmon reflects on his transition from the military to becoming a consultant and executive coach. In this conversation, Jimmy Blackmon shares his insights and experiences from his military career and transition to civilian life. He emphasizes the importance of being open to opportunities and taking risks. He also discusses the value of recognizing and marketing one's skills in the civilian world. Blackmon highlights the military's strengths in alignment, accountability, and communication, and encourages veterans to leverage these skills in their post-military careers. He concludes by discussing the importance of finding contentment and self-acceptance.
Takeaways
Be open to opportunities and willing to take risks.Recognize and market your unique skills in the civilian world.Leverage the military's strengths in alignment, accountability, and communication in your post-military career.Focus on finding contentment and self-acceptance.
Chapters
00:00 - Jimmy Blackmon's Background and Military Service
08:02 - The Military's Ability to Break Down Barriers
09:38 - The Importance of Mentors and Honest Feedback
15:22 - Experiences in Combat and the Deck of Cards
19:35 - The Significance of Ranger School
23:53 - Writing Books and Creating Music
34:36 - Transitioning from the Military
38:22 - Becoming a Consultant and Executive Coach
39:34 - Being Open to Opportunity
40:33 - Jimmy Isms
41:42 - Recognizing Skills and Marketability
46:38 - Alignment, Accountability, and Communication
48:31 - Finding Contentment and Self-Acceptance
49:01 - Closing Remarks
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Jimmy's Website
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In the exhilarating 137th episode of the USA Cares Podcast, listeners are welcomed into the new year with an exclusive conversation featuring the esteemed retired Command Sergeant Major Tim Methany. As the first episode of the year, this installment promises insightful discussions and compelling narratives, offering a unique perspective on military life, leadership, and the challenges faced by veterans. Join hosts Matt and Annice and Guest Retired Command Sergeant Major Tim Methany (USAC CHAPTER OUTREACH DIRECTOR) as they delve into his experiences, share inspiring stories, and explore topics relevant to the military community. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in gaining a deeper understanding of the sacrifices, triumphs, and lessons learned by those who have served in the United States Armed Forces.
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Join us for an uplifting and insightful conversation as Nick Jewell shares the chapters of his life – from serving in the Air Force to creating a community hub with Crumbl Cookies. This episode is a tribute to the men and women who continue to make a difference beyond their military service. Tune in and be inspired by the USA Cares podcast featuring Nick Jewel – a story of service, entrepreneurship, and the sweetness of success.
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GUEST BIO
Michael “Rod” Rodriguez is the President and CEO of the Global War on Terrorism Memorial Foundation. Rod joined the U.S. Army in 1992 and attended the Special Forces Assessment and Selection course to become a Green Beret in 1997. In 2013, he was medically retired due to numerous combat injuries. His last assignment as a Green Beret came as a Sniper Instructor assigned to the JFK Special Warfare Center (Range 37) at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. He has deployed ten times in service to our nation.
Rod’s involvement with the GWOT Memorial Foundation began in 2016 when he joined the organization as a board member in support of the Foundation’s sole mission to construct a Memorial on the National Mall that appropriately honors the profound service and sacrifices of all who served in America’s longest war. Rod later led the organization as President and CEO from March 2018 to September 2020 before taking a leave of absence for a personal matter and overseas deployment. He was re-appointed President and CEO in December 2021.
From 2015-2018, Rod served as a member of President George W. Bush’s Military Service Initiative Advisory Council, advising, and supporting the President and leadership of the Bush Institute on strategies and programs to support veterans and their families. In 2013, Rod was appointed as a Fellow of the Manhattan-based Explorers Club, an international organization dedicated to the advancement of scientific exploration and inquiry, for his research on traumatic brain injuries and post-traumatic stress.
In August of 2021, Rod directly assisted in evacuating U.S. allied personnel and their families from Afghanistan, and he continues to provide support for their resettlement. He helps several other non-profits in both veteran and non-veteran spaces. He also provides leadership advice and training to local, state, and national government agencies, corporations, and private businesses. Rod holds a B.S. in Strategic Studies and Defense Analysis and an M.A. in Diplomacy with a concentration in International Conflict Management, both from Norwich University.
As an artist who works with metal, Rod is a passionate advocate for the power of art to heal, connect, and inspire us all. In addition to being part of several private collections including the British Royal Family, his work has been exhibited at the George W. Bush Presidential Center in Dallas, Texas and the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. Rod also works with the National Endowment for the Arts Creative Forces initiative.
Rod is a New Mexico native who comes from a family with a strong tradition of military service. Both his grandfathers served during World War II, and his father is a Vietnam veteran. His eldest son is currently serving with the 82nd Airborne Division and has deployed twice, one of which was to the same regions of Afghanistan as Rod. Rod is a committed outspoken advocate for veterans and their families and often speaks publicly on the need to increase understanding of life experiences between the civilian and military communities. Most importantly, Rod is a proud grandfather, father, and hermano to many.
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On this day of gratitude and reflection, USA Cares extends warm wishes to you and your loved ones. 🧡🦃 As we gather with family and friends to give thanks, let us also remember the brave men and women who have served our nation, ensuring the freedom we celebrate today.
🌟 We are deeply thankful for the support of our incredible community that allows us to make a meaningful impact on the lives of military families in need. Your generosity and compassion enable us to provide financial assistance, creating brighter futures for those who have sacrificed so much.
🙏 Today, as we count our blessings, let us also count the moments of kindness and the shared spirit of giving that make our mission possible. Together, we are making a difference in the lives of those who have dedicated themselves to protecting our freedom.
🍁 May your Thanksgiving be filled with joy, laughter, and the warmth of shared moments. Thank you for being part of the USA Cares family and for standing with us in support of our heroes.
Happy Thanksgiving! 🍽️ #GratefulHeart #ThanksgivingJoy #USACares #SupportOurHeroes -
GUEST BIO
Rear Adm. Mike Manazir entered the U.S. Naval Academy from Mission Viejo, California, and graduated in 1981. He earned his naval aviation wings in April 1983 and deployed in the F-14A in July 1984.
Manazir commanded the Tomcatters of Fighter Squadron 31 from June 1997 to September 1998, USS Sacramento (AOE1) from January 2003 to July 04, USS Nimitz (CVN 68) from March 2007 to August 2009 and Carrier Strike Group 8 embarked in USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) from September 2011 to June 2013.
Prior to squadron command, his afloat tours included service as a fighter pilot and landing signal officer aboard various aircraft carriers on the west coast. Following Navy Nuclear Power Training, Manazir served as the executive officer of the USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) from July 2001 to December 2002.
Ashore, Manazir served as an action officer in the Office of the Secretary of Defense, on the chief of naval operations staff as F-14 requirements officer and for the commander, Naval Air Forces as the assistant chief of staff for readiness.
As a flag officer, Manazir served as director, strike aircraft, weapons and carrier programs on the chief of naval operations staff (N880) from August 2009 to September 2011 and on the chief of naval operations staff as the director, air warfare, Office of the Chief of Naval Operations (OPNAV N98) from July 2013 to May 2016.
Manazir qualified in the F-14A/D and F/A-18E/F aircraft and has flown more than 3,750 hours and 1,200 arrested landings during 15 deployments aboard aircraft carriers on both coasts.
Manazir served as the deputy chief of naval operations for warfare systems, OPNAV N9, on the staff of the chief of naval operations. In this capacity, he was responsible for the integration of manpower, training, sustainment, modernization, research and development and procurement of the Navy’s warfare systems.
Manazir is the recipient of various personal and campaign awards including the Legion of Merit (six awards), the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal (two awards) and the Strike/Flight Air Medal (two awards).
Show Links
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Guest Bio
Jon Macaskill, MMT, is a Navy SEAL Commander turned mindfulness and meditation teacher. He is a U.S. Naval Academy graduate and holds a Master’s degree in Operations Research from the Naval Postgraduate School.
Jon has served in Iraq, Afghanistan, off the coast of Somalia, and in Panama. He also runs a consulting business that brings mindfulness and meditation to high performing teams to aid in dealing with stress, anxiety, and depression, all while increasing focus, creativity, and productivity.
He also serves as the Deputy Executive Director for Veteran’s PATH, a non-profit organization that works to introduce meditation and mindfulness to veterans to bring them a sense of peace, acceptance, transformation, and honor.
Jon’s wife also served in the Navy and is now a civilian Orthopedic Physician Assistant in Virginia Beach. They are both proud parents of two small children and currently live as a family in Chesapeake, Virginia.
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Guest Bio
Elizabeth is an advocate for self empowerment, equity, and advancement. She serves as the Executive Director of Stephens College's Mission Promise Kept, where she has demonstrates a strong passion and dedication to making a difference. With a proven track record of organizational success, Elizabeth combines sound business judgment, analytical skills, and a visionary mindset.
Herrera has a decade of diverse nonprofit leadership experience. Most recently, she served as executive director of True North of Columbia, which provides safety, shelter, education and transitional support for those who have been affected by domestic and sexual violence. She was responsible for managing vision, community engagement and involvement, program operations, fundraising and fiscal management.
Herrera holds a bachelor's degree in anthropology with a focus on women and gender from Auburn University. She earned her master's degree in nonprofit management at Florida Atlantic University.
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Guest Bio
Quinn Chasan is a Senior Data Scientist at Orbis Operations, coming from nearly ten years at Google working with Government agencies to modernize public sector service delivery. Projects across cities from Houston to New York, States from California to Oklahoma, and Federal governments from the U.S. to Singapore.
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Part 2 of 2
Bullard served in the military for 33 years, with both Air National Guard and active duty Air Force assign-ments. During his career, BGen Bullard participated in Operations Desert Shield, Provide Promise, Restore Hope, Joint Endeavor, Joint Forge, Southern Watch, Bright Star, Coronet Oak, Noble Eagle, Enduring Freedom, and Iraqi Freedom. He held multiple leadership and staff positions, including Director of Mobility Forces and Joint Air Component Coordination Element (JACCE) staff for the Commander, 7th Air Force, Osan Air Base, South Korea; NATO International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) Senior Airfield Authority of Kandahar Air Field, Afghanistan; and Chief of Operations for the Joint Intelligence and Operations Center, Headquarters, U.S. Central Command, MacDill Air Force Base, Florida.
Most recently, Bullard served as Chief of Staff for the Kentucky Air National Guard and Deputy Director of the Joint Staff of the Kentucky National Guard. He also has extensive experience in legislative affairs, representing the military and the manufacturing industry since 1993.
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Bullard served in the military for 33 years, with both Air National Guard and active duty Air Force assign-ments. During his career, BGen Bullard participated in Operations Desert Shield, Provide Promise, Restore Hope, Joint Endeavor, Joint Forge, Southern Watch, Bright Star, Coronet Oak, Noble Eagle, Enduring Freedom, and Iraqi Freedom. He held multiple leadership and staff positions, including Director of Mobility Forces and Joint Air Component Coordination Element (JACCE) staff for the Commander, 7th Air Force, Osan Air Base, South Korea; NATO International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) Senior Airfield Authority of Kandahar Air Field, Afghanistan; and Chief of Operations for the Joint Intelligence and Operations Center, Headquarters, U.S. Central Command, MacDill Air Force Base, Florida.
Most recently, Bullard served as Chief of Staff for the Kentucky Air National Guard and Deputy Director of the Joint Staff of the Kentucky National Guard. He also has extensive experience in legislative affairs, representing the military and the manufacturing industry since 1993.
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Part 2 of 2
On October 3, 1993, Matt was placed in charge of a group of Army Rangers to lead a daytime raid against an eager enemy militia. Matt experienced the horrors of war when he and his fellow soldiers were trapped in a hostile district of Mogadishu and marked for death by an angry mob. His inspiring story of survival was immortalized in the epic film, Black Hawk Down, which recounts the harrowing experience. For his actions on the battlefield he was awarded the Bronze Star Medal with Valor device.
Matt returned from Somalia committed to teaching the next generation of warriors. During his remaining time in uniform, he worked at the Army War College, taught at The Johns Hopkins University and finally deployed to Iraq where he lived with the Iraqi Army for 15 months during The Surge. He remained on active duty until May of 2008, when he retired after 20 years of service.
Committed to sharing the lessons he learned in the military, Matt draws parallels from his experiences to highlight the importance of leadership, followership, courage and responsibility within any team or enterprise. Drawing on lessons learned as a military and corporate leader and consultant, he shows organizations how to navigate today’s chaotic “urban battlefield” of constant change and uncertainty to build and train teams responsible and resilient enough to handle “strategic shock” — the unforeseen disasters that will happen — without missing a beat.
Unambiguously humble, gracious and warm, his powerful story and straightforward insights on instilling these values stay with business leaders long after the applause has ended. His experiences in healthcare, non-profit, and data management industries have solidified his passion to prepare “average people to tackle incredible things.”
Matt recently returned from Afghanistan where he filmed a documentary for PBS in the shadows of Tora Bora. His film, Send Me, highlights the tremendous advances in battlefield medicine since his days on the dusty streets of Mogadishu.
He is co-author of The Battle of Mogadishu and — with James Patterson — of two books that highlight the courage of everyday men and women, Walk in My Combat Boots and ER Nurses — both of which became immediate New York Times bestsellers.
Matt and his wife, Tori, run a consulting company that helps companies develop successful veteran hiring programs. They also co-host a weekly podcast called The Veterans Nation.
Matt Eversmann Books On Amazon
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Thomas Hebert runs a therapeutic program for veterans which allows them to go out in the field and apply their skills to the world of earth sciences and therapy digs for those that suffer PTSD and other ailments. Their goal is to help them get back to living, use their skills, provide a safe place to relax and enjoy the outdoors and create lasting relationships, and hopefully get some of them to engage permanently in the earth sciences.
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