Decades Later, Three U.S. Army Colonels Reunite with Their Former Command Sergeant Major as FourBlock Students

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Episode Description

In honor of Military Appreciation Month this May, we have a very special podcast episode to share this week! In this episode, we welcome our Southeast Regional Director Roger Roley and three of his current FourBlock Career Readiness Program students, who are all retiring U.S. Army Colonels. These three Colonels started out their military careers together when they were Lieutenants with Command Sergeant Major Roger Roley!

While all started out as Armor Officers, their military careers took them down very different paths. Now, they have gotten back together with their Senior Enlisted Advisor to make a successful military transition. Back for a ‘second tour’ with Roger as they transition out, Colonels Sean Fisher, Ken Gilliam, and Ed Weakley joined Roger and FourBlock Founder Mike Abrams for a group discussion of their military careers, their transitions, and what’s next.

Sean, Ken, and Ed recall what they learned early in their military careers from enlisted soldiers, what drove them to become leaders themselves, and the impact that mentorship had on their military careers. The group also shares it was like to get reconnected all these years later through FourBlock, some of the ways they sought guidance and support as they prepare to make their transitions, and what’s next for them in their civilian careers.

About Us

Welcome to the FourBlock Podcast, a show that examines veteran career transition and the military-civilian divide in the workplace. General Charles Krulak coined the term “Three Block War” to describe the nature of 21st-century military service defined by peace-keeping, humanitarian aid, and full combat. But what happens next? Veterans are often unprepared to return home and begin new careers. We call this the Fourth Block.

FourBlock is a national non-profit that has supported thousands of transitioning service members across the nation in beginning new and meaningful careers.

Mike Abrams (@fourblock) is an Afghanistan veteran, FourBlock founder, and author of two military transition books. He’ll be representing the military transition perspective. Lindsey Pollak (@lindsaypollak) is a career and workplace expert and New York Times bestselling author of three career advice books. Lindsey will be representing the civilian perspective of this issue.

Veterans, explore new industries and make the right connections. Find a career that fits your calling. Join us at fourblock.org. Sponsor our program or host a class to equip more of our veterans at fourblock.org/donate.