In this episode of Dog Tag Diaries, Major Mom, a remarkable guest whose journey from a tumultuous childhood to a flourishing professional career is nothing short of inspiring. Host Captain Kim explores how Major Mom's frequent relocations, financial hardships, and the disruptive environment of her youth built her into the resilient and adaptable leader she is today. From her early days grappling with stability issues to securing a full scholarship through Air Force ROTC, Major Mom’s story is a captivating narrative of overcoming adversity. Discover her path to becoming a missile combat crew commander and later, a professional organizer, where she turned chaos into organized success. Tune in to hear about the highs, the lows, and invaluable lessons learned along the way.

Angela Cody, aka Major Mom®, is the founder of Major Organizers®, a residential organizing company she launched in 2005 after leaving a 14-year career in the US Air Force, where she served as a satellite operator and missile combat crew commander, earning the rank of Major. Inspired to pursue a more family-focused life, Angela turned her passion for creating order into a successful business, now operating teams in Colorado and Indiana. She holds a BA in Speech Communication from Indiana University and an MBA from the University of Colorado. She is a long-time member of NAPO and Faithful Organizers and has served in leadership roles within both organizations. An advocate for balance, Angela combines her military precision with a deep understanding of the challenges parents face in managing home and career. Through her speaking engagements, she motivates and equips families to declutter their lives and create harmonious, functional spaces.

Social Media Links:

• Facebook: The Major Mom
• Website: www.MajorMom.biz

Books by Angela Cody:

1. Kid-Friendly Car Organizing Tips
2. Organizing Your Weight Loss
3. Laundry Organizing Tips
4. Home Organization Tips

Special Topics:

• The importance of mentorship for women in the military.
• How her military discipline translates into entrepreneurial success.
• Strategies for balancing career and family as a working mom.

Be sure to follow or subscribe to Dog Tag Diaries wherever you listen to podcasts.

Learn more about Reveille and Retreat Project:

reveilleandretreatproject.org

Instagram: @reveilleandretreatproject

Facebook: Reveille and Retreat Project

You aren’t alone.

If you’re thinking about hurting yourself or having thoughts of suicide contact the

Veteran crisis line: Dial 988 then press 1,

To close out 2024 we are re-releasing episodes that you found especially memorable. We hope you value revisiting this conversation.

Get ready for an unforgettable narrative on "Dog Tag Diaries" featuring Sarah Blum, who served as a nurse during the Vietnam War. This episode explores Sarah’s gripping journey, from her initial assignments and shocking first encounters with wartime realities to the advocate she became. Hear about her transformative book Women Under Fire Abuse in the Military, the result of six years of research and interviews. Learn about her upcoming book, Warrior, Nurse, Healer, PTSD and Healing, set to release in March 2025, detailing her path from wartime trauma to healing. Tune in for a compelling episode that sheds light on the struggles and triumphs of female military personnel.

Sarah Blum, Vietnam War Military Nurse and Author

Sarah Blum served as a military nurse during the Vietnam War, stationed at the 12th Evac Hospital beside the Hobo Woods. She is the author of Warrior Nurse, Healer: PTSD and Healing and Women Under Fire: Abuse in the Military. Her experiences have shaped her into a strong advocate for women veterans, particularly those who have faced sexual assault in the military.

Social Media:

Twitter - SarahLBlum

Facebook - Sarah L. Blum

Be sure to follow or subscribe to Dog Tag Diaries wherever you listen to podcasts.

Learn more about Reveille and Retreat Project:

reveilleandretreatproject.org

Instagram: @reveilleandretreatproject

Facebook: Reveille and Retreat Project

You aren’t alone.

If you’re thinking about hurting yourself or having thoughts of suicide contact the

Veteran crisis line: Dial 988 then press 1, chat online, or text 838255.

To close out 2024 we are re-releasing episodes that you found especially memorable. We hope you value revisiting this conversation.

This podcast episode is dedicated to Cultural Support Team members

1LT Ashley White (KIA 2011) and CPT Jenny Moreno (KIA 2013)

In this compelling episode of Dog Tag Diaries, hosts Captain Dakota and Captain Kim sit down with Major Jess Yahn, to discuss a trailblazing time in military history. Join them to learn about the groundbreaking US Army Special Operations Command's Cultural Support Team (CST) program, which was pivotal in lifting the combat arms ban for women in 2015. Major Yahn shares gripping stories from her deployments, including a tense moment on an Afghan airfield and a unique cultural dining experience. Learn about her work with Alltru, the impact of educational initiatives for girls in Afghanistan, and about the Women, Peace, and Security Act. Hear how female soldiers like Jess are breaking barriers and making history. This episode is profoundly inspiring and informative and a must-listen for anyone interested in women in combat roles.

What is the Cultural Support Team Program?

• Background and creation of the CST program by the US Army Special Operations Command.

• Purpose and objectives of CSTs in Afghanistan.

Deployment and Operations:

• CSTs deployed with Joint Task Force elements.

• Integration with special operations units like the Ranger Regiment.

• Description of direct action missions and village stability operations.

Roles and Responsibilities:

• Specific roles CST members played during missions.

• Importance of cultural awareness and building trust with local Afghan communities.

Challenges Faced:

• Physical and mental challenges encountered by CST members.

• Navigating cultural barriers and gender dynamics in a conflict zone.

Impact and Achievements:

• Success stories and notable accomplishments of CSTs.

• Long-term effects on both the local population and the CST members themselves.

Social Media: @alltruinc

Website: AllTru.com

Book: Last to eat, last to learn: My Life in Afghanistan Fighting to Educate Women

Be sure to follow or subscribe to Dog Tag Diaries wherever you listen to podcasts.

Learn more about Reveille and Retreat Project:

reveilleandretreatproject.org

Instagram: @reveilleandretreatproject

Facebook: Reveille and Retreat Project

You aren’t alone.

If you’re thinking about hurting yourself or having thoughts of suicide contact the

Veteran crisis line: Dial 988 then press 1, chat online, or text 838255.

This week's episode of Dog Tag Diaries brings you the extraordinary story of Shatayia Baker, a former U.S. Air Force member whose life took a drastic turn after a severe anxiety attack. Shatayia opens up about her unexpected journey from a military personnel specialist to a mental health advocate and CEO of Peaceful Therapy Services. You’ll be intrigued by her candid discussion about facing high expectations with little support, her terrifying experience in a psych ward, and how she rose above these challenges to become a published author and therapist. Shatayia also shares valuable wisdom on the importance of self-celebration, identity, and confidence for high-performing women. This is a must-listen for anyone interested in mental health, military stories, or personal growth.

Shatayia Baker is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, author, public speaker, and CEO of Peaceful Therapy Services Inc., where she brings healing and peace to her clients with compassion and expertise. A veteran of the United States Air Force, Shatayia served domestically and abroad, including in Okinawa, Japan.

Outside of her professional role, she enjoys engaging in fun activities, watching TV, and listening to music. She is the author of Just As I Am, a guide for young women to discover their identity, and a contributor to Life Lessons: My Choice to Live.

Tune in to hear Shatayia’s inspiring journey and how she uses her experiences to empower others to overcome life’s challenges.

Connect with Shatayia:

• Website: peaceful-therapy.com
• Books: Shatayia Baker’s Publications
• Facebook: Shatayia M Baker
• Instagram: @shatayia_baker
• TikTok: @shatayiah

Be sure to follow or subscribe to Dog Tag Diaries wherever you listen to podcasts.

Learn more about Reveille and Retreat Project:

reveilleandretreatproject.org

Instagram: @reveilleandretreatproject

Facebook: Reveille and Retreat Project

You aren’t alone.

If you’re thinking about hurting yourself or having thoughts of suicide contact the

Veteran crisis line: Dial 988 then press 1, chat online, or text 838255.

In this Episode of Dog Tag Diaries, Dr. Qwynn Salazar joins Captains Dakota and Kim to explore the essence of resilience and cultural humility in the military. From the significance of having a flexible plan for young adults entering service to the crucial steps for a seamless transition out, Salazar shares indispensable advice. Learn how she uses her dog tags as a daily motivator and why emotional impact matters more than titles. With insights on financial management, self-reflection, and the power of human connection, and powerful stories from her life and career, this episode promises to inspire and inform. Whether you're a veteran or simply curious about military life, don’t miss this empowering narrative.

Dr. Qwynn Galloway-Salazar (AKA Doc Q) is the Founder and CEO of In Their Honor. As an Army Veteran, Spouse to a Combat Veteran, End-of-Life Doula Educator, and Storyteller, she has proudly devoted more than two decades to elevating the quality of life of military and Veteran communities. As PsychArmor’s Senior Vice President for Engagement and Transformation, she extends her impact, leading efforts to cultivate partnerships and broaden PsychArmor’s impact across military-connected communities.

In 2024, she was appointed to the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization's End-of-Life Doula Council. Additionally, she is a founding member of the Compassionate Communities Think Tank (U.S.), advocating for social change related to community-based end-of-life support. Qwynn also serves on the Advisory Board for the Veterans Studies Association. In her spare time, she mentors Doctoral-level students focused on supporting military and Veteran communities.

Interesting Facts About Dr. Qwynn Galloway-Salazar:

• Honored as one of USA TODAY’s 2024 Women of the Year.
• Named Georgia’s inaugural Woman Veteran of the Year.
• Mentors doctoral students focusing on military and Veteran communities.

Connect with Doc Q:

• LinkedIn: Dr. Qwynn Galloway-Salazar
• Website: In Their Honor

Be sure to follow or subscribe to Dog Tag Diaries wherever you listen to podcasts.

Learn more about Reveille and Retreat Project:

reveilleandretreatproject.org

Instagram: @reveilleandretreatproject

Facebook: Reveille and Retreat Project

You aren’t alone.

If you’re thinking about hurting yourself or having thoughts of suicide contact the

Veteran crisis line: Dial 988 then press 1, chat online, or text 838255.

In this episode, we sit down with retired Major Liz Valade, a Mustang Officer in the U.S. Army Reserve. Liz shares her journey from upstate New York to serving in Special Operations with 13 combat deployments. She reflects on how 9/11 inspired her to enlist, shaping her military path and her life after service. Liz opens up about navigating PTSD, survivor’s guilt, and finding resilience through veteran support programs. She offers advice to women in the military on resilience and setting their own limits, and shares her passion for baseball, which led her to start her own agency as a Major League Baseball Player Association Certified Agent. Liz also volunteers with K9 Kavalry, helping veterans with service dog training. Her dedication to the veteran community shines through in this inspiring episode.

Liz Valade is the Owner and Primary MLB Player Association Certified Agent and Draft Advisor of Pro Level Baseball Group. She also serves as the Command Officer in Charge and a Board Member of K9 Kavalry, a non-profit providing free service dog training to service-connected veterans. A former two-sport athlete in college, Liz holds an MS in Sports Management from Southern New Hampshire University and is currently pursuing an MBA at Syracuse University.

Tune in to hear Liz's inspiring story and the lessons she's learned along the way!

You can find her here:

www.linkedin.com/in/liz-valade-27babb254

www.prolevelbbgroup.com

www.k9kavalry.org

Be sure to follow or subscribe to Dog Tag Diaries wherever you listen to podcasts.

Learn more about Reveille and Retreat Project:

reveilleandretreatproject.org

Instagram: @reveilleandretreatproject

Facebook: Reveille and Retreat Project

You aren’t alone.

If you’re thinking about hurting yourself or having thoughts of suicide contact the

Veteran crisis line: Dial 988 then press 1, chat online, or text 838255.

In this extraordinary episode of "Dog Tag Diaries," hosts Dakota and Kim sit down with the incomparable CJ Scarlet aka badass grandma, a marine corps veteran turned acclaimed author. Listen in as CJ opens up about her powerful journey from military service to overcoming personal trauma, battling severe health challenges, and finding solace in Eastern philosophies. Discover how CJ's transformative path led her to become a leading advocate for women's and children's safety, co-implementing the nation's first automated victim notification system. Don't miss inspirational tales of resilience, the empowering message behind her "badass grandma" moniker, and practical advice for women considering military service. This episode is a masterclass in turning adversity into strength.

CJ Scarlet is a kid safety crusader and award-winning author who helps parents empower their kids to protect and defend themselves from bullies and predators. CJ knows first-hand how violence can destroy lives. A survivor of childhood abuse, teen sexual assault, and a narrow escape from a sex trafficking ring, CJ spent years dealing with the emotional aftermath of her experience. After taking her power back, she became an advocate for others who had been victimized, running a child advocacy center and serving as Director of Victims Issues for the North Carolina Attorney General’s Office. Over her 30 years as a victim advocate, CJ has helped thousands of survivors claim their power too. The former roller-skating carhop, forest firefighter, and U.S. Marine photojournalist holds a master’s degree in human violence. Named one of the “Happy 100” people on the planet, CJ’s story of triumph over adversity is featured in several bestselling books.

Books by CJ Scarlet:

• Raising Badass Kids
• Badass Parenting
• Heroic Parenting
• The Badass Girl's Guide
• Neptune's Gift: Discovering Your Inner Ocean

Available on Amazon

Special Offer: Check out CJ’s new online course for parents, Heroic Parenting 101, with an exclusive Early Bird deal. Learn more here.

Connect with CJ Scarlet:

• Website: thebadassgrandma.com
• Facebook: The Badass Grandma
• Instagram: @thebadassgrandma

Be sure to follow or subscribe to Dog Tag Diaries wherever you listen to podcasts.

Learn more about Reveille and Retreat Project:

reveilleandretreatproject.org

Instagram: @reveilleandretreatproject

Facebook: Reveille and Retreat Project

You aren’t alone.

If you’re thinking about hurting yourself or having thoughts of suicide contact the

Veteran crisis line: Dial 988 then press 1, chat online, or text 838255.

In this captivating episode of Dog Tag Diaries, Dakota and Kim sit down with Dr. Iesiah "Esha" Harris to navigate her incredible journey through the military. Moving from a challenging upbringing in Brownsville to becoming a nurse and obtaining a PhD, Dr. Harris highlights the demanding yet rewarding path she followed. Experience the highs and lows of her military career, including the unexpected kindness at Langley Air Force Base and her intense deployment to Afghanistan. Dr. Harris also discusses the struggle of finding her identity outside the military and provides invaluable advice for women in the armed forces. Whether you're a veteran or a civilian, this episode is packed with insightful lessons on resilience, leadership, and self-discovery.

Dr. Iesiah "Esha" Harris is a passionate advocate for veterans and a visionary leader who served in the United States Air Force for 26 years. Growing up in the Brownsville Housing Projects of NYC, Dr. Harris dreamed of becoming a nurse. The Air Force offered her a path to achieve that dream and more, fostering her resilience, determination, and a drive for excellence that she carries with her today. Visit the website: www.caringsoulsforveterans.org and look out for Operation Rewire: Resilience Retreat for RNs.

Be sure to follow or subscribe to Dog Tag Diaries wherever you listen to podcasts.

Learn more about Reveille and Retreat Project:

reveilleandretreatproject.org

Instagram: @reveilleandretreatproject

Facebook: Reveille and Retreat Project

You aren’t alone.

If you’re thinking about hurting yourself or having thoughts of suicide contact the

Veteran crisis line: Dial 988 then press 1, chat online, or text 838255.