(not so) Average Jane
NSAJ 09: Chantilly Tootle

Get ready to be inspired, moved, and utterly captivated by the latest episode of The Not So Average Jane Podcast! This week, we’re bringing you the incredible story of Chantilly Toodle, a woman whose journey from a small town in Georgia to the front lines of combat will leave you breathless.

Join us as we delve into Chantilly’s harrowing experiences in the Army, where she faced unimaginable challenges and emerged with a strength forged in the crucible of adversity. From narrowly escaping a terrifying assault at her first duty station in Korea to witnessing the horrors of war in Afghanistan and Iraq, Chantilly’s resilience and courage are nothing short of extraordinary.

Don’t miss this compelling episode that showcases the unbreakable spirit of a true warrior. Chantilly’s story is a testament to the power of resilience and the incredible potential that lies within each of us, no matter the scars we bear.

Hit play and prepare to be inspired!

NSAJ 08: Alani Bankhead

Growing up with an Army father at West Point, Alani seemed to always want to be a part of the military. After joining the Air Force, she took the road less traveled to ultimately reach her goal of becoming an intelligence officer and quickly found herself of high profile missions throughout the world. Deployed to Iraq, she leveraged her minority attributes as an advantage that lead to highly successful operations. These wins did not come without challenges and as Alani looked her imposter syndrome in the face, she documented her perseverance in the form of a book to be shared with the world: The Least of Us.

We’re just scratching the surface with all the incredible accomplishments and wisdom this woman offers – tune in to here the entire story!

Check out The Least of Us !

NSAJ 07: Alessia Garcia

NSAJ 07: Alessia Garcia

Inspired by the Storm Troopers as a child, Alessia Garcia pursued her dream of joining the Air Force right out of high school in 2009 as a Security Forces airman. During a long and chaotic deployment in Afghanistan, Alessia found peace interacting with the local children on base that eventually manifested into a holistic medicine she would tap into years later while finding herself in a dark space.

NSAJ 05: Ashley Paminto

Ashley Paminto joined the Army in 2006 and deployed to Iraq in 2008 in a supporting role to an aviation unit. We talk feminine struggles, baby blessings, male egos, and music therapy. Ashley’s story is one of continued perseverance.

NSAJ 04: Chelsea Majeski

Chelsea Majeske, a Marine and two time combat veteran, led some of the most dangerous, yet, instrumental missions in Iraq. She discusses the mental challenges she faced as a woman in the midst of operational decisions and the impact it’s had on her nearly 20 years later. Yet, she fights every day to thrive in memory and in honor of those she lost along the way.

NSAJ 03: Kimberly Herm

Kimberly Herm joined the Navy through the ROTC program with intentions of being a pilot. After discovering she had extreme motion sickness, she pivoted – leveraging her degree to become a part of the civil engineer core. She soon found herself on a solo deployment to help rebuild Afghanistan, often being placed in extremely vulnerable situations for the sake of the mission. Kimberly’s unique position afforded success that may have otherwise failed without her; however, that did not come without a price. Kimberly is now rediscovering who she is as she starts her transition out of the military as well as her healing journey. 

NSAJ 02: Lacy Keller

NSAJ 02: Lacy Keller

Lacy Keller joined the Marines in 2008, motivated by 9-11 to do the “patriotic thing”. Growing up around horses and large farming equipment, she found herself opting to train as a combat engineer and operating large machinery in a male dominated environment often having to go well above and beyond the standards to prove herself worthy. After serving two deployments to Afghanistan with only a six month break, she returned home decorated with merits but feeling broken, looking for help, and eventually self medicating. Thanks to a good friend and a new approach, Lacy found her way back to herself and now inspires others to do the same.

NSAJ 01: Linda Schulze

NSAJ 01: Linda Schulze

Linda Schulze joined the Air Force in 1997 with a family inspired passion for food and serving people. Little did she know, that would evolve into one of the most difficult and honorable tasks in serving our fallen veteran brothers and sisters. Linda spent 17 years supporting missions around the world battling the mental and emotional merry-go-round that comes with multiple rotations into combat zones. These struggles came with a psychological price tag. Even though Linda knew she would benefit from professional help, the fear of loss led to avoiding outreach resulting in unnecessary challenges and unhealthy coping mechanisms.

BTS: small set back

Three nights before the 4th of July, reflecting and writing while listening to fireworks outside – I mentally break a little.

BTS: reading from the journal

A short glimpse into the book as Dallas shares a paragraph directly from the journal she kept 20 years ago during her deployment and how it makes her feel today.