Dog Tag Diaries

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

Summary: What happens when the life you built to survive no longer fits the woman you are becoming? In this powerful episode of Dog Tag Diaries, Captain Kim sits down with Air Force veteran, author, intuitive guide, artist, and life architect Behati Hart. Behati shares her journey from growing up on the South Side of Chicago in a strict and chaotic home, to joining the Air Force for freedom and stability. She opens up about being a creative, multicultural, neurodivergent woman in systems that often felt too small for her spirit. Through her memoir, Just Be: Unmasking and Becoming Human Again, Behati talks about anxiety, ADHD, body wisdom, spiritual awakening, identity loss, and the brave choice to stop performing. Her story reminds women veterans that survival is not the end. Coming home to yourself matters too. In this episode, we cover: Behati Hart’s childhood on the South Side of Chicago Using dance and laughter as early forms of healing Joining the Air Force out of necessity Adjusting to military structure after a restrictive childhood Serving as a creative woman in uniform Speaking up about integrity and unfair treatment Anxiety, ADHD, neurodivergence, and body signals The story behind Just Be Identity loss, ego death, and spiritual awakening Behati's free five-week identity reclamation experience Notable Quotes & Moments: “The math wasn’t mathing.” Behati Hart on realizing the military was not the freedom she expected [00:07:16] “I know who I am now.” Behati on choosing not to work under people who try to define her [00:14:48] “I will never lose myself again, never.” Behati on reclaiming her identity [00:43:50] Episode highlights: 00:01:25 - Meet Behati Hart, Air Force veteran and author of Just Be 00:03:07 - Behati's childhood, culture, dance, and laughter 00:05:43 - Joining the Air Force for survival, freedom, and stability 00:06:43 - Moving from a strict home into a strict military system 00:09:23 - Serving as a woman and speaking up about integrity 00:15:14 - Anxiety, ADHD, body signals, and nervous system healing 00:24:20 - How Just Be came to life 00:25:57 - Behati's spiritual awakening and call to tell her story 00:36:39 - Behati's free five-week identity reclamation experience 00:44:25 - Why women veterans need spaces like Dog Tag Diaries About Behati: Behati Hart is an Air Force veteran, Life Architect, author, and multimedia artist who believes the most revolutionary act a person can commit is giving themselves permission to just be. She served in the U.S. Air Force from 1993 to 2003, joining out of survival and necessity, and learning early how to navigate systems not designed for women, people of color, or neurodivergent thinkers. Following three decades of public service across military, federal, state, and local government, Behati stepped away from institutional systems to reclaim her creativity, intuition, and humanity. She holds a Master’s degree in Human Behavior and is certified through the Association for Coaching, with training in neuroscience, AI, and design thinking. Behati is the creator of The BETi Method™, a framework that helps people unmask, reprogram limiting beliefs, and redesign life from the inside out. She is the author of Just BE: Unmasking and Becoming Human Againand lives in Chicago with her husband, two daughters, and a house full of plants. Connect with Behati Hart: Website: https://behatihart.com Book: Just BE: Unmasking and Becoming Human Again https://a.co/d/gnIZSMA Social Media: Instagram | LinkedIn | TikTok | Facebook @BehatiHart There is still room at the table for Just BE: Unmasking Experience Hosted by Veteran, Author and Life Architect, Behati Hart Sundays at 6PM CST - May 31 - June 28 Be sure to follow or subscribe to Dog Tag Diaries wherever you listen to podcasts. Learn more about the Reveille and Retreat Project: reveilleandretreatproject.org Instagram: @reveilleandretreatproject Facebook: Reveille and Retreat Project You 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.