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The Church Of The Souls Evolution with The Reverend Blake Rubie (Ordained Minister) Growing the Soul's Light: Heaven, UFO Truth, Prayer, and Spiritual Evolution Singing, Service, and the Wounded Warriors In this episode of The Church of the Soul's Evolution, Reverend Blake Rubie welcomes listeners from his patio in San Antonio and explains that upcoming episodes may be reruns while he visits his son. He reflects on his love of singing, his karaoke practice, his new sound system, and the years he spent singing for wounded warriors at the Family and Warrior Support Center at Fort Sam Houston. He describes that period as one of the best experiences of his life, using music to bring comfort, encouragement, and presence to military members returning from Iraq and Afghanistan. Seeking Reality Beyond Fantasy Rubie shifts from music into a broader reflection on society, violence, truth, and the need to become more spiritually intelligent. He criticizes the way violent movies, television, and cultural images can feed unhealthy minds, especially in a society that gives lip service to freedom while struggling with mental health and violence. He also discusses UFO disclosure, Roswell, and government secrecy, arguing that humanity should move from belief into knowledge by examining evidence and researching for itself. In his view, Earth is a difficult school where adversity, death, illness, violence, and uncertainty all serve the larger purpose of soul growth. The Universe as Thought, Light, and Creation A central teaching in the episode is Rubie's explanation of the universe as a living, intelligent creation shaped by divine thought. He discusses the Big Bang, galaxies, solar systems, the four forces of creation, sentient life throughout the universe, and the idea that matter begins as intelligent energy or thought. He connects these ideas to Einstein, relativity, superstring theory, faster-than-light travel, interdimensional spacecraft, and advanced extraterrestrial civilizations. Rubie presents human beings as spirits in material bodies, each carrying a soul-light that can grow brighter through kindness, prayer, love, service, and spiritual development. Prayer, Words, and the Psychosphere Rubie places strong emphasis on prayer, especially the courage and value of praying for everyone. He teaches that spoken words rise into the atmosphere and become part of what he calls the psychosphere surrounding Earth, containing past words, deeds, prayers, and intentions. Because words can create or destroy, he urges listeners to use them carefully, lovingly, and constructively. Prayer, in his view, is one of the highest forms of love because it asks divine and heavenly forces to help others heal, receive what they need, and grow spiritually. Heaven, Reincarnation, and the Spirit's Journey The episode spends a long portion describing Rubie's vision of heaven as a world of light, fire, beauty, music, love, gardens, roads of transparent gold, angels, chariots, and ancient spirits waiting in joy. He says human beings continue after death as pure spirits, with soul-light that reflects their level of spiritual evolution. He rejects eternal damnation, instead describing a place of darkness or “God's jail” as a realm of rehabilitation for souls that have gone far off course. Rubie also discusses reincarnation, male and female spirit identity, karmic lessons, the Mother and Father God, and the eventual destiny of souls to become co-creator beings in their own right. Forgiveness, Kindness, and the Closing Prayer Toward the end, Rubie reflects on forgiveness, even for people who have committed terrible acts, arguing that God sees the full story behind every soul's choices and offers correction rather than endless punishment. He encourages listeners to forgive family members, bury old conflicts, pray for others, wave, smile, and recognize the dignity of every person they encounter. He closes with a prayer to the Creator of the universe, asking for blessing, guidance, growth, evolution, and help in doing divine will. The episode ends with Rubie reminding listeners that he will be away for the next two weeks and that reruns may air during that time.
Tonight on Gulf War Side Effects, Wade and Kevin sit down with Major (Ret.) Marilyn Rogers, a Desert Storm veteran and former 82nd Airborne combat medic.From AIT at Fort Sam Houston to jumping into the 82nd Airborne… from JRTC to deployment during Desert Storm… Marilyn shares raw, real stories about being a medic, being a woman in the Airborne, and what it was like preparing for mass casualties that (thankfully) never came.Get access to past and bonus content with exclusive guest. Please help support the podcast and veterans so we can keep making the show - patreon.com/GulfWarSideEffects▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬Contact me with your questions, comments, or concerns at kevinsimon@gulfwarsideeffects.com
Tonight on Gulf War Side Effects, Wade and Kevin sit down with Major (Ret.) Marilyn Rogers, a Desert Storm veteran and former 82nd Airborne combat medic.From AIT at Fort Sam Houston to jumping into the 82nd Airborne… from JRTC to deployment during Desert Storm… Marilyn shares raw, real stories about being a medic, being a woman in the Airborne, and what it was like preparing for mass casualties that (thankfully) never came.Get access to past and bonus content with exclusive guest. Please help support the podcast and veterans so we can keep making the show - patreon.com/GulfWarSideEffects▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬Contact me with your questions, comments, or concerns at kevinsimon@gulfwarsideeffects.com
The Church Of The Souls Evolution with The Reverend Blake Rubie (Ordained Minister) Spirituality, Song, and the Metaphysics of Light Reverend Blake Ruby shares a deeply personal reflection on his life journey, blending his experiences in the military and music with a unique spiritual philosophy. He explores the transition from organized religion to "truth-seeking," emphasizing that the sun is the literal gateway to heaven and that our primary purpose is to grow our internal light through kindness and song. From Military Cadence to Spiritual Ministry Reverend Blake Ruby introduces himself as a minister with the Universal Life Church, a path he chose to pursue spiritual truth rather than the "money-making business" of traditional religion. His background is rooted in service, having joined the Army in 1982, where he discovered his vocal talent by leading cadences during basic training and PT sessions. This military foundation transitioned into a lifelong passion for singing, which he views as a spiritual practice that requires discipline and proper physical technique, such as deep diaphragm breathing. The Healing Power of Performance Ruby's singing career is extensive, ranging from cruise ship talent shows to performing the National Anthem for the WNBA's Silver Stars in front of 6,000 people. He spent six years performing for the "Wounded Warriors" at Fort Sam Houston, building a repertoire of hundreds of songs across rock, country, and spiritual genres. He believes that music is a tool for connection and healing, often performing songs by artists like Frank Sinatra, The Beatles, and Coldplay to address themes of nature and love. Cosmology and the Four Forces of Creation The core of Ruby's message is a cosmological model where the sun, located 93 million miles away, is the actual location of heaven and the birthplace of souls. He posits that all matter is made of light energy and that the universe was constructed using four specific forces: the creation of celestial bodies, plant/animal life, sentient beings, and the "infinitesimal spark" of the creator's light within the soul. He describes the creator as an all-encompassing, shape-shifting energy field that communicates telepathically and encourages all beings to "grow their light" to expand the universe. Earth as a School for Soul Evolution Ruby views life on Earth as a school where the goal is to "graduate with honors" through spiritual development. He touches upon the existence of extraterrestrials, suggesting they avoid contact because humanity remains a violent species. He advocates for political and social peace, urging listeners to recognize the inherent dignity in every human being, regardless of affiliation. Ultimately, he describes the afterlife as a "great reunion" in a world of transparent gold and "Trees of Life," where souls return to their parents of light after passing through the "River of Oblivion" at birth. Reverend Blake Ruby concludes with a message of universal brotherhood, reminding listeners that life is too short for unkindness. By recognizing the divine spark within ourselves and others, we prepare for the eventual return to the "world of light," fulfilling a journey of reincarnation and spiritual achievement
Master Sergeant (Ret.) Hector Soto joins Gulf War Side Effects to share an incredible journey — from joining the Army at just 17 years old to serving as an 82nd Airborne Combat Medic during Desert Shield and Desert Storm, and ultimately completing 35 years of military service.Hector and Wade first met in Combat Medic School at Fort Sam Houston in 1990, and this episode brings listeners inside the real experience of preparing for war, deploying to Saudi Arabia, and operating on the front lines as a young medic during one of America's most defining conflicts.Gulf War Illness Study : https://ucsd.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_8kroz7Jamr365hQGet access to past and bonus content with exclusive guest. Please help support the podcast and veterans so we can keep making the show - patreon.com/GulfWarSideEffects▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬Life Wave Patches: https://lifewave.com/kevinsimon/store/products*Here is my recommendations on what patches to get and what has helped me.Ice Wave - this helps with my neuropathy.x39 - this helps me with brain fog and my shakesx49 - helps with bone strengthGludifion - helps get rid of toxinsMerch: https://gulfwar-side-effects.myspreadshop.com/Contact me with your questions, comments, or concerns at kevinsimon@gulfwarsideeffects.com
Master Sergeant (Ret.) Hector Soto joins Gulf War Side Effects to share an incredible journey — from joining the Army at just 17 years old to serving as an 82nd Airborne Combat Medic during Desert Shield and Desert Storm, and ultimately completing 35 years of military service.Hector and Wade first met in Combat Medic School at Fort Sam Houston in 1990, and this episode brings listeners inside the real experience of preparing for war, deploying to Saudi Arabia, and operating on the front lines as a young medic during one of America's most defining conflicts.Gulf War Illness Study : https://ucsd.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_8kroz7Jamr365hQGet access to past and bonus content with exclusive guest. Please help support the podcast and veterans so we can keep making the show - patreon.com/GulfWarSideEffects▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬Life Wave Patches: https://lifewave.com/kevinsimon/store/products*Here is my recommendations on what patches to get and what has helped me.Ice Wave - this helps with my neuropathy.x39 - this helps me with brain fog and my shakesx49 - helps with bone strengthGludifion - helps get rid of toxinsMerch: https://gulfwar-side-effects.myspreadshop.com/Contact me with your questions, comments, or concerns at kevinsimon@gulfwarsideeffects.com
Gene Calantoc joined the U.S. Army as a Combat Engineer in 2011 and deployed to Afghanistan in 2012-2013 with the 101st Screaming Eagles. A motorcycle accident in March 2020 led to his medical retirement and it was during his recovery at Fort Sam Houston when Gene discovered adaptive sports. He has competed at the DOD Warrior Games and plays with the Texas Parasport wheelchair basketball team. As a Move United Warfighters Ambassador, he is interested in helping other veterans be active in sports and recreation as well.
On today's episode, we're honored to hear from Lou Eisenbrandt, who in the late 1960s was a young nurse who answered the call to serve in Vietnam. What she witnessed, what she endured, and what she carried home with her became the foundation for a lifetime of reflection and advocacy. Her experience didn't end when the war did. In the years since, she's written two books and spoken to a variety of audiences- helping shine a long-overdue spotlight on the women who served in Vietnam. And when Parkinson's disease entered her story, she met it with the same strength and openness that's defined her life. Today we will talk about her journey through war, healing, motherhood, and purpose—and what it means to carry a story for so many others. Growing up in a small Illinois town, Lou joined the Army to "see the world." After graduating as a Registered Nurse in June 1968, she attended officers' basic training, at Fort Sam Houston, Texas, then headed to Ft. Dix New Jersey, her first duty assignment. In September 1969, she received orders for Vietnam, arriving there on November 1. During her year at the 91 st Evac Hospital in Chu Lai, she cared for GIs, South Vietnamese soldiers and civilians, even Viet Cong and NVA soldiers. From malaria and hepatitis to double amputees, massive head traumas and deadly gunshot wounds, she saw it all. Her book, Vietnam Nurse, Mending and Remembering, published in June 2015, chronicles her experiences. She takes you through the sights and sounds of combat nursing, waterskiing on the South China Sea, a weekend jeep trip with flak jackets and helmets, and surviving early-morning rocket attacks. Since 1970, she has made 4 return trips to Vietnam. In September 2014, she joined 11 other vets, all male, 12 College of the Ozarks students and several faculty members, to visit sites where each of the vets had been stationed during the war. The trip was sponsored by the college and became one of the motivating factors for completing her book. For the past 40 years, Lou has been sharing her experiences with students, veterans, and community groups. In addition, she has served on the boards of directors for numerous not-for-profit organizations and is currently a board member of the Veterans' Voices Writing Project. She is a past member of the People with Parkinson's Advisory Council of the Parkinson's Foundation. She has been employed as a travel agent, children's cooking instructor, and stained-glass artisan. Her other interests are: travel, photography, golf, gardening, and grandchildren. Lou is passionately involved in finding a cure for Parkinson's Disease, which she has lived with for 22 years as a result of exposure to Agent Orange. In her latest book, published in May 2022 and titled Unsteady as She Goes: Battling Parkinson's After Vietnam, she shares her thoughts on living her best life with a chronic, progressive disease. She and her husband Jim have been married for 53 years and live in Leawood Kansas. They have two children and two grandchildren. If it's loose - it is no use! While we gear up for summer, we want to remind parents that bike helmets save lives! A properly fitting helmet should sit about two finger widths above the eyebrow, remain level, and have a chin strap that is snug. Children's Mercy Kansas City is built for kids. That's why we have been taking care of the kids in the community for more than 125 years. Learn more. What We're Loving In Kansas City Dogs Day Out at KC Pet Project Megan loves dogs. This is an awesome program that allows you to take a shelter dog out for a few hours, a full day, or even a weekend, providing them with a much-needed break from the shelter environment. These outings help reduce stress for the dogs and give KC Pet Project valuable insights into their personalities and behaviors, aiding in finding them suitable adoptive homes. To participate,
Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery will host a Memorial Day event on Monday, May 26, with a musical prelude at 9 a.m. and a ceremony at 9:30 a.m. The ceremony will be held at the main assembly area, with U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar as the keynote speaker. Visitors attending the ceremony are requested to enter the cemetery through Cougar Way at Rittiman Road. Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery is located at 1520 Harry Wurzbach Road in San Antonio. For more information on the event, contact Assistant Cemetery Director Graham Wright at 210-805-2554 or graham. wright@va.gov.Article Link
"What happens when Hollywood's biggest star decides to tour Texas and surprise fans at local theaters?" Dive into this electrifying episode of The Ben and Skin Show, where hosts Ben Rogers, Jeff “Skin” Wade, Kevin “KT” Turner, and Krystina Ray unravel the excitement surrounding Tom Cruise's upcoming visit to Dallas-Fort Worth and the latest Mission Impossible movie.The episode kicks off with Tom Cruise's video message about his Texas tour, including stops at Fort Sam Houston and various theaters in Dallas. "On May 22, I'm coming to the great state of Texas," Cruise announces, setting the stage for an exciting discussion.The hosts speculate on Cruise's surprise appearances at local theaters, emphasizing his dedication to reviving the movie-going experience. "He's all about getting everyone back to movie theaters," Ben notes, highlighting Cruise's commitment to his fans and the industry.The team dives into the staggering $400 million budget for the latest Mission Impossible installment, discussing the importance of box office success for such high-budget films.
Brooke Army Medical Center will host the Joint Base San Antonio (JBSA) Military Retiree Appreciation Day on Saturday, Oct. 19, from 8 a.m. to noon in the hospital's Medical Mall located at 3551 Roger Brooke Drive on Fort Sam Houston. Military retirees, those transitioning into retirement, active duty, their spouses and family members will have access to a wide variety of health and wellness services and other resources including: •Flu shots •Blood pressure checks •Oral cancer screens •Mammograms •Walk-in ID card services •Eyeglass services •Medication turn-in •Access to representatives from the Retirement Services Office, JBSA Retired Military Member Council, TRICARE...Article Link
This Day in Legal History: WWI Spy ConvictedOn August 16, 1918, Lothar Witzke became the first German spy convicted by the United States during World War I. Tried by a military commission at Fort Sam Houston, Texas, Witzke was found guilty of espionage for his role in sabotage activities against the U.S., including his alleged involvement in the Black Tom explosion, a major act of sabotage in 1916. His conviction marked a significant moment in the U.S.'s efforts to counter German espionage during the war. Witzke was sentenced to hang, but his fate took a turn when President Woodrow Wilson commuted his sentence on May 27, 1920. The commutation reflected the complexities of wartime justice and international relations. Later, in 1922, President Calvin Coolidge granted Witzke a pardon, leading to his deportation to Berlin. Witzke's case highlighted the U.S. government's determination to crack down on espionage while also navigating the diplomatic and political nuances of post-war justice.India's legal market is cautiously opening to foreign law firms under new guidance allowing them to practice international law within the country. However, only a few firms have taken steps to establish a presence, as many remain hesitant due to past challenges and uncertainties about the implementation of these new rules. India's rapid economic growth and favorable business environment under Prime Minister Narendra Modi make it an attractive prospect for foreign firms, but the memory of previous failed attempts and local opposition leads many to adopt a wait-and-see approach.Some firms are opting for strategies like the "fly in, fly out" model, running operations from nearby locations like Singapore. Others, like Baker McKenzie and Dentons, are planning to establish offices when permitted, but are currently working through collaborations with local firms. Japan-based TNY Legal and GVA Professional have already entered the Indian market to support their clients' growing needs.Despite the opportunities, significant hurdles remain, including unclear regulations and potential resistance from the local bar. Implementing legislation is still required, and foreign firms face a complex bureaucracy. The possibility of limits on foreign registrations to protect Indian firms adds to the uncertainty, making the path forward for foreign law firms in India fraught with challenges. India Sees Foreign Law Firms Take Baby Steps to Set Up OutpostsTikTok is challenging a U.S. law requiring its parent company, China-based ByteDance, to sell its U.S. assets or face a ban, arguing that the U.S. Department of Justice has misrepresented the app's ties to China. TikTok maintains that its data and content moderation decisions for U.S. users are handled within the U.S. and that the law infringes on its free speech rights. The law, signed by President Biden, aims to end Chinese ownership of TikTok due to national security concerns. The case will be heard by a federal appeals court in September, just before the November presidential election.TikTok disputes US claims on China ties in court appeal | ReutersThe Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals upheld California's vote-by-mail system, ruling that it does not violate the constitutional rights of in-person voters, even if some invalid mailed ballots are occasionally counted. The court rejected the claim that counting these ballots dilutes the votes of in-person voters, emphasizing that such errors do not disproportionately affect any particular group. The decision arose from a lawsuit aiming to decertify California's 2020 election results, which, if successful, could have favored Donald Trump. The court found that the plaintiffs' "vote dilution" theory was legally unfounded, consistent with rulings from other circuits.California Vote-By-Mail Upheld in Rebuke of ‘Vote Dilution' SuitGSK plans to seek the dismissal of a Zantac-related lawsuit in Florida, where plaintiffs allege the heartburn drug caused prostate cancer. This follows a recent Florida court ruling in GSK's favor, which excluded expert testimony linking ranitidine, Zantac's active ingredient, to prostate cancer. The ruling aligns with a 2022 federal court decision that dismissed similar cancer-related claims. However, a Delaware court ruling in June allowed over 70,000 lawsuits to proceed, permitting expert testimony that Zantac causes cancer. GSK is appealing the Delaware decision, as the majority of Zantac cases are concentrated there. Concerns over ranitidine's potential to degrade into the carcinogen NDMA led to the FDA pulling Zantac from the market five years ago.GSK to seek dismissal of Florida case against heartburn drug Zantac | ReutersBayer achieved a legal victory as a U.S. appeals court ruled that federal law shields the company from liability in a lawsuit claiming its Roundup weed killer causes cancer. The 3rd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Philadelphia decided that federal regulations, which require uniform pesticide labeling, preempted Pennsylvania state law from mandating a cancer warning on Roundup. This ruling came in response to a lawsuit by David Schaffner, a landscaper diagnosed with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, who argued that Bayer's Monsanto unit failed to warn consumers about the cancer risk. The decision could lead to a U.S. Supreme Court review due to conflicting rulings from other federal appeals courts, potentially impacting Bayer's broader litigation risk. Bayer, which has settled much of the Roundup litigation for $10.9 billion but still faces tens of thousands of claims, welcomed the ruling, asserting that Roundup and its active ingredient glyphosate are safe.Bayer wins victory in US legal battle against Roundup cancer claims | ReutersThis week's closing theme is by Franz Schubert.This week's closing theme brings us to the world of Franz Schubert, a composer whose music bridges the Classical and Romantic eras with remarkable emotional depth and lyrical beauty. Schubert, born in Vienna in 1797, was a prolific composer despite his tragically short life, leaving behind a vast body of work that continues to resonate with audiences today. Among his numerous compositions, his Piano Quintet in A major, D. 667, known as the "Trout Quintet," and his symphonies are often celebrated, but today we focus on one of his masterpieces in chamber music: his Piano Quintet in F minor, Op. 15.The first movement, "Allegro con fuoco ma non troppo," showcases Schubert's unique ability to blend intensity with elegance. The title, which translates to "fast, with fire but not too much," perfectly encapsulates the movement's spirit. It opens with a passionate and fiery theme that immediately captures the listener's attention, setting the stage for a dynamic interplay between the piano and strings. As the movement progresses, Schubert masterfully balances this intensity with moments of lyrical beauty, creating a musical narrative that is both dramatic and profoundly moving.This piece exemplifies Schubert's gift for melody and his deep understanding of the human experience, qualities that have endeared his music to generations of listeners. As you listen to the "Allegro con fuoco ma non troppo," let yourself be carried by its sweeping phrases and the emotional journey it offers—a true testament to Schubert's genius.Without further ado, the first movement of Franz Schubert's Fantasie in C major, Op. 15, popularly known as the Wanderer Fantasy. Enjoy. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.minimumcomp.com/subscribe
Federal Veterans Affairs resources are being used to serve illegal aliens, says Army veteran Derick Carver. “Essentially, what's happening is, the VA was caught moving processors from the VA to support [Immigration and Customs Enforcement Health Services Corps] processing detainee medicals,” he says. “We're talking over 1.1 million people,” said Carver, who currently serves as a graduate fellow in the Allison Center for National Security at The Heritage Foundation. “We're talking hundreds of thousands of initial medical exams, with follow-up exams, hundreds of thousands of prescriptions being filled, dental appointments, vision appointments,” he added. “I mean, the care that the detainees are getting is better than a lot of what the veterans are getting and without … the hoops to jump through, because they just have access to this once they're detained.” After being severely injured in Afghanistan in 2010, losing his left leg, part of his right leg, and a number of fingers, Carver became acutely aware of the issues with VA hospitals. “I've stopped receiving care at VA [hospitals] because of just how negligent they are at times, especially with someone with my injuries and the levels of injuries that I have. It's just not feasible to receive proper care at a VA, or even at a private hospital for that matter,” Carver said. Instead, the veteran said he visits either Walter Reed Army National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland, or Brooke Army Medical Center at Fort Sam Houston in Texas—neither is a VA hospital—to receive care. Carver joins “The Daily Signal Podcast” to share his personal story, discuss needed reforms for VA hospitals, and explain what steps should be taken to ensure U.S. veterans are receiving the physical, mental, and emotional care they need and deserve. Enjoy the show!
During cold weather, most people want to huddle inside around heat sources, but some jobs force people to brave the elements. Waco businessman and historian Roger Conger delivered groceries for J. C. Crippen & Sons as a teenager in the 1920s. He recalls a winter delivery to Waco High English teacher Marie Leslie that can only be described as a learning experience: "Her house was on the west side of North Eighteenth Street right across from Providence Hospital. And I pulled across the street to the wrong side of the street, it was. In other words, I was heading north, and it's a steep, downward hill there. And I pulled against the curb, and there was ice on the curbs that particular Saturday. Was a cold, cold day. I left my engine running, and I pulled the combination clutch release and brake of a Model T, which is to your left hand. I pulled that up and thought that I had locked the brakes. Left the engine running, went around to the back, got her order off, and went inside Miss Leslie's house and delivered her groceries. And when I came back out of her house, to my consternation, I couldn't see any truck. I hurried out to the curb, and I looked down the hill, and there was a filling station at the foot of the hill down there, and I saw a crowd of people around in this gasoline station. And with my box in my hand I ran down the hill and found that my truck, still loaded with Crippen groceries, had careened down this icy hill into that filling station, crashed into the back of an automobile that was getting some gasoline in it, and had thrown my load of groceries all over that end of Waco. (laughter)" Fortunately, both the driver of the vehicle and Mr. Crippen were very understanding. In the late thirties, George McDowell of Houston, a recent West Point graduate, was stationed at Fort Sill in Oklahoma with the 18th Field Artillery, a horse-drawn regiment. One of his assignments concerned a horse-drawn unit at Fort Sam Houston in Texas, the 12th Field Artillery, which was becoming motorized and had equipment and horses it no longer needed: "Our battery was designated to drive down from Fort Sill to Fort Sam Houston, pick up 246 horses, 8 guns, and 16 wagons and march them overland back to Fort Sill, Oklahoma, right in the dead of winter. When we got down to Fort Sam Houston, we found out that half of these horses we were going to take back had never been in draft pulling a gun or wagon or anything. So after we left Fort Sam Houston, we—first day, we only made about sixteen miles; the next time, about twenty-four. And we were hitting about thirty to thirty-two miles a day. But we'd try to bivouac by three o'clock in the afternoon. But then it got below freezing at times, and we weren't sleeping worth a damn. And you didn't have sleeping bags in those days. You just wrapped up in blankets and other things like that and did the best you could. The horses were not taking that cold weather. So every morning we'd have a—almost a rodeo getting hitched up. It was dark, and daylight didn't come till about seven o'clock. And so that march taught me, I said, ‘Well, I sure don't want to go to war with horses.' (laughs)" Shortly after this operation, McDowell was transferred to the army air corps as an ordnance officer and served in North Africa, Italy, and the Pentagon in World War II. During a wintertime assignment, George McDowell saw firsthand the challenges of using horses in combat. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This week's guest is Mario Lopez, a wounded warrior who served deployments to both Iraq and Afghanistan. He survived critical injuries from a roadside bomb in Afghanistan, which brought him to The Burn Center at the San Antonio Military Medical Center at Fort Sam Houston. After years of surgeries and recuperation, Mario has gone on to write a book about his experiences, and he is a self-taught artist whose work now hangs at the very military installation here where he was treated.
Fidel and Alicia Marroquin of Nixon are very proud of their granddaughter, Mariah Alysia Castillo. On Friday morning, Dec. 15, 2023, Mariah was commissioned as 2nd lieutenant in the U.S. Army. Her first salute was from her grandfather, Fidel Marroquin, a Vietnam veteran. Later that evening, she had her nurse's pinning, as well. On Dec. 16, she graduated cum laude from Texas Christian University in Fort Worth, with a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing. She completed her officer's leadership training at Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio and on May 14, she left for Washington, D.C., where she began...Article Link
Today I speak with IFBB Bikini Pro Marina Marks, born and raised in San Antonio TX, who is married and has two children. She started lifting in 2015 but her competition journey began after the birth of my son in 2019 where she competed 10 months postpartum and took the Open Bikini Overall. Shortly after, she left for basic training and starting a whole new chapter in the US Army as a physical therapy tech. She is currently serving as an Active Duty Sergeant and station at Fort Sam Houston. She earned her Pro Card in December at 2023 Nationals. As a dancer, she struggled with an eating disorder as a teen and works hard to love herself. TOPICS COVERED -overcoming an eating disorder -healing her marriage -starting your competition journey -competing postpartum -when and why to change coaches -competing as a mom -competing in the military -married couples who both compete -family members who may not be supportive -why not me? CONNECT WITH CELESTE: Website: http://www.celestial.fit Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/celestial_fit/ All Links: http://www.celestial.fit/links.html CONNECT WITH MARINA: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marina_sauce/ TIME STAMPS 1:00 introduction 4:10 competing and motherhood 14:45 prepping with two kids 18:20 healing her marriage 26:50 the roll of her faith 31:40 competing while in the military 34:30 lessons from the military 43:15 deciding to compete 49:20 setting the goal to go Pro 53:30 feedback at national shows 56:30 changing coaches 63:09 goals for competing 64:30 journey to self-love 78:16 advice fro competitors CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE FREE FOOD RELATIONSHIP COACHING SERIES CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE FREE POST SHOW BLUES COACHING SERIES LEARN MORE AND APPLY FOR MY 5 WEEK FOOD RELATIONSHIP HEALING & DISCOVERY COACHING PROGRAM FOR OTHER FREE RESOURCES, LIVE EVENTS, AND WAYS TO WORK WITH CELESTE CLICK HERE
Simon Helmut and Simmons arrive in Bremerhaven on the D-Zug Express from Berlin to track a human trafficing suspect. Detective Garrett and Sam are in the former Fort Sam Houston to track down Corsky's former CO Colonel Bishop while the crew in DC continue their background checking. The Mercury abandons the chase in order to get the official documents they need to arrest Hanaka, but trouble looms. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Simon Helmut and Simmons arrive in Bremerhaven on the D-Zug Express from Berlin to track a human trafficing suspect. Detective Garrett and Sam are in the former Fort Sam Houston to track down Corsky's former CO Colonel Bishop while the crew in DC continue their background checking. The Mercury abandons the chase in order to get the official documents they need to arrest Hanaka, but trouble looms. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
We're thrilled to welcome LTG Scott Dingle, the 45th Surgeon General of the U.S. Army, as our special guest. This episode, "The 45th Surgeon General's 10 in 35," is not just an exploration of leadership, but a deep dive into personal growth. LTG Dingle shares his personal reflections and insights on self-awareness in his 10 things, offering a unique perspective to empower your success. This is a must-listen for anyone seeking inspiration and wisdom in their personal and professional Army journey.Lieutenant General R. Scott Dingle is the 45th Surgeon General of the U.S. Army and Commanding General, U.S. Army Medical Command. Prior to his appointment, he served as the Deputy Surgeon General and Deputy Commanding General (Support), U.S. Army Medical Command.His previous military assignments include: Commanding General, Regional Health Command – Atlantic; Deputy Chief of Staff, G-3/5/7, Office of The Surgeon General, Falls Church, Virginia; Commander, 30th Medical Brigade, Germany; Director, Health Care Operations/G-3, Office of The Surgeon General, Falls Church, Virginia; Commander, U.S. Army Medical Recruiting Brigade, Fort Knox, Kentucky; Commander, 261st Multifunctional Medical Battalion, Fort Bragg, North Carolina; Chief, Current Operations, Special Plans Officer, Healthcare Operations Executive Officer, Office of The Surgeon General, Falls Church, Virginia; Chief, Medical Plans and Operations Multinational Corps-Iraq Surgeon's Office, Operation Iraqi Freedom, Baghdad, Iraq; Chief, Medical Plans and Operations, 18th Airborne Corps Surgeon's Office, Fort Bragg, North Carolina; Executive Officer, 261st Area Support Medical Battalion (44th MEDCOM), Fort Bragg, North Carolina; Ground Combat Planner for Combined Joint Task Force -180, Operation Iraqi Freedom, Baghdad, Iraq; Assistant Chief of Staff, Plans and Exercises, 44th Medical Command and 18th Airborne Corps Plans Officer, Fort Bragg, North Carolina; Chief, Division Medical Operations Center, 1st Armored Division, Germany; Instructor, Officer Basic and Advanced Courses, Army Medical Department Center and School, Fort Sam Houston, Texas; Plans Officer, 3rd Infantry Division Medical Operations Center, Germany; Commander, Charlie Company, 3rd Forward Support Battalion, Germany; Commander, Medical Company and Medical Hold Detachment, Fort Eustis, Virginia; Chief of Plans, Operations, Training, and Security, Fort Eustis, Virginia; Adjutant, Fort Eustis, Virginia; Ambulance Platoon leader and Motor Officer, 75th Forward Support Battalion, 194th Separate Armored Brigade; Fort Knox, Kentucky. LTC Dingle is a Distinguished Military Graduate of Morgan State University. His degrees include Master of Science in Administration from Central Michigan University, Master of Military Arts and Science from the School of Advanced Military Studies and a Master of Science in National Security Strategy from the National War College. For slides with podcast episode please visit our YouTube channel:https://www.youtube.com/@BeAllYouCanBeMSCImportant Vs. Urgent article: https://www.dodreads.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/Important-vs-Urgent-Col-Mark-Blum.pdfDisclaimer: The views expressed in this podcast are the guests and host's alone and do not reflect the official position of the Medical Service Corps, the Department of Defense, or the US Government. All information discussed is unclassified approved for public release and found on open cleared sources.For more episodes listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube @ Be All You Can Be MSC For more information, suggestions, or questions please contact: beallyoucanbemsc@gmail.com
Episode 13 of our series is now live, featuring the remarkable "Army-Baylor Program" at Baylor University. Join us as we dive into this unique educational journey with our special guest, MAJ Tiara Walz. As the program executive officer and an assistant professor, MAJ Walz offers invaluable insights into this top-ranked Master of Health Administration and MBA program. MAJ Walz commissioned in the United States Army in 2009. She is a graduate of The University of Dubuque where she obtained a Bachelors of Science in Biology with a minor in Chemistry. After completing the Officer Basic Course at Fort Sam Houston, TX, she began her first assignment as a Platoon Leader at Fort Cavazos, TX in the Charlie Medical Company, 15th Brigade Support Battalion, 2nd Brigade, First Cavalry Division. While there, she deployed to Iraq as the Company Executive Officer in support of Operation New Dawn. After her deployment, MAJ Walz transitioned to Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center at Fort Cavazos, serving as the Deputy Chief of Operations. She was selected for and served at Fort Moore at Martin Army Community Hospital as a Company Commander from 2013-2015 and was then selected to attend the Army-Baylor MHA/MBA Program. While completing her rigorous graduate studies, MAJ Walz designated as a 70A, subsequently serving as Chief of Managed Care Division and Chief of Clinical Support Division at Evans Army Community Hospital. She then decided to apply for LTHET again and was selected to attend school for her PhD in Public Health at Oregon State University, followed by a utilization tour as an Assistant Professor at the Army-Baylor University Graduate Program in Health and Business Administration. She graduated with her doctorate in Public Health with a concentration in Health Policy from Oregon State University in 2023. She also obtained a Graduate Certificate in College and University Teaching while in Oregon, to aid in her passion for teaching. Her Ph.D. work focuses on chronic pain in the veteran population and how chronic pain impacts healthcare utilization and expenditures on an individual and systems level in the United States. MAJ Walz is a Fellow in the American College of Healthcare Executives, and is passionate about networking, healthcare leadership, and improving quality of life and social determinants of health for servicemembers, their families, and the veteran population in the US. MAJ Walz's awards and decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medals, Army Achievement Medals, National Defense Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal, German Armed Forced Badge- Gold, the Army Service Ribbon, and the Army Overseas Service Ribbon. The "Army-Baylor Program" at Baylor University offers a unique combination of a Master of Health Administration (MHA) and an MBA. It's a highly ranked program, for more detailed information, you can visit the Army-Baylor Program page. AY25 LTHET MILPER MESSAGE 23-499, ACADEMIC YEAR 2025 (AY25)ARMY MEDICAL DEPARTMENT LTHET: MILPER message information go to https://www.hrc.army.mil/Milper/23-499 Disclaimer: The views expressed in this podcast are the guests and host's alone and do not reflect the official position of the Medical Service Corps, the Department of Defense, or the US Government. All information discussed is unclassified approved for public release and found on open cleared sources.For more episodes listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube @ Be All You Can Be MSC For more information, suggestions, or questions please contact: beallyoucanbemsc@gmail.com
In this episode I spoke with Jeff Gonzales, the best dressed former Navy SEAL I know and Founder & CEO of @tridentconcepts, Author of @concealedcarrymanual Host of @bulletproofworkshop A big thank you to Dr Mike Simpson, former Green Beret who introduced us, and in the show we mention mutual friends, Clint Emerson, Dr Kirk Parsley, Basic Dude Stuff guy- Pat McNamara. Jeff shares his personal experiences and insights from his military career, why he became a SEAL, and highlighting the significance of character, teamwork, and continuous learning. Drawing from his own journey, Jeff emphasizes the importance of building a strong team, stating that success is achieved through collaboration and trust. Additionally, he discusses the role of leadership in both military and civilian settings, stressing the need for effective communication and decision-making. After leaving the military, Jeff founded his own training company, Trident Concepts, where he continues to impart his knowledge and expertise to individuals seeking personal and professional development. We also touched on thought-provoking topics such as gun control, the Second Amendment, the influence of media, and the preservation of free speech. You can find Jeff on Insta at https://www.instagram.com/jl_gonzales/ And his website on link tree at https://linktr.ee/jl_gonzales I am Damian Porter , Former NZ Special Forces Operator, Subject Matter Expert from www.hownottodieguy.com And you are listening to my STRAIGHT TALK MIND AND MUSCLE PODCAST sponsored by www.mystait.com - the ultimate daily formula for optimum hormone health, stress management, energy and performance. 100% natural and clinically proven ingredients, it provides everything you need to raise your game, in a convenient gut-friendly capsule. Links for my former shows are here- WATCH on YouTube- https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLpt-Zy1jciVn7cWB0B-y5WATyzrzfwucZ LISTEN on: spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1rlAGRXCwLIJfQCQ5B3PYB?si=UmgsMBFkRfelCAm1E4Pd3Q Itunes - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/straight-talk-mind-and-muscle-podcast/id1315986446?mt=2 Google - https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cDovL2ZlZWRzLmxpYnN5bi5jb20vMTA5NDc4L3JzczI?ep=14 Amazon https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/5bce2d31-a171-4e83-bada-d1384c877e76 Subscribe for more amazing tips, interviews and wisdom from phenomenal guests ------- And get your ** FREE ** copy of my 5 day Meal Plan and Exercise eBook here: https://realketonesaustralia.com/ Here are the mentions with timestamps arranged by topics: Topic: TV Show Yellowstone: 00:00:02 Topic: Websites Pet Mac: 00:03:08 Training Concepts: 01:23:10 Topic: Books Basic Dude Stuff: 00:03:08 "Concealed Carry Manual": 01:52:37 Topic: Videos Jay's video on crush grip: 01:26:11 Topic: US Navy US Navy recruiting office: 00:19:48 Fort Sam Houston: 00:20:38 Navy boot camp: 00:23:15 Trident: 00:24:39 Jump school: 00:25:07 PST (Physical Screening Test): 00:26:09 SCTE (Seal Combat Training Evaluation): 00:26:09 Topic: Firearms and Media Gun crime narrative: 01:26:20 Topic: Journalism and Freedom of Speech Twitter: 01:46:31 First Amendment: 01:46:31 Second Amendment: 01:46:31 Social media: 01:47:39
From https://www.votericosmith.com/about/ The legacy of the Smith family is deeply woven into the fabric of Hillsborough County. It was here that Rico watched the tireless commitment of his grandparents, as they toiled day after day to build a life and create opportunities for the generations to come. His parents, emblematic of hard work and community spirit, passed down these values to Rico. This isn't just any county to Rico; it's home, the soil where his family's dreams germinated and flourished. Second Lieutenant Ronrico K. Smith isn't just any serviceman. He holds a crucial role as a Finance Officer at the 927th Air Refueling Wing, MacDill AFB. Before this, as the NCOIC of Biomedical Equipment, he ensured the readiness of 2,800 medical devices, equating to a staggering $19 million in assets. Rico's commitment to the United States Air Force since 2016 isn't just about serving his country but is also a testament to his dedication to continuous self-improvement. Rico's journey of self-improvement was further bolstered by his academic pursuits. At Trident University International, CA, he earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, building upon his Associate of Science degree from CCAF Maxwell AFB and Biomedical Technician training at Fort Sam Houston. These educational accomplishments, along with his leadership training at MacDill AFB, provided a strong foundation for his multifaceted career. Website: https://www.votericosmith.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100094906922827 Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/votericosmith Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/votericosmith/ #politics #republican #democrat #libertarian #news #florida The Yard Sign is a weekly political podcast presenting a different perspective on the week's local, state, and national news and politics. In addition to the revolving cast of panelists, The Yard Sign will feature political candidates, subject matter experts, and elected officials. The Yard Sign is The Most Important Irrelevant Political Podcast based out of Florida featuring young professional conservatives discussing the political news of the day. The show airs weekly on Mondays at 7pm. Visit our website: http://theyardsign.com Like The Yard Sign on Facebook: http://facebook.com/theyardsign Follow The Yard Sign on Twitter: http://twitter.com/theyardsign Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFit1jbe16x5TlfMr0P9y9A #politicalpodcasts #conservative #republican #politics #news #podcast #florida #tampabay #theyardsign
Join us on a captivating journey behind the scenes of Military Medicine with our esteemed guest, Army Nurse LTC Brandi Dupoux. Listen in as Brandi opens up about her personal journey to the Army, the top-tier training provided to medics, and the equal access to healthcare that the military offers. She offers valuable insights into the disparities between military and civilian healthcare. She discusses the potential impact on those with chronic conditions such as diabetes and hypertension in obtaining needed and timely care. Our conversation with Brandi takes a closer look at the role of combat paramedics and the rigorous training they undergo. We discuss a 30-week Army Combat Paramedic training course that provides recognized certifications for individuals working in the military and civilian sectors. Brandi gives us a peek into the operational medicine scenarios a combat paramedic might encounter and the procedures they are expected to know and perform in the most austere environments. Brandi shares how the Army is preparing for medical care on future battlefields using innovative technologies, emphasizing the importance of basic skills, medical maintenance, and adherence to clinical guidelines and SOPs. She provides an eye-opening account of delivering medical care in a battlefield environment with limited resources. This episode of WarDocs is a must-listen for anyone interested in Military Medicine, the unique challenges it presents, and the life-changing impact it can have. Tune in and get ready to be inspired! Chapters: (0:00:00) - Military Medicine (0:04:44) - Differences in Military and Civilian Healthcare (0:10:01) - Training and Role of Combat Paramedics (0:21:57) - Unmanned Aircraft and Basic Medical Skills Chapter Summaries: 0:00:00) - Military Medicine (5 Minutes) Army Nurse Corps Officer LTC Brandi Dupoux shares how the Army provides top-tier training to medics for potential future conflicts, as well as her personal journey to Military Medicine. We learn about the differences between military and civilian healthcare, including the impacts of healthcare disparities and the equitable access to healthcare that the military provides. (0:04:44) - Differences in Military and Civilian Healthcare (5 Minutes) LTC Dupoux shares her experiences and insights to explain her observations on the differences between military and civilian medical care, and how both sectors can benefit from exposure to each other. We examine the importance and balance of efficient throughput, training, autonomy, and oversight. LTC Dupoux explains her role in the Combat Paramedic Program at Fort Sam Houston, which includes setting up the clinical experience for students and preparing them to challenge the NREMT examination. We also examine how the training differs from a civilian EMT paramedic course. (0:10:01) - Training and Role of Combat Paramedics (12 Minutes) We explore how the Army provides training for medics in a focused 30-week timeframe and how the course provides certifications that allows individuals to work in both the military and civilian sectors. We also discuss the role of a combat paramedic in operational medicine scenarios and the procedures they are expected to know and perform in the most austere of environments. (0:21:57) - Unmanned Aircraft and Basic Medical Skills (10 Minutes) The Army is preparing for future battlefields using innovative equipment and tactics, emphasizing the importance of maintaining basic critical skills, understanding medical maintenance, and finding ways to access and utilize cutting-edge technology. She also shares Her personal experience of providing medical care in a battlefield environment with limited resources. Take Home Messages: Military Medicine provides top-tier training for medics, preparing them for various future conflicts and scenarios. There are some differences in priorities between military and civilian healthcare, with Military Medicine focusing primarily on a Ready Medical Force and a Medically Ready Force The role of combat paramedics is complex and intense, requiring them to undergo a rigorous 30-week training course. Combat paramedics are expected to be proficient in a wide range of procedures and capable of dealing with individuals with chronic conditions. The future of warfare will see an increase in the use of unmanned aircraft, emphasizing the importance of basic skills, medical maintenance, and technology access. In battlefield environments with limited resources, the resilience and resourcefulness of Military Medicine are critical Military medics must be ready to work under the most demanding circumstances, demonstrating bravery and dedication. Despite technological advances, basic medical skills remain crucial and must be maintained, especially in situations where access to technology is limited. The role of a flight nurse differs from that of a flight paramedic, with the former being more equipped to handle more critically injured patients during medical evacuations. Pursuing a career in Military Medicine requires a realistic understanding of the demands and sacrifices involved, but it also offers unparalleled opportunities for personal and professional growth. Episode Keywords: Military Medicine, Civilian Healthcare, Combat Paramedics, Dialysis, Unmanned Aircraft, Basic Skills, Medical Maintenance, Technology Access, Army Nurse, Lieutenant Colonel, Training Program, Chronic Conditions, Diabetes, Hypertension, NREMT Examination, Operational Medicine, Battlefield Environment, Resourcefulness, Resilience Hashtags: #MilitaryMedicine #ArmyTraining #CombatParamedics #HealthcareDisparities #ChronicConditions #BraveryInBattlefield #UnmannedAircrafts #FutureOfWarfare #MilitaryHealthcare #InspiringHeroes Honoring the Legacy and Preserving the History of Military Medicine The WarDocs Mission is to honor the legacy, preserve the oral history, and showcase career opportunities, unique expeditionary experiences, and achievements of Military Medicine. We foster patriotism and pride in Who we are, What we do, and, most importantly, How we serve Our Patients, the DoD, and Our Nation. Find out more and join Team WarDocs at https://www.wardocspodcast.com/ Check our list of previous guest episodes at https://www.wardocspodcast.com/episodes Listen to the “What We Are For” Episode 47. https://bit.ly/3r87Afm WarDocs- The Military Medicine Podcast is a Non-Profit, Tax-exempt-501(c)(3) Veteran Run Organization run by volunteers. All donations are tax-deductible and go to honoring and preserving the history, experiences, successes, and lessons learned in Military Medicine. A tax receipt will be sent to you. WARDOCS documents the experiences, contributions, and innovations of all Military Medicine Services, ranks, and Corps who are affectionately called "Docs" as a sign of respect, trust, and confidence on and off the battlefield, demonstrating dedication to the medical care of fellow comrades in arms. Follow Us on Social Media Twitter: @wardocspodcast Facebook: WarDocs Podcast Instagram: @wardocspodcast LinkedIn: WarDocs-The Military Medicine Podcast
On the next episode of Grace of a Military Child and Life, Gracie welcomes Jack! His dad served in the U.S. Army. Jack and Gracie met over a decade back when both their families were stationed at Fort Sam Houston - and both from Cleveland, Ohio. Tune in to hear more about Jack's story!
On the next episode of Grace of a Military Child and Life, Gracie welcomes Jack! His dad served in the U.S. Army. Jack and Gracie met over a decade back when both their families were stationed at Fort Sam Houston - and both from Cleveland, Ohio. Tune in to hear more about Jack's story!
Today we've got a treat for you! We're delving deep into the heart of military leadership, discussing the challenges, the triumphs, and those moments that truly test one's mettle.We're joined by Captain Tony Duong, an MSC officer who has beenthrough the rigors of company command. Company command is that sweet spot whereleadership meets ground reality, where the rubber meets the road. It's aboutrallying a diverse group of individuals, instilling discipline, and achievingthe mission, all while ensuring the well-being of every single soldier underyour command. Tony will be sharing his personal journey, giving us insights into how he approached the immense stress of the role and the unique challenges of leading soldiers in today's fast-paced, ever-changing environment. So let's dive into Episode 8: 'Company Command,' with Captain Tony Duong. You won't want to miss this one.CPT Anthony (Tony) Duong hails from Le Mars, Iowa. He was commissioned into the United States Army in January of 2015 through the University of Iowa ROTC Program and completed the AMEDD Basic Officer Leader Course at Fort Sam Houston, Texas. CPT Duong's first duty assignment was Vilseck, Germany where he served as the Medical Platoon Leader for the 3rd Squadron, Second Cavalry Regiment. Following his time in Vilseck, CPT Duong was assigned to the 67th Forward Surgical Team in Kaiserslautern, Germany and deployed to Afghanistan in August of 2018. Upon his return from Afghanistan, CPT Duong attended the Logistics Captains Career Course in Fort Lee, Virginia. In August of 2020 CPT Duong took Company Command of 520th MC(AS) in the 56th MMB, 62nd MED BDE at JBLM, WA. Following Command, CPT Duong served as the BN S3 of the 56th MMB from August of 22 to June of 23. CPT Duong is currently attending the Army Baylor Program at JBSA pursing a MHA/MBA. Disclaimer: The views expressed in this podcast are the guests and host's alone and do not reflect the official position of the Medical Service Corps, the Department of Defense, or the US Government. All information discussed is unclassified approved for public release and found on open cleared sources.For more episodes listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube @ Be All You Can Be MSC For more information, suggestions, or questions please contact: beallyoucanbemsc@gmail.com
This edition features stories on a blood drive held on Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, the medical education training campus at Fort Sam Houston possible attendance in the next year and the Airmen testing their strength, stamina and fitness during a strongman competition on Incirlik Air Base . Hosted by Airman 1st Class Alina Richards
The history of the Caisson in the Army and at Fort Sam Houston, Texas.
Simon Helmut and Simmons arrive in Bremerhaven on the D-Zug Express from Berlin to track a human trafficing suspect. Detective Garrett and Sam are in the former Fort Sam Houston to track down Corsky's former CO Colonel Bishop while the crew in DC continue their background checking. The Mercury abandons the chase in order to get the official documents they need to arrest Hanaka, but trouble looms.
BG Deydre Teyhen received her Bachelor of Arts in Sports Science at Ohio Wesleyan University. She earned her master's degree in physical therapy from the U.S. Army-Baylor University, completed her Ph.D. in Biome- chanics from the University of Texas, and earned her Doctor of Physical Therapy from Baylor University. BG Teyhen graduated with honors as a distinguished graduate from the U.S. Army War College with a master's degree in Strategic Studies.Prior to assuming command of the Brooke Army Medical Center, BG Teyhen previously served as the Deputy Chief of Staff (Support, G-1/4/6) at the Office of the Surgeon General in Falls Church, Virginia. During the pandemic, she served as the Department of Defense Lead of Therapeutics for Operation Warp Speed at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and as the Commander for Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, the Department of Defense's largest biomedical research facility. She led infectious disease, brain, and behavioral health research efforts; including research to prevent, detect, and treat COVID-19. Previously, she commanded the U.S. Army Health Clinic Schofield Barracks, Hawaii. Her previous assignments include Assistant Chief of Staff, Public Health at the Office of the Army Surgeon General; Commander, Public Health Command Region-South; Deputy Director, Telemedicine and Advanced Technology Research Center at Fort Detrick, Md.; Associate Professor and Director of the Center for Physical Therapy Research for the U.S. Army Baylor University Doctoral Program in Physical Therapy on Fort Sam Houston, Texas; Officer-in-Charge of Task Force 10 Delta Med in Al Kut, Iraq; Chief of Musculoskeletal Care Center and Chief of Physical Therapy at Kimbrough Ambulatory Care Center, Fort Meade; Chief of Outpatient Physical Therapy at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Washington, D.C.; Chief of Physical Therapy, 21st Combat Support Hospital in Tuzla, Bosnia; and Physical Therapist at (then) Carl R. Darnall Army Community Hospital at Fort Hood, Texas.BG Teyhen also serves as the 20th Chief, U.S. Army Medical Specialist Corps. She has spent her career focused on improving the delivery of healthcare, holistic health, and readiness (public health, musculoskeletal medicine, behavioral health, resiliency, imaging, and technology). Her research accomplishments include over 225 peer-reviewed publications, editorials, book chapters, and published abstracts; 120 presentations at conferences; and 150 invited lectures.BG Teyhen's key military awards include the Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit (four Oak Leaf Clusters), the Army Medical Department Order of Military Medical Merit (O2M3), the Surgeon General's “A” Proficiency Designator, and the U.S. Army War College Commandant's Award for Distinction in Research. Key civilian awards include Catherine Worthingham Fellow of the American Physical Therapy Association, Dissertation Award from the University of Texas, the American Physical Therapy Association, Margaret L. Moore Award for Outstanding New Academic Faculty Member, and inducted into the Kinesiology and Health Education Distinguished Alumna Hall of Honor, University of Texas.
It doesn't matter how bad your head is bleeding, if you're on a twelve-hour pass.
REAL STORIES FROM MASH UNIT IN SOUTH VIETNAM Reuel Long's experiences as an MD in the emergency rooms of Flint, Michigan, prepared him for only some of what he would see in a mobile army surgical hospital – MASH. Antiwar sentiment among the doctors in basic training at Fort Sam Houston set the tone for his tour as a general medical officer. In March 1971, the 27th MASH played a critical role treating survivors of the deadliest attack on any firebase during the Vietnam War. Long's vivid memoir recalls the casualties he cared for during the war, including one he crossed paths with 44 years later – who in his own words describes his rehabilitation from the loss of his legs and his protesting the war from a wheelchair. An addendum gives an insider's account of the U.S. military's failure to remedy a fatal design flaw in the M16 rifle, which caused an unknown number of American casualties. MASH Doctor in Vietnam: A Memoir of the War and After: Long M.D., Reuel S.: 9781476690483: Amazon.com: Books
***LEARN MORE ABOUT THE PROGRAM HERE: https://socialwork.uky.edu/academics/msw/army-msw-program/ ***Lieutenant Colonel Teresa Murray is a native of Royal Palm Beach, Florida. She graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York, in 2002 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Chemistry/Life Sciences. Upon graduation, she was commissioned as a Medical Service Corps officer and completed the AMEDD Officer Basic Course. Her first assignment was with the 32nd Medical Logistics Battalion (Forward) (Airborne) at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, as an operations officer. She was then assigned as the Forward Distribution Platoon Leader, Bravo Company, 32nd Medical Logistics Battalion (FWD)(ABN). Following this assignment, she was selected to be the Aide-de-Camp to the Commanding General, U.S. Army Medical Department Center and School and Fort Sam Houston, Texas.Following this assignment, she graduated as the Distinguished Honor Graduate of the Combined Logistics Captains Career Course at Fort Lee, Virginia, in 2006. She was then assigned as Brigade Medical Operations Officer for 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, at Fort Hood, Texas, and deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. While deployed, she took command of Charlie Company, 15th Brigade Support Battalion, and served as “Trauma 6” until she was selected for the inaugural class of the Army-Fayetteville State University Master of Social Work (MSW) Program. Upon graduating from the MSW program in 2009, Lieutenant Colonel Murray completed the two-year Social Work Internship Program at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, and was subsequently assigned as Behavioral Health Officer for 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault). While assigned to “Strike,” she deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in 2014, serving in Jalalabad, Afghanistan. She was then assigned to Dwight D. Eisenhower Army Medical Center at Fort Gordon, Georgia, where she served as the Chief, Child and Family Behavioral Health Service; Chief, Community Behavioral Health Service; and the Director of Training, Social Work Internship Program. She was then selected for Long Term Health Education and Training to pursue her PhD in Social Work at The Catholic University of America, Washington, DC. Upon completion of her PhD in 2020, she served as the Executive Officer and Assistant Professor for the Army-University of Kentucky Master of Social Work Program for two years prior to assuming responsibility as the Program Director in July 2022. She also serves as Deputy 73A Consultant to the Surgeon General. Lieutenant Colonel Murray's military education includes Command and General Staff Officer Course, Airborne School, 82nd Airborne Division Jumpmaster Course, Family Advocacy Staff Training, and Combat Operational Stress Control Course. Her awards and decorations include Bronze Star with one Oak Leaf Cluster, Meritorious Service Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters, Army Commendation Medal with one Oak Leaf Cluster, Army Achievement Medal with three Oak Leaf Clusters, Meritorious Unit Commendation with two Oak Leaf Clusters, Expert Field Medical Badge, Army Parachutist Badge, and German Parachutist Badge. She has also been awarded the “A” Proficiency Designator for outstanding leadership and professional expertise within her field.Lieutenant Colonel Murray is currently licensed as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of North Carolina and has been recognized as a Board Certified Diplomate in Clinical Social Work. She is widowed and has two children: Lucas, 13, and Amelia, 9.
[Hey there! This blog will always be free to read, but it's also how I pay my bills. So, if you like what you read, please consider a paid subscription.]In hindsight, it was probably unwise for me to enlist in the military right before the thick of the holidays, and it will not surprise you that it certainly didn't take me more than a few days of teenage clarity to reach that conclusion after the ink on my contract had dried.I took my oath at the San Antonio MEPS (Military Entrance Processing Station) on Fort Sam Houston, Texas on November 22nd, 2005. I do vaguely recall an aside from my recruiter asking if I wanted to wait until after New Year's before officially signing and receiving my orders to ship out for training.Being a very intentional young person, I wanted to go immediately. I felt like I was wasting time, and it was better to get it out of the way. I was wrong.A little more than 30 hours later, I quietly stood in a slow moving and strictly monitored mess hall line. My hair had been completely shorn, my energy entirely depleted from a lack of sleep, my skin poked and prodded by so many immunizations I had lost count, my eyes bespectacled with the ugliest pair of frames that have ever been created in the history of optometrical design, with a cute little black strap that was cinched unto the temple tips and chaffed against my formerly hairy skull, and I stood in this line, where I had been ordered to stand silently and stare straight into the back of the skull of the soldier in front of me (and that soldier and the one behind me had been told to do the same) while locked up in a rigid position with a plastic cafeteria tray held parallel to the marching surface (the floor) and as the soft holiday music played ever-so-ironically over the mess hall sound system and around our young and deeply frazzled brains—tauntingly, I feel, in retrospect—I could only think of one word, over and over and over again: “S**t.”This was a mistake. This really sucks. Over the previous day, from shortly after arrival with the shouting training cadre to this very moment with more shouting training cadre, I had been shouted at so much to stand in line, to be quiet, to walk, to run, to do anything on command and nothing otherwise, that I began to think I may not enjoy this whole experience as much as I hoped.Time had slowed to a crawl and then became, without warning, irrelevant. We didn't need to know the time to do our very important job of standing still quietly and staring at the back of others' heads, and so, time no longer mattered. It could have been an hour. It could have been ten hours. Eventually, the skulls in front of me floated forward enough that I suddenly found myself facing a long display case of prepared holiday food and in front of them, a line of important looking people, some of them clad in festive Santa hats, ladling and spooning out things unto the trays ahead of me. By military tradition, on holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas, senior officers and NCOs (sergeants) in a unit will man the food trays, both as symbolism of leadership and a nice holiday gesture.It was an odd juxtaposition: on one side were smiling, happy older adults, cheerfully doling out helpings of turkey and mashed potatoes and stuffing, and on the other side were an unending parade of the most numbly miserable young faces ever witnessed outside of a Ticketmaster presale.It became much worse. My tray settled in front of a large man overseeing the distribution of green beans. On his uniform were several stars. He softly smiled and said, “Would you like some green beans, private?”He said this with genuine warmth, but before I could answer, I suddenly noticed the person standing next to him. This was undoubtedly his daughter, about my age, and she looked equally cheerful. The two of them, utterly disgusting in their holiday joy.I looked at her, and I saw only one thing: freedom — the freedom of youth I had so easily surrendered when I signed that contract. She could have been a college student. She could have been working part-time shifts at the local Dairy Queen. She could have been out parole. I didn't care. I wanted to immediately trade places with her. These older men in uniforms were a novelty to our young eyes and came with our fresh surroundings. Her presence, on the other hand, so warm and kind and eager to make us feel at home, only served to remind us of our lives being put on indefinite hold and more importantly: just how impossibly far away from our homes we truly now were.I can laugh about all of this now. Those early days in the military are retrospectively hilarious, but at the time, it was the worst Thanksgiving in a series of Thanksgivings I would spend only around other service members, always somewhat homesick.I am many years down the road, and every Thanksgiving, I can't help but think of those service members, all around the world, who, today, are sitting beside each other at long tables with festive decorations and breaking bread and missing their families and communities and trying their very best to grin their way through it.To those of you reading this, remember that, for all the b******t, you are loved and appreciated, and we are so thankful that you're serving our country.Here's to your safe return home and the seat we're holding for you.Charlotte's Web Thoughts is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.Hi, I'm Charlotte Clymer, and this is Charlotte's Web Thoughts, my Substack. It's completely free to access and read, but it's also how my bills! So, please do kindly consider upgrading to a paid subscription: just $7/month or save money with the $70/annual sub. You can also go way above and beyond by becoming a Lifetime Member at $210. Get full access to Charlotte's Web Thoughts at charlotteclymer.substack.com/subscribe
COL Douglas was raised in Washington state, graduating from high school in Coupeville, Washington, in 1992. He graduated from Whitworth College with a Bachelor's degree in Chemistry and was commissioned through Gonzaga University's ROTC program into the Medical Service Corps in 1996. He served as a 70K, Medical Logistics officer, in various assignments including PBO, BMO, Platoon Leader, Chief of Materiel, Company Commander, Medlog Planner, Branch OIC, and Deputy Chief (Instructor) until 2006. In these roles, he supporting medical and other operations in Korea, Germany, and Italy for missions throughout those COCOMS including the Former Republic of Yugoslavia (Bosnia/Kosovo), NATO and other partnerships, Africa, and the Middle East. He served on the MEDCOM headquarters from 2001-2003 supporting the GWOT and MEDCOM operations and then taught medical logistics for the AMEDDCS. In 2006, he entered the Interservice Physician Assistant Program (IPAP) and graduated with his Master's in Physician Assistant Studies in 2008 while stationed at Fort Hood, Texas. He deployed to Iraq with both the 1st Brigade, 4th Infantry Division, and 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment in support of Operations Iraqi Freedom and New Dawn. From 2012-2016, he served with the California Medical Detachment in Monterey, California; delivering healthcare and medical readiness support to a robust joint community in DoD educational programs. He was selected for the LTHET Doctor of Science Surgery fellowship in 2016 and attended this rigorous program from 2016 until graduation with his Doctor of Science degree in Physician Assistant Studies in December 2017. He served as the Program Chair for this program at BAMC until March 2019, where he transitioned to the Associate Dean of the Graduate School (AMEDDCS). He became the interim Dean of the Graduate School in September 2021 and formally the Dean in April 2022. COL Douglas is appointed as an Associate Graduate Professor with Robbins College through Baylor University. He oversees 14 graduate degree programs between 3 universities to delivery more than 350 graduate degrees annually and involving more than 60 training locations across the Joint services and DHA, as well as civilian partnership sites. He is happily married to his wife Tracy (Harvey) Douglas, and they have three children: Cecily (14), Ian (10), and Eleanor (7), all attending the Fort Sam Houston schools.
Yes, that is how Donald G. “Skip” Mondragon describes himself. Skip has served as an internal Medicine physician in the Army rising to the rank of colonel. Throughout much of his life, Skip has also been a wrestler competitor, and he has been good at the sport. In 2014 Skip discovered that he was suffering from a deep depression. As he worked through his condition and emerged from it he also wrote his Amazon Bestselling book entitled Wrestling Depression Is Not For Wimps. I very much enjoyed my interview with Skip Mondragon and I sincerely hope that you will as well and that Skip's conversation and stories will inspire you. About the Guest: Donald G. “Skip” Mondragon, MD is a transformed tough guy. Since recovering from depression in 2014, he's been on a quest to help ten million men struggling with depression, one man at a time. He's practiced Internal Medicine for over thirty years. Colonel Mondragon is a twenty-six-year Army veteran, spent eighteen months in combat zones, and is a national wrestling champion. Skip's book Wrestling Depression Is Not for Wimps! was published in February 2020 and is the author of Inspired Talks Volume 3, an Amazon International Bestseller. He's spoken on different stages, including at TEDXGrandviewHeights in December 2021. Skip's true claim to fame is his five independent and gainfully employed children, his four amazing grandchildren, and especially his wife Sherry. She's a fellow author and a tough Army wife. Sherry has endured raising teenagers on her own, a variety of moves to new duty stations, and far too many of Skip's idiosyncrasies for forty-one years of marriage. Skip can be reached at: Email: skipmondragon@transformedtoughguys.com Website: www.transformedtoughguys.com Book: www.amazon.com/author/skipmondragon LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/skip-mondragon-66a-2b436 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SkipWNW/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/SkipWnw About the Host: Michael Hingson is a New York Times best-selling author, international lecturer, and Chief Vision Officer for accessiBe. Michael, blind since birth, survived the 9/11 attacks with the help of his guide dog Roselle. This story is the subject of his best-selling book, Thunder Dog. Michael gives over 100 presentations around the world each year speaking to influential groups such as Exxon Mobile, AT&T, Federal Express, Scripps College, Rutgers University, Children's Hospital, and the American Red Cross just to name a few. He is an Ambassador for the National Braille Literacy Campaign for the National Federation of the Blind and also serves as Ambassador for the American Humane Association's 2012 Hero Dog Awards. https://michaelhingson.com https://www.facebook.com/michael.hingson.author.speaker/ https://twitter.com/mhingson https://www.youtube.com/user/mhingson https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelhingson/ accessiBe Links https://accessibe.com/ https://www.youtube.com/c/accessiBe https://www.linkedin.com/company/accessibe/mycompany/ https://www.facebook.com/accessibe/ Thanks for listening! Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page. Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below! Subscribe to the podcast If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app. Leave us an Apple Podcasts review Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts. Transcription Notes* Michael Hingson 00:00 Access Cast and accessiBe Initiative presents Unstoppable Mindset. The podcast where inclusion, diversity and the unexpected meet. Hi, I'm Michael Hingson, Chief Vision Officer for accessiBe and the author of the number one New York Times bestselling book, Thunder dog, the story of a blind man, his guide dog and the triumph of trust. Thanks for joining me on my podcast as we explore our own blinding fears of inclusion unacceptance and our resistance to change. We will discover the idea that no matter the situation, or the people we encounter, our own fears, and prejudices often are our strongest barriers to moving forward. The unstoppable mindset podcast is sponsored by accessiBe, that's a c c e s s i capital B e. Visit www.accessibe.com to learn how you can make your website accessible for persons with disabilities. And to help make the internet fully inclusive by the year 2025. Glad you dropped by we're happy to meet you and to have you here with us. Michael Hingson 01:21 Good morning or afternoon wherever you happen to be and welcome to unstoppable mindset. Today, our guest is Donald “Skip” Mondragon. I met Donald not too long ago, actually at podapolooza. And we've talked about that before. It's an event where podcasters would be podcasters. And people who want to be interviewed by podcasters all get together. Sometimes one person has all three at once. But I met Skip. And we talked a little bit and I said would you be interested and willing to come on the podcast? And he said yes. So now he's stuck with us? Because here we are. Skip. How are you? Donald G. “Skip” Mondragon 01:58 I am doing great. Michael, delighted to be here. Michael Hingson 02:02 Now where are you located? Donald G. “Skip” Mondragon 02:04 I am in the Dallas Fort Worth area. Michael Hingson 02:06 So there you go two hours ahead of where we are and any fires nearby? Hopefully not. No, sir. Donald G. “Skip” Mondragon 02:14 Thank you, Lord, Michael Hingson 02:15 right now us the same way. And we're, we're blessed by that. But it is getting hot in both places, isn't Donald G. “Skip” Mondragon 02:22 it? Oh, yes, indeed. Michael Hingson 02:25 Well, tell me a little bit about you, maybe your early life and so on. And you know, we'll kind of go from there. Donald G. “Skip” Mondragon 02:31 Yes, sir. And the third of eight children born of Hispanic parents, but meager means but born in Denver, Colorado. My father went to the Korean War, and came back a broken man. The man that went to war was not the man that came home. He suffered, I'm convinced with bipolar disorder, PTSD, and he was an alcoholic. And when my dad drank, he was violent. My sister, my eldest sister, Roma tells us that when my dad would come home, we would run and hide, because we didn't know which dad was coming home. The kind, gentle, fun loving dad for the angry mean, violent dad. So this was my early childhood. I actually don't have memories before the age of seven, other than a couple little fleeting memories. So I don't remember a lot of that I get history really from my sister, my older sister, Michael Hingson 03:33 I help that because he's just blocked it out or something worse. Donald G. “Skip” Mondragon 03:37 Yes. It's it's gone. Those I just don't have those memories are not accessible. But that was my early childhood. It was chaotic. It was. It was chaotic. It was traumatic. But I came from very loving family. Eight, you know, seven siblings were all close in age. 10 years separate us. We're still close to this day enjoy being together with one another loud, boisterous. Or they're very affectionate. No. My siblings are in Texas. I have a brother in the Baltimore area, Maryland, one in Raleigh, North Carolina. I'm here in Texas. The others are all in Colorado. Michael Hingson 04:20 So I guess with a number in Colorado, that's the meeting place. Donald G. “Skip” Mondragon 04:25 Yes, sir. Between my wife and I, my mother is the only living parent. And so we go back home as we call it to his in Colorado. Yes. Michael Hingson 04:36 Well, there's nothing wrong with that. Indeed. So you grew up? Did you go to college? Donald G. “Skip” Mondragon 04:45 Yes, sir. tended start my college career at the University of Notre Dame ROTC scholarship, left there, in my fifth semester confused, not quite sure what I was going to do. There's this tug, am I going to go into ministry or says medicine I was pre med at the time I left school I was out of school for three plus three and a half years trying to decide what I was going to do. And then I transferred into all Roberts University where I finished my undergraduate work for Roshan first in Tulsa, Oklahoma. And their I went to medical school and it's there for you that I met my sweetheart sherry. And this year we celebrated our 41st wedding anniversary, Michael Hingson 05:30 Pierre just ahead of us by a year and a half, I guess because we will, our 40s will be in November. No congratulation, which is great. Now, we knew the marriage was gonna last I'm, I'm gonna get shot for this, I'm sure but we knew our marriage was gonna last because the wedding was supposed to start at four in the afternoon on Saturday, the 27th of November of 90. Yes, and the church was not filled up like it was supposed to be at four o'clock. And it got to be an I remember it well for 12 Suddenly, the doors opened and this whole crowd of people came in. And so we started although it was 14 or 12 minutes late, or 15 by the time they got in chair. And it wasn't until later that we learned that everyone was out in their cars until the end of the USC Notre Dame game. Being here in California, my wife getting her master's from USC, oh my gosh, we knew the marriage was gonna last when we learned that not what USC want the snot out of Notre Dame that Donald G. “Skip” Mondragon 06:45 we took some weapons from USC, I'll be it you back. I was at Notre Dame that year that we we beat them and went on to win the national championship and 73. So that that was a turn of events, if you will, after taking some real whippings the years preceding that from USC. Michael Hingson 07:07 I you know, I gain an appreciation for football and all seriousness. When it was a couple of years later, I was in Los Angeles and I had a meeting. And somebody was listening on the radio and keeping us apprised the fact that at the end of the first half Notre Dame was leading USC 24 to nothing. And then I got in the car and we started going home. And USC started scoring and scoring. It was with Anthony Davis and man who know about that game, and by the time it was over was 55 Switch 24 USC. But it's a great rivalry. And I'm glad it exists. Donald G. “Skip” Mondragon 07:50 Right. I think the next year is when they came to South Bend. And they hug hug him in effigy. So I remember they had this thing there. And it's Michael Hingson 08:00 like the USC, USC, don't let him run against us like that again. Michael Hingson 08:09 What makes it fun? And as long as it's a game like that, and people view it that way. It's great. Donald G. “Skip” Mondragon 08:16 There you go. It's a game. That's all it needs to be. Don't Michael Hingson 08:19 take it too seriously by any means. No, sir. But it's a lot of fun. So, after Oral Roberts and so on you you went off and had some adventures? Donald G. “Skip” Mondragon 08:32 Yes, sir. What kind of happen next? Well, I went to do further training, internship and residency and Canton, Ohio. And there was a turn of events I had expected I was going to do a military internship and go on and complete my residency with the military. But I received this Dear John letter, approximately six weeks before the interview season was going to close the army telling me I did not receive an army internship and I had to pursue a civilian internship, I think and are you kidding me? I was supposed to be in the Army next year, I hadn't even looked at civilian internships. And so I was scrambling. This was a day maybe days before the internet. You had to go to the library, look up programs, phone numbers, call them find out what they needed. So you could apply to that program what documents they needed send to each program individually, the documents the letters, arrange a flight. Now they have a centralized application system. So you complete one application, your letters of reference are all uploaded there. Then you decide which programs you want the sent to wait. So I'm doing this video post taste. Making this application season is ending Christmas is going to be approaching and then there's nothing going to get done. So I gotta get this done. And it was it was hectic ended up in Canton, Ohio. And it was fabulous. I had the best of both worlds great academics, fabulous clinical teaching. And it just so happened. The new program director was retired brigadier general Andre J. Augmentee. And he scared the snot out of us. Michael Hingson 10:22 What year was this? What year did this take place? Donald G. “Skip” Mondragon 10:26 I arrived there in 1985. Got it. Michael Hingson 10:29 So he scared the snot out of you. Oh Donald G. “Skip” Mondragon 10:31 my gosh, we call them Dr. Rowe, the big O or the Oh. And when he was when he was coming, we were like, Oh, no deals coming Fall, we'd be at Morning Report, we'd be talking about new cases that were admitted the night before. And he'd asked me to present the case or ask questions. And I would feel like I I felt like the voices on Charlie Brown. Go home and I tell my wife, oh, I can't seem to answer one interview. Question intelligently. When he is around, he must think I'm the stupidest intern he has ever seen. I I just get so flustered when he was around. I went down in a few months them because I was planning on doing physical medicine rehabilitation. But I had really fallen in love with internal medicine. Because my first few months were on the general internal medicine wards, and then a month in the internal or the intensive care unit. And I really fell in love with internal medicine, went to them and talk and said Dr. Rowe, I I'd like to talk to you. I am interested in drone medicine. But I don't know that I could be a good internist, I remember him looking at me and say, Skip, you could be a good interest. In fact, you could be a very good internist. And we'd love to keep you in the program. I could write letters that are permanent, so you can stay on the program and train here. That was a turning point for me. You away. He actually became very good friends. My last year, he actually asked me to be the chief president. I didn't accept because we were expecting our third child at that time preparing to move to join the army and I just couldn't put that pressure on my wife at that time. But we're still good friends to this day. Yes, wife. So it went from being that Bumbly Ugg boots, intern to a competent senior resident to friendship as the years went on. Michael Hingson 12:49 So he figured you out and obviously saw something you and you kind of figured him out a little bit it sounds like oh, yes, Donald G. “Skip” Mondragon 12:57 sir. Yes, sir. Michael Hingson 12:59 Where is he today? Donald G. “Skip” Mondragon 13:01 He is here in Texas. He is outside of San Antonio. He and his wife Margaret. A little Michael Hingson 13:06 bit closer than Canton, Ohio. Donald G. “Skip” Mondragon 13:09 Oh yes sir. Michael Hingson 13:11 Well, that's great that you guys are still friends and you can see each other that is that is the way it ought to be. In the end, it's it's always great when you can establish a relationship with the teacher. You know, I wrote thunder dog the story of a blind man his guide dog in the triumph of trust at ground zero when I talked in there about Dick herbal Shimer, my geometry teacher. And to this day, we are still friends and chat on the phone on a regular basis. Donald G. “Skip” Mondragon 13:41 That reminds me of my junior high wrestling coach John Gregerson. We were great friends to this day. And we hadn't seen one another for almost 1015 plus years. I'd seen him at the I think it was the 1992 1994 NCAA Wrestling Championships division one in North Carolina, and hadn't seen him to till 2000. Approximately 2015, something like that, when seen one another, but got in touch with him because he had moved back when he retired from teaching there in Colorado. He moved to Wyoming, then moved back to Colorado, gotten in touch with him said to get in touch with you, John, we met when another talks just just like we hadn't been apart. And I remember upon leaving, talking Adam say, John, I love you. And he looked at me and says, I love you too. And a great man, great relationship. And there's so much affection in my heart and appreciation for that man. The things he taught me. Michael Hingson 14:56 So wrestling is a part of your life, I Donald G. “Skip” Mondragon 14:58 guess. Oh my goodness. It's in my blood. Michael Hingson 15:03 Well tell me about that a little bit. Donald G. “Skip” Mondragon 15:05 Please. Oh, yes, I, I was miserable at sports any sport. Growing up, I didn't know how to throw I didn't know how to catch. I don't know how to kick. I didn't know how to run. I failed that tetherball. Okay. So I didn't know the skills, I wasn't taught the skills. So wrestling was the first sport that went out for an eighth grade that I thought after if you practice, I think I can be good at this. And IBM think i think i could be really good at this. That was the first time that I wasn't having to compete against boys that were a lot bigger than I was. Because I was typically the smallest kid in my class. And so I was wrestling in the 85 pound weight class in eighth grade, good lowest weight class. I was having good success. Only eighth grader on the varsity team. I didn't win a match that year. But I learned lots I gained a lot of confidence. The next year come in and the rest of the room. I'm the best wrestler in that wrestling. But I get so worked up before a match. I couldn't sleep a wink all night long. So I'd go into that match utterly exhausted mentally and physically. underperform. However, the summer afterwards, I won my first tournament I entered was a state freestyle wrestling tournament, one of the Olympic styles. When my first match, my second, my third match, win my fourth match. Now I'm wrestling for the championship. And I went after that my coach asked me, you know who this guy was you're wrestling have no idea coach. And he said that guy won this tournament last year. And that further cemented my love for this sport went on. He was a two time district champion in high schools, state runner up and honorable mention All American. So I had a lot of success. Moreso in freestyle wrestling a lot of state tournaments I won many state tournaments placed into Nash national wrestling tournaments as a high schooler and then after. After that, I've wrestled some in college and some in freestyle also. But last time it competed was in 2012 and 2013. In the veterans nationals. Michael Hingson 17:33 How did that go? Donald G. “Skip” Mondragon 17:35 Oh, how did that go? It went great. I had been wanting to compete again. At ba I still had that bug. Oh, I'd like to do this. The dates the training. I couldn't work that in. But I'm sitting up in the stands watching the state finals of the of the Georgia state finals with my youngest son Joey, he had completed his wrestling career had he not been ill and injured. He would have been wrestling on that stage that night. He was one of the best hunter and 12 pounders in the state of Georgia, but being ill and injured, he wasn't there wrestling that night. So we're watching this I had this wrestling magazine. I think it was USA Wrestling and I'm looking at these dates. Veterans national so it's gonna be held in conjunction with the senior nationals and I'm looking at this. Tucson, Arizona, May 5, and sixth I say Joey, she'll train with me. I'd like to compete. Well, my 18 year old son looks and he goes, Okay, Dad, you're gonna have to do everything I tell you. So Joey became my training partner, my trainer and my manager retrained hard, very hard. So this was mid February. And at first week in May, we're going out to Tucson. Those first six weeks and I was in great shape. I mean, I trained worked out like a fanatic, but those first few weeks, you know, oh my gosh, you know, I'd come home from practice. Oh, my wife and go Have you had enough old man. I think I'm gonna go soak in the tub, honey. I'd sit on the couch with ice on a shoulder or knee or elbow or sometimes all of those week. By week, my body toughen and there was the day I got up. Because I added an early morning workout in addition to my afternoon workouts, bring my weight down help a little bit with the conditioning. And my feet hit the floor. I got out to do my workout. I thought Oh, am I feeling good? I thought Joey, you better bring your A game today because your man is feeling good. So we went out to Tucson won a national championship. And we're sitting there taking this picture with the stop sign of a trophy. Now that I got here, it's big that Joey asked me Dad, was it worth it? All those hot baths, all those ice packs? And I look at him and grin. I say, Yes, it was worth. I had a blast. The next year was a national runner up. So those were the last times I competed, but I've coached I've been around the sport. My sons all wrestled my four sons, my brothers. For my four brothers. They're all younger. They all wrestled my brother in law wrestled my father in law was a college wrestler. Wrestling is in my blood. In fact, my kids call me a wrestling groupie. Because I collect wrestling cards. I get wrestling card sign, I get poster side I mug with all these wrestling greats have friends with World Champions and Olympic champions. That's my blood. Michael Hingson 20:56 What's the difference between the Olympic style wrestling and I guess other forms like freestyle wrestling, and so on? Donald G. “Skip” Mondragon 21:02 Okay, so freestyle and Greco Roman are the two Olympic styles. primary difference in those two styles is in Greco Roman, you can't attack the legs. That's the difference in those two. Now, the difference in our style, whether we call school boy or sometimes it's called catches catch can is you also have what we call a a Down and up position that are done differently the way that is in the scoring. To score for instance, a takedown when you take them to the mat, you have to have more control in freestyle is much faster or in in Greco you don't have to show the control, you just have to show the exposure of the back. Plus, you can get a five point move with a high flying exposure, the back or if you take a patient or a an opponent from feet to back in freestyle Aggreko, you can get four points for I said, if it's high flying five points, potentially. Whereas in freestyle, our in our style Americans out, it's two points for a takedown doesn't matter. Take them straight to the back, you could get additional points by exposing the back, if you help hold them there long enough, we'll call a nearfall. And then there's writing time. So if you're on the top position, and you control that man for a minute or longer, you're getting writing time. So there's those factors that that you have. So it's it's and the rules are, are somewhat different. So those are the basic differences in our style and the freedom and the Olympic styles. Michael Hingson 22:41 But wrestling scoring is pretty much then absolutely objective. It's not subjective. It's not an opinion sort of thing. There are specifics, Donald G. “Skip” Mondragon 22:51 there are specifics, but then you get into those subjective things. Yeah, it's a caution. It's a stall. It's it's this and you're saying, Are you kidding me? Or they say that's not a takedown you're going What? What do you mean, that's not a takedown? You gotta be blind not to call that thing. So there's still some subjectivity to it. Sure. There is, you know, are they miss? They miss something, the ref misses something in your thing. And you got to be blind dude, you know, that was Michael Hingson 23:17 a tape. That's an answer. No, no, no. No, here's, here's my question. Is there ever been a time that both wrestlers go after the riff? You know, just check in? Donald G. “Skip” Mondragon 23:29 I have never seen I have seen some, some, some come off there and give up. You know, escaping something. Yeah, you do to me, your GP and we have to say though, never leave it in the hands of the ref. Never leave it in the hands of the ref. And you you don't want to leave a match in the hands of the ref that don't let it come down to that. Wrestle your match. So there's no question. Michael Hingson 23:55 Well, so you have wrestled a lot. You went from Canton then I guess you joined the army. Donald G. “Skip” Mondragon 24:02 Correct? joined the army. Uh huh. Michael Hingson 24:05 Well, if you would tell me a little bit about about that and what you did and so on. Donald G. “Skip” Mondragon 24:10 1989 Our first duty station, Lawton, Oklahoma Fort Sill out there on this dreary day, January 3, I believe is gray, dark, you know, overcast, cold, only new to people. My sponsor and his wife. They were the only people we knew when we arrived. I had gone earlier to rent a home for us. And then we were waiting. We our household goods were arriving. Got there. We had three young children. Adam was for Christmas too. And Anjali was four months old. We get there we're moving in. getting settled. I'm in processing to the arm mean, everything's new to us. And then I start practicing as a doctor had two colleagues and internal medicine, within six months of me joining the army or if you will come in on active duty, I shouldn't say joining I had already been on inactive status in the army, going through school and training, but getting their report sale, they turn around and say, well, you're one colleague, like Keith conkel, was named. He's going to do a fellowship, infectious disease. And then my other colleague, Lee selfmade, or senior colleague in internal medicine was chief of the clinic chief of the ICU, he decided very abruptly to get out and do a nephrology fellowship, civilian fellowship, so he was getting out of the army. Now they say, well, you're now the chief of the internal medicine clinic, you're the medical officer, the chief of the intensive care unit. And guess what? You're the only internal medicine physician we're going to have for the summer. Have a good summer. Well, it was worse summer I've ever had in my life. Miserable Oh, it was horrible. Michael Hingson 26:20 So I was so Donald G. “Skip” Mondragon 26:21 busy there with with patients and care and responsibilities there and having to tell some patients I'm sorry, we don't have capacity for you're going to have to be seen in the civilian sector. Now, mind you, when my two new colleagues came, we had all these patients screaming back saying please, please, please, may I come back, because they knew the care we rendered was superior to what they were getting the care they were receiving in the civilian sector. But it was it was such a demanding physically and emotionally and timewise. spending enormous amounts of time at the clinic and hospital. Michael Hingson 27:06 So what does Internal Medicine take in Donald G. “Skip” Mondragon 27:09 internal medicine, we are specialists for adults, you think of the gamut of non surgical diseases. We take care of adults 18 to end of life. And so our training entails taking care of the common cold, a community acquired pneumonia, that you can treat as an outpatient, to taking care of a patient that's in the ICU, hooked up to life support. That's the scope of what we're trained in. So if you think of the common diseases of adults, high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, lung disease, arthritis, gastrointestinal problems, this is the Bailiwick of an internal medicine physician. Michael Hingson 27:59 Our biggest exposure to that for Well, first of all, my sister in law was a critical care unit and ICU nurse for a lot of her life. And, and then retired. But anyway, in 2014, my wife contracted double pneumonia, and ARDS, ARDS, oh my gosh. And she ended up in the hospital on a ventilator. And what they were trying to constantly do is to force air into her lungs to try to push out some of the pneumonia. They actually had to use and you'll appreciate this, a peeps level of 39 just to get air into her lungs. They were so stiff. Yeah, they were so stiff. And no one at the hospital had ever seen any situation where they had to use so much air pressure to get air into her lungs to start to move things around and get rid of the pneumonia. Everyone came from around the hospital just to see the gauges. Donald G. “Skip” Mondragon 29:02 And your they probably told you this risks injuring her lungs because the pressures are so high. But without the weather, we're not going to be able to oxygenate her. Michael Hingson 29:15 Right. And what they said basically was that if she didn't have pneumonia, her lungs would have exploded with that kind of pressure. Exactly. Because what the average individual when you're inhaling is a peeps level of like between two and five. So 39 was incredibly high. Donald G. “Skip” Mondragon 29:33 Oh, yes, absolutely. But she's glad she recovered. Michael Hingson 29:37 She did. We're we're glad about that. She was in the hospital for a month and and she was in an induced coma using propofol and when my gosh when she came out of all that I asked her she dreamed about seeing thriller and bad and all that. I was mean. But but no she ordeal, wow. Well, and that's what eventually caused us to move down here to Southern California to be closer to relatives. But I really appreciated what the doctors did for her. And we're, we're very grateful and fully understand a lot of what goes on with internal medicine and she has a good doctor now that we work with, well, who I both work with, and so on. You're very pleased with that. But you say you're in charge of Internal Medicine. And how long did that last at your first station, Donald G. “Skip” Mondragon 30:39 first duty station, we arrived in 89. We were there till 92 till summer of 92. So arrived in January 89. I graduated off cycle. And Canton, arrived in, left in summer of 92 went to Walter Reed Army Medical Center. But while I was at Fort Sill was first time I deployed to Operation Desert Shield Desert Storm, my first deployment and it was found out just days, like the week before, that my wife was expecting our fourth child or son Jonathan got home in time, for 11 days before his birth. Thank you, Lord. But that was my first deployment. And that was harrowing in that we were the first major medical group in theater, 47 filled hospital. And we knew that Saddam had chemical weapons, and that is Scud missiles could reach where we were at in Bahrain. So it was it was some harrowing times with that, getting our hospital set up. And knowing that we were well within range of Scud missiles, the alarms that go off and we'd be throwing on our protective gear we call our MOPP gear, our masks and our other other protective gear and these outrageous high temperatures. You know, within a couple of minutes, you were just drenched with sweat pouring off of you. In those those heat in that heat until you'd hear their alarms go off again and all clear. Thankfully, we never were bombed with the Scud. But we were well within the range. And we knew we had used chemical weapons, and we knew they certainly were in this arsenal. So we that was my first deployment. And then Walter Reed where I did a fellowship two years there in Washington, DC, and then we are off to Brooke Army Medical Center. And that was San Antonio, one of my favorite cities, that Fort Sam Houston. And we we were there for four years. And on the heels of that, I was deployed to Haiti for seven months, the last months that we live there, so I've gone I'm just redeploying returning home. And we're in the process of moving. Now we're moving to Fort Hood, Texas. There we spent, actually eight years at Fort Bragg. And there I was, again, chief of the Department of Medicine at Fort Hood, had amazing staff, great people that I worked with wonderful patients everywhere I went this wonderful patients to take care of. And then I was deployed during that time to Operation Iraqi Freedom was, Oh, if one Operation Iraqi Freedom one 2003 2004, stationed up in Missoula, treating caring primarily for the 100 and first Airborne Division aerosols. Major General David Petraeus was a division commander at that time, I got to work closely. My last few months, I was the officer in charge of the hospital, 21st combat support hospital and got to work closely interact with John Petraeus and his staff. Amazing man, amazing staff. incredible experience. Then from there after fort Fort Hood, we went back to Fort Sill, which was an interesting experience because then I was the deputy commander of Clinical Services, the Chief Medical Officer of the hospital. So first time I was there, I was a newly minted captain, new to the army, you know, expect you to know much about the army. Now I go to back to Fort Sill, I'm in the command suite on the Chief Medical Officer of the hospital now as a colonel, they expect you to know air everything. So it was it was interesting. Now, one of the first few days I was there, they give me a tour around to various places and the record group and we're talking and the the records lady, one of the ladies talking to us, telling us about different things and that she She says, You remind me of you remind me of Dr. Longer God, Dr. Monder. God, she had been there the first time I had been there, because we'd have to go down and review our charts and sign our charts on a regular basis. It was, it was amazing. But just some great people that I got to work with over the years, and that our last duty station was in Augusta, Georgia, at the Eisenhower Army Medical Center, where I was again, Chief of Department of Medicine, worked with great people helped train some amazing residents and medical students, PA students. Donald G. “Skip” Mondragon 35:39 Just some great experiences. And while I was at Eisenhower Army Medical Center, I deployed for the last time to Iraq for another year 2010 to 2011. Michael Hingson 35:50 How did all of the deployments and I guess you're 26 years in the military in general, but especially your deployments? How did all of that affect you in your life in your family, Donald G. “Skip” Mondragon 36:02 it gives you a much greater appreciation. Well, a few ways. Certainly a much bigger appreciation for your your family and your time with your family, I lost over three and a half years, 37 months out of the life of my family. And you don't get that time back. No, you don't get that back. So all major these major events that go on your life, seeing things with your children happening. There are no do overs with that that's time last. So you get a better appreciation for that, you also get a better appreciation for the freedoms, the opportunities we have in this nation, when you go to some of those countries realize, you see what poverty can be like, you see how certain citizens are treated, you see women who are treated like cattle, in some cases like property, that the lack of rights, you see these people who want to be able to vote, that it's not just a rigged election, but they actually have a say, in their country's democratic process. The appreciation, and one of the things that was so poignant to Michael was the fact that these so many people, every place I've been whether that's on a mission trip to Guatemala, whether that's in Iraq, whether that was in Bahrain and other places that have been there, how many people would come and say My dream is to go to the US and become a US citizen, I heard that over and over and over again. And when I would get back home, I would feel like kissing the ground. Because I realized, by virtue of being born American, the privileges, the opportunities that I have, are so different than so many people around the world. So gave me appreciation for that. But being deployed, you get to see Army Medicine, practiced in the in the field, because Army Medicine is world class medicine, but you get to see it in the field practice again, in a world class way. It's, it's really mind boggling. Some of the things that we do in a field setting in a combat zone, taking care of soldiers, taking care of other service members, the things that we do, literally world class, not just back in brick and mortar facilities. But they're in the field. Unbelievable. And again, working with great colleagues, amazing staff that I had there, the 21st cache and other places that I've worked. So that appreciation and that idea that you're working for a cause so much greater than yourself, that brotherhood that you have. Now, when you've deployed with people and you've been in combat zone with people, let me tell you, you build some strong bonds. Michael Hingson 39:15 And it's all about really putting into practice what most of us really can only think about is theory because unless we've been subjected to it and need medical help, or have been involved in the situations like you, it's it's not the same. We're not connected to it. And it's so important, it seems to me to help people understand that connection and the values that you're exactly what you're talking about. Donald G. “Skip” Mondragon 39:46 Yes, yes. You were asking about the impact on my family. Well think about that. My first time employee My wife has three young children. Adam was six Chris was four. Anjali It was too, and she's expecting our fourth. We're deploying to this war zone that's very uncertain knowing he's got Scud missiles, he's got chemical weapon arsenal, that he's used this. And you're going into this very uncertain war zone. Not knowing when you're coming back home, or even if you're coming back home, all of this uncertainty. The night they announced that, okay, the war had started, that that officially had kicked, kicked off there, that hostilities it started, it was announced on TV. And the kids were at a swimming lesson at the pool, I believe. And somebody came running through some young soldier or something, Michael Hingson 40:59 the war started, the Donald G. “Skip” Mondragon 41:00 war has started. And the children all started bawling. And so Sherry's trying to gather them up and she's thinking, What are you doing, you know, trying to gather up the the kids and get them home. But she didn't allow them to listen to any reports do anything. Thankfully, we didn't have a TV at that time by choice. We didn't have a TV for many years. But she didn't allow him to listen to any reports, because she didn't want them to hear these things. But you can think about the uncertainty, you think about missing the events, you think about a spouse having to manage everything at home, taking care of the family, taking care of all the other things there that are involved in managing a household. That's what's left with that, that spouse and then them carrying on without you. So adjusting without you. And then as those children are a different ages, again, all of that, your spouse taking care of that. And your family, adjusting without you. Now if people don't realize they see these idyllic, idyllic reunions, oh, it's great look at they're coming home, and they're hugging and kissing and crying and looking at how wonderful that is. Well, yes, it is wonderful. It's magnificent. You can't believe the elation and the relief. But there's a short little honeymoon phase, if you will. But then the real work begins reintegrating into your family, finding that new normal, how do I fit back into this, they've done with it. They've been without me for several months, or even up to a year. My kids have changed. I've changed Sherry's changed, our family has changed. So how now do we find that normal? And I think that's what a lot of people don't understand that there is that work that needs to be done. And there's a lot of work that needs to be done after it. service members returned home from a deployment, that it's not easy. And it takes its toll. And I don't think that people realize the sacrifice when service members been gone. for months and months at a time years at a time, the sacrifice of that service member the sacrifice of their fam, with every promotion, every award that I received, I used to tell people, my wife, and my kids deserve this a lot more than I do. Michael Hingson 43:50 And another thing that comes to mind in thinking about this back in the time of Desert Storm, and so on and maybe up into Iraqi Freedom, I would think actually is how were you able to communicate with home. Donald G. “Skip” Mondragon 44:07 Oh, with your family. And in Desert Storm is primarily snail mail. We did have the occasional call that we can make. Now, as the theater matured and they moved us out of living in tents. We got to move into hardened structure in there. I could make a regular phone call when we got to if there we could, I could send e mail and that became snail mail. And e mail were the primary ways that we connected. The last time I was in Iraq 2010 and 2011. Again, it was email but I could also I had a car that I could charge minutes to that I can Make through an international calling system that I can also place telephone calls. But the primary way became again, snail mail and email to communicate with my family. Today, is Michael Hingson 45:13 there additional kinds of ways of communicating like zoom or Skype? Yeah. Donald G. “Skip” Mondragon 45:18 Oh, yes. Oh, yes. Now you're right. They can do face to face zoom. FaceTime there they have, they have their cell phone. So if they're not restricted from using their cell phones, and can even get the international plan and call, we weren't able to do those kinds of things. Yeah. There. Now we did have one thing when I was in Haiti, where it could go into a room. And you could do a as via satellite, it was on a monitor that I could speak to, and they were in this special room there that it was big monitor. But it was a very limited time. And that when that time ended, boom, the screen would just freeze. And the first time it ended like that the kids action starts, started crying because I'm in mid sentence saying something, and I freeze on the screen. And the kids didn't understand what was going on. Yeah. And they was so abrupt that Sherry told me later, can start crying when that happened, Michael Hingson 46:25 cuz they didn't know they didn't know whether suddenly a bomb dropped or what? Donald G. “Skip” Mondragon 46:29 Right, right. Yes. It's shocking to them. Michael Hingson 46:33 Well, all of this obviously takes a toll on anyone who's subjected to it or who gets to do it. And I guess the other side of it is it's an honorable and a wonderful thing to be able to go off and serve people and, and help make the world a better place. But it eventually led to a depression for you, right? Donald G. “Skip” Mondragon 46:55 Yes, yes. I ended up with major depression. And it culminated on April 17 2014, where I was curled up in a fetal position under the desk in my office. They're laying on that musty carpet. I had gone to work as I normally did, like, get to my office that day early, as was my custom. Nobody else on the whole floor. I locked my office turned on the lights, step inside. And everything just came crashing down on me. I was beat up, beaten down and broken. Should behind me lock the door, turned off the lights, close the blinds. And I crawled under that desk. And then for four hours. I'm asking myself skip, what are you doing? Skip? Why are you here? What happened? You're a tough guy. You're a colonel. You've been in combat zones for over 18 months. Your National Wrestling Champion, you're a tough guy. What happened? Then very slowly, looking at that, and scenes and memories colliding, looking at things, promise, difficulties, and I began to put the pieces together. And finally began to understand the symptoms I was having the past nine months, insomnia, impaired cognition is progressively moving these negative thoughts it just pounded the day and night. You're a fake. You don't deserve to be a colonel, you let your family down. You left the army down, who's gonna want a higher loss of confidence in decision, loss of passion and things that I normally have no interest in resting. Joy, no joy in my life. It's like walking through life in black and white. My body old injuries. Overuse injuries, the osteoarthritis body just a make it even worse. My libido my sex drive was in the toilet. Now you talk about kicking the guy when he's down. And I finally began was able to put those pieces together after four hours. Now I was finally able to understand, said scale. You're depressed? Go get help. And I crawled out from under that desk with a flicker of hope. And later that afternoon, I've seen a clinical psychologist to confirm the diagnosis of major depression. Michael Hingson 49:25 How come it took so long for you to get to that point? Do you think Donald G. “Skip” Mondragon 49:30 it was my tough guy mentality? This idea that you just keep pushing through that tough guy identity is like a double edged sword. That tough guys just keep pushing through. There was a lot of things colonel, combat that physician wrestler. So I took on this tough guy persona. And we even have a term for it in wrestling. We call it gutting it out. No matter how hard your lungs and what your lungs burn how much your muscles say, no matter how hard this is, you're just going to keep pushing and pushing. So that was my, that was my modus operandi. That's what I how I operated in my life. You just keep pushing hard and hard and pushing through these difficulties. With it, I couldn't see step back far enough to see what was going on. I knew it felt horrible. I couldn't sleep. I felt badly. I didn't want to be around people. I was withdrawn. But I couldn't step back even as a physician, and put these together to say, Oh, I'm depressed. It's just Oh, keep pushing. And the harder I push, the worse I got. So it was that blindness from that tough guy identity. That there probably some denial going on perhaps. But even as I look back retrospectively, that tough guy mentality just didn't help me. Allow me to see that until it got so crucial where I was just totally depleted. Ended up under that desk. Michael Hingson 51:11 So how would you define being a tough guy today, as opposed to what you what you thought back then? Donald G. “Skip” Mondragon 51:20 Yes, yes. Well, there are two sides to a tough guy, Michael, I see a tough guy. Certainly one aspect of the tough guy as that provider protector, that decisive individual, that decisive man that can do things that need to be done now, and can make those tough decisions, no matter what. That's one aspect of so yeah, but that other aspect to hit balances is. So we think of that one tough guy, you might say that's your impart your rugged, individualistic guy that you see that module, tough guy, that the screen portrays at least aspects of that. But then you see this other aspect of that tough guy, this is the individual that has, can be in touch with his emotions, can understand and able to dig there into that and say, Oh, I'm feeling sad. You know, what, somebody what you just said, really hurt. That's, I'm disappointed with that. I'm able to shed tears open, I'm able to show that tenderness that love very openly, but to balance it between the two sides appropriately. That's what I see as a true tough guy. It's not just the one or the other. It's that blend of both that we need in our lives to make us a tough guy. And if you have only one or the other, you're you're not a tough guy. You only have the tenderness and the warmth, and the gentleness and the ability to share your emotions. Well guess what? You're going to be a tough time you're going to run over people can take advantage of they're not going to be much of a protector for those you need to protect. But if you only have that other side of you. You're very limited. You're not going to be able to function in the full array of what we're meant to function in as men or women. Nor women. Absolutely. It's not just restricted to one sex. Absolutely. You're right, Michael. Michael Hingson 53:51 So you wrote a book wrestling? Depression is not for tough guys. Right? Not for wimps. Yeah, not for wimps. I'm sorry. Wrestling. Depression is pretty tough guys. Wrestling depression is not for wimps. Tell us about that and how it affected you and your family writing that? Donald G. “Skip” Mondragon 54:11 Well, that book, the genesis of that book came about about six weeks into my recovery, but still struggling. And throughout the time that I was sinking down deeper and deeper into the depression and the first several weeks in my recovery. My prayers had been lowered lower, please, please deliver me from this darkness. But six weeks into my recovery. My youngest brother Chris calls me he had been at a Bible study with Franklin Graham, son of Billy Graham. In Franklin talked about the suffering of Christ. And the gist of what was if Christ suffered so brutally upon that cross why as Western Christians do we think we should be immune from suffering. And over the next two days, the birth that kept coming to my mind was from Philippians. To 13 Paul writes, oh, that I know him, and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings. I knew that verse I knew well, I'd prayed that verse hundreds of times in my walk with Christ, but in the midst of my suffering, I wanted deliverance. But over two days, my prayer shifted from Lord, please, please deliver me, the Lord. What would you have me learn? And how might I use it to serve others. And at that point, I knew I was going to have to share my story. I didn't know how, when but I knew I must share my story. So I began to note what lessons I had learned and what lessons I was learning with the intent of sharing those first time I got to do that was at a officer Professional Development Day, there at the hospital at Eisenhower Medical Center, our session, the morning, our session, the afternoon, and the hospital auditorium. And that became the genesis for my book, I want a writing contest in 2015, your have to retire from the army. And with that came a contract to have my book published. And then it was the process of going through the whole process of writing the book, editing the book, selecting the book, cover, all the things go into book, writing, that book was life transformed. It was transformational to me. And so I learned so many things about myself writing this book. Michael Hingson 56:41 Did you have fun writing it, Donald G. “Skip” Mondragon 56:43 I had fun at times. Other times, it was a grind, almost chickened out at the point where we had everything finished. It was ready to go to the publishers and I was I was I was on the cliffs, so to speak. i The book midwife as we called her, the lady is working with Carrie to read love the love with the lady with the company, their Confucian publishing is now called used to be transformational books. I called her and I said, Carrie, I don't know. I think I need to scrap this whole book. I think I need to start over. I can write a much better book. And she goes, No skip. This book is ready. We need to get it birth, we need to extend it to the publisher. And I'm thinking oh, no, no, no, I, I just can in Nice, I need to rewrite this whole thing. I can do a bunch better. This after working. You know, we've been working on this thing for two and a half years getting this thing ready. And I prayed about I'm talking about and then later I called her back in a day and a half and say, okay, Sherry talked me off the cliff. We're gonna send this book forward. But with that, learn things about yourself, going through that access some memories that I hadn't thought about, and some things, some promise that occurred that affected me in profound ways that I didn't realize how much of an impact that had on my life, and for how long that have an impact on my life. Case in point. I lost the state wrestling championship as a senior in high school by two seconds of writing time. Meaning my opponent, Matt Martinez, from greedy West High School knew Matt. There. He beat me by controlling me when he's on the top position for two seconds. He had two seconds more writing time controlling me on that map that I escaped from him three seconds earlier, you wouldn't have any writing time. And we had gotten into overtime. And I believe I would have beat Matt in overtime because nobody, nobody could match my conditioning. But it didn't get to them. So I really that that match. That was probably 10s of 1000s. But what it did is it it really devastated my confidence. And that carried on into my first couple years of college, the College wrestling. Just a lot of things about me. And what I didn't realize it took three and a half years. No, actually five, five years 73 It was 78 and spring of 78 when I was finally healing from that, regaining my mojo. And I didn't realize that until I was writing this book, that profound impact that loss had and the RIP holes, the effects that went on for those successive years there, the profundity of that. And there were other things that I came to light. So there'd be times I'd be laughing. There'd be times I'd be crying. There'd be times I'd be like, Whoa, wow. So it was an amazing experience. Michael Hingson 1:00:23 So what are some tips that you would give to anyone dealing with depression today? Donald G. “Skip” Mondragon 1:00:29 Yep. Thank you for asking that. Michael, first and foremost, men, or anybody if you're struggling, don't struggle. One more day in silence, please, please, please go get help to remember, you're never, never, never alone. Three, keep your head up. And wrestling, we talk about this, keep your head up, instill this in our young wrestlers. Why because if they're on their feet, and they drop their head, and get taken down to the mat, if they're down on the mat, the opponent's on top of them and drop their head, they can turn over and pin. But that's also figurative, and emotional, keep your head up. Keep your head up. And I needed people speaking into my life, like my wife, my family, my friends, my therapist, others speaking into my life, it's a skip, keep your head up. Psalm three, three says the Lord is our glory, and the lifter of our heads. So I tell people, you're never ever, ever alone. third, or fourth, I would say attend to the basics, sleep, healthy nutrition. And some regular activity. Those basics are the basics for good reason. And I call them the big three. And probably the most important of all of those, if you're having dysregulation of your sleep is get your sleep back under control. The last few that I'm sorry, go ahead. And then the last few that I would say is make sure you've got a battle buddy. Make sure you have somebody that you can turn to somebody that you can confide in somebody that, you know, would just listen and walk this journey with you and a prescription. And there's many other things that I talked about in my book, but a prescription that I have left with 1000s and 1000s of patients. I've written this on prescription pads. And I've shared this with patients and I say this medication has no bad side effects. This medication has no drug to drug interactions, and you cannot overdose on this medication. So I want you to take this medication liberally each and every day. Proverbs 1722 says A merry heart doeth good, like a medicine. broken spirit. Drive up the boats. When I was depressed, I had a broken spirit. So lack is good nets. So I say each and every day, laugh and laugh hard to find something that you can laugh about. It's goodness. Michael Hingson 1:03:40 Oh, whenever I want to laugh, all I have to say is I wanted to be a doctor but I didn't have any patients. See? Donald G. “Skip” Mondragon 1:03:55 Oh, that's great. Donald G. “Skip” Mondragon 1:03:59 Well, I tell people, in retrospect, I say, gee, if I had only been my own doctor, I would have diagnosed myself sooner. See, well wait, I am a doctor. Michael Hingson 1:04:15 Or you know what the doctor said Is he sewed himself up Suit yourself. Yeah. I got that from an old inner sanctum radio show. But anyway. Last thing, because we've been going a while and just to at least mention it. You have been a TD X speaker. Donald G. “Skip” Mondragon 1:04:33 Yes, sir. I was a TEDx speaker. Indeed. Michael Hingson 1:04:36 I got it that went well. Oh, Donald G. “Skip” Mondragon 1:04:39 it was amazing. Was a TEDx speaker in Vancouver, in December of 2021. My talk is entitled tough guys are an endangered species. And standing up there on the TEDx phase and stage was a common addition of almost nine months of preparation, our mentor, Roger killin tremendous in helping prepare, myself and some colleagues for this, with the help of his sidekick, Dorthea Hendrik, just lovely, lovely people. But to stand on that stage, and deliver my talk, which is about 12 and a half minutes, started off in about six and a half 17 minutes, get cutting down, cutting it down, cutting it down, but stand there and deliver this message directed to tough guys talking about emotions, and the inability that men often have an accessing our emotions because of the way we've been conditioned, the way we've been raised the expectations placed on us. In fact, there's a medical term that was coined, that's masculine, Alexei timea, which means he leaves without words, and how that then sets men up, that I don't, I'm okay, I don't need help. I don't need to share my feelings and we lose contact with our feelings. Men don't seek medical care as often as women in general, much less when they're struggling with mental health issues, that denial, that tough guy, and now they seek it in maladaptive behaviors. I talked about that. But the ultimate behavior becoming suicide, Michael Hingson 1:06:39 which is why you have given us a new and much better definition of tough guy. Yes, sir. In the end, it is very clear that wrestling depression is not for wimps. So I get it right that time. There you go. Well, I want to thank you for being here with us on unstoppable mindset. Clearly, you have an unstoppable mindset. And I hope people get inspired by it. And inspired by all the things you've had to say if they'd like to reach out to you. How might they do that? Donald G. “Skip” Mondragon 1:07:14 The easiest way for them to reach out Michael is go to my website. w w w dot transform, tough guys.com W, W W dot transform Tough guys.com. And there, you could send me a message. Michael Hingson 1:07:35 Send you a message looking at your book. Are you looking at writing any more books? Donald G. “Skip” Mondragon 1:07:39 Yes, sir. I am looking to write another book. And still in the making. But I think the next book, maybe wrestling movies is not for wimps. Michael Hingson 1:07:53 There you go. Well, we want to hear about that when it comes out. And so you have to come back and we can talk more about it. Donald G. “Skip” Mondragon 1:07:59 Yes, sir. Well, thank Michael Hingson 1:08:01 you again, skip for being with us on unstoppable mindset. I appreciate it. I appreciate you. And it's easy to say you inspire me and and all that. But I seriously mean it. I think you've offered a lot of good knowledge and good sound advice that people should listen to. And I hope that all of you out there, appreciate this as well. And that you will reach out to www dot transform, tough guys.com and reach out to skip. Also, of course, we'd love to hear from you feel free to email me at Michaelhi at accessibe.com or go to www dot Michaelhingson.com/podcast or wherever you're listening to us. Please give us a five star rating. We appreciate it. We want to hear what you think about the podcast. If you've got suggestions of people who should be on and skip Same to you if you know of anyone else that we ought to have on the podcast would appreciate your, your help in finding more people and more insights that we all can appreciate. So again, thank you for you for being on the podcast with us Donald G. “Skip” Mondragon 1:09:08 there. My pleasure, Mike. Thank you. Michael Hingson 1:09:10 Pleasure is mine. Michael Hingson 1:09:16 You have been listening to the Unstoppable Mindset podcast. Thanks for dropping by. I hope that you'll join us again next week, and in future weeks for upcoming episodes. 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Hey everyone! Today's episode will be a long one I hope you are all ready! We are going to Texas where we will be covering a haunted old medical building located in a military Fort in Houston and then we will head to the haunted Island of Galveston TX. Where a Category 4 Hurricane killed the most people in US history! Possibly 12,000 souls were lost in the monster of a storm. Not to mention this island was a hub for pirates and shady dealings for years. Let's take a long audio haunted tour together! _____________________________________________________________________ I couldn't do this without your amazing support! Please check out more links below to get connected to Historically Haunted! Show's Website: https://historicallyhaunted.podbean.com Patreon Page: https://www.patreon.com/historicallyhaunted?fan_landing=true Had a paranormal encounter? Email your ghostly listener stories: historicallyhaunted.313@gmail.com Show's Instagram page: @historically_haunted https://www.instagram.com/historically_haunted/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/historicallyhaunted13 Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/427521751188266/?source_id=400271970598092 Twitter: https://twitter.com/haunt_history Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_Iagg0ZZjzuf4HC_Deqz_Q ________________________________ Show Sources: Fort: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fort_Sam_Houston https://www.jbsa.mil/News/News/Article/626563/the-ghosts-of-old-bamc-still-roam-us-army-south-headquarters-building/ Galveston History: https://www.mitchellhistoricproperties.com/history-of-galveston-pirates/ https://www.mitchellhistoricproperties.com/how-galveston-got-its-name/ https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/cabeza-de-vaca-discovers-texas https://texashighways.com/culture/history/galveston-legend-infamous-pirate-jean-lafitte/ https://www.nps.gov/jela/learn/historyculture/jean-lafitte-history-mystery.htm https://easttexashistory.org/items/show/160 https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/2021/06/18/a-proclamation-on-juneteenth-day-of-observance-2021/ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1900_Galveston_hurricane https://www.history.com/news/how-the-galveston-hurricane-of-1900-became-the-deadliest-u-s-natural-disaster https://www.history.com/topics/natural-disasters-and-environment/1900-galveston-hurricane https://www.visitgalveston.com/things-to-do/history-heritage/galveston-history/#:~:text=Galveston%20got%20its%20name%20from,the%20name%20of%20the%20island. https://www.galvestontx.gov/248/City-History https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Galveston,_Texas https://www.galveston.com/whattodo/history/galveston-history/ https://easttexashistory.org/items/show/251 https://www.1900storm.com/orphanage.html https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Galveston,_Texas#Historic_districts https://www.asce.org/about-civil-engineering/history-and-heritage/historic-landmarks/galveston-seawall-and-grade-raising https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Strand_Historic_District https://www.pleasurepier.com/rides.html https://www.visitgalveston.com/blog/15-historic-galveston-island-sites-everyone-should-see/ https://www.tshaonline.org/handbook/entries/st-marys-orphanage-galveston https://www.tshaonline.org/handbook/entries/st-marys-hospital-galveston https://www.rosenberg-library-museum.org/treasures/the-historic-st-marys-infirmary https://www.battlefields.org/learn/biographies/bernardo-de-galvez https://www.weather.gov/hgx/office#:~:text=After%20the%20Great%20Storm%2C%20the,was%20installed%20at%20this%20location. https://danratherjournalist.org/ground/natural-disasters/hurricane-carla/video-hurricane-carla-rather-report https://danratherjournalist.org/ground/natural-disasters/hurricane-carla/video-hurricane-carla-rather-report https://www.grandgalvez.com/suites https://www.ned.lib.tx.us/nicaragua_smith.htm https://youtube.com/watch?v=wHfOuy_BfF4 https://youtube.com/watch?v=BElQES_Dh0Q https://youtube.com/watch?v=RquUNeCJ3dw https://youtube.com/watch?v=8c_OeFacRQw Galveston Ghost sources: https://segwaygalveston.com/blog/haunted-places-in-galveston/ https://houston.culturemap.com/news/travel/10-26-12-why-galveston-is-the-most-haunted-city-in-america-island-offers-real-halloween-adventures/#slide=0 http://www.galvestonghost.com/stmarys.html https://ghostcitytours.com/galveston/haunted-galveston/st-marys-orphanage/ https://ghostcitytours.com/galveston/haunted-galveston/hotel-galvez/ https://ghostcitytours.com/galveston/haunted-galveston/galveston-railroad-museum/ https://www.click2houston.com/news/2019/06/10/what-to-know-about-galvestons-historic-hotel-galvez/
The pursuit of happiness plays out in strange ways, and the vice or obsession that seems like the answer leads to bad patterns of living. As readers and watchers we hate didactic stories that feel like moral preaching, but a tale well-told can sneak lessons in like a subtle spice in a dish, where we know we liked the meal but can't explain why. We can usually sniff out a morality play from a mile away, so we look for the next show to watch or book to read. Aesop's Fables are so obviously trying to tell us something moral that we tire of them quickly, but we'll fawn over Moby Dick or Hamlet or Finnegan's Wake for generations because we can't easily discern what the heck is going on. We love the hunt. We could find all that we need in Aesop but it's too simple; the lessons are too obvious and characters too one-dimensional. So here's a couple of movies that I like where this hunt for meaning and purpose and happiness play out somewhat like the woman with the cursed bananas, as the main characters follow their vice or obsession right to the bitter end. There's a dark crime thriller movie called U-Turn starring Sean Penn and Jennifer Lopez, where a cocky hotshot that is addicted to pills becomes stranded in a desert town in Arizona when his car, a convertible, breaks down. The movie did not do well and critics didn't love it, but the main character's self obsession and his undying conviction that “he is lucky” make his fall through the acts disturbingly comical. In the end, after being involved in two murders, after being thrown from a cliff, after breaking his leg, after being beaten, and when he is nearly dying of thirst, he claws his way back to his car, in the middle of nowhere under the dead heat of a midday Arizona sun. He is an utter mess and barely alive, but he looks in the rear view mirror and says to himself, “You're still lucky!” right before he turns the key and a hose bursts in the radiator, rendering his car useless. His luck has finally run out. He will die in the desert, as the scavenger birds gather around his convertible. I have to admit, I laughed out loud, even as this movie careened from comedy into tragedy in that moment, because I think the director, Oliver Stone, meant for it to be funny. And for some reason I connected this darkly humorous scene to St. Paul when he was locked in the prison with his traveling companion, Silas. The two of them had been dragged and beaten with rods in Phillippi, and after all that the two of them were “praying and singing” until midnight. Paul is like the devout version of Sean Penn, saying to himself, “I'm still lucky!” but Paul is talking about being lucky in Christ, lucky to have Christ, whereas Sean Penn is still talking about his luck in his disordered pursuit of money and drugs and sex. The greatest moment of this movie, is that after the glaringly obvious error of his ways, and his continuous pursuit of drugs, women, and money that has led him into this mutilated mess, he still clings to his fool's gold, his oak tree, his false idol. He clutches his sins like pearls right to the end only to have it all blow up in his face just like the rubber hose on his radiator. The movie didn't win any awards. It wasn't received all that well, but it stuck with me because it illustrates the saying of “where your treasure lies, there will your heart also be.” In the beginning, Sean Penn is driving a slightly beat up convertible car with the top down, which is like a symbol for how he lives his life: loosely in the breeze. He's just having fun, he's got neither conviction nor compunction, he's just letting the wind blow him wherever it takes him. And in the end, this top-down way of living is exactly how he is exposed to the desert birds and vultures that will eat him in that same convertible, as if he's been put into a desert oven and served open-faced to the brutal reality of nature, red in tooth and claw (and beak). Other movies and stories follow this path as well, with two of my favorites being The Wrestler and Black Swan. I feel like these two movies tell a similar story but from very different worlds. Pro wrestling and ballet are rarely compared or even spoken of in the same breath. However, Natalie Portman in Black Swan is obsessed with a rage to master ballet, to be the best, to succeed at all costs. And she does. She becomes perfect, and in doing so dies in the final act having reached her goal, but it cost her everything. She sacrifices her future, the possibility of family and love and friendship, even her innocence. Everything is put at the foot of the altar of her burning passion for mastery of ballet. In The Wrestler, Mickey Rourke has outlasted his glory days but floats about in a wake of disastrous relationships and drug abuse, unable to adjust to regular life. His need for fame and glory in the ring is never put to bed, so unlike the Black Swan, he does not die in his glory, he has to live beyond his moment of greatness. The Black Swan character dies at the height of her success. She has performed the perfect dance and died for it, but her tragedy is sacrificing all for a dance that perhaps only she appreciates (this reminds me of The Hunger Artist by Franz Kafka, but I'm already spreading out this comparison too far, so maybe in another post). In The Wrestler, there are two tragedies. First, he outlives his success. He has been to the top and held the title belt. He's basked in adoration of fans and taken the trophy home. But now, that's all over, and he must live as an ordinary man, as he takes a job at a deli in the grocery store and must serve every regular joe who wants a pound of sliced ham. The earthly glory has been tasted and cannot be removed from his mouth. The need to return to that state of honor lingers, it follows and haunts him daily. In the last scene, the wrestler has joined a local semi-pro wrestling troupe that performs in local gyms. He wants to ride out into the sunset one last time. Unlike his glory days, he is a cartoonish figure of both body and soul, with his muscles pumped full of steroids and supplements, and a face tattling on years of drug and alcohol abuse. The fans cheer and jeer him, recalling his better days but not respecting him any longer as his hour has passed. In one last jump from the top ropes, the wrestler leaps for glory, to hear the cheer one last time, to be noticed and seen and loved. He dies of a heart attack in the air. There is a sense that he is at peace, as he has once again received the glory, he has been the flying acrobat, the show, the centerpiece, the entertainer. He is loved, sort of, by the crowd. But the crowd doesn't really care about him. It's not a real love. Those that he should have loved, his daughter and former wives and girlfriends, are all gone from his life. Repeatedly, he has chosen glory and drugs and sex over those closest to him. He has failed to love them, trading real love for the false love of the crowd. Thus the sense of peace in his death is not so much of achievement, but rather a putting to sleep the neverending dream that could not die, the need for the approval and cheer of strangers that never came close to real love at all. The ballerina's death comes in her prime, and the wrestler's death in his twilight, but they both suffer the same illusion. So how does that relate to cursed bananas or dreams of writing fame?One of the reasons I don't write fiction any longer is because I gave up the “dream” and realized that fame or glory would never have satisfied any more than getting drunk did. Perhaps there's an element of sour grapes, too, since I chose not to pursue it fully, and I didn't get glory, so I put on the fig leaf of “I didn't want to be a success anyway because it would make me shallow.” That notion I've dug into a bit, but in one of those life moments like what I had in the office cubical, I had another one when I read a poem by John Keats. In a little library at Fort Sam Houston, Texas, while all the other combat medics in training were engaged in less nerdy things, I spent my free hour or two reading. After dismissal, I would rush off to the library and pull a book from the shelf of the classical literature section. One day I read his poem called “On Fame.” I remember it feeling like I was reading instructions from an experienced artist to forget about fame, to give it up. The poem reads:Fame, like a wayward girl, will still be coyTo those who woo her with too slavish knees,But makes surrender to some thoughtless boy,And dotes the more upon a heart at ease;She is a Gipsey,--will not speak to thoseWho have not learnt to be content without her; Keats, who gained fame in his short life, was saying that to pursue fame almost guarantees that the pursuer won't get it. He's talking about motives and desires. If the desire is for fame, then the pursuit is all wrong. So I knew when I read these lines, that if I did not write for the love of writing, then it was like a business pursuit or cheap trick for the love of strangers. I knew I loved literature and writing, but there was never enough. I always wanted more books and more time to write. I was chasing a goal, like the characters in Black Swan and The Wrestler. The “rage to master” something comes to most of us in some form, where we want to be great at science, or programming, or gaming, or a sport, or cooking. But the motive underneath that rage must be examined, because the root of the rage may not be joy but a kind of anger or even hate. Keats tells us to kiss fame goodbye before you even start, because if you don't, that butterfly will never land on you. He compares fame to a goddess that chooses some “thoughtless boy” who has a heart at ease. So say goodbye, and if she likes you, she will follow you. Ye Artists lovelorn! madmen that ye are!Make your best bow to her and bid adieu,Then, if she likes it, she will follow you.Whatever our “treasure” is we must be able to live without it. We also must make sure that it's not the main treasure, otherwise we may learn the hard way that the treasure is actually a mirage. Is the desire to publish a novel or succeed in business or get 10,000 followers or win the state title actually driven by joy and passion? Or…is it one of the seven deadlies causing all the trouble underneath? It comes down to the question: are you worshipping an oak tree, or God? Are you panning for fool's gold, or seeking eternal life? Is your daily ritual and life being sacrificed for fame, glory, wealth and honor, or do you offer all of those up in exchange for humility like Christ did on the cross? This is not an easy topic to dig into, and there are layers to unearth. I believe that God's will may be made revealed slowly to us. He knows the ending, but we don't. There are crossroads in this life where free will makes it difficult, and choosing which direction to take is difficult. Eventually, we must make decisions, as sometimes I want God to shine a light on the path forward, and there are times it almost seems like he has done that. But to expect to hear God's voice for decisions is not how it works, and we must choose a way. I think I made many of the “wrong” choices, because I knew when things were wrong. My conscience ate at me when I chose those errant paths. Jesus says to enter by the narrow gate. He didn't say it's located in the alley behind the bar. Wide is the path that leads to destruction, he says, but to follow him we must take up our cross daily. But that sounds hard, doesn't it? Isn't that hard? You would think so. But it's not once you begin. Recall the simple phrase: Surrender to win. The gentle mastery of Christ in life is what Keats was talking about, and it's what the young woman with the bananas needed. It's what Sean Penn needed in U-Turn (maybe in real life as well). This is what ballerina needed and what the wrestler needed in those films. It's what the hunter is hunting for and the seeker is seeking after. What are they all trying to find? They are seeking something that is good, true, and beautiful. The best stories are of restless souls seeking redemption through strange sacrifices and pursuits. This is a story as old as time, literally, as what else is happening in the Garden of Eden? It is the story of lost innocence and the subsequent pursuit of what the belly and mind want. The “journey” we talk about today, the journey that we are all on: that journey is the root idea of the Fall in the Garden, where people journey away from God, rejecting his rules, in pursuit of knowledge and finding that sin leads to death. The story of Adam and Eve is the story of someone who was once innocent getting lost and trying to find their way back to God. It's so simple it's absurd. What drives me nuts about Genesis is that taken literally it's every bit as good as allegorically. Honestly, one of the reasons I don't write stories any longer happened when I realized that the greatest stories had already been written, and everything else was a re-hashing. As the saying goes, “All philosophy is footnotes to Plato.” I would echo that and say that all literature is footnotes to the Bible, and I would add the Greeks in there too. All modern stories are retelling of old stories, and the idea that the ancients were ignorant betrays our own arrogance. What we reveal in discounting old stories is the revelation of our own biases and worldviews. My bananas story is like the Garden of Eden story, and also the same story of Narcissus. Trapped by passion for his youth, Narcissus stares into the water until he dies, still gazing at his reflection in the river Styx as he makes that boat ride into the underworld. Both of these stories say much more than my Bananas, or U-Turn, or The Wrestler, or The Black Swan, and in far fewer words, with much greater meaning and application to my daily life. But the happy ending for all of these seekers is simple. The rest they are looking for is not in holding a published novel, or wearing a championship belt, or having unblemished skin, or hearing a round of applause, or taking a trophy deer, or winning a state title. The restlessness has a solution. It's available. It's free. It's here now. It can be delivered today, to anywhere. And it goes like this: “Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart; and you will find rest for yourselves. For my yoke is easy, and my burden light.” (Mt 11:27)What Jesus is trying to tell us is that the fountain of youth is available, but it's through him. The pool is open. I think the old language of the “the kingdom of God is within you” can be confusing, for a few reasons, one being that the word kingdom is dated to a different time than ours of American democracy. The word itself - “kingdom” - feels strange. A better translation is probably “the kingdom of God is in the midst of you.” Jesus is always talking about water, and the Fountain of Youth is a magical water that restores, like the waters of Bethesda where the crippled and lepers attempted to receive miraculous healing. But it's simpler than that. Einstein and other scientists have expressed a kind of surprise at how the simple formulas can describe the cosmos, and yet allude to greater complexity than we can fathom. When Jesus is talking about himself being the “living water” he is literally telling us that he is the fountain of youth, that he is the place of renewal. When he says, “I am the vine and you are the branches,” he is saying we must drink from his living water, from his life. The water is always a metaphor for belief in him. We baptize one another in water to help us get the point, that the living water is Jesus. We put holy water on our heads and fingertips to remind us that God is the way to health and renewal. He turns water into wine. He walks on water. He calms the water. He saved the sinking Peter from the water. There's just so much going on with water that you have to realize that these similes and metaphors are alternative ways for Jesus to say, “To be saved, you must be baptized and believe.” What's interesting here is that he says it flat out with no metaphor. But it's like that's not enough. We're too picky to just hear the words: “Be baptized and believe” and take it at face value. But if we don't like that one, he says the same thing to Nicodemus: “No one can enter the kingdom of God without being born of water and Spirit.” For some reason, we need more. The literal version fails, so we need a metaphor, a story. Then we get the metaphor and the story and we start checking for malleability so we can shape it into what we want to hear. Must we choose to be beaten over the head? How many stories, Biblical or otherwise, tell this same tale? We want something deeper, because we must keep eating from the tree of knowledge. The fruit of that tree never fills our bellies, or not for long. We are intellectual gluttons, such that if the simple answer is given, we reject it for it's simplicity because we are not yet like God, just as the snake promised Eve. The reason it is called the tree of knowledge is because we hunger and thirst for knowledge far more than we hunger and thirst for the righteousness that Jesus' mentions in the beatitudes. Google has accelerated this gluttony for knowledge into the equivalent of an all-you-can-eat buffet at an all-inclusive resort in Cancun with an all-night open bar.I share the same malady as The Hungry Little Caterpillar, which is gluttony, for both food and knowledge. The caterpillar's gluttonous consumption transforms him into a beautiful butterfly, as that is how his life is intended to unfold, but my hunger for knowledge leads to intellectual gluttony and spiritual diabetes. The caterpillar eats everything until it's stomach hurts, but this gluttony is toward the right goal of becoming a butterfly. My gluttony for knowledge leads to isolation behind a stack of books, to the point that I start to study the Bible instead of just read the Bible. I heard a comment somewhere that made the point: “Many of us would rather attend a seminar about heaven than actually go to heaven.” This is true because like the fountain of youth, the pursuit of knowledge is unending and can never be complete. To gain all knowledge is to become like God, which is precisely the problem just like wanting to remain young forever. Knowing that many of hunger for knowledge, Jesus throws us a lifeline, offering us both the straight-shooting literal version of his message and a bonus metaphorical version. He does this multiple times, in multiple ways, and still…somehow…still we struggle to receive the transmission. How can it be so hard? Is this why he calls us a “stiff-necked people”? What a great insult. I had a stiff neck from a pinched nerve recently and had to turn my whole body to look at people, which made me think of this idiom, which I learned came from oxen that refused to turn when lashed or poked by the farmer. Yes, we are stubborn. No argument there. A second line that I always smile at when reading the Gospel is when Jesus says, “Let the person who has ears listen!” I'm sorry, but there's an element of humor to it because I think of a public school teacher who is trying day after day to deliver lessons, but has twenty out of thirty kids screwing around and ignoring him. When the test day comes, the kids who weren't listening complain, “But you never went over this stuff! We've never heard of this material! It's not fair.” Apparently we have stiff necks and no ears. Why are we diagnosed as stiff-necked and earless by Jesus? It means we are prideful, rebellious, and stubborn. We're jumping around in the back of the classroom ignoring the teacher and expecting the test to be open book, or that if we fail we get a second or third chance to re-take the test. While the teacher instructs, we're having spit-wad wars and showing off. We're passing notes and checking our phones. In short, we want a different kind of wisdom than what he offers because we want to make a name for ourselves, to be seen, to win, to be approved. The snake suggested this idea in the garden to Adam and Eve so that we cannot hear the truth, so that we cannot be simple and exposed, we cannot be naked before God. The simple answer doesn't satisfy us, because the suggestion that we can “be like God” still lingers in our ears that listen to what they want to hear. We choose not to believe that what is ultimately good, true, and beautiful could be so simple, because the enticement of something secret and deliciously complex seems more exciting and inviting. Even as Jesus tells us that the children understand “the kingdom” better than adults can, we scheme and plan our way to outdo each other. Paul states it quite plainly: “Has not God made the wisdom of the world foolish?” Indeed he has, and that lesson is hard to learn, as it seems the best students learn this lesson early and the rest of us take the wide path to destruction, and many of us never learn at all. Unless you return like a child to faith, you can never have it, and for those of us that cannot bear something literal, here's the related metaphor that Jesus offers: “unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains just a grain of wheat; but if it dies, it produces much fruit.” A grain of wheat doesn't form until the plant reaches maturity. It is “wheatless” until adulthood. So the grain of wheat, in its youth, grows, but the intended purpose of the plant is to grow and make more wheat. The point of the plant isn't to just live forever, or outlast the plants around it, or use up as many resources as it can to be the largest wheat plant. The point of the plant is to reach maturity, and then return to the earth - to give itself back, to produce more wheat. In other words, to become like a child again. The wheat plant started from a seed of wheat. It must return to become a seed of wheat, like a child. The adult must become like a child again to be complete. The child must grow, mature, but must become like a child once again. It's so simple but so complex, like Einstein's formulas. “Whoever loves his life will lose it, and whoever hates his life in this world will preserve it for eternal life.” So do you want the fountain of youth, or eternal life? (Trick question: the fountain of youth is available, if you stop looking in the wrong places, and stop thinking it's all about you.) This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.whydidpetersink.com
COL(P) Deydre Teyhen was born in Canton, Ohio and received her Bachelor of Arts in Sports Science at Ohio Wesleyan University. She earned her Master's Degree in Physical Therapy from the U.S. Army-Baylor University, completed her Ph.D. in Biomechanics from the University of Texas, and her Doctoral Degree in Physical Therapy from the Baylor University. COL(P) Teyhen graduated with honors from the U.S. Army War College with a Master's Degree in Strategic Studies.She currently serves as the Deputy Chief of Staff (Support), G-1/4/6, U.S. Army Medical Command and as the 20th Chief, U.S. Army Medical Specialist Corps. COL(P) Teyhen most recently served as the Department of Defense Lead of Therapeutics for Operation Warp Speed at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Prior to joining HHS, she served as the Commander for Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, the Department of Defense's largest biomedical research facility. COL(P) Teyhen led infectious disease, brain, and behavioral health research efforts; including research to prevent, detect, and treat COVID-19. Her previous assignments include Commander, U.S. Army Health Clinic-Schofield Barracks; Assistant Chief of Staff, Public Health at the Army's Office of the Surgeon General; Commander, Public Health Command Region-South; Deputy Director, Telemedicine and Advanced Technology Research Center at Fort Detrick, MD; Associate Professor and Director of the center for Physical Therapy Research for the U.S. Army-Baylor University Doctoral Program in Physical Therapy at Fort Sam Houston, TX; Officer-in-Charge of Task Force 10 Delta Med in Al Kut, Iraq; Chief of Musculoskeletal Care Center and Chief of Physical Therapy at Kimbrough Ambulatory Care Center, Fort Meade, MD; Chief of Outpatient Physical Therapy at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Washington, D.C.; Chief of Physical Therapy, 21st Combat Support Hospital in Tuzla, Bosnia; and Physical Therapist at Darnall Army Community Hospital at Fort Hood, TX.COL(P) Teyhen's personal research portfolio focuses on Soldier health and medical readiness (public health, musculoskeletal medicine, behavioral health, resiliency, imaging, and technology). Her research accomplishments include over 210 peer-reviewed publications, editorials, book chapters, and published abstracts; 120 presentations at conferences; and 150 invited lectures.Her key military awards include the Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit (3OLC), the Army Medical Department's Order of Military Medical Merit, the Surgeon General's “A” Proficiency Designator, and the U.S. Army War College Commandant's Award for Distinction in Research. Key civilian awards include Dissertation Award from the University of Texas, the American Physical Therapy Association, Margaret L. Moore Award for Outstanding New Academic Faculty Member, and inducted into the Kinesiology and Health Education Distinguished Alumna Hall of Honor, University of Texas.
COL Mike Story joins us from the U.S. Army War College in Carlisle, Pennsylvania to discuss his research on mindfulness and how it impacts the Warfighter. Bio below. Michael C. Story was born in Augusta, Georgia. He graduated from John Carroll University in 2000, with a Bachelor of Science in Biology and was commissioned into the Medical Service Corps. He holds a Master of Public Health in International Health from New York Medical College, a Master of Business Administration in Healthcare from George Washington University and is a current student at the U.S. Army War College earning his Master of Strategic Studies.Colonel Story has served in a variety of leadership positions including: Platoon Leader, 503rd Parachute Infantry Regiment (Air Assault), Camp Casey, Korea; Chief, Environmental Health, Department of Preventive Medicine, Keller Army Community Hospital, West Point, New York; additionally, during his tenure at West Point, he served as the Medical Officer for Cadet Basic Training, Department of Military Instruction, U.S. Military Academy; Executive Officer, Group Medical Plans and Operations, Preventive Medicine Officer, and a Civil Military Affairs Officer/CJ35, 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne), Fort Bragg, North Carolina; Company Commander, Charlie Company, 64th Brigade Support Battalion,, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, Fort Carson, Colorado; Chief Instructor, Environmental Health, Adjunct Lecturer for Texas A&M, School of Rural Public Health, and Training and Operations Officer, Department of Preventive Health Services, AMEDDC&S, Fort Sam Houston, Texas; Executive Officer, Office of the U.S. Army Dental Corps Chief, Fort Sam Houston, Texas; Detachment Commander, 71st Medical Detachment (PM) and interim Battalion Commander, 421st Multifunctional Medical Battalion (MMB), Baumholder, Germany; Deputy Commander for Administration, Reynolds Army Health Clinic, Fort Sill, Oklahoma, and Commander, 264th Medical Battalion, Fort Sam Houston, Texas. He is scheduled to assume command of the Weed Army Community Hospital, Fort Irwin, California in July 2022.Colonel Story's military education include: Army Medical Department (AMEDD) Officer Basic and Advance Course, Command and General Staff College, Brigade and Battalion Pre-Command Course, TRADOC Pre-Command Course, Defense Strategy Course, AMEDD Executive Skills Course, Principles of Military Preventive Medicine Course, Preventive Medicine Senior Leaders Course, Fundamental of Occupational Medicine Course, Medical Plans and Operations Course, Brigade Surgeon Course, U.S. Army Flight Surgeon Course, Survival Escape Resistance and Evasion (SERE) Level-C Course, Instructor Training Course, Basic Parachutist Course, and Air Assault Course.His awards and decorations include: Bronze Star Medal (3rd Award), Meritorious Service Medal (7th Award), Joint Service Commendation Medal, Army Commendation Medal (6th Award), Army Achievement Medal (9th Award), Joint Meritorious Unit Award (3rd Award), Meritorious Unit Citation (2nd Award), Army Good Conduct Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Medal, Korean Defense Service Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal, Non-Commissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon, Combat Medical Badge, Expert Field Medical Badge, German Troop Proficiency Badge (Gold), Chilean Parachutist Badge, Army Basic Instructor Badge, and the Order of the Military Medical Merit.
"What happens to The Survivors?" Coping With The Aftermath of an Active Shooter All HeroFront streaming platforms and social media: https://linktr.ee/HeroFront A first-hand witness of an active shooter event that tragically unfolded at Lackland Training Annex in 2016. SMSgt Griffin-Greer discusses struggling with survivor's guilt, invisible wounds, and giving 100% to the Air Force and her family. Senior Master Sergeant Griffin-Greer completed seven years First Sergeant duty at 37 TRW, 37 TRG, JBSA-Lackland Texas at the 37 TRG Training Support Squadron (TRSS), 344th Training Squadron, 342nd Training Squadron and Seymour Johnson's 4th Fighter Wing's Wing Staff Agency and 4th Operations group. Prior to First Sergeant duty, she was assigned as the Senior Enlisted Leader of the Surgical Technology Course at the Medical Education & Training Campus, at Fort Sam Houston, Texas where she provided supervision and instruction to over 780 students annually in a 368-hour entry-level surgical technician course. She was born in Alexandria Virginia, raised in Raleigh North Carolina and is married to William DeShon Greer and has 2 children: Aaron-26, and Cristian-22. After graduating high school, she attended Draughons Medical College in Atlanta Ga. where she studied to become a Medical Assistant. Upon graduation, she was employed at Planned Parenthood of Greater Raleigh; Dr's Urgent Care Center and served a brief stint at the local health department while awaiting admission to nursing school. She decided to enlist in the Air Force in 1994 and became a surgical technician. SMSgt Griffin-Greer also served a total of seven and ½ years as a recruiter at the 337th Recruiting Squadron as both an Enlisted Accessions recruiter and as an Operations NCO, Prior Service liaison. She has completed, Airman Leadership School (ALS), Non-Commissioned Officer Academy, (NCOA) the Basic Instructor Course (BIC), the Coast Guard's Chief Petty Officer Senior Enlisted Academy (CPOA), the Instructor Supervisor Training Course and received her Surgical Services Associates of Applied Science and Instructor of Technology and Military Science Degree and Human Resource Management degrees via CCAF in Jun 2007, 2008 and 2012. She has also received the Occupational Instructor and Professional Manager and earned the title of Master Instructor. She has completed Senior Enlisted Joint Professional Military Education (SEJPME), her Bachelor's degree in Organizational Leadership and is currently enrolled in Liberty University's Masters in Theological Studies program. SMSgt Griffin-Greer has also performed as a certified Mediator and Conflict Management Coach for the Alamo Federal Executive Board's (AFEB) Alternate Dispute Resolution Program for more than five years. When she is not creatively crafting in her home office, engaged in one of her 3 small businesses, recording podcasts for PTSD/Invisible wound sufferers, advocating for female veterans or public speaking, she currently volunteers her time at the USO of NC-Seymour Johnson Center and assists her community with her military Sorority, Kappa Epsilon Psi, Military Sorority Inc.
This MST survivor, International best selling author, disabled USAF Veteran Firefighter/EMT and an Aeromedical Evacuation Technician for a Med Evac Crew, is committed to helping others release past traumas through NLP Coaching.Military Meghann is from Littleton, Colorado and has lived in several states in the U.S. While serving in the U.S. Air Force she lived in Aviano AB, Italy, Shaw AFB, SC, Charlotte, NC and Cheyenne, WY. Meghann served ten years, as a Firefighter/EMT and an Aeromedical Evacuation Technician for a Med Evac Crew. She has lived and served all over the world including deployments to the Middle East. Through her journeys in life, she eventually found her path to the online Entrepreneur lifestyle. Meghann is the founder of Deadlift Diva, her fitness brand and companyIn 2016 while deployed to Kuwait, she was sexually assaulted and it changed everything she knew. She came home to a life of anger, trauma, hurt and was eventually diagnosed with PTSD-MST (military sexual trauma). It led to the end of an amazing career as a member of the Air Force and Firefighter. During this time, she found herself in a very dark place mentally, emotionally, physically and spiritually and eventually started to wonder how and what her purpose was. By spring of 2019, she had found that purpose. Meghann was introduced to NLP (neurolinguistic programming). She had such a huge transformation and shift in mindset, that it catapulted her onto this amazing journey she is on now. Within six months of attending her course, Meghann released all 5 of the Major negative emotions surrounding her trauma and other events in her past, through timeline therapy, hypnosis and PACE coaching. She is the co-author of the International Best Seller book She Did It. In March of 2020, she was invited to speak at Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio, TX, to the Army South Command and for the Sexual Assault Team in efforts to combat Sexual Assault within the military and the importance of Mental Health Awareness. August 2020 she started Meghann Trapp Coaching, which focuses on helping others, like herself, take back their lives through releasing events from any past trauma's, and achieving the goals and dreams they have always desired. She is very involved in the Veteran Communities and Outreach programs to help other Veterans suffering from Mental Health, PTSD. She co-founded and works as a co-producer for The VET struggle which is a youtube channel and blog addressing Veterans Issues, Greater Veterans, American Military Family; IGY6 and is working on expanding that Network to all those working to change the culture within the military and within the Veteran Community. Contact Her:Personalhttps://www.facebook.com/meghann.trappBusiness Pages: Deadlift Diva- https://www.facebook.com/deadliftdiva99Meghann Trapp Coaching- https://www.facebook.com/MeghannTrappCoachingInstagramwww.instagram.com/meghanntrappcoaching.comLinkedinwww.linkedin.com/in/meghann-trapp-84253031Twitter https://twitter.com/MeghannTrapp?s=03She Did ItPaperback-www.lulu.com- https://www.lulu.com/en/us/shop/meghann-trapp/she-did-it/paperback/product-1e4dnj72.html?page=1&pageSize=*Want to share your story or get our insight on any topic that impacts you the military woman, email us at camobeautystories@gmail.com. We LOVE to hear from YOUThe views and content shared on this podcast are personal and does not reflect the views of any branch of military service!
Today I finish my conversation with Shep Reimer, we talk about being an instructor at Naval Hospital Corps School at Fort Sam Houston, TX. We also discuss how he attend the United States Military Physicians Assistant school, before making a choice to drop out. Then we going into his choice to retire, and what he's doing now. #Navy #veteran #sailor Production Gear Used: Camera: Red Komodo 6k for streaming Lights Key: Aputure 300x - https://amzn.to/2EX5YQI Fill: Fotodoix 500 LED Panel Background: Aputure MC - https://amzn.to/34koDyx Sound: Rode Go Mic - https://amzn.to/2SnVZXP My Social Locals - modernronin.locals.com IG - /tomchase2017 https://www.instagram.com/tomchase2017 Twitter: @tommychase01 https://twitter.com/tommychase01 Blog http://www.modernronin.com Amazon Link https://amzn.to/2y092bp All content is property of Tommy Chase and The Modern Ronin
Today we have Joe Kennedy, a mental conditioning coach at IMG Academy, where he works primarily with the basketball program, but also works with 10 of the 14 teams at IMG. Prior to joining IMG Academy, Joe spent three years as a Performance Expert in the Ready and Resilient Performance center for the U.S. Military (Army, Navy, and Air Force) at Fort Sam Houston. Additionally, Joe served as a mental performance coach for clients ranging from high school to professional across various sports. Follow Joe on IG: Kennedy_jd3 --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/bballbarbell/support
See Jim's photographs from Vietnam on the Bullock Museum's website.
See Jim's photographs from Vietnam on the Bullock Museum's website.
See Jim's photographs from Vietnam on the Bullock Museum's website.
See Jim's photographs from Vietnam on the Bullock Museum's website.
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