Episode 18

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Published on:

16th Oct 2024

The True Story of Candace Johnson: From Country Girl to Military Woman -18

In this powerful and heartfelt episode, sit down with Candace Johnson, a proud U.S. Army veteran who served as a Human Resources Specialist from 2009-2013. Candace shares her story of growing up in a small town in Western Washington, her decision to join the military after the impact of 9/11, and the challenges she faced as a female soldier. She opens up about her difficult experiences with sexual harassment and assault during her service, and how she has chosen to grow from those moments rather than let them define her. She will be discussing how her military journey shaped her and helped her discover her true purpose: serving veterans.

Candace Johnson is a U.S. Army veteran who served as a Human Resources Specialist from 2009 to 2013. She is currently pursuing her Bachelor's degree in Business Management at Centralia College and works as a Vet Corps Navigator, assisting veteran students. She also manages social media and events for Veterans Journey Forward, a local nonprofit. Candace is an active leader in PNW Vets and serves on the Lewis County Veterans Advisory Board. Her passion for helping veterans stems from her own military experiences, and she is committed to empowering others by transforming personal adversity into strength and growth.

Follow Candace:

Instagram: @VeteransJourneyForward

Facebook: Veterans Journey Forward

LinkedIn: Candace Johnson

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.