Two years ago I started an experiment, an internet talk show for military spouses. My goal was to utilize 'new media' as another avenue to connect with fellow military spouses to exchange information, resources, opportunities, inspiration and even entertainment. My weekly show is called Navy Homefront Talk!. Each week we bring guests and information to enhance our quality of life as we support our service member and families.

This week Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (MCPON) Rick West joined Navy Homefront Talk! on a special broadcast. MCPON West tackled various subjects throughout the broadcast from questions that were solicited from listeners in advance of his appearance. MCPON started the interview by expressing his appreciation of Navy spouses offering a 'hearty BZ [Bravo Zulu] for the support from the family, spouse, parents, grandparents' who, through their support, empower our Navy to accomplish their worldwide mission.

IA/GSA Assignments: MCPON spoke about the Navy's IA/GSA deployments. "Our sailors have proven what a valuable asset they are to commanders on the ground. I don't think they were expecting the versatile war fighter they found in our Sailors." Currently there are 14,000 sailors deployed 'boots on the ground' while there is roughly 10,000 deployed on ships. MCPON offered that these deployments are going to continue for a few years into the future based on current world events.

MCPON West also offered advice for Sailors and families who may be considering IA/GSA deployments, advancement/career implications of an IA/GSA assignment as well as family support for these sailors and their loved ones both during and 'post' IA/GSA deployment.

PTSD: MCPON tackled head-on the topic and challenge of PTSD and the resources available for both Sailor and Families. He voiced his desire to dispel myths regarding PTSD and commitment to educate and support fleet and families on PTSD.

MCPON voiced his support and focus on communication and pushing information to people, as opposed to asking them to pull it, including utilizing new mediums of communication. MCPON hosts a Facebook page and encourages Sailors and families to become a fan and post your insight, ideas, feedback on his page (www.facebook.com/MCPON). He is also on twitter (www.twitter.com/MCPONPAO). When asked if we would see a MCPON blog soon he said, "Oh, I'm busy focusing on my Facebook so I don't think so at this time."

Other topics discussed on this broadcast include family support, Ombudsman program, new media, and much more. To hear the entire broadcast click here. Once there click on the "MCPON is on the Deck" episode for the full broadcast.

MCPON West will be returning to the show in the near future and he wants to take your live calls. Stay tuned as I will let you know when that broadcast is scheduled.

If you have not checked out internet broadcasting, or podcasts, let me encourage you to do so! Think of DVR for your talk show entertainment. Each podcast can be listened to live or on your laptop at your convenience. Perhaps my favorite feature is the RSS feed to subscribe to my favorite podcasts. I download them to my MP3 player to listen during a commute or workout. Navy Homefront Talk! airs live once a week. You can listen or subscribe to the show at www.blogtalkradio.com/nht.