2022 MF MARCH

My husband spent five weeks of every childhood summer vacation traveling across the country with his family. They cooked meals over an open fire, slept on the side of mountains in a pop-up camper and logged thousands of miles in their trusty Chevy Beauville. When he occasionally jokes about “mandatory bonding” — tolerating annoying siblings and one too many historic sites — I remind him of how lucky he was for the opportunity to experience the best of every state in the U.S.

A few years ago, we decided to follow suit and made a family pact to plan one vacation a year to a new (to my daughters and me) area of

the country … minus the roughing it part. So far, we have explored Colorado and Wyoming and have Montana planned for 2022. While we have barely scratched the surface of domestic travel, I am already amazed by how much I was missing out on, having spent most of my life on the East Coast.

Some of the savviest military families realize the gift of regularly experiencing new places, people and cultures. In this month’s travelthemed issue, we spoke with an OCONUS family living in Germany and always looking for their next excursion. Turn to page 12 for tips on adventuring in Europe with kids in tow.

Planning a stateside getaway? Check out our “Signature stays” story for truly unique accommodation ideas. Writer Nikki Davidson shares four one-time military landmarks that are now bucket list vacations, including a lighthouse, former nuclear missile launch control center and WWII-era submarine.

Less glamorous is daily life on an aircraft carrier, though Associate Editor Teal Yost reports in our cover feature that the USS Ford, which leads the Navy’s new class of supercarriers, boasts quieter sleeping quarters, better air conditioning, Starbucks coffee and huge gymnasiums with top-of-the-line fitness equipment. The most technologically advanced warship ever built also houses a hospital with a laboratory, pharmacy, operating room and dental services. For Rear Adm. John

Meier’s thoughts on the significance of the 100th anniversary of the aircraft carrier, turn to page 8.

No matter where you are stationed, settled or deployed, take time to explore. I hope this issue provides some inspiration to get out there.

Melissa M. Stewart Content Editor

Ashley

Andrea

Peyton

Chris Adams

Nano Betts

Lucretia Cunningham

Nikki Davidson

The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis transits in formation after a successful undersea warfare exercise. Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Jon Husman.

Crystal Kupper

Losoya

Downing Peck

H. Roberts

Military spouse blogger Jessica Lynn explores Idstein, Germany, with her three children.

Photo by Amy Ballard Photography.

My family and me at Yellowstone National Park for our 2021 travel adventure.

Aircraft carrier celebrates centennial

by Teal Yost

Military Families Magazine by AmeriForce Media, LLC, is published 10 times a year for active-duty service members, veterans, and their families. Copies are available through participating family service centers, relocation offices, transition offices, base lodges, libraries, daycare centers, MWR activities and other locations by request. Unit requests can be made online at https:// militaryfamilies.com/print-magazines/

Individuals can order a free digital copy of this issue at https://militaryfamilies.com/digital-magazines/ Editorial comments can be emailed to managing.editor@ameriforcemedia.com

Military Families Magazine is published by AmeriForce Media, LLC, Bloomington, Indiana, a private company. Information and advertisements in this publication do not constitute endorsement by any branch of the military or the Department of Defense. No part of this publication may be copied without the express written permission of the publishers. AmeriForce Media, LLC, the publishers, and publisher’s agents make no endorsement of any advertised services or products and none should be inferred.

a place and just go’

by Peyton H. Roberts

Off-road rebels

by Melissa M. Stewart

Bloom boom

by Nano Betts

Workshops for Warriors trains veterans for high-paying trade jobs

by Andrea Downing Peck

EDITORIAL

President and Publisher: Todd Taranto

Managing Editor: Bianca Strzalkowski

Content Editor: Melissa Stewart

Associate Editors: Kari Williams and Teal Yost

ADVERTISING

PLEASE CALL 703-337-8100

Vice President, Sales: Julie Miller Julie.Miller@AmeriForceMedia.com

PRODUCTION

Design: Open Look Business Solutions

PHOTO BY PETTY OFFICER 2ND CLASS RYAN LITZENBERGER

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A change in seasons is a good time to look at a change in other areas of life.

Chelsie Rose Photography

MIL FAM BRIEFS

matters

Opportunity: The deadline for filing this tax season is approaching on April 18. If you’ve put it off until this point, it may not be the worst thing — it means you still have the chance to get help with MilTax, a completely free service provided by Military OneSource without rank or pay restrictions. To reach MilTax, go to MilTax: Free Military Tax Return Preparation Services • Military OneSource at www. militaryonesource.mil/financial-legal/ tax-resource-center/miltax-military-taxservices/ or call 800-342-9647.

Milestone: Celebrate National K-9 Veterans Day on March 13, meant to honor all military and working dogs for their sacrifice to our nation. For news and events, follow

Average months military children wait from EFMP identification to receive special services, according to a recent survey by Partners in Promise. For more results, visit https://thepromiseact. org/2021-survey-findings/.

Hidden history: Gen. George Washington issued a general order to commemorate St. Patrick’s Day on March 17, 1780. After a particularly brutal winter in Morristown, New Jersey, he knew his troops needed a morale boost. Considering he had a Continental Army constructed of a substantial portion of men that claimed Irish ancestry, he announced a holiday in an effort to avoid mutiny.

Exhibit: In honor of Women’s History Month, visitors to the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force can view exhibits that pay tribute to the accomplishments and achievements of women who served in the Air Force, including WWII flight nurses, service pilots and more.

For more: https://www. nationalmuseum.af.mil/Collections/ Research/Womens-History/

Overheard:

The vaccines work and will remain a military medical requirement for our workforce. I continue to encourage everyone eligible for a booster shot to get one. This remains a readiness issue.”

– Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin III after testing positive for COVID-19 in January.

PHOTO BY LISA FERDINANDO

We still don’t believe that there’s been a final decision by Mr. Putin to launch another invasion. We still believe here at the department that there is time and space for diplomacy.”

– Pentagon Press Secretary John F. Kirby on placing 8,500

troops on heightened readiness to deploy to Europe

PHOTO BY AIRMAN 1ST CLASS MAKENSIE COOPER

@NationalK9VeteransDay on Facebook.

FAVORITES

Reads

Our Military Families Magazine Book Club pick for the month is “The Last Bookshop in London” by Madeline Martin, a self-proclaimed Army brat. Her latest historical fiction story was inspired by true WWII history and takes place in one of the few bookshops to survive the Blitz. Look for a full review this month on militaryfamilies.com and join us on Facebook on March 14 to discuss the #militaryfamilesbookclub pick live with the author!

GIVEAWAY

Online exclusive: Visit militaryfamilies.com for daily content, including a standout story on military influencers you need to follow on Instagram. Check out our list 20 of very worthwhile creators at https://militaryfamilies.com/ off-duty/military-connected-influencers-you-should-followon-instagram/

Resources revealed

In honor of our travel issue, we want to make sure you know about the Waves of Honor program. Military personnel and up to three direct dependents can get one complimentary admission per year to SeaWorld, Busch Gardens, Adventure Island, Water Country USA, Sesame Place or Aquatica. Sign up here: https://seaworldentertainment.com/programs/ waves-of-honor/

Military Families Magazine will feature two #militaryfamiliesfavorites finds in March. Make sure to follow our Instagram page @militaryfamiliesmagazine this month for an opportunity to score personal training sessions from GlowBodyPT. There’s still time to get in shape before summer begins, and these digital packages developed by an Army veteran are all about quick and effective results. Or treat yourself to a chance to win the handmade 10th anniversary Bradley bag in signature black canvas and brown leather from R. Riveter. Not only are these bags stylish and functional, but the company’s military spouse founders are passionate about investing in fellow military-connected entrepreneurs.

Newsletter alert:

Miss something? To keep up with the latest stories, giveaways and more from our print and digital products and social media platforms, don’t forget to sign up for Military Muster, our bi-weekly e-newsletter, at militaryfamilies.com.

CELEBRATES CENTENNIAL AIRCRAFT CARRIER

BY TEAL YOST

because of the invention of the carrier. It was a carrier-on-carrier battle and it was a decisive victory for the U.S.,” said Meier.

A victory that arguably changed the course of WWII and cemented the carrier as the preeminent weapon in the Navy’s war chest.

“The advent of the aircraft carrier revolutionized sea power,” said Rear Adm. John Meier, commander of Naval Air Force Atlantic. “We’re so fortunate it was developed, and that it has advanced.”

This month marks the 100th anniversary of the Navy’s very first aircraft carrier. The USS Langley (CV 1) was commissioned on March 20, 1922, named in honor of Samuel Langley, an American aircraft pioneer and engineer.

“It was the seed corn of innovation, of industrial might for the U.S.,” said Meier.

What started as an experimental platform quickly changed how the Navy fought at sea.

“When something happens in the world, the president asks, ‘Where are the carriers?’”

said Capt. Paul Lanzilotta, commanding officer of the USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78). “That’s how important these vessels are to our national defense.”

“Our carriers are the centerpiece of our Navy,” Meier added. “We use them in a huge variety of ways. The carrier is a powerful deterrent; we use it to fight and win decisively, and we use it at times for humanitarian and disaster relief, which is not something it was principally designed to do and yet, has proven incredibly successful in those times of need.”

While Langley was the first, the United States continued building and improving the mammoth flattops, leading to its significant role in World War II.

“The Battle of Midway only happened

“That victory sparked the innovative spirit in naval aviation that really continues today,” he added.

In 1961, the Navy upped the ante again, introducing the world’s first nuclear-powered carrier, the USS Enterprise, to its arsenal.

“The use of nuclear power frees the reliance on fuel for its own propulsion. It meant the carrier was self-contained to operate at length at sea without support from land or other support ships,” recalled Meier, who served as Ford’s commanding officer when the historymaking Enterprise was retired. “We were conducting training in Newport News, in a classroom that looked out on the James River. Enterprise was being towed up the river to be inactivated and ultimately decommissioned.

Navy leaders discuss the significance of high-seas domination for 100 years

The Navy has been around since 1775. But due to the introduction of the aircraft carrier to its fleet in the 20th century, the service’s maritime strategy has changed substantially in the last 100 years.

The USS Carl Vinson in the Pacific Ocean.

Photo by Mass Communications Specialist 3rd Class Devin M. Monroe.

We all stopped what we were doing, went to the window and looked out at that great ship going up the river for the last time.”

Enterprise was 51 years old when it was taken out of service, “and as capable and ready as any other aircraft carrier in the Navy at that time,” Meier reminisced.

At 55, Enterprise was officially decommissioned and set to be scrapped.

Not a single aircraft the Navy was flying when Enterprise first went to sea was still among its aviation arsenal.

At more than 46 years old, the USS Nimitz is the Navy’s most senior aircraft carrier still in service, as are the nine additional carriers in the Nimitz class.

Supercarriers — a ‘floating city’ life

The Ford leads the Navy’s new class of supercarriers. Another nine carriers are planned, set to replace the Nimitz-class carriers one-for-one. Three Ford-class warships are currently in some stage of construction.

“Carrier life is pretty amazing in terms of resources,” said Meier.” These ships are essentially floating cities. When you’re on board, you have everything you need.”

That includes a chapel, a post office, several dining facilities, not to mention the human resources available to sailors, including resiliency counselors and financial counselors all onboard the ship.

The Ford is the most technologically advanced warship ever built.

Aside from the impressive operational technology, it boasts several quality-of-life upgrades for sailors aboard the vessel. That includes lower occupancy and therefore quieter sleeping quarters, better air conditioning, Starbucks coffee and huge gymnasiums with top-of-the-line fitness equipment. The warship also houses a hospital with a laboratory, pharmacy, operating room and dental services.

“We’re excited that she’ll go on her first employment in the 100th year of the U.S. aircraft carrier. It wasn’t necessarily planned that way, but it’s special nonetheless”

— Rear Adm. John Meier, commander of Naval Air Force Atlantic, on the supercarrier USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78)

USS Ford during pre-commissioning in Newport News, Virginia.

Photo by Mass Communications Specialist 1st Class Joshua J. Wahl.

USS Langley, the Navy’s first aircraft carrier, commissioned in 1922.

Ford Commanding Officer Lanzilotta has spent his fair share of time living and working on an aircraft carrier, deploying on or operating off nine of the Navy’s carriers during his career.

“I love operating on these ships. It’s an exciting way of life,” he said. “From the reactor department to the flight deck and everywhere in between, carrier life is busy; it’s hectic at times.”

Both Meier and Lanzilotta said being stationed on the carrier affords sailors a great opportunity for learning and for career advancement.

“It’s not uncommon for sailors to excel in their current job but also work on education, graduate education or Navy education. It’s a captive audience on an aircraft carrier: work, eat, sleep. Things that may get pushed off their plate while at home are much easier to focus on while at sea,” said Meier.

“The aircraft carrier is a leadership laboratory. You can learn your job to a really deep level. The layers of experience and talent on our team translates to optimal performance and the opportunity for advancement,” Lanzilotta added.

After several years of construction and a more than $13 billion price tag, Ford will come out of the shipyards this year.

“We’re excited that she’ll go on her first employment in the 100th year of the U.S. aircraft carrier. It wasn’t necessarily planned that way, but it’s special nonetheless,” said Meier.

And Ford is just the beginning of the next wave of innovation for the American aircraft carrier.

“We’re constantly advancing. From our aircraft to our aircraft carriers, we can expect that to continue,” Meier added. “We innovate and execute. That’s what we do.”

By The Numbers

COST — approximately $13.3 billion

LENGTH — 1,092 feet (that’s longer than three American football fields, end-to-end)

AIRCRAFT — 75+

CREW — approximately 4,450 (ship’s company and air wing)

SPEED — 30+ knots

Navy graphic by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Cat Campbell.

The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson departs San Francisco after participating in San Francisco Fleet Week.

Photo by Lt.j.g. Pete Lee.

USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78)

National Museum of the Pacific War

We are grateful to the late Fred Harvey, who was an Iwo Jima veteran and Museum supporter. Here, Fred taught a young volunteer a proper salute.

MILITARY SPOUSE BLOGGER SHARES TOP TRIPS AND TIPS WHEN TRAVELING IN EUROPE WITH KIDS

BY PEYTON H. ROBERTS

A foreign land. Three young children. A rollercoaster pandemic.

After nearly two years in Germany, Air Force spouse Jessica Lynn could list plenty of reasons to stay close to home. Yet, she remains determined to explore new places — while encouraging other OCONUS families to safely do the same.

“It can be so scary moving to a new place,” she said, “but rip off the Band-Aid of your comfort zone and see what you can see.”

Air Force spouse Jessica Lynn poses with her family outside Hoensbroek Castle in the Netherlands.

Photo by Danielle Caceres Photography.

Stationed in Geilenkirchen, Germany, since June 2020, Jessica Lynn is always on the lookout for the next adventure with her husband, a lieutenant colonel in the Air Force, and three kids (ages 5, 7 and 9). Due to the current hassles of air travel, most of their getaways have been road trips to nearby Austria, the Netherlands and quaint German villages.

Highlights so far include Wernigerode, Germany, where their family visited Rapunzel’s tower, and Normandy, France, where they spent four days exploring the infamous landing site of American troops during WWII.

For Jessica Lynn, writing about travel is nothing new. In college, she started her first blog while studying abroad in England.

“It was just a way to keep in touch with friends and family,” she said.

The blog’s focus shifted once she started dating her then-boyfriend, now-husband, Kenny, who was already in the Air Force. Knowing very little about the military, Jessica Lynn started writing about their long-distance relationship from a fresh perspective. These journal-style entries drew in readers from outside her personal network.

“I started gaining followers, which was such a new concept back then when you would write just to write,” she said.

A few years later, she left a beloved job at a magazine in New Mexico to get married and move to Georgia — the first of six duty stations with Kenny, including Italy and Germany.

Today Jessica Lynn shares posts about family friendly destinations, captivating reels from their adventures and PCS tips for military families with thousands of followers across Pinterest and Instagram.

“I really enjoy connecting through my words and helping other military spouses and girlfriends,” she said. “I’ve moved to new bases already knowing people there because they’ve read my posts. It’s rewarding to hear that something I’ve written has helped someone or made an impact.”

When Jessica Lynn isn’t blogging or traveling, you can find her cooking or researching the next destination on her family’s trip list, which for 2022 includes Paris, the Northern Lights, Canary Islands, Spain, Portugal and a Baltic cruise. She hopes to visit 10 new countries this year and plans to blog highlights and photos of each adventure — along with hard-earned tips for taking kids along.

Jessica Lynn’s top tips for OCONUS adventures with kids

Build a bucket list – Figuring out the best places to see with kids takes time and effort. To find those hidden gems, ask neighbors, consult Google Maps or search Instagram hashtags.

Start small and build slowly – Make a list of interesting sights, attractions and restaurants in your area, then choose one and start exploring. Do day trips until you and your kids are comfortable. Spend one night or a weekend away before committing to a longer trip.

Capture their interest – Help kids get excited about a new place by calling it an adventure, packing favorite snacks and talking about what they’ll find interesting.

Balance your itinerary – If you’re planning to visit museums in the morning, follow with something more active in the afternoon like a park, beach or swimming pool.

Set expectations – Share the plan for the day so your kids know what to expect and what to look forward to.

Arrive early – Tourist attractions tend to be less crowded earlier in the day. Arrive as close to opening time as possible for easier parking and shorter lines.

Follow their lead – Let kids set the pace. If they’re loving a site, stay longer. If they’re ready to leave, keep it moving.

Pack your patience – When visiting a new place, factor in extra time for parking, admission and crowds. Also be prepared for moody kids who may behave unpredictably when out of their comfort zone. In both cases, patience rules.

English will suffice – Don’t let fear of not knowing the language hold you back. Most people you’ll run into speak some English. If not, you can communicate more easily than you think through hand gestures.

Just go – It’s worth the hassle to get out there and see new places with your kids. Exploring an overseas duty station as a family creates magical memories that last a lifetime.

For more travel tips, photos and trip ideas, visit Jessica Lynn’s blog at JessicaLynnWrites.com or find her on Instagram @jesstagirl.

FIELDS OF

Former Army football coach reflects on success

BY CHRIS ADAMS

When a legendary football coach is retired and enjoying time with his wife, grandchildren and 3-acre sanctuary in a quaint Virginia town, you would imagine he aims to stay put. The professional career in the books, the business shut down. But sometimes, reasons beyond one’s desires pull you back in.

Coach Bobby Ross during the Junior Seau eulogy in 2012.

Coach Bobby Ross, whose resume is saturated with success at both the college and NFL levels of football, was on a permanent vacation in 2003. But Rick Greenspan, the athletic director at Army, would soon toss a wrench, er, football, into Ross’ routine, upsetting the equilibrium of retired life.

Greenspan asked Ross if he’d be interested in becoming part of a hiring committee for a new head football coach. Ross was interested but never heard back. So, he followed up. However, he wasn’t prepared for the response. Would he be interested in the top football job at the service academy?

“I couldn’t believe it. I was just shocked by it,” said Ross.

But the former Super Bowl coach was dug into retirement. The military was entrenched in the Iraq War, and recruiting would be difficult. And the Black Knights were mired in a massive losing streak. His wife asked him what he thought. He said, “No way, no way.”

Then his wife looked at him sternly and said, “It’s your patriotic duty to take that job.” Ross was taken aback by her declaration but felt she was right. He found himself at West Point in 2004.

Military ties teach respect

The military has always been important to Ross — in his blood, so to speak. The connections were always there, or never far away.

Upon his arrival at Virginia Military Institute for college in 1956, Ross soon found camaraderie within the football program. It was like the school’s stand-in fraternity.

“So, you become real close and very much a part of the football team and its leadership,” he said. “We had some good teams.”

VMI enjoyed an 18-game winning streak while Ross played there, earning the Keydets a national ranking. According to the Virginia Sports Hall of Fame, the undefeated team of 1957 earned a final ranking of 20 in the AP poll. It was the only VMI football team to be nationally ranked. Ross played quarterback and defensive back.

Nearing his graduation from VMI, Ross was uncertain of what he wanted to do — he knew a stop in the Army was part of the plan, but after that, anything was possible. Then his former high school contacted him about becoming the head coach there.

“I got that job. Coached there for six months, went into the Army for two years,” Ross explained.

Ross was stationed in Germany during the construction of the Berlin Wall.

“It was pretty scary at the time, but it all subsided, and we did not end up having to do any fighting, though we were certainly well prepared for it, I can tell you that,” said Ross, who was a first lieutenant and executive officer to the company. “It left me with a lot of respect for the people who served.”

His next engagement with the military wouldn’t occur — albeit, a short stop at VMI in 1965 — until 1973. Ross was named head football coach at The Citadel that year.

He cherished his time at The Citadel, living on campus with his family, affording him greater access to his players. “They were a wonderful group of kids.”

Coaching at The Citadel meant Ross would be facing his alma mater once a season.

“It was intense,” he said. “I wanted to win badly … I simply wanted to win the game because it was our chief rival … at that time VMI was a pretty good program.”

Seasons of success

That would be his last courtship with the military until West Point in 2004. During the interim, Ross experienced his greatest successes as a coach.

He led the program at Maryland for five seasons, amassing a record of 39-19 and coaching two NFL quarterbacks — Boomer Esiason and Frank Reich, the current head coach of the Indianapolis Colts.

Reich brought the Terrapins back against a Jimmy Johnson-coached Miami team after being down 31-0 at halftime.

“And we were able to come back and win the game, 42-40,” Ross said.

Maryland was followed by a National Championship stop at Georgia Tech and a Super Bowl XXIX appearance against the 49ers when he coached the San Diego Chargers.

He concluded with the Detroit Lions when the NFL implemented the salary cap. Ross inherited Hall of Famer Barry Sanders and top receiver Herman Moore but felt too much

cap money had been spent on the offensive side of the ball when the defense needed bolstering. Sanders then retired the day before the start of training camp. His tenure with the Lions ended in 2000.

West Point (post “retirement”) was a goal fulfilled for Ross. Though he once dreamed of walking the campus as a plebe and yuk, the opportunity to roam the sidelines as the general of the football program perhaps made up for it.

Ross faced challenging opponents during his time with the Black Knights — Notre Dame, Texas A&M and Iowa State — and his team ended a dubious Army losing streak.

“We played competitively, but our wins were not as many as I would have liked.”

He left West Point after the 2006 season, which was part of his game plan all along.

“I thought I’d give it about three years, and that’s what I did,” he said. “It was a great experience. You talk about dedicated people … these guys are going to the military. For certain.”

One of Ross’ quarterbacks at Army — Chase Prasnicki — was killed while serving in Afghanistan.

Ross’ final recruit was Baltimore Ravens’ tackle Alejandro Villanueva, who served three tours in Afghanistan before playing in the NFL, Ross said.

“I have great, great, great respect for the military,” Ross said. “I do. They’re tremendous people. They make great sacrifices.”

Coach Bobby Ross’ final recruit was Baltimore Ravens’ tackle Alejandro Villanueva, who served three tours in Afghanistan before playing in the NFL.

Photo by Jeffrey Beall.

From military landmarks to bucket-list vacation adventures

BY NIKKI DAVIDSON

Frequent deployments make it challenging for many military families to schedule a getaway or relaxing vacation. So, when the opportunity comes to take a break and spend quality time together, it needs to be unforgettable.

Amusement parks, beach vacations and ski resorts are obvious choices, but there are also plenty of lesser-known options for those looking for a one-of-a-kind experience — like overnights in restored military landmarks.

Here’s a list of four unique, bucket-list trips for the vacation of a lifetime.

Spend the night in a WWII-era submarine

USS COBIA, WISCONSIN MARITIME MUSEUM Manitowoc, Wisconsin

Shipbuilders were busy in Manitowoc, Wisconsin, during WWII. In just about three years, 28 submarines were constructed in the town on Lake Michigan.

The Wisconsin Maritime Museum honors that history by giving visitors a chance to spend a night on a real submarine. The fully-restored USS Cobia is moored next to the museum and hosts overnight guests.

The USS Cobia completed six patrols during WWII and earned four battle stars. The

underwater craft sank Japanese freighters in the Pacific Ocean, preventing them from transporting more troops to Iwo Jima. It also rescued seamen from a downed Army bomber and is considered the best-restored WWII submarine in America.

Book a night in the “Sub BnB” and sleep in one of the many bunk rooms.

The experience includes:

• A personalized behind-the-scenes tour of the vessel.

• Overnight access to the entire museum.

• A private screening of maritime and submarine movies in the theater.

USS Cobia sits behind the Wisconsin Maritime Museum, floating in the Manitowoc River. Photo courtesy of the Wisconsin Maritime Museum.

Overnight program coordinator Jeffrey Hicks said a night on the sub is like a living history experience, in which visitors become the reenactors.

“When you’re staying overnight, you really get a sense or a feeling of the space around you and how cramped it was on board,” said Hicks. “I think the overnight program allows especially young kids to really get that experience of what it was like to live on a submarine during WWII.”

Hicks said “Sub BnB” is also very popular with veterans, and they’ve hosted guests who have even served in WWII.

“We have a book that military members and veterans sign when they come to visit,” he said. “We really appreciate that they come, especially when they share their stories as well.”

A maximum of 65 people can stay in the submarine overnight. Prices start at $500 a night for a family of five. The vessel is open for guests year-round and has modern heating and cooling. A new HVAC system has been installed with air purifiers for additional sanitization and comfort.

Learn more: wisconsinmaritime.org/ programs-and-events/stay-on-the-sub

Sleep above the Atlantic Ocean in a former light station

FRYING PAN TOWER Cape

Fear, North Carolina

The treacherous shallow water in North Carolina’s Frying Pan Shoals earned it the name “Graveyard of the Atlantic.”

The Coast Guard created a steel tower with a lantern house about 34 miles off the coast to warn ships of the dangers in the area, including housing and support for the crew members stationed there. The Coast Guard retired the light station in 2004 due to advancements in GPS technology.

When the property went up for public auction online, a man named Richard Neal couldn’t resist purchasing it. He’s since restored the tower into 5,000 square feet of livable space with a kitchen, dining room and several bedrooms with heating, air conditioning, electricity and high-speed internet. The Frying Pan Tower is now a nonprofit conservation agency that assists with environmental research and education studies.

The nonprofit allows eco-tourists to stay the weekend inside the structure that sits 135 feet over the Atlantic Ocean to fundraise for its mission. Getting there is half the fun, as the tower is only accessible by helicopter or boat; neither is for the faint of heart. To reach the living quarters from the water level, visitors have to get onto a high-speed hoist that

lifts them 80 feet to the top in less than one minute.

“We’ve definitely had knocking knees and panic,” chuckled Neal, who serves as operator.  “They say, ‘I can’t believe I’m doing this.’ But they just have to sit there. I tell them, ‘All you have to do at the top is stand back up.’”

Once guests are up in the living quarters, endless activities abound. People go scuba diving, fishing, skeet shooting and golfing with biodegradable clays and balls and stargazing next to the helipad firepit.

Prices for an ecotourism adventure weekend at Frying Pan Tower start at $1,550 a person, including transportation, meal supplies, beverages and activities. The money goes toward transportation costs and restoration efforts.

“Our number one goal is to restore, protect and preserve,” said Neal. “The goal is to take every penny we can and repair the tower. We need to recognize that this is a very important piece of American history.”

Learn more: fptower.org/product/ecoadventure-weekend-stay

Frying Pan Tower is located 34 miles off the coast of North Carolina and rises 135 feet above the Atlantic Ocean.

Photo by Richard Neal.

The only way to get to Frying Pan Tower is by helicopter or boat. Photo by Richard Neal.

Stay inside a former nuclear missile launch control center

TITAN RANCH Vilonia, Arkansas

The United States created the Titan II Missile program during the Cold War. These ballistic missiles could carry nuclear warheads to strike targets thousands of miles away.

There were 54 launch complexes, and 18 of them were in Arkansas. It was decommissioned by the late 1980s and destroyed to become inaccessible to the public.

In 2010, Air Force veteran GT Hill purchased one of the old missile complexes, intending to make it his home and one of the most unique places in the world. The restoration efforts were complex and took several years.

“When I first encountered this place, cattle were roaming on it. There were no holes, nothing,” said Hill. “We had to take blueprints and measure and find where to dig. I likened the process to what I call modern archaeology.”

Once the old complex was located, the work to get it accessible for humans was just getting started.

“We rented a big excavator and started digging,” he said. “After a few near-death experiences, we got into it. It was full of water for 25 years, so when we opened the front door, water came crashing over us, so that was kind of fun.”

Hill decided to transform the space into an Airbnb and event venue a few years ago. The 3,500-square-foot complex has a luxury primary bedroom and bathroom, kitchen, theater and living area. The rental is popular among all kinds of tourists, from military veterans to teenage girls hosting birthday parties.

The complex is about 35 feet underground and is hanging on giant springs.

“What that means is it can move, so when you’re walking around, the thing actually moves very slightly,” said Hill. “We’ve had college groups out here, and I’ll DJ for them. They’ll start jumping up and down with lights and music, and the whole thing will move since it’s actually suspended in the air on springs.”

The retired missile complex has two bedrooms, three bathrooms and can sleep up to six guests for rates starting at $397 a night. Guided history tours are available.

Learn more: titanranch.com

Become a keeper at a historic Washington lighthouse

NEW DUNGENESS LIGHTHOUSE Clallam County,

Washington state

Many people dream about living in a remote lighthouse on the coast. In Washington state, that opportunity actually exists.

The remote New Dungeness Lighthouse, built in 1857, sits inside of a National Wildlife Refuge. It is usually only accessible by boat or a five-mile hike. When the Coast Guard decommissioned it in the late 1990s, community members rallied to keep the buildings operational and open with an auxiliary lightkeeper program. Today, people can apply to be part of the program and spend an entire week at the light station.

“We load all your stuff up into our four-wheeldrive vehicles, and we drive you out on the beach, all the way out to the lighthouse, and drop you off,” said lighthouse General Manager Chad Kaiser. “Then you’re out of the lighthouse for the week to do your keeper’s duties.”

The required work includes greeting and giving tours to people hiking out to the lighthouse and maintaining the iconic landmark set in remote coastal Washington.

“You can see the Olympic Mountains and the marine traffic on Puget Sound, whether that’s the aircraft carriers or containerships,” said Kaiser. “Occasionally, you’ll see Orca whales, and there are always quite a few birds.”

The weekly rate for the program is $440 per person for adults and $225 for kids. Children lighthouse keepers must be 6 or older, and at least four adults are required to operate the station at all times. Guests can reserve single bedrooms or the entire keeper’s house. Membership in the New Dungeness Light Station Association is required to join the program; that fee is $35 for individuals or $50 for families.

Learn more: newdungenesslighthouse.com/ keeper-program

Titan Ranch, located inside a decommissioned Titan II Missile Complex, has three levels of living space.

The New Dungeness Lighthouse is located at the end tip of the 5-mile-long Dungeness Spit near Sequim, Washington.

OWN A BUSINESS?

The Army & Air Force Exchange Service Wants You!

The Exchange is recruiting businesses of all sizes to serve those who serve:

Opportunities for Veteran- and military spouse-owned businesses. Proven environment for testing new products. Welcoming culture for entrepreneurs. Flexible leases, fees and formats.

Businesses are growing their brands on Army Posts as well as Air Force and Space Force Bases, while improving Quality of Life for Soldiers, Airmen, Guardians and their families, with the Department of Defense’s largest retailer.

Mall kiosk, micromarket, storefront and online models maximize visibility in trusted and highly trafficked PX and BX locations. Go all in for your business and the best customers in the world by joining the Exchange’s ranks today.

Retail wholesale businesses, long- and shortterm concessions, personal services, vending and restaurant providers can find out more by visiting www.aafes.com/about-exchange/doing-business

OFF-ROAD REBELS

Adventurous

veterans get therapy, satisfaction through outdoor challenges

BY MELISSA M. STEWART

Rebelle Rally Team

207 Erin Mason (left), Sammy the service dog and Selena “Mason” Converse.

Photo by Tim Calver.

Imagine being stranded in the middle of the desert ... with no cell phone or GPS technology of any sort. Two veteran sisters-in-law thought a lot about this precarious situation — and then proceeded to add it to their bucket list.

Selena “Mason” Converse and Erin Mason had already bonded through their military backgrounds, family ties (Mason is married to Converse’s brother), motherhood and mutual love of outdoor adventures. So, teaming up for the Rebelle Rally, a women’s 2,500-kilometer off-roading vehicle competition, became a dream challenge for the daring duo.

However, the entry costs and training required before spending nine days navigating the rough terrain of the Nevada and California deserts with nothing more than a map, compass and roadbook seemed impossible to conquer — until the pair connected with Record the Journey

Rachael Ridenour, RTJ founder and Army veteran, offered to sponsor Converse and Mason through her nonprofit — a military veterans charity dedicated to PTSD awareness and helping service members successfully transition to civilian life with the help of outdoor therapy. Ridenour had already conquered the Rebelle Rally six times, and her new proteges jumped at the chance to begin preparing for the 2021 event.

“Training was intense,” Mason said. “Thank goodness we had a year because it was a lot of info that we were not expecting. We traveled to California about three or four times throughout the year to meet up with Rachel in the middle of the desert and to learn how to navigate and brain associate.”

Mason equated the process to going to a military technical school. Getting the scoring system and checkpoint process down pat proved particularly difficult, she says.

But when race day rolled around, Mason (the navigator), Converse (the driver) and Sammy (the 2-year-old German Shepherd service dog) were prepped, albeit anxious. Converse recalls feeling sick to her stomach when sitting in the 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander at the starting line.

“I was definitely very nervous,” she said. “Turning off our phones and driving the 500 meters to the front really put everything into perspective.”

Mason remembers mornings being particularly difficult times during the journey.

“We got up at 5 a.m. and had to get our breakfast, lunch, coffee, maps, coordinates, messages, driver’s notes and everything ready,” she said. Because Mason had a baby just three weeks before the adventure began, she also had to make time for “morning pumps in 30-degree weather.”

And the struggles didn’t stop there. If the team wanted to eat and sleep (in a tent with 30 other women) each night, they were required to locate base camp. Both Converse and Mason agreed their military background helped make the experience more relatable.

“It was so similar to a deployment that it surprised us,” Mason said. “We had no phones or connection to our family. We were out in the middle of the desert and only had basic necessities. Just like in the military

you have MREs, we were getting these Mountain House Meals for lunch. And we were camping, so we were dirty, all wearing the same thing and hadn’t showered in days. But it was all fine. Both of us have been on deployments; we have gone through worse.”

Converse, who has had PTSD herself, said succeeding and representing Record the Journey felt particularly important.

“Erin and I have received so much of our own outdoor therapy by doing things like this,” she said.

“Representing Record the Journey showed other women the beauty of using outdoor activities and therapy as a way to cope, no matter their situation,” added Mason.

Of course, reaching the finish line also felt pretty fantastic.

“We couldn’t finish fast enough and at the same time wanted to pause time,” said Mason. “Finishing was incredible and also so emotional. We accomplished something that most people will never do in their lives. You don’t want it to be over but you are so ready to go take a shower and go home. But, yeah, I would do it again in a heartbeat.”

For more information on the Rebelle Rally or Record the Journey, visit rebellerally.com or recordthejourney.org

PHOTO BY NICOLE DREON

PHOTO BY RICHARD GIORDANO

Nothing heralds the arrival of spring in Washington, D.C., quite like the magnificent cherry blossoms. For a few short weeks, a tapestry of blooming cherry trees, or sakura, disrupts the cityscape in the most breathtaking way, bringing a flair of romance to the nation’s capital and prompting celebration among locals and visitors alike.

The blooms that cloak the Tidal Basin every year were gifted to the United States by Japan as a symbol of friendship and political alliance. This iconic flower, a symbol of beauty and transience of life, serves as an annual reminder to unplug and be present. Whether you live here or are planning a trip to Washington, D.C., during the peak cherry blossom season, you are in for a treat. The city is alive during this time, offering a wide array of entertainment on top of sakura viewing.

Here are the best ways you can enjoy cherry blossoms in Washington, D.C., in 2022.

Best time to see cherry blossoms in Washington, D.C.

The biggest misconception about cherry blossom season in Washington, D.C., is that it is short. There are a few varieties of sakura trees that blanket the city, and while they each bloom for one to two weeks, the earliest variety — Okame — starts blooming in mid-March and the latest one — Kwanzan — reaches peak in mid-April. Altogether, you have a month-long window to see these iconic blooms in all shades of pink. That said, the most popular time is during the prime bloom of Yoshino trees that line the Tidal Basin like a string of pearls.

To determine its peak bloom dates each year, the National Park Service measures the buds’ growth. You can get the latest updates on the 2022 cherry blossom forecast by visiting Washington, D.C. Cherry Blossom Watch website: cherryblossomwatch.com/peakbloom-forecast. If you are unable to visit, you can still enjoy the National Cherry Blossom Festival virtually and see the blossoms via the live BloomCam: nationalmall.org/bloomcam

Best spots to see cherry blossoms in Washington, D.C.

The National Mall and Tidal Basin, undeniably some of the most beautiful places to see cherry blossoms in Washington, D.C., attract throngs of viewers each year. However, there are plenty of other spots where you can avoid the crowds and enjoy the fleeting beauty of the pink blossoms in a more intimate, scenic and secluded setting. A few options include Hains Point Loop Trail in East Potomac Park, the U.S. National Arboretum, the U.S. Capitol grounds, Stanton Park in Capitol Hill, Dumbarton Oaks Gardens in Georgetown, Meadowlark Botanical Gardens and the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception

If you want to see Washington, D.C., beyond major sights and parks, then stroll through neighborhoods like Capitol Hill, Georgetown, Dupont Circle, Logan Circle and Alexandria’s Historic Old Town, all dotted with cherry blossom trees on random streets. Get lost in the maze of historic houses while also taking breaks at local cafes and shops.

Special events planned during cherry blossom season in Washington, D.C.

Washington, D.C. will host its annual National Cherry Blossom Festival and a few fascinating signature events like the Blossom Kite Festival, Petalpalooza, the National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade and more. Trust for the National Mall will also be holding its annual fundraiser that serves to maintain, preserve and protect our treasured blossoms. You can make a gift in your name or in tribute to a loved one. Learn more: nationalmall.org/content/ cherry-tree-endowment.

Tips for taking beautiful cherry blossom photos

Timing: Try to shoot the blossoms in the early morning (preferably sunrise) when the wind is calm and the light is gentle and flattering. This will also ensure that you avoid the crowds of tourists. The light is also beautiful during sunsets when you can try capturing the soft pink blooms against the pastel-colored sky.

Composition: When photographing cherry blossoms by the water, look for reflections to capture a unique perspective. Shoot through the blooms and use them to frame and highlight a subject. Shoot upwards into the sky from under the tree to capture the blooms against the blue sky. Take wide-angled shots of your scenery, but don’t be afraid to zoom in to capture details of the individual blossoms. While photographing cherry trees, pay attention to the backgrounds to avoid including eye-sores like a trashcan or a passerby in a neon-colored jacket into your shots.

Theme: Surely, the photos of just blossoms or tree-clad landscapes are beautiful, but consider taking your focus off the trees and onto the people. Put on a photojournalist hat and observe people around you. Seek to document the moments of joy, love and quiet contemplation.

Proposed EOD fitness test revisions address needs of mothers

BY CRYSTAL KUPPER

Mothers in the Air Force’s explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) career field may soon have physical fitness test standards that take into account their changing and recovering bodies.

The Air Force Installation and Mission Support Center (AFIMSC) crafted revision recommendations for the Air Force’s Tier 2 Physical Fitness Test policy, a test specifically designed for more physically demanding fields like EOD. The test, unlike the Tier 1 test, is independent of age and gender. Though the revision process officially began in 2015, the needs of pregnant and postpartum women went unnoticed until a senior master sergeant in EOD pointed them out in October 2020.

“During the rollout of the Tier 2, there was concern amongst the EOD females regarding many issues,” Senior Master Sgt. Lindsay Rickert said. “Our EOD career field manager showed true leadership and took the time to do a Zoom call and really listened to everyone’s concerns.”

Women-focused fitness

Rickert was pregnant with her third child at the time. She strongly felt there were missing voices in the revision process.

“I felt women health professionals should be included when writing the Tier 2 policy to create a smart solution that doesn’t hold females back and gives them time where needed to heal after birth,” she said.

AFIMSC was happy to listen and respond, said Master Sgt. John Johnson, a resource analyst for AFIMSC’s Installation Support EOD Program at Joint Base San Antonio in Texas.

“The message that we are sending to our female EOD airmen and potential female EOD recruits [with the policy updates] is that you are a part of our team and we value and care about you,” Johnson said. “Women have been successful EOD technicians since the 1970s, and we want to make sure they are receiving the care they need to have a long successful career without sacrificing their health and family goals.”

Some of those changes include postpartum EOD mothers having a full year to recover before being required to meet the lessdifficult Tier 1 standard. Then, each woman would have another six months before the Tier 2 test. That way, Johnson explained, EOD is still demanding high levels of physical fitness but also being sensitive to a mother’s unique needs.

“We are also proposing recommended care guidance be included in the policy, such as new mothers receive pelvic floor physical therapy services and care for anxiety or depression as needed,” Johnson said. “The hope is that this will also educate supervisors and leaders on the significant physiological and mental challenges associated with childbirth.”

Speaking up

The group of EOD women is small; out of approximately 1,200 EOD airmen, only 37 are female. The number of mothers is even smaller — so Rickert and her mothercoworkers knew they had to speak up when it came to their needs.

“I have known women that have left because of postpartum difficulties,” Rickert said. “I think this is amplified in EOD, because we often have a more demanding mission and there is a smaller number of us. I have had my challenges and contemplated leaving many times, but I love what I do, and so I keep going.”

Johnson and his team do not want any more EOD women to face that hard choice between career and motherhood. To that end, a one-day focus group was held on Jan. 7 at AFIMSC headquarters with six EOD motherairmen. Lt. Col. Larissa Weir, chief women’s health consultant to the Air Force Surgeon General and a pelvic floor physical therapist, were also in attendance.

“We reviewed current policies and pending legislation, then had presentations from the subject matter experts, followed by development of the future policy,” Johnson said. “The experiences of the working group members was vital to developing a policy that makes sense for the future of all our EOD airmen.”

In January, the AFIMSC team submitted proposed changes to Air Force headquarters for review. Both Johnson and Rickert are hoping for speedy implementation.

EOD women “are, and will be assets to EOD regardless of sex or motherhood, and as such, we want to provide them with tools to be successful,” Rickert said. “Hopefully this policy will make them feel more comfortable with joining the EOD family.”

Master Sgt. Jacque Risley prepares for the Gruseter as part of the EOD career field’s Tier 2 Physical Fitness Test. Gruseter is 300 meters of drop-roll-lift-run movements while wearing a 30-pound vest and carrying a 50-pound sandbag. Photo by Airman 1st Class Kimberly Barrera.

Workshops for Warriors trains veterans for high-paying trade jobs

BY ANDREA DOWNING PECK — SPONSORED

A trip to a country music festival in Arkansas became Bria Bohanon’s unlikely introduction to the Marines, but the 30-year-old officer followed a more traditional path when transitioning from the military to Workshops for Warriors (WFW).

A former college basketball player, Bohanon was playing professional rugby when the lure of free swag prompted her to stop at the Marine Corps Pull-Up Challenge festival booth. Bohanon left with more than a free T-shirt.

“The recruiter was really great because he totally convinced me I could be a Marine and that I’d be making a difference,” she said.

While Bohanon describes herself as “shy and pretty closed off” before entering the Marines, she credits her four years as an Air Defense Control officer for developing her leadership skills, allowing her to serve her country and opening her eyes to the fact she was best suited for a career working with her hands, not sitting behind a desk communicating with pilots.

“I love the fact I was a Marine, but my actual job,” she said. “I had to be honest with myself and realize do you want to keep doing this for 20 years or do you want to take a chance to do something else? It was cool as far as knowing all the different weapons systems and whatnot. But I didn’t feel that fire, that passion.”

Using the DOD SkillBridge program, Bohanon transitioned seamlessly into WFW’s Welding I program in the summer of 2021. After earning certifications in MIG and other Arc welding methods, Bohanon completed Welding II last December, adding the sought-after TIG welding specialty to her resume in order to best position herself for a welding career in the aerospace or automobile industries.

As a welder, Bohanon has found passion for her job that eluded her in the military.

“It’s as simple as combining two metals together but with that comes so many things you have to know,” Bohanon said. “I like working with fire and metal and how strong the structures are once you combine them together.”

Bohanon chose San Diego-based WFW because of its veterans-first focus and fourmonth training programs in which students can earn more than 70 nationally recognized machining and welding credentials that are portable and stackable. She has no regrets about her choice.

“You’re not just a number there,” she said, praising both WFW administrators and instructors for taking a personal interest in students’ success and wellbeing. As someone

who asks “a lot of questions,” Bohanon said instructors “never made me feel like I was asking too much or made me feel like I was annoying. They would step into the booth and show me how to do it. They explained the theory. I enjoyed learning the ‘why’ behind why I am doing something.”

Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, WFW has doubled enrollment in both its CNC (computer numerical control) machining and welding programs. With construction beginning on a new WFW building within a block of the 501(c)3 nonprofit’s San Diego location, Director of Operations Keshia JavisJones expects enrollment to ultimately grow to a total of 450 students.

Students typically pay for only their personal protection equipment and books, using Veteran Administration benefits, such as the 9/11 GI Bill or Veteran Readiness and Employment (Chapter 31), and school-funded scholarships to offset the $25,000 tuition costs for the welding or machining programs.

While many veterans come to WFW from military bases dotting Southern California, the school provides low-cost housing to students from outside the area.

“There’s a housing scholarship opportunity,” Javis-Jones said. “So, if they are able to make it to sunny San Diego, we would love to have them here. Housing is within walking distance of the facility so they wouldn’t need to worry about having a vehicle.”

An ongoing manufacturing worker shortage combined with pandemic-fueled resignations of older workers has resulted in a 94% employment rate for WFW’s 1,000+ alumni who make an average starting salary of $60,000 per year. WFW-trained advancedmanufacturing workers are in all 50 states with many graduates employed by major manufacturing companies such as Boeing, Tesla, Ford and Reliance Steel & Aluminum Co.

“The most important thing I would tell any veteran or transitioning service member is that they have a lot of great skills already,” JavisJones said. “Workshops for Warriors wants to provide them with training that provides nationally recognized certifications to help them receive the career they deserve with a high-paying starting salary right out the door.”

To apply to Workshops for Warriors, veterans must have an honorable discharge and commit to attending classes in San Diego five days a week during the 16-week program. Activeduty service members must meet all requirements under the DOD

New book aims to relieve service member stress during life’s next journey

BY LUCRETIA CUNNINGHAM

With more than 26 years of experience as a senior military leader under his belt, retired Capt. William Toti should’ve been set for success when he transitioned out of the Navy and into a civilian career in 2006. Still, he struggled to break into civilian employment despite taking everything the Transition Assistance Program taught him as gospel.

Toti’s resume includes serving as the commanding officer on nuclear submarine USS Indianapolis and for a squadron of six submarines based at Pearl Harbor. On land, he held various positions over three tours at the Pentagon to include special assistant to the vice chief of naval operations and deputy director of the CNO’s War Plans Cell, Deep Blue.

Thankfully, Toti found success and ultimately accepted a position as the CEO of Sparton Corporation. However, he also realized the challenges he faced in his transition — and their implications on his family — weren’t unique in the military community.

“When your transition doesn’t go well, it adds stress to an already stressful event,” Toti said. “It took years for me to figure out that nearly everything I’d been told was wrong. And that would be bad enough, except that other folks coming into the industry from active duty were making the same mistakes. If you’re trained well and ready for that transition, you have a chance to reduce the amount of stress you are going to expose yourself and your family to.”

In his new book “From CO to CEO: A Practical Guide for Transitioning from Military to Industry Leadership,” Toti aims to do just that. Readers won’t find prescribed lesson plans to teach transitioning. They will, however, learn from Toti’s firsthand experiences as a former transitioning military member and a senior executive who once reviewed resumes and hired for companies in the defense industry.

There was no intention to write a book, but it seemed practical to consolidate all the advice Toti said he would give to members who reached out and asked how he made it through. Here are some tips:

• Military leadership doesn’t translate to leadership in the industry.

• Come in trainable and accept you’re starting over.

• Industry culture varies from company to company.

• Be aware — the sentiment “military people are freeloaders” isn’t common but does exist.

Topics include climbing the executive ladder, along with the central theme of how to translate leading service members to professionals in a business. “CO to CEO” tends to be geared toward senior enlisted (E-7 or above), as it’s written from the perspective of a retired commissioned military leader. However, Toti says it does provide insight and value for junior enlisted and degreed individuals.

“Leadership is hard, but it’s even harder when the people you’re leading can actually quit,” Toti said. “I’ve had a lot of ‘we do it a certain way’ folks who transitioned very badly. They’ll come into a position with the understanding ‘this is how leaders lead’ and that’s when

people start bailing on them … it’s a different mental and cultural shift you need to make on how leadership needs to change when you’re in industry.”

In one chapter, Toti compares the individual military branches to reinforce a concept; while cultures may vary between the Army and Navy, they still share a binding military culture. But, there is nothing to bind culture

in the business industry. When entering a new business, pay attention and never assume one culture is the same as the other.

“That’s going to allow you to succeed,” said Toti, who hopes to help service members create a strategic path to their next career and understand where they need to be and when to achieve their goals.

Starting on April 5, “From CO to CEO: A Practical Guide for Transitioning from Military to Industry Leadership” will be available wherever books are sold. Find more information about Capt. Toti at his website williamtotibook.com.

Q&A WITH ‘SELLING TAMPA’S’ SHARELLE ROSADO

BY ASHLEY LOSOYA

Sharelle Rosado has quickly become a rising star — in real estate and reality television. Her Netflix show “Selling Tampa” features an all-female group of realtors selling luxury waterfront property in Florida. But what you may not know is that Rosado is also a veteran. We spoke with the former Army paratrooper about her success and what it took to get here.

Tell me about your Army career.

I joined the military in 2007 and was stationed at the 82nd Airborne Division for most of my career. I was very successful in the military and promoted all the way up to sergeant first class within eight years. I was able to relocate to MacDill Air Force Base when I came back from my second tour to Afghanistan, and that’s where I started the process to medically retire from the military. During that journey, I started my real estate career.

What is your favorite thing about being a part of the real estate industry?

Being able to find a person’s perfect home. This is the biggest investment they’re going to make, so being able to accomplish that is huge.

How did the military prepare you for working in real estate?

With real estate, you have all different types of people. Some people have strong personalities and some people are easy going. Being in the military, you deal with all those different types of personalities and learn how to take care of their wants and needs.

How did ‘Selling Tampa’ come to be?

After we started the brokerage, we did a photoshoot for “Women’s Day” and promoted it on social media. We had a lot of producers reach out for interviews, but I just didn’t like how they were trying to portray us. I thought if we’re going to find a producer and take this role, let’s get the best real estate producer out there. At the time, “Selling Sunset” was huge, so I reached out to [producer] Adam DiVello with a few pictures and it went from there.

What’s next for you?

My goal is to teach and put out some master classes to help other people who want to get into real estate. I’d also like to venture off into development.

Is there anything you’d like to say to someone who wants to follow in your footsteps?

A lot of people are scared to venture off into something new because you become so adapted to the military lifestyle. Go after your passion, go after your dreams. You were prepped by the military. Don’t let anything stop you.

Vist sharellerosado.com for more on Sharelle Rosado and “Selling Tampa.”