Military Retirement Podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

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In this episode of the Military Retirement Podcast, hosts John McConnell and Victor De La Flor discuss the challenges veterans face during their transition to civilian life. They emphasize the importance of support systems, the mental health impacts of military life, and the significance of mindfulness practices like meditation and writing. The conversation also touches on the decision-making process regarding military retirement and the reflections on life after service. In this conversation, John and Vic discuss various aspects of life after military service, including the cost of living, the importance of volunteering, and the transition to civilian life. They share personal anecdotes about friends and mentors, highlight the significance of community support for veterans, and emphasize the need for resources and preparation for retirement. The discussion also touches on healthcare options and the blended retirement system, providing insights for those navigating life after military service. In this conversation, John and Vic discuss various aspects of transitioning from military to civilian life, focusing on the Blended Retirement System (BRS), survivor benefits, and the importance of accessing VA resources. They emphasize the need for proper planning, understanding financial implications, and the significance of community support for veterans. The discussion also touches on practical steps to take before and after retirement, including managing medical records and engaging with veteran organizations.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Military Retirement Podcast

02:59 The Importance of Veteran Support

05:53 Navigating Work Stress After Vacation

09:13 The Impact of Military Life on Mental Health

12:06 Meditation and Mindfulness Practices

19:01 The Role of Writing in Mental Clarity

23:47 Deciding Between Military and Civilian Life

29:53 Reflections on Retirement Decisions

34:22 Cost of Living and Lifestyle Choices

38:10 Volunteering and Community Support

41:41 Transitioning from Military to Civilian Life

46:31 Resources for Veterans

54:56 Preparing for Retirement

01:07:21 Understanding the Blended Retirement System (BRS) and Survivor Benefits

01:14:05 Navigating Post-Retirement Changes and Responsibilities

01:21:19 Accessing VA Benefits and Resources After Retirement

01:29:32 Engaging with the Veteran Community and Support Networks

01:36:45 Final Thoughts on Transitioning from Military to Civilian Life

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Brigadier General Lori Sutton shares her journey from military service to retirement, focusing on her experiences with PTSD, the importance of mental health, and the influence of her family on her career. "The Bottom Line Up Front - What You Need To Know Before You Leave The Military" https://amzn.to/3zfMxip

Sutton reflects on her leadership roles, the impact of her work, and the lessons learned throughout her career, emphasizing the need for change and support within the military community. Loree shares her journey from military service to advocating for veterans' mental health. She discusses her transition to Brooklyn, her role in the Veterans Affairs office, and the importance of understanding the unique needs of veterans. The discussion also delves into the emerging field of psychedelics in mental health treatment and the urgent need for change in veteran care. (00:00) Loree Sutton's Military Experience and Passion for Work00:23 Interviewing Loree Sutton01:41 Addressing PTSD and the Veteran Suicide Epidemic (02:02) Loree Sutton's Background and Decision to Join the Military

(04:28) Holistic Approaches to Mental Health Treatment

(05:43) Expectations and Meeting Them in the Army

(07:43) Influences and Passion Projects

(10:22) Finding Passion in Work

(13:49) The Influence of Parents and Grandparents

(18:18) Work Ethic and Dedication

(19:17) The Potential of Psychedelic Therapies for PTSD

(20:31) Family Stories and Lessons Learned

(21:58) The Influence of Loree Sutton's Father

(25:34) Enlisting in the Army and Serving in the Korean War

(28:11) Becoming the Director of the Center of Excellence

(33:59) Policy Changes Needed for Improved Access to Innovative Treatments

(36:31) Brain Health and the Impact of Traumatic Brain Injury

(40:36) Becoming the Commissioner for the Mayor's Office of Veterans Affairs

(47:08) Understanding Mobbing in the Military

(48:31) Finding Support and Purpose in Post-Military Life

(55:46) Celebrating Service: Retirement Ceremony Reflections

(01:03:06) Continued Dialogue and Collaboration for Advancing Mental Health Care

(1:07:11) Finding Sanctuary in New Mexico Post-Retirement

(1:14:16) Reflections on Becoming Whole and Finding Wisdom

(1:23:22) Book Recommendations for Veterans and Personal Growth

(1:33:15) Exploring Psychedelic Therapies and the VA's Role

(1:40:40) Discussing the Invisible War and Advocacy for Sexual Assault Survivors (1:45:30) Holistic Approach to Veteran Mental Health

(1:51:30) Closing Thoughts: Vet Centers and Community Connection

#Links# 🔗 All of my recording/editing equipment can be found here: https://kit.co/Chief_McConnell/john-mcconnell 🔗 @riversidefm - https://riverside.fm/?utm_campaign=campaign_2&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_source=rewardful&via=john-mcconnell 🔗 Restrepo Documentary - https://amzn.to/4dap2Fb #Books# 📚Ripple of Hope - Robert F Kennedy - https://amzn.to/3MW1clK 📚Joseph Campbell and the power of myth with Bill Moyers - https://amzn.to/3B87pZf 📚Thou Art That - Collective works of Joseph Campbell - https://amzn.to/3TClKUb 📚Tribe - Sebastian Junger - https://amzn.to/3XPj2gD

📚Here I Am: The Story of Tim Hetherington, War Photographer - https://amzn.to/4ewcOaW

📚The Denial of Death - Earnest Becker - https://amzn.to/3ZsIE47 📚Thank You for Being Late: An Optimist's Guide to Thriving in the Age of Accelerations - Thomas Friedman - https://amzn.to/3ZroHuH

📚Odysseus in America: Combat Trauma and the Trials of Homecoming - Jonathan Shay - https://amzn.to/4eujKp1 📚The Lucifer Effect: Understanding How Good People Turn Evil - Philip Zimbardo - https://amzn.to/4ey9v3j

To all the brave men and women out there still protecting our freedom 🇺🇸 🫡 Thank you for your service! ** some links may result in commissions for the site - we are an amazon affiliate and any amazon links will provide commissions for the podcast - commissions do not mean you will pay anything extra it simply means we will earn a small amount when you purchase through our links **

In this engaging episode of the Military Retirement Podcast, hosts John McConnell and Victor De La Flor sit down with retired Marine Corps E-9, Wayne Terronez. Find Wayne on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wayne-terronez-16879174/

Wayne shares his unique insights into the transition from military to civilian life, discussing the challenges and strategies for a successful transition. He emphasizes the importance of mental health, the benefits of holistic approaches to wellness, and the value of proper life insurance planning. Wayne's candid discussion offers valuable advice for both active duty members nearing retirement and veterans navigating their post-military careers. Don't miss this episode filled with practical tips, personal stories, and actionable advice for a smoother transition to civilian life.

Chapter List with Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction and Purpose - Wayne Terronez introduces himself and his mission to help service members transition.

00:34 Morning and Evening Routines - Wayne discusses his routines in the military vs. civilian life, focusing on mental health.

02:26 Importance of Mental Health - The lack of focus on mental health in the military and Wayne's personal health journey.

06:42 Experiences at Wounded Warrior Regiment - Wayne's treatment for PTSD and the holistic approach to recovery.

12:54 Journaling and Its Benefits - Discussion on the power of journaling and setting goals.

17:09 Most and Least Enjoyable Aspects of Retirement - Wayne shares his experiences and insights after leaving the service.

20:34 Entrepreneurial Ventures Post-Retirement - Wayne talks about starting a nonprofit and a frozen yogurt truck.

24:41 Family and Military Service - Wayne discusses his son's interest in joining the Marine Corps.

26:52 Initial Motivation to Join the Marine Corps - Wayne's early influences and decision to enlist.

31:53 TRS/TAP Process and VA Claims - Wayne's experience with the Transition Readiness Seminar and his VA claims process.

34:21 Post-Military Activities and Yoga - Wayne's focus on yoga, mindfulness, and holistic health.

38:52 Impact of Military Service on Personal Life - Physical and mental toll of military service and the need for better fitness programs.

43:32 Civilian Sector and Leadership - Challenges of leadership and change in civilian jobs.

50:12 TRS and Mental Transition - Suggestions for improving the Transition Readiness Seminar.

1:13:55 Mentorship and Giving Back - Wayne's role as a mentor and his thoughts on helping others transition.

1:26:23 Final Thoughts and Key Messages - Wayne's final advice and message to the audience.

Books mentioned:

Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill - https://www.amazon.com/Think-Grow-Rich-Landmark-Bestseller/dp/1585424331

Relentless by Tim Grover - https://www.amazon.com/Relentless-Unstoppable-Tim-S-Grover/dp/1476714207

48 Laws of Power by Robert Greene - https://www.amazon.com/48-Laws-Power-Robert-Greene/dp/0140280197

Tribe by Sebastian Junger - https://www.amazon.com/Tribe-Homecoming-Belonging-Sebastian-Junger/dp/1455566381

############Links###############

🔗 All of my recording/editing equipment can be found here: https://kit.co/Chief_McConnell/john-mcconnell

🔗 @riversidefm - https://riverside.fm/?utm_campaign=campaign_2&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_source=rewardful&via=john-mcconnell

To all the brave men and women out there still protecting our freedom 🇺🇸 🫡 Thank you for your service!

some links may result in commissions for the site

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In this conversation, John, Victor and Janet discuss various topics including retirement ceremonies, education programs for veterans, and the Veterans Treatment Program. Janet shares her experience in the military and her transition to civilian life, as well as her current work as a mentor in the Veterans Treatment Program. They also discuss the benefits of volunteering and finding purpose after retirement. The conversation discusses the Veterans Treatment Court program and the impact it has on veterans who are struggling with substance abuse and mental health issues. The program provides a second chance for veterans to receive treatment instead of facing jail time or fines. The mentors in the program play a crucial role in supporting and guiding the veterans towards success. The conversation also touches on the challenges veterans face in accessing VA benefits and healthcare services. Additionally, there is a mention of a streamlined process for getting VA disability claims done in one day at certain VA clinics. In this final part of the conversation, We discuss Janet's experience as a life coach and mentor, the importance of self-reflection and finding one's passion after transitioning out of the military, and the value of isolation with intentionality. We also touch on the upcoming release of our ebook, the Bottom Line Up Front, and the importance of joining the military retirement group. The conversation ends with well wishes for Father's Day and a reminder to make the most of the holiday.

Timestamps:

0:00 - Introduction and Welcome

2:40 - Military Retirement and Transition

4:46 - Educational Pursuits Post-Retirement

7:09 - VR&E Program Overview

9:28 - Personal Experience with VR&E

14:21 - Impact of VR&E on Veterans

18:51 - Role of Education and Mentorship

21:31 - Challenges with VA Benefits and Claims

23:56 - Introduction of Guest - Janet Ross

26:16 - Janet Ross's Military Experience

30:24 - Veterans Treatment Program

32:50 - Role of Mentorship in Veterans Treatment Program

35:18 - Success Stories and Challenges

42:21 - Personal Impact and Volunteer Work

50:14 - Conclusion and Final Thoughts Want to create live streams like this? Check out StreamYard: https://streamyard.com/pal/d/4998128083271680

On this Livestream episode of The Military Retirement podcast, we talk with Bill Vaughn, one of the top performing Cyber Security Specialists in the US Army, about the Cyber career path for retiring military, finding your passion and the health complications of being over-dedicated to your IT career.

In this LiveStream episode of the Military Retirement Podcast, we're covering a few organizations that are supporting veterans with mental health, camaraderie and learning a new skill. https://guitars4vets.org/ & https://fishing4heroesusa.com/about

Marv McGuire's is a retired US Navy retired Officer who served over 2 decades only to encounter his biggest challenge at the end of his career.

http://www.heartsillcapitalpartners.com/

Summary

Marv McGuire, a retired military logistics officer, discusses his transition from the military to civilian life and offers advice for veterans. He emphasizes the importance of helping other veterans and providing them with guidance and support. McGuire also highlights the need for veterans to have confidence in themselves and their ability to succeed in a new career. He shares his morning routine and the lessons he learned from hiking the Appalachian Trail. McGuire also talks about the decision to retire from the military and the importance of having open and honest conversations with family members. In this part of the conversation, the speakers discuss the importance of networking and mentorship during the transition from the military to civilian life. They mention organizations like American Corporate Partners (ACP) and Hire Heroes USA that provide valuable resources and connections for veterans. They also emphasize the significance of financial planning and debt management during the transition. The speakers recommend books such as 'In Love and War' by James Stockdale, 'Stillness is the Key' by Ryan Holiday, and 'The Slight Edge' for personal and professional development. They share their own experiences and offer advice on finding balance and success in the civilian world. Marv McGuire shares his experience with the VA rating process and the importance of starting the transition process early. He emphasizes the need to keep an open mind and take chances in order to find success in the civilian world. Marv also discusses the power of real estate syndication as an alternative investment and the importance of vetting partners in these deals.

Key Topics:

Transitioning from Military to Civilian Life

The Importance of Networking and Mentorship

Real Estate Investment Strategies for Veterans

Personal Development and Recommended Reads

############Links###############

🔗 All of my recording/editing equipment can be found here: https://kit.co/Chief_McConnell/john-mcconnell

🔗 @riversidefm - https://riverside.fm/?utm_campaign=campaign_2&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_source=rewardful&via=john-mcconnell

🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/in/marvin-mcguire-8674891b/

🔗 Wreathes Across America Radio Live - bit.ly/3NPN4L3

############Books###############

📚 Ego is the Enemy - Ryan Holiday

📚 The Obstacle Is The Way - Ryan Holiday

📚 The Slight Edge by Jeff Olson

📚 In Love and War by James and Sybil Stockdale

📚 Stillness is the Key by Ryan Holiday

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction

02:30 Marvin's Military Background

10:15 Transition Challenges and TAP Program

20:00 Networking Strategies Post-Military

30:45 Real Estate Investment Insights

40:00 Recommended Books and Resources

50:30 Importance of Mentorship

01:00:00 Q&A and Final Thoughts

To all the brave men and women out there still protecting our freedom 🇺🇸 🫡 Thank you for your service!

some links may result in commissions for the site

We sit down with Sergeant Major (Retired) Hero Aguirre as he talks about his military to civilian transition, and how he went from leading Marines in the Marine Corps to now leading students in the JROTC program.

Takeaways

Family support is crucial during military service and the transition to civilian life.

PCS moves can be challenging, but they provide opportunities to explore new places.

Joining JROTC after retirement allows veterans to continue wearing the uniform and mentor young cadets.

Continuous learning is important for personal and professional growth.

Veterans should take advantage of the opportunities available to them. JROTC plays a crucial role in shaping the future of students and the community.

Retired military personnel should consider becoming JROTC instructors to make a positive impact.

There are various opportunities available for JROTC instructors in different branches of the military.

Transitioning from military to civilian life can be challenging, but mentorship and guidance can help.

Maintaining open communication and building relationships with parents is important in the JROTC program. Becoming a JROTC instructor can be financially attractive for retired service members, as they receive a salary from both the military and the school district.

Maintaining physical fitness and good health is important after retirement, even if the level of activity may decrease.

When transitioning to civilian life, it is important to set a timeline, have a plan, and be realistic about goals and expectations.

Reaching out to others who have gone through the transition process can provide valuable guidance and support.

00:00 Spontaneous Adventures and Weekend Getaways

02:52 Maximizing Veterans Benefits

12:52 Honoring Memorial Day and Exploring Family History

23:34 Life After Military Service and Finding Purpose

29:49 The Transition to Retirement and Family Focus

41:48 The Role of JROTC in Shaping Young Lives

52:59 Mentorship, Motivation, and Personal Reflections

59:35 Navigating the JROTC Program and Parenting Challenges

01:10:47 Becoming a JROTC Instructor: Certification and Pay Scale

01:21:00 The Importance of Physical Fitness and Health as an Instructor

01:25:28 Sharing Information and Motivating Students in the JROTC Program

01:28:54 The Centenarians of Japan and the Importance of Walking

01:29:50 Transitioning from Military to Civilian Life and the Need for Physical Fitness

01:33:02 The Impact of Good Habits and Letting Go of Unnecessary Ones

01:54:47 Leveraging Resources for a Successful Transition

Covering more about #mentalhealthawarenessmonth, resources, books, #VAClaimSharks and more.

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In this conversation, John and Victor discuss their YouTube channel reaching 500+ subscribers and their goal of reaching 1000 subscribers. They also talk about their plans to attend the @militaryinfluencerconference and the increasing number of people reaching out to be on their podcast. They mention the importance of supporting veterans and sharing their stories. They also discuss the need for veterans to transition back into civilian life and the challenges they face. They provide tips on accessing military benefits and resources, such as setting up a username and password for MyPay and using two-factor authentication. They also mention upcoming events and books they are reading. In this conversation, John and Victor discuss the importance of continuous learning and education. They emphasize the value of reading books and highlight the impact it can have on personal growth and development. They also discuss the influence of setting an example for others, particularly children, through reading and learning. The conversation touches on the benefits of education for veterans, including the Post-9/11 GI Bill and the opportunities it provides. They also mention the importance of networking and staying informed about the various benefits available to veterans.

Takeaways

The hosts celebrate reaching 500 subscribers on their YouTube channel and set a goal of reaching 1000 subscribers.

They discuss their plans to attend the Military Influencers Conference and the increasing number of people reaching out to be on their podcast.

They emphasize the importance of supporting veterans and sharing their stories.

They provide tips on accessing military benefits and resources, such as setting up a username and password for MyPay and using two-factor authentication.

They mention upcoming events, such as the Veterans Beer Club, and books they are reading, including 'Call Sign Chaos' by General James Mattis. Continuous learning and education are essential for personal growth and development.

Reading books can have a profound impact on expanding knowledge and understanding.

Setting an example through reading and learning can influence others, especially children.

Veterans have access to valuable benefits, such as the Post-9/11 GI Bill, that can support their education and career goals.

Networking and staying informed about available benefits are crucial for maximizing opportunities.

Sound Bites

"Just passed 500 on the YouTube channel"

"There is life outside of the military"

"Setting up a username and password for MyPay"

"I've spent the last 10 or 15, how many years? It's been quite a while that I've been just reading nonstop, constantly book after book after book after book and letting the books guide me to the next book rather than me just going randomly picking bestsellers or picking what everybody else is talking about."

"What actions do you take? What? Where does that information lead you to? Right. To fix something, to make something different, to change something in your life, to improve something. Right. That's I think that would be the very next step after that."

Chapters

00:00 Celebrating Milestone and Setting Goals

03:29 Preparing for the Military Influencers Conference

05:38 Supporting Veterans and Sharing Their Stories

11:26 Tips for Accessing Military Benefits and Resources

42:04 The Power of Continuous Learning and Education

45:29 The Influence of Setting an Example through Reading

55:10 The Benefits of Education for Veterans

01:09:07 Maximizing Opportunities through Networking and Benefits

We’ll be focusing on Veteran Mental Health on this Livestream, with a special guest, Robert Luna. Learn more at https://al2la.us/ Robert is a Coast Guard retiree and veteran, who will be embarking on a hike across the USA with a mission to bring awareness to Veteran Mental Health. Join us on YouTube, Facebook or Instagram @MilitaryRetirementPodcast and listen to Robert’s story on this special edition of the Military Retirement Podcast LiveStream. Also available on The Military Retirement Group on Facebook.