This woman, who grew up poor in from Alabama, went from college softball player...to Army officer...to bodybuilding competitor...to beauty queen and advocate for Gold Star families. She has some inspiring stories and has wisdom to help you overcome challenges, meet those goals you've set for the New Year! You can hear more chats like this by subscribing to this podcast.

(3:00) Captain Angie DiMattia-Veith, an active duty space officer in the only space unit in the entire Army, first talks about how you're much more capable then you think, and failing often is part of the process. What got her over the hump? Fitness, She talks about collecting small wins along the way and testing yourself.

Nutrition became a priority for her as a young girl, (13:35) growing up with not much, a mom sick with diabetes, and obesity in the family. DiMattia-Veith talks about joining the Army more than a decade ago, getting more fit, and (19:13) the many life lessons the military has given her, including a mindset that fitness is a priority. Running her first marathon in Georgia also led her to a dedication to help Gold Star families.

(24:27) With more opportunities now for women in the Army, this inspiring woman talks about getting her hands dirty as a soldier but also still being able to keep her femininity. She proved that as a soldier who won United States of America Ms. Colorado 2019 and USOA Mrs. Colorado 2000, even though she's more of a tomboy than pageant girl. She's used the platform to help military causes, like (35:43) Angels of America's Fallen that she's now a national spokesperson for. They support the dreams of kids who lost parents to war, funding extracurricular activities. She explains how you can help.

She's not in the space force - that's a separate branch - (32:21) but DiMattia-Veith describes what space command does with valuable assets not on this planet to help warfighters do their job.

(41:50) This fitness coach also says anyone can complete a full Ironman, like she did, an achievement that changed her outlook on life. It was the key that unlocked her confidence to join the Army and set bigger goals. What's next? A baby! Listen up to see how you can contact her for any questions you have about getting fit or the military causes mentioned. (54:33) I close out the episode with prayer.

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