Release Date: February 5, 2026Season: 2 | Episode: 14

February is a short month, but the mission list is long. As the 155th gears up for the Combat Readiness Inspection (CRI), we take a step back to look at the big picture of Nebraska leadership. From the freeze-thaw cycle on the flight line to the strategic partnerships at USSTRATCOM, this episode covers the full spectrum of "Always Ready."

We are bringing the "Diamond" to the studio. TSgt Joseph, a newly appointed First Sergeant for Security Forces, sits down with RJ to offer a leadership perspective on inspection stress, Valentine's Day budgeting, and keeping Airmen safe.

• The View from the Top: Chief Eddy sits down with Col Mueller, Deputy Wing Commander, to discuss his career path, what a Deputy actually does, and the vital link between the Guard, USSTRATCOM, and our State Partners.

• 171 Years Strong: We missed a birthday! A look back at the Nebraska National Guard’s origins in 1854 and the legacy we carry today.

• Recruiting Wins: A huge shoutout to the Nebraska Recruiting Team for being coined after a record-breaking year of accessions in 2025.

• Safety Brief: Surviving the February freeze-thaw, driving on ice, and financial advice for Valentine's Day (don't buy that ring at 28% APR!).

• Always Ready: A recap of the End of Year video from the Command Team.

☕ Vote for the Coffee Bar Name!The submissions are in, and now it’s time to decide. Help us name the new coffee bar by casting your vote below.

• https://forms.gle/jiikL7tzGEZJR97v8

🥂 Emerald Social (March Drill)LAST CALL: This is your final chance to register. Do not miss the dinner, awards, and camaraderie.

• Scan the QR code on the flyers around base or check your email to reserve your hotel immediately.

🫵 Join the TeamOur recruiters broke records last year because people want to be part of this mission.

• Interested in joining the Nebraska Air National Guard? Contact a local recruiter today or visit the Nebraska Guard Website.

Did you like the First Sergeant perspective? Have a question for leadership? Want to volunteer as a co-host?

👇 Click the link below to submit feedback or volunteer:Phantom Fuel Feedback & Co-Host Form

• Review us on Spotify: Every comment helps boost the Nebraska voices!

• Share the Show: Help us boost the voice of the Nebraska National Guard by sharing this episode with a friend.

Until next time — take care, stay safe, stay connected, and keep fueling the mission.

🎧 Episode Summary

We are back for Season 2! In this premiere episode, we kick off 2026 with a refreshed format and a special focus on "Future You." Whether you are one year in or twenty years deep, financial readiness is mission-critical. We break down why retirement planning shouldn't wait and how the Blended Retirement System (BRS) affects you. Plus, we honor the end of an era for Nebraska’s Airborne, share a moving story from the 155th AFE, and look ahead to upcoming events.

For the first time, we welcome a listener-turned-co-host to the mic! SSgt Lauren Gonzalez from the FSS Personnel Flight joins RJ to share her story, offer her perspective on the new year, and prove that your feedback truly shapes this show.

• The Season 2 Launch: A new look, a tighter format, and what to expect in 2026.

• Retirement Readiness w/ Cara Lokin: Why starting your financial planning now is the ultimate cheat code for a stress-free career.

• Mission Spotlight: The 155th AFE team steps up for an unexpected and heavy DPAA mission, bringing closure to families of WWII service members.

• End of an Era: The 2-134th Infantry (Airborne) conducts their final jumps, closing a 40-year chapter of Nebraska history.

• Community & Morale: Recapping the 170th’s Gatsby Holiday Party and a look ahead to the 155th Wing Holiday Party in March.

☕ Name the New Coffee Bar! We need your creativity. The new coffee bar needs a name, and we want you to choose it.

• https://forms.gle/jiikL7tzGEZJR97v8

📅 155th Wing Holiday Party (March)Don't wait—get your tickets for the "March Madness" holiday celebration.

• Check the flyers around base for the QR code or see your First Sergeant.

Did you like the new format? Have a story we missed? Want to join us as a guest host like SSgt Gonzalez?

👇 Click the link below to submit feedback or volunteer:Phantom Fuel Feedback & Co-Host Form

• Review us on Spotify: Every comment is an entry into our future giveaways!

• Share the Show: Help us boost the voice of the Nebraska National Guard by sharing this episode with a friend.

Until next time — take care, stay safe, stay connected, and keep fueling the mission.

One Year Anniversary Episode

Celebrate one year of Phantom Fuel. RJ sits down with Chief Hruby — the driving force behind the Spark Cell and the Innovation Team — to talk about how the podcast got started, innovation in the Guard, leadership, and the power of new ideas.
Then we rewind the year: highlights, hard lessons, big wins, and the moments that made Season 1 special.

Throughout the year we had a fun lightning round

RJ runs the five lightning-round questions with all the years guests and we debut this fun section in this episode!!

Catch up fast on what’s been happening across Nebraska and beyond:

• Turkey Trot 5K recap (November drill)

• New State Partnership Program announcement (Republic of the Marshall Islands)

• Training wins, community partnerships, and more

Quick, practical reminders for the season — travel smart, shop safely, check extension cords, keep real trees watered, and take time to breathe.

Over the past months we gave everyone a chance to enter twice each month (one Spotify comment + one anonymous feedback form entry) for a shot at a $50 Amazon gift card. Because the November episode was delayed, we extended the window to include all entries through Nov 20.
We do not reveal the winner here in the show notes. Tune in to this episode to hear the name announced live — you’ve got to listen to find out if you won!

💬 Tell us what you think of the show🎙️ Suggest topics you want covered📣 Sign up to be a co-host or full-time host

Submit ideas / join the show: https://forms.gle/6o6XwnJWgJXs77Bm6