Dr. Chase Spears (retired Army Major PAO) welcomes Navy Commander Theresa Carpenter—30-year public affairs veteran, Stories of Service podcast host, and advocate for military justice reform. Ten days post-retirement, she shares her journey from aviation electrician to PAO, disillusionment with leadership’s “say-do gap,” the Brett Crozier case, Bowe Bergdahl narrative control, and why she spoke out despite backlash. They explore ethical tensions in military communication, DEI’s impact on cohesion, and advice for active-duty PAOs afraid to speak.
Watch:
00:00:00 – Introduction
00:01:38 – Theresa’s Navy Career
00:04:57 – Brett Crozier Case
00:07:44 – Bowe Bergdahl Narrative
00:11:23 – Pentagon Press Pool
00:13:22 – Becoming a PAO
00:17:18 – Rumsfeld Armor Moment
00:19:59 – Bergdahl Viral Piece
00:23:15 – Betrayal & Trust
00:29:54 – Meeting on Social Media
00:36:46 – Life on Ships
00:44:49 – Retirement Reflections
00:56:54 – Advice to PAOs
PARI II: Dr. Chase Spears welcomes back retired Navy CDR Theresa Carpenter—30-year PAO, Stories of Service host, and military justice advocate. She reveals why she retired 6 months early: supporting Pete Hegseth’s SecDef nomination. From press conference speech to Newsmax stand-down, a LOI, and housing fraud accusations, she details the “say-do gap,” double standards, and fear-driven silence. Part 2 explores false allegations, flawed investigations, and why she won’t stop advocating.
00:00:00 – Introduction
00:00:56 – Early Retirement
00:02:04 – Meeting Pete Hegseth
00:03:40 – Command Friction
00:09:12 – DC Press Conference
00:17:40 – Phone Confrontation
00:21:39 – Letter of Instruction
00:29:06 – Facebook Harassment
00:35:58 – Skill Bridge Exit
00:42:38 – Admin Justice Flaws
00:55:18 – False Allegations Crisis
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