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Episodes
Tuesday May 03, 2022
Tuesday May 03, 2022
This is the story of a friendship between two OEW Warriors, Earl Granville and Johnny Lopez. Both men are wounded warriors, Earl lost his leg in Afghanistan and Johnny his arm by a drunk driver.
Both men found mental healing through physical strength and an unbreakable bond with each other.
Earl and Johnny discuss some of the issues facing our military and veterans today including: overmedicating with drugs; PTSD (real or perceived), and finding purpose and meaning after their military careers.
Johnny and Earl are huge advocates of Operation Enduring Warrior and the mission they promote. Veterans, military, and first responders find healing through OEW.
https://www.enduringwarrior.org/ (Operation Enduring Warrior)
https://www.earlgranville.org/ Earl Granville Website
https://www.instagram.com/earlgranville/ Earl Granville Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/lopez.oew/ Johnny Lopez Instagram
https://www.facebook.com/granville5838 Earl Granville Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/LOPEZ.OEW Johnny Lopez Facebook
We The People Our American Story podcast can be found all over the web:
www.wethepeopleouramericanstory.com
https://www.instagram.com/wethepeopleoas/ We the People OAS on Instagram
https://www.facebook.com/tinamccaf We The People Our American Story on Facebook
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJhhsZdRKe_lSO6XUd2nbkg We The People Our American Story YouTube
https://www.tiktok.com/@tinaamericanpatriot TinaAmericanPatriot on TikTok
Tuesday Apr 26, 2022
Tuesday Apr 26, 2022
This episode is a bit different. Some time back one of my previous guests, Justen Mellor, told me he wanted to know more of my American story.
I had the opportunity to speak with Brian Parrish from the Parrish The Thought podcat. Among the things we discussed were my love for America and my thoughts on current issues facing our country and how opposing sides can come together.
The following people/guests are mentioned in this podcast episode:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/parrish-the-thought/id1348128086 (Parrish The Thought Podcast on Apple)
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ep-62-i-am-pitts-dexters-american-story/id1539356968?i=1000555247761 Ep. 62 "I Am Pitt's"-Dexter's American Story on Apple
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ep-37-justens-american-story/id1539356968?i=1000532558567 Ep. 37 Justen's American Story on Apple
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ep-25-no-legs-no-vision-no-problem-matthews-american-story/id1539356968?i=1000519347145 Ep. 25 "No Legs, No Vision, No Problem"-Matthew's American Story
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ep-23-toms-american-story-82nd-airborne-drill-sergeant/id1539356968?i=1000517418390 Ep. 23 Tom's American Story
You can find the We The People Our American Story podcast on the following social media outlets:
www.wethepeopleouramericanstory.com
Go to the above website to subscribe to podcast.
https://www.instagram.com/wethepeopleoas/
https://www.facebook.com/tinamccaf We The People Our American Story Facebook page
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJhhsZdRKe_lSO6XUd2nbkg We The People Our American Story on YouTube
https://www.tiktok.com/search?q=tinaamericanpatriot&t=1650931380327 We The People Our American Story on TikTok
Tuesday Apr 19, 2022
Tuesday Apr 19, 2022
Part one of Frank's American story ended with him on an operating table; his legs horribly mangled from an IED.
In part 2 of Frank's episode, he wakes up from surgery with both legs amputated.
Frank's life was changed drastically. What did that look like? Could Frank still contribute? What did he have to offer?
Frank Fields is a remarkable, resilient individual.
Life wasn't fair. His father died when Frank was young and now this bad day on the job took his legs. He was angry. Frank didn't understand.
Through self reflection and time, Frank proved his worth. He began developing physical strength, and competed against himself to live life to the fullest.
Frank was introduced to https://www.enduringwarrior.org/ (Operation Enduring Warrior, completing his first Spartan Race in 8+ grueling hours.
Frank has a deep desire to help others. He is working towards his certification as a life couch.
Follow Frank at the following:
https://www.facebook.com/fizzletown0 (Frank Fields)
https://www.instagram.com/fizzletown0/ (Frank Fields)
Follow the We The People Our American Story podcast on all my platforms:
https://www.instagram.com/wethepeopleoas/
https://www.facebook.com/tinamccaf
https://www.tiktok.com/search?q=tinaAmericanpatriot&t=1650342199441
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJhhsZdRKe_lSO6XUd2nbkg (We The People Our American Story YouTube Channel
Tuesday Apr 12, 2022
Tuesday Apr 12, 2022
Frank Fields was born to an American father and a German mother. After his parents divorced, Frank made the decision to come to America with his father. His mother stayed behind in Germany
At the young age of 12, Frank lost his father to cancer. He continued to live in America with relatives.
Frank had no inkling to join the military, until a recruiting officer literally showed up at his front door. It was a hard sell for the officer, but Frank knew it was the best option.
After high school, Frank was getting into trouble resulting in a 2-3 month stint in the county jail. His lifestyle needed to change.
Frank remembers the terror he felt inside as he flew into Iraq. He signed up for one of the most dangerous jobs as a truck driver.
Frank's deployment was for a year, but he never made it to the end.
On November 22, 2006 Frank's humvee was blasted by an IED that mangled his legs beyond repair.
This was the beginning of a new journey for Frank, and the ending of another.
We pick up here for part 2 of Frank's episode next Tuesday.
In this episode we mentioned Carmelo Rodriguez and Ian Newland. You can find their episodes at the following:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ep-35-ians-american-story-featuring-medal-of-honor/id1539356968?i=1000528299076 Ep. 35 Ian's American Story Featuring Medal of Honor Recipient Ross McGinnis
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ep-29-dead-soldier-carmelos-american-story/id1539356968?i=1000523360644 Ep. 29 "Dead Soldier" Carmelo's American Story
You can find We The People Our American Story at the following:
https://www.facebook.com/tinamccaf
https://www.instagram.com/wethepeopleoas/
https://www.tiktok.com/@tinaamericanpatriot
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJhhsZdRKe_lSO6XUd2nbkg
Friday Apr 01, 2022
Friday Apr 01, 2022
Atticus Shaffer is best known for his role as Brick heck in the hit t.v. series, "The Middle." He is also an accomplished voice actor in several projects including Tim Burton's Frankenweenie and Disney's The Lion Guard.
Born with a genetic condition, brittle bone disease, Atticus fell into acting by chance. As the poster child for his children's hospital, Atticus' mom noticed the ease of her son's demeanor in front of large groups and knew there had to be more for Atticus. Within months of finding an agent, Atticus was booking jobs.
Atticus describes his mom as the hero of his story. She taught him to love God and his holy word.
From an early age, Atticus' mom instilled in him a deep patriotism for America and those who defend her.
In this episode, Atticus shares his Christian faith and how it has sustained him through dark days.....And we spend a few minutes talking about my favorite show, "The Middle."
You can find Atticus at the following:
https://www.twitch.tv/atticusshaffervlog
https://www.instagram.com/atticusshaffervlog/?hl=en
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCll_cO3za2bsnF1AMMw-rzw
Friday Mar 25, 2022
Friday Mar 25, 2022
Dexter Pitts is a proud Purple Heart recipent and medically retired U.S. Army veteran.
He proudly served in Iraq with the 10th Mountain Division and is a graduate of American Military Uniiversity with a bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice.
After serving his country in a time of war, Dexter exchanged his military fatigues for a police officer uniform.
He has continually served his community as a law enforcement officer for over a decade and a one year tour of duty as an agent with United States Border Patrol on the southern Arizona Border.
Raised as a Christian in a military family, Dexter starts to question his faith in the wake of his mother's unexpected suicide while he is on duty.
Having struggled all of his life trying to find his own identity, Dexter became submerged in the battle between his conservative values, black skin, and PTSD.
Despite the obstacles that have befallen him, Dexter stands unshakable in his faith and identity as a proud American patriot who believes in the promises of America. Dexter's faith and values are tested once more as civil unrest consumed America in 2020.
In defense of his profession, his community and the U.S. Constitution, he stands shoulder to shoulder with his brothers and sisters of the thin blue line on Louisville's embattled streets.
You are not alone in your struggle. You are not alone in your journey to discover your identity.
I Am Pitts Website
I Am Pitts on Instagram
Author Dexter Pitts on Facebook
Friday Mar 18, 2022
Friday Mar 18, 2022
Adam Francis is a police officer who woke up one morning not feeling quite right. Once healthy, Adam soon found himself enduring the invisible disease of fibromyalgia with chronic spasms so wretching, there were days Adam could not get out of bed.
At Adam's lowest point, the debilitating pain and depression associated with the disease, led Adam to try and take his own life. Adam kept his family in the dark about that day for years.
It was quite by chance Adam found Jonathan Lopez (Jonathan had one arm amputated) on Instagram. Adam had crushed his hand inside a police cruiser which resulted in his inability to even tie his shoe.
Out of desperation Adam contacted Jonathan with a simple question, "How do you tie your shoe?"
Adam was shocked when Jonathan actually followed up, and taught Adam how to tie his shoe.
It was through Jonathan that Adam learned about an organization called Operation Enduring Warrior. Through OEW, Adam found purpose. He volunteers for the organization, and has learned that if those without arms and legs can accomplish their goals, he too can aspire to be more.
Adam still has bad days. Adam is still battling fibromyalgia, but has learned to deal with his pain through exercise, therapy, and the love of his family.
Through Adam's work as a police officer, he has helped countless people overcome drug addiction.
Mental health is a top priority for Adam, and encourages everyone to find some ONE to talk to on those bad days.
Friday Mar 11, 2022
Friday Mar 11, 2022
J.P. McMichael was an on duty police officer at the Pentagon on September 11, 2001. J.P. was one of the heroes running towards the terror, while others were running from the nightmare.
J.P. lived through the hell of that day, but did not escape without scars, mental scars that developed into PTSD. J.P. tried to deal with his PTSD without the knowledge of his department for fear of repercussion.
At his lowest point, J.P. put a gun to his head. In those vital seconds before suicide, J.P. had a moment of clarity. How would his death impact those left behind? The culpibility, guilt, and sadness of his death from family and friends helped J.P. change his mind.
J.P. is still a police officer, one year from his retirement. J.P. has found his purpose helping veterans, first responders, spouses, and children dealing with PTSD.
J.P. does not see anything as coincidence. After September 11, 2001, and through the years, J.P.'s path has crossed with those who helped chart his course, including Operation Enduring Warrior.
Through Operation Enduring Warrior, J.P. met people who encouraged him to use his voice to help those struggling with heavy mental burdens.
J.P. is an author, motivational speaker, and police officer, but first, and foremost, J.P. is a husband and a father.
You can find J.P. at the following:
https://catalystofchangeassociates.com/ (With links to his books.)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7mNrHRv873s ( The Wayward Path of the Warrior on YouTube.)
Thursday Mar 03, 2022
Thursday Mar 03, 2022
On May 7th, 2016 Jeremy Scharlow was involved in an OIS (Officer Involved Shooting.) After his physical injuries healed, Jeremy found himself fighting a new battle, PTSD. He now work diligently to spread awareness for PTSD in the First Responder Community.
Jeremy Scharlow is a public speaker, advocate for military and law enforcement veterans, and author of the book, “My Brother’s Keeper: Relearning to Live with PTSD.” He served as a patrol officer for Mahomet Police Department for ten years, nine of those as a METRO SWAT member, until he medically retired after his on-duty shooting incident. Jeremy completed his Master of Art’s in Legal Studies at the University of Illinois at Springfield and went on to found Relearningtolive.com.
In addition to advocating for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and Suicide Awareness in the law enforcement community, he is currently an honoree with Operation Enduring Warrior and serves as the Program Manager for their Warrior Voice Program.
Operation Enduring Warrior's (OEW) mission is to honor empower, and motivate our nation's wounded military and law enforcement veterans. Through programs ranging from skydiving, public speaking, archery, endurance races, and much more, their honorees overcome adversity and hardship through innovation, teamwork, and perseverance. Together, their team, honorees, and supporters make the OEW family.
Operation Enduring Warrior-Honoring Their Sacrifice.
You can find Jeremy at the following:
Officer Jeremy Scharlow-ret. Facebook
Jeremy Scharlow Instagram
And you can help Jeremy pay for his volunteer trip to Alaska in order to help build the PTSD retreat by going here: gofundme Alaskan PTSD Wilderness Retreat Build
In Jeremy's episode we mentioned several previous guests. If you have not heard their stories, there is no time like the present.
Ep. 25 No Legs, No Vision, No Problem-Matthew's American Story
Ep. 35 Ian's American Story Featuring Medal of Honor Recipient, Ross McGinnis
Ep. 37 Justen's American Story
Ep. 39 Best Shot in the Marines-Julia's American Story
Ep. 48 Resiliency- Leslie's American Story
Ep. 53 Navy SEAL-Ray "Cash" Care's American Story
Available on Apple and most major podcast platforms.
Friday Jan 07, 2022
Friday Jan 07, 2022
Christian Bussler joined the Marine Corps Reserves right out of high school and was assigned to MP Co. "C" in Dayton, Ohio as an Infantry Rifleman, and was later crosstrained as a Graves Registration/Mortuary Affairs Marine.
In 2003 his platoon of Mortuary Affairs specialists was activated to head to Kuwait, where he participated in the invasion of Iraq.
In February of 2004, he volunteered to go back to Iraq and was assigned to Weapons Company 3rd Battalion, 4th Marines, where he was wounded in combat operations while fighting against Al Qaeda terrorist insurgents.
After Chris' surgeries, he volunteered once again to go back to Iraq in 2005, but this time as the Staff Noncommisioned Offier in charge of all Mortuary Affairs operations in and around Al Taqaddum and Ar Ramadi, Iraq.
With Bussler's leadership, his team executed 4 search and recovery missions in active hostile territory and successfully recovered 13 service members and 1 civilian contractor originally classified as "missing in action."
His team also successfully process and evacuated 150 service members back to the continental United States. His book, "No Tougher Duty, No Greater Honor" details his experiences as a forward operating "body-bagger" in midst of combat. Chris tells the side of war that no one ever speaks of, about a duty that few know exists.