Retired Army Col. Sam Whitehurst shares his military background, leadership experience and how he serves veterans at the Dixon Center as the special guest on this week’s Tango Alpha Lima podcast.
Throughout his 29-year Army career, retired Col. Sam Whitehurst focused on the development of the soldiers around him. That expertise was instrumental as he transitioned to a leadership role in the civilian sector. He shares his military background, leadership examples and more as the special guest in this week’s episode of the American Legion Tango Alpha Lima podcast.
His military career included commanding 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, and serving as Chief of Staff of XVIII Airborne Corps. He finished his time in the service as the director of the Army’s Soldier for Life program, serving as an advocate for soldiers as they transition back into civilian society.
Whitehurst retired five years ago but “I would say my transition is ongoing,” he said. “The biggest mistake I made was when I was close to the end (leaving the Army). I thought I’d been living within this structure for almost 30 years and now I’m throwing it out the window. I found myself shackled or burdened. But I quickly found myself lost. I quickly realized how important that routine, that structure, was.”
That’s among his advice to today’s transitioning servicemembers: Build a routine and you’ll transition as a civilian more effectively. “And you’ll end up thriving in that environment.”
Whitehurst now serves as vice president of Programs & Services at Dixon Center for Military and Veterans Services, where he continues to advocate for servicemembers, veterans, their families and the families of our fallen.
“What I try to bring to Dixon is always focusing on the person,” he explained. “I got the most satisfaction in working with and developing those around me. Trying to find a career where I could carry that same approach led me to (Dixon). We try to elevate those around us – military veterans and their families.”
Among the tips Whitehurst gives to newly minted civilians: embrace fitness.
“Keep doing PT. That’s just another way of saying you have to maintain that emotional, physical and mental discipline you had in the military. Don’t leave that behind. Make it front and center.”
Whitehurst first began working with veterans organizations during his time at Soldier for Life.
“Now I enjoy working with The American Legion and other veterans service organizations because that idea of serving something greater than self is reflective of those organizations. It’s great to wake up every morning and go into that environment.”
Also, co-hosts Stacy Pearsall, Adam Marr and Joe Worley chat about:
• The banning of an ingredient found in many food products.
• A trailblazing woman Army veteran.
• Volunteer opportunities to assist transitioning servicemembers.
• Freelancers and the gig economy.
You can also check out the 300 Tango Alpha Lima podcasts available in both audio and video formats here. You can also download episodes on Apple Podcasts, Spotify other major podcast-hosting sites. The video version is available at the Legion’s YouTube channel.
- Tango Alpha Lima