Join us on Dog Tag Diaries as Kim sits down with Alejandra Hernandez, a Marine Corps veteran whose story is a powerful testament to resilience and authenticity. In this episode, Alejandra reflects on her challenging childhood, serving during the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" era, and the pivotal role that cooking played in her military life. Discover how Ale navigated the complexities of her sexuality and the obstacles she faced, including harassment and relationship difficulties, all while maintaining honor and commitment. She also shares her journey toward personal healing and her impactful work with The Road Home Program, which offers free mental health care to veterans and their families. Don't miss Ale's inspiring advice for current and aspiring military women.

Alejandra Hernandez is a Marine Corps veteran, outdoor enthusiast, and advocate for veterans. Serving during 2005-2009, the don’t ask don’t tell era, she gained invaluable skills and experiences that continue to shape her life. Today, Alejandra channels her passion into helping fellow veterans through The Road Home Program, which provides care and resources for those navigating the challenges that come from military life. When she’s not working, Alejandra enjoys bouldering, top rope climbing, snorkeling, and traveling.

Connect with Alejandra:

• LinkedIn: Alejandra Hernandez
• Learn More About The Road Home Program: theroadhomeprogram.org

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Learn more about Reveille and Retreat Project:

reveilleandretreatproject.org

Instagram: @reveilleandretreatproject

Facebook: Reveille and Retreat Project

You aren’t alone.

If you’re thinking about hurting yourself or having thoughts of suicide contact the

Veteran crisis line: Dial 988 then press 1, chat online, or text 838255.

In this powerful episode of Dog Tag Diaries, Host Kim welcome Darci Escandon, a woman of extraordinary resilience and transformation. Darci's story spans a tumultuous childhood as a military daughter, dealing with trauma, abuse, bullying, and even homelessness. Learn how Darci channels her experiences into training service dogs for veterans and advocating for mental health and PTSD awareness. Hear her recount the intense and sometimes heartbreaking moments that shaped her, including the challenges of growing up in a military household and battling complex PTSD. This episode promises to inspire you to face your own challenges with courage. Don't miss out!

Darci Escandon is a passionate advocate for veterans and service animals, drawing from her own challenging experiences growing up in a military household. Despite the hardships she has faced, Darci has dedicated her life to supporting others, from training her and her husband's service dog to helping veterans access emotional service animals ESA and service dog programs. Her knowledge of ESA and her knack for solving problems with compassion and creativity make her a force for good in her community.

Connect with Darci:

• Facebook: Service Dog Nation TX
• Empowering veterans and promoting mental health by connecting them with life-changing service dogs. We advocate for rescue dogs and raise awareness about their transformative power in healing. IGY6—no veteran should face their battles alone.
• Instagram: @finn_the_service_dragon

Resources Mentioned:

• Learn more about supporting service dog programs for veterans through Darci’s work.
• Explore mental health resources and support for those dealing with trauma and PTSD.

Be sure to follow or subscribe to Dog Tag Diaries wherever you listen to podcasts.

Learn more about Reveille and Retreat Project:

reveilleandretreatproject.org

Instagram: @reveilleandretreatproject

Facebook: Reveille and Retreat Project

You aren’t alone.

If you’re thinking about hurting yourself or having thoughts of suicide contact the

Veteran crisis line: Dial 988 then press 1, chat online, or text 838255.

This episode of Dog Tag Diaries features the amazing Amanda Huffman, who made waves by creating the first podcast focused on women veterans. Amanda recounts her compelling journey from an Air Force civil engineer to a storyteller, sharing tales of military life that are both inspiring and educational. Get a sneak peek into her deployment in Afghanistan, where Amanda's interactions with the local population offered eye-opening cultural insights. She also talks about her book, mentorship attempts, and the value of organizations like LinkedIn for veteran connections. Host Kim and Amanda explore the essential support networks for women veterans and Amanda's unwavering mission to empower others to discover their voice.

Amanda Huffman is a former Air Force Civil Engineer, a military spouse, and the creator of the Women of the Military podcast. Amanda served in the Air Force from 2007 to 2013, including a deployment to Afghanistan. Today, she is a passionate advocate for women in the military, inspiring the next generation through her podcast and her book, A Girl's Guide to Military Service. When she's not working, Amanda is a mom of two boys, an avid runner training for a marathon, and enjoys spending time in her garden or reading.

Interesting Facts About Amanda:

• She ran two half marathons while pregnant and is currently training for a full marathon.
• She’s married to a Space Force officer and is a proud mom of two boys.
• Amanda combines her military background with her passion for storytelling to empower women in the armed forces.

Resources and Links:

• Amanda’s Website: www.airmantomom.com
• Podcast: Women of the Military

Social Media:

• LinkedIn
• Facebook

Books:

• Women of the Military
• A Girl’s Guide to Military Service

Call to Action:

Don’t forget to check out Amanda’s podcast, Women of the Military, and her book, A Girl’s Guide to Military Service. Follow her on social media and visit her website for more resources and inspiring stories!

Be sure to follow or subscribe to Dog Tag Diaries wherever you listen to podcasts.

Learn more about Reveille and Retreat Project:

reveilleandretreatproject.org

Instagram: @reveilleandretreatproject

Facebook: Reveille and Retreat Project

You aren’t alone.

If you’re thinking about hurting yourself or having thoughts of suicide contact the

Veteran crisis line: Dial 988 then press 1, chat online, or text 838255.

In this captivating episode, Dog Tag Diaries host Captain Kim is joined by the remarkable Sharon Caples McDougle. From the pressures of military life to the forefront of NASA’s Space Shuttle program, Sharon’s career is a testament to perseverance and excellence. Listeners will get a glimpse of her early days in the Air Force, working with cutting-edge aircraft and mastering aerospace physiology. The episode highlights her historic role at NASA, where she suited up astronauts for their space missions, making history as the first African American technician in the space shuttle crew escape equipment department. Explore Sharon's enriching cultural experiences across the globe and hear her heartfelt reflections on the mentors who guided her path. Whether it's her profound advice to aspiring military women or memories of exciting assignments, this episode promises a journey through dedication, leadership, and remarkable achievements.

About Sharon Caples McDougle:

Sharon Caples McDougle is a retired Spacesuit Technician and Air Force Veteran. Her remarkable aerospace journey began as an Aerospace Physiology Specialist at Beale Air Force Base, where she supported SR-71 Blackbird and U-2 pilots. Later, at NASA, she made history as the first African American spacesuit technician and Crew Chief in the Space Shuttle Crew Escape Equipment department. Sharon suited up the first African American woman in space and led the only all-female suit tech crew.

Today, she is the CEO of Suit Up with Shay, a business dedicated to inspiring and educating through speaking engagements and books, including Suit Up for Launch with Shay! and Suit Up to Dive with Shay!. Sharon’s story has been featured on Good Morning America, Great Day Houston, and at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum.

Connect with Sharon:

• Facebook: Sharon McDougle - Modern Day Hidden Figure
• Instagram: @suitupwithshay
• Website: www.sharoncaplesmcdougle.com

Books by Sharon:

• Suit Up for Launch with Shay!
• Suit Up to Dive with Shay!

Suit Up with Shay:

Mission: To inspire, ignite, engage, educate, and represent.

Be sure to follow or subscribe to Dog Tag Diaries wherever you listen to podcasts.

Learn more about Reveille and Retreat Project:

reveilleandretreatproject.org

Instagram: @reveilleandretreatproject

Facebook: Reveille and Retreat Project

You aren’t alone.

If you’re thinking about hurting yourself or having thoughts of suicide contact the

Veteran crisis line: Dial 988 then press 1, chat online, or text 838255.

In this episode of Dog Tag Diaries, Major Mom, a remarkable guest whose journey from a tumultuous childhood to a flourishing professional career is nothing short of inspiring. Host Captain Kim explores how Major Mom's frequent relocations, financial hardships, and the disruptive environment of her youth built her into the resilient and adaptable leader she is today. From her early days grappling with stability issues to securing a full scholarship through Air Force ROTC, Major Mom’s story is a captivating narrative of overcoming adversity. Discover her path to becoming a missile combat crew commander and later, a professional organizer, where she turned chaos into organized success. Tune in to hear about the highs, the lows, and invaluable lessons learned along the way.

Angela Cody, aka Major Mom®, is the founder of Major Organizers®, a residential organizing company she launched in 2005 after leaving a 14-year career in the US Air Force, where she served as a satellite operator and missile combat crew commander, earning the rank of Major. Inspired to pursue a more family-focused life, Angela turned her passion for creating order into a successful business, now operating teams in Colorado and Indiana. She holds a BA in Speech Communication from Indiana University and an MBA from the University of Colorado. She is a long-time member of NAPO and Faithful Organizers and has served in leadership roles within both organizations. An advocate for balance, Angela combines her military precision with a deep understanding of the challenges parents face in managing home and career. Through her speaking engagements, she motivates and equips families to declutter their lives and create harmonious, functional spaces.

Social Media Links:

• Facebook: The Major Mom
• Website: www.MajorMom.biz

Books by Angela Cody:

1. Kid-Friendly Car Organizing Tips
2. Organizing Your Weight Loss
3. Laundry Organizing Tips
4. Home Organization Tips

Special Topics:

• The importance of mentorship for women in the military.
• How her military discipline translates into entrepreneurial success.
• Strategies for balancing career and family as a working mom.

Be sure to follow or subscribe to Dog Tag Diaries wherever you listen to podcasts.

Learn more about Reveille and Retreat Project:

reveilleandretreatproject.org

Instagram: @reveilleandretreatproject

Facebook: Reveille and Retreat Project

You aren’t alone.

If you’re thinking about hurting yourself or having thoughts of suicide contact the

Veteran crisis line: Dial 988 then press 1,

To close out 2024 we are re-releasing episodes that you found especially memorable. We hope you value revisiting this conversation.

Get ready for an unforgettable narrative on "Dog Tag Diaries" featuring Sarah Blum, who served as a nurse during the Vietnam War. This episode explores Sarah’s gripping journey, from her initial assignments and shocking first encounters with wartime realities to the advocate she became. Hear about her transformative book Women Under Fire Abuse in the Military, the result of six years of research and interviews. Learn about her upcoming book, Warrior, Nurse, Healer, PTSD and Healing, set to release in March 2025, detailing her path from wartime trauma to healing. Tune in for a compelling episode that sheds light on the struggles and triumphs of female military personnel.

Sarah Blum, Vietnam War Military Nurse and Author

Sarah Blum served as a military nurse during the Vietnam War, stationed at the 12th Evac Hospital beside the Hobo Woods. She is the author of Warrior Nurse, Healer: PTSD and Healing and Women Under Fire: Abuse in the Military. Her experiences have shaped her into a strong advocate for women veterans, particularly those who have faced sexual assault in the military.

Social Media:

Twitter - SarahLBlum

Facebook - Sarah L. Blum

Be sure to follow or subscribe to Dog Tag Diaries wherever you listen to podcasts.

Learn more about Reveille and Retreat Project:

reveilleandretreatproject.org

Instagram: @reveilleandretreatproject

Facebook: Reveille and Retreat Project

You aren’t alone.

If you’re thinking about hurting yourself or having thoughts of suicide contact the

Veteran crisis line: Dial 988 then press 1, chat online, or text 838255.

To close out 2024 we are re-releasing episodes that you found especially memorable. We hope you value revisiting this conversation.

This podcast episode is dedicated to Cultural Support Team members

1LT Ashley White (KIA 2011) and CPT Jenny Moreno (KIA 2013)

In this compelling episode of Dog Tag Diaries, hosts Captain Dakota and Captain Kim sit down with Major Jess Yahn, to discuss a trailblazing time in military history. Join them to learn about the groundbreaking US Army Special Operations Command's Cultural Support Team (CST) program, which was pivotal in lifting the combat arms ban for women in 2015. Major Yahn shares gripping stories from her deployments, including a tense moment on an Afghan airfield and a unique cultural dining experience. Learn about her work with Alltru, the impact of educational initiatives for girls in Afghanistan, and about the Women, Peace, and Security Act. Hear how female soldiers like Jess are breaking barriers and making history. This episode is profoundly inspiring and informative and a must-listen for anyone interested in women in combat roles.

What is the Cultural Support Team Program?

• Background and creation of the CST program by the US Army Special Operations Command.

• Purpose and objectives of CSTs in Afghanistan.

Deployment and Operations:

• CSTs deployed with Joint Task Force elements.

• Integration with special operations units like the Ranger Regiment.

• Description of direct action missions and village stability operations.

Roles and Responsibilities:

• Specific roles CST members played during missions.

• Importance of cultural awareness and building trust with local Afghan communities.

Challenges Faced:

• Physical and mental challenges encountered by CST members.

• Navigating cultural barriers and gender dynamics in a conflict zone.

Impact and Achievements:

• Success stories and notable accomplishments of CSTs.

• Long-term effects on both the local population and the CST members themselves.

Social Media: @alltruinc

Website: AllTru.com

Book: Last to eat, last to learn: My Life in Afghanistan Fighting to Educate Women

Be sure to follow or subscribe to Dog Tag Diaries wherever you listen to podcasts.

Learn more about Reveille and Retreat Project:

reveilleandretreatproject.org

Instagram: @reveilleandretreatproject

Facebook: Reveille and Retreat Project

You aren’t alone.

If you’re thinking about hurting yourself or having thoughts of suicide contact the

Veteran crisis line: Dial 988 then press 1, chat online, or text 838255.

This week's episode of Dog Tag Diaries brings you the extraordinary story of Shatayia Baker, a former U.S. Air Force member whose life took a drastic turn after a severe anxiety attack. Shatayia opens up about her unexpected journey from a military personnel specialist to a mental health advocate and CEO of Peaceful Therapy Services. You’ll be intrigued by her candid discussion about facing high expectations with little support, her terrifying experience in a psych ward, and how she rose above these challenges to become a published author and therapist. Shatayia also shares valuable wisdom on the importance of self-celebration, identity, and confidence for high-performing women. This is a must-listen for anyone interested in mental health, military stories, or personal growth.

Shatayia Baker is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, author, public speaker, and CEO of Peaceful Therapy Services Inc., where she brings healing and peace to her clients with compassion and expertise. A veteran of the United States Air Force, Shatayia served domestically and abroad, including in Okinawa, Japan.

Outside of her professional role, she enjoys engaging in fun activities, watching TV, and listening to music. She is the author of Just As I Am, a guide for young women to discover their identity, and a contributor to Life Lessons: My Choice to Live.

Tune in to hear Shatayia’s inspiring journey and how she uses her experiences to empower others to overcome life’s challenges.

Connect with Shatayia:

• Website: peaceful-therapy.com
• Books: Shatayia Baker’s Publications
• Facebook: Shatayia M Baker
• Instagram: @shatayia_baker
• TikTok: @shatayiah

Be sure to follow or subscribe to Dog Tag Diaries wherever you listen to podcasts.

Learn more about Reveille and Retreat Project:

reveilleandretreatproject.org

Instagram: @reveilleandretreatproject

Facebook: Reveille and Retreat Project

You aren’t alone.

If you’re thinking about hurting yourself or having thoughts of suicide contact the

Veteran crisis line: Dial 988 then press 1, chat online, or text 838255.