Afterthought on The Military Family

How true is this: You can take the Pinoy out of the Philippines but you can't take the Philippines out of the Pinoy? My guest moved to the US when he was two and always wanted to serve in the military since he was five. He served in the US Military and US Foreign Service, yet married a Filipina. Even though he doesn't speak Filipino, he didn't let it stop him from teaching in the PMA. For free. Why? So he can give back to the Philippines. How? By helping senior PMA cadets be the best versions of themselves using the West-Point way. Listen to this episode to learn from Sonny Busa how to take your own path and live life your own way without forgetting to look back. About the Guest: In 1976, Sonny Busa graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point. He was an Army officer before entering the State Department as a Diplomatic Officer, serving in Honduras, Korea, Hong Kong, the Philippines, Ethiopia, and Kuwait. He returned to the United States to work as a Professor of International Relations at West Point, and then he taught at the Philippine Military Academy in the Philippines. He is married to Ceres Kawagas from Samar, and they have three daughters and four grandchildren. Why you’ve got to check out today’s episode: Discover the wonders and rewards of teaching as a profession Learn why the US Military prioritizes military families the same way as service members Learn how military members can get help for mental health issues within the service. Check out these episode highlights: (01:28) - From Latin America to Asia as a Consul General (02:56) - His humbling experience serving in the Philippines (04:31) - Getting called back to West Point to give presentations (04:55) - His West Point teaching career (08:54) - How he was "convinced" to teach in the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) (10:36) - The advantage of being the only one to teach both at West Point and PMA (13:37) - The benefits of entering the PMA and the culture within the campus (17:03) - Comparing the mental health issues of the past with today (19:03) - Struggles of the PMA cadets compared to West Point cadets (21:17) - The importance of having a family while doing overseas assignment (24:53) - His message to the military families (27:11) - His advice to members struggling with their mental health (28:31) - What the military means to him (29:22) - How the military helps him to be a better person Connect with Mami Redj: https://facebook.com/mamiredjpodcast/ Do you want to hear more stories about military families? This is the podcast for you. You can listen to it wherever you are, and it’s completely free. Subscribe to our podcast on Spotify today. DISCLAIMER: The views and opinions expressed on this podcast are those of the host and guests, and do not reflect the views, positions, and opinions of the U.S. Military, its Foreign Counterparts, and/or other entities they represent.

How do you choose one dream job over the other? Should you really give up one? Or should you do both? Sonny Busa, my guest for this week, pursued both by using one goal as a stepping stone. He may have hated what he had to do to get in and stay at West Point, but he was able to achieve both. How? By having the discipline to finish what he started, by being clear on what he really wants, and by doing what's necessary to get there. Listen to this episode to learn how his optimism even at a young age paved his success in the military. About the Guest: In 1976, Sonny Busa graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point. He was an Army officer before entering the State Department as a Diplomatic Officer, serving in Honduras, Korea, Hong Kong, the Philippines, Ethiopia, and Kuwait. He returned to the United States to work as a Professor of International Relations at West Point, and then he taught at the Philippine Military Academy in the Philippines. He is married to Ceres Kawagas from Samar, and they have three daughters and four grandchildren. Why you’ve got to check out today’s episode: Learn the 3 areas you need to excel in to get into West Point Learn about the different branches of the United States Army Discover the steps Sonny took to move from the US Army to the US State Department Check out these episode highlights: (03:01) - The irony of marching back to West Point with cadets decades after Sonny did it himself (06:13) - How his fun experience as a Navy brat inspired him to get into the military (09:52) - How having an eye condition led him to do fun stuff in the army (11:06) - The 3 areas you need to excel in to get into West Point: Academics, Athletics, and Leadership (12:43) - Getting in at 18 and the most challenging part of his 47-month stay at West Point (And it's not what you think) (15:21) - A year of training before his first overseas assignment (16:18) - The different branches of the Army and the role of a foot soldier (Hint: Saving Private Ryan) (17:58) - Why everything about his Panama assignment was memorable and how it differed from his next assignment at Fort Ord (20:19) - Getting selected to attend graduate school to continue his international relations studies (20:46) - Why he refers to himself as the ‘world’s worst engineer’ (22:23) - Assignment versus Deployment (23:03) - The many languages he knows (24:10) - Giving up the army after 10 years to pursue his other dream job (25:48) - Assignment in Honduras as an FSO (27:45) - How he met his wife and the pros and cons of being married to a nurse (29:37) - His two-year assignment in Korea as a Vice Consul Connect with Mami Redj: https://facebook.com/mamiredjpodcast/ Do you want to hear more stories about military families? This is the podcast for you. You can listen to it wherever you are, and it’s completely free. Subscribe to our podcast on Spotify today. DISCLAIMER: The views and opinions expressed on this podcast are those of the host and guests, and do not reflect the views, positions, and opinions of the U.S. Military, its Foreign Counterparts, and/or other entities they represent.

Don't get me wrong. Keeping faith and manifesting work BUT unfortunately it's not enough. With her unwavering faith as her guide, Eloi was able to make one of her dreams a reality simply by not waiting for it to happen. How? By taking action. So listen to this episode to see a different side to Eloi as she bares it, fears and all, to share with us how she's able to build her agency, and eventually become the mentor she was meant to be through ValuePod Productions' Mentoring Program and The ValuePODcast Show. About the Guest: Eloisa Almonicido is the empowered "Tyang" of today's thriving podcast management service industry. Her main purpose is to turn Filipinos into indispensable podcast managers or podcast agency owners in order to change their lives for the better. Why you’ve got to check out today’s episode: Discover how freelancing is a realistic career choice, in addition to foreign and local employment Understand how podcast skills are related to one another Find out about the deadly combo you can use to get the results you want Check out these episode highlights: (02:53) - Who Tyang Eloi was before she entered the podcast industry (04:06) - How she ended up working as a call center agent for 7 years (05:15) - The major reason why she left her call center job (06:53) - Learning freelancing from Jomar Hilario and Natasha Rivera (08:31) - How she pursued podcast service as a long-term career (10:35) - How she started doing it by herself (14:08) - The real definition of a premium client and the types of clients she has (17:11) - Eating rejections for breakfast, lunch, and dinner (20:23) - How ValuePod Productions started (26:29) - The ValuePod Bootcamp 1, 2, and 3 (30:38) - Podcast service industry for military members and their family (36:34) - Her goals and aspirations for the next 3 years (37:53) - Her message to military moms, spouses, and veterans on how to find themselves so they can figure out what to do next with their career (40:56) - What is next for ValuePod Productions Connect with Eloisa Almonicido - Co-founder of ValuePod Productions and Podcast VA School by ValuePOD: Join Podcast VA School by ValuePOD Follow ValuePod Productions Connect with Tsang Eloi Connect with Mami Redj: https://facebook.com/mamiredjpodcast/ Do you want to hear more stories about military families? This is the podcast for you. You can listen to it wherever you are, and it’s completely free. Subscribe to our podcast on Spotify today. DISCLAIMER: The views and opinions expressed on this podcast are those of the host and guests, and do not reflect the views, positions, and opinions of the U.S. Military, its Foreign Counterparts, and/or other entities they represent.

Are you an OFW who's longing to be with your family in the Philippines? Are you tired of doing physical jobs and curious to transition to working from home? Do you want to pursue a career in podcasting but don't know where and how to start? In these changing times, we really need to learn how to adapt; otherwise, we would be left behind. But how do you do that? By following Ce's roadmap and how she prepared for life's changes and challenges. In this episode, she shares her journey from a conflicted wife/first-time mom/licensed civil engineer to a successful agency owner/podcaster/mentor by simply embracing herself as an empowered mom. About the Guest: Cecilia Mercado-Mojica is a former OFW wife and a former Civil Engineer working in a Quadruple “A” Construction Company who became a podcast agency owner and one of the sought-after mentors of ValuePod Productions. Why you’ve got to check out today’s episode: Find out how to start your podcast management career using free resources from Podcast VA School and The ValuePODcast Show Discover the secret sauce to freelancing Learn from her struggles in her WFH career and how it all shifted once she changed “earning money” to “learning skills” as her motivation Check out these episode highlights: (04:30) - Why Ce felt torn between being a first-time mom and a successful Civil Engineer (07:23) - The one painful line her husband said to her and the opportunity that made his fear disappear (09:29) - The ultimate decision Ce had to make for the sake of her family (10:10) - The traces and clues that led her to her breakthrough in freelancing (11:36) - Why she pursued having a WFH career (12:56) - Her struggles in her WFH career and how it all shifted once she changed “earning money” to “learning skills” as her motivation (15:24) - Realizations when her husband lost his job overseas (17:14) - The two things that made Ce fall in love with Podcast Service (19:16) - What made her let go her OFW Life (22:56) - What helped Ce become the bravest introvert in the industry? (26:03) - How finding about Ce and Eloi inspired me to try to dream again (30:38) - What ValuePod Mentoring Program is, its mission, and who it's for (34:53) - Why Ce thinks podcast services is perfect for military spouses, moms, and veterans as a career (37:32) - The secret sauce to freelancing (38:34) - How to start your podcast management career through Podcast VA School (40:29) - What to expect from ValuePod Mentoring Bootcamp (42:24) - What they share on The ValuePODcast Show Connect with Ce Mojica-Mercado - Co-founder of ValuePod Productions and Podcast VA School by ValuePod: Join Podcast VA School by ValuePOD Follow ValuePod Productions Connect with Ce Connect with Mami Redj: https://facebook.com/mamiredjpodcast/ Do you want to hear more stories about military families? This is the podcast for you. You can listen to it wherever you are, and it’s completely free. Subscribe to our podcast on Spotify today.

How did Nilyn, a pastoral intern whose parents are both pastors, end up working as an inventory assistant for a US-based retail company? Has she always done things her own way? And what's behind her fearlessness when it comes to switching careers even though it will make her start all over again? In this episode, you'll hear from Nilyn how she uses her humble beginnings as a driving force to not only have a better life for herself and her family, but to also help others by teaching them about podcast production and management. About the Guest: Nilyn Matugas is an empowered woman, a beautiful wife, a caring mother, an entrepreneur, and Zencastr's full-time customer assistance manager. She founded the first podcast virtual assistant Facebook community in the Philippines - Podcast VAs Philippines, and she owns a rapidly-expanding podcast agency. Why you’ve got to check out today’s episode: Find out how to grow your business slowly yet steadily Know when it's time for you to quit your job or switch careers Discover how Zencastr can help level up your or your clients' podcast production process Check out these episode highlights: (03:51) - Nilyn's humble beginnings and perseverance in spite of challenges and rejections (07:47) - How she found out about home-based jobs and her field of expertise (12:37) - How military spouses can relate to her and her husband's love story (13:28) - Their three-year LDR and its challenges (17:41) - What you should do when your mental health is at risk (19:19) - The start of her career growth all because she chose herself first (21:58) - How she unexpectedly landed an opportunity to work for Zencastr (24:17) - What led her to start Podcast VAs PH in 2012 (28:04) - How she handles burnout (29:40) - How her support systems help her juggle time for home and work (33:00) - How she grew her team (36:24) - Zencastr’s new features (39:30) - Why I use Zencastr to record my episodes (42:03) - Zencastr’s humble beginnings (42:38) - How your existing skills can help you in podcast production/management (44:54) - The one superpower moms have that help them in their career (48:33) - Reasons why podcast production/management is perfect for parents Connect with Nilyn Matugas - Customer Support Manager of Zencastr: Download Zencastr Now Join Podcast VAs Philippines FB Group Connect with Nilyn Connect with Mami Redj: https://facebook.com/mamiredjpodcast/ Do you want to hear more stories about military families? This is the podcast for you. You can listen to it wherever you are, and it’s completely free. Subscribe to our podcast on Spotify today. DISCLAIMER: The views and opinions expressed on this podcast are those of the host and guests, and do not reflect the views, positions, and opinions of the U.S. Military, its Foreign Counterparts, and/or other entities they represent.

How did Rowela transition to a white collar job while working as a domestic helper? What is the biggest reason why Rowela renewed her faith in God? How can military spouses, housewives, or mothers take advantage of the internet and work-from-home opportunities despite their hectic schedules? In this episode, Rowela discusses the reasons why she chose to be an OFW over getting a college degree, her European adventures, as well as the turning point in her life that led her to become a Podcast Manager. About the Guest: Rowela Rabi is an empowered woman, mom, and wife. She helps business coaches in selling their brand story from podcast planning to post-production all the way to syndication, allowing her clients to focus on what is most important: Providing content with their listeners. Why you’ve got to check out today’s episode: Find out ways you can earn at home while taking care of your kids or having a hectic schedule Discover how to overcome life’s limitations and adversities Learn about Rowela’s 6 tips to attracting premium clients Check out these episode highlights: (02:08) - Highlighting Filipinas in Podcasting during International Podcast Month (04:22) - Working as a domestic helper in Portugal (06:28) - How being an OFW runs in Rowela’s family (10:39) - Her realization to try a new career path (14:21) - Nailing the interview and getting hired as customer support (16:03) - The statement that got her promoted to senior customer support (16:43) - How their vacation in Monaco turned into a migration opportunity (18:08) - The one thing that turned Rowela’s life around (28:49) - Their migration challenges and how she resolved them (30:10) - The similarities between being an OFW and a military spouse (32:29) - How she turned her limitations to new career opportunities (37:42) - Starting her own podcast management services (40:00) - Why military spouses should check out podcast management as a career (43:45) - Her 6 tips to attracting premium clients 1. Invest in yourself and keep learning 2. Look for mentors and be a part of communities 3. Hire a coach 4. Optimize your profile/s 5. Don’t overthink 6. Surround yourself with the right people (50:21) - The making of AMFP (52:09) - Advice to military and civilian spouses or moms (56:10) - Promoting her services Connect with Rowela Rabi - Podcast Manager and Editor: Linked In Account Facebook Account Connect with Mami Redj: https://facebook.com/mamiredjpodcast/ Do you want to hear more stories about military families? This is the podcast for you. You can listen to it wherever you are, and it’s completely free. Subscribe to our podcast on Spotify today. DISCLAIMER: The views and opinions expressed on this podcast are those of the host and guests, and do not reflect the views, positions, and opinions of the U.S. Military, its Foreign Counterparts, and/or other entities they represent.

How does the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs help U.S. military veterans in the Philippines? What are the benefits available to U.S. military veterans residing in the Philippines or the United States? What are the military values that children learn or adapt from their parents who serve in the military? In this episode, Former U.S. Ambassador Harry Thomas Jr. talks about how he never ceased reaching out to and assisting retired military veterans and their families after his foreign service retirement, his experiences growing up in a strict military household, and how you can help by sponsoring VetCoin HQ. About the Guest: Harry K. Thomas Jr. is a former US Ambassador to the Philippines. He is a retired head of US mission service in the Philippines for 3 years, the senior strategic engagement leader at special operations command, and a VetCoin HQ board member with the advocacy to help military veterans and military families. Why you’ve got to check out today’s episode: Discover the G.I. Bill benefits that a military member can use even after retirement Know what it was like to grow up in a generation where parents lived by the saying "spare the rod, spoil the child." Learn how you can help military veterans by supporting VetCoin HQ Check out these episode highlights: (02:31) -  His transition from foreign service to civilian life (04:28) -  New venture in assisting military families (06:07) -  Assisting veterans especially veterans in the Philippines (08:31) -  Improvement in veteran assistance (11:53) -  What the public needs to know (13:22) -  What ifs (16:28) -  What he got from his parents: Love to help others (19:01) -  Military values instilled in him (21:02) -  Having strict parents; Listen and follow (23:41) -  New generation: Respect and setting boundaries (26:07) -  Message to service members and their families (27:55) -  Message to individuals interested in joining the service (29:16) -  VetCoin HQ and other projects for military families Support VetCoin HQ Foundation: https://www.facebook.com/vetcoinhq https://vetcoinhq.com/ Connect with Mami Redj: https://facebook.com/mamiredjpodcast/ Do you want to hear more stories about military families? This is the podcast for you. You can listen to it wherever you are, and it’s completely free. Subscribe to our podcast on Spotify today. DISCLAIMER: The views and opinions expressed on this podcast are those of the host and guests, and do not reflect the views, positions, and opinions of the U.S. Military, its Foreign Counterparts, and/or other entities they represent.

What role does foreign service play in aiding the families of deployed military personnel? What are some of the ways society can assist and support military service members, veterans, and their families? What are the differences between military service and foreign service careers? In this episode, Former US Ambassador Harry Thomas Jr. discusses how he got started in the foreign service and why he chose the foreign service despite coming from a military family background. He also shared why some of his acquaintances feel a sense of longing and incompleteness despite their success in life and the importance of giving assistance to military veterans and their families. About the Guest: Harry K. Thomas Jr. is a former US Ambassador to the Philippines. He is a retired head of US mission service in the Philippines for 3 years, the senior strategic engagement leader at special operations command, and a VetCoin HQ board member with the advocacy to help military veterans and military families. Why you’ve got to check out today’s episode: Get a chance to visit other countries and meet its people when you pick foreign service as a career. Get to understand the feelings of a person who has not met or are yearning for their parents. Be inspired by success stories from people who had served in the military and a person's advocacy to help military veterans Check out these episode highlights: (04:51) - Reminiscing our Foreign Service days (07:31) - Military influence in the family (09:55) - His thoughts about joining the service (10:58) - Who influenced him to join the foreign service (12:11) - First overseas post as a foreign service officer (12:26) - Foreign Service: Traveling Perks (13:27) - Encounters with military families (14:10) - American Citizen Services applicants (15:02) - Sense of Longing; Irresponsible Fathers (20:12) - Roy Archer's father, Lee and Reginald Lewis Stories (21:40) - Afterthought of the Military Family Podcast (AMFP) goal (22:54) - Assisting military families of deployed service members (25:59) - Importance of society's participation (29:07) - Military & Foreign Service: similarities & differences Support VetCoin HQ Foundation: https://www.facebook.com/vetcoinhq https://vetcoinhq.com/ Connect with Mami Redj: https://facebook.com/mamiredjpodcast/ Do you want to hear more stories about military families? This is the podcast for you. You can listen to it wherever you are, and it’s completely free. Subscribe to our podcast on Spotify today. DISCLAIMER: The views and opinions expressed on this podcast are those of the host and guests, and do not reflect the views, positions, and opinions of the U.S. Military, its Foreign Counterparts, and/or other entities they represent.

What do military parents really go through? How did Episode 4 affect me as a mother? When should you stop parenting and simply be a parent? In this episode, I try out a different episode format, where I react to my earlier episodes. So please share your feedback and suggestions with me so I can create better content for you. Why you’ve got to check out today’s episode: Discover how mothers can relate to one another whether they're a military parent or not Learn ways you can encourage your children to pursue a career in the military. Learn when to stop parenting and continue to be a parent instead Check out these episode highlights: (01:33) - Asking you Troopers for feedback and suggestions about experimental episodes (03:12) - Why I chose to react on Episode 4 (05:33) - What military parents go through (09:15) - How I was at 18 (14:34) - How Episode 4 affected me as a mother (20:28) - When to stop parenting and continue to be a parent instead (22:34) - Sharing an article from a military mom (23:28) - You’re No Longer In Control (25:51) - You Learn Resilience (28:36) - You Find New Ways to Enjoy the Holidays (30:33) - Oh The Places You Will Go (32:32) - You See Your Child In A Different Light Reference: 5 Ways Parenting Changes When Your Child Joins The Army by Army Mom Strong https://www.sandboxx.us/blog/when-your-child-joins-the-army/ Connect with Mami Redj: https://facebook.com/mamiredjpodcast/ Do you want to hear more stories about military families? This is the podcast for you. You can listen to it wherever you are, and it’s completely free. Subscribe to our podcast on Spotify today. DISCLAIMER: The views and opinions expressed on this podcast are those of the host and guests, and do not reflect the views, positions, and opinions of the U.S. Military, its Foreign Counterparts, and/or other entities they represent.

How does the boot camp experience in the United States Army compare to other branches of the United States military? How does the US military prepare service members for civilian life once they retire? What are the similarities and differences between military service and foreign service careers? In this episode, listen to Edwin discuss his life, from being born in the United States to growing up in the Philippines, why he chose to enlist in the United States Army over other U.S. military branches, how his life in the U.S. military was, how and where he met his wife, and how he transitioned from the military into the foreign service industry. About the Guest: Edwin Estayo is a former colleague of Mami Redj when she was still employed under a foreign service agency. He is a supportive husband to his band vocalist wife, Jen, and a wonderful father to his lovely daughter, Maxine. He was born in Los Angeles, California, but spent most of his life in the Philippines. He's a young military veteran, and he's the first AMFP guest to represent the United States Army. He enjoys airsoft as a hobby. Why you’ve got to check out today’s episode: Discover how a military recruiter convinced a civilian into the United States Army. Listen to a U.S. Army serviceman's advice on how to handle the boot camp training Understand why Edwin would choose to reenlist in the U.S. Army despite the risks Check out these episode highlights: 01:16 - How “Dude!” and I met 03:41 - His growing up years in the Philippines and moving back to the U.S. 07:48 - How he decided to join the military 08:29 - His U.S. Military Recruitment Process 10:04 - Why he chose the U.S. Army over the other branches 12:19 - His Army boot camp experience 16:36 - His body type when he entered the boot camp and his dislike for running 17:39 - His unexpected experiences in the boot camp 19:09 - His first assignment doing air defense duties 20:47 - Basic combat and weapons training 22:37 - His airsoft experience before joining the service 23:58 - Was he ever deployed 24:58 - The importance of foreign language training 25:24 - His reason for leaving the service 26:55 - His love story made in Korea 33:19 - How he transitioned to Foreign Service 34:44 - Similarities and differences between military and foreign service 37:20 - How he adapted to civilian life 39:46 - Will he allow his daughter to join the military 41:35 - Will he encourage her 43:30 - The importance of military families to service members 48:06 - Coming out of retirement if the need arises 51:17 - Promoting his wife's band, Silk Guest Links: https://facebook.com/partybandsilk Connect with Mami Redj: https://facebook.com/mamiredjpodcast/ Do you want to hear more stories about military families? This is the podcast for you. You can listen to it wherever you are, and it’s completely free. Subscribe to our podcast on Spotify today. DISCLAIMER: The views and opinions expressed on this podcast are those of the host and guests, and do not reflect the views, positions, and opinions of the U.S. Military, its Foreign Counterparts, and/or other entities they represent.

How does a US Navy service member handle relationships while on ship duty? What can you expect on your first PCS? What are the ways you can take care of yourself and your mental health? In this episode, Cris Balce shares how his relationship with his then fiancée, now wife, was put to the test to the point they almost broke up. Also, you’ll hear about his military retirement plans that will surely melt your hearts. About the Guest: Cris Balce was born in Quezon City, Philippines. He holds a double major in Management and Marketing from the Philippine School of Business Administration. Before joining the US military, he worked as a restaurant banquet manager. He is presently a US Navy Chief Petty Officer. His IG handle begins with Iceman, yet his heart is full of warm love for his lovely family. Why you’ve got to check out today’s episode: Learn about military lessons you can apply in your life as a civilian Know the value of family support during your military career Listen to a senior navy serviceman's advice to his juniors about career opportunities in the US Navy Check out these episode highlights: 01:00 - Meeting his wife, Cathly, in college 03:15 - How their relationship started 04:00 - How the relationship was put to test and how they made it work 05:23 - Why LDR is not for everyone 05:58 - How Cris manages his relationship with his family 08:02 - Their PCS experience as a married couple 10:05 - Advantages and disadvantages of starting a family at a young age 11:00 - How Cris takes care of himself and his mental health 14:06 - How he sees himself 10 years from now 16:42 - Importance of military families to service members 18:31 - How the military helped him as an individual 22:05 - His message to military members 26:11 - Promote his wife's business Guest Links: www.shopltk.com/explore/LoveCathly Connect with Mami Redj: https://facebook.com/mamiredjpodcast/ Do you want to hear more stories about military families? This is the podcast for you. You can listen to it wherever you are, and it’s completely free. Subscribe to our podcast on Spotify today. DISCLAIMER: The views and opinions expressed on this podcast are those of the host and guests, and do not reflect the views, positions, and opinions of the U.S. Military, its Foreign Counterparts, and/or other entities they represent.

What are the advantages of learning everything about your assigned duties or tasks as a military service member? What exactly does the US Navy Fleet do when it’s stationed or deployed overseas? What are the advantages and disadvantages of serving aboard a ship or being sent to strategic regions through a US Naval Ship? In this episode, Cris Balce talks about his decision to switch careers, his promotion within two years in the service, and how he met his wonderful wife prior to his military service. About the Guest: Cris Balce was born in Quezon City, Philippines. He holds a double major in Management and Marketing from the Philippine School of Business Administration. Before joining the US military, he worked as a restaurant banquet manager. He is presently a US Navy Chief Petty Officer. His IG handle begins with Iceman, yet his heart is full of warm love for his lovely family. Why you’ve got to check out today’s episode: Understand how ship duty assignments can easily make or break your decision to serve in the US Navy Take a look at where you could be deployed as a sailor during ship duty Witness how he and his wife’s relationship developed from college acquaintances to being meant for each other Check out these episode highlights: 02:44 - How I invited Cris to guest for the show 04:07 - His growing up years 05:33 - Taking up two majors in college 08:00 - How he joined the military 12:51 - Why the US Airforce was his first choice and how he ended up in the US Navy 14:25 - His memorable first days at the boot camp 16:22 - Why he finds the younger recruits impressive 17:37 - What you need to do to survive the boot camp since giving up is not an option 18:27 - His first two years in the service 21:02 - Getting promoted within two years 21:38 - His first ship duty and how long it lasted 24:31 - His deployment experience participating in CARAT exercises 26:17 - The good and bad about deployment 28:06 - Meeting his wife, Cathly, in college Guest Links: www.shopltk.com/explore/LoveCathly Connect with Mami Redj: https://facebook.com/mamiredjpodcast/ Do you want to hear more stories about military families? This is the podcast for you. You can listen to it wherever you are, and it’s completely free. Subscribe to our podcast on Spotify today. DISCLAIMER: The views and opinions expressed on this podcast are those of the host and guests, and do not reflect the views, positions, and opinions of the U.S. Military, its Foreign Counterparts, and/or other entities they represent.

What can family members do if their military service member is experiencing work-related stress and burnout? What are the advantages of practicing martial arts or maintaining a fitness regimen while serving in the military or being deployed? What are the favorable attitudes and characteristics that propel our guest's military service career to success? In this episode, Joseph will discuss his triplet sister's reaction to his choice to join the military, why he selected the Airforce over the Navy despite his swimming ability, and what his plans are for his military career and personal life. About the Guest: Joseph Ramos is the first AMFP Airforce active-duty guest. He was born and raised in the Philippines, but he carried his ideals and love for his family with him wherever he went. He knows how to stay fit by practicing Muay Thai. He enjoys experimenting with new things. He's traveled to a number of places and sampled a variety of foods. He has started checking things off his bucket list that he wants to try. Why you’ve got to check out today’s episode: Learn how to deal with stress and maintain your mental health during your military career. Get a sneak peek at how to start a romantic relationship while on military service or deployment Hear a heartfelt message from an Airforce serviceman to his family, friends, coworkers, and other military families. Check out these episode highlights: 03:51 - What he does in the Airforce 05:11 - Why he joined the service 05:50 - Why he picked the Airforce over the Navy 08:07 - His first impression on military life 08:51 - His first days in the boot camp 09:52 - Hardest part in their boot camp training 11:37 - Who knew he was joining the service and their reactions 13:27 - Joseph's Before and After joining the military 15:02 - His overseas assignments vs deployment 15:33 - Why he wants to be assigned in Afghanistan 15:52 - Military dependents' take on war zone deployments 16:54 - Bidding of assignments in the military 20:31 - His love life status 21:00 - How they met 24:41 - How he takes care of his mental health 29:28 - What help do service members need 30:50 - Why leaders should be more understanding and voicing out concerns 32:02 - His message to his family, friends, co-airmen, and their families 34:56 - How his family was supportive during his struggles in Turkey Connect with Mami Redj: https://facebook.com/mamiredjpodcast/ Do you want to hear more stories about military families? This is the podcast for you. You can listen to it wherever you are, and it’s completely free. Subscribe to our podcast on Spotify today. DISCLAIMER: The views and opinions expressed on this podcast are those of the host and guests, and do not reflect the views, positions, and opinions of the U.S. Military, its Foreign Counterparts, and/or other entities they represent.

What is the benefit of including Filipino values in the boot camp? How did Dada manage to finish college with departmental honors while serving the country? How can military members de-stress? In this episode, Dada, a US Navy service member, tells her journey not just as an active duty member, but also how she overcame obstacles to complete her college degree while in the service. Dada also discussed how she and her fiancé managed their seven-year long-distance romance. About the Guest: Dada loves Hello Kitty. Her favorite color is lilac and collects Sanrio, anime and bumblebee items. She is a certified Lola’s girl who has a bubbly child-like personality that everyone loves. She is an active service member, awarded Sailor of the Year in 2019 and recently graduated summa cum laude at the University of La Verne, CA while serving the country. Why you’ve got to check out today’s episode: Learn the difference between men and women’s boot camp training Find out what Dada went through on her first deployment Check out how military changed her as a person Check out these episode highlights: 04:19 - Her reason for joining the military 06:33 - Why it took her 12 years to finish college 07:05 - Her boot camp days 08:27 - Most memorable experience for her in the boot camp 14:03 - Her bestfriend, now fiancé being proud of her military achievements 15:22 - Her first deployment experience 17:31 - Cross rate/How she changed her military career path 20:10 - How we knew each other 22:01 - Reason why she ended up taking college while in the service 22:42 - Importance of Prioritization 25:38 - Her daily routine at work and in school 28:45 - How she destress 29:09 - How she handled their LDR 30:06 - Fiancé interested in joining the military 31:10 - Changes in Dada after joining the service 32:23 - You really need to work hard in the military 33:57 - Her message to people struggling in the military journey 36:40 - Her encounters with military members who are struggling 37:09 - Be thankful and use your talents to help others 37:31 - Her long-term goals for the next 10 years Connect With Me: https://facebook.com/mamiredjpodcast/ Do you want to hear more stories about military families? This is the podcast for you. You can listen to it wherever you are, and it’s completely free. Subscribe to our podcast on Spotify today. DISCLAIMER: The views and opinions expressed on this podcast are those of the host and guests, and do not reflect the views, positions, and opinions of the U.S. Military, its Foreign Counterparts, and/or other entities they represent.

Why would you choose the Navy over the other branches of the U.S. military? How can a military member deal with homesickness while deployed? How do service members maintain their mental health while deployed? In this episode, we'll learn why Mac chose the Navy over pursuing culinary arts in college, how she dealt with her mental health concerns throughout her deployment, and how she learned to perform various tasks through military programs. About the Guest: Mac has been a Navy Corpsman for the past six years. She was born in the Philippines but spent her childhood in Boston. She does physical therapy in the Navy, enjoys snorkeling, is an excellent cook, participates in CrossFit training, and has a strong desire to travel. Why you’ve got to check out today’s episode: Know how to use your hobbies as a guide for choosing your career Learn to have a second family by befriending colleagues throughout your military service assignment. Witness how to overcome mental health struggles the military way Check out these episode highlights: 02:28 - Mac's reason for joining the military 05:17 - Her family’s reaction to her joining the military 07:47 - Sports she was into and how being athletic helped her at the boot camp 08:36 - Her boot camp experience 09:38 - Kept the friendship intact 10:35 - How the military is her second family 11:01 - Thoughts about quitting the service 11:08 - Missing family gatherings and other special occasions 11:26 - Why service members can't just leave work 12:03 - How long did her homesickness last 13:25 - How technology helped her during covid 14:19 - Importance of letters at the boot camp 15:32 - First duty station; A-School 16:07 - Taking Physical Therapy in A-School 19:01 - Culinary as her first career choice 22:04 - Moving forward through self love 23:08 - Physical, Emotional & Spiritual Journey: The Military Way 25:29 - How she adapted from the military life 29:48 - Seeking professional help 30:47 - Mental health struggles in the military 31:37 - Good support system 31:51 - Advice: There are other resources 32:57 - Knowing what to do but don't do it 33:28 - Needs from the society 35:09 - A look into the future: Mac 10 years from now 36:41 - How service members are not so different from civilians 37:25 - Who can join the military 38:37 - How military programs can teach you how to do things Connect with Mami Redj: Facebook Do you want to hear more stories about military families? This is the podcast for you. You can listen to it wherever you are, and it’s completely free. Subscribe to our podcast on Spotify today. DISCLAIMER: The views and opinions expressed on this podcast are those of the host and guests, and do not reflect the views, positions, and opinions of the U.S. Military, its Foreign Counterparts, and/or other entities they represent.