🎧 Episode Summary

We are back for Season 2! In this premiere episode, we kick off 2026 with a refreshed format and a special focus on "Future You." Whether you are one year in or twenty years deep, financial readiness is mission-critical. We break down why retirement planning shouldn't wait and how the Blended Retirement System (BRS) affects you. Plus, we honor the end of an era for Nebraska’s Airborne, share a moving story from the 155th AFE, and look ahead to upcoming events.

For the first time, we welcome a listener-turned-co-host to the mic! SSgt Lauren Gonzalez from the FSS Personnel Flight joins RJ to share her story, offer her perspective on the new year, and prove that your feedback truly shapes this show.

• The Season 2 Launch: A new look, a tighter format, and what to expect in 2026.

• Retirement Readiness w/ Cara Lokin: Why starting your financial planning now is the ultimate cheat code for a stress-free career.

• Mission Spotlight: The 155th AFE team steps up for an unexpected and heavy DPAA mission, bringing closure to families of WWII service members.

• End of an Era: The 2-134th Infantry (Airborne) conducts their final jumps, closing a 40-year chapter of Nebraska history.

• Community & Morale: Recapping the 170th’s Gatsby Holiday Party and a look ahead to the 155th Wing Holiday Party in March.

☕ Name the New Coffee Bar! We need your creativity. The new coffee bar needs a name, and we want you to choose it.

• https://forms.gle/jiikL7tzGEZJR97v8

📅 155th Wing Holiday Party (March)Don't wait—get your tickets for the "March Madness" holiday celebration.

• Check the flyers around base for the QR code or see your First Sergeant.

Did you like the new format? Have a story we missed? Want to join us as a guest host like SSgt Gonzalez?

👇 Click the link below to submit feedback or volunteer:Phantom Fuel Feedback & Co-Host Form

• Review us on Spotify: Every comment is an entry into our future giveaways!

• Share the Show: Help us boost the voice of the Nebraska National Guard by sharing this episode with a friend.

Until next time — take care, stay safe, stay connected, and keep fueling the mission.

One Year Anniversary Episode

Celebrate one year of Phantom Fuel. RJ sits down with Chief Hruby — the driving force behind the Spark Cell and the Innovation Team — to talk about how the podcast got started, innovation in the Guard, leadership, and the power of new ideas.
Then we rewind the year: highlights, hard lessons, big wins, and the moments that made Season 1 special.

Throughout the year we had a fun lightning round

RJ runs the five lightning-round questions with all the years guests and we debut this fun section in this episode!!

Catch up fast on what’s been happening across Nebraska and beyond:

• Turkey Trot 5K recap (November drill)

• New State Partnership Program announcement (Republic of the Marshall Islands)

• Training wins, community partnerships, and more

Quick, practical reminders for the season — travel smart, shop safely, check extension cords, keep real trees watered, and take time to breathe.

Over the past months we gave everyone a chance to enter twice each month (one Spotify comment + one anonymous feedback form entry) for a shot at a $50 Amazon gift card. Because the November episode was delayed, we extended the window to include all entries through Nov 20.
We do not reveal the winner here in the show notes. Tune in to this episode to hear the name announced live — you’ve got to listen to find out if you won!

💬 Tell us what you think of the show🎙️ Suggest topics you want covered📣 Sign up to be a co-host or full-time host

Submit ideas / join the show: https://forms.gle/6o6XwnJWgJXs77Bm6

Before we begin, a quick note:
This episode was recorded during the government shutdown, before we were notified that content releases were temporarily paused. Thank you for your patience—this episode was originally scheduled for the first Thursday of November.

Because of the delay, the $50 Amazon Gift Card Giveaway has been extended for 10 days after today’s release. Enter by sharing the episode, leaving a comment, and submitting your feedback using the link below.

In Episode 11, we lean into what November is all about—awareness, connection, and taking care of each other—while navigating a unique season for the military community.

RJ opens the episode with important reminders about November observances, including American Diabetes Month, Alzheimer’s Awareness Month, National Family Caregivers Month, and more, along with the upcoming holidays: Veterans Day and Thanksgiving.

We also take a moment to acknowledge the ongoing government shutdown at the time of recording. Despite limited staffing and resources across bases, the message is clear: you are not alone. Key services like SARC, JAG, Mental Health, and leadership remain available for anyone needing support.

Here’s what you’ll hear in today’s show:

Senior Master Sergeant Eddy sits down with Col. Christopher Hesse, Commander of the 155th Air Refueling Wing. They discuss his path to leadership, the experiences that shaped him, and the strategic vision for the future of the 155th ARW.

• The final airborne jumps of the Nebraska Army National Guard’s 2-134th Infantry (Airborne), marking the end of more than 40 years of airborne operations.
• Updates to the revamped Air Force Physical Fitness Test, including new expectations for the 2-mile run and scoring standards.

• Turkey Trot 5K – Nov 15th (Drill Weekend), 1500
• Cookies & Crafts with Santa – Dec 6th, 1300–1500, JFHQ Atrium
• Congratulations to 155th LRS, winners of the 2025 Knucklebusters Volleyball Tournament! We’ll see everyone again in Sept 2026.

For event updates, contact Cara Lokin.

With Thanksgiving and the winter holidays approaching, we cover safe travel reminders, shopping awareness tips, and home safety considerations—especially for natural Christmas trees and holiday lights.

There are only a few weeks left to enter the $50 Amazon Gift Card Giveaway before the winner is announced in our one-year anniversary episode on December 4th.

💬 Tell us what you think of the show
🎙️ Share what topics you want us to cover
📣 Sign up to be a co-host or full-time host
✍️ Submit your entry here:
Feedback Form: ⁠https://forms.gle/6o6XwnJWgJXs77Bm6