Militarily Speaking

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Oct 2026

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About the show

Militarily Speaking dives into the heart of military life through the voices of those who’ve lived it. Hosted by Tom McLean and Jodi Vickery — seasoned professionals with a passion for serving the military community — the show blends financial insight, real-world experience, and honest conversation. Jodi, a proud military spouse, and Tom bring different perspectives that make every episode both relatable and practical. Each episode, we sit down with veterans, spouses, and leaders who share stories that matter — from the challenges of deployment and transition to insights on careers, family, and finances. It’s about the military journey, told through the people who know it best. And don’t miss our Military Minute, a trivia segment where listeners can test their knowledge of military history, pop culture, and more — with chances to win prizes for you and your favorite charity. Head over to our Facebook page for more info. Season 2 brings even more stories, new voices, and more ways to engage with the community. Follow us on Facebook at Militarily Speaking Podcast and be part of the conversation. Produced by Armed Forces Bank. This is who we are. AFBank.com | Member FDIC

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October 7, 202649 min

Leaving the Military Is Harder Than You Think. Veterans Bridge Home Is Changing That.

Welcome to Season 2 Episode 20 of the "Militarily Speaking" podcast with Tom McLean and Jodi Vickery In this episode, Tom and Jodi welcome Steve Cole, Executive Director of Veterans Bridge Home's Metrolina Market, to discuss the challenges veterans face when transitioning to civilian life and how local communities can help them succeed. From veteran employment and community connections to suicide prevention awareness and navigating available resources, Steve shares how Veterans Bridge Home is helping veterans build fulfilling lives after military service. “Militarily Speaking” is a podcast produced by Armed Forces Bank that is dedicated to the military lifestyle and all the things that makes the military community who they are. Leaving the Military Is Harder Than You Think. Veterans Bridge Home Is Changing That. After more than two decades of military service, retiring Army Lieutenant Colonel Steve Cole thought transitioning into the civilian workforce would be relatively straightforward. He had a West Point education, extensive leadership experience and a professional background in public affairs. What he hadn't anticipated was how difficult finding his next career opportunity would actually become. That experience eventually brought him to Veterans Bridge Home, an organization that helped him navigate his own transition before he joined its leadership team. Today, Steve oversees its Metrolina Market, helping connect veterans and military families across the greater Charlotte region with employment opportunities, community resources and the support they need to thrive. What Is Veterans Bridge Home? Veterans Bridge Home began in 2011 when founders Tommy and Patty Norman started helping military families settle into the Charlotte community. What began as a personal effort to help a few families eventually grew into an organization dedicated to supporting veterans throughout their transition to civilian life . Today, its Metrolina team serves a 17-county region surrounding Charlotte, home to approximately 150,000 veterans. Rather than creating additional programs that duplicate existing services, the organization helps military-connected individuals navigate the resources already available within their communities. Its approach centers on three essential needs: meaningful employment, access to human services and genuine community connections. Steve explains that most communities already have organizations willing to help veterans, but determining which resources best fit an individual's circumstances can be overwhelming. Veterans Bridge Home works to make those connections easier, helping veterans find appropriate services while building relationships that extend beyond immediate assistance. Why Military-to-Civilian Transition Can Be So Difficult Steve's personal military transition experience offers an interesting perspective on the challenges even highly qualified veterans can face. A West Point graduate, Steve served more than 20 years in the Army, including assignments in armor and cavalry units, teaching history at West Point, and working in public affairs. His career also included serving as the Army's liaison to the film and television industry in Los Angeles. When he retired in 2015 and returned to Charlotte, he assumed his military experience and professional connections would make finding civilian employment relatively easy. Instead, employers wanted to understand how his particular skills would translate into their businesses. After encouragement from a friend, Steve connected with Veterans Bridge Home and eventually secured a communications position with Charlotte Center City Partners. He later joined the Veterans Bridge Home board before transitioning into a full-time role with the organization. His experience reinforced an important lesson for transitioning service members: military experience provides valuable professional skills, but understanding how to communicate those skills to civilian employers can be just as important. Connecting Veterans with the Right Resources Steve explains that many veteran-serving nonprofits specialize in specific areas, such as housing, employment, healthcare or financial assistance . While these organizations may excel individually, veterans can find themselves making numerous phone calls simply to identify which programs apply to their situations. Veterans Bridge Home helps coordinate those connections through relationships with organizations such as America's Warrior Partnership , Purple Heart Homes and the D'Aniello Institute for Veterans and Military Families at Syracuse University. Rather than competing to serve the same individuals, Steve believes veteran support organizations should work together and refer people to whichever partner can provide the most appropriate assistance. The objective is to connect veterans with the right services while allowing each organization to focus on what it does well. Veteran Employment: Building Careers, Not Just Finding Jobs Employment remains one of the most frequently requested services among veterans who contact Veterans Bridge Home. However, Steve emphasizes that the organization doesn't simply focus on preparing veterans to apply for jobs. Many established veteran support programs already offer resume development, interview preparation and career coaching. Instead, Veterans Bridge Home places considerable attention on helping employers become better at identifying, attracting, hiring and retaining military talent. Its work with employers includes discussing how military skills translate into civilian roles , improving veteran recruitment strategies and helping organizations understand what military-connected employees bring to their teams. For military families, successful employment is closely connected to long-term financial readiness , providing income and potentially access to healthcare, professional relationships and other important benefits. The Battle Buddy Program: Being There When Someone Needs You Another important initiative discussed during the episode is Veterans Bridge Home's Battle Buddy program. Drawing on the military tradition of having someone beside you, the program helps participants recognize when a friend, family member or fellow veteran may be struggling. Steve explains that people don't get to choose when someone decides to confide in them. When a veteran opens up about feeling overwhelmed or experiencing thoughts of suicide, knowing how to respond can help them feel heard and supported. Battle Buddy training provides military cultural awareness and an introduction to recognizing potential warning signs, allowing participants to become more attentive and supportive friends. The emphasis isn't on turning everyday people into mental health professionals. Instead, it's about strengthening the personal connections that can help someone access appropriate support before their circumstances worsen. Keeping Veterans Connected Through Community Veterans Bridge Home also recognizes that not every veteran needs immediate assistance with employment, housing or financial challenges. Many simply want to stay connected with other people who understand their experiences. Its Metrolina newsletter provides updates on veteran-related news, local events, community activities and available resources. Steve explains that maintaining these connections helps veterans feel more involved in their communities while keeping the door open should they need assistance in the future. Listeners interested in receiving the newsletter can visit VeteransBridgeHome.org and navigate to the Metrolina Market section. Veterans Bridge Home and the 2027 Military World Games Steve also discusses his involvement with the upcoming 2027 Carolinas Military World Games, which will bring military athletes from around the world to North and South Carolina. As a member of the event's advisory committee, he hopes V...

September 23, 202635 min

The Military World Games Are Coming to America for the First Time

Welcome to Season 2 Episode 19 of the "Militarily Speaking" podcast with Tom McLean and Jodi Vickery In this episode of Militarily Speaking, we talk with Ike Belk, co-founder of the U.S. Performance Center, about bringing the 2027 Carolinas Military World Games to the United States for the first time. Ike shares the scale of the global competition, how the games will celebrate active-duty service members and veterans, and why sport can create connections across countries, cultures and military communities. “Militarily Speaking” is a podcast produced by Armed Forces Bank that is dedicated to the military lifestyle and all the things that makes the military community who they are. The Military World Games Are Coming to America for the First Time In 2027, thousands of military athletes from around the world are expected to gather in the Carolinas for an event the United States has never hosted before. The 2027 Carolinas Military World Games will bring active-duty service members, reservists, cadets and veteran para-athletes together for an international competition that Ike Belk says will be one of the largest sporting events ever held in North Carolina. For Ike, however, the games represent more than medals and competition. They bring together several parts of his life: his family’s long connection to the Olympic movement, his work developing elite athletes through the U.S. Performance Center, and a deep respect for veterans and military service. Building the U.S. Performance Center The U.S. Performance Center grew from a partnership between Ike and business partner David Kerner. Ike brings a family legacy deeply connected to the Olympic movement, while David built his career around human performance, athlete development and sports science. Together, they created an organization focused on developing athletes at multiple levels. The U.S. Performance Center began with a much smaller membership-based model before earning an Olympic designation in 2015 as a Community Olympic Development Program. Since then, USPC has developed partnerships with more than 20 National Governing Bodies of Sport and supports athletes in programs including USA Field Hockey, USA Taekwondo and USA Judo. The organization has also become a home for Olympic-level training and competition as athletes begin working toward qualification for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. That background in elite sports eventually opened the door to an even larger opportunity. Bringing the Military World Games to the United States Ike says USA Pentathlon approached the U.S. Performance Center about pursuing the Military World Games. At the time, even he did not fully understand the scale of the event. The Military World Games are organized through the International Military Sports Council, known as CISM, an organization representing more than 140 member nations. Ike and his team began pursuing the opportunity to host the games in 2024. The process required building support not only throughout the Carolinas, but also with military leaders, federal officials and CISM member countries around the world. The Carolinas were selected to host the 2027 Military World Games, marking the first time the event will be held in the United States. It is also the first time CISM has entrusted a local organizing committee from private industry with leading the games. How Big Are the 2027 Military World Games? Ike says more than 11,000 athletes and delegates were already registered at the time of the interview, with participation still growing as additional countries respond. The final number could reach approximately 15,000 athletes and delegates. The event is expected to include: · More than 100 participating countries · 30-plus sporting events · More than 20 venues · Multiple cities and counties across the Carolinas · Approximately 10 days of ceremonies and competition The games will take place June 25 through July 4, 2027. Opening and closing ceremonies will bookend eight days of competition, with the final day intentionally landing on Independence Day. Ike also says the event is projected to generate approximately $2 billion in economic impact for North Carolina. Unlike some major international sporting events that require entirely new stadiums and venues, Ike says the region already has many of the facilities needed to host the games. That helped make the Carolinas an attractive option. Olympic-Caliber Athletes in Uniform The Military World Games are not simply recreational competitions among military members. Many of the athletes competing are among the best in their sports. Ike estimates that more than 60% of athletes participating in the games could eventually compete in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. Some Military World Games competitions are also part of the qualification process athletes use to earn points toward Olympic participation. That creates an unusual combination. Spectators may be watching elite international athletes capable of competing on the Olympic stage while also cheering on people serving in their countries’ armed forces. Competitors include active-duty service members , reservists and athletes from military academies. The 2027 games will also include six para-sports featuring veterans. For Ike, that connection between elite competition and military service is part of what makes the event special. “Peace Through Sport” The Military World Games are competitive, but their larger mission is built around cooperation. CISM grew from international military sporting efforts that followed World War I and was created around the idea of bringing nations together through athletic competition. The organization’s motto centers around friendship through sport, while the 2027 games are being promoted around the idea of peace through sport. That mission resonates strongly with Ike. Athletes may represent different countries and military forces, but sport gives them a shared environment where they can compete, communicate and build relationships. Those relationships can matter far beyond the field of play. For Ike, that is one of the biggest reasons the games deserve greater attention. These Games Are for Veterans Too Although active-duty military athletes are at the center of the competition, Ike wants veterans across the United States to feel ownership of the event. His message during the episode is simple: “This one’s for you.” The organizing team wants as many veterans as possible to attend the games and experience them firsthand. One of its sponsorship goals is to help provide free admission opportunities for veterans . That means sponsors will play an important role not only in staging the games, but also in helping military families and veterans participate in the experience. How People Can Support the 2027 Military World Games One of the biggest challenges facing the organizers is awareness. That means the next phase is largely about helping more Americans understand what is coming. Listeners can support the games simply by spreading the word. The organizing committee is also interested in hearing from: · Potential volunteers · Corporate sponsors · Organizations that want to support veterans · People interested in attending future events · Media partners that can help build awareness Visit MWG27.com for updates and information about the 2027 Carolinas Military World Games. The site will serve as a central resource as additional volunteer, sponsorship and ticket information becomes available. A Personal Mission for Ike Belk Ike’s connection to sports began long before the Military World Games. His grandfather became inspired by watching Jesse Owens compete during the 1936 Olympics and later spent decades involved with the Olympic movement. Another grandfather, Bill Bowron, served during World War II and landed on Utah Beach during the second wave of D-Day. Ike says one word from his grandfather has remained with him throughout his life: Fortitude. That idea has become especially important while organizing the games. The process has required years of work, repeated rejection and countless conversations with government officials, military leaders, sponsors, sporting organizations and community partners. Hundreds of people are already contributing time and expertise to the games, including many veterans who simply want to help. For Ike, that willingness to come together demonstrates the same idea the games themselves represent. Carrying a Family Sports Legacy Forward Sports have been part of Ike’s life at nearly every stage. He played tennis at Clemson and spent time competing professionally before becoming involved wit...

September 9, 202646 min

How an Active Duty Army Major Built an Award-Winning Bourbon Brand

Welcome to Season 2 Episode 18 of the “Militarily Speaking” podcast with Tom McLean and Jodi Vickery In this episode of Militarily Speaking, we talk with Major Cole Hanna, co-founder of H.K. Young Bourbon Company, about building an award-winning Kentucky bourbon brand while continuing to serve on active duty. Cole shares how military leadership shaped his approach to entrepreneurship, why H.K. Young committed to toasted barrel finished bourbon, and what military members should know before starting a business of their own. “Militarily Speaking” is a podcast produced by Armed Forces Bank that is dedicated to the military lifestyle and all the things that makes the military community who they are. How an Active-Duty Army Major Built an Award-Winning Bourbon Brand Military service and entrepreneurship may look like very different careers, but Major Cole Hanna has found plenty of overlap between the two. Cole remains on active duty while also helping lead H.K. Young Bourbon Company, a Kentucky bourbon brand he co-founded with Tyler Young and Spencer Kalijan. The company has built its identity around toasted barrel finished bourbon and has already earned recognition from major spirits competitions. For Cole, the journey from military officer to entrepreneur has required many of the same skills he uses in uniform: strategic thinking, communication, risk management, discipline and knowing how to build the right team. From Bourbon Hobby to H.K. Young Bourbon Company Cole’s interest in bourbon began after he was stationed at Fort Campbell. Living near Kentucky introduced him to the bourbon industry, but it was the community surrounding it that really captured his interest. That eventually led him to start the Clarksville Bourbon Society, which grew from a group of bourbon enthusiasts into a nonprofit organization with thousands of members. Over time, Cole began thinking about turning his interest in bourbon into a business. Finding a Niche in a Crowded Bourbon Industry Cole and his partners knew they were entering an increasingly crowded bourbon market. Instead of trying to launch another brand that looked like everything already on store shelves, they wanted H.K. Young to have a clear identity. They found it in toasted barrel finishing. H.K. Young works with bourbon sourced from respected Kentucky producers including Bardstown Bourbon Company and Green River before using proprietary blending and finishing methods to develop its products. The company describes itself as the toasted barrel finish bourbon company. That focus has helped create a recognizable position for the brand while giving the founders room to continue developing different products within the same overall identity. The company is trying to build something that can remain relevant five, 10 or 15 years from now. Building a Brand Takes More Than a Great Product H.K. Young has expanded into multiple states and can also ship to many customers through online sales, but every new market brings new regulations, distribution relationships and sales challenges. Cole says entrepreneurs sometimes assume that getting picked up by a distributor means the hard part is over. A product still must move through the distributor, onto retail shelves and ultimately into a customer’s hands. That requires consistent work in the market. H.K. Young uses social media, online influencers, retail displays, awards and other marketing efforts, but Cole says nothing completely replaces having people physically in stores, talking with retailers and allowing customers to experience the product. For entrepreneurs, the broader lesson is simple: launching the business is not the finish line. You still have to earn the customer. Military Skills Can Translate Into Business Leadership Cole’s military career has taken him through several different roles, including becoming a Foreign Area Officer and studying Russian through the Defense Language Institute. He currently serves with U.S. Army Europe and Africa, working in a role that requires strategic communication and interaction with senior military leaders and international partners. Many of those experiences have influenced the way he approaches H.K. Young. Risk management is one example. Military leaders constantly have to assess risk, reduce what they can and make decisions despite uncertainty. Entrepreneurs face many of the same challenges. Cole also points to communication, discipline, strategic thinking and work ethic as skills that translate well into business. Military experience can also teach another valuable lesson: you do not have to personally know everything. Sometimes success comes from knowing who to call. Build Your Entrepreneurial Network and Find a Mentor For service members thinking about starting a business, Cole’s strongest advice is to build a network. His own business benefited from several years of relationships within the bourbon industry before H.K. Young ever launched. That network gave him access to people who understood different parts of the business. Military members may already have a larger network than they realize after years of assignments, units and professional relationships. Experienced entrepreneurs can often identify problems before they become expensive mistakes. Do Your Market Research Before You Commit Cole encourages aspiring entrepreneurs to study the market before launching. That market research helped H.K. Young recognize an opportunity around toasted barrel finishing. Rather than trying to compete with every bourbon brand in every category, the company built a more focused identity. For military members transitioning into entrepreneurship , that same discipline can help determine whether an idea is simply interesting or whether it has a realistic place in the market. The Right Team Can Balance Your Weaknesses H.K. Young is led by three founders with different strengths. Cole describes himself as having a relatively high tolerance for risk. Spencer, who handles much of the company’s financial side, has a lower risk tolerance. Tyler has taken on much of the work surrounding the company’s plans to establish a physical location in downtown Hopkinsville, Kentucky. Their different skills allow each founder to focus on the areas where they can contribute the most. Building a strong team does not mean surrounding yourself with people who think exactly like you. Sometimes the best team is made up of people whose strengths compensate for each other’s weaknesses. Staying Connected to Hopkinsville and the Community H.K. Young’s connection to Hopkinsville is built into its identity. The company’s logo features three tobacco leaves representing its three founders while also referencing Hopkinsville’s history as part of Kentucky’s Black Patch tobacco region. The team is also working toward opening a physical H.K. Young location in downtown Hopkinsville. That local connection reflects the same community-minded approach Cole developed through the Clarksville Bourbon Society. Giving back has remained important throughout his military entrepreneurial journey . Cole sees supporting the community less as a business strategy and more as something people should simply do when they have the ability to help. Newest Release for H.K. Young: Extinct Spirits He and his team are developing a company called Extinct Spirits, which combines spirits releases with original artwork featuring extinct animals. The concept is designed around storytelling while also giving back, with a portion of sales intended to support wildlife restoration and conservation efforts. Cole says the team is targeting a September launch. The project gives him another way to combine entrepreneurship with the philanthropic mindset that has been part of his bourbon journey from the beginning. Balancing Active Duty and Entrepreneurship Running a growing business would be demanding enough on its own. Cole does it while remaining on active duty overseas. The time difference can occasionally work in his favor. By the time colleagues and business partners in the United States start their workday, he has already completed much of his military day. Then the H.K. Young work begins. Cole says evenings can be spent on calls, emails and business decisions until it is finally time to sleep. Beyond that, there is not much about military entrepreneurship that resembles a predictable 9-to-5 schedule. A Special Offer for Militarily Speaking Listeners During the episode, Cole offered Militarily Speaking listeners 25% off through H.K. Young Bourb...

August 26, 202649 min

The Free College Resource Every Veteran Should Know About

Welcome to Season 2 Episode 17 of the “Militarily Speaking” podcast with Tom McLean and Jodi Vickery In this episode of Militarily Speaking, we talk with Sydney Mathis, CEO of Service to School, about helping active-duty service members and veterans turn their military experience and education benefits into meaningful college opportunities. They discuss Service to School’s free college admissions support, VetLink partner schools, veteran-to-veteran mentorship and how military students can find the right path from service to higher education. “Militarily Speaking” is a podcast produced by Armed Forces Bank that is dedicated to the military lifestyle and all the things that makes the military community who they are. The Free College Resource Every Veteran Should Know About Transitioning from military service can create an unfamiliar question: What comes next? For many veterans and active-duty service members, higher education is part of the answer. The GI Bill and other military education benefits can make college financially possible, but choosing the right school, navigating an admissions process designed largely for traditional students and translating years of military experience into an application can still be difficult. That is where Service to School comes in. Led by CEO Sydney Mathis, Service to School is a national nonprofit that helps active-duty service members and veterans pursue undergraduate and graduate education. Its support can begin long before a service member leaves active duty and continue through the application process and into college. The goal is not simply helping veterans get into a school. It is helping them understand what educational opportunities are available, identify schools that fit their goals and use the benefits they earned through military service in a way that can create long-term opportunity. What Is Service to School? Service to School has spent approximately 15 years helping veterans and service members pursue higher education. The organization originally began with MBA students helping military officers apply to business school. As its founders became more familiar with the military education landscape, they saw an even larger opportunity to assist enlisted service members pursuing undergraduate degrees. Today, Service to School supports both undergraduate and graduate students. Service members can connect with the organization while still on active duty, as they prepare for a military transition or after becoming a veteran. That support can include guidance on selecting schools, navigating college admissions, developing application materials and connecting with mentors who have already made a similar journey. Most importantly for prospective students, Service to School provides its services at no cost. For Mathis, the mission is simple: veterans should have access to the educational opportunities they earned through their service. VetLink Helps Veterans See New College Possibilities One of Service to School’s most prominent undergraduate programs is VetLink . The program connects enlisted service members and veterans with colleges and universities that have demonstrated both strong academic outcomes and a commitment to supporting student veterans. Partner institutions include widely recognized universities such as Stanford, MIT, Harvard and Princeton, along with schools including Amherst, Williams, Wesleyan and Villanova. For some veterans, these may be schools they never imagined attending. Military service, however, can give applicants qualities colleges value. Leadership, maturity, teamwork, problem solving, discipline and significant life experience can distinguish student veterans from traditional applicants. VetLink helps veterans recognize those strengths and understand that highly competitive colleges may be realistic possibilities. The program also focuses on outcomes. Undergraduate VetLink partners must have at least a 70% six-year graduation rate. Mathis notes that only about 23% of GI Bill beneficiaries attend institutions with graduation rates above that threshold. For Service to School, helping veterans access higher education means thinking beyond admission. The organization wants military students attending schools where they have strong opportunities to graduate, build professional networks and prepare for their next career. Veteran-Friendly Colleges Need More Than a Label Getting veterans onto a campus is only part of creating a successful student veteran experience. Service to School looks for VetLink partners that demonstrate a meaningful commitment to military students. Partner schools participate in the Yellow Ribbon Program and are expected to provide resources that help veterans succeed after enrollment. Those resources may look different from campus to campus. Some universities provide dedicated veteran centers. Others offer year-round housing, an important benefit for veterans and military families who may not have another home to return to when traditional campus housing closes during school breaks. Other institutions offer veteran-specific research opportunities, financial aid or programs such as fully funded study abroad experiences. The common factor is a willingness to go beyond simply saying veterans are welcome. By working directly with colleges, Service to School can also help institutions recognize policies that unintentionally create barriers for military students. College Admissions Were Not Designed Around Military Life A traditional college applicant may move directly from high school into higher education. Their school counselor is readily available, their academic history is recent and the application process is designed around their experiences. A veteran may be applying under completely different circumstances. They may have graduated from high school years earlier. Their former counselor may no longer work there. They may have attended multiple colleges, accumulated military education credits, completed specialized training, deployed overseas and changed jobs or duty stations several times. Yet the same college application is often used for both students. That can leave veterans trying to fit years of military service into forms that were never designed around their experiences. Service to School works not only with veterans, but with higher education professionals to address those challenges. The organization helps admissions offices better understand military backgrounds, enlisted and officer experiences, military education credits and the wide variety of occupations that exist within the Armed Forces. That knowledge can help colleges remove unnecessary barriers while giving admissions teams a more complete understanding of what veteran applicants bring to campus. Veteran Mentorship Creates an Educational Battle Buddy Professional college advising is one part of Service to School’s approach. Veteran-to-veteran mentorship is another. Service to School has more than 800 volunteer ambassadors, many of whom previously received support from the organization and now want to help the next generation of student veterans. These mentors can provide something that even an experienced admissions counselor cannot: firsthand perspective. A veteran who has already transitioned from military service into college understands many of the questions a new applicant may be asking. Am I really qualified for this school? Will I fit in with traditional college students? How do I explain my military experience? What if I have been out of the classroom for years? Mentors have confronted many of those same uncertainties. Mathis describes Service to School’s model as a three-pronged approach involving the student, a veteran mentor and a professional college advisor. The mentor can provide encouragement and firsthand experience, while the advisor contributes technical knowledge of admissions and the application process. Jodi compares the role to an educational battle buddy – someone who has been there before and can help a veteran navigate unfamiliar territory. Turn Military Experience Into an Admissions Strength Military experience can be one of a veteran’s greatest strengths as an applicant, but only if an admissions officer understands it. Military acronyms, occupational specialties and job descriptions may make perfect sense within a unit while meaning very little to someone in a college admissions office. To help bridge that gap, Service to School developed the VetLink Addendum for undergraduate applicants. Mathis describes the tool as essentially a “demilitarized resume.” Veterans can use it to explain jobs, deployments, <a href="https://www.afbank.com/learn/media/podcast/militarily-speaking-pcs-survival-guide-episode-1-pcs-

August 12, 202638 min

This Military Spouse Marketplace Will Change How You Shop Small

Welcome to Season 2 Episode 16 of the "Militarily Speaking" podcast with Tom McLean and Jodi Vickery In this episode of Militarily Speaking, we talk with Monica Fullerton, Founder & CEO of Spouse-ly, about building her online marketplace connecting shoppers with military spouse, service member, veteran, and first responder-owned businesses. They dive into how she aims to support military spouse-owned businesses and create income-generating opportunities that can move with military families. “Militarily Speaking” is a podcast produced by Armed Forces Bank that is dedicated to the military lifestyle and all the things that makes the military community who they are. This Military Spouse Marketplace Will Change How You Shop Small Military spouses are often required to adapt quickly. A new duty station can mean finding a new home, rebuilding a local support system and restarting a career – all while supporting a service member and managing the needs of a family. For military spouse entrepreneurs, those moves can also disrupt customer relationships, professional networks and opportunities for growth. A business that depends heavily on one location may become difficult to maintain after the next Permanent Change of Station, or PCS, move. Monica Fullerton founded Spouse-ly to give military-connected entrepreneurs a more portable path forward. Her message for aspiring entrepreneurs is straightforward: There may never be a perfect time to begin. Progress starts when you take the first step. What Is Spouse-ly? Spouse-ly is an online marketplace featuring products and services from verified military-connected and first responder entrepreneurs. Fullerton describes the platform as a combination of an online handmade marketplace and a service-provider directory, but with a mission-driven focus. The platform includes businesses owned by military spouses, veterans, active-duty service members, Gold Star family members, or first responders. Customers can use the platform to shop small while knowing their purchases directly support military and first responder families. That mission is especially important within the military community, where frequent moves can make traditional business development difficult. Spouse-ly gives entrepreneurs a digital storefront that is not tied to one installation, city or state. When a military family receives new PCS orders , the business can continue serving customers online instead of rebuilding from the beginning at every duty station. Military Spouse Entrepreneurship Can Create Career Portability Military spouse employment challenges are not always caused by a lack of skill, education or ambition. In many cases, the difficulty comes from trying to maintain a career through repeated relocations. A military spouse may build professional momentum at one duty station, only to face another move a few years later. State licensing rules, limited local job markets, childcare needs and gaps in employment can all make traditional career paths harder to sustain. Entrepreneurship can provide another option. A portable business may allow a military spouse to continue working after a PCS move, allowing them to continue to build income without depending on the local job market. It also allows them to maintain customer relationships across duty stations, and create a schedule that works around deployments and family responsibilities. With this business model, military spouses can turn professional skills or creative interests into a source of income, while building a long-term professional identity despite frequent relocation. That does not mean entrepreneurship is easy. Starting a business requires planning, time and persistence. It may also require families to think differently about budgeting, savings and financial risk. Still, for many spouses, the opportunity to build a small business that can move with them is powerful. Spouse-ly Was Built from a Military Spouse’s Experience Monica’s motivation for launching Spouse-ly came partly from her own career journey. She had earned undergraduate and graduate degrees and envisioned a communications-focused career. After becoming a military spouse, however, she realized that the traditional career path she had imagined did not always fit the realities of military life . Rather than abandoning the interests and skills she had developed, she looked for a new way to use them. That experience became part of the foundation for Spouse-ly. The business allowed her to combine communications, marketing, e-commerce, partnership development and community building with a mission of helping other military-connected entrepreneurs succeed. Her story reflects an important lesson for military spouses: a career may change shape without losing its purpose. Skills developed in one field can often be transferred into another opportunity. A background in education, design, marketing, healthcare, consulting or administration may become the foundation for a portable business – even when the final result looks different from the original plan. Start with a Strong Business Foundation During the episode, Monica emphasizes that entrepreneurs should not rush past the early planning phase. A strong idea matters, but an idea alone is not a complete business strategy. Before investing heavily in products, branding or advertising, aspiring business owners should understand the market they intend to serve. Monica encourages new entrepreneurs to conduct market research, understand their purpose and build structure around the idea. The strategy may change as the business develops, but taking the time to establish a strong foundation can make future growth easier. This approach also supports military financial readiness . A new business can affect the household budget, particularly during the startup stage. Military families should understand what they can reasonably invest without undermining emergency savings or other financial priorities. Build a Small Business Around Authenticity She chose to share the process of building Spouse-ly rather than presenting only the polished final product. By inviting people into the story, she created a network of supporters who understood both the mission and the people behind it. That community became one of Spouse-ly’s greatest assets. Small businesses may not have the advertising budgets of large corporations, but they can still compete through personal connection, trust and a clear sense of purpose. Customers are often drawn to businesses because they believe in the founder, understand the mission or feel connected to the story behind the product. For military spouse entrepreneurs , their experiences can become part of that story. Adaptability, resilience, community involvement and the ability to rebuild after a PCS move are not weaknesses. They can help shape a brand customers find relatable and meaningful. Community Can Be a Business Advantage Spouse-ly is more than a website where vendors list products. Monica describes it as a community of entrepreneurs who support and champion one another. That community can help business owners overcome one of the most difficult parts of entrepreneurship: trying to figure everything out alone. Through a strong network, entrepreneurs may find advice from people at a similar stage, referrals and collaborative opportunities. This can help their business with everything from marketing support, to simple encouragement during slow periods. The network also connects people giving them access to mentors and strategic partners, and giving them greater visibility among mission-driven customers. The platform also helps connect military-connected businesses with corporate partners that want to support military spouse entrepreneurship. Those partnerships can fund new initiatives and expand opportunities for vendors while allowing Spouse-ly to keep its community fees relatively limited. For consumers, the model provides a simple way to support the military community. Instead of viewing a purchase as only a transaction, shoppers can choose a product or serv...

July 29, 202647 min

The #1 Reason Veterans Fall Through the Cracks With America's Warrior Partnership

Welcome to Season 2 Episode 15 of the "Militarily Speaking" podcast with Tom McLean and Jodi Vickery In this episode of Militarily Speaking, we talk with Jim Lorraine, President and CEO of America’s Warrior Partnership (AWP) , about how AWP partners with communities nationwide to improve veterans’ quality of life so suicide is not an option. Jim shares AWP’s origins, including early success reducing homeless veterans in the Augusta area from 159 to 7, and explains how AWP bridges local and national resources through relationship-based support, advocacy, and careful partner vetting. He discusses Operation Deep Dive with Duke University focused on deaths of despair, the Corporate Veteran Initiative for workplace outreach, and the “Know a Vet, Tell a Vet” QR program. The conversation covers outcomes tracking, hope-scale measurement, financial insecurity as a major driver, and AWP’s annual symposium. “Militarily Speaking” is a podcast produced by Armed Forces Bank that is dedicated to the military lifestyle and all the things that makes the military community who they are. The #1 Reason Veterans Fall Through the Cracks With America's Warrior Partnership After serving 22 years in the Air Force and helping establish the U.S. Special Operations Command Care Coalition, Jim Lorraine recognized a recurring problem throughout the veteran community. There wasn't a shortage of organizations. There was a shortage of coordination. Communities often knew exactly which veterans needed help but lacked the specialized resources to assist them. National nonprofits had extensive programs but frequently struggled to identify the veterans who needed those services most. America's Warrior Partnership bridges that gap. Rather than duplicating existing programs, AWP partners with thousands of organizations across the country to connect veterans with housing assistance, employment services, healthcare, education, legal support, emergency assistance, and more. Once a veteran reaches out, AWP helps determine the root cause of their challenge and stays alongside them until they're connected with the right solution. It's a model built around one simple philosophy: Together, we can do better. Military Financial Readiness Is About More Than Money One of the most eye-opening moments from the conversation centered around a surprising statistic. According to Jim, nearly 86% of veterans who screened positive for suicide risk were primarily facing financial insecurity, not mental health challenges alone. Financial stress often becomes the catalyst that impacts every other area of life: Missed mortgage or rent payments Vehicle repairs that prevent someone from getting to work Medical expenses Difficulty navigating VA benefits Loss of employment Mounting debt This highlights why military financial readiness isn't simply about budgeting . It's about ensuring military families understand the benefits they've earned, know where to find help, and have trusted organizations available before financial problems become overwhelming. For service members preparing to leave the military, financial education should begin long before transition. Knowing about different services available to veterans can dramatically improve long-term financial stability. Organizations like Armed Forces Bank continue to emphasize military financial education because proactive planning often prevents future financial crises. Helping Veterans Navigate a Complex System One challenge discussed throughout the episode is that many veterans simply don't know what's available to them. Some never enroll in VA healthcare. Others never apply for disability benefits. Some don't realize they qualify for education benefits years after leaving active duty. Jim shared multiple stories of veterans who unknowingly missed out on benefits that could have dramatically improved their lives simply because no one explained the process in a way they understood. That's why trusted veteran support organizations remain so important. Instead of expecting veterans to figure everything out themselves, organizations like America's Warrior Partnership walk alongside them, helping them navigate: Veteran benefits Employment opportunities Housing assistance Healthcare enrollment Financial resources Education benefits Community services The goal isn't simply solving today's problem. It's building long-term stability. Why Collaboration Produces Better Results One of the biggest themes throughout the episode was collaboration. America's Warrior Partnership intentionally avoids trying to become everything to everyone. Instead, they focus on relationships. If another nonprofit specializes in employment, AWP connects veterans there. If an organization provides housing assistance, that's where the referral goes. If financial counseling is needed, veterans are connected with experts equipped to help. This collaborative approach reduces duplicated services while ensuring veterans receive specialized support from organizations that excel in their particular area. Rather than competing for attention, successful veteran organizations strengthen one another. Operation Deep Dive: Using Data to Save Lives One of America's Warrior Partnership's most innovative initiatives is Operation Deep Dive . Developed in partnership with Duke University, the project analyzes years of military service records alongside state mortality data to better understand deaths of despair among veterans. Instead of relying solely on traditional suicide statistics, the research examines broader patterns, including: Overdose deaths Substance abuse Geographic trends Military occupations Service history Demographic information The goal is simple: Identify veterans who may be at higher risk before tragedy occurs. Rather than applying one nationwide strategy, Operation Deep Dive helps communities develop targeted outreach based on local needs. It's another example of how data can improve outcomes while helping organizations better serve veterans and military families . Quality of Life Is the Real Goal Throughout the interview, Jim repeatedly emphasized that America's Warrior Partnership doesn't view itself as a suicide prevention organization. Instead, it focuses on improving quality of life. When veterans have stable housing, meaningful employment, access to healthcare, financial security, transportation, and supportive relationships, the likelihood of crisis decreases significantly. This holistic approach recognizes that every veteran's circumstances are different. There is no one-size-fits-all solution. Helping one veteran may involve emergency financial assistance, helping another might involve VA enrollment, while someone else may simply need transportation to get back to work. Success comes from understanding each individual's story. How Military Families Can Prepare Before Problems Arise Whether you're still serving or already transitioning into civilian life, taking advantage of available resources early can make an enormous difference. Some proactive steps include: Learn about your VA healthcare eligibility before separation. Review your life insurance and retirement options. Understand your GI Bill benefits. Build an emergency savings fund. Maintain relationships within the military community. Partner with trusted financial institutions that understand military life. Reach out to veteran support organizations before small problems become major ones. Organizations like America's Warrior Partnership and Armed Forces Bank share a common goal: helping military families build stronger financial futures while ensuring veterans know they don't have to navigate life's challenges alone. Transitioning from military service isn't a single event – it's an ongoing journey. The good news is that veterans don't have to walk that journey by themselves. As Jim Lorraine explains, the strongest veteran support systems aren't built by one organization doing everything. They're built by communities working together, connecting veterans with the right people, the right resources, and the right opportunities at the right time. Whether you're looking for veteran fin...

July 15, 202639 min

The Organization Quietly Solving One of America's Biggest Veteran Housing Problems – Purple Heart Homes

Welcome to Season 2 Episode 14 of the "Militarily Speaking" podcast with Tom McLean and Jodi Vickery In this episode of Militarily Speaking, we sit down with Paul Cockerham, Business Development Director for Purple Heart Homes , to discuss how their organization is transforming the lives of veterans through accessible housing, home repairs, and community support. For many veterans, coming home doesn't always mean returning to a home that meets their needs. Whether it's recovering from combat injuries, aging with service-connected disabilities, or facing financial hardships that make critical home repairs impossible, thousands of veterans across the country struggle to live safely and independently in their own homes. “Militarily Speaking” is a podcast produced by Armed Forces Bank that is dedicated to the military lifestyle and all the things that makes the military community who they are. The Organization Quietly Solving One of America's Biggest Veteran Housing Problems – Purple Heart Homes Purple Heart Homes was born from one veteran helping another. After serving together during Operation Desert Storm, National Guard soldiers John Gallina and Dale Beatty experienced a life-changing event years later when both were severely injured during a route clearance mission in Iraq. Dale lost both of his legs, while John sustained traumatic brain and back injuries. When Dale returned home, his house simply wasn't built for someone with his new physical challenges. John, who worked as a custom home builder, rallied volunteers throughout his community to build his friend a fully accessible home. That single act of service inspired what would become Purple Heart Homes. Nearly two decades later, the organization continues honoring that same commitment by ensuring veterans have safe, accessible places to call home. Helping Veterans Stay Safe at Home Purple Heart Homes focuses on helping veterans remain independent by addressing housing challenges before they become crises. Their Veterans Aging in Place (VAIP) program provides assistance for veterans who own their homes but can no longer safely live in them because of accessibility or maintenance issues. Projects may include: · Wheelchair ramps · ADA-compliant bathrooms · Wider doorways · Foundation repairs · Roof replacement · HVAC repairs · Other critical home repairs For many veterans, these improvements mean the difference between remaining at home or losing their independence. More Than Home Repairs for Veterans Purple Heart Homes also provides innovative housing solutions through its modular home program. Built in their manufacturing facility in North Carolina, these homes can provide permanent housing for veterans who own land or support other veteran-serving organizations that need on-site housing for their programs. Another unique initiative is the Veteran Home Opportunity Program (VHOP). Through donated homes from banks and private donors, Purple Heart Homes renovates properties to meet veterans' accessibility needs before making them available at significantly below market value. Veterans begin homeownership with substantial equity already built into the property, creating long-term financial stability. The National Mission of Purple Heart Homes What began with one accessible home has grown into a nationwide organization. Today, Purple Heart Homes: · Operates chapters across the United States and Puerto Rico · Completes more than 200 projects annually · Has completed more than 700 housing projects · Has served more than 4,000 veterans · Has positively impacted over 8,500 veterans, family members, and caregivers The organization's local chapters help ensure veterans continue receiving support long after construction crews leave. As Paul explains during the episode, the goal isn't simply completing a project – it's welcoming veterans into the Purple Heart Homes family. Housing Is the Foundation for Everything Else One of the most powerful discussions in this episode centers around the idea that safe housing serves as the foundation for every other type of support a veteran may need. Medical care. Mental health counseling. Financial counseling. Employment assistance. Community engagement. All of these become significantly more effective when veterans have a stable, accessible home where they can recover, recharge, and build their future. Paul describes housing as the "hub," with every other veteran service becoming a spoke extending outward. It's a simple concept with profound implications. Changing Lives One Veteran at a Time Purple Heart Homes met a Vietnam veteran who had quietly lived in an uninsulated storage shed for more than 20 years. Despite losing a limb, he had adapted to living without running water, heating, or air conditioning. After months of building trust, the organization convinced him to accept one of their modular homes. When he turned on the faucet for the first time, he paused and simply listened. "I haven't heard running water where I live in 22 years." Moments like these remind us that restoring dignity often begins with something many of us take for granted. Advocating for Veterans Beyond Housing Purple Heart Homes doesn't only build homes – they also advocate for better policies affecting veterans nationwide. The organization played a leading role in supporting federal legislation that corrected an issue preventing many disabled veterans from qualifying for certain housing assistance programs because of outdated income calculations. The change opened access to housing resources for thousands of veterans who previously fell through the cracks. It's another example of how meaningful change happens not only through direct service, but also through advocacy. How You Can Help Veterans Purple Heart Homes depends on volunteers, corporate partners, donors, and local communities to continue its mission. Whether you have construction experience or simply want to lend a helping hand, volunteers are always welcome. Businesses can also partner with the organization through sponsorships, donations, and community projects that directly improve veterans' lives. To learn more about Purple Heart Homes, volunteer opportunities, or available programs, visit purplehearthomesusa.org . Supporting Military Families Beyond Housing At Armed Forces Bank, we're proud to highlight organizations making a real difference for military families and veterans. Financial wellness and housing often go hand in hand. Whether you're preparing to purchase a home using a VA home loan , exploring options to refinance your mortgage , opening a military checking account , building long-term savings with a military savings account , or planning your next chapter after military service , having trusted financial resources can help create a stronger future. Together, organizations like Purple Heart Homes and Armed Forces Bank are committed to helping service members, veterans, and military families build stability, independence, and lasting success. Military Minute The Military Minute giveaway offers listeners like you a chance to show off your military and life knowledge. Winners receive $50 for themselves and a charity of their choice! For giveaway details or to enter, visit the Militarily Speaking Podcast Facebook page and find this episodes’ Military Minute post! After a winning selection, Military Minute participants are eligible for another selection after 12 months. · Last episode’s Military Minute: Frank C. Mars of Minnesota introduced what candy bar in 1923? · Answer: Milky Way · This week’s Military Minute question(s): What was the original name of the Purple Heart, and in which city and state is the National Purple Heart Hall of Honor? Watch for this weeks’ Military Minute post on the Militarily Speaking Facebook page . Answer with the correct answer and you plus a charity of your choice can eac...

July 1, 202624 min

PCS Survival Guide - Episode 4: Landing on the Other Side — The First 30-60 Days, Spouse Careers, Community and What Experienced Military Families Wish They Had Done Earlier

The boxes are mostly unpacked. The new duty station is no longer a destination — it is home, at least for now. In the 4th and final episode of the Militarily Speaking PCS Survival Series, hosts Tom McLean and Jodi Vickery are joined again by VA Loan Expert Mel Aguto to talk about what happens after a PCS move: the first 30-60 days, the financial and administrative reset, military spouse employment, rebuilding community, and the lessons experienced military families wish they had learned earlier. Militarily Speaking dives into the heart of military life through the voices of those who’ve lived it. Hosted by Tom McLean and Jodi Vickery – seasoned professionals with a passion for serving the military community – the show blends financial insight, real-world experience, and honest conversation. Jodi, a proud military spouse, and Tom bring different perspectives that make every episode both relatable and practical. Each episode, we sit down with veterans, spouses, and leaders who share stories that matter – from the challenges of deployment and transition to insights on careers, family, and finances. It’s about the military journey, told through the people who know it best. And don’t miss our Military Minute, a trivia segment where listeners can test their knowledge of military history, pop culture, and more – with chances to win prizes for you and your favorite charity. Head over to our Facebook page for more info. Season 2 brings even more stories, new voices, and more ways to engage with the community. Follow us on Facebook at Militarily Speaking Podcast and be part of the conversation. Produced by Armed Forces Bank. This is who we are. AFBank.com | Member FDIC

June 17, 202619 min

PCS Survival Guide - Episode 3: The Move Itself — What the Military Pays, What Comes Out of Your Pocket, and the Mistakes That Cost Families Most

In Episode 3 of our PCS Survival Series, Militarily Speaking hosts Tom McLean, Jodi Vickery, and VA Loan Expert Mel Aguto, break down exactly what the government covers, how DLA, per diem, and mileage reimbursement actually work in practice, the financial mistakes that cost families most, and how to manage the emotional weight of the gap period. Militarily Speaking dives into the heart of military life through the voices of those who’ve lived it. Hosted by Tom McLean and Jodi Vickery – seasoned professionals with a passion for serving the military community – the show blends financial insight, real-world experience, and honest conversation. Jodi, a proud military spouse, and Tom bring different perspectives that make every episode both relatable and practical. Each episode, we sit down with veterans, spouses, and leaders who share stories that matter – from the challenges of deployment and transition to insights on careers, family, and finances. It’s about the military journey, told through the people who know it best. And don’t miss our Military Minute, a trivia segment where listeners can test their knowledge of military history, pop culture, and more – with chances to win prizes for you and your favorite charity. Head over to our Facebook page for more info. Season 2 brings even more stories, new voices, and more ways to engage with the community. Follow us on Facebook at Militarily Speaking Podcast and be part of the conversation. Produced by Armed Forces Bank. This is who we are. AFBank.com | Member FDIC

May 13, 202617 min

PCS Survival Guide - Episode 2: Planning the Move – DITY, PPM & the Decisions That Actually Cost You

In this episode of Militarily Speaking, we continue our four-part PCS Survival Guide. In Episode 2 of our PCS Survival Series, Tom, Jodi, and VA loan expert Mel Aguto break down the biggest planning decisions in any PCS move: how to talk to your kids, on-base vs. off-base housing, and the critical HHG vs. DITY/PPM move choice. Plus: the one thing you should absolutely not do the moment orders arrive. Militarily Speaking dives into the heart of military life through the voices of those who’ve lived it. Hosted by Tom McLean and Jodi Vickery – seasoned professionals with a passion for serving the military community – the show blends financial insight, real-world experience, and honest conversation. Jodi, a proud military spouse, and Tom bring different perspectives that make every episode both relatable and practical. Each episode, we sit down with veterans, spouses, and leaders who share stories that matter – from the challenges of deployment and transition to insights on careers, family, and finances. It’s about the military journey, told through the people who know it best. And don’t miss our Military Minute, a trivia segment where listeners can test their knowledge of military history, pop culture, and more – with chances to win prizes for you and your favorite charity. Head over to our Facebook page for more info. Season 2 brings even more stories, new voices, and more ways to engage with the community. Follow us on Facebook at Militarily Speaking Podcast and be part of the conversation. Produced by Armed Forces Bank. This is who we are. AFBank.com | Member FDIC