🎧 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

This month, we’re shining a spotlight on the people and programs that keep the Nebraska Air National Guard strong—on and off duty.

🎙️ Inside this episode:

• A conversation with Cara Lokin, Transition Specialist & Family Readiness volunteer, on how family support builds morale and resilience.

• Guard highlights from Alaska to Germany—Security Forces in rugged training, Civil Engineers sharpening their skills, and Nebraska EOD teams clearing over 2,000 pounds of ordnance.

• Celebrating Family Appreciation Day, community partnerships, and a heartfelt salute to Lt. Col. Randal Douglas on his fini-flight after 36 years of service.

• Special recognition for Chief Hruby, whose leadership and vision created the SPARK Cell and helped launch this very podcast. As she retires after nearly 22 years, we say thank you—and share news of her upcoming Innovation interview you won’t want to miss.

• October safety reminders for families, neighborhoods, and everyone celebrating Halloween.

💡 Don’t miss out! Every comment on Spotify or submission through our anonymous feedback form = an entry into our $50 Amazon gift card giveaway. Two chances to win each month until Nov. 15. Winner announced in December during our one-year anniversary episode.

👉 Feedback form: https://forms.gle/6o6XwnJWgJXs77Bm6

📧 Want more info on family events, classes, or career planning? Reach out to Cara Lokin directly at cloken.ctr@gapsi.com.

Listen now and stay connected—because when families, communities, and service members come together, the mission is stronger than ever.

Org Box email - (Coming Soon)

This month, host RJ is joined by co-host MSgt Select Mariah Heckman for a packed episode featuring:
☕ The grand opening of the 155th Coffee Bar
💡 A deep dive into the 10-Hour Innovation Challenge with Kathy Anderson & Scott Henderson hosted by Chief Hruby
✈️ Nebraska Guard highlights—from a heritage-painted KC-135 farewell to our growing partnership with Tanzania
📅 Upcoming Guard family events you don’t want to miss
⚠️ A look back at summer with an end-of-season safety check-in

👉 PLUS – YOUR CHANCE TO WIN!
This is your second month that you can enter to win a $50 Amazon gift card with 2 chances to win each month.
But here’s the catch—you’ll need to LISTEN to Episode 9 to get the details on how to enter. (you can also go back to listen to Episode 8 for more chances)

🎧 Tune in now, grab your coffee, and join the conversation:
📝 Leave a review on Spotify or other platforms and also use this link for feedback and... :⁠https://forms.gle/6o6XwnJWgJXs77Bm6⁠ remember - use this form for your 2nd chance to win.

📢 Support the Show: ✔ Like, follow, and subscribe✔ Leave a Spotify comment or review✔ Share this episode with fellow Airmen, friends, and family✔ Want to co-host or share an event? Reach out via the feedback link above!

Missed an Episode? We are available all over!! Use Spotify to rank and comment - It really helps elevate the voice of Nebraska!!

#PhantomFuelPodcast #NebraskaAirNationalGuard #Innovation #MilitaryPodcast #AmazonGiftCardGiveaway #ListenNow

Links from the Episode

https://www.selectlincoln.org/lincoln/staff

https://www.nmotion.co/contact

Rodeo

https://www.victoryride.org/rodeo

In this reflective and powerful episode, Chaplain Col Hollist returns to the Phantom Fuel Podcast by popular demand! This time, we dive into the nuanced and personal topic of religion vs. spirituality—what they mean, how they differ, and how they shape the resilience and mental wellness of our service members.

Also in this episode:
✅ Tips for Nebraska Air Guard members to check yearly point totals
✅ A historic Best Warrior update as two Nebraska Soldiers head to nationals
✅ Construction & combat-readiness updates from the 623rd Engineer Company
✅ A full event preview: Retiree Appreciation Day, Wing Family Day, and the Knucklebusters Volleyball Tournament
✅ Summer safety reminders as the 101 Critical Days of Summer wind down

🎁 GIVEAWAY INFO:
We’re launching a giveaway! Each Spotify comment and feedback form submission (see below) enters you to win a $50 Amazon gift card—with the winner announced during our 1-Year Anniversary Episode in December! (starting with the release of the this episode - episode 8)
📝 Leave your thoughts or enter here:
https://forms.gle/6o6XwnJWgJXs77Bm6
🎙 One entry per episode comment + one entry per month via feedback form = two chances monthly!

📢 Support the Show:
✔ Like, follow, and subscribe
✔ Leave a Spotify comment or review
✔ Share this episode with fellow Airmen, friends, and family
✔ Want to co-host or share an event? Reach out via the feedback link above!

Missed Episode 7? Don’t forget to check out our July patriotic edition, featuring REGIMENT and Rwanda’s Bilateral Affairs Officer.

If you are a military or military family member in need of a Chaplain representative and you are in the Nebraska area, do not hesitate to call 402-429-4781

As we celebrate Independence Day and all it stands for, Phantom Fuel returns with a star-spangled edition that spotlights both innovation and international cooperation.

In this episode, host RJ sits down with Unknowntehk, a moderator from REGIMENT—America’s largest military gaming community. We dive into how REGIMENT provides connection, mental health support, and a shared sense of purpose through gaming.

🚨 Big News: As of June 14, 2025, REGIMENT is officially a non-profit organization!
While their mission remains the same—connecting and supporting veterans and service members—this new status unlocks more potential than ever. Now able to accept donations, sponsorships, and subscriptions, REGIMENT can expand its reach and directly support more veterans in need. One major highlight? Their brand-new $40,000 Gaming Center at VFW Post 2205 in Denton, Texas—designed to serve the Texas National Guard and local community with resiliency programs and gaming therapy spaces.

From online communities to real-world impact—REGIMENT continues to prove: They’ve got your six.

🌍 Then, we go global.
Maj. Boyd leads a second feature interview with Capt. Truscott, Nebraska’s Bilateral Affairs Officer in Rwanda. Together, they explore the importance of state partnerships, cultural diplomacy, and the daily work of strengthening global security through mutual understanding.

We also cover recent Nebraska National Guard highlights including:

• A successful Combat Readiness Exercise by the 155th ARW

• A celebratory Fini-Flight for Lt. Col. Dan Williams

• A KC-135 Orientation Flight for state and federal employees

• International partnership visits with the Tanzanian Peoples Defense Force

• Local community collaboration in Plattsmouth and North Platte

📅 Upcoming Events include:

• Back to School Bash – July 26

• Backpack & School Supply Assistance – August Drill

• Retirement Appreciation Day – August 10

• Hot Dog Day – August 28 at JFHQ with pettable pups and cookout fun

⚠️ Summer Safety Reminders:

• Be smart with fireworks and grilling

• Avoid brain freeze this Ice Cream Month

• And most importantly—Don’t drink and drive. Plan ahead and protect your wingmen.

—

🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, Google, Podbean, and more.

💬 Got feedback or a story to share? We want to hear from you!
Fill out our anonymous form: https://forms.gle/6o6XwnJWgJXs77Bm6

📢 Are you a member of the Nebraska Air National Guard and want to co-host a future episode? Reach out through the link above!📢 If you would like to visit the REGIMENT website, go visit https://regiment.gg/ or join their community over on Discord - https://discord.com/invite/regiment 👍 Like, follow, subscribe, and share with your team, family, and friends. Help us grow the voice of the Nebraska Guard and amplify the stories that matter.

In this grounded and timely episode, we welcome Colonel Hollist from the Wing Chaplain office to explore an essential topic for military life and beyond — managing stress. Whether you're preparing for deployment, juggling civilian responsibilities, or just trying to keep your head above water, this conversation delivers real-world strategies for handling life’s mental and emotional pressures.

Col. Hollist shares practical tools anyone can use, along with a reminder that none of us walk this path alone — resources are available, and reaching out is a sign of strength.

We also go Live on Location at the Open Hangar Career Exploration Event, where more than 300 high school students visited the Lincoln Air Base to explore over 60 Guard and civilian career opportunities. Hear from the students, organizers, and Guard members who made this day unforgettable.

Also in this episode:

• Highlights from the 2025 State Warrior Competition featuring Army and Czech Republic soldiers

• A look back at the Retiree Breakfast hosted by the 155th Chiefs Council

• Upcoming Events you can register for now, from Operation Adventure Camp to the Father’s Day Blend and more

• A base safety spotlight on DUI prevention — and how one smart decision can protect your future

This episode is packed with actionable advice, community connection, and Guard-wide updates that keep you in the know.

Listen now on: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, Google Podcasts, Podbean, and more.

We want to hear from you!
Have a topic idea, event spotlight, or want to be a co-host or guest on the podcast? Use this anonymous link to share your thoughts and get involved:
👉 https://forms.gle/6o6XwnJWgJXs77Bm6

👉 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share this episode with your fellow Airmen! Help give Nebraska a bigger voice in the podcast space — and fuel the force forward.