Beneath The Uniform

Chap D and Cap G take a deep dive into the dedication and discipline that fuels the Honor Guard team at the 109th Airlift Wing.

Master Sgt. Terra Martin and Master Sgt. Ryan Burns join the podcast to discuss the precision, discipline, and deep sense of duty behind one of the Air Force’s most visible and revered missions. 

They  share their experiences and the  training process, the emotional weight of honoring veterans and their families, and the pride that comes with upholding Air Force tradition. 

Chap D and Cap G sit down with Col. Steve Slosek who took command of the 109th Airlift Wing in June. 

Col. Slosek talks about growing up, his time in ROTC at Syracuse University, navigating JSTARS while on active duty and how he found the 109th. 

He talks about his vision for leading the wing, what motivated him to seek leadership roles and successfully completes Chap D's rapid fire questions.

Major General Michele Kilgore returns to the 109th to talk with Chaplain Diaz and Captain Gioia about her leadership journey and how she has progressed to where she is today.

The general recalls her time at the Air Force Academy and what is what like to be one of the only female's vying to become a fighter pilot and the moment that gave her that incentive to become one.  She also speaks about the moment that changed her entire life and how it shifted her to the path of leadership.

In this episode, Chap D and Cap G explore the delicate balance between maintaining genuine friendships and upholding professional boundaries in today's work environment. 

Chaplain Diaz welcomes her closest friends to the studio to talk candidly about the reality of having close friendships mixed in the workplace.

From handling gossip and conflicts to supporting each other without overstepping, they have managed to build strong, supportive relationships at work while preserving their professionalism and personal space.

Season 3 kicks off with SMSgt Dan Tibbitts, the first sergeant for the 109th Airlift Wing.   Chap D and Cap G do a deep dive into what is a first sergeant and why they are such an important part of a leadership team.

SMSgt Tibbitts give insight into what a first shirt does, what it takes to do the job and his philosophy on the position and serving Airmen around the wing.

In this episode, Chaplain Diaz and Capt. Gioia speak with TSgt Jonathan Hooker, who recently went through  a divorce. He shares his personal experiences, the challenges he faced, and how he found healing and growth along the way.

Get to know the 109th's new wing commander, Col. Rob Donaldson.

Chaplain Diaz and Capt. Gioia talk to the incoming commander about how he grew up and his service history.  They touch on Col Donaldson's views on failure, change and growth- his struggle to "be in the moment" and not always concentrate on what is next, and how he wants to lead the Airmen of the 109th. 

Chaplain Diaz and Capt. Gioia delve into the complexities of being part of the "sandwich generation" – individuals who find themselves simultaneously caring for aging parents while also supporting their own children. 

Maj. Heather Minoer-Goetz gives her firsthand account of juggling caregiving duties, financial pressures, and career aspirations, all while striving to maintain her own well-being. From navigating healthcare systems and advocating for loved ones to managing guilt and finding moments of respite, her story reflects the resilience and compassion of those in the sandwich generation.

Capt. Haleigh Hindes, Aeromedical Evacuation technician,  shares her story about her experience when someone she loved committed suicide.  An open, honest telling of what happened before and after her husband took his life. 

Chaplain Diaz and Capt Gioia welcome Lt. Col. Kelly Person from the 109th Airlift Wing and National Guard Bureau, and Lt. Col. Jeff Roth, commander of the 258th Field Artillery Regiment for the Army National Guard part-time and he also commands Joint Task Force Empire Shield full-time.  

The two guests discuss their journey to coming out in the military and how that experience was, what they hope for the future of the LGBTQ+ community in the military and how they help to support other Airmen and Soldiers.