It all started with a Thompson .45 caliber machine gun. And then 37 tanks later, WW2 Armor was born. Now there is an organization that can breathe life into what people typically only read about in books.

WW2 Armor is a self-propelled living museum that demonstrates fully operational WWII tanks, tank destroyers, and artillery at public events as a way to honor the men who fought in them. One such public event is coming up, the D-Day reenactment in Conneaut, Ohio (more information below). This event brings Normandy here and makes it accessible to people who normally might not be able to experience it. 

WW2 Armor is an educational outfit that seeks to educate the wider public about U.S. armor tactics, training, vehicles and personnel of WWII. In short, our goal is to allow a taste of what it meant to be a tank crewmember during that time and to show what those soldiers endured and accomplished. While many WWII armored vehicles can be seen in museums or as part of outdoor memorial displays, that only goes so far. An entirely different impression and understanding comes when the engines roar to life and the vehicles kick-up dust and dirt as they rumble past. 

Mike Houk is a retired U.S. Army master sergeant. He began his 23 years with four as an Abrams tanker at Ft. Riley, KS, obtaining the rank of sergeant. After his initial enlistment, Mike reclassed into Army public affairs as a video journalist, which after 19 years, culminated in a position as spokesman for the National Guard Bureau. In 2016, prior to retirement, Mike began a civilian tanking hobby as volunteer crew on a replica Tiger tank that had been used in the movie “Saving Private Ryan,” and soon after, began volunteering with Rabbi Rob Thomas’ WW2 Armor, as a tank and tank destroyer crewman. 

Listeners, if you would like to learn more about WW2 Armor, check out their website here or connect with them on social media via Facebook, Instagram, or YouTube. If you happen to know a WW2 veteran, please reach out. Also, if you are interested in the D-Day reenactment in Ohio, you can find more information here, remember it’s a free event, but you need a ticket to attend.

Empowerment Patrol Report with Annie

Today we are showcasing one of our volunteers who is an MRE winner, which by the way, that stands for Motivated and Ready to Empower. A huge congratulations to Army Wife Network Command Team Member, our Recon Representative, KateLynn Heavilon.

KateLynn was born and raised just outside of St. Louis, MO. She met her reservist husband while KateLynn was pursuing an undergraduate degree. After they married, her husband transitioned to Active Duty and they spent three years at Fort Hood, TX, then two years at Fort Bragg, NC prior to arriving at their current duty station, Goodfellow AFB, TX. KateLynn has held a variety of volunteer positions, and continues to be active within her local community. She enjoys spending time with their two rescue dogs and completing craft & DIY projects her free time.

So much thanks goes out to KateLynn for doing your part to empower military families all across the globe.

Encouragement Minute with Juanda

You are beautifully and wonderfully made. We have all thought of ways to physically alter our bodies because of something we didn’t like. However, I want us all to take a deeper look. When you begin to love yourself, flaws and all, that is how others in return will treat you and see you. Love yourself to the fullest.

News 6 with Jolene

Here is this week’s News 6 mashup of stories for the week of July 25th, 2022, straight from AWN News 6 Correspondent, Jolene McNutt:

Navy Struggles to Separate Sailors Efficiently

Each year nearly 37,000 sailors separate from the Navy which has recently been scrutinized for severe delays in issuing separation orders and DD-214 forms which provide proof of military service and determining eligibility for benefits. The separation orders are crucial for scheduling moves, breaking leases, finding new employment and more. Military.com investigated a complaint from Christopher Atkins, whose separation orders took 123 days – and were issued within days of Military.com asking for details. 

Air Force Debuts Healthy Cooking Show

“The Air Force has launched an entertaining program to show its airmen and women, and their families, how to eat [healthier], and like it,” announced Federal News Network. The program is called Nutrition Kitchen where a chef from the Joint Culinary Center of Excellence at Fort Lee, Virginia, gives three Levels of a version of a recipe, suggests modifications and ingredient swaps to “level up” the nutrition. Following the chef, registered dieticians at Travis Air Force Base discuss the science and nutrition behind the chef’s choices. 

 

Service Members of the Year Announced

The Military Times Foundation announced the Service Members of the Year awards for 2022. For the past 21 years, Service Members of the Year awards have honored one outstanding military member (active duty, Guard or Reserve) from each branch of service. They are selected based on exemplary military service that goes beyond the call of duty.

Army Soldier of the Year: Maj. Nicholas Dockery

Marine of the Year: Maj. Cory Jones

Airman of the Year: Staff Sgt. Duncan Copley

Sailor of the Year: AWS2 Cale Foy

Coast Guardsman of the Year: AST2 Joshua Carlson

Veteran of the Year: David Kim, who founded the charity Children of Fallen Patriots

You can check out more of this week’s top stories here.

Podcast Brought to You by First Command

Thank you again to today’s sponsor, First Command Financial Services. With four out of five financial coaches coming from the ranks of military spouses or veterans, they’re uniquely qualified to help you pursue financial security. Visit www.firstcommand.com to learn more and find a financial coach near you.

Thank You

Thank you for tuning into this week’s episode. Please leave a five-star rating and review on Apple podcasts, then send us a screenshot of your review to info@armywifenetwork.com or DM us on Facebook or Instagram @armywifenetwork to receive a special in-real-life gift as a thank you on behalf of AWN. We appreciate your engagement and support.

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