Abraham Arellano: Vietnam-Era Air Force Veteran, Faith & Life Lessons | Living History with Alex

Mr. Terry Thompson: Educator, Mentor & Inspiring Future Generations | Living History with Alex

In this episode of Living History with Alex, we sit down with Mr. Terry Thompson, Assistant Principal at Royal Palm Elementary School, educator, mentor, and a lifelong advocate for helping young people reach their potential. Mr. Thompson shares his remarkable journey from studying criminal justice and political science with dreams of becoming an attorney to discovering that education and mentoring were truly his calling. He reflects on his family's extraordinary history, including their connection to one of the first schools for Black students in Taylor County, Florida, and explains how teaching and mentoring had always been part of his DNA—even before he realized it himself. Mr. Thompson also shares powerful lessons about leadership, authenticity, the impact of positive role models, and why patience and teaching are often more effective than punishment. Throughout the conversation, he discusses his experiences working in elementary, middle, and high schools, supporting students facing difficult circumstances, and the profound moments that shaped his philosophy as an educator and mentor. One of the most touching moments of the episode is when Alex reflects on how Mr. Thompson's guidance, history lessons, and words of encouragement during fourth grade helped shape his own love for history and personal growth. 🌟 Topics Covered: 📚 Discovering a calling in education and mentoring 🏫 Family history and one of the first schools for Black students in Taylor County, Florida ⚖️ Studying criminal justice and aspiring to become an attorney 👨‍🏫 Life as an assistant principal and working with students of all ages 💡 Leadership, authenticity, and the importance of strong values ❤️ Supporting children through difficult circumstances and trauma 📖 The power of history, mentorship, and lifelong learning 🌟 Inspiring the next generation to pursue their dreams If you enjoy real stories about education, mentorship, leadership, and personal growth, make sure to like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes of Living History with Alex. 🔔 Stay tuned for more conversations that keep history alive.

Ramon Torralba: Firefighter, Investigator & 26 Years of Service | Living History with Alex

In this episode of Living History with Alex, we sit down with Ramon Torralba, a retired Fire Lieutenant who dedicated more than 26 years of service to his community as a firefighter, paramedic, rescue and suppression officer, fire inspector, fire investigator, aviation fuel safety inspector, and much more. Ramon shares the incredible story of what first inspired him to become a firefighter after witnessing a tragic childhood accident in Miami, and how television shows like Emergency! fueled his passion for the fire service. He opens up about the many obstacles he faced along the way, including severe vision limitations, back surgery, and having to leave fire college before eventually returning years later to finally achieve his dream. Throughout the conversation, Ramon reflects on his long career with Miami-Dade Fire Rescue, including responding to major incidents, investigating fires, working in inspections and plan review, and balancing the demands of public service with the importance of family. He also shares emotional stories about teamwork, sacrifice, leadership, and the pride he feels for the men and women he served beside. One of the most powerful moments of the episode is Ramon’s deeply personal story about his father’s journey from Portugal to Cuba, surviving political imprisonment under Castro, and the unwavering love story between his parents that carried through hardship, faith, and sacrifice. 🌟 Topics Covered: 🚒 Becoming a firefighter despite major obstacles 🔥 Fire investigations and emergency response stories 👨‍🚒 Life inside Miami-Dade Fire Rescue ✈️ Responding to the Fine Air plane crash 👓 Overcoming vision requirements and back surgery 👨‍👩‍👦 Why family always came first 🇨🇺 His father’s imprisonment in Cuba and family history 🙏 Faith, perseverance, and leaving a legacy If you enjoy real stories of service, sacrifice, leadership, and perseverance, make sure to like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes of Living History with Alex. 🔔 Stay tuned for more conversations that keep history alive.

Carlos Lopez: FAST Marine, Somalia Deployment & Marine Brotherhood | Living History with Alex

In this episode of Living History with Alex, we sit down with Carlos Lopez, a United States Marine Corps veteran who served from 1992 to 1996 in the elite Fleet Anti-Terrorism Security Team (FAST Company) as both an infantry rifleman and anti-tank guided missileman. Carlos shares what inspired him to join the Marine Corps at just 17 years old, his intense journey through Marine Corps training, and what it took to earn a position in FAST Company — a highly specialized Marine security force responsible for protecting embassies and responding to high-threat situations around the world. One of the most powerful parts of this conversation is Carlos reflecting on his deployment to Mogadishu, Somalia, where he served during the final phase of Operation Continue Hope and was part of the remaining Marine presence after the major withdrawal of U.S. forces. He also explains the camaraderie of the Marines, the lasting brotherhood formed through service, and how those experiences shaped his life long after the military. Beyond his military career, Carlos talks about overcoming PTSD, anxiety, and depression through scuba diving and his volunteer work with Aquanauts Scuba Academy and veteran dive organizations that help veterans heal through underwater therapy. 🌟 Topics Covered: 🦅 Joining the United States Marine Corps at 17 years old ⚔️ Serving in FAST Company (Fleet Anti-Terrorism Security Team) 🚀 Training as an anti-tank guided missileman using the TOW missile system 🇸🇴 Deployment to Mogadishu, Somalia during Operation Continue Hope 🤝 Brotherhood and camaraderie inside the Marine Corps 🎖️ Marine Corps boot camp and infantry training 🌊 Healing through scuba diving and aquatherapy for veterans 💡 Life advice about learning, communication, and keeping an open mind If you enjoy real stories of military service, resilience, and history, make sure to like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes of Living History with Alex. 🔔 Stay tuned for more conversations that keep history alive.

Abraham Arellano: Vietnam-Era Air Force Veteran, Faith & Life Lessons | Living History with Alex

In this episode of Living History with Alex, we sit down with Abraham Arellano, a U.S. Air Force veteran from the Vietnam era. Abraham shares why he joined the Air Force during the draft, hoping to serve while avoiding being sent directly to Vietnam. He talks about basic training in San Antonio, learning to shoot the M16, and how a series of unexpected moments led him to serve stateside instead of being deployed overseas. He also reflects on his time at Patrick Air Force Base in Florida, where he worked with transportation and licensing for government vehicles, as well as his later assignment in England working in the post office system. Along the way, Abraham shares stories about discrimination, faith, meeting his wife, and how service helped shape his independence, values, and future. 🌟 Topics Covered: 🇺🇸 Joining the Air Force during the Vietnam draft era 🎯 Basic training, M16 qualification, and unexpected turns 🚗 Working in transportation at Patrick Air Force Base 🌎 Service in Florida, Mississippi, and England 📦 Military post office work overseas 🙏 Faith, family, marriage, and life lessons 💡 Advice on following your passion and doing what makes you happy If you enjoy real stories of service, faith, and personal history, make sure to like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes of Living History with Alex. 🔔 Stay tuned for more conversations that keep history alive.

Inside Miami-Dade Police: Rudy Espinosa’s 30-Year Career | Living History with Alex

In this episode of Living History with Alex, we sit down with Retired Sgt. Rudy Espinosa, who served nearly three decades (1984–2013) in the Miami-Dade County Police Department. Rudy shares what inspired him to pursue a career in law enforcement from a young age and what it was like going through the police academy in the 1980s — from intense training under the Florida heat to the discipline and dedication required to succeed. One of the most powerful parts of this episode is his experience during Hurricane Andrew, one of the most devastating natural disasters in South Florida’s history. He reflects on the destruction, the fear many officers and families faced, and the incredible unity of communities coming together to help one another during crisis. Rudy also talks about his role as a Public Information Officer, working closely with the media during emergencies like wildfires, helping maintain safety and communication in high-risk situations. Throughout the episode, he shares meaningful lessons about responsibility, integrity, and what it truly means to wear the badge — serving others, doing the right thing, and staying proud of your work. 🌟 Topics Covered: 👮‍♂️ Joining the Miami-Dade Police Department (1984–2013) 🌪️ Serving during Hurricane Andrew and disaster response 🎓 Police academy training in the 1980s 📢 Role as a Public Information Officer during emergencies 🔥 Wildfire response and working with the media 💡 Life lessons on service, integrity, and community If you enjoy real stories of service, resilience, and community impact, make sure to like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes of Living History with Alex. 🔔 Stay tuned for more conversations that keep history alive.