Transition Tales with Army/Texas Guard Veteran Michael Martinez

In this episode of Transition Tales, a LIVE with Courage Podcast, Michael shares his transition from Army to Texas Guard. This is a two-part episode.

We discussed:
00:47 Michael introduces himself
1:32 Challenges of starting transition a year out
2:57 Beginning of Army Career
4:32 Focused on business planning during OCS to AIT transition
6:00 National guard transition planning started on last deployment
7:11 Family discussion on where to go post active-duty service
7:54 Planned to live in San Antonio, but had to quickly pivot
8:38 Applied for MBA programs
9:10 Moved to vacant family ranch and rebuilt it
11:20 Praises spouse for being “rock” through the transition process
11:56 Living on educational resources and side work
12:27 Shares “try-one” program for National Guard & the shock of not having AD resources
13:22 Navigating healthcare process
14:38 Challenges of non-diagnostic care
16:04 Weather impacts family ranch rebuild
18:05 Blister beetle attack (I cannot make this stuff up)
21:52 Military mindset impacting healthcare choices
22:32 On top of everything, tries to start a business
24:23 Deployment saves financial troubles-causes educational and promotion challenge
27:19 Drastic career progression difference between Active Duty and National Guard
28:29 Navigated education challenge while deployed
Stay tuned for part 2

Guest Bio: Michael Martinez is an Army veteran and member of the Texas Army National Guard. He is also an experienced IT professional and has an MBA from Texas State University.