Raven Conversations

In this episode Sara and Joesit down with Staff Sgt. Markeyces Wadley, the Washington Army National Guard Retention NCOIC, and Spc. Stephanie Tyler, the 56th TIOG Retention personnel. In this episode we highlight some of the ways we can improve retention of soldiers across the board and discuss the major problems that the retention office has seen. This conversation tries to be an honest and open communication of ways that we can improve as leaders in the Washington National Guard in order to maintain a high retention rate.

If you are interested in talking to the retention office you can call them at: 253-512-8654 or message them on facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/washingtonguardrecruiting/

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In this episode Sara and Joe sit down with two of the authors of Images of America, Washington National Guard William Andrew Leneweaver, Richard G. Patterson. The book tells the story of the Washington National guard in photographs and stories. It is offered not only for history buffs but also for the thousands of current and past National Guard members, families, friends, and neighbors touched by their service to state and nation.

About the authors: William Andrew Leneweaver and Richard G. Patterson serve on the board of directors of the Washington National Guard State Historical Society (WNGSHS). Dr. William H. Woodward Jr., a founding member of the WNGSHS, is a long-serving professor of history at Seattle Pacific University and prominent regional historian. In addition, Andy, Rick, and Bill have collectively served over 90 years in the US Army, including more than 75 in the Washington Army National Guard. As guardians of the Washington Guard’s story, they expertly bring this history to life. Images from private, local, state, and national collections bring an intensely human look at the military service of Washington’s men and women citizen soldiers.

You can purchase the book at most retailers

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In this episode Sara and Joe sit down with some of the G1 staff for the Washington Army Guard to learn more about IPPS-A, The Integrated Personnel and Pay System-Army. IPPS-A looks to modernize Army Human Resources and develop a system for managing talent, reduce IT and military pay costs, and improve Soldiers’ lives through transparency and mobile capabilities. If you have any questions about IPPS-A please contact your unit HR specialist.

https://ipps-a.army.mil/

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In this episode Sara and Joe sit down with Brigadier General Bryan Grenon, Land Component Commander for the Washington Army Guard. We visited him at the Seattle Police station where he is the Chief of police for a district. We talk to Grenon on how he has been able to manage his career through the ranks as a traditional guardsmen, and how he has been able to balance his military obligations with his civilian career and family. As you’ll hear towards the end, we have to finish our conversation when he gets a call on the radio.

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In this episode Sara and Joe sit down with three senior noncommissioned officers with the Washington Army National Guard, Command Sgt. Major Bruce Ecclestone, Senior Enlisted Leader, Command Sgt. Major Brandt Gibbons, Command Sgt Major 3-161 Infantry Regiment, and 1st Sgt. Brandy Potter, 96th Aviation Troop Command. They talk about the leaders that have influenced them, what they wish they could have told their younger selves, and how they hope to influence the next generation of enlisted soldiers.

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In this episode Sara sits down with Maj Kelly Sowder with the 420th Chemical Battalion. They talk about how the battalion trains for both domestic and army missions to maximize their CBRN capabilities year round. If you are interested in more information about the 420th Chem take a look at their unit page: https://mil.wa.gov/420th-chemical-battalion

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In this episode Sara and Joe travel to the Yakima Training Center to speak with members at the Mobilization and Training Equipment Site and the Shadow Tactical Unmanned Aircraft Systems unit. We talk about what these two have to offer those training at YTC and beyond. If you are interested in MATES or TUAS please contact us: [email protected]

In this episode Sara sits down with CW5 Timothy Gordon and CW2 Bridget Crosby to discuss the how-to's associated with becoming a Warrant Officer in the Washington National Guard. They also go through some requirements and the training necessary to complete Warrant Officer Candidate School. If you are interested in more information please contact the warrant officer recruiter, CW3 Jason Hartley; [email protected] or 253-912-3145.

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In the final installment of the holiday family episodes Sara and Joe sit down with three of the Brathovde family that are currently serving in the Washington National Guard. However, their Grandfather, father, two uncles, a spouse and one child all also have served or are also currently serving in the Washington National Guard. We talk about the family legacy of service and what it means to them.

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Continuing on with our family episodes Sara and Joe sit down with the Trakel family, mom Sgt. Maj. Dana Trakel, Operations Sgt Maj with the 96th Aviation Troop Command, and her two sons; WO1 Jarin Trakel, 1-145th Aviation Regiment, and Private 1st Class Tanner Trakel, 168th General Support Aviation Battalion.

If you have an idea for a future podcast or are interested in co-hosting please contact us: [email protected]