Remember my Name - Heroes in Military and Law Enforcement

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: RememerMyNamePodcast@gmail.com

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: RememerMyNamePodcast@gmail.com

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: RememerMyNamePodcast@gmail.com

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: RememerMyNamePodcast@gmail.com

Colorado State Troopers Templeton and Hinshaw were helping a farmer secure his load when a truck slammed into them.  Sadly, Templeton would lose his life.  However, Hinshaw's story continued.  Learn about the grueling road to physical recovery, the looming reality of post traumatic stress and the ultimate victory of forgiveness that would come full circle.  If you have any questions, comments or ideas for future episodes, please contact me at: RememerMyNamePodcast@gmail.com

After serving in the US Army, Bitner entered into Law Enforcement.  He distinguished himself as a role model to fellow officers, keeping violent offenders off the streets of Englewood, CO.   He was also a family man with 2 young children.  His name will always be remembered for his service to his community and his country.  If you have any questions, comments or ideas for future episodes, please contact me at: RememerMyNamePodcast@gmail.com

Born in Denver, CO to Irish immigrants, John entered WWII during the early stages of the European theater as a B-24 Liberator bombardier.  His squadron busied itself with bombing campaigns across North Africa and the Middle East.  John also took part in Operation Tidal Wave against Axis oil refineries in Ploesti, Romania and miraculously made it back alive.  If you have any questions, comments or ideas for future episodes, please contact me at: RememerMyNamePodcast@gmail.com

The GIGN is one of the most successful, secretive and hardest special operation's forces to join in the world.  On average, their operators participate in one mission every week.  Be prepared to be amazed at the capabilities, training and stories of these men in black who can enter from the air, land and sea, hit their targets and leave totally undetected.If you have any questions, comments or ideas for future episodes, please contact me at: RememerMyNamePodcast@gmail.com

Born into poverty and experiencing tragedy early in life, Roy Benavidez was destined to become a statistic like many of his friends.  However, with the instruction and examples of his grandfather and uncle, Roy rose beyond his deficits.  He achieved a life-long dream, only to be met with a situation that would have made most people quit.  However, once again, he beat the odds and became a part of the US Army's Special Forces.  After being deployed to Vietnam, one morning, his name would go down in history after his breakfast was interrupted with a call for help.

This episode covers the actions of two US Army heroes.  Randy Shughart and Gary Gordan were Delta Force snipers during the Somalian uprising in 1993.  After a second Black Hawk helicopter went down and the rescue squad was heavily engaged in fire fights, the two operators were finally given permission to insert on the ground to fight off enemy insurgents and save the downed crew.  Their heroic actions would write their names down in history.

The US Air Force is known for flying,  however, there are 2 known ground-based special operations units: Pararescue and Combat Control.  In this episode, I highlight Combat Controllers.  Also known as CCTs, these men operate along-side other US military special ops groups to bring in fire from above, control air traffic above targets, bring in humanitarian aid in disaster zones and much more.  They are specially trained in many diverse environments and are unique to any special operations groups the US has to offer.  This episode goes into their history, capabilities and much more.  

Dunham was destined to be a Marine.  A native of upstate New York, he joined the Corps in 2000.  After serving in security at a Naval ship yard, he was deployed to Iraq in 2004.  During a foot patrol, his actions would place him in the pages of history.  

Denver Police Officer Celena Hollis served in law enforcement for a total of 11 years in 2 different states before she was gunned down in 2012 while working security for a concert.  She was involved in many charity works that helped keep kids out of gangs and encouraged young women.  She left behind a 12 year old daughter and memories of her compassion, sassiness, dependability and love of music.            

The MACVSOG or SOG was a black ops group that was developed by the US military and only existed during the Vietnam War.  It was made up of operators from every branch of the military but was mostly composed of US Army Green Berets, also known as Special Forces.  These elite warriors returned to the states with the horrific memories and experiences they went through but were unable to utter a word to anyone due to the extreme secrecy of their involvement.  Finally, after the SOG has been declassified, former members are able to tell their amazing stories of survival, evasion, brotherhood and success to the rest of the world.  Learn first-hand from those who stamped the name SOG into military history.

Born in Arkansas, the son of a WWI veteran, Reb joined the Army Air Corps straight out of high school so he wouldn't be drafted into the infantry.  After some time as a weapon's inspector, he was transferred to the 384th bomb group as a B-17 gunner.  While deployed to England, Reb and the 384th were sent to France and Germany for several combat missions.  During his final mission in September of 1943, Reb miraculously survived when a 20mm round hit him and he went down with his plane.  Now as a POW, Reb had to survive numerous surgeries and a grueling life in prison camps.  He eventually made it back to the US and was able to live a successful life as a journalist, husband and father.   

Fashioned after the British SAS, NZSAS is one of the oldest surviving special operations groups in the world.  They have participated in almost every major international conflict since the mid-1950s.  They have grown with the times and have modernized themselves to become one of the top Tier 1 spec-ops groups.  This episode goes inside the very secretive unit to learn how they operate, who they are and what their mission is.  Give it heaps mates!

As a native of California, Matt pursued a career in the US Navy after college graduation.  He entered the elite Navy SEALS and was stationed in Hawaii before deploying to Afghanistan in 2005.  In June of that same year, he was part of a four-man reconnaissance team that was compromised by locals who alerted the enemy.  Outnumbered 50 to 1, the SEALs vigorously fought their way down the steep mountainside.  It was there that Matt and his team would make their final stand and become the most decorated Navy SEAL team in history.

George was one of the youngest aviators in the US Navy towards the end of WWII.  His squadron was responsible for destroying important Japanese communications to prepare for the US invasion of main-land Japan.  His heroics during the war would fashion him into a man who would one day begin his career in politics and lead the United States as it's 41st president.

Destined to become a lawyer, Mike "The Protector" Murphy instead set his sites on joining the elite US Navy SEALS.  After several deployments to the Middle East, Murph ended up in Afghanistan at the night of Operation Enduring Freedom.  In command of a 4-man recon team, Murphy would make his way into the pages of history with his final heroic act.

The SAS is one of the first modern special operations teams in the world.  Conceived in North Africa during World War II, they have been involved in almost every British conflict since.  Originally, they were shrouded in shadow and few knew of their existence until they were placed on the front pages of the news during the Iranian Embassy hostage crisis in 1980.  They specialize in winning the hearts and minds of local populations in order to win countries back for the people and overthrow corrupt governments.  They also specialize in hostage rescue, VIP protection, direct action, underwater demolition and the list goes on.  So sit back with your tea and biscuits and prepare to be  amazed!

Loaded with the US military's top trained tier 1 special operators, support personnel and Afghan commandos, the chinook helicopter headed to the Tangi Valley.  They had received a distress call and were on their way to help out their brothers in arms, members of the US 75th Army Ranger Regiment.  Little did these men know that they were about to go down in history.

Eugene Sledge was a native of Mobile, Alabama.  He enlisted in the Marine Corps at the height of WWII, knowing full well that he would see battle.  After witnessing the horrors and chaos of two of the most intense battles in the Pacific front, the Sledgehammer turned in his rifle for civilian life.  Like most combat veterans, he struggled to adapt to the quiet life away from the harshness of war.  Experiencing flashbacks and vivid nightmares of watching his friends die beside him almost drove him mad.  He then found comfort in something that he would invest the rest of his life in.

This episode is the first in a series called Special Operations Forces Throughout the World.  Created in the 1950s, this elite special operations unit is the oldest surviving in the Israeli Defense Forces.  Sayeret Matkal operators participated in some of the most intense and bloody battles since the modern country of Israel was established.  Due to their extreme secrecy, there are a multitude of operations they have conducted that the world will never know about.  They stand as a testament to the audacity and courage of the only democratic nation in the middle east, the State of Israel.

Born on a cotton farm in Mississippi, Tom Crump joined the Marine Corps in 1940.  He witnessed first-hand the horrors of the Pearl Harbor bombing and went on to participate in many other battles on the Pacific front.  While assigned to many different posts, Crump visited the world and stood on post, protecting several Navy admirals.  After helping create the first JROTC program, Crump retired in 1970, receiving the coveted 30 year Marine Corps pin.  

Destined to be a pastor, this Los Angeles native put college on hold to instead join the Marines.  Because the US was in the middle of the Vietnam War, it as almost certain that James would be sent overseas.  Only a few months after basic training, Anderson and his platoon was sent to recover a recon patrol who was under intense enemy fire.  After a single act of bravery, Anderson went down in history as the first African American Marine to receive the military's highest honor.

Bleckley's Kansas National Guard unit was called up to join US troops in France during WWI.  Attached to a field artillery unit, it was Bleckley's dream to eventually become a pilot.  Aviation was not even a decade old and was considered very dangerous during this time.  After completing flight training, Bleckley went on several missions as an observer with a pilot to find a US Army battalion that was pinned down by German forces.  Bleckley's bi-plan was witnessed by the lost battalion as it was peppered by German machine guns and eventually went down.  Both Bleckley and the pilot lost their lives and were later awarded the Medal of Honor.

Smith was already a seasoned US Army soldier, having served twice overseas, when he was again called up during Operation Iraqi Freedom.  After a short battle, he took charge and secured his troops and several prisoners inside a courtyard.  While the enemy moved in to eliminate his comrades, Paul Smith took matters into his own hands and saved numerous lives while losing his own.  His story would go down as one of the greatest acts of heroism during the first part of the invasion of Iraq.  

After receiving faulty intel, US Marines, US Army and Afgan Army forces advanced on the Ganjgal Village in Kunar Provence, Afghanistan.  They were suddenly attacked from 3 sides by a heavily armed and prepared enemy.  As a result of the battle, 5 US troops gave the ultimate sacrifice and lost their lives, along with several Afghan soldiers.  In din of battle, heroes emerged, disregarded their own safety and saved the lives of many others.  This episode is the story of those men who lost their lives and the heroes whose names will be remembered.

Dave Baldwin bravely served the communities of Jefferson County in Colorado for 27 years in many different capacities.  His love for country, family and his community will always be remembered.  

Raised in North Dakota, Bryon joined the Marines out of high school.  His service could have ended there, however, after graduating from Penn State, he joined the Pennsylvania State Police.  Earning numerous certifications in DUI and drug recognition programs, Dickson quickly advanced up to the rank of patrol supervisor.  On a fateful night in 2014, Bryon Dickson was purposefully gunned down in front of the State Police station where he served.  His name will always be remembered for his service to his nation and community.

It is a little known fact that the US Coast Guard played a pivotal role in delivering Marines during the Pacific theater in WWII.  As a Higgins boat operator, it was Murno's responsibility to safely deliver Marines to beaches, retrieve battlefield casualties and transport supplies.  The Higgins boat was the WWII equivalent to the Vietnam War UH-1 Huey helicopter.  Higgins operators were constantly targeted by machine gun and mortar fire.  However, they continued to deliver their payloads as directed.  Douglas Murno's name is remembered as a result of his heroic actions during the Battle of Guadalcanal, where he was the only Coast Guardsman in history to be awarded the Medal of Honor.

Michael Monsoor was raised in California and was the son a Marine.  Living with asthma at a young age, he didn't have much of a future in the military.  However, he overcame those odds, played for his high school football team and in 2001, he enlisted in the US Navy.  In 2006, Monsoor's SEAL team deployed to Iraq, where he trained Iraqi Army soldiers and took the fight to the insurgents.  After receiving both the Silver and Bronze stars, he returned to Iraq with his platoon.  While on a rooftop in Iraq with fellow SEALs, Monsoor's actions would put his name in the history books.

Fatherless and poor as a teen, Alvin York supported his large family by hunting and working as a logger in northern Tennessee.  When he was drafted into the US Army for World War I, he was faced with a decision.  Follow the pacifist, non violence beliefs he was raised with or learn to protect his fellow soldiers.  York was right in choosing the later because he would go on to save his entire Army unit in France, take out a machine gun nest and help capture over 100 German soldiers.  After being awarded the US military's highest honor, York would go down in history as a poor Appalachian boy who continues to inspire thousands.  

The Marines wouldn't take Marcinco because he lacked a high school diploma, so he went back, graduated and joined the Navy instead.  He qualified for a UDT team that would was later developed into the first US Navy SEAL team.  He deployed to Vietnam several times and by the late 1960s, return as a battle hardened veteran.  Now as an officer, Marcinco's experience and education were valuable in choosing the perfect anti-terrorism team the Navy had to offer.  The first sailors of this top secret tier 1 special ops team were later known as SEAL Team Six.  Marcinco would later go on to command Red Cell, another black ops team that would test the Navy's vulnerability to infiltration.  After 30 years of active duty, Marcinco retired but he was far from finished with life.  Listen to this incredible story of Rogue Warrior, Dick Marcinco.

As commander of the 454th heavy bomb group, James Gunn was shot down during a mission over Romania.  Just one week later, Romania surrendered to the Allies.  Now, the ranking officer of almost 1200 American POWs and no way to contact command, it was Gunn's responsibility to get everybody out.  Hear the story of heroism from a helpful Romanian fighter ace who helped Gunn liberate 3 POW camps.  

Marine blood ran deep in the Walsh family.  After one deployment to Iraq, Nick hung up his rifle and became a family man.  However, the Corps came calling and he reenlisted.  After the grueling training of force recon, Nick earned his coveted red badge and redeployed back to Iraq.  He died a hero to many and will never be forgotten.  

Millett came from a proud traditional military family.  After deserting his post in the US Army Air Corps because he wanted to see battle, he joined the Canadian Army and served in England during the German blitz.  He rejoined the US Army and participated in North Africa and Italy.  His defining moment was when he fought in the Korean War and lead a baronet charge, which earned him the Medal of Honor.  Millett would finish his military career in the Vietnam War and retired in the 1970s. 

In 2013, FOB Ghazni was hit with a surprise attack from the Taliban.  Due to the supreme courage of US special operators and soldiers, members of the Polish Army and Special Forces and Afghan police, the base was taken back.  In the aftermath, the battle claimed the life of 1 US Army soldier and several Aghan police.  However, the death toll was much greater for the Taliban and they learned that day to think again before attempting another take-over.  

Joe's story is one they make movies about.  Joe enlisted in the top tier of specialized soldiers, the 101st Airborne Division.  He parachuted into Nazi occupied France, narrowly escaped a sniper, killed several German troops and was eventually captured.  However, POW camp wasn't made for Joe.  After multiple escape attempts, he landed a job with the Soviet Red Army and finished out the war.  

From the hills of West Virginia, a true hero emerged.  He fought in 3 different wars on 2 continents.  He was so awesome that Sam Elliott played him in a movie!  Take a minute and remember the name Basil Plumley.

Orphaned as a young boy and working in the blazing hot sun built the foundation for Roy.  After a career ending injury in South Vietnam, Roy made a remarkable recovery and went on to qualify for the elite Army Green Berets.  Now a part of a clandestine black-ops organization, Roy again stepped up and answered the call to rescue those in need.  Learn of the incredible audacity and pure guts of Roy Benavidez, a true hero.

Known as "White Feather" to the enemy, Hathcock was severely feared in North Vietnam, having 93 confirmed and an estimated 300 unconfirmed sniper kills.  Hathcock is a legend in the Marine Corps and his exploits made him a myth as a silent stalker in the jungles of Vietnam.  Learn of a successful competitive shooter and an even more deadlier sniper from central Arkansas.   

Navy dive bomber Lt. Ware had a front row seat during the turning point of the Pacific theater of World War II.  Learn of his heroism despite insurmountable odds and of the ultimate sacrifice he and his squadron would make. 

Skelt and Pelham were raised under very different conditions in opposite ends of the US but were brought together as Special Forces Green Berets.  Ambushed by insurgents, these special operators gave the ultimate sacrifice in Afghanistan.

Harding Crecy overcame the stereotypes of segregation to distinguish himself as a true hero in two wars.  In the fog of battle, after losing a close comrade, he rose to the occasion and took matters into his own hands to save his fellow soldiers regardless of their skin color.  

Thorne was a Finnish born soldier who fought the Soviet communists on two fronts during World War II with two different nations and the Vietcong with the US Army Green Berets.  Listen to the amazing story of heroism and bravery! 

Jack Lucas was just 14 when he forged his mother's signature and joined the US Marine Corps in 1943.  He hid is age throughout training and was eventually stationed in Hawaii.  At 16, he stowed away on a ship headed for Iwa Jima.  Once he was discovered, he was already 17, the official fighting age.  The next few days would define who he was and place him on a short list of elite men who lived to tell the tale.