RADM (Ret.) Mark Balmert, President and CEO of the San Diego Military Advisory Council (SDMAC), chats about the organization's resumption of its signature breakfast series events; challenges of military spouse employment; and military leadership changes in our region.
Maurice Wilson, President and Executive Director of REBOOT, chats about how the REBOOT program works to shift the mindset of transitional service members and help them find post-military careers that align with their passions. Wilson talks about the "Managing Your Transition Timeline" app; virtual REBOOT workshops; and the Veteran Career Matching app.
Tim Ney, Executive Director of Armed Services YMCA San Diego, chats about the recent successful Big Bay Boom event and how the iconic annual event supports the YMCA's myriad programs and services. Ney discusses resources that provide opportunities for military spouses; the Horse of the Sun Ranch, and new child development centers.
RADM (Ret.) Mark Balmert, President and CEO of San Diego Military Advisory Council, is joined by Charles Parisi, CEO and Founder of Cloudcast Media, to talk about the hundreds of contributions the military has made to everyday life. Balmert and Parisi highlight the upcoming 20-part 9/11 podcast series.
Ryan Weaver, a U.S. Army Combat Veteran, and two-time Gold Star family member discusseshis transition to become a popular country artist and songwriter. Weaver chats about his singleand music video, Never Forgotten, written and performed to honor those lost on 9/11. In thevideo, Rich Weaver, an NYPD detective, shares his behind-the-scenes story of how he helpedraise the American flag amidst the rubble of the downed WTC towers.
Mark Balmert, President and CEO of San Diego Military Advisory Council (SDMAC) and co-host of "Mission: San Diego Military" show goes from co-host to interviewee to chat about how SDMAC has successfully navigated through the rough waters of the pandemic. He discusses the return of the in-person SDMAC Breakfasts, as well as the Annual SDMAC Achievement Awards set for August 12 at the Admiral Kidd Club.
Peter Bartoli, a cybersecurity expert, Managing Partner of Downtime Associates, CIO of Market Insight Solutions LLC, adjunct professor, and head coach of the competitive hacking team at SDSU, chats about his experiences at the Defense Advanced Research Agency (DARPA). Bartoli discusses the importance of educating oneself on security measures, ransomware, and protecting organizations from crippling hacks.
Ed Hiner, Best-Selling Author, and decorated Navy Seal talk about his newest book GUTS: Greatness Under Tremendous Stress. Hiner describes how anyone can face stress head-on and develop resilience. Hiner chats about how his involvement with foster youth at San Pasqual Academy had an impact on the writing of GUTS.
Nancy Rohland-Heinrich, Vice-Chancellor of Communications and Community Engagement for National University, chats about the university's historical support of active-duty students and veterans at the graduate and undergraduate levels. Rohland-Heinrich discusses NU's upcoming 50th Anniversary celebration in the Fall.
Bob Kurkjian, USO West Region President, discusses the impact of USO in support of military family resilience; disaster response in support of the military, and the upcoming USO San Diego Golf Tournament.
Major Steve Harvey, Director of NavalX SoCal Tech Bridge, discusses how Tech Bridge brings novel and innovative technology to leverage the SoCal ecosystems assets such as Installations, Industry, and Research. He also explains what it means to establish a collaborative DOD and Commercial Industry market. Major Harvey talks about two upcoming Tech Bridge events on June 23, “The Unmanned Logistics Systems Demonstration,” and June 24, "The Electric Mobility Symposium.” The events will showcase autonomous vehicles and an all electric battlefield simulation to show how the military can integrate 5G technology to speed up ability and increase lethal precision.
William Lu, San Diego Chapter Lead of the Veterans Beer Club, is joined by colleague Kathryn Warren of the Beer Club's National Leadership Team to chat about the Club’s mission and services. Lu and Warren discuss the Beer Club's upcoming 5th Anniversary event that will be for their “Second Chance” Brewery event on Saturday, June 19. Lu and Warren highlight the Club's focus on networking.
Michael Minc, Founder, and Chairman of the Gene Vance Jr. Foundation for the Catastrophically Injured discuss the history and mission of the Foundation, along with criminal justice reform for impacted veterans.
VADM (Ret.) John Bird, Senior Vice President for USAA, chats about the history of the Poppy Honor Wall, which recognizes those fallen military members who have sacrificed their lives for the United States since WWI.
Neil O'Connell, President and CEO of Mt. Soledad National Veterans Association, is joined by Phil Kendro, the Association's Vice President and Event Producer to chat about the programs the Association provides to honor both living and fallen veterans. Kendro details their upcoming Memorial Day Live event that will feature the commemorative film, "Last Full Measure" in a live and virtual setting. O'Connell highlights the dedicated work of the Association's volunteers and docents.
Mark Balmert, President and CEO of the San Diego Military Advisory Council (SDMAC), is joined by Nancy Worlie, Interim General Manager for KPBS, and Mark Vizcarra, Director of the upcoming film, Hun Pilots, to talk about the virtual G.I. Film Festival. Worlie highlights the veteran-centric film festival, which features independent films made by veterans, for veterans. Vizcarra chats about his service background as well as his experiences as a filmmaker.
Mark Balmert, President and CEO of the San Diego Military Advisory Council (SDMAC), is joined by Stephen Holley, Retired Navy SEAL Officer, and Co-Founder and President & CEO of Carry the Load, to chat about his organization's mission to honor the nation's heroes and emphasize the importance of Memorial Day. Holley details Carry the Load's relay events, in which participants from around the country march in remembrance of fallen soldiers, handing off American flags to another participant every 5-miles, until eventually meeting in Dallas, Texas. Holley also discusses the role his organization will play in helping troops transition into civilian life as they are withdrawn out of Afghanistan.
Kathy Roth-Douquet, CEO of Blue Star Families, is joined by Justin Schmitt, AVP of Corporate Responsibility for USAA to talk about the 35th anniversary of "Month of the Military Child." Roth-Douquet highlights the struggles and strength of children of military service members. Schmitt discusses resources available to service members and their families.
Mark Balmert, President and CEO of the San Diego Military Advisory Council (SDMAC), is joined by Lisa Marcolongo, Family Action Life Group Co-Champion for the San Diego Veterans Coalition. Marcolongo elaborates on the unique challenges military spouses face. Marcolongo also speaks about resources service members and their families can take advantage of in San Diego.
Mark Balmert, President and CEO of the San Diego Military Advisory Council (SDMAC), is joined by Ron Stark, President of the San Diego Veterans Coalition (SDVC), and Maurice Wilson, 1st Vice President of the SDVC. Stark discusses the Coalition's mission to honor veterans and their commitment to the United States as well as ensure service members are able to find success post-service. Wilson chats about the greatest challenges veterans face post-service and how the SDVC aims to assist in overcoming those obstacles.