Rear Admiral Christopher J. Cavanaugh, Commander, Submarine Force, U. S. Pacific Fleet, 
joins Mission San Diego Military to share inside stories from the “silent service,” submarine life, and warfighting in the Pacific. He discusses nuclear submarines, training pipelines, and high‑demand careers for veterans in America’s finest military city. Listen Where You Live!

About SDMAC 

The San Diego Military Advisory Council (SDMAC) was founded in 2004 with a mission to support and promote the mutual business and other interests of the military, their quality of life, and the defense community in the San Diego area. SDMAC advocates on behalf of our military, those who serve or have served, and their families throughout the greater San Diego region.

SDMAC’s vision is to create an exemplary model of military-civilian partnership, where the San Diego community and the military are seamlessly integrated, mutually supportive, and thriving together, exemplifying the ideal military-civilian partnership for the rest of the nation to emulate.

For more information on SDMAC, please visit them at Home - San Diego Military Advisory Council (SDMAC). 

About American Military University 

"We've Got Your Six" is deeply embedded into the ethos of American Military University.  We take great pride in our rich military heritage and have been committed to educating those who serve since 1991.  Whether you are stationed on base, deployed, or transitioning from the military to civilian workforce, our 200+ flexible online programs allow you to learn anywhere and anytime, enabling you to fulfill your commitments to your family, the military, and your career.

To learn more about American Military University, please visit them at Home - American Military University

About Cloudcast Media  

"Mission: San Diego Military" is part of Cloudcast Media's line-up of powerful local podcasts, telling the stories, highlighting the people, and celebrating the gravitational power of local.  

For more information on Cloudcast and its shows and cities served, please visit www.cloudcastmedia.us. Cloudcast Media | the national leader in local podcasting.  Listen Where You Live.

David Hyman, Brigadier General and Commanding General of Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego and the Western Recruiting Region, discusses recruit training, force design, and innovation in today’s Marine Corps. He joins Mission San Diego Military to talk eligibility, drill instructors, military families, SDMAC, and life in America’s finest military community for veterans and service members. Listen Where You Live!

About SDMAC 

The San Diego Military Advisory Council (SDMAC) was founded in 2004 with a mission to support and promote the mutual business and other interests of the military, their quality of life, and the defense community in the San Diego area. SDMAC advocates on behalf of our military, those who serve or have served, and their families throughout the greater San Diego region.

SDMAC’s vision is to create an exemplary model of military-civilian partnership, where the San Diego community and the military are seamlessly integrated, mutually supportive, and thriving together, exemplifying the ideal military-civilian partnership for the rest of the nation to emulate.

For more information on SDMAC, please visit them at Home - San Diego Military Advisory Council (SDMAC). 

About American Military University 

"We've Got Your Six" is deeply embedded into the ethos of American Military University.  We take great pride in our rich military heritage and have been committed to educating those who serve since 1991.  Whether you are stationed on base, deployed, or transitioning from the military to civilian workforce, our 200+ flexible online programs allow you to learn anywhere and anytime, enabling you to fulfill your commitments to your family, the military, and your career.

To learn more about American Military University, please visit them at Home - American Military University

About Cloudcast Media  

"Mission: San Diego Military" is part of Cloudcast Media's line-up of powerful local podcasts, telling the stories, highlighting the people, and celebrating the gravitational power of local.  

For more information on Cloudcast and its shows and cities served, please visit www.cloudcastmedia.us. Cloudcast Media | the national leader in local podcasting.  Listen Where You Live.

Welcome to a SPECIAL "fusion" episode created between "Spotlight" and "Mission: San Diego Mission" to discuss SB 1407, an initiative to exempt military pensions from California state taxation.  The episode took place on the USS Midway to support a press conference held by the San Diego Military Advisory Council and its CEO, David Boone.  

The special combined episode of two Cloudcast Media podcasts, co-hosted by Charles Parisi and Noa Brady, discussed the importance of retaining veterans in California. Guests included Neil O'Connell, Executive Director of the Mount Soledad National Veterans Memorial, Christina Pineda, a 12-year Navy veteran and a Director with Courage to Call, a program from TURN Behavioral Health, and David Boone, the CEO of the San Diego Military Advisory Council, one of the key leaders for SB 1407.  They emphasized the economic and social benefits of veterans' contributions, highlighting the significant volunteer hours and leadership skills they bring. The conversation also touched on SB 1407, a bill aimed at exempting veterans' retirement income from state taxes, and the need for community support to pass this legislation.

Recorded aboard the historic USS Midway, they unpack SB 1407, a California bill focused on retaining veterans in the state, and examine:

• The economic impact of veterans’ pensions and spending power in California  
• The hidden value of volunteerism, leadership, and community service veterans provide  
• The multi-generational consequences when veterans and their families leave the state  
• Why supporting SB 1407 is about quality of life, community strength, and long-term prosperity 

About SDMAC 

The San Diego Military Advisory Council (SDMAC) was founded in 2004 with a mission to support and promote the mutual business and other interests of the military, their quality of life, and the defense community in the San Diego area. SDMAC advocates on behalf of our military, those who serve or have served, and their families throughout the greater San Diego region.

SDMAC’s vision is to create an exemplary model of military-civilian partnership, where the San Diego community and the military are seamlessly integrated, mutually supportive, and thriving together, exemplifying the ideal military-civilian partnership for the rest of the nation to emulate.

For more information on SDMAC, please visit them at Home - San Diego Military Advisory Council (SDMAC). 

About American Military University 

"We've Got Your Six" is deeply embedded into the ethos of American Military University.  We take great pride in our rich military heritage and have been committed to educating those who serve since 1991.  Whether you are stationed on base, deployed, or transitioning from the military to civilian workforce, our 200+ flexible online programs allow you to learn anywhere and anytime, enabling you to fulfill your commitments to your family, the military, and your career.

To learn more about American Military University, please visit them at Home - American Military University

About Cloudcast Media  

"Mission: San Diego Military" is part of Cloudcast Media's line-up of powerful local podcasts, telling the stories, highlighting the people, and celebrating the gravitational power of local.  

For more information on Cloudcast and its shows and cities served, please visit www.cloudcastmedia.us. Cloudcast Media | the national leader in local podcasting.  Listen Where You Live.

Welcome to a SPECIAL "fusion" episode created between "Spotlight" and "Mission: San Diego Mission" to discuss SB 1407, an initiative to exempt military pensions from California state taxation.  The episode took place on the USS Midway to support a press conference held by the San Diego Military Advisory Council and its CEO, David Boone.  

In this episode, Charles Parisi, the CEO of Cloudcast Media, filled in for Drew Schlosberg and David Boone (the co-host of Mission: San Diego Military) and was joined by Noa Brady with Cloudcast Media, during a conversation with Pete Mirisola, a 30 year Navy veteran and current AI & Autonomy leader for a global aerospace and defense indsutry company.  

About SDMAC 

The San Diego Military Advisory Council (SDMAC) was founded in 2004 with a mission to support and promote the mutual business and other interests of the military, their quality of life, and the defense community in the San Diego area. SDMAC advocates on behalf of our military, those who serve or have served, and their families throughout the greater San Diego region.

SDMAC’s vision is to create an exemplary model of military-civilian partnership, where the San Diego community and the military are seamlessly integrated, mutually supportive, and thriving together, exemplifying the ideal military-civilian partnership for the rest of the nation to emulate.

For more information on SDMAC, please visit them at Home - San Diego Military Advisory Council (SDMAC). 

About American Military University 

"We've Got Your Six" is deeply embedded into the ethos of American Military University.  We take great pride in our rich military heritage and have been committed to educating those who serve since 1991.  Whether you are stationed on base, deployed, or transitioning from the military to civilian workforce, our 200+ flexible online programs allow you to learn anywhere and anytime, enabling you to fulfill your commitments to your family, the military, and your career.

To learn more about American Military University, please visit them at Home - American Military University

About Cloudcast Media  

"Mission: San Diego Military" is part of Cloudcast Media's line-up of powerful local podcasts, telling the stories, highlighting the people, and celebrating the gravitational power of local.  

For more information on Cloudcast and its shows and cities served, please visit www.cloudcastmedia.us. Cloudcast Media | the national leader in local podcasting.  Listen Where You Live.

Cpt. Henry Kim, Commodore Amphibious Squadron Five, shares powerful stories of Navy–Marine Corps teamwork, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, and preparing for future conflict in the Pacific. He discusses expeditionary advanced base operations, unmanned systems, AI, and how his sailors serve the San Diego community through groups like Feeding San Diego. Listen Where You Live!

About SDMAC 

The San Diego Military Advisory Council (SDMAC) was founded in 2004 with a mission to support and promote the mutual business and other interests of the military, their quality of life, and the defense community in the San Diego area. SDMAC advocates on behalf of our military, those who serve or have served, and their families throughout the greater San Diego region.

SDMAC’s vision is to create an exemplary model of military-civilian partnership, where the San Diego community and the military are seamlessly integrated, mutually supportive, and thriving together, exemplifying the ideal military-civilian partnership for the rest of the nation to emulate.

For more information on SDMAC, please visit them at Home - San Diego Military Advisory Council (SDMAC). 

About American Military University 

"We've Got Your Six" is deeply embedded into the ethos of American Military University.  We take great pride in our rich military heritage and have been committed to educating those who serve since 1991.  Whether you are stationed on base, deployed, or transitioning from the military to civilian workforce, our 200+ flexible online programs allow you to learn anywhere and anytime, enabling you to fulfill your commitments to your family, the military, and your career.

To learn more about American Military University, please visit them at Home - American Military University

About Cloudcast Media  

"Mission: San Diego Military" is part of Cloudcast Media's line-up of powerful local podcasts, telling the stories, highlighting the people, and celebrating the gravitational power of local.  

For more information on Cloudcast and its shows and cities served, please visit www.cloudcastmedia.us. Cloudcast Media | the national leader in local podcasting.  Listen Where You Live.

Staci Reidinger, Co-Founder and Director of Cause San Diego, and Kevin Cortes, Co-Founder of Veterans Beer Club and Marine Corps veteran, discuss the real barriers of military transition, from losing purpose and camaraderie to navigating networking and employment. They share practical advice on finding community, leveraging mentorship, and staying in Southern California after service. Listen Where You Live!

About SDMAC 

The San Diego Military Advisory Council (SDMAC) was founded in 2004 with a mission to support and promote the mutual business and other interests of the military, their quality of life, and the defense community in the San Diego area. SDMAC advocates on behalf of our military, those who serve or have served, and their families throughout the greater San Diego region.

SDMAC’s vision is to create an exemplary model of military-civilian partnership, where the San Diego community and the military are seamlessly integrated, mutually supportive, and thriving together, exemplifying the ideal military-civilian partnership for the rest of the nation to emulate.

For more information on SDMAC, please visit them at Home - San Diego Military Advisory Council (SDMAC). 

About American Military University 

"We've Got Your Six" is deeply embedded into the ethos of American Military University.  We take great pride in our rich military heritage and have been committed to educating those who serve since 1991.  Whether you are stationed on base, deployed, or transitioning from the military to civilian workforce, our 200+ flexible online programs allow you to learn anywhere and anytime, enabling you to fulfill your commitments to your family, the military, and your career.

To learn more about American Military University, please visit them at Home - American Military University

About Cloudcast Media  

"Mission: San Diego Military" is part of Cloudcast Media's line-up of powerful local podcasts, telling the stories, highlighting the people, and celebrating the gravitational power of local.  

For more information on Cloudcast and its shows and cities served, please visit www.cloudcastmedia.us. Cloudcast Media | the national leader in local podcasting.  Listen Where You Live.  

Maggie Meza, Executive Director of Blue Star Families' San Diego Chapter, and Chris Thorne, CEO of The North San Diego Business Chamber, discuss how Blue Star Families and business leaders create real careers, community, and belonging after the DD‑214. Learn about jobs, small business, and staying in California as a Veteran. Thank you for listening.

About SDMAC 

The San Diego Military Advisory Council (SDMAC) was founded in 2004 with a mission to support and promote the mutual business and other interests of the military, their quality of life, and the defense community in the San Diego area. SDMAC advocates on behalf of our military, those who serve or have served, and their families throughout the greater San Diego region.

SDMAC’s vision is to create an exemplary model of military-civilian partnership, where the San Diego community and the military are seamlessly integrated, mutually supportive, and thriving together, exemplifying the ideal military-civilian partnership for the rest of the nation to emulate.

For more information on SDMAC, please visit them at Home - San Diego Military Advisory Council (SDMAC). 

About American Military University 

"We've Got Your Six" is deeply embedded into the ethos of American Military University.  We take great pride in our rich military heritage and have been committed to educating those who serve since 1991.  Whether you are stationed on base, deployed, or transitioning from the military to civilian workforce, our 200+ flexible online programs allow you to learn anywhere and anytime, enabling you to fulfill your commitments to your family, the military, and your career.

To learn more about American Military University, please visit them at Home - American Military University

About Cloudcast Media  

"Mission: San Diego Military" is part of Cloudcast Media's line-up of powerful local podcasts, telling the stories, highlighting the people, and celebrating the gravitational power of local.  

For more information on Cloudcast and its shows and cities served, please visit www.cloudcastmedia.us. Cloudcast Media | the national leader in local podcasting.  Listen Where You Live.

This episode of the "Mission San Diego Military" podcast, hosted by David Boone and Drew Schlosberg, features discussions on the challenges faced by transitioning military and veterans in California. They highlight the need to retain veterans, noting a decline from 1.3 million to 600,000 over 20 years. Jeff Forbes from The Patriot Group emphasizes the importance of veteran-friendly businesses and the need for better certification processes. Tracy Steele from Hiring Our Heroes discusses their Military Spouse Career Accelerator Pilot, which has helped over 1,300 spouses find employment. The conversation underscores the need for community support and flexible employment opportunities for military families and veterans.

Guest Introductions and Initial Discussion

• Jeff Forbes and Tracy Steele introduce themselves and express their excitement about the podcast.
• David Boone sets the stage for the discussion, mentioning the legislative agenda to retain and attract veterans to California.
• David talks about the Cal Vet Executive Summit in San Diego, where panel sessions addressed the issues of transitioning military and veterans.

Mission of The Patriot Group and Hiring Our Heroes

• Jeff Forbes explains the mission of The Patriot Group: to help employees, especially veterans, buy homes in Southern California.
• Tracy Steele describes the mission of Hiring Our Heroes: to support military transitioning service members, veterans, military spouses, and caregivers in finding employment.
• Tracy shares her personal experience as a military spouse, emphasizing the challenges of maintaining a career while moving frequently.

Challenges Faced by Military Families and Veterans

• David Boone shares his experience of moving 15 times in 30 years and the challenges faced by military families.
• Jeff Forbes discusses the lack of training in trades in the U.S. compared to other countries and the need to promote trades to veterans.
• Tracy highlights the high unemployment rate among military spouses and the misconception that they are only good at administrative roles.

Efforts to Retain Veterans in California

• David Boone talks about the legislative agenda to retain veterans in California and the importance of community support.
• Jeff Forbes emphasizes the need for actual partnerships with organizations that hire veterans, not just photo ops.
• Tracy discusses the importance of relationship development with employers to help military spouses find meaningful employment.

Military Spouse Career Accelerator Pilot

• Tracy Steele introduces the Military Spouse Career Accelerator Pilot, which has helped over 1300 military spouses find employment.
• The program has an 86% follow-on employment rate, and the Department of Defense is transitioning it into an enduring program.
• David Boone expresses pride in the program and its potential for exponential growth.

Promoting Veteran-Friendly Business Practices

• Jeff Forbes discusses the importance of promoting veteran-friendly business practices and the challenges of veteran certification in California.
• David Boone talks about the need to streamline the certification process for veteran-owned businesses.
• Tracy Steele emphasizes the importance of understanding the unique skills and experiences of military spouses.

Supporting Veterans and Military Spouses

• Tracy Steele encourages employers to support military spouses and veterans by providing pathways to employment.
• Jeff Forbes calls on business owners to get involved in the veteran community and ensure their hiring practices are veteran-friendly.
• David Boone advises business leaders to review their veteran hiring policies and consider the unique skills veterans bring to the table.

Final Thoughts and Call to Action

• Jeff Forbes emphasizes the need for real action to retain veterans in California and the importance of providing pathways for veterans.
• David Boone encourages business leaders to take a hard look at their veteran hiring practices and consider the unique skills veterans offer.
• Tracy Steele highlights the importance of meeting military spouses and providing opportunities for them to grow and advance in their careers.

Enjoy the episode and get ready for an incredible season ahead. Be sure to like, subscribe, and share! 

About SDMAC 

The San Diego Military Advisory Council (SDMAC) was founded in 2004 with a mission to support and promote the mutual business and other interests of the military, their quality of life, and the defense community in the San Diego area. SDMAC advocates on behalf of our military, those who serve or have served, and their families throughout the greater San Diego region.

SDMAC’s vision is to create an exemplary model of military-civilian partnership, where the San Diego community and the military are seamlessly integrated, mutually supportive, and thriving together, exemplifying the ideal military-civilian partnership for the rest of the nation to emulate.

For more information on SDMAC, please visit them at Home - San Diego Military Advisory Council (SDMAC). 

About American Military University 

"We've Got Your Six" is deeply embedded into the ethos of American Military University.  We take great pride in our rich military heritage and have been committed to educating those who serve since 1991.  Whether you are stationed on base, deployed, or transitioning from the military to civilian workforce, our 200+ flexible online programs allow you to learn anywhere and anytime, enabling you to fulfill your commitments to your family, the military, and your career.

To learn more about American Military University, please visit them at Home - American Military University

About Cloudcast Media  

"Mission: San Diego Military" is part of Cloudcast Media's line-up of powerful local podcasts, telling the stories, highlighting the people, and celebrating the gravitational power of local.  

For more information on Cloudcast and its shows and cities served, please visit www.cloudcastmedia.us. Cloudcast Media | the national leader in local podcasting.  Listen Where You Live.  

The conversation is a wrap-up of the 18th annual Achievement Awards hosted by the San Diego Military Advisory Council (SDMAC) and co-hosted by Drew Schlosberg of Cloudcast Media and David Boone, CEO of SDMAC. The event included a reception and auction to benefit the SDMAC Foundation. The podcast, Mission San Diego Military, was launched with the first episode, and the hosts expressed excitement for the upcoming 32 episodes. They highlighted the importance of the San Diego military community and the success of the event, which recognized top military leaders and innovations. The podcast aims to educate the public about the San Diego military's contributions and achievements.

Enjoy the episode and get ready for an incredible season ahead. Be sure to like, subscribe, and share! 

About SDMAC 

The San Diego Military Advisory Council (SDMAC) was founded in 2004 with a mission to support and promote the mutual business and other interests of the military, their quality of life, and the defense community in the San Diego area. SDMAC advocates on behalf of our military, those who serve or have served, and their families throughout the greater San Diego region.

SDMAC’s vision is to create an exemplary model of military-civilian partnership, where the San Diego community and the military are seamlessly integrated, mutually supportive, and thriving together, exemplifying the ideal military-civilian partnership for the rest of the nation to emulate.

For more information on SDMAC, please visit them at Home - San Diego Military Advisory Council (SDMAC). 

About American Military University 

"We've Got Your Six" is deeply embedded into the ethos of American Military University.  We take great pride in our rich military heritage and have been committed to educating those who serve since 1991.  Whether you are stationed on base, deployed, or transitioning from the military to civilian workforce, our 200+ flexible online programs allow you to learn anywhere and anytime, enabling you to fulfill your commitments to your family, the military, and your career.

To learn more about American Military University, please visit them at Home - American Military University

About Cloudcast Media  

"Mission: San Diego Military" is part of Cloudcast Media's line-up of powerful local podcasts, telling the stories, highlighting the people, and celebrating the gravitational power of local.  

For more information on Cloudcast and its shows and cities served, please visit www.cloudcastmedia.us. Cloudcast Media | the national leader in local podcasting.  Listen Where You Live.

In this special episode recorded at SDMAC's Achievement Awards, co-host Drew Schlosberg interviews Ron Stark. Ron discusses the Veterans Coalition's efforts, which involve over 150 organizations focusing on physical and emotional health for veterans. He emphasizes the importance of military spouses in supporting veterans and the need for employment opportunities. Ron highlights the significant economic impact of the military in San Diego, contributing $38 billion in direct spending and nearly $60 billion in indirect spending. The podcast aims to raise awareness of SDMAC's work and the importance of supporting veterans and their families.

Enjoy the episode and get ready for an incredible season ahead. Be sure to like, subscribe, and share! 

About SDMAC 

The San Diego Military Advisory Council (SDMAC) was founded in 2004 with a mission to support and promote the mutual business and other interests of the military, their quality of life, and the defense community in the San Diego area. SDMAC advocates on behalf of our military, those who serve or have served, and their families throughout the greater San Diego region.

SDMAC’s vision is to create an exemplary model of military-civilian partnership, where the San Diego community and the military are seamlessly integrated, mutually supportive, and thriving together, exemplifying the ideal military-civilian partnership for the rest of the nation to emulate.

For more information on SDMAC, please visit them at Home - San Diego Military Advisory Council (SDMAC). 

About American Military University 

"We've Got Your Six" is deeply embedded into the ethos of American Military University.  We take great pride in our rich military heritage and have been committed to educating those who serve since 1991.  Whether you are stationed on base, deployed, or transitioning from the military to civilian workforce, our 200+ flexible online programs allow you to learn anywhere and anytime, enabling you to fulfill your commitments to your family, the military, and your career.

To learn more about American Military University, please visit them at Home - American Military University

About Cloudcast Media  

"Mission: San Diego Military" is part of Cloudcast Media's line-up of powerful local podcasts, telling the stories, highlighting the people, and celebrating the gravitational power of local.  

For more information on Cloudcast and its shows and cities served, please visit www.cloudcastmedia.us. Cloudcast Media | the national leader in local podcasting.  Listen Where You Live.