Dog Tag Diaries

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

Summary: What happens when the wounds no one can see become the hardest ones to carry? In this powerful Season Nine episode of Dog Tag Diaries, Captain Kimberly welcomes back Army veteran, retired RN, author, and advocate Dani Shine to discuss her memoir, The Weight of Hidden Wounds. Dani shares the painful experiences she once believed she would never speak about, including military sexual trauma, PTSD, betrayal, and years of unhealthy coping. She reflects on how writing became part of her healing process and how a severe PTSD flashback finally pushed her to seek support. Dani also shares the importance of women veteran support groups, counseling, and finding people who understand military life. Her story is a reminder that trauma may leave lasting marks, but it does not have to be the final chapter. Healing, connection, purpose, and growth are still possible. Key Topics: Serving as a woman in male-dominated Army units (00:04:05) Writing The Weight of Hidden Wounds as part of healing (00:06:29) Experiencing sexual assault during basic training (00:09:48) Learning leadership through vulnerability and trust (00:13:22) The physical demands of infantry training (00:16:53) Deployment to Saudi Arabia and military life overseas (00:21:03) Military sexual trauma before leaving the Army (00:22:45) Alcohol, food, and unhealthy coping after trauma (00:25:00) The PTSD flashback that forced Dani to face her past (00:28:44) How trauma continues to affect the body and mind (00:31:12) Why women veterans need women-centered support (00:34:31) Turning trauma into purpose, growth, and service (00:41:24) Notable Quotes & Moments: “I had to outrun, out-shoot, out-do everybody.” – Dani on proving she belonged as a woman in the Army (00:04:23) “Vulnerability is not a weakness, it’s a strength.” – Dani on leadership and connection (00:16:15) “Without those women, I would definitely not be where I am today.” – Dani on her women veterans support group (00:36:41) “It doesn’t have to be the end of your story. It can be just the beginning.” – Dani on healing after trauma (00:42:37) Timestamps: 00:02:41 – Dani Shine returns to Dog Tag Diaries 00:04:05 – Proving herself as a woman in the Army 00:06:29 – Why Dani began writing her story 00:09:48 – Sexual assault during basic training 00:13:22 – Leadership, vulnerability, and building trust 00:16:53 – The demands of infantry training 00:21:03 – Deployment to Saudi Arabia 00:22:45 – Military sexual trauma before leaving the Army 00:25:00 – Alcohol, food, and coping with trauma 00:28:44 – A PTSD flashback during a medical procedure 00:34:31 – Women-specific veteran support and connection 00:41:24 – Turning trauma into growth and purpose About the Guest: Dani Shine is a United States Army veteran, retired registered nurse, author, and advocate. She entered the Army in 1987 and was among the early women to complete infantry training at Fort McClellan, Alabama. Her memoir, The Weight of Hidden Wounds, shares her experiences with military sexual trauma, PTSD, unhealthy coping, healing, and finding purpose after trauma. Today, Dani uses her story to help other veterans understand that they matter and that seeking support is a sign of strength. 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 two women veterans turn pain, fear, and hope into a movement for healing? In this heartfelt Season Seven episode of Dog Tag Diaries, Captain Kimberly reunites with her co-founder and sister in service, Captain Dakota, to share how their podcast and nonprofit were born. Together, they reflect on overcoming imposter syndrome, burnout, and self-doubt while building a safe space where military women can speak their truth. From launching their first retreat without ever meeting in person to dreaming of a traveling studio, this episode celebrates resilience, partnership, and the power of community. Their story reminds listeners that healing is possible when women support each other and choose courage over fear. Key Topics: How Dog Tag Diaries and the nonprofit began (00:01:06) Building community for military women (00:02:57) Facing fear and imposter syndrome (00:05:05) Honoring limits and preventing burnout (00:10:16) Big dreams: networks, studios, and growth (00:17:04) The first retreat and bonding experience (00:19:02) Upcoming 2026 retreats and new programs (00:26:25) Firearm safety and suicide prevention efforts (00:28:31) Creating lifelong community after retreats (00:32:24) Notable Quotes & Moments: “We struggled in the beginning to get the courage to pursue this passion.” – Dakota on starting the mission (00:05:26) “The fear of being judged for my story was paralyzing.” – Kimberly on sharing her truth (00:07:50) “What we are doing is necessary. Our stories need to be told.” – Kimberly on purpose (00:09:38) “Come as you are. You are accepted.” – Dakota on retreat culture (00:31:55) “Healing begins when we finally say it out loud.” – Kimberly (00:38:50) Timestamps: 00:01:06 – Pain, hope, and the founding story 00:02:57 – Creating a safe space for women 00:05:05 – Fear and imposter syndrome 00:07:41 – Sharing personal stories 00:10:16 – Stepping back and honoring limits 00:14:15 – Self-care and emotional release 00:17:04 – Future goals for the podcast 00:19:02 – First retreat in Bend, Oregon 00:21:12 – Bungee jump bonding experience 00:26:25 – 2026 retreat lineup 00:28:31 – Firearm safety and mental health 00:32:24 – Long-term community impact 00:36:08 – Holiday wishes and self-care 00:39:53 – Closing message About the Hosts: Captain Kimberly is the founder and host of Dog Tag Diaries and co-founder of Reveille and Retreat Project. A veteran and advocate for women’s mental health, she has dedicated her life to creating spaces where military women can heal, grow, and share their stories without fear. Captain Dakota is a co-founder of Dog Tag Diaries and Reveille and Retreat Project. A National Guard member and counselor, she supports veterans through mental health services and holistic care. Her work centers on helping women honor their limits while staying connected to their purpose. 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