Retired Navy Captain Bill Toti, former CEO and current co-host of Unauthorized History of the Pacific War Podcast, shares his journey through serving in the Navy to entering the civilian work field. He shares many of these experiences in his book, From CO to CEO: A Practical Guide for Transitioning from Military to Industry Leadership.

Thank you for all the wonderful support as we build this podcast. Our goal is to tell your stories about the sea service men, women, and their families. If you would like to reach out to VoS, please email us at [email protected]. 

Inspired by his own youth, Zach Shrove decided the best way for him to make a difference in America's sea service stability was to foster the future generation of Sailors. He now volunteers with his local Sea Cadet unit, teaching practical skills to aspiring leaders and sea service members.

Earlier this summer, the Marine Corps deactivated the 4th Recruit Training Battalion, Parris Island. 4th Battalion has historically been the only battalion to train female enlisted recruits from all over the United States.  In memory of the battalion, Ann sits down with two fellow Marine veterans, Tracye Thompson and Jolene Edwards to reminisce about their training days and discover the differences between three generations of Parris Island recruits.

It can be uncomfortable to talk about suicide or mental health issues. But is our fear of just talking about suicide preventing us from helping those who need comfort?

In recognition of Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, we sit down with Dr. Nick Polizzi, senior program analyst with the Department of the Navy Office of Force Resiliency; Suicide Prevention Pillar Lead, to erase the Voldemort stigma around suicide prevention and mental health.

Thank you for all the wonderful support as we build this new podcast. Our goal is to tell your stories about the sea service men, women, and their families. If you would like to reach out to VoS, please email us at [email protected]. 

With a background in dance and musical theatre, Maharlika Peetoom decided the next step in her career was to follow the example of her family members and join the sea services. Now a petty officer 3rd class in the Navy, Maharlika talks with us on the latest episode of VoS about her journey and feelings leading up to her first ship assignment.

Lorna Mae Devera has always carried with her a "feast or famine" mentality, pouncing into life choices. From joining the Navy Reserves to barging into active duty to jumping into the civilian work field, she has taken what life gives her.

Join us as we learn more about Lorna Mae's Navy and civilian career, plus the special bond forged between two San Diego (619) sisters!

104-year old veteran Captain George P. Sotos never expected to be part of a massive war when he first entered the U.S. Navy. But he arose to the occasion, accepting every assignment that was given to him as the second World War erupted for the U.S. Making his way to the Atlantic Ocean, Captain Sotos learned valuable lessons from on-the-job experiences that he shares with Ann and James on this episode of VoS.

Read more about Captain Sotos' life as a WWII sailor in his two books:

https://www.amazon.com/Living-Torpedo-Anti-Submarine-Warfare-Shipboard/dp/0981819397

https://www.amazon.com/Flagship-Captain-Cold-Ashore-Underground/dp/1736539906

On Episode 3 of Voices of the Sea, we invite our first non-Navy League related guest, Ian LaBlance, to talk about his journey as a Sailor, artist, and now exhibit specialist at the National Museum of the American Sailor. Come listen to this veteran’s stories of life at sea and the incredible exhibits he designs in honor of enlisted Sailors throughout history. 

In Episode 2 of VoS, we're taking a behind the scenes look at Sea-Air-Space 2023. Navy League Senior Vice President of Events and Corporate Affairs Claire Rusk and Senior Director of Meetings and Events Kevyan Sly join Ann and James to go over the show's highlights, improvements, and of course, best swag.

Welcome to Voices of the Sea, a new podcast from the Navy League of the United States. We bring you to the deckplate to tell the real story of our sea services, from the voices of the service men, women, and family members who make it happen all day, every day. For our pilot episode, we introduce ourselves, share what we envision for the podcast, and give a brief look into the Navy League's big event next week, Sea-Air-Space 2023.

If you have a story to tell whether as a member of the sea services or a family member, please email us at [email protected].