The Military trained me for war — not for what came after.

In this raw and powerful episode of the HeroFront Podcast, recorded live at the Military Influencer Conference 2025 (MIC Atlanta), host Josh White sits down with Dr. J.R. “The Hood Motivator” McIntyre and SFC Akeem “Fly Recruiter” Daily to talk about what happens after the uniform comes off.

This conversation dives deep into veteran mental health, PTSD recovery, faith, and finding purpose beyond the military. Both guests share how they turned pain into purpose, rebuilt their lives, and now use their voices to inspire and lead others.

If you’ve ever struggled with identity, faith, or direction after service, this episode will remind you that your story isn’t over, it’s just beginning.

Featuring:

Dr. J.R. “The Hood Motivator” McIntyre (@TheHoodMotivator)

SFC Akeem “Fly Recruiter” Daily (@FlyRecruiterKeem)

Recorded live at MIC 2025, Atlanta, GA

Timestamps:

0:00 - Intro & MIC 2025 vibes

2:30 - Meeting The Hood Motivator & Fly Recruiter

5:10 - Turning trauma into purpose

10:45 - Faith, timing, and divine alignment

17:20 - Veteran mental health & healing

25:00 - The power of storytelling and influence

33:40 - Akeem’s story: from struggle to leadership

42:00 - Dr. J.R.’s message on identity & purpose

50:15 - Josh opens up about depression and recovery

58:30 - Closing motivation: “Your story saves lives”

#HeroFront #VeteranPodcast #MilitaryInfluencer #FaithAndResilience #LifeAfterTheMilitary #MentalHealthAwareness #MotivationalPodcast #VeteranStories #PurposeAfterService #TheHoodMotivator #FlyRecruiterKeem

FROM MILITARY LEADER TO MISS USA INTERNATIONAL

Lisa Tauai’s Unbelievable Transition Story | HeroFront Podcast

What happens when a 20-year Air Force commander trades her uniform for a crown? In this epic episode, we sit down with Lisa Tauai — a retired Lt. Colonel, nationally recognized dietitian, and current Miss USA International 2025 — to explore what it really takes to reinvent your life after military service.

Whether you’re navigating transition, battling imposter syndrome, or dreaming bigger than your circumstances, Lisa’s story is your roadmap to rising strong.

00:00 – Intro Trailer

04:50 – Lisa’s Joyful Energy and “Flow” Mentality

05:31 – Fish-Forward Nutrition and Sustainable Wellness

06:49 – True Crime TV and America’s Most Wanted Story

09:39 – Instagram Growth and Meta Verification Secrets

14:50 – Pageant Queen Origins: First Time on Stage

18:44 – Air Force to Runway: How She Did It

22:54 – Squadron Commander Lessons on Leadership

29:50 – Veteran Depression and Finding Post-Service Identity

34:35 – Launching “Vegas Saints” and Creating Legacy Content

39:52 – Why Veterans Need to Prioritize Health Now

46:15 – Purpose and Longevity: What Blue Zones Teach Us

52:13 – Lisa’s NICU Trauma and Motherhood Resilience

1:04:09 – Parenting, Perspective, and Post-Military Healing

1:16:04 – Where Lisa’s Going Next (Cosmetology and Coaching)

1:21:04 – Military vs Civilian Mindset: Owning Your Voice

1:24:04 – Final Message: “You’re Not Too Late — Start Now”

GUEST: LISA TAUAI

Miss USA International 2025

Registered Dietitian, Veteran, Speaker

Instagram: @lisatauai

If Lisa’s story inspired you, be sure to follow, rate, and share this episode. Your support helps us continue amplifying the voices of veterans, leaders, and everyday heroes.

Listen now on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms.

🧭 Veterans are quietly leaving the United States… and never looking back.

In this emotional conversation, John H. Davis — combat veteran, Harvard grad, and author — shares why he left America and how life abroad is saving veterans’ lives.

He opens up about:

• The mental health crisis in America

• Why veterans abroad rarely die by suicide

• The dating scene overseas

• Cost of living and living like royalty

• How to start fresh in another country

Could moving abroad be the answer?

📍 TIMESTAMPS

00:00 – Why so many veterans are leaving the U.S.

05:15 – What it’s really like to live abroad

10:42 – Mental health and PTSD abroad vs U.S.

14:35 – “I started sleeping through the night again…”

18:00 – Freedom, peace & perspective

22:55 – Cost of living abroad as a veteran

28:20 – Dating, relationships & lifestyle

35:48 – Suicide rate overseas: near zero

42:10 – Roadmap: how to move abroad

48:36 – Advice for veterans on the edge

54:02 – The retreat idea that could save lives

1:01:05 – Final thoughts & where to find John

🔗 FIND JOHN H. DAVIS

🌍 Website & Free Guide → johnhdaviswriter.com

📚 Books: Combat to College, 365 Days of Veteran Affirmations

📸 Instagram → instagram.com/johnhdaviswriter

🎥 TikTok → tiktok.com/@johnhdaviswriter

🎙️ Subscribe for more powerful veteran stories.

New episodes every other week.

#VeteransLivingAbroad #LifeAfterMilitary #PTSDRecoveryForVets

#VeteranSuicidePrevention #VeteranDatingAbroad #AmericanExpatLife

#JohnHDavis #LoveOverseas #LivingAbroad #HeroFrontPodcast

💬 “I’ve never heard of a veteran suicide overseas.”

Nate Scheer is a U.S. Air Force officer, leadership expert, and host of The Mind Force Podcast, where he tackles the mental and emotional challenges of military service, professional growth, and personal resilience. In this episode, Nate and Josh dive deep into the dark side of leadership, including the mental health struggles leaders face, the enlisted-to-officer transition, and how alcohol impacts stress management. They also discuss strategies for overcoming imposter syndrome, building trust in teams, and supporting loved ones battling depression or addiction. This is a raw, unfiltered conversation about mental resilience, leadership pressure, and personal growth that every leader—military or civilian—needs to hear.

Check out his show here and make sure to subscribe!

MindForce: Mental Fitness & Life's Stories!

Timestamps:

0:00 – Introduction to Nate Scheer and The Mind Force Podcast

4:11 – Why Nate started his podcast and his mission to discuss mental strength

7:40 – The power of unfiltered conversations and authentic storytelling in podcasting

14:59 – The psychology of leadership: team dynamics, purpose, and trust-building

24:59 – The impact of alcohol on mental health, leadership stress, and self-awareness

39:11 – Struggles of crossing over from enlisted to officer and dealing with imposter syndrome

50:06 – How to help a loved one battling depression, burnout, or alcohol addiction

57:12 – Breaking down the enlisted vs. officer divide and improving communication

1:03:05 – The importance of celebrating small wins and fostering a positive team culture

1:09:48 – Practical coping strategies for stress management and self-care

1:15:22 – Three major leadership lessons from Nate’s military career

1:21:17 – Final reflections and gratitude between Nate and Josh

What This Episode Covers:

This episode is a must-listen for military members, leaders, and anyone navigating high-pressure careers. Nate and Josh expose the hidden struggles of leadership, including mental health challenges in the military, the stigma around seeking help, and why so many leaders feel isolated. They discuss the dangers of relying on alcohol as a coping mechanism, the importance of mentorship in leadership, and how to create a culture of trust and resilience. If you’re looking for honest leadership insights, mental toughness strategies, or ways to bridge the enlisted-officer communication gap, this conversation is packed with valuable lessons.

🔹 Listen now and gain insights on mental resilience, leadership, and overcoming adversity!

In this powerful HeroFront episode, Chief Master Sergeant Jason Stone Weiss shares the raw truth behind real leadership in the military. From losing his hearing twice to serving with elite Special Operations teams, Chief Weiss reveals how rank is earned through trust, service, and sacrifice—not chased.Bottom Line: In this military podcast, Chief Jason Weiss reveals why defaulting to your training is more powerful than motivation. His Air Force leadership story will challenge what you think you know about rank, mentorship, and purpose. Explore veteran stories like never before on HeroFront — the podcast that gives service members a voice.Hear how he turned setbacks into strengthDiscover the philosophy behind “Default to your level of training”Learn why every Airman deserves to be heardWhether you’re active duty, a veteran, or a leader in any field, this conversation will change how you think about purpose, mentorship, and resilience.Hosted by Josh WhiteFilmed at Eglin AFB, FL Medical Group⸻Chapters / Timestamps0:00 - Kadena Hearing Loss + Promotion Setbacks 10:24 - “Your Stripes Don’t Belong to You”: Leadership Truths 14:28 - The Joy of Notifying a Promotion 18:04 - Mentorship From Combat Medic Chief Jason Robbins: Know the Regs 25:52 - From Special Ops to Senior Enlisted Leader 31:49 - Family, Fatherhood, and Finding Balance 35:22 - Parenting Wisdom: Just Love Your Kids 42:13 - Why Purpose Outranks Pain in Training (TCCC) 46:01 - “You Default to Training, Not Expectations” 54:31 - The Books That Changed His Life 1:07:17 - A Trying Time (Cliffhanger Moment) 1:18:25 - History’s Boldest Young Military Leaders 1:20:22 - Civil War & Modern Decentralized Leadership 1:22:12 - AI & Adaptation in the Military Future 1:24:06 - Gratitude, Legacy, and a Leadership Salute ⸻Mentioned in this episode: • The Alchemist • The Daily Stoic • The Way of the Peaceful Warrior • National Defense Strategy • Real-world TCCC Training Insights⸻Don’t forget to subscribe, like, and share this episode with someone who needs to hear it.#Leadership #SpecialOps #HeroFront #MilitaryPodcast #AirForce #JasonWeiss #ChiefWeiss #Resilience #PurposeDriven #VeteranVoices #TCCC #MilitaryMentorship #PodcastChapters⸻

The Hard Truth About Veterans, PTSD & Addiction (No One Talks About This)🚨 Veteran mental health, PTSD, addiction, and recovery—this is the conversation that NEEDS to be heard.In this powerful episode of HeroFront, Marine Corps veteran Mike Rocco Howard shares his raw and unfiltered story of overcoming PTSD, addiction, and isolation—and how his service dog, Cooper, saved his life. 🐕‍🦺🔥 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:✔️ The dark reality of veteran addiction & PTSD ✔️ How service dogs help save veterans’ lives ✔️ Mental health struggles of transitioning out of the military ✔️ The importance of honoring fallen heroes & their families ✔️ How community & human connection can bring healing 🎧 This is more than a podcast—it’s a wake-up call.

#VeteranMentalHealth #PTSDRecovery #ServiceDog #MilitaryTransition #AddictionRecovery #HeroFront #Veteransupport #MilitaryPodcast #CoopAndMike #VeteranStories

💬 What’s your biggest takeaway from this episode? Drop a comment below & let’s talk!📢 Subscribe to HeroFront for more real stories from real heroes.🔥 Follow Mike Rocco Howard & Cooper: @Coop_N_Mike

🔗 TikTok & 🔗 Instagram

📌 Key Moments in This Episode:⏳ 0:00 - Mike’s Military Journey & Marine Corps ExperienceHow Mike joined the Marines and his life in service.🧠 5:30 - Battling PTSD & Military IsolationThe unseen struggles of transitioning out of the military.🐕‍🦺 14:45 - How My Service Dog Saved My LifeThe life-changing impact of Cooper on PTSD and mental health.💊 25:10 - Addiction & Recovery in the Veteran CommunityThe harsh reality of painkiller addiction and finding sobriety.🔥 37:20 - Hitting Rock Bottom: My Turning Point to SobrietyHow Mike fought addiction and found a new purpose.🇺🇸 48:55 - Honoring Fallen Heroes: Delivering Memorial PlaquesHeartfelt stories of supporting Gold Star families.⚠️ 1:02:30 - PTSD & Veteran Suicide Prevention (22 a Day Crisis)A raw discussion on mental health & preventing veteran suicide.💪 1:15:40 - Breaking Toxic Masculinity in the MilitaryThe power of emotional vulnerability for veterans.🤝 1:27:15 - Why Veteran Community & Connection MatterThe role of support networks in healing after service.🚀 1:38:50 - Future Plans: Growing the Mission for VeteransMike’s vision for supporting veterans and fallen heroes’ families.

🎙️ Voice for Valor – Leadership, Resilience, and the Power of Storytelling

Out now on YouTube:

https://youtube.com/@voiceforvalor?si=YJhTVL_pbufmqdXo

🔊 In This Episode:

In this powerful conversation, Mike Komorous lays the foundation for his new podcast, Voice for Valor, a platform dedicated to sharing the stories of those who serve—past, present, and future. Through candid reflections on leadership, sacrifice, and the emotional toll of military service, Mike explores how authentic storytelling can inspire the next generation and support those transitioning beyond the uniform.

🔥 Key Themes & Takeaways:

The Purpose Behind “Voice for Valor” – Why sharing military stories matters and how it can shape the future of service.

The Hidden Costs of Leadership – The emotional weight of command, the impact of tough decisions, and the burden of responsibility.

The Importance of Seeking Help – A reflection on mental health in the military and the advice Mike would give his younger self.

Personal Branding & Legacy – Why networking, mentorship, and storytelling are vital for those transitioning from military to civilian life.

Resilience & Faith in the Process – Why not everything can be quantified, and how success often comes from trust, persistence, and meaningful connections.

💡 Why This Matters:

The military is more than just service—it’s a lifelong commitment to leadership, resilience, and taking care of those who come after you. Through Voice for Valor, Mike aims to amplify the voices of those who have walked this path, ensuring their experiences continue to inspire and guide future generations.

🎧 Tune in to this compelling discussion and join the movement to honor service through storytelling. 🚀 #VoiceForValor #Leadership #Resilience #ServiceBeyondTheUniform

In this powerful episode of the HeroFront Podcast, host Josh White sits down with Kelsey Danner, a former United States Navy member who served from 2004 to 2014 as a damage control specialist. 0:00:00 - Introduction and Guest Introduction 0:02:59 - Memorable Basic Training Story 0:05:38 - Challenges of Being a Female Veteran 0:07:24 - Advice to Younger Self 0:09:14 - Prideful Military Moment 0:15:41 - Medical Retirement Journey 0:20:08 - Transitioning Out of the Military 0:24:59 - Leadership Lessons 0:32:03 - Challenges of Being a Female Veteran 0:41:59 - Addressing Stigma and Misconceptions 0:48:23 - Importance of Sharing Military Experiences 0:54:05 - Efforts to Enhance Quality of Life in the Military 1:19:53 - Personal Reflections and Gratitude 1:22:50 - Challenges and Resilience in Transitioning Out of the Military 1:24:23 - Final Thoughts and Encouragement Kelsey shares her inspiring journey, from the memorable stories of basic training to the challenges she faced as a female veteran. She opens up about the difficult decision to medically retire from the military due to a rare heart condition, and the emotional and mental health struggles she navigated during her transition to civilian life. Throughout the conversation, Kelsey provides valuable insights on effective leadership, the importance of community and support for veterans, and the need to educate others about the contributions of women in the military. Her resilience and determination shine through as she recounts her proudest moments, including her ship's response to the 2011 earthquake and tsunami in Japan. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the experiences of veterans, especially female service members. Kelsey's story is a testament to the strength, courage, and perseverance that define the military community. Listeners will be left inspired and empowered to support and advocate for those who have served.

Dale R. Marks, the Executive Director of the 96th Test Wing at Eglin Air Force Base, to discuss his extraordinary journey of leadership, resilience, and perseverance. From a childhood shaped by the values of a World War II POW great-uncle and a NASA rocket scientist father to a career marked by 15 deployments and profound personal struggles, Dale’s story is a testament to the strength of the human spirit. 0:00 - Introduction 4:00 - Office Tour 6:20 - Dale’s Upbringing & Early Influences 10:40 - The Importance of the Journey 14:00 - “Bump the Lamp” Philosophy 16:30 - Dale’s Career & Deployments 20:10 - The Impact of 9/11 & Personal Sacrifices 24:30 - Resilience After Traumatic Experiences 28:40 - The Role of Support & Community 32:30 - Leadership Philosophies: Value, Purpose, and Perspective 36:20 - Dale’s Leadership Style & Impact 41:00 - Final Thoughts & Conclusion Dale opens up about a life-changing IED explosion in Iraq, the chronic pain that followed, and how those experiences reshaped his leadership approach. He emphasizes the importance of value, purpose, and perspective in both personal and professional life, highlighting the power of small acts of excellence, like “bumping the lamp,” and the critical role of community and support in overcoming life’s toughest challenges. In this episode, we dive deep into Dale’s philosophy of leadership, resilience, and how to turn adversity into a source of strength. Learn how he leads with empathy, seeks purpose beyond self, and encourages others to push through pain while embracing hope and perspective. Join us for a conversation filled with wisdom, heart, and an inspiring reminder of what it means to lead with integrity and purpose.

Today, we have the privilege of speaking with a true legend - Jim Clash, the renowned adventure journalist from Forbes magazine. 0:00 - Intro

3:11 - Jim Clash's Background and Early Life


4:02 - Transition to Journalism and Joining Forbes


6:46 - Expanding Adventure Writing at Forbes


8:03 - Dangerous and Memorable Adventures


9:33 - Space and Aviation Adventures


13:09 - Interviews with Famous Figures


14:35 - More Memorable Interviews and Experiences


16:38 - Future Aspirations and Legacy


18:49 - Closing Remarks and Gratitude


20:09 - Discussing Perceived vs. Actual Risk


25:00 - Lessons Learned from Adventurous Mindset


30:00 - Inspiring Others Through Storytelling


35:00 - Navigating Challenges and Setbacks


40:00 - The Allure of the Unknown and Unexplored


45:00 - Maintaining Passion and Curiosity Over Time


50:00 - Advice for Aspiring Adventurers and Risk-Takers


55:00 - Final Thoughts and Legacy Reflections
For over 30 years, Jim has been pushing the boundaries of what's possible, traveling the world to cover the most extreme and daring feats imaginable. From surfing 60-foot waves in Portugal to flying fighter jets at Mach 2, Jim has done it all in the name of captivating storytelling. But Jim's journey is more than just a series of adrenaline-fueled escapades. It's a testament to the power of passion, perseverance, and an unwavering spirit of adventure. As an average guy who has achieved the extraordinary, Jim's story is one that will inspire you to reach for your own dreams, no matter how lofty they may seem. So buckle up, because you're about to embark on a wild ride through the life and times of the one and only Jim Clash. Articles on Jim: https://www.forbes.com/sites/jimclash/2025/01/20/career-paths-less-taken-are-they-da-bomb-or-do-they-bomb-you-judge/ https://www.forbes.com/sites/jimclash/2025/01/18/finding-unexploded-wwii-bombs-in-germany-is-run-of-the-mill-huh/ https://www.kathysullivanexplores.com/podcast/the-life-of-a-participatory-adventurer-and-journalist-with-jim-clash

General Michael "Johnny Bravo" Rowley, a true living legend in the Air Force. From his humble beginnings as a military brat to his rise through the ranks, this decorated pilot shares his remarkable journey - from navigating the fog of war in the A-10 Warthog to leading at the highest levels of the Pentagon. Discover the leadership lessons he learned under fire and the mental resilience he developed in combat, Hear how his chance encounter with leadership guru Simon Sinek shaped his approach to guiding airmen, and learn why the brotherhood of ground and air forces is so vital to mission success. 0:00 - Intro

02:55 - Connection with Simon Sinek and leadership development
04:25 - Josh's experience meeting Simon Sinek at Whiteman Air Force Base
08:40 - Josh's Airman of the Year experience and breakfast with Simon Sinek
12:25 - General's TED Talk experience and leadership philosophy
14:40 - Hesitation to do the TED Talk and Simon Sinek's encouragement
18:00 - Generational shift and personal reflections on feeling "old"
20:10 - Josh's transition to civilian life and the challenges of adapting
22:40 - General's upbringing as a military brat and journey through the Air Force
26:25 - Significant events in the General's career, including 9/11
30:10 - The General's experience at AFOTECH and the team dynamics
33:00 - Importance of relationships and communication at AFOTECH
35:00 - General's combat experience and the mission discussed in his TED Talk
38:10 - Navigating through weather and engaging enemy forces
42:10 - Importance of mental resilience and combat stress management
45:00 - Role of informal support systems and having a "wingman"
48:25 - Balancing high-level decisions and staying connected to airmen
52:00 - Communicating the "why" behind decisions to the team
54:40 - General's message to airmen about adaptability and resilience
1:00:10 - Challenges and responsibilities in the global context
1:04:00 - Emphasis on leadership development and professional competence
1:08:00 - Josh's firsthand experience and observations in Israel
1:10:25 - General's call sign story and personal anecdote
1:13:40 - Closing remarks and gratitude

A 1996 graduate of the United States Air Force Academy, Maj. Gen. Drowley is a command pilot with more than 2,400 flight hours in the iconic A-10 Warthog, including over 200 combat hours. His combat experiences, particularly in close air support, exemplify the deep bond between air and ground forces. Throughout his career, he has commanded at every level—flight, squadron, group, and wing—while also holding pivotal roles at the United States Air Force Academy, the Office of the Secretary of Defense, and U.S. Indo-Pacific Command. Beyond his operational excellence, Maj. Gen. Drowley is a passionate advocate for leadership, mental resilience, and teamwork. From delivering a TEDx talk to collaborating with Simon Sinek, he has inspired countless individuals within and beyond the military.

In this insightful episode of the HeroFront Podcast, host Josh White welcomes Major General Alice W. Trevino, a distinguished leader and trailblazer in the United States Air Force and Space Force. As the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Contracting in the Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Acquisition, Technology, and Logistics, General Trevino oversees a staggering $825 billion portfolio, guiding over 8,000 contracting professionals who execute programs valued at approximately $70 billion annually. Commissioned from the U.S. Air Force Academy in 1993, her extensive career includes deployment experiences supporting combat, humanitarian, and peacekeeping operations worldwide, and leadership roles such as the senior contracting official in Afghanistan for U.S. Central Command.

In this episode, General Trevino shares insights on personal growth, leadership, and resilience, emphasizing the importance of gratitude and authenticity. She discusses her health journey and the lessons she’s learned, including her memorable mantra, "squeeze your glutes," which has guided her recovery and approach to life. General Trevino also opens up about her mission to inspire and recruit the next generation of contracting professionals, offering invaluable advice for junior Airmen, Guardians, civil servants, and potential recruits interested in contracting.

Join us as we explore Major General Trevino’s inspiring journey, her philosophy on leading with authenticity and inclusivity, and the transformative power of valuing every individual’s contribution. Whether you’re navigating your own path in the military or seeking motivation in personal growth, this conversation is packed with lessons and inspiration that will resonate with all.

The AFSA Summit 2024 special episode! Check out the live feed from https://www.facebook.com/AFSAHQ

In this special episode of the AFSA Summit Podcast, join Josh White (HeroFront Podcast), as he speaks with AFSA influencers Kai Billings, and Mike Manning (CRE8 FORCE) who are capturing the AFSA Summit experience and interviewing our Airmen and Guardians. They also have backup support from Martin Foster from Passing the Torch Podcast and Miguel Estrella from The Mentorship. Keep an eye out for these folks to share your story!

Join us in this episode as we dive deep into leadership, innovation, and empowerment within the Air Force culture. The conversation explores a range of key topics, from fostering a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion to the challenges of mental health and authenticity as a content creator.

The hosts share personal anecdotes and experiences on the importance of treating people as humans, embracing storytelling as a leadership tool, and overcoming comparison. They also highlight the role of allyship and how empathetic, supportive leadership can foster growth and success. From the funny moments of podcasting mishaps to more serious discussions on workplace bias and military retention, this episode offers valuable insights into leadership, personal growth, and how to create positive change in the Air Force and beyond.

Tune in for an engaging and heartfelt conversation that reminds us of the power of empathy, storytelling, and authentic leadership.

Juneteenth Special! This is a co-led interview as the talk with Abigail Curtis is based off her incredible article she released through the legendary ‘COME-UNITY Magazine’. Check out her article here: https://issuu.com/kmcclure/docs/come_unity_abigail_cover_2/s/50272045? "COME-UNITY Magazine and Podcast led by the CEO Kitara Johnson, is proudly presented as a program of the nonprofit COME-UNITY Education and Empowerment Center. Our nonprofit is made possible through the generous support of veterans, community leaders, and changemakers who are deeply committed to fostering UNITY, INCLUSION, and providing crucial support to underrepresented community members. Their dedication and contributions drive our mission forward, ensuring that COME-UNITY remains a platform for positive change, celebration of diversity, and empowerment for all." Intro: Lt Col Abigail S. Curtis stands as a beacon of inspiration within the halls of Fairchild Air Force Base, serving as the distinguished Commander of the 92d Maintenance Squadron. Her remarkable journey is not just about rank and accolades, but a testament to the enduring values of diversity, inclusion, resilience, and leadership. Join us as we delve into her story, exploring the trials and triumphs that have shaped her into the exemplary leader she is today. From her humble beginnings as a military child to her current role as squadron commander, she has defied expectations and shattered stereotypes at every turn. As we reflect on her story, let us not only celebrate her achievements but also heed the lessons she imparts. For in Lt Col Curtis's journey, we find inspiration and hope for a future where diversity is not just embraced but celebrated, and where resilience knows no bounds. Talking Points Include: —Early Life and Military Upbringing— Lt Col Curtis's upbringing was steeped in the rich tapestry of military life, where diversity was not just a concept but a lived reality. Growing up in a close-knit military community, she absorbed the values of service, sacrifice, and solidarity. The influence of her father, a military serviceman, was profound, instilling in her a sense of duty and discipline from a young age. His commitment to his country and his family laid the foundation for Lt Col Curtis's own journey of service. —Embracing Diversity and Overcoming Adversity— Lt Col Curtis's personal journey as a woman of color in an interracial relationship is a testament to her resilience in the face of adversity. She reflects on the obstacles she encountered and the strength she drew from her experiences. Through hardship and discrimination, Lt Col Curtis emerged stronger, her resolve unshaken. Her story underscores the importance of embracing diversity and fostering an inclusive environment, not just within the military but in society at large. —Leadership Journey in the Air Force— Lt Col Curtis's ascent through the ranks of the Air Force is a testament to her leadership prowess. From her early days as a young officer to her current role as squadron commander, she has demonstrated exceptional skill and dedication. Her assignments and deployments have taken her to the far corners of the globe, where she has played a vital role in global airlift operations. —Advocacy and Impact— In her capacity as a Defense Legislative Fellow in Congress, Lt Col Curtis has wielded her influence to effect change and shape policy. Her advocacy for women, children, and families has left an indelible mark on the defense landscape. Through her leadership philosophy and vision for the 92d Maintenance Squadron, Lt Col Curtis continues to inspire those under her command to reach for new heights and push beyond perceived limitations. Her legacy is not just one of rank and title, but of service and sacrifice, of breaking barriers and blazing trails for future generations to follow.

(Disclaimer: HeroFront is privately owned and operated. This episode is not sponsored by DoD, USAF, or Fairchild AFB)