Raven Conversations

On this episode, Jason sits down with three Washington National Guard Airmen who volunteered for the massive effort to help Afghanistan Evacuees transition to life in America. They traveled to Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst in New Jersey where they were a part of more than 200 Airmen working 24 hour operations helping more than 9,500 evacuees continue their journey to the U.S. They worked long, tireless days assisting with tasks like acquiring and distributing everyday household items, hygiene products, clothing, baby products. They helped quarantine refugees who have been exposed to infectious diseases, not just COVID-19, but measles and chickenpox among others. But probably their most important responsibilities they had were the the connections they made along the way. These Airmen were some of the first Americans the refugees saw. The impression that they made on the families and children that were going through a very traumatizing experience, will undoubtedly last a lifetime.

Joe Siemandel, the State Public Affairs Officer, and Karina Shagren, the Military Department's Communications Director, sit down and chat with Adam Wasserman, the manager for the state's Enhanced 911 system. He talks about the history of the E-911 system, how it works and what the future holds with the new Text-To-911 features that are becoming more popular across the country.

September is Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month and on this episode we talk to Jennika Cardenas. Jennika is the R3SP Coordinator for the state and she brought with her a long-time member of the Washington National Guard, Aaron McCarthy. Aaron opens up to us and shares his heart wrenching story and his battles with TBI and PTSD.

24/7 Veteran and Military Crisis Line: 1-800-273-8255 Press 1

or Text 838255

Military OneSource: 1-800-342-9647

Family Program Hotline at the JSS (Building 3) 1-800-364-7492

Jennika Cardenas, R3SP Coordinator: 253-318-9827

All American Heroes Foundation: www.aahfdn.com

Today's episode is a special one. It's Pride Month and we invited a few members of the LGBTQ community to come in and talk about their experiences serving openly in the military and the Washington National Guard. We talked with Chief Warrant Officer 4 Valerie Mariano, 1st Lt. Johanna Lockhart, Capt. Callie Kiaunis and Travis Linares-Hengen, who works in the Emergency Management Division. Travis's story is particularly compelling as he was discharged under the Don't Ask, Don't Tell policy - a policy that has since been rescinded and now allows LGBTQ service members to serve without repercussions.

This is probably the most open, honest and candid discussion that we've ever had on this podcast. I hope the stories and experiences you will hear in this episode with help enlighten you to the hardships that these service members endured during their careers and still continue to go through. There is much work still to be done.

Some of the language you will hear can be offensive to some listeners.

It's is now June and we are marching right into fire season. That fun time of year where we all come together to fight a common enemy. Department of Natural Resources are reporting more than 400 fires this calendar year already. Those can range from small backyard fires that get a little bit out of control to larger fires that require a crew of firefighters to extinguish. So the dry, hot conditions are ripe for another more active than usual fire season.

I talked with Angie Lane from DNR and Sgt. 1st Class Stefhan Larkin with the Guard. We chatted about some of the conditions that make for an active fire season, what it takes to be Red Card certified and a couple funny stories from the front lines of the wildfires.

If you have any ideas for future episodes please send me an email at [email protected]

In this episode I sat down with Jeff Hehe and Dakota Ross. Dakota was a student at the Washington Youth Academy and Jeff was his mentor. We talked about the mentor/mentee relationship, how Jeff was instrumental in Dakota's education and how one can volunteer as a mentor.

If you would like to get more information on how to apply to be a mentor at the academy, send an email to: [email protected]

The month of May is recognized as Mental Health Awareness Month. Each year millions of people are diagnosed and live with some sort of mental illness, ranging from stress and anxiety to ADD or OCD. Many of our Guard service members are tasked to serve in extremely stressful situation and that can take a toll on our mental health. Luckily we have a whole slew of professional life counselors at your service to help you get the assistance you need.

In this episode, I sat down with Jennika Cardenas from the Joint Services Support, Lanny Harris, a life counselor, Monique Jordan, a Military and Family Life Counselor, and Major Nichole Mogharreban, a Behavioral Health Officer for the State Surgeon.

If you find this conversation helpful and you would like to reach out to any of our panel members, please find their contact information below:

Maj. Nichole Mogharreban | 253-512-8632 | [email protected]

Lanny Harris | o: 253-512-7980 c: 253-273-1769 | [email protected]

Monique Jordan | [email protected]

Jennika Cardenas | [email protected] | o: 253-512-1357 c: 253-318-9827

In this episode Sara sits down with the members of the G5 staff, Lt. Col. Joshua Daily, Maj. Steven Riley, Capt. Jack Meeker. We talk about planning, how the Washington Army National Guard developed their strategic plan, and how they are measuring success and adjusting the plan as they go. If you are interested in the strategic plan you can find it here: https://issuu.com/wanationalguard/docs/washington_army_national_guard_strategic_plan_2020

And here is the G5 group email mentioned in the conversation: [email protected]

In this episode Jason and Sara sit down with Lt. Col. Bruce Simpson, Task Force Medical Surge to talk about the mission for Task Force Medical Surge, Lt. Col. Simpson’s unique COVID experience, and the way ahead. If you would like to tell your story on the podcast or if you have a tip for a good story, please send an email to Jason Kriess at the Public Affairs Office at [email protected]

In this episode Jason and Sara sit down with Col. James Perrin, Commander of the 81st Stryker Brigade Combat Team. During our chat we focus on the year ahead for many of the 81st SBCT members, with multiple mobilizations coming up while still maintaining a large presence in the COVID response missions.