Army Emergency Relief, the official nonprofit of the United States Army, has been Supporting Soldiers and their Families Since 1942 through grants, interest-free loans, and scholarships.

Learn more about the important work that AER does to support our Army Family on this week's all new #SoldierForLifePodcast as we talk with Tony Grinston, the Chief Executive Officer of AER and the 16th Sergeant Major of the Army (Ret.).

Get more information and donate to AER at https://www.armyemergencyrelief.org.

Having a battle buddy or a tribe for support is just as important when you're making the transition into the civilian world as it was when you were serving.

On this week's Soldier For Life Podcast, we chat with Dr. Robby Hedrick, the Director of Transition Services for the Coffee Bunker, an organization that refers to itself as a tribe, battle buddy, or wingman for military and veteran families in the Tulsa, Oklahoma, area and beyond as they move into the civilian world.

Veteran Shark Tank was created in 2012 to promote and assist veterans who are starting or growing their businesses. This year's pitch competition is happening next month on December 4, 2023.

On this week's Soldier For Life Podcast, we talk with Veteran Shark Tank Founder Alex Archawski and 2022 Veteran Shark Tank winner and CEO of TORCH Warriorwear Haley Marie McClain Hill about the Veteran Shark Tank experience and what it takes to be an entrepreneur.

Want to know more about your educational opportunities while serving in the Army? Listen to LTC Olivia Nunn speak with Sophia Sweeney of a great opportunity to pay for credentials that can enhance your skills and qualifications both during and after military service!  The Army Credentialing Assistance (CA) Program can pay for courses and exams that lead to industry-recognized civilian credentials in an occupational area of your choice. You may use this program to enhance your skills, either in your current MOS, or in an occupation you would like to pursue when you leave military service. You can request CA funding for any credential listed on Army COOL.

What is a Warrior Poet? Listen to LTC Olivia Nunn speak with founder John Lovell on what it means to be a Warrior Poet. Warrior Poets are everywhere and they have spanned the centuries. Warrior Poets are in our police departments, all across our military, as federal agents, in the workplace, in EMS, in our churches, and in our universities.

The Warrior Poet Society answers a call; it is a call for a more elite protector. This call is for those who understand the high stakes of violence and who are willing to commit their minds and bodies to the task of defense so that they may prevail and others may live. Warrior Poets are those who train and fight for a higher purpose. They are members of a rare fraternity of warriors who fight with intellect, conviction, and great skill. Motivated by a love for others, Warrior Poets become students of the art of war so that they may triumph when the enemy calls.

For more information: https://warriorpoetsociety.us

Listen to LTC Olivia Nunn speak with Dr. Nick Polizzi about the inTransition program. The DoD's inTransition program is a free, confidential program that offers specialized coaching and assistance for active-duty service members, National Guard members, reservists, veterans, and retirees who need access to mental health care. 

Warrior Rising is a non-profit charity organized to help veterans become vetrepreneurs. Listen to LTC Olivia Nunn speak with founder and Army Veteran, Jason Van Camp, about Warrior Rising as a family of supporters who are committed to making a difference for veterans in becoming entrepreneurs. 

LTC Olivia Nunn speaks with co-founder Kristy Kaufman of Code of Support a non-profit organization that serves the military community. Code of Support helps transform military and veteran lives with their unique PATRIOTlink program. PATRIOTlink is designed to navigate and access critical services that allow Code of Support team members to provide one-on-one support to a military member/family in need. 

LTC Olivia Nunn speaks with Mr. Bill Ashton, the Military Veterans Agricultural Liason, about the opportunities for veterans with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). Veterans represent 6% of the U.S. population but account for 13.5% of U.S. Small Business, many of those businesses are found within the agriculture and farming industry. Mr. Ashton provides information on various programs, loans, and scholarships available to our veterans. 

Carla Davie, a senior Human Resources Professional with 20+ years’ experience in HR/Recruiting Strategy from Slalom, a modern consulting firm focused on strategy, technology, and business transformation, spoke with LTC Olivia Nunn on how to prepare your transition from military service.   We know a few essential tools to get right is your resume and practicing your interview techniques. Listen to LTC Nunn speak with Carla on how you can ACE your transition! 

Military Spouse Jobs has two purposes: assist military spouses, caregivers, and military dependents of working-age obtain a fair and competitive chance of gainful employment and to build a model that directly connects them with the hiring manager and recruiter responsible for that job.  Listen to LTC Olivia Nunn speak with Ms. Deb Kloeppel, the founder of Military Spouse Corporate Career Network, about the purpose of her organization and creating opportunities for our military spouses. 

If you have your own business while your family is serving in the military, what do you do when it's time for a PCS move?

On this week's Soldier For Life Podcast, we talk with two military spouse entrepreneurs, Lizann Lightfoot and Lauren Hope, about how to move your business when you PCS.

MVP empowers combat veterans and former professional athletes by connecting them after the uniform comes off, providing them with a new team to assist with the transition, promote personal development, and show them they are never alone. Listen to LTC Olivia Nunn speak with Army Veteran, former NFL player, and actor, Nate Boyer, on why MVP can make a difference in a veteran's life. 

SANS is the most trusted and by far the largest source for information security training and security certification in the world. To help fill the skills gap, the SANS Institute created the SANS CyberTalent Immersion Academy, an intensive, accelerated training program that provides SANS world class training and GIAC certifications to quickly and effectively launch careers in cybersecurity. SANS CyberTalent Immersion Academies are 100% scholarship-based and no cost to participants.

https://www.sans.org/cybertalent/cybersecurity-career/vetsuccess-academy

Listen to LTC Olivia Nunn discuss with Max Shuftan from SANS about the opportunities that service members and their spouses can take advantage of to prepare for a career in Cyber Security. 

Serving in the military takes the support of the whole family, too include the kids! To help our military families, the Military Child Education Coalition was created to ensure that children of our service members transitioned successfully with their families. MCEC is a professional coalition with a diverse community consisting of public school districts, private schools, colleges and universities, small businesses and corporations, organizations, military commands and installations, military families, and caring individuals from local communities across our Nation ... all for the sake of the child. Listen to LTC Olivia Nunn speak with Ms. Judy Glennon about the importance of knowing this resource. 

Why podcast? Should you podcast? Can you podcast while still serving? Podcasting, much like social media, has guidelines that our service members should know and follow. There are so many topics you can podcast on, but should you? Listen to LTC Olivia Nunn, speak to Rod Rodriguez on why and how you should podcast. Learn how this medium could be useful for you and your command. Also, bring in your legal and public affairs counsel to be successful and timely. 

The DoD Military-Civilian Transition Office (MCTO) provide streamlined services to members of the armed forces and their families. Mike Miller is the Director of Private and Public Engagement within the Department of Defense’s Defense Personnel and Family Support Center (DPFSC).  Listen to LTC Olivia Nunn speak with Mr. Miller about the benefits and resources to our military community as service members being to plan their transition from the military. 

Are you a military dad? Are you looking for stories like yours? Listen as I was a guest on the Military Veteran Dad podcast with Ben Killoy. We had the chance to talk about being parents, the legacy of military service, and what Soldier for Life does to help connect our military community to resources. 

Are you a dad that comes home physically each day from work, but struggles to come home emotionally and mentally? The podcast and resources on this website are focused on that objective, to help you as a dad make that journey each day and build a legacy of a family that is generational. 

Our Community Salutes (OCS) is a national, non-profit organization helping communities recognize, honor, and support high school seniors who plan to enlist in the U.S. Armed Services after graduation.

The organizing body of Our Community Salutes includes community leaders, government officials, educators, businessmen, and veterans who feel strongly in the
importance of community support and recognition of the courageous and patriotic young adults who will serve in the U.S. Armed Services after graduation and join the 1% of Americans who serve in uniform.

Listen to LTC Olivia Nunn speak with Dr. Ken Hartman about this year's virtual ceremony, America Salutes on July 4th as we honor our graduating seniors enlist in our Armed Forces. 

American Corporate Partners (ACP) is a national nonprofit organization focused on helping returning veterans and active duty spouses find their next careers through one-on-one mentoring, networking and online career advice. 

• ACP’s Women’s Veteran Mentoring Program launched in 2016 and connects female veterans with female entrepreneurs and business leaders for yearlong mentorships. 

• ACP AdvisorNet is an online career Q&A community designed to assist an increasing number of veterans and current service members with networking and career advice.

• ACP's Active Duty Spouse Program connects spouses on installations nationwide with business leaders for customized mentorships. 

May is Mental Health Awareness Month

Cohen Veterans Network serve veterans and families. CVN’s focus is on post-9/11 veterans and families, in order to get ahead of transition challenges before they become chronic or acute. 

CVN offer brief, client-centered therapy for a variety of mental health issues including depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress, adjustment issues, anger, grief and loss, family issues, transition challenges, relationship problems, and children’s behavioral problems. 

The Universal Technical Institute (UTI)/BMW Military Service Technician Education Program (MSTEP) is a 16-week on-post Career Skills Program at Fort Liberty and Camp Pendleton that trains transitioning service members to become Certified BMW Technicians.

Learn more about UTI and MSTEP on this week's all new Soldier For Life Podcast as we chat with UTI VP of Military Admissions John Decoteau and BMW of North America Military and STEP Recruiting Manager Robert Witte.

Wear Blue is a running community that honors the service and sacrifice of the American military. Our running community unites and supports the military and their families, veterans, Gold Star Families, and civilians through active remembrance and meaningful relationships. We motivate and empower individuals to healthier, more inspired living. 

Listen to LTC Olivia Nunn speak with the founder of Wear Blue Run to Remember, Lisa Hallet. Hear her story of how this non-profit was created and the commitment of giving back to those that remember our fallen heroes. Honor our fallen heroes this Memorial Day. 

Army Medicine provides sustained health services and research in support of the Army's Total Force to enable readiness and conserve the fighting strength while caring for our Soldiers for Life and Families. Listen to LTC Olivia Nunn talk with Mr. John Resta, Director of the Army Public Health Center and Deputy Chief of Staff for Public Health and U.S Army Medical Command as they discuss the Army's response to COVID-19. The Army has Soldiers on the front line across our communities to treat, support and help develop a vaccine and various other support related missions. 

Do you part, stay home and wash your hands. 

United States Army Recruiting Command recruits America's best and brightest volunteers that are able to deploy, fight and win. USAREC has the mission of providing the strength for America’s Army. The U.S. Army Recruiting Command is responsible for manning both the Active Army and the U.S. Army Reserve, ensuring security and readiness for our Nation. 

Listen to LTC Olivia Nunn speak to the Deputy Commanding General for USAREC, BG Patrick Michaelis on the latest ways our Recruiters are meeting their mission during COVID-19. Understand how the Army puts the health and wellness of our new Soldiers and their staffs first while training our next generation of Soldiers. Learn how you as a Soldier for Life can help the Army's recruiting efforts. 

Dr. Paul Lawrence serves as the Under Secretary for Benefits in the Veterans Benefits Administration (VA). Dr. Lawrence is committed to connecting and working with our Veterans across America. Listen to LTC Olivia Nunn speak with Dr. Lawrence about new programs within the VA and how our Veterans can stay connected during COVID-19. If you don't know what benefits you are entitled to as a Veteran, be sure to go to www.va.gov and get connected! 

Military Spouses, are you looking for remote work opportunities? Listen to LTC Olivia Nunn speak with Erica McMannes of Instant Teams. Learn how Instant Teams uses technology to provide a vetted workforce of teams with highly qualified individuals. If you are a company in need of talent and want to access the military spouse talent pool, you will not want to miss this episode! 

The Army's Career Skills Program, what is it? Who can participate in it? If you have ever wondered about advancing your skills in something other than the Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) assigned to you, then you need to listen to this episode. Understand how a CSP, DoD Skillsbridge and fellowship all have in common. Listen to LTC Olivia Nunn chat with MAJ Jenna Russell, the Soldier for Life director of education and employment. You will be glad you tuned in! 

Veteran’s PATH enables returning veterans to rediscover meaning, purpose, and joy in their lives through mindfulness, meditation, and a safe community. Listen to LTC Olivia Nunn talk to Jon Macaskill, Retired Navy SEAL Officer about Veteran's PATH and how they reconnect veterans through practical tools of meditation and mindfulness, physical and outdoor experiences, and a community of camaraderie, to assist veterans rediscover peace, acceptance, transformation, and honor in a new journey forward.

Welcome to Season 4! We start season 4 as spring starts to really blooming and the weather starts to get warmer. For many, the spring is not only a time of rebirth, but also for careers to change and start anew. Listen to LTC Olivia Nunn as she speaks to Mrs. Melissa Helmick an Army Spouse and mentor and with COL (Ret) Leif Johnson. This episode covers how to start your retirement, but from the spouse's point of view. Listen how the spouse is just as vital to the retirement process. 

Army Emergency Relief (AER) is the Army's own emergency financial assistance organization and is dedicated to "Helping the Army Take Care of its Own." AER financial assistance is conducted within the Army structure by mission commanders and garrison commanders through AER Sections located at U.S. Army installations worldwide. Listen to LTC Olivia Nunn as she talks to the Director of AER, LTG (Ret) Raymond Mason about AER, who benefits from the program and how AER supports our Army Spouses! 

RecruitMilitary connects employers to military community job seekers via recruiting, career fairs, a job board, and career services that are free of charge to the military community. Learn more on this week's Soldier For Life Podcast as we chat with RecruitMilitary CEO and Army veteran Tim Best.

MyArmyBenefits is the official Army Benefits Website! Browse over 150 fact sheets for benefit eligbility and highlights. Calculate estimates of your survivor and survivor education benefits. Forecast your retirement benefits. Learn about the resources at your new duty assignment before you PCS! Listen to LTC Olivia Nunn speak to Ms. Chelsea Ortiz about all the information available at your fingertips. 

A dynamic national non-profit organization that empowers enlisted military veterans by providing them a skill bridge to enable a successful transition from the military into the classroom. Listen as LTC Olivia Nunn speaks with CEO, Ryan Pavel, on how to maximize your education preparation to a top-tier school like Columbia, Harvard, and USC. 

The U.S. Army Reserve is part-time service, full-time success. Find out how you can continue your service after leaving active duty in the U.S. Army Reserves. The Army Reserve offers more than 100 different jobs that provide valuable training and experience while you pursue your career or educational goals. Listen as LTC Olivia Nunn speaks to MSG Spoon about the opportunities in the Army Reserve. 

Military Medics and Corpsmen (MMAC) Program is a program designed for veterans to who wish to pursue a civilian healthcare career in the state of Virginia. Listen as LTC Olivia Nunn speaks to Army Veteran and program graduate of the MMAC program, Phillip Trezza. Learn how the MMAC team recruits, reviews and refers candidates to healthcare employers throughout the state of Virginia. 

Soldier for Life traveled to the land down under and was a guest on WithYouWithMe's "Be Fierce" podcast series. Listen in as LTC Olivia Nunn shares the latest Military Spouse initiatives and why she decided to join the U.S. Army. 

MSG Eric Hayman hosts this week's guest, Daphne Front from Transition to Trades. MSG Hayman speaks to Daphne about a career-skills bridge opportunity near Fort Campbell, KY. MSG Hayman also speaks to Bryan Witzel a retired Army Sergeant Major that successful transitioned following his 30 years of service. Listen in on the opportunities that can lead to a successful and prosperous career following your time in service. 

LTC Olivia Nunn sits down with the U.S. Army Director of Retirement Services, Mr. Mark Overberg. Mr. Overberg and his team are the subject matter experts on all things Army Retirement planning and policies. Mr. Overberg discusses with LTC Nunn how a Soldier should begin their retirement process 24 months prior to their final date in the Army. 

It’s 2020, and New Year’s Resolutions are big this time of year. LTC Olivia Nunn sits down with MAJ Joetta Khan, a U.S. Army Dietitian at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. Learn the components of a healthy diet in order prepare physically for the new Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT). 

We all agree that military spouses are the backbones of our military families. But what is it really like to be a military spouse?

On this week's #SoldierForLifePodcast, we talk with three military spouses - Laura Torres, Lydiah Owiti, and Laura Abubekr - about the highs, lows, challenges, and victories military spouses face every day.

Soldier for Life with Recruit Military sponsors a virtual hiring fair for our military spouses on January 15, 2020. The unemployment rate for our spouses is higher than the national average. Take advantage of this virtual hiring fair and get connected with employers that want to hire our military spouses. 

LTC Robin Johnson, creator, producer, and host of the Soldier For Life Podcast says farewell and hands over the reigns to LTC Olivia Nunn.  Robin gets real about her retirement process and opens up about how she discovered what the next chapter would be for her.  

The Soldier For Life Director, COL Pres Farris shares the mission and vision of the Soldier For Life (SFL) office and what it means to BE a Soldier For Life.

This podcast is not an endorsement by the United States Army or Department of Defense

Music by the U.S. Army Band, Downrange

Military OneSource is your 24/7 connection to information, answers and support to help servicemembers and their families reach  goals, overcome challenges and thrive.   Servicemembers and their families are eligible to use this Department of Defense-funded program anytime, anywhere. Turn to Military OneSource for tax services, spouse employment help, webinars and online training, relocation and deployment tools, and much more.   For more information, check out: https://www.militaryonesource.mil/

The Soldier For Life podcast teams up with The Association of the United States Army (AUSA) podcast!  AUSA is a nonprofit educational and professional development association serving America’s Army and supporters of a strong national defense. AUSA provides a voice for the Army, supports the Soldier, and honors those who have served in order to advance the security of the nation.

THIS PODCAST IS NOT AN ENDORSEMENT OF AUSA BY THE UNITED STATES ARMY OR DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE

Onward to Opportunity (O2O) is a free career training program that provides professional certification and job placement support to transitioning service members, veterans and military spouses. O2O combines industry-validated curricula, strong partnerships with leading veteran service organizations and private sector companies to provide professional certification and employment services support to transitioning service members, veterans, and military spouses.

https://ivmf.syracuse.edu/

LTC Robin Johnson interviews Tom Moore,  CEO and co-founder of With You With Me. Tom shares why he started the company and how they are helping Servicemembers, Veterans, and military spouses find meaningful careers in the IT/Cyber industry. The WYWM academy is free and is changing the way talent is recruited and retained.

https://www.withyouwithme.com/

Rob Shaye, Coast Guardsman and finance expert, shares practical advice on the Thrift Savings Plan and how to choose a financial planner that has your best interest in mind. 

www.tsp.gov

www.firesidefinances.com

 THIS PODCAST IS NOT AN ENDORSEMENT BY THE UNITED STATES ARMY OR DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE OR THE FEDERAL RETIREMENT THRIFT INVESTMENT BOARD. 

Nate Carden shares how the non-profit, Bunker Labs can assist active duty, veterans, and military spouses in their journey of entrepreneurship.  

www.bunkerlabs.org

*Not an endorsement by Department of the Army of DoD.