On this 1 Mile 1 Veteran episode, we interview Army First Lieutenant Allene (Ally) Somera. She is a competitive athlete and volunteer coach for judo and wrestling. Ally is also the first woman from Hawaii to become an Army Ranger. In the interview, Ally talks about her upbringing in Hawaii and the importance of family and community. She also shares her experiences as an active duty service member and her challenges in becoming an Army Ranger. The episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the military or women’s experiences in male-dominated fields.
Key Takeaways
- It is essential to reach out for help. This can be to a friend, family member, or mental health professional.
- Share your accomplishments; they can motivate others to pursue their goals.
- Set achievable goals to help with transitions and give a sense of purpose.
- Seek guidance and support from others around you who can guide and support you to overcome challenges and achieve your goals.
- Recognize overwhelming feelings and seek help before they escalate.
Timestamps
[00:58] Growing up in Hawaii.
[08:52] Becoming a Ranger as a woman.
[14:18] Time Management in the Military.
[25:13] Transitioning to new career roles.
[29:10] Reaching out for mental health.
Synopsis
In this episode, Ally talks about her personal experience of feeling overwhelmed and going into autopilot mode. She emphasizes the importance of recognizing the lead-up to feeling overwhelmed and being self-aware of autopilot moments. Ally encourages listeners to identify their triggers for autopilot mode and seek help if they notice those trends. She stresses the significance of recognizing when one is not oneself and seeking help before things worsen. Overall, the episode highlights the importance of being self-aware of one’s mental health and seeking help when needed.
Ally discusses how little stressors in day-to-day life can accumulate and negatively impact mental health. These “little stressors” can include paying bills before deploying and dealing with service providers. She emphasizes the importance of prioritizing tasks and seeking help when needed. And Ally discusses the importance of seeking help when struggling with mental health.
Ally shares her personal experience of dealing with dark moments and emphasizes the significance of being self-aware of one’s mental state and seeking help. The military recognizes the importance of mental health and continues to support soldiers in seeking help and prioritizing self-care. Ally also encourages building strong relationships and sharing with loved ones to help cope with difficult emotions. Overall, the episode emphasizes the importance of prioritizing mental health and seeking help when struggling.
Together, we can impact the lives of those who have sacrificed so much for our safety and well-being. Join our Patreon membership today and support our mission to provide tangible support to military veterans, first responders, and their supporters. Your contribution will make a difference – don’t wait; act now.
