Military brats are highly skilled at reading people and bad situations

12/26/17 • 43 min

In this episode of the Mandatory Fun podcast, we speak with respected book author, speaker, publisher, and Vice President of Production at Warriors, Inc — Julia Dye. Warriors, Inc. is a unique organization that provides technical advice to the entertainment industry.

Mrs. Dye is the daughter of a World War 2 bomber pilot and is married to Hollywood’s drill instructor Capt. Dale Dye — who is featured in episode 37 of the Mandatory Fun podcast.

Although growing up as a military brat has its issues, the advantages can form several unique traits within the individual.

"Many of them speak more than one language, know more cultures, have seen more of the world, which is great for any kid," Julia said.

Julia's book titled Through My Daughter's Eyes is a one-of-a-kind, much-needed look at what it means to come of age in a military family today.

Book Excerpt:

Dad wasn’t feeling the emptiness like we were. He was busy, I’m sure, fighting the war and leading his soldiers. You're probably wondering what it's like over there, so let's see if I can make it real for you, like it was for my dad. Start by finding the vacuum cleaner.

Pop that sucker open and grab the dust bag. OK, now pour that over your head. Get it good in your nose and eyes. Hit yourself in the chest and make sure that you cough up a good cloud. It’s a start. I'm sure you think it's hot, and yeah, that's true, during the day. At night try walking over a frozen rock garden.

Fun, no?

You have to walk over that to get to the bathroom in the dark. And the during-the-day hot isn't like a warm summer day, even here in Texas. Think living inside a blow dryer. On high. While wearing a suit of armor. We’re getting closer. Oh, yeah, and while all that is going on, people are trying to kill you. While you are breaking into their houses.

To follow Mrs. Dye work feel free to check out her website warriorspublishing.com and follow their nonprofit organization Our Military Kids.

Our Military Kids grants pay fees for athletic, fine arts, and tutoring programs.

Mrs. Dye is the daughter of a World War 2 bomber pilot and is married to Hollywood’s drill instructor Capt. Dale Dye — who is featured in episode 37 of the Mandatory Fun podcast.

Although growing up as a military brat has its issues, the advantages can form several unique traits within the individual.

"Many of them speak more than one language, know more cultures, have seen more of the world, which is great for any kid," Julia said.

Julia's book titled Through My Daughter's Eyes is a one-of-a-kind, much-needed look at what it means to come of age in a military family today.

Book Excerpt:

Fun, no?

To follow Mrs. Dye work feel free to check out her website warriorspublishing.com and follow their nonprofit organization Our Military Kids.

Our Military Kids grants pay fees for athletic, fine arts, and tutoring programs.

Previous Episode

This Army veteran's book focuses on the stories of the 'Frontline Generation'

In this episode of the Mandatory Fun podcast, we once again speak with Army veteran, national speaker, and acclaimed author of the 2017 Independent Publishing Award-winning book The Frontline Generation: How We Served Post 9/11 — Marjorie K. Eastman.

Marjorie is also an accomplished executive and operational professional with over 20-years experience in leading people and various organizations.

Her award-winning book began as a personal memoir for her son. Marjorie's goal was to capture the lessons and inspirations she learned serving beside men and women who represent the very best of what it means to be American — the 1% of the population in the military.

She respectfully identifies this group as the Frontline Generation and notes that it is an untapped reservoir of leaders who have been strengthened by their Post 9/11 service.

[2:00] Here's the reason why this acclaimed author decided to join the military.
[7:25] Marjorie explains how she received her direct Army officer commissioning.
[11:50] What gave Marjorie the motivation to move forward and write her now acclaimed book.
[16:10] The story behind why Majorie smiled at a drill sergeant during boot camp
[20:30] What helps define a strong female presence in a leadership position.
[25:00] What veteran stories Marjorie loves to tell during her public speaking events.
[31:15] The complete explain behind the story "Yes, man. No, man."

Next Episode

Navy SEAL: No, the military does not destroy your creativity

In this episode of the Mandatory Fun podcast, we speak with poet, activist, filmmaker, actor, and Navy SEAL veteran of 22 years, Mikal Vega.

Mr. Vega joined the Navy at 17, entered the EOD profession for roughly nine-years, deployed multiple times throughout the world in support of a few SEAL teams when he decided that's what he wanted to do with the rest of his career.

At 28, Vega earned a spot on the SEAL teams and added a few more tours of duty to his already impressive resume.

After being honorable discharge in 2012, Vega started a nonprofit called Vital Warrior, providing Kundalini Yoga for veterans, first responders, and active duty service members.

But, this wasn’t enough for this motivated sailor.

Mr. Vega went on to express his creative side by entering the world of film and television and now serves as a military advisor on the hit NBC military-drama The Brave.

As veterans, we hold a surplus of talents and personal creativity that we can draw from our unique military service and experiences.

Like many combat vets who are fans of narrative filmmaking, Vega uses his in-depth training to bring the realism of combat tactics to the screen.

NBC's The Brave focuses on a group of elite Special Operatives who embark on the most challenging and dangerous missions around the world to save the innocent lives behind enemy lines.

During his service, Vega held many positions such as a SEAL Platoon Leading Chief Petty Officer, Personal Security Detail Shift Leader, U.S. Navy SEAL Combatives Instructor, U.S. Navy SEAL Demolitions Instructor and Senior Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technician.

He holds many awards, including the Purple Heart for injuries sustained during Operation Iraqi Freedom, two Bronze Stars with combat valor, Army Achievement Medal for Operation Joint Guardian Kosovo and the Navy Achievement Medal.

Vega’s qualifications include, but are not limited to, Navy SEAL, Senior EOD Technician (Bomb Squad), Breacher RSO, HRST Master, free fall parachutist, U.S. Secret Service, Presidential Security Detail Operations, combat leadership, precision driver, dynamic firearms, SCUBA and closed circuit diving supervisor, Cold Weather Environment Survival, demolitions instructor and martial artist.

Following his lifelong passion for acting, he used his career successes to fund Vital Warrior, a system that increases performance and resiliency through non-pharmaceutical stress mitigation techniques that can help veterans and their families recover from wartime trauma.

He was recently elected as president of AK Waters Productions and has acted in film and television productions that include “Transformers 4” and “Hawaii Five-O,” among others. Vega lives in Los Angeles with his wife, daughter, and son.