Dog Tag Diaries

What happens when life pushes you to question everything you thought you knew about yourself? In this inspiring episode of Dog Tag Diaries, Captain Kim sits down with Navy veteran and debut fantasy author Jordan McCaffrie. From losing a close friend to serving aboard the USS John C. Stennis, Jordan shares how grief, military service, and personal struggles shaped her journey. She opens up about the challenges of being a woman in the Navy, finding support during deployment, and protecting her mental health. After exploring culinary arts and other career paths, Jordan rediscovered her love for storytelling. Her debut fantasy novel, From the Ashes, brings together Greek mythology, personal experiences, and powerful lessons about identity and healing. Join us for an honest conversation about resilience, self-worth, and finding the courage to write your next chapter. Key Topics: Jordan McCaffrie's journey from a challenging childhood to joining the United States Navy How losing a close friend inspired her decision to enlist Serving aboard the USS John C. Stennis and completing two deployments to the Persian Gulf The challenges of being a woman in a male-dominated military environment Coping with isolation, mental health struggles, and the emotional demands of deployment Finding strength through friendships, personal goals, and supportive relationships Transitioning from military service to civilian life and exploring different career paths Learning to prioritize mental health, personal happiness, and family Turning personal struggles and life experiences into her debut fantasy novel, From the Ashes Overcoming publishing challenges, embracing self-acceptance, and finding the courage to follow her dreams Notable Quotes & Moments: “You just have to find a goal and just neurotically go after that goal.” – Jordan McCaffrie on staying focused and finding motivation while serving in a demanding, male-dominated military environment (19:39). “I need to disappoint myself the least.” – Jordan McCaffrie on letting go of the pressure to meet everyone else's expectations and learning to prioritize her own happiness and well-being (42:35). “The people that actually love you are going to show up regardless of anything else.” – Jordan McCaffrie on unconditional love, self-acceptance, and the powerful message behind her debut fantasy novel, From the Ashes (43:01). Timestamps: (00:00) Meet Jordan McCaffrie: Navy veteran, storyteller, and debut fantasy author (03:42) Growing up, moving frequently, and finding comfort in books (07:18) How personal struggles and the loss of a close friend inspired her to join the Navy (09:43) Honoring Jason and the lasting impact of his friendship (12:53) Facing the challenges of Navy boot camp and learning to persevere (15:22) Training as an aviation boatswain's mate and beginning her Navy career (16:16) Serving aboard the USS John C. Stennis and completing two Persian Gulf deployments (17:32) The challenges of being a woman in a male-dominated military environment (18:21) Coping with isolation, mental health struggles, and the demands of deployment (19:04) Finding strength through friendships, personal goals, and small moments of joy (23:04) Meeting her future husband and building a supportive relationship (24:55) Transitioning to civilian life and discovering a passion for culinary arts (28:43) Exploring different careers and learning what truly brings happiness (29:37) Choosing mental health, family, and personal fulfillment over career expectations (33:22) Rediscovering her love of storytelling and writing From the Ashes (34:48) The meaning behind From the Ashes and its themes of identity and self-discovery (36:28) Combining Greek mythology, supernatural elements, and personal experiences in her fantasy novel (37:19) Finding emotional release and healing through writing (38:31) Overcoming publishing rejection and finding the courage to share her story (40:26) Preparing to celebrate the release of her debut novel (41:26) Letting go of others' expectations and learning to put yourself first (42:35) Self-acceptance, unconditional love, and the importance of supportive relationships (43:27) Where to find Jordan's debut fantasy novel, From the Ashes (44:32) Supporting military women's stories through Dog Tag Diaries and Reveille and Retreat Project About the Guest: Jordan McCaffrie is a U.S. Navy veteran, author, and culinary arts graduate based in Cape Girardeau, Missouri. She served four years aboard the USS John C. Stennis, completing two deployments as an aircraft director. Following military service, she earned a Bachelor of Science in Culinary Arts Management and an Associate of Arts in Baking and Pastry from the Art Institute of Seattle in 2017. A lifelong reader and storyteller, Jordan began developing her writing skills during a high school newspaper internship. Her debut fantasy novel, From the Ashes, published by Library Tales Publishing, explores identity, trauma recovery, found family, and self-discovery through a contemporary reimagining of Greek mythology. When she isn't writing, Jordan enjoys reading, photography, traveling, developing recipes, and spending time with her husband and their golden retriever, Oakley. CONNECT WITH Jordan McCaffrie https://jordanmccaffrie.com/ IG: @jordan_mccaffrie TikTok: @jordan.mccaffrie FIND FROM THE ASHES Publisher: https://librarytalespublishing.com/books/from-the-ashes Book retailers: https://linktr.ee/jordan.mccaffrie Release Date: November 17, 2026 Be sure to follow or subscribe to Dog Tag Diaries wherever you listen to podcasts. Learn more about Reveille and Retreat Project: reveilleandretreatproject.org Instagram: @reveilleandretreatproject Facebook: Reveille and Retreat Project

What happens when putting the mission first means putting yourself last? In this episode of Dog Tag Diaries, Captain Kim sits down with Dr. Stacey Krauss, Army veteran, psychologist, and CEO of Transition Counseling and Consulting, for a heartfelt conversation about military women's mental health and life after service. Dr. Stacey Krauss shares how an unexpected path through ROTC led her to become an Army psychologist, what serving in Afghanistan taught her about trauma and trust, and why asking for help is a sign of strength. She opens up about the pressure military women face to hide their emotions, the challenges of transitioning to civilian life, and the importance of self-care and community. Her journey reminds us that true strength isn't about carrying everything alone. Sometimes, it's about giving ourselves permission to heal. Key Topics: Stacey's journey from ROTC to becoming an Army psychologist Her military accomplishments and leadership experiences The psychological demands of military service The invisible armor military women carry Why mission-first thinking can lead to putting ourselves last Mental health stigma and barriers to seeking care The pressure women feel to prove themselves in military environments Identity and purpose after leaving the uniform Recognizing the difference between resilience and survival Learning which military strengths to keep and which behaviors to release Why asking for help is a form of strength Notable Quotes & Moments: “There are certain emotions women are not allowed to have outwardly when you're in uniform.” – Dr. Stacey Krauss on the pressure military women face to hide their emotions and appear strong, even when they need support (00:27:58). “This will always be my mission. Even if I don't wear the uniform anymore, this is what I do at work really.” – Dr. Stacey Krauss on finding purpose after military service and continuing her commitment to veterans and mental health care (00:44:14). Timestamps: (00:00) Meet Dr. Stacey Krauss: Army veteran, psychologist, and mental health leader (03:34) An unexpected journey into military service through ROTC (08:17) Discovering her calling as an Army psychologist (12:50) Serving in Afghanistan and witnessing the emotional toll of combat (17:18) Bringing mental health care directly to soldiers on the front lines (20:17) Breaking the stigma around asking for mental health support (23:09) Caring for yourself while caring for others (27:33) Why military women often feel pressure to hide their emotions (33:01) Making the difficult decision to leave the Army (36:50) Leaving behind military habits that no longer serve you (40:05) Finding purpose through leadership, teaching, and service (42:57) Continuing the mission through Transition Counseling and Consulting (45:19) A message of hope and encouragement for veterans seeking support About the Guest: Dr. Stacey Krauss is a decorated U.S. Army veteran, psychologist, and CEO of Transitions Counseling and Consulting, serving Arizona and Texas. She spent 10 years on active duty, including a deployment to Afghanistan with the 10th Mountain Division, and earned honors including the Bronze Star Medal and Combat Action Badge. A double board-certified psychologist with an MBA from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, she has held senior military behavioral health leadership roles and trained future psychologists. Today, she continues her mission of providing quality mental health care and helping individuals, veterans, and military families through life's challenges and transitions. CONNECT WITH Dr. Stacey Website: https://transitionscounselingandconsult.com/ Instagram: @transitionscounselingaz LinkedIn: Transitions Counseling and Consulting Be sure to follow or subscribe to Dog Tag Diaries wherever you listen to podcasts. Learn more about Reveille and Retreat Project: reveilleandretreatproject.org Instagram: @reveilleandretreatproject Facebook: Reveille and Retreat Project

What happens when the military gives you purpose, opportunity, and a future, but also leaves you questioning leadership, trust, and your own sense of safety? In this episode of Dog Tag Diaries, Captain Kimberly sits down with Navy veteran and former hospital corpsman Trish Escalante. Trish shares how a difficult childhood led her to seek stability and education through military service, and how an unexpected path into medicine changed her future. She reflects on deploying aboard the USNS Comfort after Hurricane Maria, working in urgent care and the ICU, losing her best friend to gun violence, and carrying grief while still being expected to complete the mission. Trish also opens up about therapy, harmful coping behaviors, reconnecting with women veterans, and finding pride in her service again. Today, she is pursuing nursing while advocating for health equity, community resilience, and women veterans. Key Topics: Joining the Navy to create stability, earn an education, and build a better future Becoming a hospital corpsman and discovering a lasting connection to medicine and caregiving Being a woman in the military and feeling pressure to prove herself Speaking up against poor leadership and the cost of feeling unable to be herself Losing a close friend and learning what it meant to carry grief while still serving Using therapy to face childhood pain, unhealthy coping habits, and unresolved trauma Finding healing and purpose through relationships with other women veterans Returning to nursing and building a future around service, public health, and disaster relief Learning to trust her own character, boundaries, and instincts again Notable Quotes & Moments: “I felt like my personality was stripped from me.” – Trish on how military culture and leadership affected her sense of self (00:16:17) “There’s different kinds of war zones that happen in your head.” – Trish on the lasting impact of military experiences beyond combat (00:43:11) Timestamps: 00:05:11 – Trish’s childhood, family struggles, and the personality she carried into adulthood 00:08:37 – How she became a hospital corpsman after initially wanting a different career 00:10:51 – Why boot camp felt manageable after growing up around chaos 00:13:22 – Recognizing the challenges of being a woman in a male-dominated military environment 00:17:27 – Deploying with 24 hours’ notice aboard the USNS Comfort 00:19:19 – Witnessing the aftermath of Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico 00:22:16 – Losing her best friend Megan and carrying grief through military service 00:25:55 – Beginning therapy and uncovering deeper issues from childhood and adulthood 00:31:22 – Moving to Central Oregon, earning her MPH, and deciding to return to nursing 00:33:03 – Connecting with Reveille and Retreat Project and women veterans 00:40:36 – Reaching a place of calm, confidence, and feeling like she is finally on the right path 00:42:39 – Choosing to share her story and realizing that noncombat experiences still matter About the Guest: Trish Escalante is a United States Navy veteran and former hospital corpsman, third class, whose work has centered on military medicine, public health, humanitarian service, and supporting women veterans. She joined the Navy in 2015 while searching for stability, structure, an education, and a better future. During her six and a half years of service, Trish worked in urgent care in Norfolk, Virginia, deployed aboard the USNS Comfort during the humanitarian response to Hurricane Maria, attended Field Medical Training Battalion at Camp Pendleton, and later worked in an ICU at Great Lakes during the COVID-19 pandemic. Her military experience included meaningful opportunities as well as injury, grief, difficult leadership, and experiences that changed the way she viewed trust and safety. After leaving the military, therapy and honest self-reflection became major parts of her healing. Trish later earned a Master of Public Health and continues to advocate for health equity, community resilience, humanitarian work, and women veterans. She is currently completing prerequisites for nursing school and hopes to combine her medical experience with future humanitarian and disaster relief work. She is also involved with Reveille and Retreat Project, where she has participated in retreats for military women and grown into a facilitation role, helping create spaces where women veterans can connect, share their experiences, and feel heard. CONNECT WITH TRISH LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/trish-escalante/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/trish.colangelo.5 Be sure to follow or subscribe to Dog Tag Diaries wherever you listen to podcasts. Learn more about Reveille and Retreat Project: reveilleandretreatproject.org Instagram: @reveilleandretreatproject Facebook: Reveille and Retreat Project

Summary: What happens when the military experience that once gave you purpose leaves you fighting to feel safe, heard, and whole again? In this episode of Dog Tag Diaries, Captain Kimberly sits down with Army veteran and Hope4Veterans founder Lynn Geiser, also known as Specialist Tank. Lynn shares how her grandfather’s World War II service influenced her path into the Army, what it was like serving as one of very few women in an infantry unit, and the trauma that changed the course of her military career. She opens up about military sexual assault, losing trust in her leadership, fighting for her discharge status and benefits, homelessness, mental health struggles, and slowly rebuilding her life. Lynn also shares how finding her voice led her to create Hope4Veterans, where women veterans can build connection, confidence, purpose, and the courage to tell their own stories. Key Topics: How Lynn’s childhood and grandfather’s military service shaped her desire to serve (00:03:45) Joining the Army, National Guard service, and becoming a transportation specialist (00:10:02) Motherhood, going active duty, and serving in an infantry unit (00:12:05) Experiencing September 11 while stationed at Fort Benning (00:14:41) Serving as one of very few women in a male-dominated unit (00:15:23) Military sexual assault and losing trust in someone she believed would protect her (00:17:47) Fighting to survive her final months in the Army while caring for her son (00:22:41) Leaving the military, homelessness, and fighting for her benefits and discharge status (00:28:08) Returning to school, becoming a counselor, and realizing trauma still needed healing (00:29:48) Finding her voice and beginning the journey toward nonprofit leadership (00:35:56) Creating Hope4Veterans and using creative programs to build connection (00:40:03) Helping women veterans become advocates, leaders, and peer support specialists (00:43:23) Why finding purpose and learning to advocate for yourself matter after military service (00:46:34) Notable Quotes & Moments: “I had eight months to survive.” – Lynn on enduring the final months of her military service while facing trauma, disciplinary actions, and fear (00:22:41) “I started getting my voice.” – Lynn on the turning point that eventually led her toward advocacy and nonprofit work (00:36:04) “Now you can’t keep me quiet.” – Lynn on finding her voice after losing it during both childhood and military service (00:41:45) “I can provide you the tools. I can give you the resources. I can stand by your side, but I can’t tell you what to do.” – Lynn on helping women discover their own path forward (00:47:03) Timestamps: 00:02:10 – Introducing Army veteran and Hope4Veterans founder Lynn Geiser 00:03:45 – Childhood, isolation, and wanting to make a difference 00:04:53 – Lynn’s grandfather, World War II, and the influence of his service 00:10:02 – Recruiters, joining the Army, and dreams of becoming a pilot 00:12:05 – Six years in the National Guard, motherhood, and going active duty 00:13:49 – Joining an infantry unit at Fort Benning 00:14:41 – Experiencing the events of September 11 while on base 00:15:23 – Being one of very few women in a male-dominated unit 00:17:47 – Military sexual assault and the breakdown of trust 00:24:22 – Feeling unsafe, blocked from transferring, and facing disciplinary action 00:28:08 – Leaving the Army and beginning life after military service 00:32:16 – Reading her military records and confronting painful memories 00:35:56 – The turning point that helped Lynn begin finding her voice 00:38:22 – Becoming a volunteer VSO and learning from women veterans’ cases 00:40:03 – Building Hope4Veterans 00:45:16 – Creating safe spaces and connecting women with resources 00:46:34 – Helping women veterans find their purpose 00:47:03 – Giving women tools without choosing their path for them About the Guest: Lynn Geiser, also known as Specialist Tank, is a United States Army veteran and the founder and CEO of Hope4Veterans, a nonprofit focused on helping women veterans, military spouses, and active-duty women build connection, confidence, purpose, and a stronger voice. Lynn served six years in the National Guard before moving to active duty, where she served as a transportation specialist attached to an infantry unit. After leaving the military, Lynn faced major challenges including trauma, homelessness, mental health struggles, and a long fight to restore military benefits and correct her discharge status. She later earned a bachelor’s degree in paralegal studies and a master’s degree in marriage and family therapy, worked as a counselor and employment specialist, and served as a volunteer Veterans Service Officer. Her own experience of feeling unheard became the foundation for Hope4Veterans. Through storytelling, photography, therapeutic arts, peer support, mentorship, leadership development, and community programs, Lynn helps women recognize their strengths, advocate for themselves, and discover a renewed sense of purpose. Learn more about Hope4Veterans and its programs by searching for Hope4Veterans in Kissimmee, Florida. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lynn-geiser-b24b8a26/?isSelfProfile=false Website: Hope4Veterans Be sure to follow or subscribe to Dog Tag Diaries wherever you listen to podcasts. Learn more about Reveille and Retreat Project: reveilleandretreatproject.org Instagram: @reveilleandretreatproject Facebook: Reveille and Retreat Project

Summary: What happens when the place you thought would save you ends up teaching you difficult lessons about power, belonging, and who you want to become? In this episode of Dog Tag Diaries, Captain Kimberly sits down with Marine Corps veteran, mother, storyteller, and podcast host Raelynn Beintker. Raelynn shares how growing up with poverty, addiction, abuse, and early responsibility shaped her strength and eventually led her to the Marines. She opens up about finding structure and belonging in boot camp, then facing sexism, double standards, body image pressure, harassment, and disappointment in the fleet. Raelynn also reflects on breaking family patterns, learning to put herself first, changing the way she speaks about her life, and finding the courage to tell her story. Her journey is a powerful reminder that we can honor where we came from while choosing what comes next. Key Topics: Creating space for self-care and practicing “divine selfishness” (00:06:20) Growing up with poverty, addiction, abuse, and early responsibility (00:10:49) Searching for a way out of destructive patterns after high school (00:17:31) Choosing the Marine Corps as a path toward independence (00:21:45) How a chaotic childhood prepared Raelynn for boot camp (00:24:15) Facing sexism, body image pressure, and double standards in the fleet (00:25:59) Harassment, military consequences, and learning to make herself small (00:31:17) What Raelynn wishes she knew before joining the military (00:34:10) Breaking generational cycles and changing the stories we tell ourselves (00:38:19) Creating My Heart of the Story and finding the courage to share her voice (00:41:47) Notable Quotes & Moments: “You can’t scare me. You think you’re going to break me, and I’m sure you’re going to teach me, but you can’t break me.” – Raelynn on how her childhood prepared her for boot camp (00:25:26) “The Marine Corps was the best and worst decision I ever made.” – Raelynn on the impact military service had on her life (00:38:19) “I’m the only one that can choose what comes next.” – Raelynn on breaking old patterns and taking ownership of her story (00:39:27) Timestamps: 00:02:23 – Introducing Marine Corps veteran Raelynn Beintker 00:06:20 – Morning rituals, self-care, and “divine selfishness” 00:10:49 – Childhood, poverty, addiction, abuse, and caregiving 00:17:31 – High school struggles and searching for a different future 00:21:45 – The decision to join the Marine Corps 00:24:15 – Culture shock and adapting to boot camp 00:25:59 – Sexism, body image, and double standards in the fleet 00:31:17 – Harassment and the impact on Raelynn’s military career 00:38:19 – Breaking generational patterns and changing her life story 00:41:47 – Starting My Heart of the Story and finding her voice About the Guest: Raelynn Beintker is a United States Marine Corps veteran, mother, wife, storyteller, podcast host, and self-described creative rebel. She joined the Marines as a young woman looking for a way beyond the poverty, instability, and family patterns she experienced growing up. Her military service gave her independence, structure, new experiences, and a wider view of the world, while also exposing her to sexism, double standards, and challenges that shaped how she saw herself. Today, Raelynn is the host of My Heart of the Story, a podcast centered on identity, connection, self-discovery, and the courage it takes to share our stories. Through her work, she encourages people to stop making themselves smaller, question the stories that hold them back, and choose what they want the next chapter of their lives to become. Learn more about Raelynn and her work through My Heart of the Story: Website: myheartofthestory.com Podcast: Search My Heart of the Story on Spotify, YouTube, Apple Podcasts, iHeartRadio, and Amazon Music. Be sure to follow or subscribe to Dog Tag Diaries wherever you listen to podcasts. Learn more about Reveille and Retreat Project: reveilleandretreatproject.org Instagram: @reveilleandretreatproject Facebook: Reveille and Retreat Project