Freedom’s Pulse

Ep.97 Marine; IED Explosion; 70% Body Burned; Amputations, & Moving Through Depression-Anthony’s American Story

Anthony Villarreal was born in 1986 in Lubbock, Texas.  He was born into a family with a strong military history; army, navy, and airforce.
Anthony grew up playing football.  He had every intention of becoming a NFL player.  
Like so many others, September 11, 2001 was a pivotal day for the 16 year old.  Anthony's protective nature drew him to the military.
Anthony joined the marines before high school graduation.
1st Deployment Fallujah, Iraq 7 months
2nd Deployment Outside Fallujah, Iraq
3rd Deployment Afghanistan
It is June 20, 2008, Anthony's last patrol before his deployment ends.  He is on his way to meet up with combat transportation, those tasked with getting supplies to the troops.
After retrieving supplies, Anthony's vehicle hits an IED, which rips through the belly of the vehicle.
Anthony is medevacked to San Antonio TX, where he remains in a medically induced coma for 3 months.
Anthony wakes up, not recognizing the face looking back at him in the mirror.  His injuries are life altering:  3rd degree burns cover 70% of his body; eyelids and ears are gone; right arm amputated; all fingers on left hand are amputated down to first knuckle with exception of pinky which is completely amputated; lower back hair line fracture; and a right drop foot.
Anthony's extensive injuries require 70+ surgeries.  He quit counting.
Not surprising, when Anthony was finally released from the hospital, he went through a period of severe depression.  He felt worthless and hopeless.  How was he to provide for his family, to be a man?
Anthony's journey out of depression started with his first Wounded Warrior event.  
Anthony's family was gifted with a specially adapted home by the Texas Home Builders Association.  It was a heavy burden lifted from his shoulders.
Anthony raises money for veteran affairs by playing games on twitch.  https://www.twitch.tv/wawowdirty3rd
If you want to help our veterans, Anthony suggests the following:
Wounded Warrior Project
Semper Fi Fund
 
 
 
 

Ep. 96 The ”Real” Doug Lane; Storytelling &Therapy Through Music; Silencing the Suicidal Voices Through Ketamine

Doug Lane is the youngest of three children in a Navy family. 
His first musical memory was at age three. Doug always loved music with six years in piano, and picking up the saxophone in middle school.
Doug's dad was a naval aviator, finishing his career in Kingsville, Texas.  His father was the source of much childhood trauma.
Doug grew up among ranchers, naval pilots, Mexicans, and college students.  He was exposed to many different cultures and ideas.
Doug was seven years old when his dad retired.  Doug had no intention of following in his father's footsteps.  
The recruiter turned out to be very convincing, appealing to Doug's love of music.
Doug joined the Army as a saxophonist, and picked up the guitar later on.
Doug's primary mission was that of a musician, but his first role was always a soldier.
Military bands perform at ceremonial functions, parades, PR, diplomatic functions, and funerals. Music brings tradition to the military.
Two to three months after Operation Iraqi Freedom ensued, Doug and fellow soldiers relieved the 3rd infantry division.
Doug was fortunate in that he saw little of the violence that other solderis endured.  There were adjustments to the daily rocket attacks.  He counts himself lucky that no one in his unit was seriously injured.
Doug's issues in Iraq centered around poor leadership and medical care.
He feels the Iraqi workers get painted with a broad stroke.  Doug found most of them amazing; and he is grateful to their wives who provided the soldiers with food during lean times.
Doug is proud to have offered relief to soldiers as he played for them in Iraq.
Doug found his faith in Iraq.  Raised Catholic, Doug was not a believer. Studying the Bible forced him to find answers to questions.  Doug experienced the concept of grace when he realized he could never be good enough.
Doug FOUND REST IN GOD!.
Doug's wife was a soldier as well.  They deployed together.  Fifteen months of the their first two years was spent living in separate tents.  The strain on marriages in these circumstances is astounding, but they managed to weather the storm.
Doug was in the army for four years.  Tired of the army BS, he did not re-enlist.  Looking back, Doug can see how his bad attitude and immaturity contributed to his dissatisfaction.
Doug is the front man for his band, The Real Doug Lane Band.  Accused of being a country band, he maintains they also play blues and classic rock.  Pink Floyd and Billy Joel are heavy influences, along with Guy Cook and Robert Earl Keen.
Doug has released two albums, 1 EP, and a few singles.  He aims to share his stories through the songs.
Doug has dealt with suicidal thoughts his entire life, stemming from childhood trauma.
Doug came close to suicide a few years back. The pressure of life was too much.  Their was no way out.  He has found relief in ketamine treatments.
Following the ketamine treatments, it was the first time the voices in his head went quiet.
Doug has been a pastor for 20 years.  His advice to anyone struggling with mental illness, "God is NOT angry at you because of your depression.
The Real Doug Lane on Youtube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnnUnyQ3eW01dCyrulMhp6g
https://www.facebook.com/TheRealDougLane
https://www.instagram.com/therealdouglane/
You can find where his band is playing by visiting the following website:
https://www.bandsintown.com/  Simply input, The Real Doug Lane
 
 

Ep. 95 Gold Star Mom, Losing Son, Landon, To Rare Bone Cancer, & Feeling Loss-Janet’s American Story

Janet Henscheid grew up on a dairy farm in Idaho.  Her father was a WW2 veteran and wanted his family to live in peaceful surrounding.
Janet moved to Idaho to go to school.  She and her husband, Don, have lived in Utah, Wyoming, and Arizona.
Janet and Don are patriotic.  They raised their five kids to be patriotic.
Like many others, September 11, 2001 transformed their family dynamic for years.  Their son, Cody, was 15 and their younger son, Landon, was only 12.
Cody was only 17 in 2003 when Janet and Don agreed to sign him up to become a soldier.  Cody went to basic training at Fort Knox, Kentucky the summer between his junior and senior year in high school.  
Their younger son, Landon, followed suit, attending basic training between his junior and senior year.
Both boys came back from basic training changed.  They were now responsible adults.
Cody was assigned to a transportation unit.  He served 18 months in Iraq.  Cody suffered brain damage when the semi he was in was hit by an IED.  He was awarded the bronze star.
Janet had no idea about PTSD when Cody came home for R&R.  He was changed, quiet, and reclusive.  Cody's injuries are unseen.  It took 10 years to get him discharged from service.
Cody has endured addiction and divorce.  Through healing, he now finds support in his wife and solace in fishing.
Landon was in civil affairs.  He spent his time speaking with village elders while on his first deployment in Afghanistan. 
Landon was assigned as a combat medic for his second deployment.  Six months into this deployment, life took a drastic turn for him.
Janet recalls feeling uneasy about this deployment.  She was nervous.
On June 16,  Landon was injured and medevacked out.  On June 21, Janet was finally able to speak to her son.  He was having a lot of back pain, something Landon attributed to the heavy equipment he carried, but it got to the point where he was physically unable to walk.
Landon underwent surgery to decompress his spine.  Tumors were on his spine and around a rib.  He was immediately sent to the United States and Walter Reed hospital.
Landon was diagnosed with a rare form of bone cancer (Ewing Sarcoma) ; a cancer most often found in pediatric patients.  Landon was 23.
Landon's first thought was to knock out the cancer and get back to his guys in Afghanistan.  Doctors told him this was not possible; chemotherapy lasted one year and radiation 3-4 months.  Landon was devastated.
Landon spent 14 months at Walter Reed hospital fighting the cancer.  He had no feeling from the chest down.
Landon thought he had beat cancer.  He was moved to a spinal rehab facility.  Several weeks later, the cancer came back like a ferocious beast.  Landon was in severe pain.
He decided to do chemotherapy again, but first there was a surgery to remove as much cancer as possible.
Radiation on his esophagus made it difficult to swallow.  Between the bone, nerve, and esophagus pain; plus the PTSD, Landon felt very vulnerable.
A new scan was done after the second line of chemotherapy.  The news was devastating, the tumor had grown.
Landon's last procedure was on his esophagus.  He desperately wanted to eat.  
Landon went into cardiac arrest.  He was surrounded by doctors.  Landon went into a coma.
He was put on a ventilator.  Landon was taken off a ventilator for a short period.  Janet could see the pain in his eyes and requested that the ventilator be reapplied.  
Following a command by Landon's first sargeant to "Stand Down Soldier," he passed away on December 7, 2013.
Janet became a gold star mother.  Her desire was to help other families enduring the same heartache.  
Janet works in Survivor Outreach through the Utah National Guard.  
 
 
 
 
 
 

Ep. 94 Losing Two Sons To Fentanyl-Rebecca’s American Story

Rebecca Kiessling was conceived in rape.  Her birth mother contemplated abortion more than once.  Rebecca describes these times as "her near death experiences."
Rebecca grew up in a mentally and physically abusive home.  Rebecca never felt she belonged, and was reassured of this by students at her Jewish school
It wasn't until Rebecca met her birth mom, that she learned of her violent conception
Though Rebecca's childhood was tumultous, she felt called to adoption.  
Rebecca had an adopted baby girl who she could only love for a short time.  Her sweet baby had severe physical ailments.  Due to a doctor's poor decision, Rebecca lost her baby girl after only having her daughter several weeks.
Rebecca adopted a son, and a few months later was asked by the birth mother to adopt a second son.  Rebecca knew in her heart these two brothers needed to stay together.
At the tender ages of 18 and 20, on the same night, both brothers died in a hotel room from fentanyl poisoning.
Rebecca also has two living biological daughters that she fiercely loves.
Rebecca is a pro life advocate and works tirelessy to bring attention to the fentanyl crisis in this country that is too often brushed aside.
https://rebeccakiessling.wordpress.com/
https://www.facebook.com/RebeccaKiesslingProLifeSpeaker/
https://www.savethe1.com/
 

Ep. 93 First Class Fatherhood-Alec’s American Story

Alec Lace is the host of the popular podcast, First Class Fatherhood.  Alec has spoken with first class athletes, celebrities, military, politicians, reality tv stars, and more.  Notable guests include:  Deion Sanders, Tom Brady, Matthew McConaughey, Steve Harvey, Jocko Willink, Marcus Luttrell, and Ron DeSantis.
Alec is a strong proponent of fatherhood.  He recognizes the plight of America due to the lack of fathers in the home.  The importance of fathers is downplayed, and America is paying the price.  Crime and immorality are symptoms of the problem.
Alec is honest with his troublesome past, including his addiction to alcolhol for serveral years.
Alec's goal with the First Class Fatherhood podcast is to bring the value of fathers back to the forefront of America.  
https://www.instagram.com/firstclassfatherhood/
https://www.facebook.com/FirstClassFatherhood
 

Ep. 92 Flu Nasal Spray Paralysis-Chris Wolff’s American Story

Ep. 91 ”When Things Are Screwed Up, Look In The Mirror”-Childhood Trauma, Military, Deep Sea Diving, Submersibles, and Saving America-John Ferguson’s American Story

John Ferguson had the idyllic childhood in his small Kansas hometown.  That all ended when his mother remarried.  John suffered physical and mental torture by the hands of his stepfather for years.
He found solace at a local church, attending sessions throughout the week as a place of refuge.
John was eventually removed from the home by his father, but the abuse left an indelible mark on him.
John joined the marines right after high school graduation.  This was followed by service in the army.
When John's enlistment was filled, he began a career as a deep sea diver on oil rigs.  He spent his time in water so dark and full of sediment, vision was nil.  John had a literal rope lifeline.  Losing grip of the rope could mean death.  He learned to "see" with his hands, manuevering around underwater in the deep recesses. 
John became skilled with unmanned and manned submersibles. 
John is a pioneer with drones. He is the owner of Saxon Unmanned. He manufactures drones, specific to the customer's needs.  They cost tens of dollars.
John uses this technology to fight human trafficking on the southern border. He is willing to risk his life to save another.
John is vocal with his beliefs on the evil and corruptness that happen within the American govenment. He is candid about his fears of China, and pulls no punches.
Whether you buy everything John says, his story is fascinating.  He has been on the verge of death throughout his life several times, but will not quit. 
John Ferguson loves America.  He repeats a phrase said to him in the military,"When things are screwed up, look in the mirror."
So, look in the mirror and get involved. You can be a part of the problem or part of the solution.
You can donate to John's fight at the border by visiting https://sujtc.com/
 

Ep. 90 The America Of Our Founding-We Must Save It

Ep. 89 Faithful To The End; Living Your Principles; and Believing In The Divinity of America-Werner’s American Story Part 2

Werner Sommerfeld has lived a life, faithful to his God, family, and country.  Although born and raised in Germany, when asked, he will tell you, "I am an American."
Werner is especially concerned with the America of today.  It is quite different from the America he remembers as he came through Ellis Island.  
Werner has seen many parts of the world:  Israel, Samoa, Ukraine, and Russia.  He knows the blessings available by living in a free America.
Werner's life is filled with many "very special" events.  He longs for the day when he will reunite with his beloved Daphne and two of his children who went before him.
Until then, Werner will continue spreading his love and good nature with anyone lucky enough to be in his presence.
Truth & Conviction-Helmuth Hubener
 

Ep. 88 Living Under the Nazi Regime, Helmuth Hubener, & Finding Joy In Dark Moments-Werner’s American Story Part 1

Werner Sommerfeld was born in 1929 in Hamburg Germany.  His youth was spent living under the Nazi regime.  Werner was part of the Hitler youth, mandatory for all boys.
The Sommerfeld family wer members of a small congregation from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.  Helmuth Hubener was a young man in the church group.  Helmuth spent many wonderful hours at the Sommerfeld home.  
Helmuth Hubener is an integral part of Werner's story.  Part of the Hitler resistance, Helmuth, 17, was the youngest person tried and executed by the Nazis.  His crime was passing out pamphlets to the German people, refuting the Nazi propaganda lies about the war. 
Werner's family lost everything in the war.  He eventually ended up in Utah where he raised a family with his beautiful wife, Daphne.
Werner has spent time in many parts of the world for work and for his church:  Samoa, Ukraine, and Russia.
Although born and raised in Germany, Werner loves America with all of his heart.  It gave him the opportunity to live the American dream.
Werner Sommerfeld is charming, joyful, and vivacious.  He has a lifetime of memories, a love for his savior, and a contagious, upbeat personality.  Werner will capture your heart.
 
Truth & Conviction Helmuth Hubener YouTube