The Tactical Pause: Army Veteran Felicia Hammond on Survival Mode, Motherhood, and Healing After Service

The Tactical Pause: Army Veteran Felicia Hammond on Survival Mode, Motherhood, and Healing After Service

Summary: What happens when the strength that helped you survive starts keeping you from truly living? In this heartfelt episode of Dog Tag Diaries, Captain Kim sits down with Army veteran, author, and women’s healing mentor Felicia Hammond. Felicia shares her powerful journey from growing up in Liberia as a firstborn daughter with adult responsibilities, to homelessness in the U.S., military service, motherhood, divorce, and learning how to slow down after years of living on high alert. Through her memoir, The Tactical Pause, Felicia opens up about emotional suppression, faith, nervous system healing, and the brave work of coming back to herself. Her story reminds military women that healing is not weakness. It is a return to truth, safety, and self-love. In this episode, we cover: * Felicia Hammond’s childhood in Liberia * Growing up as a firstborn daughter with early responsibility * Coming to the U.S. at 17 * Facing homelessness while still in high school * Why she was drawn to the Army uniform * Joining the Army as a financial management specialist * Serving as a woman of color in uniform * Motherhood, single parenting, and military expectations * The pressure to overperform as a woman in the Army * Life after military service and divorce * How impulsive reactions showed up after service * The meaning behind The Tactical Pause * Journaling, meditation, faith, and emotional healing * Turning her private healing work into a memoir * Why women veterans need to know they are not alone Notable Quotes & Moments: * “Every second counts.” Felicia Hammond on the military mindset that shaped her reactions [00:36:32] * “I need you to take five minutes before you respond.” Felicia on the homework that became The Tactical Pause [00:39:43] * “I felt like I was about to die.” Felicia on learning to pause after years of survival mode [00:40:45] Episode highlights: * 00:01:48 - Meet Felicia Hammond and her memoir The Tactical Pause * 00:04:22 - Felicia’s childhood in Liberia * 00:06:17 - Life as a firstborn daughter in West Africa * 00:15:27 - Coming to the U.S. at 17 * 00:16:30 - Facing homelessness while finishing high school * 00:20:36 - Walking into the recruiter’s office * 00:27:18 - Being a woman of color in uniform * 00:29:47 - Motherhood, childcare, and military demands * 00:34:28 - The meaning behind The Tactical Pause * 00:42:51 - Turning journals, meditation, and healing into a memoir About Felicia: Felecia Hammond is a U.S. Army veteran, memoirist, and women’s healing mentor in development. She is the author of The Tactical Pause, a deeply personal memoir exploring trauma, awakening, and reclaiming identity after years of living in survival mode. Through her writing and future coaching practice, she is passionate about helping women regulate their nervous systems, break emotional patterns, and reconnect with themselves through compassion and clarity. Connect with Felicia: * YouTube: Your Wellness Matters YouTube Channel [https://www.youtube.com/@Yourwellnessmatter?utm_source=chatgpt.com] * Facebook: Felecia Hammond Facebook Page [https://www.facebook.com/share/1K3XBiTize/?utm_source=chatgpt.com] * Email: hammondf17@gmail.com [hammondf17@gmail.com] Be sure to follow or subscribe to Dog Tag Diaries wherever you listen to podcasts. Learn more about the Reveille and Retreat Project: reveilleandretreatproject.org [https://reveilleandretreatproject.org/] Instagram: @reveilleandretreatproject [https://www.instagram.com/reveilleandretreatproject] Facebook: Reveille and Retreat Project [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100088145736131] 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 [https://www.veteranscrisisline.net/], or text 838255.

Marine Combat Correspondent, Navy Officer, and the Mission to Tell Stories That Matter with Amy Forsythe

Summary: What does it mean to stand at the edge of history and be trusted to tell the story? In this powerful episode of Dog Tag Diaries, Captain Kim sits down with Amy Forsythe, a Marine veteran and retired Navy Lieutenant Commander with more than 30 years of service. Amy shares how growing up in Northern California, playing sports, and hearing her family’s military stories led her to the Marine Corps. From Guantanamo Bay to Iraq and Afghanistan, Amy used her camera, voice, and heart to document service, crisis, sacrifice, and the people behind the mission. She also shares the story behind her book Heroes Live Here, the launch of MediaBridge.io, and why women veterans must keep using their voices with purpose. In this episode, we cover: * Amy Forsythe’s childhood in Northern California * Her family’s military legacy * Why she chose the Marine Corps * Becoming a Marine combat correspondent * Her first major humanitarian mission in Guantanamo Bay * Deployments to Afghanistan and Iraq * The responsibility of telling military stories accurately * Transitioning from Marine enlisted service to Navy public affairs officer * Writing Heroes Live Here to honor fallen Marines * Launching MediaBridge.io to connect experts with media opportunities * Why women veterans need to share their stories * Amy’s advice to service members, veterans, and military women Notable Quotes & Moments: * “If I could tell stories, bridge the gap between the civilian community and the military, that would be ideal.” Amy Forsythe on choosing combat correspondence [00:12:26] * “A page or two and a story about one Marine can make a big difference.” Amy Forsythe on honoring Gold Star families through Heroes Live Here [00:31:15] * “Don’t take no for an answer. If you want something, go for it.” Amy Forsythe’s advice to women in and out of uniform [00:42:00] * “Your message could be someone else’s lifeline.” Amy Forsythe on the power of sharing your story [00:46:13] Episode highlights: * 00:01:59 - Meet Amy Forsythe and her 30-year military career * 00:03:50 - Growing up in Santa Rosa, California * 00:07:45 - Why Amy chose the Marine Corps * 00:11:47 - Becoming a combat correspondent * 00:13:33 - Guantanamo Bay and Amy’s first humanitarian mission * 00:15:13 - Deploying to Afghanistan after 9/11 * 00:20:11 - Lessons that carried into Iraq and Afghanistan * 00:23:39 - Moving from the Marine Corps to the Navy * 00:24:15 - Becoming a Navy public affairs officer * 00:30:18 - The story behind Heroes Live Here * 00:35:17 - Launching MediaBridge.io * 00:37:33 - Volunteering and supporting the veteran community * 00:39:35 - Encouraging women veterans to speak, write, and share * 00:42:00 - Amy’s advice: be a resource and keep going * 00:46:03 - Why your message can be someone’s lifeline About Amy: Amy Forsythe is a Marine veteran, retired Navy Lieutenant Commander, award-winning journalist, author, and military storyteller. Over more than 30 years of service, she worked as a Marine combat correspondent and Navy public affairs officer, documenting humanitarian missions, combat operations, and global military work. She deployed to places including Guantanamo Bay, Afghanistan, Iraq, Romania, Poland, Malaysia, and Sri Lanka. Amy is the author of Heroes Live Here, a tribute to the memorials and fallen Marines of Camp Pendleton, and the founder of MediaBridge.io, a platform built to connect trusted voices with media opportunities. Connect + Learn More * Website: www.mediabridge.io * Book: Heroes Live Here www.heroeslivehere.net * Instagram: http://instagram.com/amyforsythe760 * LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/amyforsythe * LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/AmyForsythe Be sure to follow or subscribe to Dog Tag Diaries wherever you listen to podcasts. Learn more about the Reveille and Retreat Project: reveilleandretreatproject.org [https://reveilleandretreatproject.org/] Instagram: @reveilleandretreatproject [https://www.instagram.com/reveilleandretreatproject] Facebook: Reveille and Retreat Project [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100088145736131] 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 [https://www.veteranscrisisline.net/], or text 838255.

CIA Officer Rachel Cuda on Sexual Assault, Military Service, and Fighting for Accountability

Summary: What happens when your dream job becomes the place where you have to fight to be believed? In this powerful episode of Dog Tag Diaries, Captain Kim sits down with Rachel Cuda, a former undercover CIA officer, military contractor, Navy SEAL daughter, and SEAL spouse. Rachel shares what it was like growing up in the military community, marrying back into the SEAL world, and stepping into her dream role at the CIA. After experiencing sexual assault at CIA headquarters, Rachel faced fear, pushback, and isolation from the system she had trusted. With support from her husband, family, coworkers, and legal team, she took her story to law enforcement and Congress. Her courage helped move major reform forward for survivors inside the intelligence community. In this episode, we cover: * Rachel Cuda’s childhood as the daughter of a Navy SEAL * Meeting and marrying her husband, a Navy SEAL officer * The unseen sacrifices of military spouses * Advocating for her husband’s health during his SEAL career * Rachel’s dream of serving at the CIA * What CIA culture felt like as a woman * The sexual assault Rachel experienced at CIA headquarters * Reporting the assault and being told not to go outside the agency * Going to law enforcement and Congress * Her message to survivors: you did nothing wrong Notable Quotes & Moments: * “There’s no way in which we get to an appropriate reasoning to strangle a woman in her workplace ever.” Rachel Cuda on the assault she experienced at CIA headquarters [00:23:49] * “I do not feel safe.” Rachel Cuda on asking for basic protection after reporting the assault [00:32:44] * “You do not quit that place. You hold every single last one of them accountable.” Rachel’s father encouraging her to keep fighting [00:36:09] * “If not you, then who?” Rachel’s attorney before she briefed Congress [00:39:17] * “I’m never out of the fight.” Rachel on the words she repeated to keep going [00:42:58] * “There is no shame in this. You didn’t do anything wrong.” Rachel’s message to survivors [00:55:38] Episode highlights: * 00:02:04 - Meet Rachel Cuda and her story of service, identity, and accountability * 00:03:21 - Growing up as the daughter of a Navy SEAL * 00:04:30 - Marrying a Navy SEAL and returning to the SEAL community * 00:07:09 - Life as a SEAL spouse while keeping her own identity * 00:11:38 - Advocating for her husband’s health during his SEAL career * 00:15:21 - Rachel’s path to her dream role at the CIA * 00:19:47 - The assault at CIA headquarters * 00:28:01 - Being told not to go to law enforcement * 00:37:47 - Taking the case to Congress and pushing for accountability * 00:48:29 - Retaliation, being fired, and continuing the fight for survivors About Rachel Cuda: Rachel Cuda is a former undercover CIA officer, current military contractor, Navy SEAL daughter, and SEAL spouse. Her life has been shaped by service, family, and a deep belief in doing what is right. After experiencing sexual assault at CIA headquarters, Rachel reported what happened, pushed back against institutional silence, and took her case to law enforcement and Congress. Her testimony helped drive major legislative reform for sexual assault reporting inside the intelligence community. Today, Rachel continues to speak for survivors and reminds them that they are not alone, they are not to blame, and their stories matter. Connect + Learn More * Instagram: @rachel.cuda * LinkedIn: Rachel Cuda * RAINN National Sexual Assault Hotline * Call 800-656-HOPE (4673) * Or chat online at rainn.org [http://rainn.org/] (24/7, confidential) * Safe Helpline (for military service members) * Call 877-995-5247 * Or visit safehelpline.org [http://safehelpline.org/] (24/7, confidential) * National Domestic Violence Hotline * Call 1-800-799-7233 or text START to 88788 * thehotline.org [http://thehotline.org/] (24/7 support) * Veterans Crisis Line * Dial 988, then press 1 * Or text 838255 * veteranscrisisline.net [http://veteranscrisisline.net/] (24/7, confidential) * Emergency: If you are in immediate danger, call 911 Be sure to follow or subscribe to Dog Tag Diaries wherever you listen to podcasts. Learn more about the Reveille and Retreat Project: reveilleandretreatproject.org [https://reveilleandretreatproject.org/] Instagram: @reveilleandretreatproject [https://www.instagram.com/reveilleandretreatproject] Facebook: Reveille and Retreat Project [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100088145736131] 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 [https://www.veteranscrisisline.net/], or text 838255.

Shelley Rood on the Wildflower Assessment, Women Veterans, and Serving Without Losing Yourself

Summary: What happens when service becomes more than what you do and starts shaping who you are? In this heartfelt episode of Dog Tag Diaries, Captain Kim sits down with Shelley Rood, a former U.S. Army Intelligence Officer, speaker, and creator of the Wildflower Assessment. Shelley shares how 16 years of service, a painful discharge, faith, motherhood, and her love for women veterans led her to build a new way of helping others feel seen. Through her Others Over Self philosophy and the Wildflower Assessment, Shelley helps women veterans better understand their leadership style, communication needs, relationships, and personal growth. This conversation is full of honesty, friendship, purpose, and a powerful reminder that serving others should not mean losing your own spark. In this episode, we cover: * Shelley Rood’s childhood and early drive for personal achievement * How 9/11 led Shelley toward military service * Her 16 years as a U.S. Army Intelligence Officer * The painful end of her military career * Shelley’s desire to become a chaplain * Faith, divorce, motherhood, and personal growth * Building stronger friendships with women veterans * The origin of the Wildflower Assessment * How the flower types help women understand themselves * Why women veterans need more than red, white, and blue support * Shelley’s role as keynote speaker for Women Veterans Engage Notable Quotes & Moments: * “Do you need to be a soldier to serve the soldiers?” Shelley on the question that changed her path [00:13:02] * “Please move me in the way that I’m supposed to move today.” Shelley on her daily grounding practice [00:15:10] * “When you can learn the flowers of the other women, you can love the women more.” Shelley on the heart behind the Wildflower Assessment [00:31:06] * “Femininity does not have to equal cutesy.” Shelley on helping women veterans define womanhood for themselves [00:40:05] Episode highlights: * 00:02:03 - Shelley’s work in leadership, mental wellness, and purpose-driven living * 00:05:29 - How 9/11 shifted Shelley’s path into military service * 00:07:36 - Studying journalism, communications, and military science * 00:09:34 - Faith, divorce, and the desire to become a chaplain * 00:11:42 - Being honorably discharged by email * 00:12:43 - The moment Shelley realized she could still serve soldiers * 00:15:03 - Asking, “What am I supposed to do next?” * 00:18:26 - Learning to build better friendships with women veterans * 00:24:18 - The origin story of the Wildflower Assessment * 00:27:08 - How the eight flower types work * 00:30:00 - Tension pairings and understanding relationships * 00:37:37 - Shelley becoming the keynote speaker for Women Veterans Engage * 00:39:53 - Redefining femininity for women veterans About Shelly Rood: Shelley Rood is a former U.S. Army Intelligence Officer who served for 16 years and rose to the rank of captain. She is the founder of Mission: Ambition LLC, the creator of the Others Over Self philosophy, and the creator of the Wildflower Assessment, a self-awareness and leadership tool built for women veterans. Shelley’s work focuses on purpose, mental wellness, leadership, connection, and helping women veterans better understand themselves and each other. She is also the keynote speaker for the National Women Veterans Engage Conference, where she will guide attendees through the Wildflower Assessment and help create deeper connection among women who have served. The conversation also explores the Wildflower Assessment, created by Shelly Rood as a tool to help individuals better understand their personality patterns, communication styles, leadership tendencies, strengths, and areas for growth. Shelly shares how the assessment was developed and why self-awareness is such an important part of both leadership and mental wellness. Shelly will also serve as the keynote speaker for the National Women Veterans ENGAGE Conference, where she will present the Wildflower Assessment experience for women veterans across the country. Others Over Self Official Website https://othersoverself.com [https://othersoverself.com/] Learn more: • The Wildflower Personality Assessment for Women Veterans https://othersoverself.com/business/the-wildflower-personality-assessment-for-women-veterans/ [https://othersoverself.com/business/the-wildflower-personality-assessment-for-women-veterans/] • Mission Wildflower by Shelly Rood (Substack) https://shellyrood.substack.com [https://shellyrood.substack.com/] • Shelly Rood YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNb2c-diiJJBnkGfEa3Eybg [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNb2c-diiJJBnkGfEa3Eybg] • Hardcore and At Ease Podcast on Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/5pWcy4IAd94Zj6jHv4rdoM [https://open.spotify.com/show/5pWcy4IAd94Zj6jHv4rdoM] • Women Veterans ENGAGE Conference Keynote Announcement https://www.womenveteransalliance.com/announcing-our-keynote-speaker-for-women-veterans-engage/ [https://www.womenveteransalliance.com/announcing-our-keynote-speaker-for-women-veterans-engage/] • Women Veterans Alliance Facebook Announcement https://www.facebook.com/womenveteransalliance/posts/we-are-thrilled-to-welcome-shelly-rood-as-our-featured-guest-speaker-for-2026-wo/1284384977234619/ [https://www.facebook.com/womenveteransalliance/posts/we-are-thrilled-to-welcome-shelly-rood-as-our-featured-guest-speaker-for-2026-wo/1284384977234619/] • Others Over Self Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/othersoverself/ [https://www.facebook.com/othersoverself/] • Shelly Rood Vimeo Channel https://vimeo.com/othersoverself [https://vimeo.com/othersoverself] Be sure to follow or subscribe to Dog Tag Diaries wherever you listen to podcasts. Learn more about the Reveille and Retreat Project: reveilleandretreatproject.org [https://reveilleandretreatproject.org/] Instagram: @reveilleandretreatproject [https://www.instagram.com/reveilleandretreatproject] Facebook: Reveille and Retreat Project [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100088145736131] 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 [https://www.veteranscrisisline.net/], or text 838255.

How Art Helps Veterans Heal: Navy Veteran Phyllis Thomas on PTS, Creativity, and Veteran Community

Summary: What if art is not optional, but one of the tools veterans need most to heal? In this episode of Dog Tag Diaries, Captain Kim sits down with Navy veteran, artist, and Veteran Art Venue founder Phyllis Thomas to talk about creativity, service, healing, and purpose. Phyllis shares how her love for art began as a child in Watts, how her parents helped grow that gift, and how she carried it into her Navy career in illustration drafting. She explains why art can help veterans express what words cannot, lower stress, and build trust again. Through her Paint and Snack sessions, Phyllis has spent more than a decade helping veterans reconnect with themselves, each other, and their communities. In this episode, we cover: * Phyllis Thomas’s childhood in Watts and discovering art early * How her parents supported her creative gift * Growing up during Vietnam, the Watts riots, and social change * Why Phyllis chose to join the United States Navy * Working in Navy illustration drafting and technical art * Serving as a Black woman in uniform in the 1970s * Using art to ease stress among active duty service members * Why Phyllis believes everyone has an artist inside them * Creating Veteran Art Venue and Paint and Snack sessions * How art helps veterans express pain without needing words * Paint on the Fence as a creative stress release * Using art to connect veterans and civilians * Phyllis’s Johnny Depp People’s Art Contest opportunity and her goal to support more veteran artists Notable Quotes & Moments: * “There is an artist within everyone.” Phyllis Thomas on helping veterans believe in their own creativity [00:16:44] * “Leave your self-critic and your self-doubt at the door.” Phyllis Thomas on the first step in her art sessions [00:27:00] * “Words can trigger points.” Phyllis Thomas on why visual expression can feel safer for veterans [00:31:45] * “Visual beyond words.” Phyllis Thomas on her motto and the power of art [00:33:01] * “It’s not a luxury. It’s an essence of life building.” Phyllis Thomas on why art matters [00:42:21] Timestamps: * 00:01:42 - Meet Navy veteran and artist Phyllis Thomas * 00:03:54 - Phyllis’s childhood in Watts and the moment her parents saw her gift * 00:07:37 - Growing up during Vietnam, funerals, and the Watts riots * 00:09:53 - How Phyllis found her way into the military * 00:14:04 - Navy illustration drafting and working with ship blueprints * 00:18:21 - Being a Black woman in uniform in the early 1970s * 00:20:01 - Defending herself and helping other women feel safer * 00:24:10 - Leaving the Navy and continuing her education * 00:26:30 - Creating Veteran Art Venue * 00:28:00 - How Paint and Snack sessions work * 00:31:32 - Why art is essential for veterans * 00:33:14 - How “visual beyond words” came to life * 00:34:26 - Paint on the Fence and creative stress release * 00:37:46 - Johnny Depp’s People’s Art Contest and Phyllis’s mission * 00:42:01 - Using art to bridge veterans and civilians * 00:44:12 - Reveille and Retreat Project closing message About Phyllis Thomas: Phyllis Thomas is a United States Navy veteran, artist, founder of Veteran Art Venue, and longtime advocate for veteran healing through creative expression. Her work began in childhood in Watts and later became part of her military service through Navy illustration drafting. Today, Phyllis leads art-based programs like Paint and Snack, where veterans can relax, create, connect, and express what may be hard to say out loud. Her mission is to show that art is not extra. It is a powerful tool for emotional health, community, and hope. Connect and learn more: Website: https://meroegallery.com/ [https://meroegallery.com/] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PHYL4art/ [https://www.facebook.com/PHYL4art/] Artist Profile: https://peoplesartist.org/phyllis-thomas--6HDi [https://peoplesartist.org/phyllis-thomas--6HDi] Magazine Feature: https://simplebooklet.com/avowmagazinewinter20222023 [https://simplebooklet.com/avowmagazinewinter20222023] (pages 16–21) Be sure to follow or subscribe to Dog Tag Diaries wherever you listen to podcasts. Learn more about the Reveille and Retreat Project: reveilleandretreatproject.org [https://reveilleandretreatproject.org/] Instagram: @reveilleandretreatproject [https://www.instagram.com/reveilleandretreatproject] Facebook: Reveille and Retreat Project [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100088145736131] 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 [https://www.veteranscrisisline.net/], or text 838255.