“Leading your peers is the hardest thing to do.”

Matt Lange served 22 years in the Marine Corps, retiring as a Master Gunnery Sergeant. In this unfiltered conversation, he reflects on leadership, MAWTS-1, deployments, Marine Air Traffic Control, and what it means to step away from the uniform after more than two decades of service. This is two Marines talking — no script, no production spin — just experience and perspective.

Why This Matters: Many veterans wrestle with leadership, identity, and transition after long service. Matt’s experience highlights what it means to lead peers, carry responsibility, and eventually step away with perspective. His story reflects a reality shared across all branches — service shapes you long after you hang up the uniform.

If you’ve served — in any branch — share what long service taught you. This is a veteran-to-veteran space.

Omen Quelvog, a retired Marine officer, joins the show to discuss his transition from a 25-year military career to his new path in financial planning. He shares the reality of moving away from the military community and the "night and day" difference of life as a civilian professional.

Topics Discussed:

- The emotional impact of leaving the military community.

- Transitioning from a technical Marine officer role to financial planning.

- Navigating identity after 25 years of service.

- The importance of hearing other veteran stories.

- Career advice for veterans for a new direction.

Why This Matters: The transition out of the military is often more than just a job change; it’s a shift in community. Omen’s experience provides a grounded look at how to navigate that shift while pursuing a completely new career path. How did you find your new community after service? Share your experience in the comments below.

Omen Quelvog also has his own podcast called the FiscalFoxhole found here https://www.youtube.com/@UC_Ma17WI6KhQkd_2nx1Ud1A

Military & Retiree Financial Planning Services. https://www.4myndr.com/services

“I didn’t want a new chapter. I wanted a completely different book.” After 20 years in the Marine Corps — including deployments in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Inherent Resolve — Becca retired expecting clarity and calm. - Instead, she found loneliness. - In this episode of The Unsung Veteran, we talk about: - Serving over two decades as a Marine manpower officer (0102) - Deployment realities and leadership responsibility - Carrying the weight of loss - Slowing down after retirement - The loss of built-in military community - Why “social wellness” matters for veterans and families Today, Becca is a certified relational health coach and social wellness educator helping veterans and their families rebuild connection after transition. Learn more about her work here: 👉 https://www.beccaspahr.com/ There are countless resources for jobs, housing, and healthcare. Far fewer teach veterans how to rebuild belonging. If you’re a veteran navigating transition — or a family member trying to understand it — this conversation is for you. Veterans — if this resonates, reach out in the comments or messages. You are not alone.