The Oath of Enlistment is something all branches of the military have in common. In this special Veterans Day episode, we invited service members and their families to share their thoughts on what the oath means in their lives. Those who share their feelings are:Tracy Brinkman, Carl Churchill, Lloyd Hicken, Thea Jorgensen, David Buffaloe, Sofia Olds, Jody Hanks, and David Hollingsworth. The Oath is more than a promise to most service members, and the commitment made doesn't end when they leave military service. And while service members swear the Oath, their families also learn they are part of honoring that pledge. It is a guiding light and constant reminder of what binds us together as Americans.

I, (state name of enlistee), do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; and that I will obey the orders of the President of the United States and the orders of the officers appointed over me, according to regulations and the Uniform Code of Military Justice. (So help me God)."

(The oath for officers is slightly different.)

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David Hollingsworth joined the U.S. Army to get away from a broken heart. But in 1982, there wasn't much "going on" in the military. Still, it was serving in a time of peace that he learned life lessons that still resonate in his life. One of the things he learned as an MP is that there is always a job to be done - even if it's not the job you expect to be doing. This would become more important later in life when a motorcycle accident would change his life.

Read more from David here, and get information about his upcoming book:

http://holliworks.com/

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When Tracy Brinkmann joined the US Army he knew he was carrying on a legacy that started with his grandfather serving in the German Army during WWII. In spite of learning at a young age of the traumatic experiences that both his grandfather and father had, he still wanted to serve and follow their example.

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Thea Jorgensen was a little older than her fellow soldiers in Basic Training, being almost 10 years older than most recruits, and because of that, she felt she had a lot to prove. That desire to outwork those around her has persisted. Serving in the Public Relation field has given her the chance to meet the family members of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice. On top of all of that she is also a business owner, the pandemic has introduced new challenges, but she is always willing to give 100%, knowing that each day might be a little different.

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Retired Chief Master Sergeant Jody Hanks always saw himself as a non-conformist, but that didn’t stop him from joining the AirForce and making a career out of it. Over the years he learned that real leadership takes leaders that are willing to say what some might not have the courage to say and listening to those you have responsibility for. Serving at Keeler AFB in Biloxi, Mississippi after Hurricane Katrina introduced unique challenges trying to help not only rebuild the infrastructure but more importantly rebuilding the morale of the airman serving in the aftermath of such a destructive natural disaster.

Check out Jody Hank’s podcast, The Digression Podcast - https://thedigressionpodcast.com/

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On September 11, 2001 terrorists hijacked four U.S. passenger planes, flying two of them into the World Trade Towers in Manhattan and another into the Pentagon in Washington, D.C. The fourth plane crashed in rural Pennsylvania, when passengers overpowered the hijackers, ensuring it didn't make it to its intended target. Nearly 3,000 people lost their lives in the Sept. 11th attacks.

Social Media is being flooded with messages that we should never forget this day. For this special episode I wanted to ask people what they remembered about 9/11. A huge thank you to Jasen Lee and Amy Donaldson for sharing their memories. I also want to thank US Navy Commander David Bettinson (Retired) for providing Taps, something he has done for many years at the Sandy, Utah Healing Fields a tribute made possible by Colonial Flag Foundation.

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To look at Sofia Olds you wouldn’t think she was a Staff Sergeant in the US Army Reserves or the mother of seven beautiful children. But it wouldn’t be the first time she shattered preconceived notions about who she is or what she is capable of accomplishing. She's spent her life surpassing expectations.

In this episode, SSgt Sofia Olds talks about the influence the military has had on her life, from deploying to Iraq with her husband to how it helps as she raises her children. And check out Sofia’s podcast at - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sofias-social-segments/id1514537835

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Isolation is an issue I have experienced first-hand as a veteran who lives with depression and PTSD, as a result of military service. I've battled that by creating connections through service organizations that help veterans reconnect to their purpose and community. Now all of us find ourselves in a situation where we are isolated. So how have these organizations adjusted their mission of helping and supporting veterans when so many aspects of what they have offered is unavailable in many places.

In this episode, I discuss these issues with the leaders of three veterans' service groups - Team Rubicon, Continue Mission and Team Red, White and blue. In normal times, these groups provide a lifeline that offers camaraderie and opportunity for renewed purpose. The outbreak of COVID-19 and the associated precautions haven't changed their missions, but it has changed how they serve veterans and their families. 

For more information on Team Rubicon:

https://teamrubiconusa.org/

For more information on Continue Mission:

https://www.continuemission.org/

For more information on Team Red, White and Blue

https://www.teamrwb.org/

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