Join us on Operation Insight as we host Chief Petty Officer Kara Jo "KJ" Park!

As a child, she watched as they patrolled the Mississippi River during St. Louis' VP Fair. As a young adult and fresh recruit, she sailed the seas and circumnavigated the globe on a cutter. While in the Coast Guard, KJ Park accomplished nautical feats even some Sailors can't fathom. Throughout KJ's service, she proved herself to be one helluva Puddle Pirate. In fact, she is one helluva resilient individual. From overcoming stubborn stereotypes to standing her ground in the last branch of service to fully integrate women, KJ persevered. Yet, despite her dedication to Semper Paratus, KJ was not protected when her life was in danger on U.S. soil. While enduring the hardships of an abusive relationship, KJ was misled, poorly advised, and ultimately had to navigate a broken system alone. However, KJ doesn't define her career by the setbacks and tribulations she experienced. No, she doesn't take the path of anger and regret. Instead, KJ bravely sets a course that encompasses the good and the bad, both the anguish and the awe-inspiring life as a Coastie!

If you or someone you love is suffering from domestic abuse or intimate partner violence, you are encouraged to visit the links below for help and resources!

https://www.militaryonesource.mil/relationships/prevent-violence-abuse/domestic-abuse-help/

https://www.socialwork.va.gov/IPV/VETERANS_PARTNERS/WhatCanIDo/Index.asp

https://www.thehotline.org/here-for-you/

Join us on Operation Insight as we host Captain William "Bill" Reynolds!

For some folks born and raised in the southern half of the Land of Lincoln, life might seem a little slow. Not so for the adventure-seeking Bill Reynolds. No, life moved fast for Bill, and when the speed wasn't to his liking, he found a way to pull some Gs even when he wasn't supposed to! Captain Reynolds flew all types of aircraft, from the T-33 Shooting Star to the F-86 Sabre, and did so with panache. He had his fair share of close calls and enough "fifteen minutes of fame" to fill an entire book. In fact, he has authored two books: "Tiger 24" and "Inspirational Stories for You," both of which are available to our listeners at a discounted rate offered directly by Captain Reynolds himself (wreynolds12@bluetiehome.com). Beyond his piloting days, Bill served his community as an educator, and an excellent one at that! If it wasn't for him, many high schools in the St. Louis Metro East may not have as strong a Junior ROTC program as they do now. Mr. Reynolds has lived a life of adventure, but most importantly, he has lived a life dedicated to his family, his students, and his country. Even today, he continues to inspire those he meets!

Join us on Operation Insight as we host Gold Star Mother Lee Hundelt, whose son, LCpl Matthew Clark, was killed in action while on deployment to Iraq in 2006.

Monday, May 26th, marks this year's Memorial Day. While many may enjoy their three-day weekend by hosting parties and barbeques, there is a contingent of Americans who do not “celebrate” this holiday. Instead, they commemorate their lost loved ones and honor their sacrifices. This Memorial Day, we remember one such hero: LCpl Matthew Clark. Gold Star Mother Lee Hundelt shares the story of her son, from memories of him as a boy to his time as a Marine and the conversations she has with him even still today. Memorial Day is dedicated to the brave souls who paid the ultimate sacrifice in service to their nation.

Join us on Operation Insight as we host Sergeant Jorge Valdez!

From the Yucatan Peninsula to Fort "Lost in the Woods" to a remote camp in Kosovo, SGT Valdez never lost his appetite for adventure. Soon after graduating from high school, Jorge announced to his parents that he felt an urge to leave Mexico and pursue the American dream. He did that and so much more! Soon after immigrating to the United States, Jorge enlisted in the Missouri National Guard. He served as a Combat Engineer out of Jefferson Barracks until finding his true calling as an MP. SGT Valdez also spent a year stationed in Kosovo relieving a unit that was deployed as part of Operation Enduring Freedom. SGT Valdez enjoyed being a soldier but had conflicting feelings about his time as an officer candidate. He graduated from OCS but was not permitted to commission due to his age. Upon further reflection, Jorge thinks his wife may have been right about things happening for a reason. Perhaps unsurprisingly, not long after retiring from the National Guard, he began teaching at Fort Zumwalt West High. Jorge gifts his love of learning and zest for life to his students, who enjoy hearing about his adventures as an immigrant who found his American dream, selflessly served his country, and had a lot of fun along the way!

Join us on Operation Insight as we host Staff Sergeant Chris Miller!

Soon after graduating from De Soto High School, just south of St. Louis, MO, Chris joined the Army Reserves in September 2000. There wasn't a war on, and Chris wasn't expecting much from his time in the service. That all changed merely a year later when America was attacked on 9/11. Chris soon found himself wrestling with a burning moral obligation to deploy and join the fight. Eventually, in 2007, Chris got his wish and deployed to Iraq with Bravo Company of the 321st Engineer Battalion in support of "Task Force Pathfinder". Much of SSG Miller's deployment to Ramadi, Iraq, was spent neutralizing IEDs as part of a route clearance team. That experience would forge his character and completely reshape his life. Chris now works for the Wounded Warrior Project at their St. Louis branch. He and his wife Stephanie live locally and have three daughters.

https://mavm.org

Join your hosts Jason & Ethan as they launch the inaugural episode of Operation Insight alongside the Mid America Veterans Museum's Executive Director, Nina DeAngelo.

https://mavm.org/podcast/

Join me and Nina DeAngelo, Executive Director of the Mid America Veterans Museum and U.S Army veteran, as we share some exciting news about the direction of this podcast and the museum.

Join us from the Mid America Veterans Museum as we host museum curator, Marcia Higgins, and museum historian, Jim Higgins, to talk about our ever-evolving veterans' stories. In this episode, you will hear an in-depth accounting of updates to the story of Joseph McNamee, WWII Marine, which can only be described as serendipitous.