In this episode of The Next Tour, Andia and Ian talk with Ashley Richards, a retired Air Force Lieutenant Colonel, who shares her multifaceted experiences as she navigates life after military service, as a retiree, a government civilian, and a military spouse (her three perspectives).

Transitioning from military to civilian life can be a daunting journey, filled with unique challenges and unexpected revelations.  Ashley describes her retirement as non-traditional, largely influenced by the post-COVID climate. This shift brought about a significant personal change, where she was no longer Lieutenant Colonel Richards, she was Mrs. Richards. And that was a huge transition in and of itself. Ashley went on to serve as a Federal civilian for several years and is also a military spouse whose husband is still on active duty.

For more on Ashley's journey and the lessons she's learned, check out the full episode.

Below are links and resources that we mentioned during the show:

·      The COMMIT Foundation

·      Hiring our Heroes

·      American Corporate Partners

·      FourBlock

·      The Supreme Court of Ohio’s Attorney Registration Requirements, where Ashley talked about the current lack of license portability and transferability for military spouses.

·      Connect with Ashley on LinkedIn

The Next Tour Podcast disclaimer

The views, opinions, and advice expressed by our guests on The Next Tour are their own and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the podcast, Ian, Andia, or any affiliated organizations. While we strive to provide helpful and accurate information, this podcast is for informational purposes only. We encourage listeners to consult with professionals or conduct their own research before making any significant decisions related to military transition or post-service life. The content is intended as guidance and personal perspective, not as official advice.

In this episode of The Next Tour, Ian and Andia reflect on the past year and a half of their podcast, focusing on key categories for military personnel transitioning out of service. They share insights on health insurance, life insurance, taxes, and education benefits, providing practical advice and resources to ease the transition process. For deeper dives into each of the topics discussed, checked out the linked episodes where the experts give insight and advice on each of these critical checklist items.

Below are links and resources that we mentioned during the show:

Health insurance episodes:

• TRICARE Life Events Retiring Page
• Episode 5 with Lile Quintiliani to talk TRICARE
• Episode 37 with us to talk salary and benefits negotiation  

Life insurance episodes:

• Episode 3 with Heather Walrath to talk SBP
• Episode 7 with Jerry Quinn to talk other life insurance options and planning
• Episode 37 with us to talk salary and benefits negotiation

Taxes and residency episodes:

• Episode 14 with Brandon Lovingier to talk financial readiness  
• Episode 15 with Todd McCaffrey to talk state resources
• Episode 24 with Attiyya Ingram to talk taxes
• Episode 27 with Grant Vermeer to talk home ownership
• Episode 29 with Mike Manion to talk living as an expat

Education benefits transfer and use episodes:

• Episode 15 with Todd McCaffrety to talk state resources
• Episode 19 with Dedrick Curtis and Episode 20 with Kate Horrell on GI Bill 
• Episode 22 with Ryan Pavel and Episode 25 with Britt Andrade to talk higher education
• Episode 31 with Sydney Matthes to talk college acceptance

Connect with Andia on LinkedIn

Connect with Ian on LinkedIn

The Next Tour Podcast disclaimer

The views, opinions, and advice expressed by our guests on The Next Tour are their own and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the podcast, Ian, Andia, or any affiliated organizations. While we strive to provide helpful and accurate information, this podcast is for informational purposes only. We encourage listeners to consult with professionals or conducttheir own research before making any significant decisions related to military transition or post-service life. The content is intended as guidance and personal perspective, not as official advice.

In this episode of The Next Tour, Ian and Andia talk with Kevin and Sandy Lombardo about building a business while navigating military life and preparing for transition. Sandy, owner of Valor Vacations, shares how she created a portable career that could move with their military lifestyle, while Kevin discusses preparing for his own transition after more than 30 years of Air Force service.

The conversation also explores the inspiration behind their nonprofit, Boots to Beaches, which provides restorative vacations to veterans and first responders. Along the way, Kevin and Sandy share lessons on entrepreneurship, networking, leveraging technology, and staying focused on family and purpose. Whether you're considering startinga business, exploring a nonprofit mission, or planning your own transition, this episode offers practical advice and encouragement for building a meaningful next chapter.

Below are links and resources that we mentioned during the show:

• Valor Vacations
• Boots to Beaches
• Blue Skies for the Good Guys and Gals
• Patriot Project

Connect with our guests on LinkedIn:  

• Kevin Lombardo
• Sandy Lombardo

The Next Tour Podcast disclaimer

The views, opinions, and advice expressed by our guests on The Next Tour are their own and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the podcast, Ian, Andia, or any affiliated organizations. While we strive to provide helpful and accurate information, this podcast is for informational purposes only. We encourage listeners to consult with professionals or conduct their own research before making any significant decisions related to military transition or post-service life. The content is intended as guidance and personal perspective, not as official advice.

In this episode of The Next Tour, Ian and Andia sit down with Melissa Henderson, President and CEO of Summit Executive Resources, to pull back the curtain on executive recruiting and what transitioning military leaders need to know about the process. Melissa explains the different types of recruiters, how executive search firms partner with organizations, and why understanding these distinctions can make a meaningful difference during a job search.

The conversation also explores what it takes to stand out in today's competitive executive market. Melissa discusses developing your unique value proposition,building relationships with recruiters, staying open to unexpected opportunities, and approaching transition with both confidence and curiosity.

Through practical advice and real-life examples, she offers a candid look at how senior military leaders can position themselves for success as they navigate their next chapter.

Below are links and resources that we mentioned during the show:

• Summit Executive Resources
• Connect with Melissa on LinkedIn

The Next Tour Podcast disclaimer

The views, opinions, and advice expressed by our guests on The Next Tour are their own and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the podcast, Ian, Andia, or any affiliated organizations. While we strive to provide helpful and accurate information, this podcast is for informational purposes only. We encourage listeners to consult with professionals or conduct their own research before making any significant decisions related to military transition or post-service life. The content is intended as guidance and personal perspective, not as official advice.

In this episode of The Next Tour, Ian and Andia check with Jason Medsger on his transition journey, this time just after his retirement ceremony while he is taking his terminal leave. Jason shares his experience since making the decision to retire in early 2025, describing it as a blend of excitement and anxiety. He emphasizes that the months leading up to retirement or separation are crucial, filled with important decisions about future employment, family dynamics, and personal well-being. One of the central themes in Jason's story is the significance of taking terminal leave. He describes it as a necessary period of decompression that allows individuals to adjust to life outside the military.

Below are links and resources that we mentioned during the show:

·     Transition Assistance Program (TAP)

·     Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)

·     Connect with Jason on LinkedIn

The Next Tour Podcast disclaimer

The views, opinions, and advice expressed by our guests on The Next Tour are their own and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the podcast, Ian, Andia, or any affiliated organizations. While we strive to provide helpful and accurate information, this podcast is for informational purposes only. We encourage listeners to consult with professionals or conduct their own research before making any significant decisions related to military transition or post-service life. The content is intended as guidance and personal perspective, not as official advice.

In this episode of The Next Tour, Ian and Andia talk with retired Air Force Colonel Robert “Trip” Raymond about how military camaraderie translates into the world of distilled spirits. Trip shares how his experiences as an Air Force pilotshaped his passion for crafting fine spirits. But he shares that it’s about more than drinking; it's about creating connections, sharing stories, and preserving a rich culture. 

From the sleek design of the bottles to the quality of the spirits, every detail reflects the journey he and the co-founders of Winglore Spirits took to bring this to market. Join us as we dive into the art of distilling and the stories behind each bottle, all while we celebrate building a brand that applauds our traditions, our history and the friendships formed over a good drink. 

We also explore music, Trip’s history in making fighter bar tunes, and his passion to also give back to burgeoning Veteran musicians and help them get an opportunity to follow their dreams. Trip is quite the spirit – check out the full episode for more insights!

Below are links and resources that we mentioned during the show:

• Winglore Spirits Homepage
• How to Invest in Winglore Spirits  
• Fighter Pilot: The Memoirs of Legendary AceRobin Olds
• Dos Gringos Band
• Operation Encore: A Veteran Music Project
• Camp Southern Ground to link Veterans to newopportunities in life
• Connect with Trip on LinkedIn

The Next Tour Podcast disclaimer

The views, opinions, and advice expressed by our guests on The Next Tour are their own and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the podcast, Ian, Andia, or any affiliated organizations. While we strive to provide helpful and accurate information, this podcast is for informationalpurposes only. We encourage listeners to consult with professionals or conduct their own research before making any significant decisions related to military transition or post-service life. The content is intended as guidance and personal perspective, not as official advice.

In this episode of The Next Tour, Ian and Andia talk about their post-military and military spouse career journeys. Negotiating salary is tough, especially when you’re used to set military pay.

We look back to when Ian was transitioning from military life to civilian roles and some of Andia’s salary and benefits negotiations as she landed roles in different organizations over the years. Finding mentors and networking helped guide both their paths.

Furthermore, research was key for both of them, as it should be for you, too. Understand your value and the market range for your role. Don’t just focus on salary, consider benefits too. Things like vacation time and work flexibility can be just ascrucial. 

Remember, it’s not just about the dollar amount. Think about what kind of work-life balance you want. Don’t undervalue your skills and experiences to maximize your overall compensation!

Below are links and resources that we mentioned during the show:

• Military Officers Association of America(MOAA)
• Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Fact Sheet on Recruitment Incentives
• OPM Fact Sheet on Relocation Incentives
• OPM Fact Sheet on Retention Incentives
• Candid – Nonprofit Research
• Connect with Andia on LinkedIn
• Connect with Ian on LinkedIn

The Next Tour Podcast disclaimer

The views, opinions, and advice expressed by our guests on The Next Tour are their own and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the podcast, Ian, Andia, or any affiliated organizations. While we strive to provide helpful and accurate information, this podcast is for informational purposes only. We encourage listeners to consult with professionals or conducttheir own research before making any significant decisions related to military transition or post-service life. The content is intended as guidance and personal perspective, not as official advice.

In this episode of The Next Tour, Ian and Andia talk with retired Navy Captain Laura Hatcher about her transition from military service to professional photography. What started as a hobbyeventually turned into a second career, and Laura shares the story of how she made that shift, along with the lessons she learned along the way.

We talk about creativity, taking chances, building something new after the military, and finding ways to turn personal passions into meaningful work. Laura also shares how she’s helping others explore photography for themselves. It’s a fun, honest conversation full of encouragement and practical insight for anyone navigating their own next tour.

Below are links and resources that we mentioned during the show:

• Laura Hatcher Photography
• America’s Small Business DevelopmentCenters
• Syracuse University D’AnielloInstitute for Veterans & Military Families
• Connect with Laura on LinkedIn

The Next Tour Podcast disclaimer

The views, opinions, and advice expressed by our guests on The Next Tour are their own and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the podcast, Ian, Andia, or any affiliated organizations. While we strive to provide helpful and accurateinformation, this podcast is for informational purposes only. We encourage listeners to consult with professionals or conduct their own research before making any significant decisions related to military transition or post-service life. The content is intended as guidance and personal perspective, not as official advice.

In this episode of The Next Tour, Ian and Andia talk with Beau Higgins, a Marine Corps retiree who transitioned to civilian life in August 2014. After serving, he worked at Amazon, leading initiatives focused on military hiring before joining Oplign, a free resource designed to connect veterans and military spouses with job opportunities. In today's competitive job market, many veterans and military spouses face unique challenges when transitioning to civilian employment, and with so many resources available, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. We explore how Oplign stands out as a powerful tool that connects veterans with job opportunities tailored to their specific skills and experiences.

 Connect with Beau on LinkedIn and check out both Oplign and TheMilVet to learn more about what they are doing in the job search space. You can also check out Andia’s time on Oplign’s podcast called Opcast. Finally, you can check out MOAA’s Job Board, where they leverage the Oplign platform to power your job search opportunities. 

Beau is also active with both the Travis Manion Foundation and Toys for Tots. Please check out those organizations to see all the great things they do.

The Next Tour Podcast disclaimer

The views, opinions, and advice expressed by our guests on The Next Tour are their own and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the podcast, Ian, Andia, or any affiliated organizations. While we strive to provide helpful and accurate information, this podcast is for informational purposes only. We encourage listeners to consult with professionals or conduct their own research before making any significant decisions related to military transition or post-service life. The content is intended as guidance and personal perspective, not as official advice.

In this episode of The Next Tour, Ian and Andia talk with Benito “Benny” Barrón, a retired Air Force colonel, who shares his journey from military service to leading defense programs at a contracting firm. He emphasizes that understanding the financial and acquisition processes is crucial for success in this field. But it’s not just about numbers; it’s about passion and culture. Finding a company that aligns with your values is essential, especially when the work gets tough. Benny reminds us that humility is key—be open to learning and asking questions. He also shares that transition from military to civilian life is not easy, but with the right mindset, it can be incredibly rewarding.

Connect with Benny on LinkedIn and check out Digital Force Technologies to learn more about what they are doing in the National Security space.

The Next Tour Podcast disclaimer

The views, opinions, and advice expressed by our guests on The Next Tour are their own and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the podcast, Ian, Andia, or any affiliated organizations. While we strive to provide helpful and accurate information, this podcast is for informational purposes only. We encourage listeners to consult with professionals or conduct their own research before making any significant decisions related to military transition or post-service life. The content is intended as guidance and personal perspective, not as official advice.