This episode of Dog Tag Diaries features the amazing Amanda Huffman, who made waves by creating the first podcast focused on women veterans. Amanda recounts her compelling journey from an Air Force civil engineer to a storyteller, sharing tales of military life that are both inspiring and educational. Get a sneak peek into her deployment in Afghanistan, where Amanda's interactions with the local population offered eye-opening cultural insights. She also talks about her book, mentorship attempts, and the value of organizations like LinkedIn for veteran connections. Host Kim and Amanda explore the essential support networks for women veterans and Amanda's unwavering mission to empower others to discover their voice.

Amanda Huffman is a former Air Force Civil Engineer, a military spouse, and the creator of the Women of the Military podcast. Amanda served in the Air Force from 2007 to 2013, including a deployment to Afghanistan. Today, she is a passionate advocate for women in the military, inspiring the next generation through her podcast and her book, A Girl's Guide to Military Service. When she's not working, Amanda is a mom of two boys, an avid runner training for a marathon, and enjoys spending time in her garden or reading.

Interesting Facts About Amanda:

• She ran two half marathons while pregnant and is currently training for a full marathon.
• She’s married to a Space Force officer and is a proud mom of two boys.
• Amanda combines her military background with her passion for storytelling to empower women in the armed forces.

Resources and Links:

• Amanda’s Website: www.airmantomom.com
• Podcast: Women of the Military

Social Media:

• LinkedIn
• Facebook

Books:

• Women of the Military
• A Girl’s Guide to Military Service

Call to Action:

Don’t forget to check out Amanda’s podcast, Women of the Military, and her book, A Girl’s Guide to Military Service. Follow her on social media and visit her website for more resources and inspiring stories!

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

Learn more about Reveille and Retreat Project:

reveilleandretreatproject.org

Instagram: @reveilleandretreatproject

Facebook: Reveille and Retreat Project

You aren’t alone.

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

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

In this captivating episode, Dog Tag Diaries host Captain Kim is joined by the remarkable Sharon Caples McDougle. From the pressures of military life to the forefront of NASA’s Space Shuttle program, Sharon’s career is a testament to perseverance and excellence. Listeners will get a glimpse of her early days in the Air Force, working with cutting-edge aircraft and mastering aerospace physiology. The episode highlights her historic role at NASA, where she suited up astronauts for their space missions, making history as the first African American technician in the space shuttle crew escape equipment department. Explore Sharon's enriching cultural experiences across the globe and hear her heartfelt reflections on the mentors who guided her path. Whether it's her profound advice to aspiring military women or memories of exciting assignments, this episode promises a journey through dedication, leadership, and remarkable achievements.

About Sharon Caples McDougle:

Sharon Caples McDougle is a retired Spacesuit Technician and Air Force Veteran. Her remarkable aerospace journey began as an Aerospace Physiology Specialist at Beale Air Force Base, where she supported SR-71 Blackbird and U-2 pilots. Later, at NASA, she made history as the first African American spacesuit technician and Crew Chief in the Space Shuttle Crew Escape Equipment department. Sharon suited up the first African American woman in space and led the only all-female suit tech crew.

Today, she is the CEO of Suit Up with Shay, a business dedicated to inspiring and educating through speaking engagements and books, including Suit Up for Launch with Shay! and Suit Up to Dive with Shay!. Sharon’s story has been featured on Good Morning America, Great Day Houston, and at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum.

Connect with Sharon:

• Facebook: Sharon McDougle - Modern Day Hidden Figure
• Instagram: @suitupwithshay
• Website: www.sharoncaplesmcdougle.com

Books by Sharon:

• Suit Up for Launch with Shay!
• Suit Up to Dive with Shay!

Suit Up with Shay:

Mission: To inspire, ignite, engage, educate, and represent.

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

Learn more about Reveille and Retreat Project:

reveilleandretreatproject.org

Instagram: @reveilleandretreatproject

Facebook: Reveille and Retreat Project

You aren’t alone.

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

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

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

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

Social Media Links:

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

Books by Angela Cody:

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

Special Topics:

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

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

Learn more about Reveille and Retreat Project:

reveilleandretreatproject.org

Instagram: @reveilleandretreatproject

Facebook: Reveille and Retreat Project

You aren’t alone.

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

Veteran crisis line: Dial 988 then press 1,