Forgotten Soldiers | The Letter That Came Too Late

A Firefighter’s Vocation: Faith, Family, and Purpose |

What does it look like to grow up in a family where service is a way of life—and then discover that your own calling is not just a career, but a vocation? In this episode of Regiment of the Cross, I sit down with Efraen an 11-year veteran of the Phoenix Fire Department, paramedic, engineer, technical rescue technician, and hazardous materials technician. But beyond the uniform, Efraen’s story is one of faith, family, sacrifice, and purpose. Raised in a close-knit Catholic family in Phoenix, Efraen grew up watching his father serve for more than three decades in the fire service while his brother followed the same path. In this conversation, we talk about growing up in a firefighting family, the influence of his mother and father, the brotherhood of the fire service, the reality of first responder life, and how a Catholic reversion transformed the way he sees service, suffering, and his vocation. This episode is for firefighters, veterans, first responders, young men looking for direction, and anyone trying to live a life of faith and purpose in a chaotic world. IN THIS EPISODE: * Growing up in a Phoenix firefighting family * The influence of his mother and father on his faith and character * What firefighting is really like beyond the stereotypes * Why most calls are EMS and medical calls—not fires * Brotherhood, mentorship, and leadership in the fire service * Catholic reversion and rediscovering purpose * How faith changes the way we serve others * A message for first responders and young men searching for direction If this episode resonates with you, please like, subscribe, and share it with someone who needs it. #Firefighter #Catholic #FaithAndService #FirstResponder #PhoenixFire #RegimentoftheCross #FireDepartment #CatholicPodcast #VeteranPodcast #Purpose #Brotherhood #Reversion #ChristianMen

From Grief to Grace: The Story of Angel Fire's Vietnam Veterans Memorial

On May 22, 1968, 17 Marines were killed near Con Thien, South Vietnam. Among them was 1st Lt. Victor David Westphall, USMC. For most families, such a loss would remain a private burden. For Dr. Victor and Jeanne Westphall, grief became a mission. What began as a tribute to their son and the Marines who died beside him eventually became the Vietnam Veterans Memorial and Peace & Brotherhood Chapel in Angel Fire, New Mexico—a place dedicated to remembrance, reflection, healing, and hope. In this episode of Regiment of the Cross, I am joined by Walter Westphall, David's brother and co-founder of the Memorial, along with Chuck Hasford, a longtime friend of Dr. "Doc" Westphall and witness to the Memorial's growth over the past four decades. Together we discuss David's story, the battle near Con Thien, the vision that inspired the Memorial, the addition of the iconic UH-1 Huey helicopter, the annual Run for the Wall pilgrimage, and why veterans and families from across America continue to find healing in Angel Fire. This is more than the story of a memorial. It is a story of sacrifice, family, brotherhood, and the enduring power of hope. 🇺🇸 If you enjoy content honoring veterans, military history, faith, and service, please like, subscribe, and share. visit the memorial webpage https://www.vietnamveteransmemorial.org/ [https://www.vietnamveteransmemorial.org/] #VietnamWar #VietnamVeterans #USMC #MarineCorps #GoldStarFamily #AngelFire #Veterans #MilitaryHistory #RunForTheWall #Huey #UH1 #PeaceAndBrotherhood #NeverForget #RegimentOfTheCross

Forgotten Soldiers | The Letter That Came Too Late

In December 1944, a 19-year-old American soldier wrote home from France. He asked about family. Mentioned seeing Niagara Falls. Complained that France was “too wet and muddy.” And wished everyone a Merry Christmas. Days later, he was dead. PFC Eloy Aldaz Montes of Hondo, New Mexico was killed in action by artillery fire on January 5, 1945 while serving with the 70th Infantry Division, 275th Infantry Regiment, Company G. This is not just a World War II history episode. This is family history. Eloy was my grandmother Ola’s baby brother. My father, only about six years old at the time, remembered Eloy leaving—and remembered hearing he had been killed. More than 400,000 Americans died in World War II. Approximately 73,000 American service members still remain buried overseas in Europe. Eloy came home. But only after nearly four years. In September 1948, his body was returned to New Mexico, where full military honors were rendered at Santa Fe National Cemetery. Using Eloy’s final wartime letter, family memory, and a powerful newspaper tribute titled A Soldier’s Return, this episode remembers one forgotten young soldier—and the countless others whose stories are fading into history. If your family has a story like this, preserve it. Because remembrance is its own form of honor. #WWII #WorldWarII #GreatestGeneration #MilitaryHistory #WWIIHistory #GoldStarFamily #VeteranStories #ArmyHistory #ForgottenHeroes #NewMexicoHistory #AmericanHistory #Catholic #FaithAndService #RegimentOfTheCross

Rebuilding Family, Faith, and Farming in America

Beef prices are rising while ranchers struggle—and most Americans don’t understand what’s really happening. In this episode of Regiment of the Cross, I sit down with Michael Thomas, Director of the Catholic Land Movement, to discuss the consolidation of the beef industry, the challenges facing family farms, and why more families are looking for a different way forward. We explore how modern systems have created disconnection—from land, from community, and even from purpose—and why movements like the Catholic Land Movement are gaining traction across the country. This conversation goes beyond agriculture. It’s about faith, family, and reclaiming a way of life rooted in responsibility, ownership, and community. Topics Covered: * Why beef prices are high but ranchers are struggling * The impact of consolidation in agriculture * What the Catholic Land Movement is and how it works * Why families are returning to the land * How veterans and families are finding purpose through farming and homesteading If you’ve ever felt like something is missing in modern life, this conversation may resonate with you. #FamilyFarms #FaithAndWork #CatholicLife #Homesteading #Veterans

The Case for Father William Doyle — A Martyr of Charity

Father William Doyle, S.J., was a Jesuit priest and military chaplain who courageously served soldiers on the front lines of the First World War. Known for his deep devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, fearless ministry in the trenches, and tireless care for wounded soldiers, Father Doyle repeatedly risked his life to bring the sacraments to men facing death on the battlefield. During the brutal fighting of 1917, Father Doyle entered no man’s land to minister to wounded soldiers and was killed in the act of charity — giving his life in service to others. In this episode of Regiment of the Cross, we explore the life, faith, sacrifice, and legacy of the Irish priest many believe should be remembered among the great military chaplains of history. https://williedoyle.org/ [https://williedoyle.org/] 🎙 Full episode now available on Regiment of the Cross. #FatherWilliamDoyle #Catholic #WWI #MilitaryHistory #Chaplain #Faith #CatholicPodcast #Veterans #History #Sacrifice #RegimentoftheCross #ChristianHistory #IrishHistory #Jesuit