From Army Master Sergeant to Author: Laura Kandewin’s Inspiring Path

The Strategic Veteran

🎖️🇺🇸 Discover Laura Kandewin’s inspiring journey from Master Sergeant in the U.S. Army to successful author, entrepreneur, and founder of Battlefield Lifestyle Magazine. Learn about her 23-year military career, her passion for writing ignited during deployment to Iraq, and how she balances life as a veteran entrepreneur. Don't miss this conversation packed with insights for veterans transitioning to civilian life.

🔗 **Chapters**:

0:00 Introduction to the Episode

1:15 Laura Kandewin’s Army Career Overview

4:52 What Made Laura Join the Military?

8:21 Deployment to Iraq: Pivotal Moments

14:35 Writing as a Coping Mechanism in Iraq

19:50 Transitioning to Civilian Life After 23 Years

27:40 Entrepreneurship Journey: From T-Shirts to Magazines

33:15 Battlefield Lifestyle Magazine: Vision and Mission

41:48 Advice for Veterans in Transition

46:22 Closing Thoughts and Future Goals

📌 **Key Discussion Points**:

• Laura’s 23 years of military service and pivotal moments during deployment.

• How writing became a transformative outlet during challenging times.

• Transitioning to civilian life and discovering a new sense of purpose.

• Launching and growing Battlefield Lifestyle Magazine.

• Advice for veterans navigating mental shifts post-service.

• The value of mentorship and community for success.

🎖️ **Military Experience Highlights**:

• Branch: U.S. Army

• Rank: Master Sergeant

• Deployment: Iraq, 2003 (invasion phase)

• Role: Personnel (Human Resource/S-1), vital admin operations.

💼 **Expertise & Civilian Success**:

• Founder of Battlefield Lifestyle Magazine, which focuses on diverse veteran stories.

• Award-winning author of "A Soldier's Heart" and other works.

• Expanded into writing, entrepreneurship, and veteran advocacy.