Militarily Speaking

In this episode of “Militarily Speaking,” Tom, Jodi, and guest Peggy Baker, President and Founder of Operation First Response, discuss the incredible journey of this organization, its inspiring efforts in providing financial support to wounded military service members and their families, and the motivation behind their work.

“Militarily Speaking” is a podcast produced by Armed Forces Bank that is dedicated to the military lifestyle and all the things that makes the military community who they are.

The conversation began with the hosts expressing their excitement for the 50th episode milestone, followed by a warm welcome to their guest, Peggy Baker. Peggy unveiled her inspiring journey which commenced when her son joined the United States Army in the wake of 9/11. Witnessing the sacrifices of these brave military men and women and experiencing their struggles firsthand moved her to establish Operation First Response. From that day till now, the organization has been walking hand-in-hand with military heroes and their families, providing support during their most challenging times.

As part of their endeavor to salute military heroes, the organization hosts numerous programs. One of the most valued programs is the financial assistance program that supports military families and first responders. Over the years, the organization has formed a safety net for these families by providing help in emergency situations such as car repairs or appliance replacements for families with fixed income.

Another significant undertaking is their training program offering specialized IT courses virtually. Recognizing the employment challenges that veterans often face, the organization offers these programs free of cost, underscoring the importance of community support and encouragement for the returning heroes.

Operation First Response indeed understands the power of kindness and community support. The organization openly accepts help in various forms beyond monetary contributions. They accept donations in the form of vehicles, boats, stocks, and securities, which then gets translated into financial means to provide support to struggling families. The organization also welcomes volunteers for events and fundraising activities.

During this enlightening conversation, Peggy made it abundantly clear why she and her team continue to do what they do. The importance of conveying heartfelt gratitude to the selfless military men and women who serve our nation, and their families, remains at the heart of Operation First Response. Whether it's financial aid or a training program, the organization continually strives to be more than a band-aid but a beacon of hope for these heroes shedding light on their path towards a secure and stable life.

When asked about what she wants the listeners to remember, Peggy urged everyone to recognize our military and first responders as the best of us. Our support, she believes, can reassure them that they are never alone and that their sacrifices are never forgotten.

Jodi introduces the Military Minute segment of the show, beginning by closing out last episode’s Military Minute.

●     Last episode’s Military Minute: Who was the second most famous woman in America followed by First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt?

●     Answer: Betty Crocker

●     This week’s Military Minute question: Which country music artist recorded the song, Some Gave All, and what year was it released?

●     Watch for Facebook and Instagram posts about this episode.

●     Answer with the correct answer and you plus a charity of your choice can each win $50.

●     After a winning selection, Military Minute participants are eligible for another selection after 12 months.

Tom closes the episode by asking listeners to go to www.afbank.com and subscribe to the show, as well as leave a rating and comment on your favorite podcast platform such as Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

Join us to hear how to better navigate your finances, military life, and the crossroads of the two.

Visit www.afbank.com

In this episode of “Militarily Speaking,” Tom, Jodi, and guest Kaycie Taylor, Director of Family Support with Project Sanctuary, discuss the organization supports military families in a myriad of ways - from therapeutic retreats to mental health resources and caregiver support.

“Militarily Speaking” is a podcast produced by Armed Forces Bank that is dedicated to the military lifestyle and all the things that makes the military community who they are.

Honoring their service and offering them added support is more than just a tagline when it comes to giving back to our military families, it's a total commitment. Often operating behind the scenes, numerous organizations tirelessly strive to create better lives for military families and veterans. One such organization is Project Sanctuary, helmed by dedicated individuals such as Kaycie Taylor.

Kaycie and her team work tirelessly to provide support for military families. She does so by not only reaching out to these families but also understanding the intricacies of their experiences and relating these to the broader military family community.

The different programs offered by Project Sanctuary, such as the recreational retreats and family support initiatives, all work in harmony to provide different facets of support that instill hope, improve connectivity, and foster healing.

Project Sanctuary’s primary projects are their signature six-day therapeutic retreats. These retreats are designed to cater to military couples and their families. What sets Project Sanctuary apart is its attention to detail, focusing on an approach that is both comprehensive and relevant. The retreats incorporate a mix of recreational activities and comprehensive workshops for both adults and children, paving the way for a wholesome, healing experience.

Additionally, Project Sanctuary also offers diverse mental health resources. They ensure that every resource they extend has been vetted thoroughly, thereby taking into account key factors such as whether the military families need in-person or virtual support, the nature of their specific needs, and more. This strategic, all-round approach assures a highly personalized, deeply engaging, and effective support system.

When it comes to Project Sanctuary, you'll come across countless success stories that are heartening and bound to provide much-needed motivation. What sticks out is the narrative of an individual who initially attended a retreat single-handedly, attended another retreat later as a volunteer, and later participated in a ballroom dancing competition.

This transformation underscores the positive changes and personal growth that Project Sanctuary instills. It is a testament to the organization's commitment to nurturing, empowering, and creating stronger military families.

Project Sanctuary acknowledges that it owes its success to its volunteers. Volunteers form the backbone of Project Sanctuary, with 4-6 volunteers usually attending each retreat. The organization welcomes all volunteers and subjects them to a thorough vetting process.

Project Sanctuary also holds annual fundraising events such as the Rocky Mountain Gas and Oil Poker Classic and the Permian Basin Poker Tournament. These events, coupled with the active giving that fans, donors, and well-wishers provide, keep the organization running.

Project Sanctuary continues in its mission to heal and empower our military families best, allowing them to thrive both during and after their service to the nation.

Jodi introduces the Military Minute segment of the show, beginning by closing out last episode’s Military Minute.

●     Last episode’s Military Minute: Who is the most famous author of children's books with over 300 million copies sold?

●     Answer: Roald Dahl

●     This week’s Military Minute question: Who was the second most famous woman in America followed by First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt?

●     Watch for Facebook and Instagram posts about this episode.

●     Answer with the correct answer and you plus a charity of your choice can each win $50.

●     After a winning selection, Military Minute participants are eligible for another selection after 12 months.

Tom closes the episode by asking listeners to go to www.afbank.com and subscribe to the show, as well as leave a rating and comment on your favorite podcast platform such as Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

Join us to hear how to better navigate your finances, military life, and the crossroads of the two.

Visit www.afbank.com

In this episode of “Militarily Speaking,” Tom, Jodi, and guest Jessica Hall, Vice President of Marketing and Communications for United Through Reading, discuss how the mission-focused organization is dedicated to strengthening military families and building literacy.

“Militarily Speaking” is a podcast produced by Armed Forces Bank that is dedicated to the military lifestyle and all the things that makes the military community who they are.

United Through Reading was founded in 1989 with the sole aim of helping military families bond and connect through daily shared reading. This mission is targeted towards strengthening both emotional bonds and literacy skills among military families irrespective of the distance between them. Since its inception, United Through Reading has connected over three million military family members through shared story times.

The organization holds steadfast to their belief in the power of reading and utilizes an array of programs to keep military families connected. Jessica sizes it all up by saying, “We help military-connected families bond and connect every day through reading together. Our mission is to strengthen military families, literacy, emotional bonds, and well-being through the power of reading together every day, no matter the distance.”

United Through Reading boasts a free app compatible with all mobile device platforms - iOS, Android, and Amazon. Via this app, military families can record, save and share their stories with each other. This initiative supports those who are deployed to keep up their presence and connection with their families back home. As Jessica mentions, “This is mom or dad on demand.”

The organization also offers an array of resources. From reading trackers to activity calendars, United Through Reading equips military families with the tools needed to instill and maintain a strong reading habit. More importantly, the organization employs a holistic approach in dealing with the needs of each family as no two families are the same.

United Through Reading appreciates a wealth of support from a myriad of partners. Jessica emphasizes the value of their partnerships, particularly the collaborative relationship with fellow organizations in the military family support space.

Over the years, United Through Reading has garnered awards that acknowledge their dedication and contribution to service families and literacy improvement. They notably received the Community Service Hero Award from the Congressional Medal of Honor Society and the American Prize of the Library of Congress’s Literacy Awards Program.

Jessica’s journey with the military has seen her move across various locations within the United States. Her family began at Fort Huachuca, where she resided twice. Later, her journey led her to Joint Base Lewis-McChord as well as Fort Hood, alternatively known as Fort Cavazos, where she contributed significantly to military spouse communities.

The pathway of duty also took Jessica to the renowned Fort Knox, followed by a transitional phase in Northern California for her husband's graduate studies. The final anchor in her journey, for now, is Fort Meade where she is currently based. She has served in various capacities, riding alongside her husband's service commitment, from spearheading Girl Scout troops to actively participating in Fort Knox's Spouse and Community Club.

Jodi introduces the Military Minute segment of the show, beginning by closing out last episode’s Military Minute.

●     Last episode’s Military Minute: What was the original name of the Purple Heart?

●     Answer: Badge of Military Merit

●     This week’s Military Minute question: Who is the most famous author of children's books with over 300 million copies sold?

●     Watch for Facebook and Instagram posts about this episode.

●     Answer with the correct answer and you plus a charity of your choice can each win $50.

●     After a winning selection, Military Minute participants are eligible for another selection after 12 months.

Tom closes the episode by asking listeners to go to www.afbank.com and subscribe to the show, as well as leave a rating and comment on your favorite podcast platform such as Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

Join us to hear how to better navigate your finances, military life, and the crossroads of the two.

Visit www.afbank.com

In this episode of “Militarily Speaking,” Tom, Jodi, and guest Lieutenant Colonel Mike Foss, President of the Warrior Bonfire Program, discuss how the organization supports Purple Heart recipients with therapeutic outdoor activities to foster healing and build supportive relationships among veterans.

“Militarily Speaking” is a podcast produced by Armed Forces Bank that is dedicated to the military lifestyle and all the things that makes military community who they are.

We — with guests like you — will help the military community not only navigate their finances but also military life. We chat about both good and bad financial practices and provide some insight along the way. We’ll share strategies to help people get ahead, discuss military benefits that members should take advantage of, and more – all working towards the goal of helping people become more financially independent.

On the show, we’ll also preview and talk about how to take advantage of military specific services, such as loans and mortgages, and help members prepare for important milestones such as PCS moves and the transition to civilian life. Finally, at the end of every episode, we have a bit of fun with our Military Minute. That guessing-game segment features military history, hobbies, a bit of pop culture. Correct guesses by listeners could result in a donation to charity of individual’s choice.

In this episode of “Militarily Speaking,” Tom, Jodi, and guest Rachael Deleon, Executive Director of Association for Financial Counseling and Planning Education (AFCPE), discuss how AFCPE is a beacon of reliable and accessible financial counseling, coaching, and education. Their support is there for individuals seeking trustworthy help and those aspiring to assist others in their financial journeys.

“Militarily Speaking” is a podcast produced by Armed Forces Bank that is dedicated to the military lifestyle and all the things that makes military community who they are.

Rachael Deleon, Executive Director of AFCPE, explains that they are a not-for-profit organization founded about 40 years ago. They are dedicated to equipping individuals interested in becoming financial counselors, coaches, or educators. With the belief that everyone deserves equitable access to such services, their mission is to impact people's financial wellbeing positively by ensuring the highest standards in financial counseling, coaching, and education.

A unique attribute of AFCPE is their diversity in service delivery, cut across several fields. Members of this organization work within academia, non-profit organizations, private practices, banks, government institutions, and even the military. Irrespective of the arena, AFCPE’s standards are upheld, ensuring that clients receive service from professionals who believe in equity, inclusion and high standards.

Interestingly, one of AFCPE’s earliest constituents was the military community due to their recognition of the importance of financial readiness. Programs initiated for the military community, such as the FINRA Foundation Military Spouse Fellowship and the partnership with the CFPB, have had profound impacts on military financial counseling, coaching, and education.

With the partnership between AFCPE and the Veteran Saves, and the Veterans Benefits Banking Program, AFCPE continues to hew a clear path for veterans, particularly in providing access to Financial Counseling. Through this initiative, AFCPE Accredited Financial Counselors work as pioneers with the bigger picture of integrating the field and ensuring that financial advice is delivered holistically to veterans.

For those looking to move into the sphere of financial counseling and coaching, AFCPE offers numerous opportunities through its various programs. These professionals can work in academia, non-profit organizations, banks, government institutions, and even within the military. A growing trend among AFCPE certified professionals is private practice. This allows them to hone in on their specific areas of passion and offer specialized services within those niches.

Regardless of the arena – be it the military, academia, or private practices – AFCPE’s ethos of delivering equitable access to financial counseling, coaching and education stands tall. The future presents exciting prospects for AFCPE as they continue their important work in providing financial stability and empowerment for many.

Jodi introduces the Military Minute segment of the show, beginning by closing out last episode’s Military Minute.

●     Last episode’s Military Minute: Name one famous recipient who received the title of Honorary Marine.

●     Answer: Many answers including Chuck Norris, Brigadier General Bob Hope, Corporal Jim Neighbors, or Gary Sinise

●     This week’s Military Minute question: What is the name of the program offered by the Uniformed Services that combines elements of the legacy retirement system with benefits similar to those offered in many civilian 401k plans?

●     Watch for Facebook and Instagram posts about this episode.

●     Answer with the correct answer and you plus a charity of your choice can each win $50.

●     After a winning selection, Military Minute participants are eligible for another selection after 12 months.

Tom closes the episode by asking listeners to go to www.afbank.com and subscribe to the show, as well as leave a rating and comment on your favorite podcast platform such as Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

Join us to hear how to better navigate your finances, military life, and the crossroads of the two.

Visit www.afbank.com

In this episode of “Militarily Speaking,” Tom, Jodi, and guest Mike Abrams, Founder and President of FourBlock, we delved into how the organizations hands-on approach helps veterans transitioning from military to civilian life. We also discuss the organization's values, offerings, and goals.

“Militarily Speaking” is a podcast produced by Armed Forces Bank that is dedicated to the military lifestyle and all the things that makes military community who they are.

Established as a non-profit, FourBlock equips military personnel for their post-service career. The organization offers a semester-long course aimed at enabling veterans to establish valuable industry relationships while discovering suitable career options for the future.

The name FourBlock represents the fourth and final challenge that service members face in the pursuit of winning wars — returning home and successfully integrating with society. The 'block' concept stems from the military's three-block war model, where each block signifies a type of challenge that service members may face in an era of conflict.

The FourBlock program provides over 30 hours of curriculum and networking breaks to veterans, with each class containing about 20-40 veterans. Each weekly class is hosted by a different company where the attendees get exposed to different industries and opportunities. The curriculum helps the veterans identify their career interests and also equips them with the technical know-how needed for a career search.

Aside from this, FourBlock encourages employers and hiring managers to actively participate in the program by hosting classes, engaging with the course's curriculum, and drawing upon their own experiences with their companies. This aspect ensures that the participants gain invaluable, practical industry knowledge and make connections with potential employers.

However, the essence of FourBlock goes beyond just the curriculum and classes. The emphasis of the program is relationship building. A significant impact is made when veterans can engage with someone who has successfully made the military-to-civilian transition. Seeing and talking to someone who has experienced the same journey and challenges can help transitioning veterans recognize the potential in themselves.

Apart from offering a semester-long course to veterans, FourBlock welcomes corporate partners and alumni to get involved in supporting their initiatives. There are various ways to contribute, from hosting a class and participating in the program as a corporate partner, to becoming a career coach.

Overall, FourBlock offers a personalized, hands-on approach to assisting veterans in their journey towards successful career transitions. Their methods are touted by an 84% success rate, denoting that their veterans stay at their first post-military job for more than a year.

With a significant focus on culture and finding the right fit, FourBlock reminds veterans and organizations alike that transitioning from military service to a civilian career doesn't have an all-encompassing solution. Instead, it is about collaboration, relationship building, and mutual support.

Interested parties can get in touch with FourBlock and find ways to contribute to their cause through their website: www.FourBlock.org. For corporate inquiries on how to host a class or participate in the program, you can reach out to Michael Abrams directly at: [email protected].

Jodi introduces the Military Minute segment of the show, beginning by closing out last episode’s Military Minute.

●     Last episode’s Military Minute: What defense mechanism do alpacas employ when they are threatened or feel the need to assert dominance within the herd?

●     Answer: They spit

●     This week’s Military Minute question: Name one famous recipient that received the title of Honorary Marine.

●     Watch for Facebook and Instagram posts about this episode.

●     Answer with the correct answer and you plus a charity of your choice can each win $50.

●     After a winning selection, Military Minute participants are eligible for another selection after 12 months.

Tom closes the episode by asking listeners to go to www.afbank.com and subscribe to the show, as well as leave a rating and comment on your favorite podcast platform such as Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

Join us to hear how to better navigate your finances, military life, and the crossroads of the two.

Visit www.afbank.com

In this episode of “Militarily Speaking,” Tom, Jodi, and guest Zanna Wolfgang, Honor The Brave co-founder, discuss how the veteran support program helps military and first responder families navigate the real estate market, and how she created a 'funny farm' with a collection of animals that brings joy and therapeutic benefits.

“Militarily Speaking” is a podcast produced by Armed Forces Bank that is dedicated to the military lifestyle and all the things that makes military community who they are.

As the conversation flowed, Zanna unfolded her inspiring story behind co-founding "Honor The Brave," a real estate benefit program that assists veterans and first responders. Having experienced the struggles of life after service, Zanna and her husband, Jeff, saw it as their calling to help their community. The program provides "Brave Benefits" to qualified candidates, a fitting cause that goes beyond just property transactions to create meaningful relationships.

The interview shifted toward Zanna’s personal life away from her professional commitments, disclosing an intriguing aspect of her lifestyle at her “funny farm”. Housing a joyously varied mix of animals from alpacas to kunekune pigs, Zanna’s funny farm is based on a wellspring of love and shenanigans. Every day, she draws inspiration from these interactions, producing a steady flow of good vibes and positivity that finds its way into her work.

Zanna's empowering journey also charts her experience hosting the Victim, Survivor, Thriver podcast. This platform allows her to connect with individuals facing adversities and inspire them with stories of strength and determination. Aiming to guide others from being victims to becoming thrivers, Zanna brings hope, painting every situation with a positive outlook, indicating her unwavering dedication to uplifting lives.

Through the success of "Honor The Brave" and her increased influence, Zanna introduced merchandise filled with love and shenanigans from Thrive Farm Co. These proceeds go back to the very community she serves, reminding us that our actions in commerce can reflect our values in life.

By infusing her professional life with personal beliefs, Zanna redefines what it means to work with purpose. As she passionately dedicates to causes close to her heart, her positive influence and warm energy radiate in all directions. As a beacon of positivity and hope, she exemplifies that it's not only about what we do but also why and how we do it. Zanna’s story truly stands testament to the fact that our profession can echo our purpose, leaving a ripple effect that changes many lives positively.

Jodi introduces the Military Minute segment of the show, beginning by closing out last episode’s Military Minute.

●     Last episode’s Military Minute: Which former U.S. President was elected to the Golf Hall of Fame in 2011? What was the original name of the Kansas City Chiefs?

●     Answer: George H.W. Bush and the Dallas Texans

●     This week’s Military Minute question: What defense mechanism do alpacas employ when they are threatened or feel the need to assert dominance within the herd?

●     Watch for Facebook and Instagram posts about this episode.

●     Answer with the correct answer and you plus a charity of your choice can each win $50.

●     After a winning selection, Military Minute participants are eligible for another selection after 12 months.

Tom closes the episode by asking listeners to go to www.afbank.com and subscribe to the show, as well as leave a rating and comment on your favorite podcast platform such as Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

Join us to hear how to better navigate your finances, military life, and the crossroads of the two.

Visit www.afbank.com

In this episode of “Militarily Speaking,” Tom, Jodi, and guest Jeremy Roe, Senior Vice President, BSO, Enterprise Fraud Officer of both Academy Bank and Armed Forces Bank, discuss the different forms of financial fraud, how social media plays a role in fraud, and proactive steps you can take to protect yourself.

“Militarily Speaking” is a podcast produced by Armed Forces Bank that is dedicated to the military lifestyle and all the things that makes military community who they are.

In the era of digital transactions and online communication, the risk of identity fraud and financial data theft is a constant concern. The dangers are particularly relevant as evolving technology introduces new methods of compromising our assets.

Financial fraud refers to wrongful or criminal deception intended to result in financial gain. An offender uses fraudulent methods to mislead a victim into releasing money or sharing confidential information. Notably, the fraud tactics spanning a wide range of tactics - from card skimming and SIM swapping to complex scams involving AI voice cloning.

Social media platforms bring forth an unprecedented potential for fraud. Cybercriminals can glean personal information from users' behaviors, interests, likes, and comments on these platforms. Shared content often exposes data like birthdays, favorite teams, pets’ names, etc., which aids fraudsters in committing identity theft.

In our discussion, Jeremy pointed to the ‘big four’ in this area: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok. Unfortunately, personal details shared on these platforms may potentially end up in a malicious actor's hands.

Dating apps have introduced another vector for fraud. An example case included an airman building a relationship on such an app, and was later blackmailed for money under the threat of sharing their private conversations and explicit pictures publicly.

Known as sexploitation, this type of fraud preys on the victim’s fear and love to milk out payments. Any platform enabling private interactions and image sharing may facilitate such scams.

Emerging technologies have brought in advanced and undetectable fraud tactics. Take, for instance, Bluetooth skimming – a refined version of card skimming fraud that no longer requires the physical retrieval of the skimming device. Fraudsters can merely drive within Bluetooth range and remotely download the harvested card data.

Notably, you can find skimmers not only in gas pumps but also self-checkout stands, retail checkouts and even at local fairgrounds where someone asks to swipe your card.

Optimally protecting your financial identity requires a proactive and diligent approach:

- Check your financial statements and credit reports regularly: It’s essential to regularly review your credit reports readily available annually from AnnualCreditReport.com or other credit monitoring services. Meanwhile, consult your financial institution for accessing your statements electronically.

- Engage with your financial institution: Your bank or credit union should be more than willing to provide guidance regarding fraud prevention. Jeremy encourages Armed Forces Bank and Academy Bank clients, as well as the public, to use them as resources.

- Use cybersecurity tools: Use cybersecurity tools and credit monitoring services to preemptively detect potential breaches and promptly act upon them. Many financial institutions are providing identity theft protection within their products, like the Access Rewards Checking Account offered by Armed Forces Bank and Academy Bank.

- Be cautious on social media: Think twice before taking quizzes on social media platforms that may reveal potential password clues or openly participating in message threads that involve sharing personal experiences.

- Update contact information: Regularly updating your contact information with your bank ensures you can be reached promptly in case a suspicious transaction is noticed.

Remember, though technology lures us into the convenience of online transactions and digital banking, it simultaneously demands us to be extra cautious about our personal and financial security.

Jodi introduces the Military Minute segment of the show, beginning by closing out last episode’s Military Minute.

●     Last episode’s Military Minute: What are the five motivations on Maslow’s Hierarchy of needs?

●     Answer: physiological, safety, love and belonging, esteem and self-actualization

●     This week’s Military Minute question: Which former U.S. President was elected to the Golf Hall of Fame in 2011? What was the original name of the Kansas City Chiefs?

●     Watch for Facebook and Instagram posts about this episode.

●     Answer with the correct answer and you plus a charity of your choice can each win $50.

●     After a winning selection, Military Minute participants are eligible for another selection after 12 months.

Tom closes the episode by asking listeners to go to www.afbank.com and subscribe to the show, as well as leave a rating and comment on your favorite podcast platform such as Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

Join us to hear how to better navigate your finances, military life, and the crossroads of the two.

Visit www.afbank.com

In this episode of “Militarily Speaking,” Tom, Jodi, and guest Dr. Becky Porter, President and CEO of the Military Child Education Coalition, to explore MCEC's mission and evolution, shedding light on their pivotal role in championing the academic and social wellbeing of military children.

“Militarily Speaking” is a podcast produced by Armed Forces Bank that is dedicated to the military lifestyle and all the things that makes military community who they are.

When it comes to supporting the academic and social well-being of military children, few people understand the challenges and the journey better than Dr. Becky Porter, President and CEO of the Military Child Education Coalition (MCEC). A recent podcast episode offers an enlightening conversation with Dr. Porter, shedding light on MCEC’s mission, evolution, and her personal commitment to this cause.

Dr. Porter brings an impressive military background to the table, offering invaluable insights into MCEC's pivotal role. Tracing its 25-year journey, MCEC has grown from a fledgling organization to a beacon of hope for countless military families.

Throughout the episode, Dr. Porter delves into MCEC's innovative programs such as the Student-to-Student initiative and the Francis Hesselbein Student Leadership Program. These programs are designed to foster resilience and leadership skills among military children. The conversation also explores the critical role of psychology in the educational sphere, and the pressing mental health crisis facing military youth today.

MCEC’s transformative initiatives such as the Military Student Data Identifier, Operation Educate the Educators, and the Every Student Succeeds Act are also highlighted. Dr. Porter's passion and dedication shine through as she discusses the transformative power of these initiatives, reflecting on their significant impact on military families.

In a memorable part of the conversation, Dr. Porter shares her experiences at the White House and the tremendous support it provides for the military community. She expresses her appreciation for the National Advisory Committee's support for MCEC, highlighting their belief in the organization's mission.

The episode wraps up with Dr. Porter expressing her sincere gratitude for her work, which continues to make a significant impact on military families. Her passion and commitment to this vital cause serve as a reminder of the remarkable work being done by MCEC.

To delve deeper into the conversation with Dr. Becky Porter and to explore the remarkable work of MCEC, tune into the full podcast episode. Join us in celebrating the unwavering dedication to championing military child education and showing your support for this vital cause.

Visit the Military Child Education Coalition’s website for more information on how to support military kids and contribute to the organization’s mission. Whether you are part of a military family, an educator, or simply an interested listener, this conversation is a valuable insight into the work being done to support our military children.

Jodi introduces the Military Minute segment of the show, beginning by closing out last episode’s Military Minute.

●     Last episode’s Military Minute: What Netflix shows has been the most of all time by both hours watched and views?

●     Answer: Squid Games

●     This week’s Military Minute question: What are the five motivations on Maslow’s Hierarchy of needs?

●     Watch for Facebook and Instagram posts about this episode.

●     Answer with the correct answer and you plus a charity of your choice can each win $50.

●     After a winning selection, Military Minute participants are eligible for another selection after 12 months.

Tom closes the episode by asking listeners to go to www.afbank.com and subscribe to the show, as well as leave a rating and comment on your favorite podcast platform such as Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

Join us to hear how to better navigate your finances, military life, and the crossroads of the two.

Visit www.afbank.com

In this episode of “Militarily Speaking,” Tom, Jodi, and guest Lila Quintiliani, Program Director for Financial Benefits Education at the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA), discuss the need for financial education and saving for retirement, understanding healthcare benefits and social security, and how MOAA is playing a pivotal role in easing the transition period for military families.

“Militarily Speaking” is a podcast produced by Armed Forces Bank that is dedicated to the military lifestyle and all the things that makes military community who they are.

Jodi introduces Lila Quintiliani, the Program Director for Financial Benefits Education at the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA), and asks Lila to discuss the crucial role of MOAA. MOAA is a non-profit, non-partisan legislative advocacy organization that serves as a significant player in advocating for the pay and benefits of the entire military community, including active duty, retirees, and veterans.

As the program director, Lila develops and manages MOAA's financial and benefits counseling, education, and consumer advice. She provides members with personalized and comprehensive financial advice and military and veterans benefits information assistance. In addition, she also conducts offsite classes and presentations to educate audiences on various financial topics such as investments, retirement planning, risk management, insurance, savings program, credit issues, taxes, estate planning, consumer awareness, survivor issues, and military veterans corporate benefit programs.

The importance of education is highlighted, with a particular emphasis on how the needs for this education can vary by age group and demographic within the military community. Lila discusses the significance of saving for retirement, noting how crucial it is for military families to understand this necessity.

She also discusses the importance of understanding healthcare benefits and social security. These are two key areas that can often be sources of confusion or uncertainty for military families. Lila highlights how the MOAA is stepping up to address these issues, offering webinars and other services to help educate and guide these families.

Lila discusses MOAA's innovative approach to the survivor benefit plan, mentioning that they are gearing up for a virtual open season this year. This initiative shows MOAA's adaptability in responding to the current circumstances and its dedication to providing the necessary resources and support to military families.

Lila then provides her insights on military coalitions, legislation, and financial preparedness. She delves into the importance of being part of the military coalition and how being part of a larger voice helps in pushing for legislation changes.

She mentions that MOAA is part of a coalition of 35 organizations, including well-known names like Wounded Warrior, Blue Star Families, and MFA. Even though these organizations might not always agree, they come together to amplify their voices on Capitol Hill, making them more effective in their advocacy efforts.

Lila also brings to light how certain legislative issues can take years, even decades, to resolve. She gives examples of ongoing issues such as the widows tax, the repeal of the SBP-DIC offset that they are still fighting for. She also discusses the importance of military pay and how they've been closing the gap in comparison to civilian counterparts.

Discussing financial preparedness, Lila stresses the importance of having an emergency fund in place. She mentions that financial uncertainty, such as a government shutdown, can quickly turn into a crisis situation. She emphasizes the need to triage expenses, cutting back on non-essentials, and even temporarily halting contributions to retirement funds or aggressive debt repayments during these times. She also encourages listeners to be open to tapping into their emergency fund during such crises.

Lila also talks about the Military Officers Association of America's two foundations - the Crisis Relief Fund and the Scholarship Fund. The Crisis Relief Fund offers financial assistance to the military community in times of financial distress or unforeseen circumstances. On the other hand, the Scholarship Fund provides educational scholarships to military families, supporting their aspirations for higher education.

Jodi introduces the Military Minute segment of the show, beginning by closing out last episode’s Military Minute.

●     Last episode’s Military Minute: How many partner schools currently support the Heart of America Patriot Foundation?

●     Answer: 31

●     This week’s Military Minute question: What Netflix shows has been the most of all time by both hours watched and views?

●     Watch for Facebook and Instagram posts about this episode.

●     Answer with the correct answer and you plus a charity of your choice can each win $50.

●     After a winning selection, Military Minute participants are eligible for another selection after 12 months.

Tom closes the episode by asking listeners to go to www.afbank.com and subscribe to the show, as well as leave a rating and comment on your favorite podcast platform such as Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

Join us to hear how to better navigate your finances, military life, and the crossroads of the two.

Visit www.afbank.com