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In this episode of Our Veterans, Our Stories, we sit down with Rick Opperman, a United States Army veteran who served as a Military Police officer with the 82nd Airborne Division from 1971 to 1974.

Rick shares how his decision to join the military was shaped by personal challenges at home, and how that decision led to growth, discipline, and a lifetime of lessons.

He reflects on his experiences in basic training, jump school, and serving at Fort Bragg, along with life after the military and the importance of creating a different path for the next generation.

This is a powerful conversation about purpose, resilience, and the lasting impact of military service.