Freedom’s Pulse

Ep. 77 Gold Star Mom & Finding Joy After Immense Loss-Kim’s American Story

Kim was born in Idaho and lived there 6 weeks and then traveled with her mother and older brother to Missouri to join her father who was attending dental school.
At the age of 4, the family moved to Orem, Utah where Kim attended elementary, Jr. High and High School.
Kim was a very shy and rather socially awkward young lady andperhaps that’s why the Lord decided to give her a few challenges along the way to toughen her up.
Kim married her high school sweetheart and they moved to SLC where he was enrolled in Pre Med. By the time they were expecting their second child; Kim’s husband hadfound interest in another woman and left the family.
Kim was incredibly fortunate to be accepted into LPN school just 6 weeks after her little girl was born. One year later, she graduated from LPN school as the valedictorian of her class.
Over the next 30 years, she worked for a physician, in the hospital setting and finally in running the largest hospice company in Utah.
She was nominated as the Utah Hospice and Palliative Care President twice and served as President when Utah hostedthe National Convention.
She also received an award from the UHPCO which states, “Inrecognition of your service & dedication to the families, colleagues & community you serve”
A second marriage brought forth three more beautiful babies while the family lived in Riverdale, Utah. A tragic automobile accident took the lives of her sweet 4 year old baby boy Nathan and her 36 year old Husband.
Kim’s youngest child of 21 months was also in the accident and was not breathing and was without a heartbeat when the firstresponders arrived. She will always be grateful for Officer Peterson who gave him CPR so that he could live to be a happy, healthy man with a family of his own.
Several years later, Kim married for yes a third time. We combined our families under one roof and stared our life with 8 children between the ages of 3 and 15 th . It was likeherding cats. We loved it.Two years later we added, “The ours baby”, Nigel to our family. He was so incredibly loved by all his brothers and sisters.
Nigel was always fascinated with the military and read every military history book he could find.  He was a member of the Civil Air Patroland one week after high school graduation he joined the USMC.
Nigel's company was deployed to Afghanistan in October of 2009. His billet was intelligence and recon. He entered buildings to find weapons and the Taliban.
Nigel was killed by an IED on March 4, 2010 while escorting a captured Taliban prisoner back to his vehicle.
After Nigel’s death, Kim volunteered for the Red Cross for several years and received “The Lifetime Hero Award” for her service to the military.
Kim has served as President of the Provo/Orem Chamber of Commerce Women’s Division as well as several positions in the health care arena.
Kim also started her non-profit company called Gold Star Stars.She sent thousands of Gold Star car window stickers across the nation to grieving military parents. The Gold Stars listed their loved ones Branch, Rank, Name and Date of Death, with the words, “Never Forgotten” on them.
She has been married to Todd Olsen for 35 years and they currently reside in Pleasant Grove, Utah.
Over the last 12 years Kim has been speaking to schools, church and civic groups about faith, freedom and her great love for all those who serve in our military.
She currently runs the Gold Star Families of Utah closed face book page where all our Utah fallen heroes are remembered.
Post 4918 is a local VFW post located in American Fork where she currently serves as the Auxiliary President.
She is on a committee that is bringing a Gold Star Families Monument to Sandy City. The groundbreaking was on July 29 th of this year and the dedication will be held on September 24 th at Sandy City Hall.
Last but not least, she and her husband are serving as Senior Service Missionaries for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Her husband Todd has been diagnosed with terminal cancer so they are going to enjoy every minute they have together.

Ep. 76 The Darkness of PTSD and The Light of America-Andrew & Matt’s American Story

This is the story of two marines, Andrew Turner and Matthew Gardner.  The two men met in the corps, and their friendship has sustained them through life's twists and turns, on and off the battlefield.
Matt and Andrew talk about the day that forever changed them, the day they were sent to a helicopter crash site to collect the remains of fellow marines.
These men deal with PTSD.  It can be a dark and scary place when you are in the depths of despair.  Matt and Andrew are candid as they discuss the fears and anxiety that can plague their souls.
They have cemented their friendship with one common goal, to help others dealing with PTSD, a condition not limited to military personnel.
Matt and Andrew are hosts of the Disarranged Talk Show where they share one person's story each week, complex stories of growth and resiliency.
And finally, PTSD may be shrouded in darkness, but American hope and triumph remains ever bright.
TikTok Disarranged Talk Show https://www.tiktok.com/@disarrangedtalkshow
YouTube Disarranged Talk Show https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZBtupRnehZp8S47xjyfOmw
Instagram Disarranged Talk Show https://www.instagram.com/disarrangedtalkshow/
Facebook Disarranged Talk Show https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100077760498418

Ep. 75 Freedoms Disciple-Jonathon’s American Story

Jonathon Dunne is a Blaze Media podcaster, writer, and keynote speaker who factually explains why America is an exceptional and unique nation. He compares America to other nations & ideologies and examines why America inspired a 5000-year leap forward. Jonathon also identifies the domestic and international problems we face today and explains how the IDEA of America solves every problem we face.
Jonathon Dunne is an Irishman with an American dream.
https://www.facebook.com/FreedomsDisciple
https://www.instagram.com/freedomsdisciple/
http://freedomsdisciple.com/

Ep. 74 The American Dream, Uber Driver, Trip Across America; Dave’s American English Story

This is the story of "Mad" Dave Woodbridge.  Dave is a transplant from England.  He has lived in Texas for 17 years.  A few months ago, Dave reached the depths of despair, wondering what to do next in his life.  Waking up the next morning with a vicious hang over, Dave made the decision to visit every state in the union to prove the American dream is available to anyone, even a "Mad" Englishman.  Dave pays for his adventure by Uber driving, delivering hundreds of meals.  His goal is to help others understand that  no one is immune to achieving their hearts' desire in this great country.
Dave is not a TikToker, but the platform has become his stage to spread the "Mad" Dave message.  His followers continue to grow with a steady pace as dreamers and believers flock to Dave's account.
Dave is just getting started with his trek through the Union.  Be sure to follow Dave on TikTok  https://www.tiktok.com/@themaddaveshow
The American Dream is live and well!
 

Ep. 73 Vietnam Veteran; The Horrors of War, Marijuana, Guilt, PTSD, & Forgiveness-Andrew Wilson’s American Story

Andrew Wilson has been in therapy for decades.  PTSD from the Vietnam War, a war he never wanted to be a part of, riddled Andrew's soul.
Andrew is a Vietnam veteran, and, almost half a century later, Andrew cannot completely forgive himself for his role as soldier in this controversial war.  Andrew describes himself as a young coward, unable to stand up for his beliefs as Mohammad Ali did all those years ago.  
In this raw episode, Andrew talks about the horrors of the Vietnam War; the rampant drug use; the confusion, guilt, and the ensuing PTSD that plagued him relentlessly.
But this is also a story of overcoming demons through the forgiveness of Andrew's savior, Jesus Christ.  Andrew is a participant in the "New Revolution," a movement to spread the beliefs of the Founding Fathers regarding this grand experiment we call America.
Andrew does not see a dark future for America, but a bright future as we come together, united in the goodness of freedom and support of our marvelous republic.
Andrew is an accomplished musician and was a member of different bands in his young adult years.  As a part of the "All Of The Above" band, Andrew wrote the song, "The War Is Over."  It was a song written for those who served during the Vietnam War.  You can find the recording on YouTube.  The War Is Over  It is a poignant reminder of the trials our military endured during and after this controversial war.
Andrew Wilson spends his time helping other veterans deal with the mental scars of war.   

Ep. 72 Living With No Excuses-Noah’s American Story

Military hero and beloved Dancing with the Stars alumni Noah Galloway shares his life story, and how losing his arm and leg in combat forced him to relearn and rethink how to live with no excuses.
Noah's journey was not an easy road.  He suffered from debilitating depression and alcoholism.  Noah promised himself to do better more than once.  It was a culmination of events that finally led Noah to become the father and husband he is today, his proudest accomplishments.
Noah is "Living A Life With No Excuses" and wants you to do the same.  We are all capable of more than we conceive.

Ep. 71 ”Be Polite, Be Professional, But Have A Plan To Kill Everyone You Meet” Ray’s American Story

U.S. Army Sergeant First Class Ray Griffin and his family live by the mantra, "Be polite, be professional, but have a plan to kill everybody you meet."  (General James Mattis)  In other words, be kind and responsible, but always be prepared to defend yourself.
Ray currently serves in the Reserves.  He is the master combatives instructor at his unit, Special Command Korea.  He is also in personnel in the Army.  Ray served a depolyment to Iraq in 2011.
Ray has military in his family's blood.  He is the grandson of a WWII Navy veteran, as well as a great grandson to a veteran who served in WWI in France.  Ray's military ancestry goes all the way back to the American Revolution when George Washington promoted one of his relative's to colonel. Ray counts pioneers on both sides of his family, and is proud of his hardy heritage.
Ray was originally born in Southern California, the oldest of 7 children. His family moved to Eastern Pennsylvania when Ray was eleven.  Ray and his wife moved their kids back to Utah in 2008. Ray and his wife have eight children, 1 son and 7 daughters.  
Ray is passionate about empowerment through Jiu Jitsu.  Ray has trained in this martial art for over 23 years.  He is a second degree black belt in Jiu Jitus.  He and his wife own a school in Orem, Utah.
Having seven daughters, Ray is particularly aware of the alarming statistics regarding women's safety.  Ray, his wife and daughters specialize in women's self defense courses, and they recently launched an online self defense coaching program.
Ray is a real estate agent helping buyers, sellers, and investors.  He loves to shoot, build guns, rock climb, play the piano, camp, and do as much as possible with his wife and children.
https://www.facebook.com/rayandrae.griffin
https://www.facebook.com/griffinjiujitsu
https://www.instagram.com/grifftactical/
http://griffinjiujitsu.com/
Grifftactical@gmail.com
 
 
 

Ep. 70 Brothers-in-Arms/Brothers-in-Life Josh & Jon’s American Story

Joshua & Jon Nicholson are brothers.  They both served in the army.  Ironically, it was the younger brother, Joshua, who influenced Jon, the older brother, to join the army.  
A third brother, Joel, was in the air force...but that doesn't count; their words, not mine.  (wink, wink)
Josh and Jon had very different duties while in the army.  Josh blew up stuff; Jon was a chaplain's assistant.
Both brothers learned valuable lessons from the military, lessons they still carry today.
In this episode, Josh and Jon share their love and respect for family, military men and women, and this great country.
Josh and Jon's episode was a first for me, the first one with two brothers.  The love and admiration between the two is evident.  Neither wanted to discuss his own accomplishments, but rather the accomplishments of the other.  
In a time when our country is hurting, when family is not seen as important, this episode is uplifting and encouraging.  Family is everything, and Josh and Jon know it.
https://www.facebook.com/jon.n.nicholson  
https://www.facebook.com/nicholson28  (Josh Nicholson)
www.wethepeopleouramericanstory.com
(Visit website above to find your favorite podcast platform and subscribe.)
https://www.facebook.com/tinamccaf
https://www.tiktok.com/@tinaamericanpatriot
https://www.instagram.com/wethepeopleoas/
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJhhsZdRKe_lSO6XUd2nbkg
(We The People Our American Story YouTube Channel)
 
 
 
 

Ep. 69 RPGs, Losing A Leg, & Finally Having The Family He Always Wanted-Nick’s American Story Part 2

This episode is part 2 of Nick's American Story.  
We begin with Airborne School at Ft. Benning, Georgia, ultimately ending up in Afghanistan in the spring of 2007.
It was there Nick's convoy patrol was ambushed with RPGs and small arms fire.  Nick's room late, Jacob Lowell, was KIA.  Eight others sustained severe injuries.
Nick's left leg was amputated below the knee.  He sustained shrapnel throughout his body.
After recovery at Walter Reed and BAMC in San Antonio, Nick retired from the army.
Nick challenged himself with every opportunity, proving to himself and others he could still do whatever he determined.
Nick finally has the family he always dreamed about as a child and young adult.  He is a husband and a father of two children.
You can find Nick at the following
https://www.imdb.com/name/nm12123048/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1  (IMDB Nick Freeland-Acting Name)
https://www.facebook.com/nicholas.clark.790 (Nicholas Clark Facebook)
Find We The People Our American Story Podcast: 
www.wethepeopleouramericanstory.com
https://www.instagram.com/wethepeopleoas/ (Instagram)
https://www.facebook.com/tinamccaf (Facebook)
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJhhsZdRKe_lSO6XUd2nbkg
YouTube
https://www.tiktok.com/@tinaamericanpatriot (TikTok)

Ep. 68 Overcoming A Challenging Childhood Nick’s American Story Part 1

Nicholas (Freeland) Clark had a challenging childhood.  His parents divorced when Nick was only a toddler.  His mom was the sole provider as Nick's dad ended up in jail with drug charges.
When Nick's dad completed his sentence, he begged his mom to live with his dad.  Nick's mom reluctantly agreed.
Little did Nick's mom realize, his dad had fallen back into his old ways, even cooking drugs under the family's trailer.
Nick's dad disappeared for weeks at a time.  Nick was left to fend for himself.  He dropped out of school to work at Domino's Pizza, loving the feeling of providing for himself.
With Nick's cousin's persistence, he moved to Alaska to work in a fish plant.  He loved the arduous work and long hours.  It was an escape from the confusion Nick left behind.
Nick was working when he heard about September 11, 2001.  He felt a calling to return home.  It wasn't a direct path, but eventually Nick enlisted into the U.S.  army.
This is only 1/2 of Nick's story.  It is so jam packed, I had to create two episodes.
Subscribe to the We The People Our American Story Podcast by visiting the website and choosing your favorite platform.
www.wethepeopleouramericanstory.com
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJhhsZdRKe_lSO6XUd2nbkg
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