In this episode of the Acknowledge 2 Action Podcast, I sit down with John Kerkhoff to explore his journey from the Air Force to the Army and into the business world and how his experiences shaped a leadership philosophy rooted in awareness, accountability, and action.

John reflects on navigating change, uncertainty, and growth in real time throughout his military career. Those lessons didn’t end with service, they became the foundation for his work as CEO and founder of Frago 22, a veteran-led consultancy that helps bridge the gap between military experience and business value. At Frago 22, John and his team translate veteran-honed skills into strategies that help organizations strengthen leadership, team dynamics, and operational resilience.

This conversation goes beyond titles and roles. We dig into the realities of military transition, the mindset required to thrive in civilian leadership, and why accountability starts with self-reflection. As John says, “Your actions will show well before anything you say.” We also unpack the idea of “walking the floor”, a leadership approach centered on presence, engagement, and genuine connection with teams.

Whether you’re navigating your own transition, building a team, or striving to lead with greater authenticity, this episode offers practical insight grounded in real experience.

Key Themes

• Military service and transition from Air Force to Army to post military life
• Leadership built on awareness and accountability
• The realities of military-to-civilian transition
• How veterans’ skills translate to business success
• Organizational culture and retention
• Why leaders must “walk the floor”

Memorable Quotes

“Your actions will show well before anything you say.”
“Accountability starts internally.”
“Get comfortable with being uncomfortable.”
“Make no time for excuses.”

About the Podcast
The Acknowledge 2 Action Podcast explores the connection between awareness, ownership, and action. Through conversations with leaders, veterans, entrepreneurs, and professionals across industries, the show focuses on practical insight and lived experience that helps turn awareness into meaningful action.

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Subscribe for more conversations on leadership, transition, and growth — and share this episode with someone who values accountability and leadership grounded in real action.

Access to connect with John
John's LinkedIN page- https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-kerkhoff-pmp-cplc/
Frago 22- https://frago22.com/

In this episode of Acknowledge 2 Action, host Matthew Benko sits down with Phil Needles: educator, leader, and lifelong advocate for learning, connection, and purpose to explore the transformative power of acknowledgment, resilience, and community.

Phil shares his remarkable journey from a challenging childhood to a distinguished career spanning higher education, entrepreneurship, and executive leadership. With experience ranging from Walt Disney’s global media ventures to senior leadership roles in higher education, Phil offers a unique perspective on how education, self-awareness, and human connection can shape both personal and professional success.

Together, Matthew and Phil dive into the role of education as a stabilizing force in life, the importance of vulnerability and mental health awareness, and how meaningful relationships and community can help individuals navigate adversity. This conversation highlights how acknowledging where we come from—and where we are—creates the foundation for growth, resilience, and purposeful action.

Key Themes Discussed:

• The power of acknowledgment and acceptance in personal growth
• Education as a catalyst for stability and opportunity
• Leadership, service, and community impact
• Navigating adversity through connection and self-awareness
• Finding meaning in life’s unexpected paths

Notable Sound Bites:

• “Life is a journey where paths can choose us.”
• “Education is a stabilizing force in life.”
• “Finding strength in community and connection.”

🎙️ Tune in to hear how Phil’s story reinforces the core message of Acknowledge 2 Action: when we acknowledge our experiences, we create the momentum to move forward with intention, resilience, and purpose.

In this episode, Heriberto "Eddie" Arambula, PhD, recounts his military journey and the profound impact it had on his life. Enlisting in the US Army in 2002, Eddie was stationed at Fort Hood, Texas, and deployed to Iraq in 2004, where he experienced intense combat. He was part of the unit featured in the National Geographic series "The Long Road Home,", https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1210820/ based on Martha Raddatz's acclaimed book, https://www.amazon.com/Long-Road-Home-Story-Family/dp/B0016493S4 Eddie reflects on the challenges and transformations he faced, particularly during the 48 hour battle in Sadr City on April 4, 2004. Eddie emphasizes the importance of storytelling and sharing experiences to help veterans heal and find support. He discusses the significance of connecting with other veterans and Gold Star families, overcoming fears and barriers, and finding support through therapy and education. Eddie highlights the need for inclusive spaces in higher education for veterans and the role of community engagement in a successful transition. The conversation explores how acknowledging and taking action on personal situations can help achieve goals. It also underscores the power of storytelling in addressing mental, emotional, physical, spiritual, and social well-being. Eddie shares insights on his current projects, including a book compiling stories from USC alumni and a journal for veteran students, concluding with a powerful message about the importance of community and sharing stories. Chapters 00:00- Introduction and Setting the Stage 03:01- Eddie Arambula's Military Journey: From Enlistment to Deployment 08:00- The Intense Combat Experience: Eddie Arambula's Deployment to Iraq 11:52- The Long Road Home: The Power of Storytelling 24:26- Healing and Connecting with Veterans and Gold Star Families 31:19- Overcoming Fears and Barriers in the Healing Journey 35:09- The Need for Inclusive Spaces in Higher Education for Veterans 39:23- The Power of Storytelling in Bridging the Gap 46:20- Community Engagement: A Key to Successful Transition 53:07- Acknowledge to Action 55:29- Addressing Mental, Emotional, Physical, Spiritual, and Social Well-being 57:28- Current Projects and Future Plans 59:42- Owning and Sharing Your Story 01:07:45- The Power of Community and Engagement 01:09:28- Leaning on Community and Sharing Stories 01:11:14- Moving Forward as a Community 01:17:34- The Power of Community and Keeping Veterans Alive 01:21:01- Who's Next?