Veteran Voices

In this episode of Veteran Voices, host Mary Kate Soliva welcomes Maureen Woolshlager, an active military spouse, to the show. The conversation delves into Maureen's experiences navigating the challenges and rewards of being a military spouse, including frequent relocations, managing family life during deployments, and the impact on her career. Maureen shares her journey from being a new military spouse to becoming a seasoned veteran, offering insights into the unique dynamics of military life. She also discusses her involvement in nonprofit work, particularly in initiatives supporting conflict-affected regions. The episode concludes with Maureen's advice for other military spouses, emphasizing the importance of community, adaptability, and seeking out resources for support.Additional Links & Resources:Learn more about Veteran Voices here: https://supplychainnow.com/program/veteran-voicesSubscribe to Veteran Voices and other Supply Chain Now programs here: https://supplychainnow.com/subscribeLearn more about the Guam Human Rights Initiative: https://www.guamhri.org/This episode was hosted by Mary Kate Soliva. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/insight-perspective-military-spouse-vv97

In this episode of Veteran Voices, host Mary Kate Soliva sits down with Jim Hutchins, a Marine Corps veteran with over 30 years of service. They discuss Jim's lifelong passion for joining the Marine Corps, his diverse military roles, and his transition to civilian life. Jim offers valuable insights on the significance of service, the hurdles of transitioning, and the importance of mentorship. He also talks about his current role as a football coach and his ongoing dedication to making a positive impact.Additional Links & Resources:Connect with Jim Hutchins: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-hutchins28/Learn more about Veteran Voices here: https://supplychainnow.com/program/veteran-voicesSubscribe to Veteran Voices and other Supply Chain Now programs here: https://supplychainnow.com/subscribeLearn more about the Guam Human Rights Initiative: https://www.guamhri.org/This episode was hosted by Mary Kate Soliva. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/commitment-making-difference-insights-marine-corps-veteran-vv96

In this episode of Veteran Voices, host Mary Kate Soliva, interviews John Moses, who shares his journey from military service to civilian life. John reflects on the importance of trust in both the military and everyday life, emphasizing the phrase "trust is the coin of the realm." He talks about his upbringing in Lowell, Massachusetts, his family’s military background, and his own decision to enlist. John discusses his deployments, the challenges he faced when transitioning out of the military, and how volunteering and connecting with other veterans played a crucial role in his adjustment. As a co-founder of the Massachusetts Afghan Alliance, John also shares his passion for helping Afghan refugees resettle in his home state and encourages other veterans to get involved in their communities.Join us to listen and learn about one veteran's story of trust, transition, and serving beyond the uniform. Additional Links & Resources:Connect with John on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jmoses/Learn more about the Massachusetts Afghan Alliance: https://massafghanalliance.org/Learn more about Veteran Voices here: https://supplychainnow.com/program/veteran-voicesSubscribe to Veteran Voices and other Supply Chain Now programs here: https://supplychainnow.com/subscribeLearn more about the Guam Human Rights Initiative: https://www.guamhri.org/This episode was hosted by Mary Kate Soliva. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/trust-transition-giving-back-massachusetts-afghan-alliance-vv95

Military skills such as strategic planning, leadership, discipline, and self-reliance are highly transferable to the business world. Veterans often excel in setting clear objectives, managing resources efficiently, and maintaining focus under pressure. Their experience in teamwork and mission-oriented thinking makes them adept at problem-solving and innovation. Additionally, the ability to adapt to changing circumstances and persevere through challenges equips veterans to navigate the complexities of entrepreneurship and business management effectively.In this episode of Veteran Voices, host Mary Kate Soliva welcomes Ralph Asher, a Marine Corps veteran and entrepreneur to the show. Asher shares his journey from active duty to the reserves, his transition into civilian life, and his current role as a business owner. Listen in as they discuss the importance of strategic planning and self-reliance, the resources available to veterans interested in starting their own businesses, and how much mentorship and support can make a difference in the journey. Additional Links & Resources:Learn more about Data Driven Supply Chain: https://datadrivensupplychain.com/Connect with Ralph: linkedin.com/in/ralphasherLearn more about Veteran Voices here: https://supplychainnow.com/program/veteran-voicesSubscribe to Veteran Voices and other Supply Chain Now programs here: https://supplychainnow.com/subscribeLearn more about the Guam Human Rights Initiative: https://www.guamhri.org/This episode was hosted by Mary Kate Soliva. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/harnessing-military-skills-business-success-vv94

In this episode of Veteran Voices, host Mary Kate Soliva welcomes Jeremy Stalnecker, a Marine Corps veteran and CEO of the Mighty Oaks Foundation, to the show.Listen in as Jeremy shares his journey from military service to working with the Mighty Oaks Foundation, a non-profit organization that helps veterans, active duty service members, and first responders deal with trauma. Stalnecker discusses the importance of having a supportive community during the transition from military to civilian life, and the need for veterans to take care of each other. Learn how important it is for veterans to seek help and utilize available resources during their transition period, and so much more. Additional Links & Resources:Learn more about Jeremy: https://www.jeremystalnecker.com/ Learn more about the Mighty Oaks Foundation: https://www.mightyoaksprograms.org/Learn more about Veteran Voices here: https://supplychainnow.com/program/veteran-voicesSubscribe to Veteran Voices and other Supply Chain Now programs here: https://supplychainnow.com/subscribeLearn more about the Guam Human Rights Initiative: https://www.guamhri.org/This episode was hosted by Mary Kate Soliva. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/healing-trauma-together-importance-supportive-community-mighty-oaks-foundation-vv93

In this new episode of Veteran Voices, host Mary Kate Saliva welcomes Marine Corps veteran Ryan Pavel to the show. Listen in as Pavel shares his journey from an apathetic high schooler to a dedicated serviceman and advocate for veterans. Pavel discusses the importance of understanding different perspectives, the value of thinking critically about one's service and identity, and the work he does with the Warrior-Scholar Project, a national nonprofit that prepares enlisted service members for higher education.Additional Links & Resources:Learn more about the Warrior-Scholar Project: https://www.warrior-scholar.org Learn more about Veteran Voices here: https://supplychainnow.com/program/veteran-voicesSubscribe to Veteran Voices and other Supply Chain Now programs here: https://supplychainnow.com/subscribeLearn more about the Guam Human Rights Initiative: https://www.guamhri.org/This episode was hosted by Mary Kate Soliva. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/think-preparing-service-members-higher-education-marine-corps-veteran-vv92

In this episode of Veteran Voices, host Mary Kate Saliva welcomes Kurt Robinson, an Air Force veteran and long-time employee at Delta Air Lines, to the show. Listen in as Robinson shares his journey from the military to the corporate world, and his 30+ year career with Delta.Join us as Kurt shares the importance of having a plan and seeking help when transitioning from service, and his involvement with various veteran support organizations, including Best Defense Warrior Alliance, Four Block, and Vetlanta. Learn how organizations can make a more supportive culture for veterans, and the impact that can have on the veteran community itself. Additional Links & Resources:Learn more about FourBlock: https://fourblock.org/Learn more about the Best Defense Foundation: https://bestdefensefoundation.org/Learn more about the Warrior Alliance: https://thewarrioralliance.org/Learn more about Vetlanta: https://vetlanta.org/Learn more about Veteran Voices here: https://supplychainnow.com/program/veteran-voicesSubscribe to Veteran Voices and other Supply Chain Now programs here: https://supplychainnow.com/subscribeLearn more the Guam Human Rights Initiative: https://www.guamhri.org/This episode was hosted by Mary Kate Soliva. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/behind-uniform-impact-supportive-veteran-culture-vv91

In this episode of Veteran Voices, host Mary Kate Soliva interviews Zach Knight, a former US Army officer and current entrepreneur. Knight shares his journey from serving in the police force to joining the military at 28, and his experiences in Afghanistan. He discusses the challenges he faced transitioning back to civilian life, including dealing with PTSD and the struggle to find a new purpose. Knight also talks about his current work with ATL Vets, an organization that helps veterans transition into the workforce and entrepreneurship. Listen in and learn more about Zack's story, and how he emphasizes the importance of community and self-love in overcoming personal struggles.Additional Links & Resources:Learn more about Veteran Voices here: https://supplychainnow.com/program/veteran-voicesSubscribe to Veteran Voices and other Supply Chain Now programs here: https://supplychainnow.com/subscribeLearn more about the Guam Human Rights Initiative: https://www.guamhri.org/This episode was hosted by Mary Kate Soliva. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/navigating-life-after-service-transitioning-healing-helping-veterans-vv90

In this new episode of Veteran Voices, hosted by US Army veteran Mary Kate Soliva, Soliva welcomes Dr. Amy Stevens, a Navy veteran and founder of the Georgia Military Women. to the show. Stevens shares her journey from her early days in the Navy, where she was one of the first women to serve in co-ed classes, to her transition into civilian life. She discusses the challenges she faced, including sexual harassment and the lack of resources and policies to protect women in the military. Stevens also talks about her work in the Georgia Military Women, a Facebook group that provides support and camaraderie for female veterans in Georgia.Additional Links & Resources:Learn more about Veteran Voices here: https://supplychainnow.com/program/veteran-voicesSubscribe to Veteran Voices and other Supply Chain Now programs here: https://supplychainnow.com/subscribeLearn more about the Guam Human Rights Initiative: https://www.guamhri.org/This episode was hosted by Mary Kate Soliva. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/service-sisterhood-empowering-women-veterans-vv89

Welcome to Season 6 of Veteran Voices! In this new episode, host Mary Kate Saliva interviews Army veteran Laurie Pimentel-Johnson. Laurie shares her journey from joining the army, serving for 12 years, and transitioning back to civilian life. Listen in as Laurie discusses the challenges she faced during her transition, including finding employment and adjusting to a new lifestyle. Laurie emphasizes the importance of building a network before transitioning out of the military and offers her assistance in helping others navigate this process. She also highlights her involvement with various organizations such as The Mission Continues and The Key Community, which provide support and resources for veterans and their families.Additional Links & Resources:Learn more about Veteran Voices here: https://supplychainnow.com/program/veteran-voicesSubscribe to Veteran Voices and other Supply Chain Now programs here: https://supplychainnow.com/subscribeLearn more about the Guam Human Rights Initiative: https://www.guamhri.org/This episode was hosted by Mary Kate Soliva. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/navigating-transition-beyond-uniform-vv88

In this episode of Veteran Voices, host Mary Kate Soliva welcomes Navy veteran and founder of Talents ASCEND, Robyn Grable, to the show. Their conversation covers Robyn's military journey, challenges faced by veterans transitioning to civilian life, and the importance of networking.Listen in as Robyn shares her inspiration behind Talents Ascend, a platform connecting veterans, military spouses, and the disabled community with employment opportunities, and emphasizes the need to challenge job market misconceptions. Join us for an intimate discussion about leveraging unique veteran skills, networks, and self-discovery in finding fulfilling careers beyond the military, and a special invitation to utilize Talents Ascend's resources for post-military career success.Additional Links & Resources:Learn more about Talents ASCEND: https://talentsascend.comLearn more about Veteran Voices here: https://supplychainnow.com/program/veteran-voicesSubscribe to Veteran Voices and other Supply Chain Now programs here: https://supplychainnow.com/subscribeLearn more about the Guam Human Rights Initiative: https://www.guamhri.org/This episode was hosted by Mary Kate Soliva. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/empowering-veterans-journey-service-success-vv87

In this episode of Veteran Voices, Navy veteran and pilot Gabe Soltero joins host Mary Kate Soliva and shares his journey from military service to civilian life. He discusses his upbringing, Navy experiences, and the challenges of transitioning, emphasizing the importance of family support, networking, and utilizing veteran service organizations during this transition. Now working at Home Depot, he helps veterans find opportunities and champions veteran causes. Listen in as Gabe and Mary Kate highlight the significance of community support and provide valuable insights for veterans navigating their post-service life.Additional Links & Resources:Learn more about Veteran Voices here: https://supplychainnow.com/program/veteran-voicesSubscribe to Veteran Voices and other Supply Chain Now programs here: https://supplychainnow.com/subscribeLearn more about the Guam Human Rights Initiative: https://www.guamhri.org/This episode was hosted by Mary Kate Soliva. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/beyond-wings-veterans-journey-navigating-transitions-new-horizons-vv86

In this new, candid episode of Veteran Voices, host Mary Kate Soliva welcomes listeners to a conversation brimming with personal narratives and invaluable insights. As the episode unfolds, guest Kevin Horgan, shares the rich tapestry of his life, unveiling the profound impact of his Marine Corps journey on his identity and subsequent civilian career.Through anecdotes and reflections, Kevin shares his story—a narrative woven with moments of resilience, self-discovery, and the ever-evolving pursuit of purpose. From his humble beginnings in New Jersey to the pivotal decision to join the Marine Corps, every step illuminates the complexities of a life shaped by service.Join this compelling dialogue as it navigates through themes of mentorship, resilience, and the art of navigating transitions, and traverses the landscapes of service, personal growth, and the enduring spirit that defines the veteran experience. Through shared stories and heartfelt wisdom, this episode embodies the essence of Veteran Voices, embracing the humanity behind the uniform and offering a profound glimpse into the life of one remarkable individual.Additional Links & Resources:Learn more about Veteran Voices here: https://supplychainnow.com/program/veteran-voicesSubscribe to Veteran Voices and other Supply Chain Now programs here: https://supplychainnow.com/subscribeLearn more about the Guam Human Rights Initiative: https://www.guamhri.org/This episode was hosted by Mary Kate Soliva. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/journey-service-marine-corps-civilian-success-vv85

Every Veteran Voices episode delves into the inspiring stories of individuals who have served their country and are now making a difference beyond the uniform, but few stories are as powerful and uplifting as that of John Wayne Walding. John Wayne lost his leg to a sniper during battle in the mountains of Afghanistan, only to continue fighting, become the first amputee to become a Green Beret Sniper, and later found his own logistics company dedicated to overcoming and delivering on the impossible.In today's episode, sponsored by Pegasus Logistics Group, host Mary Kate Soliva, along with special co-host Tevon Taylor with Pegasus, welcomes John Wayne Walding, CEO and Founder of Gallantry Global Logistics to the show.Listen in as John Wayne Walding shares his inspiring journey, taking us from a small Texas town to the frontlines of Afghanistan, where he faced overwhelming odds as a Green Beret, and also as Mary Kate, John Wayne, and Tevon share their experiences, insights, and their mission to give back to the communities that they hold dear. Join us as we explore stories of service, sacrifice, and resilience, and discover how vital it is to continue to make a positive impact in the world. Additional Links & Resources:Learn more about Veteran Voices here: https://supplychainnow.com/program/veteran-voicesSubscribe to Veteran Voices and other Supply Chain Now programs here: https://supplychainnow.com/subscribeLearn more about the Guam Human Rights Initiative: https://www.guamhri.org/This episode was hosted by Mary Kate Soliva. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/resilience-sacrifice-service-green-beret-journey-vv84

Sometimes the transition from military service to civilian life happens gradually over time. In other cases, it happens in an instant. Neither path is necessarily easy, but maintaining a sense of purpose is key to successfully finding a new path in life.Alex Ortiz is a 1L law student at the Inter-American University of Puerto Rico School of Law, a 2022 VFW-SVA Legislative Fellow, and a 2022 SVA Student Veteran of the year finalist. Before starting his legal studies, he served as a wheel vehicle mechanic while on deployment to Iraq and Afghanistan with the 10th Mountain Division.In this interview, Alex speaks with host Mary Kate Soliva about:• Being medically discharged from the U.S. Army and suddenly needing to discover a new path and a new purpose• Why he thinks is can be such a challenge connecting Veterans with the programs and services that exist to support them• How life and military service are experienced differently from a U.S. territory like Puerto RicoAdditional Links & Resources:Learn more about Veteran Voices here: https://supplychainnow.com/program/veteran-voicesSubscribe to Veteran Voices and other Supply Chain Now programs here: https://supplychainnow.com/subscribeLearn more about the Guam Human Rights Initiative: https://www.guamhri.org/This episode was hosted by Mary Kate Soliva. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/being-light-darkness-vv83

Nothing demonstrates the importance of building a mission-driven cohesive team culture like spending time in the military. On a Naval ship, people from different ranks, different backgrounds, and even civilians all have to come together and learn to collaborate to achieve stated goals. They must all learn to adapt and overcome.Alicia Washkevich led logistics with the Expeditionary Action Group One, foreign militaries, and the United Nations for anti-piracy and security operations during the Global War on Terrorism. She was awarded the Navy’s Commendation Medal for coordinating aid given to 21 released hostages, repairs to 3 pirated vessels, and the repatriation of ten Somali personnel under custody (aka “pirates”) into Mombassa, Kenya. Today, she applies many of the lessons learned while on active duty in her role as Chief Operating Officer at New Politics.In this interview, Alicia speaks with host Mary Kate Soliva about:• Why she had to watch Top Gun before attending the Naval Academy• The importance of seeing each day’s challenges as tomorrow’s great stories• How the world of non-profits became her passion, her profession, and her reason for getting out of bed every dayAdditional Links & Resources:Learn more about Veteran Voices here: https://supplychainnow.com/program/veteran-voicesSubscribe to Veteran Voices and other Supply Chain Now programs here: https://supplychainnow.com/subscribeLearn more the Guam Human Rights Initiative: https://www.guamhri.org/Learn more about the Military Women's Collective: https://www.militarywomenscollective.org/This episode was hosted by Mary Kate Soliva. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/one-team-one-fight-vv82

There are some common traits shared by most people fighting anxiety and depression or struggling with thoughts of suicide. And while the awareness and understanding of mental health issues have both improved, many of the solutions that are in place today don’t make the required difference for people who need help right now.Matthew Brown earned his degree from the US Naval Academy in 2005. He went on to serve as the captain of USS SCOUT (MCM-8) and as part of US Navy SEAL TEAM 17, as a strategic studies Fellow for the Chief of Naval Operations, as aide-de-camp for Strategy & Policy at US Joint Forces Command, and as leader of the Coalition Indirect Fires Group in Baghdad, Iraq.In this interview, Matthew speaks with host Mary Kate Soliva about:• The decision he made to leave active duty so he can help people, regardless of their military or Veteran status, deal with mental health challenges• How Chimney Trail is taking a different approach to addressing 10 common cognitive distortions associated with depression and suicide• The effort underway to continually improve their solutions and the impact they are able to have for those struggling with their mental healthAdditional Links & Resources:Learn more about Veteran Voices here: https://supplychainnow.com/program/veteran-voicesSubscribe to Veteran Voices and other Supply Chain Now programs here: https://supplychainnow.com/subscribeLearn more the Guam Human Rights Initiative: https://www.guamhri.org/Learn more about the Military Women's Collective: https://www.militarywomenscollective.org/This episode was hosted by Mary Kate Soliva. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/breaking-cycle-cognitive-distortions-vv81

The difference between violence and competition is the willing participation – or not – of the people involved. When UFC fighters step into the ring, that is a competition. Everyone is a willing participant, which makes it a sport. Unfortunately, there will always be abusive people in the world who will take advantage of people who are not willing participants in the fight, and because of that we need violence – and a well-trained military.John Renken is the CEO of Sales Platoon. He spent three years in the Army, and was a member of the national Taekwondo team, ranked third in the nation. He then spent 20 years training Special Forces in hand-to-hand combat. Today he helps transitioning Veterans apply their skills to a different kind of combat: sales.In this interview, John speaks with host Mary Kate Soliva about:• The added challenge of transitioning out of the Army during a time of low public awareness and understanding about the value of military training• How he connected with the team at Sales Platoon and became their CEO• His advice for transitioning Veterans that are wondering whether they have the characteristics to be successful in salesAdditional Links & Resources:Learn more about Veteran Voices here: https://supplychainnow.com/program/veteran-voicesSubscribe to Veteran Voices and other Supply Chain Now programs here: https://supplychainnow.com/subscribeLearn more the Guam Human Rights Initiative: https://www.guamhri.org/Learn more about the Military Women's Collective: https://www.militarywomenscollective.org/This episode was hosted by Mary Kate Soliva. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/cant-win-ring-ceo-sales-platoon-vv80

Successfully transitioning from the military to civilian life is a journey. It also takes a lot of conscious effort, hard conversations, and active opportunities to reconnect with the military community.Bruce Thompson is a Retired Marine Corps Master Sergeant who spent his 23 years of service working as a human resource manager, logistics manager, communication electronics technician, and in maintenance management, where he oversaw all communication electronics maintenance for an organization of over 1,000 employees spread across 7 companies.Today he helps transitioning service members, veterans, and military spouses with their military-to-civilian transition planning, execution, and employment search. He works with individuals locally, in Florida, and across the globe. His goal is to engage with leaders to have uncomfortable conversations so they can build trust and respect.In this interview, Bruce speaks with host Mary Kate Soliva about:• Why it is absolutely critical for Veterans to preserve that sense of camaraderie that they benefitted from while they were in the military• The importance of communication with and between family members during the process of transitioning out of the military• What it is about his current work that makes him get up in the morningAdditional Links & Resources:Learn more about Veteran Voices here: https://supplychainnow.com/program/veteran-voicesSubscribe to Veteran Voices and other Supply Chain Now programs here: https://supplychainnow.com/subscribeLearn more the Guam Human Rights Initiative: https://www.guamhri.org/Learn more about the Military Women's Collective: https://www.militarywomenscollective.org/This episode was hosted by Mary Kate Soliva. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/being-comfortable-having-uncomfortable-conversations-marine-vv79

In over 70 episodes, Veteran Voices has heard a lot of reasons for people joining the military or picking a particular branch of service. In this episode we hear a brand new one… advice from one’s future father-in-law. In Brian Russel’s case, it was a win-win (win).Brian recently retired after serving 27 years in the United States Marine Corps – an impressive feat to be sure. Brian is also an avid mountain biker, and that’s where his advice to “keep the rubber side down” comes from. Even in adventurous situations, he reminds us that it is important to stay safe and keep yourself on track.In this interview, Brian speaks with host Mary Kate Soliva about:• The humbling feeling he gets when he thinks of his fellow Marines, each of which is willing to give it all for the person on the left and the person on the right• Why it is so important that post-transition jobs do more than just pay the bills for Veterans• The value of organizations like the North Carolina Interscholastic Cycling League, where Brian currently serves as League DirectorAdditional Links & Resources:Learn more about Veteran Voices here: https://supplychainnow.com/program/veteran-voicesSubscribe to Veteran Voices and other Supply Chain Now programs here: https://supplychainnow.com/subscribeLearn more about the Guam Human Rights Initiative: https://www.guamhri.org/Learn more about the Military Women's Collective: https://www.militarywomenscollective.org/This episode was hosted by Mary Kate Soliva. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/keep-rubber-side-down-vv78