UNITED THROUGH SERVICE AND ACTION
October 13, 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 68 | The Unseen Wounds of War: 12th SMA (R) Jack L. Tilley and Tiffany Benjamin on Veteran Suicide
In this deeply emotional and critical episode of Your Next Mission® video podcast, 12th SMA (R) Jack L. Tilley sits down with Tiffany Benjamin, CEO of the Humana Foundation, to discuss the urgent fight against Veteran Suicide, the critical importance of Military Caregivers and so much more. Three years ago, the USAA, Reach Resilience Foundation, and the Humana Foundation launched “Face the Fight,” a national coalition that has now grown to over 300 partners and positively impacted more than 1.4 million lives.
Tiffany shares the profound work being done to support Military Families, K-12 military children facing deployment transitions, and the incredible responsibility shouldered by Military Caregivers. She also breaks down the Humana Foundation’s recent $3 million commitment to the Elizabeth Dole Foundation to ensure Military Caregivers receive the critical mental health support they deserve. Throughout the episode, SMA Tilley vulnerably opens up about his own personal battles with anger and undiagnosed PTSD following combat deployments, emphasizing the life-saving importance of simply asking a Veteran, “Are you okay?”.
If you or a Veteran you know is struggling, help is available. Dial or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
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Your Next Mission® Season #6 EP 67 | Securing Your Family’s Financial Future Before Leaving the Military
On this episode of Your Next Mission® video podcast, host 12th SMA (R) Jack L. Tilley sits down with Captain (R) William S. “Bill” White, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Life Distribution at USAA. They discuss critical steps for Military Families to take regarding financial wellness, retirement planning, and life insurance.
Captain White shares insights from his 25 years as a Naval officer and his time at USAA to provide actionable advice for transitioning Servicemembers, Veterans and their Families. The conversation highlights the three big questions to answer before leaving the service and the importance of securing life insurance when you are young and healthy. Additionally, the episode covers mental health support, buddy checks, and building community connections.
Your Next Mission® Season #6 EP 66 | Veterans Face 2x Prostate Cancer Risk: How the VA is Changing the Game | Dr. Jason Vassy
September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, and on this vital episode of Your Next Mission® video podcast , host 12th SMA (R) Jack L. Tilley sits down with Dr. Jason Vassy, MD, MPH, MS. Dr. Vassy is an Associate Professor at Harvard Medical School, Clinician-Investigator at the VA Boston Healthcare System and Director of the VA’s Genomes2Veterans Research Program.
Did you know that Military Veterans face twice the risk of prostate cancer compared to civilians? With 15,000 new diagnoses in the VA every year and 400,000 Veterans currently receiving care, prostate cancer accounts for 30% of all new VA cancer diagnoses.
Your Next Mission® Season #6 EP 65 | Never Leave A Fallen Comrade: How the DPAA Identifies America’s Missing Servicemembers
On this powerful episode of Your Next Mission® video podcast, host 12th SMA (R) Jack L. Tilley welcomes Major General (R) Kelly K. McKeague, Director of the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA).
Across the globe, over 81,000 American Servicemembers remain unaccounted for from World War II through recent conflicts. Director McKeague shares how the DPAA fulfills our nation’s sacred promise: Never Leave a Fallen Comrade Behind.
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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