The Warrior Alliance Spotlight

What does it take to lead thousands of Airmen while maintaining a relentless focus on readiness, family support, opportunity, and the individual? In this episode of the Warrior Alliance Network, we sit down with Major General Konata “Deuce” Crumbley, Assistant Adjutant General for Air, Georgia National Guard. General Crumbley shares how he leads the Georgia Air National Guard, supports nearly 3,000 Airmen and civilian professionals, builds future leaders, and ensures the force is prepared to fight and win when the nation calls. The conversation explores leadership under pressure, military readiness, mental-health resources, family readiness, and the importance of removing barriers that keep service members from reaching their potential. General Crumbley also reflects on his experiences flying Army Black Hawks, serving in combat operations, transitioning to the Air National Guard, flying JSTARS, and applying cockpit lessons—especially communication and checklist discipline—to senior command. Listeners will also hear why the Georgia Air National Guard can be a powerful path for young people seeking purpose, education benefits, aviation experience, cyber careers, technical skills, and service to their state and country. Subscribe to the Warrior Alliance Network for conversations with military leaders, veterans, community advocates, and organizations serving the warrior community.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How can veterans, military families, and students turn education into meaningful career opportunity? In this episode of the Warrior Alliance Spotlight, hosts Scott Munn and Navy veteran Tug Coward welcome Dr. Jermaine Whirl, president of Savannah State University and Warrior Alliance board member. Dr. Whirl shares how Savannah State is preparing students for an AI-enabled workforce, expanding support for military-connected learners, and strengthening career pathways across coastal Georgia. The conversation also explores Dr. Whirl’s work at Augusta Technical College, including the transformation of Augusta’s “The Patch” golf course into a workforce-development pipeline. Learn how Operation Double Eagle helps veterans earn golf-industry credentials, gain hands-on experience, and connect with employers in agronomy, horticulture, golf-course operations, landscaping, and related fields. Dr. Whirl discusses Savannah State’s Uproar 2030 strategy, the university’s focus on graduation and career placement, AI certification opportunities with IBM, and the Warrior Alliance’s expanding services for veterans and families in Savannah, Fort Stewart, Hunter Army Airfield, and beyond. Key Takeaways · Savannah State’s Uproar 2030 plan focuses on student success, workforce alignment, and community engagement. · Savannah State is integrating IBM AI certifications and AI literacy into students’ education. · Dr. Whirl emphasizes graduation and employment outcomes, including a reported 91% in-field placement rate. · Operation Double Eagle provides free, short-term golf workforce training and credentials for veterans. · The program creates career and entrepreneurial opportunities in golf operations, landscaping, turf management, horticulture, and pest control. · Warrior Alliance is expanding veteran services across Savannah, coastal Georgia, and potentially nationwide. · Savannah State is strengthening programming and engagement with Fort Stewart, Hunter Army Airfield, ROTC, veterans, and military families.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How do women veterans turn military experience into resilience, leadership, and purpose after service? In this episode of the Warrior Alliance Network, Tracey Lloyd—West Point graduate, Bronze Star recipient, former U.S. Army captain, and Executive Director of the Emily J.T. Perez Foundation—shares her journey from leading a 3,500-person combat aviation brigade during Operation Iraqi Freedom to leading global business operations and a mission-driven nonprofit. Tracey discusses the challenges women veterans face in civilian life, including military sexual trauma, homelessness, mental health, career transition, and underemployment. She also explains how the Emily J.T. Perez Foundation is creating culturally informed support for women veterans through its Resilience Bootcamp and helping young girls develop confidence through Camp Emily’s Way. Learn more about supporting women veterans, developing leadership after military service, and helping build a future without glass ceilings. Visit emilysway.org to volunteer, donate, or learn more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this Warrior Alliance Spotlight episode, Petty Officer First Class Nick Evans, a Coast Guard recruiter and Atlanta native, pulls back the curtain on America’s most misunderstood military branch. Discover the 11 core Coast Guard missions—from maritime law enforcement and drug interdiction to search-and-rescue and environmental protection—and how every role, including IT and logistics, enables mission success. You’ll learn how the Coast Guard’s unique “non-rate first” pathway lets new enlistees shadow multiple ratings before choosing a career, improving retention and job satisfaction. Nick shares boot camp realities at Cape May, NJ, age limits (up to 41), and why prior-service veterans are prime candidates—including combining service time toward a 20-year pension. Key benefits covered: GI Bill–funded college, in-service tuition assistance, Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH), predominantly stateside duty stations, and quality-of-life advantages for single-income families. Nick also highlights the high-demand Boatswain’s Mate (BM) rating and current recruiting challenges like boot camp seat wait times, plus the new Birmingham, AL training center expanding capacity. Whether you’re a high school senior, college grad, or veteran considering a return to service, this episode delivers actionable insights on missions, money, and lifestyle. Key Takeaways: · 11 missions: law enforcement, SAR, security, environmental protection, aids to navigation · Non-rate pathway: choose your rating after on-the-job exposure · Boot camp: 8 weeks at Cape May; lifelong bonds, achievable with commitment · Age & prior service: recruit up to 41; combine time for 20-year pension · Benefits: GI Bill, tuition assistance, BAH, stateside stability, family-friendly culture · Hot rating: Boatswain’s Mate (BM) for small-boat operations and interdictions · Recruiting update: wait times exist; new Birmingham training center adding seatsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this Warrior Alliance Spotlight episode, Dr. Jennifer Selke and Matty Cook of Camp Southern Ground share how Warrior Path, Warrior Week, and inclusive camp programming help veterans, first responders, military families, and youth heal, grow, and thrive after service. Learn how Camp Southern Ground supports veteran transition, post-traumatic growth, strengths-based development, and belonging through no-cost programs, peer-led care, and community connection. Founded by Zac Brown in Fayetteville, Georgia, Camp Southern Ground is changing lives through mission-driven support.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.