TSgt Bryenna Brooks-Mcconnell speaks on the harrowing RPG attack her convoy was hit with on June 3rd, 2011, being awarded the Purple Heart, and a 12 Outstanding Airman of the Year for the Air Force. Bree goes in-depth on the day she was attacked and the depression, PTSD, and TBI struggles that played a major role afterwards. She also gives us hope and inspiration as we hear how she has fought for herself and her family to live a happy and purposeful life. She is still serving today!

Conversation time-stamps w/Youtube video links

0:00 - Intro

2:45 - what celebrity would play you in a movie

3:43 - What’s you dream assignment?

4:40 - What are you reading right now?

8:40 - Proudest Air Force moment?

10:30 - Whiteman AFB Wall of Heroes

13:08 - Why being a 12 OAY is the best (and worst) thing ever

18:00 - Where Bree grew up (hint: she’s a Packers fan)

21:33 - Bree’s Purple-Heart Story (Taliban Attack)

31:20 - The Aftermath - Medal Ceremony

35:30 - How did your co-workers treat you upon return to the U.S.?

38:20 - Real world mission (deployed) versus creating work (stateside)

41:27 - The struggle of making rank

47:50 - “If not promoting brings you to tears, you’ve gone too far”

52:30 - The WORST time you missed out on promotion (the is brutal)

57:00 - Step promotion surprise!

1:00:20 - The KEY to making MSgt quickly

1:02:20 - The power of mentors

1:05:00 - “My lowest point” - Representing the AF w/bout of PTSD/TBI

1:10:15 - When being labeled “the best” backfires - Toxic workplace reaction

1:13:40 - Traumatic Brain Injuries and Mental Health Therapy

1:21:20 - Placing “Therapy appointment” down on your shared workplace calendar

1:26:22 - The pressure to save lives mid-crisis

1:28:40 - Retirement plans

1:29:50 - What does having a Purple Heart mean to you?

1:34:50 - Why I love Bree so much 1:35:30 - My afterthoughts on the talk w/Bree and I read some fan mail (Cory Deschenes)

CMSgt Ed Diaz - The Power of Perspective "Toxic Leadership or Toxic Experience?" LIVE! at AFSAPEDS 2022 - Ep 44

HeroFrontBy Josh WhiteAug 17, 2022