The Warrior Alliance Spotlight

Podcast Description (Show Notes format) Senior Master Sergeant Shane Hogan has spent 27 years in the U.S. Air Force Reserve, evolving from a deployed Security Forces

member in Kuwait and Iraq to leading a critical recruiting mission across the Southeast. In today’s episode of the Warrior Alliance Spotlight, SMSgt Hogan joins Scott Munn and Tug Cowart to bust the biggest myths about joining the military today.

From the booming demand for cyber specialists to the steady need for "blue-collar" mechanical trades, SMSgt Hogan explains how part-time service directly translates to elite civilian careers. He also breaks down the expanded age limits (up to 42 for non-prior service!) and how veterans from any branch can subtract their active duty years to qualify for the Reserve. Whether you're a high school grad or a mid-career professional, discover why the Air Force continues to set the gold standard for family support, education benefits, and career training.

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On this special live episode of Warrior Alliance Spotlight, recorded at Truist Park in Atlanta, the Warrior Alliance commemorates the 25th anniversary of September 11 with more than 250 first responders, veterans, families, and community leaders.

Hear the unforgettable reunion between 9/11 World Trade Center survivor Kayla Bergeron and retired Port Authority Police Lieutenant David Lim, the officer who helped guide her and countless others to safety during the attacks. Kayla shares her journey of survival, PTSD recovery, addiction recovery, purpose, and gratitude. Lt. Lim reflects on the duty that kept him returning to help others, the loss of his K-9 partner Sirius, and why the next generation must carry the stories of 9/11 forward.

The episode also features Smyrna Fire Chief Brian Marcos and Cobb County Board of Commissioners Chairwoman Lisa Cupid, who discuss the personal impact of 9/11, the importance of mental-health support, benefits navigation, fair resources, and year-round community appreciation for first responders.

This is a powerful conversation about courage, resilience, recovery, sacrifice, remembrance, and the responsibility to support the people who serve their communities every day.

Listen, remember, and stay Warrior Committed.

Key takeaways

· 9/11 survivor Kayla Bergeron reunites with Port Authority Police Lt. David Lim, who helped lead her to safety.

· Kayla shares an honest account of PTSD, substance-use recovery, career disruption, cancer survivorship, and finding purpose through service.

· Lt. Lim explains why he refused to leave people behind during the World Trade Center evacuation.

· The episode remembers Sirius, Lt. Lim’s K-9 partner, who was killed during the attacks.

· Chief Brian Marcos and Chairwoman Lisa Cupid call for meaningful, year-round support for first responders.

· Warrior Alliance is positioned as a resource hub for veterans, first responders, benefits support, and community connection.

· The program urges listeners to preserve firsthand 9/11 stories for future generations.

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What does it take to lead thousands of Airmen while maintaining a relentless focus on readiness, family support, opportunity, and the individual?

In this episode of the Warrior Alliance Network, we sit down with Major General Konata “Deuce” Crumbley, Assistant Adjutant General for Air, Georgia National Guard. General Crumbley shares how he leads the Georgia Air National Guard, supports nearly 3,000 Airmen and civilian professionals, builds future leaders, and ensures the force is prepared to fight and win when the nation calls.

The conversation explores leadership under pressure, military readiness, mental-health resources, family readiness, and the importance of removing barriers that keep service members from reaching their potential. General Crumbley also reflects on his experiences flying Army Black Hawks, serving in combat operations, transitioning to the Air National Guard, flying JSTARS, and applying cockpit lessons—especially communication and checklist discipline—to senior command.

Listeners will also hear why the Georgia Air National Guard can be a powerful path for young people seeking purpose, education benefits, aviation experience, cyber careers, technical skills, and service to their state and country.

Subscribe to the Warrior Alliance Network for conversations with military leaders, veterans, community advocates, and organizations serving the warrior community.

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How can veterans, military families, and students turn education into meaningful career opportunity?

In this episode of the Warrior Alliance Spotlight, hosts Scott Munn and Navy veteran Tug Coward welcome Dr. Jermaine Whirl, president of Savannah State University and Warrior Alliance board member. Dr. Whirl shares how Savannah State is preparing students for an AI-enabled workforce, expanding support for military-connected learners, and strengthening career pathways across coastal Georgia.

The conversation also explores Dr. Whirl’s work at Augusta Technical College, including the transformation of Augusta’s “The Patch” golf course into a workforce-development pipeline. Learn how Operation Double Eagle helps veterans earn golf-industry credentials, gain hands-on experience, and connect with employers in agronomy, horticulture, golf-course operations, landscaping, and related fields.

Dr. Whirl discusses Savannah State’s Uproar 2030 strategy, the university’s focus on graduation and career placement, AI certification opportunities with IBM, and the Warrior Alliance’s expanding services for veterans and families in Savannah, Fort Stewart, Hunter Army Airfield, and beyond.

Key Takeaways

· Savannah State’s Uproar 2030 plan focuses on student success, workforce alignment, and community engagement.

· Savannah State is integrating IBM AI certifications and AI literacy into students’ education.

· Dr. Whirl emphasizes graduation and employment outcomes, including a reported 91% in-field placement rate.

· Operation Double Eagle provides free, short-term golf workforce training and credentials for veterans.

· The program creates career and entrepreneurial opportunities in golf operations, landscaping, turf management, horticulture, and pest control.

· Warrior Alliance is expanding veteran services across Savannah, coastal Georgia, and potentially nationwide.

· Savannah State is strengthening programming and engagement with Fort Stewart, Hunter Army Airfield, ROTC, veterans, and military families.

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How do women veterans turn military experience into resilience, leadership, and purpose after service?

In this episode of the Warrior Alliance Network, Tracey Lloyd—West Point graduate, Bronze Star recipient, former U.S. Army captain, and Executive Director of the Emily J.T. Perez Foundation—shares her journey from leading a 3,500-person combat aviation brigade during Operation Iraqi Freedom to leading global business operations and a mission-driven nonprofit.

Tracey discusses the challenges women veterans face in civilian life, including military sexual trauma, homelessness, mental health, career transition, and underemployment. She also explains how the Emily J.T. Perez Foundation is creating culturally informed support for women veterans through its Resilience Bootcamp and helping young girls develop confidence through Camp Emily’s Way.

Learn more about supporting women veterans, developing leadership after military service, and helping build a future without glass ceilings.

Visit emilysway.org to volunteer, donate, or learn more.

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In this Warrior Alliance Spotlight episode, Petty Officer First Class Nick Evans, a Coast Guard recruiter and Atlanta native, pulls back the curtain on America’s most misunderstood military branch. Discover the 11 core Coast Guard missions—from maritime law enforcement and drug interdiction to search-and-rescue and environmental protection—and how every role, including IT and logistics, enables mission success.

You’ll learn how the Coast Guard’s unique “non-rate first” pathway lets new enlistees shadow multiple ratings before choosing a career, improving retention and job satisfaction. Nick shares boot camp realities at Cape May, NJ, age limits (up to 41), and why prior-service veterans are prime candidates—including combining service time toward a 20-year pension.

Key benefits covered: GI Bill–funded college, in-service tuition assistance, Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH), predominantly stateside duty stations, and quality-of-life advantages for single-income families. Nick also highlights the high-demand Boatswain’s Mate (BM) rating and current recruiting challenges like boot camp seat wait times, plus the new Birmingham, AL training center expanding capacity.

Whether you’re a high school senior, college grad, or veteran considering a return to service, this episode delivers actionable insights on missions, money, and lifestyle.

Key Takeaways:

· 11 missions: law enforcement, SAR, security, environmental protection, aids to navigation

· Non-rate pathway: choose your rating after on-the-job exposure

· Boot camp: 8 weeks at Cape May; lifelong bonds, achievable with commitment

· Age & prior service: recruit up to 41; combine time for 20-year pension

· Benefits: GI Bill, tuition assistance, BAH, stateside stability, family-friendly culture

· Hot rating: Boatswain’s Mate (BM) for small-boat operations and interdictions

· Recruiting update: wait times exist; new Birmingham training center adding seats

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In this Warrior Alliance Spotlight episode, Dr. Jennifer Selke and Matty Cook of Camp Southern Ground share how Warrior Path, Warrior Week, and inclusive camp programming help veterans, first responders, military families, and youth heal, grow, and thrive after service.

Learn how Camp Southern Ground supports veteran transition, post-traumatic growth, strengths-based development, and belonging through no-cost programs, peer-led care, and community connection. Founded by Zac Brown in Fayetteville, Georgia, Camp Southern Ground is changing lives through mission-driven support.

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Discover how the Atlanta Braves Foundation is redefining the role of sports in community impact. In this Warrior Alliance Spotlight, Danielle Bedasse, Vice President of Community Affairs and Executive Director of the Braves Foundation, shares how baseball serves as a powerful platform for veteran support, youth development, and fighting food insecurity across Atlanta.

From delivering nearly 5 million meals to expanding veteran services from 1,000 to 7,000 individuals annually, this episode highlights the real-world impact behind one of Major League Baseball’s most community-driven organizations.

Learn how strategic partnerships with the Warrior Alliance, PGA REACH Georgia, and local nonprofits are creating lasting change—and why collaboration, storytelling, and authenticity are the keys to nonprofit success.

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Discover how the Atlanta Braves Foundation is redefining the role of sports in community impact. In this Warrior Alliance Spotlight, Danielle Bedasse, Vice President of Community Affairs and Executive Director of the Braves Foundation, shares how baseball serves as a powerful platform for veteran support, youth development, and fighting food insecurity across Atlanta.

From delivering nearly 5 million meals to expanding veteran services from 1,000 to 7,000 individuals annually, this episode highlights the real-world impact behind one of Major League Baseball’s most community-driven organizations.

Learn how strategic partnerships with the Warrior Alliance, PGA REACH Georgia, and local nonprofits are creating lasting change—and why collaboration, storytelling, and authenticity are the keys to nonprofit success.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of The Warrior Alliance Spotlight, hosts Scott Munn and Tug Cowart sit down with Sonya Grant (President & CEO) and Olivia Wilson (Literacy & Strategic Partnership Manager) of CobbWorks (WorkSource Cobb). They discuss what it takes to connect underserved communities and transitioning military personnel with meaningful, long-term careers in Georgia.

Learn how CobbWorks is breaking down barriers to employment by offering up to $10,000 in free funding for skills training, certifications, and apprenticeships. Sonya and Olivia explain how their agency helps veterans translate military experience into corporate skills, partners directly with top employers, and provides one-on-one career coaching.

Whether you are looking for an apprenticeship, need help overcoming barriers like housing and childcare, or are an active-duty service member preparing for civilian life, this episode is packed with actionable resources.

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