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While a cadet at the Air Force Academy, Jason Kim '99 experienced the “pedestal effect” and learned the importance of curiosity, compassion, trust and mutual respect.   SUMMARY Jason Kim, a USFA class of '99 and CEO of Firefly Aerospace, discussed his leadership journey and experiences. He emphasized the importance of curiosity, compassion, and mutual respect in leadership. Jason shared his upbringing in Richardson, Texas, and his parents' influence. He recounted his time at the Air Force Academy, highlighting the humbling experience of being among top cadets and the value of building trust. Jason detailed his career path, including roles at Boeing, Raytheon, and Northrop Grumman, and his MBA from UCLA. He stressed the importance of giving back to the Air Force Academy and the Space Force.   OUR FAVORITE QUOTES "I think just being curious and being an active listener and asking questions and listening to other people, sometimes people want to vent, or sometimes people want to just be heard or have a voice, or some, most of the time, people just have good ideas." "And so I would just say, just be curious, what did I miss? Did you miss something? Did we both miss something? If you get all those great ideas and you share it amongst different people from different backgrounds and walks of life, you don't miss as much, you know, and you're just bet off better off, you'll have a better solution." "Building that trust, you know, with your your your teams, that's extremely empowering and motivating when you trust someone else, and they trust you, and you can go much, much further when you build that trust up." "We got this drilled into us, and we didn't even know at the time how important it was. But you know, building that trust, you know, with your your your teams, that's extremely empowering and motivating when you trust someone else, and they trust you, and you can go much, much further when you build that trust up." "And then the last thing I would say is, I think we were one of the first classes that had non commissioned officers alongside with AOCs that were there to teach us about mutual respect, about mutual respect between officers and non commissioned officers. And I think that went a long ways for for all of us, because, you know, once we went to the real Air Force, you know, we were going to lead a lot of officers and NCOs, and getting that kind of exposure early on was helpful, but also learning about mutual respect, that's something that is extremely important in any work setting that you're in."     SHARE THIS EPISODE FACEBOOK  |  LINKEDIN      CHAPTERS 00:00:  Introduction and Background 02:24:  Welcome to Long Leu Leadership 07:42:  Early Inspirations and Motivations 10:56:  Discovering the Air Force Academy 16:00:  Memorable Experiences at the Academy 23:26:  Leadership Lessons Learned 26:32:  Leadership: Curiosity, Compassion, and Mutual Respect 28:14:  Startup Journey: Taking Risks and Minimizing Regrets 30:07:  Leadership Lessons: MBA and Personal Growth 32:05:  Startup Experience: Joining and Growing a Company 36:18:  Family and Risk-Taking: Lessons from Parents 39:36:  Hidden Talent: Drawing and Painting 45:36:  Giving Back: Involvement with the Air Force Academy Foundation 51:30:  Impact of the Air Force Academy: Building Resilience and Confidence   TAKEAWAYS Growing up in Texas with immigrant parents instilled a strong work ethic and a desire to give back to the country in Jason Kim. Inspired by the space shuttle program and the Gulf War, Jason decided to pursue a career in the military. At the Air Force Academy, Jason experienced the pedestal effect and learned the importance of curiosity, compassion, trust, and mutual respect in leadership. Jason's academic and extracurricular experiences at the Academy helped shape his leadership skills and provided him with lifelong friendships. His parents and role models like Colonel Ellison Onizuka influenced his decision to join the Air Force and give back to the country. Curiosity, compassion, and mutual respect are essential qualities in leadership. Taking risks and minimizing regrets can lead to personal and professional growth. Giving back and supporting future generations is important. The Air Force Academy provides valuable experiences and lifelong friendships. Learning multiple languages and exploring different cultures can broaden perspectives. The Academy's challenging environment builds resilience and confidence.   ABOUT JASON KIM '99 Mr. Jason Kim '99 is a member of the Air Force Academy Foundation Board of Directors. He is also CEO for Firefly Aerospace. Jason's career includes his work in the satellite and national security space for Boeing Raytheon and Northrop Grumman. While in the Air Force, he served as a program manager for the Space Superiority Systems program and Reconnaissance Systems Program offices. He has served on the boards of the National Defense industrial Association and space enterprise consortium formation Committee. He began his Air Force career as a cadet, having graduated with a degree in electrical engineering, followed by a master's in electrical engineering from AFET and then an MBA from the University of California, Anderson School of Management.    CONNECT WITH JASON LinkedIn     ABOUT LONG BLUE LEADERSHIP Long Blue Leadership drops every two weeks on Tuesdays and is available on Apple Podcasts, TuneIn + Alexa, Spotify and all your favorite podcast platforms. Search @AirForceGrads on your favorite social channels for Long Blue Leadership news and updates!          SPEAKERS Guest:  Mr. Jason Kim '99  |  Lt. Col. (Ret.) Naviere Walkewicz '99   Naviere Walkewicz  00:01 Our guest today is Mr. Jason Kim USAFA class of '99 and a member of the Air Force Academy Foundation Board of Directors. Jason's career includes his work in the satellite and national security space for Boeing, Raytheon and Northrop Grumman. While in the Air Force, he served as a program manager for the Space Superiority Systems and Reconnaissance Systems program offices. He has served on the boards of the National Defense Industrial Association and Space Enterprise Consortium Formation Committee. He began his Air Force career as a cadet, having graduated with a degree in electrical engineering, followed by a master's in electrical engineering from AFET and then an MBA from the University of California Anderson School of Management. We'll discuss Jason's life before, during and after the Academy, and we'll ask him to share a unique talent. We'll end with his advice for those striving to become leaders and those already in leadership positions, endeavoring toward excellence. Jason, welcome to Long Blue Leadership, my friend, my classmate. Thank you for being here today.   Jason Kim  01:04 Thank you for having me, and thanks for using my call sign.   Naviere Walkewicz  01:09 You're welcome. I know we want it to catch on so everyone knows now. Well, as we do in this, this is such a wonderful opportunity for our listeners to get to know you, and we like to go back and so for us, we're talking, you know, closer to 30 something years ago, right, when you were young. Jason, tell us about what life was like before the Academy was even in your in your line of sight.   Jason Kim  01:31 So, I grew up in Richardson, Texas. It's a suburb north of Dallas, and if you've been to Dallas, it's a metropolitan city, and but it's a little bit country as well. And so yes, I grew up with cowboy boots. I grew up with a belt buckle, you know, driving a pickup truck, all those kinds of things. But I'd listen to all kinds of music. So, judging by my call sign, you know, rap music, R&B, but also some country as well. And my parents were first-generation immigrants from South Korea, and so I really saw how hard they worked, you know, learning a different language, buying a house, doing all that in their late 30s and 40s and raising three children. I'm the youngest of three boys, and so I'm very, you know, grateful for what my parents did for us three boys. My dad was an electrician on oil rigs and was in the oil and gas industry, and that's why we ended up in Texas. And I'd see him travel away for a month at a time, and then come back home for a month to places like Venezuela and United Arab Emirates and Gulf of Mexico and all kinds of places. And so, you know, I heard stories of travel and just everything he was doing. So, we'll get to this later, but he was definitely an inspiration early on for me, and he always, you know, was very grateful for being a naturalized citizen and allowing our family to grow up in the U.S. and get an education. And so, he always kind of inspired me to give back to the country, and always do good things for the community as well. And so that's where I kind of got those roots. And, you know, also being the youngest of three boys, my older brothers were seven and nine years older than me and so you can imagine I was the little kid that they would bring along to school or, you know, meeting with friends. And so, I learned the good things from them and emulated the good things, but then the bad things, the mistakes that they made, I tried to avoid that. So, I kind of got it easy watching them. And so, I owe a lot to them coaching me and mentoring me as I grew up, and then being in Texas, of course, what did I play sports in, I played football. And I would say that a lot of the leadership skills that I got early on came from football, and a lot of the work ethic came from football — the teammates, the collaboration, the strategy. Texas football is pretty legit, and so I got to watch tape, I got to lift weights, practice. All those things that Tom Brady says in his Hall of Fame speech I resonate with now, I didn't end up like Tom Brady, but I resonate with what he said, all those early mornings, waking up, you know, training, all the hard work. It really taught me a lot of good lessons. And, you know, I still kind of  have a lot of that work ethic because of, you know, playing football, and a lot of the team and collaboration came from collaborating with 10 other football players trying to score a touchdown, or keep others from scoring a touchdown. And also, a big reason why I'm a big college football fan, so I'm really happy to see your son play for the Falcons, and I'm going to be rooting for him and the rest of the Falcons, as well as my other alma mater, UCLA, so I'll be at those games as well.   Naviere Walkewicz  05:55 That is awesome. I mean, I'm almost developing a visual of young Jason and his two older brothers and his mom and dad. And what a story. I mean, I think about, you know, just first off, the confidence, resilience and grit of your parents, right? And then you're seeing this, and you're growing up in a household. So, what, as the youngest? I mean, I think, like you said, you were able to kind of see what to avoid, what pitfalls to avoid, and how to kind of navigate that. Well, when did the military kind of come into the picture? Was that something that your older brothers participated in through school? How were you introduced into that side of the world?   Jason Kim  06:32 Yeah so, I would say it kind of goes along with some inspirational people in my life. You know, growing up in Texas, the Space Shuttle program was a big deal. And I think you and I were 8 years old when the space shuttle Challenger event happened, and one of the astronauts that was a hero among all the astronauts on that mission was Col. Ellison Onizuka, and he made a career in the Air Force. He was a test pilot, graduated with his Ph.D., I believe, and became an astronaut, and really gave his life in many ways, to for science and for the Air Force. And so, seeing someone like that that also kind of looked like me was a good role model for me at an early age. And so that kind of got me interested in the Air Force and the Shuttle program. And then, you know, I think you and I remember when we're young, 1991 before we went to the Academy, you know, the Gulf War, and we saw on TV for this first time, all this shock and awe and Gen. Schwarzkopf and Colin Powell, and all the strategy that was used. The technology. You know, you heard about the second offset strategy with those F-117 Nighthawks, and all the flares that you would see that night. And it really just made an impression on me. It got me kind of excited about the military and all the technology that's involved. And also, you know, kind of got me into thinking about being a pilot someday. And again, you know, my dad always saying, “Hey, give back, Jason. You know, this country has given a lot to our family. Give back.” I kind of got that motivation to go into the military. And then, you know, I think we also had family friends that had some people that went to the academies, whether it's the Naval Academy or others, and got to learn a little bit from them what was it like to go to the Academy? And these were really good role models as well. So, I got with my liaison officer, which was a really great liaison officer, got me involved with what I needed to do to get more information. And went to the summer scientific seminar and spent a week on the campus and got to learn what it was like to be a cadet, somewhat. Yeah, it was actually fun. But, you know, meeting people, meeting the upperclassmen, and they were all super nice at the time. And I also, it turns out, I met my future roommate there, and we were, yeah, we met at the summer scientific seminar. And so, lo and behold, when I go into basic cadet training, I see him there. I'm like, “Oh my gosh, you were there at the same time as me!” So it was a really great experience, and that kind of solidified it for me that I wanted to go the Air Force Academy.   Naviere Walkewicz  09:56 So, I mean, you had some great role models to kind of facilitate some of that interest. There was a lot of things happening in the country that, you know, we both were, were very familiar with, and it created some feelings of pride and wanting to give back. Were you always thinking about the Air Force Academy because of those motivations, or were you thinking other service academies as well?   Jason Kim  10:16 I think I had my heart set on the Air Force Academy. You know, I don't know if I said before, but you know, my parents had me late, later in life, and so since I was the baby of the family, by the time I got to the age of going to college, my parents were retirement age, and I was not going to put them through what they did for my older brothers, which was room, tuition, board, and all that stuff that they had to work hard to pay for. I wanted to get a scholarship somehow. And this was a way to give back to the country, get a scholarship, get a great education. Plus, you know, I applied to all the service academies. But, you know, you'll, you'll hear this later, but I wasn't the best swimmer, so I wasn't going to go to the Naval Academy. West Point was foreign to me. I just didn't know enough about the Army, and I wanted to be a pilot. So, I thought, “Hey, the Air Force Academy is the best way to do that.”   Naviere Walkewicz  11:17 Awesome. So, you had a great ALO (pronounced AY-low and is an Academy Liaison Officer) you know, you kind of went through the process, which, in itself, is quite a process, as we remember. And so how did you find out? When did you find out you received an appointment to the Air Force Academy?   Jason Kim  11:31 That was, oh, that was, you know, I've had a lot of great moments in my life, so it's, that's reaching far back. I just remember that I was super happy. You know, it was Congressman Sam Johnson of the 3rd District of Texas that, you know, gave me the nomination. He was actually an Air Force pilot and a Vietnam POW. He since passed away. But, you know, getting a nomination from a legend like that was very much an honor. You know, I also got a senatorial nomination to go to the Naval Academy, but not knowing any better, as the 18-year-old, or whatever I was, 17-year-old, I was like, “Sorry, Senator, I'm going to the Air Force Academy. Thank you very much. I'm not going to the Naval Academy.” So I was very set on going to the Air Force Academy. I was very, very happy, because it was hard to get in. I mean, one of the challenges I had as a fairly big football player in high school was the, you know, the test that you have to physical fitness tests you have to take to get into the Air Force Academy. So, you had to do all the pull ups and the runs and all that stuff. And I had to cut weight, and it really took me waking up every morning, just going through the routine of practicing all those things, and eventually got enough confidence to pass the physical fitness test and all the other things you got to go through. So, it was very rewarding to get to the point where I got in.   Naviere Walkewicz  13:15 That is awesome. And I can see that drive, I mean, just from your family instilled in you to get to be like you said, confident, ready to go. That's no surprise at all. So, talk about at the Academy, we know a little about your roommate. You met him in summer scientific seminar. What was your Academy experience like?   Jason Kim  13:35 I remember Day 1 because there are two funny things that happened. One, somehow I got lucky, and I got paired up with a NCO, enlisted person, who I wish I remembered his name. He didn't end up staying after Basic Cadet Training, so I lost touch. But what he did for me was amazing, because he already knew the drill. He was like, “Jason, you don't know how to wear BDUs, but this is how you do it. This is how you put the blouses on.” How did I luck out? I had somebody that knew what to do and was teaching me how to do it from Day 1. So very, very much grateful to that individual. I wish I could have kept in touch with him. The second funny thing is, we all had name badges. And you know, my name badge, for some reason, it said Jun Kim. And I was like, OK, that's my last name, and it's June, I think. So it makes sense. And then everybody, all the upperclassmen, were like, “Is your name Jun Kim?” I was like, “Yes, yes, sir. My name is Kim,” and I thought it was the month. But it turns out they accidentally switched my nametag with another Cadet named Jun Kim. Yeah, and so he was wearing my Jason Kim, and so, on Day 1, you know, it was very confusing, and that got me into a lot of trouble. They're like, “Do you know…,” all the things you could think of, I was getting all those kinds of comments. And so, it was quite the memorable experience. It's like, it's hard enough being a new doolie and trying to figure it out. But then when you have those kinds of incidents, it's like, it makes it even more confusing, but it was memorable.   Naviere Walkewicz  15:33 Oh, that's awesome. I can, literally picture this.   Jason Kim  15:37 That was Day 1, and then, you know, life as a cadet. They warn you of this. They warn you of the pedestal effect, where you're in high school, you're top of your game, and top of your class and you varsity letter and all that stuff. But when you get to the Academy, oh, boy, was I humbled. I mean, there were people that were smarter than me, more athletic than me, you know, better in every way. And so, I just felt very average. And in retrospect, there's nothing wrong with that, right? But just being around 1,500 cadets, you know they just were the best of the best from wherever they were. It was very, very humbling, but also rewarding, because I got to meet people from different states. I'd go on spring break to California for the first time, because I'd make friends with people that were from Northern California or Los Angeles. So, I got to meet a lot of lifelong friends that have been my support group for my entire life, you know. And every time I get together with my friends from the Academy, it's just like it was old times. It just, it's hard to explain, but you know what I'm talking about, and…   Naviere Walkewicz  17:02 I do. It just feels like time didn't pass.   Jason Kim  17:05 That's right. Some of us, like yourself, look like you do from those days. Some of us aged a little bit differently, like myself, but yeah, it was a great experience. Now, if you remember our year — our year was the first year that had the increased level of the internet and so that got a lot of people in trouble. Because, you know, “What's this internet? What do you do with it?” What we got in trouble for in my class was we played a lot of online games, you know, in first-person kind of games. So, I remember there was a game called Quake, and it was a lot of us just playing together in our in our dorm rooms and spending a little bit too much time on that. And then I remember other video games, like Goldeneye on Nintendo, and it just sucked so much time out of our days that, in retrospect, it's like, “What were we doing?” So, I guess you could say we were kind of old-school video gamers back in the day.   Naviere Walkewicz  18:20 It's funny. I was just going to ask you, we knew that you were getting into electrical engineering. What else were you doing? So, it sounds like it wasn't football, but it was Nintendo.   Jason Kim  18:30 I really loved sports. So, I loved taking all the intramural sports and the classes like golf and tennis, and I got into rugby for a little bit, for a minute, which I really enjoyed, but it's not a very forgiving sport, so that didn't last that long. But, you know, I think just the camaraderie you get playing sports like that was fun, and I think from the academic side, you know, I did go into electrical engineering, so I did all the nerdy stuff. That's probably why we didn't cross paths. Also, you probably weren't at the robotics competitions that we were doing, because that's really nerdy. But we got into doing little Roomba robot construction before Roombas existed, and we created our own Pac Man, you know, handheld games from scratch using a box of parts and processors. And my senior design project was pretty interesting. My classmate and I decided to make a digital karaoke machine. You know, using everything we learned from electrical engineering and apply it to something fun. I just remember us just trying to make the most of it with our friends and our classmates, and trying to make it fun, because it could be a lot. I took a lot of semester credit hours my freshman year. I just remember something like 22-plus credit hours. It was just a lot, and you really needed a way to recharge. And so those were some of the ways. But of course, the skiing was amazing. You know, being so close in proximity to all the ski resorts, like Breckenridge and Copper Mountain and Vail — all those great places. So those were always fun things to do. I had my first bowl of pho in Denver.   Naviere Walkewicz  20:49 In Denver?   Jason Kim  20:52 I remember that vividly. I went to one of my first concerts, Smashing Pumpkins at the Nuggets center. And then I got to go to Red Rocks. So, there was a lot of cultural things that I got to be a part of, too.   Naviere Walkewicz  21:09 I love that. So some of the things that you expressed, and I think this is great for our listeners, because, you know, sometimes some of some of our guests have been very, I don't say tunnel vision, but there's very, like, one track they've been really dedicated to, like one aspect. You know, obviously we have to do military, academic and, you know, physical fitness, athleticism, but there's kind of one track that they really hone in on. It seems like you really kind of experienced a lot, and through all of that, I might ask, what were some of the leadership lessons you picked up and learning about yourself, because you kind of talked about that pedestal effect, right? You were really kind of high coming from high school, and then you came to the Academy, and you kind of had to rediscover yourself in a different way. And it looked like you did that. What did you learn?   Jason Kim  21:53 Yeah, so some of the leadership things that I would say, that I got exposed to — and it made me kind of think about it and much later in life, kind of reinforce it — was just to be curious. A lot of times as leaders, you can jump to conclusions but I think one technique that is very helpful, no matter what industry you're in, is just be curious. You know, when you have employees, you could hold folks accountable but be curious about it. Ask the right questions. “Is everything OK? Do you have enough support? Do you have the tools, training to do what you need to? How's your family life?” That kind of stuff. So, I think you could be very curious and compassionate and graceful in terms of leadership, and that's partly learning from good leaders, but also bad leaders that didn't do that. So, I think you got to see both sides as a cadet, and you always want to pick the good leaders and emulate the good behaviors and leave out the bad. So that's one thing I would say. You know, we got this drilled into us, and we didn't even know at the time how important it was. But building that trust with your teams — that's extremely empowering and motivating when you trust someone else, and they trust you, and you can go much, much further when you build that trust up. And then the last thing I would say is, I think we were one of the first classes that had noncommissioned officers alongside with AOCs (Air Officer Commanding) that were there to teach us about mutual respect, about mutual respect between officers and noncommissioned officers. And I think that went a long ways for all of us, because once we went to the real Air Force, we were going to lead a lot of officers and NCOs and getting that kind of exposure early on was helpful. But also learning about mutual respect — that's something that is extremely important in any work setting that you're in. So those are kind of three examples of leadership, things that I would say I remember from the Academy that are also still important today.   Naviere Walkewicz  24:35 I think that's wonderful. Maybe you'll even share an example where you saw either curiosity, compassion or mutual respect really play a role in your professional or personal life after the Academy, but before we get there, I remember you talking about wanting to maybe get into space, right? The astronaut program, be a pilot. How did that all shape out? Because you were an electrical engineer, and then what?   Jason Kim  24:58 So, I really wanted to be a pilot. And for some reason, I really liked the C-17, the Globemaster. And I think it's because it was a fly-by-wire kind of system. It was a stick, but it was like more of a commercial airline-kind of transport plane. So, it was a blend of — fighter pilots use sticks but it was still kind of an air mobility command-kind of system. But, you know, unfortunately, my eyesight, my color deficiency, just didn't allow me to go into that track. So, I really just leaned on and doubled down on my electrical engineering background and got to go to Wright-Patterson Air Force Base as my first assignment. And there I was an engineer-slash-project-manager working on uncrewed aerial vehicles before they became popular. So, things like the Global Hawk and the Predator, UAVs, those were things that I was getting exposed to, and I got to put payloads on. If you remember, in the 1999 timeframe, there were Hellfire missiles put on the Predator. I was there when that was happening. And so, it was just very, very amazing to see all that happen before my eyes. I got to work on the U2 and put payloads on the U2 and other very important missions. And I think that exposed me to the real Air Force. Even though I wasn't flying, I got exposed to assets that actually went into the theater and were very valuable. And then from there, I got assigned to L.A. Air Force Base, and finally got to live out my dream of living in Los Angeles, and was assigned to the Space Superiority Material Wing, and that's where we were acquiring satellites and ground systems to help protect our freedom in space. And so, I learned a lot about space there and ground systems. And, you know, after several years working there, I decided I wanted to go into industry. And so, I did two things. I went to a large aerospace company and became a program manager there. You know, now, in charge of designing and building these satellites. So I went part time to UCLA to get my fully employed MBA, just knowing that I wasn't going to know everything about industry. I wasn't going to know everything about how to be part of a company, and so I wanted to kind of learn more about that side of the industry by getting an MBA. Unbeknownst to me, the MBA wasn't just about company operations and finances, it was actually about leadership. And so, I got a lot of leadership lessons from my MBA program as well. So, it gave me a lot of confidence. And what I mean by that is confidence in just going with your gut, taking risks, getting into high-risk, high-reward situations. And it's because I learned about, the company financials, the underpinnings of a company. I learned about entrepreneurism, what it what it's like to start up a company or operate a company or go through different case studies of how to turn around a company. I learned a lot about accounting and how important and valuable that is. But then most of all, I learned a lot from my classmates. And there were people from the Hollywood industry or investment banking or the medical industry. So, it was really great to learn from my classmates. It got me to conference level where I was like, “Hey, what am I doing at this company? I want to take a risk and go to a startup company.” And I did. I took that leap of faith, and that's where our first, you know, joined Millennium Space Systems, which was a small startup company when it was 20 people. But it was something that I guess I go back to the Air Force Academy where, you know, there's that quote in the Eagle and Fledgling statue that says, “Man's flight through life is sustained by the power of his knowledge.” That kind of always stuck with me and it's one of those things where, when you join a startup company, and you help grow it, and eventually we sold the company to Boeing, you learn so much. I mean, I had five different hats, you know, and I had to learn about finance, program management, business development, engineering, integration and test, all that stuff, mission operations — you learn all those things by doing, and no one will ever be able to take that knowledge away. You just, you just get it for life.   Naviere Walkewicz  30:34 Wow, there's, there's so much that, I mean, you covered such a span, because I'm imagining, you know, maybe I don't want to call — maybe “gift” is not the right word, but not being able to be a pilot might have been something that opened up obviously these opportunities for you in ways that you could not have even foreseen. So, I actually wanted to go back to that really quick and just ask, how did you, how did you kind of re-change your thoughts or shape your mindset to, “OK, well, it's not that. So, what's next?” And how did you handle that? Because I think some of our listeners find themselves in situations where, “Well, if I do all these things, then it will lead to this.” But sometimes there are things outside of your control that even if you do all the things, you can't get there.   Jason Kim  31:20 Well, I think, first of all, I'll always be a fan of pilots and aviators and all these fighters and bombers and transport airplanes — I definitely bleed blue still to this day. So, I definitely appreciate all of our classmates that have sacrificed so much to fly in the Air Force and defend us. That's kind of my mindset is, “What can I do to still contribute to the mission to national security?” And so as long as that was kind of my guide-star, I was fine, because I knew that I was contributing to the mission in some way, whether it be acquiring platforms and putting payloads on those platforms to go support our classmates, or today, you know, designing and building systems and operating systems that end up helping national security. It's really the mindset of, “What can I do to help and make a difference, to help defend our country?” So that's how my mindset shifted, because it takes all of us to contribute what we each contribute to make these missions work. And so that's kind of where my head was at.   Naviere Walkewicz  32:50 I think that's fantastic advice. And there's this theme that's been woven since you talked about your parents, and I think it's this, you know, looking forward and investing in yourself and educating yourself. And so along this path, you've done those things. You're also a family man. When did that kind of come to fruition and how does your family feel about when you joining startups and taking risks and doing some of these things?   Jason Kim  33:16 It goes back to my dad. He gave me a lot of great advice when he was still around, and one of the advice was just sharing his regrets. You know, a lot of people thought he was my grandfather because he had me so late. Really,there's something to be said about that. He was very wise. He had a lot of experience in life, and he had global experience and had seen so many different hardships and overcome them. And he would always say, “Hey, I wish I would have taken, you know, that risk and left my company and joined my other co-workers to go start up that other company.” That actually happened. He had co-workers that ended up starting up a different old drilling company in Texas, and he thought it was too much risk at the time. He regrets that, because obviously those people that went over at the time they did, they did well for themselves. So he would tell me stories like that, and really all that wisdom he would just try to share with me from a young age. And it's hard to admit, but at some point in your, all of our lives, we start to realize how right our parents were sometimes, and so, you know, a lot of the risk taking that I'm doing, that I have done, stems from advice that my dad gave me. It's like, “Hey, go for it. Take the risks. Don't have those regrets.” And so, I think I have lived my life in that manner — just minimize the regrets and take some risk and take calculated risk and really be confident with yourself and double down on yourself. So, yeah, absolutely.   Naviere Walkewicz  35:12 I love that. And your family obviously doubles down on — yeah.   Jason Kim  35:16 I mean, I had kids late in life. I really enjoy spending time with my kids. That's how I recharge. You know, I've got a son that's turning 9 this month, and a daughter that turned 6 a couple months ago, and just watching them grow up and be curious and learn and ask questions and try different things out. You know, we try not to push things on our kids, and I'm the same way. I'm not trying to push anything on my kids, but I do want to give them a lot of opportunities that I wish I had, and just expose them to those opportunities, because you just never know which one takes off and which one really resonates with them. And so that's kind of my mindset right now is, “How can I give my son and daughter as many opportunities as possible so that they could figure it out on their own what they want to do,” right?   Naviere Walkewicz  36:09 Well, even the words that you used, you kind of talked about some of those lessons that you took away as a cadet, and you are seeing it in your children, with the way that they ask questions and the way that they explore. So, I think you have kind of taken those and pass it into your legacy line. I do want to ask a question, because we always find it fascinating when we learn more about our guests. So, do you have a hidden talent that you might share with our listeners?     Jason Kim  36:35 I do. I wish I could say it's something that is so fascinating. But really, it's just some something that I could — I could draw and paint really well, and it was something that I just noticed when I was very young. You know, I learned from my older brothers, and they were pretty good at it, too, but I learned at an earlier age than them, and so I've always been able to sketch and draw realistic pictures. When I was younger, drawing Lamborghinis. Because I always wanteda Lamborghini Countach. They don't make those cars in the price points that I would like, so I don't have one today. But I was always drawing things. And, you know, recently, I started painting as well, and it was crazy. I had never done oil painting before, and when I had my first child, my son, whatever got into me, I just picked up a brush and painted a picture of him, and it actually looks like him. And we did a side by side, like picture of him smiling, and the painting of him smiling. It definitely captures his essence, because I never got training or anything. And so, I would say that's my hidden talent. It was even hidden for me. And, you know, it's just amazing — just go for it. Just go do it. And that's one of the things that I would recommend to people that are wanting to go the Air Force Academy is just get out of your comfort zone and do as many things as you can early on, even before going to the Academy. You know, learn different languages. Just learn as much as you can. Learn lifetime sports. Take lessons of swimming or golf or tennis — all those kind of things. Just do as much as you can, because you'll get busy when you're at the Air Force Academy and you'll have less time to do all the things you want to do. But even when you're in industry and you're working, you don't have as much time to go do that kind of stuff. And you may not think you have a lot of time during junior high or high school, but you do, and you should take advantage of just learning as much as you can, and you'll appreciate it later in life when you go travel to Paris or travel to different places like Thailand or, you know, Japan. You know, if you learn those languages, you can explore those places even more in a way that you know is more enriching, and that gets me to that's what I want to do more of, is travel, travel globally with my family. I think that's something that I want to expose my kids to. And a lot of times you grow up in the United States and you start thinking, “Hey, there's only one way to think about stuff.” But when you travel — and I got to travel for work to Paris a couple years — it opened my eyes. It opened my eyes to a different world and how other people think and dress and go about their daily lives. I've also gotten to London recently for work, and that was eye opening as well, and been to Southeast Asia as well. So, it's just fascinating to go to this these different places and learn the cultures and talk the languages and meet the people. It's very enriching.   Naviere Walkewicz So how many languages do you speak?   Jason Kim So, I grew up learning Korean so I can speak a little bit of Korean. I obviously took Spanish because I grew up in Texas, and that Spanish is a very valuable language in Texas, even in California. And because I took Spanish, you know, when I get to the Air Force Academy, what do they do? They said, “Hey, we don't want you to take Spanish. We want you to be the handful of people that takes Arabic.” So, I got the privilege to take Arabic. I got volunteered into it, and it was very, very difficult for me, because I just had no background in it. I struggled with it. But the silver lining is that I learned about a new culture, and I learned about how to write right to left and, you know, just a new language and new foods that go along with it, too. So I really appreciated that. In hindsight, at the time I didn't think it was that easy, but in hindsight, I wish I would have done more and kept the fluency in it, because learning a different language means you can talk to a different group of people, and you can learn more or teach each other new things. So, it just opens a lot of doors.   Naviere Walkewicz  42:02 So, the experiences you've had, both from the Academy and the languages and throughout your career, both professionally as well. It's personally, what's something that you've taken back from those experiences that you might share with a listener that maybe hasn't had that kind of exposure, that they can bring to the leadership table. And how do you use that at yours?   Jason Kim  42:20 I think it just goes back to what it touched on before, is just the curiosity. Just always be curious. You know, I think Ted Lasso had it right. Just be curious, right? If you had just asked questions about, “Hey, did you throw darts when you were younger?” Oh, if you would have known that you would have known that Ted lasso was really good at darts. I think just being curious and being an active listener and asking questions and listening to other people, sometimes people want to vent, or sometimes people want to just be heard or have a voice, or, most of the time, people just have good ideas. And you know, it's all about, “Hey, did I miss something? Did you miss something? Did we both miss something?” If you get all those great ideas and you share it amongst different people from different backgrounds and walks of life, you don't miss as much and you're just better off, you'll have a better solution. And in my industry, you have a better design, you have a better result, performance result. And so, I would just say, just be curious.   Naviere Walkewicz  43:29 What did your road back to the Academy look like? You know, now you're part of a board of (USAFA) Foundation directors, and so you talked about learning from your dad and your mom, always about giving back. So, I have to think that's probably been part of was in the back of your mind. But how did that all come together?   Jason Kim  43:44 You know, I had no road map to do the job that I'm in right now. I never anticipated doing this job, and I also didn't anticipate being on the board of directors for the Air Force Academy Foundation. But I had folks reach out from, you know, the Air Force Academy Foundation, and ask me, “Hey, do you know what we do? You're a big football fan. Are you aware there's a Falcon Stadium renovation?” And I was like, “No, tell me more.” And with that first visit, I actually donated right away, I was like, “I'm on board. Sign me up. I want to donate to this because I believe in it.” You know, Falcon Stadium was where we graduated, right? It's such a memorable place. We saw a lot of football games there. And so, it means so much. So, I was all about donating to that cause. And then I would say that the second time around, when the same person came back and said, just to check up on me — he had mentioned, “Hey, there's this foundation, and they're looking for someone that has a space background, and you have a space background. So, are you interested in potentially coming to a board meeting?” When I went and attended the board meeting as a guest, I just stared around the room, and I was just in awe, because there was Paul Kaminski, who's, to me, is one of my role models in terms of all that he's done for the country and continues to do for the country. And he was on the academic committee. And so, of course, I wanted to join the academic committee. I saw Gen. Eberhardt. I saw Gen. Born, and there were just so many amazing people, Paul Madera, that I was just in awe. And, you know, from that respect, I was like, “Sign me up. I want to be a part of this.” And I saw them and how much they cared about the Academy and the cadets and making sure that the Academy kind of stayed relevant and was giving the cadets the best education that they can to compete with the Stanfords and MITs and the Harvards, I really saw a good cause, and then the fact that they were interested in my space background. I said, “Yeah, I definitely want to be part of whatever I could do to contribute to the Air Force Academy, to graduate not only people that are going to go to the Air Force, but also to the Space Force.” And so that's something I hope to contribute to is maybe someday a future space education center at the Air Force Academy, so that the cadets could get a great education and be future leaders in the Space Force as well.   Naviere Walkewicz  46:53 Well, it certainly makes a difference. And I think I remember seeing you at that first board meeting that you participated in. I was so excited to see you. That was like, oh, '99s in the house. So that was wonderful. Yes, well, I have two questions left. The first one is, really, I want to just ask you, because we've covered so much, and you've given such wonderful, I think, advice and just perspective. But is there anything that I didn't ask you that you had wanted to, you know, talk about today?   Jason Kim  47:20 You know, I think at the end of the day, going through the Air Force Academy is extremely challenging, but after you graduate, and after you go through life experiences, all the hardships, the challenges, what I've realized is going through the Academy kind of helped me overcome what I had to overcome in my adult life and in my industry life. We didn't like it at the time but breaking you down and then building you back up and making you get up back again every time you fall down, gives you life lessons and a confidence in yourself that you can kind of do anything that you put your mind to. I really believe that the Air Force Academy kind of helped me overcome a lot of different hardships in my life. You don't really realize that going through it, but later in life, I appreciate the fact that I went there and getting through there actually gave me the confidence that I could get back up and be OK and keep growing and continuously learn and get better and improve. So that's kind of something that I could attribute to the Air Force Academy.   Naviere Walkewicz  48:49 Oh, that is awesome. And, I mean, and it's obviously taken you to new heights. Leading a corporation is no small feat. So,  one of the things we really like to do is make sure we kind of hear the takeaways, from you to our listeners. So, it's really kind of a message to them. But before we do that and get your final thoughts, I just wanted to offer a note of thanks to our listeners for being here on the Long Blue Leadership. The podcast drops every two weeks on Tuesdays and is available on all your favorite podcast apps. Be sure to send us your thoughts and comments at socialmedia@usafa.org, and listen to past episodes at longblueleadership.org  So, Jason, I want to come back to you now, because I hope that gave you a little bit of time to think about what is the message you'd like to share to our listeners. And our listeners are far and wide. We have those aspiring to go to the Academy, we have family members of cadets, and we have graduates all alike. What would you like to share when you think about kind of your experiences in the realm of leadership?   Jason Kim  49:48 To them, I think the Air Force Academy is a great place to graduate from. It's really hard to get through. So, be really proud of your sons and daughters that are going through it and persevering, and it really is a great experience for them. For those that are prospective students: You're going to get to do things that you never could do anywhere else. You know, jump out of planes fly gliders, eventually go into the Air Force or Space Force. And then for graduates, we've made so many lifelong friends, and we've made so many memories. It's something we can all do is give back, whether it's — go march back from Jacks Valley, or go to the reunion this year for our 25th reunion for the class of '99, or go to some football games. The Foundation has plenty of great, noble causes to donate to, because it's all about that Long Blue Line. We want the next set of cadets to get an even better experience in education than we did. We want to keep it going.   Naviere Walkewicz  51:12 It is always a pleasure to not only hear your voice, but today, I got to see you as well. That just brings me such joy, and I can't wait until our reunion, just in a couple of months as well. Thank you so much for your time today, Jason, it's been amazing. Lil' Kim, thank you. Bye.   KEYWORDS Jason Kim, Firefly Aerospace, Air Force Academy, immigrant parents, work ethic, space shuttle program, Gulf War, military career, pedestal effect, curiosity, compassion, trust, mutual respect, leadership, CEO, curiosity, compassion, mutual respect, electrical engineering, startup, satellites, taking risks, giving back     The Long Blue Line Podcast Network is presented by the U.S. Air Force Academy Association and Foundation      

In the first half of our conversation with retired U.S. Navy Commander Porter Halyburton, we learned about the day he was shot down over North Vietnam, how he was captured and tortured, and the bond he formed with fellow POW Fred Cherry. Today, Halyburton explains the biggest shock of all during his imprisonment, how the prisoners kept their morale up in worst possible conditions over the years, and how they finally got home.In this edition of "Veterans Chronicles," Halyburton details how he found out that he was listed as killed in action and that his wife, family, and government all thought he was dead for about 18 months - and how that problem finally got straightened out. Halyburton also explains how the famous tap code developed, how they taught it to each other without being able to see or speak with one another in many cases, how they hid the true meaning of the code from the enemy, and how it built the prisoners into a close-knit community.Halyburton also tells us how he figured out he might soon be free more than seven years after being taken prisoner. He shares what that long awaited day of freedom was like and the critical, difficult decisions he made while being released that helped immensely every day after that.

Ralph Galati shares the story of his harrowing experience as a prisoner of war (POW) during the Vietnam War. Galati's capture occurred during Operation Linebacker, an air campaign aimed at disrupting North Vietnamese supply lines and military infrastructure. On February 16, 1972, while on a mission, Galati's F-4 Phantom II was struck by enemy fire. Ejecting from the aircraft, he and his fellow pilot, Bill Hill, were quickly captured by North Vietnamese forces. They were then transported to the infamous “Hanoi Hilton,” nickname of the Hoa Lo Prison. The conditions at the Hanoi Hilton were severe, with prisoners subjected to physical and psychological torture, malnutrition, and isolation. Despite these conditions, Galati, like many of his fellow POWs, displayed remarkable resilience. The camaraderie among the prisoners was crucial to their survival, as they developed a covert communication system using taps and codes to maintain morale and share information. This support network helped them endure the harsh treatment and isolation imposed by their captors. Galati's faith and determination played a significant role in his ability to withstand the hardships of captivity. He has often spoken about how his belief in God and his love for his family gave him the strength to persevere. His experience as a POW also deepened his sense of duty and commitment to his fellow servicemen, inspiring him to become a strong advocate for veterans' issues after his release. After spending nearly 14 months in captivity, Ralph Galati was released on March 28, 1973, as part of Operation Homecoming, the repatriation of American POWs following the Paris Peace Accords. Upon returning to the United States, he transitioned from active duty to a role in the Air Force Reserves and later pursued a civilian career in business and education. Galati has been an active voice in veteran communities, sharing his story to inspire and educate others about the realities of war and the resilience of the human spirit. He has worked extensively with organizations that support veterans and their families, emphasizing the importance of remembering the sacrifices made by servicemen and women. His story is not just one of survival but also of leadership and service, as he continues to dedicate his life to helping others, particularly those who have served in the military. #vietnamwar  #vietnamveterans  #airforce  #militaryhistory #veteran #interview #veterans #vet #veteransbreakfastclub #vbc #virtualevents #virtual #zoom #zoomevents #liveevent #webinar #military #army #usarmy #navy #usnavy #marinecorps #marines #airforce #pilot #aviators #coastguard #nonprofit #501c3 #history  #militaryveterans #veteransstories #veteranshistory #veteraninterview #veteranshistoryproject #veteransoralhistory #veteranowned #militaryretirees #armyretirees #navyretirees #warstories #vietnam #vietnamwar #vietnamveterans #koreanwar #coldwar #greatestgeneration #wwii #ww2  #worldwar2 #war #americanhistory #oralhistory #podcast  #scuttlebutt #thescuttlebutt #humor #storytelling #headlines #news #roundtable #breakfast  #happyhour #thirtyyearswar  We're grateful to UPMC for Life and Tobacco Free Adagio Health for sponsoring this event!

Porter Halyburton was born in Florida and grew up in North Carolina. After college, he got married and joined the U.S. Navy with a clear goal of becoming a naval aviator. He got his wish, flying the F-4. Shortly after becoming a new father, he was deployed to Vietnam in May of 1965. He wouldn't come home for more than seven years.In this edition of "Veterans Chronicles," you'll hear the first half of Porter Halyburton's story of being a pilot, being shot down, and the horrors he endured after being captured by the North Vietnamese.He takes us moment by moment through his experience of being hit by enemy fire, his decision to eject, his futile effort to avoid capture, and what he experienced after becoming a POW.Halyburton also explains how the clear training he went through in case he was captured was very helpful in some circumstances but unnecessarily burdensome in others. He also shares what he suffered for refusing to answer questions from his captors. And he details how the North Vietnamese tried to use racial politics to turn him and a fellow prisoner against one another - an enemy plan that backfired spectacularly.In our next edition, you'll hear how Halyburton learned the U.S. government and his family thought he was killed in action, how the prisoners used the famous tap code to keep their hopes up, and how he finally came home. 

On a "Best of Chris Fabry Live" broadcast, we're going back to April 1965. Decorated Air Force pilot Colonel Carlyle "Smitty" Harris was shot down over Vietnam. He had no idea what horrors awaited him in the infamous "Hanoi Hilton." By chance, he had learned a means of communication called the Tap Code. Hear his story and the importance of that secret code on a July 4 edition of Chris Fabry Live.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Calls: Obama, McCain, Clinton, JUDGED! Sociopath LIARS! Ladies punched in NYC. Hillary to voters: "Get over yourself." Don't show off or self-doxx! The Hake Report, Thursday, April 11, 2024 AD TIME STAMPS * (0:00:00) Start * (0:00:53) RIP OJ, gone to be with Nicole * (0:03:20) Hey, guys! I Love Boomers. * (0:07:31) JOE, AZ: Not Biden, but Obama 2x (NOT McCain) * (0:13:13) JOE: Obamaphones, socialism, Obamacare * (0:17:32) JOE: AJ Doc, Adam Lanza, gun control * (0:19:55) JOE: Protecting ego? * (0:23:34) DAVID, FL: OJ where? Black jury nullification? * (0:30:02) DAVID: McCain, Vietnam POW, weaker than water * (0:34:37) DAVID: Kids 30 years ago attacked him! * (0:37:40) Ladies punched in NYC * (0:44:46) Hillary: "Get over yourself" * (0:47:50) Hispanics, Latino/a professionals complaining * (0:52:27) JAMES, NY: Jesus socialist? Parents accountable? God * (1:00:58) Petra - "This Means War!" (1987, This Means War!) * (1:05:29) JAIME, MN: Joe Brown, OJ Simpson* (1:12:10) Coffee: Tap water vs EPA * (1:15:43) Coffee: Trump at Chick-Fil-A… RIP OJ * (1:19:02) RICHARD, NC: CDC Mandy Cohen, Frivolous lawsuits, CA * (1:25:16) RICHARD: Clinton-Newt balanced budget * (1:28:18) RICHARD: Sociopath, vacant eyes liar, narcissistic, charm * (1:31:28) ART, OH: Liars, Brandon Johnson, Chicago, Dexter Reed * (1:39:37) ART: Ladies punched in NYC * (1:42:06) Showing off jewelry, doxxing location, getting robbed/killed * (1:45:35) Supers: Lin Yen Chin: Gene editing by "will power" nose breathing * (1:49:00) AMAN, INDIA: Endure for the prize. What prize? * (1:50:34) Tora! Tora! Torrance! - "My Turn in the Hot Seat" (2000, Get Into It) BLOG  https://www.thehakereport.com/blog/2024/4/11/the-hake-report-thu-4-11-24 PODCAST / Substack  HAKE NEWS from JLP  https://www.thehakereport.com/jlp-news/2024/4/11/trump-aborsh-laws-are-up-to-the-people-hake-news-thu-4-11-24 Hake is live M-F 9-11a PT (11-1CT/12-2ET) Call-in 1-888-775-3773 https://www.thehakereport.com/show VIDEO  YouTube  -  Rumble*  -  Facebook  -  X  -  BitChute  -  Odysee*  PODCAST  Substack  -  Apple  -  Spotify  -  Castbox  -  Podcast Addict  *SUPER CHAT on platforms* above or  BuyMeACoffee, etc.  SHOP  Spring  -  Cameo  |  All My Links  JLP Network:  JLP  -  Church  -  TFS  -  Nick  -  Joel   Get full access to HAKE at thehakereport.substack.com/subscribe

When life's trials hit, do you find yourself overwhelmed and drained? In this episode, I share the key to enduring through difficult situations: the right kind of hope. Discover the profound wisdom of the Stockdale Paradox, which reveals how you can persevere through the most difficult kinds of trials. Get my weekly newsletter - Adaptation Book Erik for your next event Start AIM7 for Free Quotable moments: "When you are imprisoned by great difficulty, you must on one hand never lose the unwavering faith that you will find a way to prevail in the end. While at the same time having the discipline to confront the most brutal facts of your current reality, whatever they might be." - Admiral Jim Stockdale "You need to face the facts and never lose the faith and just keep taking the next step." - Dr. Erik Korem "Thriving sometimes is just taking the next step. It doesn't mean that you're just crushing life and that, you know, we don't have to walk around like everything's perfect all the time." - Dr. Erik Korem ABOUT THE BLUEPRINT PODCAST: The BluePrint Podcast is for busy professionals and Household CEOs who care deeply about their families, career, and health. Host Dr. Erik Korem distills cutting edge-science, leadership, and life skills into simple tactics optimized for your busy lifestyle and goals.   Dr. Korem interviews scientists, coaches, elite athletes, entrepreneurs, entertainers, and exceptional people to discuss science and practical skills you can implement to become the most healthy, resilient, and impactful version of yourself. On a mission to equip people to pursue audacious goals, thrive in uncertainty, and live a healthy and fulfilled life, Dr. Erik Korem is a High-Performance pioneer. He introduced sports science and athlete-tracking technologies to collegiate and professional (NFL) football over a decade ago. He has worked with the National Football League, Power-5 NCAA programs, gold-medal Olympians, Nike, and the United States Department of Defense. Erik is an expert in sleep and stress resilience. He is the Founder and CEO of AIM7, a health and fitness app that unlocks the power of wearables by providing you with daily personalized recommendations to enhance your mind, body, and recovery. SUPPORT & CONNECT Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/erikkorem/ Twitter - https://twitter.com/ErikKorem LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/erik-korem-phd-19991734/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/erikkorem Website - https://www.erikkorem.com/ Newsletter - https://adaptation.beehiiv.com/subscribe  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Have you ever stood at the base of a mountain of personal and professional challenges, unsure how to start your ascent? That's where the incredible story of HR Huntsman comes in, as he joins me, Chris Anderson, in a candid conversation about harnessing a success mindset to navigate the entrepreneurial landscape. HR unveils his transformative journey from a turbulent childhood to becoming a beacon for business leaders, breaking down how a conscious shift in mindset can be your most powerful tool in overcoming obstacles. This episode is an intimate exploration of the inner workings of success—where courage meets perseverance, and where confronting your demons can lead to unparalleled growth.Picture the entrepreneurial journey as a grueling marathon, fraught with twists, turns and the occasional stumble. This is the vivid reality we dissect through compelling anecdotes and the wisdom of a Vietnam POW's survival philosophy. We tackle the pitfalls of toxic positivity and underscore the merit of resilient optimism. It's not just about bouncing back after a hit; it's about understanding the delicate balance between hopefulness and the stark truths of life. If you're seeking a blueprint to build a robust success mindset—one that equips you to write your own narrative of triumph in the face of adversity—then tune in to this episode. Prepare to be galvanized by the strategies and insights that will redefine your path to success.Support the showThis episode is NOT sponsored. Some product links are affiliate links, meaning we'll receive a small commission if you buy something. =========================== ⚡️PODCAST: Subscribe to our podcast here ➡ https://elevatemedia.buzzsprout.com/ ⚡️LAUNCH YOUR SHOW: Let's get your show off the ground and into the top 5% globally listened to shows ➡ https://www.elevatemediastudios.com/launch ⚡️Need post-recording video production help? Let's chat ➡ https://calendly.com/elevate-media-group/application ⚡️For Support inquires or Business inquiries, please email us at ➡︎ support@elevate-media-group.com Our mission here at Elevate Media is to help purpose-driven entrepreneurs elevate their brands and make an impact through the power of video podcasting. Disclaimer: Please see the link for our disclaimer policy for all our episodes or videos on the Elevate Media and Elevate Media Podcast YouTube channels. https://elevatemediastudios.com/disclaimer

In the fourteenth episode of Season 10: Dealer's Choice, Kyle is joined for a one-on-one conversation with musician Ben Childs to discuss the hopeless disillusionment of the 1970s that was translated into a cut-to-the-bone, mean-spirited vengeance story that followed a Vietnam POW molded and informed by violence and isolated by normalcy in John Flynn's Rolling Thunder (1977).

In our last edition of "Veterans Chronicles," we learned about the World War II service of U.S. Air Force Col. Joe Peterburs (Ret.). He told us all about escorting U.S. bombers into Germany, strafing Luftwaffe airfields, and shooting down a highly decorated German ace before getting shot down himself on the very same mission. Please be sure to listen to Part 1 of his story.But the story of Col. Peterburs goes well beyond World War II. In this edition of "Veterans Chronicles," Col. Peterburs takes from his quiet desk jobs in the Air Force after World War II to being back in the P-51, providing close air support to American forces during the Korean War.Later on, Peterburs tells us all about his service in Vietnam, the critical role he performed there in air traffic control, and the very close call he endured during the Tet Offensive. Finally, Peterburs tells about the commmand that he's most proud of from more than 36 years in uniform.

Joe Peterburs was on track to become a priest. All of that changed when the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. The next year, Peterburs joined the U.S. Army Air Corps and trained to be a fighter pilot. He mastered the P-40, but by the time he got to England in late 1944, the P-51 was waiting for him.In this edition of "Veterans Chronicles," Col. Joe Peterburs takes us through his service in World War II as he began a military career lasting more than 36 years.You'll hear about his first mission and a whole lot more about his last one...including how he shot down a German ace, got shot down himself on the very same day, was taken prisoner, and ended up fighting alongside Russians. And he shares the tale of an unthinkable reunion.Also, watch next week for the second part of our interview with Col. Peterburs, as he tells about his service in Korea and Vietnam.

Can you increase your tenacity and become a more driven person? Yes! Drawing inspiration from Admiral Jim Stockdale's harrowing experiences in a Vietnam POW camp and the insights of Jim Collins' "Good to Great," Paul explores the remarkable resilience and unwavering faith that define true tenacity. Discover the "Stockdale Paradox" – a compelling lesson on balancing faith in your ultimate success with the discipline to confront harsh realities. Paul also delves into the influential "4C's Formula" by Dan Sullivan, a roadmap to achieving seemingly impossible goals through Commitment, Courage, Capability, and Confidence. Also, he sheds light on the fascinating neuroscience behind tenacity, featuring insights from Andrew Huberman's podcast and other research on the anterior mid-cingulate cortex. Understand how this brain area shapes our ability to endure challenges and how you can strengthen it. Whether you're facing personal hurdles or seeking to elevate your leadership skills, this episode offers practical strategies and motivational insights. If you're ready to transform challenges into triumphs and cultivate a life of purpose and achievement, this episode is a must-listen.

Can you increase your tenacity and become a more driven person? Yes! Drawing inspiration from Admiral Jim Stockdale's harrowing experiences in a Vietnam POW camp and the insights of Jim Collins' "Good to Great," Paul explores the remarkable resilience and unwavering faith that define true tenacity. Discover the "Stockdale Paradox" – a compelling lesson on balancing faith in your ultimate success with the discipline to confront harsh realities. Paul also delves into the influential "4C's Formula" by Dan Sullivan, a roadmap to achieving seemingly impossible goals through Commitment, Courage, Capability, and Confidence. Also, he sheds light on the fascinating neuroscience behind tenacity, featuring insights from Andrew Huberman's podcast and other research on the anterior mid-cingulate cortex. Understand how this brain area shapes our ability to endure challenges and how you can strengthen it. Whether you're facing personal hurdles or seeking to elevate your leadership skills, this episode offers practical strategies and motivational insights. If you're ready to transform challenges into triumphs and cultivate a life of purpose and achievement, this episode is a must-listen.

A robust community made an immense impact. In Vietnam, as POWs, we endured suffering, but we suffered together. We also found solace and healing together. Colonel Lee Ellis (@LeeEllis) has lived a life that is a testament to overcoming adversity and being dedicated to service. A Vietnam POW of the Hanoi Hilton, Lee shares his powerful insights and worldview in this interview.    "If you have great love and you have responsibility growing up, you're going to be a healthier person." - Lee Ellis   Key Takeaways: 5x5 Code of POW's: The 5x5 matrix tapping code, initially employed by prisoners of war (POWs) during World War II to covertly communicate through walls, involved a grid with five rows and five columns, excluding the letter K. This ingenious code allowed POWs to tap out messages by indicating specific rows and columns, enabling secret communication within confinement. The code's success in fostering covert communication led to its continued use in subsequent conflicts, including the Vietnam War, where POWs in places like the infamous Hanoi Hilton utilized this method to share crucial information and support one another in the face of adversity. This code is a testament to POWs' resilience and resourcefulness across different periods of history.   Secure and Insecure: We're all sliding back and forth between feeling secure and insecure. We all must move toward being more secure and believing in ourselves; in this belief, we want to be confident and humble. When we are confident and humble, then we can be realistic. This allows us to take ownership of mistakes and clean up misunderstandings, which is essential in leadership.    Independent and Interdependent. Maintaining personal autonomy is vital in relationships—an aspect highlighted by the necessity to be independent. Simultaneously, recognizing the significance of interdependence is equally essential, especially within meaningful relationships. Striking a balance between these qualities becomes a cornerstone for personal growth and successful, mutually supportive connections.   Kokoro: SEALFIT's 50-hour crucible, inspired by Navy SEAL Hell Week, draws from Samurai tradition, emphasizing the integration of head, heart, and hands in action and service. Over a decade, participants have experienced transformative outcomes, breaking free from limited thinking, enhancing decision-making, and fostering calm and clarity. The training instills a commitment to service, with individuals channeling their newfound insights for the benefit of others. Sponsors and Promotions: KUDO Popcorn:  You will be amazed how KUDO has made a fun favorite snack tastier and healthier. For a limited time, get an exclusive 25% discount when they use the code DIVINE. Kudosnacks.com/discount/DIVINE and get 25% off your order.   Momentus: Designed by the world's best experts, used by the world's best teams and athletes, and made for all of us.  https://www.livemomentous.com, and use code DIVINE for 20% off your first order.    Happy Holidays!   Links for Lee Ellis: Website Facebook Twitter  

Howard Hill attended the U.S. Air Force Academy and went on to flight training, where he became a radio intercept officer (RIO). Deployed to Vietnam as a backseater on an F-4, Hill flew many missions, including one that earned him his first Silver Star before being shot down two months later.In this edition of "Veterans Chronicles," Col. Hill details that successful mission in October 1967. He then takes moment by moment on the December mission in which his plane was shot down and he was taken prisoner by the North Vietnamese. He describes the torture he endured for refusing to give up information to the enemy and what life was like in the Hoa Lo prison - better known mockingly as the Hanoi Hilton - for more than five years.Col. Hill also describes how he kept his mind sharp in captivity by writing poetry expressing his love for America. Finally, he tells us about his release and how Americans should appreciate their freedoms.

The father of an old friend of mine from Jr. High School was a Vietnam POW.  Here is his story. 

Episode 2612 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature a story about POW Vietnam Vet Dave Carey. The featured story appeared in the News-Gazette of Champaign, Illinois and was titled: Surviving and thriving: Vietnam POW recounts harrowing tales during … Continue reading →

It has been a long time coming, but after 1,891 days in captivity, Nick Rowe became one of only 37 prisoners to successfully escape from Vietcong prisons and make it back to friendly forces. This is the culminating event of his five years to freedom. The helicopter that picked him up radioed ahead and a large crowd gathered to welcome him home. After escaping, Rowe found out that he had been promoted twice in captivity and was now a major. The introduction and transition music heard on the podcast is composed and recorded by the eldest Ghosts of Arlington, Jr. While the rest of his catalogue is quite different from what he's performed for me, you can find his music on bandcamp.com under the names Caladrius and Bloodfeather.As always, a very special thanks to Mountain Up Cap Company for its continued help to spread the word about the podcast on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/MountainUpCapCompany Climb to Glory!For more information about the podcast visit: ·       The GoA website: https://www.ghostsofarlingtonpodcast.com    ·       Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ghostsofarlingtonpodcast·       Twitter: https://twitter.com/ArlingtonGhosts·       Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ghostsofarlington/ 

Lieutenant Rowe's circumstances change drastically and he unexpectedly finds himself the lone prisoner in his prison camp. After spending four years with other American POWs, he has to adjust to these new surroundings and hope that he has the mental fortitude to withstand the Vietcong's ramped-up indoctrination sessions all on his own.The introduction and transition music heard on the podcast is composed and recorded by the eldest Ghosts of Arlington, Jr. While the rest of his catalogue is quite different from what he's performed for me, you can find his music on bandcamp.com under the names Caladrius and Bloodfeather.As always, a very special thanks to Mountain Up Cap Company for its continued help to spread the word about the podcast on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/MountainUpCapCompany Climb to Glory!For more information about the podcast visit: ·       The GoA website: https://www.ghostsofarlingtonpodcast.com    ·       Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ghostsofarlingtonpodcast·       Twitter: https://twitter.com/ArlingtonGhosts·       Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ghostsofarlington/ 

Whether you've served in an actual war or not, life can seem like a battleground, and depending on your circumstances, it can feel like you are a Prisoner of War. On today's edition of Family Talk, Dr. Tim Clinton concludes his discussion with USAF Ret. Col. Lee Ellis about his book, Captured by Love: Inspiring True Romance Stories from Vietnam POWs. Col. Ellis shares how faith in God became the anchor point to not only help him get through the trauma being a Vietnam POW, but also provide the basis for the greatest mission in life, which is to receive God's love and pass it on to all he knows. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/707/29

Believing that he was given a purpose and mission from God, USAF Ret. Col. Lee Ellis not only survived five years as a Vietnam POW, but went on to resume his military career after being released in 1973. On today's edition of Family Talk, Dr. Tim Clinton relives the courageous experiences of Col. Ellis, an Air Force pilot who was shot down over enemy territory, during the Vietnam War. Discover more of this inspiring story and how the Lord continues to use Col. Lee Ellis in magnificent ways. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/707/29

Charlie Plumb ended up in the U.S. Navy because money was tight for his family and it was a big economic relief when he was recommended and accepted at the U.S. Naval Academy. Upon commissioning from Annapolis and competion of flight school, Plumb would soon be flying an F-4. Little did he know what awaited him just a few years later in Vietnam.Plumb was deployed to the war zone in November 1966. He routinely flew missions over North Vietnam, including Hanoi, which he says was the most heavily protected city in the world at that time. On each mission, he came under fire in a variety of forms.In May 1967, Plumb was shot down by a surface-to-air missile (SAM) and taken prisoner. He was soon held prisoner at the infamous "Hanoi Hilton."In this edition of "Veterans Chronicles," Captain Plumb recounts his memories of being shot down, his remarkable prayer while parachuting into enemy territory, the brutal torture and deprivation in the prison, and how the U.S. POW's kept each other going. Finally, he shares what it was like to breathe as a free man after nearly six years of captivity.

The American POWs are split up as the Vietcong continue their reeducation efforts to get them to confess to "crimes against the Vietnamese people." Knowing his health is headed south, Lieutenant Nick Rowe decides he needs to try to escape before it's too late. Sure, escape is risky, but even if he dies in the process, he figures it is better than sitting around waiting to starve to death.The introduction and transition music heard on the podcast is composed and recorded by the eldest Ghosts of Arlington, Jr. While the rest of his catalogue is quite different from what he's performed for me, you can find his music on bandcamp.com under the names Caladrius and Bloodfeather.As always, a very special thanks to Mountain Up Cap Company for its continued help to spread the word about the podcast on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/MountainUpCapCompany Climb to Glory!For more information about the podcast visit: ·       The GoA website: https://www.ghostsofarlingtonpodcast.com    ·       Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ghostsofarlingtonpodcast·       Twitter: https://twitter.com/ArlingtonGhosts·       Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ghostsofarlington/ 

Captivity at the hands of the Vietcong continues to bring hardships to Captain Rocky Versace, Lieutenant Nick Rowe, and Sergeant Dan Pitzer. Versace has been separated from the group, though two new prisoners, Army Master Sergeant Ed Johnson and Army Sergeant Len Tadios join Rowe and Pitzer.After attacking a guard and a second round of failed reeducation attempts, Rowe is labeled a hard case - similar to Versace's classification last week - and is told he will be shipped off a new camp, one less lenient than the already strict camps he has been in up to this point.The introduction and transition music heard on the podcast is composed and recorded by the eldest Ghosts of Arlington, Jr. While the rest of his catalogue is quite different from what he's performed for me, you can find his music on bandcamp.com under the names Caladrius and Bloodfeather.As always, a very special thanks to Mountain Up Cap Company for its continued help to spread the word about the podcast on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/MountainUpCapCompany Climb to Glory!For more information about the podcast visit: ·       The GoA website: https://www.ghostsofarlingtonpodcast.com    ·       Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ghostsofarlingtonpodcast·       Twitter: https://twitter.com/ArlingtonGhosts·       Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ghostsofarlington/ 

After begin captured by the Vietcong, Captain Rocky Versace, Lieutenant Nick Rowe, and Sergeant Dan Pitzer are held in a series of Vietcong jungle prison camps in South Vietnam. The Vietcong also send cadre to try to reeducate their prisoners - to get them denounce the US involvement in Vietnam - but to no avail. After Captain Versace is labeled an unrepentant hard case, he is made an example of to try to get the other Americans to come around to their captors' way of thinking as they pass the six month mark in captivity.The introduction and transition music heard on the podcast is composed and recorded by the eldest Ghosts of Arlington, Jr. While the rest of his catalogue is quite different from what he's performed for me, you can find his music on bandcamp.com under the names Caladrius and Bloodfeather.As always, a very special thanks to Mountain Up Cap Company for its continued help to spread the word about the podcast on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/MountainUpCapCompany Climb to Glory!For more information about the podcast visit: ·       The GoA website: https://www.ghostsofarlingtonpodcast.com    ·       Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ghostsofarlingtonpodcast·       Twitter: https://twitter.com/ArlingtonGhosts·       Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ghostsofarlington/ 

Two fo the first US Solderis taken captive by the communists in Vietnam were to advisors to the South Vietnamese Army, First Lieutenant Nick Rowe and Captain Rocky Versace. One of these men worked so hard to keep up the moral of other US prisoners that the North decided to summarily execute him. The other refused to give up and after five years, finally escaped and regained his freedom.In part one of their dramatic story, we see where they came from, what brought them together, and what they were doing when they were captured.The introduction and transition music heard on the podcast is composed and recorded by the eldest Ghosts of Arlington, Jr. While the rest of his catalogue is quite different from what he's performed for me, you can find his music on bandcamp.com under the names Caladrius and Bloodfeather.As always, a very special thanks to Mountain Up Cap Company for its continued help to spread the word about the podcast on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/MountainUpCapCompany Climb to Glory!For more information about the podcast visit: ·       The GoA website: https://www.ghostsofarlingtonpodcast.com    ·       Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ghostsofarlingtonpodcast·       Twitter: https://twitter.com/ArlingtonGhosts·       Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ghostsofarlington/ 

Ed Hubbard has been fascinated by flight since he can remember. When he was a kid, his parents dropped him off to watch planes at the local airfield for hours at a time. He joined the Air Force Reserves in hopes of becoming a pilot. He later went on active duty, became an officer and earned his wings. While serving in Europe in the mid-1960s, orders came for Hubbard to take his family back to the U.S. and prepare for service in Vietnam.While serving on a reconnaissance flight over North Vietnam in July 1966, Hubbard's plane came under fire. Explosions near the aircraft caused the plane to catch fire and Hubbard quickly ejected.In this edition of "Veterans Chronicles," Hubbard expertly shares what happened on that ill-fated mission, what he thought about and planned as he parachuted to the ground, his attempts to evade capture by the North Vietnamese, and what happened to him once he was taken prisoner.From there, Hubbard tells us what life was like as a prisoner of war - from the interrogations and torture to the conditions in the prison to the tap code and other communications that served as a lifeline to the prisoners. And he tells us what it was like to taste freedom again after nearly seven years of captivity and how his experience as a POW gave him a mindset that has served him well ever since.

Taylor Baldwin Kiland is the coauthor of three books about your nation's Vietnam POWs. A former naval officer, the third generation in her family to serve in the Navy, Taylor was raised in Coronado, California, and Alexandria, Virginia, where she grew up with many of the Vietnam POW and MIA families.  Judy Silverstein Gray is a former journalist who has written profiles of trailblazers, news, and feature articles for outlets including, The Tampa Tribune. A retired Coast Guard chief petty officer and the third generation in her family to serve, she has published five books on military topics for young readers.  Watch on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3opNURn  PATREON: patreon.com/brassandunity  - - - - - - - - - - - - SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS CURED Nutrition -  20% with code BRASS - www.curednutrition.com/brass H.V.M.N - 20% off with code BRASS20 - https://hvmn.com/pages/home Brass & Unity - 20% off with code UNITY - http://brassandunity.com  Three Horses Hat Co - 15% off with code BRASS - ⁠https://threehorseshatco.com/⁠ - - - - - - - - - - - - - SHOP B&U Jewelry & Eyewear: https://brassandunity.com  - - - - - - - - - - - - - Follow #brassandunity - - - - - - - - - - - - - CHARITY Honour House - https://www.honourhouse.ca Vet Solutions - https://vetsolutions.org  Heroic Hearts - https://www.heroicheartsproject.org Warrior Angels Foundation - https://warriorangelsfoundation.org All Secure Foundation - http://allsecurefoundation.org Defenders of Freedom - http://defendersoffreedom.us The Boot Campaign - https://bootcampaign.org The Overwatch Foundation  - http://overwatchfoundationusa.org

Ronald Webb was commissioned as a U.S. Navy officer through the ROTC program at Indiana University. First trained as a navigator, Webb later received his pilots' wings in 1966. Soon, he was off to Vietnam, flying missions out of Da Nang with the 390th Tactical Fighter Squadron. On most missions, he served as the "backseater" to Korean War double ace pilot Frederick C. "Boots" Blesse.On June 11, 1967, Webb was flying with a different pilot, but he was more concerned with the dangerous flight pattern they were being asked to be a part of that day. After being overruled, the mission began. They would never return to base and Webb would spent nearly six years as a prisoner of war.In this edition of "Veterans Chronicles," Col Webb explains the tragic collision that forced them to eject, his futile attempts to evade capture by the Vietnamese, and his treatment after being taken into custody.Webb also details the interrogations and torture he endured from the communists demanding military intelligence and who were trying to use American prisoners as propaganda tools. He also tells us about the tap code that was a lifeline of morale and sanity for the prisoners.Finally, Col. Webb tells us what it was like to taste freedom again after losing it for so long.

Wayne Ogden Smith joins #Clockedin with Jordan Edwards and discusses about the his journey  from POW to CEO!  What if you could learn life lessons from a Vietnam War prisoner of war who later became a successful CEO? Join us for a captivating conversation with our inspiring guest, Wayne Ogden Smith. From his early days growing up with his grandparents in a small town in Kentucky, to his time as a test pilot in the F4D and his harrowing experience as a prisoner of war in Vietnam, Wayne's story is nothing short of extraordinary. Listen as he shares insights on the Paris peace talks, the pivotal role of B-52 bombers, and his incredible journey to becoming the CEO of Mid-American Energy.In this episode, we delve into Wayne's POW training and the unique communication tactics he and his fellow POWs used, such as tapping codes and using cups with holes in them, to stay connected. We also discuss the inspiring mindset that allowed Wayne to endure his captivity and learn from it. Moreover, we touch on the experiences of John McCain and the torture he suffered due to his family's military background.As we listen to Wayne's story, we uncover valuable professional advice for those beginning their careers. From taking advice from the right people to the importance of having good mentors, Wayne's wisdom is truly enlightening. We also explore his post-military life, his thoughts on PTSD, and his reflections on living a life without regret. Don't miss this incredible opportunity to hear Wayne Ogden Smith's powerful story and the lessons he's learned along the way. To Reach Jordan:Email: Jordan@Edwards.Consulting Youtube:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9ejFXH1_BjdnxG4J8u93Zw Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jordan.edwards.7503 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jordanfedwards/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jordanedwards5/ Hope you find value in this. If so please provide a 5-star and drop a review.Complimentary Edwards Consulting Session: https://calendly.com/jordan-555/intro-call

Description In this episode of Saving With Steve, host Steve Sexton is joined by former POW, Lee Ellis, and love expert, Greg Godek, the authors of Captured by Love.   Besides being a sought-after leadership coach through his firm Leadership Freedom, Lee Ellis is a former Top Gun Pilot and Vietnam POW. Greg Godek is a best-selling author and romance expert. In this episode, we talk about the pros and cons to consider when it comes to dating a co-worker.     Learn more about the show at www.SavingWithSteve.us

On this Memorial Day episode of "The Federalist Radio Hour," retired U.S. Army Col. Hal Kushner joins Federalist Culture Editor Emily Jashinsky to discuss his life growing up during World War II, recount the five and a half years he spent as a prisoner of war in Vietnam, and share how life changed after he made it back to his family on U.S. soil.This show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on this podcast, contact us at https://www.spreaker.com/show/5457726/advertisement

Today on The Doug Collins Podcast, I am joined by Jim Petterson and Barry Bridger who have written a book outlining not only Barry's life from an Orphanage to a Vietnam POW but how his attitude and drive carried him in life. The book A Spirit to Soar, is an amazing book that will challenge you to be the best that you can be no matter the circumstances. This is a save, share and listen to again Podcast. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Highly decorated Air Force veteran Wayne O. Smith was born in 1943 in Richmond, Kentucky. He entered the U.S. Air Force Academy on June 26, 1961, and graduated with a commission as a 2d Lt. on June 9, 1965.  Lt. Smith next attended Undergraduate Pilot Training at Moody AFB, Georgia, where he was awarded his pilot wings in September 1966. He served with the 4th Tactical Fighter Squadron of the 33rd Tactical Fighter Wing at Eglin AFB, Florida, from October 1966 to July 1967, when he deployed with his unit to Southeast Asia. He then flew with the 435th Tactical Fighter Squadron at Ubon Royal Thai AFB, Thailand, and was forced to eject over North Vietnam while flying his 90th combat mission on January 18, 1968.  On his last mission, Lt. Smith was credited with shooting down a MIG-17 in aerial combat before his aircraft was shot down. He was immediately captured and taken as a Prisoner of War and spent the next 1,882 days in captivity before being released during Operation Homecoming on March 14, 1973.  After recovering from his injuries at Maxwell AFB, Alabama, Capt. Smith left active duty on September 4, 1973, served in the Pennsylvania Air National Guard for a year, and then left the reserves in 1976.  In 1999 Wayne Smith retired from MidAmerica Energy as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Generation. Earlier, he was President and Chief Operating Officer of BF Goodrich Chemicals and prior to that he was Chief Executive of BOC Gases for the U.S., Canada, and South America. He began his business career with Air Products and Chemicals, where he was appointed to a number of executive assignments over a 16-year period. He was a pilot flying Boeing 727s for Eastern Airlines for a short time before becoming a corporate executive.  Wayne is married to Lois A. Bolin, Ph.D., of Naples, Florida. He has two children and two grandchildren, who also reside in Naples. Military Service Summary: • U.S. Air Force Academy 1961-1965 • U.S. Air Force 1965-1973 • Pennsylvania Air National Guard 1973-1974 • U.S. Air Force Reserve 1974-1976 • Cold War 1965-1976 • Vietnam War 1967-1973 (POW) His military honors include two Silver Stars, the Legion of Merit, two Distinguished Flying Crosses, two Bronze Stars, seven Air Medals, and the Purple Heart.  JONES.SHOW is a weekly podcast featuring host Randall Kenneth Jones (author, speaker & creative communications consultant) and Susan C. Bennett (the original voice of Siri). JONES.SHOW is produced and edited by Kevin Randall Jones. JONES.SHOW Online:    Join us in the Jones.Show Lounge on Facebook. Twitter (Randy): https://twitter.com/randallkjones  Instagram (Randy): https://www.instagram.com/randallkennethjones/ Facebook (Randy): https://www.facebook.com/mindzoo/ Web:  RandallKennethJones.com Follow Randy on Clubhouse Twitter (Susan): https://twitter.com/SiriouslySusan Instagram (Susan): https://www.instagram.com/siriouslysusan/ Facebook (Susan): https://www.facebook.com/siriouslysusan/ Web: SusanCBennett.com Follow Susan on Clubhouse LinkedIn (Kevin): https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-randall-jones/ Web: KevinRandallJones.com  www.Jones.Show

Jack Ensch served three years in the U.S. Army but would spend decades as an aviator and officer in the U.S. Navy. As a "backseater" in an F-4, Ensch served four tours in Vietnam but he will forever be linked to two major events in 1972. In this edition of "Veterans Chronicles," Ensch walks us through the dramatic May 1972 mission in which he and his pilot successfully shot down two Soviet MiGs. He also details being shot down three months later, being taken prisoner, and suffering unimaginable torture at the hands of his enemies. He also explains how the other prisoners in the Hanoi Hilton sustained him during the darkest moments of captivity and how that awful experience impacted the rest of his career.

This is the book Rick Reilly has been writing in the back of his head since he fell in love with the game of golf at eleven years old. He unpacks and explores all of the wonderful, maddening, heart-melting, heart-breaking, cool, and captivating things about golf that make the game so utterly addictive. We meet the PGA Tour player who robbed banks by night to pay his motel bills, the golf club maker who takes weekly psychedelic trips, and the caddy who kept his loop even after an 11-year prison stint. We learn how a man on his third heart nearly won the U.S. Open, how a Vietnam POW saved his life playing 18 holes a day in his tiny cell, and about the course that's absolutely free. We'll visit the eighteen most unforgettable holes around the world (Reilly has played them all), including the hole in Indonesia where the biggest hazard is monkeys, the one in the Caribbean that's underwater, and the one in South Africa that requires a shot over a pit of alligators; not to mention Reilly's attempt to play the most mini-golf holes in one day. Reilly will admire and unload on all the great figures in the game, from Phil Mickelson to Bobby Jones to the simple reason Jack Nicklaus is better than Tiger Woods. Reilly will explain why we should stop hating Bryson DeChambeau unless we hate genius, the greatest upset in women's golf history, and why Ernie Els throws away every ball that makes a birdie. Plus all the Greg Norman stories Reilly has never been able to tell before. Connecting it all will be the story of Reilly's own personal journey through the game, especially as it connects to his tumultuous relationship with his alcoholic father, and how the two eventually reconciled through golf. This is Reilly's valentine to golf, a cornucopia of stories that no golfer will want to be without.

Today on The Doug Collins Podcast, I am joined by Jim Petterson and Barry Bridger who have written a book outlining not only Barry's life from an Orphanage to a Vietnam POW but how his attitude and drive carried him in life. The book A Spirit to Soar, is an amazing book that will challenge you to be the best that you can be no matter the circumstances. This is a save, share and listen to again Podcast. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rebroadcast of our interview with Senior Chief SEAL (Ret) Derrick Van Orden. Derrick was one of the actors in the real SEAL movie Act of Valor. During Derrick's service, he volunteered for missions on DoD POW/MIA Recovery operations from the Vietnam war. Derrick is a retired Navy SEAL Senior Chief and former Senior Enlisted Advisor, Operations (J3), Senior Enlisted and Compartmented Operations Planner for the Special Operations Command Europe. Derrick served over 26 years on active-duty with multiple combat deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan. He is the best-selling author of Book of Man: A Navy SEAL's Guide to the Lost Art of Manhood and has appeared on national television as a subject matter expert. He is a sought-after speaker, owner of the Butternut Café and Beat It Roach Creations publication company. Derrick is currently running for Congress in Wisconsin https://www.vanordenforcongress.com/ Please consider joining our Stories of Sacrifice Community for extra insiders post and video that will help to support this show: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/sospodcast Stories of Sacrifice Website - https://www.storiesofsacrifice.org SOS Logo Headgear - https://lidlaunch.com/Product?id=405 https://lidlaunch.com/Product?id=404 SOS RV Traveling MIA Merch Shop - https://shop.spreadshirt.com/rv-traveling-mia-researcher/ Direct Support - https://paypal.me/JBear213 Please visit our affiliate links that help support our Podcast. Bear in mind these are affiliate links and if you go through them to make a purchase I will earn a small commission at no extra cost to you! Flipside Canvas - Owned by Medal of Honor recipient Dakota Meyer. Flipside Canvas, we believe that art offers an opportunity to showcase your commitment to empowering yourself and others. All our art comes stretched and ready to hang on your wall. 100% Made in America using locally sourced and manufactured materials. https://flipsidecanvas.com/?ref=SOSPodcast The Home Depot - Not only for the Do It Yourself building and construction projects, you have access to over two million products ranging from small/large appliances to your everyday needs for the home, RV to camping. Purchase online and pick up in your local Home Depot free of charge or ship it to your home! The sky's the limit on the products offered by the Home Depot! https://homedepot.sjv.io/SOSPodcast FAIR USE NOTICE - These videos/audio may contain copyrighted material the use of which has not been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107, such material has been referenced to advance understanding of political, human rights, ecological, economic, scientific, moral, ethical, and social justice issues. This constitutes a "fair use" of any such material as provided for in section 107 of the US Copyright Law. #POWMIA #VietnamMIARecoveries #StoriesOfSacrifice --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/storiesofsacrifice/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/storiesofsacrifice/support

Pamela Evette is the 93rd Lieutenant Governor of South Carolina and the first female Republican lieutenant governor. Will Grimsley is the Secretary of Veterans Affairs for South Carolina. Prior to that he served a distinguished career in the US Army retiring as a Maj General with multiple awards including the Silver Star and Purple Heart. Brenda Stewart is the Founder and chair of the Vietnam POW Reunion Foundation. Today they are here to tell us about an amazing event recognizing, celebrating and remembering those served in the Vietnam War. Today they discuss the Vietnam POW 49th Freedom Reunion. Their website www.powreunion.com  Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

Due to travel we didn't record this week. So,..... I am rebroadcasting a interview with my Elder Cousin and former Vietnam POW survivor Pilot family Alexander Exum. From economics to music to just living life. The unique perspectives of a man who earned his daily perspectives sometimes at a cost. This is the second episode ever of Born In Trouble. But will forever be the Best!

Phil Kraske, author of 11/9 And The Terrorist Who Loved Bonsai Trees, joins us to discuss his new book, A Legacy Of Chains, a collection of short stories where the main story focuses on the history of Vietnam POW's left behind following the U.S. withdrawal in 1973.  We discuss Robert Garwood, an American POW who returned home in 1979 under a wave of suspicion about his captivity and was prosecuted for it, despite large numbers of POW's in similar circumstances not being charged. Main website: https://www.fortressonahill.com Let me guess.  You're enjoying the show so much, you'd like to leave us a review?!  https://lovethepodcast.com/fortressonahill Email us at fortressonahill@gmail.com Check out our t-shirt store on Spreadshirt.com: https://bit.ly/3qD63MW Not a contributor on Patreon? You're missing out on amazing bonus content! Sign up to be one of our patrons today! - https://www.patreon.com/fortressonahill A special thanks to our Patreon honorary producers - Will Ahrens, Fahim Shirazee, James O'Barr, Adam Bellows, Eric Phillips, Paul Appell, Julie Dupris, Thomas Benson,  Janet Hanson, Tristan Oliver, Daniel Fleming, Michael Caron, Zach H, Ren Jacob, Howard Reynolds, Why I am Antiwar Podcast, Korgoth, Alejandro, and the Statist Quo Podcast.  You all are the engine that helps us power the podcast.  Thank you so much!!! Not up for something recurring like Patreon, but want to give a couple bucks?!  Visit https://paypal.me/fortressonahill to contribute!! Fortress On A Hill is hosted, written, and produced by Chris 'Henri' Henrikson, Danny Sjursen, and Keagan Miller. https://bit.ly/3yeBaB9 Intro / outro music "Fortress on a hill" written and performed by Clifton Hicks.  Click here for Clifton's Patreon page: https://bit.ly/3h7Ni0Z Cover and website art designed by Brian K. Wyatt Jr. of B-EZ Graphix Multimedia Marketing Agency in Tallehassee, FL: https://bit.ly/2U8qMfn Note: The views expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts alone, expressed in an unofficial capacity, and do not reflect the official policy or position of the Department of the Army, Department of Defense, or the U.S. government.

This week following July 4th, Mike shares a story of a prisoner of war during the Vietnam War. For those of you who listen to episodes of this podcast week after week, you know that we try to host guests and to tell true stories of people who have achieved excellence in their lives and careers, and who have also shown some incredible resilience in the face of great odds. This is one of those stories. John McCain originally told this story on August 15, 1988. The full text is linked here on the Brookings Institute website.   ABOUT US Welcome to the FourBlock Podcast, a show that examines veteran career transition and the military-civilian divide in the workplace. General Charles Krulak coined the term "Three Block War" to describe the nature of 21st-century military service defined by peace-keeping, humanitarian aid, and full combat. But what happens next? Veterans are often unprepared to return home and begin new careers. We call this the Fourth Block.  FourBlock is a national non-profit that has supported thousands of transitioning service members across the nation in beginning new and meaningful careers.  Mike Abrams (@fourblock) is an Afghanistan veteran, founder of FourBlock, and author of two military transition books. He represents the military transition perspective. Lindsey Pollak (@lindsaypollak) is a career and workplace expert and New York Times bestselling author of three career advice books. Lindsey represents the civilian perspective of this issue.  Veterans, explore new industries and make the right connections. Find a career that fits your calling. Join us at fourblock.org/ Sponsor our program or host a class to equip more of our veterans at fourblock.org/donate. Follow FourBlock on Social Media  LinkedIn Facebook Instagram Twitter Podcast episodes are produced and edited by the Columbia University Center for Veteran Transition and Integration.      

In this episode of the Conservative Business Journal Podcast, you'll hear Captain Wayne Smith's LIVE presentation at the We The People Fight Back Event in Naples, Florida on April 23 & 24, 2021.  Captain Smith is a retired United States Air Force Fighter Pilot, Vietnam POW, and Ret. Business Executive. He shares how five years and two months as a Prisoner of War forever shaped his life and how he survived the worst time of his life.   The next *We The People Fight Back Event* is on August 20 & 21, 2021 in Naples, Florida. To take advantage of the "Early Bird Special"...   Call/Text (561) 847-3467 or Email Team@ConservativeBusinessJournal.com and say "Event"

Kim begins the week informing listeners  that comments on HIPPA proposed policy changes regarding patient medical data is due by May 6th.  The link is: Federal Register :: Proposed Modifications to the HIPAA Privacy Rule To Support, and Remove Barriers to, Coordinated Care and Individual Engagement.  We are seeing common paths to the Democrat radical left bills in Colorado that are pushing Marxist ideas.  Don't be discouraged as there is an awakening.  The Divine Provider had his hand on the founding of America and continues to this day. Colorado Representative Tonya Van Beber is co-sponsor of HB21-1191-Prohibit Discrimination COVID-19 Vaccine Status.  University and colleges, as well as employers, are mandating the COVID-19 vaccination, which is an experimental gene therapy drug not approved by the FDA.  The Colorado government is allowing employers and educational institutions to be the “long arm of the law.”  We cannot be complicit and allow medical tyranny.  The bill is scheduled to be heard on Wednesday, May 12th, in committee. Jason McBride, Senior Vice President with Presidential Wealth Management, comments on the markets maintaining an upward trend.  Many companies are reporting earnings and may show fluctuation in stock prices.  Risk tolerance is personal and that is where Jason can help you.  He will examine your specific needs, desires, responsibilities and goals when strategizing for your financial portfolio.  Call Jason at 303-694-1600. Guest Orson Swindle, Marine pilot, North Vietnamese Prisoner of War, former Commissioner of the Federal Trade Commission and former Assistant Secretary of Commerce during the Reagan administration, has a conversation with Kim on 2021 America.  Orson talks about his experience as a POW and how he got to know California Gov. Reagan, a firm supporter of  Vietnam Veterans.  As a POW all he had was his heart and his head.  When he came back after six years and four months, he saw vividly how progressives had taken over our society and the destructive path the country was on, and continues to be.  Education has failed us miserably.  Massive government build up will destroy our economy.  Socialism has never worked.  There is an assault on our intellect; we must think critically.  The radicals are using “Swarm Theory”—overwhelm your opponent from every possible direction.  We can overcome this.  Read history and be inspired by the people who have fought for our country.  Change the education system by being involved with our children/grandchildren.  Support Congress and state legislatures to say “no” to socialism and Marxism.

This episode is also available as a blog post: http://cherrieswriter.com/2014/04/13/release-the-march-hare-and-scrambled-eggs-4-of-4/

This episode is also available as a blog post: http://cherrieswriter.com/2014/04/13/juicy-fruit-secrets-3-of-4/

This episode is also available as a blog post: http://cherrieswriter.com/2014/04/13/who-won-the-army-navy-game-2-of-4/

This episode is also available as a blog post: http://cherrieswriter.com/2014/04/11/the-mad-bomber-of-hanoi-1-of-4/

This episode is also available as a blog post: http://cherrieswriter.com/2014/03/17/the-incredibly-stupid-one-at-the-hanoi-hilton/

This episode is also available as a blog post: http://cherrieswriter.com/2018/11/05/vietnam-pow-40th-reunion/

Count the CostWhat's your Impenetrable Barrier? And what does counting the cost have to do with life in a Vietnam POW camp? This week we look at the DEDICATION required of a disciple, taking on some hard words of Jesus about who "cannot" follow him. Plus, Bryan explains what it means to be the apple of God's eye, and we appreciate the "prayer of a righteous man" in a Psalm 17 edition of Poetry in Motion. As usual, we end by working through 5 challenges you can do with us Through the Week. We hope you'll join us!The Big Idea: If we’re not prepared for difficulty and sacrifice, we won’t have the will to finish.Weekly Challenges: Find this week’s Through the Week challenges here.Show NotesCross Training - “Pay the Price” (DAILY DOWNLOAD)Cross Training - Through the Week Challenges - Week 9Like the Teacher: Luke 14:25-33 (VERSE)Poetry in Motion: Psalm 17 (VERSE)Support the Show

Episode 1892 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature the story of a Vietnam War POW. The story appeared in the Observer of La Grande, Oregon and was titled Former POW recounts Vietnam experiences. It was submitted by Dick … Continue reading → The post Episode 1892– An amazing Vietnam POW story appeared first on .

David Moxley's guest today is Ron Mastig, former Vietnam POW.

In early 1965, U.S. Naval Aviator Robert Shumaker was deployed to Vietnam. He said goodbye to his wife and newborn son, never imagining he wouldn't see them for another eight years.In this edition of "Veterans Chronicles," retired RDML Shumaker shares the gripping details of being shot down and badly injuring his back as he parachuted to the ground. He also describes how he dubbed Hoa Lo Prison the "Hanoi Hilton" and how he and other prisoners developed the tap code that allowed them to communicate right under the noses of their captors.Shumaker also shares how he survived excruciating torture and more than three years in solitary confinement. And, of course, he tells us what it was like to taste freedom after eight years in captivity.But there's even more to his story. Shumaker also walks us through the harrowing mission in the Mediterranean that almost took his life years before Vietnam and how he was chosen to be an astronaut before losing that opportunity in the unlikeliest of circumstances.Don't miss the incredible story of RDML Robert Shumaker as visits with Greg Corombos.

Coming from small town USA, and after graduating from the US Naval Academy, Charlie Plumb went to aviator school in Pensacola FL and became a fighter pilot.  He flew over 70 combat missions before he was taken POW on May 19, 1967. Listen to his incredible journey from childhood, through the Naval Academy, to his incredible life after being a POW. Discover who he met, years later, that played an integral part of his survival, as well as his incredible ability to forgive. This is one of the most amazing stories you will ever hear. 

This episode is the second of a 2-part interview with Air Force Retired Colonel Carlyle “Smitty” Harris, a Vietnam War Veteran fighter pilot who was shot down on combat mission in his F-105 over North Vietnam on April 4, 1965. Col Harris was forced to bail out, captured by the North Vietnamese and became the 6th American POW where he spent the next 8 years in captivity with hundreds of other American POWs including John McCain and George “Bud” Day. If you didn’t listen to part one, please do where we discuss Col Harris' background, buildup to Vietnam, a vivid account of the day he was shot down over North Vietnam, his beginning experience in captivity, and how he resurrected the Tap Code to communicate with fellow POWs. In this part two, we further explore Col Harris’ account of solitary confinement in North Vietnam, his resolve to follow the Code of Military Conduct, how his fellow POWs utilized the Tap Code to their strategic advantage, his eventual release from captivity and homecoming, and his takeaways on resiliency and leadership.

This episode is the first of a 2-part interview with Air Force Retired Colonel Carlyle “Smitty” Harris, a Vietnam War Veteran fighter pilot who was shot down on combat mission in his F-105 over North Vietnam on April 4, 1965. Col Harris was forced to bail out, captured by the North Vietnamese and became the 6th American POW where he spent the next 8 years in captivity with hundreds of other American POWs including John McCain and George “Bud” Day. Col Harris suffered through torture, solitary confinement, and relentless abuse – but endured through it all with reliance on the Code of Military Conduct and a communication system, called the Tap Code, an old and unused WW2 communication method that he covertly taught his fellow POWs, and they in-turn taught others, which remained a vital link of communication through their captivity, without which they may have not prevailed. In this first part, we explore Col Harris' background, buildup to Vietnam, a vivid account of the day he was shot down over North Vietnam, his beginning experience in captivity, and how he resurrected the Tap Code to communicate with fellow POWs.

In early 1965, U.S. Naval Aviator Robert Shumaker was deployed to Vietnam. He said goodbye to his wife and newborn son, never imagining he wouldn't see them for another eight years.In this edition of "Veterans Chronicles," retired RDML Shumaker shares the gripping details of being shot down and badly injuring his back as he parachuted to the ground. He also describes how he dubbed Hoa Lo Prison the "Hanoi Hilton" and how he and other prisoners developed the tap code that allowed them to communicate right under the noses of their captors.Shumaker also shares how he survived excruciating torture and more than three years in solitary confinement. And, of course, he tells us what it was like to taste freedom after eight years in captivity.But there's even more to his story. Shumaker also walks us through the harrowing mission in the Mediterranean that almost took his life years before Vietnam and how he was chosen to be an astronaut before losing that opportunity in the unlikeliest of circumstances.Don't miss the incredible story of RDML Robert Shumaker as visits with Greg Corombos.

As part of The Veterans Heritage Project, the entire hour interview with Retired Air Force Colonel Thomas Kirk.  As a fighter pilot over 28 years of active duty,  Col. Kirk has shared his story of service, including his time as a POW in the "Hanoi Hilton" for 5 1/2 years, inspired hundreds of audiences through his life lessons. Awarded the Air Force Cross, 4 Silver Stars, 2 Distinguished Flying Crosses, 7 Air Medals, and the Purple Heart. (POW STORY COULD BE EMOTIONAL)

Colonel Carlyle Smith “Smitty” Harris spent 2,871 days (that’s nearly 8 years!) as Vietnam POW. At the same time, his beautiful bride Louise was courageously raising three young children while becoming an advocate and role model. Today, Smitty + Louise take us on a 60-year journey that’s packed with love, but also the horrors of a North Vietnam prison and how a forgotten military code changed everything. If you’re looking for a story of forgiveness from a decorated war hero or a romantic love story filled with drive, sacrifice and compassion, you’re going to love today’s episode. SHOW NOTES: Smitty + Louise have been married for over 60 years. On April 4, 1965, Smitty became the sixth POW captured in North Vietnam during the Vietnam War. For nearly 8 years, Smitty and hundreds of other American POWs, including John McCain and George “Bud” Day, suffered torture, solitary confinement and abuse at the infamous Hoa Lo prison, nicknamed the “Hanoi Hilton.” Louise returned to America to raise her three young children and went on to become an advocate + role model for the other wives of the POWs. Smitty lost about 20% of his body weight, bringing him to about 90 pounds. Miracles presented themselves: Smitty and his fellow POWs learned that their faith was stronger, their resistance to the enemy would continue and strength to continue. Tap code is a way to communicate letter-by-letter using taps or knocks using this chart below, and gave them strength and unity, even allowing them to have weekly church service.   Smitty's tin drinking cup is in the Smithsonian Institute. "Hi Jane, it's Tarzan." The first words that Smitty spoke to Louise after his time as a POW, proving their love hadn't missed a beat. "You will never be tested beyond your power to endure." Get a copy of Smitty Harris' Tap Code here. If today's story inspired you, you'll love our Military + First Responders Playlist. This specially curated list includes Capitan Charlie Plumb. Listen to the Military + First Responders Playlist here. SMITTY + LOUISE HARRIS' LIVE INSPIRED 7 1. What is the best book you’ve ever read? Louise: The Bible, and  Losing Cooper by J.J. Jasper. 2. What is a characteristic or trait that you possessed as a child that you wish you still exhibited today? Smitty: I've always been inquisitive, optimistic and a risk-taker, but I also had a deep abiding love of God and I still have that today. 3. Your house is on fire, all living things and people are out. You have the opportunity to run in and grab one item. What would it be? Louise: Letter from Smitty and the three pastel portraits of our children. 4. You are sitting on a bench overlooking a gorgeous beach. You have the opportunity to have a long conversation with anyone living or dead. Who would it be? Smitty: Louise, and I talk with her every day and enjoy doing so. 5. What is the best advice you’ve ever received? Louise: "You will never be tested beyond your power to endure." 6. What advice would you give your 20-year-old self? Smitty: Make the same decisions you made because you'll have a blessed and wonderful life. 7. It’s been said that all great people can have their lives summed up in one sentence. How do you want yours to read? Louise: I am profoundly grateful for every single day. I have been truly blessed. Smitty: I am the most fortunate man I know. My health is good, my attitude towards life and God is good. *** Did you enjoy today's episode? Share it with your friends! Then subscribe, rate + review on Apple Podcasts. Live Inspired with John daily on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Instagram + get his Monday Motivation email.

There is always light, even in the darkest times. Today’s guests faced the most unimaginable circumstances, but by clinging to faith, they survived and protected others. Southwest Airlines pilot Tammie Jo Shults saved the lives of 148 passengers when she safely landed a plane after an engine exploded mid-flight. In the middle of chaos, Tammie Jo’s conversation with God gave her peace during the crisis and helped reveal a solution to landing the plane. Retired Air Force pilot and former Vietnam POW Col. Smitty Harris spent years in prison teaching others a method of communication called the tap code, which helped boost morale and spread information among other prisoners. Smitty shares powerful stories of secret church services and moments that helped prisoners survive mentally, physically, and spiritually. Through the uncertainty of survival, Tammie Jo and Smitty realized that God will never forsake us—He will always provide a way.    Links, Products and Resources Mentioned: Sarah Young Jesus Calling Podcast Jesus Calling books Jesus Calling weekly prayer call Becoming an Everyday Hero:  Neal McCoy & Rodney D. Bullard   Tammie Jo Shults Nerves of Steel (Young Readers Edition) book Holloman Air Force Base Jungle Pilot Book (Nate Saint)   Col. Carlyle “Smitty” Harris Tap Code: The Epic Survival Tale of a Vietnam POW and the Secret Code That Changed Everything book Hanoi Hilton Ho Chi Minh Tap Code, Chapter 1 on audiobook   Interview Quotes: “Whenever I dreamed about what I wanted to do in life, I dreamed without fences.” - Capt. Tammie Jo Shults “There are some times when we just have to take what's not fair and and work around it.” - Capt. Tammie Jo Shults “He asks us to pray for people that don't treat us very well, because He'll deal with them. But dealing with us, in our own heart, in that situation, is really the first step to overcoming it.” - Capt. Tammie Jo Shults “Hope doesn't have to change our circumstances to change us.” - Tammie Jo Shults “Our communication [with the tap code] became so fast and so good, and we were interested in so many things, between each other and trying to find out information. . . . We talked about God, religion, and how important it was, especially now. It turned out that we were all Christian.” - Col. Carlyle “Smitty” Harris “We used our time [as POWs] productively. We had classes in almost anything you'd want. There would be someone in that group—it was pretty educated group, everyone had at least a Bachelor's degree and [there were] quite a few Masters.” - Col. Carlyle “Smitty” Harris “The hardest part about those eight years being away from my family was just that—being away from my family.” - Col. Carlyle “Smitty” Harris “And I knew, even in the darkest times, when things were at their lowest, lowest ebb, I knew I could always pray and I knew someone was listening, they could do something about it.”  - Col. Carlyle “Smitty” Harris   ________________________ Enjoy these videos on Jesus Calling YouTube channel: Audio podcast: https://bit.ly/2uCnNM0  Original Series video podcast: https://bit.ly/2WzFY0O  ________________________    Connect with Jesus Calling Instagram Facebook Twitter Pinterest YouTube Jesus Calling Website

Vietnam War veteran and retired U.S. Air Force Major Gen. Edward Mechenbier, 76, of Columbus was held as a prisoner of war from 1967 to 1973 in North Vietnam, where he was beaten and tortured but survived on as little as 600 to 800 calories a day. The nearly 600 Americans who survived captivity in North Vietnam “weren’t special. We were just products of the American society,” Mechenbier said. “Some people say, ‘I couldn’t take the torture. I couldn’t take the isolation,’ ” he said. “People always sell themselves short, and they’ll say, ‘Oh, I could never do that.’ Yes, you could. “I mean, you just think about things in everybody’s life. We all face challenges. We all face hardships. We all face things that are going on and we say, ‘Oh, I couldn’t do that.’ “Well, I couldn’t do what I did in my own mind ... but you know, you look around at all the other guys who were in there with you. There were no supermen there. We were just ordinary guys doing our job, and we just never gave up.” Mechenbier was born in Morgantown, West Virginia, and graduated from high school in Dayton. His father, a welder and steamfitter, had told him he would need a scholarship to go to college, and bet his son $5 he couldn’t get an appointment to a federal military academy. Mechenbier won that bet, he said, and graduated from the U.S. Air Force Academy in 1964. By 1967, he was flying a McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II interceptor and fighter-bomber in Vietnam. On June 14, Mechenbier, who was with his crewman – Kevin McManus, who operated the plane’s radar, among other tasks – was on his 113th combat mission and 80th mission over North Vietnam. They weren’t required to conduct another mission that day, but they did. Their unit lacked enough qualified crews for a mission to Hanoi. Mechenbier and McManus were asked to join the mission, he said. Mechenbier said, “Well, let me check with Kevin,” who answered, “Why not? Let’s go.” First, they had a breakfast of pork chops, he said. Mechenbier remembered thinking, “This is a heck of a last meal.” “I’d never had that thought before,” he said. Normally, the F-4s flew as protection for Republic F-105 Thunderchief fighter-bombers. As a result, 54 planes in Mechenbier’s unit took off at 10 a.m. on a mission to attack a railroad yard, he said. Mechenbier’s plane had been hit on another mission five days earlier but appeared to be in good shape, he said. While executing a maneuver over the target, he had one engine on idle while the second was using its afterburner. When he fired the first engine’s afterburner, the engine exploded, he said. Just before the explosion, he said, the plane was flying at 700 mph. Mechenbier and McManus ejected, and the plane hit the ground before Mechenbier’s parachute opened. He and McManus were under parachutes while “over 6 million people with 6 million guns (were) shooting at us.” Mechenbier carried a .38-caliber revolver but knew he was in no position to put up a fight, he said. He threw the pistol away before he landed on a roof in a village and rolled to the ground, where he immediately was surrounded. The North Vietnamese used machetes to cut away his gear and uniform, leaving him in his shorts and a T-shirt, he said. His captors threw rocks at him and jabbed him with bamboo sticks before leading him to an air-raid trench, where the North Vietnamese acted as if they would execute him before a laughing crowd. His introduction to ‘Hanoi Hilton’ Mechenbier’s next stop was at what the POWs called “New Guy Village” at Hoa Lo Prison, which the Americans called the Hanoi Hilton. The North Vietnamese goal at New Guy Village, he said, was to torture and beat the Americans into submission for two or three weeks. The North Vietnamese “just wanted to hurt you. They were mad. ... no doubt about that.” In addition to beatings, they would “tie your arms behind your back and then rotate them up over your head, dislocating one or both of your shoulders,” he said. “All the traditional things, you know, ... kicking you, burning you with cigarettes and things like that,” he said. North Vietnamese guards were “trying to beat you to the point you would do anything, say anything that they told you to do. It was not an intellectual discussion. It was not a rational thought process and no dialogue. They were just trying to get you to sign a confession and trying to intimidate you physically, and they did a pretty good job,” he said. Art of avoiding continued beatings According to the military code of conduct, prisoners of war should give only their name, rank, serial number and date of birth, he said. It also “goes on to say, ‘I will evade answering further questions to the utmost of my ability,’ ” he said. “When they’re trying to get you to admit to crimes, of course, you wouldn’t do that,” he said. One strategy for a POW, he said, was “you don’t answer ... or you lie, you cheat, you make up answers and things like that,” he said. “For the most part, they didn’t understand you,” he said. “They wanted you to ... tell them things about your airplane, your missions and things like that, which you wouldn’t do, and their only resort was to beat the crap out of you.” The Americans made sure they endured “some days of abuse because you didn’t want to be an easy patsy,” he said. The POWs took advantage of the fact the North Vietnamese generally didn’t understand much English beyond a few key words, he said. The Americans could stop torture by giving the North Vietnamese a “confession” of obvious lies, mispronounced words and near-gibberish, he said. The North Vietnamese would be satisfied if words like crime, criminal and guilty were used. For example, Mechenbier said, a POW could say he flew for the Germans in World War II and was in a unit with Superman (in his secret identity) and a dead U.S. president and get away with it: “I, ... fumerly (made-up word), a lieutenant in the Luftwaffe, ... am guilty ... of bombing churches, dams, pikes, pagodas, cesspools, outhouses and other ill houses of repute. I and my squadron mates, Clark Kent, Jimmy Doolittle, Abraham Lincoln ... have committed heinous crimes.” Any English-speaking person “obviously would know, ‘Hey, here’s a joke,’ ” he said, but the North Vietnamese were satisfied because they recognized the words they wanted to hear. After his time at New Guy Village, Mechenbier was put in a 9-by-9-foot cell with his crewman, McManus, and spent “23 hours, 59 minutes and 45 seconds a day” there for four years. Meals were about a quart of soup made from seaweed, turnip tops or pumpkins, with moldy bread and rice that contained bits of rock. The door was opened for meals twice a day and to empty a chamber pot, he said. The door also might be opened for more beatings and torture. A frightening sound, he said, was “a jailer with keys. ... He was getting somebody for interrogation. That was scary.” By this point, the North Vietnamese goal was only to get POWs to participate in propaganda, Mechenbier said. One example is when American anti-war delegations visiting North Vietnam unwittingly caused the POWs to suffer more beatings, he said. The North Vietnamese wanted the POWs to meet the war protesters. “You don’t want to do that,” Mechenbier said. The North Vietnamese always had the same response – “beat the crap out of you” – whether they wanted the POWs to talk to U.S. protesters, issue an anti-war statement or record a tape to be played on radio. “You just never wanted to go outside your cell,” he said. The POWs coped, he said, by supporting each other. He and McManus got to know each other very well and would tell each other stories about everything they could think of. POWs in adjacent cells could communicate in code by tapping on the cell walls or by placing an ear next to a cup held against a wall, he said. Beginning of change for the better With the death of North Vietnamese leader Ho Chi Mihn in 1969, the Hanoi Hilton guards eased up on beatings and torture for a time, he said. In November 1970, the U.S. military launched a raid on the Son Tay POW camp 23 miles from Hanoi. The effort to rescue U.S. POWs failed because the camp recently had been emptied of prisoners. The raid was criticized in the U.S., but it created a boon for the POWs. Fearing another raid, the North Vietnamese moved all the POWs in other camps to the Hanoi Hilton, creating a communal living area know as “Camp Unity.” That was quite a morale booster, Mechenbier said. “And now we had 39 guys in one room. ... That was wonderful,” he said. One group of POWs fashioned a deck of cards from scrap paper and played bridge nonstop for three days, he said. “The chatter was unbelievable,” he said. The Americans still had more than two years of captivity left, and Mechenbier was held for a time at a camp near the border with China. February 1973: prisoners’ release After the Paris Peace Accords were signed in 1973, the North Vietnamese told the POWs they would go home. The POWs thought that was a propaganda trick until a uniformed U.S. officer visited them and confirmed the news. “This is a dream,” Mechenbier thought at the time. It wasn’t a dream. He was released in February 1973 after nearly six years of captivity. He was flown to the Philippines, where he had 13 root canals on his long-neglected teeth. He weighed 198 pounds when his F-4 went down and 133 pounds by the time he had arrived in the Philippines, he said. Upon returning to the U.S., most POWs decided, “This is the first day in the rest of your life,” he said. The POWs were given a book on what had occurred in the United States while they were gone – such as the Watergate scandal, for example. Mechenbier stayed in the Air Force. “Putting on a blue uniform every day was a little bit of a security blanket,” he said. He left the Air Force in 2004 and has been a consultant to defense contractors and serves on several public and private boards. He also has been a technical consultant to air-show broadcasts and was the subject of a book called “Life on a $5 Bet,” by Linda D. Swink. The title is a reference to the bet he had made with his father prior to joining the service. Mechenbier is highly decorated. The short list includes the Distinguished Service Medal, the Silver Star Medal with oak-leaf cluster, the Distinguished Flying Cross with oak-leaf cluster, the Bronze Star Medal with V device and Purple Heart with oak-leaf cluster. His advice to struggling veterans is, “Don’t be alone. ... Friends don’t let friends be alone. ... (Otherwise) they don’t have a beacon to look forward. They’re not being told how important they are.” This podcast was hosted and produced by Scott Hummel, ThisWeek Community News assistant managing editor, digital. This profile was written by Paul Comstock.

It’s rare that we have the opportunity to learn from truly great men. This week on the Team Never Quit Podcast you have that chance. Navy SEALs, Marcus Luttrell, David Rutherford and #TheWizard are honored to welcome, Vietnam POW, Captain Charlie Plumb to the show. Listen in amazement as Captain Plumb tells his greatest #NeverQuitStory and how spending 2,103 days as a prisoner of war in the Hanoi Hilton made him stronger than he could have ever dreamed. You can torture the man but you can’t destroy his spirit. Freedom is taken for granted by so many. In this week’s TNQ Podcast you will be forced to reevaluate what matters most to you. Listen to the American Hero Captain Plumb as he describes the unbreakable spirit and what it takes to build it back up after it’s been tortured again and again. The stories from his captivity are remarkable enough, but stand by has he delivers pearls of wisdom that can help you be released from your own imprisonment. Marcus, Rut and #TheWizard have once again delivered on their mission to bring you and the rest of the Team powerful, positive content that will improve your life should you choose to apply the lessons it delivers. If this show has an impact and you feel compelled, please write into the website and share your own greatest Never Quit story with our team. It just might get you on the show as a guest. Never Quit. Great Stories Ignite Legends. Support the show.

“I haven’t always done the right thing,” said the subject of 'John McCain: For Whom the Bell Tolls.' “But you will never talk to anyone that is as fortunate as John McCain.” The Senator, who has lost two Presidential elections, survived as a Vietnam POW for five years, and received a brain tumor diagnosis, is surprisingly optimistic, potentially the last of his kind, and the latest subject for Kunhardt Films. As a production company, Kunhardt Films specializes in documentaries “about the people and ideas that shape history.” In the past three years, the directors and producers have made films like 'King in the Wilderness' about Martin Luther King Jr., 'The Newspaperman' about Ben Bradlee, and 'Becoming Warren Buffet.' Producer George Kunhardt said, “We had done a similar documentary [in 2009] when Teddy Kennedy announced that he had brain cancer. Teddy, when he read it in the news that McCain had been diagnosed with this, we thought it was a natural [progression], since McCain was the other line of the Senate and had a long life that paralleled the last half-century of American history.” Three weeks after the diagnosis, the producers started working on the film. Kunhardt Films, which launched in 1987, consists of six-time Emmy Award winner Peter Kunhardt and his two sons, George and Teddy. In this interview, the three creators talk about John McCain as a character, how to gain trust as a filmmaker, and the importance of subjects that you’re willing to spend a year with. In addition to this audio format, the print interview for this conversation is available on Creative Screenwriting Magazine’s website. Stay up-to-date on other creative advice at www.creativeprinciples.live

Six years as a POW, Charlie Plumb has a story you need to hear.

Video 68 in the series "A History of the Navy in 100 Objects" presented by the United States Naval Academy. This is about Vietnam POW Memorabilia from CAPT McGrath.

Audio only podcast. Today on Gritty, I am joined by Adam Janke, Editor in Chief, of the Journal of Mountain Hunting, resident of B.C. and the host of the Beyond the Kill podcast. We discuss the issues surrounding the Grizzly Hunting ban in British Columbia and we go deep on the topic. But before I launch into the conversation with Adam I feel it is important to set the stage for the discussion. The topic is not a sexy one--but it’s extremely important. So please hang on and slog your way through it because this stuff matters.   In August of this year, the left-leaning New Democratic government, propped up by the Green Party, took office in British Columbia in July after ousting the Liberals who had ruled the province for 16 years. A few weeks ago, Doug Donaldson, the province’s minister of forests and lands announced that (quote) “it is abundantly clear that the grizzly hunt is not in line with the public’s values.” Donaldson also said (in an interview with the CBC News) that the level of Grizzly Bear hunting in BC is sustainable. However, Donaldson says the decision to end trophy hunting is “not a matter of numbers, it’s a matter of society has come to the point in B.C. where they are no longer in favour of the grizzly bear trophy hunt.”   I can’t help but feel deeply disturbed by the government’s decision to ban Grizzly bear hunting and the justifications behind it.   Make no mistake about it, the Grizzly Bear Ban makes the following statement: “Hunting is immoral.” “You are an evil, dare I say “un-evolved” person if you hunt Grizzly Bears.” And “Hunting grizzly bears is morally reprehensible… we do not need to do this any longer…”   Please understand that their argument is not based on science or rationale. Their justification for banning Grizzly Bear hunting is solely based on moral reasoning. These people have argued and lost the health, science, and conservation argument. So they changed tactics and made this a debate about right and wrong--about morality. And the truth is, the hunting debate has and always will boil down to one thing… the morality of it. Is hunting moral?     The moral argument against hunting is that hunting kills animals unnecessarily. This claim depends on the existence of alternative activities that accomplish hunting’s effects with less or no animal killing. It is said that nutrition does not justify hunting because we have alternative sources of nutrition, namely agriculture and domestic animal production; which does not kill animals or only kills farm animals.   But the reality is that modern farming destroys natural habitat, hence causes starvation or disruption of reproduction. Farming uses pesticide and nitrogenous fertiliser that pollutes ground water on which animals and humans depend. Farming kills ground-nesting amphibians, reptiles, birds and small mammals. The reality is that vegetable nutrition is wrung from the earth by diesel-burning machinery and nitrogen and oil-based fertilisers, processed and refrigerated with power from river-altering, coal burning or nuclear-waste-producing plants, and driven thousands of miles over asphalt by fossil-fueled trucks.   But studies have shown that commercial agriculture production kills more animals than deer hunting per unit of nutrition, hence kills more animals for the same meal. And in terms of of animal suffering, it would be difficult to show that death from being maimed, crushed, cut to pieces, poisoned or starved is less painful than the average death by hunter.   It would be difficult to argue that an animal suffers more from hunting than from today’s animal husbandry. Thus, if we may eat domestic cattle, we may eat wild deer.   To the ideological anti-hunter and the B.C. Government, human caused animal death and suffering should be reduced as much as possible if not entirely eliminated. Based on this moral reasoning, in those cases where ethical hunts kill fewer animals for the same nutrition than do farming, ranching and/or vegetarianism, eating hunted meat would be not only morally justified but morally preferred.   It’s obvious to the rational mind that hunting is moral. So why is hunting so easily marginalized and so easily made to look immoral?           Hunting critics propose that it is bad when a hunter shoots a bear, but not bad when a bear mauls and eats a moose calf, because the bear needs to kill to survive. Today it can be difficult to explain that human hunting is strictly necessary in the same way that hunting moose is necessary for a bear. Broad public opinion is that hunting is morally permissible only if it is necessary for human survival. “Necessary” can refer to nutritional or ecological need, which provides moral cover for subsistence hunting and game management. But trophy hunting, by mainstream definition, cannot be defended this way. Trophy hunting is vulnerable to the argument that an act is contemptible not only because of the harm it produces, but because of what it reveals about the character of the trophy hunter. Much of society finds the deriving of pleasure from hunting to be morally repugnant. And this is a problem, because hunting is enjoyable--but not in the sadistic, evil way that anti-hunters portray.   Actions are powerful. And so are words. And the words “trophy” and “sport” no longer carry the meaning they once did. The word “sport” used to mean “sporting chance” and it referred to the principle of fair chase as defined by the Boone and Crockett Club, as the ethical, sportsmanlike, and lawful pursuit and taking of any free-ranging wild, native North American big game animal in a manner that does not give the hunter an improper advantage over such animals--a fairly noble approach to hunting that encourages man to interact with nature on a deeper level. But today, the term “sport hunting” refers to intentionally killing wild animals for enjoyment. Likewise, the term “trophy hunting” no longer refers to anything noble--it simply means “the selective hunting of wild game for human recreation. The trophy is the animal or part of the animal kept, and usually displayed, to represent the success of the hunt.”   These terms have been hijacked and their definitions changed in mainstream media. The terms are consistently used against us to frame hunters as immoral and reprehensible human beings who should be removed from the planet. Meanwhile, hunters and hunting media continue to use these words to our own detriment.   As long as we are successfully made to look like people who kill animals for enjoyment and human recreation we will continue to lose on hunting and conservation issues even in the face of sound science and rational logic. Truth AND perception are everything.   And before I get a pile of angry emails from good farmers and ranchers just let me say that I     Thus, the anti-hunting view must take into account that agriculture kills animals too. The morality of hunting must be judged against the cost of the agricultural and cattle farming activity that would replace it. Where a type of hunting has a lower death to nutrition ratio than a type of farming, and where the pain of death by hunter is arguably no greater than death by farmer or rancher, the anti-hunter must morally prefer hunting to farming or ranching. I apologize for the long introduction, and I promise it’s almost over. But before I close, I want to clarify a few things.   After hearing this introduction, some folks might get the idea that I’m anti-farming and anti-ranching. I am absolutely pro-farming and pro-ranching--done responsibly. Frankly, we do not have enough wild game to sustain a great part of the human population via hunting. Responsible farming and ranching practices should be a key element to an overall food supply plan. So it’s not my intention to vilify farming or ranching--only to point out that it’s not without its cost to animal life. And that there’s a big difference between deplorable factory farming done on a mass scale and local farming done by responsible, caring human beings. And in the same way, I am not claiming that hunters are some kind of noble lot who only go around doing good deeds. In fact, we have some real contemptible human beings among us.   So please don’t send me a bunch of emails about how wrong I am about farming or how hunters do bad things.   I recently listened to Jocko Podcast Episode 76. It’s a good one. I highly recommend that you take the time to listen to it. The guest on this episode is Vietnam POW survivor, Capt. Charlie Plumb. And he shares a harrowing tale of 6 years spent as a prisoner of war at the Hanoi Hilton in Vietnam. At one point in the podcast Charlie says something to the effect of, “people think they need to change the way others act, but the reality is you need to change yourself.”     Think about that as you listen to this podcast. I know I have a lot of work to do when it comes to the person, Brian Call. Let the work begin.

A single death is a tragedy; a million deaths is a statistic. -Joseph Stalin When consider major historical events that involved millions of people— World War 2, the Great Depression, the Cold War—it's easy to forget that real people with their own stories were part of those events. Today we're zeroing in on one story. And that's the story of James Shively, an Air Force Pilot who was shot down over North Vietnam in 1967 and spent six years in the infamous Hanoi Hilton POW camp. To talk with us is Amy Shively Hawk, Jim's stepdaughter and author of the new book Six Years in the Hanoi Hilton: An Extraordinary Story of Courage and Survival in Vietnam. After being shot down, Shively endured brutal treatment at the hands of the enemy in Hanoi prison camps. But despite unimaginable horrors in prison, the contemplation of suicide, and his beloved girlfriend moving on back home, he somehow found hope escaping prison and eventually reuniting with his long-lost love – proving, in his words, that “Life is only what you make of it.” In this interview we discuss: How Capt. Shively was shot down, what happened when he was captured, and his fate at the hands of Vietnamese villagers What kept Captain Shively hopeful during his six years as a prisoner of war What happened to the whole prison when two fellow inmates escaped but were captured the next day How prisoners built a full prison communications system using Morse code, toilet paper, and hidden messages even though cell blocks were forbidden from speaking to each other under threat of torture   About Amy: Amy Shively Hawk is the stepdaughter of James Shively, who married Amy’s mother after his release from a Hanoi prison when Amy was five years old. Amy’s background is in journalism, speaking, and advertising/marketing.   RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE Amy's book Six Years in the Hanoi Hilton Amy's website Headstrong: Healing the Hidden Wounds of War   TO HELP OUT THE SHOW Leave an honest review on iTunes. Your ratings and reviews really help and I read each one. Subscribe on iTunes or Stitcher

Have we poisoned our own kids with the postmodern, politically-correct Kool-Aid that streams 24/7 through all the digital devices that we've provided them? These indoctrination tools are creating a much different child and a much different America. Our guest today is Marybeth Hicks, she is a columnist, speaker and author of the book Don't Let the Kids Drink the Kool Aid. She was a weekly columnist for the Washington Times and currently writes a monthly column titled Teachable Moments in the Catholic Digest Magazine. She is currently a Fox News contributor for shows like Fox and Friends. Marybeth Hicks addresses issues about popular culture, media, faith and values. Her insights and experience help families understand the trends that influence the next generation and are shaping our nation's future. Speaking from the heart and from experience, sharing both the poignant and hilarious moments that punctuate family life, as well as the well-informed observer. Rapid Cultural Shifts and the Impact of Digital Devices During my lifetime, I remember tremendous cultural changes in the 1960s. I remember my parents squawking about it all the time. First it was the Beatles and their goofy haircuts and music. Then it was all about the hippies and their long hair and sex, drugs, and rock and roll. The world really was changing. In fact, I heard a former Vietnam POW put it in perspective. He said: “When I got shot down in Vietnam, America was watching Dick Van Dyke and Mary Tyler Moore sleeping in twin beds as a married couple on a black and white TV, while the most popular movie in Hollywood was The Sound of Music. When I returned to the States, I came home to Sergeant Pepper, a psychedelic drug and hippie culture, Rowan and Martin's Laugh-In on a color TV, and Dustin Hoffman's award-winning The Graduate.” That's an incredible amount of change in just a few short years! But, even those changes were nothing compared to what digital technology and the internet have done to our culture since then. Today, the world is changing at the speed of light. And now, we—and our kids—have acquired political and moral appetites for things that neither our founding fathers nor our God ever intended we should have appetites for. Marybeth Hicks and I confront this assault on our families, our faith, and our freedom as we discuss the following topics: What does Marybeth mean by not drinking the Kool-aid. There seems to be a unified message that is largely anti-Christian. What parents should do to address their kids getting misinformation. What can parents do to keep kids informed about public school's sex education. How school safety program is replacing sex education. The importance of context when determining media boundaries. How to train your child how to navigate media when you are not in the room. Why parents must know what is on their kid's devices. The contradiction of the feminist movement embracing Beyonce. Why parents need to know who is teaching their kids. Picture provided by: axelle b

Have we poisoned our own kids with the postmodern, politically-correct Kool-Aid that streams 24/7 through all the digital devices that we've provided them? These indoctrination tools are creating a much different child and a much different America. Our guest today is Marybeth Hicks, she is a columnist, speaker and author of the book Don't Let the Kids Drink the Kool Aid. She was a weekly columnist for the Washington Times and currently writes a monthly column titled Teachable Moments in the Catholic Digest Magazine. She is currently a Fox News contributor for shows like Fox and Friends. Marybeth Hicks addresses issues about popular culture, media, faith and values. Her insights and experience help families understand the trends that influence the next generation and are shaping our nation's future. Speaking from the heart and from experience, sharing both the poignant and hilarious moments that punctuate family life, as well as the well-informed observer. Rapid Cultural Shifts and the Impact of Digital Devices During my lifetime, I remember tremendous cultural changes in the 1960s. I remember my parents squawking about it all the time. First it was the Beatles and their goofy haircuts and music. Then it was all about the hippies and their long hair and sex, drugs, and rock and roll. The world really was changing. In fact, I heard a former Vietnam POW put it in perspective. He said: “When I got shot down in Vietnam, America was watching Dick Van Dyke and Mary Tyler Moore sleeping in twin beds as a married couple on a black and white TV, while the most popular movie in Hollywood was The Sound of Music. When I returned to the States, I came home to Sergeant Pepper, a psychedelic drug and hippie culture, Rowan and Martin's Laugh-In on a color TV, and Dustin Hoffman's award-winning The Graduate.” That's an incredible amount of change in just a few short years! But, even those changes were nothing compared to what digital technology and the internet have done to our culture since then. Today, the world is changing at the speed of light. And now, we—and our kids—have acquired political and moral appetites for things that neither our founding fathers nor our God ever intended we should have appetites for. Marybeth Hicks and I confront this assault on our families, our faith, and our freedom as we discuss the following topics: What does Marybeth mean by not drinking the Kool-aid. There seems to be a unified message that is largely anti-Christian. What parents should do to address their kids getting misinformation. What can parents do to keep kids informed about public school's sex education. How school safety program is replacing sex education. The importance of context when determining media boundaries. How to train your child how to navigate media when you are not in the room. Why parents must know what is on their kid's devices. The contradiction of the feminist movement embracing Beyonce. Why parents need to know who is teaching their kids. Picture provided by: axelle b

0:00:00 - Opening 0:05:46 - Intro to Bill Reeder 0:09:35 - First Tour in Vietnam 0:15:23 - Second Tour in Vietnam  0:35:23 - The Crash 0:49:55 - The Capture 2:10:10 - Freedom from Capture 2:19:04 - Aftermath and the Take-Away 2:33:14 - Support, Cool Onnit, Amazon, JockoStore stuff, with Jocko White Tea and Psychological Warfare (on iTunes). Extreme Ownership (book) and The Muster002  2:39:09 - Closing Gratitude

The Temple of Literature or Van Meiu, Quoc Tu Giam was Vietnam’s first university. This temple is dedicated to Confucius as well as past scholars and sages, so significant it’s even featured on the back of the 100,000 dong note. Confucius was a Chinese teacher, philosopher, and politician among other things. In the early part of his life in 500 B.C. China had broken into rival states battling for supremacy. To bring more peace and harmony into society Confucius, created a code of ethics for people. He traveled the country to explain his principles. At the time his philosophy was radically different from the belief of acquiring status by power and heroic actions rather than selflessness, non-violent behaviour, and respect for others. It was Founded in 1070 by emperor Ly Thanh Tong. Dedicated to Confucius or Khong Tu, when it first opened in 1076 entrance was only granted to those of noble birth. It wasn’t until 1442 that the university opened it’s doors to gifted students from across Vietnam who came to study the principles of Confucianism, literature, and poetry. As you walk the main path of the complex you pass through the landscaped grounds filled with trees and ponds and several gates that lead into other sections with a total of 5 courtyards. It’s easy to picture students taking a break to relax in between studies during the days of when the Temple of Literature was an active university. It’s still possible to feel some of that peace with just a dull rumble of motorbikes and traffic in the background. It’s easy to appreciate the traditional Vietnamese architecture with many structures and features made of wood and tiles. In the third courtyard sits the pond known as the Well of Heavenly Clarity, sometimes also referred to as the Lake of Literature. It’s here where you also find the tombstone looking stelae dedicated to 1307 Doctors who studied here between 1442 and 1779. All of the stelae sit on stone tortoises, the sign of wisdom and longevity. In May during exams in Hanoi, students were often seen at the temple rubbing the heads of the tortoise, believing it will bring good luck and a pass on their tests. Today there’s a fence in place to help preserve the turtles. The fourth courtyard is dedicated to Confucius and 72 honored students as well as Chu Van An, known as an extremely passionate teacher. There’s another tortoise on display, this one is gold plated ceramic. The tortoise is one of 4 sacred and mythical animals revered by Vietnamese, the others are the Phoenix, Dragon, and Unicorn. This area is also where Confucius along with his four closest disciples are worshipped.10 other philosophers are also honored in this sanctuary. Because the Temple of Literature is such a picturesque location of history and traditional architecture there’s probably not a day that goes by without young couples posing for their wedding photos. Depending on the time of year you’ll also notice students upon graduation or completion of studies taking pictures. During the time the Temple of Literature was operating as a university right up until it’s closing in 1779, students lived as well as studied here. Along with Confucianism, poetry, and literature, students learned Chinese, Chinese philosophy, and Chinese history. They had minor tests each month and four major ones every year. Students were enrolled in the university anywhere between 3 and 7 years. The fifth courtyard was constructed in 1076 to be the imperial academy. In 1236 the Minh Luan House, more classrooms and dormitories were added. Khai Thanh Shrine was constructed to honor Confucius’ parents. In 1946 the French destroyed the fifth courtyard and it wasn’t until 2000 that new buildings were constructed along with the addition of a bell and drum tower. Ceremonies are organized in the fifth courtyard for cultural scholars and events along with other activities. Ho Chi Minh is considered the founding father of modern Vietnam. He was a communist revolutionary, prime minister and president. He died in 1969 before he could realize his dream of a united Vietnam. Upon the fall of Saigon and the end of the war the former capital of the south was renamed after him. That same year a mausoleum was constructed in Hanoi where his body is displayed under dim lights in the cool central hall of the building. The mausoleum, inspired by Lenin’s mausoleum in Moscow is open to the public daily from 9 to 11am. There are strict dress codes and even body posture. No shorts or skirts, and hands must not be in your pockets or arms crossed. Photography or video is not allowed and even outside of the mausoleum when the doors are open there is a minimum distance where visitors to the area are allowed. Still, it’s definitely worth visiting just for the fact that there are only 5 former leaders on display, this way, in the world. The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is located at the center of Ba Dinh Square, where Ho Chi Minh read the Declaration of Independence in 1945 establishing the Democratic Republic of Vietnam. Another site in Hanoi worth a visit and that should take less than two hours to properly cover is the infamous Hoa Lo Prison, known to American POW’s during the Vietnam War as the Hanoi Hilton. Much of the prison was destroyed in the nineties for development but the original gatehouse remains as do some of the old cells and corridors. The displays are mostly focused on the days when the prison, run by the French colonists, kept Vietnamese political prisoners. Inside a model of the original prison compound is on display along with lots of stories and articles of clothing of revolutionaries. Some of the cells are remembered as places where Vietnamese looking to overthrow the French suffered. A guillotine used by the French to behead revolutionaries is in a haunting room complete with soundtrack. There are a couple of rooms where flight suits, photographs, and other personal items from captured U.S. military are on display which most will find interesting. Including pictures of young North Vietnamese female soldiers capturing and marching big tall American soldiers through the jungle. Another room with the use of mannequins shows how crowded and horrid the conditions for Vietnamese prisoners were. Originally to house 450, records show there were up to 2000 imprisoned here in the 1930’s. The prison is really a show of the fighting spirit of these revolutionaries honoring their suffering for the eventual freedom from the French. There’s even the actual sewer on display that many escaped through. The final outside area of the museum is where a memorial is located and a haunting mural/sculpture depicting the torture and suffering of the Vietnamese that were jailed here. Hanoi is the polar opposite is some ways to Saigon or Ho Chi Minh City, more traditional and formal in some ways, even strict, with much of the old quarter closed by 11pm. Different but still fascinating and exciting in it’s own way, and I can’t wait to share more. Subscribe now-https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/adventure-travel-far-east/id890305531?mt=2

Held in Vietnam as a prisoner of war for 5 years, Lee Ellis learned so many deep truths about leadership, courage, honor and accountability. He joins us to share his amazing lessons learned, experiencing being beaten and tortured, and watching his colleagues rise above unbearable treatment to lead with honor. Retired Air Force Colonel Lee Ellis describes his most powerful leadership lessons which inspired him to write his riveting book, “Engage With Honor”.

Today on Veterans Day, I speak with Lieutenant Robert Wideman of the US Navy. He will be reading from his novel entitled, Unexpected Prisoner: Memoir of a Vietnam POW. When his plane crashed on a bombing run in the Vietnam War, Lt. Robert Wideman feared falling into The post Ep17 – Unexpected Prisoner – Robert Wideman appeared first on Chapter One Podcast.