Your Next Mission®

The U.S. is celebrating their 251st Birthday, making it older than the very nation it defends! In this powerful episode of Your Next Mission® video podcast, host SMA (R) Tilley sits down with the Command Team of the legendary Eighth Army from Camp Humphreys, South Korea.LTG Joseph "Joe" E. Hilbert and CSM Jeffery D. Weaver discuss the "Ready to Fight Tonight" reality on the Korean Peninsula and how the U.S. Army is evolving for the next 251 years.In this episode, we also dive into:⭐ The 3-2-1 Model: How "Tour Normalization" is allowing Army families to thrive in Korea.⭐ Backbone University: A revolutionary joint-service NCO program including ROK partners and the U.S. Space Force.⭐ Shared Readiness: Why U.S. Soldiers are now attending ROK Ranger and Drone schools.⭐ A Historic Celebration: A ceremonial cake cutting honoring the Army’s 251st and America’s 250th milestones.⭐ The Tip of the Spear: What it really looks like to defend two homelands side-by-side.Welcome to Your Next Mission®, the nation's number one video podcast on military transition and leadership. 1. What is the mission of the U.S. Eighth Army in South Korea?2. What does "Ready to Fight Tonight" mean for Soldiers in Korea?3. What is the 3-2-1 assignment model for the U.S. Army?4. Is South Korea a good duty station for Army Families?5. What is Backbone University in Eighth Army?6. Can U.S. Soldiers go to the Republic of Korea (ROK) Ranger School?7. How do KATUSA Soldiers train with the U.S. Army?8. Is the U.S. Army older than the United States?9. How old is the U.S. Army on its birthday in 2026?10. How do forward-deployed troops celebrate the Army Birthday?⚡ SUBSCRIBE for more elite leadership insight 🌎 LEARN MORE: yournextmission.org#USArmy251 #8thArmy #KatchiKapshida #MilitaryLeadership #YourNextMission #JackTilley #Korea #ReadyToFightTonight #Veterans #NCOBackbone Video Chapters00:00 – Welcome to Your Next Mission®00:37 – SMA Tilley Introduces 8th Army Command02:08 – Meet LTG Joe Hilbert & CSM Jeffery Weaver04:15 – The Storied History of the "Amphibious Eighth"06:25 – Real-World Mission: Ready to Fight Tonight08:06 – Why Serving in Korea is Unlike Any Other Assignment11:13 – The New 3-2-1 Assignment Model (Tour Normalization)14:53 – Why Army Families Love the New Korea Model18:05 – The 70-Year U.S. and ROK Alliance20:25 – Backbone University: Joint NCO Excellence21:15 – U.S. Soldiers in ROK Ranger & Drone Schools25:57 – The Veteran and Retiree Community in Korea30:49 – Celebrating the U.S. Army’s 251st Birthday32:12 – Standing on the Shoulders of Giants34:56 – The Oath of Enlistment & The Constitution36:10 – 251st Birthday Cake Cutting Ceremony #KatchiKapshida!39:29 – Final Thoughts: Tip of the SpearHow to Join the CelebrationThe Army is encouraging units and individuals to get involved by downloading the official logos, sharing their personal Army stories, and participating in local events. You can find resources and download official materials at www.army.mil.

Military Spouses make massive sacrifices, but how do you build a powerhouse career when you’re constantly relocating? In this episode of Your Next Mission® video podcast, SMA Tilley sits down with Nicole Leth—a resilient Military Spouse, public health expert, and current instructor at the U.S. Secret Service Health and Resilience Training Section.Nicole shares her raw, "un-sugarcoated" journey navigating 27 years of military moves, handling the "bumpy" transition to civilian retirement with her Servicemember spouse, and how she went from directing Armed Forces Wellness Centers to training Federal Secret Service agents. If you are a Veteran, Military Spouse, or Servicemember preparing to transition, this episode is packed with essential advice on resilience, marriage communication, and maintaining your health under extreme stress.

Military retirement sounds like the finish line, but the next battle begins after you take off the uniform. Welcome to Your Next Mission®, the nation's #1 video podcast on military transition and leadership.In this episode, host and the 12th SMA (R) Jack L. Tilley sits down with Stacy Holt, @usaa Military Affairs Director Spouse Engagement & 30+ year Marine spouse and the 15th MCPON (R) Russell L. Smith to pull back the curtain on the intense, unexpected, and often unsettling challenges of military retirement.From the reality of financial readiness under the Blended Retirement System (BRS) to personal mental health battles post-command, this raw and honest conversation gives Servicemembers, Veterans, and Military Families the blueprint to survive and conquer their "second act."On the second half of the episode where Master Chief Smith shares a jaw-dropping story about how USAA proactively hunts down active-duty Servicemembers to refund them thousands of dollars using the Defense Manpower Data Center (DMDC) , and Stacy shares a raw, heart-wrenching account of how a single community event literally saved a military spouse's life.If you are Servicemembers, a Veteran, or a Military Spouse navigating life after service, this raw, honest, and vulnerable conversation will give you the blueprint to find your "second act" and remind you that you are never alone.👉 Looking for Your Next Career? Check out our Veteran job board in partnership with RecruitMilitary: https://yournextmission.org👉 Support our Veterans: Donate property or a used vehicle to support our work at the American Freedom Foundation: https://americanfreedomfoundation.org/donate

No Airman Left Behind. Inside the Air Force Wounded Warrior Program, that promise is more than words. It is a mission that never ends. On this episode of the Your Next Mission® video podcast, SMA Tilley goes inside the Air Force Wounded Warrior Program (AFW2) with MSG (R) Marsha Hoskins of AFW2, Leslie Santiago Rodriguez and CMSgt (R) Jason David of Blue Cross Blue Shield Association Federal Employee Program, and to reveal exactly how this program is changing lives and why no Airman is ever left behind.The Air Force Wounded Warrior Program (AFW2) is the lifeline for wounded, ill, and injured Airmen, Guardians, and their Families. From the moment of injury through every stage of recovery, AFW2 walks alongside warriors with personalized care, advocacy, mentorship, and a community that refuses to let anyone heal alone. And when partners like Blue Cross Blue Shield Federal Employee Program stand shoulder to shoulder with that mission, the impact multiplies. This is the inside look every Airman, Guardian, caregiver, Veteran, and Military Family needs to hear.CMSgt (R) Jason David shares the warrior's perspective. Marsha Hoskins breaks down how the program actually works and who it serves. Leslie Santiago Rodriguez explains how Blue Cross Blue Shield FEP partners with AFW2 to extend care and resources to those who served. Three voices. One mission. Zero filters. Because heroes don't heal alone, and no Airman is ever left behind.LEARN MORE / GET INVOLVEDAir Force Wounded Warrior Program: https://www.woundedwarrior.af.milBlue Cross Blue Shield Federal Employee Program: https://www.fepblue.orgWhat you will hear in this episodeInside the Air Force Wounded Warrior Program and exactly who qualifies for AFW2 supportHow AFW2 walks with warriors and Families from the moment of injury through every stage of recoveryWhy CMSgt (R) Jason David says the Air Force Wounded Warrior Program saved more than just his careerHow Blue Cross Blue Shield Federal Employee Program partners with AFW2 to extend care, advocacy, and lifelong resourcesWhat caregivers and Military Families need to know about the support available to them right nowWhy the transition from active duty to civilian life is one of the hardest battles a wounded warrior fightsThe role adaptive sports, mentorship, and community play in the healing process inside AFW2How the partnership between BCBS FEP and the Air Force Wounded Warrior Program is reaching Airmen who did not know help existedWhy corporate America stepping up matters and what real partnership looks like in actionThe honest truth about what wounded warriors and their Families need most and how you can be part of the solutionHow to connect a wounded, ill, or injured Airman or Guardian to AFW2 todayWhy no Airman is ever left behind and what every Veteran should know about asking for helpWhat is the Air Force Wounded Warrior Program?Who qualifies for AFW2 support?How does the Air Force support wounded, ill, and injured Airmen?What does No Airman Left Behind mean in the Air Force?How does Blue Cross Blue Shield partner with the Air Force Wounded Warrior Program?What benefits do wounded warriors get through Blue Cross Blue Shield Federal Employee Program?How does AFW2 help with the transition to civilian life?What support is available for Air Force wounded warrior families?How do I connect a wounded Airman to the Air Force Wounded Warrior Program?What is the role of caregivers in AFW2?How do adaptive sports help wounded warriors heal?What resources are available for Air Force veterans with PTSD or TBI?How does the Air Force Wounded Warrior Program work with the VA?What is the impact of AFW2 on Airmen and Guardians?How can civilians support wounded warrior programs?What does Blue Cross Blue Shield FEP cover for federal employees and veterans?#NoAirmanLeftBehind #AirForceWoundedWarrior #AFW2 #BlueCrossBlueShield #BCBSFEP #FederalEmployeeProgram #WoundedWarrior #YourNextMission #SMATilley

What does it look like when a bank actually understands the mission? What if your financial institution spoke your language, operated with discipline, and had your six the way your unit did? On this episode of the Your Next Mission® video podcast, Jill Castilla joins SMA Tilley to break down how Citizens Bank of Edmond is redefining banking for Veterans, Servicemembers, and Military Families and how the Roger app is changing the way people manage money in real time. This isn’t just about banking. This is about readiness, trust, and leadership applied to your finances...the way you can understand! Are you tracking?.....What is the Roger app and how does it work?How does Citizens Bank support Veterans and Military Families?What banks are best for Servicemembers and Veterans?How can Military Families improve financial readiness?What financial tools are designed for the military community?Who is Jill Castilla and why is she important in banking?What makes a bank military-friendly?How can Veterans better manage money after service?What are the best banking apps for budgeting and saving?How does leadership translate from the military to banking?What is the Roger app?What are the best banking apps for Veterans?How Jill Castilla leads with purpose in the financial sectorWhy Citizens Bank of Edmond is different from traditional banksHow the Roger app is helping simplify finances for everyday AmericansThe real financial challenges facing Veterans and Military FamiliesWhy financial readiness is just as critical as mission readinessLeadership lessons from the battlefield to the boardroomIf you’re a Veteran, Servicemember, Military Spouse, or someone who supports the military community—this conversation is for you.#Veterans #MilitaryFamilies #Servicemembers #VeteranBenefits #MilitaryLife #FinancialFreedom #Banking #Leadership #YourNextMission #JillCastilla #RogerApp #MoneyManagement #TransitionSuccess #VeteranSupport #MilitaryTransition

Comedian Jeff Allen opens up about Marriage, Family Chaos, and Faith that Hits Home is exactly what audiences are searching for when it comes to real, relatable, and hilarious comedy rooted in truth and Faith.In this episode of the Your Next Mission® video podcast, comedian Jeff Allen joins SMA Tilley for a conversation that blends humor, real-life experience, and Faith in Christ. From marriage struggles to family chaos, Jeff Allen delivers comedy that hits home because it’s real and relatable.Jeff Allen is one of the most recognized comedians in America, known for stand-up centered on marriage, parenting, and everyday life. What sets him apart is how his Christian Faith shapes his comedy by bringing perspective, honesty, and meaning behind the laughter.What makes this episode stand out is the dynamic between Jeff Allen and SMA Tilley. Their back-and-forth is natural, unscripted, and at times hilarious. You’ll see moments where SMA Tilley is genuinely caught off guard laughing, as Jeff connects through shared truths about life, leadership, marriage, and Faith.Also• Jeff Allen on marriage, family chaos, and real-life humor• How Faith in Christ shapes his comedy and message• Why clean comedy still connects in today’s culture• A real and funny conversation with SMA Tilley• Humor that hits without crossing the lineQuestions:Who is Jeff Allen, comedian?Is Jeff Allen a Christian comedian?Is Jeff Allen a clean comedian?What is Jeff Allen known for?What are Jeff Allen’s best marriage jokes?Where can I watch Jeff Allen stand up comedy?Is Jeff Allen on Dry Bar Comedy?What comedians talk about marriage and family?Who are the best clean Christian comedians?Is clean comedy still funny today?Why is Jeff Allen so relatable?What podcast is Jeff Allen on?Who is SMA Tilley?What is Your Next Mission podcast?

Access to instant emergency money for Soldiers and their families. What is Army Emergency Relief (AER) and why has it been called the Army’s safety net for Soldiers and their Families? How does Army Emergency Relief provide financial support when Soldiers face unexpected hardships? In this powerful episode of the Your Next Mission® Video Podcast, SMA Tilley welcomes 16th SMA (R) Michael A. Grinston, the CEO of Army Emergency Relief, to unpack the mission, resources, and impact of one of the most important organizations supporting the U.S. Army community.For decades, Army Emergency Relief has quietly helped Soldiers, Retirees, and Military Families overcome financial emergencies through grants, interest-free loans, scholarships, and assistance programs.But many in the Army community still ask:• What exactly does Army Emergency Relief do?• Who qualifies for AER assistance?• Can active duty Soldiers receive grants or loans from AER?• How does Army Emergency Relief help Military Families during emergencies?• What types of financial hardships does AER cover?• Does Army Emergency Relief help with rent, travel, or medical expenses?• What scholarships does Army Emergency Relief offer for Military Children and Spouses?• How does AER support Soldiers during PCS moves or unexpected financial crises?• Why do Army leaders say AER is one of the most important resources Soldiers should know about?• How has Army Emergency Relief impacted the lives of thousands of Soldiers across the force?Under the leadership of 16th SMA (R) Michael A. Grinston, Army Emergency Relief continues its mission to ensure no Soldier faces financial hardship alone.If you are a Soldier, Retiree, Military Spouse, leader, or someone interested in how the Army takes care of its people, this conversation will give you insight into one of the most powerful support programs in the military.You will learn: How Army Emergency Relief supports Soldiers financially Why leaders across the Army trust AER in times of crisis How to apply for Army Emergency Relief assistance What programs AER offers to Military Families and Children The long-term impact of Army Emergency Relief on Army readinessArmy Emergency Relief (AER) is the official nonprofit of the U.S. Army, providing financial assistance to Soldiers, retirees, and their families when they need it most. Through grants, interest-free loans, and scholarships, AER helps maintain Army readiness, morale, and family stability.Hosted on the Your Next Mission® video podcast, where we bring together military leaders, Veterans, and organizations making a real difference for the military community.What is Army Emergency Relief?How does Army Emergency Relief help Soldiers?Who qualifies for Army Emergency Relief assistance?Can Soldiers get financial help from AER?How do you apply for Army Emergency Relief?What grants does Army Emergency Relief provide?Does AER offer scholarships for Military Families?#ArmyEmergencyRelief#AER#MichaelGrinston#YourNextMission#USArmy#MilitaryFamilies#SoldierSupport#MilitaryBenefits#Veterans#ArmyLife

Do you want to know how Veterans can benefit in $500 million in funding?In this episode of the Your Next Mission® video podcast, SMA Tilley welcomes MG (R) Robert F. Whittle Jr., Senior Vice President, Head of Military Affairs at USAA, to break down the Honor Through Action initiative: a $500 million commitment dedicated to strengthening Veterans, Military Families, Transitioning Servicemembers, and those organizations committed to helping them.This conversation answers the question thousands are asking:What Veteran funding programs are available in 2026?Are there Veteran grants through USAA?How can Veterans benefit from $500 million in support?Does USAA offer financial assistance to Veterans?Are you searching for Veteran grants in 2026?The USAA Honor Through Action initiative is one of the largest private investments in the military community. This $500 million Veteran funding commitment focuses on:• Veteran grants and nonprofit partnerships• Military spouse employment programs• Transition assistance for Servicemembers• Financial readiness and education• Mental health and community support• Veteran entrepreneurship and economic opportunityIf you are a Veteran looking for funding, a nonprofit seeking partnership opportunities, or a military family searching for financial resources in 2026 and this episode explains how the USAA $500 million initiative works and how it supports the military-connected community.We discuss:• What is Honor Through Action?• How does the USAA $500 million commitment work?• Who qualifies for Veteran funding support?• How can nonprofits apply for partnership opportunities?• What does this mean for Transitioning Servicemembers and Military Families?• How does this strengthen long-term Veteran financial stability?Veteran funding in 2026 is not just about assistance, it is about opportunity, access, and action.If you are part of the military community, this may be one of the most important funding conversations you will hear this year.Watch now and learn how Veterans can benefit from $500 million through USAA’s Honor Through Action initiative.

In this episode of Your Next Mission®, SMA Jack L. Tilley sits down with LTG Chris Mohan and CSM Jacinto Garza, the leadership team of United States Army Materiel Command (AMC), to answer the question many ask but few fully understand:Who actually keeps the Army ready?AMC is the backbone behind the force.They sustain global operations.They modernize equipment.They rebuild the Organic Industrial Base.They power readiness through advanced manufacturing and data-driven sustainment.If you’ve ever wondered:• How does the Army maintain readiness between wars?• Who ensures equipment is modernized and fielded on time?• What role does innovation and data play in future warfighting?• Where does institutional leadership shape the future fight?This episode provides the answers.For Transitioning Servicemembers and Veterans, this conversation also reveals how enterprise-level leadership, logistics, manufacturing, and sustainment translate directly into civilian industry, federal service, and defense-sector careers.This is not just a discussion about logistics.It’s a conversation about national readiness.If you care about the future of the force, modernization, and leadership at scale — this episode is for you.🎖 Subscribe to Your Next Mission® for strategic conversations that prepare leaders for what’s next.#Army #AMC #Leadership #MilitaryTransition #Veterans #Modernization #Readiness #OrganicIndustrialBase #YourNextMission

Health is the foundation of every successful transition after military service. In this episode of Your Next Mission® video podcast, SMA Tilley sits down with John “JJ” Pinter, Deputy Director of Team Red, White & Blue and U.S. Army Veteran, to discuss why health, consistency, and community are critical long after the uniform comes off.Many of the negative outcomes we see in the Veteran space don’t appear overnight. They often stem from a transition that lacked structure, connection, and a focus on physical and mental wellness. In this conversation, we explore how prioritizing daily movement, sustainable habits, and human connection directly impacts long-term performance, clarity, and overall well-being.

A Veteran’s Journey through Healing and Recovery begins this week on the Your Next Mission® video podcast where SMA Tilley welcomes MSG (R) Pasha Palanker. A U.S. Army Combat Veteran, whose journey is forged in moments where life and death stood eye to eye with an insurgent in a split second that forever changed this warrior’s life. Together, they unpack the mindset required to survive, the weight of accountability, and the hard-earned steps Pasha took through healing and recovery to move forward as trauma, loss, and the echoes of war followed him home.

The $1 Mission changing the Military is happening behind the scenes and most people never hear about it. In this week’s episode on Your Next Mission® video podcast, SMA Tilley welcomes Robert Irvine, Chef, Entrepreneur, Author, Philanthropist, Tireless Supporter of our Nation’s Veterans, Military, Families and First Responders and Founder of the Robert Irvine Foundation. Together, they explore how modernizing the military food service, improving nutrition, and focusing on human performance directly impact readiness across the Joint Forces. From major installations to daily life for Servicemembers and their Families, this conversation highlights why fuel, recovery, and leadership matter.