AUSA’s Army Matters Podcast

Leaving Afghanistan. This is the first in a three-part series of exclusive interviews with members of the Army’s 82nd Airborne Division who describe for the first time what they saw, heard and felt as they completed the historic evacuation of more than 124,000 American citizens, NATO allies, and vulnerable Afghan partners from Afghanistan and closed out U.S. military operations after 20 years in country.Senior leaders MG Chris Donahue, the last U.S. Soldier to leave Afghanistan, and CSM David Pitt join AUSA’s Gina Cavallaro and Scott Halstead at Fort Bragg to share their experiences in Part 1. In Parts 2 and 3, five of the division’s Paratroopers tell us what it was like. Those episodes will be released on December 8 and 15, 2021. Guests: MG Christopher Donahue, Commanding General, 82nd Airborne Division, U.S. Army CSM David Pitt, Senior-Enlisted Advisor, 82nd Airborne Division, U.S. Army Hosts: Gina Cavallaro, Senior Staff Writer, AUSA’s Army Magazine COL (Ret) Scott Halstead, Director, AUSA’s Center of Leadership Resources: 82ndAirborne DivisionUnited States ArmyWeb: https://www.army.mil/82ndairborne Recommendations for future topics are welcome via email at podcast@ausa.org.

The holiday season is upon us and it can be a stressful time! Learn how to celebrate the holidays “Army style” and stay healthy. Hear from Mrs. McConville and Mrs. Grinston as they share stories on how they have celebrated the holidays, the importance of taking care of yourself, and helping others. Listen as Nicole Leth, Director of Fort Belvoir Armed Forces Wellness Center and Maria Reed, Founder of Moving with the Military share tips and resources on how Army families can stay healthy and enjoy the holiday season. For more information on the resources mentioned in the episode please check out our resource section below.   Recommendations for future topics are welcome via email at podcast@ausa.org.    Host: Holly Dailey, AUSA’s Director of Family Readiness   Guests:  Maria McConville, Spouse of Chief of Staff of the Army Alexandra Grinston, Spouse of Sergeant Major of the Army Nicole Leth, Fort Belvoir Armed Forces Wellness Center Director Maria Reed, Moving with the Military Founder   Resources:    Military OneSourceWeb: www.militaryonesource.mil Fort Belvoir Armed Forces Wellness CenterWeb:https://home.army.mil/belvoir/index.php/about/Garrison/headquarters-battalion/fort-belvoir-armed-forces-wellness-center Army Wellness Center Enterprise Website – Army Public Health Center: Web:https://phc.amedd.army.mil/topics/healthyliving/al/Pages/ArmyWellnessCenters.aspx Facebook: @FortBelvoirafwchttps://www.facebook.com/FortBelvoirAFWC Instagram: @fortbelvoirafwc Web: https://www.instagram.com/fortbelvoirafwc/ Military OneSourceWeb: www.militaryonesource.mil

Science fiction can be a means grow as leaders, strategists and in dealing with conflict. Editors Jonathan Klug and Steve Leonard join AUSA’s Joe Craig to discuss their new book, To Boldly Go: Leadership, Strategy, and Conflict in the 21st Century and Beyond, which brings together expertly told stories tackling subjects like the burden of leadership, weighing experience against in intelligence in the pursuit of strategy, and the threat of depleted natural resources. Guests: Editors of To Boldly Go: Leadership, Strategy, and Conflict in the 21st Century and Beyond COL Jonathan Klug, Assistant Professor, United States Army War College Steven Leonard, Senior Assistant Dean, The University of Kansas School of Business and Senior Fellow, Modern War Institute at West Point Host: Joe Craig, AUSA’s Book Program Director Resources:Casemate:To Boldly Go: Leadership, Strategy, and Conflict in the 21st Century and BeyondRecommendations for future topics are welcome via email at podcast@ausa.org.

Hear how United Through Reading is keeping the military and their families connected through reading. Listen as Sally A. Zoll, Ed.D, CEO of United Through Reading, shares the organization’s mission to provide a bonding experience for those military families who are separated because of deployments, assignments, or training through story time. To learn more please check out their website linked in the resource section below.    Recommendations for future topics are welcome via email at podcast@ausa.org.    Guest: Sally A. Zoll, Ed.D, CEO, United Through Reading   Host: Holly Dailey, AUSA’s Director of Family Readiness         Resources:    United Through Reading  Website: www.unitedthroughreading.org Facebook: www.facebook.com/unitedthroughreading Instagram: www.instragram.com/UTR4Military Twitter: www.twitter.com/UTR4Military LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/united-through-reading/

Don’t let vaccine fatigue keep you from protecting your family against the flu and COVID-19. Experts from the Defense Health Agency join AUSA’s Holly Dailey to discuss how getting vaccinated is the best path to immunity and to avoiding a possible “twindemic” this flu season. Also, don’t forget to update your health plan, if you need to, during TRICARE Open Season from 8 November to 13 December, 2021. Guests:LTC Christopher Ellison, Deputy Chief for Operations, Immunization Healthcare Division, Defense Health Agency Ann Morse, Family Nurse Practitioner, Immunization Healthcare Division, Defense Health Agency Jeremy Schneider, Program Analyst, TRICARE Policy and Programs, Defense Health Agency Host: Holly Dailey, AUSA’s Director of Family Readiness Resources: Immunization Healthcare DivisionDefense Health AgencyWeb: www.health.mil/vaccinePhone: 877-438-8222   TRICARE Open Season: 8 November – 13 December 2021Web: https://tricare.mil/openseason   Recommendations for future topics are welcome via email at podcast@ausa.org.

As the Nation prepares to honor veterans from all walks of life, join us to learn about three important Veterans Affairs programs for our veterans and their families. Hear from SGM Jeffrey Cereghino, Senior Fellow to the Department of Veterans, as he explains how these programs will help newly separated service members better understand what resources are available to them. To find more information about the Department of Veterans Affairs resources please check out the resource section below.   Recommendations for future topics are welcome via email at podcast@ausa.org.    Guest: SGM Jeffrey Cereghino, Senior Fellow to the Department of Veterans Affairs    Hosts:  Nzinga Curry, AUSA’s Director of Education & Programs  LTC Clarence Langley, AUSA’s U.S. Army Fellow       Resources:      BDD Program Pre-Discharge Claim | Veterans Affairs (va.gov) YouTube Video Benefits Delivery at Discharge - YouTube   VET-TEC Program Veterans Technology Education Courses | Veterans Affairs (va.gov) YouTube Video VET TEC Testimonials - YouTube   Solid Start VA Solid Start - Veterans Benefits Administration YouTube Video M2C Ep. 5: VA Solid Start - YouTube       

The U.S. Army’s 2021 Best Warrior Competition winners represent Army Futures Command and Army Pacific. SMA(R) Dailey interviews NCO of the Year SSG Adam L. Krauland, and Soldier of the Year SGT Justin J. Earnhart. They discuss their personal and military background, where they started and what made them decide to compete for the Best Warrior title. Guests:SSG Adam L. Krauland, NCO of the Year, U.S. Army Pacific SGT Justin J. Earnhart, Soldier of the Year, U.S. Army Futures Command Host: SMA (Ret) Daniel Dailey, AUSA’s Vice President for NCO and Soldier Programs   Resources: U.S. Army Best Warrior CompetitionWeb: https://www.army.mil/bestwarrior/AUSA’s NCO & Soldier ProgramsWeb: https://www.ausa.org/programs/nco-and-soldiersTwitter (Dailey): @15thSMA Recommendations for future topics are welcome via email at podcast@ausa.org.

The fight to control Berlin after World War II served as the opening battle of the Cold War. Giles Milton, author of Checkmate in Berlin: The Cold War Showdown That Shaped the Modern World,  joins AUSA’s Joe Craig to discuss his gripping new book that showcases how Colonel Frank “Howlin’ Mad” Howley and other Western leaders faced down their Soviet counterparts when the Iron Curtain fell across Europe. Guest: Giles Milton, author of Checkmate in Berlin: The Cold War Showdown That Shaped the Modern World Host: Joe Craig, AUSA’s Book Program Director   Resources:   Henry Holt/Macmillan Publishers:Checkmate in Berlin: The Cold War Showdown That Shaped the Modern World   Giles Milton, AuthorWeb: https://www.gilesmilton.com/   Recommendations for future topics are welcome via email at podcast@ausa.org.

How is the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) driving innovation?  Dr. David Pittman, Director of the USACE Engineer Research and Development Center, joins AUSA’s Dan Roper to discuss USACE Innovation Summit 2021, an event to showcase state-of-the-art work happening across the Corps and how USACE is shifting to a culture of taking chances with forward-thinking innovation.  This second annual event will not only emphasize technology but other essential aspects of innovation including business practices and people. The virtual symposium, taking place 25-29 October 2021 is free to attend, but please register in advance. Guest: Dr. David W. Pittman, Director of the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center and Director of Research and Development and Chief Scientist, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Host: COL (Ret) Dan Roper, AUSA’s Director of National Security Studies   Resources:   19 May 2021 - AUSA’s Army Matters Podcast episode with LTG SpellmonSpecial Edition: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers   USACE Innovation Summit 2021Innovation to Impact: Leading from the FutureVirtual Event – 25-29 OctoberWeb: www.usaceinnovationsummit.org   U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC)Web: www.erdc.usace.army.mil   U.S. Army Corps of EngineersWeb: https://www.usace.army.mil/   Recommendations for future topics are welcome via email at podcast@ausa.org.

Learn how financial readiness contributes to mission readiness with our guest, Robyn Mroszczyk, AFC. Hear how our soldiers and families can equip themselves with the financial education necessary to ensure the success of our families and the Army. To learn more please check out the resource section below.    Recommendations for future topics are welcome via email at podcast@ausa.org.    Guest: Robyn Mroszczyk, AFC, Financial Education Program Manager, Soldier & Family Readiness Division, Deputy Chief of Staff, G-9    Host: Holly Dailey, AUSA’s Director of Family Readiness   Resources:    Financial Frontline Website: https://financialfrontline.org/   USARMY Pentagon HQDA DCS G-9 Mailbox Financial Literacy Email: usarmy.pentagon.hqda-dcs-g-9.mbx.financial-literacy@army.mil

How is the Army transforming for the future? The Honorable Christine E. Wormuth, Secretary of the Army, joins AUSA’s GEN(R) Brown to talk about her approach to the new role including a focus on people first, modernization, budget and more. Guest: The Honorable Christine E. Wormuth, Secretary of the Army Host: GEN (Ret) Robert (Bob) B. Brown, AUSA’s President and CEO Resources: AUSA 2021 Annual Meeting & Exposition (11-13 October)America’s Army and its People: Transforming for the FutureWeb: https://meetings.ausa.org/annual/2021/index.cfm   Recommendations for future topics are welcome via email at podcast@ausa.org.

What are the keys to success for military family transitions? We have a treat today with SMA Michael Grinston and his wife Alexandra joining AUSA’s SMA (R) Daniel and Holly Dailey to share tips on settling into a new location, including Army programs that can help. Also, what’s coming up at the #AUSA2021 Annual Meeting for NCOs and families? The Senior Enlisted Couple for the Army also describe the events they are participating in at AUSA’s 2021 Annual Meeting (11-13 Oct): Family Forums, Senior Leader Town Hall and Modern Protocol & Evolving Traditions.   Guests:SMA Michael Grinston, Sergeant Major of the Army Alexandra Grinston, Spouse of the Sergeant Major of the Army   Hosts:SMA (Ret) Daniel Dailey, AUSA’s Vice President for NCO and Soldier Programs Holly Dailey, AUSA’s Director of Family Readiness   Resources:   AUSA 2021 Annual Meeting & Exposition (11-13 October) America’s Army and its People: Transforming for the Future Web: https://meetings.ausa.org/annual/2021/index.cfm   Military OneSource Web: https://www.militaryonesource.mil/   AUSA’s NCO & Soldier Programs Web: https://www.ausa.org/programs/nco-and-soldiers Twitter (Dailey): @15thSMA   Recommendations for future topics are welcome via email at podcast@ausa.org.

“Legacy of Honor” is the New Mexico National Guard’s motto. SMA(R) Dailey welcomes CSM Robbie D. Cantrell, State Command Sergeant Major, New Mexico Army National Guard to discuss its militia roots, and how the organization now supports United States and the state of New Mexico in day-to-day domestic missions and national anomalies like the pandemic. For instance, its “Task Force COVID” delivered food and water to pueblos, tribal land and communities in need, supported COVID testing and vaccinations, and more. Guest: CSM Robbie D. Cantrell, State Command Sergeant Major, New Mexico Army National Guard Host: SMA (Ret) Daniel Dailey, AUSA’s Vice President for NCO and Soldier Programs   Resources: New Mexico National GuardWeb: https://newmexicong.com/ AUSA’s NCO & Soldier ProgramsWeb: https://www.ausa.org/programs/nco-and-soldiersTwitter (Dailey): @15thSMA Recommendations for future topics are welcome via email at podcast@ausa.org.

Explore the lives of post-9/11 Medal of Honor recipients. Author James Kitfield joins AUSA’s Joe Craig to discuss his new book which tells the amazing stories of twenty-five Soldiers who have won the Medal of Honor, the nation’s highest military award, for their service in Afghanistan and Iraq.   Guest: James Kitfield, author of In the Company of Heroes: The Inspiring Stories of Medal of Honor Recipients from America’s Longest Wars in Afghanistan and Iraq   Host: Joe Craig, AUSA’s Book Program Director   Resources: Center Street Publishing In the Company of Heroes: The Inspiring Stories of Medal of Honor Recipients from America’s Longest Wars in Afghanistan and Iraq   Recommendations for future topics are welcome via email at podcast@ausa.org.

Spotlighting AUSA’s 2021 Annual Meeting with special guest, Army Deputy Chief of Public Affairs’ Michael Brady. Mr. Brady joins AUSA’s BG(R) Jack Haley and Nzinga Curry for a sneak peek of what to expect, including top speakers, exhibits and health and safety measures. The Annual Meeting theme is “America’s Army and its People, Transforming for the Future.” The Annual Meeting will be back in person at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in D.C., 11-13 October.   Recommendations for future topics are welcome via email at podcast@ausa.org.    Guests:  Michael P. Brady, Principal Deputy Chief of Army Public Affairs BG (Ret) Jack Haley, AUSA’s Vice President for Membership & Meetings   Host: Nzinga Curry, AUSA’s Director of Education & Programs     Resources:    AUSA 2021 Annual Meeting & Exposition (11-13 October)  America’s Army and its People: Transforming for the Future  Web: https://meetings.ausa.org/annual/2021/index.cfm