Applicants looking to join the military who have all their ducks in a row, don't have medical issues, and are ready to ship at a moments notice are known as unicorns. Recruiters call them that because they don't exist.

In this months episode we go on the hunt for our own unicorn story and talk to retired 1st Sgt. Sandra Lucas, a woman who joined the military in her 40s and gave up a civilian career to do so.

In the second half we hear from Alabama National Guard recruiters and learn more about their mission and the men and women who come to them seeking to serve our country.

Applicants looking to join the military who have all their ducks in a row, don't have medical issues, and are ready to ship at a moments notice are known as unicorns. Recruiters call them that because they don't exist.

In this months episode we go on the hunt for our own unicorn story and talk to retired 1st Sgt. Sandra Lucas, a woman who joined the military in her 40s and gave up a civilian career to do so.

In the second half we hear from Alabama National Guard recruiters and learn more about their mission and the men and women who come to them seeking to serve our country.

In episode 3, The Sanity in Sacrifice we hear from 1st Sgt. Robert Ray on the reality of post-deployment hardships, honest moments of questioning oneself on the battlefield and the stark reality of the toll multiple deployments takes on Soldiers. In the second half, we bring in friends of the show Jason Smith and Darrius White who have made strides for service members, with actual tangible resources.

If you or a loved one is struggling please use the resources available at this link: https://www.veteranscrisisline.net/ or call 988.

How did Eric, a directionless fat kid, who wasn't even eligible to enlist in the military re-create himself into a Special Forces Green Beret? His journey wasn't easy, but to hear him tell it, it's something anyone can do. In the second half of the show, we interview the Alabama National Guard Adjutant General, Brig. Gen. David K. Pritchett about his life, command philosophy and the future of the Alabama National Guard.

Sgt. Willie Jackson was an exemplary Soldier, someone who was looked up to and counted on until an accident changed the course of his life. With the help of his good friend, Lt. Col Joe Spangler, Jackson is trying to find new purpose in his changed world. In the second half we hear from some experts on how to help others stay resilient despite their circumstances.