In this powerful episode of Defending Our Children, we sit down with Officer Dave Gomez — a nationally recognized School Resource Officer and digital safety advocate — to explore the real threats facing kids in today’s hyper-connected world. With a degree in Electronics Engineering Technology and over 15 years in law enforcement, Officer Gomez brings a unique blend of technical expertise and frontline experience to the conversation.

For the past 12 years, he’s been on the ground in schools, building trust with students and leading efforts to intercept online predators through sting operations. With more than 325,000 followers on Facebook, Officer Gomez has become a go-to resource for parents, educators, and communities seeking practical tools and up-to-date information on digital safety.

Tune in as Officer Gomez shares gripping stories from his work, offers actionable advice for families, and explains how we can all play a role in defending our children—both on and offline.

Don’t miss this essential conversation for every parent, educator, and child advocate.

In today’s powerful episode of Defending Our Children, we revisit the life-changing work of Valerie Soto and her organization New Life New You. This organization provides safe homes for women—many of them mothers—and their children who have been rescued from or have voluntarily left behind lives of drug addiction, human trafficking, forced labor, or sex work.

Joining us today are three courageous house guests, each at a different stage in their journey through the program. They share their deeply personal stories about how they came to terms with needing help, what it was like to take the first steps into a new life, and how the support of New Life New You has impacted them.

Listeners will hear first-hand accounts of what the transition from the streets to safety is truly like, the challenges and breakthroughs of rebuilding a life, and how faith and hope became pillars in their healing process. We’ll also explore the daily structure of the rescue homes, the practical services offered—from counseling to job skills training—and the transformative power of a supportive community.

This is a conversation about redemption, resilience, and the human capacity to rise again.

In this special Mother’s Day edition of *Defending Our Children*, we welcome two extraordinary women who embody the strength, love, and resilience of motherhood. Returning guest **Tressa Sawyer**, wife of Veterans For Child Rescue founder and mother of two adult children, reflects on her journey into motherhood at age 30 and how that experience shapes her work today. Tressa, now an active member of the V4CR team, offers insight into balancing a mother’s protective instincts with the mission of safeguarding children on a national scale.

Joining her is **Elizabeth**, a dedicated mother of six who began her motherhood journey at just 17. Now a passionate voice for the vulnerable, Elizabeth serves on the V4CR team and co-hosts the *V4CR Round Table Discussion* podcast. She shares how her early experiences as a young mother have influenced her advocacy and fueled her unwavering commitment to protecting children.

Together, Tressa and Elizabeth offer powerful, heartfelt perspectives on what it means to be a mother—and a protector—this Mother’s Day. Don’t miss this inspiring conversation celebrating the courage and compassion of mothers who defend not only their own children, but all children.