Join the Dog Tag Diaries squad for an unforgettable second tour of one of our most resonant episodes! In this powerful conversation, Captain Dakota bravely shares her story, from enlisting right after high school to intense combat experiences as a 240 Bravo gunner in Iraq, to re-entering civilian life and finding purpose as an Army National Guard officer. Hear about the realities of deployment, the challenges of reintegration, and the lasting impact of trauma—and how telling your story can lead to healing.

If you’ve ever wondered what it means to serve as a military woman, balance vulnerability and strength, or transition into a life of service helping others, this episode is for you. Tune in for candid insights on post-traumatic growth, military mental health, and the power of women’s voices in uniform. You’ll walk away inspired and wanting to hear more.

Dakota Olson-Harris currently serves in the Army National Guard and has been for the past 15 years. She enlisted as a tank mechanic then earned her commission as a Combat Engineer Officer. She has two deployments, Iraq and United Arab Emirates. On the civilian side Dakota works as a counselor providing readjustment counseling for Veterans, current service members, and their families. Dakota is a wife and a bonus mom to four kiddos. They have recently added to their family with a baby girl, totaling five kids. They also have two dogs, Paco and Elsa. Her family loves to go on adventures whether it's walks, hiking, camping, or just going on a road trip to visit family.

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Learn more about Reveille and Retreat Project:

reveilleandretreatproject.org

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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.

What happens when a rebellious pastor’s daughter refuses to follow the script? In this latest episode of Dog Tag Diaries, we introduce you to Tanya Lakins, who left a strict religious upbringing behind at just 17 to join the Marine Corps—without her father’s blessing. In this gripping conversation, Tanya shares what it meant to carve her own path, confront trauma, and ultimately find purpose as a veteran advocate. Topics include her experience as a female Marine, confronting gender stereotypes, overcoming betrayal, and the long road to healing after military sexual trauma.

Curious about what gave Tanya the strength to not give up when life got darkest? Or how she transformed pain into helping others? Tune in for inspiring insights, resilience, and the fight for better support for women veterans. This is a story about forging independence, breaking roles, and taking action. Listen now!

Tanya Lakins discovered her strength and independence in the U.S. Marine Corps, where boot camp gave her first taste of freedom and started an 11-year journey where she served with excellence, traveling the world and pushing herself to be the best. Unfortunately, her service was also marked by deep betrayal and trauma — three years in, she was raped and severely beaten by fellow Marines and pressured into silence, warned that “that kind of thing ruins careers.” The weight of that betrayal left lasting scars and also forged an unshakable resolve.

After leaving the Corps, Tanya earned a degree in Computer Science, thrived in corporate America, and pursued her passion for healing. She worked as a massage therapist for over 20 years and built her dream wellness business from the ground up. Today, Tanya works with women veterans as a Veterans Service Officer, serves as a mentor for The Battle Within, volunteers with Healing Warrior Hearts in Wisconsin, and hopes to soon mentor with the Travis Mills Foundation. A future psychologist, Tanya has transformed her trauma into purpose — advocating fiercely to ensure women veterans are seen, heard, and supported.

Resources:

healingwarriorhearts.org

Shield of Sisters

www.travismillsfoundation.org

Tanya can be reached at tlakins72@yahoo.com for questions.

Kim Liszka served in the United States Army/Reserves as a Combat Medic, Combat Nurse, Flight Nurse Instructor and one of the Top Female athletes in the Army. Kim worked 20+ years as an ER nurse and decided to explore the world as a travel nurse. She's an Advanced Wilderness Expedition Provider and Chief Medical Officer for numerous endurance/survival expeditions in different countries. Kim has a son, Jace and a daughter in law, Sammy and 2 grand animals, Joey & Bear. Her dog Camo is her best buddy. Camo is the sweetest yellow Labrador Retriever to walk this earth. He loves licking snow, riding the ocean waves, visiting carnivore food trucks and loves belly rubs and treats. Fun Facts: Kim's lived in the Reality TV World! Fear Factor, American Ninja Warrior-Military Edition, American Tarzan, Spartan Namibia and more to come!

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Ready to meet an unstoppable force in the world of military women? This episode of Dog Tag Diaries introduces you to Leanne Babcock—call sign Bobcat—a pioneer who went from a functionally homeless childhood to becoming the first woman vehicle mechanic in her Guard unit, an officer, and now a champion for veterans. Hear how she navigated blatant discrimination in the maintenance sector, balanced civilian life with military service, and carved out her place as a citizen airwoman. Leanne also shares the inspiring story behind Dauntless Wine Company and how her nonprofit helps service members heal through farming. This episode is packed with resilience, finding purpose after 9/11, and the power of community. Curious about what it takes to break barriers and redefine service? Hit play—this story will stick with you.

Leanne "Bobcat" Babcock

Growing up functionally houseless, Leanne joined the Air Force after 9/11 and has spent over 22 years and counting serving as a citizen airwoman. A trailblazer as the first and only woman vehicle mechanic in her Guard unit, she later commissioned as an officer while navigating the unique challenges of balancing civilian and military life. Currently she’s serving as the founding volunteer Executive Director of Dauntless Veteran Foundation, Leanne advocates for service members through transition and healing, serving as Oregon's Employer Outreach Director for the Guard and Reserve.

Connect with Leanne:

LinkedIn- Leanne M. B.

Resources:

Dauntless Website- www.dauntlessvf.org Agriculture Grant Program DVF newsletter

Ms Veteran America

Women Veterans Giving: Melissa Washington Small Business Award

Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR)

Kim Liszka served in the United States Army/Reserves as a Combat Medic, Combat Nurse, Flight Nurse Instructor and one of the Top Female athletes in the Army. Kim worked 20+ years as an ER nurse and decided to explore the world as a travel nurse. She's an Advanced Wilderness Expedition Provider and Chief Medical Officer for numerous endurance/survival expeditions in different countries. Kim has a son, Jace and a daughter in law, Sammy and 2 grand animals, Joey & Bear. Her dog Camo is her best buddy. Camo is the sweetest yellow Labrador Retriever to walk this earth. He loves licking snow, riding the ocean waves, visiting carnivore food trucks and loves belly rubs and treats. Fun Facts: Kim's lived in the Reality TV World! Fear Factor, American Ninja Warrior-Military Edition, American Tarzan, Spartan Namibia and more to come!

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

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