In this episode of Permission to Speak Freely, Damon, Damo, and Tisha sit down with retired Chief Warrant Officer 5 (CWO5) David Sledge to discuss his 33-year military career. Sledge shares insights into his journey from an E-1 to CWO5, the challenges of transitioning from enlisted to officer, and the mentorship that shaped his leadership style. He also dives into writing books, having a sense of purpose, and raising a family of entrepreneurs. The conversation covers military transitions, leadership lessons, and the evolving culture of the Navy. David reflects on major historical moments like the Rodney King riots, 9/11, and George Floyd’s impact on the military community. They also discuss the struggles of military families, raising children in the service, and how loyalty can sometimes hold service members back from greater opportunities.  About our guest: David Sledge is a retired Chief Warrant Officer 5 (CWO5) who honorably served in the United States Navy for over three decades, culminating his service in 2023.   Early Life and Education   Born and raised in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, David’s strong work ethic was influenced by his parents. His mother, Marie Simon Sledge, worked for the state of Alabama for 30 years, demonstrating unwavering dedication and hard work. His father, Nahuman Sledge, Sr., exemplified dedication and perseverance throughout his career as a truck driver from 1969 to 2016.   Military Career   David enlisted in the U.S. Navy in October 1990, embarking on a career that spanned over three decades. He advanced through the ranks to Chief Warrant Officer 5 (CWO5), a testament to his leadership, adaptability, and relentless commitment to excellence. His assignments included serving on multiple ships and at numerous training schools, where he demonstrated exceptional leadership and technical expertise.   Post-Retirement Endeavors   Following his retirement, David founded the Sledge Leadership Group, where he dedicates his time to empowering others through various initiatives and creative endeavors. His passion lies in supporting veterans and making a positive impact on their lives.   Authorship   David is an accomplished author, having published several books that reflect his vast knowledge, experiences, and insights: - Embrace Blessings: Trusting the Process and Finding Purpose - Embrace the Power of Greetings: A Journey of Connection and Inspiration - Leadership Alchemy: Forging Great Leaders - Navigating Life’s Challenges: A Guide to Stress Management, Independent Living Skills, Relationships, Leadership, and Motivation   His work continues to inspire both military professionals and civilians alike, offering valuable lessons on leadership, resilience, and personal growth.   Contact Information •Website: Sledge Collective •LinkedIn: David Sledge •Instagram: greet_one_meet_one_teach_one •Facebook: David Sledge   Additional Credits: PTSF Theme Music Produced by Lim0     Subscribe, leave a review, and share the podcast!

In this special episode of Permission to Speak Freely, host Tisha is joined by Retired LCDR Alana Abernethy, YNCS Ashley Williams, and LCDR Joi Dillard-Houston for a powerful discussion on women’s health in the military. Despite its importance, women’s health remains a taboo topic, often leading to misinformation, dismissal, and a lack of support. The panel dives into why education on women’s health is lacking, sharing personal struggles with uterine fibroids, miscarriages, and dismissive healthcare experiences. They discuss how generational silence around reproductive health has left many women unprepared and unheard, especially in the military. The episode also explores the challenges of navigating motherhood while serving, advocating for yourself and fellow Sailors, and how male and female leaders can do better. The conversation shifts to holistic approaches, touching on The Period Repair Manual, The Moon Cycle, and the impact of coming off hormonal birth control. Alana shares details about her initiative, Women’s Wellness for the Waterfront, providing resources for women seeking to control their health.     🔹 Key topics covered: •Why women’s health remains a taboo topic •The disconnect between policy and real-life military experiences •The silent epidemic of uterine fibroids •Generational trauma & why families don’t talk about reproductive health •How leadership can better support women’s health needs •The lack of research in women’s medicine & alternative approaches •The experience of coming off hormonal birth control •Alana’s Women’s Wellness for the Waterfront initiative   💡 Resources Mentioned: •The Period Repair Manual by Lara Briden https://www.larabriden.com/period-repair-manual/ •The Moon Cycle by Devon Loftus & Jenna Radomski https://devonloftuswrites.com/the-moon-cycle-cookbook   🔗 Connect with Alana: •Women’s Wellness for the Waterfront: https://www.womensholisticcare.com/womens-wellness-for-the-waterfront •Evergreen: https://www.womensholisticcare.com/ • Linktree: linktr.ee/alanaabernethy     🎶 Additional Credits: PTSF “Theme Music” – Produced by Lim0     📌 Subscribe, leave a review, and share the podcast!

Damon and Damo are back with another packed episode, diving into some of the biggest stories making waves. They kick things off with a moment of respect for Angie Stone before jumping into the controversial outcome of Gervonta “Tank” Davis’ latest fight. Was it really a loss? The guys break down the fight, the backlash, and what it means for Tank’s future—especially with retirement talk already in the mix. On the military front, leadership transparency takes center stage. Are top military officials failing to communicate the reasons behind major decisions? The guys discuss why clear communication is critical for service members and how secrecy can impact morale. The episode also explores reports that China is developing “super soldiers”, raising concerns about the future of warfare and whether enhanced soldiers could become a reality. The transgender military ban is back in the news as policy changes continue to impact service members. Meanwhile, the guys question how long military podcasts and social media content will be allowed, with increasing restrictions on active-duty personnel sharing their perspectives online. They also dive into leadership culture, discussing whether calling someone “boss” is a term of respect or just reinforcing unnecessary hierarchy. These topics and more are covered in this episode of Permission To Speak Freely.     📢 Follow ‘Permission to Speak Freely’ on TikTok, Facebook, Discord, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube for more great content.     💬 Want your “Do Better” reviewed on a future episode? Email us at ptsfpodcast@gmail.com     Links and more from this episode:   What Did You Do Last Week Emails https://www.cbsnews.com/news/second-what-did-you-do-last-week-goes-out-some-federal-workers/ Trump Zelensky Oval Office Clash https://time.com/7263376/trump-zelensky-oval-office-clash-us-lawmakers-react/ DoD Social Media Scrub https://defensescoop.com/2025/02/27/dod-memo-scrub-dei-content-across-websites-social-media-sean-parnell/ Transgender Troops Prepare for Military Ban https://www.newsweek.com/transgender-military-trump-hegseth-pentagon-defense-ban-2037930 LDO/CWO Results https://www.mynavyhr.navy.mil/Portals/55/Messages/NAVADMIN/NAV2025/NAV25041.txt?ver=RRmMbnSX7Cx8T2VylUNBhw%3d%3d Gene Hackman RIP https://www.cnn.com/2025/03/02/us/gene-hackman-betsy-arakawa-santa-fe/index.html Healthcare Flexible Spending Account https://www.healthcare.gov/have-job-based-coverage/flexible-spending-accounts/ Angie Stone RIP https://apnews.com/article/angie-stone-singer-tributes-d5df19e384b03f1fd4094e11321ff4ed Gervonta “Tank” Davis Fight Controversy Gervonta Davis vs. Lamont Roach Fight Ends in Controversy China’s Development of “Super Soldiers” China Conducts Tests to Create Enhanced Soldiers     🎶 Additional Credits: PTSF “Theme Music” – Produced by Lim0     📌 Subscribe, leave a review, and share the podcast!

Damon’s back. Coby pops in. We start with the firing of the Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. We also discuss the DoD letting go of 5,400 probationary employees and share thoughts on the story of a veteran with four tours who got laid off—real situations with real impact. Plus, we’re breaking down the Deferred Resignation Program and what that means for those still serving. We switch gears to discuss the EMPLOY Program for Sailors who can’t deploy but still have value to bring and the latest on expanded VA GI Bill benefits—great info for anyone thinking about their next steps. Damon also opens up about what it was like stepping in as acting CMC—sharing honest lessons on consistency, staying motivated, and how to truly connect with your team, no matter where they come from. Damon was surprised about the Eagles’ Super Bowl run, and the guys discussed Kendrick Lamar’s halftime performance. We dive into the concept of  “playing the game” in the Navy, whether Sailors should prep their own packages, and how often folks might choose money over personal values—tough but necessary talks. In our “Do Better” segment, we’re setting the record straight on what Ombudsmen are (and aren’t) supposed to do and calling out some corrosion maintenance issues that definitely need some attention. We wrap things up with a quick review of our Book of the Week, “The Cure for Burnout” by Emily Ballesteros, dropping some key tips on avoiding burnout when the pressure is on. These topics and more are covered in this episode of ‘Permission to Speak Freely.’   Check out the links for all the stories we talked about: CNO and Chairman of Joint Chiefs Fired DoD to Fire 5,400 Probationary Employees Veteran with Four Tours Laid Off Deferred Resignation Program Details EMPLOY Program Overview VA Benefits Expansion       To have your “Do Better” reviewed on a future episode, please get in touch with us at ptsfpodcast@gmail.com       Keep up with the ‘Permission to Speak Freely’ podcast on our social media and YouTube - https://linktr.ee/Ptsfpodcast       Book of the Week: The Cure For Burnout (Emily Ballesteros) - https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/721779/the-cure-for-burnout-by-emily-ballesteros/       Additional Credits: PTSF “Theme Music” - Produced by Lim0

RS3 Kendrick Wright, better known as 2K Kenny, checks into the show with Damo and Tisha. He discusses life as a young Retail Services Specialist (RS) stationed in 6th on a Fleet Forward-Deployed Naval Forces ship. He speaks on developing in his role as a barber on the ship and what rate he would have if he weren’t an RS. 2K Kenny talks about the inspiration behind his latest EP, “Pretty Brown Eyes.” He discusses why he decided to join the Navy and what made him choose his rate. Kenny reminisces about growing up in Texas in a family of 10. Kenny asks Damo why he stopped making music. Kenny discusses what started his music journey and the early support of his father. He discusses the marriage between his career in the Navy and his career as a musician. He explains why he calls the military a “cheat code.” He speaks about performing and opening up for Trey Songz. How is 2K Kenny able to record entire EPs while underway? What’s the difference between the in-port and underway writing/song creation processes? How bad are weekend days? Kenny asks Tisha and Damo about what having “rank” feels like. Why does Kenny put so much into care his music videos? The pod discusses the power of “solitude.” 2K discusses his plans to release a gospel project. Kenny gives his superbowl halftime show performance predictions. Damo introduced a new game to Kenny. He gives his current musical influences. Tisha introduces a game, too. Kenny details the growth between his last two projects. What are Kenny’s thoughts about headlining a music concert on his ship?Follow ‘Permission to Speak Freely’ on TikTok, Facebook, Discord, Instagram, and Twitter, and subscribe on YouTube for more great content.   To have your “Do Better” reviewed on a future episode, please get in touch with us at ptsfpodcast@gmail.com   Keep up with the ‘Permission to Speak Freely’ podcast on our social media and YouTube - https://linktr.ee/Ptsfpodcast   Links to follow 2K Kenny: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1ofPPFgZgYPtLajjoLtOx6?si=f26HTx2KSFGfxoZG-Ibw4A Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/2k-kenny/1518348938 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLqp0kj5XZBAMfb24k_KJbg/community TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@2kkenny1 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/2kkenny/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/2kkenny/     Book of the Week: The Four Agreements (don Miguel Ruiz) - https://www.miguelruiz.com/the-four-agreements/   Additional Credits: PTSF “Theme Music” - Produced by Lim0

Damo is on a solo mission. Discussing the "goings on" in the country, fleet, and at home. 

We are joined by “The People SUPPO,” LCDR James Ball. Damo opens up by admitting a mistake he made in our previous episode. Are sneakers the key to leadership? Damo vents a bit about frustrations stemming from recent events and why he doesn’t talk about politics. Politics vs. Humanity becomes a topic of the conversation. Damo shares his thoughts about Elon Musk. Congratulations to NSA Annapolis for winning the Regional Installation Excellence award for Naval District Washington for the second year in a row! Rest in peace to ENAVFIT; it’s been a short and horrible run. Is Wi-Fi beneficial for morale on deployments? President Trump promised to bring back troops removed due to Covid, but will they want to return? LCDR Ball talks about why he joined and his early years as an enlisted Sailor in the Navy. He speaks about the three people that he wanted to show that he can be successful. James compares Carrier life to Cruiser life and reflects on his favorite command. He details his fitness journey from beginning to work out to competing in and winning multiple bodybuilding competitions. He talks about diet during and meals after competitions. JB outlines his retirement plans. Damo reflects on his past weight loss journey. Damo asked LCDR Ball about his leadership philosophy, as he shares his own. LCDR details his worst experience as a leader. James gives his “Do Better.” Follow ‘Permission to Speak Freely’ on TikTok, Facebook, Discord, Instagram, and Twitter, and subscribe on YouTube for more great content.       To have your “Do Better” reviewed on a future episode please get in touch with us at ptsfpodcast@gmail.com       Keep up with the ‘Permission to Speak Freely’ podcast on our social media and YouTube - https://linktr.ee/Ptsfpodcast       Links and more from the episode: DEI - https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/01/ending-radical-and-wasteful-government-dei-programs-and-preferencing/ Telework - https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/01/return-to-in-person-work/ Regional Installation Excellence - https://ndw.cnic.navy.mil/News/News-Detail/Article/4040183/nsa-annapolis-wins-2024-ndw-installation-excellence-award-moves-to-navy-wide-co/ NAVFIT Modernization - https://www.mynavyhr.navy.mil/Portals/55/Messages/NAVADMIN/NAV2025/NAV25012.txt?ver=w5vO8IUh_Bmw9R2mpWoTmg%3d%3d Troops Released due to Covid Offered to Return - https://www.militarytimes.com/news/pentagon-congress/2025/01/20/trump-promises-to-bring-back-troops-booted-for-refusing-covid-vaccine/       Book of the Week: Damo - Good Energy (Casey Means, MD/ Calley Means) https://www.caseymeans.com/goodenergy LCDR Ball - The Motive (Patrick Lencioni) https://www.tablegroup.com/product/themotive/       Additional Credits: PTSF “Theme Music” - Produced by Lim0

Paul Kingsbury is back. This time, he’s filling in as a guest host. He starts by asking Damo about what’s currently happening in the Navy. He asks about Culture of Excellence 2.0. An indoor inauguration is a rare occurrence in our nation’s history. The cast talk discusses its significance and the expectations for Carrie Underwood’s ‘America The Beautiful’ performance. Lloyd Austin says farewell from the SecDef role. We solute his accomplishments, but Damo has some issues with something that he did during his tenure. What should we know about Pete Hegseth? Two new aircraft carriers have been announced: The USS George W. Bush and the USS Bill Clinton. People have jokes already. Are Aircraft Carriers becoming obsolete due to recent advancements in technology? The cast highlights the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his accomplishments. They also discuss how his form of leadership can be impactful in the present day. The crew dives into ALNAV 001/25, what it means for sexual harassment reporting and the impact these changes have on Commanders, victims, and offenders. Where will PTSF land if TikTok is banned? Damo has an issue with social media food critics. Why don’t people speak out about toxic leaders during investigations even though they all know what’s going on? Damo plugs the ‘Childcare Aware’ program. A Commanding Officer was recently fired - do we need to know why? Follow ‘Permission to Speak Freely’ on TikTok, Facebook, Discord, Instagram, and Twitter, and subscribe on YouTube for more great content.       To have your “Do Better” reviewed on a future episode please get in touch with us at ptsfpodcast@gmail.com       Keep up with the ‘Permission to Speak Freely’ podcast on our social media and YouTube - https://linktr.ee/Ptsfpodcast       Links and more from the episode:   Legendary 30 - https://legendary30.com/ Women’s Wellness on the Waterfront - evergreen@womensholisticcare.com Inauguration Day  - https://www.cbsnews.com/news/inauguration-schedule-2025/ Farewell Remarks by SecDef - https://www.defense.gov/News/Speeches/Speech/Article/4033764/farewell-remarks-by-secretary-of-defense-lloyd-j-austin-iii-as-delivered/ Navy Names New Carriers - https://www.pacom.mil/Media/News/News-Article-View/Article/4029358/navy-names-2-future-carriers-after-presidents/ ALNAV 001/25 - https://www.mynavyhr.navy.mil/Portals/55/Messages/ALNAV/ALN2025/ALN25001.txt?ver=MYJcz_3gHkpNvolkmRQT9A%3d%3d Childcare Aware - https://www.childcareaware.org/       Book of the Week: Why We Can’t Wait (Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.)     Additional Credits: PTSF “Theme Music” - Produced by Lim0

MUCS Jeremy “JB” Bustillos joins Damo and Tish. He’s a 27-year Senior Chief Petty Officer whose outside Navy accomplishments include tours in multiple major arenas, including Madison Square Garden and a No. 1 selling Blues album. Coming off of a season to celebrate, there are always those we must also mourn. Fire in LA and snow in the northeast; the team covers some of the major weather stories of the season. What would you put in your “emergency preparedness kit”? Where were you during the “Great Toilet Paper War” of 2020? Some Bidet stuff starts, but Damo quickly exits the conversation. Should temporary housing be available for Sailors who receive BAH but need to look for housing after they report to a command? Damo urges leaders to stop holding mandatory events on holidays. ALNAV 001/25 was recently released. We will discuss changes in a bit more length in our next episode. JB clears up some misconceptions about advancement in the MU rating. Is it difficult to crossrate to become a Navy musician? What instruments have Damo played in his life? Does Tisha have a musical background? How’s MU A-School? What jobs do Navy Musicians pursue after they retire? Do musicians get in trouble for making mistakes during performances? How do MUs compete for evaluations? Tish and JB discuss their favorite personal music moments. JB talks about a few of his “worst days” as a Navy musician. Damo asks JB about his accomplishments outside of his military uniform. JB expounds on his career path and talks about his family of seven. He speaks about the most impactful commands he’s been to in his 27-year career. How long does it take an MU to make Chief? Will the Senior Enlisted Marketplace be beneficial for Navy musicians? Damo talks about whether he has any plans when it comes to music. JB joins the  #DoBetter segment.   Follow ‘Permission to Speak Freely’ on TikTok, Facebook, Discord, Instagram, and Twitter, and subscribe on YouTube for more great content.   To have your “Do Better” reviewed on a future episode please get in touch with us at ptsfpodcast@gmail.com   Keep up with the ‘Permission to Speak Freely’ podcast on our social media and YouTube - https://linktr.ee/Ptsfpodcast     Links and more from the episode   Jeremy “JB” Bustillos’ Social Media & More:   Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jbharpnsax/   Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/jbharmonica/   Navy.mil - https://www.c7f.navy.mil/band/band-leadership/assistant-director/   Jeremy’s Podcast ‘Same As It Ever Was’ - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/same-as-it-ever-was/id1504319945         Book of the Week: Lead Like Lasso (Marnie Stockman, Ed.D & Nick Coniglio) - https://www.leaditlikelasso.com/     Additional Credits: PTSF “Theme Music” - Produced by Lim0

Shout to all of our followers and supporters.  Thank you for a great year!  Damon and Damo are back to close out the year. The guys catch up on their respective holidays. In dire need of advice, Damo brings up relationship dynamics to Damon. Right before Christmas, news of a government shutdown had some people concerned. Damon is finally convinced about life outside of this planet. NAVADMIN 255/24 was released before the holidays. This one is about Billet-Based Advancements - the guys take a deep dive. He may also believe that AI is going to take over the world. What the hell is going on in the Red Sea when it comes to these friendly fire incidents? Do you know what to do if you see a drone flying over your installation? The USS George Washington is taking precautionary measures when it comes to alcohol following a few deaths in a matter of days. Tom Cruise was awarded a top honor from the US Navy for his contributions to the Navy and Marine Corps. The guys switch gears and discuss Kendrick Lamar’s recently released surprise album, ‘GNX.’  How were those Christmas games on Netflix? The guys give Beyonce her flowers.  The guys discuss taking chances, not giving tips, and what they would tell a younger version of themselves if they had the opportunity. Damon questions if the military is failing in our approaches to suicide prevention. Damo reads a listener’s #DoBetter and Damon provides one of his own. The guys have a special movie review for this episode. Y’all remember those? Follow ‘Permission to Speak Freely’ on TikTok, Facebook, Discord, Instagram, and Twitter, and subscribe on YouTube for more great content.   To have your “Do Better” reviewed on a future episode please get in touch with us at ptsfpodcast@gmail.com   Keep up with the ‘Permission to Speak Freely’ podcast on our social media and YouTube - https://linktr.ee/Ptsfpodcast     Links and more from the episode Government Shutdown Update: https://nlihc.org/resource/congress-passes-funding-deal-and-disaster-aid-package-prevent-government-shutdown NAVADMIN 255/24 (Billet-Based Advancements): https://www.mynavyhr.navy.mil/Portals/55/Messages/NAVADMIN/NAV2024/NAV24255.txt?ver=iAry9Hr5TRS54TXRA3yDSA%3d%3d BBA NAVADMIN Fact Sheet: chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://www.mynavyhr.navy.mil/Portals/55/Messages/NAVADMIN/FACT_SHEETS/Fact_Sheet_NAV_255_24.pdf?ver=5uaM6idbLELqyWwL1fE5ng%3d%3d BBA Handbook: dvidshub.net/r/bm8asv Uss Gettysburg https://abcnews.go.com/amp/International/2-navy-pilots-shot-red-sea-friendly-fire/story?id=117025025 Drone Incursions.  https://www.twz.com/news-features/multiple-drone-incursions-reported-over-marine-corps-base-camp-pendleton Alcohol is banned on the GW.  https://www.navytimes.com/news/your-navy/2024/12/04/alcohol-banned-for-uss-george-washington-crew-following-sailor-deaths/ Tom Cruise Gets Top US Navy Honor https://apnews.com/article/tom-cruise-top-gun-navy-honor-britain-973f508e7d1359f5f473a6697c3e5984       Movie Review The Six Triple Eight (Tyler Perry) - https://www.netflix.com/title/81590591       Book of the Week Black Veteran Entrepreneur (Mike Steadman/ Alana Abernethy) - https://www.amazon.com/Black-Veteran-Entrepreneur-Validate-Greatness-ebook/dp/B0BHV5799B       Additional Credits: PTSF “Theme Music” - Produced by Lim0

Damo is delighted with his recent experience with sleep therapy. Damon just finished INSURV on his Aircraft Carrier. Damo gets back in his “tin foil” bag and brings up aliens again to Damon. Damo talks about receiving his first DEOCS. Damon and Damo discuss how they spent Thanksgiving. The guys discuss what they are thankful for this year in the Navy. What is the “worst” rank in the Navy? Have you seen that graphic going around about upcoming changes in the Navy? The guys discuss these changes and why they waited so long to bring the topic up. NAVADMIN 242/24 was released, marking a major change to the Navy’s PFA process. The Pentagon recently dropped 51 disqualifying conditions. The latest annual suicide list has been released by the DoD. AFFF is being sunset due to its toxic nature. NFCU is back in the news for all the wrong reasons. Another Chief was caught stealing military equipment. How can Chiefs that steal retain respect at their commands? Damon has a question about the concept of “change” and what that looks like for a servicemember. The guys discuss their weekly approaches to leadership. The guys share the latest #DoBetter from a listener along with a few of their own. Damo finally finished “The Last Stand of the Tin Can Sailors” and is here to share his review. Follow ‘Permission to Speak Freely’ on TikTok, Facebook, Discord, Instagram, and Twitter, and subscribe on YouTube for more great content.     To have your “Do Better” reviewed on a future episode please get in touch with us at ptsfpodcast@gmail.com       Keep up with the ‘Permission to Speak Freely’ podcast on our social media and YouTube - https://linktr.ee/Ptsfpodcast       Links and more from the episode:   Drake vs. The Industry https://apnews.com/article/drake-lawsuit-umg-d36b719ed62009c01f09d949b1032c25   Aliens in the Ocean? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nCCVK1i0TjE&ab_channel=WACHFOX   New PRT Navadmin: https://www.mynavyhr.navy.mil/Portals/55/Messages/NAVADMIN/NAV2024/NAV24242.txt?ver=1_AQJjkprVGMF2v-ZMok9Q%3d%3d   Pentagon Drops 51 Disqualifying Conditions https://www.militarytimes.com/news/your-military/2024/10/31/pentagon-drops-51-disqualifying-conditions-as-part-of-recruiting-push/   Houthis Attacking Destroyers https://news.usni.org/2024/11/12/houthis-attack-two-u-s-destroyers-leaving-the-red-sea-pentagon-says   2025 DoD Suicide Report Released https://www.defense.gov/News/Releases/Release/Article/3964785/department-of-defense-releases-its-annual-report-on-suicide-in-the-military-for/#:~:text=In%20CY%202023%2C%20523%20Service,have%20gradually%20increased%20since%202011   Rest Well Sgt. Sarah Roque: Why are we killing each other? https://www.cbsnews.com/news/sergeant-death-sarah-roque-soldier-charged-murder-missouri-fort-leonard-wood/ Body Of Missing 23-Year-Old Army Sergeant Found In Dumpster, Believed To Be Homicide https://www.wideopencountry.com/body-of-missing-23-year-old-army-sergeant-found-in-dumpster-believed-to-be-homicide/   Removal of AFFF https://www.stripes.com/theaters/asia_pacific/2024-11-18/pfas-firefighting-foam-military-japan-15884315.html   Navy Fed fined 95 million for illegal overdraft fees https://www.pymnts.com/bank-regulation/2024/navy-federal-credit-union-fined-95-million-for-illegal-overdraft-fees/   Chief Caught Stealing https://www.13newsnow.com/article/news/crime/chief-petty-officer-pleads-guilty-to-stealing-military-equipment-and-selling-it-online/291-7aa2bb23-4127-48e8-9685-cfe795c85bec   ‘Nah’ to ‘Rah’ is crazy  - Marine recruit says nah to ‘rah,’ flees boot camp, gets captured https://www.marinecorpstimes.com/news/your-marine-corps/2024/11/12/marine-recruit-says-nah-to-rah-flees-boot-camp-gets-captured/       Book of the Week: The Last Stand of the Tin Can Sailors (James Hornfisher) https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/82865/the-last-stand-of-the-tin-can-sailors-by-james-d-hornfischer/       Additional Credits: PTSF “Theme Music” - Produced by Lim0

Damo and Tisha are joined by AS1 Justin Kramer. They open the episode with a conversation about the ups and downs of social media. Damo breaks down his extroverted introversion. Is perception really reality, or is that just an overused adage? An AS is a pretty rare rate in the Navy, and Damo wonders if it was Justin’s first choice. What does an AS do? AS1 did a tour with the Blue Angels and detailed his experience. What is the margin for error for a Blue Angel? AS1 details his “hardest day” as a Blue Angel. How does an AS with the Blue Angels compete for evaluations? After the Blue Angels, Justin did an IA tour in Bahrain; he broke down the mission. Justin was in Bahrain during the “Day of Rage,” which doubles as one of his worst experiences in the Navy. AS1 details his initial reporting and check-in experiences on the USS Bonhomme Richard (BHR) in 2019. He also gives us a new term: T.E.D.S - Typical Enlisted Dudes. AS1 just so happened to be in the off-going duty section the morning of the fire on the BHR. He played a role in the firefighting efforts as a Team Leader and details his first-hand experiences while attacking the casualty. He describes the physical, mental, and emotional impact that this experience had on him. How was the command climate affected by the fire? How did the command deal with the aftermath of how it played out in the media? AS1 talked about wanting to stay on the ship until she decommissioned. AS1 details living with PTSD, the support of his family, and the therapy he’s been receiving. AS1 Kramer gives his “Do Better.” Justin asks Damo and Tish a couple of questions. Damo introduces a game to AS1. Don’t miss this packed episode, and be sure to follow ‘Permission to Speak Freely’ on TikTok, Facebook, Discord, Instagram, and Twitter, and subscribe on YouTube for more great content.       To have your “Do Better” reviewed on a future episode please get in touch with us at ptsfpodcast@gmail.com       Keep up with the ‘Permission to Speak Freely’ podcast on our social media and YouTube - https://linktr.ee/Ptsfpodcast         Links and more from the episode:         Book of the Week: Speak Like a CEO (Suzanne Bates) https://www.porchlightbooks.com/product/speak-like-a-ceo-secrets-for-commanding-attention-and-getting-results--suzanne-bates/isbn/9781260117486         Additional Credits: PTSF “Theme Music” - Produced by Lim0