From the Flight Deck to From the Ashes: Navy Veteran Jordan McCaffrie's Story of Identity and Reinvention

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