In this episode of the Foreign Area Officer Podcast, I interview Julie Tully and her husband U.S. Navy CAPT(R) John Tulley. We discuss Julie's transition from a cowgirl in Northern California to a 'nomadic Navy spouse' and the dynamic journey from her career in agriculture to becoming a Foreign Area Officer (FAO) spouse, living and working in Europe and Africa for fifteen consecutive years. The conversation delves into the couple’s experiences living in Cameroon, Nigeria, and Djibouti and the impact of their roles there. They touch on memorable challenges, the importance of self-reliance, and the significant contributions spouses make to the FAO mission. Julie also shares the inspiration and stories behind her book, 'Dispatches from the Cowgirl,' offering a deeper look into the FAO lifestyle and its challenges and rewards.

Learn More about Julie’s work at www.JulieTullyWriter.com

Books Discussed:

• Dispatches of a Cowgirl, by Julie Tully
• Broadway in Benghazi, by Anna Linvill
• Out of Africa, by Isak Dinesen (Karen Blixen)

00:00 Introduction and Disclaimers

00:45 Meet the Guests: John and Julie Tulley

01:19 Julie's Journey: From Cowgirl to Navy Spouse

03:37 Life on the Ranch and Transition to FAO

04:55 The FAO Lifestyle: Challenges and Adaptations

14:11 John's Naval Academy and Submarine Experience

19:16 Discovering the FAO Career Path

22:07 Julie's Perspective: Public Relations and FAO Life

25:46 Adventures and Challenges in Africa

34:16 The Importance of Teamwork in FAO Assignments

43:10 A Hospital Emergency Room in Nigeria

57:04 The Commissary Conundrum

59:10 Internet Surprises in Nigeria

59:47 Defining Home Across Continents

01:09:18 Experiencing Local Cultures Through Staff

01:34:19 Honoring a Fallen Hero in Djibouti

01:49:14 Reflections on the FAO Life