HeroFront Josh White

Finding Light in the Shadows: A Gripping Journey of Loss, Unyielding Resilience, and Profound Grit w/Kate Hewlett - Part 2/3"

Episode found on HeroFrontPodcast.com or any music streaming app (search HeroFront)

Content Warning: Suicide/Mental Health Challenges:
Please be aware that this episode discusses the sensitive topic of suicide. It explores the profound impact of suicide on individuals, focusing on a woman who lost a fellow student to suicide and the subsequent emotional challenges, grief, and healing process. If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts or mental health issues, please reach out to a mental health professional or helpline. Your well-being is important to us. If this topic is difficult for you, feel free to skip this episode. Thank you for understanding.

Episode Description:
Join us for a deeply introspective part two of our trilogy as we delve into the life of an extraordinary woman who found herself in a position of authority, leading a vibrant class of students. But when tragedy strikes and one of her beloved students falls victim to suicide, her world is turned upside down. In this raw and poignant conversation, we explore the profound effects of this loss on her and the entire team, unmasking the complexities and challenges that arise in the wake of such a heartbreaking event. From grappling with grief to finding strength amidst doubt, our guest shares her personal journey through the shadows, shedding light on the often-overlooked struggles and reminding us of the resilience of the human spirit. This episode serves as a powerful reminder that even in the darkest times, there is hope and healing waiting to be discovered.

0:00 - Intro
3:00 - Life and lessons on leadership as a prior enlisted-spouse
10:50 - Applying to OTS - husband’s selection and Kate’s rejection
19:20 - Faith restored
22:22 - Fighting for selection
25:20 - Appreciation for God’s plan
26:19 - Being an MC-130P Combat Shadow Navigator
30:36 - Applying to pilot training
31:43 - Returning to the AFSOC mission as an MC-130J Commando II Pilot
33:18 - Epic Winging Story
41:55 - Being the Senior Ranking Officer at Pilot Training
49:36 - Weather Test and Dollar Rides
52:51 - Remembering Ben
1:10:24 - The strength of showing emotion
1:22:50 - Honor Guard and Military Honors
1:30:24 - The darkness of mental illness and turmoil
1:33:00 - Next week’s episode

This is an inspiring podcast series that chronicles the extraordinary life story of Major Kate Hewlett, a pilot in the United States Air Force who defied the odds and overcame numerous challenges to achieve her dreams. This is a three-part series with this being 2/3. Part one was released on 17 May and part three will release on 31 May. In each episode, Major Hewlett shares captivating anecdotes and heartfelt reflections, taking listeners on a rollercoaster ride through the pivotal moments of her life.

THIS IS A PRIVATE ACCOUNT. IT IS NOT A PART OF THE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE OR ANY OF ITS COMPONENTS AND IT HAS NO GOVERNMENTAL STATUS

#veteran #marines #army #airforce #navy #eq #coastguard #spaceforce #herofront #podcast #mentalhealth #resiliency #veteranowned #military #inspirational #deployment #basictraining #militarylife #firstresponders #airmen #airman #22aday #purpose #humility #emotionalintelligence #influencer

This is an inspiring podcast series that chronicles the extraordinary life story of Major Kate Hewlett, a pilot in the United States Air Force who defied the odds and overcame numerous challenges to achieve her dreams. This is a three-part series with this being 1/3. Part two will release on 24 May and part three will release on 31 May. In each episode, Major Hewlett shares captivating anecdotes and heartfelt reflections, taking listeners on a rollercoaster ride through the pivotal moments of her life. From the initial struggles and rejections faced during the process of being selected for Officer Training School (OTS) to the triumphant realization of her dream as she received her Navigator wings. Every step of her journey is filled with determination and perseverance, including the experiences she encountered as the Senior Ranking Officer of her pilot training class, and the heartbreaking tragedies she witnessed in which she highlights the importance of mental health, resiliency, and the strength found in vulnerability. Listeners will also gain insight into Major Hewlett's life-altering diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis (MS), the challenging medical board process, and her unwavering commitment to continue serving in the Air Force. She shares intimate details about her relationship with her esteemed physician, "Dr. Badass" and discusses the hope, determination, and camaraderie that have fueled her drive to continue flying. This series is a powerful and thought-provoking deep-dive that celebrates the indomitable human spirit and serves as a source of inspiration for individuals facing adversity in their own lives. Join Major Kate Hewlett as she shares her story of unwavering determination, hope, and the pursuit of dreams against all odds.

0:00 - Episode Description 08:10 - Let's Begin! 09:39 - AF commissioning sources to become a Pilot 10:38 - Multiple Sclerosis Intro 12:46 - Dr. Badass Discussion 18:20 - Pathway to Wings Podcast mention 18:30 - Air Commando Journal mention 18:35 - Women in Air Force Leadership Series mention 27:25 - Favorite Quotes 40:32 - Who would play you in a movie 45:41 - Proudest Air Force Moments 57:53 - Readiness 59:24 - Chris Misclevitz 59:33 - Lt Mike Brown 1:00:55 - Lt Quincy Brayton 1:04:22 - Invest in your Airmen 1:07:40 - A question for Josh 1:11:14 - Kate's favorite HeroFront episode 1:16:49 - Josh's final thoughts and info regarding the next 2 future episodes 

Links mentioned in the episode: Link: [Pathway to Wings Podcast](https://www.dvidshub.net/audio/65931/pathway-wings-podcast-ep-6-maj-kate-hewlett-mc-130j-pilot-and-navigator) or [Apple Podcasts](https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/pathway-to-wings-podcast-ep-6-maj-kate-hewitt-mc-130j/id1539030022?i=1000516181620) - Link: [Air Commando Journal](https://aircommando.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/ACJ-Vol-7-Issue-2-Women-in-the-Fight-online.pdf) - Link: [AF Women in Leadership Series](https://m.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9r_OY9jZaTdcECmGFzfYk5knR8TLQbky)  Link: [Patty Wagstaff](https://pattywagstaff.com/) Link: [Red Tail Academy](https://www.stltoday.com/news/local/metro/how-a-st-louis-church-is-teaching-teens-to-fly-it-really-changed-everything-for/article_e601f25c-28b0-52a3-b7ac-2192f1afd85e.html) Link: [DAF WIT/Fly Like A Girl](https://www.womensinitiativesteam.com/) 

THIS IS A PRIVATE ACCOUNT. IT IS NOT A PART OF THE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE OR ANY OF ITS COMPONENTS AND IT HAS NO GOVERNMENTAL STATUS.

We ar coming to you LIVE at Black Rifle Coffee Company in Niceville Florida in our special Black Rifle Bonus Episode!

In this episode, my co-host Mike Rosa and I - dive into the journey of Geoff, a man whose life was forever changed by his experiences in the US Army and in prison. From battling addiction to discovering fitness as a pathway to greatness, Geoff's journey is one that will leave you speechless. Brace yourself for an emotional and inspiring story of resilience and redemption. We guarantee that you'll be as captivated by Geoff's journey as we were.

Follow Geoff here: 

🇺🇸ELITE ATHLETE🇺🇸@1stphorm Sponsored Athlete@getsaltybritches Pro Team@goruck Athlete@transcendhrt Athlete

linktr.ee/GeoffSpeyrer

https://www.instagram.com/geoffspeyrer/?hl=en



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#veteran #marines #army #airforce #navy #eq #coastguard #spaceforce #herofront #podcast #mentalhealth #resiliency #veteranowned #military #inspirational #firstresponders #airmen  #22aday #purpose #influencer #mytransphormationchallenge #1stphorm #bethe1 #wedotheMFwork #legionofboom

Welcome to this really heartwarming episode of the HeroFront podcast, where we have a special guest, Buck, a retired Executive Officer of the United States Air Force. Buck served in the USAF for many years and worked with numerous generals during his time. Today, we hear from Buck as he reflects on his time in the Air Force and the lessons he learned. We also have ANOTHER incredibly special guest - SrA Mike Holloway, Buck's son!

Buck's son has followed in his father's footsteps and is currently serving in the armed forces. Buck shares his thoughts and feelings about watching his son serve and the legacy that he and his son are creating.

Buck's experience in the USAF has taught him many valuable lessons about leadership, perseverance, and teamwork. He shares these insights with us, offering valuable advice for anyone who aspires to serve in the military or any other leadership role.

As we listen to Buck's stories and insights, we can feel the pride and legacy that he and his son are creating. We learn about the sacrifices that the military and their families make and the importance of supporting them in any way possible.

So, whether you're a military veteran, a family member of someone who serves, or simply interested in hearing about the experiences of those who have served our country, this episode is for you. Join us as we hear from Buck, a true American hero, and gain valuable insights into leadership, perseverance, and the legacy of service.



MSgt (ret) Thomas “Buck” Holloway is currently the executive assistant to General (ret) Dave Goldfein. Responsibilities of his current position are maintaining and executing all administrative duties for General Goldfein in is civilian portfolio..
Buck Holloway entered the Air Force in April 1982 and retired from active-duty July 2002. He completed Basic Military Training with the 325th Training Squadron at Lackland AFB, TX in June 1982, followed by attending Business Administration training at Keesler AFB, MS. Mr. Holloway retired from active duty on 16 June 2002 and went directly into a 19+year civil service career. Buck retired from civil service in March of 2020.


SrA Michael T. Holloway is a Reports and Analysis (RA) Technician Clerk currently station at 325 SFS, Tyndall AFB, Florida. Responsibilities of his current duty position are maintaining the units MAJCOM compliance with Air Force Justice Information System incident reporting/criminal record history, Consultant for local United States Federal Magistrate court, Provide Air Force Justice Information System administration support for 325 FW and 30 Tentative units and is the point of contact for criminal incidents and traffic accident reports.
SrA Mike Holloway entered the Air Force in December 2019. He completed Basic Military Training with the 326th Training Squadron at Lackland AFB, TX in February 2020, followed by Security Forces Academy with the 343rd Training Squadron, Lackland AFB in May 2020. SrA Holloway has since been stationed at Tyndall AFB, Florida.
While at Tyndall AFB, he started out as a Response Force Member for the first year followed by Response Force Leader. SrA Holloway was selected to be a flight armor, and is now serving in his current role within Reports and Analysis.

Dave Nordel is a retired United States Air Force Command Chief Master Sergeant with over 30 years of service; he is a registered nurse and emergency manager and served as a medic in areas of operations to include Saudi Arabia, Somalia, South America, Iraq, Korea, Japan, and Hungary. Dave grew up in a dairy farming community in rural Northern California and experienced all that brings to a young man raised in the late 60s and 70s. Dave left home at 19 to join the Air Force and ascended through the enlisted ranks to culminate as the senior enlisted leader for all nuclear missile forces in the United States. He is a Register Nurse specializing in Emergency Medicine and has vast experience leading small groups and large organizations. He has led city government activities and large organizations as an emergency manager for multiple communities through covid and other disaster situations. Dave lives in Montana and is an outdoorsman; he mentors and speaks to young leaders to aid their development and future successes. He continues to give back the gifts he has collected along the way. 


https://www.amazon.com/Giving-back-Leadership-Combat-Beyond/dp/1982285818/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1T5HDDUXRZ5XD&keywords=david+nordel&qid=1681909401&sprefix=david+nordel%2Caps%2C235&sr=8-1David (Dave) Nordel, CMSgt, USAF (ret), RN, BSN, MS
Emergency Manager, Motivational Leadership Coach & Speaker
Board of Directors Horse's Spirits Healing
CEO of Max Fab Consulting (A Veteran owned proprietorship)
Billings, Montana

Episode was recorded in August 2022 during the AFSA PEDS event.


Chief Master Sergeant Thomas J. Wigington is the Public Health Career Field Manager, Defense Health Headquarters, Falls Church, Virginia. Conversation

Time-Stamps:
00:00 - How Chief mentored me in a time of need

02:30 - "It was a place I've been before - this PH is a PHamily"

03:15 - Career History

05:00 - A Life Changing Deployment

07:30 - Asking For Help (PTSD)

08:30 - A Message To All Public Health Airmen

09:00 - The Healing Journey of Self-Care

10:30 - Why EMEDS/TCCC Really Matter

12:00 - The Future of Public Health (What COV Taught Us)

15:50 - Why I Love Chief Wigington


He serves as the senior enlisted consultant to the Air Force Surgeon General and Assistant Surgeon General Medical Force development, on issues impacting the morale, welfare, utilization and professional development of 1,425 Total Force enlisted personnel. He works directly with Air Force Medical Service senior leaders to develop policy to enhance the health and welfare of 2.1 million beneficiaries worldwide Chief Wigington entered the Air Force in July 1997. His breadth of experience includes various duties in the Public Health career field, in addition to serving as the Air Force Lead Enlisted Public Health Consultant, Wing Staff Agency Group Superintendent, Squadron Superintendent and Inspector General Superintendent. He also served in support of Operations ENDURING FREEDOM, INHERENT RESOLVE, FREEDOM’S SENTINEL and most recently DELIBERATE RESOLVE as Air Force Forward SurgeonGeneral Superintendent and Theater Public Health Manager, Combined Air and Space Operations Center, Air Force Central Command.



THIS IS A PRIVATE ACCOUNT. IT IS NOT A PART OF THE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE OR ANY OF ITS COMPONENTS AND IT HAS NO GOVERNMENTAL STATUS.