HERo Stories

What happens when the person everyone sees as a hero is quietly fighting battles of her own?In this episode of HERo Stories, I sit down with Ashlee Leppert, a U.S. Coast Guard aviation veteran, author, and speaker whose remarkable career included hundreds of lifesaving missions and recognition at the 2018 State of the Union Address for her crew's rescue efforts during Hurricane Harvey.But behind those accomplishments, Ashlee was facing challenges few people knew about.We talk about her journey into Coast Guard aviation, the unforgettable rescues that shaped her career, and the unexpected medical diagnosis that brought her military service to an end. Ashlee also shares openly about trauma, PTSD, faith, and the challenges of finding purpose and rebuilding her life after leaving the military.From traveling across the country on her own to writing two memoirs and discovering new ways to connect with fellow veterans, Ashlee's story is about much more than the lives she helped save.One of my favorite parts of our conversation is Ashlee's perspective on what makes someone a hero—not simply what they've accomplished, but what they've overcome.It's an honest conversation about resilience, vulnerability, healing, and learning that even those who spend their lives rescuing others sometimes need help themselves.Connect with Ashlee LeppertWebsite: https://ashleeleppert.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/author_ashlee_leppert/Read Ashlee's books on AmazonThe Hurricane Within- https://www.amazon.com/s?k=The+Hurricane+Within+Ashlee+Leppert&utm_sourceThe Hurricane Within, Volume 2: Beyond the Storm- https://www.amazon.com/s?k=The+Hurricane+Within+Beyond+the+Storm+Ashlee+Leppert&utm_sourceAbout HERo StoriesHERo Stories shares the personal experiences of women veterans and military spouses—the challenges, accomplishments, and unexpected turns that shape their lives beyond military service.Because every woman's story deserves to be heard.Content note: This episode includes discussion of trauma, assault, PTSD, substance use, and mental health struggles.@herostories2025

Navigating Transitions: Lori Noga's Journey Through the Bardo of Life and BusinessIn this episode, Lori Noga shares her deeply personal journey through career change, loss, identity reconstruction, and the power of community. Her insights on vulnerability, resilience, and finding purpose in life's in-between moments offer a compelling guide for anyone facing their own transitions.Key Topics:Lori's military background and how leadership lessons from the Navy shaped her entrepreneurial journeyThe concept of the "Bardo" and how it captures liminal spaces in life between who we were and who we are becomingBuilding Tranquility Dental Wellness: creating a practice centered on human connection and convenience for busy familiesNavigating life changes, including selling her business and dealing with the death of her fatherThe importance of self-awareness, therapy, journaling, and meditation in healing and growthChallenges of scaling a business while managing family and personal transitionsThe desire to build communities and mentorship programs for women, adolescents, and entrepreneursEmbracing uncertainty, surrender, and taking one day at a timeTimestamps:00:00 - Introduction and long-standing friendship02:00 - Reflections on 20 years since Officer Candidate School02:43 - Lori’s early life and professional background before Navy service03:35 - The influence of perfectionism and upbringing on Lori’s development04:35 - How therapy and self-awareness shed light on her perfectionist tendencies05:31 - The struggles with her mother’s ongoing depression06:11 - What prompted Lori to switch from actuarial work to dentistry07:06 - The significance of Navy scholarship programs in her career transition08:11 - Building Tranquility Dental Wellness: filling gaps in patient care and convenience09:11 - Lessons from military leadership applicable to entrepreneurial growth10:04 - Navigating starting a practice from scratch and the challenges faced12:41 - Key experiences in military dental service and patient volume in the Marines13:38 - How military service instilled lessons on leadership at every level14:05 - Challenges of conforming in a hierarchical system and questioning in the military15:28 - Building deep connections through military service versus civilian life16:35 - The impact of the military on her leadership style and community building18:35 - Transitioning out of the Navy and relocating for family and career19:16 - Insights on opening her first practice amidst family growth and economic challenges20:46 - Developing her dream practice as a wellness center focused on women and busy families23:03 - Evolving ideas around accessible, luxurious dental care24:49 - The rapid growth of her practice and balancing motherhood with entrepreneurship28:48 - Challenges and sacrifices in scaling the business and personal life34:26 - Deciding to sell her practices and the emotional journey of letting go37:52 - Reflections on identity after selling her business and the loss of purpose39:36 - Facing the death of her father and lessons on acceptance and impermanence41:20 - The ongoing process of untangling personal worth from professional achievement43:23 - Daily practices of meditation, journaling, yoga, and discipline for mental clarity46:08 - Exploring "Beyond the Bardo" — life as a series of liminal transitions47:34 - Envisioning support for others navigating their own bardos and life chapters50:28 - The importance of community for women and adolescents in transition52:07 - Mentorship, leadership, and the need for authentic connection and guidance55:07 - Sharing vulnerably through writing and the impact of storytelling65:03 - The empowering story women need to tell themselves: "You are enough"66:24 - Moving forward with discipline, hope, and acceptance of life's uncertainties67:00 - Closing remarks: embracing life's transitions with courage and communityResources & Links:Beyond the Bardo – Lori's website exploring life's liminal spacesSubstack Profile – Lori’s writings on transition and healingConnect with Lori:LinkedInNote: This episode offers valuable reflections on vulnerability, growth, and resilience for those in transition, emphasizing that life's most profound change often takes place in between the chapters—the liminal spaces that shape us.@herostories2025

Content Warning:This episode contains discussions of sensitive topics, including sexual assault and rape, which may be triggering for some listeners. Please take care while listening."Hero Stories" Episode Featuring Karen HenniganIn this powerful episode of Hero Stories, Karen Hennigan, a 23-year Air Force veteran, attorney, and leader, shares her extraordinary journey of service, resilience, and healing. From pioneering an all-female combat mission to navigating personal grief amid a global pandemic, her story is a testament to the strength and grace of women warriors.Main Topics Covered:Karen's military career, including her experience as an Air Force prosecutor and her role on the first all-female combat mission on a C-17 aircraftHer international experiences working in Laos, Estonia, Sri Lanka, and Korea, supporting global anti-corruption and law enforcement effortsPersonal journey of grief after losing her parents to COVID-19 and how she found healing through music, meditation, and communityThe creation of the Athena Grace Foundation to support women veterans and service members in recovery and connectionThe importance of mental health normalization in the military and the unique challenges women face after serviceTimestamps:00:04 - Welcome to Hero Stories with Karen Hennigan, a veteran, attorney, and healer01:52 - Reflecting on the impact of service and beginnings in officer training school02:34 - Karen's motivation to join the military inspired by family of public servants03:23 - From law school in DC to the military prosecutor role04:15 - An amusing courtroom story involving her brother, a police officer in NYC05:11 - Experience as a military prosecutor and training others in court06:22 - Over 23 years in the AF Reserve, with international law missions abroad07:23 - Working in Laos on anti-corruption initiatives and repatriation missions08:56 - Recalling emotional moments with U.S. human remains and personal connection to Vietnam veterans10:33 - Discussing the challenges Vietnam veterans faced with VA benefits14:39 - Personal story of her father's struggle with PTSD and VA support19:20 - Navigating her own grief during the COVID pandemic and her parents’ passing25:57 - The mental health challenges of military service and normalization of seeking help30:07 - Key moments as a prosecutor helping victims and mental health resilience36:44 - Experiences in Saudi Arabia, navigating cultural differences and service abroad39:54 - Supporting international legal efforts in Estonia, Sri Lanka, and Bosnia44:03 - Transitioning to work with DOJ on financial crimes and international investigations50:18 - Her move to Meta/Facebook and ongoing reserve service54:45 - Personal reflection on her parents’ loss and coping with COVID’s toll64:51 - Building community and healing through travel, music, and meditation75:25 - Launching the Athena Grace Foundation for women veterans and service members83:18 - Supporting women’s networks and the importance of shared experience86:54 - Her experience on the first all-female combat mission on a C-17 aircraft90:23 - Closing thoughts on resilience, community, and honoring serviceResources & Links:Athena Grace Foundation — Supporting women warriors in healing and community (Coming Soon) Meta / Facebook — Karen’s employer and platform for serviceThe Geneva Conventions — International humanitarian law trainingHooks for Heroes — Supporting veterans through outdoor activitiesVeterans Yoga Project — Mindfulness and yoga for veteransVeteran Affairs Benefits — Explore mental health resources for veteransVFW Support — Veterans of Foreign Wars support and resourcesConnect with Karen Hennigan:LinkedInFollow us on Instagram @herostories2025 for behind-the-scenes content, updates, and more inspiring stories!Closing note:Karen’s story underscores that resilience is about continuing to show up, heal, and find peace even in the face of profound life changes. Sharing stories like hers inspires us all to honor service, support mental health, and build communities of healing.Your support helps amplify the voices of women veterans and service members. Share this episode with someone who needs to hear it.@herostories2025

Hero Stories: Leadership, Resilience, and Service - Featuring Kay Een. Dive into the inspiring journey of Kay Een, a Navy veteran whose career spans air traffic control, NCIS special agent work, and impactful coaching. Discover how resilience, leadership, and adaptability shaped her life and service, offering valuable lessons for anyone navigating change and growth.Main Topics Covered:Kay's diverse military career, from air traffic control to criminal investigationsThe challenges and rewards of military service, deployments, and family lifeTransitioning from active duty to coaching, emphasizing found purpose and identityThe importance of advocacy, resilience, and intentionality in career and life shiftsThe role of coaching as a tool for self-reflection and transition supportIn this episode:Kay shares her early decision to join the Navy after high school influenced by her family's military backgroundThe rigorous training and high responsibility given to young service membersHer work as an air traffic controller and loadmaster, highlighting the stress and skills involvedThe impact of 9/11 on her military service and the deployment to Qatar and IraqTransitioning from military to federal law enforcement with NCIS, specializing in cyber investigations and crimes against childrenLeadership lessons learned from managing in Okinawa and supporting her family through multiple movesHer shift into coaching and the importance of meaningfully navigating the “in-between” phases of lifeThe significance of advocacy, self-awareness, and intentional living post-retirementKay's current focus on helping others find purpose through coaching, grounded in her military discipline and compassionTimestamps:(00:00) - Welcome and introduction to Kay's inspiring story(01:25) - Kay discusses her motivation to join the Navy after high school(03:09) - What it's like to train as an air traffic controller in the military(04:18) - Kay was just 18 during her initial training(06:01) - Serving in Pearl Harbor and her transition from reservist to active duty(06:39) - Her decision to leave air traffic control and pursue forensic science(07:25) - Early challenges and confidence building in air traffic control(09:11) - Transition from Navy service to law enforcement with NCIS(10:33) - Serving as a loadmaster on C-20 aircraft and aviation skills(11:48) - The intense training and safety protocols for aircrew(13:37) - Deployments during 9/11, including Iraq missions(17:07) - Her internships and entry into NCIS training(20:00) - Overview of NCIS special agent training and duties(22:12) - Day-to-day life as an NCIS agent and investigation types(30:42) - Specialization in crimes against children and cyber investigations(32:48) - Leadership roles, family management, and career progression(35:19) - Most memorable assignments, including Okinawa and Iraq(37:17) - Navigating military family life and career sacrifices(40:46) - Advocacy for military spouses and diversity initiatives(43:39) - Transitioning from active duty and redefining purpose(50:12) - Post-retirement activities, including hiking and coaching(52:42) - Kay’s coaching approach and certification journey(54:41) - Supporting others with Kaizen Island Coaching(55:23) - Importance of reflection and intentional transition(58:44) - Differences between coaching and therapy(59:33) - Embracing structured life and finding personal identity(60:36) - Supporting others through transition and uncertainty(62:45) - Personal passions like water sports and reflecting on purpose(63:39) - Final words of encouragement and thanking Kay(64:11) - Reflection on service, leadership, and impactResources:Kaizen Island Coaching — Kay's coaching practiceCoaching for Leadership & Organizational Well-being - George Mason University — Certification programNCIS Official Website — Learn more about NCISConnect with Kay Een:LinkedInNote: Kay's story demonstrates that service, leadership, and impact take many forms—whether coordinating aircraft, solving crimes, or guiding others through life transitions. Her journey highlights resilience, purpose, and the power of finding your voice at every stage.Thank you for listening to Hero Stories. For your own hero story or to share someone else's, visit herostories.org. Keep supporting others and evolving your unique path.Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this episode are Kay's own and reflect her personal experiences. They do not represent the official positions, policies, or endorsements of the Naval Criminal Investigative Service, the Department of the Navy, the Department of Defense, or any other agency or department of the United States Government.@herostories2025

In this inspiring episode, Carol Whitmore, the first woman to lead the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), shares her journey from Army service to national leadership. She discusses veteran advocacy, support for military families, the role of the VFW, POW/MIA recovery efforts, and her participation in a historic all-women parachute jump commemorating D-Day and the often-overlooked contributions of women during WWII. keywordsVeterans, Women in Military, VFW, Military Leadership, Veteran Support, D-Day, Parachute Jump, Military History, Veteran Advocacy, Women Veterans key  topicsCarol Whitmore's military career and leadership journeyChallenges faced by women in the militaryThe role of the VFW in veteran advocacy and supportThe significance of the all-women parachute jump for D-DayIssues facing young service members, including transportation and mental health guest  nameCarol WhitmoreTitlesFirst Woman Commander of VFW Shares Her Journey and MissionBreaking Barriers: Women Leading the Veterans of Foreign Wars sound bites"Advocating for all veterans, not just women""Came in during the era of Women's Army Corps""Honoring women who parachuted prior to D-Day"Chapters00:00 Introduction to Carol Whitmore and Her Journey02:33 Challenges Faced by Veterans Today05:15 Carol's Military Career and Transition to Nursing07:45 The Importance of Transportation for Enlisted Personnel10:09 Advocacy for Veterans and the Role of VFW13:01 Understanding VFW Eligibility and Benefits15:35 Current Legislative Efforts for Veterans18:00 The Impact of Medical Retirements on Veterans20:26 Conclusion and Future Aspirations23:37 Navigating Disability Claims and Support for Veterans26:29 The Journey to VFW Leadership29:13 The Role of Compassion in Service31:54 Community Engagement and Youth Programs38:15 Women in Leadership and Military Service42:53 Addressing Isolation and Support for Young Servicemembers45:47 Addressing the Challenges of Driving Safety for Veterans46:30 Transitioning Leadership in the VFW47:21 The Ongoing Mission for POW/MIA Recovery50:33 Personal Experiences in Recovery Missions52:25 Community Involvement and Support for Veterans53:47 Commemorating Women in Military History56:18 The Importance of Recognizing Unsung Heroes58:54 Future Plans and Continuing Advocacy for VeteransResourcesVeterans of Foreign Wars (VFW)https://www.vfw.org/Find a VFW Post or Service Officerhttps://www.vfw.org/find-a-postVFW Youth Scholarshipshttps://www.vfw.org/community/youth-and-education/youth-scholarshipsStudent Veterans Supporthttps://www.vfw.org/assistance/student-veterans-supportFox Forcehttps://www.foxforce55.org/Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA)https://www.dpaa.mil/@herostories2025

U.S. Navy Nurse Corps veteran Liz Riffle traded scrubs for boots to launch Riffle Farms, West Virginia’s first commercial bison operation. In this episode, Liz shares her journey from military service to entrepreneurship, her passion for meat transparency and regenerative agriculture, and how resilience fuels her work on and off the farm.@rifflefarmbison@herostories2025

In this episode of Hero Stories, host Amy Kramer speaks with Cally Ingebritson from the Veteran Business Outreach Center (VBOC) about the resources available for veterans and military spouses looking to start their own businesses. They discuss the various workshops offered, common challenges faced by veteran entrepreneurs, and the importance of business planning and funding. Cally shares insights on unique business ideas, the significance of community support, and encourages listeners to take advantage of the resources available to them.https://www.sba.gov/local-assistance/resource-partners/veterans-business-outreach-centers-vbochttps://www.sba.gov/local-assistancehttps://www.bootstobusiness.msstate.edu/@herostories2025

In this episode of Heroes Stories, host Amy Kramer speaks with Christy Kisner, a seasoned Air Force Judge Advocate General (JAG) officer. Christy shares her journey from joining the Air Force to her experiences in combat zones, where she navigated complex legal challenges. She discusses her advocacy for Afghan allies and the emotional toll of military service. Christy's story highlights the importance of cultural understanding and the ongoing commitment to justice for those who served alongside U.S. forces. Her reflections on service and the need for compassion resonate deeply, making this conversation both inspiring and enlightening.https://afgfree.org@herostories2025

In this episode of Hero Stories, host Amy Kramer speaks with retired Marine Corps Lieutenant Colonel Claire, who shares her inspiring journey from aspiring lawyer to a distinguished military career. Claire discusses her motivations for joining the Marine Corps, the challenges of balancing military service with family life, and her experiences as a judge advocate in operational environments. She reflects on her deployment in Afghanistan, the complexities of international law, and the unique challenges faced by dual military couples. Claire also emphasizes the importance of resilience, support systems, and the lessons learned from her military service as she transitions into new passions post-retirement.@herostories2025

In this heartfelt episode, Amy Kramer speaks with Jessica Caulfield, a military spouse and certified grief educator, about the profound journey of infant loss and its impact on identity, family, and community. They explore the challenges of grieving while parenting, the importance of talking about loss, and the need for support in a grief-illiterate society. Jessica shares her personal story of losing her son Jack and how it has shaped her life and work, including the creation of the Lambie project to support families experiencing similar losses. The conversation emphasizes the importance of allowing oneself to grieve, the value of community support, and the ongoing journey of healing.This conversation is a tribute to angel babies, to the strength of families, and to the healing power of telling your story.If you or someone you love has experienced any form of loss, this episode is for you. You are not alone.@yokosuka_pailhttps://lpfch.org/impact-stories/tiny-but-mighty-baby-jacks-memory-lives-on/@herostories2025