Beneath The Uniform
Beneath the Uniform focuses on the people, not the uniform. Addressing the topics, challenges and issues that military members face each day. We are taking a deep dive into who the people are beneath the uniform- where do they come from, what are they focused on and how has the military helped shape their ideals? We are also getting real with issues and concerns facing military members today- not only military issues, but the real life issues we all face every day.We are Chaplain (Maj) Xiomara Diaz and Capt. Pete Gioia, two officers at the 109th Airlift Wing, New York Air National Guard. We come with the experience of being enlisted, officers, parents, athletes, and friends. We hope to share some of our knowledge, learn some new things, and find out more about who people are Beneath the Uniform.
Episodes
18 episodes
Who is: Maj. Gen. Michele Kilgore
Major General Michele Kilgore returns to the 109th to talk with Chaplain Diaz and Captain Gioia about her leadership journey and how she has progressed to where she is today.The general recalls her time at the Air Force Academy and what ...
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1:38:40
The Six Pack- Navigating friendships in the workplace
In this episode, Chap D and Cap G explore the delicate balance between maintaining genuine friendships and upholding professional boundaries in today's work environment. Chaplain Diaz welcomes her closest friends to the studio to t...
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Season 3
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Episode 2
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1:06:50
The Life of a First Sergeant
Season 3 kicks off with SMSgt Dan Tibbitts, the first sergeant for the 109th Airlift Wing. Chap D and Cap G do a deep dive into what is a first sergeant and why they are such an important part of a leadership team.SMSgt Tibbitts ...
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Season 3
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Episode 1
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1:06:00
The Emotional Journey of Divorce
In this episode, Chaplain Diaz and Capt. Gioia speak with TSgt Jonathan Hooker, who recently went through a divorce. He shares his personal experiences, the challenges he faced, and how he found healing and growth along the way.
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59:05
Who is - Col Rob Donaldson
Get to know the 109th's new wing commander, Col. Rob Donaldson.Chaplain Diaz and Capt. Gioia talk to the incoming commander about how he grew up and his service history. They touch on Col Donaldson's views on failure, change and g...
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Season 2
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Episode 3
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1:17:19
Balancing Acts: Navigating Life in the Sandwich Generation
Chaplain Diaz and Capt. Gioia delve into the complexities of being part of the "sandwich generation" – individuals who find themselves simultaneously caring for aging parents while also supporting their own children. Maj. Heather Mi...
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Season 2
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Episode 2
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1:08:49
Unveiling Resilience: Navigating Life After Loss
Capt. Haleigh Hindes, Aeromedical Evacuation technician, shares her story about her experience when someone she loved committed suicide. An open, honest telling of what happened before and after her husband took his life.
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Season 2
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Episode 1
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1:05:02
Being a part of the LGBTQ+ community while serving in the military
Chaplain Diaz and Capt Gioia welcome Lt. Col. Kelly Person from the 109th Airlift Wing and National Guard Bureau, and Lt. Col. Jeff Roth, commander of the 258th Field Artillery Regiment for the Army National Guard part-time and he also commands...
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57:15
Being a commander while struggling on deployment
The Logistic s readiness Squadron Commander, Lt Col James Vendetti, joins the podcast to discuss his career path- and experiences on deployment."The things that are so hard and seem so impossible are the things you are most proud of whe...
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1:14:46
Being a woman in the military
Chap D and Cap G welcome two women serving at the 109th.Lt. Col. Ashley Fitzgibbon is the Force Support Squadron commander and CMSgt Karolyn DeVito is the maintenance groups superintendent.They share their stories of how they ca...
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Episode 8
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1:03:54
Unspoken losses
Maj. Jean Kratzer, an N.Y. Army National Guardsman, tells her story of trying to concieve a baby and her experience with miscarriage. Capt. Gioia also shares some personal experience he has had with the topic.
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Episode 7
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56:20
Meet the Hosts! Who is- Chap D and Cap G
Who are Xiomara Diaz and Pete Gioia?The hosts take turns interviewing each other to learn more about where they came from, what shaped them to be who they are today and why they do this podcast.They also face rapid fire question...
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Episode 6
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1:08:47
An Airman's experience with depression
TSgt Kayla Casey shares her experience with Postpartum depression and how she was able to seek help when she needed it the most.Kayla shares what it felt like to have all of the feelings of anger, resentment and rage and the "fog" she w...
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Episode 5
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48:25
Who is- Col Christian Sander
Chap D and Capt Gioia welcome the 109th Airlift Wing commander, Col. Christian Sander to the podcast. Too often, the wing commander is someone that not many people know. This episode gave the opportunity to open up and learn ...
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Episode 4
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56:38
The reality of war and being a Veteran
TSgt Martin Allen is an air transportation specialist at the 109th Airlift Wing. He enlisted in the Marine Corps at the age of 18 to give himself a chance at a life different than the one he grew up in. During his time...
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Episode 3
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44:26
Who is- CMSgt Denny Richardson
BTU episode 2 welcomes Command Chief of the N.Y. Air National Guard, CMSgt Denny Richardson. Chap D and Capt. Gioia sit down with the Chief to discuss his background, who he is outside of the uniform, the influence his mother had o...
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Episode 2
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53:46