Pitbull 214 Podcast | Ep. 13, Rafi Rodriguez, From Air Force Colonel to a New Mission

Mission Briefing

What happens when a 26-year military career comes to an end, but the mission doesn't?

In this episode of Pitbull 214, host Rick "Pitbull" Perales sits down with retired U.S. Air Force Colonel Rafi Rodriguez to talk about his remarkable military career, his transition to civilian life, and the purpose that continues to drive him today.

Rafi shares how growing up in Puerto Rico and his fascination with the space program led him to the Air Force, where he became a missileer, worked on the Titan IV space launch vehicle, served in joint operations and intelligence, and ultimately retired as a Colonel after 26 years of service. Along the way, he reflects on the mentors who helped shape his career and why finding the right mentor can make a lifelong difference.

After retirement, Rafi applied the same principles he learned in the military—planning, setting goals, reviewing progress, and executing—to build a new career helping others prepare for their financial futures. He also shares an important lesson for veterans preparing for transition: start planning before you leave the military.

Today, Rafi continues his commitment to service through Rafi's Amigos Golf Outing, raising funds to give local Junior ROTC cadets opportunities to attend Air Camp and explore STEM, aviation, leadership, and their potential futures.

His message is simple but powerful: find a mentor, follow your passion, develop a plan, and use your God-given gifts to serve others. Because retirement may mark the end of your military career, but it doesn't have to mark the end of your mission.

Ask Rafi: https://www.askrafi.com/ Rafi's Amigos Golf Outing Highlights: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kpAuz_1_OCU

#Pitbull214Podcast #RafiRodriguez #AirForce #Veterans #MilitaryTransition #Mentorship #VeteranSuccess #MilitaryRetirement #JROTC #STEM #Leadership #Service #supportourveterans

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What happens when a 26-year military career comes to an end, but the mission doesn't?

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