Raven Conversations

This week brings our first guest host Steven Frederich, a Washington Military Department Communications Consultant, and Brian Terbush from the Emergency Management Department. Brian is a volcanologist and goes over information and tips about volcanoes. We have five active volcanoes here in Washington so it is necessary to always be prepared. Visit the volcano page of the Washington Military Depart...

This podcast is set up a little different than normal, where Jason and I bring you interviews from two different training events. First up Jason travels to Malaysia and speaks with Ret. Marine Col. John Reilly. Next up Sara takes you to Boise for Idaho Response 2019. These exercises provide a glimpse in the types of training opportunities afforded to Washington Guardsmen. Below are some articles r...

On this episode we talk to Maj Eric Flowers, the state education programs officer. If you are interested in learning more about the Army National Guard education programs please visit their web page: https://www.mil.wa.gov/national-guard/army-guard/education Email: Ng.wa.waarng.list.per-education@mail.mil Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WAARNGEducationIncentives/ You can also contact their offi...

Did you know that April is Financial Literacy Month? This week Jason Kriess and Sara Morris sit down with Personal Financial Counselor Dana Twight from the Joint Service Support office at Camp Murray. We talk everything from how to save, how much you should save and how to take risks in your TSP. If you want more information or you would like to make an appointment with a PFC their emails are list...

In this episode Jason Kriess and Sara Morris sit down with Major Scott Dearie from the 156th Information Operations Battalion. We explore what Information Operations is and how its used in a deployed environment. Information Operations Officers synchronize, coordinate and deconflict the information systems. They also plan and integrate offensive and defensive information operations to gain and mai...

In this second part of a two episode series about disasters, the commander of the Washington Air National Guard, Brigadier General Jeremy Horn, sits down with us to talk about all the options available to people in order to prepare for a catastrophic natural disaster. Some of the things we talked about are how to put together a two-week survival kit, making a communications plan for your family an...

The beauty that surrounds us in the Pacific Northwest is nothing short of awe-inspiring. But the stunning scenery and bountiful outdoor activities come with a powerful and shocking price. For millions of years Mother Nature has forged our landscape with mighty earthquakes and volcanoes. For the next two episodes we will talk with experts who will lay out exactly what we face as far as natural disa...

In this episode we bring you the first in a series of shows dedicated to the different MOSs and AFSCs in the Washington National Guard. We will have a guest on who is in a certain job field to talk all about it, what it's like and what people can look forward to if they are interested in going that route in their careers. Before battles are fought and targets are destroyed, critical information ne...

There are a couple proposed legislation that are making their way through state government in Olympia. Both are very beneficial to our Guardsmen. One is HB 1137 which would raise Guard state active duty pay to meet our current state minimum wage or an amount equal to the rates established by the national wildfire coordinating group, whichever is greater. The other is SB 5197 which creates the Wash...

Happy New Year! Welcome to 2019. In this episode, Sara and Jason talk with two people in our organization who are making strides to spread the joy of healthy living and exercising. Master Sgt. Samantha Stewart is a Retention Office Manager in the 194th Wing in the Air National Guard, and she is also a certified yoga instructor. She holds one-hour yoga sessions in building 109, the 194th Wing audit...

In this show we take you inside the Washington Youth Academy. It is a FREE life intervention, credit recovery program and any resident of Washington state can attend between the ages of 16-18. The academy recently celebrated its 10 year anniversary. This program has quite simply, changed lives. But the program is not easy. They wake up a 4:45 AM, they do physical training, rain or shine, they lear...

In this episode Jason and Sara sit down with the commander of the 133rd Army Band, Chief Warrant Officer 3 Scott Pierson. He’s been leading the band for more than eleven years now and has nothing but good things to say about his soldiers and their dedication to spreading the joy of music wherever they go. Follow the 133rd Army Band on their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/133dArmyBand/ In...

In this episode Jason and Sara sit down with the big boss himself, Major General Bret Daugherty. He talks about his career, his vision for the Washington National Guard and some of his most pressing topics that he’s working on. As always send story ideas and podcast feedback to Jason.r.kriess.mil@mail.mil www.facebook.com/washingtonguard www.instagram.com/wanationalguard www.twitter.com/wanational...

In this show, Jason sits down with Deborah Discolo with the Joint Services Support (JSS) on Camp Murray. The JSS is a veritable one-stop shop for service member resources. Everything from financial and tax advice to job seeking classes to rock painting. Yes, rock painting. And all free of charge. In armories all across the state there are family assistance specialists there waiting to help you out...

In this episode, Jason and Sara talk with Chief Master Sgt. Trish Almond. CMSgt. Almond is the senior enlisted leader of the Washington National Guard and adviser to the adjutant general. They talk about her career, the various programs she oversees and her philosophy on leadership. If you have a story idea, have a question or would like more info on the Washington National Guard, send an email to...

Welcome! This is our first ever Washington Military Department podcast. Hosted by Jason Kriess and Joe Siemandel from the public affairs office on Camp Murray. We will dive in to the latest news and events going on around the Washington National Guard. We will also have on special guests who will give us insights into major news stories and to talk about the many services and benefits that we have...