Lt Col Joshua Larson is the Commander of Cadet Squadron 31, U.S Air Force Academy, Colorado. In his current role, he is responsible for leading and developing warfighters of character and quality for the Unites States’ Air and Space Forces. He graduated from the United States Air Force Academy with a degree in Computer Science in May of 2011 and served as the commander of the 9th Communications Squadron at Beale AFB CA.

CMSgt (Ret) Steve Burns entered the Air Force on 25 Jul 1984, after proficiency advancing through basic training (15 training days). After completing tech training, he was assigned to Keesler Medical Center in Biloxi, MS, where he served as a medical service technician for the first 9 years of his career. He served as a PME Instructor at NCO Academy and ALS levels, as the Superintendent of the Airman and Family Readiness Center at Ramstein, AB and the Group Chief for the largest inpatient medical treatment facility in the Air Force. Once he retired, he worked at the Travis AF&C, providing counseling services to our Airmen. He has also held the following positions at multiple military treatment facilities, Director Joint Venture programs - David Grant Medical Center, Risk Manager - David Grant Medical Center, and is currently the Director of Quality and Performance Management Programs at Kessler Medical Center, Biloxi, MS.

CMSgt (Ret) Amber Houghton is a Leadership Under Pressure Coach and 28-year USAF veteran specializing in tactical performance for football programs and high-stakes teams. She trains athletes, coaches, and parents to lead with emotional discipline, focused intensity, and mission-driven clarity - skills grounded in military command principles and refined through real field application.

CMSgt (Ret) Billie Baber returns to discuss the plight of homeless veterans, a term that we all agree shouldn't exist, but it does, and Chief Baber is right in the thick of it, still serving those in need and setting a great example for all of us to emulate.

Known as The Fired Up Chief, CMSgt (Ret) Juan (Lou) Lewis, is one of CMSgt (Ret) Bob Vásquez’s first proteges. Chief Lewis was a SSgt when he met Chief Vásquez at March AFB, CA in 1991. Chief Vásquez has been Chief Lewis’s mentor ever since. Chief Lewis culminated 28 years of distinguished service as a Command Chief.

CMSgt (Ret) Tim Bayes is the Founder & Leadership Consultant at Yes…You, LLC. Tim is a visionary leader, U.S. Air Force veteran, and seasoned executive with over 26 years of experience guiding large-scale operations, infrastructure programs, and organizational transformation. Holding a Master of Public Policy and Project Management Professional certification, he has led diverse teams of up to 4,200 personnel, managed multimillion-dollar budgets, and overseen complex projects spanning transportation, construction, and defense operations. Tim’s distinguished military career culminated as Command Chief of Dover Air Force Base.

CMSgt (Ret) Dr Emily Shade was raised in Oregon, joined USAF in 1994, and retired in 2018. Married to Jeromy, they have a 14-year-old son, Kambell, in the house and daughter, Kiyana, who is Active Duty USAF and stationed at Fairchild AFB. Dr Shade is currently serving as the civilian Director of A9 for the Barnes Center for Enlisted Education. She's an avid reader, beekeeper, and hiker.

Captain Pierce Risinger is a USAF Maintenance Officer who is transitioning to the Acquisition field. He received his commission in 2021 from the United States Air Force Academy. He has held a variety of maintenance assignments at the squadron and group levels supporting F-16C/D and HH-60G/W maintenance. During previous operational assignments, he led combat sortie generation, aircraft maintenance, as well as logistics and sustainment operations in combatant command AORs. Captain Risinger has deployed in support of Operations INHERENT RESOLVE and SPARTAN SHIELD.