#81 We Are SO Excited You Are Here! - Cynthia Kao, New Co-host/Operation Code

Every guest has a unique story about how their military background unfolded and our new co-host, Cynthia Kao, is no exception. As her mother tells it, Cynthia never does anything "in order", and the Toronto, Canada native's military story reflects that. She had a music career, performing since age 10 and after high school went to school in New York City, and although loved music, performing was not her calling. Media, becoming a journalist, however, was a calling. Abandoning music, she went into social work, helping others and figuring out how she could serve. Then 911 hit, her husband, an American, wanted to be on active duty and so suddenly Cynthia was a military spouse and continued to serve people, working with families and others affected by the fighting. so in 2008, she enlisted in the Air Force in public affairs, thrusting her into the perfect blend of serving and being in media. She imbedded twice, in Sudan and in Afghanistan, which is pretty darned amazing considering she and her husband had three children. Covering humanitarian missions in dangerous situations, not only military but health outbreaks, Cynthia's life was no safer than if she had been in active duty herself. But she got stories on film and documented to help communicate to others the horror of the situation. She also experienced the "decompression" of coming back home with little or no transition program, a common theme amongst our veterans. Injured and unable to keep doing the job, Cynthia ended her career after six years. Now part of Operation Code, a school for military veterans and spouses who want a technical career, Cynthia had to first deal with her own post traumatic stress. Even after seeing it in others, it was hard to understand it also affected her. And now she can take her struggle and continue to help others. Veteran Founder Podcast with your hosts Josh Carter and Cynthia Kao We record the Felony Inc Podcast inside NedSpace in the Bigfoot Podcast Studio in beautiful downtown Portland. Audio engineer, mixer and podcast editor is Allon Beausoleil Show logo was designed by Carolyn Main Website was designed by Cameron Grimes Production assistant is Chelsea Lancaster Theme music: Artist: Tipsy Track: Kadonka Album: Buzzz Courtesy of Ipecac Records 10% of gross revenue at Startup Radio Network goes to support women entrepreneurs in developing countries thru kiva.org/lender/markgrimes Listen to the Veteran Founder Podcast every Friday at 1:00pm pacific time on Startup Radio Network at startupradionetwork.com