UNITED THROUGH SERVICE AND ACTION
April 16, 2026
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.
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 46 | Inside MilSpouseFest + Military Influencer Conference 2026 | Jessica Manfre
On this episode of the Your Next Mission® video podcast, SMA Tilley welcomes Jessica Manfre, LCSW — Military Events Manager at Recurrent Military, Director of MilSpouseFest, licensed therapist, author of Never Alone, and proud Coast Guard spouse of 21+ years. Jessica oversees 8+ MilSpouseFest events a year (presented by USAA) on bases across the country and now internationally and works alongside founder Curtez Riggs on the Military Influencer Conference (MIC).
In this episode, Jessica and SMA Tilley dig into: The biggest challenges facing Military spouses today (community, child care, mental health, employment). Why the Military Spouse is the ultimate force multiplier. How MilSpouseFest brings free, family-friendly programming to bases nationwide. Upcoming 2026 stops: Norfolk Naval Base May 12, Osan AB & Camp Humphreys South Korea Oct 20–21, and Puerto Rico in December. What MIC 2026 in Tampa really is (hint: “influencer” means LEADER, not TikTok dancer). Real talk on PCS, deployment, isolation, and finding your people. This year the MIC 2026, is September 23–26 at the JW Marriott in Tampa, FL, where nearly 4,000 attendees are expected. Whether you’re a Servicemember, Veteran, Milspouse, Milpreneur, content creator, or military-connected brand, this is THE event of the year.
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RECENTLY AIRED
Your Next Mission® Season #6 EP 44 |The Difference Is the Why: How the Army Turns Compliance Into Commitment |17th Sergeant Major of the Army, SMA Michael R. Weimer
On this episode of the Your Next Mission® video podcast, 12th Sergeant Major of the Army (R) Jack L. Tilley sits down with 17th Sergeant Major of the Army Michael R. Weimer to break down exactly what turns compliance into commitment and why the difference is the why. Two SMAs. Zero filters. The truth that every Soldier, NCO, Veteran and Military Family needs to hear right now.
Your Next Mission® Season #6 EP 43 | Roger That! . . . A Bank that is Tracking | Citizens Bank of Edmond | Jill Castilla
On this episode of the Your Next Mission® video podcast, Jill Castilla joins SMA Tilley to break down how Citizens Bank of Edmond is redefining banking for Veterans, Servicemembers, and Military Families and how the Roger app is changing the way people manage money in real time. This isn’t just about banking. This is about readiness, trust, and leadership applied to your finances…the way you can understand! Are you tracking?…..
Your Next Mission® Season #6 EP 42 | Really! We’re Moving Again?| “Moving With The Military” | 1SG (R) Patrick & Maria Reed
SMA Tilley welcomes 1SG (R) Patrick Reed and wife Maria Reed, creators and hosts of the VetstreamTV.com series “Moving With The Military.” They expose the real, unfiltered truth behind military life on the move and discuss the unbelievable ways they support
Testimonial
“Finally somebody is talking about how difficult and COMPLICATED it is for vets to transition to civilian life. Thank you Sergeant Major.”
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.
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