In this powerful episode of The Callout Podcast, we focus on mission, resilience, and purpose after service, and why powerline work is a natural next chapter for veterans.

Retired Command Sergeant Major Gretchen Evans joins the show to share her extraordinary 27-year Army career, from intelligence and airborne units to senior leadership during multiple combat deployments. Gretchen opens up about the life-altering injuries she sustained in Afghanistan, the loss of identity many veterans face after service, and the difficult road to rediscovering purpose. She also shares the story behind Team Unbroken, the adaptive athletic team she founded to challenge perceptions of disability, resilience, and what veterans are capable of achieving. Her journey is also captured in her book, Leading From the Front.

Gretchen is joined by Oscar Lira, an Army veteran who successfully transitioned into line work after leaving the military. Oscar walks through his path from service to welding, discovering line work through social media, enrolling at Northwest Lineman College (Denton, TX), and quickly landing a job in the utility industry. He explains why line work mirrors military life, including teamwork, discipline, safety standards, and performing under pressure, especially during storms and emergencies.

Also joining the conversation is Billy Kidd, Campus President at Northwest Lineman College, who offers insight into why veterans consistently excel in line school. He highlights the maturity, leadership, accountability, and team-first mindset veterans bring, as well as the additional support NLC provides through mentorship, career placement, community service, and employer connections.

Together, they explore:

• The identity challenge veterans face when leaving high-tempo military careers

• Why service-oriented trades like power utilities provide renewed purpose

• How military skills translate directly to line work and grid restoration

• The growing demand for linemen and the role veterans play in national resilience

• Why restoring power is critical to public safety, healthcare, and national security

This episode is a call to action for veterans seeking a career that still serves others, embraces challenge, and offers long-term opportunity. Power utilities need veterans, and veterans belong in this industry.