Dog Tag Diaries

Summary:What happens when a woman spends nearly two decades in uniform, then has to figure out who she is without it? In this episode of Dog Tag Diaries, former Captain Ashley Miller shares the long road that took her from a horse-loving small-town girl in Missouri to enlisted soldier, Army officer, intelligence professional, disaster responder, and now licensed clinical social worker. Her story is honest, thoughtful, and full of hard-earned wisdom about identity, pain, purpose, and starting over.Ashley opens up about growing up with family trauma, surviving intense bullying as a teen, joining the Army at 17, and serving through major turning points that shaped her life. She talks about Hurricane Katrina, military leadership, the stress of transition, and the moment she knew it was time to build a new life. She also shares how horses, therapy, and community helped her heal, and why she now helps women veterans reconnect with themselves and move forward.In this episode, we cover:Growing up in rural Missouri and finding peace with horsesFamily trauma, mental health, and learning to survive hard home dynamicsSevere bullying in high school and graduating early through homeschoolingJoining the Army National Guard at 17 and going through basic trainingStarting as enlisted, then commissioning as an officer through ROTCHow 9/11 changed her career path and kept her in the National GuardLeading communications support during Hurricane KatrinaTransitioning into Military Intelligence and working in England, Germany, and Washington, D.C.The financial and leadership crisis that pushed her to leave the militaryBecoming a social worker and creating a new mission helping women veterans healWhy mentorship matters and the advice she gives women entering military serviceNotable Quotes & Moments: “When I’m with my horse, I feel so like myself.” – Ashley Miller [00:06:34]“I just figured life out because I was like, this was not the plan.” – Ashley Miller [00:25:42]“I felt like the universe was telling me, Ashley, it is okay for a new okay.” – Ashley Miller [00:32:50]“I love being a mentor for others now.” – Ashley Miller [00:40:33]“Do not ever try and be one of the boys.” – Ashley Miller [00:42:07]“You have the capability. You have the brains. You have the competency.” – Ashley Miller [00:42:21]Timestamps:00:01:59 – Meet former Captain Ashley Miller and hear the arc of her story00:05:31 – Childhood in rural Missouri and a lifelong bond with horses00:08:20 – Family trauma, PTSD in the home, and why horses felt safe00:10:10 – Bullying, injustice, and leaving high school early00:12:12 – Homeschooling, graduating at 16, and joining the Army at 1700:13:16 – Basic training at Fort Jackson and early military culture shock00:18:22 – Enlisted years, ROTC, and becoming an Army officer00:19:23 – How 9/11 changed her expected military path00:21:09 – Hurricane Katrina and leading in disaster response00:26:12 – Transitioning into Military Intelligence00:30:54 – Why she knew it was time to leave the military00:38:34 – Studying social work and moving toward a new purpose00:41:53 – Ashley’s advice to women entering or serving in the militaryAshley joined the U.S. Army in 1999 at just 17 years old. Over nearly two decades, she served as an enlisted Soldier, commissioned Officer, Department of Defense contractor, and Department of the Army Civilian. Her service includes disaster response missions, tours at national-level intelligence agencies, and leadership across multiple components of the Army.After resigning her commission in 2016, Ashley transitioned intentionally, earning her Master of Social Work and becoming a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. Today, through her private practice, she supports Veterans navigating reintegration, identity shifts, trauma recovery, and personal growth.She is also a lifelong equestrian, a 1996 National Champion in Competitive Trail Riding through the North American Trail Ride Conference, and certified in the EAGALA model of Equine Assisted Psychotherapy. Ashley now integrates horses, healing, and her deep understanding of military culture to help women Veterans reconnect, heal, and thrive.Connect with Ashley:Website: https://www.hopeandrenewalcounseling.com/Facebook: Petunia.smith.56Instagram: @ashleyandthebogeyContact: [email protected] sure to follow or subscribe to Dog Tag Diaries wherever you listen to podcasts.Learn more about the Reveille and Retreat Project: reveilleandretreatproject.orgInstagram: @reveilleandretreatprojectFacebook: Reveille and Retreat ProjectYou 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.

Summary:What does healing look like when years of silence finally break? In this episode of Dog Tag Diaries, Val Fogelsang shares the road that took her from a curious, outdoorsy homeschool kid in Texas to an Army combat medic, OR nurse, forensic nurse, and podcast host. Her story is honest, painful, funny, and deeply human. What started as a childhood dream of serving in the military became a life shaped by service, trauma, motherhood, faith, and the slow work of finding her voice again.Val opens up about growing up in a hard home, joining the Army at 18, surviving sexual trauma, and carrying pain for years without the words to name it. She also shares how healing began, how she learned to stop hiding, and why she now helps others tell the truth through her podcast, Defiance of Silence. Her story is a strong reminder that pain may shape us, but it does not have to define us.In this episode, we cover: Growing up in Texas, homeschooling, and finding safety in nature and books Early dreams of becoming an Army nurse Childhood trauma, silence, and the weight of generational pain Joining the Army after high school and starting over Basic training, culture shock, and serving as a woman in uniform Surviving military sexual trauma and keeping it buried for years How nursing school helped bring hidden pain to the surface The life-changing moment she unexpectedly saw her assailant again Learning to ask for help during depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts How healing led her to support survivors through Defiance of SilenceNotable Quotes & Moments: “You were carrying things that were never yours to carry.” – Val Fogelsang [00:13:40] “I am not well.” – Val Fogelsang [00:17:12] “I never looked back.” – Val Fogelsang [00:23:01] “You’re not alone.” – Val Fogelsang [00:43:07] “What you don’t transform will transfer to your children.” – Val Fogelsang [00:46:15]Timestamps: 00:01:06 – Meet Val Fogelsang and hear a preview of her story 00:03:47 – Childhood in Texas, homeschooling, and finding comfort outdoors 00:08:09 – Dreaming of becoming an Army nurse 00:10:26 – Childhood abuse, trauma, and learning to shut feelings down 00:18:20 – Why Val joined the Army at 18 00:23:43 – Basic training, medic school, and early military life 00:27:02 – First duty station and surviving sexual assault 00:30:23 – Nursing school and first hearing the term military sexual trauma 00:36:03 – The moment she saw her assailant again in public 00:41:49 – COVID, mental health struggles, and finding other veteran women 00:43:13 – Creating Defiance of Silence and helping survivors speak 00:46:15 – The lesson that changed how she sees healing and motherhoodValerie “Val” Foglesong is a proud U.S. Army Veteran, Registered Nurse, and Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner. A trauma survivor turned healer, Val is dedicated to helping others rediscover their voice and self-worth through compassion, authenticity, and laughter. She’s the host of the Defiance of Silence Podcast, a show that gives survivors of sexual trauma a space to share their stories without shame. When she’s not in scrubs or behind the mic, Val can be found volunteering at a horse sanctuary, swapping dad jokes, or chasing her next wild adventure with her husband and two daughters in Texas.Connect with Val:Podcast: Defiance of Silence PodcastBe sure to follow or subscribe to Dog Tag Diaries wherever you listen to podcasts.Learn more about the Reveille and Retreat Project: reveilleandretreatproject.orgInstagram: @reveilleandretreatprojectFacebook: Reveille and Retreat ProjectYou 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.

Summary:What happens when the uniform comes off after 30 years of service? For retired U.S. Army Reserve Colonel Kimberly Moros, it meant discovering a new way to lead. In this episode of Dog Tag Diaries, Kimberly shares the journey that took her from a curious, competitive kid in Arizona to a senior military leader and eventually into civic leadership. What began as a simple visit to an ROTC office turned into a three-decade career filled with global assignments, mentorship, and service alongside remarkable people.Kimberly reflects on the lessons she learned about teamwork, resilience, and stepping into opportunities even when the path ahead is unclear. After retiring as a Colonel, she continued serving by helping women turn their military experience into meaningful community leadership through The Policy Circle. Her story is a powerful reminder that leadership does not end with military service. It simply takes on a new mission.In this episode, we cover:Growing up immersed in teamwork, sports, and shared goalsWhy she chose military service as a path for growth and responsibilityHow leadership in the military shaped her sense of purposeServing for three decades and transitioning out of uniformWhy service doesn’t end at retirement, it evolvesEmpowering women veterans and military-connected women through civic engagementThe mission and impact of The Policy CircleAdvice for women considering military service or navigating leadership beyond itNotable Quotes & Moments:“If it’s in front of you, try it. If it works, keep going. If it doesn’t, find another path.” – Kimberly Moros [00:09:00]“When you put that uniform on, service becomes a way of life.” – Kimberly Moros [00:01:12]“The best part of military service is the people you meet. You would have never crossed paths otherwise.” – Kimberly Moros [00:09:33]“Leadership isn’t about rank or position. It’s about people.” – Kimberly Moros [00:29:02]“If you don’t allow the doors to open, the doors will always stay shut.” – Kimberly Moros [00:45:00]Timestamps:00:01:37 – Meet retired Army Reserve Colonel Kimberly Moros00:03:26 – Kimberly’s childhood and love of teamwork00:06:03 – Discovering ROTC and choosing the Army00:10:54 – Serving as a woman in uniform00:15:12 – International assignments and career turning points00:16:27 – The emotional moment she was promoted to Colonel00:17:00 – Supporting wounded service members at SOCOM00:23:17 – Life after retirement and discovering The Policy Circle00:31:02 – Real stories of women creating change in their communities00:42:11 – Advice for military women about taking opportunitiesKimberly Moros is a retired U.S. Army Reserve Colonel who served from 1990 to 2020. Raised as the youngest of two brothers, she grew up active, competitive, and deeply rooted in teamwork. Sports, discipline, and shared goals shaped her early life and laid the foundation for a career in service and leadership.After retiring from the Army, Kimberly continued her commitment to service as a Military Fellow and Civic Coach with The Policy Circle, where she supports women, particularly veterans, spouses, and caregivers, in developing civic leadership skills and creating community-level impact. She is also an Executive and Leadership Coach, helping individuals reconnect with purpose, values, and direction.Outside of work, Kimberly enjoys staying active, cooking, learning new things, and connecting with people who care deeply about making a difference.Connect with Kimberly:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimberly-moros/The Policy Circle: https://www.thepolicycircle.orgThe Policy Circle is a national nonprofit organization that equips women with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to engage in thoughtful policy discussions and lead at the state and local level. Through structured, nonpartisan dialogue and leadership development programs, The Policy Circle helps women move from informed conversation to informed action in their communities. Learn more at www.thepolicycircle.org.For military members, veterans, spouses, and caregivers who want to continue serving beyond the uniform, The Policy Circle offers dedicated programming and connection through its Military Initiative and Civic Leadership programs. Learn more and get involved at https://thepolicycircle.org/military.Connect with The Policy CircleWebsite: https://thepolicycircle.orgLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-policy-circleInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thepolicycircleFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/thepolicycircleYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ThePolicyCircleBe sure to follow or subscribe to Dog Tag Diaries wherever you listen to podcasts.Learn more about the Reveille and Retreat Project: reveilleandretreatproject.orgInstagram: @reveilleandretreatprojectFacebook: Reveille and Retreat ProjectYou 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.

Summary:What does military service look like through the eyes of both a mother in uniform and the daughter who grew up alongside it? In this heartfelt episode of Dog Tag Diaries, Amy Almond-Schmid and her daughter Macynn Schmid share an honest, multi-generational conversation about life shaped by military service. Amy joined the Air Force at just 17 and built a 26-year career serving across active duty, the reserves, and the Air National Guard. But service did not happen in isolation. Deployments, career opportunities, and the demands of military life deeply affected her family, especially her daughters. Macynn reflects on growing up with pride, confusion, and resilience while navigating moves, deployments, and the realities of military childhood. Together they speak openly about motherhood, healing, mental health, and how those experiences led Amy to lead the Returning Veterans Project, which provides free mental health and wellness care for veterans, service members, and their families.In this episode, we cover:Growing up in the Pacific Northwest and early experiences with service Joining the military at seventeen and learning military culture in real time How education, travel, and exposure to the world shaped Amy’s identity Experiencing 9/11 in uniform and deploying at a young age Motherhood, postpartum mental health, and the weight carried quietly Balancing military service, marriage, and raising children How military life impacts the nervous system, relationships, and daily living Mental health for veterans and military families What it’s like to be a military child and eventually step into independence Why doesn’t service just affect the service member, it affects the whole familyNotable Quotes & Moments:“I joined at 17, looking for a way forward. I had no idea how much it would shape my life.” – Amy Almond-Schmid [00:05:03]“I realized not everyone in uniform has the same values you do.” – Amy Almond-Schmid [00:15:56]“It’s your parents’ first time living too.” – Macynn Schmid reflecting on forgiveness and perspective [00:36:56]“I couldn’t tell my kids to seek help if I wasn’t willing to get help myself.” – Amy Almond-Schmid on choosing therapy and healing [00:22:11]“At what cost? That’s the question every military parent eventually has to face.” – Amy Almond-Schmid [00:36:05]Timestamps:00:01:50 – Meet Amy Almond-Schmid and her daughter Macynn Schmid00:04:05 – Amy’s childhood and decision to join the military at 1700:08:40 – Early Air Force career and first deployment overseas00:15:56 – Realities of serving as a woman in the military00:22:11 – Motherhood, trauma, and choosing therapy00:29:19 – Macynn’s perspective growing up in a military family00:32:00 – The emotional toll of deployments and time apart00:38:40 – The mission behind Returning Veterans Project00:46:50 – Macynn’s path toward working with animals and nonprofits00:49:00 – Why therapy, healing, and honesty matter for military familiesCONNECT & LEARN MORE:Returning Veterans Project Website: https://returningveterans.org/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/returningveteransproject/ Amy Almond-Schmid Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/schmiddypoohAmy Almond-Schmid is the Executive Director of the Returning Veterans Project and a senior enlisted leader in the Oregon Air National Guard. She joined the U.S. Air Force in 1999 at age 17 and has served across active duty, the Air Force Reserve, and the Air National Guard for more than 26 years. Her career has focused on supporting service members and their families, with a strong commitment to mental health, resilience, and community care.Macynn Schmid grew up as a military child navigating deployments, relocations, and the realities of having a parent in uniform. Today she works as a veterinary assistant and hopes to build a future in nonprofit animal rescue and therapy programs that support healing and emotional well-being.We recently signed an MOU with Returning Veterans Project to be listed as a resource that serves veterans. This partnership means that we have access to free trainings that they host. To access the trainings go to returningveterans.org, events, continuing education trainings, sign up under RVP volunteer and type in [email protected]. Then continue to follow the prompts. The Returning Veterans Project is a nonprofit that provides free and confidential mental and physical health services to veterans, service members, and their families in Oregon and Southwest Washington. The organization connects individuals with a network of volunteer health professionals to address issues such as PTSD, anxiety, and physical disabilities. Be sure to follow or subscribe to Dog Tag Diaries wherever you listen to podcasts.Learn more about the Reveille and Retreat Project: reveilleandretreatproject.orgInstagram: @reveilleandretreatprojectFacebook: Reveille and Retreat ProjectYou 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.

Summary: What makes a 16-year-old decide, within 24 hours of 9/11, to dedicate her life to serving her country? In this powerful Season 7 episode of Dog Tag Diaries, Cait Conley shares her journey from a working-class childhood in New York’s Hudson Valley to West Point, six combat deployments, and senior national security roles at the White House and Department of Homeland Security. Cait opens up about leading counterterrorism missions in Iraq, Afghanistan, Syria, and Yemen, supporting soldiers through the mental toll of war, and protecting U.S. elections and critical infrastructure. Now running for Congress in New York’s 17th District, she explains why this is her second call to serve. This conversation is about grit, leadership, love of country, and choosing service again and again.In this episode, we cover: Cait’s childhood in the Hudson Valley and early lessons in leadership The impact of 9/11 and her decision to attend West Point Serving 16 years in uniform with six deployments Leading counterterrorism and protecting civilians in combat zones Her role at the White House and in national security Why is she running for Congress in 2026 The launch of the “Hellcats,” four women veterans running for office Advice for women considering military service todayNotable Quotes & Moments: “This was my second call to serve.” – On deciding to run for Congress [00:24:43] “You don’t serve a person or a party. You serve the Constitution.” [00:34:08] “Less excuses, more results.” – On leadership in Washington [00:29:59]"Don’t let anyone tell you that you don’t belong or that you aren’t tough enough. You are. Where there’s a will, there’s a way." – Her advice for women thinking about joining the military [00:33:21]Timestamps: 00:01:06 – 9/11 and her decision to serve 00:08:12 – Life as a military police officer and first responder 00:14:38 – Combat deployments and counterterrorism missions 00:21:03 – White House and national security leadership 00:23:21 – Why she’s running for Congress 00:25:02 – The Hellcats and women veterans running in 2026 00:33:36 – Advice for the next generation of women in uniformConnect with Cait:Twitter: https://x.com/CaitforNewYorkInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/caitconley/Website: https://caitconley.com/Cait Conley is a Hudson Valley native, Army combat veteran, and national security expert. She served sixteen years as an active-duty Army officer and deployed six times to combat zones including Iraq, Afghanistan, Yemen, Syria, and North Africa. She led counterterrorism operations targeting high-threat networks, earned three Bronze Stars, and was part of the Army’s first MP platoon assigned to a Stryker brigade in Iraq.After her military service, Cait continued serving our country as Director of Counterterrorism on the National Security Council at the White House, and later at the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, where she worked to secure America’s critical infrastructure and elections.Today, Cait is running for Congress in New York’s 17th District and is a member of the Hell Cats, a group of female veterans running for office in the 2026 midterms.Be sure to follow or subscribe to Dog Tag Diaries wherever you listen to podcasts.Learn more about the Reveille and Retreat Project: reveilleandretreatproject.orgInstagram: @reveilleandretreatprojectFacebook: Reveille and Retreat ProjectYou 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.