Ohio is quietly becoming one of the most Veteran-friendly states in America—and the numbers prove it.

In this episode of The Callout Podcast, leaders from JobsOhio, The Ohio State University, the National Veterans Memorial & Museum, and the Ohio National Guard come together to discuss how Ohio is creating real opportunity for Veterans through education, employment, economic growth, and community support.

From Veteran education benefits and paid internships, to record-breaking infrastructure investment and job creation, this conversation breaks down why Veterans are choosing Ohio—and why Ohio is choosing veterans.

This episode covers:

• Veteran education with Ohio State University
• Economic growth and job creation across Ohio
• Transitioning from military service to civilian careers
• Mental health, community, and Veteran support systems
• Why Ohio’s veteran population is growing

Timestamps:

00:00 – Welcome to The Callout Podcast

01:10 – JP’s military background and Ohio roots

04:02 – JobsOhio’s mission and Veteran focus

06:36 – Ohio’s “Dread Factor” reputation explained

08:00 – National Veterans Memorial Museum story

12:11 – Veteran suicide and finding purpose

15:01 – Why the museum was built

17:47 – Connecting Veterans to education and jobs

19:00 – OSU President’s military journey

24:21 – Ohio as a top military-friendly state

31:47 – Ohio’s economic turnaround and growth

34:39 – Record investment and Veteran workforce demand

40:06 – Ohio State’s Veteran education promise

46:00 – Mega-projects creating thousands of jobs

50:13 – Hometown Heroes honoring Veterans statewide

54:19 – Preserving Veterans’ stories for history

01:01:06 – How Ohio truly supports Veterans

In this Callout episode, host Krisanthe sits down with retired Vice Admiral and Ohio State University President Walter “Ted” Carter and former Marine Corps Cobra pilot Luke Mansfield, now a senior account manager at Altec, to explore how military values and experience translate directly into careers across the utility world.

Timestamps:

2:27 – Admiral Carter’s 30-year Navy overview

4:52 – Introducing Luke and his Marine background

7:21 – Rural West Virginia farm roots

9:58 – 9/11 and decision to serve

13:02 – How “Naval” joins Navy and Marines

16:21 – Choosing Cobra helicopters over jets

20:13 – USS New York and 9/11 steel

26:09 – Altec interview focused solely on values

31:18 – Why utilities are ideal for veterans

45:05 – Translating carrier leadership to Ohio State

1:11:08 – One percent: linemen and service members

In this special episode of The Callout Podcast, the focus is on service, leadership, and why the power utility industry is one of the most meaningful and stable career paths for Veterans and skilled workers alike.

We are joined by co-host Ted Carter, President of The Ohio State University and retired U.S. Navy Admiral, and special guests Tracy Hawks of Asplundh and a U.S. Navy & Army Veteran, and Veteran linemen Paul Kaylor and Jason Novak with Ameren Illinois.

Ted Carter, President of The Ohio State University and retired U.S. Navy Admiral, who co-hosts the episode and brings a national perspective on energy infrastructure, workforce demand, and Veteran transition. With nearly four decades in uniform spanning naval aviation, nuclear power, and senior command, Ted shares why linemen are among America’s unsung heroes and why the future of the grid depends on disciplined, mission-driven people.

Tracy Hawks, a Navy and Army Veteran and Director of Training at Asplundh, walks through his unconventional path from military service to vegetation management, safety, and nationwide training leadership. Tracy explains why line work offers long-term stability, strong pay progression, and the same camaraderie that Veterans miss after leaving the military.

Paul Kaylor and Jason Novak, Veteran linemen with Ameren Illinois, share what life in the trade really looks like, from on-call storm response and long hours to the pride of restoring power when communities need it most.

• Paul opens up about his daughter Juliana’s battle with terminal brain cancer and how that journey inspired the creation of Climbing For Kids, a lineman-led initiative that raises funds for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

• Jason shares how the program grew from a simple idea into a national movement within the lineman community, including major impact at the International Lineman’s Rodeo.

Together, the group explores:

• Why Veterans are a natural fit for line work and utility careers

• The massive workforce gap created by retirements and rising energy demand

• How apprenticeship programs, GI Bill benefits, and climbing schools create real pathways into the trade

• The physical, mental, and family realities of working on the front lines of power restoration

• How community, purpose, and service continue long after the uniform comes off

This episode is both a call to action and a tribute to the men and women who keep the lights on. For Veterans searching for purpose, stability, and brotherhood, power utilities are not just a job, they are a home.

Gretchen Evans leads the conversation with Billy Kidd, PTE of Artera Services | Southeast Connections LLC, and special guests Emilia Louy, Noel Travis and Robert Evans.Why we must hire our military-trained service members into utilities to protect our country’s power infrastructure…As a matter of National Security! 💪🇺🇸The Callout Podcast is beyond honored to have The National Veterans Memorial and Museum as a collaborative partner and podcast home base.The Mission of the podcast is to bring transitioning #Military and #Veterans ASAP into all areas of Power Utility, Gas Utility and Vegetation Management.BILLY KIDDLinkedIn | Artera ServicesArtera Companies enable exceptional, mission-critical infrastructure to serve our customers and our communities to build their tomorrow. Supporting Servicemen and Women.The experience and skills you developed in the service are ones we respect.We are grateful to Veterans for their service, and your next step forward is a career that uses the skills you’ve learned and recognizes the sacrifices you’ve made. We will work with you to find a position that allows you to apply the skills you gained to build your career at Artera and our operating companies.We offer competitive benefits, 401k contributions, on-the-job training, and numerous entry-level and leadership positions. Join our family and grow your career with us.GRETCHEN EVANSLinkedIn | WebsiteTexas native Command Sergeant Major Gretchen Evans entered the U.S. Army at 19 years old. Shortly after completing basic training at Fort Leonard Wood, Evans became an intelligence analyst for commander in chief (Europe) before studying German and Italian at the Defense Language Institute as a counterintelligence agent.Following her graduation from language school, Evans attended Basic Airborne Course at Fort Moore. A graduate of the Sergeant Majors Academy at Fort Bliss, she held leadership roles in multiple combat engagements including Grenada, Panama, Bosnia, Afghanistan, and other deployments throughout her 27 years in the Army for which she earned many medals and awards, including the Purple Heart, the Combat Action Badge, the Bronze Star, the Presidential Unit Citation Medal, and Global War on Terrorism ribbons, and Meritorious Service Medals.During her final assignment, Evans was responsible for the security and personnel on Forward Operating Bases in Afghanistan, overseeing more than 30,000 ground troops.In 2006, Evans was severely wounded by incoming fire while serving in Afghanistan. The rocket blast caused her debilitating injuries, including a traumatic brain injury, internal injuries, and the loss of all hearing. After her combat injury, PTSD diagnosis, and subsequent retirement from service, her transition from military life to civilian life was difficult.With the help of her service dog, Rope Team of friends, and a healthy dose of grit, Evans navigated through a changed life and found her new passion and purpose in advocating for veterans of all services and serving as an ambassador for a number of nonprofits, including America’s VetDogs, the Dogtopia Foundation, No Barriers USA, Unbroken Spirit, and the U.S. Women’s Veterans Memorial.Today, Evans focuses her efforts on improving the lives of her fellow veterans by actively serving as a mentor, coach, and community activist. In 2019, CSM Evans assembled a mixed-ability team of veterans and civilians with disabilities to compete in the “World’s Toughest Race” on Amazon Prime.Team UNBROKEN inspired millions with their resolve to not let their injuries define who they are or what they could achieve in life. Today, Evans continues to lead Team UNBROKEN in races, adventures, and challenges across the world. Evans is the 2022 recipient of the Pat Tillman Award for Service awarded at the 2022 ESPYS.Evans lives with her husband Robert, a retired Navy chaplain, and their three service dogs: Aura, Rusty, and Kermit.

In this episode of The Callout Podcast, the conversation centers on service, sacrifice, and why power utilities are one of the most natural and critical career paths for veterans after the military.

The panel brings together leaders from across the power and utility ecosystem, including Rocky Sickmann of Folds of Honor, representatives from Northwest Lineman College, Quanta, and Chance Tools, to explore the shared DNA between military service and line work. From discipline and situational awareness to teamwork, responsibility, and operating under pressure, the parallels are undeniable.

Rocky Sickmann shares his powerful story as a Marine Security Guard held hostage during the Iranian Hostage Crisis, reflecting on survival, faith, and the lifelong impact of service. He connects those experiences to the mission of Folds of Honor and the unseen sacrifices made by military and first responder families, drawing clear lines between military service and the work linemen do every day to keep communities safe.

The discussion dives deep into storm response, national security, and why linemen are often the first on scene when disaster strikes. The group also addresses ongoing efforts to federally recognize power linemen as first responders, the realities of life on storm, and the toll the job can take on families behind the scenes.

Training and workforce development are a major focus, including how extensive apprenticeship programs, continuous skills training, and safety-through-training mirror military preparation. With a large portion of the line workforce nearing retirement, the panel explains why veterans are uniquely positioned to fill the gap and hit the ground running, not just on the line, but across engineering, logistics, supply chain, and support roles throughout the industry.

This episode is a powerful reminder that service does not end when the uniform comes off. For veterans seeking purpose, camaraderie, and a career that still serves the public, the power utility industry offers a true home.

The Callout Podcast features an in-depth conversation focused on the power utility industry, highlighting careers, the importance of Veterans in the field, and the unique challenges faced by linemen. This episode brings together several distinguished guests, including retired Vice Admiral and President of Ohio State University Ted Carter who takes on the role of co-host, interviewing the likes of Mike Malandro, Jim Robertson, and Joe Lesmeister.Ideal for anyone interested in the intersection of military service and civilian careers in the energy sector, this episode sheds light on the crucial work done by linemen and the opportunities available for veterans transitioning to civilian life. The episode also includes personal stories from the guests, illustrating the challenges and rewards of working in this vital industry.Timestamps:0:00 - Intro4:06 - What is a linemen rodeo?8:30 - Scott's transition from Marine Corps to Lineman16:00 - What would you tell someone considering the power line industry?17:55 - How are drones being applied to linework?24:38 - Introduction to Mike32:20 - Farm Bureau involvement39:25 - National security threats51:10 - Closing statements

The Callout Podcast features an in-depth conversation focused on the power utility industry, highlighting careers, the importance of veterans in the field, and the unique challenges faced by linemen. This episode brings together several distinguished guests, including retired Vice Admiral and President of Ohio State University Ted Carter, who takes on the roll of co-host, interviewing the likes of Mike Malandro, Shanna "Joe" Lesmeister, and Jim Robertson. The discussion covers the significance of linemen's work, the camaraderie within the cooperative system, and the evolving technology, such as drone usage, that supports the industry. We always emphasize the critical role veterans play in maintaining and advancing the nation's power grid, drawing parallels between military service and the responsibilities of those working in utilities.Ideal for anyone interested in the intersection of military service and civilian careers in the energy sector, this episode sheds light on the crucial work done by linemen and the opportunities available for veterans transitioning to civilian life. The episode also includes personal stories from the guests, illustrating the challenges and rewards of working in this vital industry.Timestamps:0:00 - Intro4:50 - Who is Ted Carter?19:10 - Shanna's work in psychological operations30:16 - What should women be thinking about in this field?43:00 - Greatest lessons learned on the job

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.