Dog Tag Diaries

In this Episode of Dog Tag Diaries, Dr. Qwynn Salazar joins Captains Dakota and Kim to explore the essence of resilience and cultural humility in the military. From the significance of having a flexible plan for young adults entering service to the crucial steps for a seamless transition out, Salazar shares indispensable advice. Learn how she uses her dog tags as a daily motivator and why emotional impact matters more than titles. With insights on financial management, self-reflection, and the power of human connection, and powerful stories from her life and career, this episode promises to inspire and inform. Whether you're a veteran or simply curious about military life, don’t miss this empowering narrative.

Dr. Qwynn Galloway-Salazar (AKA Doc Q) is the Founder and CEO of In Their Honor. As an Army Veteran, Spouse to a Combat Veteran, End-of-Life Doula Educator, and Storyteller, she has proudly devoted more than two decades to elevating the quality of life of military and Veteran communities. As PsychArmor’s Senior Vice President for Engagement and Transformation, she extends her impact, leading efforts to cultivate partnerships and broaden PsychArmor’s impact across military-connected communities.

In 2024, she was appointed to the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization's End-of-Life Doula Council. Additionally, she is a founding member of the Compassionate Communities Think Tank (U.S.), advocating for social change related to community-based end-of-life support. Qwynn also serves on the Advisory Board for the Veterans Studies Association. In her spare time, she mentors Doctoral-level students focused on supporting military and Veteran communities.

Interesting Facts About Dr. Qwynn Galloway-Salazar:

• Honored as one of USA TODAY’s 2024 Women of the Year.
• Named Georgia’s inaugural Woman Veteran of the Year.
• Mentors doctoral students focusing on military and Veteran communities.

Connect with Doc Q:

In this episode, we sit down with retired Major Liz Valade, a Mustang Officer in the U.S. Army Reserve. Liz shares her journey from upstate New York to serving in Special Operations with 13 combat deployments. She reflects on how 9/11 inspired her to enlist, shaping her military path and her life after service. Liz opens up about navigating PTSD, survivor’s guilt, and finding resilience through veteran support programs. She offers advice to women in the military on resilience and setting their own limits, and shares her passion for baseball, which led her to start her own agency as a Major League Baseball Player Association Certified Agent. Liz also volunteers with K9 Kavalry, helping veterans with service dog training. Her dedication to the veteran community shines through in this inspiring episode.

Liz Valade is the Owner and Primary MLB Player Association Certified Agent and Draft Advisor of Pro Level Baseball Group. She also serves as the Command Officer in Charge and a Board Member of K9 Kavalry, a non-profit providing free service dog training to service-connected veterans. A former two-sport athlete in college, Liz holds an MS in Sports Management from Southern New Hampshire University and is currently pursuing an MBA at Syracuse University.

Tune in to hear Liz's inspiring story and the lessons she's learned along the way!

You can find her here:

In this extraordinary episode of "Dog Tag Diaries," hosts Dakota and Kim sit down with the incomparable CJ Scarlet aka badass grandma, a marine corps veteran turned acclaimed author. Listen in as CJ opens up about her powerful journey from military service to overcoming personal trauma, battling severe health challenges, and finding solace in Eastern philosophies. Discover how CJ's transformative path led her to become a leading advocate for women's and children's safety, co-implementing the nation's first automated victim notification system. Don't miss inspirational tales of resilience, the empowering message behind her "badass grandma" moniker, and practical advice for women considering military service. This episode is a masterclass in turning adversity into strength.

CJ Scarlet is a kid safety crusader and award-winning author who helps parents empower their kids to protect and defend themselves from bullies and predators. CJ knows first-hand how violence can destroy lives. A survivor of childhood abuse, teen sexual assault, and a narrow escape from a sex trafficking ring, CJ spent years dealing with the emotional aftermath of her experience. After taking her power back, she became an advocate for others who had been victimized, running a child advocacy center and serving as Director of Victims Issues for the North Carolina Attorney General’s Office. Over her 30 years as a victim advocate, CJ has helped thousands of survivors claim their power too. The former roller-skating carhop, forest firefighter, and U.S. Marine photojournalist holds a master’s degree in human violence. Named one of the “Happy 100” people on the planet, CJ’s story of triumph over adversity is featured in several bestselling books.

Books by CJ Scarlet:

• Raising Badass Kids
• Badass Parenting
• Heroic Parenting
• The Badass Girl's Guide
• Neptune's Gift: Discovering Your Inner Ocean

In this captivating episode of Dog Tag Diaries, Dakota and Kim sit down with Dr. Iesiah "Esha" Harris to navigate her incredible journey through the military. Moving from a challenging upbringing in Brownsville to becoming a nurse and obtaining a PhD, Dr. Harris highlights the demanding yet rewarding path she followed. Experience the highs and lows of her military career, including the unexpected kindness at Langley Air Force Base and her intense deployment to Afghanistan. Dr. Harris also discusses the struggle of finding her identity outside the military and provides invaluable advice for women in the armed forces. Whether you're a veteran or a civilian, this episode is packed with insightful lessons on resilience, leadership, and self-discovery.

In this edition of Dog Tag Diaries, we highlight the incredible journey of Brianna Renner, who transitioned from the world of ballet to the battlefield and now leads the Veterans Yoga Project as its CEO. Listen as Brianna recounts her service, working on cutting-edge avionics, and how her rebellious spirit from the 1980s fueled her inspiration to join the Marines. With touching stories of overcoming gender biases and finding a new path through yoga, this episode covers her transformation and offers insights into the immense benefits yoga provides veterans. As we gear up for Veterans Gratitude Week, find out how you can participate or contribute. This is a must-listen for those curious about the intersections of yoga, military service, and personal growth.

Interested in learning more about Veterans Gratitude Week?