Barry Thompson Episode 19

Trent Karnes Episode 23

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2301455/fan_mail/new] In this episode of Rueff Around the Edges, Josh Rueff sits down with Trent Karnes, a Lieutenant with the Illinois Department of Corrections and operator on the department’s Tactical Response Team (TRT). Trent shares what it takes to earn a spot on the team, the intense training involved, and the realities of working in high-pressure situations inside corrections. The conversation also dives into firearms training, tactical mindset, leadership, and the day-to-day challenges faced by correctional officers. A candid and informative discussion giving listeners an inside look at a side of law enforcement many never see.  Please enjoy this episode #23 with Trent Karnes.  Thanks!

Lanny Tucker Episode 22

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2301455/fan_mail/new] In this episode 22 of Rueff Around The Edges, Vietnam veteran Lanny Tucker shares his journey from growing up on a small Illinois farm to being drafted into the Army in 1969. Lanny reflects on his time serving as a mechanic in Vietnam, offering firsthand insight into daily life, close calls, and the camaraderie among soldiers.  Lanny also opens up about returning home, building a career, and how the war and its aftermath shaped his life and perspective. A candid and personal look at one veteran’s story from a defining era in American history. Please enjoy episode 22 with Lanny Tucker.  Thank you.

Eli and Joe McDowell Episode 21

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2301455/fan_mail/new]  In this episode of RUEFF AROUND THE EDGES, Josh sits down with Eli and Joe McDowell, two of the McDowell triplets and newly minted United States Marines. After graduating high school in May 2025, Eli and Joe left shortly after for Marine Corps boot camp in July. Now, having completed both boot camp and Marine Combat Training, they join the show to share their experiences, challenges, and the journey from high school graduates to Marines. Tune in as they talk about what the process was really like, what pushed them through the toughest moments, and what comes next in their Marine Corps careers.

Chris Durbin Episode 20

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2301455/fan_mail/new] Sergeant First Class Chris Durbin has spent his life in high-risk environments. A current member of the Illinois National Guard and former soldier with the 25th Infantry Division, Chris served as both an 11 Bravo and 11 Charlie infantryman in the United States Army. He deployed multiple times to the Middle East and Africa with the U.S. Army and later with private security contractor Triple Canopy. He survived numerous enemy engagements, including a suicide bomber attack. After his deployments, Chris worked with the Israeli Consulate and now serves on the front lines of the U.S. justice system in the Federal Bureau of Prisons as a Correctional Officer.  Please enjoy Episode 20 with Chris Durbin.

Barry Thompson Episode 19

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2301455/fan_mail/new] Episode 19 has been updated with a newly edited version due to technical issues in the original release. If you notice an echo around the 29-minute mark, please delete the episode from your device and refresh your feed to download the corrected version. This should only affect a small number of listeners who downloaded the episode immediately after it was first published. Thank you for your understanding, -Carter Bland-  Welcome back to RUEFF Around the Edges, the podcast where we sit down with people who’ve lived remarkable lives and share the stories that shaped them. Today’s guest is Barry Thompson, a Vietnam War Veteran who served in U.S. Army Aviation during one of the most intense periods in American military history. Barry spent his time in Vietnam aboard the CH-47 Chinook helicopter, taking on multiple roles including door gunner, crew chief, and flight engineer, each with its own risks, responsibilities, and unforgettable moments. Barry’s passion for aviation didn’t end when the war did. After returning home, that love of flight stayed with him, eventually leading him to purchase two ultralight aircraft and continue flying for the pure joy and challenge of it. In this episode, Barry takes us from the skies over Vietnam to unexpected emergency landing crashes in Illinois, sharing stories that are equal parts intense, humbling, and human. This is a conversation about service, survival, and a lifelong pull toward the sky. Please enjoy our time with Barry Thompson on Episode 19 of the Rueff Around The Edges Podcast.