It’s time we start highlighting some of our outstanding Veterans! Donna and Jay bring on Mike Clark, a 26 year Army helicopter pilot and 28 years educator to discuss his life over the decades, how the military has changed since his days, and why he continues to support his community and veterans.
Originally from Iowa, the Clark family moved from Arizona to Spring Branch, TX in September 2015. Mike enlisted in the Army in 1966 eventually retiring in 1992 in the grade of Lieutenant Colonel. He served in various command and staff positions in many U. S. and overseas locations including two combat tours in Vietnam as a helicopter pilot. He was also a Phoenix Police Officer/Helicopter Pilot and a member of the Arizona Army National Guard for 2 years during a short break in active military service.
Mike began a 2nd career in education in 1992 as a high school teacher with Dysart Unified School District, El Mirage, AZ; a high school teacher, high school Dean of Students, high school Principal, Assistant Superintendent, and Superintendent of Schools at Piñon Unified School District. Mike retired from education in 2013 as Principal/Superintendent of Pine Strawberry Elementary School and Pine Strawberry Elementary School District. He also served as an educational consultant for one year specializing in leadership training and grant writing among other responsibilities. Mike has served on multiple boards for various community volunteer organizations, is an active Kiwanian with the Texas Hill Country Kiwanis Club and a member of the Alamo Chapter of Vietnam Helicopter Pilots Association.
Mike’s formal civilian education includes a Bachelor of Science Degree in Aeronautical Engineering from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, a Master of Arts Degree in Management and Supervision from Central Michigan University, an Educational Administration Certification from the University of Phoenix plus many post graduate hours in Educational Leadership from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. He currently holds an Arizona Principal and Superintendent’s Teaching/Administrator’s Certificate. His military education includes the U.S. Army Aviation School where he received his pilot’s training and wings, the Field Artillery Officers Advanced Course, the Command and General Staff College, and the Command, Control, Communications Staff Officers Course at the Armed Forces Staff College.
Donna’s Links
Website: www.rebel-llc.com
Book: Warrior to Patriot Citizen (2017)
Blog: Taking Off The Armor
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Donna’s Links
Website: www.rebel-llc.com Consulting/Coaching
Book: Warrior to Patriot Citizen (2017)
Blog: Taking Off The Armor
IG: @thetransitioningwarrior
Twitter: @wtpc
FB: The Transitioning Warrior
Jay’s Links
Website: https://j2servantleadership.com/
Book: Breaking Average (2020)
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Beyond The Frontline
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.