Release Date: April 2026

Season: 2 | Episode: 15

We are back! After a brief pause in March, the Phantom Fuel Podcast returns with a massive update. In this episode, we address the recent silence, celebrate the retirement and transition of our founding producer, RJ, and introduce our fill-in host, SMSgt Mandy Denhardt. We also bring you a powerhouse interview with retired Major General Rick Evans, and catch you up on a busy month of deployments, inspections, and historic milestones across the Nebraska National Guard.

A special welcome to SMSgt Mandy Denhardt, who steps up to the mic to guide us through this transition period. As RJ prepares for his well-deserved retirement, we are officially searching for the next voice and producer of the Phantom Fuel Podcast. Could it be you?

• Strategic Perspectives: Chief Eddie sits down with retired Major General Rick Evans, current Executive Director at the National Strategic Research Institute (NSRI), to discuss his Guard history and the vital relationship between Nebraska and USSTRATCOM.

• The March Recap: We missed a month, but the mission didn't stop. We cover the Army Guard's deployment to Washington D.C., the inaugural Warrant Officer Hall of Fame class, and the 155th Wing's highly successful Combat Readiness Inspection (CRI).

• Honoring Excellence: Highlighting the 170th Group's SrA Kinslow (Outstanding Airman of the Year), the 43rd Army Band's honor band mentorship, and an Elm Creek civilian employer receiving the ESGR Patriot Award.

  Spring Safety Brief: April means motorcycles are back on the road and patio season is open. Have a plan, watch your blind spots, and make the smart call.

🎙️ Step Up to the Mic: We Need a New Host! Are you the next voice of the Nebraska Air National Guard? We are looking for a new host and producer to take over the Phantom Fuel Podcast.

• Reach out to your First Sergeant or the A1 staff of Chief Nelson (Innovation Director) to throw your name in the hat.

🏕️ Summer Youth Camps (Grades K-8) The Nebraska Guard has partnered with Bright Lights and 4-H to offer discounted summer activities for Guard families. Supplies are limited!

• Contact Gabrielle Onate at 402-309-7338 or scan the QR codes on flyers around base.

🥂 Emerald Social Update The Emerald Social has been rescheduled, not canceled! Refunds are being processed for current ticketholders, and the team is working to make the new date even better. Stay tuned for details.

Whether you want to be the next host, have a story we need to cover, or just want to leave some feedback for Mandy and RJ, we want to hear from you!

👇 Click the link below to submit feedback or volunteer:Phantom Fuel Feedback & Co-Host Form

• Review us on Spotify: Every comment helps boost the podcast!

• Share the Show: Help us elevate the voice of the Nebraska National Guard by sharing this episode with a friend or fellow Airman.

Until next time — take care, stay safe, stay connected, and keep fueling the mission.