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John Pontacolone was on his way to work on the morning of September 11, 2001. John worked for the city of New York. He was on the sidewalk when the first plane careened overhead and crashed into the World Trade Center. John and other New Yorkers instinctively crouched onto the ground as the plane screamed past them.
John was an eyewitness to both planes hitting the buildings and the subsequent imposions.
John spent 13+ harrowing hours trying to escape the city. He saw dead bodies in the East River. He saw the faces of fear everywhere he looked.
John's story is also a story of miracles, and how things could have been much worse.
This episode is one for families to hear together.
September 11, 2001, WE WILL NEVER FORGET.
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This episode originally dropped on January 7, 2022. Chris was one of my favorite guests for many reasons.
First, his story was absolutely remarkable.....a story that is now in the process of becoming a movie.
Second, Chris' book, "No Tougher Duty, No Greater Honor" is a gripping, riveting read.
Third, and the most important reason is Chris is a stellar human. In spite of our internet connection problems, we had a incredible conversation. He is a gifted writer, and reading sections of his book as he explained the background was an emotional experience.
Christian Bussler joined the Marine Corps Reserves right out of high school and was assigned to MP Co. "C" in Dayton, Ohio as an Infantry Rifleman, and was later crosstrained as a Graves Registration/Mortuary Affairs Marine.
In 2003 his platoon of Mortuary Affairs specialists was activated to head to Kuwait, where he participated in the invasion of Iraq.
In February of 2004, he volunteered to go back to Iraq and was assigned to Weapons Company 3rd Battalion, 4th Marines, where he was wounded in combat operations while fighting against Al Qaeda terrorist insurgents.
After Chris' surgeries, he volunteered once again to go back to Iraq in 2005, but this time as the Staff Noncommisioned Offier in charge of all Mortuary Affairs operations in and around Al Taqaddum and Ar Ramadi, Iraq.
With Bussler's leadership, his team executed 4 search and recovery missions in active hostile territory and successfully recovered 13 service members and 1 civilian contractor originally classified as "missing in action."
His team also successfully process and evacuated 150 service members back to the continental United States. His book, "No Tougher Duty, No Greater Honor" details his experiences as a forward operating "body-bagger" in midst of combat. Chris tells the side of war that no one ever speaks of, about a duty that few know exists.
www.freedomspulse.com
No Tougher Duty, No Greater Honor Facebook Page
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Kim is proud of her family's legacy of military service. Both grandpas, her father, and several other family members have honorably served at home and abroad to protect this great country.
In this episode, Kim shares how she shares patriotism with her children. Having personal connections with the sacrifices made by our military, Kim understands that "Freedom Isn't Free," is more than a slogan. She impresses upon her children the importance of standing up for America and its founding values.
Kim has a burning testimony about the divine mission of America. Her feelings for this country and its purpose are palpable.
Kim's love for America is contagious. Her passion burns through to the listener. Your fire for this country will only grow after you finish Kim's story.
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Stephanie Harmon is the director for The Utah Honor Flight, an organization that provides healing trips for veterans to Washington DC. It is a position where Stephanie feels the veterans give more to her than she could ever repay.
Stephanie is a lover of American history, an advocate for our veterans, and a hardcore patriot. When given the opportunity, she jumped at the chance to be in Normandy on the 80th Anniversary of D-Day.
What Stephanie experienced in Normandy and its beaches was lifechanging. Running her toes through the sand, something Stephanie finds solace in wherever she travels somewhere with a beach, became a totally different experience.
The ghosts of courageous men were almost palpable. Stephanie felt the sacredness of Normandy. She was connected to their fear, courage, and sacrifice.
The American flag lined the streets of small villages as tributes to their heroes from long ago. It was a reminder of the flag discord at home; how some Americans see little value in respecting and honoring our flag.
Stephanie knows it is vital that parents and grandparents share with their families the value of American pride and patriotism. The solution for what plagues our country does not begin in schools, it starts at home with family gatherings and dinners. Ridding ourselves of the seed of contempt for America must begin there.
Honor our Veterans! Honor Our Homes! Honor Our Flag! Honor America!
https://www.facebook.com/utahhonorflight
https://www.utahhonorflight.org/
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Gabby Puckett grew up under the oppressive weight of Cuban communism.
Her father was forced to buy meat off the black market to feed his family. Gabby was fitted with second hand braces. Yes, you read that right..second hand braces. She tasted the metal and oil as they were placed on her teeth.
Gabby remembers the hospital as a place of death, not a place of healing.
For many years Christians were not allowed to celebrate Christmas. The Cuban government dictated every facet of life.
Socialist organizations bring American students to the country to show the happiness and success of Cuban students in the school system. It is a false narrative. They are brought to the best school and children are told how to behave.
The Cuban people are fed lies about America. They are told the government wants to take over their country. They are told Americans are plotting the Cuban downfall.
Gabby and her family longed to escape the chains of communism. In order to do so, they obtained Spanish citizenship without going to Spain, courtesy of their Spanish descent.
Gabby's family fled to Spain and, from there, made their way to the United States through legal immigration channels.
Gabby is thriving in America with her husband and new baby. She calls capitalism "perfection" and is astonished that Americans do not comprehed the beauty of the system.
https://www.facebook.com/gabriela.perezpino.9
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Matthew Gardner is a retired marine and past guest on the Freedom's Pulse podcast.
Matt is back on this episode to discuss the military, and why he would not join today's force.
Matt and I talk about issues with DEI, sexual assault, woke policies, and so much more.
Is the U.S. military on a road that is irreversible? Can America make a comeback from the state we find ourselves in now?
Matt takes us deep into the issues, but allows time to share a few laughs as well.
This is a fantastic episode that will get you thinking!
Matt's previous episode on Apple.
Ep. 76 The Darkness of PTSD and the Light of America-Andrew & Matt's American Story
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ep-76-the-darkness-of-ptsd-and-the-light/id1539356968?i=1000581920969
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The American dream is seldom smooth especially for immigrant families...but this makes the victory even sweeter.
Doug Fiefia is the child of Tongan immigrants. His first home was shared with four other familes. His parents worked tirelessy to give their children the blessings they missed in Tonga. The hours were long, but Doug's parents knew their vision of America was possible for their family.
Doug Fiefia is running for Utah House of Representatives District 48. He gives the credit to God and his family. Doug's parents never saw themselves as victims. They instilled in their children the work ethic to become anything...to achieve their desires in America.
Doug has a fire within him, one he is compelled to share about America, and her stalwart mission for the world.
Close to his Tongan heritage and proud of his American roots, Doug fights to keep the importance of the nuclear family front and center.
His Tongan exuberance and love of America's freedoms and liberties will have you engaged as Doug shares his American dream.
https://dougfiefia.com/
https://www.facebook.com/douglas.fiefia/
https://www.instagram.com/dougkfiefia/
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Justen Mellor is the founder of United We March, an organization that supports our veterans and first responders through the popular annual Gunnison Gut Check every September.
Justen has gone from a life of alcoholism and depression to one of purpose and love.
After experiencing the Battan Memorial Death March, Justen knew he needed to bring a race to the small town of Gunnison.
The Gunnison Gut Check raises money for organizations that help our nation's heroes.
Justen is always focused on the one, the one person who will leave better than when they came to Gunnison.
Justen's story includes a little girl in a wheelchair who brought tears to the eyes of burly grown men, leaving an impression none will forget.
Finally, Justen's story is about love...love for veterans....love for first responders...love for Americans...love for his family, his faith, and ultimately love for himself.
Gunnison Gut Check
https://gutcheck.itsyourrace.com/event.aspx?id=10941
Ep. 37 Justen's American Story on Apple Podcast
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ep-37-justens-american-story/id1539356968?i=1000532558567
Ep. 25 No Legs, No Vision, No Problem-Matthew's American Story on Apple Podcast
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ep-25-no-legs-no-vision-no-problem-matthews-american-story/id1539356968?i=1000519347145
usten's American Story
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Carlos Moreno was labeled an enemy of the Venezuelan state by telling the truth. As an international student living in the United States, he was villified for standing up for students' rights, for human rights.
Carlos Moreno calls himself a socialism survivor. Carlos has lived half his life in socialism and the other half in freedom.
Venezuela was a prosperous nation before the socialist revolution, a revolution that brought poverty and misery to the once wealthy country.
Carlos explains the evils of socialism, how America must stay true to her values, and his take on illegal immigration.
You will love Carlos' patriotism and zeal for America.
"America is not a dream, America is a miracle."
Carlos Moreno Facebook
Carlos Moreno Instagram
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This is the story of Jamie, Tal, Shemtov, the war in Israel, and peace for Jews worldwide.
At 6:30am on October 7, 2023, Hamas launched an unprovked and vicious attack on over 20 communities in Israel. Using rockets, paragliders, boats, motorcycles and other vehicles, Hamas murdered around 1,200 people.
Jamie was at a music festival, one of the sites where Hamas butchered the innocent. He was one of the lucky ones to escape the terror.
Tal and Shemtov add to the conversation, including the history of Gaza and the Israel state.
The Jewish people are under attack in many parts of the world. They are being maligned as the aggressor. The facts have been twisted and contorted to fit the story Hamas wants to show on social media.
We must open our eyes and ears. Listen to the truth. Keep Israel and the Jewish people in your prayers.
This is an important episode for every American to hear.
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Ben Miller is a 24 year Veteran of the US Army National Guard where he worked in several areas involving Leadership & Resilience Training, as well as multiple overseas deployments, including Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Ben discusses the need for veterans to have anchors in their lives to sustain them in times of trial and difficulty.
America's veterans need more mental and physical support from the military and their individual communities.
We can never fully repay the service and sacrifice they have selflessly given on our behalf.
Anchor Construction https://anchor-custom.com/
Ben's Personal Instagram https://www.instagram.com/the_gid30n/
This episode was published on Veteran's Day. As such, we ask that after you listen to this episode, take a few minutes to call, text, or write a veteran. Let us thank those who were willing to pay the ultimate price for our country.
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Tammy Barlette is a mindset and performance expert who specializes in the art of perseverance. As a retired Lieutenant Colonel and fighter pilot, who has faced many challenges herself, she takes lessons learned from the high performance cockpit and relates them to the challenges of life. As an entrepreneur, wife and mother of three, she shares powerful heartfelt stories of strength and grit.
Tammy served in the US Air Force for over 20 years, flying multiple aircraft, to include the T-37 Tweet, T-38 Talon, A-10 Warthog, MQ-1 Predator and MQ-9 Reaper, accumulating more than 3000 total flying hours and over 1500 hours of combat support time assisting and protecting troops on the ground in both Iraq and Afghanistan. She is also a graduate of the prestigious US Air Force Weapons School and has a Master of Arts in Christian Ministry. Upon retiring she became a professional speaker and founded Athena’s Voice, a speaker referral business featuring female military pilots from around the United States.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/tammybarlette/
https://www.athenasvoiceusa.com/
https://www.facebook.com/tammybarlette
https://www.instagram.com/tammybarlette/
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Calling himself the cheerleader of America, Alma Ohene-Opare is an immigrant from Ghana. Growing up, his mother spread her love of education and America to her children.
Alma came to America at 19 to fulfill a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, followed by school at BYU.
After living in America for 18 years, Alma's dream of becoming an official citizen came to fruition.
In this episode, we discuss the greatness of America. This is the place of opportunities, the country to make your dreams reality.
America is under seige from forces within and without. Apathetic Americans is a pandemic. Socialism is a misunderstood principle; one that leads to bondage through loss of choice.
Alma uses his voice of experience and passion to spread the message of America and freedom on his podcast, Restitch America
You can also find Alma on his website at https://www.willfulpositivity.com/ and https://www.instagram.com/willfulpositivity/ and https://www.tiktok.com/@willfulpositivity
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Andrew Farlaino was referred to me by Matthew Bradford. Matt was the guest on Episode 25.
Matt, a young U.S. marine, lost both legs and his vision when he stepped on an IED only a few months into his first deployment. Andrew served with Matt. He knew Matt before and after this tragic incident. Andrew saw Matt after the explosion. He recalls seeing Matt with mangled legs and his protective goggles still covering Matt's eyes with one hole in each lens where the bomb penetrated, causing the blindness.
Andrew saw how these devastating injuries made men and women, like Matt, only stronger. Instead of wallowing in self pity, Matt has helped others overcome their obstacles.
Andrew is an advocate for veterans helping themselves. You receive what you put in to your own treatment.
After retiring from the marines, Andrew worked as a security bodyguard for the wealthiest of wealthiest American families. He made hundred of thousands of dollars, but the cost was too high.
Working around the clock and witnessing the destruction of these people who seemed to have it all, Andrew returned to his childhood home in Price, Utah.
Andrew was never happier than he is now. He lives a quiet middle class life with his wife and children. He tries to do something good everyday; listening to his children's questions or simply smiling at a stranger.
Check out Andrew's knife company at Trained Monkey Blade Company.
https://www.instagram.com/trainedmonkeyblade/
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This is the story of Erin "Aero" Orga, a pioneer in the field of women combat aviation.
Erin grew up with dreams of becoming a professional roller coaster rider, figure skater, or NASA astronaut.
After learning there were NO professional roller coaster riders, Erin had to come up with a new plan.
Erin is an experienced Air Force pilot, flying over 50 combat missions in Iraq, providing cover for the U.S. Army and Marines.
Erin's favorite fighter aircraft is the F-15E Strike Eagle. She also spent time as a T-38 instructor, training many young Air Force pilots.
Erin speaks about the difficulties of being a woman in the military, including sexual harrassment.
After 10 years in the military, Erin retired from the Air Force. She has led global teams of engineers with Westinghouse, and is now a sought after speaker.
Erin has a third-degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do. She continues to be passionate about aviation, and is a devoted mother.
https://www.facebook.com/erin.m.orga.97
https://www.instagram.com/erin_orga/
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Tell Steve he can't do something, and he is sure to achieve it in a smashing way. This trait has allowed Steve to achieve what seems impossible to so many others.
Steven “Brown Bear” is a retired Navy SEAL. During his career he served as the Senior Enlisted Adviser at Naval Special Warfare Basic Training Command Detachment Kodiak. He trained and mentored SEAL teammates, the command staff, other special operation forces and over 1000 SEAL Qualification Training students in mountaineering, survival, land navigation, over the beach operations, cold weather, nutrition and first aid, fitness, and avalanche awareness in this austere remote Alaskan environment. As a result, Steven was awarded the title Master Training Specialist.
While assigned to Naval Special Warfare Development Group Steven made numerous deployments to Afghanistan and Iraq, tallying over 250 combat operations, for his actions he was awarded the Silver Star and many other individual awards.
Steve finds fulfillment in the woods of Kentucky helping veterans and first responders gain relief and healing through Camp Brown Bear.
Camp Brown Bear
https://www.instagram.com/campbrownbear/
https://www.facebook.com/campbrownbear
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This episode is a special one as it was done remotely at the Gunnison Gut Check created by Justen Mellor and his incredible non-profit, United We March.
The Gunnison Gut Check is a ruck through the desert landscape of central Utah. Proceeds go to veteran and first responder organizations.
Operation Enduring Warrior is a fundamental element of the gut check, bringing OEW honorees who challenge themselves physically and mentally with the help of masked athletes and other members of Operation Enduring Warrior.
Saddie (former air force) and James (former police officer) share a slice of their stories as OEW honorees, including why they are at the Gunnison Gut Check.
You can check out Justen's story, founder of United We March by visiting the following link: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/ep-37-justens-american-story/id1539356968?i=1000532558567
Operation Enduring Warrior
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September 12, 2014 was a day of tragedy, but also a day of miracles for Alex Douglass.
It was a late Friday night when Alex pulled up to the Blooming Grove barracks in Pennsylvania. As Alex moved his gym back from the patrol car to his personal car, a shot rang out.
Officer Douglass was confused at first, not even realizing it was the fire of a gun.
Alex noticed a figure on the pavement in front of the police barracks. As he moved towards the building, Alex realized it was Corporal Bryan Dickson.
Alex felt a feeling spread through his body. Something bad was about to happen. He bent down to grab Bryan's left foot with hopes of moving Bryon's body away from the gun's aim. Alex was hit with the worst pain he had ever felt.
This is the story of a young officer dealing with horrific traumatic injuries: 23 surgeries, shattered right hip and femur eventually leading to below the knee amputation, damage to intestine and colon, and nerve damage.
The physical duress was enough, but Alex was also coping with the loss of Bryon Dickson and the hellish memories from that day.
Hear how after evading authorities for 48 days in the woods, the culprit was apprehended and now sits on death row.
This is not a story of sadness, but a tale of hope and renewal.
Alex shares his new life and the people and organizations that helped him soar to new heights.
Alex gained wisdom and encouragement from one of my former guests, Earl Granville, Episode 67.
Alex recommends the following organizations for veterans and first responders:
Operation Enduring Warrior
Valor Service Dogs
You can find Alex on Instagram:
Alex Douglass Instagram
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"Whiz" Buckley is the fifth of six children born into an Irish Catholic family. Taught to love his country, Whiz had an idyllic life until tragedy struck his family.
Whiz's older sister was killed by a drunk driver. This senseless act threw the family into a tail spin. They were shattered. Whiz's father became a different man, crushed by the loss. Daily stops to the cemetery were accompanied by tears.
Even though life was tumultuous for Whiz, he managed to keep his childhood dream of flying close to his heart. Throught reckless behavior, including drinking, Whiz was accepted to Jacksonville University.
On the day of college graduation, Whiz was commissioned as an ensign in the U.S. Navy.
Whiz attended flight school in Pensacola, the cradle of aviation. This was follwed by Kingsville Naval Air Station. He worked hard and was rewarded with the distinction on piloting one of the premiere fighter jets, the F-18 hornet.
Whiz flew 44 combat sorties over Iraq in support of Operation Southern Watch. As a reservist, he was one of the few pilots in the sky after September 11, tasked with protecting our air space from any threats. Whiz was given directives to even shoot down passenger jets.
Following brutal years of losing 16 friends; mental and physical duress; and alcohol use, Whiz sought alternative treatment.
In May 2021 Whiz, Marcus Luttrell, Jared Taylor, and others traveled south of the border to Mexico. The pschydelic drug, Ibogaine was a life changing experience.
With one session, Whiz knew he had the answer. Combined with yoga, meditation, and breath work, he is the person hiding under the trauma.
Determined to help veterans and first responders, Whiz is the founder of the No Fallen Heroes Foundation, an organization dedicated to healing our nation's heroes through psychedelic medication and other modalities.
Whiz is the host of the Max Afterburner Podcast
He is the author of several books, including From Sea Level To C Level
He is passionate about helping veterans and others through Top Gun Options
You can follow Whiz on the following social media platforms:
https://www.instagram.com/nofallenheroes/
https://www.instagram.com/official_whizbuckley/
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J.T. Robertson grew up in West Jordan, Utah. His father, a retired firefighther, is someone he emulates to this day; his "mother by choice" adopted both J.T. and his brother after his birth mother left the family.
J.T. was given adult responsibility as an eight-year-old child when in the "care" of his birth mother. As the older brother, J.T. fed and attended to his brother while their mother was engaged with men and drugs.
J.T. lost contact with his mother when he was 12. A drug hit was placed on her head, and she vanished. His father did not know about what had happened at the home.
J.T. will be the first to tell you, his choices weren't always thought through beforeheand. As a senior in high school, he found himself as a husband and father.
J.T. took two glorious jobs at Firestone Tires and Hollywood Video to support his small family.
....Then September 11, 2001. The following day, September 12, 2001, J.T. went to the recruiter's office. He was going to protect his child, whether it be on home soil or foreign. J.T. visited the airforce, navy, army, and finally...the marine recruitment centers.
On January 14, 2002 J.T. began bootcamp as a prospective marine, followed by the school of infantry.
J.T. was deployed to Iraq three days after his 2nd daughter was born.
He served 8 years as a marine with one deployment to Iraq, and six years with the army national guard with one deployment to Afghanistan.
J.T. was a witness to the disparity between Iraq and the United States, something most Americans can't even imagine. He engaged in dangerous missions, including serving with the most decorated national guard unit in Utah, performing route clearance on the roads of Afghanistan.
J.T. saw the senseless destruction, the fog of war as friendly fire took out a column of marines.
He lost friends who came home with the war and were unable to cope with the PTS.
J.T himself came home with TBI, PTS, anxiety, and a victim mentality. He suffered debilitating depression. J.T. went through two divorces. Life was hardly easy.
His PTS was unrecognizable to him. First, believing it to be survivors guilt, something J.T. would get over....but he didn't.
Things escalated. Living outside the wire for both deployments, friends getting blown up, and an overall culmination combined into a terrible storm.
The lowest point was the holiday season of 2015. Working 2 jobs, living with a girl on the rebound, in peril of losing his business, living in the basement of a friend's home; the only thing he had to look forward to was spending Thanksgiving weekend with his girls until..
J.T. was arrested for being $1900 short on his child support. He was put in jail until his credit card cleared for the amount owed, plus jailing expenses.
J.T.'s holiday season becomes even darker. Finding himself alone, J.T. buys a gun with a singular purpose. Sitting in the basement with only his beloved dog, Montana, J.T. puts the gun in his mouth. Through a series of actions by J.T's buddy, Montana, he does not pursue his plan.
Karaoke was the beginning of digging his hole out of depression. The simple act of singing on statge gave J.T. a way out.
It has been a steady progression of steps since that first karaoke night.
J.T. lives in Montana on serveral acres of land where he finds refuge and peace.
"No matter what happens in your life, you have a choice...a choice to suffer or be happy."
During the pandemic, he experimented with honey and co-founded the Bearded Viking Mead Co..
You can find J.T. on the Podcast, Vikings, Outlaws, and Cowboys-dedicated to men's mental health
And on social media at:
https://www.instagram.com/beardedvikingmeadco/,
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100083611050695
https://www.tiktok.com/@beardedvikingmead
https://www.youtube.com/@beardedviking1586
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