Episode 78

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Published on:

25th Mar 2026

Justice, Identity, and Purpose: Ashley Miller’s Story of Strength Through Adversity

Summary:

What happens when a woman spends nearly two decades in uniform, then has to figure out who she is without it? In this episode of Dog Tag Diaries, former Captain Ashley Miller shares the long road that took her from a horse-loving small-town girl in Missouri to enlisted soldier, Army officer, intelligence professional, disaster responder, and now licensed clinical social worker. Her story is honest, thoughtful, and full of hard-earned wisdom about identity, pain, purpose, and starting over.

Ashley opens up about growing up with family trauma, surviving intense bullying as a teen, joining the Army at 17, and serving through major turning points that shaped her life. She talks about Hurricane Katrina, military leadership, the stress of transition, and the moment she knew it was time to build a new life. She also shares how horses, therapy, and community helped her heal, and why she now helps women veterans reconnect with themselves and move forward.

In this episode, we cover:

  1. Growing up in rural Missouri and finding peace with horses
  2. Family trauma, mental health, and learning to survive hard home dynamics
  3. Severe bullying in high school and graduating early through homeschooling
  4. Joining the Army National Guard at 17 and going through basic training
  5. Starting as enlisted, then commissioning as an officer through ROTC
  6. How 9/11 changed her career path and kept her in the National Guard
  7. Leading communications support during Hurricane Katrina
  8. Transitioning into Military Intelligence and working in England, Germany, and Washington, D.C.
  9. The financial and leadership crisis that pushed her to leave the military
  10. Becoming a social worker and creating a new mission helping women veterans heal
  11. Why mentorship matters and the advice she gives women entering military service

Notable Quotes & Moments:

  1. “When I’m with my horse, I feel so like myself.” – Ashley Miller [00:06:34]
  2. “I just figured life out because I was like, this was not the plan.” – Ashley Miller [00:25:42]
  3. “I felt like the universe was telling me, Ashley, it is okay for a new okay.” – Ashley Miller [00:32:50]
  4. “I love being a mentor for others now.” – Ashley Miller [00:40:33]
  5. “Do not ever try and be one of the boys.” – Ashley Miller [00:42:07]
  6. “You have the capability. You have the brains. You have the competency.” – Ashley Miller [00:42:21]

Timestamps:

  1. 00:01:59 – Meet former Captain Ashley Miller and hear the arc of her story
  2. 00:05:31 – Childhood in rural Missouri and a lifelong bond with horses
  3. 00:08:20 – Family trauma, PTSD in the home, and why horses felt safe
  4. 00:10:10 – Bullying, injustice, and leaving high school early
  5. 00:12:12 – Homeschooling, graduating at 16, and joining the Army at 17
  6. 00:13:16 – Basic training at Fort Jackson and early military culture shock
  7. 00:18:22 – Enlisted years, ROTC, and becoming an Army officer
  8. 00:19:23 – How 9/11 changed her expected military path
  9. 00:21:09 – Hurricane Katrina and leading in disaster response
  10. 00:26:12 – Transitioning into Military Intelligence
  11. 00:30:54 – Why she knew it was time to leave the military
  12. 00:38:34 – Studying social work and moving toward a new purpose
  13. 00:41:53 – Ashley’s advice to women entering or serving in the military

Ashley joined the U.S. Army in 1999 at just 17 years old. Over nearly two decades, she served as an enlisted Soldier, commissioned Officer, Department of Defense contractor, and Department of the Army Civilian. Her service includes disaster response missions, tours at national-level intelligence agencies, and leadership across multiple components of the Army.

After resigning her commission in 2016, Ashley transitioned intentionally, earning her Master of Social Work and becoming a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. Today, through her private practice, she supports Veterans navigating reintegration, identity shifts, trauma recovery, and personal growth.

She is also a lifelong equestrian, a 1996 National Champion in Competitive Trail Riding through the North American Trail Ride Conference, and certified in the EAGALA model of Equine Assisted Psychotherapy. Ashley now integrates horses, healing, and her deep understanding of military culture to help women Veterans reconnect, heal, and thrive.

Connect with Ashley:

Website: https://www.hopeandrenewalcounseling.com/

Facebook: Petunia.smith.56

Instagram: @ashleyandthebogey

Contact: amillerlcsw@hopeandrenewalcounseling.com

Be sure to follow or subscribe to Dog Tag Diaries wherever you listen to podcasts.

Learn more about the Reveille and Retreat Project:

reveilleandretreatproject.org

Instagram: @reveilleandretreatproject

Facebook: Reveille and Retreat Project

You aren’t alone.

If you’re thinking about hurting yourself or having thoughts of suicide, contact the Veteran crisis line: Dial 988 then press 1, chat online, or text 838255.

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About the Podcast

Dog Tag Diaries
Sharing True Stories from Women in the Military
Dog Tag Diaries provides a platform for military women to tell their stories and speak their truths. We are not only raising awareness about military trauma, and mental health but fostering a supportive community where women can find strength and inspiration in each other's stories. It's an informative way to reduce stigma and promote healing through open dialogue and exploration of therapeutic modalities. Our goal is to increase connections among women to offer empowerment, encouragement, and a sense of belonging as we each navigate the unique challenges and experiences faced by women in the military.
Each week we’ll invite a woman who has served in the military to share her experience and how it has impacted her, or we will bring in a guest who can speak about the healing abilities of specific therapeutic methods. This is a podcast you don’t want to miss.

About your hosts

kimberly Liszka

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Kim served in the United States Army/Reserves as a Combat Medic, Combat Nurse, Flight Nurse Instructor and one of the Top Female athletes in the Army.

Kim worked 20+ years as an ER nurse and decided to explore the world as a travel nurse. She's an Advanced Wilderness Expedition Provider and Chief Medical Officer for numerous endurance/survival expeditions in different countries.

Kim has a son, Jace and a daughter in law, Sammy and 2 grand animals, Joey & Bear. Her dog Camo is her best buddy. Camo is the sweetest yellow Labrador Retriever to walk this earth. He loves licking snow, riding the ocean waves, visiting carnivore food trucks and loves belly rubs and treats.

Fun Facts: Kim's lived in the Reality TV World! Fear Factor, American Ninja Warrior-Military Edition, American Tarzan, Spartan Namibia and more to come!

Dakota Olson-Harris

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Dakota is currently serving in the Army National Guard and has been for the past 15 years. She enlisted as a tank mechanic then earned her commission as a Combat Engineer Officer. She has two deployments, Iraq and United Arab Emirates.

On the civilian side Dakota works as a counselor providing readjustment counseling for Veterans, current service members, and their families.

Dakota is a wife and a bonus mom to four kiddos. They have recently added to their family with a baby girl, totaling five kids. They also have two dogs, Paco and Elsa.

Her family loves to go on adventures whether it's walks, hiking, camping, or just going on a road trip to visit family.