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Ep 36 The Unstoppable Nate Peitz: Taking the "Dis" Out of Disability

What does it mean to truly overcome limitations? In this powerful conversation, Nate Peitz redefines what's possible when you refuse to be defined by circumstances beyond your control.

Born with spina bifida, Nate shares his remarkable journey of growing up as the only wheelchair user among five siblings in a family that never treated him differently. "Take the dis out of disability" isn't just a catchy phrase for Nate—it's his life philosophy. With refreshing candor, he reveals how his parents' refusal to accept "I can't" in his vocabulary shaped his determined approach to challenges.

The conversation takes us through Nate's impressive athletic career in wheelchair basketball, soccer, and sled hockey, where his competitive spirit earned him championships and All-American honors. But what truly shines is his commitment to service. Unable to join the military due to his disability, Nate found other meaningful ways to serve, including his current challenge—completing a grueling 50-mile march in his wheelchair to support veterans.

Perhaps most inspiring is Nate's perspective on obstacles. When faced with steep hills during the march qualifier, his response wasn't frustration but determination: "I'm going to figure it out." This mindset transcends his personal journey, offering profound lessons for anyone facing seemingly insurmountable challenges.

Whether you're confronting your own limitations or seeking to understand how to better connect with people of all abilities, Nate's insights will transform your perspective. His message is clear—see the person, not the wheelchair; acknowledge the challenge, then find a way forward.

Listen now and discover how reframing your view of limitations might just reveal capabilities you never knew you had. What would be possible in your life if you decided to "figure it out" instead of saying "I can't"?

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The power of genuine connection threads through this conversation between longtime friends Jay Miralles and DeDee Oliver, who reconnect after nearly three decades to share insights that span professional wisdom and deeply personal memories.

DeDee opens up about her remarkable 27-year journey in real estate, revealing how the industry transformed from three-ring binders with listings and paper maps to today's digital landscape. Her success secret? Blending traditional relationship-building practices with modern technology. "The heart of my business is built on referrals," she shares, describing how she's helped multiple generations of families find homes. This philosophy of authentic connection has sustained her career while many others came and went.

The conversation takes a powerful turn when DeDee shares the story of her father, Marvin Edward Park, who was killed in action during Vietnam when she was just 13 months old. Though she has no personal memories of him, her father's presence has been kept alive through family stories and a precious book created by his war buddies containing photographs and accounts from his service. "How do you miss something that you never knew? But you do," DeDee reflects, in a moment that speaks to the universal experience of loss and remembrance.

Jay announces he'll be honoring Marvin during the upcoming 50 Mile March, carrying his photo and sharing his story. Their exchange reveals how listening to others' experiences—really listening, not just hearing—creates meaningful bonds that enrich our lives. As Jay notes, "We've lost the art of connection, and as I get older, that gets more and more important." Whether you're building business relationships or preserving family legacies, this episode reminds us that genuine connection remains our most valuable resource.

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Beyond the Vest: The Real Impact of Service Dog Partnerships

What does it take to transform a puppy into a life-changing service dog for a veteran? Susan and Brandon pull back the curtain on this remarkable journey at Assistance Dogs of the Heartland (ADH), a Nebraska-based nonprofit with a powerful mission. Inspired by her family’s military service, Susan founded the organization to give back to those who have served. Brandon, his sister Grace, and other dedicated board members work tirelessly to match specially trained service dogs with veterans in need.

Susan and Brandon share personal stories about Susan’s military father, reflecting on how his experiences shaped their deep respect for veterans. When Susan and her late husband, Andy, acquired Bonafide Dog Academy in 2019, they saw an opportunity to expand their nonprofit arm specifically to support veterans through service dog partnerships.

This conversation reveals the meticulous process behind training service dogs like Hope, Harper, and Skye—dogs currently preparing for veteran placement. The selection process is rigorous, ensuring that each dog has the right temperament and health background. Training is intensive, costing approximately $20,000 per dog, and involves an innovative puppy raiser program where community volunteers help nurture future service dogs.

What stands out most is their commitment to thoughtful matching. These aren’t just dogs being handed out—they are carefully paired with veterans based on lifestyle compatibility and mutual benefit. The dogs learn specialized skills such as deep pressure therapy and develop an intuitive understanding of their handler’s needs. As Susan beautifully explains, “The thing that sums up a dog best is unconditional love... It doesn’t care what car you drive, it doesn’t care what job you have. It cares about you.”

ADH relies on community support to sustain its mission—whether through donations, volunteering as a puppy raiser, or spreading awareness. The goal is to build a sustainable pipeline of service dogs for veterans who might otherwise wait years for assistance through other programs. If you’re inspired by their mission to create life-changing partnerships, visit assistancedogsne.org to apply, or learn how you can help transform a veteran’s life through the extraordinary power of canine connection.

Enhancing Lives Through Canine Companions

At Assistance Dogs of the Heartland, our mission is to transform lives through the power of specially trained service dogs. We are dedicated to improving the quality of life for individuals with disabilities, veterans, and those facing significant challenges by providing them with loyal, highly skilled canine companions. Our service dogs offer essential support, fostering greater independence, confidence, and a sense of security for our clients.

We believe in the extraordinary bond between humans and dogs, and our goal is to harness this connection to create positive, life-changing experiences. Each dog in our program undergoes rigorous training to ensure they meet the highest standards of performance and reliability. Our training process is tailored to address the unique needs of our clients, ensuring that every service dog is perfectly matched to provide the support and companionship required.

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• The Nebraska Vietnam Veterans Memorial holds significance for Byron Bode, a Vietnam veteran, as it features the helicopter he flew during the war.
• Byron reflects on his time in the military and the challenges he faced upon returning home, including the lack of recognition and support for Vietnam veterans.
• He emphasizes the importance of talking about mental health and seeking help, particularly for veterans who may be struggling.
• Byron expresses his concerns about the divisiveness in the country and hopes for a return to a common ground where people can come together as Americans.
• The podcast ends with a heartfelt appreciation for Byron's service and his involvement in the Nebraska Vietnam Veterans Memorial.

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As I sat with 17-year-old Peter Rygg on the newly placed bench under the shade of the old oak at our local church, I realized the true depth of his initiative, "Visit with a Veteran." This episode is a heartfelt exploration of Peter's journey to create spaces that bridge the gap between veterans and the community, inspired by his grandfathers' own service. We unpack his vision of benches as more than just resting spots—these are places where stories of bravery and sacrifice are shared, and where the silent struggles of our veterans can find a voice.

Peter's story is an impressive reminder of what can be achieved with determination and a cause close to your heart. Tackling the logistics of fundraising, he navigates social media landscapes and taps into local networks with a maturity that belies his years. Balancing academics and soccer, his story is a powerful encouragement for young leaders everywhere. It's a testament to the idea that age is but a number when it comes to making an impactful change in your community.

This episode transcends a simple conversation; it's a call to action for each of us to reach out and truly listen. We explore how even a single bench can become a cornerstone of support, understanding, and mutual respect. Join us as we celebrate the ripple effects of Peter's project, and perhaps find inspiration to spark our own transformative connections within our communities. Through sharing these narratives, we continue to build a more connected, enriched world—one bench at a time.

LINK TO FUNDRAISER: https://givebutter.com/vwv

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As the golden sun dips below the horizon, we're reminded that darkness often begets the most extraordinary tales of courage and fortitude. Today's episode is no exception, as we sit with a Navy SEAL veteran who walks us through the haunting labyrinth of war, sharing his raw experiences from the jungles of New Guinea to the stealthy night missions in the Philippines. These stories are not just about the clash of armies, but a deeper look into the human spirit, the disciplined focus on the task at hand, and the sacrifices made in the name of duty.

Transitioning from the echoes of gunfire to the soothing silence of peace, our guest opens his heart about the aftermath of war. The intricate details of a World War II scouting mission set the stage for a broader narrative that unfolds the complexities of a soldier's life post-conflict, from witnessing historical moments like General MacArthur's treaty signing to the internal battle faced when the uniform comes off. It's a raw, unfiltered glimpse into the struggle of reintegrating into a world that has moved on without you, punctuated by the poignant story of returning to a family farm that was no longer there.

We wrap up with a tender recollection, a love story sparked by a chance meeting with a redhead named Rusty, proving that the most significant battles are often fought within the confines of our own hearts. As our guest, at an inspiring 97 years young, shares his life's joys and tribulations, we are reminded of the enduring power of faith, resilience, and the human connections that shape our journey. Each episode is an opportunity to forge those connections with you, our listeners, as we navigate the depths of life's narratives together. Join us and be moved by these powerful testaments to love, life, and the pursuit of a peace hard-won.

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They say the greatest lessons come from those who've lived through the unthinkable. That's why I am honored to share the microphone with Alvin Hayes, a World War II Navy veteran whose youthful enlistment at 17 opens a window to a bygone era of bravery and sacrifice. Together, we trace his father's World War I legacy and the influential tales of Pearl Harbor survivors that steered Al into the Navy's embrace. From the rustic simplicity of farm life to the stringent demands of military training, Alvin's journey is a vibrant homage to the spirit and values of a generation that indelibly shaped our world.

With a good-natured rivalry sparking between servicemen, the intensity of Navy SEAL training is brought to life in our heartfelt conversation. Alvin reminisces about the trials of boat handling and the grueling rigors of training, punctuated with humor that only those who've shared such experiences can truly appreciate. The story takes an intriguing twist as Alvin reveals the secretive transfer to Fort Pierce, Florida, and the makeshift 'barracks' that awaited them. It's a testament to the camaraderie and resilience that defines military life and the unspoken bonds that endure beyond the battlefield.

Imagine the anticipation of setting sail to unfamiliar waters, the discipline of military training, and the unwavering resolve in the face of imminent danger. Alvin's narrative sails us to uncharted territories, recounting the tension and meticulous preparations for deployment while giving us a stark reminder of the sacrifices made by those at sea. From the solemn Sundays aboard the ship to the nerve-wracking operations of armaments during kamikaze threats, Alvin's vivid storytelling captures the essence of a sailor's life during one of history's most pivotal moments. Join us as we honor the courage and dedication of not just Alvin Hayes, but an entire generation of warriors who answered their nation's call.

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