In this episode of Raven Conversations, MSgt Sa Faumuina, First Sergeant for the 194th Medical Group and Bryan Bales, Program Manager for the Wellness, Arts, and the Military Program talk about their program. Tune in to see what arts programming grants, training, funding, and outreach are available for you. ➡For more information on the Wellness, Arts, and the Military Program, please visit https://www.arts.wa.gov/wam/

In this episode of Raven Conversations, we are joined by the Washington Army National Guard Commanding General, Brig. Gen. Paul Sellars. Tune in as BG Sellars shares his vision for the Washington Army National Guard and his thoughts on the keys to success as a servicemember.

In this episode of Raven Conversations, the Joint Services Support (JSS) team joins us to talk about the various programs and services the JSS provides for all Washington Guardsmen, reserve, veterans and family members. ➡Learn more about the Joint Services Support here: https://mil.wa.gov/family-programs ➡Contact the Joint Services Support: https://mil.wa.gov/contacts

In this episode of Raven Conversations, COL Matthew James, 81st SBCT Commander and CSM Kelly Wickel, 81st SBCT Command Sergeant Major talk about the upcoming Raven Rendezvous. Tune in to find out who's invited, what to expect and why it is important to come together during military events like this.

In this episode of Raven Conversations, we are joined by COL Angela Gentry, Director of Joint Operations and CSM Amelia Patterson, 56th Theater Information Operations Group CSM. The two leaders share their experiences in the military as female soldiers and touch on how things have changed for women in the military throughout the years.

In this episode of Raven Conversations, in celebration of Women's History Month, we are joined by two female guest hosts and a panel of female service members. Tune in to listen to their journey in the Washington National Guard.

In this episode of Raven Conversations, we are joined by SFC JoAnn Mebane, a member of the 122nd Theater Public Affairs Support Element who talks about her journey in the military.

In this episode of Raven Conversations, we are joined by SGT Kairhea Gordon, a member of the 2nd Battalion, 146th Field Artillery Regiment. SGT Gordon shares her experience as the first female Fire Direction Center (FDC) Chief.

In this episode of Raven Conversations, Jason Kriess, the original creator of the Raven Conversation podcast says farewell as he leaves the State Public Affairs office after more than 15 years.

In this episode of Raven Conversations, Annie DeAndrea, a Transition Assistance Specialist with the Joint Services Support, discusses filing your VA disability claim and breaks some myths about VA disability specifically for National Guard members. Connect with Annie to start your VA disability claim or to learn more: email- [email protected] DSN- (253) 512-8722 Original music by Meta Essence

In this episode of Raven Conversations, Maj. Gen. Charles Jeffries discusses his experiences in the National Guard and the United States Cyber Command. He also talks about how the National Guard provided him with valuable skillsets that bridged into his civilian career at Microsoft. Original music by Meta Essence

In this episode of Raven Conversations, Leslie Mayne and Jessica Kastrup from the Permission to Start Dreaming Foundation talk about how the foundation was started, the mission of the organization and how their event, Race for a Soldier, has connected them with the Washington National Guard Community. For more information on Permission to Start Dreaming Foundation, please visit PTSDfoundation.org Original music by Meta Essence

In this episode of Raven Conversations, WO1 John Androski, MAJ Joshua Jorgensen and 1SG Nicholas Vankirk, members of the Washington National Guard Biathlon Team talk about the biathlon program and their experiences competing. For more information on the Washington National Guard Biathlon Team, reach out to WO1 John Androski at [email protected] Original music by Meta Essence

In this episode of Raven Conversations, SGT Mike Cummings, a member of the 1-168th General Support Aviation Battalion talks about his experience working at NASCAR and how he came to serve in the Washington Army National Guard. Original music by Meta Essence

In this episode of Raven Conversations, Washington Air National Guard Public Affairs Officer, Lt Col Alyson Teeter talks about Veterans of Foreign Wars. For more information on the Ballard Eagleson Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3063: https://vfwseattle.org/ Learn more about the Veterans of Foreign Wars here, https://www.vfw.org/ Original music by Meta Essence

In this episode of Raven Conversations, CPT Bryan Elliott, a member of the 1st Squadron 303rd Cavalry Regiment talks about his experience serving the community in the Washington National Guard and also as the Kittitas County Auditor. Original music by Meta Essence

In this episode of Raven Conversations, SFC Sarah Braun, a Senior Recruiter with the WA Recruiting and Retention Battalion talks about her journey in education and how she utilized the benefits the Washington National Guard provided. Original music by Meta Essence

In this episode of Raven Conversations, LTC Keith Kosik, State Partnership Program Director talks about the program and the importance of the strong relationship we hold with the Kingdom of Thailand and the Country of Malaysia. See our website for more information: https://mil.wa.gov/state-partnership-program Original music by Meta Essence

In this episode of Raven Conversations, MSgt Aaron and Derek Reese, brothers serving in the Washington Air National Guard talk about how they came to serve in the National Guard and what it's like working together. Original music by Meta Essence

In this episode of Raven Conversations, Lt Col Rex Ayers, Washington Air National Guard talks about Washington Air National Guard's Innovation Team. Want to be a part of or learn more about Washington Air National Guard Innovation Team? Contact Lt Col Rex Ayers at [email protected] or MSgt Christopher Pavel at [email protected] Original music by Meta Esssence

In this episode of Raven Conversations, Chris Acuña, Commandant of the Washington Youth Challenge Academy talks about what the Washington Youth Challenge Academy is and how this program is setting up our youth for success. For more information on the Washington Youth Challenge Academy or to apply now for the program, visit https://mil.wa.gov/youth-academy

In this episode of Raven Conversations, WO1 Catherine Trujillo, a member of the 1st Battalion, 140th Aviation Regiment, C Co talks about her experience in becoming a pilot in the Washington National Guard. Regardless of the hurdles that were set in her path, she was able to overcome those obstacles in order to achieve her lifelong dream to fly. "Don't ever tell yourself that you can't, other people will tell you that enough." -WO1 Catherine Trujillo

Today is May 18th and on this day in 1980 Mt. St. Helens erupted with a force so powerful that it leveled tens of thousands of acres of forest and destroyed hundreds of homes, roadways and railways. 57 people lost their lives in the blast. On duty that day was a young helicopter pilot named Mike Cairns. He and many of his Washington National Guard pilots immediately flew towards the devastation and began the incredibly difficult task of finding survivors. Please listen in as he recounts those...

In this episode of Raven Conversations, Hollie Stark, the Outreach Program Manager for the Emergency Management Division talks about being disaster ready in Washington.

CW3 Ryan Schwend and CW2 Eugene Park stop by to tell us the story of how they were able to safely land after they experienced a catastrophic emergency during a routine trip while they were on deployment in Afghanistan. It is truly an amazing story! They walk us through their decision making process, how they communicated with the crew chiefs in the back, and how a ground crew were able to dislodge their broken, mangled cargo.