Episode 9- Karen Hennigan- Becoming the Calm in the Storm

Episode 9- Karen Hennigan- Becoming the Calm in the Storm

Content Warning: This episode contains discussions of sensitive topics, including sexual assault and rape, which may be triggering for some listeners. Please take care while listening. "Hero Stories" Episode Featuring Karen Hinnegan In this powerful episode of Hero Stories, Karen Hinnegan, a 23-year Air Force veteran, attorney, and leader, shares her extraordinary journey of service, resilience, and healing. From pioneering an all-female combat mission to navigating personal grief amid a global pandemic, her story is a testament to the strength and grace of women warriors. Main Topics Covered: * Karen's military career, including her experience as an Air Force prosecutor and her role on the first all-female combat mission on a C-17 aircraft * Her international experiences working in Laos, Estonia, Sri Lanka, and Korea, supporting global anti-corruption and law enforcement efforts * Personal journey of grief after losing her parents to COVID-19 and how she found healing through music, meditation, and community * The creation of the Athena Grace Foundation to support women veterans and service members in recovery and connection * The importance of mental health normalization in the military and the unique challenges women face after service Timestamps: 00:04 - Welcome to Hero Stories with Karen Hinnegan, a veteran, attorney, and healer 01:52 - Reflecting on the impact of service and beginnings in officer training school 02:34 - Karen's motivation to join the military inspired by family of public servants 03:23 - From law school in DC to the military prosecutor role 04:15 - An amusing courtroom story involving her brother, a police officer in NYC 05:11 - Experience as a military prosecutor and training others in court 06:22 - Over 23 years in the AF Reserve, with international law missions abroad 07:23 - Working in Laos on anti-corruption initiatives and repatriation missions 08:56 - Recalling emotional moments with U.S. human remains and personal connection to Vietnam veterans 10:33 - Discussing the challenges Vietnam veterans faced with VA benefits 14:39 - Personal story of her father's struggle with PTSD and VA support 19:20 - Navigating her own grief during the COVID pandemic and her parents’ passing 25:57 - The mental health challenges of military service and normalization of seeking help 30:07 - Key moments as a prosecutor helping victims and mental health resilience 36:44 - Experiences in Saudi Arabia, navigating cultural differences and service abroad 39:54 - Supporting international legal efforts in Estonia, Sri Lanka, and Bosnia 44:03 - Transitioning to work with DOJ on financial crimes and international investigations 50:18 - Her move to Meta/Facebook and ongoing reserve service 54:45 - Personal reflection on her parents’ loss and coping with COVID’s toll 64:51 - Building community and healing through travel, music, and meditation 75:25 - Launching the Athena Grace Foundation for women veterans and service members 83:18 - Supporting women’s networks and the importance of shared experience 86:54 - Her experience on the first all-female combat mission on a C-17 aircraft 90:23 - Closing thoughts on resilience, community, and honoring service Resources & Links: * Athena Grace Foundation [https://athenagrace.org/] — Supporting women warriors in healing and community (Coming Soon)  * Meta / Facebook [https://about.fb.com/] — Karen’s employer and platform for service * The Geneva Conventions [https://ihl-databases.icrc.org/applic/ihl/ihl.nsf/vwTreaties1949.xsp] — International humanitarian law training * Hooks for Heroes [https://www.usvetconnect.com/adventure/hooks-for-heroes] — Supporting veterans through outdoor activities * Veterans Yoga Project [https://veteransyogaproject.org/] — Mindfulness and yoga for veterans * Veteran Affairs Benefits [https://www.va.gov/health-care/] — Explore mental health resources for veterans * VFW Support [https://www.vfw.org/] — Veterans of Foreign Wars support and resources Connect with Karen Hinnengan: * LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/karen-hennigan-37168210/] Follow us on Instagram @herostories2025 [https://instagram.com/herostories2025] for behind-the-scenes content, updates, and more inspiring stories! Closing note: Karen’s story underscores that resilience is about continuing to show up, heal, and find peace even in the face of profound life changes. Sharing stories like hers inspires us all to honor service, support mental health, and build communities of healing. Your support helps amplify the voices of women veterans and service members. Share this episode with someone who needs to hear it. @herostories2025

Episode8- Lines of Duty: From Flight Deck to Crime Scene with Kay Een

Hero Stories: Leadership, Resilience, and Service - Featuring Kay Een. Dive into the inspiring journey of Kay Een, a Navy veteran whose career spans air traffic control, NCIS special agent work, and impactful coaching. Discover how resilience, leadership, and adaptability shaped her life and service, offering valuable lessons for anyone navigating change and growth. Main Topics Covered: * Kay's diverse military career, from air traffic control to criminal investigations * The challenges and rewards of military service, deployments, and family life * Transitioning from active duty to coaching, emphasizing found purpose and identity * The importance of advocacy, resilience, and intentionality in career and life shifts * The role of coaching as a tool for self-reflection and transition support In this episode: * Kay shares her early decision to join the Navy after high school influenced by her family's military background * The rigorous training and high responsibility given to young service members * Her work as an air traffic controller and loadmaster, highlighting the stress and skills involved * The impact of 9/11 on her military service and the deployment to Qatar and Iraq * Transitioning from military to federal law enforcement with NCIS, specializing in cyber investigations and crimes against children * Leadership lessons learned from managing in Okinawa and supporting her family through multiple moves * Her shift into coaching and the importance of meaningfully navigating the “in-between” phases of life * The significance of advocacy, self-awareness, and intentional living post-retirement * Kay's current focus on helping others find purpose through coaching, grounded in her military discipline and compassion Timestamps: * (00:00) - Welcome and introduction to Kay's inspiring story * (01:25) - Kay discusses her motivation to join the Navy after high school * (03:09) - What it's like to train as an air traffic controller in the military * (04:18) - Kay was just 18 during her initial training * (06:01) - Serving in Pearl Harbor and her transition from reservist to active duty * (06:39) - Her decision to leave air traffic control and pursue forensic science * (07:25) - Early challenges and confidence building in air traffic control * (09:11) - Transition from Navy service to law enforcement with NCIS * (10:33) - Serving as a loadmaster on C-20 aircraft and aviation skills * (11:48) - The intense training and safety protocols for aircrew * (13:37) - Deployments during 9/11, including Iraq missions * (17:07) - Her internships and entry into NCIS training * (20:00) - Overview of NCIS special agent training and duties * (22:12) - Day-to-day life as an NCIS agent and investigation types * (30:42) - Specialization in crimes against children and cyber investigations * (32:48) - Leadership roles, family management, and career progression * (35:19) - Most memorable assignments, including Okinawa and Iraq * (37:17) - Navigating military family life and career sacrifices * (40:46) - Advocacy for military spouses and diversity initiatives * (43:39) - Transitioning from active duty and redefining purpose * (50:12) - Post-retirement activities, including hiking and coaching * (52:42) - Kay’s coaching approach and certification journey * (54:41) - Supporting others with Kaizen Island Coaching * (55:23) - Importance of reflection and intentional transition * (58:44) - Differences between coaching and therapy * (59:33) - Embracing structured life and finding personal identity * (60:36) - Supporting others through transition and uncertainty * (62:45) - Personal passions like water sports and reflecting on purpose * (63:39) - Final words of encouragement and thanking Kay * (64:11) - Reflection on service, leadership, and impact Resources: * Kaizen Island Coaching [https://www.kai-zenislandcoaching.com] — Kay's coaching practice * Coaching for Leadership & Organizational Well-being - George Mason University [https://wellbeing.gmu.edu/certificate-programs/leadership-coaching-for-organizational-well-being/] — Certification program * NCIS Official Website [https://www.ncis.navy.mil/] — Learn more about NCIS Connect with Kay Een: * LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/kay-een-bb7004212/] Note: Kay's story demonstrates that service, leadership, and impact take many forms—whether coordinating aircraft, solving crimes, or guiding others through life transitions. Her journey highlights resilience, purpose, and the power of finding your voice at every stage.Thank you for listening to Hero Stories. For your own hero story or to share someone else's, visit herostories.org [https://herostories.org/]. Keep supporting others and evolving your unique path. Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this episode are Kay's own and reflect her personal experiences. They do not represent the official positions, policies, or endorsements of the Naval Criminal Investigative Service, the Department of the Navy, the Department of Defense, or any other agency or department of the United States Government. @herostories2025

Carol Whitmore: Service and Legacy

In this inspiring episode, Carol Whitmore, the first woman to lead the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), shares her journey from Army service to national leadership. She discusses veteran advocacy, support for military families, the role of the VFW, POW/MIA recovery efforts, and her participation in a historic all-women parachute jump commemorating D-Day and the often-overlooked contributions of women during WWII.  keywords Veterans, Women in Military, VFW, Military Leadership, Veteran Support, D-Day, Parachute Jump, Military History, Veteran Advocacy, Women Veterans  key  topics Carol Whitmore's military career and leadership journey Challenges faced by women in the military The role of the VFW in veteran advocacy and support The significance of the all-women parachute jump for D-Day Issues facing young service members, including transportation and mental health  guest  name Carol Whitmore Titles First Woman Commander of VFW Shares Her Journey and Mission Breaking Barriers: Women Leading the Veterans of Foreign Wars  sound bites "Advocating for all veterans, not just women" "Came in during the era of Women's Army Corps" "Honoring women who parachuted prior to D-Day" Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Carol Whitmore and Her Journey 02:33 Challenges Faced by Veterans Today 05:15 Carol's Military Career and Transition to Nursing 07:45 The Importance of Transportation for Enlisted Personnel 10:09 Advocacy for Veterans and the Role of VFW 13:01 Understanding VFW Eligibility and Benefits 15:35 Current Legislative Efforts for Veterans 18:00 The Impact of Medical Retirements on Veterans 20:26 Conclusion and Future Aspirations 23:37 Navigating Disability Claims and Support for Veterans 26:29 The Journey to VFW Leadership 29:13 The Role of Compassion in Service 31:54 Community Engagement and Youth Programs 38:15 Women in Leadership and Military Service 42:53 Addressing Isolation and Support for Young Servicemembers 45:47 Addressing the Challenges of Driving Safety for Veterans 46:30 Transitioning Leadership in the VFW 47:21 The Ongoing Mission for POW/MIA Recovery 50:33 Personal Experiences in Recovery Missions 52:25 Community Involvement and Support for Veterans 53:47 Commemorating Women in Military History 56:18 The Importance of Recognizing Unsung Heroes 58:54 Future Plans and Continuing Advocacy for Veterans Resources Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) https://www.vfw.org/ [https://www.vfw.org/] Find a VFW Post or Service Officer https://www.vfw.org/find-a-post [https://www.vfw.org/find-a-post] VFW Youth Scholarships https://www.vfw.org/community/youth-and-education/youth-scholarships [https://www.vfw.org/community/youth-and-education/youth-scholarships] Student Veterans Support https://www.vfw.org/assistance/student-veterans-support [https://www.vfw.org/assistance/student-veterans-support] Fox Force https://www.foxforce55.org/ [https://www.foxforce55.org/] Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) https://www.dpaa.mil/ [https://www.dpaa.mil/] @herostories2025

From Navy Nurse to Bison Farmer

U.S. Navy Nurse Corps veteran Liz Riffle traded scrubs for boots to launch Riffle Farms, West Virginia’s first commercial bison operation. In this episode, Liz shares her journey from military service to entrepreneurship, her passion for meat transparency and regenerative agriculture, and how resilience fuels her work on and off the farm. @rifflefarmbison @herostories2025

Episode 5- From Service to Start-Up: Empowering Veterans in Business

In this episode of Hero Stories, host Amy Kramer speaks with Cally Ingebritson from the Veteran Business Outreach Center (VBOC) about the resources available for veterans and military spouses looking to start their own businesses. They discuss the various workshops offered, common challenges faced by veteran entrepreneurs, and the importance of business planning and funding. Cally shares insights on unique business ideas, the significance of community support, and encourages listeners to take advantage of the resources available to them. https://www.sba.gov/local-assistance/resource-partners/veterans-business-outreach-centers-vboc [https://www.sba.gov/local-assistance/resource-partners/veterans-business-outreach-centers-vboc] https://www.sba.gov/local-assistance [https://www.sba.gov/local-assistance] https://www.bootstobusiness.msstate.edu/ [https://www.bootstobusiness.msstate.edu/] @herostories2025