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. 

The U.S. Army Partnership for Youth Success (PaYS) program helps Soldiers prepare for a career after the Army by connecting them with employers who understand the skill, discipline, and work ethic that military service members bring to a business.

Listen to LTC Ismael Ortizrivera speak to Mr. Antonio D. Johnson, Partnership for Youth Success Program Manager.

Network, network, network! You hear this all the time. But how do you network and how do you build your brand on social media? Do you need to be a business? Do you need to be an expert to be savvy with social media? Listen to LTC Olivia Nunn speak with Rich Cardona on the simple tools you need to effectively network and build your brand on social media. 

Its been 20 years since the fatal day of Sept. 11, 2001, and the world as we knew it changed. The United States Army was plunged into a 20-year war on terror, and the sacrifice for many military families has shaped many military leaders. Listen to LTC Olivia Nunn speak to Gen. Paul E. Funk II, the Commanding General of Training and Doctrine Command, about what it meant to have served this past 20 years. 

The U.S. Army Career Skills Program (CSP) is an invaluable resource for Soldiers as they prepare for their transition out of the Army (AND for the employers that gain access to these Soldiers through the CSP, too!).

Learn everything you need to know about the CSP and the opportunities for civilian work experience it offers to Soldiers during their last 180 days of service (and to veterans and military spouses, too!) on this #SoldierForLifePodcast.

Links to the resources mentioned in the podcast:

CSP Website and Email - https://home.army.mil/imcom/index.php/customers/career-skills-program

Army Emergency Relief CSP Grants - https://www.armyemergencyrelief.org/news/cspassistance

LTC Robin Johnson interviews Steve Weintraub from Vet Tix!  Vet Tix secures FREE tickets to sporting events, concerts, performing arts, educational and family activities across the nation. Listen to this short 12 minute episode on how to take advantage of this incredible resource!

www.vettix.org

Association of Military Spouse Entrepreneurs (AMSE) connects our military spouse entrepreneurs with the tools and resources needed to become successful in launching and growing their businesses. Listen to LTC Olivia Nunn speak with co-founder and Chief Operating Officer Flossie Hall about how to launch, build, or scale your business.

It's a "Sea of Goodwill," for our military community, which is great news! However, the sea does make it hard to wade through the information to find what you may need. If you need a one-stop for your military family concerns/questions, check out Military Families Program. Two great non-profit organizations, Veterans Success Resource Group and the Yellow Ribbons United came together to help tackle the resource challenge for our military families. Listen to LTC Olivia Nunn speak to Scott Davidson and Emma Dockery about upcoming events and how to get connected. 

Sometimes you get the chance to rewrite your own story, and sometimes that story gets rewritten for you. Not everyone gets the perfect chance, but overcoming our challenges and rise is where the fighting spirit lives. Listen to LTC Olivia Nunn speak to Army Veteran, Actor, Motivational Speaker, COL Retired Greg Gadson on owning his story. Listen to Greg speak to not letting him loosing his two legs in service to our nation stop him from achieving the best version of himself. 

Financial readiness. We all know this is vital, but how many of us can say that we - and our military families - are fully prepared?

On this week's Soldier For Life Podcast, we have a fantastic discussion with Sarah Bumgardner, the Director of Partnerships and Member Engagement for the American Armed Forces Mutual Aid Association, about what it means to be financially ready, why this is so crucial for military families and military spouses, and (most importantly) the steps we need to take to ensure that our families are financially sound.

Resources mentioned during the podcast:

👀 AAFMAA Transition Timeline - https://life.aafmaa.com/transition-timeline

👀 MilSpouse Money Mission - https://www.milspousemoneymission.org

👀 U.S. Department of Defense Office of Financial Readiness - https://finred.usalearning.gov

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.

Easterseals DC MD VA provides mental health care, employment, education, and respite care opportunities and programs for military families to help them integrate into the community and enhance their quality of life.

Learn more about the services that Easterseals provides for our military and veteran families on this week's #SoldierForLifePodcast as SFL's Health and Wellness Director, MAJ Katherine Little, chats with Easterseals DC MD VA President and CEO Jonathan Horowitch and SFL's Director, COL David Grant.

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/

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. 

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. 

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. 

This episode shares with our audience why we started an official U.S. Army Soldier For Life Podcast and what they can expect from future episodes.

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.

Centurion Military Alliance is a premiere Transition Assistance Platform — a force-multiplier for the Department of Defense/Transition Assistance Program – providing the most comprehensive military-to-civilian community-based transition assistance curriculum for Military Service Members and their spouses.

Listen to LTC Olivia Nunn speak with Dr. Stephen Hall, President of CMA and Chaunte Hall, Chief Executive Officer on how CMA brings a community-based sponsor program to assist our transitioning service members. 

Challenge Aspen Military Opportunities invites active duty, retired, and veterans to Aspen Snowmass to participate in summer and winter outdoor adaptive recreation. Our professional sports instructors teach people with disabilities how to use adaptive equipment so they can re-engage in outdoor physical activity. 

Listen to LTC Olivia Nunn speak to John Klonowski, the Director of Challenge Aspen Military Opportunities, about his passion for giving back to the military community. 

Did you know that the game of Golf is a great form of therapy? Listen to LTC Olivia Nunn speak to Rob Koon, Co-founder and Chairman of Links to Freedom, and Steve Greiner Co-founder, Executive Director, and PGA Professional about the game of golf and the form of therapy it provides. Links to Freedom has developed the HERO model, a proven four-part program that applies the physical, emotional, and social aspects of rehabilitation that is easily adaptable to existing programs and facilities.

We've got another military transition resource for you on this week's all new Soldier For Life Podcast!

In this episode, SFL's Employment Director, LTC Ismael Ortizrivera, talks with Matt Scherer, the President of the Military Transition Roundtable, about the networking, support, and community-building opportunities and resources the Military Transition Roundtable provides to transitioning service members and veterans to help them navigate the transition process.

(And as an extra bonus, there is a great discussion about LinkedIn and how to optimize your profile for networking, job searching, telling your story, and more!)

NPower offers free virtual tech training programs, job placement assistance, and professional development opportunities for military and veteran families. Learn more as we sit down with Kendra Parlock, the Vice President of Partnership Development for NPower.

In part 7 of our empowered transition series, we are going to discuss Project Management and how it reinforces traditional leadership, mission command and planning while adding tools and resources to make teams, staffs, and commands more effective. Gaining this certification while serving will only support you in transitioning your current military skills into a credentialed skill for future employment. 

The Credentialing Assistance program provides qualifying soldiers with up to $4,000 per fiscal year in career educational benefits. You can learn more about Credentialing Assistance Programs on our website at https://soldierforlife.army.mil/Education 

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.

Last year, the trucking industry was short roughly 70,000 drivers.  If this current trend holds, the shortage could swell to over 160,000 by 2028.  The Department of Transportation is tackling this problem by working with DoD and industry to create better pathways for service members to transition to truck driving.  Soldier For Life's Midwest Deputy Director interviews Selden Fritschner, Senior Transportation Specialist at the Department of Transportation to discuss the creative solutions that they have developed.  He also shares some significant new opportunities for Reserve and National Guard.

www.fmcsa.dot.gov

THIS PODCAST IS NOT AN ENDORSEMENT BY THE U.S. ARMY OR DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE.

This episode closes out Season 1 and Suicide Awareness Month with special guest, Ryan Matthews.  Ryan is an Army veteran, professional dog trainer, and public speaker.  He vulnerably shares his story with us and provides real-life advice on how to overcome life's chaos. 

www.iamryanmatthews.com

Veteran One uses technology to identify and match veterans’ unique experiences, skill sets, and interests with companies and jobs that are the right fit for them.

Learn more as SFL Director COL David Grant talks with Tyler Warren, Berno Lans, and George Pegues from Veteran One about how Veteran One can help you find a job that matches your personality and your passion.

Blue Star Families was founded by military spouses in 2009 to empower these families to thrive as they serve. We're committed to strengthening military families by connecting them with their neighbors – individuals and organizations – to create vibrant communities of mutual support. We believe we're all stronger when we take care of one another. Listen to LTC Olivia Nunn speak with founder and CEO Ms. Kathy Roth-Douquet about the program, the work they do, and why it's important to advocate for military families. 

This week's Soldier For Life Podcast features a discussion with FourBlock, a nonprofit organization that helps veterans and military spouses build meaningful professional relationships and prepare for future employment via its in-person and online career readiness programs.

Our guest today is here to talk with me about TRICARE benefits for retiring or recently retired service members. Her name is LaChelle Lewis-Fowler, and she is a TRICARE Community Liaison for Humana Military, the company that administers the healthcare benefit to the TRICARE East Region.

She will answer questions such as: how soon can service members sign up for TRICARE as a retiree? What are the big differences between these options? Are there cost differences between them? If a retiree selects a program option and it’s not the right fit for them, can they change it?

This Podcast is packed full of information you'll need on your transition journey. 

Are you interested in pursuing an educational degree or certificate but aren't sure how because of your busy military lifestyle? Or are you interested in obtaining a professional certification?

On this week's Soldier For Life Podcast, we talk with Liz Green, the Executive Director of the Office of Online Student Success at Syracuse University, and Michael Schoeneck, the National Program Director for Onward to Opportunity with the Institute for Veterans and Military Families, about flexible online degree, certificate, and professional certification opportunities available to the military and veteran communities through Syracuse University.

Once a Soldier, Always a Soldier...a Soldier for Life! What does that motto mean, and what can you do as an Army ambassador. Our military is an all-volunteer force, and to keep it that way, we need to inspire the next generation to serve. Listen to LTC Olivia Nunn speak to the Command Sergeant Major of the US Army Recruiting Command, CSM John Foley, about the latest campaign, "Army Hiring Days." Your service may have ended, but your mission hasn't; share your Army Story and support our Army Recruiters fill our Army with the very best! 

This episode features Soldier For Life, Michael Quinn with expert advice on Linked In and Personal Brand.  Mike was a 2018  Top LinkedIn Voice and is a Senior Manager at Ernst & Young and President & CEO of HireMilitary.  He shares some powerful insights on how to develop your LI profile to best posture you for success in your post-service career.

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. 

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! 

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. 

Army veteran and Soldier For Life, Chris Newsome provides expert advice on how to make the most of hiring fairs.  Chris is the Senior Vice President-Candidate Acquisition at Bradley-Morris/RecruitMilitary.  Chris's primary role is to aggregrate and support America's military men, women, and their families with career access, and professional development resources.  

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.

Are you transitioning from the military into corporate American and looking for how to start?  

Join us today and learn more about American Corporate Partners (ACP). ACP’s free Mentoring Program connects post-9/11 veterans, active duty spouses and eligible military spouses (Protégés) with corporate professionals (Mentors) for customized mentorships. ACP assists veterans and eligible spouses on their path towards fulfilling, long-term careers.

MilGears is a customized career-building tool offered by the U.S. Department of Defense that is designed to help service members, veterans, potential Soldiers, their family members, and more plan and achieve their career goals by highlighting career possibilities and helping them visualize how to reach those goals.

Learn more on this week's brand new Soldier For Life Podcast as MSG James Wire chats with Mr. Keith Boring, the Acting Division Director of Strategy, Innovation, Credentialing, and Voluntary Education for the Naval Education and Training Command.

https://milgears.osd.mil

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.

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! 

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. 

On this week's Soldier For Life Podcast episode, we talk with U.S. Marine Corps COL (Ret.) Duncan Milne, the President of Dixon Center for Military and Veterans Services, about the work that Dixon Center does to help organizations across the country improve the lives of our military and veteran families.

LTC Robin Johnson, Soldier For Life's Employment Director, interviews Lee Kelley, Director of Military Community Support Programs for Military Community and Family Policy.  They discuss the Spouse Education and Career Opportunities site, https://myseco.militaryonesource.mil/portal/ and may other no-cost resources for military spouses seeking employment.

https://www.militaryonesource.mil/

Sometimes local resources can make all the difference in the world. Listen to LTC Olivia Nunn speak with Army Veteran Topaz Navarro, Executive Director of Work Play Obsession All In Foundation, a mental health nonprofit organization that leverages recreational activities to address and heal trauma wounds. The nonprofit serves as both a peer support group and a post-service community to bond over their shared experiences.

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. 

The Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) is the country's leading organization protecting the rights of military service members and their families. MOAA's mission is to improve the lives of those who serve and their families by advocating for the military community. Listen to LTC Olivia Nunn speak with Mark Belinsky, Director of Currently Serving and Retired Affairs at MOAA, on why knowing who and what MOAA does for the military community. 

Finding the right job after leaving the military can be tricky business. But fortunately, there are many organizations out there who can help. And this week's #SoldierForLifePodcast features one such place!

Listen as LTC Ismael Ortizrivera talks with Ms. Stacy Bayton, the Senior Executive Vice President of VetJobs, about the individualized employment services (including no-cost one-on-one job placement support, career exploration, and employment training) that VetJobs provides for transitioning service members and veterans.

The U.S. Patent and Trademark office offers numerous resources for entrepreneurs in the military community to help them make their business ownership dreams a reality.

Learn more about what the USPTO can do for you as a new or future military-connected business owner from this week's Soldier For Life Podcast discussion with the USPTO's Christina Whitaker.

And be sure to visit the USPTO's Entrepreneurship Resources page for links to the many resources they offer for the military community at https://www.uspto.gov/initiatives/entrepreneurship-resources-military-community!

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/

This episode features Christine Schwartz with Service to School and offers candid advice on how to get accepted to top tier schools.  Additionally, it features some updates on the Army's education initiatives with Soldier For Life Education Director, MAJ Jenna Russell.  There is a special bonus on this episode with the debut of the Army Strong compilation from the U.S. Army Band (Downrange)!

www.service2school.org

Break the silence and the stigma about mental health. Listen to LTC Olivia Nunn speak with Army Veteran Pasha Palanker about his own mental health journey, why it's important to recognize the need to ask for help and its impact on your life and your family's. Pasha has had his own brush with death, including surviving a suicide bomber. You don't want to miss this episode. 

As a military retiree, what happens to your health care benefits once you become eligible for Medicare at age 65? What Medicare coverage do you need? At what point should you sign up for Medicare (and what happens if you wait)? What is the relationship between Medicare and TRICARE for Life? And what steps do you need to go through to get the coverage that you need?

Get answers to all of these questions and more on this episode of the Soldier For Life Podcast as the Director of Army Retirement Services, Mr. Mark Overberg, talks with Rear Admiral (Dr.) Christine Hunter (United States Navy, Retired), a TRICARE expert who serves on the Board for WPS Health Systems (which manages the TRICARE For Life, FLTCIP, and FEDVIP contracts) and previously served as Medical Director for the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program and Deputy Director of the Defense TRICARE Management Activity.

Podcast Resource Links:

✅ Military OneSource Webinar “How to Get Started with Medicare and TRICARE” - https://www.militaryonesource.mil/training-resources/webinars/get-started-with-medicare-and-tricare

✅ WPS Health Systems (TRICARE for Life Administrator) for individual questions - call 866-773-0404 or visit them online at https://tricare4u.com

#DYK that veterans who are 65 or older and eligible for Medicare can augment their existing VA benefits and health care plans with certain Medicare options?

Medicare Open Enrollment season is going on now through December 7th, so now is a great time to educate yourself if your answer was no...and we are here to help!

In this #SoldierForLifePodcast episode (which is Part 1 of our upcoming 3-part series on health benefits for veterans), SFL's Health and Wellness Director, MAJ Katherine Little, talks with Aaron McCoy and Darin Davis, Regional Veteran Executives with Humana, about the ins-and-outs of Medicare that all veterans should know and understand.

Get more information about Medicare and Medicare Open Enrollment season at https://www.medicare.gov.

In part 2 of our empowered transition series we are going to discuss how you discover your desires, how to even get started on figuring out who you are and what you love to do. Marine Veteren, Mr. Josh Atkinson is going to share with us his journey of self-discovery as he transitioned from the Marine Corps and removed the uniform and what that felt like. What lessons he’s learned and how you can set yourself up for success by starting the process of self-discovery right now.

The CA program provides qualifying soldiers with up to $4,000 per fiscal year in career educational benefits. You can learn more about Credentialing Assistance Programs on our website at https://soldierforlife.army.mil/Education 

Military spouses...are you looking for a new career or side gig that is flexible enough to fit your military lifestyle?

On this week's #SoldierForLifePodcast, SFL's Employment Director, LTC Ismael Ortizrivera, chats with Katrina Tysinger and Sarah Rezac from Learn Design Apply about how grant writing could be an excellent option and fit for military spouses who are looking for flexible, remote, or portable work opportunities.

What is the Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program, or FEDVIP (benefeds.com/military)? Why is it important? And what FEDVIP information should retiring service members be sure to know about long before they actually retire?

Find out as SFL's Health and Wellness Director, MAJ Bryan Spear, discusses everything FEDVIP with Mr. Will Foley, the Education and Outreach Account Manager for BENEFEDS, and Mr. Mark Overberg, the Director of U.S. Army Retirement Services.

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. 

Are you a Soldier or veteran who is interested in pursuing an education degree? Then this brand new Soldier For Life Podcast episode is just for YOU!

Tune in to hear our discussion with Service to School CEO Alec Emmert about the free college and grad school application counseling, mentorship, and resources they offer to veterans and service members.

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. 

On this week's Soldier For Life Podcast, we talk with Hiring Our Heroes Senior Director COL (Ret.) Adam Rocke about the resources and opportunities Hiring Our Heroes offers to help connect the military community with meaningful employment opportunities.

In part 3 of our empowered transition series, we are going to discuss Hunting vs. Fishing and becoming active in your approach to finding the best fitting job for you and your financial goals. We’ll discuss the importance of finding a mentor in your interested field, we’ll also touch on how to find a spotter in the organization you desire to work for and how they can support your success. Josh will also review resume building, culture, and how to craft your resume for a desired effect. 

The CA program provides qualifying soldiers with up to $4,000 per fiscal year in career educational benefits. You can learn more about Credentialing Assistance Programs on our website at https://soldierforlife.army.mil/Education 

National Veterans Small Business Week is November 11-15, so today, we are talking about the importance of celebrating NVSBW AND all of the fantastic resources that the United States Small Business Administration offers to help our military families on their entrepreneurial journey. Our guest on the show is Mr. Robert Yannuzzi, the SBA's Assistant Administrator for its Office of Veterans Business Development.

Links mentioned in the podcast:

NVSBW - https://www.sba.gov/nvsbw

SBA OVBD Veterans Resources - https://www.sba.gov/veterans

The Manufacturing Institute's Heroes MAKE America program provides training and resources to help prepare individuals in the military and veteran communities for careers in the manufacturing industry.

On today's Soldier For Life Podcast, we chat with Amy Thomas, the National Director of the Heroes MAKE America program, about their efforts to build a pipeline of military-trained and industry-certified candidates for manufacturers around the country.

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. 

The MyArmyBenefits website is the U.S. Army’s official one-stop shop for information about all of the federal and state benefits that Soldiers, veterans, and their families have earned from serving their country in the United States Army. The website even includes planning calculators to help with things like Army retirement, survivor benefits, and deployment!

Learn all about this fantastic resource as we chat with the Program Manager for the MyServiceBenefits Program in the Army Retirement Services office, Ms. Chelsea MacDougall.

Transitioning from the military is more than just taking off your uniform. To be successful in your own transition, you need to know what is your talent? Listen to LTC Olivia Nunn speak with Mike Sarraille the CEO of EF Overwatch, and George Randle the managing partner of EF Overwatch on understanding the strategic importance of talent and human capital. 

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/

Are you looking for a job? Are you a transitioning service member? Are you a military spouse looking for employment? If you answered yes to any of these, this podcast is for you! Listen to LTC Olivia Nunn speak to CEO and Founder of Mission Hire Me, Mr. Bill Barnett on how creating a video profile can enhance your hiring chance. 

Mission Hire Me, serve transitioning veteran and military spouse job seekers by helping them to create visually engaging and professionally edited video profiles for use in job applications and on social media.

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. 

Are you currently serving and enlisted but have goals to become a medical doctor? If you ever thought about going to medical school, but worry about the cost, the courses, and how you can support your family at the same time? Then you need to listen to LTC Olivia Nunn speak with the experts at the Uniformed Services University on their Enlisted to Medical Degree Preparatory Program.

The Enlisted to Medical Degree Preparatory Program (EMDP2) is a partnership between the Uniformed Services University and Armed Forces. This 24-month program will enable highly qualified enlisted service members to complete the preparatory coursework for application to medical school while maintaining an active duty status.

Program components includes full-time coursework in a traditional classroom setting (in the Washington, D.C. area), structured pre-health advising, formal Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) preparation, dedicated faculty and peer mentoring at USU, and integrated clinical exposure. Upon completion, the successful student should be a competitive applicant to medical school.

In part 4 of our Empowered Transition Series we discuss How To Dress For Success with special guests Mr. Josh Atkinson and Mr. Alex Rodriguez. Mr. Rodriguez is the founder of Salute2Suit a company created exclusively and solely for our active duty military and veterans. With over 40+ years experience, Alex Rodriguez has perfected his craft in the fashion industry. He brings an unmatched level of knowledge and taste to his clients and has set the gold standard for image excellence. It has become his passion to empower and educate our service members through their wardrobes.

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. 

Health Insurance and understanding what's available to you beyond your time in uniform is a critical part of your health and wellness well-being. Listen to LTC Olivia Nunn speak with Mr. Edward Simmer the Chief Medical Officer for Tricare Health Plans about understanding what options are available for you and your family. Securing a job after your transition is important, but don't neglect your health care coverage! 

It's the Holiday season and for our deployed military community it's a time where organizations like the USO step up to create Holiday Cheer. This year as the world changed due to COVID-19, the Holidays are different for everyone. The impact to our deployed means the annual USO show will be virtual. Listen to LTC Olivia Nunn speak with Mr. Christopher Plamp the Senior Vice President for Operations, Programs, and Entertainment. Since 1941, the USO has been the nation's leading organization to serve our service members and their families both home and away. Keep our deployed members in your thoughts this holiday season. 

Tune into a Soldier For Life Podcast with CALIBRE a Department of Defense approved SkillBridge Program for transitioning Soldiers. CALIBRE training gives you new skills for a purpose-filled career in the automotive industry with classes starting every 15 weeks. Learn how to apply and what to expect from joining the CALIBRE / Volvo Tekniker SkillBridge program. 

What do you wear for work? For those of in the military, the answer is simple... a uniform! We know once you hang up your uniform, the question about what do I wear today can been daunting and frustrating. Listen to LTC Olivia Nunn speak with Mr. Rob Rens the Vice President of Suiting Warriors on the importance of dressing for success. Suiting Warriors believes in creating a positive impact on our military community with our veterans dressed to succeed and looking the part.

In this episode, we speak with SGM Kris Rick, SMA fellow to the Department of Labor Veteran Employment and Training Services. Did you know that there are over 2400 American Job Centers are ready to help veterans and military spouses with career planning and connection to employers?  Listen to this 30 minute episode that talks about military spouse employment, apprenticeships, and how veterans can leverage the resources provided by DOL-VETS.

DOL VETs prepares America's veterans, service members and their spouses, for meaningful careers, provides them with employment resources and expertise, protects their employment rights and promotes their employment opportunities.

Check out https://veterans.gov

Join  the Soldier For Life Employment Director, LTC Ismael Ortiz and military spouse Mrs. Jennifer Goodman discussing her journey and career experiences as a military spouse. 

Jennifer is now a Military Initative Program Manager, leading a military hiring initiative with Aramark.

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, PTSD, four powerful words that have been taboo for so long in the military. Yet, these four words have impacted the military community in so many ways, including mental health, suicide, divorce rates, and even the health and well-being of military spouses and their children. Listen to listen LTC Olivia Nunn speak to Dr. Charles Hoge Pschastrist from the OFfice of the Army Surgeon General Office talk about this very complex topic to help break the stigma surrounding PTSD. 

In part 5 of our empowered transition series, we are going to discuss Networking and becoming active in your approach to finding the people who can support your goals. People are the door to resources and you must be proactive in establishing those connections. We will discuss media networking and the importance of not only building your online profile but also best practices to expanding your connections and how to do that. 

The CA program provides qualifying soldiers with up to $4,000 per fiscal year in career educational benefits. You can learn more about Credentialing Assistance Programs on our website at https://soldierforlife.army.mil/Education 

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. 

Military spouses...do you have any interest in remote work? On this week's #SoldierForLifePodcast, SFL's Employment Director, LTC Ismael Ortizrivera, talks with Amy Meehan, Director of Communications for  Instant Teams, about military spouse employment in the post-COVID world and the remote work opportunities that exist for both CONUS and OCONUS military spouses in a follow-up to our Instant Teams podcast from Season 4 (https://bit.ly/sflpodcastS4E4).

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). 

Get connected to military community resources. Listen to LTC Olivia Nunn speak with co-founder of Bourbiz, Scott Davidson.

A 501(c)(3) nonprofit, Veteran Success Resource Group (VSRG) partners with BOURBIZ to host expos in cities across the United States. Free of charge to veterans and their families, each expo connects hundreds of veterans with dozens of businesses, universities, government agencies and veteran service organizations (VSOs) in a casual environment.

BourBiz designs events that reach junior enlisted members, both current and former. These men and women make up the bulk of our armed forces, but can be some of the most difficult to connect with resources. By offering an environment with live entertainment, prize giveaways, business competitions, celebrity appearances, camaraderie and spirits, BourBiz creates events that engage these veterans.

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.

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. 

Is Call of Duty real? Are Army Special Forces and Rangers the types of heroes that don't flinch in the face of danger?  Are these heroes like those depicted in the movies? Listen to LTC Olivia Nunn speak to Army Rangers LTC Dan Ferriter, and MSG Yuma Barnett along with Special Forces SGM Matt Parrish about the Real Life "Call of Duty," and the transitioning resources available to these elite operators. 

This episodes provides helpful tips for Army retirement planning.  Topics include pay and compensation, health benefits, and Survivor Benefit Plan.

PVA was founded by a band of service members who came home from WWII with spinal cord injuries. These wounded heroes made a decision not just to live, but to live with dignity as contributors to society. They created Paralyzed Veterans of America, an organization dedicated to serving veterans—and to medical research, advocacy, and civil rights for all people with disabilities. Listen to LTC Olivia Nunn speak with Lauren Lobrano the Director of the Veterans Career Program about the opportunities available to our military veterans. 

How do you start the transition journey early? How do you get emotionally ready to transition and what does that look and feel like? Transitioning is a journey with no final destination. In this Empowered Transition Series Josh is taking us on a journey from his abrupt departure from the military to coming full circle in supporting Veterans in the emotional and psychological challenges associated with transitioning out of military service. 

Join is in the Empowered Transition Series with Marine Veteran Mr. Josh Atkinson. Josh does strategy and development for PM ProLearn and he integrates PM ProLearn Program Management Professional certification courses into the Army Credentialing Assistance (CA) Program. The Credentialing Assistance program provides qualifying Soldiers with up to $4,000 per fiscal year in career educational benefits with no Additional Duty Service Obligation.  

You can learn more about Credentialing Assistance Programs on our website at https://soldierforlife.army.mil/Education 

The Army Partnership for Youth Success (PaYS) Program is a strategic partnership between the U.S. Army and a cross-section of corporations, companies, and public sector agencies. The program provides America's youth with an opportunity to serve their country while they prepare for their future. PaYS Partners guarantee Soldiers an interview for possible employment after their Army service. Listen to LTC Olivia Nunn speak with Mr. Antonio Johnson, Army PaYS Program Manager about the opportunities for companies looking to hiring our transitioning service members. 

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. 

Join us as we discuss Veteran NOTES with founder Ms. Leah Searl.  

The Veteran NOTES method outlines military career progression through a corporate lens providing understanding of what a military career looks like in the corporate sector. Through the VNOTES online course, handbook, videos, resources, and consulting services VNOTES clarify, identify and translate military service into corporate terminology.