#7 - Navigating Work and Family as a Deployed Commander | Montana "Tweeder" Puckett

Montana "Tweeder" Puckett shares his journey as a former ESOS commander who faced extreme work-life challenges while deployed for eight months in a year. Montana openly discusses how his demanding military career strained his marriage when communication with his wife Kayla broke down during his transition to flight commander and subsequent deployment.

The conversation explores the "boiling frog" phenomenon of gradually increasing stress and Tweeder's powerful insight: "Over communicate period. Most people think they communicate so well when in reality they just don't."

Now a new father, Tweeder shares how weapons school prepared him for leadership and how these experiences shaped his philosophy that "happiness is a choice." His story offers valuable lessons on establishing boundaries, prioritizing family, and finding purpose amid competing demands—wisdom applicable to anyone balancing career ambitions with personal relationships.