Join Dog Tag Diaries as Captain Kim continues her compelling conversation with retired Air Force First Sergeant Jess Gonzalez in part two of her journey. This episode offers an inside look at the challenges and triumphs of being a female leader in the military. Jess shares raw accounts of leading with empathy, including a harrowing moment assisting a military spouse in crisis—showcasing what true strength and compassion look like in uniform. Hear about her “mama bear” approach, the importance of supporting mental health, and how she brought small joys to her airmen with simple gestures.

If you’re curious about military women’s leadership, overcoming adversity, and building a legacy of service, this episode is for you. Plus, get a sneak peek into Jess’s life beyond the Air Force, from winning pageant titles to inspiring her local veteran community. Tune in for stories of resilience, advocacy, and empowerment!

Jess Gonzalez is a proud mom to her 19-year-old son, Gio, who inspires her daily. Beyond her military career, she has competed in pageants, run multiple half-marathons, and found peace in travel. She also actively serves with organizations like Women Veterans of San Antonio, The Mission Continues, and Operation Gratitude, and is honored to be part of Cohort 8 of the Beneath the Service Women Veterans Leadership Program where she continues her mission to uplift others through service, mentorship, and authenticity.

One of her most memorable personal achievements was competing in a pageant and winning the Royal Productions People's Choice title.

Connect with Jess

LinkedIn: Jessica Gonzalez, MBA, CPO, DAWIA Lvl 3

IG: jessie_g_1980

Here are the links to the organizations:

Women Veterans Leadership Program

Women Veterans of San Antonio

The Mission Continues

Operation Gratitude

Kim Liszka served in the United States Army/Reserves as a Combat Medic, Combat Nurse, Flight Nurse Instructor and one of the Top Female athletes in the Army. Kim worked 20+ years as an ER nurse and decided to explore the world as a travel nurse. She's an Advanced Wilderness Expedition Provider and Chief Medical Officer for numerous endurance/survival expeditions in different countries. Kim has a son, Jace and a daughter in law, Sammy and 2 grand animals, Joey & Bear. Her dog Camo is her best buddy. Camo is the sweetest yellow Labrador Retriever to walk this earth. He loves licking snow, riding the ocean waves, visiting carnivore food trucks and loves belly rubs and treats. Fun Facts: Kim's lived in the Reality TV World! Fear Factor, American Ninja Warrior-Military Edition, American Tarzan, Spartan Namibia and more to come!

Be sure to follow or subscribe to Dog Tag Diaries wherever you listen to podcasts.

Learn more about Reveille and Retreat Project:

reveilleandretreatproject.org

Instagram:

In this compelling episode of Dog Tag Diaries, host Captain Kim sits down with Jess Gonzalez, a retired United States Air Force First Sergeant and advocate, as she shares her inspiring journey from surviving childhood trauma to leading with compassion in the military. Hear teasers about her early life marked by adversity, her unexpected path into the Air Force, and the surprising twist during her basic training experience. Jess opens up about family struggles, deep loss—including her twins and mother—and how these moments shaped her into a resilient leader.

If you're drawn to stories of military women, personal growth, complex PTSD, and overcoming the odds, tune in for a taste of Jess’s raw and honest conversation. Stay tuned to uncover what motivated her to serve, the lessons she learned, and how she uses her voice to bring hope to others navigating similar battles.

Jess Gonzalez is a proud mom to her 19-year-old son, Gio, who inspires her daily. Beyond her military career, she has competed in pageants, run multiple half-marathons, and found peace in travel. She also actively serves with organizations like Women Veterans of San Antonio, The Mission Continues, and Operation Gratitude, and is honored to be part of Cohort 8 of the Beneath the Service Women Veterans Leadership Program where she continues her mission to uplift others through service, mentorship, and authenticity.

One of her most memorable personal achievements was competing in a pageant and winning the Royal Productions People's Choice title.

Connect with Jess

LinkedIn: Jessica Gonzalez, MBA, CPO, DAWIA Lvl 3

IG: jessie_g_1980

Here are the links to the organizations:

Women Veterans Leadership Program

Women Veterans of San Antonio

The Mission Continues

Operation Gratitude

Kim Liszka served in the United States Army/Reserves as a Combat Medic, Combat Nurse, Flight Nurse Instructor and one of the Top Female athletes in the Army. Kim worked 20+ years as an ER nurse and decided to explore the world as a travel nurse. She's an Advanced Wilderness Expedition Provider and Chief Medical Officer for numerous endurance/survival expeditions in different countries. Kim has a son, Jace and a daughter in law, Sammy and 2 grand animals, Joey & Bear. Her dog Camo is her best buddy. Camo is the sweetest yellow Labrador Retriever to walk this earth. He loves licking snow, riding the ocean waves, visiting carnivore food trucks and loves belly rubs and treats. Fun Facts: Kim's lived in the Reality TV World! Fear Factor, American Ninja Warrior-Military Edition, American Tarzan, Spartan Namibia and more to come!

Be sure to follow or subscribe to Dog Tag Diaries wherever you listen to podcasts.

Learn more about Reveille and Retreat Project:

reveilleandretreatproject.org

Instagram: @reveilleandretreatproject

Facebook:

What does it take to journey from a small Mississippi farm to serving as a military officer, traveling to 46 countries, and ultimately building a wellness community for women veterans? In this episode of Dog Tag Diaries, Dr. Natesha Smith-Isabell unpacks her unexpected path—a life shaped by resilience, faith, and profound transformation. Hear snippets about her near-death medical crisis, facing sexual trauma and moral injury in the Army, and how it all inspired her to co-found Arabella Wellness Center. This conversation covers women veterans’ mental health, military transition challenges, and the importance of trauma-informed support. Plus, discover how Natesha’s global adventures and her love for Marvel Comics contribute to her healing journey. If you’re searching for stories about female veterans overcoming adversity, post-military wellness, or building community after service, you won’t want to miss these insights.

As the CEO and Co-Founder of Arabella Wellness Center, Dr. Natesha Smith-Isabell leads a nonprofit organization that provides trauma-informed care and compassionate support to women, with a special emphasis on wellness services for Women Veterans, educators, and healthcare professionals. With over 15 years of experience in the field of counseling and mental health, she had developed a strong expertise in program development, implementation, and evaluation. She is passionate about empowering women and Veterans through education and wellness.

Connect with Natesha

LinkedIn: Dr. Natisha Smith-Isabell

Website: www.arabellawellness.org

Kim Liszka served in the United States Army/Reserves as a Combat Medic, Combat Nurse, Flight Nurse Instructor and one of the Top Female athletes in the Army. Kim worked 20+ years as an ER nurse and decided to explore the world as a travel nurse. She's an Advanced Wilderness Expedition Provider and Chief Medical Officer for numerous endurance/survival expeditions in different countries. Kim has a son, Jace and a daughter in law, Sammy and 2 grand animals, Joey & Bear. Her dog Camo is her best buddy. Camo is the sweetest yellow Labrador Retriever to walk this earth. He loves licking snow, riding the ocean waves, visiting carnivore food trucks and loves belly rubs and treats. Fun Facts: Kim's lived in the Reality TV World! Fear Factor, American Ninja Warrior-Military Edition, American Tarzan, Spartan Namibia and more to come!

Be sure to follow or subscribe to Dog Tag Diaries wherever you listen to podcasts.

Learn more about Reveille and Retreat Project:

reveilleandretreatproject.org

Instagram: @reveilleandretreatproject

Facebook: Reveille and Retreat Project

You aren’t alone.

If you’re thinking about hurting yourself or having thoughts of suicide contact the

Veteran crisis line: Dial 988 then press 1, chat online, or text 838255.