Shows
Beneath The UniformWho is: Maj. Gen. Michele KilgoreMajor General Michele Kilgore returns to the 109th to talk with Chaplain Diaz and Captain Gioia about her leadership journey and how she has progressed to where she is today.The general recalls her time at the Air Force Academy and what is what like to be one of the only female's vying to become a fighter pilot and the moment that gave her that incentive to become one. She also speaks about the moment that changed her entire life and how it shifted her to the path of leadership.2025-04-231h 38Beneath The UniformThe Six Pack- Navigating friendships in the workplaceIn this episode, Chap D and Cap G explore the delicate balance between maintaining genuine friendships and upholding professional boundaries in today's work environment. Chaplain Diaz welcomes her closest friends to the studio to talk candidly about the reality of having close friendships mixed in the workplace.From handling gossip and conflicts to supporting each other without overstepping, they have managed to build strong, supportive relationships at work while preserving their professionalism and personal space.2024-11-191h 06Beneath The UniformThe Life of a First SergeantSeason 3 kicks off with SMSgt Dan Tibbitts, the first sergeant for the 109th Airlift Wing. Chap D and Cap G do a deep dive into what is a first sergeant and why they are such an important part of a leadership team.SMSgt Tibbitts give insight into what a first shirt does, what it takes to do the job and his philosophy on the position and serving Airmen around the wing.2024-10-021h 06Beneath The UniformThe Emotional Journey of DivorceIn this episode, Chaplain Diaz and Capt. Gioia speak with TSgt Jonathan Hooker, who recently went through a divorce. He shares his personal experiences, the challenges he faced, and how he found healing and growth along the way.2024-06-0359 minBeneath The UniformWho is - Col Rob DonaldsonGet to know the 109th's new wing commander, Col. Rob Donaldson.Chaplain Diaz and Capt. Gioia talk to the incoming commander about how he grew up and his service history. They touch on Col Donaldson's views on failure, change and growth- his struggle to "be in the moment" and not always concentrate on what is next, and how he wants to lead the Airmen of the 109th. 2024-02-271h 17Beneath The UniformBalancing Acts: Navigating Life in the Sandwich GenerationChaplain Diaz and Capt. Gioia delve into the complexities of being part of the "sandwich generation" – individuals who find themselves simultaneously caring for aging parents while also supporting their own children. Maj. Heather Minoer-Goetz gives her firsthand account of juggling caregiving duties, financial pressures, and career aspirations, all while striving to maintain her own well-being. From navigating healthcare systems and advocating for loved ones to managing guilt and finding moments of respite, her story reflects the resilience and compassion of those in the sandwich generation.2024-02-151h 08Beneath The UniformUnveiling Resilience: Navigating Life After LossCapt. Haleigh Hindes, Aeromedical Evacuation technician, shares her story about her experience when someone she loved committed suicide. An open, honest telling of what happened before and after her husband took his life. 2023-11-281h 05Beneath The UniformBeing a part of the LGBTQ+ community while serving in the militaryChaplain Diaz and Capt Gioia welcome Lt. Col. Kelly Person from the 109th Airlift Wing and National Guard Bureau, and Lt. Col. Jeff Roth, commander of the 258th Field Artillery Regiment for the Army National Guard part-time and he also commands Joint Task Force Empire Shield full-time. The two guests discuss their journey to coming out in the military and how that experience was, what they hope for the future of the LGBTQ+ community in the military and how they help to support other Airmen and Soldiers.2023-10-1257 minBeneath The UniformBeing a commander while struggling on deploymentThe Logistic s readiness Squadron Commander, Lt Col James Vendetti, joins the podcast to discuss his career path- and experiences on deployment."The things that are so hard and seem so impossible are the things you are most proud of when you get to the other side."Lt Col Vendetti shares his raw, honest experience of volunteering for a deployment, what happens when it is not at all what you though it would be, and how to deal with the mental struggles of being away from family and unsure of your job. The hosts have a...2023-07-141h 14Beneath The UniformBeing a woman in the militaryChap D and Cap G welcome two women serving at the 109th.Lt. Col. Ashley Fitzgibbon is the Force Support Squadron commander and CMSgt Karolyn DeVito is the maintenance groups superintendent.They share their stories of how they came to the positions they are in today as leaders, some of the challenges they faced, and why is it important to for women to support each other on their leadership journeys. 2023-05-241h 03Beneath The UniformUnspoken lossesMaj. Jean Kratzer, an N.Y. Army National Guardsman, tells her story of trying to concieve a baby and her experience with miscarriage. Capt. Gioia also shares some personal experience he has had with the topic. 2023-03-3156 minBeneath The UniformMeet the Hosts! Who is- Chap D and Cap GWho are Xiomara Diaz and Pete Gioia?The hosts take turns interviewing each other to learn more about where they came from, what shaped them to be who they are today and why they do this podcast.They also face rapid fire questions from each other and share their best pieces of advice!2023-03-151h 08Beneath The UniformAn Airman's experience with depressionTSgt Kayla Casey shares her experience with Postpartum depression and how she was able to seek help when she needed it the most.Kayla shares what it felt like to have all of the feelings of anger, resentment and rage and the "fog" she was in for the first year after she had her daughter. She gives honest insight to what it feels like to have postpartum, the sense of living a "double life"- excelling at work and no one knowing anything is wrong vs the feelings she had at home, what happened when the people s...2023-01-2448 minBeneath The UniformWho is- Col Christian SanderChap D and Capt Gioia welcome the 109th Airlift Wing commander, Col. Christian Sander to the podcast. Too often, the wing commander is someone that not many people know. This episode gave the opportunity to open up and learn more about the background, upbringing and family of the Colonel. They also discuss some of the goals that Col Sander has as a leader and he opens up about some of the traits he wants to improve upon. 2022-12-1456 minBeneath The UniformThe reality of war and being a VeteranTSgt Martin Allen is an air transportation specialist at the 109th Airlift Wing. He enlisted in the Marine Corps at the age of 18 to give himself a chance at a life different than the one he grew up in. During his time as a Marine, TSgt Allen experienced growth, leadership, camaraderie and trauma. He recounts some graphic experiences from multiple deployments as a combat engineer.Chap D and Capt. Gioia discuss some the feelings of being numb to your environment, compartmentalizing traumatic experiences and as a leader, having to rise in face of cr...2022-11-2844 minBeneath The UniformWho is- CMSgt Denny RichardsonBTU episode 2 welcomes Command Chief of the N.Y. Air National Guard, CMSgt Denny Richardson. Chap D and Capt. Gioia sit down with the Chief to discuss his background, who he is outside of the uniform, the influence his mother had on him and what motivates him to be the leader he is. Stick around to the end for Chap D's rapid fire questions to learn some interesting facts and thoughts about the Chief!2022-11-1453 minBeneath The UniformDomestic Violence AwarenessChaplain Diaz and Capt. Gioia welcome Sarah Caterina, the Director of Clinical Services and Community Engagement at the YWCA of Northeastern New York.October is Domestic Violence Awareness month so this episode is dedicated to a members of the 109th and her two sons that lost their lives to domestic violence.The trio discuss the different types of domestic violence there are, how to identify them and what to do if you find yourself in a domestic violence situation. Resources are given and Capt. Gioia shares some personal experiences he experienced as a teen...2022-10-2750 minBeneath The UniformBeneath The Uniform Trailer2022-10-2601 min