The Soldier For Life Podcast
The U.S. Army Soldier For Life Podcast shares information about education, employment, and health & wellness resources available to Soldiers, veterans, and their families.
info_outline
S13E10 Hiring Our Heroes
11/28/2023
S13E10 Hiring Our Heroes
On this week's Soldier For Life Podcast, we talk with Hiring Our Heroes Senior Director COL (Ret.) Adam Rocke about the resources and opportunities Hiring Our Heroes offers to help connect the military community with meaningful employment opportunities.
/episode/index/show/usarmysoldierforlife/id/28804638
info_outline
S13E9 Veteran Shark Tank
11/14/2023
S13E9 Veteran Shark Tank
Veteran Shark Tank was created in 2012 to promote and assist veterans who are starting or growing their businesses. This year's pitch competition is happening next month on December 4, 2023. On this week's Soldier For Life Podcast, we talk with Veteran Shark Tank Founder Alex Archawski and 2022 Veteran Shark Tank winner and CEO of TORCH Warriorwear Haley Marie McClain Hill about the Veteran Shark Tank experience and what it takes to be an entrepreneur.
/episode/index/show/usarmysoldierforlife/id/28507523
info_outline
S13E8 Moving Your Business When You PCS
10/24/2023
S13E8 Moving Your Business When You PCS
If you have your own business while your family is serving in the military, what do you do when it's time for a PCS move? On this week's Soldier For Life Podcast, we talk with two military spouse entrepreneurs, Lizann Lightfoot and Lauren Hope, about how to move your business when you PCS.
/episode/index/show/usarmysoldierforlife/id/28376126
info_outline
S13E7 Universal Technical Institute and BMW MSTEP
10/10/2023
S13E7 Universal Technical Institute and BMW MSTEP
The Universal Technical Institute (UTI)/BMW Military Service Technician Education Program (MSTEP) is a 16-week on-post Career Skills Program at Fort Liberty and Camp Pendleton that trains transitioning service members to become Certified BMW Technicians. Learn more about UTI and MSTEP on this week's all new Soldier For Life Podcast as we chat with UTI VP of Military Admissions John Decoteau and BMW of North America Military and STEP Recruiting Manager Robert Witte.
/episode/index/show/usarmysoldierforlife/id/28201841
info_outline
S13E6 RecruitMilitary
09/26/2023
S13E6 RecruitMilitary
RecruitMilitary connects employers to military community job seekers via recruiting, career fairs, a job board, and career services that are free of charge to the military community. Learn more on this week's Soldier For Life Podcast as we chat with RecruitMilitary CEO and Army veteran Tim Best.
/episode/index/show/usarmysoldierforlife/id/28105394
info_outline
S13E5 Being A Military Spouse
09/12/2023
S13E5 Being A Military Spouse
We all agree that military spouses are the backbones of our military families. But what is it really like to be a military spouse? On this week's #SoldierForLifePodcast, we talk with three military spouses - Laura Torres, Lydiah Owiti, and Laura Abubekr - about the highs, lows, challenges, and victories military spouses face every day.
/episode/index/show/usarmysoldierforlife/id/27957264
info_outline
S13E4 Military Family Financial Readiness
08/22/2023
S13E4 Military Family Financial Readiness
Financial readiness. We all know this is vital, but how many of us can say that we - and our military families - are fully prepared? On this week's Soldier For Life Podcast, we have a fantastic discussion with Sarah Bumgardner, the Director of Partnerships and Member Engagement for the American Armed Forces Mutual Aid Association, about what it means to be financially ready, why this is so crucial for military families and military spouses, and (most importantly) the steps we need to take to ensure that our families are financially sound. Resources mentioned during the podcast: đź‘€ AAFMAA Transition Timeline - đź‘€ MilSpouse Money Mission - đź‘€ U.S. Department of Defense Office of Financial Readiness -
/episode/index/show/usarmysoldierforlife/id/27758478
info_outline
S13E3 Military Transition Roundtable
08/08/2023
S13E3 Military Transition Roundtable
We've got another military transition resource for you on this week's all new Soldier For Life Podcast! In this episode, SFL's Employment Director, LTC Ismael Ortizrivera, talks with Matt Scherer, the President of the Military Transition Roundtable, about the networking, support, and community-building opportunities and resources the Military Transition Roundtable provides to transitioning service members and veterans to help them navigate the transition process. (And as an extra bonus, there is a great discussion about LinkedIn and how to optimize your profile for networking, job searching, telling your story, and more!)
/episode/index/show/usarmysoldierforlife/id/27612804
info_outline
S13E2 Easterseals DC MD VA Series - Part 3: Veteran Staffing Network
07/25/2023
S13E2 Easterseals DC MD VA Series - Part 3: Veteran Staffing Network
The Easterseals Veteran Staffing Network connects employers with military talent and helps veterans and their spouses find meaningful jobs. Learn more from this week's all new #SoldierForLifePodcast as we talk with David Muir, Jr., the Senior Vice President of the Veteran Staffing Network, in the third and last episode in our Easterseals DC MD VA #SFLPodcast series.
/episode/index/show/usarmysoldierforlife/id/27548850
info_outline
S13E1 Syracuse University Online Learning
07/11/2023
S13E1 Syracuse University Online Learning
Are you interested in pursuing an educational degree or certificate but aren't sure how because of your busy military lifestyle? Or are you interested in obtaining a professional certification? On this week's Soldier For Life Podcast, we talk with Liz Green, the Executive Director of the Office of Online Student Success at Syracuse University, and Michael Schoeneck, the National Program Director for Onward to Opportunity with the Institute for Veterans and Military Families, about flexible online degree, certificate, and professional certification opportunities available to the military and veteran communities through Syracuse University.
/episode/index/show/usarmysoldierforlife/id/27400761
info_outline
S12E12 ForgeNow
06/20/2023
S12E12 ForgeNow
Interested in pursuing a career in the trades after your transition out of the Army? On this week's Soldier For Life Podcast, we talk with ForgeNow, a Texas-based authorized U.S. Department of Defense SkillBridge and U.S. Army Career Skills Program provider that offers 8-week hands-on HVAC Maintenance Technician and Electrical Wiring training programs.
/episode/index/show/usarmysoldierforlife/id/27194895
info_outline
S12E11 FourBlock
06/06/2023
S12E11 FourBlock
This week's Soldier For Life Podcast features a discussion with FourBlock, a nonprofit organization that helps veterans and military spouses build meaningful professional relationships and prepare for future employment via its in-person and online career readiness programs.
/episode/index/show/usarmysoldierforlife/id/26989728
info_outline
S12E10 Learn Design Apply: Grant Writing for Military Spouses
05/23/2023
S12E10 Learn Design Apply: Grant Writing for Military Spouses
Military spouses...are you looking for a new career or side gig that is flexible enough to fit your military lifestyle? On this week's #SoldierForLifePodcast, SFL's Employment Director, LTC Ismael Ortizrivera, chats with Katrina Tysinger and Sarah Rezac from Learn Design Apply about how grant writing could be an excellent option and fit for military spouses who are looking for flexible, remote, or portable work opportunities.
/episode/index/show/usarmysoldierforlife/id/26788320
info_outline
S12E9 Easterseals DC MD VA Series - Part 2: Mental Health
05/09/2023
S12E9 Easterseals DC MD VA Series - Part 2: Mental Health
In this episode of our Easterseals DC MD VA #SoldierForLifePodcast series, SFL's Health and Wellness Director, MAJ Katherine Little, talks about mental health with Grace Caulfield, Easterseals DC MD VA Vice President and Clinic Director of the Steven A. Cohen Military Family Clinic at Easterseals, with a focus on the most common behavioral health issues that transitioning military and their families face, the perceived stigma in the military community when it comes to seeking care, and mental health resources for the military and veteran communities.
/episode/index/show/usarmysoldierforlife/id/26580285
info_outline
S12E8 Easterseals DC MD VA Series - Part 1: Services for the Military Community
04/25/2023
S12E8 Easterseals DC MD VA Series - Part 1: Services for the Military Community
Easterseals DC MD VA provides mental health care, employment, education, and respite care opportunities and programs for military families to help them integrate into the community and enhance their quality of life. Learn more about the services that Easterseals provides for our military and veteran families on this week's #SoldierForLifePodcast as SFL's Health and Wellness Director, MAJ Katherine Little, chats with Easterseals DC MD VA President and CEO Jonathan Horowitch and SFL's Director, COL David Grant.
/episode/index/show/usarmysoldierforlife/id/26580261
info_outline
S12E7 Veteran One
04/11/2023
S12E7 Veteran One
Veteran One uses technology to identify and match veterans’ unique experiences, skill sets, and interests with companies and jobs that are the right fit for them. Learn more as SFL Director COL David Grant talks with Tyler Warren, Berno Lans, and George Pegues from Veteran One about how Veteran One can help you find a job that matches your personality and your passion.
/episode/index/show/usarmysoldierforlife/id/26297187
info_outline
S12E6 U.S. Secret Service Career Opportunities
03/21/2023
S12E6 U.S. Secret Service Career Opportunities
Interested in a career with the United States Secret Service? On this week's Soldier For Life Podcast episode, we talk with Uniformed Division Officer Lieutenant Tameka Owens, Special Agent Avery Herbison, and Supervisor for the Secret Service Outreach Branch Lieutenant Jeffery Walker about what it's like to work for the Secret Service and what YOU need to do as a transitioning service member, veteran, or a member of the Army Reserve or the National Guard to find your next career with the Secret Service.
/episode/index/show/usarmysoldierforlife/id/26155710
info_outline
S12E5 VetJobs
03/07/2023
S12E5 VetJobs
Finding the right job after leaving the military can be tricky business. But fortunately, there are many organizations out there who can help. And this week's #SoldierForLifePodcast features one such place! Listen as LTC Ismael Ortizrivera talks with Ms. Stacy Bayton, the Senior Executive Vice President of VetJobs, about the individualized employment services (including no-cost one-on-one job placement support, career exploration, and employment training) that VetJobs provides for transitioning service members and veterans.
/episode/index/show/usarmysoldierforlife/id/26025234
info_outline
S12E4 REBOOT Workshop
02/21/2023
S12E4 REBOOT Workshop
How can rebooting your mindset help you have a successful transition to civilian life when you leave the military? Find out on this week's new #SoldierForLifePodcast as SFL's Employment Director, LTC Ismael Ortizrivera, chats with Maurice Wilson, President and Executive Director of REBOOT Workshop.
/episode/index/show/usarmysoldierforlife/id/25929129
info_outline
S12E3 U.S. Army Career Skills Program
02/07/2023
S12E3 U.S. Army Career Skills Program
The U.S. Army Career Skills Program (CSP) is an invaluable resource for Soldiers as they prepare for their transition out of the Army (AND for the employers that gain access to these Soldiers through the CSP, too!). Learn everything you need to know about the CSP and the opportunities for civilian work experience it offers to Soldiers during their last 180 days of service (and to veterans and military spouses, too!) on this #SoldierForLifePodcast. Links to the resources mentioned in the podcast: CSP Website and Email - Army Emergency Relief CSP Grants -
/episode/index/show/usarmysoldierforlife/id/25740183
info_outline
S12E2 Instant Teams Revisited
01/24/2023
S12E2 Instant Teams Revisited
Military spouses...do you have any interest in remote work? On this week's #SoldierForLifePodcast, SFL's Employment Director, LTC Ismael Ortizrivera, talks with Amy Meehan, Director of Communications for Instant Teams, about military spouse employment in the post-COVID world and the remote work opportunities that exist for both CONUS and OCONUS military spouses in a follow-up to our Instant Teams podcast from Season 4 ().
/episode/index/show/usarmysoldierforlife/id/25704372
info_outline
S12E1 Military Retiree Transition from TRICARE to Medicare
01/10/2023
S12E1 Military Retiree Transition from TRICARE to Medicare
As a military retiree, what happens to your health care benefits once you become eligible for Medicare at age 65? What Medicare coverage do you need? At what point should you sign up for Medicare (and what happens if you wait)? What is the relationship between Medicare and TRICARE for Life? And what steps do you need to go through to get the coverage that you need? Get answers to all of these questions and more on this episode of the Soldier For Life Podcast as the Director of Army Retirement Services, Mr. Mark Overberg, talks with Rear Admiral (Dr.) Christine Hunter (United States Navy, Retired), a TRICARE expert who serves on the Board for WPS Health Systems (which manages the TRICARE For Life, FLTCIP, and FEDVIP contracts) and previously served as Medical Director for the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program and Deputy Director of the Defense TRICARE Management Activity. Podcast Resource Links: ✅ Military OneSource Webinar “How to Get Started with Medicare and TRICARE” - ✅ WPS Health Systems (TRICARE for Life Administrator) for individual questions - call 866-773-0404 or visit them online at
/episode/index/show/usarmysoldierforlife/id/25517400
info_outline
S11E10 Humana Series - Part 3: Army Retirement Health Insurance
12/20/2022
S11E10 Humana Series - Part 3: Army Retirement Health Insurance
Our guest today is here to talk with me about TRICARE benefits for retiring or recently retired service members. Her name is LaChelle Lewis-Fowler, and she is a TRICARE Community Liaison for Humana Military, the company that administers the healthcare benefit to the TRICARE East Region. She will answer questions such as: how soon can service members sign up for TRICARE as a retiree? What are the big differences between these options? Are there cost differences between them? If a retiree selects a program option and it’s not the right fit for them, can they change it? This Podcast is packed full of information you'll need on your transition journey.
/episode/index/show/usarmysoldierforlife/id/25375638
info_outline
S11E9: The Empowered Transition Series - Part 7: Building Soldier Lethality and Job Credibility through Project Management
12/06/2022
S11E9: The Empowered Transition Series - Part 7: Building Soldier Lethality and Job Credibility through Project Management
In part 7 of our empowered transition series, we are going to discuss Project Management and how it reinforces traditional leadership, mission command and planning while adding tools and resources to make teams, staffs, and commands more effective. Gaining this certification while serving will only support you in transitioning your current military skills into a credentialed skill for future employment. The Credentialing Assistance program provides qualifying soldiers with up to $4,000 per fiscal year in career educational benefits. You can learn more about Credentialing Assistance Programs on our website at https://soldierforlife.army.mil/Education
/episode/index/show/usarmysoldierforlife/id/25233621
info_outline
S11E8 Humana Series - Part 2: Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) such as Food Insecurity, Financial Strain, and Social Isolation
11/21/2022
S11E8 Humana Series - Part 2: Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) such as Food Insecurity, Financial Strain, and Social Isolation
In this #SoldierForLifePodcast episode (which is Part 2 of our 3-part series on health benefits for veterans), SFL's Health and Wellness Director, MAJ Katherine Little, talks with with Humana, about Military and Veteran health and How to address health-related social challenges such as food insecurity, financial strain and social isolation. MAJ little is joined by Ms. Andrea Newton, the Director of Military Health and Resilience at Humana and Ms. Stephanie Muckey, Humana’s Population Health Strategy Lead | Veteran Bold Goal Community, and Marine Corps Spouse & Caregiver.
/episode/index/show/usarmysoldierforlife/id/25026726
info_outline
S11E7 The Empowered Transition Series - Part 6: Credentialing
11/01/2022
S11E7 The Empowered Transition Series - Part 6: Credentialing
In part 6 of our empowered transition series, we are going to discuss Credentialing. Why is it important, how do you find the right credentialing program to fit your needs and when should you start. Also, what can you expect when going through credentialing programs and how to set yourself up for success. The CA program provides qualifying soldiers with up to $4,000 per fiscal year in career educational benefits. You can learn more about Credentialing Assistance Programs on our website at https://soldierforlife.army.mil/Education
/episode/index/show/usarmysoldierforlife/id/24855282
info_outline
S11E6 The Empowered Transition Series - Part 5: Networking
10/25/2022
S11E6 The Empowered Transition Series - Part 5: Networking
In part 5 of our empowered transition series, we are going to discuss Networking and becoming active in your approach to finding the people who can support your goals. People are the door to resources and you must be proactive in establishing those connections. We will discuss media networking and the importance of not only building your online profile but also best practices to expanding your connections and how to do that. The CA program provides qualifying soldiers with up to $4,000 per fiscal year in career educational benefits. You can learn more about Credentialing Assistance Programs on our website at https://soldierforlife.army.mil/Education
/episode/index/show/usarmysoldierforlife/id/24784791
info_outline
S11E5 Humana Series - Part 1: Medicare 101
10/20/2022
S11E5 Humana Series - Part 1: Medicare 101
#DYK that veterans who are 65 or older and eligible for Medicare can augment their existing VA benefits and health care plans with certain Medicare options? Medicare Open Enrollment season is going on now through December 7th, so now is a great time to educate yourself if your answer was no...and we are here to help! In this #SoldierForLifePodcast episode (which is Part 1 of our upcoming 3-part series on health benefits for veterans), SFL's Health and Wellness Director, MAJ Katherine Little, talks with Aaron McCoy and Darin Davis, Regional Veteran Executives with Humana, about the ins-and-outs of Medicare that all veterans should know and understand. Get more information about Medicare and Medicare Open Enrollment season at https://www.medicare.gov.
/episode/index/show/usarmysoldierforlife/id/24723924
info_outline
S11E4 The Empowered Transition Series – Part 4: "Dress For Success”
10/04/2022
S11E4 The Empowered Transition Series – Part 4: "Dress For Success”
In part 4 of our Empowered Transition Series we discuss How To Dress For Success with special guests Mr. Josh Atkinson and Mr. Alex Rodriguez. Mr. Rodriguez is the founder of Salute2Suit a company created exclusively and solely for our active duty military and veterans. With over 40+ years experience, Alex Rodriguez has perfected his craft in the fashion industry. He brings an unmatched level of knowledge and taste to his clients and has set the gold standard for image excellence. It has become his passion to empower and educate our service members through their wardrobes.
/episode/index/show/usarmysoldierforlife/id/24569379
info_outline
S11E3 The Empowered Transition Series – Part 3: "Hunting vs. Fishing”
09/26/2022
S11E3 The Empowered Transition Series – Part 3: "Hunting vs. Fishing”
In part 3 of our empowered transition series, we are going to discuss Hunting vs. Fishing and becoming active in your approach to finding the best fitting job for you and your financial goals. We’ll discuss the importance of finding a mentor in your interested field, we’ll also touch on how to find a spotter in the organization you desire to work for and how they can support your success. Josh will also review resume building, culture, and how to craft your resume for a desired effect. The CA program provides qualifying soldiers with up to $4,000 per fiscal year in career educational benefits. You can learn more about Credentialing Assistance Programs on our website at https://soldierforlife.army.mil/Education
/episode/index/show/usarmysoldierforlife/id/24423516