Driving Fidelity: A Veteran’s Second Mission on the Open Road
- S5E102
- 39:14
- March 11th 2026
In this episode, we sit down with Patrice Cook, a US Army 25-year veteran and the first female Ride of Pride driver. From navigating 16-gear manuals in Iraq to leading a dedicated fleet at Schneider, Patrice shares how she turned her military MOS into a trailblazing civilian career.
Episode Highlights
- The Transition: Moving from military convoys to DOT regulations and why veterans crave structure in the civilian workforce.
- Schneider’s Apprenticeship: How veterans can use their GI Bill benefits for up to 10 years post-service while driving.
- Ride of Pride: The story behind the "rolling memorials." Patrice discusses driving "Fidelity" and the emotional impact of visiting veteran organizations nationwide.
Upcoming Event: Brothers After War
Join us for a documentary screening and truck viewing!
- Date: March 21, 2026
- Location: Santikos Theater (I-35 North), San Antonio, TX
- Time: 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM (Truck viewing at 10:45 AM)
- Featuring: Two Ride of Pride trucks, "Fidelity" and "Eagle."
Beyond The Frontline
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Beyond the Frontline is a podcast focused on one of the most critical and overlooked missions in military life: the transition from the Frontline to the Homefront. Hosted by retired Air Force nurse and seasoned transition mentor Donna Hoffmeyer, this show offers real conversations, practical guidance, and expert insights for service members, Veterans, and their families as they navigate life beyond uniform.
With over two decades of military service including roles in nursing, flight medicine, education, and policy. Donna brings firsthand knowledge and deep compassion to every episode. She holds a master’s degree in Sport Science, is co-author of Warrior to Patriot Citizen, and runs REBel LLC, a company dedicated to Veteran mentorship, consulting, and publishing.
Through interviews and shared experiences, Beyond the Frontline dives into the emotional, logistical, and cultural aspects of transition, from preparing early to finding purpose after service. Donna also draws from her blog Taking Off The Armor, offering thoughtful commentary on the challenges and growth that come before, during, and after military retirement.
If you're ready to turn experience into empowerment and uncertainty into a plan, this podcast is your next step.
Subscribe to Beyond the Frontline—where preparation meets purpose.
Donna is a 21-year retired Air Force nurse; with a career that spanned from nursing, flight nursing, education, training, readiness, and policy. Donna has a master’s degree in Sport Science and has co-authored her first book, Warrior to Patriot Citizen; focusing on ensuring service members are prepared for transition well before transition occurs. She also has her own blog, Taking Off The Armor, focused on all issues before, during and after transition and after retirement, as well as, a multifaceted business, REBel LLC, focused on veteran transition mentorship, consulting, and publishing her own work.