I have one word to describe this episode, beautiful.  It is the perfect listen for a divided America.  Luis immigrated to America from Portugal in his early twenties.  He has spent the last several years working for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints traveling to the poorest countries in the world to study and find solutions to poverty.  Luis' vision of the American experience is inspirational.  There is much hope for the future of our country and the American people.  

Jennie Taylor is the wife and gold star widow of Utah Army National Guard Major Brent Taylor.  He was killed in action while serving in Afghanistan in November of 2018.  Jennie is the mother of seven children.  She is the founder and director of the Major Brent Taylor Foundation.  Jennie is the civilian aide to the secretary of the army for the state of Utah.  She has a strong patriotism for America, a patriotism which grew even more after the passing of her husband.  Jennie believes every American has the opportunity to contribute in big or small ways.  We are not perfect, but America continues to evolve and, hopefully, become better through every generation.

Cal Nguyen's  story begins as a young child in Vietnam.  He and his family were airlifted before the fall of Saigon.

Cal joined the Air Force after 9/11.  He considers it a great honor to have served his country.

Cal's Catholic religion is his cornerstone.  His faith allows him to weather all of life's storms.

America is his home, and Cal knows how richly blessed he is to be a citizen.

Ever wonder what life is like on a submarine?  Craig Gustafson served 26 years in the navy, and would do it again.  He shares his experiences aboard submarines, and his pride in our military.  What he saw overseas convinced Craig that America is the greatest social experience the world has ever known, warts and all.   Craig's sense of humor is engaging.  He will have you laughing, all the while expanding your pride in our great country, America.  

December 7, 1941 is a day of infamy in American history.  That Sunday morning, peace was shattered by the "surprise attack".  The Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor, and changed the outcome of the war.  They woke a sleeping giant as citizens rallied around the war effort.  In this episode, I spotlight specific minutes during the attack, and use first hand accounts of a Japanese aviator; a survivor of the USS Arizona; and a survivor of the USS San Francisco.  Learn how one man, the mastermind behind the attack, Admiral Yamamoto, was the only Japanese commander, to view Pearl Harbor as a dismal failure.  

Suzy is a proud daughter and granddaughter of Mexican immigrants.  Through hard work and perservance, they rose to the challenge and found their American Dream.  Suzy's husband, Tom, serves full time in the National Guard.  They are passionate about passing on this patriotism to their four children.  America is the land of opportunity.

Episode one, Tina's American Story, is an introduction to the whole We, The People, Our American Story podcast.  Learn why American history is such an important part of my life.  Join me as I take you to the Normandy region of France.  Heroes have paved the way for this great country, sometimes offering the ultimate sacrifice.  We owe it to these incredible men and women to learn our history, and stand up for our beloved country.

America’s Founding Fathers believed their vision, the city upon a hill, could only succeed with a special people in a special place.  Over 240 years later, We The People Our American Story is still unfolding.  My name is Tina McCafferty.  Join me every Friday as I spotlight those who embody the American values of faith, courage, and heroism.  You will be uplifted, inspired, proud and humbled to call yourself an American.  American history is more than history, it’s personal!