Freedom’s Pulse

Ep. 87 Border Crises-Heather Hobbs & John Ferguson Tackle Human Trafficking

Crises on the southern border; and no, crises is not misspelled.  
Crises is the plural of crisis; drugs, human trafficking, and the cartels are exploding on America's southern border.
Heather Hobbs and John Ferguson know first hand the atrocities and tragedies occurring there on a daily basis.  
Heather and John are on the forefront of the deluge trying to take over our country.
These two extraordinary individuals spend several days on the southern border using state of the art drones to save people of all ages, including children from sex, labor, and organ harvesting human trafficking.
The evil is very real, and Americans do not understand the complexity and severity of the forces trying to take apart our great country.
We are not being told the truth.  This episode is a must listen for every American patriot.
https://www.facebook.com/heather.hobbs.9659
https://heatherhobbs.org/photos/
https://www.savethe1.com/
https://www.facebook.com/saxonunmanned
https://saxonunmanned.com/

Ep. 86 The Glorious Cause of America

Season six of the We The People Our American Story podcast begins with the glorious cause of America.
Famed historian and author David McCullough gives a breathtaking, heart pounding description of OUR American founding.
Told through Tina's voice, you will feel the sacredness of the American founding, the miraculous events that unfolded to build this country including, "How a coarse army, rabble in arms, stood up to the world's most powerful army."
You will marvel as you listen to the miracles involving George Washington and the Revolutionary War.  And let us not forget the common soldier, the one who fought in rags and with little food and no glory of his own.
This is the Glorious Cause of America!
 
 

Ep. 85 Miss America, How Growing Outside America Made Me Appreciate Our Blessings-Sharlene’s American Story

Sharlene's father's job had his family living all over South America during Sharlene's youth.  This time allowed her to appreciate America and all of our freedoms and blessings.
Sharlene attended BYU, where unexpectedly, she found herself not only competing in Miss America, but also winning the crown.  More than gowns and traveling the country, Sharlene endured intense scrutiny the first six months of her title.  She learned to focus her attention on others, lessening the anxiety Sharlene felt about herself.
Sharlene was a broadcaster at ESPN.  Sharlene gave up her job to raise her young family.
Even at a young age, Sharlene was humbled and proud to be an American.  This feeling continued into her adulthood.  Sharlene was appointed by the U.S. Secretary of Defense to the Defense Advisory Committee on Women in the Armed Forces in 2015.  
Sharlene was a pivotal part of the https://www.remembermyservice.com/
an organization that has published historical commemoratives for more than half a million veterans and military service members.
Sharlene's mission continues to be sharing her passion for America with her children and grandchildren.
https://www.facebook.com/swells64  (Sharlene Wells Facebook)
 
 

Ep. 84 ”There Is Nothing Like Living On The Verge Of Death...” Sean’s American Story

"There is nothing like living on the verge of death to realize you are alive."   
Like other veterans and first responders, Sean knows this feeling.  It can be addictive, a feeling you long to have even though danger is always close.
This is Sean Welch's story.  Sean and Tina have a deep discussion about his PTS (D omitted on purpose.) and the day he lost his good friend while on deployment.  
Sean watched his friend die; survivors guilt consumed Sean.  The nightmares and PTS are part of his life every single day. Sleep avails Sean. He is triggered by certain smells. 
Sean is not alone; PTS affects so many of our veterans and first reponders.  They see the worst of humanity, but the calling to help others outweighs the horrors.
Sean is a proud veteran, and a dedicated police officer. One year ago Sean achieved his dream of becoming a k-9 police officer.  Sean and his faithful partner, Fero, patrol together everyday.
He uses his voice to help all Americans understand the strength and plight of our nation's heroes. 
Sean is an advocate for mental health.  He is an Operation Enduring Warrior honoree, an organization that mentally and physically supports veterans and first responders.
https://www.tiktok.com/@k9fero_and_sean
https://www.instagram.com/officialk9fero/
https://www.enduringwarrior.org/
https://hiddenbattlesfoundation.org/
 
 
 

Ep. 83 My Abuse Will Not Define Me; Escaping The Cycle; and America’s Freedom To Live The Fullest Life/Andrae’s American Story

Andrae Griffin was the victim of mental, physical and sexual abuse at the hands of those who should have been her protectors.  Andrae's parents made her life a living hell.  Andrae's only refuge was school.  
Andrae reached out to other adults, but help did not come. Her parents threatened Andrae with her very life if she continued to plead to those outside the family.
Andrae left home as a teenager.  She bought a plane ticket, and made the decision to fend for herself.
Andrae's behavior kept her in a dangerous place.  She lived with strangers, drank alcohol, and was involved in unhealthy relationships.  
Andrae considered herself unworthy of goodness or unconditional love.  It was her future husband, Ray, who patiently waited for Andrae to trust he was there for good.
This is the story of Andrae Griffin.  She is candid about her abuse, poor life choices, and, finally, how the freedoms in America allowed her (and anyone willing to work hard) to beat poverty and abuse; living a life she is proud to pronounce as her own.
Andrae and her husband, Ray, are fierce American patriots, instilling the love of country to their children.  Andrae has supported Ray through his tenure in the Utah Army Reserve, often times raising the children on her own while Ray protects and serves in far off places.  She and Ray are also owners of the Griffin Jiu Jitsu Academy, taking special pride in classes they offer for women's safety.
Andrae is a contributor to the Utah Patriot Camp, teaching children about the constitution and our great American republic.
 

Ep. 82 From The ”Throwaway Child” To Living Her Best Life-Stormy’s American Story

Stormy King grew up in a world of chaos.  Both parents were part of the notorius Hells' Angels motorcycle club.  She bounced around foster care homes; her nickname was "the throwaway child."  
Finally adopted in her early teens, Stormy ran away and took care of herself through those tumultous years.
When Stormy's 1st husband joined the military and left home, she dealt with abandonment issues from childhood.  The marriage fell apart.
It was after the disolvency of her marriage, Stormy realized she had to change.  
Stormy's mission is to help others with trauma, anxiety, and ptsd as a life coach.
Stormy has plans to help homeless veterans by funding tiny homes.
https://www.facebook.com/stormyrking/
https://www.instagram.com/influencingdestiny/
https://twitter.com/stormyr59537439
 
 
 
 
 

Ep. 81 ”I AM A VETERAN” What America Means To Those Who Were Willing To Give All

In my two years of doing this podcast, I have had the immense opportunity to speak with many veterans.  These are the men and women who were willing to give all for America and her people.  They came home with scars, inside and out...but they still have a profound love for this great country.
In every episode I ask my guests, "What does America mean to you?"  These are their responses.

Ep. 80 Helping Veterans With PTSD Through Virtual Reality-Bric’s American Story

Bric Simpson is a military leader, 20-year combat veteran, inventor, public speaker, and entrepreneur.   He has served several stateside humanitarian mobilizations and an overseas deployment from 2005-2006 in Ramadi Iraq with the 222nd Field Artillery out of Utah.
Bric is passionate about changing veteran lives through technology and community-building, and the Forge Forward Project is his life’s work. As early as 2016, he had plans to develop a business that would allow him to give back to the veteran community. In 2018, he developed a line of lifestyle apparel and men’s care products as a way to raise funds to help his fellow vets in need.
Bric and Forge Forward are developing a virtual reality program, available to all veterans across the country.  Through this program, veterans can connect with other veterans and therapists without ever leaving their home, broadening the scope of mental health to more of our brave men and women who selflessly defended, protected, and gave aid to Americans at home and abroad.
“Adversity doesn’t define you, it refines you–if you let it."  Bric Simpson
 
https://forgeforwardproject.org/bric-the-king-simpson/  Forge Forward Project Website
https://www.instagram.com/forgeforwardproject/  Forge Forward Project Instagram
https://www.facebook.com/forgeforwardproject Forge Forward Project Facebook

Ep. 79 Our VA is Failing, Veterans Court & The Mentors Who Serve Them-Al’s American Story

Ep.78 Army Veteran, Double Amputee, Traumatic Brain Injury, and Faith In God-J.P. and Crystal’s American Story

My name is Justin Lane, aka JP Lane. Many people have their own reasoning for joining the military, mine is probably similar to most my age, in 2001, watching the twin towers fall. I was reminded of that feeling when I was old enough to sign up. At the age of 20, In 2008, I joined the U.S. Army as a Combat Engineer. I was deployed, in 2010, to Afghanistan to search for IED’s (Improvised Explosive Device). I was blown up 3 separate times, and the 3rd one got me. July 2nd, 2011, I was blown up by a 200lb IED while on mission. It was the first IED to penetrate an RG31 truck.
The blast resulted in putting me in a coma for 6 weeks. I lost both my legs, right arm snapped in half, lost my four front teeth, pelvis snapped in half, spine dislocated from my pelvis, and everything in my torso was destroyed by shrapnel except for my heart and left lung. In total, I received 26 injuries, and had 28 surgeries, this completely changed my life. Doctors said I wasn’t going to be able to do many things, like, use prosthetics because my legs were so badly damaged. Also, that I wouldn’t be able to speak properly or sing ever again because of a tracheotomy.
With each day, I am proving them wrong. I am one of the few double amputee recording artist. God wasn’t finish with me yet. Since I got my prosthetics, I have performed for 2 Presidential Inaugurations, Presidents, Obama and Trump. I have performed with Lee Greenwood, Neil McCoy, Aaron Tippin, Jason Castro, and more. I have performed for non-profit organizations such as Adapt-a-Vet, Helping a Hero, which are in support of our military. Also, performed for organizations that support the local community, like, Taking it to the Streets, who feed the homeless, and G.A.N.G Outreach in Colorado, that provides positive/encouraging sport camps for underprivileged kids. I signed the dotted line, when I joined the Army, to SERVE and protect the American people, and since I am still alive, by the grace of God, I will still serve. Retirement is just a word! I also do motivational speaking to share my story and give hope to those who need it. I let people know to “Never Give Up, Never Surrender.”
I have also been able to perform and inspire thousands in Brazil and Mexico. My goal is to impact the world with more than just music. Changing hearts and minds one at a time.
In a situation like mine, most people would look in the mirror and feel that no one would want them. But, I was blessed to have found someone who not only loves me for me, but also supports my career and my passion of singing. Crystal, now my beautiful bride as of Feb. 2018, has been a huge support for me and given my life more purpose. We now work together inspiring couples around us, telling them the amazing story of what brought us together.
April 1st thru the 9th, I went back to AFGHANISTAN to have a “proper exit.” I was able to visit the hospital I was first recovering at after being blown up. Since I was in a coma, I did not remember much of the hospitals, and traveling I did during that time. As I visited different bases around Afghanistan, I was welcomed back with open arms from thousands of troops. I was proud to walk down the welcome ceremonial row, holding my “NICE TRY TAILBAN” shirt. One of the most amazing feelings was getting to wear the U.S. Army uniform once again, but nothing compared to the feeling of getting to leave the country on my own two feet, prosthetic feet, with my head held high!
Upon returning from Afghanistan, it seemed like my story was about to end. Crystal and I were in a serious car accident that rolled our jeep and destroyed our car. Airbags went off in every direction, and glass shattered with every turn of our vehicle. Thank God we were wearing our seat belts, otherwise the damage we received would have been worse. Most of the damage was psychological, bringing back horrible dreams of the accident on a nightly basis, and having brought fear to Crystal with sitting in the passenger seat each day. But as a part of the strong and determined Lane family, we will overcome. Nothing in this world will defeat us or bring us down!
You can find JP at the following
JP's Journey https://jpsjourney.com/
Instagram-JP Lane Official https://www.instagram.com/jplaneofficial/
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/JPAmpMusic
TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@jplaneofficial