Dog Tag Diaries

Summary:What happens when the strength that helped you survive starts keeping you from truly living?In this heartfelt episode of Dog Tag Diaries, Captain Kim sits down with Army veteran, author, and women’s healing mentor Felicia Hammond. Felicia shares her powerful journey from growing up in Liberia as a firstborn daughter with adult responsibilities, to homelessness in the U.S., military service, motherhood, divorce, and learning how to slow down after years of living on high alert. Through her memoir, The Tactical Pause, Felicia opens up about emotional suppression, faith, nervous system healing, and the brave work of coming back to herself. Her story reminds military women that healing is not weakness. It is a return to truth, safety, and self-love.In this episode, we cover:Felicia Hammond’s childhood in LiberiaGrowing up as a firstborn daughter with early responsibilityComing to the U.S. at 17Facing homelessness while still in high schoolWhy she was drawn to the Army uniformJoining the Army as a financial management specialistServing as a woman of color in uniformMotherhood, single parenting, and military expectationsThe pressure to overperform as a woman in the ArmyLife after military service and divorceHow impulsive reactions showed up after serviceThe meaning behind The Tactical PauseJournaling, meditation, faith, and emotional healingTurning her private healing work into a memoirWhy women veterans need to know they are not aloneNotable Quotes & Moments:“Every second counts.” Felicia Hammond on the military mindset that shaped her reactions [00:36:32]“I need you to take five minutes before you respond.” Felicia on the homework that became The Tactical Pause [00:39:43]“I felt like I was about to die.” Felicia on learning to pause after years of survival mode [00:40:45]Episode highlights:00:01:48 - Meet Felicia Hammond and her memoir The Tactical Pause00:04:22 - Felicia’s childhood in Liberia00:06:17 - Life as a firstborn daughter in West Africa00:15:27 - Coming to the U.S. at 1700:16:30 - Facing homelessness while finishing high school00:20:36 - Walking into the recruiter’s office00:27:18 - Being a woman of color in uniform00:29:47 - Motherhood, childcare, and military demands00:34:28 - The meaning behind The Tactical Pause00:42:51 - Turning journals, meditation, and healing into a memoirAbout Felicia:Felecia Hammond is a U.S. Army veteran, memoirist, and women’s healing mentor in development. She is the author of The Tactical Pause, a deeply personal memoir exploring trauma, awakening, and reclaiming identity after years of living in survival mode. Through her writing and future coaching practice, she is passionate about helping women regulate their nervous systems, break emotional patterns, and reconnect with themselves through compassion and clarity.Connect with Felicia:YouTube: Your Wellness Matters YouTube ChannelFacebook: Felecia Hammond Facebook PageEmail: hammondf17@gmail.comBe sure to follow or subscribe to Dog Tag Diaries wherever you listen to podcasts.Learn more about the Reveille and Retreat Project: reveilleandretreatproject.orgInstagram: @reveilleandretreatprojectFacebook: Reveille and Retreat ProjectYou 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.

Summary: What makes a 16-year-old decide, within 24 hours of 9/11, to dedicate her life to serving her country? In this powerful Season 7 episode of Dog Tag Diaries, Cait Conley shares her journey from a working-class childhood in New York’s Hudson Valley to West Point, six combat deployments, and senior national security roles at the White House and Department of Homeland Security. Cait opens up about leading counterterrorism missions in Iraq, Afghanistan, Syria, and Yemen, supporting soldiers through the mental toll of war, and protecting U.S. elections and critical infrastructure. Now running for Congress in New York’s 17th District, she explains why this is her second call to serve. This conversation is about grit, leadership, love of country, and choosing service again and again.In this episode, we cover: Cait’s childhood in the Hudson Valley and early lessons in leadership The impact of 9/11 and her decision to attend West Point Serving 16 years in uniform with six deployments Leading counterterrorism and protecting civilians in combat zones Her role at the White House and in national security Why is she running for Congress in 2026 The launch of the “Hellcats,” four women veterans running for office Advice for women considering military service todayNotable Quotes & Moments: “This was my second call to serve.” – On deciding to run for Congress [00:24:43] “You don’t serve a person or a party. You serve the Constitution.” [00:34:08] “Less excuses, more results.” – On leadership in Washington [00:29:59]"Don’t let anyone tell you that you don’t belong or that you aren’t tough enough. You are. Where there’s a will, there’s a way." – Her advice for women thinking about joining the military [00:33:21]Timestamps: 00:01:06 – 9/11 and her decision to serve 00:08:12 – Life as a military police officer and first responder 00:14:38 – Combat deployments and counterterrorism missions 00:21:03 – White House and national security leadership 00:23:21 – Why she’s running for Congress 00:25:02 – The Hellcats and women veterans running in 2026 00:33:36 – Advice for the next generation of women in uniformConnect with Cait:Twitter: https://x.com/CaitforNewYorkInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/caitconley/Website: https://caitconley.com/Cait Conley is a Hudson Valley native, Army combat veteran, and national security expert. She served sixteen years as an active-duty Army officer and deployed six times to combat zones including Iraq, Afghanistan, Yemen, Syria, and North Africa. She led counterterrorism operations targeting high-threat networks, earned three Bronze Stars, and was part of the Army’s first MP platoon assigned to a Stryker brigade in Iraq.After her military service, Cait continued serving our country as Director of Counterterrorism on the National Security Council at the White House, and later at the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, where she worked to secure America’s critical infrastructure and elections.Today, Cait is running for Congress in New York’s 17th District and is a member of the Hell Cats, a group of female veterans running for office in the 2026 midterms.Be sure to follow or subscribe to Dog Tag Diaries wherever you listen to podcasts.Learn more about the Reveille and Retreat Project: reveilleandretreatproject.orgInstagram: @reveilleandretreatprojectFacebook: Reveille and Retreat ProjectYou 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.

Summary: In this episode, we sit down with Kimberly Mitchell, a resilient veteran and transformational leader whose journey spans military service, leadership development, entrepreneurship, and personal healing. Kimberly opens up about growing up in a single-parent household with four siblings, navigating loss at a young age, and discovering her strength and curiosity early in life.She shares how joining the Air Force expanded her worldview, took her around the globe, and shaped her leadership philosophy—especially as the only woman in her Vehicle Maintenance training class. Her military experience laid the foundation for a successful career in training and development, eventually leading her to create the Journey to Joy Personal Transformation System after facing her own mental health challenges.This conversation explores resilience, identity, mental health, and the power of joy as a transformative force.Key Topics:Kimberly’s childhood, curiosity, and resilience after the loss of her fatherWhat motivated her to enlist in the Air Force and later serve in the NY Army GuardHer experience as the only woman in her Vehicle Maintenance training classDeployments to Norway, Germany, and Saudi Arabia during Desert Shield/Desert StormHow military structure and leadership principles shaped her careerTransition to civilian life and her path into training, leadership development, and entrepreneurshipHer mental health journey and the spark that led to developing the Journey to Joy Personal Transformation SystemThe importance of joy, self-sufficiency, and community in personal transformationAdvice for women joining or currently serving in the militaryNotable Quotes & Moments:“Join! You can do more than you think. Being the only woman in my unit at times was challenging, but it taught me so much about my own strength.” - Kimberly Mitchell on highlighting her strength and determination in a male-dominated space [00:20:00]“You’re on this airport walkway and it feels like you can’t get off… but you can.” – Kimberly on the feeling many women face between ages 40–60 [00:37:00]“Your beliefs are just thoughts you’ve been thinking over and over again. If you don’t like your life, start by changing those thoughts.” – Kimberly on building the Journey to Joy system [00:38:15]“We are our own greatest resource. Once you look within, you will find all the answers you need.” – Kimberly’s message to women entering or leaving the military [00:45:12]Timestamps:00:01:08 – Kimberly Mitchell’s early life in Rochester, NY00:01:20 – Losing her father at age 16 and how it shaped her00:03:00 – Being the only woman in her vehicle maintenance tech school00:04:00 – Overcoming doubts and outscoring her male classmates00:06:00 – Early military life, being stationed with no other women00:07:55 – Deployment during Desert Shield & Desert Storm00:10:54 – Returning home and the challenges of reintegration00:13:00 – Struggles with identity, depression, and personal discipline00:15:40 – How her military training influenced her corporate career00:17:00 – The turning point: realizing no program could “fix” her00:18:30 – Creating the Journey to Joy Personal Transformation System00:21:00 – The power of belief, daily action, and personal accountability00:23:35 – Using neuroplasticity and breaking mental habits00:26:00 – Building the program for women 40–60 ready to reset00:28:45 – Kimberly’s advice to military women in transition00:29:18 – Closing reflections and where to find Journey to JoyConnect with Kim:Website: https://kimm.co/Journey to Joy: http://www.youjourneytojoy.com/Kimberly Mitchell is a veteran, mental health advocate, speaker, and transformational leader committed to empowering individuals and small businesses. She grew up in a tight-knit neighborhood where independence was essential and excelled academically, earning awards including the Daughters of the American Revolution Citizenship Medal. After losing her father at 16, she turned hardship into motivation and enlisted in the Air Force. As the only woman in her Vehicle Maintenance training class, she earned the highest test scores and later served during Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm, achieving the rank of E-4 Sergeant.After transitioning to civilian life, Kimberly built a successful career in training and leadership development, supporting major projects such as the 2010 Census digital transition and the Rochester Schools Modernization Program. Her entrepreneurial spirit led to several business ventures and the creation of a thriving six-figure training business.Her own mental health journey inspired her to develop the Journey to Joy Personal Transformation System, helping others break free from limiting beliefs and step into their power. Kimberly is a founding member of the Greater Rochester Black Business Alliance and serves on the board of ROCEDC. Her mission is to inspire transformation through joy, empowerment, and self-sufficiency.Be sure to follow or subscribe to Dog Tag Diaries wherever you listen to podcasts.Learn more about the Reveille and Retreat Project: reveilleandretreatproject.orgInstagram: @reveilleandretreatprojectFacebook: Reveille and Retreat ProjectYou 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.

Summary:This is another inspiring episode of Dog Tag Diaries Season Seven, where host Captain Kim welcomes Marine officer, mother, and advocate Dr. Jessica Bradley, LtCol, USMC (Retired). Jessica shares her remarkable journey from a small-town Oregon girl inspired by a Vietnam War documentary to becoming one of the first women in her unit to serve in combat operations during Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) and Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF). She opens up candidly about the challenges of navigating military life as a woman and a mother of a special needs child, breaking gender barriers in the Marines, and leading transformational initiatives like the Secretary of Defense's Women in Service Review Task Force. This episode highlights the intersection of courage, faith, and leadership, encouraging military women to bring their full authentic selves into service and to stay rooted in their calling.Key Topics:Jessica’s early life and inspiration to serve (00:05:29)Women’s experience in Marine Corps Boot Camp and leadership lessons (00:09:04)Transitioning between enlisted Marine and commissioned officer roles (00:14:02)Facing gender discrimination early and later in her career (00:17:20, 00:18:39)The importance of faith as a source of strength and guidance (00:20:42)Deploying as a single mom and leading in combat during OEF/OIF (00:23:09)Family challenges, supporting a child with juvenile diabetes, and military family resources (00:27:42)Serving in the Wounded Warrior Regiment and helping wounded Marines transition home (00:30:49)Role in repealing the combat exclusion policy and impacting women’s military roles (00:36:23)Advice for the next generation of women in uniform (00:42:19)Notable Quotes & Moments:“I can be feminine. I can be my authentic self and be hardcore at the same time.” – Jessica Bradley on leadership and identity [00:11:12]“You are a Marine just like them. I was able to compete, lead, and serve.” – Jessica on overcoming gender barriers [00:18:08]“Stay the course. Bring all of you into your leadership role… Don’t lose sight of who you are in the midst of serving.” – Jessica’s message to future women in uniform [00:42:19]Timestamps:00:00:00 – Introduction to Dog Tag Diaries & Season Seven theme00:01:16 – Introduction of guest Jessica Bradley00:05:29 – Jessica’s childhood & early inspiration to join the military00:09:04 – Experience at Marine Corps Boot Camp and college ROTC00:14:02 – Transition from enlisted Marine to officer role00:18:39 – Facing gender discrimination as a junior officer and later as a mother00:23:09 – Deployment during OEF/OIF and leadership in combat00:27:42 – Balancing military career with family challenges and special needs parenting00:30:49 – Work in Wounded Warrior Regiment and veteran reintegration support00:36:23 – Involvement in Women in Service Review Task Force and repealing combat exclusion00:42:19 – Closing advice to the next generation of women in uniform00:44:08 – Closing remarksDr. Jessica Bradley served in the U.S. Marine Corps as both an enlisted Marine and an officer, ultimately retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel after more than two decades that spanned three MEFs, deployments to OEF/OIF, and leadership roles including Operations Officer at Wounded Warrior Regiment and policy work on the SecDef’s Women in Service Restrictions Review. Her service shaped a leadership style grounded in faith, fitness, and calm strength, and she later completed a doctorate using the Post‑9/11 GI Bill; today, she continues serving veterans as the ODVA Women Veterans Statewide Coordinator.Kim Liszka served in the United States Army/Reserves as a Combat Medic, Combat Nurse, Flight Nurse Instructor and one of the Top Female athletes in the Army. Kim worked 20+ years as an ER nurse and decided to explore the world as a travel nurse. She's an Advanced Wilderness Expedition Provider and Chief Medical Officer for numerous endurance/survival expeditions in different countries. Kim has a son, Jace and a daughter in law, Sammy and 2 grand animals, Joey & Bear. Her dog Camo is her best buddy. Camo is the sweetest yellow Labrador Retriever to walk this earth. He loves licking snow, riding the ocean waves, visiting carnivore food trucks and loves belly rubs and treats. Fun Facts: Kim's lived in the Reality TV World! Fear Factor, American Ninja Warrior-Military Edition, American Tarzan, Spartan Namibia and more to come!Be sure to follow or subscribe to Dog Tag Diaries wherever you listen to podcasts.Learn more about Reveille and Retreat Project: reveilleandretreatproject.orgInstagram: @reveilleandretreatprojectFacebook: Reveille and Retreat ProjectYou aren’t alone.If you’re thinking about hurting yourself or having thoughts of suicide contact theVeteran crisis line: Dial 988 then press 1, chat online, or text 838255.

Ever wonder what happens when trauma meets resilience—on both the battlefield and back home? Dog Tag Diaries brings you a special second tour episode with Didi Meindok, Navy veteran, attorney, and medical scientist. Hear about the struggles women face during military service, from being “erased by paperwork” to facing unimaginable challenges like military sexual trauma and moral injury. This episode is packed with stories of identity, recovery, and the power of community care. If you’re seeking inspiration, support, or validation in your own journey, this raw and unapologetic conversation will remind you: you are not alone.Didi Meindok is a U.S. Navy veteran of Operation Desert Storm, an attorney, and a trained medical scientist. Known as the FilaEstonian, she comes from a long line of seafarers and believes in the importance of truth, justice, and integrity in service. Her first PTSD treatment took place at the same hospital where One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest was filmed—a symbolic start to a lifelong healing journey.📲 Connect with Didi:LinkedIn - Dorothy Dagmar Meindok, JDFacebook - Dorothy MeindokTo contact Didi, email: dorothy@meindoklaw.onmicrosoft.comKim Liszka served in the United States Army/Reserves as a Combat Medic, Combat Nurse, Flight Nurse Instructor and one of the Top Female athletes in the Army. Kim worked 20+ years as an ER nurse and decided to explore the world as a travel nurse. She's an Advanced Wilderness Expedition Provider and Chief Medical Officer for numerous endurance/survival expeditions in different countries. Kim has a son, Jace and a daughter in law, Sammy and 2 grand animals, Joey & Bear. Her dog Camo is her best buddy. Camo is the sweetest yellow Labrador Retriever to walk this earth. He loves licking snow, riding the ocean waves, visiting carnivore food trucks and loves belly rubs and treats. Fun Facts: Kim's lived in the Reality TV World! Fear Factor, American Ninja Warrior-Military Edition, American Tarzan, Spartan Namibia and more to come!Be sure to follow or subscribe to Dog Tag Diaries wherever you listen to podcasts.Learn more about Reveille and Retreat Project: reveilleandretreatproject.orgInstagram: @reveilleandretreatprojectFacebook: Reveille and Retreat ProjectYou 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.