#9 - COL(R) Brian and Anna Linvill

Is your FAO family prepared to evacuate? In this episode of the Foreign Area Officer podcast, @Anna and COL(R) @Brian Linville, reflect on their extensive experiences and challenges as a FAO family in Libya during the Arab Spring. Brian details his military background and transition to FAO while Anna shares her journey from U.S. Air Force linguist to musician and FAO spouse, culminating in the publication of her book “Broadway in Benghazi.” They discuss relationship-building, the importance of cultural immersion, and evacuation during the Libyan Revolution. The episode also touches on the loss of Ambassador Chris Stevens and the importance of FAOs documenting their experiences for posterity and the community.     Broadway in Benghazi details Anna’s personal and family life as an Airwoman, Musician, and FAO spouse.  It is an incredibly candid and personal account of life Anna’s and family leading up to the Arab Spring in Libya.  It is available in hardback, paperback and digital.  To purchase a copy, visit www.annalinvill.com or https://www.amazon.com/Broadway-Benghazi-Tragedy-Diplomatic-Gaddafis/dp/B0CTBH53RR/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1S24U1CLV64GE&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.kpmpGxd8EjeIlmUWKtnw6G6i4mstig2eNh10JDf5A_fGjHj071QN20LucGBJIEps.LjtjCyBpLhUy71VsZd6cK4DK-RhIXM9yvdf9E4qmT5I&dib_tag=se&keywords=broadway+in+benghazi&qid=1718324826&sprefix=broadway+in+ben%2Caps%2C134&sr=8-1     00:00 Introduction and Disclaimer 00:42 Meet Anna and Brian Linville 01:04 Brian's Journey to Becoming a FAO 07:12 Anna's Unique Path to the Military 09:53 The Importance of Language Skills 14:23 The Role of FAO Spouses 16:49 Adventures and Challenges of Military Life 25:50 Anna's Musical Journey 32:32 Building Relationships in Libya 36:49 The Strategic Value of Relationships 46:06 Building Crucial Relationships 47:05 Unexpected Allies in the Revolution 49:00 Theater and Political Satire 51:58 The Revolution's Dark Turn 54:58 A Shift to Peace Activism 01:01:29 Writing 'Broadway in Benghazi' 01:05:37 Diplomatic Life and Personal Stories 01:11:56 Preparing for Libya 01:14:46 A Detainment Story 01:25:30 Post-Detention Reflections 01:26:03 The Importance of JMAS Training 01:27:22 Evacuation from Libya Begins 01:28:43 Tensions and Preparations 01:29:44 The Uprising and Its Impact 01:34:10 Evacuation Attempts and Challenges 01:37:25 Final Departure and Reflections 01:45:15 Tribute to Chris Stevens 01:50:23 Closing Thoughts and Book Promotion