Legends Among Us

CH Phipps sits down with CH (1LT) Matthew Tramel, Sabre Squadron chaplain and newest Unit Ministry Team (UMT) member to the 3d CR family and SGT Angelise Torres, Thunder Squadron's current Religious Affairs NCO. Each share their journey into the Chaplain Corps as they discuss the need for Trooper resiliency and and how it plays into strong organizational leadership. (Recorded on 26 September 2025.)

CH Phipps sits down with SGT Justin Toepel, the 2025 Trooper of the Year (TOTY) for 3d CR. Justin, currently serving as a mortarman in Ironhawk Troop, Thunder Squadron, shares his TOTY experience from this past summer. He also dives into how he's leveraged personal setbacks to maintain a competitive spirit while leading Troopers within his squad. SGT Toepel provides some great insights on what true intrinsic motivation looks like, even under the most challenging of situations. A great listen! (Recorded on 8 September 2025.)

SFC Anthony Bouma, SFC Chris McKoy, and MAJ Clayton Ivey break down fires within 3d CR and how they seamlessly integrate their warfighting function into the greater mission of the Regiment. They also share opinions and insights about potential combat in a future near-peer environment.

CH Phipps spends some time with the Regimental paralegal team - SFC Tamai, SGT Rodriguez, SGT Vera, and SPC Valencia to talk about their experiences in 3d CR. As all of them are preparing to move on from the Regiment, they share their perspectives working in the RJA office and how their time has shaped them as Army soldiers and as human beings. (Recorded on 23 July 2025.)

On this episode, CH Phipps sits down with LTC (R) Jeff Hernandez, the current President of the 3d US Cavalry Association to talk history, traditions, and culture of 3CR. Jeff served as both a commander and on regimental staff during his two rotations with 3CR. Together he and CH Phipps discuss the practical nature of maintaining community and connection, for both retired Veterans and active duty Troopers. (Recorded on 18 July 2025.)

CH Phipps sits down with a true legend - CSM (R) Dennis Webster. CSM Webster served at the 12th RCSM of, at the time, 3d Armored Calvary Regiment deploying to Iraq during Operation Desert Storm in 1990. He shares his timeless insights on the culture of the 3d Calvary Regiment and the Army writ large. (Recorded on 16 July 2025.)

Chaplain Phipps sits down with 1LT Steve Gay, the Holistic Health and Fitness (H2F) Program Manager for 3d CR and 1LT Caitlyn Nass, the Regimental Nutritionist to discuss the fundamental need for a comprehensive fitness program within the Army. Together, they discuss how this blueprint applies to the culture of the Regiment and how Troopers can benefit from the Burba gym staff that are eager to help them meet their fitness and life goals - one dead lift at a time. (Recorded on 2 July 2025.)

On this episode, Chaplain Phipps Interviews PFC Shanoy Gunning, one of the stellar culinary specialists who works at the Theodore Roosevelt Warrior Restaurant. She talks about her journey into the Army, the experiences she's had, and what her future in 3d CR and beyond might look like. (Recorded on 27 June 2025.)

Chaplain Phipps sits down SFC Greg Hill, the current Regimental Military Equal Opportunity Adviser and veteran of 3d Cavalry Regiment. SFC Hill shares his experiences in 3CR dating backing to 2006 near the height of the surge in Iraq. He talks about his pride in the organization and how it has affected his leadership today. (Recorded on 12 June 2025.)

Chaplain Phipps interviews CPT Nicholas Basel and 1LT Dominic Dinunzio of Thunder Squadron, 3d Cavalry Regiment on their experience during the 2025 David E. Grange Jr. Best Ranger Competition at Fort Benning, GA. They discuss the formative nature of BRC and how it has shaped their leadership skills within 3d CR. (Recorded on 6 June 2025.)