Episode 15

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Published on:

18th Sep 2024

Tough Cookies: A Military Soldier's Journey from Curiosity to Courage -15

Eva Nevarez St. John is an Army veteran who served from 1976-1982, including time in the Army Reserves. She is the author of When Tough Cookies Crumble: A True Story of Friendship, Murder, and Healing, a memoir that chronicles her military experiences and the deep friendship that shaped her life. Eva is currently semi-retired and living in New Mexico.

Episode Description: In this episode, we delve into the life and military career of Eva Nevarez St. John, an Army veteran who served from 1976 to 1982, including time in the Army Reserves. Eva shares her journey from a curious and adventurous Army brat to a dedicated soldier who joined the military to escape personal hardship and pursue higher education.

Eva reflects on the challenges and triumphs of her military service, discussing the discrimination she faced as a woman soldier, the deep bond she formed with her best friend in Korea, and the devastating impact of her friend’s murder by an ROTC instructor. She also talks about the positive characteristics she developed through her service, such as discipline and confidence, as well as the lasting caution she feels towards men in power.

Throughout the episode, Eva offers valuable advice to women considering or currently pursuing a military career, emphasizing the importance of preparation, support networks, and self-care.

Contact and Follow Eva:

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61563521104576

Website:

https://enchantedspiritjourneys.com/

Books:

When Tough Cookies Crumble: A True Story of Friendship, Murder, and Healing

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

Learn more about 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.