Podcasts about sutherland springs

 In this gripping episode, we sit down with Stephen Willeford, the man who courageously intervened during the 2017 Sutherland Springs church shooting, one of the deadliest mass shootings in American history. Willeford, a former NRA instructor and lifelong resident of Sutherland Springs, recounts the harrowing events of that day—how he heard gunfire from his home, grabbed his rifle, and confronted the gunman, barefoot. But this conversation goes deeper than headlines. We explore the aftermath: the emotional toll, his reflections on faith, the responsibilities of gun ownership, and how one act of courage changed the course of many lives. This episode is a powerful meditation on trauma, heroism, community, and personal responsibility in the face of unimaginable violence.  

The Sutherland Springs Cemetery Association will hold a Memorial Day ceremony on Saturday, May 17, at 9:30 a.m., in Sutherland Springs Historical Cemetery. American Legion Post 38 will conduct the ceremony honoring all veterans. For information, contact Pat Jackson at 210- 413-5764 or Juan Mata at 210-514-3914, or email historicalcemetery1860@gmail.com. Sutherland Springs Historical Cemetery is located at 6961 F.M. 539 in Sutherland Springs.Article Link

Roderick H. “Rory” Sutherland, a British advertising executive and author (right), meets David Sutherland of La Vernia — his distant cousin — as Rory explores the Texas roots of his family tree April 24 with a visit to Sutherland Springs. Rory, who writes a bimonthly column in The Spectator, is a distant relative of Dr. John Sutherland, for whom the Wilson County community is named.Article Link

On November 5th, 2017, in Sutherland Springs Texas, the deadliest church shooting in US history was stopped by Stephen Willeford. Skip interviews Stephen as he describes in detail and retrospect on exactly how it all went down. Then Rod Yoder from Ohio talks about what happens when your neighbor turns into a sniper in the shooting classes dot com self-defense report. Lots of action in this episode of The Home Defense Show.

Signing up early for vacation Bible school (VBS) at Haven Oaks Community Bible Church. Volunteers will be at the Valero station in Sutherland Springs, corner of U.S. 87 and F.M. 539, on Saturday, April 26, from 9-11 a.m. Stop by and find out what “Magnifeld” VBS is all about. Fun-filled Bible study days are planned for Monday through Friday, June 16-20, concluding with a family day on June 21.Article Link

Area law-enforcement agencies have reported the following recent activity: Editor's Note: All individuals arrested and charged are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law beyond a reasonable doubt. Floresville police •March 13, Michael J. Alfaro, 43, of Floresville was arrested at the intersection of Fifth and F streets and charged with disorderly conduct by abusive language and disorderly conduct by abuse or threat. Wilson County Sheriff's Office •March 10, Montana R. Adcock, 23, of Floresville was arrested in the 200 block of Second Street in Sutherland Springs and charged with assault causing bodily injury in family violence....Article Link

Stop by Haven Oaks, 10294 F.M. 539 in Sutherland Springs, for a fish fry fundraiser on Saturday, March 22, beginning at 3 p.m. and continuing until they are sold out. Plates will be and include fish, mac and cheese, coleslaw, bread, and dessert. All proceeds will benefit Haven Oaks Vacation Bible School.Article Link

Jake Seay, a freshman at Somerset High School, wins first place Feb. 1 in the Marvin Allen Powerlifting Invitational, lifting a total of 1,335 pounds. The 15-year-old, whose family has roots in Sutherland Springs, also is a standout offensive lineman for the Bulldogs, and played in the Dream All-American Bowl in Dallas last December.Article Link

Editor: Peanuts are a part of my life. As a five-year-old in 1942, I rode on my father's Farmall B tractor while cultivating them near Sutherland Springs. I grew them near Stockdale until moving away in the 1960s. Plumpy'Nut is a product made from peanuts at a plant in Georgia. It provides essential nutrients for severely malnourished children. This “miracle paste” has saved millions of starving children in Africa from certain death. Wilson County peanuts may have been used. USAID provides Plumpy'Nut. It gives thriving life to children. Elon Musk's DOGE cut this program. At the February Cabinet meeting, Musk...Article Link

The Texas Historical Commission has selected Dr. Melinda Creech of Floresville as a recipient of its prestigious Award of Excellence in Preserving History. This award recognizes individuals whose work enhances the understanding of state or local history. Creech will be honored at the commission's annual Real Places Conference, scheduled for April 23-25 in Austin. Creech is being recognized for her role in designing and curating the exhibit, “The Enslaved People of J.H. Polley Plantation, Whitehall, Sutherland Springs, Texas, 1836- 1865.” This 29-panel exhibit, housed at both the Sutherland Springs Historical Museum and the historic Whitehall, also known as Polley Mansion,...Article Link

Haven Oaks Community Bible Church invites the community to their Bunco fundraiser on Friday, Feb. 28, at the Sutherland Springs Community Building, 411 Fourth St. in Sutherland Springs. The evening begins at 6:30 p.m. with snacks. Rules will be explained at 7 p.m. and Bunco will begin at 7:15 p.m. Entrance is just , and proceeds help support the church's Nursing Home Outreach Program. For more information, text Gail Uhlig at 210-288-4924.Article Link

Wilson County deputies have arrested two men for the theft of a vehicle and parts. The arrests followed a traffic stop in La Vernia. On Feb. 11, Deputy Jared Reynolds of the Wilson County Sheriff's Office observed two vehicles, one of which was pulling a trailer with a partially stripped Ford pickup, driving in tandem in the 3000 block of C.R. 307 south of La Vernia. Reynolds conducted a traffic stop on the vehicle with the trailer and, after investigating the driver — Roy J. Frazier, 51, of Sutherland Springs — found that the truck on the trailer had been...Article Link

Dr. Heather Wilson, a 1982 Air Force Academy graduate, formerly the 24th Secretary of the Air Force, and first USAFA graduate to hold the position, discusses her unexpected journey to the role, emphasizing the importance of integrity, service, and leadership. ----more---- SUMMARY Dr. Wilson shares her unexpected journey into leadership, the importance of integrity, and the lessons learned from both successes and failures. She reflects on her family legacy, the influence of mentors, and how her military background shaped her leadership style. Dr. Wilson emphasizes the value of collecting tools for leadership and adapting to different environments while maintaining core values. In this conversation, she discusses the importance of finding purpose in one's mission and the value of relationships, particularly family support. She reflects on her journey as a woman in leadership, the significance of legacy in public service, and her unexpected path to serving in Congress. Dr. Wilson emphasizes the lessons learned in collaboration and the importance of humor in leadership, ultimately encouraging future leaders to uphold high standards and not to shame their families.   SHARE THIS EPISODE LINKEDIN | FACEBOOK   TAKEAWAYS Dr. Wilson's journey to becoming Secretary of the Air Force was unexpected and transformative. Leadership often requires owning failures and focusing on solutions. Integrity is foundational to effective leadership and builds trust. Adapting leadership styles to different cultures is essential for success. Mentorship and influences from family play a significant role in shaping leaders. Collecting tools and knowledge is crucial for effective leadership. Quality management principles can be applied to various fields, including education and social services. Leadership is not linear; it involves navigating different paths and chapters. Building strong teams and hiring the right people is vital for organizational success. Direct communication and honesty are key components of effective leadership. Doing things that matter with people you like is essential. The most important decision in life can be personal, like choosing a partner. Family support enriches life and provides joy. Women in leadership often face unique challenges but can pave the way for others. Legacy is about making lasting changes in systems and strategies. Unexpected opportunities can lead to significant career changes. Collaboration and giving credit to others is key in leadership roles. Humor can help create a relaxed atmosphere in serious environments. Education is crucial for transforming lives and communities. Leadership is not always a straight path; adaptability is important.   EPISODE CHAPTERS 00:00  Introduction to Long Blue Leadership 01:25  Unexpected Call to Leadership 03:16  Lessons from Leadership Challenges 08:28  The Importance of Integrity 10:07  Adapting Leadership Styles 12:23  Influences and Mentorship 15:25  Family Legacy and Influence 17:41  Learning from Team Members 21:29  Applying Quality Management Principles 24:07  Navigating Non-Linear Leadership Paths 24:20  Finding Purpose in Mission and Relationships 28:06  The Importance of Family Support 30:08  Navigating Leadership as a Woman 34:30  Legacy and Impact in Public Service 36:29  Unexpected Paths: Serving in Congress 41:03  Lessons in Collaboration and Leadership   ABOUT DR. WILSON - IMAGES AND BIO COURTESY OF UTEP BIO Dr. Heather Wilson became the 11th President of The University of Texas at El Paso in 2019 after serving as Secretary of the United States Air Force. She is the former president of the South Dakota School of Mines & Technology, and she represented New Mexico in the United States Congress for 10 years.  Active in community and national affairs, she is a member of the National Science Board, which oversees the National Science Foundation, and serves as a board member of the Texas Space Commission. She was the inaugural Chair of the Alliance of Hispanic Serving Research Universities, and is a member of the board of directors of Lockheed Martin Corporation. Dr. Wilson is the granddaughter of immigrants and was the first person in her family to go to college. She graduated from the U.S. Air Force Academy in the third class to admit women and earned her master's and doctoral degrees from Oxford University in England as a Rhodes Scholar. UTEP is located on the U.S.-Mexico border – in the fifth largest manufacturing region in North America – and serves over 24,000 students with 170 bachelor's, master's and doctoral degree programs in nine colleges and schools. In the top 5% of public universities in the United States for research and designated a community-engaged university by the Carnegie Foundation, UTEP is America's leading Hispanic-serving university. It is the fourth largest research university in Texas and serves a student body that is 84% Hispanic. President Wilson is an instrument rated private pilot. She and her husband, Jay Hone, have two adult children and two granddaughters. Dr. Heather Wilson served as the 24th Secretary of the Air Force and was responsible for the affairs of the Department of the Air Force, including the organizing, training and equipping and providing for the welfare of 660,000 Active-Duty, Guard, Reserve and civilian forces their families. She provided oversight of the Air Force's annual budget of more than $132 billion and directs strategy and policy development, risk management, weapons acquisition, technology investments and human resource management across a global enterprise. Dr. Wilson has more than 35 years of professional experience in a range of leadership and management roles in the military, higher education, government and private industry. Before assuming her current position, Dr. Wilson was president of the South Dakota School of Mines & Technology, an engineering and science research university. From 1998 to 2009, Dr. Wilson was a member of the U.S. House of Representatives, where she served on the House Armed Services Committee, the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence and the House Energy and Commerce Committee. Before being elected to Congress, Dr. Wilson was a cabinet secretary in New Mexico's state government responsible for foster care, adoption, juvenile delinquency, children's mental health and early childhood education. From 1989 to 1991 Wilson served on the National Security Council staff as director for defense policy and arms control for President George H.W. Bush during the fall of the Berlin Wall and the collapse of the Warsaw Pact. From 1991 to1995 and again from 2009 to 2013 Wilson was in the private sector. In 1991, she founded Keystone International, Inc., a company that did business development and program planning work for defense and scientific industry. She served as a senior advisor to several national laboratories on matters related to nuclear weapons, non-proliferation, arms control verification, intelligence and the defense industrial base. Wilson also served on the boards of two publicly traded corporations as well as numerous advisory and non-profit boards.   CONNECT WITH DR. WILSON LINKEDIN  |  UTEP     ALL PAST LBL EPISODES  |  ALL LBLPN PRODUCTIONS AVAILABLE ON ALL MAJOR PODCAST PLATFORMS     FULL TRANSCRIPT SPEAKERS Guest:  Dr. Heather Wilson '82  |  Hosts:  Lt. Col. (Ret.) Naviere Walkewicz '99   Naviere Walkewicz  00:00 Welcome to Long Blue Leadership, the podcast where we share insights on leadership through the lives and experiences of Air Force Academy graduates. I'm Naviere Walkowicz, Class of '99. Our story is about a leader who reached heights fellow Air Force Academy graduates had not reached before her, and this was at a time when opportunities to do so were still new. My guest is Dr. Heather Wilson, Class of '82. As you heard, she served as the 24th secretary of the Air Force, but there is a unique distinction attached to that. Dr Wilson, welcome to Long Blue Leadership; we have much to discuss. Let's start with you becoming the secretary of the Air Force, our 24th.   Dr. Heather Wilson  00:37 Yeah, that wasn't part of my life's plan. Secretary Designate Mattis did call me. I was in South Dakota as the president of the South Dakota School of Mines and my cell phone rang and he said, “This is Jim Mattis, and I want to talk to you about becoming secretary of the Air Force.” And honest to goodness, my initial answer was, “Sir, you do know that being a college president is like the best job in America, right?” And he said, “Yeah, I know. I just came from Stanford.” And I said, “I didn't apply for any job. I mean, I like it out... I'm a gal of the West. I like the mountains. I like hiking and biking and fly fishing.” And he said, “Yeah, I know. I grew up on the Columbia River in Washington.” And I thought, “This isn't working,” but we talked several more times, and it was pretty clear that I was being called to serve in a way that I didn't anticipate, but that was what I was supposed to do.   Naviere Walkewicz  01:35 What a transformative moment in your life, I'm sure.   Dr. Heather Wilson  01:38 Well, it was. Again, my entire life, I think, is a diversion from its planned course. But I turned out — I didn't anticipate that, and it meant — my husband doesn't really much like big East Coast cities that rain a lot and have a lot of traffic, and so from a family point of view, it wasn't what we personally wanted to do, but you're called to serve. And we've been called to serve in different ways in our lives and sometimes, even if it feels inconvenient, you're still called to serve. It turned out to be wonderful and I really enjoyed the experience, both of working with Sec. Mattis, but also getting back to spending time with airmen. And so it turned out to be wonderful, but it wasn't what I expected.   Naviere Walkewicz  02:25 Well, you said it, ma'am. As we know, service and leadership aren't linear, and so we're really excited to dive into some of those experiences today. Maybe share, as secretary of the Air Force, some of those moments in leadership that stuck with you. Let's just kind of start there.   Dr. Heather Wilson  02:42 Certainly. There were good days and not so good days. I think one of the things that I really benefited from was that I had a partner in the chief of staff, Dave Goldfein, who was absolutely fantastic. And we've remained very close friends. We started at the Academy the same day and he would joke and tell people that we didn't graduate on the same day because he went stop-out for a year. But we didn't know each other well as cadets, but we were formed by some of the same experiences and I think that helped tremendously. I didn't really understand that in our system of government, the civilian secretary has almost all the authority, but the chief of staff has almost all of the influence. And if you can figure out how to work together, you can get a heck of a lot done. And Dave and I both had that same approach, and it turned out to be a great partnership.   Naviere Walkewicz  03:42 That's pretty incredible. In fact, the time of your service in that role, I was actually working under your umbrella at U.S. STRATCOM. I was at Strategic Command there as a government civilian and as a reservist. And so, I can certainly speak to, I think, some of the amazing things that you did. Can you share a little — you talked about some ups and downs. What was maybe one of the failures as secretary of the Air Force that you learned from that helped you throughout your life?   Dr. Heather Wilson  04:11 Well, I know the day. I think it was Nov. 5, 2017, and it was a Sunday, late morning or early afternoon, and my phone rang. I was upstairs in the study in my row house in Virginia and it was the inspector general, Gen. Syed. And that morning, a young man had walked into a church in Sutherland Springs, Texas, and opened fire and killed a lot of people, and it turned out he had been an airman, and the general said, “You know, we're not sure yet, but he may have been convicted of a crime that would have required us to tell the FBI and the national criminal records check system that he had committed a crime that would not allow him to purchase a weapon, but we may have failed to notify.” We didn't know, we wouldn't know that afternoon but I talked to the chief and we all got together on Monday morning at 9 a.m. and Gen. Syed confirmed that he was an airman, he had been convicted of a domestic violence-related crime, and we had not properly notified the FBI, and as a result, he had been able to buy a weapon. Um, that was not a good day. And we talked about what we should do next, and our general counsel wasn't there — he was traveling that morning, but a more junior lawyer was there, who suggested kind of — and, you know, other people said, well — it actually got worse because there was an IG investigation, an internal audit from several years before, that showed that all of the services were not properly reporting to the national criminal records system. So we hadn't fixed the problem. We knew; we had been informed there was a problem and hadn't fixed it. And some people said, “Well, you weren't here at the time.” That doesn't matter. You wear the uniform, or you wear the cloak of office, and you have to take responsibility for the institution. And of course, the lawyers would say, “Well, you know, maybe you want to fuzz this and not take — you know, there's investigation going on,” or something. But we knew enough of the facts that morning, Monday morning, and Dave Goldfein and I decided to own it, to own the failure and focus on fixing the problem. And we did. And in the short term that was very uncomfortable. We sat in front of the Pentagon press corps and took their questions, and we went to Capitol Hill and informed the members of Congress on what had been done and not been done and why. But in the long term, by owning failure, we were able to focus on fixing the problem rather than just trying to manage responsibility and accountability, and it turned out to be a much better approach. So, sometimes the most important lesson is to own failure.   Naviere Walkewicz 07:09 I'm so glad you shared that, ma'am, because I think some people have a fear of failure, but there are many times when failure is inevitable, and to your point, owning it is the right approach. Something you said when you're sharing that, it made me think about us as cadets and our core values: integrity first. And that really resonated with how your approach was. Would you say that was born for you at the Academy and kind of through your career that's where it stayed, or has that always been part of your fabric?   Dr. Heather Wilson  07:36 I think the Academy was absolutely formative in that way, in the Honor Code. And, you know, integrity first, service before self, and excellence in all we do, now replaces what was there when I was a cadet, over the archway there. But I think that's woven into the fabric for airmen, and it's part of our culture, and it drives you. And I think — you know now we look at, how do we evaluate officers? It's the same way I now evaluate leaders — any leaders that work with me — and it's the way I evaluate myself: accomplish the mission, lead people, manage resources and make your unit better, all on a foundation of values. But it's that last part of it: all on a foundation of values. If you don't have that, the rest of it almost doesn't matter. You can try to make your unit better, but if you're lying about it, nobody's going to trust you. If you're leading people and managing resources, but you don't have integrity, it doesn't matter. So, integrity first, and that commitment to trying to be honest and direct with people builds those relationships of trust, which lasts for decades throughout a career.   Naviere Walkewicz  08:53 Absolutely. And the key word, I think, that foundation you talked about — how has that foundation served you in leadership as you've explored other areas outside of the military, amazing roles leading UTEP, also at the South Dakota School of Mines, in higher education? I'm sure that there's a translation of what that looks like. Can you share maybe an example of how that came into play?   Dr. Heather Wilson  09:15 Sure, it happens all the time. I think in any leadership position, whether you're in corporate life, in community life and a nonprofit, or in higher education, leading with a foundation of values, being honest, complying with the law, following the rules or changing the rules. It doesn't mean — that's one of the things that I think is probably important for leaders. You get to a point as a leader where your job is not just to follow the rules, but to look at the systems and identify the rules that need to be changed, but to be direct and honest about that too. Where it's not “Well, I think this rule doesn't make any sense, so I'm going to skirt it,” or “I'm not going to tell people that I've complied with something and I haven't.” In fact, you know that happened to me this morning. I got a disclosure that I was supposed to sign for a report that was published yesterday to the director of National Intelligence on a committee that I serve on, and they sent this kind of notification on what you can talk about publicly, and all of those things, and I hadn't given up my right to speak publicly about unclassified matters, and I responded, “I understand what you've said. I want to let you know that this is how I interpret this, and this is the way I'm going to act.” I was very direct about it. “I didn't give up my First Amendment rights as a citizen because I worked on your task force.” So, very direct. And I think that directness is something that — not all cultures are that way, including higher education culture. I have to be a little bit careful about that sometimes — the airman's tendency to have a frank debrief isn't always the way other cultures and work cultures are. They're just not always like that, so, I have to be a little bit careful sometimes that I don't crush people's will to live or something.   Naviere Walkewicz  11:13 I was actually thinking about that as you were speaking how, if you have the foundation, especially from the military, we kind of understand that directive approach and certainly those core values that we know of. And I'm curious, how do you adapt as a leader to those who maybe don't have that foundation? How do you bring them up to speed and kind of help them establish that?   Dr. Heather Wilson  11:32 Well, it's a two-way street. It means that I have to understand the culture that I'm in and the way in which I talk with senior faculty may be slightly different than the way I might talk to somebody who just got off a flight line and was too low and slow on final or something, you know? But at the same time with both a sense of humor and a little bit of grace… It was really funny when I was at South Dakota Mines, my provost was a long-time academic. And of course, I had served in Congress for 10 years as well. And he once said something to me that just made me crack up. He said, “You know, you are the least political president I've ever worked with. And the funny thing is, you're the only one that was really a politician.” And he said, “You remind me more of a military officer.” And I thought, “Yeah, that's probably true.” But I was fairly direct as a member of Congress as well. And so, I've just found that that works better for me in life, I guess.   Naviere Walkewicz  12:37 You were sharing how, you know, I think it was the provost that said that you really didn't remind him as someone that was very political, even though you're the only politician he's known. And so what was your time like serving in Congress? I mean, that's 10 years you did, I think, correct?   Dr. Heather Wilson  12:52 I did. And again, I didn't expect to serve in Congress. My predecessor became very seriously ill shortly before the filing deadline for the election that happened in 1998, and my phone rang. It was a Thursday night. This happens to me. I don't know why, but it was a Thursday night, and my phone rang. I was working in Santa Fe, cabinet secretary for Child Welfare, and it was Sen. Pete Domenici, the senior senator for the state of New Mexico. And he said, “You don't know anything about this, but I'm coming to New Mexico this weekend, and I want to talk to you about running for Congress.” Well, that's a quiz; that's not a question. Because a quiz has a right answer, which is, “Sir, I'd be happy to talk to you about whatever you want to talk about.” He's a United States senator. So, we talked about all kinds of things, and he called me from the airport when he was heading back to Washington that Sunday night, and he said, “Look, if you will run, I will help you.” And I decided to run. It was eight days before the filing deadline. I talked to my predecessor — he was fighting skin cancer — and said, “Look, why don't you just focus on fighting cancer? Two years from now, if you want to run again, you can have this seat back. I'll try to do my best for the next two years.” And then 30 days later, he died. I mean, you're not supposed to die of skin cancer. And so, I ended up serving for 10 years in the Congress in a very difficult swing district that I probably shouldn't have won in the first place. But I enjoyed the service part of it. I enjoyed the policy work part of it — intellectually challenging. Some of the partisan silliness I didn't like very much. And then when I left the Congress, ran on successfully for the Senate and became a university president. One of the great things — I tell people now that I was released from Congress early for good behavior. But it was nice to be in a town where people were waving at me with all five fingers. I mean, it was wonderful. So, I enjoyed the service, and I enjoyed a lot helping people — doing casework and things. But it was also a little bit less of a partisan time where you could try to listen and learn and serve well and try to serve your constituents without just being under attack mercilessly and in social media, or something. It was maybe perhaps a different age.   Naviere Walkewicz  15:25 Well, I chuckled when you said waving with all five fingers. That got a good one out of me. I thought about when you're in that, because that wasn't something you were looking to do, and this seems to be a bit of a theme in your leadership trajectory as well. You've kind of been tapped on the shoulder, and you know, for the ones that you didn't apply for or run for, plan for, have been such transformative positions in your life.   Dr. Heather Wilson  15:50 Yeah, and I think maybe that happens to people more than we might acknowledge, because when we're planning our lives, we think we know what's going to happen, but in reality, we adapt to situations that develop and opportunities open that you didn't know were there or someone asked you to take on a special project and that leads you in a direction that you didn't anticipate. So while mine seem particularly unusual in these very different chapters of my life, I don't think it's all that unusual. We just look forward and project in straight lines, and when we look backward, we tell a story in a narrative and it's not always a straight line. But I've been blessed to be asked to do some things. And perhaps in our relationship, my husband and I, he doesn't like change. I love it, and so in our relationship, he's kind of the keel and I'm kind of the sail, and together, we go places.   Naviere Walkewicz  16:56 That's awesome. And I think that particular time and journey in your career serving in Congress was probably one that you established new tools in your leadership toolbox. Were there any that particularly stood out — moments, either when you were having to, you know, forge new policy or achieve things that you hadn't prior? Because Congress is a kind of different machine.   Dr. Heather Wilson  17:21 Yeah, it's a very big committee, and it's not executive leadership. And so I'm probably more predisposed to executive leadership than just being on committees. It takes a very long time to get anything done in Congress, and our government is intentionally designed that way to protect us from tyranny. So you have to take that philosophical approach to it, even if you're frustrated day to day. I did learn how to get things done by giving other people credit. And there were several times — the changes to the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act is probably one example — where I had sponsored legislation in the House. It had taken quite a bit of time — changing Congress. There were continued problems, and I went to others and tried to put them in positions of leadership and support them. And ultimately, it was a Senate bill that passed, but which had been shaped in the background by multiple people, including me, and I was OK with that. And the same thing happened on pieces of legislation about public lands in New Mexico. I remember I came out in favor of doing something in northern New Mexico with respect to some public lands, and I got out ahead of Pete Domenici and he was not happy about that. He was very clear about not being happy about getting a little bit ahead of him on it. But in the end, the piece of legislation there that was signed, and another one on Zia Pueblo were Senate bills. They weren't House bills. But I had moved things forward on the House side, and it didn't matter to me that that it said “S” rather than “H” in front of the name of the bill. So as long as you don't really care about who gets the credit, you can get a lot done in the Congress.   Naviere Walkewicz  19:11 That is a powerful lesson. And somewhere in the back of my mind, I think there's a Contrails quote, and I can't remember all of it, but I remember the end of it is, “…if you don't care who gets the credit.”   Dr. Heather Wilson  19:11 Yeah, that was probably one of the short ones. Schofield's quote was — we all did pushups for those.   Naviere Walkewicz  19:30 Yes, I had a starting moment. I was about to get down…   Dr. Heather Wilson  19:35 … and start to sweat…   Naviere Walkewicz  19:37 … and take my punishment. That was wonderful, ma'am. I'm glad we actually went back and did that journey.   Dr. Heather Wilson  19:42 When I think about my service in the Congress, where I made the most difference, it was in committee work, and particularly on the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, where I served for a significant amount of time, including post-9/11. And I think that work, because the Intelligence Committee, most of it is in private, it's dealing with really hard, really important issues, and you don't bring your staff there. You have to do the work. And I think probably that's where I did some of my most important work as a member of Congress, was in Intelligence.   Naviere Walkewicz  20:18 Thank you for sharing that. Who are some other influencers, some key influencers in your life, that have maybe walked alongside you or helped you in these different roles that you've carried in your amazing career.   Dr. Heather Wilson  20:31 Oh, they're different people at different times, but certainly as a young person, my grandfather was very important to me. My grandfather had been one of the first flyers in the RAF in World War I, and then came to America in 1922 and flew in the Second World War for what became the Civil Air Patrol. So he did sub search off the Atlantic coast, and varied parts, around to bases, in New England. So, he was important to me as a child. My dad died when I was young. My dad also had been enlisted in the Air Force. He was a crew chief and also a pilot, commercial pilot, after he got out of the service. So I grew up around airplanes and my grandfather was very important to me, and there were other people along the way. When I was a cadet, there was a group commander, Lieutenant Colonel — it's funny, you still remember… anyone who remembers my middle initial, I know it's like, “Oh, this may not be good,” but Robert L. Rame, Lt. Col. Robert L. Rame was the 4th Group commander and my first Air Officer Commanding. General — sorry, Maj. William S. Reeder. He was an Army officer and had been a prisoner of war in Vietnam. Really, I was terrified of disappointing him. It's funny, I just got a Christmas card from him. Life's long, right?   Naviere Walkewicz  21:53 Wow. What connections. I'd like to kind of go back a little bit to your grandfather. You said he was really important to you in your life. Can you share maybe some of the ways he influenced you? Obviously, you're third-generation aviator in your family. Is that how you knew you're going to go into service?   Dr. Heather Wilson  22:08 Well, the Academy wasn't an option until I was a junior in high school, and so I knew I was going to college, but I didn't really think about where. And then they opened the Air Force Academy to women when I was a junior in high school. So, my grandfather had two sons, and he had five grandsons, and me. But he was pretty — I would say — the way he might say it is he was pretty sweet on me; he and I were very close. We used to play chess after school when I was in high school, and I remember once we just finished playing chess, and I was a senior in high school — so, my grandfather was an aviator; he was also a mechanic. He could use any tool, I mean, he was just amazing with his hands. And I had learned a new tool in school, and I took out a piece of graph paper and I drew a drew a curve, and I said, “Grandpa, do you think you could find the area under this curve?” And he said, “Well, I'd probably count up the squares and estimate from there on the graph paper.” And I then I showed him something new and it was called calculus, and it was the first time in my life that I realized I had a tool that my grandfather didn't have. He had a high school education and had gone into the RAF during the First World War, and he was a great mechanic and a really good man, but I realized that there were opportunities for me that maybe my grandfather never had.   Naviere Walkewicz  23:56 I actually got chill bumps when you shared that. Pretty powerful. Thank you so much. Can you talk about, throughout your career — you said if people remember your middle initial, and I'm sure that many on the military side would, because you're amazing… Have you learned from anyone maybe that is not a mentor of you, but someone that has kind of come under your wing? Can you share some leadership lessons that you've learned from those serving alongside and under you?   Dr. Heather Wilson  24:24 Oh my gosh, I learn stuff every day from the people whom I'm privileged to work with. And one of the things that I learned over time was, and as you get more senior, the most important thing you do as a senior leader is hire good people who know things that you don't know, because it's not possible to know everything you need to know to lead a large organization. So, you have to organize yourself well and then get great people and let them do their job. So, I learn things every day. I was interviewing somebody yesterday that we're trying to attract to come to the university who is on the communication side of things — marketing and communication and branding. And you know that creative, visual side of my brain, if you did a brain scan, it would be like a dark hole. That's not a strength of mine. And so those kinds of things are — you have to realize what your strengths are, and then to fill in the team and put together a team, which together can accomplish the mission.   Naviere Walkewicz  25:34 I'd say your grandfather is still kind of, you know, influencing that. It's almost like you're filling your toolbox with all those areas.   Dr. Heather Wilson  25:43 That's funny you use that word. I've told this story before, but my father was both a pilot and a mechanic, and he built an experimental aircraft in our house, and we lived on this, kind of the last house that they would plow to on the end of the road in the winter, right? So, in a very small town, and at that time, there were still traveling salesmen, and the Snap-on tools guy would come probably every six weeks or so, and he had this, like red truck with an accordion thing on the back that looked just like the toolbox in the corner of the garage, right? And we knew that when the Snap-on tools guy came, do not go out. I mean, it was like Christmas for my dad. Do not interfere when the Snap-on tools guy is there. And so he'd go out and lean against the truck, and we could see him laughing and stuff. And eventually my dad would reach in his pocket and pull out his billfold and give the guy a bill, and he'd go back, and he'd lift up the back of the accordion thing and reach in there and give my dad a tool. And my dad would — then the truck would back out, and go on to his next stop. But my dad would take that tool and we'd scramble into the garage to see what he got and stuff. And my dad would usually put that tool in the box in the corner and then go back to what he was doing that day, working on his car or whatever he was doing. And it occurred to me that my dad didn't need that tool that day, but he collected tools, and someday he'd need that tool. And I think great leaders collect tools even when they don't need them today, because they're going to be times when you bring everybody to — you know, there's that great scene in Apollo 13, but it happens around the staff and Cabinet table, and it'll happen in your planning room as a pilot where you've got a new problem, and everybody brings in their tools and says, “OK, how can we make a carbon monoxide filter, or carbon dioxide filter, out of what we've got here on the table?” So, collect tools. And I think that's one of the things I learned from my dad.     Naviere Walkewicz  28:00 Oh, that is an amazing story. Can you share maybe a tool that you've had in your toolbox, that you learned way back when, maybe at the Academy, or as a young girl, that you've recently pulled out and used?   Dr. Heather Wilson 28:12 Well, one of them — I'm not so sure it's recent, but when I was a small business owner, there was a group in New Mexico called Quality New Mexico, and they taught small business owners the Baldrige Principles for quality management. And then I ended up being the Cabinet secretary for child welfare in New Mexico. So, I took over a foster care system, which was under a federal consent decree for not getting kids forever homes and an overly crowded juvenile justice system. I mean, every intractable social problem was — I realized after a while why I became Cabinet secretary for child welfare, because nobody else wanted that job. I mean it was a really difficult job, but I had these tools on quality management. I thought, “I think we can apply these same principles to improving foster care, to improving the juvenile justice system.” And so we did, and there's some things I was proud of there, but one of my last acts as Cabinet secretary before I ended up leaving and running for Congress was to sign the end of the federal consent decree that had been in place for 18 years that said that the state was not getting foster kids forever homes. We changed the system, but we did it using those quality management principles, which I had learned as a small business owner almost as a lark. So, there's one example. But, you know, we just went through a global pandemic. It was very much a pickup game. Nobody had ever been through that. So, we all got together and figured out how we could use the tools we had, including the research capability on my campus to be able to sequence DNA so that we could do testing on campus and get the results, ultimately, within six hours and then feed that back so we could detect disease before someone was symptomatic, so you could suppress disease on campus for those who had to be on campus. There's some things you can't do remotely. And so, we had our own testing system on campus, which was remarkable. Well, why'd we have that? Because we had some tools in the box.   Naviere Walkewicz  30:37 Well, you've used those tools amazingly as you've navigated your career. How would you say that — because yours is… we talked about not being linear. It's kind of been multiple paths and…   Dr. Heather Wilson 30:50 Different chapters.   Naviere Walkewicz 30:51 Yes, I love that. Different chapters. How would you say that you've navigated leadership through that? And has there been a thread that's been common through all those different chapters that you've…   Dr. Heather Wilson  31:04 Yeah, we talked a little about integrity, and that certainly is there. But I when, when people say things like, you know, “Why are you at UTEP?” Or, “Why did you shift to higher ed?” Or, “Why did…” The mission matters so developing people matters. Defending the country matters. So, a mission that matters with people I like. And I realized that when you get down to it, you should do things that matter with people you like and if that's your filter, as long as you can put food on the table, there's a lot of different things you can do, but it should be something that matters with people you like. Otherwise, that time between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. can seem forever unless you're doing something you like.   Naviere Walkewicz  31:49 That is a powerful thread. Mission matters with people you like. How has your family supported you through this?   Dr. Heather Wilson  31:56 I live a blessed life. I tell this to students, and probably, as a younger woman, I wouldn't have said these things because I was so focused on being taken seriously, I suppose. But, I lightened up after time and realized, OK, I'm probably too serious. But the most important decision I've made in my life is not to go to the Academy or to run for Congress or to become a college president — none of those things are the most important decision I've made in my life. The most important decision I made in my life was to marry the guy I married. I married a guy who's actually retired Air Force now, but he was a lawyer. Despite that, he's a nice guy and sometimes, I think, particularly for women, there's always that fear that you're going to sit down when you're in a getting into a serious relationship, and it's going to be one of those conversations that says, “OK, we're thinking about making this permanent. Who's going to give up her career?” And it's not really a conversation, or at least maybe it wasn't in my era, but Jay never had that conversation with me. It was always we could do more together than either of us could do alone, and he has been so supportive of me. And, yeah, vice versa. But I had to go back east for something last week, and I knew that even in this big reception that I was in with all these people, that he wasn't going to be there, and if he was, he'd still be the most interesting guy in the room. So, I married well, and my family always — we're a very close family. And I think while my obligations to my family didn't end at the front porch, my family gave richness and dimension to my life that I never really anticipated as a young woman, and it's given me joy. Success seemed possible to achieve; joy always seemed like a gift from God, and I have had joy because of my family.   Naviere Walkewicz  34:18 Thank you for sharing that. You talk about when you're hiring, you choose people that kind of fill gaps, but it sounds like, also on your personal team, you want to make sure that you're choosing it, you know...   Dr. Heather Wilson  34:30 Yeah, you're going to be roommates for a long time. That matters. And there's the things that you just kind of have to get over. You know, I'm not going to clean around his sink, and he's not going to be bothered about the fact that my closet's color coordinated. I mean, we just live with that, right?   Naviere Walkewicz  34:49 I appreciate that about you so much. You talked a minute ago about some things you learned about yourself as a leader. You know, “Not take myself too seriously.” Can you share a little bit more about that journey on your own, like that personal leadership journey that you've made?   Dr. Heather Wilson  35:07 Yeah, and I think it's easier as you go on. And honestly, very early on, I was very often the only woman in the room, and so I wanted to be taken seriously. I was also very often the youngest person in the room. And so those two things made me want to be taken seriously. As I went on and got more responsibility, I realized that the truth is I am a very serious and successful woman. My husband would say that I was raised in the home for the humor impaired, and that I've been in therapy with him for over 30 years. So, I gradually learned to see the humor in life. I still am not one that stands up and tells jokes or something, but I see the humor in life and I don't take myself too seriously. The person that I watched who used self-deprecating humor better than any leader I've ever seen was actually Dave Goldfein. Everyone knew when he walked into a room, or if he stood up on a stage at a town hall meeting with a bunch of airmen or something — everybody knew that they were gonna laugh. At some point in that meeting we're gonna laugh, and not at someone else's expense, but at his. And it made people relax around him. He was very, very good at it. But I also knew that his self-deprecating humor was really a cover for exceptional competence, and I never underestimated that, but it made people relax and brought a little bit of joy to whatever intractable problem we were looking at.   Naviere Walkewicz  36:51 Well, you shared about sometimes when you're coming up through your leadership, you were often the only woman in the room and sometimes the youngest in the room. What would you like to share on your thoughts of what has that impact been, and what do you see as your legacy?   Dr. Heather Wilson  37:07 Well, there were some times, particularly early on, when women flying or women in positions of command was new, where you just had to do the job and realize that you were probably changing attitudes as you went and that it would be easier for those who came after you, and that's OK. I don't see that as much anymore. Although, when I was elected to Congress, I think probably 10% to 15% of the House was women. Now it's more than that, and once it gets to be more than 30% in any room, it doesn't sound — it's almost like you walk into a restaurant where it's all guys or all women, and you notice the difference in the room, the tones of the voices and things. Once you get to about a third, it feels like it's comfortable, but early on, I always was very conscious of it and conscious of the obligation to do well, because I was being judged not only for myself, but for an entire group of people. And so, I was sensitive to that, and wanted to make sure that I didn't, like — “Don't shame the family,” right? So make sure that you keep the doors open. As far as legacy is concerned, and I think back in my time as Air Force secretary, I would say there's two things that I hope linger, and they have so far. One is a change to the promotion system to make sure that we have the right kind of talent to choose from at all levels in the organization, and so that, I think, has continued to persist. And the other one that will be changed over time and has to be changed over time, had to do with the science and technology strategy of the Air Force and the need to stay ahead of adversaries. I think this is a completely separate conversation, but I actually think that that we are at greater risk of scientific and technical surprise today than at any time since the end of the Second World War. And if you go back and read books about engineers of victory, or there's a whole lot of books about how science and technology was brought to bear in prevailing in the Second World War. I think we're at risk now in a way that we've kind of become complacent about. So, science and technology strategy is something that I hope is a legacy.   Naviere Walkewicz  39:36 That's amazing, ma'am. And I think not only for our military, but you're able to influence that in the spaces that you are now.   Dr. Heather Wilson  39:43 Yeah, engaging the next generation, which is a heck of a lot of fun. You know, the University of Texas at El Paso is a wonderful institution — 25,000 students, half of them are the first in their families to go to college. About 70% or so come from families making less than about $45,000 a year. So, this is a university that transforms lives, and it's a university that — of my 25,000 students, over 5,000 are studying engineering. Another couple thousand are studying science, College of Nursing, College of Education. This has a tremendous impact on the region and on the lives of those who choose to educate themselves. And so it's a wonderful mission to be part of, and I think it's important for the nation. I think regions of the world who choose to educate their people in the 21st century will thrive, and those that don't are going to be left behind, and that's why I do what I do.   Naviere Walkewicz  40:44 Well, it clearly aligns with your foundation and your mission, ma'am, and I think that's outstanding. We're going to ask for Dr. Wilson's final thoughts next, but before we do, I'd like to take a moment and thank you for listening to Long Blue Leadership. The podcast publishes Tuesdays in both video and audio and is available on all your favorite podcast platforms. Be sure to watch, listen and subscribe to all episodes of Long Blue Leadership at longblueleadership.org. So, Dr. Wilson, I would love to take a moment to gather some of your final thoughts, what you'd like to share today.   Dr. Heather Wilson  41:21 Well, assuming that most of the folks who listen to this are either cadets or young officers or grads, I leave them with one thought, and that is, don't shame the family. Don't shame the family. People will look up to you because you are an Air Force Academy graduate, or you are an Air Force cadet. The standard is higher, so live up to the standard.   Naviere Walkewicz  41:50 Ma'am, we started with you being direct. You ended direct. I think that is amazing. Thank you very much. Thanks for being on Long Blue Leadership.   Dr. Heather Wilson  41:58 My pleasure.     KEYWORDS leadership, Air Force Academy, integrity, mentorship, quality management, Dr. Heather Wilson, military service, personal growth, career journey, unexpected opportunities, leadership, integrity, family support, women in leadership, public service, legacy, mission-driven, personal growth, collaboration, Congress     The Long Blue Line Podcast Network is presented by the U.S. Air Force Academy Association and Foundation    

Join Haven Oaks Community Bible Church on Saturday, March 1, beginning at 9 a.m. for African American Story Gathering Day. Bring your stories, keepsakes, memorabilia, or information to share in piecing together the untold stories of the resilient men, women, and children that lived in the Freedom Colonies along the Cibolo Creek. Refreshments will be provided. Haven Oaks Community Bible Church is located at 10294 F.M. 539 in Sutherland Springs.Article Link

Directors and curators of community museums in Wilson County gather Jan. 16 at the Polley Mansion, also known as Whitehall, near Sutherland Springs to discuss collaborating to improve attendance and outreach efforts for tours. Participating in the event are Partners in Preservation Administrator Nancy de la Zerda; San Antonio African American Community Archive and Museum (SAAACAM) Historian Cristal Mendez; SAAACAM archivist Jedda Silva; Wilson County Jailhouse Museum Director Mallorie Rathbun Deason; Dr. Melinda Creech, Sutherland Springs Museum Curator/Historian; Polley Mansion Co-Director/Curator Robin Muschalek; La Vernia Historical Association President Elaine Mazurek Stephens and La Vernia Heritage Museum Director Susan Richter; Stockdale...Article Link

Participants in the Stomping Ground Adult Day Services program at the Sutherland Springs Community Building are delighted to greet trail riders with the Old Chisholm Trail Drivers Feb. 4, as they riders enjoy a rest stop in Sutherland Springs. The riders traveled from Stockdale to La Vernia that day, on their way to the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo. Stomping Grounds Adult Day Services offers a social and life skills program for adults with intellectual disabilities in Wilson and Bexar counties.Article Link

Area law-enforcement agencies have reported the following recent activity: Editor's Note: All individuals arrested and charged are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law beyond a reasonable doubt. Department of Public Safety •Feb. 5, Gustavo A. Castillo, 19, of Sutherland Springs was arrested on a warrant following a traffic stop at the intersection of U.S. 87 and Fourth Street in Sutherland Springs; he was charged with sexual assault of a child of the opposite sex. •Feb. 3, David S. Cummings, 54, of Floresville was arrested in the 1400 block of Longhorn Drive for an out-of-county warrant and...Article Link

All city and county offices will be closed in observance of Presidents Day on Monday, Feb. 17. City halls in Elmendorf, Floresville, La Vernia, Poth, and Stockdale will be closed, along with the Wilson County Courthouse, Tax Office, and Clerk's Office. The Wilson County Appraisal District will also be closed. The Wilson County Collection Facility will be closed on Saturday, Feb. 15, in addition to its normal closure days of Sunday and Monday. The facility will re-open on Tuesday, Feb. 18. Additional closures include post offices in Elmendorf, Floresville, La Vernia, Poth, Stockdale, and Sutherland Springs. All Wilson County Public...Article Link

“I was in my home sleeping and heard a violent bang,” said Rudy Ramirez. “It shook my house and woke me up from a dead sleep.” When Ramirez — who lives off of F.M. 539 in Sutherland Springs — looked outside Jan. 12 to find the source, he saw a car that was on fire, resting on his property. His neighbor, Todd, had just pulled a young man out of the car as flames began to grow from underneath the hood of the vehicle. According to Trooper Christopher Rocha of the Texas Department of Public Safety Highway Patrol, the driver,...Article Link

Area law-enforcement agencies have reported the following recent activity: Editor's Note: All individuals arrested and charged are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law beyond a reasonable doubt. Department of Public Safety •Jan. 7, Zechariah R. Valadez, 30, of San Antonio was arrested on U.S. 181 North and charged with speeding, possession of less than 2 ounces of marijuana, and unlawful carrying of a weapon. •Jan. 11, Jovany H. Cales, 26, of Sutherland Springs was arrested at the intersection of South Fourth Street and U.S. 87 in Sutherland Springs and charged with unlawful carrying of a weapon...Article Link

Stephen Willeford, currently serves as spokesman for the Gun Owners of America. Stephen is the “hero with a gun” from the Sutherland Springs incident in 2017, which he has since co- written a book about. Concealed Carry Reciprocity Making Progress In House and Senate

A number of milestones were reached in or near Wilson County in 2024. The former church building of the First Baptist Church of Sutherland Springs was demolished in August. The building had served as one of the homes of the congregation, established in 1926, until tragedy struck: During a Sunday service Nov. 5, 2017, a gunman opened fire, killing 26 people and wounding more than 20 others inside the church. The old church became the site of memorials, but after the construction of a new, larger building in 2019, was opened only upon special request. The congregation unveiled a marker...Article Link

Floresville City Manager Andy Joslin (1-r), Mayor Gloria Morales Cantu, and Wilson County Judge Hank Whitman attend the Alamo Area Council of Governments 50th Regional Awards Dec. 11, where the Wilson County Connect public transportation project won the 2024 Government Project of the Year award. The buses connect the city of Floresville with the cities of La Vernia and Stockdale, and the Sutherland Springs and Pandora communities.Article Link

The following defendants were among those listed on recent dockets for the 81st District Court in Wilson County: •Tommy R. Ard, 47, of La Vernia was originally charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon for a crime he allegedly committed in October 2019. The court granted a motion for the prosecution to proceed with the lesser offense of deadly conduct, and Ard pleaded nolo contendere (no contest) Nov. 12. He was sentenced to two years in a Texas Department of Criminal Justice facility and ordered to pay court costs and reimbursement fees. •Alia J. Rogers, 27, of Sutherland Springs...Article Link

In part two of this interview, Jamal Alsaffar discusses the challenges and trial strategies involved in the Sutherland Springs Church Shooting case with host Amy Gunn. Alsaffar highlights the importance of empathy, sharing how he creatively used the courtroom's layout to help the judge and others grasp the trauma experienced by the victims. He recounts the discovery of crucial evidence, including handwritten notes revealing the shooter's extensive history of violent crimes and failed attempts to access military bases after discharge, arguing that the military's negligence in reporting the shooter's criminal history contributed to the tragedy. Alsaffar emphasizes the vital role of trial law in effecting change.

In this week's religious news, Missouri prepares to vote on a constitutional amendment to end the state's abortion ban, with supporters and opponents gearing up for a major battle. We also cover the demolition of the First Baptist Church in Sutherland Springs, Texas, the site of one of the deadliest church shootings in U.S. history. Additionally, as the Democratic National Convention kicks off in Chicago, religious leaders express their concerns over the war in Gaza and the rise of hate crimes. Join Fred Bodimer for an in-depth look at these significant events.

In part one of this interview, trial attorney Jamal Alsaffar discusses his involvement in the Sutherland Springs Church Shooting case with host Amy Gunn. Pursuing the case under the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA), Alsaffar revealed a systemic failure by the Air Force and other military branches to report criminal records to the FBI's background check system, which enabled the Sutherland Springs shooter to legally purchase firearms. Alsaffar highlights the importance of honesty with clients while detailing the significant legal hurdles the case faced, including opposition from the Department of Justice and the gun industry. Through collaboration with other lawyers and contributions to related cases, his efforts led to systemic changes in military reporting procedures, underscoring the critical role of trials in achieving justice and enforcing accountability.  

Stories we're following this morning at Progress Texas: Over the weekend, new details about the 2022 Robb Elementary mass shooting were revealed as the City of Uvalde released its records on the incident: https://www.propublica.org/article/uvalde-city-officials-release-school-shooting-records ...Meanwhile the demolition of the old church building in Sutherland Springs where our state's most deadly mass shooting occurred in 2017 began on Saturday: https://www.tpr.org/news/2024-08-10/demolition-begins-on-the-site-of-texas-deadliest-mass-shooting-as-divided-community-watches Every Texan releases a new analysis of likely outcomes of Governor Abbott's requirement of Texas hospitals to report information about patients who cannot prove their citizenship: https://everytexan.org/2024/08/09/gov-abbotts-executive-order-will-increase-distrust-in-texas-health-systems-diminish-health-outcomes-and-harm-state-economy/ The Texas House of Representatives Committee on Public Education meets today to begin what's likely to be an all-out war over public school vouchers during next year's Legislative session: https://www.kxan.com/news/texas-politics/texas-house-committee-to-lay-ground-work-for-private-school-subsidy-legislation/ The State Fair of Texas in Dallas will no longer allow guns to be carried onto the fairgrounds as of this fall, following the lead of rodeos in San Antonio, Austin and Houston: https://www.chron.com/news/houston-texas/article/texas-state-fair-guns-19630807.php As Texas as a whole trends gradually blue, the Rio Grande Valley has been trending gradually red - can VP Harris halt that trend? https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/article/2024/aug/10/election-latino-voters-texas-trump ...And could Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s presence on the Texas ballot swing our state to Harris? https://www.chron.com/politics/article/robert-kennedy-texas-19630866.php See Progress Texas' analysis of Project 2025, and what it will mean for Texas should it be enacted: https://progresstexas.org/blog/project-2025-vs-progress-2025 ...And a complete guide to Project 2025 from Media Matters: https://www.mediamatters.org/heritage-foundation/guide-project-2025-extreme-right-wing-agenda-next-republican-administration The deadline to register for the November election is October 7. Are you registered? Are you sure? ALL Texas voters should confirm their registration, right now: https://govotetexas.org/ Thanks for listening! Find our web store and other ways to support our important work this election year at https://progresstexas.org.

GUEST 1 OVERVIEW: Stephen Willeford is a resident at Texas and an former NRA firearms instructor who is armed with an AR-15. He and his AR-15 helped stop the deadliest mass shooting in Texas history. He helped injure the shooter during the Sutherland Springs church shooting.  GUEST 2 OVERVIEW: Barry Nussbaum is Founder and CEO of The American Truth Project, a non-profit (501c3) organization dedicated to educate the public on the truths regarding critical security risks facing America and Israel. Barry has championed work in strengthening U.S./Israel relations as an active member of American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) for the past 15 years. GUEST 3 OVERVIEW: John Richardson President/Chief Visionary Officer - Operation World Without Cancer. 

Plusieurs cadres du Parti lui ont apporté leur soutien, y compris deux personnalités qui s'étaient opposées à lui pendant les primaires républicaines : le gouverneur de Floride, Ron DeSantis, et l'ancienne ambassadrice des États-Unis à l'ONU, Nikki Haley. Pour prendre la mesure de leur volte-face, il faut se pencher sur le discours de Ron DeSantis. Invité ce mardi (16 juillet 2024) à prendre la parole devant les 2 429 délégués de la Convention, le gouverneur de Floride s'est lancé dans une allocution tout à la gloire de Donald Trump : « La vie était moins chère quand Donald Trump était président. Nos frontières étaient plus sûres sous l'administration Trump. Et notre pays était respecté quand Donald Trump était le commandant en chef des forces armées. Renvoyons Joe Biden dans sa cave et renvoyons Donald Trump à la Maison Blanche ! »Ron DeSantis, mais aussi Vivek Ramaswamy, tous les anciens rivaux de Donald Trump se sont succédés à la tribune pour dresser l'éloge du désormais candidat officiel des Républicains à la Maison Blanche. Y compris Nikki Haley, l'ancienne ambassadrice des États-Unis à l'ONU. Elle qui mettait les Américains en garde, il y a encore quelques mois, au sujet du « chaos » que provoquerait un retour du milliardaire aux plus hautes fonctions de l'État s'est fendu hier d'un « Donald Trump a mon plus ferme soutien, point à la ligne ».Le programme officieux derrière le programme officiel ?Le programme Trump ? Il tient en 16 pages, à peine détaillées dans les documents officiels du Parti républicain. Mais il existe une feuille de route officieuse et beaucoup plus précise, élaborée par la « Heritage Foundation », un centre de réflexion ultra-conservateur. Ce document connu sous le nom de « Project 2025 » pourrait largement inspirer Donald Trump. Fort de 900 pages et accessible au grand public, il contient un paquet de mesures censées pouvoir s'appliquer dès janvier 2025, et constituerait un vivier précieux pour le Trump de 2024 qui ne veut surtout pas donner l'impression d'improvisation permanente qui avait entouré le Trump de 2016.Le « Project 2025 » prend la forme d'un catalogue de mesures radicales, à commencer par la mainmise du Parti sur l'administration, comme l'explique Romuald Sciora, directeur de l'Observatoire politique et géostratégique des États-Unis à l'IRIS : « Lorsqu'un président est élu aux États-Unis, avec lui change bien sûr le gouvernement, mais aussi les fonctionnaires, soit environ 4 000 postes. Aujourd'hui, avec le Project 2025 et les projections de la campagne républicaine, ce ne sont plus 4 000 mais 40 000 fonctionnaires que l'on renverrait. Il s'agit quasiment des têtes de toutes les agences fédérales sur l'ensemble du territoire américain. » La « Heritage Foundation » prévoit, en outre, que le ministère de la Justice soit placé sous la tutelle de la Maison Blanche, que les droits des minorités soient restreints ou que les pouvoirs du président soient renforcés au détriment du Congrès. Donald Trump a pris soin de se distancier de ce programme, il y a quelques jours, mais la presse américaine relève qu'un nombre impressionnant de ses anciens conseillers ont contribué à son élaboration et personne ne croit à une initiative isolée.Joe Biden contre-attaqueAffaibli par ses trous de mémoire, freiné par la tentative d'assassinat contre son rival, le président en exercice veut se reprendre et s'est livré hier (16 juillet 2024) à un plaidoyer contre les armes à feu. Dans son viseur, l'AR-15, un fusil semi-automatique tristement célèbre, choisi par l'auteur des coups de feu visant Donald Trump, mais aussi par la plupart des tueurs de masse aux États-Unis (58 morts à Las Vegas en 2017, 19 enfants tués à Uvalde et 26 disparus à Sutherland Springs, deux communes du Texas, en 2022, etc.).Les drames s'accumulent, rien ne bouge, mais Michele Norris dans le Washington Post y revient une fois encore : « nous vivons dans un pays où trop d'armes circulent, où l'accès à ce matériel de guerre est trop facile, où la violence est beaucoup trop présente, écrit-elle. Bien sûr, il y a cette image devenue tout de suite légendaire, celle de Trump l'oreille en sang, le poing levé, criant à ses supporters de se battre. Mais si nous continuons, poursuit Michele Norris, à prendre ce moment comme un exemple de courage individuel, plutôt que comme un épisode de vulnérabilité collective, nous n'arriverons jamais à changer et à renouveler le débat sur la place des armes dans la société américaine ». Toronto sous les eauxLa plus grande ville du Canada, Toronto, 3 millions d'habitants, vient d'être frappée par des inondations massives après un épisode de précipitations intenses. Trois tempêtes consécutives y ont provoqué la chute de 100 mm de pluie en l'espace de quatre heures, soit l'équivalent de ce que connaît habituellement la ville en un mois. La région n'avait pas connu cela depuis 1941. Images à voir dans le Toronto Star de ces voitures englouties, de ces ponts inondés, de ces autoroutes impraticables et de ces trombes d'eau dans les stations de métro.On compte encore 130 000 habitants privés d'électricité et c'est peut-être Drake, la star du rap canadien, qui en a donné le plus d'écho dans une vidéo postée sur Instagram, montrant son immense demeure estimée à plus de 100 millions de dollars envahie par 30 centimètres de pluie.Vous avez dit « failure » ?Retour sur le moment douloureux d'Ingrid Andress, 32 ans, jusqu'ici connue comme chanteuse country aux 2 albums et 4 nominations aux Grammy Awards, victime d'un passage à vide, à l'ouverture d'un évènement de la Major League Baseball, le championnat de baseball américain. Chargée d'entonner le « Star-Spangled Banner » en plein stade avant la compétition, Ingrid Andress a ravagé l'hymne national américain, accumulant fausses notes sur fausses notes sous les quolibets du public. Également laminée sur les réseaux sociaux, Andress s'est excusée dans un message posté sur Twitter : « Je ne vais pas vous mentir, j'étais bourrée la nuit dernière. Je présente mes excuses à tout le monde pour cette interprétation et je commence aujourd'hui une cure de désintoxication afin de bénéficier de l'aide dont j'ai besoin ». Bon courage.L'actualité des outre-mersD'abord prévue pour 2022, puis 2023, puis courant 2024, la livraison du nouveau Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de la Guadeloupe aura finalement lieu en décembre 2024.

Stories we're following this morning at Progress Texas: Texas formed a visible component of the garish display that was Monday night's Republican National Convention: https://www.houstonchronicle.com/politics/texas/article/trump-rnc-cruz-biden-19575121.php Colin Allred has outraised Ted Cruz in the second quarter of 2024: https://www.texastribune.org/2024/07/15/colin-allred-ted-cruz-senate-race-texas/ A Texas YouTuber, whose channel has generated billions of views of videos glorifying guns and military weapons, expresses surprise that his content inspired the 20 year old who tried to kill Donald Trump: https://www.kxan.com/news/texas/shocked-and-confused-texas-youtuber-speaks-after-trump-rally-gunman-wore-channel-merch-shirt/ A group of Texas Republican lawmakers and candidates have signed a petition calling for Dallas U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett to step down over her support of a move to strip Trump of his Secret Service detail: https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/trump-assassination-attempt-secret-service-bill-jasmine-crockett-texas-republicans/287-e0353733-1673-435d-b5ee-5cd7e64273be Local school and law enforcement officials in Uvalde have been ordered by a judge to turn over video, audio and records related to the Robb Elementary shooting: https://www.texastribune.org/2024/07/15/uvalde-school-shooting-records-sheriff-district/ ...While another judge has approved the demolition of the old church building where 26 died in a mass shooting in 2017 in Sutherland Springs: https://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/judge-clears-demolition-texas-church-26-people-killed-111972090 ALL progressives should learn all they can about Project 2025, in order to resist its becoming actual U.S. policy: https://www.mediamatters.org/heritage-foundation/guide-project-2025-extreme-right-wing-agenda-next-republican-administration Thanks for listening! Find our web store and other ways to support our important work this election year at https://progresstexas.org/.

Stories we're following here at Progress Texas: Austin U.S. Rep. Lloyd Doggett has become the first House Democrat to publicly call for President Biden to drop out of the 2024 race: https://www.nytimes.com/2024/07/02/us/who-is-lloyd-doggett-biden.html ...Dallas U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett disagrees strongly: https://x.com/JasmineForUS/status/1808295266992128154?t=5YH20SnNuChhoWaGrzrgIw&s=03 ...As does Houston U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee: https://x.com/SJacksonLee/status/1808243082108063829?t=DQ_VZQ0ZX7_lkEd9dqdDMw&s=03 ...Doggett uses President Lyndon Johnson's withdrawal from the 1968 race as an example - that ended in Richard Nixon handily defeating Hubert Humphrey: https://www.texastribune.org/2024/07/02/lloyd-doggett-joe-biden-withdraw-election/ The Biden Administration has issued a rule allowing emergency medical providers to conduct abortions in situations where the mother's life is at risk: https://cbsaustin.com/news/local/biden-admin-directive-on-abortion-could-protect-texas-doctors-from-political-prosecution The Biden Administration has also proposed new rules protecting workers from excessive heat, following the lead of Austin U.S. Rep. Greg Casar: https://www.ksat.com/news/texas/2024/07/02/biden-administration-proposes-rule-to-protect-workers-from-extreme-heat/ Ken Paxton has lost that legal battle he picked with longstanding immigrant shelter non-profit Annunciation House: https://www.chron.com/culture/religion/article/ken-paxton-annunication-house-texas-catholics-19551657.php Amarillo voters will have a direct say in that city's proposed abortion ban, marking the closest Texas has seen to a direct referendum on reproductive rights: https://www.texastribune.org/2024/07/02/amarillo-texas-abortion-travel-ban/ Residents of Sutherland Springs are resisting plans for the 100 year old church that was the site of the 2017 mass shooting that took 26 lives and has been since been converted into a memorial: https://www.expressnews.com/news/article/sutherland-springs-church-raze-sanctuary-mass-19551486.php "Texas Is In Danger Of Becoming A Theocracy": https://www.beaumontenterprise.com/opinions/columns/article/texas-school-vouchers-19524200.php Thanks for listening! Find our web store and other ways to support our important work this election year at https://progresstexas.org/.

Stephen Willeford represents Gun Owners of America. He's known around the country as the -good guy with the gun- for helping stop the largest mass shooting in the history of Texas in Sutherland Springs back on November 5th of 2017. He described the account in significant detail to begin this edition of Crosstalk.--This broadcast also dealt with some 2nd Amendment victories as well as challenges. For example, Gun Owners of America, alongside the Gun Owners Foundation, secured a preliminary injunction against President Biden's preset universal registration check rule. Also discussed was a possible federal ban on bump stocks, the Hunter Biden gun decision, the increase in gun purchases-especially by women, a challenge to a gun ban on Postal Service property and more, including responses from listeners.

Stephen Willeford represents Gun Owners of America. He's known around the country as the -good guy with the gun- for helping stop the largest mass shooting in the history of Texas in Sutherland Springs back on November 5th of 2017. He described the account in significant detail to begin this edition of Crosstalk.--This broadcast also dealt with some 2nd Amendment victories as well as challenges. For example, Gun Owners of America, alongside the Gun Owners Foundation, secured a preliminary injunction against President Biden's preset universal registration check rule. Also discussed was a possible federal ban on bump stocks, the Hunter Biden gun decision, the increase in gun purchases-especially by women, a challenge to a gun ban on Postal Service property and more, including responses from listeners.

Stephen Willeford represents Gun Owners of America. He's known around the country as the "good guy with the gun" for helping stop the largest mass shooting in the history of Texas in Sutherland Springs back on November 5th of 2017. He described the account in significant detail to begin this edition of Crosstalk.This broadcast also dealt with some 2nd Amendment victories as well as challenges. For example, Gun Owners of America, alongside the Gun Owners Foundation, secured a preliminary injunction against President Biden's preset universal registration check rule. Also discussed was a possible federal ban on bump stocks, the Hunter Biden gun decision, the increase in gun purchases—especially by women, a challenge to a gun ban on Postal Service property and more, including responses from listeners.

Stephen Willeford represents Gun Owners of America. He's known around the country as the -good guy with the gun- for helping stop the largest mass shooting in the history of Texas in Sutherland Springs back on November 5th of 2017. He described the account in significant detail to begin this edition of Crosstalk.--This broadcast also dealt with some 2nd Amendment victories as well as challenges. For example, Gun Owners of America, alongside the Gun Owners Foundation, secured a preliminary injunction against President Biden's preset universal registration check rule. Also discussed was a possible federal ban on bump stocks, the Hunter Biden gun decision, the increase in gun purchases-especially by women, a challenge to a gun ban on Postal Service property and more, including responses from listeners.

Stephen Willeford represents Gun Owners of America. He's known around the country as the -good guy with the gun- for helping stop the largest mass shooting in the history of Texas in Sutherland Springs back on November 5th of 2017. He described the account in significant detail to begin this edition of Crosstalk.--This broadcast also dealt with some 2nd Amendment victories as well as challenges. For example, Gun Owners of America, alongside the Gun Owners Foundation, secured a preliminary injunction against President Biden's preset universal registration check rule. Also discussed was a possible federal ban on bump stocks, the Hunter Biden gun decision, the increase in gun purchases-especially by women, a challenge to a gun ban on Postal Service property and more, including responses from listeners.

Stephen Willeford represents Gun Owners of America. He's known around the country as the "good guy with the gun" for helping stop the largest mass shooting in the history of Texas in Sutherland Springs back on November 5th of 2017. He described the account in significant detail to begin this edition of Crosstalk.This broadcast also dealt with some 2nd Amendment victories as well as challenges. For example, Gun Owners of America, alongside the Gun Owners Foundation, secured a preliminary injunction against President Biden's preset universal registration check rule. Also discussed was a possible federal ban on bump stocks, the Hunter Biden gun decision, the increase in gun purchases—especially by women, a challenge to a gun ban on Postal Service property and more, including responses from listeners.

Gary Jeff talks with Karen Kataline, sports with Wildman and Andy Furman, fitness with Rocco Castellano, 2nd Amendment talk with the hero of Sutherland Springs, Texas, Stephen Willeford and mich more.

Gary Jeff talks with Karen Kataline, sports with Wildman and Andy Furman, fitness with Rocco Castellano, 2nd Amendment talk with the hero of Sutherland Springs, Texas, Stephen Willeford and mich more.

Suing the federal government can be a daunting task. In this episode, Todd Smith and Jody Sanders sit down with Tom Jacob, a partner at National Trial Law in Austin, Texas, to discuss the intricacies of litigating cases under the Federal Tort Claims Act. Tom highlights the groundbreaking Sutherland Springs mass-shooting case, in which his firm secured a $230 million verdict against the Air Force. He also shares insights into the role of technology in legal practice, including how he leverages his coding skills to streamline his work. Join us for an engaging conversation about the intersection of law, technology, and advocacy.Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share!A special thanks to our sponsors:Court Surety Bond AgencyThomson ReutersProudly presented by Butler Snow LLPJoin the Texas Appellate Law Podcast Community today:texapplawpod.comTwitterLinkedInYouTube

On the morning of November 5, 2017 the First Baptist Church in Sutherland Springs, Texas, was full of worshippers when shots rang out. Hearing the shots, Stephen Willeford grabbed his AR-15 and a hand full of bullets and ran down the street to the church (ironically, he had forgotten to put on shoes and was running barefoot). Little did he know that day would forever change his life and the lives of the entire community of Sutherland Springs. Stephen confronted the shooter and fired multiple shots at the suspect, striking him multiple times. The incident ended after a brief chase and the suspect, bleeding from his wounds, fatally shot himself but not before 26 people had lost their lives and 22 others were seriously injured, making this the deadliest mass shooting in Texas history. If not for the actions of Stephen Willeford that day, it's possible many more lives would have been lost. Today, Stephen is an advocate for gun ownership, and is a key member of the Gun Owners of America organization. He is also the author of the acclaimed book, 'A Town Called Sutherland Springs: Faith and Heroism Through Tragedy'. 

When trial lawyer Jamal Alsaffar of Austin Texas heard about the mass shooting in Lewiston, Maine, he had the eerie feeling of history repeating itself.  Many of the facts were strikingly similar to what had occurred in the Sutherland Springs church mass shooting case in Texas that Jamal tried to a Federal judge, resulting in a $230 million judgment for the families.  In the process, Jamal also forced the U.S. Government to disclose documents and information that demonstrated a long-standing pattern of failing to report dangerous, violent, and mentally unstable members of the armed forces to the FBI databank, thereby permitting tens of thousands of deranged or dangerous individuals to purchase and continue to possess firearms.  As a result of Jamal's case, he not only secured compensation for his clients, but he forced the Air Force to enact policy changes that resulted in tens of thousands of dangerous individuals being reported.  Join Ben and Rahul for their in-depth discussion with Jamal, including his journey to becoming a trial lawyer that started with him becoming a standout in high school and college mock trial competitions to becoming one of the leading lawyers in the United States in bringing claims against the Federal Government and representing victims of mass shootings. About Jamal AlsaffarMr. Alsaffar was born and raised in Dallas, Texas and is a nationally experienced trial attorney. Mr. Alsaffar has spent his entire career as a trial lawyer representing individuals and families. He has successfully represented clients in state, federal, and appellate courts across the country in complex personal injury and medical malpractice cases. In addition to a Texas statewide practice, Mr. Alsaffar has a national Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA) practice representing veterans and military families around the country including Texas, Oklahoma, Georgia, Florida, South Carolina, North Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, Washington D.C., New York, New Hampshire, Illinois, Missouri, Nevada, Arizona, California, Oregon, and Washington. In 2013, Mr. Alsaffar was selected as one of the 20 “Leading Lawyers” under the age of forty in the state of Texas by Texas Lawyer magazine. His legal peers have voted him as a “Super Lawyer” from 2014-2022 and prior to that as a Texas “Rising Star” from 2006-2014. Mr. Alsaffar has also served as the National Chair of the Federal Torts and Military Advocacy Section for the American Association of Justice, the nation's premier trial lawyer organization. Mr. Alsaffar served as an adjunct professor of trial advocacy at the University of Texas School of Law, and also served as a volunteer coach for the University of Texas undergraduate trial advocacy team for over ten years. Mr. Alsaffar is a proud father of three children and is a volunteer select soccer coach for the Lake Travis Youth Association and serves on the board of LTYA. PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONSMr. Alsaffar is a member of the State Bar of Texas, the American Association for Justice, Texas Trial Lawyers' Association, Federal Bar Association, the Capital Area Trial Lawyers' Association, and the Austin Bar Association. He has served as Co-Chair of the Birth Trauma/Medical Negligence Litigation Group of the American Association for Justice, and has twice served as the Chair of the Federal Tort Liability and Military Advocacy section of the American Association for Justice. He is on the Federal Torts Executive Committee for the American Association for Justice. Mr. Alsaffar is also a fellow of the Texas State Bar Foundation. BAR ADMISSIONSUnited States Supreme CourtSupreme Court of TexasUnited States Court of Appeals for the Fourth CircuitUnited States Court of Appeals for the Fifth CircuitUnited States Court of Appeals for the Sixth CircuitUnited States Court of Appeals for the Ninth CircuitUnited States District Court, Western District of TexasUnited States District Court, Eastern District of TexasUnited States District Court, Southern District of TexasUnited States District Court, Northern District of TexasUnited States District Court, Middle District of TennesseeUnited States District Court, Southern District of IllinoisUnited States District Court, Northern District of FloridaPRACTICE AREASFederal Tort ClaimsMedical MalpracticePersonal InjuryCivil Trials and Appeals EDUCATIONUniversity of Texas at Austin, B.A., 1996Baylor University Law School, J.D., 2000 NOTABLE CASE RESULTSJoe Holcombe, et al.; Plaintiffs -vs- United States of America, Defendant, $230,000,000.00 Trial Judgment for failure to report mass shooter to FBI database. This is most commonly known as the Sutherland Springs Mass Shooting case.Farley v. United States, $21,568,710.62 Trial Judgment against Manchester, New Hampshire Veteran Affairs Hospital, Concord, New Hampshire, for failure to properly treat a stroke resulting in permanent paralysis. $15,884,511.98 received by clients after fees and expenses.Brown v. United States, $13,690,648 Trial Judgment against United States Navy, Naval Branch Health Clinic, Millington, TN, for failure to prescribe prenatal vitamins containing folic acid, resulting in a baby developing spina bifida and lifelong disabilities. $9,183,752 received by clients after fees and expenses.Elliott v. United States, $8,000,000 Settlement against United States Army, Darnall Army Community Hospital, Texas, for negligent labor and delivery care resulting in hypoxic permanent brain injury to a child. $5,850,783.79 received by clients after fees and expenses.Roberts v. United States, $7,860,000 Settlement against United States Army, Bassett Army Community Hospital, Fairbanks, Alaska, for negligent labor and delivery care resulting in permanent hypoxic brain injury to a child. $5,688,631.37 received by clients after fees and expenses.Timmons v. United States, $6,500,000 Settlement against United States Air Force, Fort Walton Beach, Florida, for negligent labor and delivery care resulting in a permanent brain injury to a child. $4,607,211.28 received by clients after fees and expenses.Humble v. United States, $5,800,000 Settlement against United States Army for negligent care during labor and delivery and a delay in performing a C-section at Darnall Army Community Hospital, resulting in a permanent brain injury to a child. $4,106,711.68 received by clients after fees and expenses.Lee v. United States, $5,117,473.50 Trial Judgment against United States Air Force, Randolph Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas, for failure to treat a child's infection resulting in a double kidney transplant. $3,475,648.35 received by clients after fees and expenses.Holweger v. United States, $2,300,000 Settlement against United States Navy for negligent care during labor and delivery and failing to timely perform a C-section at Portsmouth Naval Medical Center in Virginia. $1,623,930 received by clients after fees and expenses.Cloer v. United States, $2,150,000 Settlement against United States Army, Blanchfield Army Community Hospital, Tennessee, for failing to diagnose and treat colon cancer resulting in death. $1,492,813 received by clients after fees and expenses.Hogans v. United States, $1,650,000 Trial Judgment against United States Army, Joint Base Lewis-McCord in Washington and Winn Army Community Hospital in Georgia, for failing to diagnose a tumor leading to stroke and brain injury. $1,067,624 received by clients after fees and expenses. HONORS AND AWARDSSuper Lawyers, (2014 - 2023)Super Lawyers, Rising Stars (2007 - 2014)

Stories we're following this morning at Progress Texas: A school funding bill including vouchers is up for a full House debate and vote today: https://www.kut.org/politics/2023-11-16/the-texas-house-will-vote-on-school-vouchers-friday-heres-what-to-expect ...Odds of it passing are slim, but crazier things have happened: https://news4sanantonio.com/news/local/will-school-choice-pass-in-the-texas-house-tomorrow A poll of his constituents conducted by U.S. House Rep. Greg Casar indicates heavy Democratic support for a cease-fire in the Israel/Hamas conflict: https://www.thenation.com/article/politics/greg-casar-gaza-ceasefire-poll/ The Washington Post has published a photo essay including the most graphic images seen publicly of the aftermaths of both the Uvalde and Sutherland Springs mass shootings: https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/interactive/2023/ar-15-force-mass-shootings/ The nation is noticing - with some bewilderment - that a new Texas immigration bill, set to be signed into law, would usurp Federal immigration authority: https://prospect.org/blogs-and-newsletters/tap/2023-11-16-texas-republicans-maniacs-megalomaniacs/ ...While experts find Republican notions of a "terrorist highway" across the Mexican border preposterous: https://www.houstonchronicle.com/politics/texas/article/texas-border-terror-watchlist-18496025.php The Texas State Board of Education, having voiced opposition to accurate climate change and evolutionary information in new science books, is set to vote on them today: https://www.austinmonitor.com/stories/2023/11/will-new-science-textbooks-in-texas-accurately-depict-climate-change-some-worry-they-wont/ The launch of SpaceX's Starship rocket has been delayed and is now set for tomorrow - Saturday November 18 - at 7am Central: https://www.space.com/spacex-starship-second-space-launch-attempt-webcast Thanks for listening! Join us for one of our upcoming Holiday Parties - information on tickets and sponsorships, and other ways to support Progress Texas in our important work, at https://progresstexas.org/.

Stephen Willeford joins me to talk about the Sutherland Springs shooting, 6 years after.Micheal Letts swings by to discuss the Biden paychecks coming from the CCP.Lock N Load is presented by; Aero Precisionhttps://aeroprecisionusa.comModern Gun Schoolhttps://mgs.edu Ace Firearmshttp://www.acefirearms.comDeSantis Holstershttps://www.desantisholster.comStaccatohttp://staccato2011.comTaran Tactical Innovationshttps://tarantacticalinnovations.comSpikes Tacticalhttps://www.spikestactical.comFederal Ammunitionhttps://www.federalpremium.com/Primary Armshttps://www.primaryarms.com/

A gunman kills at least 18 in Maine. The gunman is still at large. Dana explains Maine's “yellow flag law” regarding firearm ownership. The Foreign Minister of the Islamic Republic has been granted a visa by the US State Department and is currently in New York under the protection of US taxpayers. Colleges are shielding Jews in libraries from protesters. Dana makes comparisons between the shooting in Maine to Sutherland Springs, TX. Rep. Chip Roy joins us to discuss the future of the House GOP and Speaker Mike Johnson.Please visit our great sponsors:After Deathhttps://angle.com/danaGet your tickets today for After Death, opening October 27th. Rated PG-13Black Rifle Coffeehttps://blackriflecoffee.com/danaChange the lives of Veterans and their families with the Boot Campaign with every purchase of the Ready-to-Drink Coffee!Headrest Safehttps://theheadrestsafe.comUse code DANA for an exclusive $50 off. Hillsdalehttps://danaforhillsdale.comHillsdale College: Developing Minds. Improving Hearts. KelTechttps://KelTecWeapons.comSign up for the KelTec Insider and be the first to know the latest KelTec news. Patriot Mobilehttps://patriotmobile.com/danaGet FREE activation with the offer code DANA.

What these two lunatics have in common.    To advertise on our podcast, please reach out to sales@advertisecast.com or visit https://www.advertisecast.com/TheJeffWardShow

Elizabeth Stout shares her story of the aftermath of the Parkland, FL, mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School on February 14, 2018. We discuss the law enforcement response and how the F.B.I. turned its back on the families in crisis. Could this tragedy have been avoided? And how do we prevent tragedies like this from occurring in the future? ➡️ Upgrade your life with NextEvo CBD - the experts in CBD! Go to https://NextEvo.com/MPT and use code "MPT" to get 25% off your order! ➡️ Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/collierlandry ➡️ Official Merch Store: https://www.collierlandry.com/store ➡️ Buy me a coffee? https://www.buymeacoffee.com/collierlandry ➡️ Amazon Affiliate Link: https://www.collierlandry.com/amazon About my guest: Elizabeth Stout's "Trigger Therapy" podcast is derived from her personal experience as a Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting survivor in Parkland, Florida, on February 14, 2018. She aims to offer a platform for candid discussions about life after surviving gun violence and other traumatic events. She and her guests explore the multifaceted aspects of this experience using solo monologues or insightful interviews to ensure no crucial details or nuances are overlooked. Elizabeth's Links: Listen to the Trigger Therapy Podcast on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/trigger-therapy/id1700564797 https://www.triggertherapypodcast.com/ https://kite.link/trigger-therapy From a Wikipedia article on the events surrounding the Parkland mass shooting: On February 14, 2018, 19-year-old Nikolas Cruz opened fire on students and staff at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in the Miami suburban town of Parkland, Florida, United States, killing 17 people[note 2] and injuring 17 others.[2][3][4] Cruz, a former student at the school, fled the scene on foot by blending in with other students and was arrested without incident approximately one hour and twenty minutes later in nearby Coral Springs.[5] Police and prosecutors investigated "a pattern of disciplinary issues and unnerving behavior".[6] The incident is the deadliest mass shooting at a high school in United States history. The shooting came at a period of heightened public support for gun control that followed mass shootings in Paradise, Nevada, and in Sutherland Springs, Texas, in October and November 2017. Students at Parkland founded Never Again MSD, an advocacy group that lobbies for gun control. On March 9, Governor Rick Scott signed a bill that implemented new restrictions to Florida's gun laws and also allowed for the arming of teachers who were properly trained and the hiring of more school resource officers.[7][8] The Broward County Sheriff's Office received widespread criticism for its handling of the police response, both for not following up on multiple warnings about Cruz despite a lengthy record of threatening behavior and for staying outside the school instead of immediately confronting him.[9] This led to the resignations of several police officers who responded to the scene, and the removal of Sheriff Scott Israel.[9] A commission appointed by then-Governor Scott to investigate the shooting condemned the police inaction and urged school districts across the state to adopt greater measures of security.[9][10] On October 20, 2021, Cruz pleaded guilty to all charges and apologized for his crimes. ▶ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/collierlandry/ ▶ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@collierlandry ▶ Twitter: https://twitter.com/collierlandry ▶ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/collierlandry ▶ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/collierlandry/ ▶ APPLE Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/moving-past-trauma/id1551076031 ▶ SPOTIFY Podcasts: https://open.spotify.com/show/465s4vsFcogvKIynNRcvGf?si=00da2b8e06864257 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In This Hour: -- Stephen Willeford stopped a mass shooting with his personal AR-15 rifle. He details what happened in Sutherland Springs, Texas, in his new book. --  What's the difference between feeling safe and actually being safe? --  Gun owners "Just Say No" to the ATF ban on pistol braces. Tom Gresham's Gun Talk  04.06.23  Hour 1