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Roughly 1.25% of the Air Force hold the rank of Chief Master Sergeant. It’s already a tough milestone to achieve.

Tiffany Zaloudek is someone who did just that and made even more history recently by becoming the first female survival, evasion, resistance, escape (SERE) specialist to earn the rank of Chief Master Sergeant, the highest enlisted rank in the U.S. Air Force.

SERE training is one of the most rigorous programs in the military, designed to prepare Airmen for survival in extreme conditions, evading capture, resisting interrogation, and escaping captivity.

Although not the first female SERE specialist, when she earned her beret in 2007, she broke an eight-year dry spell in which no women had graduated from the specialized training course. Reflecting on her initial recruitment, she remembers her recruiter handing her a SERE brochure with no women in it.

Her career is a testament to her dedication, resilience, and impact on SERE training and culture, inspiring countless Airmen. 

Tiffany now holds the highest enlisted rank, breaking barriers and paving the way for future generations of female service members in elite and challenging roles.

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Jennifer Marshall is a proud Navy veteran, EMT, Cancer Survivor and vocal advocate for the military veteran community. 

You may know her as the host of Mysteries Decoded on the CW (yes, she really is a licensed Private Investigator), or as Max's mom on Netflix's hit, Stranger Things. 

Other shows she's appeared on include NCIS, Hawaii Five-0, and Nickelodeon's Game Shakers, to name a few.

From her early days in the military to making a name for herself in Hollywood, Jennifer's story is a testament to perseverance, adaptability, and the relentless pursuit of dreams.

This episode discusses motherhood, military service, and embracing life’s unpredictability.

Connect with Passing The Torch: Facebook and IG: @torchmartin

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Jenna Carlton is the founder of The Millennial Veteran and the podcast Vet Chats. 

She utilizes her voice and platforms to engage in conversations with other veterans, focusing on their experiences and perspectives. 

Her Instagram page reaches millions of veterans per month and provides a space to openly discuss the emotional side of transitioning out of the military. 

Jenna blends personal stories, insights, and discussions about the challenges and triumphs faced by veterans, particularly from a millennial viewpoint. 

Her aim is to foster understanding and community among veterans while highlighting issues relevant to their lives and experiences.

Jenna is also a monthly columnist for Task & Purpose as well as the author of The Veteran Workbook, a journal-style book to help veterans reflect on service and plan for a successful future.

This episode will help veterans find their way and work as an initial guide for transitioning people writing a new chapter in their life.

Connect with Passing The Torch: Facebook and IG: @torchmartin

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Episode 41: Lee Ellis – Freeing You From Bond That Make You Insecure

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James Brackin IV, the host of the "You Can Too" podcast, joins Passing The Torch to discuss the concept of "invisible progress," the importance of persistence, and reframing rejection. 

James shares his journey in podcasting, past personal losses, and the value of resilience. 

They also discuss leveraging networks, setting dream guest lists, and maintaining mindfulness. 

James emphasizes the Four Ps: Passion, Purpose, Persistence, and Patience. 

The episode is a profound exploration of overcoming challenges, redefining success, and the enduring power of self-belief and personal growth.

Thank you for tuning in! Let's continue to inspire and grow together, Passing The Torch one conversation at a time. 🔥

#Podcast #JamesBrackinIV #InvisibleProgress #Mindfulness #Resilience #PersonalGrowth #PassingTheTorch #MartinFoster #YouCanToo #Inspiration #Motivation #Meditation

Connect with Passing The Torch: Facebook and IG: @torchmartin

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Episode 41: Lee Ellis – Freeing You From Bond That Make You Insecure

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Travis Wilson is a 21-year military veteran who spent 13 years as a U.S. Army Green Beret. 

Travis entered the Army in 1995 as an Airborne Medic with the goal of one day becoming an 18D Green Beret Medic. After 6 years in the service, Travis left the Army to attend Boise State University, where he studied Exercise Science and played hockey for the ACHA club hockey program. 

After completing school, Travis returned to the Army to complete his special forces training and was chosen to be an 18E Communications Specialist. He was then assigned to the 10th Special Forces Group out of Colorado Springs where he remained until his retirement in 2017.

While serving as a Green Beret Travis also started a supplement nutrition store called Caliber Nutrition. After juggling the challenges of active duty and a supplement store along with multiple deployments, Travis decided that it was time to retire and start his own product line, called Alpha Elite Performance – a brand founded upon the consummate professionalism and high physical fitness standards characteristic of the Special Forces community.

Established in Colorado Springs, CO. Alpha Elite Performance reflects Travis’ dedication to the provision of high-quality supplements not just for Green Berets, but for all active-duty military and civilians alike.

He is also the Director of Mission and Program Delivery at the Green Beret Foundation.

Connect with Passing The Torch: Facebook and IG: @torchmartin

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Background: 
The incredibly talented singer-songwriter Jessica Meuse. Hailing from Slapout, Alabama, Jessica's path to stardom hasn't been straightforward. She opens up about her struggles with bullying, her early start in music, and the riveting moment her career took a pivotal turn during a nerve-wracking talent show at just 10 years old.

After spending several years as an unsigned musician, Jessica Meuse finished in fourth place on the thirteenth season of American Idol.

Her debut album, What's So Hard About Bein' a Man, was self-released in 2011, three years before she gained national exposure on reality television.

While competing on American Idol, she became the first person in the history of the series to perform an original song during the finals.

Jessica's second album, Halfhearted, was released on August 3, 2018, through Warrior Records.

Episode Summary: 
Jessica takes us on a journey through her time on "American Idol," where she captivated audiences with her unique sound, a blend of Stevie Nicks and Janis Joplin, and made history as the first contestant to perform an original song during the finals. She reminisces about her demanding yet enlightening experiences on reality TV shows, including "The Voice," and her aspirations beyond music, which now include a meaningful career in the Coast Guard.

In this candid conversation, Jessica emphasizes the power of perseverance, finding one's community, and using music as a universal language to inspire and enact positive change. Her anecdotes are filled with humor and resilience, whether she's recounting amusing tour mishaps or the intense bond she shares with her fanbase, the "Muse Mafia." Join us for an insightful episode filled with wisdom, emotional reflections, and inspiring stories from a truly unique artist.

Connect with Passing The Torch: Facebook and IG: @torchmartin

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Former U.S. Navy SEAL and author of And Goliath: The Littlest SEAL's Inspirational Story About Living Your Biggest Life,  David Brown, who was the unlikeliest of candidates for the world's most grueling military selection process.

Standing just 5' 3" and weighing 110 pounds, he was unlike any of the others around him who aspired to be SEALs. But through dogged determination and an iron will, he overcame every obstacle that life put in front of him to achieve his dream of becoming a SEAL.

David Brown's life has been one of perseverance, tenacity, and achievement—from childhood adventures, to love lost and found, to BUD/S, the Teams, an exciting career at NCIS, and then a steady climb to the top echelons of Federal law enforcement. And  Goliath is his story through military life and what comes after—the good and the bad.

Told with raw honesty and unwavering courage, And Goliath is more than just a memoir—it's a testament to the power of perseverance. David’s inspirational tale reveals how facing your own Goliaths can lead you to live your biggest life possible.

Background: With more than three decades of experience with the federal government, including active-duty military service and Special Agent positions with the Naval Criminal Investigative Service, Environmental Protection Agency Criminal Investigation Division, and The Department of Interior Office of Inspector General David W. Brown has opened a new chapter in his pursuit of happiness and authored his first book.

After seven years of active duty in the US Navy as a UDT/SEAL and twenty-eight years as a federal Special Agent, David decided to write the book he had been contemplating for decades. 

Connect with Passing The Torch: Facebook and IG: @torchmartin

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Zac Pitts is a news personality and owner of ZP Media and Consulting. In this episode he shares his remarkable journey from setbacks to success and the invaluable lessons he learned along the way.

In you this episode you will learn the importance of maintaining a growth mindset, how setbacks can act as springboards, and why embracing imperfections and self-awareness are crucial for personal development.

Join Us in Celebrating Growth and Resilience: This episode is packed with insights that highlight the value of adaptability, mentorship, and continuous learning. Whether you're looking for inspiration or practical tips on personal growth, this episode is a must-listen.

Connect with Passing The Torch: Facebook and IG: @torchmartin

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Sammie’s story is a testament to resilience, growth, and the impact of authentic connections. Whether reflecting on challenging moments like her early career hurdles or sharing the joy of reconnecting with old friends, Sammie’s perspective is both enlightening and motivating.

Sammie’s journey is a testament to the power of change. ✅ 🌟 Discover the impact of curating your tribe, the importance of mental health, and leadership insights that will leave you motivated and ready to conquer your own challenges. 

Connect with Passing The Torch: Facebook and IG: @torchmartin

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Kai Billings, an Air Force officer and co-founder of CRE8 Force, shares his enlightening experiences from a recent conference and dives deep into the importance of fostering insightful conversations within the military community. 

We'll explore the genesis of CRE8 Force—a unique platform that combines podcasting, storytelling, and short-form content to tackle untold airmen stories and critical issues. Additionally, Kai opens up about his journey to the Air Force Academy, the power of teamwork, and the vital role of social media in connecting with the younger generation. 

Stay tuned as we discuss leadership, the impact of criticism, and some heartwarming personal anecdotes that are sure to inspire. Let's get into it!

Connect with Passing The Torch: Facebook and IG: @torchmartin

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Episode 41: Lee Ellis – Freeing You From Bond That Make You Insecure

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