Episode 005: Transitioning Successfully with Brian Niswander
Release Date: 10/30/2020
Episode 28: Seeking Innovative Approaches to Veteran Mental Health and Wellness: A conversation with Adam Marr, co-host of the Tango Alpha Lima Podcast
Service Before Self Podcast
Episode 28 is a conversation with Adam Marr, co-host of The American Legion's podcast, Tango Alpha Lima, (https://tangoalphalima.fireside.fm/episodes) and Director of Operations for the Veteran Mental Health Leadership Coalition (https://vmhlc.org/). Adam will share his personal journey of transition and reintegration and his work in promoting research and increasing access to innovative approaches to enhancing the mental health and wellness of veterans.
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Episode 27: Driven by Equity: Maximizing Opportunities for Veterans in New Jersey
Service Before Self Podcast
As we look toward Veterans' Day, this is an opportunity to showcase the work of Dixon Center and our partners in creating opportunities for veterans and their families. We are also introducing the newest member of Dixon Center's team and highlighting how, on this Veterans' Day, you can go beyond just thanking veterans for their service.
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Episode 26, A Conversation with Danielle Applegate from National Coalition of Homeless Veterans
Service Before Self Podcast
Today we tackle the challenges of veteran homelessness with our guest, Danielle Applegate, chairperson of National Coalition for Homeless Veterans (NCHV). Danielle will share a personal story of how homelessness impacts both veterans and non-veterans alike but also how there are resources and strategies available that can provide a way out. She will also share the work of NCHV and if you are part of an organization that may be tackling homelessness in your community, how NCHV can help. You can connect with NCHV at their website, NCHV.ORG.
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Episode 25, A Conversation with Jennifer Grubb
Service Before Self Podcast
Dixon Center for Military and Veterans Services hosts a conversation with Jennifer Grubb--combat veteran, veteran advocate, registered nurse, wife, and mother. Jennifer shares her candid, raw, and thought-provoking experience of reintegration following military service. She pulls no punches but also demonstrates her resiliency and the potential of our military-connected community. Listen more than once and encourage others to listen as well.
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A Conversation with Secretary Patrick J. Murphy
Service Before Self Podcast
A conversation with Secretary Patrick J. Murphy, former Under Secretary of the Army and a leading advocate for veterans and their families. Secretary Murphy is the Chairman of Task Force Movement, www.taskforcemovement.org, an organization that is creating successful careers for the military-connected community in transportation, cybersecurity, and healthcare.
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Episode 23, A Conversation with Robin Kelleher, CEO of HOPE FOR THE WARRIORS
Service Before Self Podcast
A conversation with Robin Kelleher, Co-Founder and CEO of HOPE FOR THE WARRIORS, recipient of the 2023 Eugene and Ruth Freedman Leadership Award.
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Episode 022: Connecting to the Military and Veteran Community
Service Before Self Podcast
Psych/Armor educates and trains organizations on how to better understand and connect with military-connected individuals: transitioning service members, military spouses, veterans, and their families. Listen to Tina explain how her family’s history of military service and her experiences as a military spouse created opportunities to ensure that veterans and their families reach their full potential. Key Takeaways: [3:30] Tina shares what motivated her to assist and support veterans and their families. [9:51] Tina explains how she started Psych/Armor, a nonprofit organization. [11:17]...
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Episode 021: K9 for Warriors with Carl Cricco and John Tappan
Service Before Self Podcast
In today’s episode, Col. Sam Whitehurst (Ret.), your host, is joined by , the CEO of , and , a Navy veteran who has directly felt the impact of K9 for Warriors in supporting veterans and their families. K9 for Warriors is the largest provider of service dogs to military veterans suffering from PTSD, traumatic brain injury, or military sexual trauma. Carl shares K9’s history, approach, and impact, and John, as someone who has a service dog from K9s for warriors, shares his inspiring story and how his dog, Henry, made all the difference in the world for him on his journey of healing...
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Episode 020: A Story of Healing Emotional and Physical Trauma
Service Before Self Podcast
In today’s episode, Col. Sam Whitehurst (Ret.), your host, is joined by and . Joshua and Stephen are the director and writer of the new film . Joshua and Stephen discuss their new movie, which will be launched in theaters on June 9th, 2023. Mending the Line is the story of a marine who’s been wounded in Afghanistan and has now been sent to a VA facility in Montana, where he meets a Vietnam veteran who teaches him how to fly fish to deal with his emotional and physical trauma. Key Takeaways: [5:23] What brought Stephen to this particular subject? [7:42] Joshua shares his motivation...
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Episode 19: Veterans helping Veterans become Entrepreneurs with Colonel Scott Jensen, National Veteran Small Business Coalition
Service Before Self Podcast
In today’s episode, Col. Sam Whitehurst (Ret.), your host, is continuing a conversation that was started several months ago regarding the opportunities that are available for transitioning service members, veterans, and military spouses who want to become entrepreneurs and small businesses owners. This time, Col. Sam welcomes to talk about the opportunities for Federal Contracting, which has the amount of $30 billion a year set aside in contracting for veterans to own small businesses. Key Takeaways: [3:45] Col. Scott shares his story. [7:07] Col. Scott talks about who he...
info_outlineThe U.S. military has a great reputation for their ability to plan, to deal with uncertainty, and to deal with complex and complicated problems. There is one area where the U.S. military does not plan very effectively, where there is a struggle while dealing with uncertainty and often becoming overwhelmed by the complexity of the problem that needs attention. Sam Whitehurst, your host, went through this experience when he retired from the army in 2019; he shares the struggle with every other veteran, facing the moment of unease of thinking what is going to happen next, an aspect that is crucial for the future success and happiness.
Sam welcomes Brian Niswander to today’s episode. Brian is an Air Force veteran and a veteran of working at a Fortune 500 company as well as working in the public sector. Brian is also the founder of Military-Transition.org, an organization that is dedicated to providing information and resources to not only transitioning military members but to military spouses, veterans, and also to employers that want to hire others associated with the military.
Key Takeaways:
[2:11] Sam suggests everyone who becomes part of the U.S. military service to think from the beginning about what the future will look like after retiring.
[4:57] Bryan talks about his background and how Military-Transition.org started.
[7:33] What are some of the common mistakes that service members make during their transition?
[9:17] What does Military-Transition.org provide to veterans?
[14:06] How do you translate what you did in the army when transitioning to the civilian sector?
[15:37] Brian talks about the challenges veterans have when translating what they did when trying to apply for a job in the civilian world.
[19:35] The power of networking.
[20:35] Five elements that are consistent in every successful transition.
[27:45] Be able to demonstrate the value that you bring to a company through your credentials.
[28:42] Three different groups of serving members while transitioning.
[33:24] Brian talks about the five roles that veterans usually start after their transitioning.
[37:12] Figuring out what you are going to be after serving is an exciting journey.
[38:10] Brian shares his advice: Focus on self-reflection.
Mentioned in this episode:
Dixon Center: Reaching America
At Dixon Center for Military and Veterans Services, we believe our veterans and military families can succeed where they live.
Dixon Center is named after Staff Sergeant Donnie Dixon, who was killed in action on September 29, 2007, in Iraq. Staff Sergeant Dixon was a father, husband, and Soldier who always placed the mission first and the safety of his fellow Soldiers above his own. Dixon Center for Military and Veterans Services stands as a testament to his example and leadership.
Tweetables and quotes:
“Every single person transitions.”
“The decisions you make when you are wearing the uniform are going to impact your future after serving.”
“Five elements for a successful transition: 1. Start your transition early, 2. Have a transition plan, 3. Build a network, 4. Learn how to translate your skills, and 5. Be patient.”