Militarily Speaking

The boxes are mostly unpacked. The new duty station is no longer a destination — it is home, at least for now. In the 4th and final episode of the Militarily Speaking PCS Survival Series, hosts Tom McLean and Jodi Vickery are joined again by VA Loan Expert Mel Aguto to talk about what happens after a PCS move: the first 30-60 days, the financial and administrative reset, military spouse employment...

In Episode 3 of our PCS Survival Series, Militarily Speaking hosts Tom McLean, Jodi Vickery, and VA Loan Expert Mel Aguto, break down exactly what the government covers, how DLA, per diem, and mileage reimbursement actually work in practice, the financial mistakes that cost families most, and how to manage the emotional weight of the gap period. Militarily Speaking dives into the heart of military...

In this episode of Militarily Speaking, we continue our four-part PCS Survival Guide. In Episode 2 of our PCS Survival Series, Tom, Jodi, and VA loan expert Mel Aguto break down the biggest planning decisions in any PCS move: how to talk to your kids, on-base vs. off-base housing, and the critical HHG vs. DITY/PPM move choice. Plus: the one thing you should absolutely not do the moment orders arri...

In this episode of Militarily Speaking, we begin our four-part PCS Survival Guide. In this first episode, we cover what to do if you’ve just received received PCS orders — or you know they're coming. Tom and Jodi are joined by senior VA loan expert Mel Aguto (a combined 20+ years of military spouse experience and more PCS moves than they care to count!) walk through everything you need to tackle f...

Welcome to Season 2 Episode 13 of the "Militarily Speaking" podcast with Tom McLean and Jodi Vickery   In this episode of Militarily Speaking, we sit down with Jason Anderson, veteran, and CEO & Founder of VeteranPCS , to explore how military families can navigate PCS moves more strategically and even get money back in the process. They dive into the role of real estate in building long-term f...

Welcome to Season 2 Episode 12 of the "Militarily Speaking" podcast with Tom McLean and Jodi Vickery   In this episode of Militarily Speaking, we sit down with Jeff Major, a Personal Financial Readiness Specialist at Army Community Service (ACS), to discuss strengthening military financial readiness to providing critical support programs for military families. They outline the essential resources...

Welcome to Season 2 Episode 11 of the "Militarily Speaking" podcast with Tom McLean and Jodi Vickery   In this episode of Militarily Speaking, we sit down with Tim Shaw and Colin Block, two leaders dedicated to helping veterans succeed after service. Their conversation centers on transitioning from military to civilian life, highlighting practical strategies, support programs, and the importance o...

Welcome to Season 2 Episode 10 of the "Militarily Speaking" podcast with Tom McLean and Jodi Vickery   In this episode of Militarily Speaking, we sit down with Jason Laramore, Program Director for Heroes and Horses, who shares how veteran horse therapy helps combat veterans rediscover purpose, resilience, and personal stability through nature, horsemanship, and personal challenge. The powerful wor...

Welcome to Season 2 Episode 9 of the "Militarily Speaking" podcast with Tom McLean and Jodi Vickery   In this episode of Militarily Speaking, we sit down with Sam, ‘Rags,’ and Bud from the Air Warrior Courage Foundation (AWCF) to the organization’s powerful mission supporting veterans, service members, and military families. They help militarily families with disaster relief, PTSD support, college...

Welcome to Season 2 Episode 8 of the "Militarily Speaking" podcast with Tom McLean and Jodi Vickery   In this episode of Militarily Speaking, we sit down with Sarah Roder from Armed Forces Mutual to break down financial planning for military life. From Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) strategies and early retirement planning to budgeting, military benefits, and financial education for young service membe...

Welcome to Season 2 Episode 7 of the "Militarily Speaking" podcast with Tom McLean and Jodi Vickery   In this episode of Militarily Speaking, we are joined by Retired Brigadier General Omuso “Moose” George, the President and CEO of the Association of Military Banks of America (AMBA). Together we cover Moose's impressive 30-year military career, his transition to leading AMBA, and the unique challe...

Welcome to Season 2 Episode 6 of the "Militarily Speaking" podcast with Tom McLean and Jodi Vickery   In this episode of Militarily Speaking, we dive deep into the world of veteran entrepreneurship and military business leadership with Robert Patton, the founder and CEO of Sheath. Sheath is a unique veteran-owned business known for innovating comfort in men’s underwear. Robert’s journey from Army...

Welcome to Season 2 Episode 5 of the "Militarily Speaking" podcast with Tom McLean and Jodi Vickery   In this episode of Militarily Speaking, we sit down with Heather Walrath of Navy Mutual Aid Association to discuss military financial readiness, budgeting for PCS moves, and long-term planning for veterans and service members. Discover expert tips on saving money, improving credit, managing milita...

Welcome to Season 2 Episode 4 of the "Militarily Speaking" podcast with Tom McLean and Jodi Vickery   In this episode of Militarily Speaking, we talk with Bruce McClary, Senior Vice President of Media Relations and Membership for the National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC). Financial readiness is an essential part of life for military families, who often face unique financial challenges d...

Welcome to Season 2 Episode 3 of the "Militarily Speaking" podcast with Tom McLean and Jodi Vickery   In this episode of Militarily Speaking, we chat with Joe Reagan from the Mount Carmel Veterans Service Center. The conversation highlights how veteran service organizations help veterans and military spouses transition to civilian life and launch veteran-owned small businesses, offering critical g...

Welcome to Season 2 Episode 2 of the "Militarily Speaking" podcast with Tom McLean and Jodi Vickery   In this episode of the Militarily Speaking podcast, we sit down with Brandon Eldridge, Executive Director of the Pike’s Peak Small Business Development Center (SBDC). Brandon shares how small businesses – especially veteran-owned and military spouse small businesses – can access the tools, funding...

Welcome to Season 2 Episode 1 of the "Militarily Speaking" podcast with Tom McLean and Jodi Vickery   In this episode of the Militarily Speaking podcast, we sit down with Lacey Langford, host of the MILMO Show and MilMoneyCon, as well as an Air Force veteran, military spouse, and accredited financial counselor. Together we explore the unique financial challenges military families face. From the im...

Welcome to the "Militarily Speaking" podcast with Tom McLean and Jodi Vickery.   In this episode of “Militarily Speaking,” Tom and Jodi sit down with Ross Dickman, CEO of the leading veteran and military spouse employment organization, to discuss leadership development, communication challenges, and the unique obstacles military families face when transitioning to civilian life.   “Militarily Spea...

Welcome to the "Militarily Speaking" podcast with Tom McLean and Jodi Vickery.   In this episode of “Militarily Speaking,” Tom and Jodi sit down with Lynn Rolfe, the Programs Director at Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW). Lynn shares the organization's mission of advocating for veterans' rights, supporting their communities, and maintaining national security. The episode delves into the VFW's role in...

Welcome to the "Militarily Speaking" podcast with Tom McLean and Jodi Vickery.   In this episode of “Militarily Speaking,” Tom and Jodi spotlight the life-saving work of K9s for Warriors—the nation’s largest provider of trained service dogs for military veterans. Guests Chris Luna and Wyatt Haynes join to share how the organization pairs veterans coping with PTSD, trauma, and transition with rescu...

Welcome to the "Militarily Speaking" podcast with Tom McLean and Jodi Vickery.   In this episode of “Militarily Speaking,” Tom and Jodi dive into the inspiring world of veteran support and transition resources with guest Carmen White, Chief Operating Officer of Vets2Industry. This nonprofit is dedicated to helping veterans, military spouses, and caregivers successfully transition into civilian lif...

Welcome to the "Militarily Speaking" podcast with Tom McLean and Jodi Vickery.   In this episode of “Militarily Speaking,” Tom and Jodi sit down with Jason Stout, founder of Stoutreach. Jason shares his inspiring journey of overcoming personal loss through nature-based experiences and how he created a national wilderness program for grieving and at-risk teens. Learn about Stout's various initiativ...

Welcome to the "Militarily Speaking" podcast with Tom McLean and Jodi Vickery.   In this episode of “Militarily Speaking,” Tom and Jodi sit down with Jeremy Eheart of the American Legion. They delve into Jeremy's journey from his time in the United States Marine Corps, his life-changing injury, to his dedicated service with the American Legion. Learn about the organization's impactful programs, in...

Welcome to the "Militarily Speaking" podcast with Tom McLean and Jodi Vickery.   In this episode of “Militarily Speaking,” Tom and Jodi sit down with Rob Bergquist, co-founder and Executive Director of Cell Phones for Soldiers. Rob shares the inspiring journey of how he and his sister Brittany started the nonprofit organization at the ages of 12 and 13 to help military members stay connected with...

Welcome to the "Militarily Speaking" podcast with Tom McLean and Jodi Vickery.   In this episode of “Militarily Speaking,” Tom and Jodi sit down with Tony Teravainen, CEO and co-founder of Support the Enlisted Project (STEP), to discuss the crucial work being done to assist young military families and transitioning veterans. Tony shares his extensive background and the journey of STEP since its in...