Freedom’s Pulse

Matt Bradford lost his legs and vision four months after arriving in Iraq at the tender age of 20.  

Iraq was an especially dangerous place for the United States military in 2007.  IEDS were a constant threat, and this young marine was tragically injured as a result.

In our conversation, Matt talks about waking up to darkness.  Unaware of his sight loss, Matt assumed he was captured and blindfolded.

Once Matt was cognizant of the events, he cried for days over the loss of his legs. 

Through the help of his caring medical team, Matt was ready to begin the journey to his new life.  He learned braille and how to walk on his new prosthetic legs.

Matt is the first double amputee, blind marine to re-enlist.

Matt's life did not turn out how he expected, but he would not change a thing.  He is an inspirational speaker, teaching both kids and adults about the need for strong leaders.

In his own words, Matt loves America more than most.  

He lives with his wife and family in Kentucky.  

No Legs No Vision No Problem Facebook

matthew-bradford.com

Troops First Foundation

Twitter @bionikmatt5

On February 19, 2007 in the country of Iraq, Shilo Harris' humvee was rocked by an IED explosion.  Thought to be dead, he was left in the vehicle while attention was given to another soldier.  A second explosion, and Shilo awoke.  He kicked his way out of the one door remaining on the humvee.

Shilo did not realize the seriousness of his injuries, even as his clothes and armor melted into his flesh.  He was severely burned.

Shilo spent the next 40 plus days in a medically induced coma, a time he describes as hellish, black, scary and painful.  

Shilo awoke to find he had lost both ears, his nose, and three fingers.  After multiple surgeries, 50-60, he is 85% scar tissue.

Shilo speaks candidly about growing up with a father, dealing with PTSD from his own military battles.  His first marriage ended in a crushing divorce, half of his marriage was spent away in deployment, schooling, and other training.  

Shilo's biggest regret is not his traumatic injuries, but losing three of his buddies on that horrible day in Iraq.  Every day he deals with survivor guilt, but has learned to live with the pain.

Shilo's story is ultimately about acceptance and learning to love his, beautiful new life.  

And yes, he would do it all again!

Visit Shilo at shiloharris.com

Sergeant Major Thomas Capel was born in a poor community in Ellerbe, North Carolina.  His mother dropped out of school in the 4th or 5th grade to help her siblings provide for the family after both parents died.  Because of her upbringing, Tom's mom was adamant her two boys stayed in school.

Tom was a member of the reknown 82nd Airborne.  The wings on his shoulders is a proud reminder of his attachment with this prestigious division.

A tough drill sergeant, Tom was hard on discipline.  Disciplined soldiers return from the battlefield to their wives, husbands, and children.

Tom has a passion for helping vets and is an active participant with Feherty's Troops First Foundation.

Tom shares his American story with poignant memories, sure to touch your heart.

Jim Fausone is an attorney by trade and has a passion for helping veterans.  He has a long family history of proud military service, including his brigadier general wife.

In this episode Jim shares powerful stories from a few Medal of Honor recipients.  They come from all walks of life, but the one thing they had in common was the courage to walk through the terror to sacrifice their own lives, if necessary, to protect the lives of others.

Jim has dedicated countless hours in assisting retired service members through Legal Help For Veterans.  You can catch Jim at veteransradio.net  He works feverishly to keep the legacy of Medal of Honor warriors strong through Home of Heroes.

Mindi Holmgren did not expect to be a widow at the young age of 33.  She did not expect to have three small children and one on the way without the presence of her beloved husband, Corey.  This was Mindi's reality.

Corey Holmgren passed away in front of his children and wife on what should have been a fun family afternoon.  Corey died from an enlarged heart.

"He (Corey) didn't die for his country, but he did live for his country."  Mindi Holmgren

Corey was a military chaplain.  He was excited about serving his fellow brothers in arms and their families.  Corey was passionate about mental health and helping others achieve mental wellness.

To honor his memory, Mindi set up the The Corey Holmgren Memorial Fund.

Mindi and the organization funds therapy scholarships and other causes that were dear to Corey's heart.

Mindi is a sweet, courageous soul.  This story was difficult for Mindi to share, but she bravely stepped forward so others can benefit from her experience.

Episode 20, the last one from season 1, ends with Brad, Tiffany, and Travis Vendela sharing with us what America means to them.

I have also included some highlights from the upcoming season 2.  I cannot wait for you to hear from these amazing veterans, survivors, and American patriots.

You can catch catch Brad and Tiffany & Travis Vendela's full episodes season 1, numbers 15 and 16.

Brad's American Story

The Vendela's American Story

Join me for season 2.  My guests will leave you feeling grateful for the blessings that come with living in America.

I believe every American has a story to share.  In season one, I had the privilege of telling some of those stories.

 Frans is a immigrant from South Africa.  His brother was a victim of hijacking and his parents the intended targets of farm murders.  He is grateful for the little things we take for granted in America like refillable sodas with ice.

Greg is a patriot, warrior, and a purple heart recipient.  An IED cost him both his legs, but not his spirit and fervor for this country.  His parents lived in the Jim Crowe South, but did not pass on the legacy of hate to their children.  It was an honor to have Colonel Gadson as a guest.

Kim and her family escaped the horror of the Khmer Rouge when she was a small child.  Her brother, a child himself, was the hero for the family.  Mo helped navigate the family through land mines and swam with his mom and siblings on his back.  The family lived in a cave and foraged for food in the forest.  Kim lost her father and several siblings.  This story has tragic elements, but ends in the bounty of America.

Shane grew up with a single mother.  Life was hard.  He spent some time in a foster home, dropped out of high school, and was homeless more than once.  Shane's saving grace was tae kwon do.  His passion and hard work created the dream he has made for his family.  Shane is the founder of the wildly successful YouTube sensation Ninja Kidz Tv.  He is proof that the American dream is possible for anyone under any circumstance.  

In this mini episode, all four share what America means to them.  If you are interested in hearing their entire episodes, you can catch them in season one. 

Frans' American Story Ep. 11

Greg's American Story Ep. 12

Kim's American Story Ep. 13

Shane's American Story Ep. 14

In season 1 of  the We The People, Our American Story podcast, I had the immense pleasure of speaking with immigrants and patriots, people who love America and recognize the blessings we often take for granted as citizens of this great country.

I end each episode by asking my guests, "What America means to them?"  In this mini episode, you will hear from Luis, Miguel, Dave, and Richie.  Luis and Miguel are both immigrants; Dave is an avid and knowledgeable enthusiast about the American West; and Richie (a soon to be law graduate) is well schooled on the constitution.

You can listen to their full episodes in season 1.

Luis' American Story Ep. 7

Miguel's American Story Ep. 8

Dave's American Story Ep. 9

Richie's American Story

Now, more than ever, we must celebrate the greatness of America, the goodness of the American people.

America is still the city upon the hill, the beacon for the world.

I can't believe the remarkable people I had the opportunity to meet through the We The People, Our American Story podcast.  

With every guest, my last question is always, "What does America mean to you."  Their responses are always thought provoking, unique, and inspiring.

To wrap up season 1, I am releasing 4 mini episodes.  In this first mini episode, Suzy (daughter and granddaughter of Mexican immigrants and wife of soldier); Craig (Navy veteran); Cal (immigrant from Vietnam and Airforce veteran);  and Jennie ( gold star widow) share what America means to them.

If their responses intrigue you, you can listen to their entire episodes.  

 Suzy's American Story Episode 2

Craig's American Story Episode 4

Cal's American Story Episode 5

Jennie's American Story Episode 6

If you want to share what America means to you, I want to hear.  Email me at [email protected].  I would love to share your words in an upcoming episode.

Travis Vendela was traumatically injured in Iraq in 2007 fighting the war against terror.  He lost both legs and died three times.  Until Travis awoke from his medically induced coma, doctors were unsure of the damage to his brain.  Tiffany, his future wife, refused to leave his side throughout his long recovery.

Travis, Tiffany, and I discuss some hard stuff in this episode.  Their ability to lead a life full of humor and grace after Travis's life altering injuries is a testament to their strength, faith, and love for each other.

I had no clue how much I would laugh during this episode.  I cried too....I always cry.

Travis and Tiffany's joy for life is contagious.  You will fall in love with them, just like I did.

And like other warriors, I asked Travis if his sacrifice was worth it?  Any guesses about his response?

People like Travis and Tiffany are the reasons I do this podcast.  Their story deserves to be heard.  Their story needs to be heard.  

And even though Tiffany would deny it, they are both heroes.