In this episode, we sit down with Vanessa Long, a former Marine, as she opens up about the profound challenges she faced while serving her country and trying to balance motherhood. Vanessa shares her deeply personal experience of being deployed and the overwhelming mom guilt that came with not being able to speak to her daughter during those tough times.

We delve into Vanessa's unique perspective as a member of the Female Engagement Team (FET), where she played a crucial role in engaging with local women during deployments. Vanessa reflects on the emotional connections she forged with the leadership and the female Marines she deployed with.

But the journey was not without its hardships. Vanessa courageously discusses her adverse fitness report, a turning point in her Marine Corps career, and the subsequent challenges she faced. Her story is one of resilience, determination, and the difficult choices she had to make for her family.

Join us as we explore Vanessa's powerful narrative, shedding light on the unspoken sacrifices of military mothers and the strength it takes to navigate the intricate balance between serving one's nation and being there for one's children.