It’s a question every NCO asks themselves at some point: What can I actually do to make a difference? Sgt. 1st Class Aaron M. Welch, stationed in Valencia, Spain, answered that question and his subsequent efforts have led to him being named NATO’s Soldier of the Year. Command Sergeant Major (Ret) Troy Welch interviews Aaron about his work in helping to set up Spain’s first sniper school, sharing his experiences at conferences, and how Aaron’s view of NATO has changed during his time in Spain. (And yes, Aaron is Troy’s nephew, so expect many “proud uncle” moments.)

• Guest: SFC Aaron M. Welch, 2021 NATO Force Structure Top Soldier of the Year

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After years of planning and consultation, the Army has just implemented a brand-new Army Combat Fitness Test for everyone across all levels. SMA Michael Grinston visits to describe the new plan to Army Matters host SMA (retired) Dan Dailey, detail how it will make the Army ready for the future, and also explain the most important thing that he believes separates the U.S. military from the Russian one. 

• Guest: SMA Michael Grinston, 16th Sergeant Major of the Army

Resources:

Sergeant Major of the Army

AUSA’s NCO & Soldier Programs

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In his years as the Commanding General of U.S. Army Europe, Ben Hodges was known to be candid and unafraid to tell the truth. In today’s episode, host Colonel (Ret) Dan Roper speaks to Hodges about why most experts – including himself – overestimated the strength of the Russian Army.  They also assess the impact of US military training of Ukrainian troops, and how this conflict is likely to shape the future of the U.S. Army, NATO, and the ongoing strategic competition with China.

• Guest: LTG (Ret) Ben Hodges, former Commanding General, U.S. Army Europe and Pershing Chair in Strategic Studies, Center for European Policy Analysis
  

Recommendations for future topics are welcome via email at [email protected].

Colonel Jesse L. Johnson is one of the most decorated American veterans of all-time, with his forty-plus career involving intense battles in the jungles of Vietnam to fighting Al Qaeda in the deserts of Saudi Arabia (and more). Host Joe Craig talks to him and co-author Alex Holstein about Johnson’s new memoir, Warfighter: The Story of an American Fighting Man and the Colonel’s various escapades, including the origins of Delta Force, saving NATO Commanders from terrorists, and personally welcoming the Emir of Kuwait back after the Gulf War.

Recommendations for future topics are welcome via email at [email protected]. 

• Host: Joe Craig, AUSA’s Book Program Director

• Guests: 

Resources: 

Rowman & Littlefield:

Warfighter: The Story of an American Fighting Man 

Credits:

Opening Dramatization

Narrator: CSM (Ret.) Troy Welch, AUSA’s Director, NCO & Soldier Programs

Script: Anthony Del Col

Sound Design: Andy Bosnak

Book

Johnson, Jesse L., and Alex Holstein. Warfighter: The Story of an American Fighting Man. Guilford, CT: Lyons Press, 2022.

It’s a topic we all think about, yet so many people are scared to even discuss it. Yes, we’re talking about personal finances. On this episode host Holly Dailey (along with guest co-hosts Maria McConville and Alexandra Grinston) find out from Justin Hall of the Department of Defense’s Office of Financial Readiness how easy it is to master your wallet. Whether you’re just starting out, planning for college, stuck in a mountain of debt, looking to buy a home or perhaps thinking about retirement, Justin will impart some wisdom and tips that can easily turn you into a “money nerd”. To learn more please check out this episode and the resource section below. 

Recommendations for future topics are welcome via email at [email protected]. 

• Hosts:

• • • Holly Dailey, AUSA’s Director of Family Readiness

• Justin Hall, Strategic Communications Manager, Office of Financial Readiness

Resources: 

MilSpouse Money Mission

Website: https://www.milspousemoneymission.org/

Social Media Handles

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MilSpouseMM/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/MilSpouseMM

The 1st Infantry Division has a heralded reputation, having played major roles from World War I onwards. Its current Commander, Major General D.A. Sims, over the last two years has modernized the division with some groundbreaking techniques. Host Colonel (Ret.) Scott Halstead sits down with D.A. to discuss early leadership lessons, the value of leading mental health initiatives by example, and their shared time at West Point. 

• Guest: MG D.A. Sims, Commanding General, 1st Infantry Division and Fort Riley

• Host: COL (Ret) Scott Halstead, Director of AUSA’s Center of Leadership

Resources:

1st Infantry Division and Fort Riley

Recommendations for future topics are welcome via email at [email protected].

How hard is it to turn a hobby into a successful business? Former Army Captain Kevin Ryan decided that rather than look for a new job he’d create one – and realized he wanted to turn his home brewing hobby into a real-life business. Host Sergeant Major of the Army (retired) Dan Dailey sits down for a drink (or two) with Kevin at Service Brewing in Savannah, GA to discuss Kevin’s Army career, the ins-and-outs of the brewery business, and most importantly… what his top beer is.  

• Guest: Kevin Ryan, former U.S. Army Captain and CEO & Co-Founder, Service Brewing, Co. 

Resources: 

AUSA’s NCO & Soldier Programs 

Recommendations for future topics are welcome via email at [email protected]. 

Of the countless heroes from World War II, four men in particular inspired acclaimed author Alex Kershaw (The Liberator) to devote years researching their lives and tales of survival. Host Joe Craig talks to Alex about his book Against All Odds: A True Story of Ultimate Courage and Survival in World War II, the men he chose to profile, the overwhelming obstacles they had to overcome, and how one fights Nazis from a burning tank destroyer. Check out the resource section below for more book details.

Recommendations for future topics are welcome via email at [email protected]. 

• Guest: Alex Kershaw, author of Against All Odds: A True Story of Ultimate Courage and Survival in World War II

• Host: Joe Craig, AUSA’s Book Program Director

Resources: 

Penguin Random House: 

Against All Odds: A True Story of Ultimate Courage and Survival in World War II

Podcast Credits

Narrator: CSM (Ret.) Troy Welch, AUSA’s Director, NCO & Soldier Programs

Kershaw, Alex. “Chapter 1.” Essay. In Against All Odds: A True Story of Ultimate Courage and Survival in World War II. New York: Random House Large Print, 2022.

Did you know that Elmo’s parents are in the National Guard? For the last fifteen years Sesame Street have been running a program for Military Families giving over 750,000 military children videos and resources they can use to understand their world. Sabrina Huda of Sesame Workshop chats with Family Voices host, Thea Green, to discuss her own unconventional journey to Sesame Street, what resources Sesame Street for Military Families (SS4MF) provides, and what Elmo, Rosita, and Big Bird are like in real life. To learn more please check out their website linked in the resource section below. 

 Recommendations for future topics are welcome via email at [email protected].

• Guest: Sabrina Huda, Project Director, Sesame Workshop

• Host: Thea Green, AUSA’s Deputy Director for Family Readiness

Resources: 

Sesame Street for Military Families (SS4MF) 

Website: https://sesamestreetformilitaryfamilies.org/

Sesame Street in Communities

Website: https://sesamestreetincommunities.org/

Social Media Handles:

Sesame Street for Military Families

Facebook: @SesameStreetForMilitaryFamilies

Sesame Street in Communities

Facebook: @SesameStreetInCommunities

Twitter: @SesameCommunity

Music Credits:

Sesame Street for Military Families, “Coming Back| Temporary Duty,”22 September 2021, video, 3:10, https://youtu.be/9MQTswkpaPg.  

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is the envy of governments and militaries around the world, a group in which officers and civilian engineers work hand-in-hand. Major General Diana Holland, the Commanding General of the Corps’ Mississippi Valley Division, shares with host Colonel Scott Halstead leadership skills learned from her time with the Corps, insights she received from students at West Point and lessons from a legendary college basketball coach.

• Guest: MG Diana M. Holland, Commanding General, Mississippi Valley Division, United States Army Corps of Engineers (bio)
  

Resources:

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers – Mississippi Valley Division

Recommendations for future topics are welcome via email at [email protected].