The Road to Leadership: Lessons from the Journey

Every leader has a starting point—and a journey that shapes how they serve.

In this episode of Voices of the Old Line, Senior Master Sergeant Joe Schmitt, operations superintendent of the 175th Security Forces Squadron, shares his path from a teenager searching for direction to a senior leader committed to developing and caring for airmen.

Joining Chief Aragon and SMSgt Brian Janssens, Schmitt reflects on 22 years of service, deployments to Baghdad and Kuwait, and the leaders whose compassion left a lasting impression. He opens up about the demands of shift work, staying present for his wife and children, and balancing responsibility for the mission with responsibility to the people carrying it out.

The conversation explores finding motivation after setbacks, building trust through everyday connections, supporting returning deployers, and creating a culture where asking for help is accepted. Through candid stories and practical lessons, Schmitt shares a belief that guides his leadership: when you take care of your people, they take care of the mission.

Strong People. Strong Teams. Strong Old Line.

Ready When Called: Resilience, Readiness, & Recharging

What does it really mean to be ready when the call comes?

In this episode of Voices of the Old Line, Lieutenant Colonel James Edie joins Brian and Monica for an honest conversation about the people behind mission readiness. Drawing on 24 years of service, deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan, and his experience as a commander, husband, and father of four, Edie explores how mental fitness, family preparedness, and everyday connections help keep the force ready.

He shares his own experience seeking counseling, why leaders need time to reset, and how trust, recognition, and a simple phone call can make a lasting difference. The conversation also covers preparing your household for deployment, balancing civilian and military responsibilities, and giving soldiers and airmen the confidence to take ownership of their work.

From fishing with his kids to competing in Ninja Warrior, Edie shares how he recharges—and why taking care of people means knowing them well enough to recognize when something is wrong.

Strong People. Strong Teams. Strong Old Line.

What does it mean to take care of people when the mission—and the future—are changing?

In this episode of Voices of the Old Line, Colonel Steve Harrigan, Deputy Commander of the 175th Wing, shares his journey from enlisted crew chief to senior leader, including a career in law enforcement and the challenges of balancing military service with family life.

Through candid stories and practical lessons, Colonel Harrigan explores earning trust, balancing empathy with accountability, and leading by example. As the wing transitions from its flying mission toward a future in cyber, he discusses helping Airmen navigate uncertainty, explore new opportunities, and recognize their value beyond a job title or aircraft.

The conversation also addresses leading through loss, supporting families and teammates, and reaching out for help. At its heart is a simple commitment: know your people, share the load, and build an organization where people want to serve.

Strong People. Strong Teams. Strong Old Line.

Episode 1: The Mission Behind the Mic

Welcome to the first episode of Voices of the Old Line!

Join Chief Master Sergeant Monica Aragon and Senior Master Sergeant Brian Janssens as they pull back the curtain on the Maryland National Guard's Old Line Resiliency Campaign and the mission behind this podcast.

From personal stories to candid conversations about leadership, mental health, and the challenges facing today's Soldiers and Airmen, this episode sets the stage for what's to come.

Discover how initiatives like Old Line Connect, Old Line Reset, and the Resource Roadshow are helping build a stronger, more connected force—and why sometimes the most important thing a leader can do is simply pick up the phone.

Real stories. Honest conversations. Stronger connections.

Because resilience isn't about never struggling. It's about knowing you're never alone.

Voices of the Old Line — Strengthening the Force, One Conversation at a Time.