#3 Kent and Robbie

What this episode covers

Jacob Peeterse welcomes Kent and Robbie Greenwood, friends since their deployment in Germany in 2009, for a heartfelt discussion on life during and after military service. Key topics explored include: Military Careers & Retirement: Both Kent and Robbie share their unique paths to joining the Air Force — Kent driven by economic opportunity, Robbie by survival as a single mother. Their reflections offer insight into how the Air Force shaped them personally and professionally. Post-Retirement Journeys: Kent continues in workforce development at Forge Institute, while Robbie initially worked with the Air Force Wounded Warrior Program and is now exploring career pivots into HR and community service roles, especially in domestic violence prevention. Challenges & Reflections: They reflect on unexpected hurdles post-retirement, like job uncertainty due to federal hiring freezes, and emotional shifts such as the loss of identity, routine, and military camaraderie. They emphasize the mental adjustment to civilian life and finding value outside the uniform. Wisdom Gained: The couple share life lessons about leadership, time management, and mental health. Kent emphasizes that ”time management is really priority management,” while Robbie speaks to the power of autonomy and the importance of personal growth beyond service. Advice to Others Transitioning: Both advise retiring service members to prepare for the emotional shift, explore their true interests early, and understand that their worth extends far beyond their military rank. They also stress the importance of identifying support systems and maintaining relationships that truly matter.