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In this episode, Brittinie interviews Kendra Cook, U.S. Army veteran and founder of Warrior Diva Outdoors. Kendra shares her military journey, the impact of mentorship, and the often-overlooked challenges women veterans face when transitioning out of uniform. She breaks down the importance of strong support systems, especially for women navigating VA benefits, employment, and mental health resources.

Tailored to San Antonio’s veteran community, Kendra highlights local nonprofits, community programs, and the value of staying connected in Military City USA. She also shares how Warrior Diva Outdoors empowers women veterans through outdoor healing, confidence-building activities, and a supportive sisterhood. This episode encourages women to show up for each other, find their voice, and embrace community as a path to healing and growth.

About Kendra:

Kendra Cook is a U.S. Army veteran, advocate, and community leader dedicated to serving those who have served. She currently works as a Military Service Officer for Bexar County, where she assists veterans and their families in navigating VA benefits, accessing resources, helping with transitions and employment and overcoming barriers to stability. She also serves as the Vice President of a nonprofit organization that empowers women veterans, first responders, and military families through outdoor healing, peer connection, and mental health support.

Kendra has been a featured panelist for several veteran-focused organizations, including the Wounded Warrior Project, where she shares insight on the unique challenges women veterans face during transition and reintegration. Her work reflects a deep commitment to ensuring women veterans are seen, heard, and supported both in policy and in practice.

With a focus on compassion, connection, and impact, Kendra continues to be a voice for change in the veteran community.

Connect with Kendra: www.linkedin.com/in/kendra-cookusa

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In this episode, Amber Culotta shares her inspiring journey from enlisted service in the Air Force to becoming a logistics officer in the reserves. She discusses the challenges of transitioning from active duty, the importance of educational benefits, and the need for supportive communities for women in the military. Amber emphasizes the power of advocacy, leadership, and the ability to pivot in one's career path. She encourages listeners to connect with others, share their stories, and take charge of their narratives.

Takeaways

• Amber Culotta's journey from enlisted to officer showcases resilience.
• Transitioning from active duty to reserves can be challenging but rewarding.
• Educational benefits in the military can significantly reduce student debt.
• Leadership in the military is about leading by example and advocating for others.
• Women in the military often face unique challenges in male-dominated fields.
• Finding a supportive community is crucial for personal and professional growth.
• The National Guard and Reserves offer a balance between military service and civilian life.
• Documenting experiences and knowing regulations can empower service members.
• Networking and connecting with others can open doors to new opportunities.
• You have the power to rewrite your story and pursue your passions.

About Amber:

Amber Culotta is a Lead Flight Technical Data Editor of Flight Crew Operations Manuals for military modified commercial aircraft. Prior to that, she served full-time in the United States Air Force as a C-17 Instructor Loadmaster and KC-10 Boom Operator for ten years. In 2019, she commissioned as a Logistics Officer in the Reserves. At 14 years, she decided to enter into the inactive reserve to focus on her family and support her husband who also serves in the reserves. 
 
Amber also served as a board member on the Enterprise Board for the Veteran Resource group at her company which enable her to focus on her passion for building community and inclusiveness.
 
Amber earned her Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Southern California with an emphasis in leadership, entrepreneurship, and effective ways to grow and sustain organizations.
 
She loves spending quality time with her husband, Frank and daughter, London. Amber also enjoys photography, interior design, and travel.

Connect:

Instagram: thehealherera 

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Krendra Harralson shares her journey from a decorated combat medic in the US Army to a passionate advocate for women veterans. She discusses her transition to civilian life, her involvement in pageantry, and her efforts to support homeless women veterans. Krendra highlights the challenges faced by women veterans, including homelessness and mental health issues, and emphasizes the importance of community and resilience.

TAKEAWAYS:

• Transitioning from military to civilian life is a unique challenge.
• Women veterans face distinct issues, including homelessness and mental health struggles.
• Community support is crucial for veterans' successful reintegration.
• Pageantry helped Krendra rebuild her confidence and find new purpose.
• Advocacy for women veterans is essential to address systemic issues.
• Krendra uses her platform to raise awareness about veteran homelessness.
• Resilience and life balance are key themes in Krendra's journey.
• Krendra emphasizes the power of sisterhood and community among women veterans.
• Her story highlights the importance of self-care and mental health awareness.
• Krendra's journey is a testament to the impact of leadership and advocacy.

ABOUT KRENDRA:

Krendra Harralson is a retired U.S. Army Sergeant First Class, a decorated combat medic, and a fierce advocate for women veterans. During her distinguished military career, she earned a battlefield promotion while deployed in Afghanistan, a testament to her exceptional leadership under fire and her unwavering commitment to the mission and her team.

With over two decades of honorable service, Krendra has carried her dedication to leadership and public service into civilian life. She currently serves as the Place 3 Councilwoman for the City of Garden Ridge, Texas, where she champions community engagement, supports veterans, and leads strategic planning initiatives.

Krendra is also the reigning Mrs. Elite Texas USA Universe, using her platform to promote resilience, healing, and empowerment, particularly for survivors of trauma and military sexual assault. Through her advocacy, she continues to inspire others by sharing her story and encouraging women to rise beyond adversity with grace and strength.

CONNECT:

https://www.facebook.com/share/1ENAQFctqG/?mibextid=wwXIfr

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In this episode, Taylor Ullom shares her journey as a disabled US Air Force veteran and the executive director of Heroes Encore, a program based in Omaha, Nebraska, dedicated to helping veterans heal through music. She discusses her personal experiences with trauma, loss, and the importance of breaking the stigma surrounding mental health. Taylor emphasizes the healing power of music and community support, detailing the structure of Heroes Encore and its mission to empower veterans through creative expression. The conversation highlights the significance of resilience, self-discovery, and the ongoing journey of healing.

ABOUT TAYLOR:

Taylor Ullom is a disabled U.S. Air Force Veteran, Founder and Executive Director of Hero’s Encore, and a fierce advocate for trauma-informed care. With over a decade of experience supporting Veterans and First Responders, she leads with lived experience, transparency, and a deep commitment to breaking the stigma around mental health. Taylor is also a proud military mom of three, including an active duty C-130 pilot and a former First Responder.

CONNECT WITH TAYLOR:

https://herosencore.org

https://www.facebook.com/peggy.fryeullom

Taylor Ullom Music (Singer/Songwriter)
https://open.spotify.com/artist/0twaPMh8ChskuGAGpTp0l6?si=ZaGU6YsESsS5XAbx_fZLCQ

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In this episode, we welcome Dr. Samantha Weeks, a pioneering figure in the United States Air Force. With an impressive career as the first female solo pilot on the Air Force Thunderbirds, Dr. Weeks shares her remarkable journey from military service to her recent role in the FinTech industry. Her story is one of resilience, leadership, and unwavering dedication to service.

Dr. Weeks takes us through her early inspiration to become a pilot, sparked by her childhood experiences and her path to the Air Force Academy. She discusses the challenges and triumphs she faced as the first female solo pilot on the Thunderbirds, highlighting the rigorous training and the unique experiences that shaped her career. As she moved into leadership roles within the Air Force, Dr. Weeks balanced her demanding career with family life, offering insights into how she managed these dual responsibilities.

Transitioning from military to civilian life, Dr. Weeks navigated new roles and found ways to continue serving her community, sharing her journey of finding new purpose. Throughout the episode, she offers empowering advice for young people and aspiring leaders, emphasizing the importance of self-belief and pursuing one's dreams.

Memorable quotes from Dr. Weeks include, "Believe in yourself and go after your dreams," and "The world will try to take your drive and determination, hold onto it."

Don't miss this inspiring conversation with Dr. Samantha Weeks. Tune in to hear her incredible story and be motivated to pursue your own dreams. Subscribe now and leave a review!

ABOUT SAMANTHA WEEKS aka COMBO: 

Dr. Samantha “Combo” Weeks, is a retired Colonel having served over 23 years on active duty in the United States Air Force. She is a combat- proven fighter pilot who amassed over 2,200 hours flying the F-15C and F-16, including 105 combat hours.

She had the distinct honor of being the first-female solo pilot on the Air
Force Thunderbirds or any aerial jet demonstration team. After retiring, Combo jumped boldly into the fintech industry where she was a successful Vice President and Chief Transformation Officer at a $7B public company.

After 23 years of active duty, Dr. Weeks chose to retire but continued her passion to support the Air Force Academy and the military through her volunteer work as a Secretary of Defense appointed member of the Defense Advisory Committee on Women In The Services (DACOWITS) and a USAFA Squadron Professional Ethics Advisor (SPEA), and as an Advisory Board Member to ROGER Bank, a newly designed digital bank to help military members with their financial future.

Dr. Weeks lives to inspire and empower the next generation with integrity, selfless service, excellence, and a bold indominable spirit that helped her succeed and achieve anything she set her eyes on. Her passion to serve and develop others led her to earn her PhD, ICF coaching certification, and her current role at Victory Strategies.

Her purpose in life are her two young sons and trying to survive the trials and tribulations that accompany energetic young children.

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In this episode, Amanda Rebhi shares her journey as a major in the US Air Force, discussing her experiences at the Air Force Academy, her career in space operations and NATO, and her advocacy for women's health issues following her personal loss of a pregnancy. She highlights the importance of bereavement and convalescent leave for military women and the systemic issues within military obstetric care. Amanda's work with the Women's Initiative Team aims to improve the quality of care and support for women in the military, emphasizing the need for better policies and practices to ensure their well-being. This conversation delves into the challenges faced by women in the military regarding childbirth and healthcare. It highlights the common issues of inadequate care, the importance of patient choice, and the disparities in military healthcare systems. The speakers share personal experiences and research findings that underscore the need for improved women's health services and the empowerment of women to advocate for their care.

ABOUT AMANDA:
Amanda Rebhi is an active duty Major in the US Air Force and currently works in the SAF/PA office on a broadening tour following IDE. Previously, she led the DAF Small Business Innovation Research Program, managing $1.2B annually to scale critical emerging technologies for warfighters. A 2012 USAFA graduate, her career spans space operations, NATO airlift coordination, and missile warning and counter-terrorism program management. As a WIT member, she helped establish DoD bereavement leave & pregnancy loss convalescence. She was a DAF Strategic Communication Fellow earning a Master's in Communication at George Mason University, publishing research regarding the quality of obstetric care in the Military Health System. She also holds a Master’s in International Marketing Management from Boston University and is part of the Language Enabled Airmen Program for speaking Spanish and French.

CONNECT:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/amandarebhi/

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In this episode, Amanda Holland shares her journey as a MQ-9 sensor operator in the Air Force, discussing the challenges she faced as a female in a male-dominated field, the importance of leadership, and her experiences with personal loss and professional growth. She highlights the need for better support systems for women in the military, particularly regarding health issues and uniform fitment. Amanda's story is one of resilience, mentorship, and advocacy for change within the military community. 

In this conversation, Amanda Holland and Brittinie Wick discuss the challenges faced by women in male-dominated fields, particularly in the military. They explore themes of professional jealousy, the importance of emotional intelligence, and the need for better representation and support for women's health issues. The discussion also highlights the establishment of the Women's Initiative Team (WIT) at Creech Air Force Base and the ongoing efforts to advocate for women's rights and health within the military context. 

Amanda Holland discusses her role in anthropometric studies aimed at improving pilot recruitment and retention in the Air Force. She emphasizes the importance of diversity and the need for updated data to ensure that more individuals can safely operate aircraft. Amanda also shares her personal journey in the military, offering advice to young women considering a career in the military, highlighting the importance of staying true to oneself, seeking help when needed, and empowering one another.

Disclaimer:
As of May 2025, the U.S. Air Force’s Women’s Initiative Team (WIT) has been officially disbanded following a broader rollback of DEI programs. Established in 2008, WIT was a volunteer-led effort that helped remove barriers to service for women through impactful policy changes.

This episode reflects personal perspectives on WIT’s legacy and the continued need for advocacy. The views expressed do not represent the official stance of the U.S. Air Force or Department of Defense.

ABOUT AMANDA: 

Amanda Holland has been serving in the United States Air Force since 2007 as an MQ-9 Sensor Operator. Throughout her career, she prioritized the military over personal pursuits for a variety of reasons—chief among them the need to remain competitive in a profession that often required being “married to the military.” As a result, she chose to delay having a family, remaining unmarried and without children for 17 years—until recently.

In 2018, as a newly promoted Master Sergeant, she attended the Women’s Initiative Team (WIT) Female Fitment event in Ohio. There, she discovered that many women faced the same challenges she did—ill-fitting flying gear and uniforms, and disheartening treatment by individuals who were either uninformed or indifferent, viewing women as burdens rather than valuable assets. This experience ignited a passion in her to ensure that everyone around her felt heard and recognized as important.

Since then, she has actively mentored and coached both men and women on how to approach topics that are often considered uncomfortable. She takes great pride in the progress WIT has made, particularly in the anthropometric study focused on reevaluating pilot entry requirements across fighter, bomber, and trainer aircraft.

In 2022, she played a key role in establishing the Creech AFB WIT, working to connect women with essential resources such as medical care, properly fitted uniforms, and childcare solutions. Her continued dedication reflects a deep commitment to advocacy, inclusion, and making meaningful ch

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In this episode, Dr. Sarah Secor-Jones shares her unique journey from joining the Army at 17 to becoming a Navy physician. She discusses the challenges women face in the military, the importance of building networks, and how to navigate leadership roles. Dr. Secor-Jones emphasizes the significance of mentorship and creating a supportive environment for others, especially women in male-dominated fields. In this conversation, Sarah shares her insights on mentorship, leadership, and the importance of creating a positive environment for both patients and team members. She emphasizes the need for mindfulness and self-compassion in leadership roles, particularly for female veterans who often downplay their service. The discussion highlights the significance of networking and building coalitions to support one another in overcoming unique challenges. Sarah also discusses her transition from military service to integrative medicine, focusing on holistic care and the impact of personal growth on leadership development.

ABOUT DR. SARAH: 

Dr. Sarah is a dedicated physician specializing in Integrative & Regenerative Medicine with a background as a Navy physician. She combines cutting-edge regenerative therapies with a holistic, patient-centered approach to optimize health, longevity, and wellness. She went into the military at the age of 17 and has been in since. 

CONNECT WITH DR. SARAH: 

IG: @lesh.life.style

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In this episode, Brittinie Wick interviews Shannon Hough, the CEO and founder of Shields of Sisters, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting women veterans who have experienced military sexual trauma. Shannon shares her personal journey, including her military service, the sexual assault she endured, and the subsequent creation of her organization to help others heal. The conversation delves into the challenges faced by veterans in accessing adequate support from the VA and military, the stigma surrounding military sexual trauma, and the need for a holistic approach to healing. Shannon emphasizes the importance of accountability for assaulters and the need to change the narrative around military sexual trauma. In this conversation, Shannon Hough and Brittinie Wick discuss the pervasive issue of military sexual trauma, the importance of creating safe spaces for survivors, and the need for effective prevention programs. They highlight the often-overlooked experiences of male victims and the emotional struggles faced by survivors. Shannon shares personal stories that underscore the impact of their work at Shield of Sisters, emphasizing the importance of emotional expression and breaking the stigma surrounding it. They also address the political climate affecting military sexual trauma programs and the necessity of survivor voices in shaping effective solutions. The conversation concludes with information on how to get involved and support the cause.

ABOUT SHANNON: 

Shannon Hough is Shield of Sisters CEO and Founder. She is a Lady Veteran of the Navy, a military wife and mother. Shannon has also served as a mayor, congressional staff member and as a city administrator. Shannon holds an MPA and MBA from Norwich University. Shannon endured sexual assault in the Navy over 25 years ago and never fully recovered from what happened to her. While Shannon was serving as a congressional staffer she encountered several service members who needed help with their own sexual assaults while serving in the military. She decided to create Shield of Sisters as a way to help her sisters that endured MST. Shannon’s passion is helping others find restoration and supporting her sister service members. She is an avid reader, loves to cook and spend time with her family, including her dog Zeus.

CONNECT:

https://www.facebook.com/ShieldofSisters

[email protected]

Invisible No More is our podcast, we tell our stories of sexual assault and how we have overcome the pain of betrayal and assault while serving our country. https://shieldofsisters.com/podcast/

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In this episode, Emily Foreman shares her journey as a 13N Intercontinental Ballistic Missile Launch Officer in the United States Air Force, discussing the challenges of balancing military duties with motherhood. She highlights her involvement in the Women's Initiative Team, aimed at improving the quality of life for service members, especially women. Emily reflects on the importance of prioritizing self-care while managing family responsibilities and the significance of women's representation in the military. The conversation delves into the complexities of family planning within a military career and the broader implications of supporting women in service. This conversation explores the challenges and dynamics of military family life, particularly focusing on the experiences of women in the military. It discusses the importance of gender diversity in physically demanding roles, the unique family dynamics created by military service, and the navigation of parenting roles within military families. The conversation also highlights the childcare challenges faced by military parents, the resources available to support them, and the need for advocacy for women in the military.

ABOUT EMILY:

Emily joined the United States Air Force in 2016 as a 13N Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) Launch Officer. She holds a bachelor's degree in Applied Linguistics and is currently pursuing a master's degree in Supply Chain Management. While stationed at F.E. Warren Air Force Base, she served as the Women's Initiative Team Lead for 20th Air Force within the 90th Missile Wing. In this leadership role, she contributed to initiatives aimed at enhancing quality of life and operational flexibility for service members. Her efforts included developing flexible operations schedules for parents, streamlining the review process for breast pumps in secure facilities, and collaborating with squadrons to ensure missile operators had access to gender-appropriate equipment.

During her tenure as an ICBM Launch Officer, she became a mother to two children, now 4 and 2 years old. This experience offered her profound insight into the challenges of balancing military service with family life. She is passionate about fostering meaningful conversations around the role of family in the lives of service members and actively advocates for increased flexibility to support personnel through different life stages. She views this advocacy as essential in meeting the evolving and often resource-constrained demands of the mission.

CONNECT WITH EMILY:

https://www.facebook.com/memmly/

[email protected]

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