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Aug 12, 2026

Your Next Mission^®

Your Next Mission^® is a new initiative from the American Freedom Foundation that provides content, resources, and support to Veterans, Military Servicemembers, Military Spouses and Families as they transition from military to civilian life. At the center of the program is a video podcast hosted by 12th SMA (R) Jack L. Tilley which addresses important issues and challenges faced in that transition. It’s a place where we can have frank and honest conversation, tackle the tough questions, share stories, and have some fun along the way.

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Our Host

12th SMA (R) Jack L. Tilley

Jack L. Tilley served as the 12th Sergeant Major of the Army from June 2000 – January 2004. A Vietnam War Veteran, SMA Tilley has held a variety of important leadership positions throughout his 36-year career. Now retired, SMA Tilley continues to serve as advisor, leader, and supporter of all Servicemembers, Veterans and their Families as co-founder of the American Freedom Foundation. As the host of the Your Next Mission^® podcast, he continues to impart his experience and advice to those transitioning from military to civilian life.

Your Next Mission® Season #6 EP 58 | Whoever Owns Alaska Owns the World: Inside the Army’s Most Extreme Division

These prophetic words from the founder of the modern Air Force, General Billy Mitchell, ring truer today than ever before. Operating in the most unforgiving and extreme environment on the planet, the 11th Airborne Division “Arctic Angels” stands guard at the top of the world. But what does it take to fight, survive, and win when temperatures plummet to -40°F and the elements are as dangerous as the enemy?

General Billy Mitchell, founder of the modern Air Force

Season 6

Your Next Mission® Season #6 EP 58 | Whoever Owns Alaska Owns the World: Inside the Army's Most Extreme Division

00:00 / 00:40:12

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RECENTLY AIRED

Your Next Mission® Season #6 EP 57 | VA Deputy Secretary Reveals Massive Improvements to Your Earned Benefits

In this powerful and timely episode of Your Next Mission® video podcast, host 12th Sergeant Major of the Army (R) Jack L. Tilley sits down with the Deputy Secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs, The Honorable Dr. Paul R. Lawrence. They break down a major drop in the VA claims backlog, the rollout of the electronic health record management system (EHRM), and the opening of new “Vet Centers” across the country. Plus, learn how the VA is leveraging social media to listen directly to your feedback and how they are connecting Transitioning Servicemembers to high-paying jobs in the national security sector.

Deputy Secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs, The Honorable Dr. Paul R. Lawrence

Season 6

Your Next Mission® Season #6 EP 57 | VA Deputy Secretary Reveals Massive Improvements to Your Earned Benefits

00:00 / 00:30:05

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Your Next Mission® Season #6 EP 56 | How to Fast-Track Your College Degree Using Military Experience

In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Sergeant Major (R) Alan E. Thomas Jr., a 25-year Army Veteran who proves it is never too late to invest in your education. After serving as a Combat Engineer, Infantry, and strategic operations across multiple deployments, SGM Thomas realized he needed to bridge the gap between tactical and strategic leadership. He shares his incredible journey of earning his degree through Purdue Global while juggling the demands of his family, emergency operations, and overseas deployments.

Season 6

Your Next Mission® Season #6 EP 56 | How to Fast-Track Your College Degree Using Military Experience

00:00 / 00:24:22

Your Next Mission® Season #6 EP 55 | How One Marine Conquered Trauma to Ride for Team USA

In this powerful episode of Your Next Mission®, SMA (R) Tilley sits down with U.S. Marine Corps Veteran, two-time world champion, and Paralympic silver medalist, Dennis Connors. Dennis opens up about his nine years of service as a cryptologic linguist and counter-intelligence Marine, enduring three combat tours in Iraq, and the hidden struggles of severe PTSD and TBIs.

Season 6

Your Next Mission® Season #6 EP 55 | How One Marine Conquered Trauma to Ride for Team USA

00:00 / 00:55:27

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Testimonial

“Finally somebody is talking about how difficult and COMPLICATED it is for vets to transition to civilian life. Thank you Sergeant Major.”

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OUR PARTNERS

Your Next Mission^® wouldn’t be possible without the help and support of our strategic partners. Please visit their websites for information and resources on transitioning from military to civilian life.