Remember my Name - Heroes in Military and Law Enforcement

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Don White grew up in the hill country of Texas.  After working in various capacities of engineering and construction, he had a desire to join the US Marine Corps.  However, the love for his community won him over and he became a constable instead.  Throughout Don's 23 year career, he made a difference in the lives of Kendall County and the Boerne community by becoming an instructor in the San Antonio Regional Law Enforcement Academy where he taught in the classroom and as a firearms instructor.  He also taught many civilian concealed to carry courses.  

In 1999, Don was involved in an officer shooting, where a Kendall County Deputy lost his life.  With his quick wit, training and situational awareness, Don was able to quickly remove the threat.  This incident would define the rest of his career and he goes into detail about it during this interview.

So, sit back and enjoy this episode where Don talks about his career and gives advice to those thinking about making law enforcement a career.

If you have any questions, comments or ideas for future episodes, please contact me at: [email protected]

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As a teenager, Joe Vargas Sr. immigrated from Mexico to Orange County, CA and started his life there.  After working various jobs, he learned English and received his high school diploma.  He got a degree in Police Science and eventually joined Stranton PD after eventually ending up at Santa Ana PD.  

Being it's first Hispanic officer, his unconventional approach to policing earned the respect of the local Latino population.  This method later became known as "community policing" and has been adopted by many police agencies throughout the United States.  

Joe Sr. left a legacy in his community but also in his family, where two of his sons  and two of his nephews also served careers in law enforcement.  In this episode, I interview Joe Jr. about his father's amazing life and about his own career with the Anaheim Police Department.

If you have any questions, comments or ideas for future episodes, please contact me at: [email protected]

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Coming from a strong military family, Tom entered the Air Force just after the Vietnam War ended.  Now, the US military could concentrate all it's attention on it's biggest threat, the Soviet Union.  Tom's first assignment was in northern Maine, one of the last lines of defense during the Cold War.  He then was sent to various other bases throughout the US, where he tested air launch nuclear missiles and spent time as an instructor.  After 20 years in the USAF, he retired but continued to work as a contractor, training new crew members in B-52 operations.  He has been associated with the B-52 for nearly half a century.

If you have any questions, comments or ideas for future episodes, please contact me at: [email protected]

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Born in North Texas, Freeman was too young to participate in WWII with his 5 older brothers.  However, he always wanted to fight as a Marine and planned on joining up when the time came.  That time was in June 1950 at the outbreak of the Korean War.  After basic and combat training, Freeman made a trip across the Pacific with the 3rd Battalion, 1st Marines.  He fought with his fellow infantrymen on the front lines until his life almost came to an end when a grenade detonated in front of him.  Freeman finished out the rest of his tour driving officers around and dodging mortar rounds.  After the war, he married his sweetheart, had 4 kids and worked for Shell Oil for 30 years.

If you have any questions, comments or ideas for future episodes, please contact me at: [email protected]

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Roger was a simple farmer from northwest Missouri until the  Vietnam War broke out.  He then faithfully served his country as a CH-46 (similar to the Chinook) combat helicopter pilot.  After his time in the Marine Corps and Army during Vietnam, Roger joined the Missouri Air National Guard and served his community as a judge.  His military career spans nearly 4 decades, where he retired as a Major General (2 stars) in 2007 and returned to civilian life.  

Learn about this incredible man through the eyes of his daughter, Susan Combs, who speaks about Roger's many accomplishments and impact on his country, community and family.  

If you have any questions, comments or ideas for future episodes, please contact me at: [email protected]

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This is not an official episode, it is a confession.  Although my last episode was uploaded in June 2023, I have been hard at work improving the RMN podcast!

If you have any questions, comments or ideas for future episodes, please contact me at: [email protected]

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Cashe entered Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2003 as a veteran infantryman who had served since the late 1980s.  As a platoon sergeant, he always put his men first.  This mindset and mantra would be seen in 2005 when Sergeant First Class Cashe proved his caliber.

If you have any questions, comments or ideas for future episodes, please contact me at: [email protected]

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Megan was destined to follow in the footsteps of her family's strong military tradition.  Working as a public affairs officer in the USMC, she advised military officials on how to relay information to the media.  During a month of intense violence in December of 2006, Megan was among the 119 soldiers who lost their lives in Iraq.

If you have any questions, comments or ideas for future episodes, please contact me at: [email protected]

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South Africa is breathtaking but don't be deceived.  It is one of most crime-riddled countries in the world.  Homicides, armed robberies and kidnappings are among the highest of any industrialized nations that are not at war.  The only law enforcement agency that can match the violence of the criminals is the Special Task Force.  Formed in the 1970s, they are among some of the most hardened, experienced SWAT-like police forces in the world.  Learn hear of their unconventional beginnings, harrowing operations and capabilities.  

If you have any questions, comments or ideas for future episodes, please contact me at: [email protected]

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Growing up in central Georgia, Norton joined the Army Air Corps because of their good barracks and nice food.  After being stationed in Italy, the B-24 he was flying in was shot down during his 2nd bombing mission over Austria.  Robert would then spend the next 6 months in a grueling POW camp in Northeastern Poland.   With the advancing Russian army at their doorstep, the German authorities made a move that would cause Robert to look back on the luxuries of basic training.  Hear the story of the hardships Robert and other POWs endured at the ruthless hands of their Nazi captors.

If you have any questions, comments or ideas for future episodes, please contact me at: [email protected]