April 15, 2020
How has the Army National Guard (ARNG) mobilized during the COVID-19 emergency? ARNG is assisting state and local agencies in a time of national emergency, adjusting pre-deployment training for its global force, and balancing readiness with responding to the community. They are also focused on keeping ARNG careers on track.
CSM John Sampa of the Army National Guard discusses these and more with SMA(R) Dan Dailey. Recommendations for future topics are welcome via email at podcast@ausa.org.
Guest: Command Sergeant Major John F. Sampa, Command Sergeant Major, Army National Guard
Host: Sergeant Major of the Army (Retired) Daniel A. Dailey, AUSA’s Vice President for NCO and Soldier Programs
Soldier Today, a segment of AUSA’s Army Matters Podcast, focuses on what is important to Soldiers and NCOs.
Resources:
Army National Guard
Web: https://www.nationalguard.com/
Facebook/Twitter/Instagram: @nationalguard
![Army Real Talk: Spirit of America & Black Jack Brigade COVID Update]()
April 13, 2020
Spirit of America is a non-profit working with U.S. troops and diplomats to identify and fill local needs around the world, when and where needed. Their all-veteran team operates in over 70 countries to “build local leaders’ trust, make a child happy, a village secure, or a region stable to bring our troops closer to peace and home.” We cap off this episode with an update from AUSA’s adopted deployed unit, the 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, also known as the Black Jack Brigade, on their current deployment to Europe and their COVID-19 response plan.
The Black Jack Brigade was featured on our 9 September 2019 episode. Recommendations for future topics are welcome via email at podcast@ausa.org.
- Guest: Jim Hake, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Spirit of America
- Co-hosts: Nzinga Curry, AUSA’s Director of Education & Programs, and LTC Eugene Irby, AUSA’s Army Fellow
Army Real Talk, a segment of AUSA’s Army Matters Podcast, aims to help AUSA and the Army better connect with the younger generation.
Resources:
Spirit of America
Web: https://spiritofamerica.org/
Facebook/Twitter: @spiritamerica
Black Jack Brigade
Facebook @black.jack.brigade.1cd
Twitter: @1stCav2bct
The Black Jack Brigade was featured on Army Real Talk episode 9 September 2019: Life of a Deploying Unit: Adoption of the Black Jack Brigade
April 8, 2020
What’s the latest with rollouts for Army Greens (AGSU), a new PCS app, and Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT)? SGM Edward Bell of the G-4 discusses these and more with SMA(R) Dan Dailey. Recommendations for future topics are welcome via email at podcast@ausa.org.
Note: This episode was recorded prior to the COVID escalation, and some of the initiatives discussed might shift to the right on the implementation timeline given priority requirements for the COVID response.
Guest: Sergeant Major Edward A. Bell, Sergeant Major, Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff, G-4
Host: Sergeant Major of the Army (Retired) Daniel A. Dailey, AUSA’s Vice President for NCO and Soldier Programs
Soldier Today, a segment of AUSA’s Army Matters Podcast, focuses on what is important to Soldiers and NCOs.
Resources:
U.S. Army G-4 | Logistics
Web: https://www.army.mil/g-4
Facebook: @armylogistics
![Soldier Today: SMA Grinston on Soldiers & Coronavirus]()
April 6, 2020
How is COVID-19 affecting Soldiers? SMA Grinston, the Army’s top non-commissioned officer (NCO), describes how the Army’s Medical Research Labs are working on a vaccine, the courageous work of Army medical providers, and efforts to balance killing the virus with maintaining readiness and protecting the force. SMA Grinston covers PCS (Permanent Change of Station) changes, including interrupted moves and financial hardship related to COVID-19, and reminds everyone to stay fit and healthy at home. Recommendations for future topics are welcome via email at podcast@ausa.org.
Notes:
1) ALARACT (All Army Action): Click here to view the 3/30 ALARACT message regarding COVID-19 hardships
2) 20 January Army Matters episode: Army Emergency Relief
Guest: Sergeant Major of the Army Michael A. Grinston, 16th Sergeant Major of the Army (SMA)
Host: Sergeant Major of the Army (Retired) Daniel A. Dailey, AUSA’s Vice President for NCO and Soldier Programs
Soldier Today, a segment of AUSA’s Army Matters Podcast, focuses on what is important to Soldiers and NCOs.
Resources:
Army Emergency Relief
Web: https://www.aerhq.org
Twitter/Facebook: @aerhq
20 January Army Matters episode: Army Emergency Relief
Sergeant Major of the Army
Web: https://www.army.mil/leaders/sma/bio/
Twitter: @16thSMA
AUSA’s NCO & Soldier Programs
Web: https://www.ausa.org/programs/nco-and-soldiers
Twitter (Dailey): @15thSMA
April 1, 2020
What is the Army doing about COVID-19? Newly sworn-in Under Secretary of the Army James E. McPherson joins General Carter Ham of AUSA to discuss the Army’s response to the coronavirus. They also cover the Secretary’s thoughts on recruiting, budget and taking care of Army families. Recommendations for future topics are welcome via email at podcast@ausa.org.
Note: This interview was recorded Monday, 30 March 2020.
Guest: The Honorable James E. McPherson, Under Secretary of the Army
Host: General (Retired) Carter F. Ham, AUSA’s President & CEO
Resources:
Under Secretary of the Army
Web: https://www.army.mil/leaders/usa/
Facebook/Twitter: @UnderSecArmy
![Special Edition: Arlington National Cemetery Eligibility Changes]()
March 30, 2020
Will changes at Arlington National Cemetery affect your family? Senior leadership updates us on changes in eligibility requirements, how they took veteran feedback into account, and what burial options are available nation-wide at our National Military Cemeteries. Recommendations for future topics are welcome via email at podcast@ausa.org.
Note: Since the recording of this episode, the Arlington National Cemetery has expanded to 639 acres. Additionally, please visit their website (https://www.arlingtoncemetery.mil/) for COVID-19 information affecting funerals and visitors.
Guests:
- Ms. Karen Durham-Aguilera, Executive Director, Office of Army Cemeteries
- Ms. Renea Yates, Deputy Superintendent for Interment Services, Arlington National Cemetery
- Sergeant Major Juan Abreu, Senior Enlisted Advisor, Army National Military Cemeteries
Host: Sergeant Major of the Army (Retired) Daniel A. Dailey, AUSA’s Vice President for NCO and Soldier Programs
Soldier Today, a segment of AUSA’s Army Matters Podcast, focuses on what is important to Soldiers and NCOs.
Resources:
Arlington National Cemetery
Web: https://www.arlingtoncemetery.mil/
Facebook/Twitter: @ArlingtonNatl
AUSA’s NCO & Soldier Programs
Web: https://www.ausa.org/programs/nco-and-soldiers
Twitter: @15thSMA
March 23, 2020
An 82-day slugfest in Okinawa marked the final major battle in World War II. Joseph Wheelan joins us to discuss the tragic human cost of the fight, which ultimately persuaded US leaders to use the atomic bomb rather than invade the Japanese mainland. Wheelan is the author of nine previous books, including the highly acclaimed Terrible Swift Sword and Midnight in the Pacific. Recommendations for future topics are welcome via email at podcast@ausa.org.
Guest: Joseph Wheelan, Author, Bloody Okinawa: The Last Great Battle of World War II
Host: Joe Craig, Director, AUSA’s Book Program
Resources:
Bloody Okinawa: The Last Great Battle of World War II by Joseph Wheelan
Web: https://www.hachettebooks.com/titles/joseph-wheelan/bloody-okinawa/9780306903212/
Facebook/Twitter: @HachetteUS
March 16, 2020
Military Spouses give up careers, move a lot and more. What helps them develop resilience in the face of these challenges? Today, we hear from Evie King, an Army spouse and advocate for the health and wellness of military spouses. Her organization, InDependent, hosts a virtual annual Wellness Summit, offers an online community for military spouses, and addresses important health topics like alcohol consumption. Recommendations for future topics are welcome via email at podcast@ausa.org.
Guest: Evie King, Executive Director, InDependent
Host: Patty Barron, AUSA’s Director of Family Readiness
Family Voices, a segment of AUSA’s Army Matters Podcast, aims to connect Army families to speakers and issues that are important to their everyday lives.
Resources:
InDependent
Web: https://in-dependent.org/
Wellness Summit: https://in-dependent.org/wellness-summit
Facebook: @independentorg1
![Army Real Talk: Our Community Salutes & Military Basketball Association Update]()
March 9, 2020
Our Community Salutes celebrates high school enlistees and their commitment to military service. Dr. Ken Hartman describes how his non-profit helps communities recognize, honor and support high school seniors who plan to enlist in the U.S. Armed Services after graduation. In other community news, the Military Basketball Association (MBA) announces their 3-day Finals tournament will be held 8-10 May at the U.S. Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, CO. The MBA was featured on our 9 December 2019 podcast episode. Recommendations for future topics are welcome via email at podcast@ausa.org.
Guest: Dr. Ken Hartman, Founder and President, Our Community Salutes
Co-hosts: Nzinga Curry, AUSA’s Director of Education & Programs, and LTC Eugene Irby, AUSA’s Army Fellow
Army Real Talk, a segment of AUSA’s Army Matters Podcast, aims to help AUSA and the Army better connect with the younger generation.
Resources:
Our Community Salutes
Web: https://www.ourcommunitysalutes.org/
Facebook: @OurCommunitySalutes
Twitter: @drkenhartman #OurCommunitySalutes
Military Basketball Association (MBA)
Web: https://www.facebook.com/militarybasketballassociation
Facebook: @militarybasketballassociation
The MBA was featured on Army Real Talk episode 9 December 2019: Empowerment – Outlets for Coping with TBI, PTSD, Injuries, etc.
![Special Edition: Military Health System Changes & Coronavirus Update]()
March 4, 2020
How might changes to the Military Health System affect you and your family? How can we be smart, not fearful, about the coronavirus? LTG Ronald Place, the DoD’s senior military medical leader, updates us on maintaining access to high quality care while transitioning retirees and family members to the TRICARE network, and also provides an update on keeping the force healthy as the coronavirus comes to the United States. Recommendations for future topics are welcome via email at podcast@ausa.org.
Guest: LTG Ronald J. Place, Director, Defense Health Agency
Co-Hosts: Patty Barron, AUSA’s Director of Family Readiness & Mark Haaland, AUSA’s Director of Government Affairs
Resources:
The Military Health System and the Defense Health Agency
Web: https://www.health.mil/About-MHS/OASDHA/Defense-Health-Agency
Twitter: @militaryhealth @DoD_DHA @TRICARE
Facebook @militaryhealth @DefenseHealthAgency @TRICARE
Instagram: @militaryhealth
Nurse Advice Line – 24/7 health care support for TRICARE beneficiaries
https://www.mhsnurseadviceline.com/home
