As LTC Mike Erwin retired from active duty in 2010, he discovered a large number of fellow veterans who were longing for a community. And so, eager to provide a solution, he created Team Red, White & Blue (TeamRWB) to fill that void. Over the last fifteen years, this organization has put together over fifteen thousand events—everything from fun runs to chess meets—and has connected over a quarter-million veterans. Hosts LTG (Ret.) Leslie C. Smith and SMA (Ret.) Dan Dailey sit down with LTC (Ret.) Erwin, as well as TeamRWB’s incoming Executive Director, COL (Ret.) Mike “Sully” Sullivan to discuss how their partnership was forged in steel during an operation in Iraq years ago, what’s next for the organization, and how they felt seeing Sully’s daughter win an Olympic medal last year. Guests:  LTC Mike Erwin, U.S. Army Retired, Outgoing Executive Director, Team Red, White and Blue COL Michael "Sully" Sullivan, U.S. Army Retired, Incoming Executive Director, Team Red, White and Blue Has a member of the Army positively changed your life? Now is your chance to thank them publicly with a shoutout via our Hooah Hotline and have it possibly appear on an upcoming episode of AUSA’s Army Matters podcast! AUSA’s Army Matters podcast can also be heard on Wreaths Across America Radio on Monday at 8 pm Eastern. You can find Wreaths Across America Radio on the iHeart Radio app, the Audacy app, and the TuneIn app. Search the word Wreath.  Donate: If you are interested in supporting AUSA’s educational programs, such as this podcast, please visit www.ausa.org/donate. Feedback: How are we doing? Email us at podcast@ausa.org. Disclaimer: AUSA’s Army Matters podcast primary purpose is to entertain. The podcast does not constitute advice or services. While guests are invited to listen, listeners please note that you are not being provided professional advice from the podcast or the guests. The views and opinions of our guests do not necessarily reflect the views of AUSA.

For decades, Soldiers in the Army Ranger School were only men, most of them in their 20s. But in 2015, then-MAJ Lisa Jaster set out to change that, and became one of the first three women, and the first female Reserve officer, ever to graduate Ranger School. For her, it was one of many accomplishments in a distinguished life of service, ranging from her time at West Point to her award-winning fitness career and her stint as an author. Hosts LTG (Ret.) Leslie C. Smith and SMA (Ret.) Dan Dailey sit down with COL Jaster to discuss the highlights of her time with the Army, hear about a Ranger School distinction she holds in conjunction with her late father and glean some valuable fitness tips. Guest: COL Lisa Jaster, U.S. Army Reserve and Army Ranger School Graduate Has a member of the Army positively changed your life? Now is your chance to thank them publicly with a shoutout via our Hooah Hotline and have it possibly appear on an upcoming episode of AUSA’s Army Matters podcast! AUSA’s Army Matters podcast can also be heard on Wreaths Across America Radio on Monday at 8 pm Eastern. You can find Wreaths Across America Radio on the iHeart Radio app, the Audacy app, and the TuneIn app. Search the word Wreath.  Donate: If you are interested in supporting AUSA’s educational programs, such as this podcast, please visit www.ausa.org/donate. Feedback: How are we doing? Email us at podcast@ausa.org. Disclaimer: AUSA’s Army Matters podcast primary purpose is to entertain. The podcast does not constitute advice or services. While guests are invited to listen, listeners please note that you are not being provided professional advice from the podcast or the guests. The views and opinions of our guests do not necessarily reflect the views of AUSA.

In April 2003, CPL J.R. Martinez’s Humvee ran over a roadside bomb in Iraq, and he was trapped in the burning vehicle for over five minutes. When he got out, he had burns on 34 percent of his body. Three years in the hospital and thirty-four surgeries later, he was better physically, but his most important accomplishment during that time was finding hope. That allowed him to forge ahead with an incredible life. He became a successful actor, a Dancing with the Stars champion, a best-selling author and a motivational speaker. Hosts LTG (Ret.) Leslie C. Smith and SMA (Ret.) Dan Dailey sit down with CPL Martinez to discuss how he found purpose during his recovery, go through some highlights of his vast career and discuss his new podcast, "Medal of Honor: Stories of Courage," on which he highlights the stories of Medal of Honor recipients through the years. Guest: J.R. Martinez, U.S. Army Veteran, Actor and Podcast Host, "Medal of Honor: Stories of Courage" Has a member of the Army positively changed your life? Now is your chance to thank them publicly with a shoutout via our Hooah Hotline and have it possibly appear on an upcoming episode of AUSA’s Army Matters podcast! AUSA’s Army Matters podcast can also be heard on Wreaths Across America Radio on Monday at 8 pm Eastern. You can find Wreaths Across America Radio on the iHeart Radio app, the Audacy app, and the TuneIn app. Search the word Wreath.  Donate: If you are interested in supporting AUSA’s educational programs, such as this podcast, please visit www.ausa.org/donate. Feedback: How are we doing? Email us at podcast@ausa.org. Disclaimer: AUSA’s Army Matters podcast primary purpose is to entertain. The podcast does not constitute advice or services. While guests are invited to listen, listeners please note that you are not being provided professional advice from the podcast or the guests. The views and opinions of our guests do not necessarily reflect the views of AUSA.

In August 2024, LTG Brian Eifler became the Deputy Chief of Staff for Personnel of the Army, despite not having any formal HR experience. However, he discovered that his 33 years of leading Soldiers made him the perfect fit for the position, and he has quickly started to lead a number of initiatives to improve the lives of Soldiers. Hosts LTG (Ret.) Leslie C. Smith and SMA (Ret.) Dan Dailey sit down with LTG Eifler to discuss key lessons he’s learned over his Army career, what areas of Soldier life he’s currently focusing on, and how he forced one of the hosts to compete in a Korean triathlon a number of years ago. Guest: LTG Brian S. Eifler, Deputy Chief of Staff, G-1, U.S. Army Has a member of the Army positively changed your life? Now is your chance to thank them publicly with a shoutout via our Hooah Hotline and have it possibly appear on an upcoming episode of AUSA’s Army Matters podcast! AUSA’s Army Matters podcast can also be heard on Wreaths Across America Radio on Monday at 8 pm Eastern. You can find Wreaths Across America Radio on the iHeart Radio app, the Audacy app, and the TuneIn app. Search the word Wreath.  Donate: If you are interested in supporting AUSA’s educational programs, such as this podcast, please visit www.ausa.org/donate. Feedback: How are we doing? Email us at podcast@ausa.org. Disclaimer: AUSA’s Army Matters podcast primary purpose is to entertain. The podcast does not constitute advice or services. While guests are invited to listen, listeners please note that you are not being provided professional advice from the podcast or the guests. The views and opinions of our guests do not necessarily reflect the views of AUSA.

When he originally enlisted in the Army, now-CPT Michael Villahermosa not only didn’t even consider becoming an EOD (Explosive Ordnance Disposal) Soldier—he didn’t even know what it was. But he quickly realized he had the right skills to succeed at it, and has become a leading EOD commander, instructor, and now social media influencer (under the name “EOD Happy Captain”). Hosts LTG (Ret.) Leslie C. Smith and SMA (Ret.) Dan Dailey sit down with CPT Villahermosa to discuss the life and community of EOD Soldiers, how his social media prowess has helped out his fellow Soldiers, and how a gift of hot honey made everyone at his base laugh.   Guest: CPT Michael Villahermosa, U.S Army, EOD Happy Captain   Central Michigan General and Flag Officer Event Links: General and Flag Officer Leadership Symposium Webpage: https://go.cmualum.com/GOFOPanel25   General and Flag Officer Leadership Symposium Livestream Link: https://chipcast.hosted.panopto.com/Panopto/Pages/Viewer.aspx?id=fdee1ca5-880d-4121-931b-b32f00fae0b9   Has a member of the Army positively changed your life? Now is your chance to thank them publicly with a shoutout via our Hooah Hotline and have it possibly appear on an upcoming episode of AUSA’s Army Matters podcast! AUSA’s Army Matters podcast can also be heard on Wreaths Across America Radio on Monday at 8 pm Eastern. You can find Wreaths Across America Radio on the iHeart Radio app, the Audacy app, and the TuneIn app. Search the word Wreath.  Donate: If you are interested in supporting AUSA’s educational programs, such as this podcast, please visit www.ausa.org/donate. Feedback: How are we doing? Email us at podcast@ausa.org. Disclaimer: AUSA’s Army Matters podcast primary purpose is to entertain. The podcast does not constitute advice or services. While guests are invited to listen, listeners please note that you are not being provided professional advice from the podcast or the guests. The views and opinions of our guests do not necessarily reflect the views of AUSA.

Comic book writer Chuck Dixon has written more issues of comic books than any other living writer today, most notably telling the stories of superheroes Batman, Robin, The Punisher and John Rambo. But his work on AUSA’s Medal of Honor comic series has allowed him to bring historical heroes to life to incredible effect. In this very special encore episode, hosts LTG (Ret.) Leslie C. Smith and SMA (Ret.) Dan Dailey sit down with Dixon to discuss his 2024 comic Medal of Honor: Ruben Rivers, how a comic book is actually created, and they agree that a visit from the taxman can be the best form of artistic inspiration.   Note: This episode also features an update with the latest Medal of Honor comic from Dixon and the AUSA team.   Guest: Chuck Dixon, Fictioneer & Comic Book Writer   Central Michigan General and Flag Officer Event Links: General and Flag Officer Leadership Symposium Webpage: https://go.cmualum.com/GOFOPanel25   General and Flag Officer Leadership Symposium Livestream Link: https://chipcast.hosted.panopto.com/Panopto/Pages/Viewer.aspx?id=fdee1ca5-880d-4121-931b-b32f00fae0b9   Has a member of the Army positively changed your life? Now is your chance to thank them publicly with a shoutout via our Hooah Hotline and have it possibly appear on an upcoming episode of AUSA’s Army Matters podcast! AUSA’s Army Matters podcast can also be heard on Wreaths Across America Radio on Monday at 8 pm Eastern. You can find Wreaths Across America Radio on the iHeart Radio app, the Audacy app, and the TuneIn app. Search the word Wreath.  Donate: If you are interested in supporting AUSA’s educational programs, such as this podcast, please visit www.ausa.org/donate. Feedback: How are we doing? Email us at podcast@ausa.org. Disclaimer: AUSA’s Army Matters podcast primary purpose is to entertain. The podcast does not constitute advice or services. While guests are invited to listen, listeners please note that you are not being provided professional advice from the podcast or the guests. The views and opinions of our guests do not necessarily reflect the views of AUSA.

In 1975, at the age of two years old, Captain France Hoang and his family fled the violence surrounding their home in Vietnam. Years later, he decided to serve his adopted country by attending West Point—against the wishes of his parents—but that decision has led to two impactful commissions as a Special Forces officer, a hugely successful law career and now a life as an entrepreneur and practitioner of Artificial Intelligence in the realm of education. Hosts LTG (Ret.) Leslie C. Smith and SMA (Ret.) Dan Dailey sit down with CPT Hoang to discuss lessons learned in the White House, how his life came full circle with his work saving Afghan refugees, and what’s harder to pass: Ranger School, or the bar exam? Guest: Captain France Hoang, U.S. Army Veteran and BoodleBox Co-Founder and CEO Film Credit: American Refugee, directed by Rebecca Murga (2018), https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=maFi7OMfg7A. Clips used in the episode are courtesy of the film's writer, Jack Kennedy. Has a member of the Army positively changed your life? Now is your chance to thank them publicly with a shoutout via our Hooah Hotline and have it possibly appear on an upcoming episode of AUSA’s Army Matters podcast! AUSA’s Army Matters podcast can also be heard on Wreaths Across America Radio on Monday at 8 pm Eastern. You can find Wreaths Across America Radio on the iHeart Radio app, the Audacy app, and the TuneIn app. Search the word Wreath.  Donate: If you are interested in supporting AUSA’s educational programs, such as this podcast, please visit www.ausa.org/donate. Feedback: How are we doing? Email us at podcast@ausa.org. Disclaimer: AUSA’s Army Matters podcast primary purpose is to entertain. The podcast does not constitute advice or services. While guests are invited to listen, listeners please note that you are not being provided professional advice from the podcast or the guests. The views and opinions of our guests do not necessarily reflect the views of AUSA.  

During their Army careers, Captain Kim Liszka and Captain Dakota Olson-Harris experienced both the highs and lows of service. But it was their relationships with fellow female Soldiers that provided some of their greatest memories and inspired them to create Dog Tag Diaries, a podcast series that provides a forum for females serving to share their stories and advice for the next generation. Captain Kim after serving in the Army as a combat medic, combat nurse, flight nurse instructor and top athlete. Captain Dakota currently serves in the National Guard and is a counselor in her civilian life. Host LTG (Ret.) Leslie C. Smith sits down with Captains Kim and Dakota to discuss their Army stories, how the podcast has helped out other female servicemembers (as well as themselves) and to discuss the finer cuisine of...bugs. Guests:  CPT Kimberly Liszka, U.S. Army Veteran, and CPT Dakota Olson-Harris, U.S. Army National Guard, Co-Hosts, Dog Tag Diaries Podcast  Has a member of the Army positively changed your life? Now is your chance to thank them publicly with a shoutout via our Hooah Hotline and have it possibly appear on an upcoming episode of AUSA’s Army Matters podcast! AUSA’s Army Matters podcast can also be heard on Wreaths Across America Radio on Monday at 8 pm Eastern. You can find Wreaths Across America Radio on the iHeart Radio app, the Audacy app, and the TuneIn app. Search the word Wreath.  Donate: If you are interested in supporting AUSA’s educational programs, such as this podcast, please visit www.ausa.org/donate. Feedback: How are we doing? Email us at podcast@ausa.org. Disclaimer: AUSA’s Army Matters podcast primary purpose is to entertain. The podcast does not constitute advice or services. While guests are invited to listen, listeners please note that you are not being provided professional advice from the podcast or the guests. The views and opinions of our guests do not necessarily reflect the views of AUSA.

One of the hardest—if not the hardest—parts of an Army marriage are the deployments, during which a soldier and their family are separated not only physically, but oftentimes emotionally. LTC Brad Cooper and his wife, Heather, have gone through this many times (including a recent two-plus-year command tour in Korea) and in the process have created a set of rules that has allowed their marriage to stay strong. Host SMA (Ret.) Dan Dailey and his special guest co-host Holly Dailey sit down with Heather and LTC Cooper to discuss their high school sweethearts-with-a-twist story, share the rules that they’ve created, and then test them with some questions from the “Not-So-Newlywed Game.” Guests: LTC Bradley Cooper, U.S. Army and Mrs. Heather Cooper Has a member of the Army positively changed your life? Now is your chance to thank them publicly with a shoutout via our Hooah Hotline and have it possibly appear on an upcoming episode of AUSA’s Army Matters podcast! AUSA’s Army Matters podcast can also be heard on Wreaths Across America Radio on Monday at 8 pm Eastern. You can find Wreaths Across America Radio on the iHeart Radio app, the Audacy app, and the TuneIn app. Search the word Wreath.  Donate: If you are interested in supporting AUSA’s educational programs, such as this podcast, please visit www.ausa.org/donate. Feedback: How are we doing? Email us at podcast@ausa.org. Disclaimer: AUSA’s Army Matters podcast primary purpose is to entertain. The podcast does not constitute advice or services. While guests are invited to listen, listeners please note that you are not being provided professional advice from the podcast or the guests. The views and opinions of our guests do not necessarily reflect the views of AUSA.

For decades now, Army Soldiers and officers of all levels have been issued hardcover green notebooks to record notes and ideas. While serving, LTC (Ret.) Joe Byerly started to research not only the history of these notebooks but—more importantly—the extremely valuable lessons contained within. His writings inspired him to create the education platform and podcast series From the Green Notebook, on which he speaks to top Army leaders and generals. Hosts LTG (Ret.) Leslie C. Smith and SMA (Ret.) Dan Dailey sit down with LTC Byerly to discuss some of the lessons he’s learned in his own Army career, the importance of reading and writing, and how journaling can help someone improve their life—but shouldn’t be used in arguments with a spouse... Guest: LTC Joe Byerly, U.S. Army Retired, Founder, From the Green Notebook Has a member of the Army positively changed your life? Now is your chance to thank them publicly with a shoutout via our Hooah Hotline and have it possibly appear on an upcoming episode of AUSA’s Army Matters podcast! AUSA’s Army Matters podcast can also be heard on Wreaths Across America Radio on Monday at 8 pm Eastern. You can find Wreaths Across America Radio on the iHeart Radio app, the Audacy app, and the TuneIn app. Search the word Wreath.  Donate: If you are interested in supporting AUSA’s educational programs, such as this podcast, please visit www.ausa.org/donate. Feedback: How are we doing? Email us at podcast@ausa.org. Disclaimer: AUSA’s Army Matters podcast primary purpose is to entertain. The podcast does not constitute advice or services. While guests are invited to listen, listeners please note that you are not being provided professional advice from the podcast or the guests. The views and opinions of our guests do not necessarily reflect the views of AUSA.

In 2020, the Army implemented the Holistic Health and Fitness (H2F) program, which emphasizes five factors—physical, nutritional, mental, spiritual and sleep. It has been billed as “the largest investment in Soldier readiness” in Army history. BG Deydre Teyhen and SGT (Ret.) Spencer Posey are leading researchers on H2F and have overseen the implementation of numerous programs across the Army’s ranks. Hosts LTG (Ret.) Leslie C. Smith and SMA (Ret.) Dan Dailey sit down with BG Teyhen and SGT (Ret.) Posey to discuss their personal health and fitness journeys, some of the lessons they’ve learned along the way and how carrying around an apple makes a huge difference.   Guests:  BG Deydre Teyhen, Commanding General, Medical Readiness Command, Pacific, and Director Defense Health Network Indo-Pacific, Defense Health Agency SGT (Ret.) Spencer Posey, U.S. Army, Booz Allen Hamilton Lead Scientist, Human Performance   Has a member of the Army positively changed your life? Now is your chance to thank them publicly with a shoutout via our Hooah Hotline and have it possibly appear on an upcoming episode of AUSA’s Army Matters podcast! AUSA’s Army Matters podcast can also be heard on Wreaths Across America Radio on Monday at 8 pm Eastern. You can find Wreaths Across America Radio on the iHeart Radio app, the Audacy app, and the TuneIn app. Search the word Wreath.  Donate: If you are interested in supporting AUSA’s educational programs, such as this podcast, please visit www.ausa.org/donate. Feedback: How are we doing? Email us at podcast@ausa.org. Disclaimer: AUSA’s Army Matters podcast primary purpose is to entertain. The podcast does not constitute advice or services. While guests are invited to listen, listeners please note that you are not being provided professional advice from the podcast or the guests. The views and opinions of our guests do not necessarily reflect the views of AUSA.

For the past 250 years (Happy Birthday, Army!), one thing that's united soldiers is mess hall food, and feeding our Army is about to get the celebrity treatment. Chef Robert Irvine has been brought on as a consultant in conjunction with LTG Chris Mohan, Deputy Commanding General and Acting Commander of the U.S. Army Materiel Command. Together, they’re implementing bold new systems to provide viable, healthy and cost-efficient options for all of the Army’s installations. Hosts LTG (Ret.) Leslie C. Smith and SMA (Ret.) Dan Dailey sit down with Chef Irvine and LTG Mohan to discuss what exactly they’ve got cooking in the Army’s kitchens, and how they’ve drawn inspiration from culinary TV shows as well as Columbia University. Plus, we’ll come up with the perfect cake to celebrate the Army’s birthday this month. Guests:  LTG Christopher Mohan, Deputy Commanding General and Acting Commander, U.S. Army Materiel Command  Chef Robert Irvine Has a member of the Army positively changed your life? Now is your chance to thank them publicly with a shoutout via our Hooah Hotline and have it possibly appear on an upcoming episode of AUSA’s Army Matters podcast! AUSA’s Army Matters podcast can also be heard on Wreaths Across America Radio on Monday at 8 pm Eastern. You can find Wreaths Across America Radio on the iHeart Radio app, the Audacy app, and the TuneIn app. Search the word Wreath.  Donate: If you are interested in supporting AUSA’s educational programs, such as this podcast, please visit www.ausa.org/donate. Feedback: How are we doing? Email us at podcast@ausa.org. Disclaimer: AUSA’s Army Matters podcast primary purpose is to entertain. The podcast does not constitute advice or services. While guests are invited to listen, listeners please note that you are not being provided professional advice from the podcast or the guests. The views and opinions of our guests do not necessarily reflect the views of AUSA.

In 1968, Colonel Otis D. Evans landed in Vietnam and immediately started piloting 20-hour flights as a member of the Medical Service Corps helicopter DUSTOFF crew. It took him a while to win the respect of his fellow pilots, but one heroic mission captured their attention, and during his time in Vietnam he saved the lives of countless Soldiers. Hosts LTG (Ret.) Leslie C. Smith and SMA (Ret.) Dan Dailey sit down with COL (Ret.) Evans to discuss his service during the Vietnam War, how that experience led to an incredible 27-year career in the Army and his thoughts on being celebrated at this year’s National Memorial Day Concert in Washington, DC. Guest: COL Otis D. Evans, U.S. Army Retired Has a member of the Army positively changed your life? Now is your chance to thank them publicly with a shoutout via our Hooah Hotline and have it possibly appear on an upcoming episode of AUSA’s Army Matters podcast! AUSA’s Army Matters podcast can also be heard on Wreaths Across America Radio on Monday at 8 pm Eastern. You can find Wreaths Across America Radio on the iHeart Radio app, the Audacy app, and the TuneIn app. Search the word Wreath.  Donate: If you are interested in supporting AUSA’s educational programs, such as this podcast, please visit www.ausa.org/donate. Feedback: How are we doing? Email us at podcast@ausa.org. Disclaimer: AUSA’s Army Matters podcast primary purpose is to entertain. The podcast does not constitute advice or services. While guests are invited to listen, listeners please note that you are not being provided professional advice from the podcast or the guests. The views and opinions of our guests do not necessarily reflect the views of AUSA.

Three years ago, Virginia Army National Guard SFC Tyler Butterworth filmed a video replicating a scene from Parks and Recreation that included Army ration packs and locations. The video went viral, and now Butterworth is a social media superstar with millions of followers who uses his content to show the funny side of Army life and aid recruiting. Hosts LTG (Ret.) Leslie C. Smith and SMA (Ret.) Dan Dailey sit down with SFC Butterworth to discuss why his videos are so effective, compare comedy influences (Will Ferrell, anyone?) and discuss whether there is any way to get out of a speeding ticket.   Guest: SFC Tyler Butterworth, Virginia Army National Guard and Digital Creator   Has a member of the Army positively changed your life? Now is your chance to thank them publicly with a shoutout via our Hooah Hotline and have it possibly appear on an upcoming episode of AUSA’s Army Matters podcast!   AUSA’s Army Matters podcast can also be heard on Wreaths Across America Radio on Monday at 8 pm Eastern. You can find Wreaths Across America Radio on the iHeart Radio app, the Audacy app, and the TuneIn app. Search the word Wreath.    Donate: If you are interested in supporting AUSA’s educational programs, such as this podcast, please visit www.ausa.org/donate. Feedback: How are we doing? Email us at podcast@ausa.org. Disclaimer: AUSA’s Army Matters podcast primary purpose is to entertain. The podcast does not constitute advice or services. While guests are invited to listen, listeners please note that you are not being provided professional advice from the podcast or the guests. The views and opinions of our guests do not necessarily reflect the views of AUSA.

In early 2021, as Dr. Kate Rubins was floating above Earth in the International Space Station, she decided she wanted to give back to the country that had given so much to her. She immediately commissioned for the Army Reserves, and today is both prepping for NASA’s upcoming moon missions while also doing microbiological research and training for the Army. Hosts LTG (Ret.) Leslie C. Smith and SMA (Ret.) Dan Dailey sit down with MAJ Rubins to discuss her career as a microbiologist, what lessons she’s learned in the Reserves that she applies to her NASA work and what it’s like to tie your shoelaces in zero gravity.   Guest: MAJ Kate Rubins, PhD, U.S. Army Reserve and NASA Astronaut   Has a member of the Army positively changed your life? Now is your chance to thank them publicly with a shoutout via our Hooah Hotline and have it possibly appear on an upcoming episode of AUSA’s Army Matters podcast!   AUSA’s Army Matters podcast can also be heard on Wreaths Across America Radio on Monday at 8 pm Eastern. You can find Wreaths Across America Radio on the iHeart Radio app, the Audacy app, and the TuneIn app. Search the word Wreath.    Donate: If you are interested in supporting AUSA’s educational programs, such as this podcast, please visit www.ausa.org/donate. Feedback: How are we doing? Email us at podcast@ausa.org. Disclaimer: The appearance of U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) visual information does not imply or constitute DoD endorsement. AUSA’s Army Matters podcast primary purpose is to entertain. The podcast does not constitute advice or services. While guests are invited to listen, listeners please note that you are not being provided professional advice from the podcast or the guests. The views and opinions of our guests do not necessarily reflect the views of AUSA.

For the past 100-plus years, V Corps has been helping to reinforce NATO commitments in Europe. Today, under the command of LTG Charles Costanza, the regiment is doing some of its most important work with partners stationed near the Russo-Ukrainian War. Hosts LTG (Ret.) Leslie C. Smith and SMA (Ret.) Dan Dailey sit down with LTG Costanza to discuss his latest observations about the battle and how he was able to continue serving while recovering from a near-fatal emergency brain tumor procedure, and compare their knowledge (or lack thereof...) of the Polish language.   Guest: LTG Charles Costanza, Commanding General, United States Army V Corps   Has a member of the Army positively changed your life? Now is your chance to thank them publicly with a shoutout via our Hooah Hotline and have it possibly appear on an upcoming episode of AUSA’s Army Matters podcast!   AUSA’s Army Matters podcast can also be heard on Wreaths Across America Radio on Monday at 8 pm Eastern. You can find Wreaths Across America Radio on the iHeart Radio app, the Audacy app, and the TuneIn app. Search the word Wreath.    Donate: If you are interested in supporting AUSA’s educational programs, such as this podcast, please visit www.ausa.org/donate. Feedback: How are we doing? Email us at podcast@ausa.org. Disclaimer: The appearance of U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) visual information does not imply or constitute DoD endorsement. AUSA’s Army Matters podcast primary purpose is to entertain. The podcast does not constitute advice or services. While guests are invited to listen, listeners please note that you are not being provided professional advice from the podcast or the guests. The views and opinions of our guests do not necessarily reflect the views of AUSA.

Seventeen-year-old Linda Singh was homeless and working at a pretzel stand in a suburban Baltimore mall when she met a National Guard recruiter. That conversation led to a 38-year Army career, culminating in her role as the first female and African American Adjutant General of the Maryland National Guard. Hosts LTG (Ret.) Leslie C. Smith and SMA (Ret.) Dan Dailey sit down with MG (Ret.) Singh to discuss how she overcame a number of obstacles in her youth, including sexual assault, to become the leader she is, the lessons and highlights of her Army career, and to learn a thing or two about Maryland in the process.   Guest: MG (Ret.) Linda Singh, PhD, U.S. Army National Guard, AUSA Senior Fellow   Has a member of the Army positively changed your life? Now is your chance to thank them publicly with a shoutout via our Hooah Hotline and have it possibly appear on an upcoming episode of AUSA’s Army Matters podcast!   AUSA’s Army Matters podcast can also be heard on Wreaths Across America Radio on Monday at 8 pm Eastern. You can find Wreaths Across America Radio on the iHeart Radio app, the Audacy app, and the TuneIn app. Search the word Wreath.    Donate: If you are interested in supporting AUSA’s educational programs, such as this podcast, please visit www.ausa.org/donate. Feedback: How are we doing? Email us at podcast@ausa.org. Disclaimer:AUSA’s Army Matters podcast primary purpose is to entertain. The podcast does not constitute advice or services. While guests are invited to listen, listeners please note that you are not being provided professional advice from the podcast or the guests. The views and opinions of our guests do not necessarily reflect the views of AUSA.

On August 8th, 2012, as CPT Florent Groberg was escorting coalition and Afghan personnel to a compound in Asadabad, Afghanistan, he spotted a man approaching who was wearing a suicide vest. Acting quickly, Groberg managed to push the attacker away from the group, but the vest still exploded, killing four people and seriously injuring Groberg. More would have perished, though, if it hadn’t been for the Captain’s actions, which led to him receiving the prestigious Medal of Honor. Hosts LTG (Ret.) Leslie C. Smith and SMA (Ret.) Dan Dailey sit down with CPT (Ret.) Groberg to discuss how Groberg’s childhood in France shaped the person he became, how his recovery from the attack taught him many lessons, and also what it’s like being a comic book character.   Guest: Captain Florent "Flo" Groberg, U.S. Army Retired, Medal of Honor Recipient   Has a member of the Army positively changed your life? Now is your chance to thank them publicly with a shoutout via our Hooah Hotline and have it possibly appear on an upcoming episode of AUSA’s Army Matters podcast!   AUSA’s Army Matters podcast can also be heard on Wreaths Across America Radio on Monday at 8 pm Eastern. You can find Wreaths Across America Radio on the iHeart Radio app, the Audacy app, and the TuneIn app. Search the word Wreath.    Donate: If you are interested in supporting AUSA’s educational programs, such as this podcast, please visit www.ausa.org/donate. Feedback: How are we doing? Email us at podcast@ausa.org. Disclaimer:AUSA’s Army Matters podcast primary purpose is to entertain. The podcast does not constitute advice or services. While guests are invited to listen, listeners please note that you are not being provided professional advice from the podcast or the guests. The views and opinions of our guests do not necessarily reflect the views of AUSA.

After a highly decorated 20-year Army career, LTC (Ret.) J.C. Glick found himself in the midst of a hugely difficult transition, first from his deployments, and then to civilian life. Things got so desperate that he made four attempts to take his own life, but eventually he found the help he needed. He is now a published author and a consultant to managers and athletes, and he currently serves as the CEO of The COMMIT Foundation, which aids veterans with the transition to a post-military career. Hosts LTG (Ret.) Leslie C. Smith and SMA (Ret.) Dan Dailey sit down with LTC Glick to discuss lessons learned during his multiple deployments, what advice and perspective allowed him to overcome his difficult transition to civilian life, and how he feels about a Navy Seal joining his family.   Guest: LTC (Ret.) J.C. Glick, CEO, The COMMIT Foundation   Has a member of the Army positively changed your life? Now is your chance to thank them publicly with a shoutout via our Hooah Hotline and have it possibly appear on an upcoming episode of AUSA’s Army Matters podcast!   AUSA’s Army Matters podcast can also be heard on Wreaths Across America Radio on Monday at 8 pm Eastern. You can find Wreaths Across America Radio on the iHeart Radio app, the Audacy app, and the TuneIn app. Search the word Wreath.    Donate: If you are interested in supporting AUSA’s educational programs, such as this podcast, please visit www.ausa.org/donate. Feedback: How are we doing? Email us at podcast@ausa.org. Disclaimer:AUSA’s Army Matters podcast primary purpose is to entertain. The podcast does not constitute advice or services. While guests are invited to listen, listeners please note that you are not being provided professional advice from the podcast or the guests. The views and opinions of our guests do not necessarily reflect the views of AUSA.

As the daughter of Korean immigrants, COL Julia Coxen grew up with a natural understanding of the importance of service to her country. Her experience in ROTC led to a successful Army career in Special Operations, a PhD centered on using data to combat sex trafficking, and her current role inspiring the next generation of systems engineers at West Point. Hosts LTG (Ret.) Leslie C. Smith and SMA (Ret.) Dan Dailey sit down with COL Coxen to discuss how data and system design drives everything in the world, how she lights a spark in her students, and how close she came to becoming an astronaut at NASA.   Guest: COL Julia Coxen, PhD, Systems Engineering Department Head, United States Military Academy at West Point   Disclaimer: This episode does not imply Federal endorsement.   Has a member of the Army positively changed your life? Now is your chance to thank them publicly with a shoutout via our Hooah Hotline and have it possibly appear on an upcoming episode of AUSA’s Army Matters podcast!   AUSA’s Army Matters podcast can also be heard on Wreaths Across America Radio on Monday at 8 pm Eastern. You can find Wreaths Across America Radio on the iHeart Radio app, the Audacy app, and the TuneIn app. Search the word Wreath.    Donate: If you are interested in supporting AUSA’s educational programs, such as this podcast, please visit www.ausa.org/donate. Feedback: How are we doing? Email us at podcast@ausa.org. Disclaimer:AUSA’s Army Matters podcast primary purpose is to entertain. The podcast does not constitute advice or services. While guests are invited to listen, listeners please note that you are not being provided professional advice from the podcast or the guests. The views and opinions of our guests do not necessarily reflect the views of AUSA.