#104 - Toni Lavery - Resilience, Service, and New Beginnings

In this episode of Passing the Torch, host Martin Foster speaks with Toni Lavery, a veteran of the United States Army, about her transition to civilian life, the challenges she faced, and the importance of resilience and support networks. 

Toni shares her journey of self-discovery, health challenges, and her commitment to advocating for vulnerable populations. 

The conversation delves into the significance of empathy in communication, the impact of personal experiences on professional growth, and the vital role of community support in achieving success. 

Toni's insights provide valuable lessons for anyone navigating life changes, particularly those transitioning from military to civilian life.

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Quick Episode Summary:

Toni Lavery shares about military transition, resilience, and inspiring new projects.

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SEO Description:

Explore Toni Lavery’s inspiring journey from Army service to community advocacy, leadership, resilience, and transition in this episode of Passing The Torch.

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🌟 Torch Takeaways:

• Transition & Identity: Discusses the emotional rollercoaster of leaving the Army, facing identity questions, and finding support in a powerful community of women veterans. Her advice: “Find the right support network and cling on to them for everything that you can.”
• The Power of Community: From disaster relief work to standing up a new nonprofit, is dedicated to empowering others, especially women who continually show extraordinary resilience against new challenges.
• Fox Force & Giving Back: Don’t miss her announcement about Fox Force, a nonprofit launching a historic all-women’s D-Day parachute jump in Normandy in 2026—a project fueled by grit and a desire to show young girls what’s possible.
• Art, Music & Connection: Her unique blend of skills—speaking five languages, musical talent, and artistic flair—help her build empathy and influence others, both in her Psyop work and daily life.
• Words of Wisdom: Leaves us with wisdom for the next generation: “Be an advocate for those who cannot advocate for themselves.” Whether it’s children or individuals facing hardship, it’s our responsibility to uplift and support one another.

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Toni's Resources:

➡︎ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/toni-l-nashville-professional/ 

➡︎ Fox Force Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fox.force.lv/

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Episode Mentions:

The Bronze Fonz

Task Force Dagger

Denny Giamazzo

Nick Lavery

Fox Force

Ben Bunn

Casey Maxted

Jason Van Camp

Warrior Rising

The General’s Daughter

Mike Stone

Book: The Other Wes Moore

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Quotes to open episode:

“What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make.” – Jane Goodall

“Whether through words, music, or brushstrokes, the power to connect and influence comes from understanding others — and from the courage to see the world through many lenses.”

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Chapters:

00:00 Making a Difference Together

06:41 Life Beyond the Military

15:33 Med Board and Health Struggles

16:50 Task Force Dagger's Support

22:30 Misdiagnosis and Blindness News

29:55 Joining the Army Changed Me

35:20 Italian Family, Nicknames, and Rapport

40:09 Creative Interviewing Techniques

43:48 Nonprofit Launch Fundraiser Filming

49:11 Humility Enables Effective Leadership

57:41 Gardening: Black Thumb to Green

01:03:32 Reflections on Leaving Home

01:06:01 Keep Spreading Awareness Together

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Full Podcast Summary: Passing The Torch featuring Toni Lavery:

In this engaging conversation, Martin Foster welcomes Toni Lavery, a retired U.S. Army Sergeant Major with nearly 25 years of service, to discuss her transition from military life to civilian endeavors. The episode dives into Toni’s journey, highlighting both her distinguished career and her personal challenges, including a serious eye condition that forced her to medically retire.

Toni shares honest reflections about the identity crisis many face when leaving the military, explaining how she overcame the fear of losing relevance after stepping away from her role. Through participation with organizations like The Honor Foundation and new volunteer opportunities, she discovered a vibrant world outside the military and embraced roles in disaster relief and launching her own nonprofit focused on supporting and mentoring women.

The discussion also explores the unique challenges female veterans experience during their transition out of uniform, emphasizing the importance of resilience, adaptability, and building a strong support network. Toni’s story is one of persistence and transformation, as she applies lessons from military service to empower others—especially women—through mentorship and advocacy.

Personal anecdotes sprinkle the episode, from her Milwaukee upbringing and musical talents to the upcoming Fox Force project—a nonprofit marked by an all-women’s parachute jump into Normandy for D-Day. Throughout, Toni exudes humility, humor, and wisdom, and Martin Foster keeps the tone light and inspiring, underscoring themes of leadership, empathy, and passing the torch to the next generation.

Listeners are left with practical advice: seek out the right people for your support network, and don’t hesitate to advocate for those who cannot advocate for themselves. 

This episode is a powerful testament to growth after service, the continued impact of veterans, and the positive changes possible through connection and courage.

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I appreciate all of you. - MF