Family Guidons cover art

Family Guidons

Family Guidons

By: South Carolina National Guard
Listen for free

Military spouses have a new platform dedicated to their voices and experiences with the launch of the military spouse-led podcast ‘Family Guidons’, created by military spouses for military spouses and powered by the South Carolina National Guard. The podcast gives military spouses a place to share their stories and insights through open and supportive conversations. Hosts Cathy Bridgers, Michelle Matheny, and Charlotte Stilwell want to build a positive and welcoming community that talks about the unique challenges and successes of military families. Family Guidons will talk about many topics, such as deployments, state activations, and daily life in the military. The podcast promises to keep things honest and useful. Listeners are invited to join in by sharing their stories, suggesting topics, and sharing messages to those who support them.DVIDSHub.net Political Science Politics & Government
Episodes
  • Family Guidons - Ep. 12 Stars, Stripes & Service

    Family Guidons - Ep. 12 Stars, Stripes & Service
    Jun 28 2026
    In this episode of Family Guidons, the hosts celebrate patriotism in honor of America’s 250th birthday by exploring what it truly means to serve and support our nation beyond holidays and celebrations. Joined by Lindsay Robertson, South Carolina’s Youth of the Year, the conversation highlights the importance of volunteering, community involvement, and giving back to others. Through Linday’s experiences serving military families and participating in youth leadership programs, listeners are reminded that patriotism is more than waving a flag-it’s about honoring the sacrifices of those who came before us, strengthening our communities, and finding meaningful ways to serve others every day. 00:00:00 - Intro 00:01:45 - Discussing the Meaning of Patriotism 00:02:07 - Evolution of Patriotism Over Time 00:04:12 - Daily Life and Sacrifices of Military Families 00:06:02 - Email from Karla E. on Military Service 00:09:25 - Unseen Contributions of Military Spouses 00:12:00 - Importance of Volunteering in Military Communities 00:17:24 - Addressing Misconceptions About Younger Generations 00:18:06 - Memorial Day Experience in Cranford, New Jersey 00:20:59 - Teaching Patriotism to the Next Generation 00:22:43 - Introduction of Guest Lindsay Robertson 00:24:52 - Lindsay's Inspiration for Volunteering 00:29:18 - Influence of Military Family Life 00:31:06 - Challenges Faced While Serving Others 00:34:23 - Advice for Teens Interested in Volunteering 00:36:52 - Closing Remarks and Encouragement to Get Involved 00:38:00 - Highlighting Santiago Quiroz's Contributions 00:39:27 - Encouragement for Families to Volunteer 00:40:07 - Conclusion Links: Email: familyguidons@gmail.com Service Member & Family Care: https://www.scguard.ng.mil/Programs-Benefits/ Child & Youth Program: https://www.scguard.ng.mil/Programs-Benefits/Military-and-Family-Programs/Child-and-Youth-Programs/ SC National Guard Soldier & Family Readiness Program: https://www.scguard.ng.mil/Programs-Benefits/Military-and-Family-Programs/Family-Readiness-Specialists-SFRS-AFR-/ Homefront Archives Blog: https://www.militaryspousehistory.com/ South Carolina National Guard / https://www.scguard.ng.mil/ Youtube / scnationalguard Facebook / scguard Instagram / official_scguard Twitter / scnationalguard Flickr / https://www.flickr.com/photos/scguard/ DVIDS / https://www.dvidshub.net/unit/SCNG
    Show More Show Less
    41 mins
  • Family Guidons - Ep 11 Her Service, Her story

    Family Guidons - Ep 11 Her Service, Her story
    Jun 14 2026
    In this episode of Family Guidons, we sit down with Brigadier General Linda Riedel to discuss her experiences serving as a woman in the military and the challenges and triumphs that shaped her career. Brig. Gen. Riedel shares insights from her journey through leadership, breaking barriers and balancing the demands of military service while paving the way for future generations of women in uniform. Throughout the conversation, she reflects on the importance of resilience, mentorship and the evolving role of women within the armed forces. Tune in for an inspiring discussion about leadership, perseverance and the lasting impact women continue to make across the military community. 00:00:00 - Intro 00:02:07 - Episode Topic: Women in Military Service 00:03:23 - Guest Introduction: Brigadier General Linda Riedel 00:05:06 - Gen. Riedel’s Military Background and Inspiration 00:07:46 - Defining Moments in Leadership 00:09:40 - Understanding Leadership in the Military 00:11:16 - Handling Deployments as a Female Service Member 00:17:03 - Supporting and Mentoring Female Service Members 00:19:57 - Overcoming Self-Doubt and Imposter Syndrome 00:23:03 - Advice for Continuing or Retiring from Military Service 00:26:38 - Memorable Stories and Determination 00:30:11 - Advice for Young Women Considering Military Service 00:32:38 - Letters from Female Service Members 00:36:03 - Closing Remarks and Call for Stories Links: Email: familyguidons@gmail.com History of women veterans: https://www.uso.org/stories/3005-over-200-years-of-service-the-history-of-women-in-the-us-military https://veteranlife.com/lifestyle/women-veterans-day Center for women veterans https://www.va.gov/womenvet/resources/index.asp Womens veteran program manager https://www.womenshealth.va.gov/WOMENSHEALTH/wvpm-locator.asp Women’s veteran alliance https://www.womenveteransalliance.com/ Woven women’s veterans network https://www.wovenwomenvets.org/about/ VA, suicide hotline https://www.veteranscrisisline.net/ Foundation for women warriors https://foundationforwomenwarriors.org/programs/ Operation we are here https://www.operationwearehere.com/femaleveterans.html White ribbon VA https://www.va.gov/health/harassment-free/ Resources for post military life for women veterans https://www.womenveteransalliance.com/ https://womenveteransinteractive.org/ South Carolina National Guard / https://www.scguard.ng.mil/ Youtube / scnationalguard Facebook / scguard Instagram / official_scguard Twitter / scnationalguard Flickr / https://www.flickr.com/photos/scguard/ DVIDS / https://www.dvidshub.net/unit/SCNG
    Show More Show Less
    37 mins
  • Family Guidons - Ep. 10 Storm-Proof Spouses

    Family Guidons - Ep. 10 Storm-Proof Spouses
    Jun 2 2026
    Storm-Proof Spouses In this episode of Family Guidons, we discuss essential preparations for storm season, particularly from the perspective of military spouses. As storms can occur regardless of duty schedules, the conversation focuses on the unique challenges faced when partners are deployed or away during these critical times. We share our personal experiences, insights, and practical tips to help military families stay mentally and physically prepared for storms, ensuring they can navigate these challenges with resilience and support. Tune in for valuable advice and a sense of community as we tackle the realities of military life during storm season. 00:00:00 - Intro 00:01:51 - Storm Prep During Deployment 00:02:10 - The Importance of Prepping Ahead 00:02:26 - Emotional Challenges of Storm Prep 00:02:48 - National Guard Deployments and Storms 00:03:02 - Personal Storm Stories 00:03:43 - Listener Story: Hurricane Michael at Tyndall 00:06:01 - Preparing Ahead and Making Contacts 00:06:23 - Essential Items for a Storm Kit 00:09:08 - Importance of Contact Lists 00:10:36 - Creative Solutions for Power Outages 00:12:01 - Keeping Kids and Pets Entertained 00:15:17 - Organizing and Updating Important Documents 00:17:42 - Deployment Binders and Emergency Folders 00:18:47 - Using Your Community for Help 00:22:17 - Personal Story: Riding Out Hurricane Helene 00:26:14 - Mindset and Can-Do Attitude 00:27:03 - Over-Preparing vs. Under-Preparing 00:28:10 - Key Takeaways and Final Thoughts 00:29:02 - Closing Remarks and Next Episode Preview Links: Email: familyguidons@gmail.com https://hurricane.sc/prepare Scemd.org South Carolina emergency management app https://dph.sc.gov/public/stormhurricane-preparedness/make-your-emergency-kit https://dph.sc.gov/public/stormhurricane-preparedness/hurricanes-floods https://www.chaseday.com/preparing-for-weather-extreme-weather-in-south- South Carolina National Guard / https://www.scguard.ng.mil/ Youtube / scnationalguard Facebook / scguard Instagram / official_scguard Twitter / scnationalguard Flickr / https://www.flickr.com/photos/scguard/ DVIDS / https://www.dvidshub.net/unit/SCNG
    Show More Show Less
    30 mins
adbl_web_anon_alc_button_suppression_t1
No reviews yet