Our Guest: Paul Aguirre from the National Guard Association of Arizona

Welcome to Fight in Progress!

 

Today we are joined by Executive Director for the National Guard Association of Arizona, Colonel Paul Aguirre. We learn about the differences between our different branches of military, along with what sets the National Guard apart from the rest. 

 

About our guest:

Colonel (Ret) Paul R. Aguirre is the Executive Director for the
National Guard Association of Arizona. In this capacity, he
represents over 1,100 Officers of the Arizona National Guard
supporting the approximately 8,000 Soldiers and Airmen of the
Arizona National Guard. Prior to retiring in 2020, Aguirre served
over 33 years in the both the Army and Air Force. His military
assignments included Counter Drug Task Force (CDTF)
Commander for the Arizona National Guard; Commander
Logistics Readiness Squadron, 161st Air Refueling Wing; Chief
of Staff, 161st Air Refueling Wing; Public Affairs Officer, AZ
Department of Emergency and Military Affairs; and Comptroller, 161st Air Refueling Wing. He also has enlisted experience in logistics, aircraft maintenance and air traffic control.

Col Aguirre deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and has served in Germany, South Korea and South America. He directly supported several homeland missions including relief efforts for Hurricanes Katrina and Sandy, Operation Jump Start (the original border mission for the Arizona National Guard), and implemented the Substance Abuse Prevention program for the Arizona National Guard supporting drug prevention efforts statewide. The program emphasized fentanyl poisoning prevention and was the largest in the nation.

He was awarded the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Air Force Achievement Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Air Reserve Forces Meritorious Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Medal, Nuclear Deterrence Operations Service Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, and the NATO Medal.

Colonel Aguirre completed a Bachelor of Arts in Business Management from the University of Phoenix. His military education includes the Air Force War College, Air Force Command and Staff College, Air Force Squadron Officers School, National Guard Bureau’s Commanders Course, Army Air Traffic Controller Course, Army Telecommunications Center Operator Course, Army National Guard Primary Leadership Development Course, Army Basic Training, Air Force Logistics Officer Course and the Department of Defense Information Public Affairs Officer Course.

He was born in Peoria, Arizona and currently lives in Phoenix, Arizona with his son Jackson and daughter Alanna. Aguirre has served his community as the Executive Director and board member for the Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce; Board of Trustees for Ashford University; member Phoenix Sports Commission Champions Circle; Board Member National Guard Association of Arizona; University of Phoenix Alumni Board; and has worked with or volunteered for numerous other local organizations including Vet Tix, Pros vs GI Joes, Honor Flight, Patriot Guard Riders, Joy Bus Diner and Special Olympics.

 

Description:

Fight in Progress with Susan Simons aims to discuss problems and difficulties our officers face every day from sleep deprivation, vitamin and mineral deficiencies, and adrenal fatigue, to depression, isolation, physical illnesses, emotional distress, divorce and all too often suicide. Fight in Progress looks to cover these topics and discuss their solutions to help these warriors navigate these threats through education and preparation. We speak to experts, officers and their families from around the country to have hard discussions on what challenges this community faces, and what we can do to strengthen our men and women in law enforcement.

About the Host-

Susan, President and founder of Under the Shield, is a leading subject matter expert in First Responder Stress/PTSI, and has been an instructor for 26 years in many major military and law enforcement installations around the country including, FBI Academy Quantico VA, US Marine Corps 3rd Battalion 23 Marines Lima Company, US Air Force Europe, consulting clinician NYPD/FDNY post 9-11, National Tactical Operators Association, and Luke AFB in Arizona (current). In these trainings she provides resilience training for all first responders and takes a head on approach to the issues of suicide, divorce, and Post traumatic stress, with solutions to the real issues affecting those in the first responder community.

Through her non-profit, Under the Shield Inc., she has created the only Stress Coach Certification in the United States specifically for law enforcement, first responders, military and their families. Susan holds a M.S. in Counseling and Human Development from Troy University and is a Board Certified Expert in Traumatic Stress as well as a Fellow with the American Academy of Experts in Traumatic Stress. 

Contact a stress coach near you at Under The Shield: (855)889-2348

You can also reach out to the hosts directly for help at:

Susan Simmons (334) 324-3570 or susan.simons@undertheshield.com

Tom The-Bomb-Dot-Com (480) 861-6574 or Thaubold@undertheshield.com

If you want to share your story on our Podcast, reach out to:

Tracy “Mrs. The-Bomb-Dot-Com” - Spousal Stress Coach (480) 518-3775

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THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR JOINING US!