Iraq's First free elections

Targeted for Death to the American Dream_ The Omar Al Abase Interview

What happens when a 13-year-old boy is forced to become the head of his family overnight? In this powerful episode of The Military Historian Podcast, host Lloyd Shellenberger sits down with Omar Al Abbasi, eldest son of the Al Abbasi family whose father, Majeed who was brutally murdered by terrorists in Iraq. Omar recounts: The day his father was ambushed and killed — and how he miraculously survived while covered in his father’s blood. 1. Becoming protector and provider for his younger siblings at just 13 His mother Fatima’s incredible strength keeping the family alive amid death threats and daily danger 2. How U.S. soldiers — including Sgt. Shane Beckert and Capt. Grant Wills — risked their lives to rescue the family 3. Fleeing Iraq, near-death encounters, and eventually starting over in America Healing from unimaginable trauma and building a life anchored in family and gratitude 4. This is a raw, deeply human story about loss, resilience, and hope in the face of unimaginable violence. 👉 If Omar’s courage inspires you, hit like and subscribe — we bring unfiltered human stories of war, survival, and rebuilding every week. 💬 Comment: What moment from Omar’s story impacted you the most? 🕒 Timestamps 00:00 – Welcome & introduction by host Lloyd Shellenberger 00:18 – Introducing Omar Al Abbasi and the Left Behind Letters from Baghdad series  01:15 – Growing up under threat in Iraq and becoming the family leader 02:40 – The day of the ambush: grocery trip turns deadly 03:35 – Omar’s father Majeed is shot and killed — Omar miraculously survives 05:09 – Covered in his father’s blood, believing he was next 06:18 – U.S. patrol arrives and pulls Omar to safety 07:50 – Returning home to his mother and siblings after being presumed dead 09:00 – Nighttime firefight protecting the family from further attacks 11:00 – Accepting a new role as protector and provider at 13 13:15 – Life under constant danger and learning survival from a young age 15:20 – Resilience, family unity, and stepping into manhood early 17:40 – Meeting U.S. soldiers who risked everything to save them 19:55 – Journey out of Iraq toward safety and freedom 21:30 – Starting over in America and embracing the “American dream” 23:10 – Honoring his parents’ sacrifices and building a future 25:00 – Reflections on family, survival, and gratitude 🔔 Turn on notifications so you never miss an episode. 🔗 Links & Resources 🎥 Watch more episodes: YouTube Playlist  📲 Instagram: @themilitaryhistorian 🎬 TikTok: @themilitaryhistorianpod Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-military-historian-podcast--7001526/support [https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-military-historian-podcast--7001526/support?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=rss]. Like and Share the Military Historian as he shares stories from service members and those who have seen the tip of the spear and survived! Themilitaryhistorianpod@gmail.com

Iraq's First free elections

The Military Historian iheart Radio Lloyd Shellenberger   The Military Historian Podcast offers a deep dive into Iraq's first free elections after the fall of Saddam's regime.  Lloyd Shellenberger served as an AFN reporter in Iraq during the 2005 election and the ratification of Iraq's constitution. This is his perspective on the events that shaped the Middle East and its allies. Join us for the complexities of military history through engaging interviews with military veterans, respected leaders, and knowledgeable experts. Each episode explores a range of compelling topics, including: In this episode we count down Iraq's 2005 elections and the preparations behind it and his shared experiences with media as well.  As a former AFN reporter, Lloyd Shellenberger has extensive experience dealing with the military and navigatings its pitfalls.  * ** The Fall of Saddm and award winning military journalist, SSG Eric Ritterby's engaging news report. * ** Delve into significant decisions that changed the course of Iraq's history, examining the strategies, decisions, and consequences that shaped that nation's future. * ** Lesser-Known Missions**: Reporting live from the VIP voting booth in the Convention center and what it was like, often overlooked military operations that have played a crucial role in shaping Iraq. These missions highlight the bravery and ingenuity of service members in challenging situations. * ** The Brave Iraq peoples response to terrorist threats and the overwhelming turnout for the first election * ** How I gained insights into the leadership qualities and strategies that military personnel develop in high-pressure environments. Learn how these lessons can apply to various aspects of life, both in and out of uniform. * ** Speaking to the Constitutionalist Nicholas Fink Haysom, and his hopes for Iraq's future. * ** Explore the personal narratives and experiences of an AFN reporter as the political events of 2005 unfolded. * ** A call to pass the Save Act and why Free and accurate elections are the cornerstone of every countries foundation. * ** A call to ask voters to choose wisely and understand why every legal vote and decision counts.  * Closing statements and sign off * Call to Like and Share. Through thoughtful discussions and storytelling, the podcast brings history to life, offering listeners a richer understanding of the military’s impact on our world.Through The Military Historian Podcast, Shellenberger interviews military veterans, leaders, and experts to explore: Pivotal battles and strategic turning points Lesser-known missions that shaped modern history Leadership lessons from service members The human stories behind military operations 🎙️ New to streaming or looking to level up? Check out StreamYard and get $10 discount! 😍 https://streamyard.com/pal/d/48570251... [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbU5VcmhrOHAxZ3ZWcEdqWjJfOTRkSmxScW14d3xBQ3Jtc0ttR05ickE3cTl1SVBGdVY5QnlrNFYtaE5ZSmcydVJQTWF0by1iS2pSYWxfeGxtczhTTFpyMlJnZGxOMnhuZW5sTGNMLVlsTGM2dld4VHhaWEMyeFVTM1F3ajlPdU1VaHExS2xHR2VOeXV6REN5UTd1RQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fstreamyard.com%2Fpal%2Fd%2F4857025130659840&v=Aybh9VU9Fx0] 👉 Like & Subscribe if you value honest, ground-level military stories. 💬 Comment: What do you think? 🔔 Turn on notifications so you don’t miss future episodes. 🔗 Links & Resources 🎥 Watch more episodes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g_rz7hFJGQ8&list=PL1rLt9IdAnJ8_q7EV9VKt6FMoguD5uVim 📲 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themilitaryhistorian/ 🎬 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@themilitaryhistorianpod  IHEART RADIO SPREAKER LINK BELOW https://www.spreaker.com/show/7001526/episodes/feed Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-military-historian-podcast--7001526/support [https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-military-historian-podcast--7001526/support?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=rss]. Like and Share the Military Historian as he shares stories from service members and those who have seen the tip of the spear and survived! Themilitaryhistorianpod@gmail.com

The Credit Wise Service Member

On this episode of The Military Historian, Lloyd Shellenberger dives deep into the does and don'ts of credit wisdom with US Army SGM Bayon Harris (RET) and CEO of the YCAP PROGRAM. They discuss the good, bad, and ugly decisions Service Members make when they return home from deployment.  1.  What does good credit look like and why it is important 2. Decisions Service Members make and how it can impact their financial future. 3. How to maintain good credit scores and proper balances on your cards. 4. Why you should pay of your interest free credit debts before the due date. 5. The myths behind paying off credit cards completely. 6. Why buying a brand new car off the service lot is a costly mistake. 7. The one soldier who actually invested her deployment money and actually bought a home. 8. YCAPPROGRAM@gmail.com and why SGM Harris doesn't take clients on unless they are willing to change their lives and change their habits. 9. Regrets from a friend who purchased a 60K vehicle when he already had two good forms of transportation that were already paid for. 10. Why making money as we get older becomes easier. . 11. Why each Service Member must have plan and a vision of the future when they return from deployment. 12. Closing statement; Like and share. Please leave a comment at ThemilitaryhistorianPod@gmail.com If you would like to see more of our continuing series on reflections of my military career, email me at the above address and I will try to accommodate my listeners. Was there anything that caught your attention from Bayon Harris's comments and why? 👉 Like & Subscribe if you value honest, ground-level military stories. 💬 Comment: What do you think? 🔔 Turn on notifications so you don’t miss future episodes. 🔗 Links & Resources 🎥 Watch more episodes: https://www.youtube.com/watch? Apple Podcasts v=g_rz7hFJGQ8&list=PL1rLt9IdAnJ8_q7EV9VKt6FMoguD5uVim 📲 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themilitaryhistorian/ 🎬 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@themilitaryhistorianpod IHEART RADIO SPREAKER LINK BELOW https://www.spreaker.com/show/7001526/episodes/feed Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-military-historian-podcast--7001526/support [https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-military-historian-podcast--7001526/support?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=rss]. Like and Share the Military Historian as he shares stories from service members and those who have seen the tip of the spear and survived! Themilitaryhistorianpod@gmail.com

Aspire to Inspire Part-2 Embrace the Power

The Military Historian iheart Radio Lloyd Shellenberger   The Military Historian Podcast offers a deep dive into the complexities of military history through engaging interviews with military veterans, respected leaders, and knowledgeable experts. Each episode explores a range of compelling topics, including: In this episode we sit down with BG Vincent Buggs, host of Embrace the Power and and discuss where we are from a legacy media perspective and our shared experiences with media as well.  As a former Brigadier General Vincent Buggs has extensive experience dealing with the military and navigatings its pitfalls.  * **Pivotal Battles and Strategic Turning Points**: Delve into significant conflicts that changed the course of history, examining the strategies, decisions, and consequences that shaped nations and societies. * **Lesser-Known Missions**: Discover intriguing, often overlooked military operations that have played a crucial role in shaping our contemporary world. These missions highlight the bravery and ingenuity of service members in challenging situations. * **Leadership Lessons from Service Members**: Gain insights into the leadership qualities and strategies that military personnel develop in high-pressure environments. Learn how these lessons can apply to various aspects of life, both in and out of uniform. * **Human Stories Behind Military Operations**: Explore the personal narratives and experiences of those who have served, shedding light on the sacrifices, challenges, and triumphs that define military life and operations. Through thoughtful discussions and storytelling, the podcast brings history to life, offering listeners a richer understanding of the military’s impact on our world.Through The Military Historian Podcast, Shellenberger interviews military veterans, leaders, and experts to explore: Pivotal battles and strategic turning points Lesser-known missions that shaped modern history Leadership lessons from service members The human stories behind military operations 🎙️ New to streaming or looking to level up? Check out StreamYard and get $10 discount! 😍 https://streamyard.com/pal/d/48570251... [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbU5VcmhrOHAxZ3ZWcEdqWjJfOTRkSmxScW14d3xBQ3Jtc0ttR05ickE3cTl1SVBGdVY5QnlrNFYtaE5ZSmcydVJQTWF0by1iS2pSYWxfeGxtczhTTFpyMlJnZGxOMnhuZW5sTGNMLVlsTGM2dld4VHhaWEMyeFVTM1F3ajlPdU1VaHExS2xHR2VOeXV6REN5UTd1RQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fstreamyard.com%2Fpal%2Fd%2F4857025130659840&v=Aybh9VU9Fx0] 👉 Like & Subscribe if you value honest, ground-level military stories. 💬 Comment: What do you think? 🔔 Turn on notifications so you don’t miss future episodes. 🔗 Links & Resources 🎥 Watch more episodes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g_rz7hFJGQ8&list=PL1rLt9IdAnJ8_q7EV9VKt6FMoguD5uVim 📲 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themilitaryhistorian/ 🎬 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@themilitaryhistorianpod  IHEART RADIO SPREAKER LINK BELOW https://www.spreaker.com/show/7001526/episodes/feed Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-military-historian-podcast--7001526/support [https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-military-historian-podcast--7001526/support?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=rss]. Like and Share the Military Historian as he shares stories from service members and those who have seen the tip of the spear and survived! Themilitaryhistorianpod@gmail.com This episode includes AI-generated content.

Surviving War and Starting Over_ Ahmed Al Abbasi’s Journey from Iraq to America

What is it like to grow up amid war, survive unimaginable violence, and rebuild your life in a new country? In this episode of The Military Historian Podcast, I speak with Ahmed Al Abbasi about his extraordinary childhood in Iraq — losing his father, living through brutal attacks, and eventually finding safety and a future in America. 1. Ahmed opens up about: The day his father was killed while trying to secure passports for the family Living under constant threat, learning to defend his home as a child  2.The terrifying raids, ambushes, and survival tactics in a war zone 3. The cultural richness of Iraq — family, food, and deep historical roots  4. Starting over as a refugee and adapting to life in the U.S. 5. Lessons of resilience, identity, and hope 🕒 Timestamps 00:00 – Welcome & introduction by host Lloyd Shellenberger  00:39 – Starting the conversation; Ahmed introduces himself 01:06 – Background on Ahmed’s father and mission to Baghdad 02:25 – The day of the attack — losing his father and brother 05:00 – Family’s immediate survival plans and self-defense as children 07:38 – Fear, community danger, and early trauma in wartime Iraq 10:00 – Violence and survival culture — letters with bullets, constant threats 11:06 – Psychological toll of war on childhood 12:10 – Learning to defend the family home with weapons and dogs 16:58 – Timeline of leaving Iraq and journey to America 20:00 – Family’s struggle to make a living in war-torn Iraq (scrap metal, survival jobs) 22:22 – Cultural identity and navigating ethnic/religious divisions 24:04 – Ahmed’s father’s defiance against Saddam’s regime and consequences 27:14 – Ahmed’s mother’s resilience and survival strategies 28:28 – Arrival in the U.S. and adapting to a new life 29:34 – Importance of allies and support from American soldiers and friends 30:00 – Closing reflections on identity, resilience, and hope 👉 If Ahmed’s story moved you, hit like and subscribe — we bring real, human stories from conflict and survival to life.  💬 Share your thoughts in the comments — what part of Ahmed’s journey stayed with you? 🔔 Turn on notifications so you never miss an episode. 🔗 Links & Resources 🎥 Watch more episodes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g_rz7hFJGQ8&list=PL1rLt9IdAnJ8_q7EV9VKt6FMoguD5uVim&pp=gAQB0gcJCaIEOCosWNin 📲 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themilitaryhistorian/ 🎬 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@themilitaryhistorianpod Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-military-historian-podcast--7001526/support [https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-military-historian-podcast--7001526/support?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=rss]. Like and Share the Military Historian as he shares stories from service members and those who have seen the tip of the spear and survived! Themilitaryhistorianpod@gmail.com