Dog Tag Diaries

Summary:

What happens when the uniform comes off after 30 years of service? For retired U.S. Army Reserve Colonel Kimberly Moros, it meant discovering a new way to lead. In this episode of Dog Tag Diaries, Kimberly shares the journey that took her from a curious, competitive kid in Arizona to a senior military leader and eventually into civic leadership. What began as a simple visit to an ROTC office turned into a three-decade career filled with global assignments, mentorship, and service alongside remarkable people.

Kimberly reflects on the lessons she learned about teamwork, resilience, and stepping into opportunities even when the path ahead is unclear. After retiring as a Colonel, she continued serving by helping women turn their military experience into meaningful community leadership through The Policy Circle. Her story is a powerful reminder that leadership does not end with military service. It simply takes on a new mission.

In this episode, we cover:

1. Growing up immersed in teamwork, sports, and shared goals
2. Why she chose military service as a path for growth and responsibility
3. How leadership in the military shaped her sense of purpose
4. Serving for three decades and transitioning out of uniform
5. Why service doesn’t end at retirement, it evolves
6. Empowering women veterans and military-connected women through civic engagement
7. The mission and impact of The Policy Circle
8. Advice for women considering military service or navigating leadership beyond it

Notable Quotes & Moments:

1. “If it’s in front of you, try it. If it works, keep going. If it doesn’t, find another path.” – Kimberly Moros [00:09:00]
2. “When you put that uniform on, service becomes a way of life.” – Kimberly Moros [00:01:12]
3. “The best part of military service is the people you meet. You would have never crossed paths otherwise.” – Kimberly Moros [00:09:33]
4. “Leadership isn’t about rank or position. It’s about people.” – Kimberly Moros [00:29:02]
5. “If you don’t allow the doors to open, the doors will always stay shut.” – Kimberly Moros [00:45:00]

Timestamps:

1. 00:01:37 – Meet retired Army Reserve Colonel Kimberly Moros
2. 00:03:26 – Kimberly’s childhood and love of teamwork
3. 00:06:03 – Discovering ROTC and choosing the Army
4. 00:10:54 – Serving as a woman in uniform
5. 00:15:12 – International assignments and career turning points
6. 00:16:27 – The emotional moment she was promoted to Colonel
7. 00:17:00 – Supporting wounded service members at SOCOM
8. 00:23:17 – Life after retirement and discovering The Policy Circle
9. 00:31:02 – Real stories of women creating change in their communities
10. 00:42:11 – Advice for military women about taking opportunities

Kimberly Moros is a retired U.S. Army Reserve Colonel who served from 1990 to 2020. Raised as the youngest of two brothers, she grew up active, competitive, and deeply rooted in teamwork. Sports, discipline, and shared goals shaped her early life and laid the foundation for a career in service and leadership.

After retiring from the Army, Kimberly continued her commitment to service as a Military Fellow and Civic Coach with The Policy Circle, where she supports women, particularly veterans, spouses, and caregivers, in developing civic leadership skills and creating community-level impact. She is also an Executive and Leadership Coach, helping individuals reconnect with purpose, values, and direction.

Outside of work, Kimberly enjoys staying active, cooking, learning new things, and connecting with people who care deeply about making a difference.

Connect with Kimberly:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimberly-moros/

The Policy Circle: https://www.thepolicycircle.org

The Policy Circle is a national nonprofit organization that equips women with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to engage in thoughtful policy discussions and lead at the state and local level. Through structured, nonpartisan dialogue and leadership development programs, The Policy Circle helps women move from informed conversation to informed action in their communities. Learn more at www.thepolicycircle.org.

For military members, veterans, spouses, and caregivers who want to continue serving beyond the uniform, The Policy Circle offers dedicated programming and connection through its Military Initiative and Civic Leadership programs. Learn more and get involved at https://thepolicycircle.org/military.

Connect with The Policy Circle

Website: https://thepolicycircle.org

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-policy-circle

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thepolicycircle

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

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ThePolicyCircle

Be sure to follow or subscribe to Dog Tag Diaries wherever you listen to podcasts.

Learn more about the Reveille and Retreat Project:

reveilleandretreatproject.org

Instagram: @reveilleandretreatproject

Facebook: Reveille and Retreat Project

You aren’t alone.

If you’re thinking about hurting yourself or having thoughts of suicide, contact the Veteran crisis line: Dial 988 then press 1, chat online, or text 838255.

Summary:

What does military service look like through the eyes of both a mother in uniform and the daughter who grew up alongside it? In this heartfelt episode of Dog Tag Diaries, Amy Almond-Schmid and her daughter Macynn Schmid share an honest, multi-generational conversation about life shaped by military service. Amy joined the Air Force at just 17 and built a 26-year career serving across active duty, the reserves, and the Air National Guard. But service did not happen in isolation. Deployments, career opportunities, and the demands of military life deeply affected her family, especially her daughters. Macynn reflects on growing up with pride, confusion, and resilience while navigating moves, deployments, and the realities of military childhood. Together they speak openly about motherhood, healing, mental health, and how those experiences led Amy to lead the Returning Veterans Project, which provides free mental health and wellness care for veterans, service members, and their families.

In this episode, we cover:

1. Growing up in the Pacific Northwest and early experiences with service
2. Joining the military at seventeen and learning military culture in real time
3. How education, travel, and exposure to the world shaped Amy’s identity
4. Experiencing 9/11 in uniform and deploying at a young age
5. Motherhood, postpartum mental health, and the weight carried quietly
6. Balancing military service, marriage, and raising children
7. How military life impacts the nervous system, relationships, and daily living
8. Mental health for veterans and military families
9. What it’s like to be a military child and eventually step into independence
10. Why doesn’t service just affect the service member, it affects the whole family

Notable Quotes & Moments:

1. “I joined at 17, looking for a way forward. I had no idea how much it would shape my life.” – Amy Almond-Schmid [00:05:03]
2. “I realized not everyone in uniform has the same values you do.” – Amy Almond-Schmid [00:15:56]
3. “It’s your parents’ first time living too.” – Macynn Schmid reflecting on forgiveness and perspective [00:36:56]
4. “I couldn’t tell my kids to seek help if I wasn’t willing to get help myself.” – Amy Almond-Schmid on choosing therapy and healing [00:22:11]
5. “At what cost? That’s the question every military parent eventually has to face.” – Amy Almond-Schmid [00:36:05]

Timestamps:

1. 00:01:50 – Meet Amy Almond-Schmid and her daughter Macynn Schmid
2. 00:04:05 – Amy’s childhood and decision to join the military at 17
3. 00:08:40 – Early Air Force career and first deployment overseas
4. 00:15:56 – Realities of serving as a woman in the military
5. 00:22:11 – Motherhood, trauma, and choosing therapy
6. 00:29:19 – Macynn’s perspective growing up in a military family
7. 00:32:00 – The emotional toll of deployments and time apart
8. 00:38:40 – The mission behind Returning Veterans Project
9. 00:46:50 – Macynn’s path toward working with animals and nonprofits
10. 00:49:00 – Why therapy, healing, and honesty matter for military families

CONNECT & LEARN MORE:

Returning Veterans Project Website: https://returningveterans.org/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/returningveteransproject/

Amy Almond-Schmid Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/schmiddypooh

Amy Almond-Schmid is the Executive Director of the Returning Veterans Project and a senior enlisted leader in the Oregon Air National Guard. She joined the U.S. Air Force in 1999 at age 17 and has served across active duty, the Air Force Reserve, and the Air National Guard for more than 26 years. Her career has focused on supporting service members and their families, with a strong commitment to mental health, resilience, and community care.

Macynn Schmid grew up as a military child navigating deployments, relocations, and the realities of having a parent in uniform. Today she works as a veterinary assistant and hopes to build a future in nonprofit animal rescue and therapy programs that support healing and emotional well-being.

We recently signed an MOU with Returning Veterans Project to be listed as a resource that serves veterans. This partnership means that we have access to free trainings that they host. To access the trainings go to returningveterans.org, events, continuing education trainings, sign up under RVP volunteer and type in [email protected]. Then continue to follow the prompts. The Returning Veterans Project is a nonprofit that provides free and confidential mental and physical health services to veterans, service members, and their families in Oregon and Southwest Washington. The organization connects individuals with a network of volunteer health professionals to address issues such as PTSD, anxiety, and physical disabilities.

Be sure to follow or subscribe to Dog Tag Diaries wherever you listen to podcasts.

Learn more about the Reveille and Retreat Project:

reveilleandretreatproject.org

Instagram: @reveilleandretreatproject

Facebook: Reveille and Retreat Project

You aren’t alone.

If you’re thinking about hurting yourself or having thoughts of suicide, contact the Veteran crisis line: Dial 988 then press 1, chat online, or text 838255.

Summary:

What makes a 16-year-old decide, within 24 hours of 9/11, to dedicate her life to serving her country? In this powerful Season 7 episode of Dog Tag Diaries, Cait Conley shares her journey from a working-class childhood in New York’s Hudson Valley to West Point, six combat deployments, and senior national security roles at the White House and Department of Homeland Security. Cait opens up about leading counterterrorism missions in Iraq, Afghanistan, Syria, and Yemen, supporting soldiers through the mental toll of war, and protecting U.S. elections and critical infrastructure. Now running for Congress in New York’s 17th District, she explains why this is her second call to serve. This conversation is about grit, leadership, love of country, and choosing service again and again.

In this episode, we cover:

1. Cait’s childhood in the Hudson Valley and early lessons in leadership
2. The impact of 9/11 and her decision to attend West Point
3. Serving 16 years in uniform with six deployments
4. Leading counterterrorism and protecting civilians in combat zones
5. Her role at the White House and in national security
6. Why is she running for Congress in 2026
7. The launch of the “Hellcats,” four women veterans running for office
8. Advice for women considering military service today

Notable Quotes & Moments:

1. “This was my second call to serve.” – On deciding to run for Congress [00:24:43]
2. “You don’t serve a person or a party. You serve the Constitution.” [00:34:08]
3. “Less excuses, more results.” – On leadership in Washington [00:29:59]
4. "Don’t let anyone tell you that you don’t belong or that you aren’t tough enough. You are. Where there’s a will, there’s a way." – Her advice for women thinking about joining the military [00:33:21]

Timestamps:

1. 00:01:06 – 9/11 and her decision to serve
2. 00:08:12 – Life as a military police officer and first responder
3. 00:14:38 – Combat deployments and counterterrorism missions
4. 00:21:03 – White House and national security leadership
5. 00:23:21 – Why she’s running for Congress
6. 00:25:02 – The Hellcats and women veterans running in 2026
7. 00:33:36 – Advice for the next generation of women in uniform

Connect with Cait:

Twitter: https://x.com/CaitforNewYork

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/caitconley/

Website: https://caitconley.com/

Cait Conley is a Hudson Valley native, Army combat veteran, and national security expert. She served sixteen years as an active-duty Army officer and deployed six times to combat zones including Iraq, Afghanistan, Yemen, Syria, and North Africa. She led counterterrorism operations targeting high-threat networks, earned three Bronze Stars, and was part of the Army’s first MP platoon assigned to a Stryker brigade in Iraq.

After her military service, Cait continued serving our country as Director of Counterterrorism on the National Security Council at the White House, and later at the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, where she worked to secure America’s critical infrastructure and elections.

Today, Cait is running for Congress in New York’s 17th District and is a member of the Hell Cats, a group of female veterans running for office in the 2026 midterms.

Be sure to follow or subscribe to Dog Tag Diaries wherever you listen to podcasts.

Learn more about the Reveille and Retreat Project:

reveilleandretreatproject.org

Instagram: @reveilleandretreatproject

Facebook: Reveille and Retreat Project

You aren’t alone.

If you’re thinking about hurting yourself or having thoughts of suicide, contact the Veteran crisis line: Dial 988 then press 1, chat online, or text 838255.

Summary:

Melissa Washington returns to Dog Tag Diaries for a powerful refresher conversation that blends reflection with real-world strategy. Since her first appearance in Episode 9, her organizations have grown into nationally recognized platforms supporting women veteran entrepreneurs, leaders, and changemakers.

In this episode, Melissa shares how Women Veterans Alliance has evolved, why Women Veterans Giving was created, and what she has learned about building sustainable nonprofit and business ecosystems. We also reflect on the Melissa Washington Small Business Award, our shared experience at the Veterans in Business Network National Conference, and the importance of intentional collaboration.

This conversation is for women veterans who are thinking long term but building in real time.

In this episode, we cover:

1. The evolution of Women Veterans Alliance since Season 1
2. Why women veteran entrepreneurs need both community and infrastructure
3. The purpose and impact of the Melissa Washington Small Business Award
4. Key takeaways from the Veterans in Business Network National Conference
5. New collaborations and ventures Melissa is developing
6. Practical lessons for women veterans building businesses and nonprofits now

Notable Quotes & Moments:

1. “You miss 100% of the shots you never take.” – Melissa on taking risks and starting before you feel ready [00:13:42]
2. “I was flying the plane and building it at the same time.” – On launching without a business plan [00:11:02]
3. “If I can kick in the door for others, that’s what I’m going to keep doing.” – Melissa on legacy and leadership [00:28:52]
4. “Do it, sister. Do it.” – Her advice to women sitting on an idea [00:43:51]

Timestamps:

1. 00:03:28 – How Women Veterans Alliance started
2. 00:06:18 – When growth required structure
3. 00:14:42 – Inside the Women Veterans Alliance website and resources
4. 00:21:33 – Women Veterans Engaged Conference explained
5. 00:30:25 – The Melissa Washington Small Business Award
6. 00:36:30 – The power of funding and community support
7. 00:42:14 – Advice for women building something new

Connect with Melissa:

Women Veterans Alliance: https://www.womenveteransalliance.com

Women Veterans Giving: https://www.womenveteransgiving.org

Melissawashington.com

http://Www.Veteran.Events

Melissa Washington is an award-winning advocate, speaker, author, entrepreneur, CEO, publisher, Radio Show Host, and proud Navy veteran. She wears many hats. Yet woven throughout her diverse pursuits is a mission of service and a passion to empower her fellow women veterans. The daughter of a Bronze Star Army Vietnam War veteran, Melissa grew up in San Francisco’s East Bay. Fiercely independent as a child, she spent many afternoons in her family’s video store, developing an early sense of business acumen.

Outside of work, Melissa enjoys spending quality time with her husband, Jarrod, and daughter, Maya. In addition to being an avid genealogist, Melissa loves vacationing with her family, particularly trips that involve a beach.

Be sure to follow or subscribe to Dog Tag Diaries wherever you listen to podcasts.

Learn more about the Reveille and Retreat Project:

reveilleandretreatproject.org

Instagram: @reveilleandretreatproject

Facebook: Reveille and Retreat Project

You aren’t alone.

If you’re thinking about hurting yourself or having thoughts of suicide, contact the Veteran crisis line: Dial 988 then press 1, chat online, or text 838255.

Summary:

In this episode, we sit down with Kimberly Mitchell, a resilient veteran and transformational leader whose journey spans military service, leadership development, entrepreneurship, and personal healing. Kimberly opens up about growing up in a single-parent household with four siblings, navigating loss at a young age, and discovering her strength and curiosity early in life.

She shares how joining the Air Force expanded her worldview, took her around the globe, and shaped her leadership philosophy—especially as the only woman in her Vehicle Maintenance training class. Her military experience laid the foundation for a successful career in training and development, eventually leading her to create the Journey to Joy Personal Transformation System after facing her own mental health challenges.

This conversation explores resilience, identity, mental health, and the power of joy as a transformative force.

Key Topics:

1. Kimberly’s childhood, curiosity, and resilience after the loss of her father
2. What motivated her to enlist in the Air Force and later serve in the NY Army Guard
3. Her experience as the only woman in her Vehicle Maintenance training class
4. Deployments to Norway, Germany, and Saudi Arabia during Desert Shield/Desert Storm
5. How military structure and leadership principles shaped her career
6. Transition to civilian life and her path into training, leadership development, and entrepreneurship
7. Her mental health journey and the spark that led to developing the Journey to Joy Personal Transformation System
8. The importance of joy, self-sufficiency, and community in personal transformation
9. Advice for women joining or currently serving in the military

Notable Quotes & Moments:

1. “Join! You can do more than you think. Being the only woman in my unit at times was challenging, but it taught me so much about my own strength.” - Kimberly Mitchell on highlighting her strength and determination in a male-dominated space [00:20:00]
2. “You’re on this airport walkway and it feels like you can’t get off… but you can.” – Kimberly on the feeling many women face between ages 40–60 [00:37:00]
3. “Your beliefs are just thoughts you’ve been thinking over and over again. If you don’t like your life, start by changing those thoughts.” – Kimberly on building the Journey to Joy system [00:38:15]
4. “We are our own greatest resource. Once you look within, you will find all the answers you need.” – Kimberly’s message to women entering or leaving the military [00:45:12]

Timestamps:

1. 00:01:08 – Kimberly Mitchell’s early life in Rochester, NY
2. 00:01:20 – Losing her father at age 16 and how it shaped her
3. 00:03:00 – Being the only woman in her vehicle maintenance tech school
4. 00:04:00 – Overcoming doubts and outscoring her male classmates
5. 00:06:00 – Early military life, being stationed with no other women
6. 00:07:55 – Deployment during Desert Shield & Desert Storm
7. 00:10:54 – Returning home and the challenges of reintegration
8. 00:13:00 – Struggles with identity, depression, and personal discipline
9. 00:15:40 – How her military training influenced her corporate career
10. 00:17:00 – The turning point: realizing no program could “fix” her
11. 00:18:30 – Creating the Journey to Joy Personal Transformation System
12. 00:21:00 – The power of belief, daily action, and personal accountability
13. 00:23:35 – Using neuroplasticity and breaking mental habits
14. 00:26:00 – Building the program for women 40–60 ready to reset
15. 00:28:45 – Kimberly’s advice to military women in transition
16. 00:29:18 – Closing reflections and where to find Journey to Joy

Connect with Kim:

Website: https://kimm.co/

Journey to Joy: http://www.youjourneytojoy.com/

Kimberly Mitchell is a veteran, mental health advocate, speaker, and transformational leader committed to empowering individuals and small businesses. She grew up in a tight-knit neighborhood where independence was essential and excelled academically, earning awards including the Daughters of the American Revolution Citizenship Medal. After losing her father at 16, she turned hardship into motivation and enlisted in the Air Force. As the only woman in her Vehicle Maintenance training class, she earned the highest test scores and later served during Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm, achieving the rank of E-4 Sergeant.

After transitioning to civilian life, Kimberly built a successful career in training and leadership development, supporting major projects such as the 2010 Census digital transition and the Rochester Schools Modernization Program. Her entrepreneurial spirit led to several business ventures and the creation of a thriving six-figure training business.

Her own mental health journey inspired her to develop the Journey to Joy Personal Transformation System, helping others break free from limiting beliefs and step into their power. Kimberly is a founding member of the Greater Rochester Black Business Alliance and serves on the board of ROCEDC. Her mission is to inspire transformation through joy, empowerment, and self-sufficiency.

Be sure to follow or subscribe to Dog Tag Diaries wherever you listen to podcasts.

Learn more about the Reveille and Retreat Project:

reveilleandretreatproject.org

Instagram: @reveilleandretreatproject

Facebook: Reveille and Retreat Project

You aren’t alone.

If you’re thinking about hurting yourself or having thoughts of suicide, contact the Veteran crisis line: Dial 988 then press 1, chat online, or text 838255.

Summary:

What happens when two women veterans turn pain, fear, and hope into a movement for healing? In this heartfelt Season Seven episode of Dog Tag Diaries, Captain Kimberly reunites with her co-founder and sister in service, Captain Dakota, to share how their podcast and nonprofit were born. Together, they reflect on overcoming imposter syndrome, burnout, and self-doubt while building a safe space where military women can speak their truth. From launching their first retreat without ever meeting in person to dreaming of a traveling studio, this episode celebrates resilience, partnership, and the power of community. Their story reminds listeners that healing is possible when women support each other and choose courage over fear.

Key Topics:

1. How Dog Tag Diaries and the nonprofit began (00:01:06)
2. Building community for military women (00:02:57)
3. Facing fear and imposter syndrome (00:05:05)
4. Honoring limits and preventing burnout (00:10:16)
5. Big dreams: networks, studios, and growth (00:17:04)
6. The first retreat and bonding experience (00:19:02)
7. Upcoming 2026 retreats and new programs (00:26:25)
8. Firearm safety and suicide prevention efforts (00:28:31)
9. Creating lifelong community after retreats (00:32:24)

Notable Quotes & Moments:

1. “We struggled in the beginning to get the courage to pursue this passion.” – Dakota on starting the mission (00:05:26)
2. “The fear of being judged for my story was paralyzing.” – Kimberly on sharing her truth (00:07:50)
3. “What we are doing is necessary. Our stories need to be told.” – Kimberly on purpose (00:09:38)
4. “Come as you are. You are accepted.” – Dakota on retreat culture (00:31:55)
5. “Healing begins when we finally say it out loud.” – Kimberly (00:38:50)

Timestamps:

1. 00:01:06 – Pain, hope, and the founding story
2. 00:02:57 – Creating a safe space for women
3. 00:05:05 – Fear and imposter syndrome
4. 00:07:41 – Sharing personal stories
5. 00:10:16 – Stepping back and honoring limits
6. 00:14:15 – Self-care and emotional release
7. 00:17:04 – Future goals for the podcast
8. 00:19:02 – First retreat in Bend, Oregon
9. 00:21:12 – Bungee jump bonding experience
10. 00:26:25 – 2026 retreat lineup
11. 00:28:31 – Firearm safety and mental health
12. 00:32:24 – Long-term community impact
13. 00:36:08 – Holiday wishes and self-care
14. 00:39:53 – Closing message

About the Hosts:

Captain Kimberly is the founder and host of Dog Tag Diaries and co-founder of Reveille and Retreat Project. A veteran and advocate for women’s mental health, she has dedicated her life to creating spaces where military women can heal, grow, and share their stories without fear.

Captain Dakota is a co-founder of Dog Tag Diaries and Reveille and Retreat Project. A National Guard member and counselor, she supports veterans through mental health services and holistic care. Her work centers on helping women honor their limits while staying connected to their purpose.

Be sure to follow or subscribe to Dog Tag Diaries wherever you listen to podcasts.

Learn more about Reveille and Retreat Project:

reveilleandretreatproject.org

Instagram: @reveilleandretreatproject

Facebook: Reveille and Retreat Project

Summary:

This is another inspiring episode of Dog Tag Diaries Season Seven, where host Captain Kim welcomes Marine officer, mother, and advocate Dr. Jessica Bradley, LtCol, USMC (Retired). Jessica shares her remarkable journey from a small-town Oregon girl inspired by a Vietnam War documentary to becoming one of the first women in her unit to serve in combat operations during Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) and Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF). She opens up candidly about the challenges of navigating military life as a woman and a mother of a special needs child, breaking gender barriers in the Marines, and leading transformational initiatives like the Secretary of Defense's Women in Service Review Task Force. This episode highlights the intersection of courage, faith, and leadership, encouraging military women to bring their full authentic selves into service and to stay rooted in their calling.

Key Topics:

• Jessica’s early life and inspiration to serve (00:05:29)
• Women’s experience in Marine Corps Boot Camp and leadership lessons (00:09:04)
• Transitioning between enlisted Marine and commissioned officer roles (00:14:02)
• Facing gender discrimination early and later in her career (00:17:20, 00:18:39)
• The importance of faith as a source of strength and guidance (00:20:42)
• Deploying as a single mom and leading in combat during OEF/OIF (00:23:09)
• Family challenges, supporting a child with juvenile diabetes, and military family resources (00:27:42)
• Serving in the Wounded Warrior Regiment and helping wounded Marines transition home (00:30:49)
• Role in repealing the combat exclusion policy and impacting women’s military roles (00:36:23)
• Advice for the next generation of women in uniform (00:42:19)

Notable Quotes & Moments:

• “I can be feminine. I can be my authentic self and be hardcore at the same time.” – Jessica Bradley on leadership and identity [00:11:12]
• “You are a Marine just like them. I was able to compete, lead, and serve.” – Jessica on overcoming gender barriers [00:18:08]
• “Stay the course. Bring all of you into your leadership role… Don’t lose sight of who you are in the midst of serving.” – Jessica’s message to future women in uniform [00:42:19]

Timestamps:

• 00:00:00 – Introduction to Dog Tag Diaries & Season Seven theme
• 00:01:16 – Introduction of guest Jessica Bradley
• 00:05:29 – Jessica’s childhood & early inspiration to join the military
• 00:09:04 – Experience at Marine Corps Boot Camp and college ROTC
• 00:14:02 – Transition from enlisted Marine to officer role
• 00:18:39 – Facing gender discrimination as a junior officer and later as a mother
• 00:23:09 – Deployment during OEF/OIF and leadership in combat
• 00:27:42 – Balancing military career with family challenges and special needs parenting
• 00:30:49 – Work in Wounded Warrior Regiment and veteran reintegration support
• 00:36:23 – Involvement in Women in Service Review Task Force and repealing combat exclusion
• 00:42:19 – Closing advice to the next generation of women in uniform
• 00:44:08 – Closing remarks

Dr. Jessica Bradley served in the U.S. Marine Corps as both an enlisted Marine and an officer, ultimately retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel after more than two decades that spanned three MEFs, deployments to OEF/OIF, and leadership roles including Operations Officer at Wounded Warrior Regiment and policy work on the SecDef’s Women in Service Restrictions Review. Her service shaped a leadership style grounded in faith, fitness, and calm strength, and she later completed a doctorate using the Post‑9/11 GI Bill; today, she continues serving veterans as the ODVA Women Veterans Statewide Coordinator.

Kim Liszka served in the United States Army/Reserves as a Combat Medic, Combat Nurse, Flight Nurse Instructor and one of the Top Female athletes in the Army. Kim worked 20+ years as an ER nurse and decided to explore the world as a travel nurse. She's an Advanced Wilderness Expedition Provider and Chief Medical Officer for numerous endurance/survival expeditions in different countries. Kim has a son, Jace and a daughter in law, Sammy and 2 grand animals, Joey & Bear. Her dog Camo is her best buddy. Camo is the sweetest yellow Labrador Retriever to walk this earth. He loves licking snow, riding the ocean waves, visiting carnivore food trucks and loves belly rubs and treats. Fun Facts: Kim's lived in the Reality TV World! Fear Factor, American Ninja Warrior-Military Edition, American Tarzan, Spartan Namibia and more to come!

Be sure to follow or subscribe to Dog Tag Diaries wherever you listen to podcasts.

Learn more about Reveille and Retreat Project: 

reveilleandretreatproject.org

Instagram: @reveilleandretreatproject

Facebook: Reveille and Retreat Project

You aren’t alone.

If you’re thinking about hurting yourself or having thoughts of suicide contact the

Veteran crisis line: Dial 988 then press 1, chat online, or text 838255.

Get ready for a second tour of Dog Tag Diaries episode featuring Dani Shine, a Desert Storm Army veteran, retired RN, and author of “The Weight of Hidden Wounds.” In this moving conversation, you’ll hear teasers about her remarkable journey through military service, overcoming the weight—physically and emotionally—of trauma, and the challenges women face in the armed forces. From surviving combat and sexual assault to tackling PTSD and life after the uniform, Dani Shine shares flashes of her story with wit and raw honesty.

If you’re searching for true stories about military sexual trauma, female combat veterans, resilience, healing, and PTSD recovery, this episode is made for you. Don’t miss the moments where hope is found in the unlikeliest places, and healing begins—sometimes with chickens, Jazzercise, and a little dirt under your fingernails.

Dani Shine is a proud mom of three and grandmother of two. Her story has been featured in the Bend Bulletin, KTVZ, and Central Oregon Daily. She’s passionate about mental health advocacy and often speaks to schools and veterans' groups to break stigma around trauma and promote healing. Off stage, you might find her camping, doing Jazzercise, or celebrating her anniversary with the man she adores (on Flag Day, no less).

💬 Quote from Dani:

“We don’t need to be perfect to be powerful. Healing is messy, but it’s ours.”

Connect with Dani:

📱 TikTok: @dani.shine4

📘 Facebook: ddshine2868

Kim Liszka served in the United States Army/Reserves as a Combat Medic, Combat Nurse, Flight Nurse Instructor and one of the Top Female athletes in the Army. Kim worked 20+ years as an ER nurse and decided to explore the world as a travel nurse. She's an Advanced Wilderness Expedition Provider and Chief Medical Officer for numerous endurance/survival expeditions in different countries. Kim has a son, Jace and a daughter in law, Sammy and 2 grand animals, Joey & Bear. Her dog Camo is her best buddy. Camo is the sweetest yellow Labrador Retriever to walk this earth. He loves licking snow, riding the ocean waves, visiting carnivore food trucks and loves belly rubs and treats. Fun Facts: Kim's lived in the Reality TV World! Fear Factor, American Ninja Warrior-Military Edition, American Tarzan, Spartan Namibia and more to come!

Be sure to follow or subscribe to Dog Tag Diaries wherever you listen to podcasts.

Learn more about Reveille and Retreat Project: 

reveilleandretreatproject.org

Instagram: @reveilleandretreatproject

Facebook: Reveille and Retreat Project

You aren’t alone.

If you’re thinking about hurting yourself or having thoughts of suicide contact the

Veteran crisis line: Dial 988 then press 1, chat online, or text 838255.

Ever wonder what happens when trauma meets resilience—on both the battlefield and back home? Dog Tag Diaries brings you a special second tour episode with Didi Meindok, Navy veteran, attorney, and medical scientist. Hear about the struggles women face during military service, from being “erased by paperwork” to facing unimaginable challenges like military sexual trauma and moral injury. This episode is packed with stories of identity, recovery, and the power of community care. If you’re seeking inspiration, support, or validation in your own journey, this raw and unapologetic conversation will remind you: you are not alone.

Didi Meindok is a U.S. Navy veteran of Operation Desert Storm, an attorney, and a trained medical scientist. Known as the FilaEstonian, she comes from a long line of seafarers and believes in the importance of truth, justice, and integrity in service. Her first PTSD treatment took place at the same hospital where One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest was filmed—a symbolic start to a lifelong healing journey.

📲 Connect with Didi:

LinkedIn - Dorothy Dagmar Meindok, JD

Facebook - Dorothy Meindok

To contact Didi, email: [email protected]

Kim Liszka served in the United States Army/Reserves as a Combat Medic, Combat Nurse, Flight Nurse Instructor and one of the Top Female athletes in the Army. Kim worked 20+ years as an ER nurse and decided to explore the world as a travel nurse. She's an Advanced Wilderness Expedition Provider and Chief Medical Officer for numerous endurance/survival expeditions in different countries. Kim has a son, Jace and a daughter in law, Sammy and 2 grand animals, Joey & Bear. Her dog Camo is her best buddy. Camo is the sweetest yellow Labrador Retriever to walk this earth. He loves licking snow, riding the ocean waves, visiting carnivore food trucks and loves belly rubs and treats. Fun Facts: Kim's lived in the Reality TV World! Fear Factor, American Ninja Warrior-Military Edition, American Tarzan, Spartan Namibia and more to come!

Be sure to follow or subscribe to Dog Tag Diaries wherever you listen to podcasts.

Learn more about Reveille and Retreat Project: 

reveilleandretreatproject.org

Instagram: @reveilleandretreatproject

Facebook: Reveille and Retreat Project

You aren’t alone.

If you’re thinking about hurting yourself or having thoughts of suicide contact the

Veteran crisis line: Dial 988 then press 1, chat online, or text 838255.

Have you ever wondered what it takes to be resilient in the face of gender bias and adversity? In this special “second tour” episode, Dog Tag Diaries spotlights Captain Kim’s journey, from the challenges of being a high-performing woman in the Army to the upheaval caused by sexual harassment and discrimination. Without giving away all the details, you’ll hear hints of support systems, the pursuit of justice, and the healing found through community and counseling.

It's an important opportunity to learn about military sexual trauma support, seeking VA counseling resources, or understanding how military women overcome obstacles, this episode is filled with hope, powerful truths, and advice for future female service members. Tune in for glimpses of courage and connection you won’t forget.

Kim Liszka served in the United States Army/Reserves as a Combat Medic, Combat Nurse, Flight Nurse Instructor and one of the Top Female athletes in the Army. Kim worked 20+ years as an ER nurse and decided to explore the world as a travel nurse. She's an Advanced Wilderness Expedition Provider and Chief Medical Officer for numerous endurance/survival expeditions in different countries. Kim has a son, Jace and a daughter in law, Sammy and 2 grand animals, Joey & Bear. Her dog Camo is her best buddy. Camo is the sweetest yellow Labrador Retriever to walk this earth. He loves licking snow, riding the ocean waves, visiting carnivore food trucks and loves belly rubs and treats. Fun Facts: Kim's lived in the Reality TV World! Fear Factor, American Ninja Warrior-Military Edition, American Tarzan, Spartan Namibia and more to come!

Be sure to follow or subscribe to Dog Tag Diaries wherever you listen to podcasts.

Learn more about Reveille and Retreat Project: 

reveilleandretreatproject.org

Instagram: @reveilleandretreatproject

Facebook: Reveille and Retreat Project

You aren’t alone.

If you’re thinking about hurting yourself or having thoughts of suicide contact the

Veteran crisis line: Dial 988 then press 1, chat online, or text 838255.