Championing Diversity From the Inside Out

Having been raised by Mississippi Civil Rights foot soldiers (my grandparents, parents, and family) I was spoon feed diversity and inclusion. I knew first hand that 'isms" of all sorts existed in many Southern, rural communities. But raising my children in Tennessee taught me "isms" were not exclusive to rural communities of my youth. I, like the two generations before me, have always embraced everyone. My deep close personal friends in my private life backgrounds and racial makeup are as beautiful as the rainbow and are uniquely and wonderfully made as the boots I wear. My professional careers mirror my personal life. My customers from my pest control business look like the UN and my radio audience has grown to globally.

My multiculturalism-loving lifestyle was giving a wake-up call seven years ago when my son became a Marine. We were suddenly immersed in all things Marine morning, noon and night. We drastically shifted many of our focuses to support his desire to serve his county. We served along with other families and suddenly realized how small the world is when you become part of The Few, The Proud. At the exact same time, I started a radio program, Living Your Best Life with Genma Holmes, that gave voice to the veteran and active duty military communities and their families that grew listeners rather quickly.

Initially, many of the voices heard on the show were of WW II MontfordPoint Marines who were the first Black Marines in our country, women in the Marine Corps, and retiring Marines. I was booking guests that I knew well, Marines. The texters loved the stories and gave positive feedback back after each show. One day as I browsing through my text messages, I ran across a text that stated, "There are five branches of the military just in case you were not aware." That simple truthful text reminded me of the many times I have sat on planning committees and have had to remind the committee members of whatever event was being planned more voices than their personal friends who looked like them were needed. In many civic organizations, I have usually been the only woman or person of color and my disdain for the lack of "flavor" for any program is quickly known upfront. My observations at the lack of the diversity are often met with indifference, defensiveness, or "Can you contact the them for us?"

WW2 Veteran Mark H. McCann, Sr. welcome parade at Nia House Montessori School

After reading the text message, I became the defensive one. I mulled over the comment for days and explained the many reasons why there were only Marines on my program. Most of my points were valid and I truly was not trying to omit any other branch. I was booking my friends and who I knew. But to a member of the Army, Navy, Airforce or Coastguard who are much larger in numbers and were loyal followers of the show as well, none of my of excuses sounded reasonable. 

Taking a page out of my grandparents and parents book of life, I decided to be intentional about immersing myself in lives of them, the “other” military branches. I spent time with members of the military who did not say ‘ooh-rah’ until it was as natural for me to contact the Army or Navy as it was the Marines for great profiles. The benefit of being intentional not only grew my audience but my programs became rich with content that everyone could relate too not just The Few, The Proud, The Marines. 

Being diverse and inclusive are active ways to begin addressing race relations. Too often, good intentions start with awkward race relation initiatives before organizers or well meaning folks have tried one of the most effective means of breaking down barriers, being intentional in getting to know someone else, personally and professionally, first. We must be the change we want to see in the world.

(The Nashville Business Journal ran a special issue devoted to Diversity and Inclusion. An edited version of my thoughts from above were posted on Friday, September 9, 2016 titled Expand: I was a champion of diversity, until I wasn't.

Thanks NBJ!)

Veteran turned MTSU Raider Steven Rhodes: Husband and Full-time Dad before the Spotlight

After the world was introduced to Steven Rhodes by Adam Sparks of The Daily News Journal on Sunday, August 18, 2013, he became a media star within hours. Steven Rhodes went from a being a local story about a Marine hoping to play football at Middle Tennessee State University to THE news story on social media. Millions of tweets and Facebook comments were being posted by the hour it seemed. Social media went into overdrive and then every sports journalist, talk show host, and blogger stood in line ready to interview him. Within 24 hours, Steven Rhodes was no longer a college football player story that took over social media but an internationally Marine who everyone was cheering for around the world.

I was one of the those social media enthusiasts who retweeted and posted his story. Of course, Steven Rhodes being a Marine caught my attention first, but the more I read, the more intrigued I became about Steven Rhodes. Being in the company of Marines often, I know firsthand that most Marines have families with young children. (Just look at the Marines of KILO Company). I wanted to go behind the scenes to find out more.

After reading he had a wife who was still active duty, I called MTSU's media director, Jimmy Hart,  for an interview. The line was long and my number was 777. But I kept calling and Jimmy kept trying. With perseverance and an angel disguised as Aunt Angela, I move ahead of the pack and got an interview booked on for my radio show, Living Your Best Life Radio, that has a large military following. With many of members of our military in transition, I believed his story would encourage them in a variety of ways. Football seemed to be only part of the story.

Across multiple networks on Saturday, August 24, 2013, I was honored to interview not just Steven but his wife, Adrienne, and his mother, Narkita. The audience heard a soft spoken Steven share how he and his wife worked out a plan long from the spotlight about their post military careers for their family. Playing football was part of the goal but not THE goal. Enrolling in college with hopes of trying out for football were discussed with his wife over a year ago. After fire years in the military each and two sons ages, one and three, the young couple were looking forward to their future with solid plans.

Steven and Adrienne went deeper into their story by sharing their family's move to Tennessee was actually over a year in the making. If Steven desired to at least try out for a college team, he knew he had to be in physical shape to be considered. Joining an intramural team was for fun but also for filming footage for perspective coaches to view. He understood he needed to market himself and felt strongly he get could an opportunity to be a walk on. He knew he needed months to train, not a few weeks before football camp. Several colleges across the country were on his list. In the Middle Tennessee area, Vanderbilt and Middle Tennessee were on the short list.

Adrienne shared it was a big decision for their family. But she believed in her husband and supported her husband's decision try out for football. The issues surrounding his ability to play were big but so were childcare, finding a home close to campus, and a job for her. Steven Rhodes was a husband and father first.

You could hear Adrienne's excitement and determination about the next chapter in her life as woman, wife, and mother. She will be leaving the Navy in September and finishing her degree this fall. The couple voiced how they made sacrifices to find the best fit for their family and MTSU was that best fit. MTSU supports veterans and everyone worked as a team to help Steven. Team work..

Like good team players, Steven and Adrienne relied on each other but were not shy about asking for help. Enter the grandparents. While Steven was transplanting his family to Tennessee in May, the grandparents on both sides stepped up to helped with the children. For two months this summer, Steven practiced during the day while being Mr. Mom with the boys. Is there a medal for that?

His mom, Narkita, joined our on air discussion and shared how she and her husband, Reginald, raised her sons in the church and she was not shy about being a disciplinarian. Steven laughed out loud as his mother shared his childhood antics that tested the family often. She told me later, she too, was not shy about asking family members to help with her sons. Both grandmothers have been rock solid throughout the transition and both knew that no matter what the outcome with football, their children were following their destiny in life.

The audience heard from Steven how a strong faith in God and loving supportive family kept him grounded before becoming a Marine. As a Marine, he is one of the few, the proud, the brave. His light was shining brightly before being dubbed a media darling. His humility was obvious on the air and when I met him in person. His wife understands his desire to excel in life because she believes in "Honor, Courage, Commitment.” Their family's story encouraged thousands who are in career transition throughout the military but also throughout communities around the country. They heard nothing happens over night. Nothing. And going after your dreams and desires in life truly takes planning. And sacrifice.

(I believe firmly that preparation for an opportunity sets you on the path for that opportunity to happen. Many may not see one prepping for it but when it happens you they are prepared. I thank everyone for helping make my interview with The Rhodes Family possible. I especially thank Adam Spark for tipping the world off to Steven Rhodes, Jimmy Hart, and Russell Luna. lastly, a big art lover thank you to the Aunt Angela!

Marine turned MTSU Raider Steven Rhodes and His Family on Living Your Best Life with Genma Holmes

Join Living Your Best Life as we celebrate our military heroes' journeys before and after their service to our country. Hear from men and women who are sons and daughters; husbands and wives; fathers and mothers; grandparents; siblings; and loyal friends. Hear members of the Marines, Army, Air Force, and Navy share personal stories and highlights from their military careers. All have roles that made them the "first" in many endeavors throughout their lives and in the military. We will hear about their rarely discussed acts of courage and sacrifice that embody servant leadership that will empower, inspire, and motivate listeners.

On Saturday, August 24, 2013, join me to hear the inspiring story of Marine Veteran, Steven Rhodes, who became a football player at Middle Tennessee State University after initially being ruled ineligible to play because of NCAA rules. Hear Rhodes' share how his faith and his family helped shaped him long before he began wearing the Raiders' jersey. The Rhodes Family will share about their life before the spotlight and their thoughts on the last week. 

Wife Adrienne Rhodes, AO3 Rhodes E-4. Stationed in San Diego.

Rhodes will also discuss his service in the Marines Corps and the challenges of balancing family, college, and football. We will also share how veterans around the country are taking a second look at attending college since the story broke on Sunday in the Daily News Journal and was picked up national media outlets around the country.

This show is guaranteed to empower, inspire, and motivate you to live your BEST life and not let others "no" determine your destiny in life!

Tune into 760AM in the Middle Tennessee Region, on Tune In, on streaming live online at UStream.TV, and on military bases on Saturdays from 9:00-10:00am CST.

MTSU Named Military Friendly School!

MTSU was recently named a 'Military Friendly School' for the third year by G.I. Jobs. This honor is given to only the top 15 percent of colleges, universities and trade schools who actively promote resources and services to veterans looking to return to school. MTSU has been working with many campus partners to ensure that our veterans' transition to MTSU is successful by providing veteran focused programs, support and guidance.




VetSuccess On Campus Information 

Photo Credits: MTSU and Steven Rhodes 
Behind the scenes of story breaking by Subtle Sparky Blog post can be found here.
Special Thanks: Jimmy Hart, Russell Luna, USMC, and The Rhodes Family 

Vietnam Navy Pilot Larry Malone on Living Your Best Life with Genma Holmes

Join Living Your Best Life as we celebrate our military heroes' journeys before and after their service to our country. Hear from men and women who are sons and daughters; husbands and wives; fathers and mothers; grandparents; siblings; and loyal friends. Hear members of the Marines, Army, Air Force, and Navy share personal stories and highlights from their military careers. All have roles that made them the "first" in many endeavors throughout their lives and in the military. We will hear about their rarely discussed acts of courage and sacrifice that embody servant leadership that will empower, inspire, and motivate listeners. 

On Saturday, July 6, 2013, tune in to hear retired Navy Captain Larry Malone, a former Vietnam pilot. Larry will share about being intrenched in his identity of being a pilot and living out his dreams while flying one of the most revered aircraft during the Vietnam era, the A-6 Intruder.

On one bombing mission, Larry's wing man asked if they would return alive?  Listen to Larry share why that question led him to give up his love of flying. Hear Larry share how he spent years after Vietnam questioning the "business of war". Hear his vulnerability as he tell us how he realized he was seeking forgiveness from wounds from were inflicted on his soul.

Larry will walk us through decades of spiritual brokenness and you will hear his joy as he shares his peace founded through his faith.  "It was that experience that brought me to the Lord," he says."The business of dropping bombs requires a thorough examination of what you are doing, and I had never made that examination. The need for forgiveness and inner peace led me to Jesus Christ." 

Larry Malone, Genma Holmes, and Terry Smith

This show promises to be thought provoking and soul searching that many may be able to relate to whether a veteran, active duty military, a factory worker, or a corporate CEO. Also hear how Larry's life as a bomber pilot was the background for the book and movie, Flight of the Intruder.

Larry Malone will share some of his experiences on apanel discussion at the Warrior-Centric Healthcare Training  that will be in Nashville on July 9th, 2013 at the Nashville Public Library.

Living Your Best Life Radio, radio that empowers, inspires, and motivates you to live your BEST life can be heard on 760AM in the Middle Tennessee Region, on Tune In Radio, streamed live on  UStream.TV  on Saturdays from 9:00-10:00am CST and on military bases.


More About Larry Malone

A former A-6 Intruder pilot during the Vietnam War is now engaged in the battle for men's souls. Larry is the founder of Sou(l)dier Wound.  After being a pilot, Larry served in the Navy as an aircraft maintenance officer until 1993 and retired from the Naval Reserve in 1996. A graduate of San Jose State University (B.S. in aeronautics) and the University of Southern California (M.S. in systems management), Larry became a human resource manager in Fresno, Calif. In 1988, he began management consulting work to help businesses with marketing and human-relations issues. After his 1994 move to be a marketing consultant in Atlanta, Larry joined a chapter of United Methodist Men at Mount Bethel United Methodist Church.That involvement led him to apply for the position of director of men's ministries at the newly created General Commission on United Methodist Men, a Nashville-based agency.

Larry is married to Diane and they have been blessed with three adult children (Nathan, Daniel and Kelly), six grandchildren, three God-children, and two surrogate sons.


Officer, World Methodist Council 2006-2011
President, World Fellowship of Methodist and Uniting Church Men 2006-2011
President, Denominational Men's Ministry Network of North America 2004-2008
Steering Committee, National Coalition of Men's Ministries 2000 - 2008
US Navy Captain (O-6) retired 1993
Naval Aviator / Distinguished Naval Graduate 1971


Other Military Shows:
Ambassador Theodore Britton, Jr. (USMC)
Commissioner Many-Bears Grinder (Army)
Dr. Betty Moseley Brown (USMC)
Dr. Evelyn Lewis  (Navy)
Rick DelaHaya (Airforce)
Colonel Jacqueline Nave (Airforce)
Lt. Colonel Daphne Young, DDS (Army)
Bert Watkins(USMC)
FlyGirl Vernice Armour(USMC)
Jimmy Duggan (Airforce)

Photos of my visit to Larry's "Man Cave" and our recording session photos can be found here.

 

U.S. Ambassador Theodore Britton to Address PTSD in Nashville

Military Health Expert Dr. Evelyn Lewis on Living Your Best Life with Genma Holmes

In 1999, Congress designated the month of May as Military Appreciation Month to recognize and reflect on the men and women of the U.S. Armed Forces and their families who serve and have served this great country of ours. This month is to celebrate and honor the contributions of those who are a part of and have been a part of the US Armed Forces and the contributions they have made in preserving our way of life. Many organizations and communities around the country are celebrating this month in various ways to recognize our Active Duty members and their families, our Reserve Component members and their families and our Veterans and their families.

Join Living Your Best Life as we celebrate the lives of men and women of our military. We will hear from active duty and veterans who will share personal stories and highlights from their military careers and the next chapter in their lives. All have roles that made them the "first" in many endeavors throughout their lives and in the military. We will hear about their many acts of courage and sacrifice that embody servant leadership that will empower, inspire, and motivate listeners.

 On Saturday, May 25, 2013, tune in to hear from CAPT.(sel) Evelyn Lewis&Clark, USN Retired, who served  twenty-five years in the Navy as a medical doctor. Hear her share about her career as a Navy family physician and the work she does now addressing post traumatic stress syndrome (PTSD) and traumatic brain injury (TBI). Listen as we will learn how the military, families, communities, and leaders must become more educated and engaged about mental health among our veterans and active duty members of our military.

Tune into 760AM in the Middle Tennessee Region, streaming live on line at UStream.TV and on military bases on Saturdays from 9:00-10am CST.


More About Dr. Evelyn Lewis&Clark

Spelman's Dr. Bell with Dr. Lewis

Dr. Lewis&Clark earned her medical degree from the University of the Health Sciences, The
Chicago Medical School and completed a residency in family practice at Naval Hospital
Jacksonville, Jacksonville, FL. She completed a two-year faculty development fellowship at
Madigan Army Medical Center and Pacific Lutheran University with a Masters degree in the
Social and Behavioral sciences. In June 2003, Dr. Lewis retired from the United States Navy
after 25 years of service. During the next six years, Dr. Lewis &Clark was Director Medical
Policy World Wide Public Affairs and Policy for Pfizer, Inc.
.
Currently, she serves as Deputy Director, W. Montague Cobb/National Medical Association Health Institute, Chief Medical Officer of the Steptoe Group, LLC, and President and CEO, Evelyn Lewis International Consulting. She also holds appointments in the departments of Family Medicine and Medical and Clinical Psychology Uniformed Services University (USU).

During her years of active service, prior assignments and appointments included Deputy Vice President for Minority Affairs, Director of the University Health Center, Director, Family Practice Clerkship, Vice Chair, Department of Family Medicine, Associate Chair for Research, Department of Family Medicine, and teaching faculty at several residency-training programs. Her professional and research interests include the impact of culture and cultural competency on healthcare outcomes, assessment and treatment of PTSD and TBI,education and training of healthcare professionals and allied health team members, health management and disease prevention, community outreach and engagement, weight management (obesity and overweight), health and healthcare disparities, healthcare policy, clinical trials and minority participation, and cultural competency.

Dr. Lewis&Clark is a member of several medical associations to include the Society of Teachers of Family Medicine, the American Academy of Family Physicians, the American Academy of Family Physicians Foundation Board, the National Medical Association (NMA), the American Medical Association (AMA), and the AMA/NMA Commission to End Healthcare Disparities.

Her military decorations include the Defense Meritorious Medal, Joint Service Commendation, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement. Joint Meritorious Unit, Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation, Navy “E” (two awards), National Defense Medal, Humanitarian Service, Navy Sea Service Deployment, Navy and Marine Corps Overseas Service with bronze star, Coast Guard Special Operations Service and the Navy Expert Pistol (with silver “E”).

For More info about Dr. Lewis&Clark click here.

Other stories about our military featured on Living Your Best Life and Genmaspeaks:
Colonel Many-Bears Grinder 
Colonel Jacqueline Nave
Dr. Betty Moseley Brown 
FlyGirl Vernice Armour
Lt. Colonel Daphne Young
A Conversation with A Marine
Full Circle
Faces of Patriotism: Women in the Military

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And Like Living Your Best Life Facebook Page here.

Special Thanks to Arnie Joseph for help with this show.

Faces of Patriotism: Women In the Military

In 2010, the Center for Women Veterans, led by the efforts of Dr. Betty Mosley Brown (USMC) took an active role to raise the visibility of women veterans. The Center for Women Veterans started a successful campaign, HERStory, to profile women veterans. The campaign spread to all branches of the military to highlight the contributions of women veterans, active, and reservists who serve in the United States Armed Forces.

With the branches of the military working to honor women of the armed forces, several independent studies were conducted around the same time that gave statically data on women in the military. One that has been quoted often was conducted by the Pew Research Center that was released in 2011. According to the Pew Research Center:

Women in this decade have made up a much greater share of the active-duty military than they have at any time in U.S. history. Among the ranks of the enlisted, 14% are now women (up from 2% in 1973), and among commissioned officers, 16% are now women, compared with 4% in 1973.

As the share of women in the military increases, so does the share of veterans who are women. The 2010 Current Population Survey estimates that there are just over 22 million veterans, almost 1.8 million of whom are women (8%); and among the estimated 2.2 million post-9/11 veterans, more than 400,000 (19%) are women.

Compared with their male counterparts, a greater share of military women are black.  More than three-in-ten (31%) military women are black (including black Hispanics). This is almost twice the share of active-duty men who are black (16%), as well as more than twice the proportion of civilian women ages 18-44 who are black (15%). In addition, more women in the active-duty force than men in the active-duty force and civilian women ages 18-44 are of mixed racial background or some other race. 

With the increased number of women serving in the military and the growing pool of women veterans, here a few women who we salute:

HERstory, Many-Bears Grinder, Commissioner of TN VA

Commissioner in Afghanistan

Pakistan in Background

In January 2011, Governor Bill Haslam selected Colonel Many-Bears Grinder to be the Commissioner for the Tennessee Department of Veterans Affairs -- the first female in the State to serve in this capacity. She is responsible for the operation of the Tennessee Department of Veterans Affairs' Field Offices, Claims Office, and four State Veterans Cemeteries. She is also an ex-officio voting member of the Tennessee State Veterans Home Board, which controls the three existing State Veterans Homes, and plans for future homes in Tennessee. Commissioner Grinder serves as the Southeast District Vice President for the National Association of State Directors of Veterans Affairs.

In order to accept the State post, Grinder retired from the Tennessee Army National Guard as a Colonel with over 35 years of service. She is an Operation Enduring Freedom combat veteran, having served as the Head of Secretariat for the International Police Coordination Board. She traveled throughout Afghanistan, working with international diplomats and police as well as the Afghan leaders and local police officers, to ensure standardized training and equipment for the Afghan Police.

Grinder was inducted into the Fort Benning Hall of Fame in 2004. She is a graduate of the Command and General Staff College, the U.S. Army War College, and the Joint Forces Staff College. Her military awards include the Legion of Merit and the Bronze Star Medal.

Grinder holds a Master's Degree in Strategic Studies from the Army War College and a Master's Degree in Human Resources Development from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.

Commissioner Grinder is a member of numerous military and Veterans associations, including AMVETS, Vietnam Veterans of America, Women Veterans of America, Military Officers Association, the National Guard Association of the United States and is also a life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the American Legion and the Disabled American Veterans.

A native of Salt Lake City, Utah, Grinder moved to Tennessee in 1989 where she met and married Ernie Grinder.

HERstory, Colonel Jacqueline Nave

Colonel Nave's Final Flight

Colonel Jacqueline Nave was the Commander of the 118^th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron (AES) at the 118^th Airlift Wing, Tennessee Air National Guard.  Colonel Nave entered the Tennessee Air National Guard in 1986 with a direct commission as a Flight Nurse. 

She served as a Flight Nurse Instructor and Flight Nurse Examiner while assigned to the 118^th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron.  Her assignments included deployments to Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and United Arab Emirates. 

In 1999, Colonel Nave transferred to the 118^th Medical Group as the Administrative Officer.  She was commissioned as a line officer in 2000 assigned as a full time technician to Joint Forces Headquarters. Colonel Nave was selected as Deputy

Commander of the 118^th Medical Group in 2002.

As one of the first three full time Deputy Commanders in the Air National Guard, Colonel Nave was instrumental in the development and implementation of the manpower study and job descriptions for this position.  Col Nave served as the Commander of the 118^th AES from March until December 2007 when she was appointed as the Command Nurse of the Air National Guard and Chief of AE Plans and Operations by the National Guard Bureau.  She maintained oversight for 89 Medical Groups and 10 Aeromedical Evacuation Squadrons during her two year tour in Washington, DC.  Col Nave coordinated patient movement during the most active hurricane season in history, safely moving more than 500 patients from Texas and Louisiana.  She was responsible for planning the Air National Guard Homeland Security medical response for the 2009 Presidential Inauguration.

Colonel Nave returned as the Commander for the 118^th AES in November, 2009 and continued until her retirement April 7, 2012.  Under her leadership, the Squadron earned and “Outstanding” on the 2012 Health Service Inspection and “Mission Ready” on the 2012 ASEV.

HERstory, Lt. Colonel Daphne Ferguson-Young, DDS

Lt. Colonel Ferguson-Young

Lt. Colonel Daphne C. Ferguson-Young, a General Dentist and Academician, is currently the Director of the General Practice Residency Program and an Associate Professor in the Department of Restorative Dentistry at Meharry Medical College where she has been a faculty member for 14 years. Lt. It was at Meharry where Lt. Colonel Ferguson-Young made her decision to join the army in her mid-forties. A recruiter came to speak to her students and she enlisted.

A few years after enlisting in the Army, Lt. Colonel Ferguson-Young was sent to the front lines of the Iraq War with the Army’s 380^th Medical Company based in Millington, Tennessee.  Lt. Colonel traded her classroom at Meharry for the Desert Sands of the Middle East from 2004-2005.

Her deployment to the Middle East encouraged her to stay in the Army while still continuing to train future dentists.  Her leadership training she received from the military  transitioned into professional career. She participates on several college committees and has served in numerous leadership positions. Lt. Colonel Ferguson-Young is also very active in the community. She served for ten years on the Governing Board of Matthew Walker Community Health Center. She was appointed by Dr. Riley, President of Meharry Medical College, as liaison to visit Hawler Medical College, School of Dentistry, Erbil, Kurdistan, Iraq to assist with their curriculum committee. Lt. Colonel Ferguson-Young has also completed the prestigious ADEA Leadership Institute as a scholarship Fellow in 2011.

Here are a few of the awards Lt. Ferguson-Young has received during her military career:

National Defense Service Award-2, Global War On Terrorism Service Award, Army Service Ribbon - 2, Armed Forces Reserve Medal with “M” Device ( Received two of these), Combat Action Badge, Global War On Terrorism Expeditionary Medal

Photo Credits: Commissioner Many-Bears Grinder, 118th Airlift Wing, Genma Holmes

Story Originally Printed in Mocha Market's Faces of Patriotism Edition