Veterans Museum

Lieutenant Governor Jay Collins' interview with the Veterans Museum, January 27, 2026

The conversation covers the early life and military career of the Honorable Jared J. Collins, Lieutenant Governor of Florida. It delves into his small-town upbringing in Montana, his experiences in the military, and the pivotal moments that shaped his journey. The conversation covers the journey of a Green Beret, highlighting resilience, moral integrity, and the challenges of combat. It explores the impact of injuries and the determination to continue serving despite adversity. The conversation tells the journey of a military veteran from overcoming adversity and rehabilitation to transitioning into civilian life, nonprofit work, and entry into politics. It highlights resilience, leadership, and the pursuit of opportunity despite challenges. Takeaways * Small-town upbringing * Military career progression Resilience * Overcoming adversity Resilience * Leadership Chapters * 00:00 Small-Town Roots and Upbringing * 07:33 Basic Training and AIT * 15:03 Assignment in the UK * 22:27 Life at Fort Bragg * 27:48 The Journey to Becoming an 18 Delta * 35:05 Deployment to 7th Special Forces Group * 43:33 Transition to Special Missions Unit * 53:08 Injuries and Medical Challenges * 01:04:50 Military Service and Rehabilitation * 01:41:33 Entry into Politics and Future Aspirations

Jen Easterly Veterans Museum Interview December 18, 2025

The conversation covers Jen Easterly's early life, family background, childhood experiences, education, and challenges faced at West Point. It also delves into her love of literature, the significance of the Rubik's Cube, and the values and mentorship she received at West Point. The conversation details Jen Easterly's journey from West Point to Oxford, her experiences in military intelligence, leadership and mentorship, and her pivotal role in developing technology to combat terrorism in Iraq. It also delves into her family connections, academic achievements, and the challenges she faced in transitioning between different roles and environments. Jen Easterly's journey in technology and national security spans from revolutionizing national intelligence to building and operationalizing America's cyber defense agency. Her love affair with technology, involvement in standing up Cyber Command, and the elevation of Cyber Command to a combatant command are key milestones. Additionally, her use of imagination and storytelling in cyber security, transition to CISA Director, and reflections on her legacy and personal growth are noteworthy aspects of her remarkable career. Takeaways * Love of literature and poetry * Early exposure to reading and literature * Challenges and experiences at West Point Family connections and coincidences * Academic and professional achievements * Leadership and mentorship experiences * Operational and technological challenges Technology as a Catalyst * Building Operational Commands Chapters * 00:00 Values and Mentorship at West Point * 33:28 Family Connections and Coincidences * 39:21 Rhodes Scholarship and Oxford Experience * 44:46 Transition to Military Intelligence * 51:38 Leadership and Mentorship * 59:45 White House Experience and Personal Loss * 01:09:27 Technology and Counterterrorism in Iraq * 01:16:08 Love Affair with Technology * 01:25:07 Elevating Cyber Command to Combatant Command * 01:36:47 Transition to CISA Director * 01:44:13 Legacy and Reflections

Major James Capers' Veterans Museum Interview, February 17, 2026.

The conversation covers Major Capers' early life in South Carolina and Baltimore, his military training and experiences, as well as his marriage and personal challenges. It provides insights into his journey from childhood to joining the Marine Corps, his deployments, and the personal struggles he faced, including the impact of PTSD and the lack of recognition upon returning home. The conversation covers Major Capers' transition to Force Recon training, the family tragedy he experienced, and his combat experience in Vietnam. It also delves into his training prior to deployment and the challenges he faced during his service. The conversation details Major Capers' harrowing experiences during a mission to rescue POWs and his remarkable journey home. It highlights his courage under fire, the balance of compassion and strength, and the role of faith in survival. The conversation explores the themes of communication with loved ones during war, the physical and mental toll of combat, and the challenges of recovery and mental health after combat. Major Capers shares his experiences of writing letters home, enduring combat in the jungle, and the impact of his experiences on his mental well-being upon returning home. Major Capers shares his remarkable journey through the burden of war, retirement, and reflection, and his unwavering patriotism and service to his country. His story is a testament to the power of resilience and the principle of service before self. Takeaways * Military service impact * Family and upbringing * Marriage and personal life Determination * Sacrifice Combat experiences in Vietnam * Interactions with POWs and CIA * The role of faith and resilience in combat situations Communication with families during wartime * The physical and mental toll of combat * The bond between soldiers and their leader Service before self * The power of resilience Chapters * 00:00 Early Life and Family * 08:02 Life in Baltimore and World War II * 15:03 Deployment and Marriage * 24:53 Military Service and Personal Struggles * 46:45 Becoming a Marine Corps Wife * 53:00 Transition to Force Recon * 59:13 Family and Duty * 01:09:45 Training and Deployment * 01:17:20 Life at Sea * 01:22:34 Personal Sacrifice * 01:28:14 Rescuing POWs and Interactions with CIA * 02:00:01 Letters Home and Loss * 02:14:50 Survival and Sacrifice * 02:35:00 Recovery and Reflection * 02:41:30 Recovery and Redemption * 02:46:39 Life After Service