Welcome to Dog Tag Diaries. This week, Captain Dakota joins us to share her remarkable journey from high school enlistment to her intense deployment in Iraq. What's it like to transition from small-town life to the chaos of a convoy under attack? Dakota opens up about a life-altering event and its emotional aftermath, offering a raw glimpse into the unseen struggles veterans face. Tune in to hear how she grappled with these challenges and the essential role of mental health support. You'll also learn how she co-founded the Reveille and Retreat Project (and this podcast). Discover her advice for future military women, including her own daughter, and learn how veterans can find their sense of purpose post-deployment. This podcast is about the transformative power of sharing stories, and we are glad you are part of it. This episode is a heartfelt exploration of resilience, community, and healing.

Dakota Olson-Harris currently serves 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.

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reveilleandretreatproject.org

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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.