Episode 39 – Transition Decision: Part 3

Episode 39 – Transition Decision: Part 3

In this episode of The Next Tour, Ian and Andia check with Jason Medsger on his transition journey, this time just after his retirement ceremony while he is taking his terminal leave. Jason shares his experience since making the decision to retire in early 2025, describing it as a blend of excitement and anxiety. He emphasizes that the months leading up to retirement or separation are crucial, filled with important decisions about future employment, family dynamics, and personal well-being. One of the central themes in Jason's story is the significance of taking terminal leave. He describes it as a necessary period of decompression that allows individuals to adjust to life outside the military. Below are links and resources that we mentioned during the show: ·     Transition Assistance Program (TAP) [https://www.dodtap.mil/dodtap/app/home] ·     Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) [https://www.va.gov/] ·     Connect with Jason on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-medsger-79386aab/] The Next Tour Podcast disclaimer The views, opinions, and advice expressed by our guests on The Next Tour are their own and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the podcast, Ian, Andia, or any affiliated organizations. While we strive to provide helpful and accurate information, this podcast is for informational purposes only. We encourage listeners to consult with professionals or conduct their own research before making any significant decisions related to military transition or post-service life. The content is intended as guidance and personal perspective, not as official advice.

Episode 38 - Transition with Spirit

In this episode of The Next Tour, Ian and Andia talk with retired Air Force Colonel Robert “Trip” Raymond about how military camaraderie translates into the world of distilled spirits. Trip shares how his experiences as an Air Force pilotshaped his passion for crafting fine spirits. But he shares that it’s about more than drinking; it's about creating connections, sharing stories, and preserving a rich culture.  From the sleek design of the bottles to the quality of the spirits, every detail reflects the journey he and the co-founders of Winglore Spirits took to bring this to market. Join us as we dive into the art of distilling and the stories behind each bottle, all while we celebrate building a brand that applauds our traditions, our history and the friendships formed over a good drink.  We also explore music, Trip’s history in making fighter bar tunes, and his passion to also give back to burgeoning Veteran musicians and help them get an opportunity to follow their dreams. Trip is quite the spirit – check out the full episode for more insights! Below are links and resources that we mentioned during the show: * Winglore Spirits Homepage [http://www.winglorespirits.com/] * How to Invest in Winglore Spirits [https://netcapital.com/companies/winglorespirits]   * Fighter Pilot: The Memoirs of Legendary AceRobin Olds [https://www.amazon.com/Fighter-Pilot-Memoirs-Legendary-Robin/dp/0312560230] * Dos Gringos Band [https://open.spotify.com/artist/3OpMOjtZWC821Z213f2mg6] * Operation Encore: A Veteran Music Project [https://www.operationencore.org/] * Camp Southern Ground [https://campsouthernground.org/] to link Veterans to newopportunities in life * Connect with Trip on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-raymond-30169849/] The Next Tour Podcast disclaimer The views, opinions, and advice expressed by our guests on The Next Tour are their own and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the podcast, Ian, Andia, or any affiliated organizations. While we strive to provide helpful and accurate information, this podcast is for informationalpurposes only. We encourage listeners to consult with professionals or conduct their own research before making any significant decisions related to military transition or post-service life. The content is intended as guidance and personal perspective, not as official advice.

Episode 37 – Transition Spotlight: Salary and Benefits Tips

In this episode of The Next Tour, Ian and Andia talk about their post-military and military spouse career journeys. Negotiating salary is tough, especially when you’re used to set military pay. We look back to when Ian was transitioning from military life to civilian roles and some of Andia’s salary and benefits negotiations as she landed roles in different organizations over the years. Finding mentors and networking helped guide both their paths. Furthermore, research was key for both of them, as it should be for you, too. Understand your value and the market range for your role. Don’t just focus on salary, consider benefits too. Things like vacation time and work flexibility can be just ascrucial.  Remember, it’s not just about the dollar amount. Think about what kind of work-life balance you want. Don’t undervalue your skills and experiences to maximize your overall compensation! Below are links and resources that we mentioned during the show: * Military Officers Association of America [https://www.moaa.org/](MOAA) * Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Fact Sheet on Recruitment Incentives [https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/pay-leave/recruitment-relocation-retention-incentives/fact-sheets/recruitment-incentives/] * OPM Fact Sheet on Relocation Incentives [https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/pay-leave/recruitment-relocation-retention-incentives/fact-sheets/relocation-incentives/] * OPM Fact Sheet on Retention Incentives [https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/pay-leave/recruitment-relocation-retention-incentives/fact-sheets/retention-incentives-likely-to-leave-the-federal-service/] * Candid [https://candid.org/] – Nonprofit Research * Connect with Andia on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/andia-dinesen/?lipi=urn%3Ali%3Apage%3Ad_flagship3_profile_view_base_contact_details%3BvmPg7NMbTH%2B9HgazaDO2eQ%3D%3D] * Connect with Ian on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/ian-dinesen/?lipi=urn%3Ali%3Apage%3Ad_flagship3_profile_view_base_contact_details%3BwK5FCzwlSJmH4Q6XR8cMwg%3D%3D]   The Next Tour Podcast disclaimer The views, opinions, and advice expressed by our guests on The Next Tour are their own and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the podcast, Ian, Andia, or any affiliated organizations. While we strive to provide helpful and accurate information, this podcast is for informational purposes only. We encourage listeners to consult with professionals or conducttheir own research before making any significant decisions related to military transition or post-service life. The content is intended as guidance and personal perspective, not as official advice.

Episode 36 - Transition to a Jobby

In this episode of The Next Tour, Ian and Andia talk with retired Navy Captain Laura Hatcher about her transition from military service to professional photography. What started as a hobbyeventually turned into a second career, and Laura shares the story of how she made that shift, along with the lessons she learned along the way. We talk about creativity, taking chances, building something new after the military, and finding ways to turn personal passions into meaningful work. Laura also shares how she’s helping others explore photography for themselves. It’s a fun, honest conversation full of encouragement and practical insight for anyone navigating their own next tour. Below are links and resources that we mentioned during the show: * Laura Hatcher Photography [https://www.laurahatcherphotography.com/] * America’s Small Business DevelopmentCenters [https://americassbdc.org/] * Syracuse University D’AnielloInstitute for Veterans & Military Families [https://ivmf.syracuse.edu/] * Connect with Laura on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurarhatcher/]   The Next Tour Podcast disclaimer The views, opinions, and advice expressed by our guests on The Next Tour are their own and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the podcast, Ian, Andia, or any affiliated organizations. While we strive to provide helpful and accurateinformation, this podcast is for informational purposes only. We encourage listeners to consult with professionals or conduct their own research before making any significant decisions related to military transition or post-service life. The content is intended as guidance and personal perspective, not as official advice.

Episode 35 – Transition and the Sea of Job Opportunities

In this episode of The Next Tour, Ian and Andia talk with Beau Higgins, a Marine Corps retiree who transitioned to civilian life in August 2014. After serving, he worked at Amazon, leading initiatives focused on military hiring before joining Oplign, a free resource designed to connect veterans and military spouses with job opportunities. In today's competitive job market, many veterans and military spouses face unique challenges when transitioning to civilian employment, and with so many resources available, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. We explore how Oplign stands out as a powerful tool that connects veterans with job opportunities tailored to their specific skills and experiences.  Connect with Beau on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/beauhiggins1/] and check out both Oplign [https://oplign.com/] and TheMilVet [https://www.themilvet.org/] to learn more about what they are doing in the job search space. You can also check out Andia’s time on Oplign’s podcast called Opcast [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Prm3cGT3l9s]. Finally, you can check out MOAA’s Job Board [https://www.moaa.org/jobsforveterans?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=21546026315&gbraid=0AAAAADpqMvjdEhusO7E5gY8Z8xrtchY1E&gclid=Cj0KCQjw77bPBhC_ARIsAGAjjV_XOWxl3PS0dD_WcidSDG0ldD79ZKQiLlaQGtAvVaJrQ2hj70IjXKcaAlIXEALw_wcB], where they leverage the Oplign platform to power your job search opportunities.  Beau is also active with both the Travis Manion Foundation [https://www.travismanion.org/] and Toys for Tots [https://www.toysfortots.org/]. Please check out those organizations to see all the great things they do. The Next Tour Podcast disclaimer The views, opinions, and advice expressed by our guests on The Next Tour are their own and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the podcast, Ian, Andia, or any affiliated organizations. While we strive to provide helpful and accurate information, this podcast is for informational purposes only. We encourage listeners to consult with professionals or conduct their own research before making any significant decisions related to military transition or post-service life. The content is intended as guidance and personal perspective, not as official advice.