Afterthought on The Military Family

By Redj Ortiz

A show where US and Philippine military families are encouraged & empowered to live their best life as a military family through stories of people who have lived it.

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FAQs about Afterthought on The Military Family:

How many episodes does Afterthought on The Military Family have?

The podcast currently has 25 episodes available.

Afterthought on The Military Family episodes:

August 05, 2022EP 14: Getting Candid With Cris About His 10 Years in the Military (Part 2)
How does a US Navy service member handle relationships while on ship duty?
What can you expect on your first PCS?
What are the ways you can take care of yourself and your mental health?
In this episode, Cris Balce shares how his relationship with his then fiancée, now wife, was put to the test to the point they almost broke up. Also, you’ll hear about his military retirement plans that will surely melt your hearts.
About the Guest:
Cris Balce was born in Quezon City, Philippines. He holds a double major in Management and Marketing from the Philippine School of Business Administration. Before joining the US military, he worked as a restaurant banquet manager.
He is presently a US Navy Chief Petty Officer. His IG handle begins with Iceman, yet his heart is full of warm love for his lovely family.
Why you’ve got to check out today’s episode:
Learn about military lessons you can apply in your life as a civilian

Know the value of family support during your military career

Listen to a senior navy serviceman's advice to his juniors about career opportunities in the US Navy
Check out these episode highlights:
01:00 - Meeting his wife, Cathly, in college

03:15 - How their relationship started

04:00 - How the relationship was put to test and how they made it work

05:23 - Why LDR is not for everyone

05:58 - How Cris manages his relationship with his family

08:02 - Their PCS experience as a married couple

10:05 - Advantages and disadvantages of starting a family at a young age

11:00 - How Cris takes care of himself and his mental health

14:06 - How he sees himself 10 years from now

16:42 - Importance of military families to service members

18:31 - How the military helped him as an individual

22:05 - His message to military members

26:11 - Promote his wife's business
Guest Links:
www.shopltk.com/explore/LoveCathly
Connect with Mami Redj:
https://facebook.com/mamiredjpodcast/
Do you want to hear more stories about military families? This is the podcast for you. You can listen to it wherever you are, and it’s completely free. Subscribe to our podcast on Spotify today.
DISCLAIMER:
The views and opinions expressed on this podcast are those of the host and guests, and do not reflect the views, positions, and opinions of the U.S. Military, its Foreign Counterparts, and/or other entities they represent.
...more
31min
July 30, 2022EP 13: Getting Candid With Cris About His 10 Years in the Military (part 1)
What are the advantages of learning everything about your assigned duties or tasks as a military service member?
What exactly does the US Navy Fleet do when it’s stationed or deployed overseas?
What are the advantages and disadvantages of serving aboard a ship or being sent to strategic regions through a US Naval Ship?
In this episode, Cris Balce talks about his decision to switch careers, his promotion within two years in the service, and how he met his wonderful wife prior to his military service.
About the Guest:
Cris Balce was born in Quezon City, Philippines. He holds a double major in Management and Marketing from the Philippine School of Business Administration. Before joining the US military, he worked as a restaurant banquet manager.
He is presently a US Navy Chief Petty Officer. His IG handle begins with Iceman, yet his heart is full of warm love for his lovely family.
Why you’ve got to check out today’s episode:
Understand how ship duty assignments can easily make or break your decision to serve in the US Navy

Take a look at where you could be deployed as a sailor during ship duty

Witness how he and his wife’s relationship developed from college acquaintances to being meant for each other
Check out these episode highlights:
02:44 - How I invited Cris to guest for the show

04:07 - His growing up years

05:33 - Taking up two majors in college

08:00 - How he joined the military

12:51 - Why the US Airforce was his first choice and how he ended up in the US Navy

14:25 - His memorable first days at the boot camp

16:22 - Why he finds the younger recruits impressive

17:37 - What you need to do to survive the boot camp since giving up is not an option

18:27 - His first two years in the service

21:02 - Getting promoted within two years

21:38 - His first ship duty and how long it lasted

24:31 - His deployment experience participating in CARAT exercises

26:17 - The good and bad about deployment

28:06 - Meeting his wife, Cathly, in college
Guest Links:
www.shopltk.com/explore/LoveCathly
Connect with Mami Redj:
https://facebook.com/mamiredjpodcast/
Do you want to hear more stories about military families? This is the podcast for you. You can listen to it wherever you are, and it’s completely free. Subscribe to our podcast on Spotify today.
DISCLAIMER:
The views and opinions expressed on this podcast are those of the host and guests, and do not reflect the views, positions, and opinions of the U.S. Military, its Foreign Counterparts, and/or other entities they represent.
...more
32min
July 22, 2022EP 12: Heart to Heart With Joseph: How Having a Supportive Family Helped With His Military Career Success
What can family members do if their military service member is experiencing work-related stress and burnout?
What are the advantages of practicing martial arts or maintaining a fitness regimen while serving in the military or being deployed?
What are the favorable attitudes and characteristics that propel our guest's military service career to success?
In this episode, Joseph will discuss his triplet sister's reaction to his choice to join the military, why he selected the Airforce over the Navy despite his swimming ability, and what his plans are for his military career and personal life.
About the Guest:
Joseph Ramos is the first AMFP Airforce active-duty guest. He was born and raised in the Philippines, but he carried his ideals and love for his family with him wherever he went.
He knows how to stay fit by practicing Muay Thai. He enjoys experimenting with new things. He's traveled to a number of places and sampled a variety of foods. He has started checking things off his bucket list that he wants to try.
Why you’ve got to check out today’s episode:
Learn how to deal with stress and maintain your mental health during your military career.

Get a sneak peek at how to start a romantic relationship while on military service or deployment

Hear a heartfelt message from an Airforce serviceman to his family, friends, coworkers, and other military families.
Check out these episode highlights:
03:51 - What he does in the Airforce

05:11 - Why he joined the service

05:50 - Why he picked the Airforce over the Navy

08:07 - His first impression on military life

08:51 - His first days in the boot camp

09:52 - Hardest part in their boot camp training

11:37 - Who knew he was joining the service and their reactions

13:27 - Joseph's Before and After joining the military

15:02 - His overseas assignments vs deployment

15:33 - Why he wants to be assigned in Afghanistan

15:52 - Military dependents' take on war zone deployments

16:54 - Bidding of assignments in the military

20:31 - His love life status

21:00 - How they met

24:41 - How he takes care of his mental health

29:28 - What help do service members need

30:50 - Why leaders should be more understanding and voicing out concerns

32:02 - His message to his family, friends, co-airmen, and their families

34:56 - How his family was supportive during his struggles in Turkey
Connect with Mami Redj:
https://facebook.com/mamiredjpodcast/
Do you want to hear more stories about military families? This is the podcast for you. You can listen to it wherever you are, and it’s completely free. Subscribe to our podcast on Spotify today.
DISCLAIMER:
The views and opinions expressed on this podcast are those of the host and guests, and do not reflect the views, positions, and opinions of the U.S. Military, its Foreign Counterparts, and/or other entities they represent.
...more
38min
July 15, 2022EP 11: This Girl Doesn’t Only Set Goals; She Scores Them
What is the benefit of including Filipino values in the boot camp?
How did Dada manage to finish college with departmental honors while serving the country?
How can military members de-stress?
In this episode, Dada, a US Navy service member, tells her journey not just as an active duty member, but also how she overcame obstacles to complete her college degree while in the service. Dada also discussed how she and her fiancé managed their seven-year long-distance romance.
About the Guest:
Dada loves Hello Kitty. Her favorite color is lilac and collects Sanrio, anime and bumblebee items. She is a certified Lola’s girl who has a bubbly child-like personality that everyone loves. She is an active service member, awarded Sailor of the Year in 2019 and recently graduated summa cum laude at the University of La Verne, CA while serving the country.
Why you’ve got to check out today’s episode:
Learn the difference between men and women’s boot camp training

Find out what Dada went through on her first deployment

Check out how military changed her as a person
Check out these episode highlights:
04:19 - Her reason for joining the military

06:33 - Why it took her 12 years to finish college

07:05 - Her boot camp days

08:27 - Most memorable experience for her in the boot camp

14:03 - Her bestfriend, now fiancé being proud of her military achievements

15:22 - Her first deployment experience

17:31 - Cross rate/How she changed her military career path

20:10 - How we knew each other

22:01 - Reason why she ended up taking college while in the service

22:42 - Importance of Prioritization

25:38 - Her daily routine at work and in school

28:45 - How she destress

29:09 - How she handled their LDR

30:06 - Fiancé interested in joining the military

31:10 - Changes in Dada after joining the service

32:23 - You really need to work hard in the military

33:57 - Her message to people struggling in the military journey

36:40 - Her encounters with military members who are struggling

37:09 - Be thankful and use your talents to help others

37:31 - Her long-term goals for the next 10 years
Connect With Me:
https://facebook.com/mamiredjpodcast/
Do you want to hear more stories about military families? This is the podcast for you. You can listen to it wherever you are, and it’s completely free. Subscribe to our podcast on Spotify today.
DISCLAIMER:
The views and opinions expressed on this podcast are those of the host and guests, and do not reflect the views, positions, and opinions of the U.S. Military, its Foreign Counterparts, and/or other entities they represent.
...more
41min
July 08, 2022EP 10: Just Chillin’ With Mac on Conquering Her Mental Health Struggles
Why would you choose the Navy over the other branches of the U.S. military?
How can a military member deal with homesickness while deployed?
How do service members maintain their mental health while deployed?
In this episode, we'll learn why Mac chose the Navy over pursuing culinary arts in college, how she dealt with her mental health concerns throughout her deployment, and how she learned to perform various tasks through military programs.
About the Guest:
Mac has been a Navy Corpsman for the past six years. She was born in the Philippines but spent her childhood in Boston. She does physical therapy in the Navy, enjoys snorkeling, is an excellent cook, participates in CrossFit training, and has a strong desire to travel.
Why you’ve got to check out today’s episode:
Know how to use your hobbies as a guide for choosing your career

Learn to have a second family by befriending colleagues throughout your military service assignment.

Witness how to overcome mental health struggles the military way
Check out these episode highlights:
02:28 - Mac's reason for joining the military

05:17 - Her family’s reaction to her joining the military

07:47 - Sports she was into and how being athletic helped her at the boot camp

08:36 - Her boot camp experience

09:38 - Kept the friendship intact

10:35 - How the military is her second family

11:01 - Thoughts about quitting the service

11:08 - Missing family gatherings and other special occasions

11:26 - Why service members can't just leave work

12:03 - How long did her homesickness last

13:25 - How technology helped her during covid

14:19 - Importance of letters at the boot camp

15:32 - First duty station; A-School

16:07 - Taking Physical Therapy in A-School

19:01 - Culinary as her first career choice

22:04 - Moving forward through self love

23:08 - Physical, Emotional & Spiritual Journey: The Military Way

25:29 - How she adapted from the military life

29:48 - Seeking professional help

30:47 - Mental health struggles in the military

31:37 - Good support system

31:51 - Advice: There are other resources

32:57 - Knowing what to do but don't do it

33:28 - Needs from the society

35:09 - A look into the future: Mac 10 years from now

36:41 - How service members are not so different from civilians

37:25 - Who can join the military

38:37 - How military programs can teach you how to do things
Connect with Mami Redj:
Facebook
Do you want to hear more stories about military families? This is the podcast for you. You can listen to it wherever you are, and it’s completely free. Subscribe to our podcast on Spotify today.
DISCLAIMER:
The views and opinions expressed on this podcast are those of the host and guests, and do not reflect the views, positions, and opinions of the U.S. Military, its Foreign Counterparts, and/or other entities they represent.
...more
41min
July 01, 2022EP 09: Gracey Under Pressure: Hear Her Out. Promise! She Has Five Good Points
Why would a parent want their children to pursue a career in the military?
How do you instill patriotism in children?
What are the benefits of including CAT and ROTC training in your school curriculum?

In this episode, we’ll hear from Gracey Aleki her take on teaching, serving in the military and the proposed mandatory ROTC, as well as the Five Points of Military Discipline she learned during her CAT days in high school.
About the Guest:
Gracey Aleki, a preschool teacher by profession, has been a dance teacher and performer for 15 years. She traveled, studied, and lived in many countries in the last 14 years, and is also a full-time housewife and mother to her beautiful daughter, Ava.
Why you’ve got to check out today’s episode:
Front-row seat to a CAT officer’s story about their CAT program experience

Know the information about the proposed mandatory ROTC

Learn how to embrace change for the good and happy things to happen
Check out these episode highlights:
04:02 - How she ended up being called Gracey

05:54 - Her childhood, hobbies, and interests

08:37 - What she wanted to be when she was a kid

10:04 - How her grandmother's stories about the Japanese occupation inspired her to be a sniper

11:08 - Her parents' take on her joining the PMA and why it didn't happen

11:50 - Family members with military influence and her military dream for Ava

13:45 - Mothers being vocal/supportive of their children's chosen careers

15:00 - How she teaches children about patriotism through storytelling and modeling because they’re like sponges

17:12 - Her CAT experience

18:36 - My thoughts on being a CAT officer

18:56 - Gracey’s journey on becoming an officer and who it’s for

19:24 - The Five Points of Military Discipline she adapted from her CAT training

22:13 - How she has mastered grace under pressure

23:11 - How I found her on TikTok because of the mandatory ROTC

23:27 - What is the mandatory ROTC about?

24:44 - We shouldn't rely on other countries during the war

25:22 - How ROTC/CAT training can help individuals

26:23 - Proposed mandatory ROTC will go thru a long process

27:13 - A lot of people enjoyed CAT Training

27:25 - What did the training teach the cadets

28:06 - Mami Redj's realizations about the training

30:11 - Battle Scars in life will make you a better individual

30:32 - This episode does not insist on Gracey's opinion

31:14 - Public's concern on health issues

31:47 - Exemption squad; Mami Redj was with MP/MEDIC Squad

32:47 - CAT Demonstration in Camp Aguinaldo

33:36 - How she can show support to military families

33:48 - Gracey shares the difference in military appreciation
Guest Link: Gracey Aleki TikTok
Connect with Mami Redj:
Facebook
Do you want to hear more stories about military families? This is the podcast for you. You can listen to it wherever you are, and it’s completely free. Subscribe to our podcast on Spotify today.
DISCLAIMER:
The views and opinions expressed on this podcast are those of the host and guests, and do not reflect the views, positions, and opinions of the Philippine Military, its Foreign Counterparts, and/or other entities they represent.
...more
48min
June 24, 2022EP 08: The Chief and His Fiancée: From Going Dutch to Getting Hitched
Was it difficult to date a military service member?
What are the ways partners can show their love and support to one another?
How do you stay emotionally connected with a service member during LDR?
In this episode, you’ll learn from Jessa how she and Travis keep their relationship strong by building a strong foundation based on respect, love, trust, faith, and mutual encouragement.
About the Guest:
Jessa Tamonan is a strong, independent woman, who’s currently based in the Philippines working as a virtual assistant. She’s a former OFW in Japan and Bahrain and is the fiancée of our previous guest, Navy Chief Travis Darling.
The couple is behind Jessa & Travis on TikTok and YouTube, where they share their love story and day-to-day life as a military couple.

Why you’ve got to check out today’s episode:
Learn ways to show love and support to one another

Find out the right mentality you should have as a military partner

Learn how to establish a strong relationship with a military service member

Check out these episode highlights:
03:15 - How Jessa and Travis met

04:16 - Regular communication and “stalking” social media accounts

04:43 - The one fact that made her realize how honest he is

05:09 - Why she asked her friends to accompany her during their first meet-up

05:50 - How he tested her independence and why she never got offended by it

07:47 - How they proved their genuine interest towards one another

08:33 - Exclusively dating and engagement

10:18 - Her first impression on Travis being a military man

11:31 - The challenges they faced as a military couple and how they overcame them

13:29 - Ways they show love and support to one another

18:30 - How Jessa deals with the homesickness

19:16 - The what-ifs and expectations in the military

21:56 - Early orientation on military PCS (Permanent Change of Station)

23:04 - Resilience of military spouses

24:05 - Jealousy vs. Reassurance

25.06 - Her career goals, plans, and working as a team of two

27:11 - Common misconception about military salaries

27:32 - Her religious upbringing and family values

29:46 - Her plans of joining the military

30:40 - The right mentality as a military partner

32:25 - Solid military relationship advice from Jessa

33:44 - What is next for Jessa & Travis
Guest Links:
Connect with Jessa & Travis
Connect With Me:
Facebook
Enjoyed the Podcast? Be sure to subscribe to Spotify and leave a review. It means so much to hear your feedback and we’d love for you to help us spread the word!
DISCLAIMER:
The views and opinions expressed on this podcast are those of the host and guests, and do not reflect the views, positions, and opinions of the US Military, its Foreign Counterparts, and/or other entities they represent.
...more
37min
June 17, 2022EP 07 - Truths About Life, Learning, Leadership, and Love From a Former Yeoman Now Navy Chief
Why is military service a good option when thinking of your future career?
What are the pros and cons of deployment?
How can serving in the military help you far more as an individual than receiving a paycheck?
About the Guest:
Travis Darling is the other half of a fast-growing YouTube channel and TikTok tandem, Jessa and Travis.
He is an active service member who loves going to the gym, motorcycling, and is finishing his Master's Degree in Homeland Security.
Why you’ve got to check out today’s episode:
Find out how the younger generation gets influenced when deciding on their career path

Learn how to handle LDR when your partner is deployed

Check out ways to improve mental strength to combat stress and anxiety
Single Quote:
“I think the Navy is a great choice, it's a great career, it definitely isn't for everybody, and it is sacrifice because you sacrifice a lot, you leave everything you know to go and serve the country for people who either do support you, or don't support you, and then if they don't support you, they don't understand that they sleep at night safely because of those like myself and your husband.
Because someone is out there doing the job that they won't do. So I like to always make sure it's expressively noted that, you know, we do get a lot of support but there are some people that don't understand why we do what we do.
So it's great that you have a podcast like this, a show like this to get that word out, to make that awareness, 'cause people aren't aware.” - Travis Darling
Check out these episode highlights:
03:30 – How he ended up in the Navy and why he stayed

07:00 – How civilians get turned into sailors

08:53 – His toughest adjustment during boot camp

09:45 – How his last name helped him become a Yeoman

11:11 – Perception on structures and functions of the military branches

13:07 – Why service members do what they do, the importance of civilian support, and appreciation on what AMFP is about

15:27 – Deployment overseas and exposure to different cultures

17:55 – The pros and cons of deployment

20:14 – Relationships before meeting Jessa

21:26 – The differences between their cultures

22:17 – Going dutch on the first date

24:22 – Admiration over Jessa and Travis' chemistry

25:30 – Why communication is the key to success

28:36 – Understanding what makes military LDR different and difficult

29:23 – The what ifs and expectations
Guest Links: Jessa & Travis
Connect with Mami Redj:
Facebook
Do you want to hear more stories about military families? This is the podcast for you. You can listen to it wherever you are, and it’s completely free. Subscribe to our podcast on Spotify today.
DISCLAIMER:
The views and opinions expressed on this podcast are those of the host and guests, and do not reflect the views, positions, and opinions of the US Military, its Foreign Counterparts, and/or other entities they represent.
...more
50min
June 10, 2022EP 06 - How She Swiped Right For Mr. Right
How is it like to have a relationship with a service member?
What happens during PCS?
Should military spouses also pursue their passion or career?
In this episode, you’ll learn from Chrish the challenges that come with being a military spouse, all while pursuing her passion/career and being pregnant at the same time.
About the Guest:
Chrish is a military spouse, who’s also five months pregnant with their first child.
Having recently immigrated to the U.S., this didn’t stop her from empowering herself to be a podcast service provider/manager, a voice-over talent, and an all-around host.
She bravely handles life changes while being away from her own family by being an active member of her church and military community.
Why you’ve got to check out today’s episode:
Discover the importance of love languages in relationships

Learn the benefits and drawbacks of being a military spouse

Explore how to cope with being away from loved ones
Single Quote:
“Being married to a service member is a choice that we choose everyday…not just me but also you… it’s a choice that we choose every day, and it is a lifelong commitment that not everyone has the strength to fulfill”. – Chrish
Check out these episode highlights:
2:18 - How Chrish and I met

3:26 - What happens when you swipe right for Mr. Right

5:25 - Why service members report their every move to their commanding officers

5:56 - The kind of partner Chris and Jordan are based on their love tanks and languages, its significance, and how distance affect them differently

8:37 - Why I’m so happy for the couple

9:02 - Jordan’s revelation on their first date and why she had mixed feelings about it

11:32 - The steps she took to move on from her ex

11:55 - The nth on the list of things we have in common and how we see LDR differently

13:26 - The common struggle service members have while dating

13:55 - Her first PCS (Permanent Change of Station) experience

16:15 - The ups and downs of her pregnancy journey

17:38 - How the couple have regular talks about military life

18:20 - Her involvement in church and local military community

18:50 - 3 things she learned as a military wife

20:04 - What made it easy for her to immigrate to the U.S.

20:24 - How challenges and rewards are the same for her

22:00 - The African proverb she lives by

22:45 - Why acceptance is the key to always being ready

24:25 - Why it was easy for her in-laws to accept Jordan's decision to join the military

25:27 - The one trait their husbands have in common

26:30 - How citizens show them their appreciation and what it means to them as their spouses

28:29 - How sacrifice is a call of duty

28:52 - Advice to military spouses as a person and a partner

32:48 - Why I am excited about what’s next for her

34:25 - What she will do instead of encouraging her child/ren to enlist
Enjoyed the Podcast? Be sure to subscribe to Spotify and connect with me on Facebook. It means so much to hear your feedback. Don’t forget to spread the word!
DISCLAIMER: The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the host and guests, and do not reflect the views, positions, and opinions of the US Military and/or other entities they represent.
...more
38min
June 03, 2022EP 05: A Military Brat’s Journey Back to Civilian Life
How is life out of military service?
What is the role of military families and/or spouses to the overall preparedness of the force?
How can society help in supporting military families?
Do civilian families face the same challenges as military families?
Let's hear it straight from Vicky, a brat and a veteran, her difficult yet fun experiences in transitioning from being an active-duty service member to a civilian. Get a glimpse of how military families live a unique lifestyle while serving the country, as well as the society's role in supporting them.
About the Guest:
Vicky Dizon, a US Navy Veteran, is a good friend of Mami Redj. She loves to work out, read books, and enjoys being a fur mom to her fur baby, Julia.
Before her enlistment, she held a corporate job in Makati.
Her fascination towards her Dad’s sea stories in the US Navy and her admiration of his bravery inspired her to join the military after the events of 9/11.
She is currently out of uniform and living the civilian life in the Philippines.
Why you’ve got to check out today’s episode:
Common challenges and advantages during readjustment and transition

Importance of families and/or spouses to active service members

Simple ways on how society can support military families.

Learn how to be understanding of the unique challenges that military families face
Single Quote:
“My message to our listeners, to our troopers, is when somebody in the military or a military dependent or family is going through something, lend them ear. Sometimes all they need to do is vent because they can't find anyone to vent to or to get it off their chest, and sometimes that helps a lot. Just getting it off your chest like talking to somebody who will listen to you unconditionally and unjudgementally”. - Vicky Dizon
Check out these episode highlights:
3:17 - When, at what age, and the branch she joined

4:15 - Who inspired her to enlist and why

5:20 - What happens during recall

5:58 - The event that sparked military recruitment again in 2001

7:38 - The challenges of being the oldest recruit and why she thinks it’s better to enlist when you’re younger

10:58 - 3 things she adapted in the military

14:27 - Her length of service and when it ended

15:35 - What made her leave the military

16:53 - Her first year as a veteran and who she missed the most

18:50 - The one military task she feels relieved not doing anymore after she got discharged

20:10 - Why home-cooked meals is synonymous to homecoming

20:41 - What she learned about herself after she left the service

22:43 - How self realizations and self searching empowered Vicky

24:00 - Her relationships and engagement with fellow service members

25:30 - Her hopes and plans for her future

28:05 - The important role of military families to service members

31:22 - The importance of spouses in military families

32:26 - What civilians can do to help military families aside from saying thank you and giving military discounts

36:15 - Sharing military experiences and stories

37:24 - #HugeSacrifice: Why serving in the military is synonymous to sacrifice
...more
40min

FAQs about Afterthought on The Military Family:

How many episodes does Afterthought on The Military Family have?

The podcast currently has 25 episodes available.