#249: Air Force Veteran Denise Jelinski-Hall, 3rd Senior Enlisted Advisor to the National Guard Bureau

Borne the Battle

Denise Jelinski-Hall felt stuck in her small hometown of Little Falls, Minnesota, so she created a new future for herself by joining the Air Force. Years, later, Jelinski-Hall became the highest-ranking enlisted female in United States military history.

On this episode of Borne the Battle, Air National Guard Veteran Denise Jelinski-Halldiscusses her selection as Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Chief of the National Guard Bureau, the changing roles of women in the military, and how “gray-area service members” are still entitled to VA benefits.

Jelinski-Hall found her calling with the Air Force but decided to transfer to the Air National Guard after marrying an active-duty Marine. She served three years in the California Air National Guard before transferring to Hawaii. Jelinski-Hall’s 28-year career included 12 years of active service, leadership of the Hawaii National Guard, and a position in the Pentagon advising the Chief of the National Guard Bureau.

In addition to her military service, Jelinski-Hall volunteers with United Through Reading and the Military Child Education Coalition. United Through Reading connects military families through recorded stories. Family members can record themselves reading and the recordings provide story time with that absent family member. Jelinski-Hall served on the board of the Military Child Education Coalition, an organization that supports the schooling of military children through mentorship and other supportive resources.

Jelinski-Hall is currently a military advisor for Veterans United Home Loans, where she educates Veterans about VA home loans and home ownership. She also wrote an autobiography, "From the Prairie to the Pentagon," and contributed to the leadership book "Breaching the Summit," alongside five other former Senior Enlisted Advisors.

In this episode, Jelinski-Hall discusses writing her autobiography, how to respectfully not take 'no' for an answer, and other leadership and life tips.

Borne the Battle Veteran of the Week:

• Army Veteran Pedro Munoz

Mentioned in this episode:

• Borne the Battle #187: Darlene Iskra, Groundbreaker
• Borne the Battle #150: Benefits Breakdown – 75th Anniversary of the VA Home Loan Program
• Borne the Battle #240: Benefits Breakdown – Interest Rate Reduction Refinance Loan (IRRRL)
• The Summit 6
• United Through Reading offer free books and mobile app for Veterans, military – VAntage Point
• VA Secretary Denis McDonough statement on department’s extension of moratoriums on foreclosures and evictions, as well as new mortgage repayment assistance to help stabilize vulnerable households
• VA expands “PRIDE In All Who Served” program for LGBTQ+ Veterans