Army FAOs,
DIA DAS Hall of Fame Nominations
The DIA has a Defense Attache Service (DAS) Hall of Fame every three years, and 2026 is the year for awarding new members. A bit of a late notice as the nominations evidently are on a rolling nature now, but only given out every three years. Please see link for more information to include forms to be used. Deadline is February 15th, 2026 for the August 2026 award ceremony. Please reach out to the point of contact on the forms, not the Army FAO Association, should you have any questions.
DIA Acting DR Signed Memorandum Nominations for 2026 DAS Hall of Fame 11112025
2 – DAS Hall of Fame Nomination Data Form
FAO Podcasts
Check out the latest FAO Podcasts by Mike Hill:
#30 – Julie and CAPT(R) Tully
In this episode of the Foreign Area Officer Podcast, I interview Julie Tully and her husband U.S. Navy CAPT(R) John Tulley. We discuss Julie’s transition from a cowgirl in Northern California to a ‘nomadic Navy spouse’ and the dynamic journey from her career in agriculture to becoming a Foreign Area Officer (FAO) spouse, living and working in Europe and Africa for fifteen consecutive years. The conversation delves into the couple’s experiences living in Cameroon, Nigeria, and Djibouti and the impact of their roles there. They touch on memorable challenges, the importance of self-reliance, and the significant contributions spouses make to the FAO mission. Julie also shares the inspiration and stories behind her book, ‘Dispatches from the Cowgirl,’ offering a deeper look into the FAO lifestyle and its challenges and rewards.
https://theforeignareaofficerpodcast.podbean.com/e/30-julie-and-captr-tully/
#31 – COL(R) JP Gresh
What crisis was central to your experience working at a U.S. embassy abroad, for better or worse?
Join me in a discussion with COL(R) JP Gresh to discuss hisexperiences in Russia, Ukraine, and the Balkans. The conversation highlights key moments such as the 2013-2014 Ukraine crisis, the challenges of security cooperation in Estonia, and the complexities of working in Russia. Additionally, Gresh shares insights into balancing professional and personal life with a spouse in the Department of State, and offers advice for future FAOs on training, career growth, and the importance of adaptability and maintaining strong interagency relationships. COL(R) Grech also serves as the Co-Editor-in-Chief of the FAOA Journal.
https://theforeignareaofficerpodcast.podbean.com/e/31-colr-jp-gresh/
#32 – MAJ(P) Jacob Myers
Meet MAJ(P) Promotable Jacob Myers, currently serving at the Military Advising Training Academy (MATA) at Fort Benning, Georgia. Our discussion covers the purpose and function of MATA, the development and training of military advisors, and the history and evolution of Security Force Assistance Brigades (SFABs). Myers elaborates on his experience in Latvia, the challenges of building rapport and training in a foreign country, and the rapidly changing dynamics in Eastern Europe following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. We also touch on FAO professional development, the importance of language skills, and the valuable interactions and learning opportunities throughout a FAO’s career.
https://theforeignareaofficerpodcast.podbean.com/e/32-majp-jacob-myers/
#33 – LTC(P) Wes Chaney
In this episode I’m happy to welcome back LTC(P) Wes Chaney, US Army AFRICOM FAO. Wes shares his journey in establishing the Army Foreign Area Officer Association and discusses his first book, which delves into his experiences as a security cooperation officer in Africa. The conversation covers a variety of topics including the creation of his Africa OSC blog, the unique challenges faced by FAOs, the importance of mentorship, and the activities of the Army FAO Association. Wes also provides invaluable advice on managing expectations, senior leader engagements, and the specific ‘shoulds’ (don’t be that guy!)and ‘traps’ FAOs should be aware of. The episode is a goldmine of information for both current and aspiring FAOs, offering practical tips and reflective anecdotes from Wes’s extensive career.
https://theforeignareaofficerpodcast.podbean.com/e/33-ltcp-wes-chaney/
#34 – LTC(R) Bill Woods
In this episode of the Foreign Area Officer Podcast, host Michael Hill interviews retired Lieutenant Colonel Bill Woods, an Eastern European FAO and current instructor at the Joint Military Attaché School (JMAS). LTC Woods shares his experiences and challenges faced during his career, including the undervaluation of FAOs in the past, his roles in Naples, Cyprus, and London, and the importance of building relationships in diplomatic and military contexts. The discussion also touches on the practical aspects of being an FAO, the impact of critical thinking and current doctrinal knowledge, and the unique experiences and opportunities presented by serving at JMAS. Bill reflects on the importance of having fun in the job and staying engaged in current assignments while planning for future roles.
https://theforeignareaofficerpodcast.podbean.com/e/34-ltcr-bill-woods/
Yours in FAO,
Army FAO Association