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In this episode, we sit down with Captain Gervy Alota, a decorated Surface Warfare Officer, Naval Academy graduate, and proud son of a Navy Chief. He shares his journey from playing Navy football to commanding multiple amphibious warships and pioneering the Navy’s first LCS Mine Countermeasures Mission Package Detachment. With over two decades of service, Captain Alota reflects on the leadership lessons he’s learned, the role of mentorship and family in his career, and how he stays mission-driven. Now serving as Director of Community Outreach at Navy Recruiting Command, he’s focused on shaping the future force and inspiring the next generation of Navy leaders.

Key Topics:
• Growing up in San Diego as the son of a Navy Chief
• Leadership lessons from the Naval Academy and Navy football
• Life and command at sea: USS Comstock, USS Harpers Ferry, USS John P. Murtha
• Standing up the first LCS MCM Mission Package Detachment
• Influencing the future force from Cheyenne Mountain to Navy Recruiting Command
• Building resilient teams and winning multiple command excellence awards
• Balancing legacy, service, and mentorship

Awards and Recognition:
Captain Alota’s teams have earned the Battle “E” for excellence, Golden Anchor Retention Excellence, and the CNO Safety Award. His personal decorations include:
• Defense Superior Service Medal
• Legion of Merit
• Meritorious Service Medals (multiple)
• Navy and Army Commendation & Achievement Medals

Connect & Learn More:
Stay tuned for more stories of leadership, service, and the people shaping the future of the Navy.

Connect with Gervy - https://www.instagram.com/captaingerv...
His previous S.O.S. episode - https://www.youtube.com/live/p9wBbr4w...

Visit my website: https://thehello.llc/THERESACARPENTER
Read my writings on my blog: https://www.theresatapestries.com/
Listen to other episodes on my podcast: https://storiesofservice.buzzsprout.com
Watch episodes of my podcast:
https://www.youtube.com/c/TheresaCarpenter76

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Why is military transition so difficult?

Kerron Andrews captures it perfectly: “It’s the loss of our entire identity.”

For so many of us, the military isn’t just a job—it’s our foundation, our purpose, and at times, the only constant we’ve had. Even when we felt alone, even when we doubted ourselves, service gave us a sense of belonging. So when that chapter ends, it’s not just a career we leave behind—it’s a version of ourselves.

That’s my story. And it’s the story of so many others who dedicate years, even decades, to service.

I’m honored to welcome Kerron Andrews to the Stories of Service podcast. He’s a Navy veteran, TEDx speaker, and now an award-winning filmmaker whose work is helping others navigate the complex path of military transition.

We’ll dive into what inspired his powerful TED Talk, why he chose filmmaking as a second calling, and how he’s using his creative voice to help others reclaim their identity and purpose beyond the uniform.

You won’t want to miss this one.

Find 🔍 more on Kerron’s work - https://trinimanfilms.com/

His powerful Tedx Talk - • Navigating the hidden identity crisis...

🎙️ New to streaming or looking to level up? Check out StreamYard and get $10 discount! 😍 https://streamyard.com/pal/d/54498689...

Visit my website: https://thehello.llc/THERESACARPENTER
Read my writings on my blog: https://www.theresatapestries.com/
Listen to other episodes on my podcast: https://storiesofservice.buzzsprout.com
Watch episodes of my podcast:
https://www.youtube.com/c/TheresaCarpenter76

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There’s nothing better than connecting with fellow active duty content creators—especially when they’re active duty senior naval officers! When Andrew first reached out months ago asking how to “do both”—serve our country and show up authentically on social media—I knew he was onto something powerful.

Since then, it’s been amazing to watch his YouTube channel take off, tackling topics like screen addiction, mental health, and so much more with insight and heart. His voice is one the world needs right now.

I’m beyond excited for his episode to drop—join us LIVE this Thursday at 7PM CST for a conversation you won’t want to miss!

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Andrew Doan—renowned physician, scientist, and thought leader at the crossroads of medicine, neuroscience, and technology. With dual degrees (M.D./Ph.D.) from Johns Hopkins University and specialized training in ophthalmology, aerospace medicine, and public health, Dr. Doan brings a truly unique perspective to our modern challenges.

Dr. Doan opens up about his groundbreaking work in the field of media and gaming addiction, where he spent three years in full-time research alongside psychiatrists and psychologists. He shares eye-opening insights into how our digital habits impact mental health, brain development, and even our relationships. With over 2,000 healthcare professionals trained worldwide under his guidance, Dr. Doan is on a mission to help people reclaim their time, focus, and well-being.

We also dive into his current work as a full-time ophthalmologist, his popular YouTube channel, and his passion for educating the public on eye health and the psychological effects of screen use.

Tune in to learn:
• What happens to the brain during gaming and media overuse
• Signs and symptoms of tech addiction—and how to address them
• Eye health tips for heavy screen users
• The future of mental wellness in a tech-driven world

Learn more about Dr. Doan:
Website: https://articles.andrew-doan.com
YouTube: www.YouTube.com/@DrAndrewDoan

Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share this episode with anyone navigating technology’s impact on health!

Visit my website: https://thehello.llc/THERESACARPENTER
Read my writings on my blog: https://www.theresatapestries.com/
Listen to other episodes on my podcast: https://storiesofservice.buzzsprout.com
Watch episodes of my podcast:
https://www.youtube.com/c/TheresaCarpenter76

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🎙️ New Episode Drop!
Restoring Military Justice: Inside Nevada Senate Bill 95 ⚖️🇺🇸

Should National Guard members have the right to demand a court martial instead of facing non-judicial punishment? Nevada lawmakers think so — and we’re diving into why.

💥 Highlights:
✔️ Allison Bailey’s case & the push for due process
✔️ Zero fiscal impact confirmed
✔️ Due process gaps in the current system
✔️ Lessons from California’s Guard
✔️ Should lack of resources justify denying rights?

This isn’t just policy—it’s about fairness, rights, and real people in uniform. 🎧 Don’t miss it.

🔗 Full hearing and additional information- https://www.nevadanationalguard.com/
#MilitaryJustice #NevadaLegislation #SenateBill95 #DueProcess #VeteransRights #CourtMartial #NationalGuard #PolicyMatters

Guests:

Chris Tinsman is a former Army JAG officer who served in the Nevada Army National Guard from 2013 to 2022, rising to Senior Defense Counsel. A graduate of Washington College and Roger Williams University School of Law, he’s licensed in Connecticut and Nevada. Chris deployed to Fort Bragg in 2016, gaining extensive court-martial experience supporting over 60,000 soldiers. He resigned in 2022 citing concerns about leadership and military justice, receiving an Honorable Discharge. In civilian life, he specializes in military law, drone operations, and government contracting, and volunteers legal support to nonprofits, veteran-owned startups, and Kappa Sigma at his alma mater.

Enlisting in the U.S. Marine Corps Infantry (0341) on January 5, 2009, Andy Lindstrom deployed twice in support of Operation Enduring Freedom II in Helmand Province, serving in the Nawa and Garmser districts. During his time in the Marine Corps, he held multiple roles including SAW Gunner, Radio Operator, and IED Dog Handler alongside his partner, Emmie. He later served in the Army National Guard from 2013 to 2021, ultimately leaving due to harassment from leadership within the 150th Maintenance Company.

***Views and opinions expressed on the podcast are those of the guest and host alone and not on behalf of any other entity***

Visit my website: https://thehello.llc/THERESACARPENTER
Read my writings on my blog: https://www.theresatapestries.com/
Listen to other episodes on my podcast: https://storiesofservice.buzzsprout.com
Watch episodes of my podcast:
https://www.youtube.com/c/TheresaCarpenter76

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What better people to shape policy than those who have made the ultimate sacrifice to serve their nation?

In this episode, we discuss the critical nature veterans can play within the political arena- think politics is not for you? You may change your mind after this episode!!!

Jason Loughran is a United States Navy veteran and a dedicated advocate for veterans’ rights. As the Senior Advisor of Intergovernmental Affairs at the New York City Department of Veterans’ Services, Jason plays a pivotal role in shaping policies and legislation that support veterans and their families.

Previously, as Assistant Commissioner of Community Services, he led initiatives expanding access to housing, mental health care, employment, entrepreneurship, and education for veterans. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he launched “Mission: VetCheck,” a groundbreaking program that connected over 30,000 veteran households with wellness calls and critical resources—earning national recognition from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

Beyond his work in city government, Jason is a national leader in veterans’ advocacy. As Chairman of America First Veterans (A1 Vets) and Co-Founder of the Veterans’ Caucus within the New York Young Republican Club, he champions veteran representation in politics and policy-making. He also spearheaded the “Voices of Valor” campaign, mobilizing hundreds of veterans and their families to engage in the democratic process.

Jason’s military service includes a deployment to Afghanistan in 2010 as part of Operation Enduring Freedom, where his unit earned a Presidential Unit Citation for their heroic efforts. His impact has been widely recognized, earning him accolades such as the 2019 Baruch College Leadership in Public Service Award, the 2021 Irish Echo Community Champion Award, and City & State’s 2023 NYC 40 Under 40 list.

Join us as Jason shares his journey from military service to veteran advocacy, the challenges veterans face today, and his mission to ensure those who served receive the support they deserve.

More on America 🇺🇸 First Veterans: https://www.americafirstvets.org/

Visit my website: https://thehello.llc/THERESACARPENTER
Read my writings on my blog: https://www.theresatapestries.com/
Listen to other episodes on my podcast: https://storiesofservice.buzzsprout.com
Watch episodes of my podcast:
https://www.youtube.com/c/TheresaCarpenter76

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The wounds of war must never be forgotten—but for many, that pain becomes a driving force for something greater.

This Tuesday, I welcome back returning guest Michael Meyers, II, who joins us to discuss an ambitious new filmmaking project with Nicole Amelio. We also welcome Robert Vincent O’Berg whose own story of hope and healing is part of the series.

Their docuseries, Resilience, brings to life the raw and powerful stories of the Global War on Terror (GWOT) generation, told by those who lived it. This six-season endeavor—produced by Amelio Media in partnership with the Military Basketball Association, Humanity Pictures, and the Army Heritage Foundation—captures the triumphs born from trauma.

The series begins with the Army Black Knights’ historic 2007-2008 deployment to Iraq, where they made a bold, strategic decision: partnering with former Sunni insurgents as frontline allies in combat. This extraordinary story of brotherhood, sacrifice, and courage is just the beginning of a larger mission—to showcase the resilience of those who served and the lasting impact of their experiences.

Each season will explore different stories of service members who turned adversity into strength, continuing to serve their communities long after leaving the battlefield. The message is clear: resilience is forged in service, and its impact is immeasurable.

With Resilience, Amelio Media aims to reach 10 million Veterans and their families—and you can help.

Join us this Tuesday as we amplify their voices and share their stories.

🔗 More on the project: https://www.ameliomedia.com/

Visit my website: https://thehello.llc/THERESACARPENTER
Read my writings on my blog: https://www.theresatapestries.com/
Listen to other episodes on my podcast: https://storiesofservice.buzzsprout.com
Watch episodes of my podcast:
https://www.youtube.com/c/TheresaCarpenter76

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In this episode, Jean Payne, a Navy vet and MST survivor, shares her journey of empowerment. As CEO of TI Verbatim Consulting, she advocates for systemic change, including VA House Bill 2520. Jean is also the author of Reclaim Your Worth and Jean and the Magnificent Mirror, promoting self-worth and justice.

🔹 Tune in to hear:
✔️ Jean’s personal story of survival and advocacy
✔️ The challenges of addressing Military Sexual Abuse
✔️ How Reclaim Your Worth is inspiring others to heal and fight back
✔️ Her mission to pass critical legislation across the U.S.

This is an episode you don’t want to miss. Listen now!

📖 Learn more about Jean and her work:
🔗 https://www.tiverbatim.com/
📚 Reclaim Your Worth – https://a.co/d/63HFglz
📚 Recupera Tu Valor – https://a.co/d/eoHtKrn
📚 Jean and the Magnificent Mirror – https://a.co/d/1V0uYjO
🏛️ Support VA House Bill 2520 –

Visit my website: https://thehello.llc/THERESACARPENTER
Read my writings on my blog: https://www.theresatapestries.com/
Listen to other episodes on my podcast: https://storiesofservice.buzzsprout.com
Watch episodes of my podcast:
https://www.youtube.com/c/TheresaCarpenter76

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In this episode, we sit down with Mark C. Fava, an author, speaker, and career aviation lawyer who currently serves as a Vice President at The Boeing Company.
Mark’s career spans decades in both the military and corporate worlds. He served as a Naval Flight Officer and Mission Commander in the P-3 Orion, accumulating over 3,000 flight hours. After 30 years in the Navy Reserve, he retired as a Captain, having commanded three units, including a P-3 squadron.

Beyond the military, Mark built a distinguished legal career. He previously led a national aviation law practice at a major law firm and served as chief operations attorney for Delta Air Lines from 2001 to 2004.

Now, Mark brings his wealth of experience to the world of leadership and storytelling with his first book, Lessons from the Admiral: Naval Wisdom and Sea Stories for Leaders, published in January 2025 and already an Amazon bestseller.
Join us as we discuss:
✔️ His journey from military aviation to corporate leadership
✔️ Lessons in decision-making from the cockpit and the courtroom
✔️ The leadership principles in his new book
✔️ The importance of resilience and adaptability in high-stakes environments
Tune in for an insightful conversation packed with wisdom, leadership insights, and real-world stories from a career that has navigated the skies, the seas, and the boardroom.
📖 Get the Book: Lessons from the Admiral https://a.co/d/4BXklCn
🔗 Connect with Mark C. Fava: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markcfava...
🎧 Subscribe & Listen: Apple Podcasts | Spotify

Visit my website: https://thehello.llc/THERESACARPENTER
Read my writings on my blog: https://www.theresatapestries.com/
Listen to other episodes on my podcast: https://storiesofservice.buzzsprout.com
Watch episodes of my podcast:
https://www.youtube.com/c/TheresaCarpenter76