From West Point to Iraq and Back

Called To Service. Chat with a Chaplain.

Chris "Chappy" Cottle experiences all of the struggles, vicarious and direct trauma that other Firefighters experience, but his own struggles didn't stop him from answering the call to serve those who serve others. Support comes in many forms, and recovery takes many different paths, walked by many different people, and the Chaplaincy has been a staple in Military & First Responder Communities. Chappy shares his own lived experience with us today.

Boats

Amber "Boats" Cage faced adversity, disillusionment and setbacks while serving her people around the world at sea. One dark night, when things look hopeless, a chance intervention kept her connected to the world. Amber didn't just move on. She proved that helped people help people, and she has spent her life since continuing her own journey while helping others heal. Check out this conversation with our Here Tomorrow teammate.

Burn Your Uniforms

"Burn Your Uniforms & Forget You Were in the military." That's what Jim was told when he came home. Years later, the "welcome home" signs made him feel anything but welcome. Mama was home when he left. Jim did what many of our dads did and joined up before he could be drafted only to receive his draft notice a few weeks after he went in. Arriving just after the infamous Tet Offensive, Jim shouldered responsibilities most 19 year olds don't have to think about. Jim has the distinction of being the only Vietnam Veteran on this season.

Blackhawk Down, 18 Hours in Mogadishu & the Rest of Mike's Story

There's always more to the story; a man making his way through what has become an iconic story in American lore and even pop culture. He was portrayed in the now unforgettable war movie, Blackhawk Down, but there was life there before and after those harrowing 18 hours in Mogadishu. Rangers lead the way. Follow Mike Goodale as he shares his story.

Jared Reston, Winning Vs. Surviving

Jared responded to a routine shop lifting call, but he found himself in a fight for his life. Shot multiple times in the face and body, Jared dug deep, responded as a well-trained Operator can and won another day on earth with his family and comrades. In this episode, we discuss a winning vs. survival mindset, what it takes to move forward after an encounter like this and how it impacts family and career. This is a story for the books.