Advertise on podcast: Soldier Stories

Listen to what it's like to attend the U.S. Military Academy (West Point) straight from a third-year cadet. West Point graduates earn their commission as Second Lieutenants and enter active duty in the U.S. Army. It is a demanding four years of preparation and training. Go Army, beat Navy!  https://www.westpoint.edu/  --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/soldierstories/message

The day after pinning on sergeant stripes in 2017, this Soldier in my unit tells the story of his first of over one hundred convoys in Iraq. It would be the only one of them that resulted in tragedy. In the Army, we continually look for ways to honor our fallen. One way to do this is by sharing the story of their sacrifice. This is one of them. https://thefallen.militarytimes.com/army-spc-alexander-w-missildine/6568720 If you enjoy these stories, please subscribe and share with just one person! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/soldierstories/message

In episode twenty, our medical section OIC (Officer in Charge) talks about his experience in the elite U.S. Army Ranger School. This military school is one of the toughest training courses for which a Soldier can volunteer. Army Rangers are experts in leading Soldiers on difficult missions - and to do this, they need rigorous training. For more than two months, Ranger students train to exhaustion, pushing the limits of their minds and bodies. Once complete (if they survive the cut), these highly trained leaders have the opportunity to put their skills to the test in real-world situations.  If you enjoy these stories, please subscribe and share with just one person! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/soldierstories/message

How do you live and operate in extreme Arctic temperatures? This seasoned training specialist from Alaska's Northern Warfare Training Center knows all about it. In this interview, Mr. Decker tells about the type of training conducted and more importantly, why it is necessary for the military to stay ready to operate and fight in Arctic regions. You will appreciate your warm bed a little more tonight!  If you enjoy these stories, please subscribe and share with just one person! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/soldierstories/message

What happens when an elite U.S. fighting unit sees friendly vehicles approach and point high-caliber weapons toward them? In a combat situation, "It's easy to shoot someone," he told me after the interview, "It's a lot harder NOT to shoot someone." Buckle up for this one. A Special Forces commander (retired) shares stories from Alaska to Afghanistan. Enjoy this mixture of personal & professional accounts and how his faith taught and sustained him through 30 years of military service. If you enjoy these stories, please subscribe and share with just one person! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/soldierstories/message

Life rarely takes people where they first plan or expect. In this interview, one of my colleagues, the commander of a headquarters company, shares about how he ended up in his role since beginning a six-year medical school. If you enjoy these stories, please subscribe and share it with just one person! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/soldierstories/message

A twenty-year veteran Master Sergeant shares about his background and recalls when his daughter experienced a life-threatening medical emergency. No amount of military training can prepare a person to see their child flat-line. We don't stop being parents when we wear the uniform. If you enjoy these stories, please subscribe and share it with just one person! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/soldierstories/message

They should make a movie out of this one. This Soldier's parents, under communist oppression, made multiple daring attempts to flee Vietnam after the war. Born in a refugee camp, Specialist Che tells his parent's story and talks about his return trips to his country of origin. Eye-opening and powerful.  If you enjoy these stories, please subscribe and share it with just one person! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/soldierstories/message

In my first interview with a fellow chaplain, one of my seniors, Chaplain (COL) David Bowlus shares about his call into military ministry. He also recounts a few deployment experiences including a time when his area came under attack from terrorist rockets. While he and fellow Rangers took shelter in a bunker they discovered that there was not enough room for everyone. That left them with one tactical option: prayer.  https://www.goarmy.com/chaplain/become-an-army-chaplain.html  If you enjoy these stories, please subscribe and share it with just one person! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/soldierstories/message

He left behind a successful career in management and sales to serve in the Army nearly twenty years ago. In our conversation, this Soldier shares about an unexpected opportunity to provide specialty support at a political national convention. This unique opportunity allowed him to hear a pivotal speech from a future U.S. president.  If you enjoy these stories, please subscribe and share it with just one person! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/soldierstories/message

A Chief Warrant Officer talks about her experience as a drill sergeant as well as multiple deployments. Being a single parent has not stopped her from reaching her goals and spending over two decades in the uniform.  If you enjoy these stories, please subscribe and share with just one person! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/soldierstories/message

"My sergeant opened the door and I remember looking at a bed, and I remember just dropping to my knees and crying. He said, 'What's wrong with you, private?' I said, 'Sergeant, I haven't slept in a bed in six or seven years.'"  In this interview, Sergeant First Class Bailey recalls his difficult upbringing in an abusive household. After getting kicked out and living on the streets, he found his way into the Army. Eventually he made his way through the ranks and became a senior enlisted leader as well as a top-ranked Army recruiter back in his hometown of NYC. An inspirational story of determination to overcome the odds. If you enjoy these stories, please subscribe and share with just one person! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/soldierstories/message