* NOTE* Please excuse the audio quality of the last 10 minutes of this episode. A technical issue arose, but the quality of the content demanded its inclusion. 

In this episode, we learn how powerful curiosity and the willingness to say, "I don't know" can be for your growth as a leader. 

You'll hear about the challenges our guest Commander Gon endured at the Naval Academy and the importance the support of his family is to his progression as a leader.

CDR Gon also reveals a secret group chat reserved only for commanders. Their robust support network is integral to their success, but if you move on from command, you are kicked out of the chat before they cut the cake at your change of command ceremony. 

Commander Gon is a native of Buffalo, New York, and graduated from the Naval Academy in 2003. After receiving his commission, CDR Gon earned his Surface Warfare Officer designation. He then served as a Navigator with the amphibious "Gator Navy," among other compelling postings. 

In 2010, CDR Gon laterally transferred to the Naval Meteorology and Oceanography Command (METOC) community and was selected for the Ph.D. program at Naval Postgraduate School.

CDR Gon is currently serving as the Commanding Officer of the Naval Ice Center and the Director of the U.S. National Ice Center.

In this episode, we dive into what it takes to prioritize your family, while still honoring your oath to put the mission first. We also discuss the importance of mentorship, and how to find a mentor that fits your needs. Along the way, we learn about the extraordinary work that the Naval Meteorology and Oceanography Command does and how integral their work is to the nation's larger warfighting plans. 

CDR Scianna has been the Commanding Officer of Strike Group Oceanography Team San Diego since April 2022. 

Prior to this command, he served as the Operations Officer at the National/Naval Ice Center, Suitland, MD, and as Oceanographic Survey Ship and Littoral Battlespace Sensing Unmanned Undersea Vehicle Requirements Officer on the staff of the Oceanographer of the Navy. He then moved to the Joint Chiefs of Staff, J35, to serve as a writer for the Secretary of Defense Orders Book.

CDR Scianna is married to his wife Janine, and they have three children together (Tessa, Anthony, and Christian).

While talking to this episode's guest, Lieutenant Commander Garret Rucker, we learn about the strong culture of mentorship and tradition that helps Sailors in the US Navy build their careers. 

LCDR Rucker currently serves as Flag Secretary to the Commander, Navy Region Europe, Africa, Central. He enlisted in the US Navy at 17 and was classified as a Yeoman. As he has progressed, he has been stationed in Japan, Guam twice, Guantanamo Bay, central California, the Pacific Northwest several times, and now in Naples, Italy. In 2010 he was selected for advancement to Chief Petty Officer, and in 2012 he earned my commission as a Limited Duty Officer. 

NOTE: The topic of suicide is briefly discussed in this episode.

For most of us in the military, caring for our mental health and self-care are seen as a luxury. "Suck it up and drive on" is often the only advice given for managing the stress of our job. September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, and in this episode, our guest will talk about how he found himself working so hard that he descended into a dark place that almost cost him everything. He'll share how he made the decision to ask for help and the resources he took advantage of on his path to recovery. 

Captain Marcus Hemsley has grown from basketball prospect and ROTC Cadet to serving with America's Domestic Operations Directorate at the National Guard Bureau. During his time in service, he has faced head-on the issue of burnout and the resulting struggle for mental health and wellness. 

Resources:

TRICARE Mental Health Resources

US Army Ask, Care, and Escort (ACE) Program 

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline - Dial 988 or go to 988lifeline.org

Military OneSource Military Counseling for Stress

Lieutenant General Caslen Jr.

CSM Jone's career started by pursuing an unwavering goal to join a prestigious military band in the nation's capital. We learn from his extensive and compelling career about what it takes to be persistent when chasing a goal, even when other appealing offers arise. 

As a central member of the Air Force and Army National Guard Band, CSM Jones has been witness to 9/11, historic protests, and an insurrection, all while providing musical accompaniment to the nation's capital. 

257th Army Band "The Band of the Nation's Capital"

The United States Marine Corps Band 

The U.S. Army Band “Pershing's Own" 

United States Air Force Band 

United States Navy Band 

U.S. Coast Guard Band 

Secretary of Labor Ron Brown's casket procession

From a chance encounter with a recruiter at a dance studio in New York City, CPT Alvarez launched herself into a career in the Army National Guard. She faced adversity climbing from enlisted to the officer ranks but all the while remembering, "get comfortable with being uncomfortable."

CPT Alvarez can be found on Social, @Alvy1789

Resource list:

Army ROTC - Fordham University - https://bit.ly/3Tn9XaH

Military OneSource Mental Health Resources - https://bit.ly/3pPzfk7

Department of Defense Mental Health Resources - https://bit.ly/3Ks2eE8

It Would Behoove You is the only podcast dedicated specifically to how to get the most out of your military career. In this inaugural episode, you get to meet the host and learn a little about his background. We'll dig into why the podcast was created, what can you expect in coming episodes, and more.