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.

Join the Dog Tag Diaries squad for an unforgettable second tour of one of our most resonant episodes! In this powerful conversation, Captain Dakota bravely shares her story, from enlisting right after high school to intense combat experiences as a 240 Bravo gunner in Iraq, to re-entering civilian life and finding purpose as an Army National Guard officer. Hear about the realities of deployment, the challenges of reintegration, and the lasting impact of trauma—and how telling your story can lead to healing.

If you’ve ever wondered what it means to serve as a military woman, balance vulnerability and strength, or transition into a life of service helping others, this episode is for you. Tune in for candid insights on post-traumatic growth, military mental health, and the power of women’s voices in uniform. You’ll walk away inspired and wanting to hear more.

Dakota Olson-Harris currently serves in the Army National Guard and has been for the past 15 years. She enlisted as a tank mechanic then earned her commission as a Combat Engineer Officer. She has two deployments, Iraq and United Arab Emirates. On the civilian side Dakota works as a counselor providing readjustment counseling for Veterans, current service members, and their families. Dakota is a wife and a bonus mom to four kiddos. They have recently added to their family with a baby girl, totaling five kids. They also have two dogs, Paco and Elsa. Her family loves to go on adventures whether it's walks, hiking, camping, or just going on a road trip to visit family.

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.

What happens when a rebellious pastor’s daughter refuses to follow the script? In this latest episode of Dog Tag Diaries, we introduce you to Tanya Lakins, who left a strict religious upbringing behind at just 17 to join the Marine Corps—without her father’s blessing. In this gripping conversation, Tanya shares what it meant to carve her own path, confront trauma, and ultimately find purpose as a veteran advocate. Topics include her experience as a female Marine, confronting gender stereotypes, overcoming betrayal, and the long road to healing after military sexual trauma.

Curious about what gave Tanya the strength to not give up when life got darkest? Or how she transformed pain into helping others? Tune in for inspiring insights, resilience, and the fight for better support for women veterans. This is a story about forging independence, breaking roles, and taking action. Listen now!

Tanya Lakins discovered her strength and independence in the U.S. Marine Corps, where boot camp gave her first taste of freedom and started an 11-year journey where she served with excellence, traveling the world and pushing herself to be the best. Unfortunately, her service was also marked by deep betrayal and trauma — three years in, she was raped and severely beaten by fellow Marines and pressured into silence, warned that “that kind of thing ruins careers.” The weight of that betrayal left lasting scars and also forged an unshakable resolve.

After leaving the Corps, Tanya earned a degree in Computer Science, thrived in corporate America, and pursued her passion for healing. She worked as a massage therapist for over 20 years and built her dream wellness business from the ground up. Today, Tanya works with women veterans as a Veterans Service Officer, serves as a mentor for The Battle Within, volunteers with Healing Warrior Hearts in Wisconsin, and hopes to soon mentor with the Travis Mills Foundation. A future psychologist, Tanya has transformed her trauma into purpose — advocating fiercely to ensure women veterans are seen, heard, and supported.

Resources:

healingwarriorhearts.org

Shield of Sisters

www.travismillsfoundation.org

Tanya can be reached at tlakins72@yahoo.com for questions.

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:

Ready to meet an unstoppable force in the world of military women? This episode of Dog Tag Diaries introduces you to Leanne Babcock—call sign Bobcat—a pioneer who went from a functionally homeless childhood to becoming the first woman vehicle mechanic in her Guard unit, an officer, and now a champion for veterans. Hear how she navigated blatant discrimination in the maintenance sector, balanced civilian life with military service, and carved out her place as a citizen airwoman. Leanne also shares the inspiring story behind Dauntless Wine Company and how her nonprofit helps service members heal through farming. This episode is packed with resilience, finding purpose after 9/11, and the power of community. Curious about what it takes to break barriers and redefine service? Hit play—this story will stick with you.

Leanne "Bobcat" Babcock

Growing up functionally houseless, Leanne joined the Air Force after 9/11 and has spent over 22 years and counting serving as a citizen airwoman. A trailblazer as the first and only woman vehicle mechanic in her Guard unit, she later commissioned as an officer while navigating the unique challenges of balancing civilian and military life. Currently she’s serving as the founding volunteer Executive Director of Dauntless Veteran Foundation, Leanne advocates for service members through transition and healing, serving as Oregon's Employer Outreach Director for the Guard and Reserve.

Connect with Leanne:

LinkedIn- Leanne M. B.

Resources:

Dauntless Website- www.dauntlessvf.org Agriculture Grant Program DVF newsletter

Ms Veteran America

Women Veterans Giving: Melissa Washington Small Business Award

Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR)

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:

Get ready for one of Dog Tag Diaries’ most raw and inspiring episodes yet. In this episode, retired Navy Senior Chief Leah Stiles opens up about her turbulent childhood, her quest for belonging, and the hidden eating disorder that shaped—and nearly ended—her military career. Raised in foster care and group homes, Leah sought the structure and “family” of the U.S. Navy, eventually founding Sea Waves, the only nonprofit dedicated to eating disorders among service members and veterans. Tune in as Captain Kim and Leah bravely tackle the silent epidemic of disordered eating in the military, the stigma surrounding mental health, and the power of truth and advocacy. Looking for stories of healing, resilience, and advocacy for veterans’ mental health? This episode is for you.

Leah Stiles is the founder of Sea Waves, a nonprofit organization dedicated to advocating for, educating, and supporting active duty service members, veterans, and their families who are dealing with disordered eating, eating disorders, and body dysmorphia. With twenty years of service and retiring as a Navy Senior Chief, she developed a strong commitment to supporting the well-being of her fellow service members. Having personally navigated the challenges of eating disorders during her service, she recognized the critical need for specialized support. Through Sea Waves, Stiles is dedicated to offering crucial support and resources for prevention, recovery, and resilience. She strives to be a lighthouse, shining light on this often-taboo issue and guiding others who may be in the dark or weathering their own storms.

Connect with Leah:

Website- www.sea-waves.org

Instagram- @seawavesinc

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.

What happens when a military identity is suddenly stripped away, and all that’s left is a blank slate? In this compelling episode of Dog Tag Diaries, Britni Ryan, a retired Navy Corpsman and White House Medical Unit alum, shares how she rebuilt her sense of purpose after her service ended. Find out why Team Rubicon—a veteran-led disaster relief organization—became more than just a volunteer gig for Britni; it became a lifeline. From wielding chainsaws for wildfire mitigation to empowering women leaders through the new WILD (Women’s Initiative for Leadership and Development) program, Britni’s journey is as raw as it is inspiring.

If you’re curious about post-military transitions, mental health for veterans, or the power of finding community in unexpected places, tune in—you’ll never look at disaster response the same way again.

Britni Ryan grew up in Arvada, Colorado, and joined the Navy at 17, launching a 16-year career as a Hospital Corpsman. She served alongside the Marines and deployed to Afghanistan, later earning a post at the White House under the Obama administration. Britni was part of the effort to expand combat roles to women, paving the way for greater inclusion in the military. After transitioning out of the service, she found a new way to serve through Team Rubicon—helping communities recover on their worst days from storms and disasters. Today, Britni is the Senior Operations Associate for the Pacific Northwest, where she leads with purpose, grit, and a deep commitment to service.

🔗 Connect with Britni & Team Rubicon:

• LinkedIn: Britni Ryan

• Team Rubicon: teamrubiconusa.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.