Behind the Warrior

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Captain Hung Cao shares his story of being born in Vietnam, and his family's  decision to flee the country in 1975. This brave trek  led him to spending many years growing up in Africa and then coming to the United States when he was 12 years old. He tells of learning to speak English and his desire as a young man to serve in the United States Military.  A US Naval Academy graduate, EOD Officer that loves the EOD career field who is passionate about mentoring others and service to his community. Hung provides some words of encouragement and wisdom he has learned over the years.  The podcast ends on the importance of family, taking care of yourself and leaning into retirement.  Enjoy!

Resources:

Book:  The Caine Mutiny author Herman Wouk 

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Join Sherri for a conversation with LTC (RET) Bob Leiendecker as he shares stories about his childhood, love for explosives, his journey in the military and  a lot of fond memories too!  Bob is a caretaker of military memorabilia and preserver of history, specifically the EOD career field,  that dates back to WWII.  We talked about his humble beginnings,  college life, decision to join the military. Bob  thoroughly enjoyed his military career, civilian career and continues to contribute to the EOD career field. He is the historian for the National EOD Association and a committee member for the EOD Museum initiative, and preserver of EOD/military memorabilia.  Bob is a great story teller and a pleasure to chat with, enjoy the listen!

Resources:

EOD Museum, Eglin AFB, FL -  contact Bob directly at: [email protected]

National EOD Association - JOIN TODAY - www.nateoda.com  (membership is open to all graduates from NAVSCOLEOD, all services, all eras)

National Museum of United States Army , Fort. Belvoir, VA  - www.thenmusa.org

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Jeanette Gilles, Deputy Director of Community Integration for America's Warrior Partnership joined Sherri to talk about the great programs and resources this Nationwide non-profit has to offer.  AWP started as a grassroots effort in Augusta, Georgia, over the years it has grown Nationally to connect and empower veterans within their local communities. Check out the conversation to learn more about veteran resources and the great work that America's Warrior Partnership  continues  who continue to do for veterans across the country.

Resources:
America's Warrior Partnership - www.americaswarriorpartnership.org 

The Network: www.americaswarriorpartnership.org/the-network

Operation Deep Dive - www.americaswarriorpartnership.org/deep-dive

Battle Rhythm - www.americaswarriorpartnership.org/battlerhythm 

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This conversation with Kent Solheim, Founder and Program Development Lead for Gold Star Teen Adventures explains the mission of this incredible non-profit. We talk about their programs and goals in giving Gold Star Teens a chance to focus on Healing, Opportunity and Leadership. Kent shares his personal story of his time in service, being critically wounded in 2007, how this gave him a different perspective on life and his desire to give back to the children and families who have lost a loved one. What he learned from the time he left the battlefield  and while receiving care at Walter Reed helped formulate the idea of Gold Star Teen Adventures.  Kent has remained on active duty as a Green Beret, you won't want to miss this episode! 

Resources:
Gold Star Teen Adventures - www.gstadventures.org

Book:
The Long Walk by Slavomir Rawicz 

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Join Sherri for a great discussion with Director  of Echo Hill Ranch, Marcie Friedman, and Bobby McBride, Military Outreach Volunteer. Marcie talks about the long history of Echo Hill and how her parents started the ranch in 1953 in the small town of Medina, Texas;  they had a  love for children and provided a rich environment for kids to thrive. This year, the ranch has re-opened with the help of her brother, Kinky Friedman and so many wonderful volunteers.  Bringing life back to Echo Hill has been done with compassion and care  and held their first camp session called Trailblazers.  They will offer two more this year that will host Gold Star children. Marcie and her team take a different approach as they believe that a military child that has lost a parent, no matter the cause, should have an opportunity to connect with others who may share a similar story. This rustic ranch, nestled in the valley of Echo Hill has over 200 acres, and is still very much in the 1950's original setting. All of which allows children to get back to the basics of just being a kid;  time to disconnect from technology and explore the acreage, make new friendships, learn a few skills and make some lasting memories. In fact, Echo Hill is unique in if a child attends camp one year, they are guaranteed a spot the following year should they desire to come back. You won't want to miss this great conversation, and have a chance to hear from the great people who are running it.

Resources:
Echo Hill Ranch - www.echohill.org
For a direct email: [email protected]
(830) 589-2520 
Contact them for volunteer opportunities! 

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Part 2 with Carl - continued conversation about his time in service, the Bomb, Buzzard and Pick and his creative side. Carl discusses some of the awards he earned while serving his country and provides details around a discovery of how to treat white phosphorus burns  (please note: animals are used for science). He believes that Marine EOD Brotherhood is like no other, and shares about a Vietnam archive in Texas. Carl ends the podcast with a few tips, his legacy and some of his favorite things. Thank you Carl.  Enjoy! 

Resources:

Texas Tech University - The Vietnam Center & San Johnson Vietnam Archive - https://www.vietnam.ttu.edu/

When God Winks; How the power of coincidence guides your life -  by Squire D. Rushnell

A Bright Shining Lie: John Paul Vann and America in Vietnam  - by Neil Sheehan

 

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Sit back and enjoy this conversation with USMC Captain (Ret) Carl Jozaitis. Carl talks about his humble childhood, being born during the Great Depression,  growing up on the south side of Chicago and spending summers in South Dakota. He shares how he had two choices, join the service or be drafted. Carl joined the Marine Corps, ready to serve his country and had lessons along the way, some of which are sure to make you smile.   We talked about his love of art, his creative side and so much more!  You won't want to miss these moments in history, a reflection of what the world was like for  a young Marine in the 60's, Vietnam and his service to his country.  It was a privilege to chat with Carl.  Part 2 will follow next week!

Resources:

When God Winks; How the power of coincidence guides your life -  by Squire D. Rushnell
A Bright Shining Lie: John Paul Vann and America in Vietnam  - by Neil Sheehan 
 

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This is a great conversation with SFC Jeff and Trish Dawson. Jeff shares  his story of joining the military, choosing EOD, multiple deployments and in 2019, the deployment that changed his life. Trish talks about her experiences growing up as a military child, how she and Jeff met, and when she received the call that Jeff was seriously injured. The world paused for a while, only to find the bond they share is stronger. They encourage one another and believe that positivity is key in working through the unexpected challenges life brings.  Jeff continues on his road of recovery and Trish is right by his side. 

Resources:
 
For Love of Country  by Howard Schultz & Rajiv Chandrasekaran

The Wonky Donkey  (for the grandkids) by Craig Smith & Katz Cowley

Gibraltar by Jeff and Trish Dawson/Maia Sharp - https://songwritingwithsoldiers.bandcamp.com/track/gibraltar

Songwriting with Soldiers - www.songwritingwithsoldiers.org 

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In this episode, Justin talks about his time as an Air Force EOD technician, civilian contracting, a journey to find purpose and helping military families.  He openly shares his story and hopes to inspire those who may be feeling a bit lost after the military. Justin is successful in the mortgage lending industry and speaks about integrity and ethics as he assists military members and their families through one of the most crucial purchases of their lives.  We talked about the deep connection he feels for the EOD  community and why he is committed to helping others. Enjoy!

Resources:

Bunker Labs - www.bunkerlabs.org  - Bunker Labs exists to empower the military-connected community to achieve their entrepreneurial dreams. 

Justin Hamilton - The Federal Savings Bank -  815-908-9363 - [email protected]

Books:
 
Children's book: Bluebell & the Runaway Balloon  by RH Value Publishing  

Abraham Lincoln by Carl Sandburg 

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Narissa Jenkins is the founder of Healing Hoof Steps. This non-profit is located in Crestview, Florida offering a variety of equine therapy programs to veterans, active duty, first responders and challenged with mobility. There is something for everyone!   Narissa talks about her love of horses at an early age and leaving the corporate world when she needed horses the most. She shares  important information, highlights a new program called Hoof Steps for Heroes Program.   You won't want to miss this interview as she also shares exciting news about further expansion, sponsorship opportunities, events and community involvement.

Resources:
Healing Hoof Steps - www.healinghoofsteps.org
850-764-1005
Riding Home: The Power of Horses to Heal  by Tim Hayes 

Support the show

Click here to support Behind the Warrior Podcast today! 

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