July 24, 2026

Oscar Mike Radio – 501 - Lena Rodriguez – Miss Veteran America

In this episode of Oscar Mike Radio, I sit down with Lena Rodriguez, a retired U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer 3, to discuss her remarkable journey of service, transition, and ongoing advocacy for the veteran community. Lena shares how she went from a challenging upbringing in Utah to building a diverse 20-year military career that included roles in supply, civil affairs, military intelligence, and the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Division (CID).We also talk about one of the biggest challenges every service member eventually faces, taking off the uniform and finding a new mission. Lena discusses how she used the Department of Defense SkillBridge program to help navigate her transition into civilian life and ultimately begin a new career as a talent acquisition strategist. But Lena's commitment to service didn't end with her military retirement. She shares her work with Final Salute Inc., supporting women veterans experiencing housing crises, as well as her participation in Miss Veteran America. We also discuss her involvement with America's Warrior Partnership and its mission to connect veterans with resources and help prevent veteran suicide. Lena's story is about more than a successful military career. It's about continuing to serve, finding purpose after the uniform, and using your experiences to make a difference in the lives of others. Thank you, Lena, for sharing your journey with me and the Oscar Mike Radio audience, and for continuing to be Oscar Mike!

Also available on Apple Podcasts ↗