In this special episode of The Centurion Lounge, we sit down with Command Sergeant Major Kissee as she reflects on an extraordinary career spanning more than three decades of dedicated military service, just ahead of her retirement. From her early life and entry into the Army to shaping policy, mentoring Soldiers, and helping lead the force toward greater inclusion, CSM Kissee shares powerful insights into leadership, resilience, and purpose.

This episode is a heartfelt tribute to a trailblazer whose legacy will continue to inspire generations of Soldiers.

Episode Timeline

• 00:00 Introduction
• 05:31 Leadership Style
• 07:10 Early Life & Background
• 13:42 Early Service & Education
• 18:55 Judge Advocate General Recruitment Experience
• 23:37 Paralegal Warrior Training Course
• 26:44 Growing as a Versatile Enlisted Paralegal
• 31:12 The Most Rewarding Aspects of the Job
• 34:14 The Army’s Path Toward Inclusion
• 38:18 Career Awards & Recognition
• 46:25 Future Policy Considerations
• 50:34 Reflections & Closing Remarks

A must-listen episode honoring leadership, service, and a remarkable career.

Video by Jean-Baptiste Kanangwe

In Episode 13 of The Centurion Lounge Podcast, we sit down with Mr. Steve R. Ortiz Jr., Staff Operations Training Officer (SOTO) at the 311th ESC, for a powerful conversation on service, leadership, and mindset. With three decades of experience, Mr. Ortiz shares his journey from the Army Reserve to becoming a Department of Defense civilian, offering insight into his day-to-day responsibilities and the lessons learned along the way. He reflects on the lasting influence of his mother’s legacy, the importance of family support, and the core principles that continue to guide his life and service..This episode is a thoughtful discussion on purpose, resilience, and maintaining the right mindset every day..Timestamps:00:00 Introduction05:22 Three Decades of Service18:05 From Army Reserve to DoD Civilian25:43 Day-to-Day Responsibilities35:35 Carrying Forward a Mother’s Legacy43:23 Family Support and Service48:18 Core Principles for Life and Service54:24 Daily Mindset01:01:49 Closing Remarks.Subscribe for more conversations on leadership, service, and personal growth.

In Episode 13 of The Centurion Lounge, we sit down with Brig. Gen. Sparks, former Commanding General of the 311th ESC, for an open and powerful conversation about leadership, family, service, and the mindset that shapes great Soldiers.

From his early motivations to join the Army to the values that guided his command, Brig. Gen. Sparks reflects on character, integrity, and the pursuit of a “Culture of Better.” He shares personal stories about family days, road trips, work-life balance, and the lessons learned over a distinguished career—along with insights on Mojave Falcon 2025 and the future of the force.

Timestamps
00:00 – Introduction
03:20 – The Man Behind the Uniform
09:40 – Friday & Sunday Family Days
15:39 – The Spark That Led to the Army
23:06 – Work-Life Balance
31:13 – Military Occupational Specialty
35:15 – Family Time & Road Trips
40:54 – Mindset, Character & Growth
47:49 – Mojave Falcon 2025
01:04:23 – The Culture of Better
01:12:43 – Leading with Law & Integrity
01:22:41 – Brig. Gen. Sparks’s Legacy
01:25:09 – Closing Remarks & Shoutout

Tune in for one of our most inspiring conversations yet. (Video by U.S Army Staff Sgt. Kanangwe, Jean-Baptsite)

Episode 13 of The Centurion Lounge recaps our conversation with Command Sergeant Major Kristy Hawkins of the 311th ESC. She shares her journey from the Marine Corps to the Army Reserve, the lessons that shaped her leadership, and her perspective on serving soldiers at every stage of their careers. This episode offers a rare look into her path, her purpose, and the mindset behind leading one of the most dynamic sustainment formations in the Army Reserve (Video by Staff Sgt. Kanangwe, Jean-Baptiste).00:00 - Introduction & Background Story07:39 - Leadership Style Evolution11:05 - Advice on Opportunities15:40 - Life-work balance19:31 - Being a new Grandma 21:45 - Resource Management Challenges29:45 - Support Systems and Family Readiness38:08 - Empowering NCOs41:03 - Planning and Resources48:10 - More on leadership52:14 - Contact Info 53:45 - Future Episodes and Guest Plans01:00:15 - Closing Remarks

In Episode 11 of the Centurion Lounge, the panel examines readiness across mental, spiritual, medical, and personnel areas. 311th ESC Chaplain Yoon leads the discussion with Col. Zschaschel, Command Surgeon for the 79th TSC; Mr. Garcia, 311th Human Resources Officer; and Mrs. Martinez, Suicide Prevention Manager at the 311th ESC.

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They discuss the importance of medical and dental readiness, break the stigma around mental health, and share personal stories that promote help-seeking. The conversation also looks at how leadership, teamwork, and the battle buddy system foster a culture of resilience, while exploring spirituality, purpose, and the inherent value of every Soldier. Finally, the panel emphasizes new suicide prevention training, the power of empathy, and the vital role of personal connections in supporting each other.

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(Video by U.S Army Staff Sgt. Kanangwe, Jean-Baptiste)

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00:00 - Introduction and Panelist Introductions

07:39 - Readiness & Its Impact on Soldiers

17:23 - Connection and Teamwork

25:23 - Fighting Stigma and Behavioral Health Awareness

35:14 - Closing Remarks & Personal Reflections

45:20 - Commitment to Soldier Well-being

In this episode of The Centurion Lounge, we sit down with Col. James G. Osowski, whose journey goes from enlisting as a Private in the Marine Corps to becoming a Colonel in the U.S. Army Reserve. With decades of experience connecting military service and aerospace engineering, Col. Osowski shares a unique perspective shaped by leadership on the front lines of both fields. Tune in as we explore his story of perseverance, innovation, and the lessons learned from a life dedicated to service and ongoing growth. (Video by Staff Sgt. Kanangwe, Jean-Baptiste)

Episode 9 of The Centurion Lounge brings you a powerful conversation with Lt. Col. Don Sheppard, Professor of Military Science at UCLA, and Cadet Alex Chavez. Hosted by Capt. Stroud and Staff Sgt. Kanangwe, this episode dives into leadership, service, mentorship, and life in the UCLA ROTC community, providing valuable insights for aspiring officers and anyone interested in ROTC opportunities in the Greater Los Angeles Area. (Video by Staff Sgt. Kanangwe, Jean-Baptiste).00:00 - Introduction and Guest Backgrounds00:27 - Military Journey and Family Influence02:30 - Path to ROTC and Scholarship Experience06:38 - ROTC Experience and Commissioning10:13 - ROTC Branching and Academic Standards15:44 - Overview of UCLA ROTC Program20:34 - Balancing Training and Fun Activities at UCLA ROTC27:07 - Leadership Philosophy34:35 - Advice for Career Growth and Officer Development38:36 - Rewarding Aspects40:43 - Partnership Between UCLA ROTC and 311th ESC45:09 - Why Choose UCLA ROTC50:23 - UCLA ROTC Community53:42 - LT. Col. Sheppard Family and Personal Life55:46 - Challenges and Rewards of Military Family Life01:01:32 - Acknowledging the Cadre and Civilian Staff 01:03:23 - Legacy and Future Aspirations01:07:09 - Family Support and Background01:08:49 - Closing Remarks and Wrap-up

In Episode 8 of The Centurion Lounge, we sit down with Master Sgt. Felipe Pacheco to explore his journey from Colombia to New York and the experiences that shaped his leadership style. Serving as the G4 DMC NCOIC for the 311th ESC from 2021 to 2025, he played a key role in enhancing logistical operations and readiness. Known for his passion for fitness and dedication to mentoring others, Pacheco reflects on the values that define his legacy and the impact he hopes to carry forward as he moves on to his next assignment (Video by Staff Sgt. Kanangwe, Jean-Baptiste)

00:00 - Introduction and Guest Background

02:16 - Early Military Career and Deployments

03:47 - Motivation to Join the Army

06:36 - Fitness Culture and Mentality in the Army

10:09 - Transition from Active Duty to Reserves

11:11 - Family and Relationships

15:24 - Family Dynamics and Soldier Relationships

20:01 - Fitness Journey and Inspirations

22:56 - Fitness Philosophy

26:42 - Personal Fitness Routine and Motivation

31:09 - Leadership and Fitness Training in the Army

32:53 - Challenges and Mindset About Fitness

34:50 - Getting Started with Fitness

37:40 - Structuring Workouts for Different Fitness Levels

45:33 - Running and Physical Training Experiences

47:56 - Swimming and Combat Fitness Challenges

50:13 - Fitness Competitions and Challenges

51:12 - Leadership Style and Communication

53:26 - Family Background and Upbringing

55:47 - Career Choices and Army Life

56:56 - Fitness Goals and Future Aspirations

57:51 - Upcoming Assignment

59:01 - Commitment and Motivation

1:00:04 - Impact of the Army on Life and Legacy

1:01:40 - Self-Perception and Humility

1:08:04 - Contact Information and Closing Remarks