MOAA's Never Stop Serving Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Special Operations - How Transitioning Programs Miss the Mark with Them Dec 28, 2021

Show notes

Special Operations troops are highly skilled and equipped to win any mission assigned. So, transitioning out of the military should be a breeze, right? Wrong! As they prepare to transition from uniform, Special Operations service members find the same challenges many transitioning service members have shared and more.
But why are today's transitioning programs missing the mark with Special Operations? Why are their challenges so unique? Listen to Olivia Nunn speak to SGM Matt Parrish from Special Operations Command and MSG Yuma Barnett from the 75th Ranger Regiment, two experts who understand the unique challenges presented to the Special Operations community.

State Tax Update- Exempting Military Retired Pay and Pensions Dec 19, 2021

Show notes

You did it! A well-earned military career has come to a close; you have faithfully served 20 or more dedicated years to our nation. The time has come, and you now receive a monthly retired check from good old Uncle Sam each month. You can now sit back, relax, play a few rounds of golf and live off that retired check... right?
Well, for most retired service members, the answer is no, and for most retired service members, that retired pension gets taxed at both the federal and state levels. However, there are a few states that even though they have an income tax, they exempt military retired pay and pensions, which can be a real added benefit and cost savings, not only to the military member and their families but it becomes a value-added benefit to the state.
Listen to Olivia Nunn speak to retired colonels Jeri Graham and Lee Lange, both of whom are MOAA members who advocate in helping to get all 50 states to exempt military retired pay and pensions. Find out why that's important for not only the military member but for the state and the economy.

Marketing Yourself For A Second Career with Pat Cole and Tasha McCullar Dec 12, 2021

Show notes

A successful career in the military is no easy feat, regardless of whether that means four years or 30 years. For many, what's even more daunting is creating a second career beyond the uniform. For many military members, trying to answer the question of, "what do I want to be when I grow up," tends to be hard when transitioning after a life of service to the nation.
In this episode, listen to Olivia Nunn speak to Pat Cole, the Program Director Career Transition Services at MOAA, who is the resident transition expert, along with Tasha McCullar, a MOAA member, Army Veteran, and more importantly, someone who navigated the transition space and successfully marketed herself for a second career and is thriving.
Listen as they talk about the resources readily available to transitioning service members, the tools needed to market oneself, and the simple things you can be doing today to market yourself for a second career.

Arlington National Cemetery and the Proposed Tightened Eligibility w/ Mark Belinsky Dec 05, 2021

Show notes

Arlington National Cemetery is one of the country’s oldest national cemeteries. The cemetery’s rolling hills mark the final resting place for more than 14,000 veterans, including those who fought in the Civil War.
The nation’s premier military cemetery is at a critical crossroads in its history. Nearly all 22 million living armed forces members and veterans are eligible for less than 95,000 remaining burial spaces within these hallowed grounds.

Listen to Olivia Nunn speak to Mark Belinsky, Director of Currently Serving and Retired Affairs and MOAA, about the proposed changes at Arlington National Cemetery. Specifically, how these changes could impact current veterans and their families and the importance of calling into your local Congress members to help advocate for our heroes.

TRICARE and your transition BEYOND active duty with Paul Frost Nov 28, 2021

Show notes

Service to our nation includes so many great benefits, health care being one of them. But what happens when you retire from the military? Where does your health coverage come from? What will it cost? Will the coverage be the same? Is your coverage automatic when you retire? If you have these questions and more, you will want to tune into this episode to find out!
Listen to Olivia Nunn speak to teammate and resident expert Paul Frost, the Program Director for Financial Benefits Counseling, Education, and Veteran Services at MOAA. Listen as they talk about COLA and fees and it being the open season and so much more. You will not want to miss this important episode as it relates to your health.

From Agent Orange to Burn Pits: Toxic Exposure Advocacy with Cory Titus Nov 21, 2021

Show notes

Veterans have routinely reported illnesses and disabilities long after they return home from deployments, triggering a battle with the VA for health care and financial benefits. As many as 2.6 million veterans of the Vietnam War were exposed to Agent Orange, a tactical herbicide sprayed to destroy thick vegetation, according to ProPublica. The toxin has been recognized by the VA as a cause of certain presumptive diseases — a status that eliminates the burden of proof of servicemembers as they file claims for benefits — but studies linking other diseases have yet to be recognized.

Most recently, veterans exposed to open-air burn pits and other environmental dangers during deployments in support of the war on terrorism are eligible to register their service with the VA. However, researchers, including VA staff, have not completed studies on hazards related to burn pits and other military environmental exposures, according to the VA.

Listen to Olivia Nunn speak with teammate Cory Titus, the Director of Veteran Benefits and Guard and Reserve Affairs at MOAA about the importance of understanding the work behind the push for policy and legislation surrounding toxic exposures for our military members.

Recruiting our Future Force: Challenges and Solutions with MG Kevin Vereen and MG Jason Bohm Nov 14, 2021

Show notes

Joining the military can be an exciting and life-changing experience. There are many reasons why young men and women across the United States show an interest in wanting to join the Armed Forces. Some have multigenerational respect for the military and want to serve as their older relatives did. Others wish to job security and the benefits that come along with being in the military. A few military benefits include 30 days of paid vacation per year, health, dental, and life insurance coverage, leadership opportunities, specialty training, and more.
For all the good reasons and opportunities the military offers, recruiting for our Armed Forces remains a challenge. Listen to Olivia Nunn speak with Army Major General Kevin Vereen, Commanding General of U.S. Army Recruiting Command, and Marine Corps Major General Jason Bohm, Commanding General of Marine Corps Recruiting Command, about today's recruiting climate.

Military Retirement 101: Getting your Finances in Order w/ Shane Ostrom Nov 07, 2021

Show notes

Transition or Transformation? However you frame it, it's a change, and change requires planning. Leaving the military after 20 plus years can be exciting but also daunting. One part of the planning phase must include your finances. For many of us, our paychecks have been a given. Every month, twice a month, a check has been deposited on time to our checking accounts. How do you plan for your financial success when there isn't a pay structure? How do you prepare and invest in a 401K, a Roth IRA, or even a rainy day savings stash?
If you are one of the annual 200,000 transitioning service members and you find yourself wondering what you should be doing to prepare from a financial standpoint. Listen to Olivia Nunn speak with Shane Ostrom, CFP® , the Program Director for Finance at MOAA, on how you can prepare for your military retirement.

Why Military Pay Remains a Top Priority Nov 02, 2021

Show notes

The Military Officers Association of America exists to preserve the benefits earned by all service members, past and present. When it comes to money, specifically pay and benefits, our service members need to know that organizations are advocating on their behalf. Every year the discussion of pay comes up as part of the Department of Defense's budget. Host Lt. Col. Olivia Nunn, USA (Ret) and Col. Dan Merry, USAF (Ret), MOAA's vice president of government relations, discuss the very important topic of pay and benefits and why pay and advocacy go hand in hand.

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

MOAA’s Never Stop Serving Podcast

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected