‘Instagram Decoded’ With Amanda Pelkowski: Social Media & The Military, Leading as A Woman, and Loss

In this episode of HeroFront, I'm honored to welcome Lt Col Amanda J. Pelkowski, the Commander of the 1st Special Operations Force Support Squadron at Hurlburt Field, Florida. Amanda oversees a wide range of programs and services that support the well-being of 39,000 active duty, civilian, dependent, and retired personnel. With a team of 700 Air Commandos and a $17 million operating budget, she provides strategic direction for 70 diverse activities and facilities. Since entering the Air Force in 2008 through the United States Air Force Academy, Amanda has held various positions across different levels and deployed three times to Southwest Asia in support of multiple operations. Today, we'll dive into Amanda's experiences in the military and her journey through leadership roles, the impact of social media on military life, and the importance of emotional intelligence and effective communication. We discuss the challenges and opportunities of using social media for recruitment and the significance of cultural sensitivity in military funeral honors. Amanda shares personal stories about overcoming online hate, promoting gender equality, and the power of accountability and personal growth. We'll also touch on the critical role of the Force Support Squadron in providing cradle-to-grave support for Airmen and the emotional weight of honor guard duties. Get ready for an insightful conversation about leadership, resilience, and the power of sharing our stories. Segment 1: Military Life and Social Media Josh White and Amanda discuss the challenges and benefits of maintaining an online presence while serving in the military. Amanda shares her experiences of receiving both positive and negative feedback from superiors. Josh talks about his viral TikTok video and the importance of consistency in building trust with followers. Segment 2: Recruitment and Social Media Amanda discusses using social media for Air Force recruitment. Success story of a Facebook page for a golf course that improved viewership and engagement through positive content. Discussion on Facebook monetization influencing content direction. Segment 3: Promotions and Leadership Josh reflects on his 20 years in the Air Force and shares his experiences with promotions. Importance of mindset shift in military promotion ceremonies and dealing with online hate. Amanda emphasizes leadership potential and recognizing different strengths and abilities. Segment 4: Personal Growth and Accountability Josh shares his journey of overcoming toxic behavior and the influence of his father and friend, Jamie Ashburn. Amanda shares a personal story about meeting her husband and the challenges of gender inequality in the military. Segment 5: Gender Bias and Self-Care Amanda discusses her experiences of bias and discrimination at the Air Force Academy. Importance of focusing on personal happiness and self-care. Amanda’s hard work and dedication evident in her meet and greet with Josh. Segment 6: Leadership Challenges Amanda talks about managing multiple responsibilities and the importance of time management. Josh reflects on the emotional toll of disciplining subordinates and the need for emotional resilience. Segment 7: Parenting, Travel, and Support Discussion on emotional support systems, including pets and personal relationships. Josh shares his experiences traveling as an airman and his love for dogs. Segment 8: FSS and Honor Guard Duties Amanda explains the diverse roles of FSS, from child care to mortuary services. Josh shares his experience recovering an airman’s remains and the emotional weight of honor guard. Segment 9: Military Experience on Social Media Amanda emphasizes meeting Air Force personnel on social media and the complexities involved. Segment 10: Mental Health and Grief Josh and Amanda share personal stories about mental health struggles and the importance of awareness and support. Amanda reflects on her friend Michelle’s suicide and the impact it had on her.