From Athlete to Wing Commander — The Truth About Military Leadership

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00:00 Introduction — The Athlete Before the Officer

0:02 What does it mean to be a leader in What does it mean to be a leader in today's military? It's not always what today's military? It's not always what today's military? It's not always what you see in the movies. Sometimes it's you see in the movies. Sometimes it's you see in the movies. Sometimes it's about navigating complex bureaucracy one about navigating complex bureaucracy one about navigating complex bureaucracy one minute and mentoring a young airman the minute and mentoring a young airman the minute and mentoring a young airman the next. It's about balancing a highstakes next. It's about balancing a highstakes next. It's about balancing a highstakes military career with a civilian life,

0:15 military career with a civilian life, military career with a civilian life, family, and personal growth. It's a family, and personal growth. It's a family, and personal growth. It's a journey of constant adaptation, journey of constant adaptation, journey of constant adaptation, learning, and connection. Our guest learning, and connection. Our guest learning, and connection. Our guest today embodies this modern military today embodies this modern military today embodies this modern military leader. He's a full-time wing commander leader. He's a full-time wing commander leader. He's a full-time wing commander in the Air National Guard, but his path

0:28 in the Air National Guard, but his path in the Air National Guard, but his path of command was anything but a straight of command was anything but a straight of command was anything but a straight line. It's a story that starts in line. It's a story that starts in line. It's a story that starts in Southern California, winds through the Southern California, winds through the Southern California, winds through the challenges of juggling ROC with college challenges of juggling ROC with college challenges of juggling ROC with college athletics, and ultimately leads to a athletics, and ultimately leads to a athletics, and ultimately leads to a position of significant influence and

0:41 position of significant influence and position of significant influence and responsibility. Today, we're pulling responsibility. Today, we're pulling responsibility. Today, we're pulling back the curtain to explore that back the curtain to explore that back the curtain to explore that journey. We'll discuss how crucial journey. We'll discuss how crucial journey. We'll discuss how crucial mentorship is in shaping a career and mentorship is in shaping a career and mentorship is in shaping a career and hear about the influential figures who hear about the influential figures who hear about the influential figures who provided him with his invaluable

0:53 provided him with his invaluable provided him with his invaluable leadership lessons. Lessons in empathy, leadership lessons. Lessons in empathy, leadership lessons. Lessons in empathy, emotional intelligence, and the power of emotional intelligence, and the power of emotional intelligence, and the power of networking. We'll also get his frontline networking. We'll also get his frontline networking. We'll also get his frontline perspective on the future of the Air perspective on the future of the Air perspective on the future of the Air Force, the challenges of recruiting the Force, the challenges of recruiting the Force, the challenges of recruiting the next generation, and the incredibly

1:06 next generation, and the incredibly next generation, and the incredibly diverse and inspiring stories of the diverse and inspiring stories of the diverse and inspiring stories of the citizen airmen serving in the Guard. citizen airmen serving in the Guard. citizen airmen serving in the Guard. This conversation is for anyone This conversation is for anyone This conversation is for anyone interested in leadership, not just in interested in leadership, not just in interested in leadership, not just in the military, but in any field. It's the military, but in any field. It's the military, but in any field. It's about how to build a career with about how to build a career with about how to build a career with intention, how to lift others up as you intention, how to lift others up as you intention, how to lift others up as you climb, and how the lessons learned in

1:21 climb, and how the lessons learned in climb, and how the lessons learned in uniform can shape every aspect of your uniform can shape every aspect of your uniform can shape every aspect of your life. From dealing with frustrating life. From dealing with frustrating life. From dealing with frustrating fitness standards to the profound fitness standards to the profound fitness standards to the profound connections made through a shared connections made through a shared connections made through a shared mission, we cover it all. So, get ready mission, we cover it all. So, get ready mission, we cover it all. So, get ready to dive deep into the heart of military

1:33 to dive deep into the heart of military to dive deep into the heart of military leadership, mentorship, and the leadership, mentorship, and the leadership, mentorship, and the inspiring people who answer the call to inspiring people who answer the call to inspiring people who answer the call to serve. CJ Johnson. Welcome to Voice for serve. CJ Johnson. Welcome to Voice for serve. CJ Johnson. Welcome to Voice for Valor. Valor. Valor. >> So, you work in California as a >> So, you work in California as a >> So, you work in California as a traditional guardsman as a group traditional guardsman as a group traditional guardsman as a group commander, but where do you actually commander, but where do you actually commander, but where do you actually live? live? live? >> Yeah, that's how I was hired.

1:50 >> Yeah, that's how I was hired. >> Yeah, that's how I was hired. Interestingly, as soon as I was hired, Interestingly, as soon as I was hired, Interestingly, as soon as I was hired, my wing commander socialized, hey, would my wing commander socialized, hey, would my wing commander socialized, hey, would you be interested in being a full-time you be interested in being a full-time you be interested in being a full-time commander because we don't have commander because we don't have commander because we don't have full-time leadership at the group. And full-time leadership at the group. And full-time leadership at the group. And specifically, he wanted to advance a few

2:01 specifically, he wanted to advance a few specifically, he wanted to advance a few a few strategic initiatives. And since a few strategic initiatives. And since a few strategic initiatives. And since I'm from the area, from Southern I'm from the area, from Southern I'm from the area, from Southern California, living in Tampa, I was like, California, living in Tampa, I was like, California, living in Tampa, I was like, heck yeah, I'd love to move back to heck yeah, I'd love to move back to heck yeah, I'd love to move back to Southern California. So, even though I Southern California. So, even though I Southern California. So, even though I was hired DSG as a part-timer, it's only

2:12 was hired DSG as a part-timer, it's only was hired DSG as a part-timer, it's only been full-time. So, we my wife and I been full-time. So, we my wife and I been full-time. So, we my wife and I moved from Tampa to Southern Cal, moved from Tampa to Southern Cal, moved from Tampa to Southern Cal, specifically Marina Del Re in the South specifically Marina Del Re in the South specifically Marina Del Re in the South Bay area of LA. So, it turns out my Bay area of LA. So, it turns out my Bay area of LA. So, it turns out my group command will be full-time. group command will be full-time. group command will be full-time. >> Okay. So, what um why were you guys

2:24 >> Okay. So, what um why were you guys >> Okay. So, what um why were you guys living in Tampa? What was going on living in Tampa? What was going on living in Tampa? What was going on there? there? there? >> Do you know like you know there's folks >> Do you know like you know there's folks >> Do you know like you know there's folks in I'm sure your orbit that that their in I'm sure your orbit that that their in I'm sure your orbit that that their their long-term plan is to either live their long-term plan is to either live their long-term plan is to either live in different places. You may have heard in different places. You may have heard

2:35 in different places. You may have heard this sort of thesis like have maybe a this sort of thesis like have maybe a this sort of thesis like have maybe a main hub and then they'll spoke to main hub and then they'll spoke to main hub and then they'll spoke to different places throughout the year different places throughout the year different places throughout the year given different conditions like weather given different conditions like weather given different conditions like weather or maybe family. Well, my heather and I or maybe family. Well, my heather and I or maybe family. Well, my heather and I Heather's my wife. We were already Heather's my wife. We were already

2:45 Heather's my wife. We were already implementing that plan and Tampa was implementing that plan and Tampa was implementing that plan and Tampa was going to be either a main hub or one of going to be either a main hub or one of going to be either a main hub or one of the hubs from which we spoke. So, we the hubs from which we spoke. So, we the hubs from which we spoke. So, we actually just moved to Tampa not actually just moved to Tampa not actually just moved to Tampa not unrelated to any professional endeavors unrelated to any professional endeavors unrelated to any professional endeavors or career. I just wanted to get started or career. I just wanted to get started

2:57 or career. I just wanted to get started having Tampa as a main resident, having Tampa as a main resident, having Tampa as a main resident, especially like Florida citizen especially like Florida citizen especially like Florida citizen citizenship and then and then from there citizenship and then and then from there citizenship and then and then from there as a as the core sort of residence then as a as the core sort of residence then as a as the core sort of residence then establish actually a presence southern establish actually a presence southern establish actually a presence southern California. This is going to sound wild California. This is going to sound wild

3:10 California. This is going to sound wild to you. I promise you this isn't this to you. I promise you this isn't this to you. I promise you this isn't this isn't fake news, but also Portugal isn't fake news, but also Portugal isn't fake news, but also Portugal >> and different in different places based >> and different in different places based >> and different in different places based on the based on the time of year on the based on the time of year on the based on the time of year especially related to weather. So Tampa especially related to weather. So Tampa especially related to weather. So Tampa that was that was it. And then you know

3:21 that was that was it. And then you know that was that was it. And then you know Florida I don't know if you've been to Florida I don't know if you've been to Florida I don't know if you've been to Florida but in Florida's got everything. Florida but in Florida's got everything. Florida but in Florida's got everything. It's got the full host of movie It's got the full host of movie It's got the full host of movie characters that are serious shenanigans. characters that are serious shenanigans. characters that are serious shenanigans. There's sports. There's there's there's There's sports. There's there's there's There's sports. There's there's there's private capital. There's there's growing

3:33 private capital. There's there's growing private capital. There's there's growing businesses. It's a it's a it's a lot of businesses. It's a it's a it's a lot of businesses. It's a it's a it's a lot of fun. fun. fun. >> So, yes, I I am very familiar with >> So, yes, I I am very familiar with >> So, yes, I I am very familiar with Florida. I was going to ask you where in Florida. I was going to ask you where in Florida. I was going to ask you where in Tampa did you are you guys residing Tampa did you are you guys residing Tampa did you are you guys residing because my wife is from Lakeland, because my wife is from Lakeland, because my wife is from Lakeland, Florida. Florida. Florida. >> Definitely. >> Definitely. >> Definitely. >> Which is I don't know 45 minutes outside >> Which is I don't know 45 minutes outside

3:47 >> Which is I don't know 45 minutes outside of Tampa. of Tampa. of Tampa. >> Yeah. I'm >> Yeah. I'm >> Yeah. I'm >> so I know a lot of folks a lot of >> so I know a lot of folks a lot of >> so I know a lot of folks a lot of military folks live in Brandon. Um, or military folks live in Brandon. Um, or military folks live in Brandon. Um, or are you living up north? I forget the are you living up north? I forget the are you living up north? I forget the place up north. Um, Manatee. Is there a place up north. Um, Manatee. Is there a place up north. Um, Manatee. Is there a place called Manatee? place called Manatee?

4:00 place called Manatee? >> There is. Yeah, we we kind of did >> There is. Yeah, we we kind of did >> There is. Yeah, we we kind of did something different. We lived just right something different. We lived just right something different. We lived just right near the airport, west of the airport on near the airport, west of the airport on near the airport, west of the airport on Rocky Point. Rocky Point. Rocky Point. >> If you're if you're familiar with the >> If you're if you're familiar with the >> If you're if you're familiar with the the Courtney Campbell Causeway that goes the Courtney Campbell Causeway that goes the Courtney Campbell Causeway that goes from Tampa to to Clearwater.

4:13 from Tampa to to Clearwater. from Tampa to to Clearwater. >> Okay. Yeah. >> Okay. Yeah. >> Okay. Yeah. >> Right before you leave the Tampa part, >> Right before you leave the Tampa part, >> Right before you leave the Tampa part, there's a little neighborhood called there's a little neighborhood called there's a little neighborhood called Rocky Rocky Point Rocky Rocky Point Rocky Rocky Point >> and Okay. It's about literally less than >> and Okay. It's about literally less than >> and Okay. It's about literally less than 10 minutes from the airport. So, we we 10 minutes from the airport. So, we we 10 minutes from the airport. So, we we had a place there.

4:24 had a place there. had a place there. >> Okay. Cuz Oh my gosh, traffic on those >> Okay. Cuz Oh my gosh, traffic on those >> Okay. Cuz Oh my gosh, traffic on those two or three bridges that go to Clear two or three bridges that go to Clear two or three bridges that go to Clear Water and uh St. Pete. Oh my gosh, that Water and uh St. Pete. Oh my gosh, that Water and uh St. Pete. Oh my gosh, that traffic is brutal. traffic is brutal. traffic is brutal. >> Brutal. Oh yeah. >> Brutal. Oh yeah. >> Brutal. Oh yeah. >> Yeah. I mean, people say, "Oh, DC, how >> Yeah. I mean, people say, "Oh, DC, how >> Yeah. I mean, people say, "Oh, DC, how can you live there? The traffic's so can you live there? The traffic's so can you live there? The traffic's so bad." I'm like, when I was a commander bad." I'm like, when I was a commander

4:37 bad." I'm like, when I was a commander in Charlotte, I lived 16 miles from in Charlotte, I lived 16 miles from in Charlotte, I lived 16 miles from work. It took me an hour to get home work. It took me an hour to get home work. It took me an hour to get home every day. every day. every day. >> Every day. Every day. Here in DC, I live >> Every day. Every day. Here in DC, I live >> Every day. Every day. Here in DC, I live about 12 miles from my house. Bad day. about 12 miles from my house. Bad day. about 12 miles from my house. Bad day. 45 minutes. Typical day, half an hour. 45 minutes. Typical day, half an hour. 45 minutes. Typical day, half an hour. Are you in Virginia or Maryland?

4:52 Are you in Virginia or Maryland? Are you in Virginia or Maryland? >> I'm in Virginia. I live in Fairfax. So, >> I'm in Virginia. I live in Fairfax. So, >> I'm in Virginia. I live in Fairfax. So, right off the 495 Parkway. So, um when right off the 495 Parkway. So, um when right off the 495 Parkway. So, um when you were here for school, where did they you were here for school, where did they you were here for school, where did they have you sing? have you sing? have you sing? >> Interestingly, going back to my idea >> Interestingly, going back to my idea >> Interestingly, going back to my idea from before, we as one of the spokes we

5:06 from before, we as one of the spokes we from before, we as one of the spokes we had was in Virginia and we already had a had was in Virginia and we already had a had was in Virginia and we already had a place in Fairfax, also in Fairfax. So, place in Fairfax, also in Fairfax. So, place in Fairfax, also in Fairfax. So, right right near the Fair Oaks Mall if right right near the Fair Oaks Mall if right right near the Fair Oaks Mall if you're familiar with that area. you're familiar with that area. you're familiar with that area. >> Yeah. Yeah. My son's basketball practice >> Yeah. Yeah. My son's basketball practice >> Yeah. Yeah. My son's basketball practice tonight is right out by the Fair Oaks

5:17 tonight is right out by the Fair Oaks tonight is right out by the Fair Oaks Mall. Uh, I live right after right off Mall. Uh, I live right after right off Mall. Uh, I live right after right off Little River Turnpike. Little River Turnpike. Little River Turnpike. >> Oh, cool. >> Oh, cool. >> Oh, cool. >> Um, in Fairfax Co. So I'm between Little >> Um, in Fairfax Co. So I'm between Little >> Um, in Fairfax Co. So I'm between Little River Turnpike and the 50 Lee Highway. River Turnpike and the 50 Lee Highway. River Turnpike and the 50 Lee Highway. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> A little area called Man Manua. So when

5:30 >> A little area called Man Manua. So when >> A little area called Man Manua. So when I first moved here, I was a young major I first moved here, I was a young major I first moved here, I was a young major and I was working for a general officer and I was working for a general officer and I was working for a general officer who lived in this area. And he said, who lived in this area. And he said, who lived in this area. And he said, "Mike, just buy a house, live here." I "Mike, just buy a house, live here." I "Mike, just buy a house, live here." I was like, "Sir, it's way too expensive. was like, "Sir, it's way too expensive. was like, "Sir, it's way too expensive. I can't afford that." And he said, "Just

5:42 I can't afford that." And he said, "Just I can't afford that." And he said, "Just extend yourself. It'll be okay because extend yourself. It'll be okay because extend yourself. It'll be okay because you'll never have to worry about renting you'll never have to worry about renting you'll never have to worry about renting it." So he said every time you you know it." So he said every time you you know it." So he said every time you you know you go out for command or you do another you go out for command or you do another you go out for command or you do another assignment you can rent your place. It assignment you can rent your place. It assignment you can rent your place. It has worked out perfectly. So the first

5:53 has worked out perfectly. So the first has worked out perfectly. So the first time when I went out to a squadron time when I went out to a squadron time when I went out to a squadron command it was it was not vacant for a command it was it was not vacant for a command it was it was not vacant for a single day. We moved out on say June single day. We moved out on say June single day. We moved out on say June 30th. Renters moved in July July 1st and

06:00 From the Playing Field to Officer Training

6:00 30th. Renters moved in July July 1st and 30th. Renters moved in July July 1st and then vice versa. When we came when we then vice versa. When we came when we then vice versa. When we came when we came back the renters rolled out and came back the renters rolled out and came back the renters rolled out and they liked it so much where we lived they liked it so much where we lived they liked it so much where we lived that they bought a house just a couple that they bought a house just a couple that they bought a house just a couple block down the road in the Wakefield block down the road in the Wakefield block down the road in the Wakefield area. Wow. And then the next rental the

6:10 area. Wow. And then the next rental the area. Wow. And then the next rental the next time, same thing. very next day, next time, same thing. very next day, next time, same thing. very next day, uh, I put it on, um, uh, realer.com or uh, I put it on, um, uh, realer.com or uh, I put it on, um, uh, realer.com or Zillow.com or something like that. It Zillow.com or something like that. It Zillow.com or something like that. It was rented half an hour, four separate was rented half an hour, four separate was rented half an hour, four separate biders trying to rent the place and, uh, biders trying to rent the place and, uh, biders trying to rent the place and, uh, same thing. The it was a Air Force

6:25 same thing. The it was a Air Force same thing. The it was a Air Force colonel getting ready to retire and he colonel getting ready to retire and he colonel getting ready to retire and he bought in our neighborhood. So, he lives bought in our neighborhood. So, he lives bought in our neighborhood. So, he lives just a couple blocks from me now. So, just a couple blocks from me now. So, just a couple blocks from me now. So, it's a it's a great location. I tell it's a it's a great location. I tell it's a it's a great location. I tell General to Harry all the time, I'm like, General to Harry all the time, I'm like, General to Harry all the time, I'm like, "Sir, you are absolutely right. Great

6:34 "Sir, you are absolutely right. Great "Sir, you are absolutely right. Great area. Um, just wonderful neighbors. I area. Um, just wonderful neighbors. I area. Um, just wonderful neighbors. I mean, we have hail and farewells in our mean, we have hail and farewells in our mean, we have hail and farewells in our neighborhood. I got a 82year-old 06 that neighborhood. I got a 82year-old 06 that neighborhood. I got a 82year-old 06 that lives um just a few houses down. He came lives um just a few houses down. He came lives um just a few houses down. He came to my 06 retire or excuse me my 06 to my 06 retire or excuse me my 06 to my 06 retire or excuse me my 06 promotion and he brought his full rank

6:49 promotion and he brought his full rank promotion and he brought his full rank from when he was a colonel and gave it from when he was a colonel and gave it from when he was a colonel and gave it to me as a as a gift for promotion. So to me as a as a gift for promotion. So to me as a as a gift for promotion. So just to think about those kind of just to think about those kind of just to think about those kind of neighborhoods. How how many people do neighborhoods. How how many people do neighborhoods. How how many people do you know that have neighbors like that? you know that have neighbors like that? you know that have neighbors like that? It's just not that common anymore.

6:58 It's just not that common anymore. It's just not that common anymore. >> Yeah. You actually live in the >> Yeah. You actually live in the >> Yeah. You actually live in the community. That's awesome. community. That's awesome. community. That's awesome. >> Yeah. Just very kind and uh caring folks >> Yeah. Just very kind and uh caring folks >> Yeah. Just very kind and uh caring folks all around us here in the Manua area. all around us here in the Manua area. all around us here in the Manua area. But, uh, one thing I was going to ask But, uh, one thing I was going to ask But, uh, one thing I was going to ask you is you got that Washington State

7:10 you is you got that Washington State you is you got that Washington State shirt on and still looking extra swole. shirt on and still looking extra swole. shirt on and still looking extra swole. So, how much grief do you get in the, So, how much grief do you get in the, So, how much grief do you get in the, uh, in the California area or even in uh, in the California area or even in uh, in the California area or even in the Tampa area wearing your your the Tampa area wearing your your the Tampa area wearing your your Washington State gear? Well, you know, Washington State gear? Well, you know, Washington State gear? Well, you know, Mike, Washington State's one of those

7:23 Mike, Washington State's one of those Mike, Washington State's one of those universities that has such a universities that has such a universities that has such a non-existent academic reputation that non-existent academic reputation that non-existent academic reputation that most folks look at Washington State as, most folks look at Washington State as, most folks look at Washington State as, oh, it's one of those periphery schools oh, it's one of those periphery schools oh, it's one of those periphery schools from the old school Pack 10, old school from the old school Pack 10, old school from the old school Pack 10, old school pack 12, and now it's a little more

7:38 pack 12, and now it's a little more pack 12, and now it's a little more there folks are a little more aware there folks are a little more aware there folks are a little more aware because there's only two teams left in because there's only two teams left in because there's only two teams left in the artist formerly known as the Pack the artist formerly known as the Pack the artist formerly known as the Pack 12, us in Oregon State. So, we get a lot 12, us in Oregon State. So, we get a lot 12, us in Oregon State. So, we get a lot of positive shout outs like, "Oh, of positive shout outs like, "Oh, of positive shout outs like, "Oh, Washington State dude." Or if you're a

7:47 Washington State dude." Or if you're a Washington State dude." Or if you're a Washington State grad or you go there, Washington State grad or you go there, Washington State grad or you go there, our sort of our quoteunquote mating sign our sort of our quoteunquote mating sign our sort of our quoteunquote mating sign to each other when we see each other in to each other when we see each other in to each other when we see each other in the wild is go Gok. So, we we stay. So, the wild is go Gok. So, we we stay. So, the wild is go Gok. So, we we stay. So, I get a ton of that and I've always I get a ton of that and I've always I get a ton of that and I've always gotten a ton of that, but it's even more

7:59 gotten a ton of that, but it's even more gotten a ton of that, but it's even more wilder in the last few weeks is I don't wilder in the last few weeks is I don't wilder in the last few weeks is I don't know, have you seen this the the payouts know, have you seen this the the payouts know, have you seen this the the payouts yet for the college football playoffs? yet for the college football playoffs? yet for the college football playoffs? >> All the for the universities. >> All the for the universities. >> All the for the universities. >> Yeah. If when you get a moment to jump >> Yeah. If when you get a moment to jump >> Yeah. If when you get a moment to jump on your your whatever search engine you

8:12 on your your whatever search engine you on your your whatever search engine you use and look at the top like 15 schools use and look at the top like 15 schools use and look at the top like 15 schools with the highest payout already from the with the highest payout already from the with the highest payout already from the college football playoff. Washington college football playoff. Washington college football playoff. Washington State and Oregon State are are two of State and Oregon State are are two of State and Oregon State are are two of the highest the highest the highest >> because they don't have to share with >> because they don't have to share with

8:23 >> because they don't have to share with their conference or their conference or their conference or >> they're so they're >> they're so they're >> they're so they're >> they're still earning revenue from the >> they're still earning revenue from the >> they're still earning revenue from the Pack 12's teams that are still that Pack 12's teams that are still that Pack 12's teams that are still that represented in the current college represented in the current college represented in the current college football playoffs. So Arizona State and football playoffs. So Arizona State and football playoffs. So Arizona State and Oregon when they played their payouts

8:38 Oregon when they played their payouts Oregon when they played their payouts that were going to be distributed to the that were going to be distributed to the that were going to be distributed to the conference and the teams went to Oregon conference and the teams went to Oregon conference and the teams went to Oregon State and Washington State. State and Washington State. State and Washington State. >> Wow. >> Wow. >> Wow. >> Wild, right? >> Wild, right? >> Wild, right? >> One one of the guys in my legislative >> One one of the guys in my legislative >> One one of the guys in my legislative affairs office, he went to Oregon State

8:50 affairs office, he went to Oregon State affairs office, he went to Oregon State and oh, he was so upset when they and oh, he was so upset when they and oh, he was so upset when they dissolved the dissolved the dissolved the >> you know the um the conference and and I >> you know the um the conference and and I >> you know the um the conference and and I was as well. I just felt so bad for for was as well. I just felt so bad for for was as well. I just felt so bad for for Wazu and Oregon State. So, even though Wazu and Oregon State. So, even though Wazu and Oregon State. So, even though I've always been a UDub fan, I was kind I've always been a UDub fan, I was kind I've always been a UDub fan, I was kind of glad you guys won this year against of glad you guys won this year against of glad you guys won this year against Udub because I was like, "Yeah, you

9:05 Udub because I was like, "Yeah, you Udub because I was like, "Yeah, you know, the the stepbrother, he he got his know, the the stepbrother, he he got his know, the the stepbrother, he he got his recognition and apparently got some recognition and apparently got some recognition and apparently got some payout from playing that game." payout from playing that game." payout from playing that game." >> Mike, I wish every Washington State grad >> Mike, I wish every Washington State grad >> Mike, I wish every Washington State grad or student could hear what you just or student could hear what you just or student could hear what you just said. You just made their day.

9:16 said. You just made their day. said. You just made their day. >> I didn't. >> I didn't. >> I didn't. >> No, I I didn't go to UDub. Um I I tried >> No, I I didn't go to UDub. Um I I tried >> No, I I didn't go to UDub. Um I I tried to go there, but they weren't going to to go there, but they weren't going to to go there, but they weren't going to give me enough uh scholarship money to give me enough uh scholarship money to give me enough uh scholarship money to play baseball. They just said, "Well, play baseball. They just said, "Well, play baseball. They just said, "Well, you can walk on." I was like, "Ah, I you can walk on." I was like, "Ah, I you can walk on." I was like, "Ah, I really I really need some money." So, really I really need some money." So, really I really need some money." So, >> yeah. So, I didn't go, but you know,

9:29 >> yeah. So, I didn't go, but you know, >> yeah. So, I didn't go, but you know, growing up, I was always a UDub fan. Um, growing up, I was always a UDub fan. Um, growing up, I was always a UDub fan. Um, one of my cousins, we we talked about one of my cousins, we we talked about one of my cousins, we we talked about this before, but for the listeners, one this before, but for the listeners, one this before, but for the listeners, one of my cousins walked on at University of of my cousins walked on at University of of my cousins walked on at University of Washington as a linebacker and coach New Washington as a linebacker and coach New Washington as a linebacker and coach New Heisel loved him so much that ended up

9:42 Heisel loved him so much that ended up Heisel loved him so much that ended up giving him a SC scholarship and I think giving him a SC scholarship and I think giving him a SC scholarship and I think he did a lot of special teams play and he did a lot of special teams play and he did a lot of special teams play and stuff like that by the end of his by the stuff like that by the end of his by the stuff like that by the end of his by the end of his career. So, he's got a Rose end of his career. So, he's got a Rose end of his career. So, he's got a Rose Bowl ring. He's got his his helmet Bowl ring. He's got his his helmet Bowl ring. He's got his his helmet encased in this, you know, fancy

9:51 encased in this, you know, fancy encased in this, you know, fancy plexiglass thing at his at his mom's plexiglass thing at his at his mom's plexiglass thing at his at his mom's house. But from the Wazu perspective, I house. But from the Wazu perspective, I house. But from the Wazu perspective, I think I told you that my cousin Jeremy think I told you that my cousin Jeremy think I told you that my cousin Jeremy was an offensive lineman. And I think was an offensive lineman. And I think was an offensive lineman. And I think you guys were pretty close to the to the you guys were pretty close to the to the you guys were pretty close to the to the same time. I graduated college in 98. I

10:03 same time. I graduated college in 98. I same time. I graduated college in 98. I think he was one year ahead of me. So he think he was one year ahead of me. So he think he was one year ahead of me. So he probably graduated 97, but when we came probably graduated 97, but when we came probably graduated 97, but when we came out to play you guys in baseball, he out to play you guys in baseball, he out to play you guys in baseball, he came to my game and um so I know he was came to my game and um so I know he was came to my game and um so I know he was there. I want to say I was there in 97. there. I want to say I was there in 97. there. I want to say I was there in 97. I came out and played Wazu in 97.

10:15 I came out and played Wazu in 97. I came out and played Wazu in 97. >> Wow. >> Wow. >> Wow. >> The Hawaiian the Hawaiian the Hawaiian >> The Hawaiian the Hawaiian the Hawaiian >> The Hawaiian the Hawaiian the Hawaiian kids were not ready for that cold kids were not ready for that cold kids were not ready for that cold weather. It was it was hilarious. when weather. It was it was hilarious. when weather. It was it was hilarious. when we were on I90 driving over the pass we were on I90 driving over the pass we were on I90 driving over the pass that particular year there was a lot of that particular year there was a lot of

10:23 that particular year there was a lot of snow. Guys were getting out, taking off snow. Guys were getting out, taking off snow. Guys were getting out, taking off their shirts, running around in the their shirts, running around in the their shirts, running around in the snow, taking pictures. It It was snow, taking pictures. It It was snow, taking pictures. It It was hilarious. hilarious. hilarious. >> I could imagine. >> I could imagine. >> I could imagine. >> But yeah, you guys were around there the >> But yeah, you guys were around there the >> But yeah, you guys were around there the same time, right? same time, right?

10:31 same time, right? >> Yeah. I >> Yeah. I >> Yeah. I >> Okay. >> Okay. >> Okay. >> Yeah. Fall 97. So we That was our Rose >> Yeah. Fall 97. So we That was our Rose >> Yeah. Fall 97. So we That was our Rose Bowl year and Bowl year and Bowl year and I registered that year, but fall 97 that I registered that year, but fall 97 that I registered that year, but fall 97 that was a special year. You're right though. was a special year. You're right though. was a special year. You're right though. All the kids So most of the team even All the kids So most of the team even All the kids So most of the team even this year or throughout the most years

10:47 this year or throughout the most years this year or throughout the most years the team comprises Southern the team comprises Southern the team comprises Southern Californians. So, and we always have Californians. So, and we always have Californians. So, and we always have Hawaiian players. So, the between the Hawaiian players. So, the between the Hawaiian players. So, the between the Southern Cal and Hawaiian players when Southern Cal and Hawaiian players when Southern Cal and Hawaiian players when when it starts to get cold and snow, when it starts to get cold and snow, when it starts to get cold and snow, we're we're just like, "What the heck is we're we're just like, "What the heck is

10:58 we're we're just like, "What the heck is this?" Unsure. That's why we don't do this?" Unsure. That's why we don't do this?" Unsure. That's why we don't do recruiting shifts during those times recruiting shifts during those times recruiting shifts during those times because I'm sure we'd always get because I'm sure we'd always get because I'm sure we'd always get kidding. kidding. kidding. >> But yeah, that's small world. Very small >> But yeah, that's small world. Very small >> But yeah, that's small world. Very small world, Mike. world, Mike. world, Mike. >> So, a kid from California, how did you >> So, a kid from California, how did you

11:09 >> So, a kid from California, how did you even find out about Lazu? They just had even find out about Lazu? They just had even find out about Lazu? They just had the best scholarship opportunity or what the best scholarship opportunity or what the best scholarship opportunity or what what made you choose that university? what made you choose that university? what made you choose that university? >> Yeah. So, it's interesting. I had the >> Yeah. So, it's interesting. I had the >> Yeah. So, it's interesting. I had the same similar background than you like same similar background than you like same similar background than you like actually just before going into that

11:18 actually just before going into that actually just before going into that point. Could you imagine if we were in point. Could you imagine if we were in point. Could you imagine if we were in this era and we had an opportunity to this era and we had an opportunity to this era and we had an opportunity to earn name, image, and likeness earn name, image, and likeness earn name, image, and likeness >> opport? Well, >> opport? Well, >> opport? Well, >> I was never good enough to to get some >> I was never good enough to to get some >> I was never good enough to to get some of that money. I was just good enough to of that money. I was just good enough to of that money. I was just good enough to make the team, just good enough to get a make the team, just good enough to get a make the team, just good enough to get a scholarship, and not good enough to be

11:31 scholarship, and not good enough to be scholarship, and not good enough to be the star star of the team. So, I would the star star of the team. So, I would the star star of the team. So, I would have never collected on that cash, but have never collected on that cash, but have never collected on that cash, but you're you're absolutely right. That you're you're absolutely right. That you're you're absolutely right. That would have been a nice option. would have been a nice option. would have been a nice option. >> That would have been an interesting >> That would have been an interesting >> That would have been an interesting factor in some of our decision-m I think

11:40 factor in some of our decision-m I think factor in some of our decision-m I think for me in growing growing up in Southern for me in growing growing up in Southern for me in growing growing up in Southern Cal. We so interest Cal. We so interest Cal. We so interest on on my radar. In fact, most of my on on my radar. In fact, most of my on on my radar. In fact, most of my recruiting was from I don't know if it recruiting was from I don't know if it recruiting was from I don't know if it even exists anymore schools that are I even exists anymore schools that are I even exists anymore schools that are I guess now part of the FCS. guess now part of the FCS.

11:54 guess now part of the FCS. And in fact, of all the pack back in And in fact, of all the pack back in And in fact, of all the pack back in Pack 10 era, Pack 10 schools were to Pack 10 era, Pack 10 schools were to Pack 10 era, Pack 10 schools were to where I got a letter. University of where I got a letter. University of where I got a letter. University of Washington was the only school to send a Washington was the only school to send a Washington was the only school to send a letter during like the spring of my letter during like the spring of my letter during like the spring of my senior year. I was actually headed to senior year. I was actually headed to

12:08 senior year. I was actually headed to play junior college basketball at Lower play junior college basketball at Lower play junior college basketball at Lower Columbia Community College in the state Columbia Community College in the state Columbia Community College in the state of Washington. It's of Washington. It's of Washington. It's >> Oh, yeah. >> Oh, yeah. >> Oh, yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> You might have known because >> You might have known because >> You might have known because >> Yeah. We played LCC. We played LCC all >> Yeah. We played LCC. We played LCC all

12:16 >> Yeah. We played LCC. We played LCC all the time when I was in community the time when I was in community the time when I was in community college. college. college. >> Powerhouse baseball. Jo, >> Powerhouse baseball. Jo, >> Powerhouse baseball. Jo, >> right. >> right. >> right. >> Just sports in general. They take their >> Just sports in general. They take their >> Just sports in general. They take their sports really serious there. sports really serious there. sports really serious there. >> Yeah. For Exactly. The the basketball >> Yeah. For Exactly. The the basketball >> Yeah. For Exactly. The the basketball coach there, Jim Roffler, had a really I coach there, Jim Roffler, had a really I coach there, Jim Roffler, had a really I just love the way the scheme is. If

12:30 just love the way the scheme is. If just love the way the scheme is. If you're into high tempo, lots of shots at you're into high tempo, lots of shots at you're into high tempo, lots of shots at the at the rim. Very just, you know, the at the rim. Very just, you know, the at the rim. Very just, you know, basically basically basically fatiguing the opponent by going up and fatiguing the opponent by going up and fatiguing the opponent by going up and down and getting a lot of shots up on down and getting a lot of shots up on down and getting a lot of shots up on the rim. That was the love that offense. the rim. That was the love that offense. the rim. That was the love that offense. And so that was headed there at the last

12:44 And so that was headed there at the last And so that was headed there at the last minute. Actually, Washington State's Air minute. Actually, Washington State's Air minute. Actually, Washington State's Air Force ROTC department called and said, Force ROTC department called and said, Force ROTC department called and said, "Hey, we we heard we saw that you "Hey, we we heard we saw that you "Hey, we we heard we saw that you applied for a national scholarship. I applied for a national scholarship. I applied for a national scholarship. I mean, you're not smart enough to get it, mean, you're not smart enough to get it, mean, you're not smart enough to get it, but hey, you know, like we we you know,

12:58 but hey, you know, like we we you know, but hey, you know, like we we you know, we know you're also we could tell we we know you're also we could tell we we know you're also we could tell we also just they I don't know how they also just they I don't know how they also just they I don't know how they discovered this, but they al oh, I think discovered this, but they al oh, I think discovered this, but they al oh, I think no, they called my football my school no, they called my football my school no, they called my football my school and they found out athletic background. and they found out athletic background. and they found out athletic background. Hey, we don't we we're not we can't

13:09 Hey, we don't we we're not we can't Hey, we don't we we're not we can't offer you like a full scholarship. can offer you like a full scholarship. can offer you like a full scholarship. can offer you some money and then al and if offer you some money and then al and if offer you some money and then al and if you're okay with that we we can also you're okay with that we we can also you're okay with that we we can also advocate for you to be an invited advocate for you to be an invited advocate for you to be an invited walk-on to the Washington states program walk-on to the Washington states program walk-on to the Washington states program and I was just sort of surprised a Rozi

13:21 and I was just sort of surprised a Rozi and I was just sort of surprised a Rozi detachion would even consider that kind detachion would even consider that kind detachion would even consider that kind of wild arrangement so dude I didn't of wild arrangement so dude I didn't of wild arrangement so dude I didn't even go to a recruiting trip I didn't I even go to a recruiting trip I didn't I even go to a recruiting trip I didn't I like I didn't even go to a recruiting like I didn't even go to a recruiting like I didn't even go to a recruiting trip to Pullman I did most of my trip to Pullman I did most of my trip to Pullman I did most of my recruiting trips to other schools and I

13:32 recruiting trips to other schools and I recruiting trips to other schools and I decided you know what I'm just going to decided you know what I'm just going to decided you know what I'm just going to play junior college basketball I'm not play junior college basketball I'm not play junior college basketball I'm not going to focus on football and so sorry going to focus on football and so sorry going to focus on football and so sorry for the long story but when I got the I for the long story but when I got the I for the long story but when I got the I got a call in from the athletic got a call in from the athletic got a call in from the athletic department the the football coach

13:40 department the the football coach department the the football coach specifically my my DB coach Craig Gray. specifically my my DB coach Craig Gray. specifically my my DB coach Craig Gray. He's like, "Hey CJ, uh got your uh got He's like, "Hey CJ, uh got your uh got He's like, "Hey CJ, uh got your uh got your information. Can you send us some your information. Can you send us some your information. Can you send us some tape?" I was like, "Yeah." So I had I tape?" I was like, "Yeah." So I had I tape?" I was like, "Yeah." So I had I sent him a tape, a collage tape, and sent him a tape, a collage tape, and sent him a tape, a collage tape, and later that day or no, the next day I got

13:54 later that day or no, the next day I got later that day or no, the next day I got a call from Craig and he's like, "Hey, a call from Craig and he's like, "Hey, a call from Craig and he's like, "Hey, you know, to the point that your Rosi you know, to the point that your Rosi you know, to the point that your Rosi colleagues have articulated, we'd love colleagues have articulated, we'd love colleagues have articulated, we'd love to have you as an invited walk-on." And to have you as an invited walk-on." And to have you as an invited walk-on." And I was like, "Awesome. I'm in." Didn't I was like, "Awesome. I'm in." Didn't I was like, "Awesome. I'm in." Didn't even like want to know about what where

14:05 even like want to know about what where even like want to know about what where I didn't know it was located, I didn't know it was located, I didn't know it was located, >> Mike. I didn't know where in Washington >> Mike. I didn't know where in Washington >> Mike. I didn't know where in Washington was located. was located. was located. That's how they recruited you. They That's how they recruited you. They That's how they recruited you. They didn't they didn't tell you where it was didn't they didn't tell you where it was didn't they didn't tell you where it was located. located. located. >> Yeah, exactly. They got me. They got me,

14:15 >> Yeah, exactly. They got me. They got me, >> Yeah, exactly. They got me. They got me, man. Get that Southern Cal kid before he man. Get that Southern Cal kid before he man. Get that Southern Cal kid before he even knows where it is on the map. And even knows where it is on the map. And even knows where it is on the map. And >> yeah, so >> yeah, so >> yeah, so >> where where in Southern California? LA, >> where where in Southern California? LA, >> where where in Southern California? LA, San Diego. Where exactly from? San Diego. Where exactly from? San Diego. Where exactly from? >> Yeah. San Franando Valley in and Van I >> Yeah. San Franando Valley in and Van I

14:26 >> Yeah. San Franando Valley in and Van I Sherman Oaks area kind of I lived I'm Sherman Oaks area kind of I lived I'm Sherman Oaks area kind of I lived I'm from that border between Sherman Oaks from that border between Sherman Oaks from that border between Sherman Oaks and and Van Eyes. Actually, this is kind and and Van Eyes. Actually, this is kind and and Van Eyes. Actually, this is kind of 360 or full circle for me. Being the of 360 or full circle for me. Being the of 360 or full circle for me. Being the Oscar commander in the Cali Guard and Oscar commander in the Cali Guard and Oscar commander in the Cali Guard and being an install installation commander

14:40 being an install installation commander being an install installation commander at Sepula Air Guard Station, I grew up at Sepula Air Guard Station, I grew up at Sepula Air Guard Station, I grew up eight minutes from that installation. eight minutes from that installation. eight minutes from that installation. Can't make that up. Mike, Can't make that up. Mike, Can't make that up. Mike, >> you join you joined the Air Force to see >> you join you joined the Air Force to see >> you join you joined the Air Force to see the world and you ended up stationed the world and you ended up stationed the world and you ended up stationed eight minutes from your from your

14:52 eight minutes from your from your eight minutes from your from your backyard. backyard. backyard. >> Such an Air Force story. >> Such an Air Force story. >> Such an Air Force story. >> It is. Uh, I grew up in University >> It is. Uh, I grew up in University >> It is. Uh, I grew up in University Place, Washington, a small little suburb Place, Washington, a small little suburb Place, Washington, a small little suburb outside of Tacoma, just south of

15:00 The Mentor Who Changed Everything

15:01 outside of Tacoma, just south of outside of Tacoma, just south of Seattle. And I was in the Air Force for Seattle. And I was in the Air Force for Seattle. And I was in the Air Force for four years before I went to pilot four years before I went to pilot four years before I went to pilot training. And I flew C7s at McCord Air training. And I flew C7s at McCord Air training. And I flew C7s at McCord Air Force Base right where I grew up. So, it Force Base right where I grew up. So, it Force Base right where I grew up. So, it was it was cool. I mean, I didn't think was it was cool. I mean, I didn't think was it was cool. I mean, I didn't think about it as, oh my gosh, I I, you know,

15:14 about it as, oh my gosh, I I, you know, about it as, oh my gosh, I I, you know, signed up to do all these things all signed up to do all these things all signed up to do all these things all over the world. I looked at it as I get over the world. I looked at it as I get over the world. I looked at it as I get to see all these amazing things that I to see all these amazing things that I to see all these amazing things that I always wanted to see, but from from high always wanted to see, but from from high always wanted to see, but from from high up. I mean, flying around Mount Reneer, up. I mean, flying around Mount Reneer, up. I mean, flying around Mount Reneer, flying around Mount St. Helens. One time

15:24 flying around Mount St. Helens. One time flying around Mount St. Helens. One time we were coming home from a mission. It's we were coming home from a mission. It's we were coming home from a mission. It's just a beautiful, beautiful west coast just a beautiful, beautiful west coast just a beautiful, beautiful west coast day and we're going across the Olympic day and we're going across the Olympic day and we're going across the Olympic Mountains and we're literally giggling Mountains and we're literally giggling Mountains and we're literally giggling like school children. Like we're getting like school children. Like we're getting like school children. Like we're getting paid to see this just five-star view uh

15:35 paid to see this just five-star view uh paid to see this just five-star view uh flying in the Pacific Northwest. But flying in the Pacific Northwest. But flying in the Pacific Northwest. But those days were rare, but when they did those days were rare, but when they did those days were rare, but when they did happen, it was it was pretty cool. happen, it was it was pretty cool. happen, it was it was pretty cool. >> So true. >> So true. >> So true. >> So, as a as a ROC guy, how what was that >> So, as a as a ROC guy, how what was that >> So, as a as a ROC guy, how what was that um that work life balance of because

15:47 um that work life balance of because um that work life balance of because when I played baseball in college, I when I played baseball in college, I when I played baseball in college, I mean, we were practicing all the time. I mean, we were practicing all the time. I mean, we were practicing all the time. I can't imagine that additional can't imagine that additional can't imagine that additional responsibility of ROC. How did how did responsibility of ROC. How did how did responsibility of ROC. How did how did you manage that, you manage that, you manage that, >> Mike? I don't think I managed it well >> Mike? I don't think I managed it well

15:56 >> Mike? I don't think I managed it well honestly. Frankly, that was probably the honestly. Frankly, that was probably the honestly. Frankly, that was probably the that was the first c sort of initial that was the first c sort of initial that was the first c sort of initial lesson that I had in life that has lesson that I had in life that has lesson that I had in life that has carried me forward is the actual truth carried me forward is the actual truth carried me forward is the actual truth behind multitasking behind multitasking behind multitasking and and and how difficult the in my thesis that to how difficult the in my thesis that to how difficult the in my thesis that to achieve that myth. It was difficult achieve that myth. It was difficult achieve that myth. It was difficult actually to put forth full energy in actually to put forth full energy in

16:16 actually to put forth full energy in academics because I was a STEM guy RLTC academics because I was a STEM guy RLTC academics because I was a STEM guy RLTC and then like you said all the all the and then like you said all the all the and then like you said all the all the energy and focus and preparation it energy and focus and preparation it energy and focus and preparation it takes to be a division one athlete is takes to be a division one athlete is takes to be a division one athlete is tremendous. If for folks that are less tremendous. If for folks that are less tremendous. If for folks that are less familiar, there's the practice and familiar, there's the practice and

16:30 familiar, there's the practice and there's the obviously there's the there's the obviously there's the there's the obviously there's the training and to include weightlifting, training and to include weightlifting, training and to include weightlifting, but it's it's a it's a mentality to be but it's it's a it's a mentality to be but it's it's a it's a mentality to be the best and that means there's there's the best and that means there's there's the best and that means there's there's sacrifices you have to make in your sacrifices you have to make in your sacrifices you have to make in your life, particularly related to diet and life, particularly related to diet and

16:43 life, particularly related to diet and sleep so you can beat optimal sleep so you can beat optimal sleep so you can beat optimal performance. That I think that comes performance. That I think that comes performance. That I think that comes it's a trade-off like many things in it's a trade-off like many things in it's a trade-off like many things in life. It came at the expense of actually life. It came at the expense of actually life. It came at the expense of actually being an RTC cadet. That was the one being an RTC cadet. That was the one being an RTC cadet. That was the one area that I was probably the weakest. area that I was probably the weakest.

16:55 area that I was probably the weakest. Well, no, not probably. according to my Well, no, not probably. according to my Well, no, not probably. according to my deck commander. He definitely said it to deck commander. He definitely said it to deck commander. He definitely said it to me straight to my face mic. So I was the me straight to my face mic. So I was the me straight to my face mic. So I was the weakest there. But it um yeah it was it weakest there. But it um yeah it was it weakest there. But it um yeah it was it was was was >> I was fortunate to have good teammates >> I was fortunate to have good teammates >> I was fortunate to have good teammates on my in in Rotti in the debt folks that

17:07 on my in in Rotti in the debt folks that on my in in Rotti in the debt folks that are still lifelong friends now. They are still lifelong friends now. They are still lifelong friends now. They whenever I had I I they knew I because I whenever I had I I they knew I because I whenever I had I I they knew I because I was very transparent. They were they was very transparent. They were they was very transparent. They were they knew to help support me when I when I knew to help support me when I when I knew to help support me when I when I needed to in terms especially getting needed to in terms especially getting needed to in terms especially getting ready for field training. There's that

17:18 ready for field training. There's that ready for field training. There's that was even more focused during the spring. was even more focused during the spring. was even more focused during the spring. We had to get ready. That's also for We had to get ready. That's also for We had to get ready. That's also for football players when you're trying to football players when you're trying to football players when you're trying to when you're really trying to make gains when you're really trying to make gains when you're really trying to make gains to be competitive for the next fall. So to be competitive for the next fall. So to be competitive for the next fall. So there was, you know, there was I wasn't

17:27 there was, you know, there was I wasn't there was, you know, there was I wasn't necessarily prepared for field training necessarily prepared for field training necessarily prepared for field training because I also wanted to focus on the because I also wanted to focus on the because I also wanted to focus on the opportunity to significantly play the opportunity to significantly play the opportunity to significantly play the next year. But next year. But next year. But yeah, it was but in the end, like I yeah, it was but in the end, like I yeah, it was but in the end, like I said, the the team, my team, my my my said, the the team, my team, my my my

17:38 said, the the team, my team, my my my classmates in Rosi were fundamental in classmates in Rosi were fundamental in classmates in Rosi were fundamental in helping me stay prepared, keeping me helping me stay prepared, keeping me helping me stay prepared, keeping me motivated, making sure that I didn't motivated, making sure that I didn't motivated, making sure that I didn't have blind spots. this main, you know, I have blind spots. this main, you know, I have blind spots. this main, you know, I think as you maybe maybe you can attest think as you maybe maybe you can attest think as you maybe maybe you can attest to this too, like your network and your

17:50 to this too, like your network and your to this too, like your network and your friends, especially your core network, friends, especially your core network, friends, especially your core network, one of their best value propositions to one of their best value propositions to one of their best value propositions to you is is highlighting blind spots, not you is is highlighting blind spots, not you is is highlighting blind spots, not having no fear of letting you know where having no fear of letting you know where having no fear of letting you know where you're making a mistake, especially a you're making a mistake, especially a you're making a mistake, especially a blind spot, and helping you resolve

17:58 blind spot, and helping you resolve blind spot, and helping you resolve those. So, I was I was fortunate. those. So, I was I was fortunate. those. So, I was I was fortunate. >> Now that you mentioned that, a couple >> Now that you mentioned that, a couple >> Now that you mentioned that, a couple things about college, about how you were things about college, about how you were things about college, about how you were saying how serious you have to be as an saying how serious you have to be as an saying how serious you have to be as an athlete. My junior year, because after athlete. My junior year, because after athlete. My junior year, because after community college, I went to University

18:09 community college, I went to University community college, I went to University of Hawaii my junior year. I was, if I of Hawaii my junior year. I was, if I of Hawaii my junior year. I was, if I wasn't playing baseball, I was working wasn't playing baseball, I was working wasn't playing baseball, I was working out. If I wasn't working out, I was at out. If I wasn't working out, I was at out. If I wasn't working out, I was at study hall. If I wasn't at a study hall, study hall. If I wasn't at a study hall, study hall. If I wasn't at a study hall, I was in the gym uh focusing on the I was in the gym uh focusing on the I was in the gym uh focusing on the diet. So much so that my entire junior

18:21 diet. So much so that my entire junior diet. So much so that my entire junior year, I did not drink a single beer the year, I did not drink a single beer the year, I did not drink a single beer the entire year. I mean, the other guys on entire year. I mean, the other guys on entire year. I mean, the other guys on the team used to make fun of me and call the team used to make fun of me and call the team used to make fun of me and call me the temple. They're like, "Oh, como, me the temple. They're like, "Oh, como, me the temple. They're like, "Oh, como, you don't put anything in the temple. you don't put anything in the temple. you don't put anything in the temple. It's got to it's got to stay pristine."

18:31 It's got to it's got to stay pristine." It's got to it's got to stay pristine." And it was just because I knew that I And it was just because I knew that I And it was just because I knew that I had this opportunity to go to school for had this opportunity to go to school for had this opportunity to go to school for free. I I can't screw this up. I I mean, free. I I can't screw this up. I I mean, free. I I can't screw this up. I I mean, I I would have never had an opportunity I I would have never had an opportunity I I would have never had an opportunity to get a scholarship and walk out of to get a scholarship and walk out of to get a scholarship and walk out of school debtree if it wasn't for sports.

18:43 school debtree if it wasn't for sports. school debtree if it wasn't for sports. So, I really focused and so I was an So, I really focused and so I was an So, I really focused and so I was an ass. I just I wasn't that social ass. I just I wasn't that social ass. I just I wasn't that social butterfly. I was constantly cranking on butterfly. I was constantly cranking on butterfly. I was constantly cranking on stuff and so I can't even imagine having stuff and so I can't even imagine having stuff and so I can't even imagine having that ROTC piece over my head as well that ROTC piece over my head as well that ROTC piece over my head as well because now you're competing to try and

18:56 because now you're competing to try and because now you're competing to try and either get a pilot slot or whatever your either get a pilot slot or whatever your either get a pilot slot or whatever your dream job is. I heard it can be pretty dream job is. I heard it can be pretty dream job is. I heard it can be pretty rough in those ROC units where if you're rough in those ROC units where if you're rough in those ROC units where if you're if you're not in the right click, you if you're not in the right click, you if you're not in the right click, you might not get that that job that you're might not get that that job that you're might not get that that job that you're seeking.

19:07 seeking. seeking. >> Yeah, Mike. I in fact that was my >> Yeah, Mike. I in fact that was my >> Yeah, Mike. I in fact that was my pursuit too to that was the core reason pursuit too to that was the core reason pursuit too to that was the core reason I joined Air Force RTC was to to fly and I joined Air Force RTC was to to fly and I joined Air Force RTC was to to fly and I'm not sure if they if this if this was I'm not sure if they if this if this was I'm not sure if they if this if this was the process I'm sure it was at the process I'm sure it was at the process I'm sure it was at University of Hawaii we we found out our University of Hawaii we we found out our University of Hawaii we we found out our pilot whether we made pilot pilot whether we made pilot pilot whether we made pilot somewhere in our early in our senior

19:25 somewhere in our early in our senior somewhere in our early in our senior fall senior year going to because we had fall senior year going to because we had fall senior year going to because we had two two semesters fall in between the two two semesters fall in between the two two semesters fall in between the fall and spring and when I heard I fall and spring and when I heard I fall and spring and when I heard I didn't actually get a pilot slot to to didn't actually get a pilot slot to to didn't actually get a pilot slot to to that end I you know I got I saw some that end I you know I got I saw some that end I you know I got I saw some counsel from my wing commander or my

19:38 counsel from my wing commander or my counsel from my wing commander or my debt commander, Yoshi Smith, good dude. debt commander, Yoshi Smith, good dude. debt commander, Yoshi Smith, good dude. He was like, "Hey, CJ, I mean, I think He was like, "Hey, CJ, I mean, I think He was like, "Hey, CJ, I mean, I think you're a quality guy. Clearly, I think you're a quality guy. Clearly, I think you're a quality guy. Clearly, I think you're talented, competent, but to to you're talented, competent, but to to you're talented, competent, but to to that end, you didn't, you know, your that end, you didn't, you know, your that end, you didn't, you know, your your peers really made the effort to to

19:51 your peers really made the effort to to your peers really made the effort to to demonstrate that they were they were demonstrate that they were they were demonstrate that they were they were quality applicants to be pilots." And quality applicants to be pilots." And quality applicants to be pilots." And and unfortunately, that's the area in and unfortunately, that's the area in and unfortunately, that's the area in which you of all the things you've done which you of all the things you've done which you of all the things you've done well, that's probably the least. And I well, that's probably the least. And I well, that's probably the least. And I only have so many quotas here at the

20:01 only have so many quotas here at the only have so many quotas here at the debt. And that was to that end, like you debt. And that was to that end, like you debt. And that was to that end, like you said, there's it was a trade-off and a said, there's it was a trade-off and a said, there's it was a trade-off and a sacrifice. And like you said that to add sacrifice. And like you said that to add sacrifice. And like you said that to add the the rotty but you know it turned out the the rotty but you know it turned out the the rotty but you know it turned out really well Mike like to be great really well Mike like to be great really well Mike like to be great leadership by the way from my document.

20:12 leadership by the way from my document. leadership by the way from my document. I learned a lot from him too. Just while I learned a lot from him too. Just while I learned a lot from him too. Just while the door was closed, he didn't he he the door was closed, he didn't he he the door was closed, he didn't he he provided other door other opportunities provided other door other opportunities provided other door other opportunities and opened other doors. And he was his and opened other doors. And he was his and opened other doors. And he was his next comment was like, "Hey, what do you next comment was like, "Hey, what do you next comment was like, "Hey, what do you think about

20:23 think about think about traveling the world?" And I and I said, traveling the world?" And I and I said, traveling the world?" And I and I said, "Girl Smith, sign me up. I am in." "Girl Smith, sign me up. I am in." "Girl Smith, sign me up. I am in." >> He goes, "Actually, right now where the >> He goes, "Actually, right now where the >> He goes, "Actually, right now where the Air Force is, if you become a a comm Air Force is, if you become a a comm Air Force is, if you become a a comm officer, there's a very likely there's officer, there's a very likely there's officer, there's a very likely there's an opportunity to go overseas

20:37 an opportunity to go overseas an opportunity to go overseas immediately following commission." And immediately following commission." And immediately following commission." And that happened almost verbatim. I said, that happened almost verbatim. I said, that happened almost verbatim. I said, "All right, sign." I didn't actually "All right, sign." I didn't actually "All right, sign." I didn't actually look it up. Like, I didn't know what a I look it up. Like, I didn't know what a I look it up. Like, I didn't know what a I didn't know what a comm was. I was like, didn't know what a comm was. I was like, didn't know what a comm was. I was like, "Can I go to Europe?" He goes, "Yes."

20:47 "Can I go to Europe?" He goes, "Yes." "Can I go to Europe?" He goes, "Yes." This is similar to like how I got to This is similar to like how I got to This is similar to like how I got to Washington State. Can I play on the Washington State. Can I play on the Washington State. Can I play on the team? Yes. All right. I'm up. I'm in. team? Yes. All right. I'm up. I'm in. team? Yes. All right. I'm up. I'm in. I'm in. I'm in. I'm in. >> And they're like, "You're leaving the >> And they're like, "You're leaving the >> And they're like, "You're leaving the you're leaving the planes of Eastern you're leaving the planes of Eastern you're leaving the planes of Eastern Washington to now perpetual rain in Washington to now perpetual rain in Washington to now perpetual rain in Europe." But at least there's cool Europe." But at least there's cool

21:00 Europe." But at least there's cool things to see. things to see. things to see. >> My Spokane airport. I went from Spokane >> My Spokane airport. I went from Spokane >> My Spokane airport. I went from Spokane airport >> like two gates. Yeah. I went from >> like two gates. Yeah. I went from Spokane to BWI to jump on the rotator Spokane to BWI to jump on the rotator Spokane to BWI to jump on the rotator and then to Rammstein. and then to Rammstein. and then to Rammstein. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> What years were you Ramstein? We we we >> What years were you Ramstein? We we we

21:17 >> What years were you Ramstein? We we we were there at the same time. We just were there at the same time. We just were there at the same time. We just obviously didn't cross paths because I obviously didn't cross paths because I obviously didn't cross paths because I was constantly flying missions in and was constantly flying missions in and was constantly flying missions in and out. out. out. >> Yeah. Plus, it's so big, you know. So, I >> Yeah. Plus, it's so big, you know. So, I >> Yeah. Plus, it's so big, you know. So, I was there from 2002 to 2004. was there from 2002 to 2004. was there from 2002 to 2004. >> Okay.

21:27 >> Okay. >> Okay. >> And like it's okay. There's so many the >> And like it's okay. There's so many the >> And like it's okay. There's so many the population is so large. Even in the population is so large. Even in the population is so large. Even in the officer corps, there's so I mean your officer corps, there's so I mean your officer corps, there's so I mean your your operational community and then all your operational community and then all your operational community and then all the other officer communities. There are the other officer communities. There are the other officer communities. There are lots of folks that I've met over the

21:38 lots of folks that I've met over the lots of folks that I've met over the years that were there at the same time years that were there at the same time years that were there at the same time we were that I didn't ever run into our we were that I didn't ever run into our we were that I didn't ever run into our circles never Yeah. circles never Yeah. circles never Yeah. >> I mean even socially and were doing all >> I mean even socially and were doing all >> I mean even socially and were doing all the same things. I just still never saw the same things. I just still never saw the same things. I just still never saw them. It's it's interesting. them. It's it's interesting.

21:49 them. It's it's interesting. >> So the big hotel had not been built yet >> So the big hotel had not been built yet >> So the big hotel had not been built yet when you were there because I want to when you were there because I want to when you were there because I want to say I didn't start flying there till say I didn't start flying there till say I didn't start flying there till because I was a late to rate guy. So, I because I was a late to rate guy. So, I because I was a late to rate guy. So, I didn't go to pilot training until um I'd didn't go to pilot training until um I'd didn't go to pilot training until um I'd been in for almost four years. But now

22:05 been in for almost four years. But now been in for almost four years. But now that we're talking about Washington that we're talking about Washington that we're talking about Washington State, when I was out there, when ISIS State, when I was out there, when ISIS State, when I was out there, when ISIS kicked off, I was the RPA, the drone kicked off, I was the RPA, the drone kicked off, I was the RPA, the drone guy, the drone elo there at the um at guy, the drone elo there at the um at guy, the drone elo there at the um at the AOC. The deputy JFAC is from the AOC. The deputy JFAC is from the AOC. The deputy JFAC is from Washington State. He's a Cougar. So, the

22:19 Washington State. He's a Cougar. So, the Washington State. He's a Cougar. So, the twoar the twoar deputy J3 was a was a twoar the twoar deputy J3 was a was a twoar the twoar deputy J3 was a was a Washington state grad. when General Washington state grad. when General Washington state grad. when General Brown was the J3. Um, this I I his name Brown was the J3. Um, this I I his name Brown was the J3. Um, this I I his name escapes me, but uh yeah, he was a two escapes me, but uh yeah, he was a two escapes me, but uh yeah, he was a two star Washington State grad. star Washington State grad. star Washington State grad. >> Awesome. >> Awesome. >> Awesome. >> I was like, "Yes, yes, you're

22:34 >> I was like, "Yes, yes, you're >> I was like, "Yes, yes, you're representing." representing." representing." >> No doubt, >> No doubt, >> No doubt, >> man. Wazu, you guys punch above your >> man. Wazu, you guys punch above your >> man. Wazu, you guys punch above your weight. You do. They get the most They weight. You do. They get the most They weight. You do. They get the most They get the most bang for their buck out of get the most bang for their buck out of get the most bang for their buck out of uh such a small school. You guys in uh such a small school. You guys in uh such a small school. You guys in Boise State, those are the Pacific

22:43 Boise State, those are the Pacific Boise State, those are the Pacific Northwest schools that that punch above Northwest schools that that punch above Northwest schools that that punch above their weight. But, okay, so speaking of their weight. But, okay, so speaking of their weight. But, okay, so speaking of weight, you are a very muscular guy. weight, you are a very muscular guy. weight, you are a very muscular guy. >> So, I'm 5 foot 10. How tall are you? >> So, I'm 5 foot 10. How tall are you? >> So, I'm 5 foot 10. How tall are you? >> 5'9. >> 5'9. >> 5'9. Okay. Well, the Air Force standards when Okay. Well, the Air Force standards when

22:56 Okay. Well, the Air Force standards when I went to MET because I'm an OTS guy. I I went to MET because I'm an OTS guy. I I went to MET because I'm an OTS guy. I didn't go through RTC, so I had to go to didn't go through RTC, so I had to go to didn't go through RTC, so I had to go to the standard, you know, uh, medical the standard, you know, uh, medical the standard, you know, uh, medical thing with all the other folks. And at 5 thing with all the other folks. And at 5 thing with all the other folks. And at 5 foot 10, I'm pretty sure it was either foot 10, I'm pretty sure it was either foot 10, I'm pretty sure it was either 194 or 192. That was a magic number.

23:08 194 or 192. That was a magic number. 194 or 192. That was a magic number. Anything over that. And you didn't pass. Anything over that. And you didn't pass. Anything over that. And you didn't pass. So, I actually had to cut weight to go So, I actually had to cut weight to go So, I actually had to cut weight to go and I literally hit on the number when I and I literally hit on the number when I and I literally hit on the number when I stepped on the scale. So, what was it stepped on the scale. So, what was it stepped on the scale. So, what was it like for 5'9? Do they have waiverss for like for 5'9? Do they have waiverss for like for 5'9? Do they have waiverss for guys that had more muscularity like

23:19 guys that had more muscularity like guys that had more muscularity like yourself? yourself? yourself? >> Yeah, that's a good question. we when I >> Yeah, that's a good question. we when I >> Yeah, that's a good question. we when I my entry into the Air Force my entry into the Air Force my entry into the Air Force don't I can't recall precisely what year don't I can't recall precisely what year don't I can't recall precisely what year that was at at Washington State but my that was at at Washington State but my that was at at Washington State but my playing I was at playing weight which playing I was at playing weight which playing I was at playing weight which was two I was 203

23:38 was two I was 203 was two I was 203 and 59 203 that definitely exceeds the and 59 203 that definitely exceeds the and 59 203 that definitely exceeds the their criteria for you know for their criteria for you know for their criteria for you know for >> yeah I'm going to guess it was probably >> yeah I'm going to guess it was probably >> yeah I'm going to guess it was probably in the 180s somewhere for 59 in the 180s somewhere for 59 in the 180s somewhere for 59 >> precisely and >> precisely and >> precisely and once Once I made that mark, honestly, I once Once I made that mark, honestly, I once Once I made that mark, honestly, I I it went back to the Rosi detachment I it went back to the Rosi detachment I it went back to the Rosi detachment and for for and I mean I think it's and for for and I mean I think it's

23:58 and for for and I mean I think it's simply because I did I was participating simply because I did I was participating simply because I did I was participating on a varsity sport at Washington State. on a varsity sport at Washington State.

24:00 What Wing Commander Actually Means

24:01 on a varsity sport at Washington State. I got a waiver, but my but the the NCO I I got a waiver, but my but the the NCO I I got a waiver, but my but the the NCO I see of my detachment did he did convey see of my detachment did he did convey see of my detachment did he did convey to me at the time he's like he goes CJ, to me at the time he's like he goes CJ, to me at the time he's like he goes CJ, man, you're a lucky guy because Air man, you're a lucky guy because Air man, you're a lucky guy because Air Force is t is typically is not going to Force is t is typically is not going to Force is t is typically is not going to uh is not going to wave your your your

24:15 uh is not going to wave your your your uh is not going to wave your your your height and weight requirements. Sorry, height and weight requirements. Sorry, height and weight requirements. Sorry, Mike. Mike, I've got a someone at the Mike. Mike, I've got a someone at the Mike. Mike, I've got a someone at the door there. So if you're hearing the door there. So if you're hearing the door there. So if you're hearing the background of background of background of >> Yeah, no worries. And I was going to >> Yeah, no worries. And I was going to >> Yeah, no worries. And I was going to tell you if we look kind of pixelated tell you if we look kind of pixelated tell you if we look kind of pixelated once it's done it'll download and it'll once it's done it'll download and it'll once it's done it'll download and it'll download a HD 4K feed because there

24:28 download a HD 4K feed because there download a HD 4K feed because there sometimes you look pixelated, but that's sometimes you look pixelated, but that's sometimes you look pixelated, but that's the beauty of this program is that it's the beauty of this program is that it's the beauty of this program is that it's saving all of it on your computer and saving all of it on your computer and saving all of it on your computer and then it pushes it to the then it pushes it to the then it pushes it to the >> to the cloud so we both look sharp on >> to the cloud so we both look sharp on >> to the cloud so we both look sharp on the on the screen. So

24:38 the on the screen. So the on the screen. So >> Well, Mike, you you look sharp in every >> Well, Mike, you you look sharp in every >> Well, Mike, you you look sharp in every configuration. The the pixelated version configuration. The the pixelated version configuration. The the pixelated version of CJ might be a better version than the of CJ might be a better version than the of CJ might be a better version than the real CJ. So, you know, I offer that to real CJ. So, you know, I offer that to real CJ. So, you know, I offer that to you, Mike. you, Mike. you, Mike. Oh, you're too funny, man. You're too Oh, you're too funny, man. You're too Oh, you're too funny, man. You're too funny. So, yeah, you're you're right.

24:53 funny. So, yeah, you're you're right. funny. So, yeah, you're you're right. You were lucky to get a waiver because You were lucky to get a waiver because You were lucky to get a waiver because the Air Force, I mean, they are the Air Force, I mean, they are the Air Force, I mean, they are definitely the um they're the Quakers of definitely the um they're the Quakers of definitely the um they're the Quakers of of the conservative religions out there. of the conservative religions out there. of the conservative religions out there. >> Yeah. Yeah. Even now, like I I I'm at >> Yeah. Yeah. Even now, like I I I'm at >> Yeah. Yeah. Even now, like I I I'm at two I'm about 20 27 207 and according to

25:09 two I'm about 20 27 207 and according to two I'm about 20 27 207 and according to the height weight ratio, it's it the height weight ratio, it's it the height weight ratio, it's it generates a BMI of like over 30. generates a BMI of like over 30. generates a BMI of like over 30. >> Yeah. And >> Yeah. And >> Yeah. And >> yeah, my BMI has said that I'm >> yeah, my BMI has said that I'm >> yeah, my BMI has said that I'm borderline borderline borderline um going on 24 years now. And I keep I I um going on 24 years now. And I keep I I um going on 24 years now. And I keep I I tell my my fellow colleagues or the tell my my fellow colleagues or the tell my my fellow colleagues or the folks that work with me, I said, "My folks that work with me, I said, "My folks that work with me, I said, "My goal is to wear the same set of blues at

25:27 goal is to wear the same set of blues at goal is to wear the same set of blues at my retirement that I came in as a second my retirement that I came in as a second my retirement that I came in as a second lieutenant." So if my BMI says I'm lieutenant." So if my BMI says I'm lieutenant." So if my BMI says I'm borderline, I'm like, "Well, I guess borderline, I'm like, "Well, I guess borderline, I'm like, "Well, I guess I've been borderline for 24 years. There I've been borderline for 24 years. There I've been borderline for 24 years. There there must be something behind that." So there must be something behind that." So there must be something behind that." So the whole system is so dumb. I mean,

25:37 the whole system is so dumb. I mean, the whole system is so dumb. I mean, look how thick your neck is and your look how thick your neck is and your look how thick your neck is and your your delts. I mean, somebody like you your delts. I mean, somebody like you your delts. I mean, somebody like you like, "Yeah, you need to really watch like, "Yeah, you need to really watch like, "Yeah, you need to really watch what you eat because uh your BMI is a what you eat because uh your BMI is a what you eat because uh your BMI is a little out there." You're like, "Bro, I little out there." You're like, "Bro, I little out there." You're like, "Bro, I got a 19inch neck and I wear a 46

25:49 got a 19inch neck and I wear a 46 got a 19inch neck and I wear a 46 jacket." Um, what is it you want from jacket." Um, what is it you want from jacket." Um, what is it you want from me? me? me? >> Yeah, exactly, Mike. I mean, I can I >> Yeah, exactly, Mike. I mean, I can I >> Yeah, exactly, Mike. I mean, I can I mean, I wish I had the discipline of mean, I wish I had the discipline of mean, I wish I had the discipline of wrestlers because wrestlers can on wrestlers because wrestlers can on wrestlers because wrestlers can on demand get to a certain weight and demand get to a certain weight and demand get to a certain weight and they'll just sacrifice and life will be

26:01 they'll just sacrifice and life will be they'll just sacrifice and life will be miserable. I Mike, I'm not that miserable. I Mike, I'm not that miserable. I Mike, I'm not that huckleberry. I can't do it. I I can't do huckleberry. I can't do it. I I can't do huckleberry. I can't do it. I I can't do it. And yeah, I can't do it. It's just it. And yeah, I can't do it. It's just it. And yeah, I can't do it. It's just and like you said the the gen the and like you said the the gen the and like you said the the gen the genetics of each person is it does vary genetics of each person is it does vary genetics of each person is it does vary such that it's it's unrealistic and what

26:16 such that it's it's unrealistic and what such that it's it's unrealistic and what are they going to say like Mike one of are they going to say like Mike one of are they going to say like Mike one of you know one of the best pilots of in you know one of the best pilots of in you know one of the best pilots of in the last 24 years really like is he the last 24 years really like is he the last 24 years really like is he really he's really not borderline really he's really not borderline really he's really not borderline some some some some some some >> it's it's silly I I remember I once >> it's it's silly I I remember I once >> it's it's silly I I remember I once again his name escapes me but when I was

26:28 again his name escapes me but when I was again his name escapes me but when I was a lieutenant in the missile silos out in a lieutenant in the missile silos out in a lieutenant in the missile silos out in Cheyenne Wyoming we had an offensive Cheyenne Wyoming we had an offensive Cheyenne Wyoming we had an offensive lineman from the Air Force Academy and lineman from the Air Force Academy and lineman from the Air Force Academy and they released him because his waist was they released him because his waist was they released him because his waist was over the maximum I I want to say the over the maximum I I want to say the over the maximum I I want to say the time it was like 38 inches or something

26:40 time it was like 38 inches or something time it was like 38 inches or something like that. Like the guy's 6'4, 300 lb of like that. Like the guy's 6'4, 300 lb of like that. Like the guy's 6'4, 300 lb of just pure Samoan strength. He's not just pure Samoan strength. He's not just pure Samoan strength. He's not going to have a 36 inch waist. I mean, going to have a 36 inch waist. I mean, going to have a 36 inch waist. I mean, culturally, that's just that's just his culturally, that's just that's just his culturally, that's just that's just his bone structure. But no, they released bone structure. But no, they released bone structure. But no, they released him. He was an Air Force Academy

26:55 him. He was an Air Force Academy him. He was an Air Force Academy starting offensive lineman and they starting offensive lineman and they starting offensive lineman and they released him. released him. released him. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Silly silly how many people we lose >> Silly silly how many people we lose >> Silly silly how many people we lose based on some bureaucratic number that based on some bureaucratic number that based on some bureaucratic number that somebody's decided is, you know, where somebody's decided is, you know, where somebody's decided is, you know, where the line in the sand is. So it's silly.

27:10 the line in the sand is. So it's silly. the line in the sand is. So it's silly. All right. Want to transition? Of All right. Want to transition? Of All right. Want to transition? Of course. You mentioned you mentioned course. You mentioned you mentioned course. You mentioned you mentioned leadership earlier. leadership earlier. leadership earlier. >> And you also mentioned your wing your >> And you also mentioned your wing your >> And you also mentioned your wing your ROC wing commander and his influence on ROC wing commander and his influence on ROC wing commander and his influence on you. you. you. I'm big on mentorship. I I anybody that

27:24 I'm big on mentorship. I I anybody that I'm big on mentorship. I I anybody that reaches out to me and says, "Hey, I want reaches out to me and says, "Hey, I want reaches out to me and says, "Hey, I want to go to pilot training." Or, "Hey, what to go to pilot training." Or, "Hey, what to go to pilot training." Or, "Hey, what does it take for me to become an does it take for me to become an does it take for me to become an officer?" I will do anything and officer?" I will do anything and officer?" I will do anything and everything to try and help them along everything to try and help them along everything to try and help them along the way. Who was your most significant

27:34 the way. Who was your most significant the way. Who was your most significant mentor that got you into the Air Force mentor that got you into the Air Force mentor that got you into the Air Force and and that path that led you to comm and and that path that led you to comm and and that path that led you to comm officer and obviously a very successful officer and obviously a very successful officer and obviously a very successful career? career? career? >> Yeah, Mike, I hope it's been successful. >> Yeah, Mike, I hope it's been successful. >> Yeah, Mike, I hope it's been successful. I It's a good That's a good point. Maybe I It's a good That's a good point. Maybe I It's a good That's a good point. Maybe maybe we can ask the folks with whom maybe we can ask the folks with whom maybe we can ask the folks with whom I've served if I've I've served

27:50 I've served if I've I've served I've served if I've I've served successfully. I hope I would offer successfully. I hope I would offer successfully. I hope I would offer there's two folks that have been there's two folks that have been there's two folks that have been absolutely critical to me deciding to absolutely critical to me deciding to absolutely critical to me deciding to serve and then serve and then serve and then another person that has basically has another person that has basically has another person that has basically has been such a model of of service that I been such a model of of service that I been such a model of of service that I wanted to emulate that he knows to some wanted to emulate that he knows to some wanted to emulate that he knows to some degree, but then there's other there's degree, but then there's other there's

28:08 degree, but then there's other there's probably details he doesn't know that probably details he doesn't know that probably details he doesn't know that that I've abs that I've observed and that I've abs that I've observed and that I've abs that I've observed and absorbed from him that is the driver for absorbed from him that is the driver for absorbed from him that is the driver for my continued service and how I try to be my continued service and how I try to be my continued service and how I try to be to provide value to service and others. to provide value to service and others. to provide value to service and others. The first is my brother-in-law actually.

28:22 The first is my brother-in-law actually. The first is my brother-in-law actually. His name's Randy Bradley. He's a His name's Randy Bradley. He's a His name's Randy Bradley. He's a currently a vice president vice currently a vice president vice currently a vice president vice president in north of Grumman in St. president in north of Grumman in St. president in north of Grumman in St. Augustine, Florida. He when I was Augustine, Florida. He when I was Augustine, Florida. He when I was younger around age seven to eight, he younger around age seven to eight, he younger around age seven to eight, he was a lance corporal in the Marine Corps was a lance corporal in the Marine Corps was a lance corporal in the Marine Corps stationed out at El Toro here in stationed out at El Toro here in stationed out at El Toro here in Southern California. And one day, he

28:42 Southern California. And one day, he Southern California. And one day, he took me to El Toro for a marine air took me to El Toro for a marine air took me to El Toro for a marine air show. And from that absolute moment, I show. And from that absolute moment, I show. And from that absolute moment, I knew I wanted to fly airplanes. knew I wanted to fly airplanes. knew I wanted to fly airplanes. and I wanted to do it in the Marine and I wanted to do it in the Marine and I wanted to do it in the Marine Corps. Randy to me probably comprises Corps. Randy to me probably comprises Corps. Randy to me probably comprises every excellent attribute that the US

28:59 every excellent attribute that the US every excellent attribute that the US military profers or suggest is the model military profers or suggest is the model military profers or suggest is the model for officer and enlisted behavior. He's for officer and enlisted behavior. He's for officer and enlisted behavior. He's tremendous. He he separated after maybe tremendous. He he separated after maybe tremendous. He he separated after maybe his first or maybe uh maybe his first his first or maybe uh maybe his first his first or maybe uh maybe his first enlistment and has gone on to tremendous enlistment and has gone on to tremendous enlistment and has gone on to tremendous father, senior leader at North of

29:14 father, senior leader at North of father, senior leader at North of Grumman and just probably the top two Grumman and just probably the top two Grumman and just probably the top two best homo sapiens I've had the best homo sapiens I've had the best homo sapiens I've had the opportunity to encounter. He's the core opportunity to encounter. He's the core opportunity to encounter. He's the core reason that I I joined the the the reason that I I joined the the the reason that I I joined the the the service because after that point I'd service because after that point I'd service because after that point I'd been you know I got a little smarter. been you know I got a little smarter. been you know I got a little smarter. Well, maybe not. Who knows? But who Well, maybe not. Who knows? But who Well, maybe not. Who knows? But who knows? Actually, that's up for debate.

29:32 knows? Actually, that's up for debate. knows? Actually, that's up for debate. But I I I you know, I kind of But I I I you know, I kind of But I I I you know, I kind of triangulated that the best opportunity triangulated that the best opportunity triangulated that the best opportunity to to fly B through the Air Force. He to to fly B through the Air Force. He to to fly B through the Air Force. He gave me, you know, he was there for my gave me, you know, he was there for my gave me, you know, he was there for my commissioning at Washington State and he commissioning at Washington State and he commissioning at Washington State and he rendered me my first salute.

29:42 rendered me my first salute. rendered me my first salute. >> Oh, awesome. >> Oh, awesome. >> Oh, awesome. >> Yeah. So rad, brother. That was so cool. >> Yeah. So rad, brother. That was so cool. >> Yeah. So rad, brother. That was so cool. And And And he there's so much more like in while I he there's so much more like in while I he there's so much more like in while I was in college, him and my sister was in college, him and my sister was in college, him and my sister facilitated my first internship for a facilitated my first internship for a facilitated my first internship for a company called Honeywell. guys, if

29:55 company called Honeywell. guys, if company called Honeywell. guys, if you're familiar with Honeywell, they're you're familiar with Honeywell, they're you're familiar with Honeywell, they're very well known for for designing and very well known for for designing and very well known for for designing and producing the thermostats and in a lot producing the thermostats and in a lot producing the thermostats and in a lot of infrastructure. So, I was there of infrastructure. So, I was there of infrastructure. So, I was there working working working >> Oh, they do all sorts of stuff for us uh >> Oh, they do all sorts of stuff for us uh >> Oh, they do all sorts of stuff for us uh in the in the in the military. Yeah.

30:07 in the in the in the military. Yeah. in the in the in the military. Yeah. >> Yeah. Yeah. He's been he's he's always >> Yeah. Yeah. He's been he's he's always >> Yeah. Yeah. He's been he's he's always provided opportunity and but the way in provided opportunity and but the way in provided opportunity and but the way in which he he just is as a person, the way which he he just is as a person, the way which he he just is as a person, the way he leads at North of Grumman, the way he he leads at North of Grumman, the way he he leads at North of Grumman, the way he is with his kids, my nephew and niece, is with his kids, my nephew and niece, is with his kids, my nephew and niece, the way he treats my sister, the way he

30:19 the way he treats my sister, the way he the way he treats my sister, the way he treats me, my family, treats me, my family, treats me, my family, it's very much an extension of the best it's very much an extension of the best it's very much an extension of the best values out of the Marine Corps. And he values out of the Marine Corps. And he values out of the Marine Corps. And he was like the reason why I wanted to join was like the reason why I wanted to join was like the reason why I wanted to join the service. Just even as an officer, if the service. Just even as an officer, if the service. Just even as an officer, if I couldn't when I couldn't fly, I couldn't when I couldn't fly,

30:31 I couldn't when I couldn't fly, obviously I was pretty devastated and I obviously I was pretty devastated and I obviously I was pretty devastated and I was questioning, do I even want to do was questioning, do I even want to do was questioning, do I even want to do this? Why am I going to be in the this? Why am I going to be in the this? Why am I going to be in the military? I can't fly. But I I did military? I can't fly. But I I did military? I can't fly. But I I did hearken back to like, man, I I still can hearken back to like, man, I I still can hearken back to like, man, I I still can learn a lot from being, you know, you in learn a lot from being, you know, you in

30:40 learn a lot from being, you know, you in the military for a few years at a the military for a few years at a the military for a few years at a minimum simply because I saw what it minimum simply because I saw what it minimum simply because I saw what it what it did for my brother-in-law. So what it did for my brother-in-law. So what it did for my brother-in-law. So Ry's like the the core reason since I've Ry's like the the core reason since I've Ry's like the the core reason since I've been in service. This there's a retired been in service. This there's a retired been in service. This there's a retired colonel named Dave Pond. He's a tanker colonel named Dave Pond. He's a tanker

30:52 colonel named Dave Pond. He's a tanker tanker guy. He he retired actually might tanker guy. He he retired actually might tanker guy. He he retired actually might have retired 200 six no 15 or 14. But Mike, this is six no 15 or 14. But Mike, this is crazy. He's promoted me from he's crazy. He's promoted me from he's crazy. He's promoted me from he's promoted me to major, lieutenant, promoted me to major, lieutenant, promoted me to major, lieutenant, colonel, and colonel. Like he's colonel, and colonel. Like he's colonel, and colonel. Like he's presided. presided. presided. >> And how did you meet this guy? How did >> And how did you meet this guy? How did >> And how did you meet this guy? How did you meet him? you meet him? you meet him? >> When I when I was stationed when I was >> When I when I was stationed when I was

31:17 >> When I when I was stationed when I was assigned as a captain, I was actually assigned as a captain, I was actually assigned as a captain, I was actually assigned to the air staff at Sappia and assigned to the air staff at Sappia and assigned to the air staff at Sappia and and so Air Force International affairs. and so Air Force International affairs. and so Air Force International affairs. And at the time, it's not it's that And at the time, it's not it's that And at the time, it's not it's that organization was much different organization was much different organization was much different >> in the Pentagon. You were Sapphire in >> in the Pentagon. You were Sapphire in >> in the Pentagon. You were Sapphire in the Pentagon as a young captain. Okay. the Pentagon as a young captain. Okay. the Pentagon as a young captain. Okay. >> Yeah. Yeah. I was only I only been

31:33 >> Yeah. Yeah. I was only I only been >> Yeah. Yeah. I was only I only been pinned on for a year, two years. Um, and pinned on for a year, two years. Um, and pinned on for a year, two years. Um, and this is when we were located it's a this is when we were located it's a this is when we were located it's a different organization back then. It's different organization back then. It's different organization back then. It's it's now it's very different, but we it's now it's very different, but we it's now it's very different, but we were in Roslin. We had we had an office were in Roslin. We had we had an office were in Roslin. We had we had an office space in a leased building in Rosland,

31:47 space in a leased building in Rosland, space in a leased building in Rosland, Virginia. I know you know where Roslin Virginia. I know you know where Roslin Virginia. I know you know where Roslin is outside of the Pentagon going towards is outside of the Pentagon going towards is outside of the Pentagon going towards Georgetown. He was a reservist that Georgetown. He was a reservist that Georgetown. He was a reservist that Sapphire hired to for a specific country Sapphire hired to for a specific country Sapphire hired to for a specific country desk. And I was in the same division. So desk. And I was in the same division. So desk. And I was in the same division. So I was in the Africa division at Sappa. I

32:01 I was in the Africa division at Sappa. I I was in the Africa division at Sappa. I just gone through NPSDLI doing the FYO just gone through NPSDLI doing the FYO just gone through NPSDLI doing the FYO route and that was an assignment that I route and that was an assignment that I route and that was an assignment that I that I had working at SAPIA. He was that I had working at SAPIA. He was that I had working at SAPIA. He was already an accomplished pilot but also already an accomplished pilot but also already an accomplished pilot but also probably one of the most seasoned probably one of the most seasoned probably one of the most seasoned foreign area officers that no one

32:15 foreign area officers that no one foreign area officers that no one probably knew. And I just got to sit probably knew. And I just got to sit probably knew. And I just got to sit next to him for at least six months just next to him for at least six months just next to him for at least six months just observing how he did business and I just observing how he did business and I just observing how he did business and I just became just really impressed by him. He became just really impressed by him. He became just really impressed by him. He was a lieutenant colonel at the time and was a lieutenant colonel at the time and was a lieutenant colonel at the time and then just since then I mean from that

32:28 then just since then I mean from that then just since then I mean from that moment he ended up I think after so moment he ended up I think after so moment he ended up I think after so maybe six to months a month a year later maybe six to months a month a year later maybe six to months a month a year later he became my my supervisor based on he became my my supervisor based on he became my my supervisor based on changes in the organization and that changes in the organization and that changes in the organization and that really accelerated my understanding of really accelerated my understanding of really accelerated my understanding of leadership and being able to what he

32:42 leadership and being able to what he leadership and being able to what he really some of the core things he did is really some of the core things he did is really some of the core things he did is he let me sit at the table to observe he let me sit at the table to observe he let me sit at the table to observe all types of environments and almost all types of environments and almost all types of environments and almost mainly shadow him and and just not to mainly shadow him and and just not to mainly shadow him and and just not to say like I should be doing everything he say like I should be doing everything he say like I should be doing everything he does, but just to give me experiences so

32:56 does, but just to give me experiences so does, but just to give me experiences so I could they could be it could be part I could they could be it could be part I could they could be it could be part of my overall toolkit to understand how

33:00 Emotional Intelligence in a High-Stakes Environment

33:00 of my overall toolkit to understand how of my overall toolkit to understand how to deal with certain situations and to deal with certain situations and to deal with certain situations and think through different problem sets, think through different problem sets, think through different problem sets, how to deal with certain personalities. how to deal with certain personalities. how to deal with certain personalities. And he did and I got to basically even And he did and I got to basically even And he did and I got to basically even though I was one of his action officers, though I was one of his action officers, though I was one of his action officers, he invited me to all the every meeting

33:11 he invited me to all the every meeting he invited me to all the every meeting he could to include meetings with senior he could to include meetings with senior he could to include meetings with senior leaders at the three-star level. And leaders at the three-star level. And leaders at the three-star level. And from that moment on, which was probably from that moment on, which was probably from that moment on, which was probably 2008 until now, he's been the one of the 2008 until now, he's been the one of the 2008 until now, he's been the one of the main drivers of how I try to treat main drivers of how I try to treat main drivers of how I try to treat people and how to try to add value in

33:26 people and how to try to add value in people and how to try to add value in service. And like I said, he's been so service. And like I said, he's been so service. And like I said, he's been so fundamental to my to my understanding of fundamental to my to my understanding of fundamental to my to my understanding of when do you like for instance, when do when do you like for instance, when do when do you like for instance, when do you provide a co when do you apply you provide a co when do you apply you provide a co when do you apply coaching technique in order to drive a coaching technique in order to drive a coaching technique in order to drive a behavior or an outcome? When do you need

33:40 behavior or an outcome? When do you need behavior or an outcome? When do you need to be a little bit more directive um to be a little bit more directive um to be a little bit more directive um versus just providing intent, versus just providing intent, versus just providing intent, resourcing, and authority? When do you resourcing, and authority? When do you resourcing, and authority? When do you just need to do nothing and just let just need to do nothing and just let just need to do nothing and just let things develop? You know, I've learned things develop? You know, I've learned things develop? You know, I've learned to he's he he's probably the best leader

33:55 to he's he he's probably the best leader to he's he he's probably the best leader I've seen apply each of so so many I've seen apply each of so so many I've seen apply each of so so many different mixes of techniques that I've different mixes of techniques that I've different mixes of techniques that I've had some opportunity to really absorb had some opportunity to really absorb had some opportunity to really absorb over the years and add those to my over the years and add those to my over the years and add those to my toolkit. I'm not a good practitioner toolkit. I'm not a good practitioner toolkit. I'm not a good practitioner probably, Mike, but I, you know, at

34:05 probably, Mike, but I, you know, at probably, Mike, but I, you know, at least in my mind, I know what it looks least in my mind, I know what it looks least in my mind, I know what it looks like. has seen it and many ways like my like. has seen it and many ways like my like. has seen it and many ways like my my service and my command right now is my service and my command right now is my service and my command right now is almost an emulation of of Dayon. almost an emulation of of Dayon. almost an emulation of of Dayon. >> Having that experience as a captain, my >> Having that experience as a captain, my >> Having that experience as a captain, my goodness, that's priceless. That's rare

34:21 goodness, that's priceless. That's rare goodness, that's priceless. That's rare in the Air Force. Us in the Air Force in the Air Force. Us in the Air Force in the Air Force. Us in the Air Force are typically the weapon system expert are typically the weapon system expert are typically the weapon system expert operating very expensive machinery until operating very expensive machinery until operating very expensive machinery until we're majors or lieutenant colonels we're majors or lieutenant colonels we're majors or lieutenant colonels before we start to get that experience. before we start to get that experience. before we start to get that experience. So, you getting that at a captain level,

34:33 So, you getting that at a captain level, So, you getting that at a captain level, that puts you way ahead of your peers. that puts you way ahead of your peers. that puts you way ahead of your peers. Um, and that's from me saying that from Um, and that's from me saying that from Um, and that's from me saying that from from the pilot world, you developed from the pilot world, you developed from the pilot world, you developed emotional intelligence far earlier than emotional intelligence far earlier than emotional intelligence far earlier than than a career typically builds in the than a career typically builds in the than a career typically builds in the Air Force. So, you were more like a Army

34:47 Air Force. So, you were more like a Army Air Force. So, you were more like a Army or Marine Corps where you were getting or Marine Corps where you were getting or Marine Corps where you were getting that mentorship at a at a young age. I'm that mentorship at a at a young age. I'm that mentorship at a at a young age. I'm jealous. It took me a long time to jealous. It took me a long time to jealous. It took me a long time to figure that out. So, I'm jealous that figure that out. So, I'm jealous that figure that out. So, I'm jealous that you had somebody there to allow you to you had somebody there to allow you to you had somebody there to allow you to be the fly on the wall.

34:59 be the fly on the wall. be the fly on the wall. >> Yeah, Mike, you closed that gap pretty >> Yeah, Mike, you closed that gap pretty >> Yeah, Mike, you closed that gap pretty quickly, though. quickly, though. quickly, though. >> Well, I appreciate that. And it mostly >> Well, I appreciate that. And it mostly >> Well, I appreciate that. And it mostly happened happened happened because um when I flew RPA, um drones as because um when I flew RPA, um drones as because um when I flew RPA, um drones as most people know, most people know, most people know, I I was having all sorts of back and I I was having all sorts of back and

35:15 I I was having all sorts of back and neck issues. neck issues. neck issues. >> Uh the seat, the ergonomics of the seat >> Uh the seat, the ergonomics of the seat >> Uh the seat, the ergonomics of the seat is terrible. No lumbar support. All the is terrible. No lumbar support. All the is terrible. No lumbar support. All the computer screens are off to your left. computer screens are off to your left. computer screens are off to your left. They've since improved this, but at the They've since improved this, but at the They've since improved this, but at the time all of your computer screens are time all of your computer screens are time all of your computer screens are off to the left. So your your head was

35:27 off to the left. So your your head was off to the left. So your your head was like at a 30 degree angle for, you know, like at a 30 degree angle for, you know, like at a 30 degree angle for, you know, five, six hours at a time. And so I five, six hours at a time. And so I five, six hours at a time. And so I started to get all this terrible neck started to get all this terrible neck started to get all this terrible neck and back pain. and back pain. and back pain. And that's when I finally realized, oh, And that's when I finally realized, oh, And that's when I finally realized, oh, not everybody is an exceptional athlete not everybody is an exceptional athlete

35:40 not everybody is an exceptional athlete that gets hundreds on their PT scores that gets hundreds on their PT scores that gets hundreds on their PT scores all the time and and does everything all the time and and does everything all the time and and does everything with ease. People struggle and have with ease. People struggle and have with ease. People struggle and have these aches and pains and and have these these aches and pains and and have these these aches and pains and and have these these issues that I've never had to these issues that I've never had to these issues that I've never had to experience. And so from that point on, experience. And so from that point on,

35:52 experience. And so from that point on, it it it was a complete 180 for me. And it it it was a complete 180 for me. And it it it was a complete 180 for me. And I started to really have empathy and I started to really have empathy and I started to really have empathy and sympathy for others who who were sympathy for others who who were sympathy for others who who were struggling. And so it took a it took a struggling. And so it took a it took a struggling. And so it took a it took a long time for me to do that. Uh prior to long time for me to do that. Uh prior to long time for me to do that. Uh prior to that, my whole life was, you know, that, my whole life was, you know,

36:05 that, my whole life was, you know, making sure my performance report was making sure my performance report was making sure my performance report was the best and making sure I had the best the best and making sure I had the best the best and making sure I had the best PT score, making sure I um had the um PT score, making sure I um had the um PT score, making sure I um had the um the best uniform, the best everything. the best uniform, the best everything. the best uniform, the best everything. It was just me, me, me. What about what It was just me, me, me. What about what It was just me, me, me. What about what am I doing? How do I get a am I doing? How do I get a

36:15 am I doing? How do I get a stratification that says I'm number one stratification that says I'm number one stratification that says I'm number one and you name it, whatever, blah, blah, and you name it, whatever, blah, blah, and you name it, whatever, blah, blah, blah. It took me a long time to figure blah. It took me a long time to figure blah. It took me a long time to figure out that if you take care of other out that if you take care of other out that if you take care of other people, all that other stuff, it it people, all that other stuff, it it people, all that other stuff, it it takes care of itself. But it took takes care of itself. But it took

36:27 takes care of itself. But it took working with um some really exceptional working with um some really exceptional working with um some really exceptional people like you mentioned when you were people like you mentioned when you were people like you mentioned when you were a young captain for that to take place. a young captain for that to take place. a young captain for that to take place. And I know that you joke around about And I know that you joke around about And I know that you joke around about lack of intelligence and oh I just lack of intelligence and oh I just lack of intelligence and oh I just played football and all this stuff but played football and all this stuff but

36:37 played football and all this stuff but when we were at Eisenhower even though when we were at Eisenhower even though when we were at Eisenhower even though we didn't have any classes together you we didn't have any classes together you we didn't have any classes together you had a a circle of people that that would had a a circle of people that that would had a a circle of people that that would just follow you around just to listen to just follow you around just to listen to just follow you around just to listen to you. And you just had such a good nature you. And you just had such a good nature you. And you just had such a good nature about you that literally there was like

36:49 about you that literally there was like about you that literally there was like this little bumblebee group of people this little bumblebee group of people this little bumblebee group of people that was always following you around. So that was always following you around. So that was always following you around. So you your your charisma and your like I you your your charisma and your like I you your your charisma and your like I said your emotional intelligence has said your emotional intelligence has said your emotional intelligence has made up for all those other things that made up for all those other things that made up for all those other things that you thought you could have been lacking

37:03 you thought you could have been lacking you thought you could have been lacking in like not being a pilot. Who cares the in like not being a pilot. Who cares the in like not being a pilot. Who cares the future like we talked about before the future like we talked about before the future like we talked about before the future of the Air Force is intel and future of the Air Force is intel and future of the Air Force is intel and cyber. Sorry pilots but that's the cyber. Sorry pilots but that's the cyber. Sorry pilots but that's the truth. So until you embrace that um truth. So until you embrace that um truth. So until you embrace that um you're going to be behind the curve. So

37:17 you're going to be behind the curve. So you're going to be behind the curve. So yeah in the in the long in the long run yeah in the in the long in the long run yeah in the in the long in the long run you're the winner. You have developed you're the winner. You have developed you're the winner. You have developed skill sets that uh that we need. Me skill sets that uh that we need. Me skill sets that uh that we need. Me sitting behind closed doors talking sitting behind closed doors talking sitting behind closed doors talking about trillion dollar decisions that are about trillion dollar decisions that are about trillion dollar decisions that are going to impact the next 20 to 30 years.

37:32 going to impact the next 20 to 30 years. going to impact the next 20 to 30 years. They all involve conversations about They all involve conversations about They all involve conversations about you. I mean, you know, your career you. I mean, you know, your career you. I mean, you know, your career field, the intelligence career field, field, the intelligence career field, field, the intelligence career field, and not a whole lot of talking about and not a whole lot of talking about and not a whole lot of talking about fancy fighter pilots. Now, granted, me fancy fighter pilots. Now, granted, me fancy fighter pilots. Now, granted, me being a C7 guy, yeah, we need cargo

37:45 being a C7 guy, yeah, we need cargo being a C7 guy, yeah, we need cargo airplanes. We need them to go take the airplanes. We need them to go take the airplanes. We need them to go take the heavy stuff where they need to go. But heavy stuff where they need to go. But heavy stuff where they need to go. But when it comes to these advanced when it comes to these advanced when it comes to these advanced technologies that we think we're going technologies that we think we're going technologies that we think we're going to fly all over the world and uh I think to fly all over the world and uh I think to fly all over the world and uh I think it's going to be more protecting

37:55 it's going to be more protecting it's going to be more protecting critical infrastructure and the things critical infrastructure and the things critical infrastructure and the things that you guys do in your job. I mean that you guys do in your job. I mean that you guys do in your job. I mean look at Long Beach. Look at the the look at Long Beach. Look at the the look at Long Beach. Look at the the shipping industry. How how um vulnerable shipping industry. How how um vulnerable shipping industry. How how um vulnerable is that to cyber attacks? I mean you you is that to cyber attacks? I mean you you is that to cyber attacks? I mean you you are um

38:08 are um are um you are far more instrumental in making you are far more instrumental in making you are far more instrumental in making sure that that stuff's protected than sure that that stuff's protected than sure that that stuff's protected than than us in the in the cockpit. What do than us in the in the cockpit. What do than us in the in the cockpit. What do you think? I just buttered you up and you think? I just buttered you up and you think? I just buttered you up and just said how wonderful you are. of some sort of advanced persistent of some sort of advanced persistent threat getting into the specifically where does the where does specifically where does the where does the the National Guard This is exciting time for you know This is exciting time for you know there's there's ubiquitous that this is in part like

39:42 ubiquitous that this is in part like revenge of the nerds or like the the the revenge of the nerds or like the the the revenge of the nerds or like the the the era like I feel like I'm ogre right now era like I feel like I'm ogre right now era like I feel like I'm ogre right now nerds nerds nerds but in in a good way meaning This is the but in in a good way meaning This is the but in in a good way meaning This is the era of of the talented folks in high era of of the talented folks in high era of of the talented folks in high school that were very focused on on the school that were very focused on on the school that were very focused on on the the future use of anything related to

39:59 the future use of anything related to the future use of anything related to STEM. STEM. STEM. I that actually include I can't that I that actually include I can't that I that actually include I can't that includes all hands on deck and some of includes all hands on deck and some of includes all hands on deck and some of our best folks that know how to use our best folks that know how to use our best folks that know how to use technologies are operators. There might technologies are operators. There might technologies are operators. There might be and everyone has a part to play in be and everyone has a part to play in be and everyone has a part to play in this. So I I think it's an exciting

40:13 this. So I I think it's an exciting this. So I I think it's an exciting opportunity in and era for everyone and opportunity in and era for everyone and opportunity in and era for everyone and and while like you said cyerspace space and while like you said cyerspace space and while like you said cyerspace space ISR specifically certain kinds of intel ISR specifically certain kinds of intel ISR specifically certain kinds of intel capabilities anything related to capabilities anything related to capabilities anything related to non-kinetics is a technology that is non-kinetics is a technology that is non-kinetics is a technology that is really interesting the in you still need

40:28 really interesting the in you still need really interesting the in you still need folks that have a lot of experience of folks that have a lot of experience of folks that have a lot of experience of using that technology and applying it using that technology and applying it using that technology and applying it for an effect and that's why I think the for an effect and that's why I think the for an effect and that's why I think the operational community's perspective is operational community's perspective is operational community's perspective is equally important. equally important. equally important. How do we get that eight-year-old kid How do we get that eight-year-old kid

40:42 How do we get that eight-year-old kid uh that used to go to the air show and uh that used to go to the air show and uh that used to go to the air show and was inspired by seeing these airplanes? was inspired by seeing these airplanes? was inspired by seeing these airplanes? How do we message to that 8-year-old kid How do we message to that 8-year-old kid How do we message to that 8-year-old kid now because everybody's into TikTok and now because everybody's into TikTok and now because everybody's into TikTok and everybody's into you name the social everybody's into you name the social everybody's into you name the social media platform? I I try to tell my kids,

40:54 media platform? I I try to tell my kids, media platform? I I try to tell my kids, hey, if you're interested in that stuff, hey, if you're interested in that stuff, hey, if you're interested in that stuff, it that's great, but realize it's also it that's great, but realize it's also it that's great, but realize it's also applicable in the STEM world, like you applicable in the STEM world, like you applicable in the STEM world, like you said, and becoming a cyber professional, said, and becoming a cyber professional, said, and becoming a cyber professional, becoming an Intel professional, all that becoming an Intel professional, all that becoming an Intel professional, all that all that technology kind of comes

41:05 all that technology kind of comes all that technology kind of comes together. So, h how do we convince that together. So, h how do we convince that together. So, h how do we convince that 8-year-old kid that the Air Force, the 8-year-old kid that the Air Force, the 8-year-old kid that the Air Force, the military in general? I mean, my wife military in general? I mean, my wife military in general? I mean, my wife gives me such a hard time. She's like, gives me such a hard time. She's like, gives me such a hard time. She's like, "Oh my gosh, here he goes again. He's "Oh my gosh, here he goes again. He's "Oh my gosh, here he goes again. He's recruiting. He's always recruiting."

41:15 recruiting. He's always recruiting." recruiting. He's always recruiting." Yeah, I'm always recruiting because it Yeah, I'm always recruiting because it Yeah, I'm always recruiting because it changed my life. It It's been nothing changed my life. It It's been nothing changed my life. It It's been nothing but a wonderful life-changing experience but a wonderful life-changing experience but a wonderful life-changing experience and profession. So, what do you do? What and profession. So, what do you do? What and profession. So, what do you do? What do you say to that 8-year-old kid who do you say to that 8-year-old kid who do you say to that 8-year-old kid who asks you when he sees you in uniform

41:28 asks you when he sees you in uniform asks you when he sees you in uniform why he should serve, he or she should why he should serve, he or she should why he should serve, he or she should serve? serve? serve? >> For sure. I'm like, "Hey, I have the >> For sure. I'm like, "Hey, I have the >> For sure. I'm like, "Hey, I have the same we're on the same wavelength. My my same we're on the same wavelength. My my same we're on the same wavelength. My my version of old recruiting is ABC. Always version of old recruiting is ABC. Always version of old recruiting is ABC. Always be closing, Mike. be closing, Mike. be closing, Mike. >> Yeah,

41:37 >> Yeah, >> Yeah, >> always be closing. >> always be closing. >> always be closing. >> We are walking bill we are walking >> We are walking bill we are walking >> We are walking bill we are walking billboards of what it means to serve. So billboards of what it means to serve. So billboards of what it means to serve. So when anybody ever asks me, oh you know, when anybody ever asks me, oh you know, when anybody ever asks me, oh you know, thank you for your service or like, hey, thank you for your service or like, hey, thank you for your service or like, hey, do you have family members that are do you have family members that are do you have family members that are considering or they would ever consider considering or they would ever consider considering or they would ever consider serving, I've worked with a lot of

41:51 serving, I've worked with a lot of serving, I've worked with a lot of civilians in the office of Secretary of civilians in the office of Secretary of civilians in the office of Secretary of Defense who said, oh, I was always just Defense who said, oh, I was always just Defense who said, oh, I was always just so uh intimidated by you guys. You you so uh intimidated by you guys. You you so uh intimidated by you guys. You you guys are always so serious. And guys are always so serious. And guys are always so serious. And >> but she says, "This is great. The >> but she says, "This is great. The >> but she says, "This is great. The military, you guys are really good

42:01 military, you guys are really good military, you guys are really good guys." I'm like, "Yeah, that guys." I'm like, "Yeah, that guys." I'm like, "Yeah, that We're we're just normal people like We're we're just normal people like We're we're just normal people like everybody else. You should you should everybody else. You should you should everybody else. You should you should come to the dark side and join us in the come to the dark side and join us in the come to the dark side and join us in the in serving. in serving. in serving. >> Absolutely. Yeah. It's interesting. I >> Absolutely. Yeah. It's interesting. I >> Absolutely. Yeah. It's interesting. I actually I've spent some cycles thinking

42:14 actually I've spent some cycles thinking actually I've spent some cycles thinking about this especially about this especially about this especially when you're in official leadership roles when you're in official leadership roles when you're in official leadership roles and you're frequently in the community. and you're frequently in the community. and you're frequently in the community. But this just goes what I'm about to But this just goes what I'm about to But this just goes what I'm about to offer here is is my thinking I think offer here is is my thinking I think offer here is is my thinking I think applies just generally applies just generally applies just generally sort of two items. The first is just

42:27 sort of two items. The first is just sort of two items. The first is just simply smiling in uniform. Seems simply smiling in uniform. Seems simply smiling in uniform. Seems innocuous, could be trivial to some, but innocuous, could be trivial to some, but innocuous, could be trivial to some, but actually just being out and about in in actually just being out and about in in actually just being out and about in in uniform smiling, it actually goes to the uniform smiling, it actually goes to the uniform smiling, it actually goes to the point of dis sort of dispelling any myth point of dis sort of dispelling any myth point of dis sort of dispelling any myth that it's difficult to talk to a service

42:45 that it's difficult to talk to a service that it's difficult to talk to a service member or that service members are member or that service members are member or that service members are always serious. I'm constantly smiling always serious. I'm constantly smiling always serious. I'm constantly smiling while in uniform out in in the community while in uniform out in in the community while in uniform out in in the community to to in part dispel that but also to to in part dispel that but also to to in part dispel that but also provide like you said a sort of a sort provide like you said a sort of a sort provide like you said a sort of a sort of hybrid social emotional sort of

43:00 Recruiting the Next Generation — The Honest Conversation

43:00 of hybrid social emotional sort of of hybrid social emotional sort of intelligence incentive for folks to intelligence incentive for folks to intelligence incentive for folks to approach me and want to have a approach me and want to have a approach me and want to have a conversation about anything related to conversation about anything related to conversation about anything related to wearing the uniform service department wearing the uniform service department wearing the uniform service department defense California guard air force joint defense California guard air force joint defense California guard air force joint force doesn't matter the topics I try to

43:11 force doesn't matter the topics I try to force doesn't matter the topics I try to stay conversant so just smiling in stay conversant so just smiling in stay conversant so just smiling in uniform I think is an interesting uniform I think is an interesting uniform I think is an interesting technique the second element is I I like technique the second element is I I like technique the second element is I I like to come maybe I don't know if this your to come maybe I don't know if this your to come maybe I don't know if this your coaching was were was like this or some coaching was were was like this or some coaching was were was like this or some of your military leaders were were about

43:23 of your military leaders were were about of your military leaders were were about what I'm going to say here is I like to what I'm going to say here is I like to what I'm going to say here is I like to meet folks where they're at. So, in meet folks where they're at. So, in meet folks where they're at. So, in other words, when if there's a other words, when if there's a other words, when if there's a conversation that that arises and I I conversation that that arises and I I conversation that that arises and I I try to try to uncover and try to pull try to try to uncover and try to pull try to try to uncover and try to pull out what are interesting to them about

43:35 out what are interesting to them about out what are interesting to them about and really listen like what I can it's and really listen like what I can it's and really listen like what I can it's something they're passionate about and something they're passionate about and something they're passionate about and and I also always weave in social media and I also always weave in social media and I also always weave in social media by the way if it's I don't the actual by the way if it's I don't the actual by the way if it's I don't the actual platform like discord or tik tok or any platform like discord or tik tok or any platform like discord or tik tok or any other platform to me for me they're just

43:50 other platform to me for me they're just other platform to me for me they're just they're avenues for connection so I I they're avenues for connection so I I they're avenues for connection so I I try to weave in those those types of try to weave in those those types of try to weave in those those types of ways in pitch to understand where they ways in pitch to understand where they ways in pitch to understand where they want to go and I offer different ideas want to go and I offer different ideas want to go and I offer different ideas if they're willing to listen and they if they're willing to listen and they if they're willing to listen and they and they solicit it. I'll offer

44:02 and they solicit it. I'll offer and they solicit it. I'll offer different ways in which the service is a different ways in which the service is a different ways in which the service is a way for them to achieve their outcome or way for them to achieve their outcome or way for them to achieve their outcome or the service they didn't know the service the service they didn't know the service the service they didn't know the service is your outcome for instance and I I'll is your outcome for instance and I I'll is your outcome for instance and I I'll try to weave those elements in by first try to weave those elements in by first try to weave those elements in by first one pulling out and listening hey what

44:16 one pulling out and listening hey what one pulling out and listening hey what especially if there's a question like especially if there's a question like especially if there's a question like for example I'll get a question but I'll for example I'll get a question but I'll for example I'll get a question but I'll turn it around quickly as I'll take the turn it around quickly as I'll take the turn it around quickly as I'll take the elements of that question and turn it elements of that question and turn it elements of that question and turn it around to them so I can tease out around to them so I can tease out around to them so I can tease out specifically what are things that might

44:26 specifically what are things that might specifically what are things that might caught their interest and then from caught their interest and then from caught their interest and then from there try to we then try to understand there try to we then try to understand there try to we then try to understand where they want to go with that interest where they want to go with that interest where they want to go with that interest and always trying to find a ABC moment and always trying to find a ABC moment and always trying to find a ABC moment to to suggest where service is can help to to suggest where service is can help to to suggest where service is can help them there or actually the service is

44:38 them there or actually the service is them there or actually the service is the the right agency for you to do that. the the right agency for you to do that. the the right agency for you to do that. >> We are we are so similar in that nature >> We are we are so similar in that nature >> We are we are so similar in that nature and I don't know if it's because the and I don't know if it's because the and I don't know if it's because the culture of senior military leadership culture of senior military leadership culture of senior military leadership teaches you how to ask these types of teaches you how to ask these types of teaches you how to ask these types of questions but there was an old PG tour

44:51 questions but there was an old PG tour questions but there was an old PG tour golfer from the Seattle area named golfer from the Seattle area named golfer from the Seattle area named Freddy couples. I think he's on a senior Freddy couples. I think he's on a senior Freddy couples. I think he's on a senior tour. He's really good, charismatic guy. tour. He's really good, charismatic guy. tour. He's really good, charismatic guy. But somebody asked him, "Hey, when But somebody asked him, "Hey, when But somebody asked him, "Hey, when you're in a pro-Aam and you're with you're in a pro-Aam and you're with you're in a pro-Aam and you're with these executives, they they pay all this

45:02 these executives, they they pay all this these executives, they they pay all this money so they can play golf with you money so they can play golf with you money so they can play golf with you that day." You know, he's like, "What do that day." You know, he's like, "What do that day." You know, he's like, "What do you what do you guys talk about?" And he you what do you guys talk about?" And he you what do you guys talk about?" And he says, "Well, I I have a rule. We don't says, "Well, I I have a rule. We don't says, "Well, I I have a rule. We don't talk about golf. All I do is ask them talk about golf. All I do is ask them talk about golf. All I do is ask them questions about their lives and their

45:14 questions about their lives and their questions about their lives and their careers." He's like, "Yeah, I'm a careers." He's like, "Yeah, I'm a careers." He's like, "Yeah, I'm a golfer. I hit the ball farm really good. golfer. I hit the ball farm really good. golfer. I hit the ball farm really good. Nobody cares. I want to hear about you." Nobody cares. I want to hear about you." Nobody cares. I want to hear about you." So, he's developed such a powerful So, he's developed such a powerful So, he's developed such a powerful network by asking questions. And what network by asking questions. And what network by asking questions. And what you're describing reminds me of that is

45:25 you're describing reminds me of that is you're describing reminds me of that is just people love talking about just people love talking about just people love talking about themselves. So why not ask them themselves. So why not ask them themselves. So why not ask them questions? And then you find the spots questions? And then you find the spots questions? And then you find the spots that are applicable. You find that that are applicable. You find that that are applicable. You find that commonality and you and you jump on commonality and you and you jump on commonality and you and you jump on that. Now, like I said, it's not always that. Now, like I said, it's not always that. Now, like I said, it's not always about recruiting, but it's it's about about recruiting, but it's it's about about recruiting, but it's it's about mentoring and figuring out what young

45:41 mentoring and figuring out what young mentoring and figuring out what young kids are into. We just had a basketball kids are into. We just had a basketball kids are into. We just had a basketball game this weekend and uh one of the the game this weekend and uh one of the the game this weekend and uh one of the the um kids on the team, he was getting all um kids on the team, he was getting all um kids on the team, he was getting all upset with the referee. We were 12 and upset with the referee. We were 12 and upset with the referee. We were 12 and 13 year old kids getting all upset with 13 year old kids getting all upset with 13 year old kids getting all upset with the referee. He's not he's not even my

45:52 the referee. He's not he's not even my the referee. He's not he's not even my kid. I was there taking photos and I put kid. I was there taking photos and I put kid. I was there taking photos and I put my camera down and I said, "Hey, knock my camera down and I said, "Hey, knock my camera down and I said, "Hey, knock it off. Stop that." it off. Stop that." it off. Stop that." >> And uh his his dad is the coach and I >> And uh his his dad is the coach and I >> And uh his his dad is the coach and I thought, "Oh man, I might have I might thought, "Oh man, I might have I might thought, "Oh man, I might have I might have stepped over the stepped out of my

46:06 have stepped over the stepped out of my have stepped over the stepped out of my boundaries here." Um but I was like, boundaries here." Um but I was like, boundaries here." Um but I was like, "Hey, I mean, the kids being a little "Hey, I mean, the kids being a little "Hey, I mean, the kids being a little punk to the referees. This is this is punk to the referees. This is this is punk to the referees. This is this is not the way to do it." Well, last night not the way to do it." Well, last night not the way to do it." Well, last night we had practice and I was watching the we had practice and I was watching the we had practice and I was watching the kids play and the dad comes over to me

46:16 kids play and the dad comes over to me kids play and the dad comes over to me at the end of practice. I was like, "Oh, at the end of practice. I was like, "Oh, at the end of practice. I was like, "Oh, he's going to tell me I don't appreciate he's going to tell me I don't appreciate he's going to tell me I don't appreciate you, you know, yelling my kid like you, you know, yelling my kid like you, you know, yelling my kid like that." He came up to me and he said, that." He came up to me and he said, that." He came up to me and he said, 'You know, Mike, I want to say thank 'You know, Mike, I want to say thank 'You know, Mike, I want to say thank you. I was like, well, why is that? He

46:25 you. I was like, well, why is that? He you. I was like, well, why is that? He said, because a lot of times my kid said, because a lot of times my kid said, because a lot of times my kid won't listen to me, but he'll listen to won't listen to me, but he'll listen to won't listen to me, but he'll listen to other adults. And I said, 'Hey, sir, I other adults. And I said, 'Hey, sir, I other adults. And I said, 'Hey, sir, I feel the same way. If my kid's acting in feel the same way. If my kid's acting in feel the same way. If my kid's acting in a way that that needs some some a way that that needs some some a way that that needs some some redirection from from another adult, by

46:36 redirection from from another adult, by redirection from from another adult, by all means, speak up. And so, it was just all means, speak up. And so, it was just all means, speak up. And so, it was just a reminder that, yeah, we all a reminder that, yeah, we all a reminder that, yeah, we all we all um want the best from people, but we all um want the best from people, but we all um want the best from people, but don't don't be afraid to to ask don't don't be afraid to to ask don't don't be afraid to to ask questions and and just be there for questions and and just be there for questions and and just be there for them. them. them. >> Yeah. So, good good for you, man. How

46:50 >> Yeah. So, good good for you, man. How >> Yeah. So, good good for you, man. How big is your group? How how big is the big is your group? How how big is the big is your group? How how big is the team you're commanding out there? team you're commanding out there? team you're commanding out there? >> We've got about 3440 folks in the ops >> We've got about 3440 folks in the ops >> We've got about 3440 folks in the ops group. The the wing itself is around group. The the wing itself is around group. The the wing itself is around 770. 770. 770. >> Okay. And so, just by asking questions, >> Okay. And so, just by asking questions, >> Okay. And so, just by asking questions, what has

47:04 what has what has in your time in command, who has in your time in command, who has in your time in command, who has surprised you the most when you ask surprised you the most when you ask surprised you the most when you ask questions? Who who out there just has questions? Who who out there just has questions? Who who out there just has such an amazing story? We're like, my such an amazing story? We're like, my such an amazing story? We're like, my goodness, I would have never known that goodness, I would have never known that goodness, I would have never known that if I hadn't asked the question. Who? Who if I hadn't asked the question. Who? Who if I hadn't asked the question. Who? Who in her unit?

47:19 in her unit? in her unit? H H H Mike, it's I'm pausing here because Mike, it's I'm pausing here because Mike, it's I'm pausing here because there's so many talented homo sapiens in there's so many talented homo sapiens in there's so many talented homo sapiens in the 185th ops group. It's hard to I can the 185th ops group. It's hard to I can the 185th ops group. It's hard to I can give you top three maybe that that that give you top three maybe that that that give you top three maybe that that that uh you're okay with that. uh you're okay with that. uh you're okay with that. >> I will I'm anonymize the names here, but >> I will I'm anonymize the names here, but >> I will I'm anonymize the names here, but I have one I had a come grade officer. Oh, no. one I had a come grade officer. Oh, no. He just promoted to field grade. His

47:48 He just promoted to field grade. His He just promoted to field grade. His client on the civilian side is Tik Tok client on the civilian side is Tik Tok client on the civilian side is Tik Tok America America America >> and he's responsible. >> and he's responsible. >> and he's responsible. >> That's a wee bit controversial right >> That's a wee bit controversial right >> That's a wee bit controversial right now. now. now. >> I know which is very bad. >> I know which is very bad. >> I know which is very bad. >> Supreme Court has something to say about >> Supreme Court has something to say about

47:58 >> Supreme Court has something to say about that. that. that. >> I right. He's responsible for for >> I right. He's responsible for for >> I right. He's responsible for for developing Tik Tok America's developing Tik Tok America's developing Tik Tok America's I will say in commercial terms I will say in commercial terms I will say in commercial terms cyber security program. I'll just say it cyber security program. I'll just say it cyber security program. I'll just say it that way. In other words, very much that way. In other words, very much that way. In other words, very much being able to for for Tik Tok America to being able to for for Tik Tok America to

48:20 being able to for for Tik Tok America to be able to be able to be able to sort of do penetration testing of their sort of do penetration testing of their sort of do penetration testing of their own network to discover whether there own network to discover whether there own network to discover whether there are anomalies and then from the from are anomalies and then from the from are anomalies and then from the from that data then execute different types that data then execute different types that data then execute different types of remediation sort of activities. He's of remediation sort of activities. He's of remediation sort of activities. He's responsible for developing that for Tik

48:36 responsible for developing that for Tik responsible for developing that for Tik Tok America. He's a very fascinating Tok America. He's a very fascinating Tok America. He's a very fascinating individual on that side. And then on the individual on that side. And then on the individual on that side. And then on the military side, I didn't I didn't quite military side, I didn't I didn't quite military side, I didn't I didn't quite understand his journey from understand his journey from understand his journey from prior enlisted to where he is now as as prior enlisted to where he is now as as prior enlisted to where he is now as as a weapons and tactics officer. So, but

48:52 a weapons and tactics officer. So, but a weapons and tactics officer. So, but discovering his what he does in the discovering his what he does in the discovering his what he does in the outside and just how relevant that is to outside and just how relevant that is to outside and just how relevant that is to American society because we just talked American society because we just talked American society because we just talked about Tik Tok is tremendous. Have about Tik Tok is tremendous. Have about Tik Tok is tremendous. Have another company grade officer. another company grade officer. another company grade officer. He owns a really fun sports bar. He owns a really fun sports bar.

49:08 He owns a really fun sports bar. Really fun sports bar. And I think Really fun sports bar. And I think Really fun sports bar. And I think that's a really fascinating detail that that's a really fascinating detail that that's a really fascinating detail that I've uncovered because, you know, I've uncovered because, you know, I've uncovered because, you know, obviously maybe we're a bit biased, but obviously maybe we're a bit biased, but obviously maybe we're a bit biased, but sports means a lot to us, not just for sports means a lot to us, not just for sports means a lot to us, not just for the just the athletic pursuit, but all the just the athletic pursuit, but all

49:19 the just the athletic pursuit, but all the other lifelong skills we've learned the other lifelong skills we've learned the other lifelong skills we've learned and ex and exhibit today and and and ex and exhibit today and and and ex and exhibit today and and possibly profer to others. But like possibly profer to others. But like possibly profer to others. But like sports bars to me are like the venues sports bars to me are like the venues sports bars to me are like the venues where you you bring together a disperate where you you bring together a disperate where you you bring together a disperate collection of homo sapiens typically for collection of homo sapiens typically for collection of homo sapiens typically for a unified effort to watch your team or a unified effort to watch your team or a unified effort to watch your team or many teams, but certainly to watch

49:37 many teams, but certainly to watch many teams, but certainly to watch athletics. And I love that that we have athletics. And I love that that we have athletics. And I love that that we have the this notion of a sports bar in our the this notion of a sports bar in our the this notion of a sports bar in our society because it's not global. Again, society because it's not global. Again, society because it's not global. Again, I know you've lived in Europe or visited I know you've lived in Europe or visited I know you've lived in Europe or visited Europe and elsewhere. That's you don't Europe and elsewhere. That's you don't Europe and elsewhere. That's you don't find sports bars of like an American

49:47 find sports bars of like an American find sports bars of like an American sports bar anywhere else in the world. sports bar anywhere else in the world. sports bar anywhere else in the world. And it's typically an environment where And it's typically an environment where And it's typically an environment where there's so much energy and positive there's so much energy and positive there's so much energy and positive vibes. I I love that. And he and he vibes. I I love that. And he and he vibes. I I love that. And he and he exhibits that too. So discovering that exhibits that too. So discovering that exhibits that too. So discovering that about about him and made me it gave me

50:01 about about him and made me it gave me about about him and made me it gave me more insight to him personally of of more insight to him personally of of more insight to him personally of of having a sports bar and what it means to having a sports bar and what it means to having a sports bar and what it means to him and why he enjoys it. him and why he enjoys it. him and why he enjoys it. I've got a I've got an NCO I've got a I've got an NCO I've got a I've got an NCO who is a single parent and is a single parent and I didn't it's only until recent that I I didn't it's only until recent that I I didn't it's only until recent that I really fully understand the the

50:24 really fully understand the the really fully understand the the challenge she endeavored being a single challenge she endeavored being a single challenge she endeavored being a single parent and the sacrifices she's made to parent and the sacrifices she's made to parent and the sacrifices she's made to be a single parent and why the Air be a single parent and why the Air be a single parent and why the Air National Guard is and her career and her National Guard is and her career and her National Guard is and her career and her goals in the guard are so important to goals in the guard are so important to goals in the guard are so important to her. In many ways, she sacrificed those

50:37 her. In many ways, she sacrificed those her. In many ways, she sacrificed those goals when she was in the regular Air goals when she was in the regular Air goals when she was in the regular Air Force on active duty. And now that she's Force on active duty. And now that she's Force on active duty. And now that she's got herself stabilized um in such a way got herself stabilized um in such a way got herself stabilized um in such a way that she can now repursue those goals in that she can now repursue those goals in that she can now repursue those goals in the Air National Guard the Air National Guard the Air National Guard is only through being able to to have is only through being able to to have

50:50 is only through being able to to have several conversations with her and several conversations with her and several conversations with her and having a relationship to where I can ask having a relationship to where I can ask having a relationship to where I can ask questions and she'd be willing to questions and she'd be willing to questions and she'd be willing to provide details of of things that are provide details of of things that are provide details of of things that are important to her. this her the level of important to her. this her the level of important to her. this her the level of moxy and grit and determination and just moxy and grit and determination and just

51:03 moxy and grit and determination and just persistent persistent persistent will to overcome adversity will to overcome adversity will to overcome adversity is so inspiring. Mike whenever I think is so inspiring. Mike whenever I think is so inspiring. Mike whenever I think about it or we're having a conversation about it or we're having a conversation about it or we're having a conversation and she gives me some details to it and she gives me some details to it and she gives me some details to it internally I'm like I just want to be internally I'm like I just want to be internally I'm like I just want to be like the dude that's like onethird of like the dude that's like onethird of

51:17 like the dude that's like onethird of that like I'm just so impressed by by that like I'm just so impressed by by that like I'm just so impressed by by her will and determination. It's very her will and determination. It's very her will and determination. It's very similar to when we played sports because similar to when we played sports because similar to when we played sports because you have to be that way if you're going you have to be that way if you're going you have to be that way if you're going to achieve. Even if you are super to achieve. Even if you are super to achieve. Even if you are super talented, doesn't mean you're going to talented, doesn't mean you're going to talented, doesn't mean you're going to be a good player. There's some there's I be a good player. There's some there's I be a good player. There's some there's I think there's a difference there. And

51:32 think there's a difference there. And think there's a difference there. And she's doing it every day. And I wouldn't she's doing it every day. And I wouldn't she's doing it every day. And I wouldn't have gotten to know that if I didn't have gotten to know that if I didn't have gotten to know that if I didn't have a relationship to where I could ask have a relationship to where I could ask have a relationship to where I could ask questions. And this is all the other two questions. And this is all the other two questions. And this is all the other two gentlemen, too. They're they'll be gentlemen, too. They're they'll be gentlemen, too. They're they'll be willing to share with me these details

51:40 willing to share with me these details willing to share with me these details about what they do and why it's relevant about what they do and why it's relevant about what they do and why it's relevant to them and society. It's been it's been to them and society. It's been it's been to them and society. It's been it's been tremendous. It's been priceless. Like it's funny that the three stories that it's funny that the three stories that you just shared you just shared you just shared >> had nothing to do with push-ups and >> had nothing to do with push-ups and >> had nothing to do with push-ups and sit-ups and being serious and and being

51:55 sit-ups and being serious and and being sit-ups and being serious and and being in uniform, which culturally, like you in uniform, which culturally, like you in uniform, which culturally, like you said, that's the stereotype that we that said, that's the stereotype that we that said, that's the stereotype that we that we fall into. The guard is just a we fall into. The guard is just a we fall into. The guard is just a completely different animal. We have completely different animal. We have completely different animal. We have such interesting, amazingly talented such interesting, amazingly talented such interesting, amazingly talented people out there who just want to serve.

52:09 people out there who just want to serve. people out there who just want to serve. I had a chief master sergeant when I was I had a chief master sergeant when I was I had a chief master sergeant when I was stationed out in Las Vegas. He was a stationed out in Las Vegas. He was a stationed out in Las Vegas. He was a senior vice president making millions of senior vice president making millions of senior vice president making millions of dollars a year at Boeing building 737s dollars a year at Boeing building 737s dollars a year at Boeing building 737s up in Everett, Washington. I'm like, up in Everett, Washington. I'm like, up in Everett, Washington. I'm like, "Sir, chief, why why are you here?" He's

52:23 "Sir, chief, why why are you here?" He's "Sir, chief, why why are you here?" He's like, "Because I love it. I get to be like, "Because I love it. I get to be like, "Because I love it. I get to be around these young airmen. Gives me all around these young airmen. Gives me all around these young airmen. Gives me all this energy and inspiration and I just this energy and inspiration and I just this energy and inspiration and I just love it." And I said, "Well, you are a love it." And I said, "Well, you are a love it." And I said, "Well, you are a perfect reason why people should not perfect reason why people should not perfect reason why people should not judge a book by its cover." Because here

52:34 judge a book by its cover." Because here judge a book by its cover." Because here is an enlisted individual. And so any is an enlisted individual. And so any is an enlisted individual. And so any listeners that are not part of the listeners that are not part of the listeners that are not part of the military, that's considered the lower military, that's considered the lower military, that's considered the lower tier, quote unquote. Um, and he's is a tier, quote unquote. Um, and he's is a tier, quote unquote. Um, and he's is a multi-millionaire. Um, I have another multi-millionaire. Um, I have another multi-millionaire. Um, I have another friend who is a commander of a satellite

52:46 friend who is a commander of a satellite friend who is a commander of a satellite squadron out there at LA Air Station. I squadron out there at LA Air Station. I squadron out there at LA Air Station. I I'm not sure what it's called. LA Air I'm not sure what it's called. LA Air I'm not sure what it's called. LA Air Force Base, something along those lines. Force Base, something along those lines. Force Base, something along those lines. But But But >> it's still LA Air Force Base. Yeah. >> it's still LA Air Force Base. Yeah. >> it's still LA Air Force Base. Yeah. >> Okay. He works for some fancy tech >> Okay. He works for some fancy tech

52:57 >> Okay. He works for some fancy tech company. Google, you you name it. company. Google, you you name it. company. Google, you you name it. Google, Amazon, one of the one of the Google, Amazon, one of the one of the

53:00 Leadership Lessons That Apply Far Beyond the Military

53:00 Google, Amazon, one of the one of the fancy tech companies. And in the guard, fancy tech companies. And in the guard, fancy tech companies. And in the guard, he's flying satellites. And he says he he's flying satellites. And he says he he's flying satellites. And he says he says, "Yeah, I used to work for Loheed says, "Yeah, I used to work for Loheed says, "Yeah, I used to work for Loheed Martin and I or you name it. you, Martin and I or you name it. you, Martin and I or you name it. you, Northman, you name the company. And I Northman, you name the company. And I Northman, you name the company. And I designed a software that this satellite designed a software that this satellite

53:13 designed a software that this satellite flies off of. So he's like, it's pretty flies off of. So he's like, it's pretty flies off of. So he's like, it's pretty cool now that I get to fly it as a guard cool now that I get to fly it as a guard cool now that I get to fly it as a guard guy when I designed it as a STEM guy when I designed it as a STEM guy when I designed it as a STEM individual individual individual um working for one of the major um working for one of the major um working for one of the major companies. I'm like, where else do you companies. I'm like, where else do you companies. I'm like, where else do you get these people? This get these people? This get these people? This >> and so once again, I try to tell my own >> and so once again, I try to tell my own >> and so once again, I try to tell my own kids. I I said yes. Have I been gone a

53:32 kids. I I said yes. Have I been gone a kids. I I said yes. Have I been gone a lot? Have I been deployed? Have I been lot? Have I been deployed? Have I been lot? Have I been deployed? Have I been away from you guys? Yes. But it has away from you guys? Yes. But it has away from you guys? Yes. But it has created and having to Being fortunate created and having to Being fortunate created and having to Being fortunate enough to be around such positive, enough to be around such positive, enough to be around such positive, amazing individuals. amazing individuals. amazing individuals. I use the metaphor all the time, but I use the metaphor all the time, but

53:46 I use the metaphor all the time, but rising tides raise all boats. And we in rising tides raise all boats. And we in rising tides raise all boats. And we in the military are all about lifting each the military are all about lifting each the military are all about lifting each other up. And boy, I just don't see that other up. And boy, I just don't see that other up. And boy, I just don't see that out there anymore. Everybody's so out there anymore. Everybody's so out there anymore. Everybody's so worried about how many followers they worried about how many followers they worried about how many followers they have on their social media or how they have on their social media or how they

53:58 have on their social media or how they look on social media or what what people look on social media or what what people look on social media or what what people think of, you know, their clothes or think of, you know, their clothes or think of, you know, their clothes or their car or what other material items their car or what other material items their car or what other material items they have in their closet. And it's just they have in their closet. And it's just they have in their closet. And it's just that it doesn't matter. I I don't know. that it doesn't matter. I I don't know. that it doesn't matter. I I don't know. How do we how do we share that story? Do

54:13 How do we how do we share that story? Do How do we how do we share that story? Do we not make as much money? No, we don't we not make as much money? No, we don't we not make as much money? No, we don't make as much money. But my soul is make as much money. But my soul is make as much money. But my soul is filled with positivity and just I can't filled with positivity and just I can't filled with positivity and just I can't imagine not being part of this this imagine not being part of this this imagine not being part of this this organization, this institution. organization, this institution. organization, this institution. >> Absolutely. So, >> Absolutely. So,

54:27 >> Absolutely. So, >> I mean, we would have never met, right? >> I mean, we would have never met, right? >> I mean, we would have never met, right? We're at Eisenhower. I'm randomly taking We're at Eisenhower. I'm randomly taking We're at Eisenhower. I'm randomly taking photos and I'm in a completely different photos and I'm in a completely different photos and I'm in a completely different class. But but we meet because of that class. But but we meet because of that class. But but we meet because of that that that culture that brought us all that that culture that brought us all that that culture that brought us all together. And so there's a lot of folks

54:37 together. And so there's a lot of folks together. And so there's a lot of folks that I still reach out to at Eisenhower that I still reach out to at Eisenhower that I still reach out to at Eisenhower and um I'm so thankful for being part of and um I'm so thankful for being part of and um I'm so thankful for being part of this. this. this. >> Yeah, your photography without question >> Yeah, your photography without question >> Yeah, your photography without question brings folks together. That's another brings folks together. That's another brings folks together. That's another fascinating aspect to to Mike so to fascinating aspect to to Mike so to fascinating aspect to to Mike so to speak. That in itself is one of the best

54:52 speak. That in itself is one of the best speak. That in itself is one of the best ways to ways to ways to capt when you're capturing folks in capt when you're capturing folks in capt when you're capturing folks in different environments, particularly different environments, particularly different environments, particularly important environments. You become important environments. You become important environments. You become almost it's it's so it's intimate. You almost it's it's so it's intimate. You almost it's it's so it's intimate. You develop a unique relationship with folks develop a unique relationship with folks develop a unique relationship with folks through photography.

55:07 through photography. through photography. >> That's what I like about it. I like the >> That's what I like about it. I like the >> That's what I like about it. I like the fact that once somebody trusts you to fact that once somebody trusts you to fact that once somebody trusts you to take their picture, there's a level of take their picture, there's a level of take their picture, there's a level of vulnerability of okay, you know, you're vulnerability of okay, you know, you're vulnerability of okay, you know, you're not going to make me look bad. You're not going to make me look bad. You're not going to make me look bad. You're not going to make me be in some sort of

55:17 not going to make me be in some sort of not going to make me be in some sort of compromised position. because I was compromised position. because I was compromised position. because I was talking to Chief I was talking to Chief talking to Chief I was talking to Chief talking to Chief I was talking to Chief Bass last week and I said, "All right, Bass last week and I said, "All right, Bass last week and I said, "All right, Chief, when are we going to do this um Chief, when are we going to do this um Chief, when are we going to do this um this podcast we keep talking about and this podcast we keep talking about and this podcast we keep talking about and she's like, "Ah, Mike, I don't know if

55:26 she's like, "Ah, Mike, I don't know if she's like, "Ah, Mike, I don't know if I'm ready to go that deep with you and I I'm ready to go that deep with you and I I'm ready to go that deep with you and I laugh." And it's because when she came laugh." And it's because when she came laugh." And it's because when she came over here to do some head shot, I mean, over here to do some head shot, I mean, over here to do some head shot, I mean, we had a 45minute heartfelt conversation we had a 45minute heartfelt conversation we had a 45minute heartfelt conversation sharing a lot of personal things that sharing a lot of personal things that sharing a lot of personal things that she's probably afraid that I would ask

55:38 she's probably afraid that I would ask she's probably afraid that I would ask if they were on camera and microphone. if they were on camera and microphone. if they were on camera and microphone. But I keep telling I'm like, "Chief, But I keep telling I'm like, "Chief, But I keep telling I'm like, "Chief, that's what makes you such an that's what makes you such an that's what makes you such an inspiration to others is that you're inspiration to others is that you're inspiration to others is that you're willing to share, you know, your willing to share, you know, your willing to share, you know, your successes and your failures. We we all successes and your failures. We we all successes and your failures. We we all didn't come from these white picket didn't come from these white picket didn't come from these white picket fence backgrounds." And so that provides

55:54 fence backgrounds." And so that provides fence backgrounds." And so that provides the in, you know, the inspiration to our the in, you know, the inspiration to our the in, you know, the inspiration to our youth to say, you know what, look at youth to say, you know what, look at youth to say, you know what, look at her. She she was in charge of 300,000 her. She she was in charge of 300,000 her. She she was in charge of 300,000 airmen in the Air Force as the first airmen in the Air Force as the first airmen in the Air Force as the first female chief master sergeant in the Air female chief master sergeant in the Air female chief master sergeant in the Air Force. Like

56:05 Force. Like Force. Like I would have never had that chance to I would have never had that chance to I would have never had that chance to have that conversation if it wasn't for have that conversation if it wasn't for have that conversation if it wasn't for the camera and taking those pictures is the camera and taking those pictures is the camera and taking those pictures is what I'm trying to say. what I'm trying to say. what I'm trying to say. >> Absolutely. Yeah, it's tremendous. Yeah. >> Absolutely. Yeah, it's tremendous. Yeah. >> Absolutely. Yeah, it's tremendous. Yeah. I I Yeah, I didn't think of a podcast in I I Yeah, I didn't think of a podcast in I I Yeah, I didn't think of a podcast in in this in similarly, but I get that's in this in similarly, but I get that's in this in similarly, but I get that's true. Very much true.

56:20 true. Very much true. true. Very much true. >> Yeah. But once again, as a senior >> Yeah. But once again, as a senior >> Yeah. But once again, as a senior military officer, you realize military officer, you realize military officer, you realize I think uh General Brown was talking I think uh General Brown was talking I think uh General Brown was talking about um emotional intelligence and just about um emotional intelligence and just about um emotional intelligence and just the non-standard leadership. We got to the non-standard leadership. We got to the non-standard leadership. We got to get away from who's the weapon school get away from who's the weapon school get away from who's the weapon school patch, who's the fighter pilot, who's patch, who's the fighter pilot, who's patch, who's the fighter pilot, who's the uh you name it, whatever sexy toy

56:39 the uh you name it, whatever sexy toy the uh you name it, whatever sexy toy you you want to describe. And who you you want to describe. And who you you want to describe. And who actually gets to know their people and actually gets to know their people and actually gets to know their people and can get their people to align towards can get their people to align towards can get their people to align towards one single message and towards one one single message and towards one one single message and towards one single goal? That's far more powerful single goal? That's far more powerful single goal? That's far more powerful than than than uh I keep saying the fighter pilot, but

56:53 uh I keep saying the fighter pilot, but uh I keep saying the fighter pilot, but it's far more powerful than that one it's far more powerful than that one it's far more powerful than that one person. Uh yeah, I just I agree. person. Uh yeah, I just I agree. person. Uh yeah, I just I agree. >> The organization is it's the people, >> The organization is it's the people, >> The organization is it's the people, man. It's it's the people that make it man. It's it's the people that make it man. It's it's the people that make it happen. And I just happen. And I just happen. And I just >> I just thank you so much for having a >> I just thank you so much for having a

57:06 >> I just thank you so much for having a chance to come chat because guys like chance to come chat because guys like chance to come chat because guys like you, I mean, I read that article in the you, I mean, I read that article in the you, I mean, I read that article in the National Guard magazine. I was like, CJ, National Guard magazine. I was like, CJ, National Guard magazine. I was like, CJ, dude, this is this is this is good dude, this is this is this is good dude, this is this is this is good stuff. If if I was a young kid and I was stuff. If if I was a young kid and I was stuff. If if I was a young kid and I was looking for guidance and leadership and

57:19 looking for guidance and leadership and looking for guidance and leadership and um somebody to look up to and somebody um somebody to look up to and somebody um somebody to look up to and somebody to mentor me, I would be looking up your to mentor me, I would be looking up your to mentor me, I would be looking up your email address because uh it was awesome. email address because uh it was awesome. email address because uh it was awesome. >> Like you're too. >> Like you're too. >> Like you're too. >> You might think about doing that, dude. >> You might think about doing that, dude. >> You might think about doing that, dude. You might think about doing that. You

57:28 You might think about doing that. You You might think about doing that. You might think about posting stuff like might think about posting stuff like might think about posting stuff like that on you know what your your guard that on you know what your your guard that on you know what your your guard unit or if you guys have a um a magazine unit or if you guys have a um a magazine unit or if you guys have a um a magazine for your state, share that article and for your state, share that article and for your state, share that article and leave your email address, leave your leave your email address, leave your leave your email address, leave your phone number. Like I'm here for you

57:41 phone number. Like I'm here for you phone number. Like I'm here for you because I know that you are. because I know that you are. because I know that you are. >> Yeah. Hm. I didn't never thought of >> Yeah. Hm. I didn't never thought of >> Yeah. Hm. I didn't never thought of that. I didn't think it'd that. I didn't think it'd that. I didn't think it'd Yeah, I'll take a look at that. I in Yeah, I'll take a look at that. I in Yeah, I'll take a look at that. I in many ways I I authored it to to share to many ways I I authored it to to share to many ways I I authored it to to share to share some things some thoughts that I share some things some thoughts that I share some things some thoughts that I thought might that were they're thought might that were they're thought might that were they're important to me that were important for

57:58 important to me that were important for important to me that were important for my development. my development. my development. Didn't think it would have much Didn't think it would have much Didn't think it would have much viewership. So, but I'll I'll uh I one I viewership. So, but I'll I'll uh I one I viewership. So, but I'll I'll uh I one I appreciate the comments, Mike. thanks appreciate the comments, Mike. thanks appreciate the comments, Mike. thanks for for one reading it and then two for for one reading it and then two for for one reading it and then two it resonating with you and then three I it resonating with you and then three I it resonating with you and then three I I'll take a look up to see if I can see

58:13 I'll take a look up to see if I can see I'll take a look up to see if I can see if anyone be interested in distributing if anyone be interested in distributing if anyone be interested in distributing it or sharing with the wider with the it or sharing with the wider with the it or sharing with the wider with the wider state. wider state. wider state. >> Yeah. Well, bud, I am so glad that that >> Yeah. Well, bud, I am so glad that that >> Yeah. Well, bud, I am so glad that that we connected and I know that you um we connected and I know that you um we connected and I know that you um you're going to do great things no you're going to do great things no

58:26 you're going to do great things no matter how long you choose to serve or matter how long you choose to serve or matter how long you choose to serve or take the uniform off. When you're ready take the uniform off. When you're ready take the uniform off. When you're ready to take the uniform off, brother, give to take the uniform off, brother, give to take the uniform off, brother, give me a call because that's what this is me a call because that's what this is me a call because that's what this is about. It's about helping everybody about. It's about helping everybody about. It's about helping everybody succeed. I I just had one of my succeed. I I just had one of my

58:37 succeed. I I just had one of my colleagues over here yesterday take his colleagues over here yesterday take his colleagues over here yesterday take his head shot. I saw his picture on LinkedIn head shot. I saw his picture on LinkedIn head shot. I saw his picture on LinkedIn and his name is Mike as well. I'm like, and his name is Mike as well. I'm like, and his name is Mike as well. I'm like, "Mike, bro, your your picture is "Mike, bro, your your picture is "Mike, bro, your your picture is atrocious. If you're in the world of atrocious. If you're in the world of atrocious. If you're in the world of business development and trying to um business development and trying to um

58:48 business development and trying to um grow the brand of the company you're grow the brand of the company you're grow the brand of the company you're working for, you need a head shot." He's working for, you need a head shot." He's working for, you need a head shot." He's like, "Oh, okay. Okay." So, he came over like, "Oh, okay. Okay." So, he came over like, "Oh, okay. Okay." So, he came over here. He came over here yesterday and uh here. He came over here yesterday and uh here. He came over here yesterday and uh and I sent him 10 photos or whatever. and I sent him 10 photos or whatever. and I sent him 10 photos or whatever. He's like, "Dude, these these are

58:59 He's like, "Dude, these these are He's like, "Dude, these these are great." Like, yeah. Why don't people great." Like, yeah. Why don't people great." Like, yeah. Why don't people invest in themselves? I I keep telling invest in themselves? I I keep telling invest in themselves? I I keep telling them social media, people are scrolling them social media, people are scrolling them social media, people are scrolling so fast that if you don't figure out a so fast that if you don't figure out a so fast that if you don't figure out a way to get them to stop and just give way to get them to stop and just give way to get them to stop and just give you an extra one or two seconds of their

59:13 you an extra one or two seconds of their you an extra one or two seconds of their attention, you're wasting your time. attention, you're wasting your time. attention, you're wasting your time. >> So true. >> So true. >> So true. >> So I was like, dude, have a head shot to >> So I was like, dude, have a head shot to >> So I was like, dude, have a head shot to get those businesses out there that get those businesses out there that get those businesses out there that you're interested in working with. Get you're interested in working with. Get you're interested in working with. Get them to stop for that extra one or two

59:24 them to stop for that extra one or two them to stop for that extra one or two seconds on your page. Be like, yeah, I'm seconds on your page. Be like, yeah, I'm seconds on your page. Be like, yeah, I'm going to reach out to this guy. I have going to reach out to this guy. I have going to reach out to this guy. I have so many people reach out to me and like, so many people reach out to me and like, so many people reach out to me and like, "Hey, man. I heard you, you know, you do "Hey, man. I heard you, you know, you do "Hey, man. I heard you, you know, you do head shot for veterans." Yeah, man. Come head shot for veterans." Yeah, man. Come head shot for veterans." Yeah, man. Come on over. I'm happy to help.

59:34 on over. I'm happy to help. on over. I'm happy to help. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Rising tides, >> Rising tides, >> Rising tides, >> which you're really good at. >> which you're really good at. >> which you're really good at. >> Well, I appreciate that. But we all >> Well, I appreciate that. But we all >> Well, I appreciate that. But we all have, you know, we all have different have, you know, we all have different have, you know, we all have different skill sets, right? And so, I know that skill sets, right? And so, I know that skill sets, right? And so, I know that that's one of my skill sets that if I

59:42 that's one of my skill sets that if I that's one of my skill sets that if I can use it to help others and somebody can use it to help others and somebody can use it to help others and somebody gets a job someday and someday they gets a job someday and someday they gets a job someday and someday they become the next Peter Teal billionaire become the next Peter Teal billionaire become the next Peter Teal billionaire PayPal guy. They're like, "Man, that PayPal guy. They're like, "Man, that PayPal guy. They're like, "Man, that Mike guy, he was a good guy. He's got Mike guy, he was a good guy. He's got Mike guy, he was a good guy. He's got that voice for valor thing. I I would

59:53 that voice for valor thing. I I would that voice for valor thing. I I would love to support him." Sweet brother, you love to support him." Sweet brother, you love to support him." Sweet brother, you you became a successful billionaire. you became a successful billionaire. you became a successful billionaire. Sure. Drop a check in my account every Sure. Drop a check in my account every Sure. Drop a check in my account every year and we'll and we'll get this page

60:00 The Future of the Air Force

1:00:01 year and we'll and we'll get this page year and we'll and we'll get this page growing to to get other people inspired growing to to get other people inspired growing to to get other people inspired and serving. and serving. and serving. >> Dude, I love it, man. The one thing I'm >> Dude, I love it, man. The one thing I'm >> Dude, I love it, man. The one thing I'm glad you said as if this is one of your glad you said as if this is one of your glad you said as if this is one of your final comments when you said invest in final comments when you said invest in final comments when you said invest in yourself. I love that. I just want to

1:00:12 yourself. I love that. I just want to yourself. I love that. I just want to add another layer to that. I just want add another layer to that. I just want add another layer to that. I just want to add that double down on yourself. to add that double down on yourself. to add that double down on yourself. I love the idea of investing heavily in I love the idea of investing heavily in I love the idea of investing heavily in in oneself. Who else is going to do it? in oneself. Who else is going to do it? in oneself. Who else is going to do it? >> Yeah. No one. No one else is going to do >> Yeah. No one. No one else is going to do >> Yeah. No one. No one else is going to do it. You know, growing up as an officer,

1:00:27 it. You know, growing up as an officer, it. You know, growing up as an officer, nobody cares about your performance nobody cares about your performance nobody cares about your performance report as much as you do. report as much as you do. report as much as you do. >> I'm sorry, but that's the way it is. >> I'm sorry, but that's the way it is. >> I'm sorry, but that's the way it is. Nobody really cares until they get to Nobody really cares until they get to Nobody really cares until they get to know you. And then once they get to know know you. And then once they get to know know you. And then once they get to know you, they'll go that extra mile for you.

1:00:36 you, they'll go that extra mile for you. you, they'll go that extra mile for you. But if they don't know you, whatever, But if they don't know you, whatever, But if they don't know you, whatever, man. They just they just move on, right? man. They just they just move on, right? man. They just they just move on, right? >> So, I hope that um our conversation >> So, I hope that um our conversation >> So, I hope that um our conversation there's an eight-year-old out there that there's an eight-year-old out there that there's an eight-year-old out there that says, "Man, what is this STEM stuff? says, "Man, what is this STEM stuff? says, "Man, what is this STEM stuff? What is this? Oh, there's scholarships.

1:00:51 What is this? Oh, there's scholarships. What is this? Oh, there's scholarships. Washington State has scholarships Washington State has scholarships Washington State has scholarships that'll allow me to go to school, learn that'll allow me to go to school, learn that'll allow me to go to school, learn something cool, and come out the other something cool, and come out the other something cool, and come out the other side as a a senior officer that gets to side as a a senior officer that gets to side as a a senior officer that gets to lead and work with others and be part of lead and work with others and be part of lead and work with others and be part of a culture that changes lives. Sign me

1:01:03 a culture that changes lives. Sign me a culture that changes lives. Sign me up. So, if we get one, that's all it up. So, if we get one, that's all it up. So, if we get one, that's all it takes. We get one. takes. We get one. takes. We get one. >> Wonderful, Mike. In fact, I'm going to >> Wonderful, Mike. In fact, I'm going to >> Wonderful, Mike. In fact, I'm going to tell the Washington State president that tell the Washington State president that tell the Washington State president that sentence just was just articulated by sentence just was just articulated by sentence just was just articulated by Mike. He may want to have he may want to

1:01:12 Mike. He may want to have he may want to Mike. He may want to have he may want to be your next podcast guest, by the way. be your next podcast guest, by the way. be your next podcast guest, by the way. >> There you go. Take that sound bite. >> There you go. Take that sound bite. >> There you go. Take that sound bite. Let's let's get Washington State in the Let's let's get Washington State in the Let's let's get Washington State in the house. Last thing. Last thing. My dad is house. Last thing. Last thing. My dad is house. Last thing. Last thing. My dad is a University of Washington uh medical a University of Washington uh medical a University of Washington uh medical school graduate. He now wears Wazu gear

1:01:25 school graduate. He now wears Wazu gear school graduate. He now wears Wazu gear because he lives out in Eastern because he lives out in Eastern because he lives out in Eastern Washington. I'm like, "Dad, you are a Washington. I'm like, "Dad, you are a Washington. I'm like, "Dad, you are a UDub grad and you have a Wazoo Polo UDub grad and you have a Wazoo Polo UDub grad and you have a Wazoo Polo shirt on." He's like, "Yeah, you know, I shirt on." He's like, "Yeah, you know, I shirt on." He's like, "Yeah, you know, I got to be part of the part of the team." got to be part of the part of the team." got to be part of the part of the team." I'm like, "Oh my god, the Huskys, if

1:01:37 I'm like, "Oh my god, the Huskys, if I'm like, "Oh my god, the Huskys, if they knew you were wearing the Devil's they knew you were wearing the Devil's they knew you were wearing the Devil's Red, they would never forgive you." Red, they would never forgive you." Red, they would never forgive you." >> I salute you, Dad. >> I salute you, Dad. >> I salute you, Dad. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. Thanks, Thanks, Thanks, >> brother. Thank you. Thank you so much >> brother. Thank you. Thank you so much >> brother. Thank you. Thank you so much for spending time with the evening for spending time with the evening

1:01:48 for spending time with the evening today. And um I didn't even get to I today. And um I didn't even get to I today. And um I didn't even get to I think I wrote down 10 questions. I asked think I wrote down 10 questions. I asked think I wrote down 10 questions. I asked three of them which means you have been three of them which means you have been three of them which means you have been a hospitable guest and I enjoy the time a hospitable guest and I enjoy the time a hospitable guest and I enjoy the time with you. with you. with you. >> Yeah. Thanks for the time, Mike. I'll >> Yeah. Thanks for the time, Mike. I'll >> Yeah. Thanks for the time, Mike. I'll I'll I'm tracking your retirement as I'll I'm tracking your retirement as I'll I'm tracking your retirement as well. I'll see if I if I'm if I might be well. I'll see if I if I'm if I might be

1:02:03 well. I'll see if I if I'm if I might be in the area. There's a good chance. If in the area. There's a good chance. If in the area. There's a good chance. If so, I'll I'll I'll be there. so, I'll I'll I'll be there. so, I'll I'll I'll be there. >> Yeah. I appreciate it, buddy. >> Yeah. I appreciate it, buddy. >> Yeah. I appreciate it, buddy. >> Awesome. >> Awesome. >> Awesome. >> Take care. Thanks, Mike. >> Take care. Thanks, Mike. >> Take care. Thanks, Mike. >> See you. Yeah.