Phantom Fuel

Phantom Fuel Episode 016 “Flames and Filtered Coffee: Protecting Nebraska, Expanding Alliances & Building Unit Morale”

🎧 Episode Summary May is here, and the Nebraska National Guard has been operating at maximum capacity. Fill-in host SMSgt Mandy Denhardt returns to recap a historic month of domestic responses and global missions. From fighting massive wildfires in the Sandhills to formalizing international partnerships in East Africa, we cover what it means to be "Always Ready". Plus, we sit down with the masterminds behind the new drill-weekend coffee shop to talk morale, mentorship, and why we desperately need your help naming the new space. SMSgt Mandy Denhardt is holding down the fort, but we are still looking for the permanent voice of the Phantom Fuel Podcast. If you are ready to take the mic, reach out to your First Sergeant or Innovation Chief Nelson today. * Historic Wildfire Response: Nebraska faced devastating wildfires in March, with the Morrill and Cottonwood fires scorching over 820,000 acres. We highlight the 155th ARW and Army Guard members who joined emergency response crews for grueling mop-up operations. * Global Deployments & Family Support: While our KC-135s deploy worldwide, we honor the families holding down the home front. Need support? Contact Military & Family Readiness Manager Lindsey Kuschel at 402-309-1588 or utilize Military OneSource. * The Coffee Shop Interview: Guest interviewer MSgt Darren Davlin sits down with MSgt Tony Elder and MSgt Caitlin Grossrhode. They discuss the launch of the recently opened Wing Headquarters coffee bar (open 0630-0830 on drill weekends), the importance of "collision spaces" for networking, and how goodwill donations made it happen. * Guard Highlights & News: * Recruiting: Over 450 students attended the 155th's massive Open Hangar event, getting hands-on with 45 career fields. * Best Warrior Competition: Congratulations to Enlisted winner Spc. Logan Kelly and NCO winner SSgt Austin Roach, who will represent Nebraska at Regionals. * State Partnership Program: Maj Gen Strong traveled to Dar Es Salaam to officially welcome Tanzania as our newest State Partner. * 170th Group Wins: Celebrating the deployed crew that won the prestigious Palm Trophy, and honoring the MXSS Maintenance Professionals of the Year. * Safety & Morale: A friendly summer safety reminder that flip-flops are not approved lawn-mowing PPE, plus details on the upcoming JFHQ Chalk Art Contest starting May 19th. ☕ Name the Coffee Bar!The Top 3 Council brought the coffee, but we need you to bring the name. Submit your best, most creative names for the new shop using the link below. * Click Here [https://forms.gle/jiikL7tzGEZJR97v8] 🫵 Submit Feedback or Volunteer to HostWant to sit in the host's chair? Have an idea for a future episode? * Phantom Fuel Feedback & Co-Host Form [https://forms.gle/6o6XwnJWgJXs77Bm6] Your interaction is the fuel that keeps this podcast running and elevates the voices of the Nebraska National Guard. * Rate & Review: If you are listening on Spotify or Apple Podcasts, please leave a 5-star rating and drop a review. * Never Miss an Episode: Hit the bell icon to turn on alerts for our drops on the first Thursday of every month. * Air Force Connect App: Stream the podcast on the go! Open the AF Connect app, favorite the 155th Wing, and listen directly from your phone. Until next time — take care, stay safe, stay connected, and keep fueling the mission. 🎙️ The Search Continues: We Need a Permanent Host!🚀 In This Episode🔗 Mentioned in this Episode📢 Help Us Fuel the Mission

Phantom Fuel Episode 015 “The Next Chapter: Command Perspectives, Inspection Wins & Stepping Up”

Release Date: April 2026 Season: 2 | Episode: 15 We are back! After a brief pause in March, the Phantom Fuel Podcast returns with a massive update. In this episode, we address the recent silence, celebrate the retirement and transition of our founding producer, RJ, and introduce our fill-in host, SMSgt Mandy Denhardt. We also bring you a powerhouse interview with retired Major General Rick Evans, and catch you up on a busy month of deployments, inspections, and historic milestones across the Nebraska National Guard. A special welcome to SMSgt Mandy Denhardt, who steps up to the mic to guide us through this transition period. As RJ prepares for his well-deserved retirement, we are officially searching for the next voice and producer of the Phantom Fuel Podcast. Could it be you? * Strategic Perspectives: Chief Eddie sits down with retired Major General Rick Evans, current Executive Director at the National Strategic Research Institute (NSRI), to discuss his Guard history and the vital relationship between Nebraska and USSTRATCOM. * The March Recap: We missed a month, but the mission didn't stop. We cover the Army Guard's deployment to Washington D.C., the inaugural Warrant Officer Hall of Fame class, and the 155th Wing's highly successful Combat Readiness Inspection (CRI). * Honoring Excellence: Highlighting the 170th Group's SrA Kinslow (Outstanding Airman of the Year), the 43rd Army Band's honor band mentorship, and an Elm Creek civilian employer receiving the ESGR Patriot Award. Spring Safety Brief: April means motorcycles are back on the road and patio season is open. Have a plan, watch your blind spots, and make the smart call. ☕ Vote for the Coffee Bar Name! The submissions are in, and now it’s time to decide. Help us name the new coffee bar by casting your vote below. Click Here [https://forms.gle/jiikL7tzGEZJR97v8] 🎙️ Step Up to the Mic: We Need a New Host! Are you the next voice of the Nebraska Air National Guard? We are looking for a new host and producer to take over the Phantom Fuel Podcast. * Reach out to your First Sergeant or the A1 staff of Chief Nelson (Innovation Director) to throw your name in the hat. 🏕️ Summer Youth Camps (Grades K-8) The Nebraska Guard has partnered with Bright Lights and 4-H to offer discounted summer activities for Guard families. Supplies are limited! * Contact Gabrielle Onate at 402-309-7338 or scan the QR codes on flyers around base. 🥂 Emerald Social Update The Emerald Social has been rescheduled, not canceled! Refunds are being processed for current ticketholders, and the team is working to make the new date even better. Stay tuned for details. Whether you want to be the next host, have a story we need to cover, or just want to leave some feedback for Mandy and RJ, we want to hear from you! 👇 Click the link below to submit feedback or volunteer:Phantom Fuel Feedback & Co-Host Form [https://forms.gle/6o6XwnJWgJXs77Bm6] * Review us on Spotify: Every comment helps boost the podcast! * Share the Show: Help us elevate the voice of the Nebraska National Guard by sharing this episode with a friend or fellow Airman. Until next time — take care, stay safe, stay connected, and keep fueling the mission.

Phantom Fuel Episode 014 "The Deputy & The Diamond: Honoring Heritage & Global Impact"

Release Date: February 5, 2026Season: 2 | Episode: 14 February is a short month, but the mission list is long. As the 155th gears up for the Combat Readiness Inspection (CRI), we take a step back to look at the big picture of Nebraska leadership. From the freeze-thaw cycle on the flight line to the strategic partnerships at USSTRATCOM, this episode covers the full spectrum of "Always Ready." We are bringing the "Diamond" to the studio. TSgt Joseph, a newly appointed First Sergeant for Security Forces, sits down with RJ to offer a leadership perspective on inspection stress, Valentine's Day budgeting, and keeping Airmen safe. * The View from the Top: Chief Eddy sits down with Col Mueller, Deputy Wing Commander, to discuss his career path, what a Deputy actually does, and the vital link between the Guard, USSTRATCOM, and our State Partners. * 171 Years Strong: We missed a birthday! A look back at the Nebraska National Guard’s origins in 1854 and the legacy we carry today. * Recruiting Wins: A huge shoutout to the Nebraska Recruiting Team for being coined after a record-breaking year of accessions in 2025. * Safety Brief: Surviving the February freeze-thaw, driving on ice, and financial advice for Valentine's Day (don't buy that ring at 28% APR!). * Always Ready: A recap of the End of Year video from the Command Team. ☕ Vote for the Coffee Bar Name!The submissions are in, and now it’s time to decide. Help us name the new coffee bar by casting your vote below. * https://forms.gle/jiikL7tzGEZJR97v8 🥂 Emerald Social (March Drill)LAST CALL: This is your final chance to register. Do not miss the dinner, awards, and camaraderie. * Scan the QR code on the flyers around base or check your email to reserve your hotel immediately. 🫵 Join the TeamOur recruiters broke records last year because people want to be part of this mission. * Interested in joining the Nebraska Air National Guard? Contact a local recruiter today or visit the Nebraska Guard Website. Did you like the First Sergeant perspective? Have a question for leadership? Want to volunteer as a co-host? 👇 Click the link below to submit feedback or volunteer:Phantom Fuel Feedback & Co-Host Form [https://forms.gle/6o6XwnJWgJXs77Bm6] * Review us on Spotify: Every comment helps boost the Nebraska voices! * Share the Show: Help us boost the voice of the Nebraska National Guard by sharing this episode with a friend. Until next time — take care, stay safe, stay connected, and keep fueling the mission.

Phantom Fuel Episode 013 “Season Two Launch: Retirement Readiness, Historic Tributes & Securing the Legacy”

🎧 Episode Summary We are back for Season 2! In this premiere episode, we kick off 2026 with a refreshed format and a special focus on "Future You." Whether you are one year in or twenty years deep, financial readiness is mission-critical. We break down why retirement planning shouldn't wait and how the Blended Retirement System (BRS) affects you. Plus, we honor the end of an era for Nebraska’s Airborne, share a moving story from the 155th AFE, and look ahead to upcoming events. For the first time, we welcome a listener-turned-co-host to the mic! SSgt Lauren Gonzalez from the FSS Personnel Flight joins RJ to share her story, offer her perspective on the new year, and prove that your feedback truly shapes this show. * The Season 2 Launch: A new look, a tighter format, and what to expect in 2026. * Retirement Readiness w/ Cara Lokin: Why starting your financial planning now is the ultimate cheat code for a stress-free career. * Mission Spotlight: The 155th AFE team steps up for an unexpected and heavy DPAA mission, bringing closure to families of WWII service members. * End of an Era: The 2-134th Infantry (Airborne) conducts their final jumps, closing a 40-year chapter of Nebraska history. * Community & Morale: Recapping the 170th’s Gatsby Holiday Party and a look ahead to the 155th Wing Holiday Party in March. ☕ Name the New Coffee Bar! We need your creativity. The new coffee bar needs a name, and we want you to choose it. * https://forms.gle/jiikL7tzGEZJR97v8 [https://forms.gle/jiikL7tzGEZJR97v8] 📅 155th Wing Holiday Party (March)Don't wait—get your tickets for the "March Madness" holiday celebration. * Check the flyers around base for the QR code or see your First Sergeant. Did you like the new format? Have a story we missed? Want to join us as a guest host like SSgt Gonzalez? 👇 Click the link below to submit feedback or volunteer:Phantom Fuel Feedback & Co-Host Form [https://forms.gle/6o6XwnJWgJXs77Bm6] * Review us on Spotify: Every comment is an entry into our future giveaways! * Share the Show: Help us boost the voice of the Nebraska National Guard by sharing this episode with a friend. Until next time — take care, stay safe, stay connected, and keep fueling the mission.

Phantom Fuel Episode 012 "One Year Strong: Innovation, Insight & The Fuel That Keeps Us Going"

One Year Anniversary Episode Celebrate one year of Phantom Fuel. RJ sits down with Chief Hruby — the driving force behind the Spark Cell and the Innovation Team — to talk about how the podcast got started, innovation in the Guard, leadership, and the power of new ideas. Then we rewind the year: highlights, hard lessons, big wins, and the moments that made Season 1 special. Throughout the year we had a fun lightning round RJ runs the five lightning-round questions with all the years guests and we debut this fun section in this episode!! Catch up fast on what’s been happening across Nebraska and beyond: * Turkey Trot 5K recap (November drill) * New State Partnership Program announcement (Republic of the Marshall Islands) * Training wins, community partnerships, and more Quick, practical reminders for the season — travel smart, shop safely, check extension cords, keep real trees watered, and take time to breathe. Over the past months we gave everyone a chance to enter twice each month (one Spotify comment + one anonymous feedback form entry) for a shot at a $50 Amazon gift card. Because the November episode was delayed, we extended the window to include all entries through Nov 20. We do not reveal the winner here in the show notes. Tune in to this episode to hear the name announced live — you’ve got to listen to find out if you won! 💬 Tell us what you think of the show🎙️ Suggest topics you want covered📣 Sign up to be a co-host or full-time host Submit ideas / join the show: https://forms.gle/6o6XwnJWgJXs77Bm6 [https://forms.gle/6o6XwnJWgJXs77Bm6]