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 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.
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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.
Your Next Mission® Season #6 EP 64 | PTSD Is NOT Untreatable | How Cohen Veterans Network Is Saving Lives
Saving Veteran Lives: The Truth About Mental Health, PTSD, and Recovery
September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, and on this powerful episode of Your Next Mission® video podcast, 12th SMA (R) Jack L. Tilley sits down with David J. Linkh, LCSW, PhD, Director of the Cohen Veterans Network Institute for Quality (CVN-IQ) and retired Air Force Colonel.
Dr. Linkh shares essential insights from over 30 years of clinical experience, tackling critical issues like lethal means safety, social determinants of health, breaking the stigma surrounding PTSD, and groundbreaking research including our Women Veterans. Whether you are an Active-Duty Servicemember, a Transitioning Veteran, or a Military Family member, this conversation offers real hope, free resources, and proven pathways to healing.
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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