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From the quiet suburbs of St. Clair Shores, Michigan to the chaotic streets of Mogadishu, Kevin Justice's military journey spans over twenty years and four major conflicts that shaped modern American history. Kevin's story begins with his 1989 enlistment in the Army as a petroleum supply specialist, following in his father's military footsteps.

The conversation takes us through Kevin's evolution from a fresh recruit at Fort Leonard Wood to a combat veteran deployed to Desert Storm, Somalia, Bosnia, and Iraq. His vivid descriptions of Somalia are particularly gripping - "If you could find a place on this earth that was the rottenest place in the world, that was probably one of them." As a driver navigating Mogadishu's dangerous streets, Kevin faced daily threats while restrictive rules of engagement tied soldiers' hands from adequately protecting themselves.

What emerges through Kevin's story is how military service fundamentally rewires your thinking. "Everywhere I go - where's the exit? What will I do if this happens?" This heightened situational awareness becomes second nature, a permanent lens through which veterans view the world long after their service ends. His philosophy is powerfully simple: "Follow your instincts. It's your gut that's going to get you through life and hard times. If you second guess your gut, you're going to second guess your life."

After retiring as a drill sergeant in 2009, Kevin's transition to civilian life included work in corrections, education, and finally hospital security, where his military training continues to serve him well. His ability to handle challenging situations has earned him the respect of medical staff who know they can count on him in crisis situations.

Have you listened to a veteran's story lately? Their experiences offer valuable perspective on resilience, adaptability, and maintaining composure under pressure - lessons that transcend the battlefield and apply to everyday life.

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From latchkey kid to combat veteran, Eric Corbett's extraordinary journey unfolds in this compelling conversation about service, struggle, and redemption.

Growing up in Florida during simpler times, Eric recalls drinking from garden hoses and wandering neighborhoods freely with friends - a childhood marked by independence that would later serve him well. After high school graduation and some legal troubles involving marijuana, Eric found himself at a crossroads that led him to Fort Benning and basic training in 2008.

What follows is a riveting account of military excellence and occasional rebellion. Eric quickly distinguished himself, competing for Soldier of the Year despite being a new recruit, while also finding himself in memorable predicaments - from smuggling apples during field exercises to evading MPs after a cab dispute. His deployment to Beji, Iraq in 2009 exposed him to the harsh realities of combat and the profound perspective it brings.

"You don't realize what you have until it's gone," Eric reflects, describing how witnessing life without running water, reliable electricity, or rule of law changed his outlook forever. His candid descriptions of transitioning between war and home life reveal the psychological whiplash many veterans experience.

The narrative takes a dramatic turn with Eric's account of the 2019 Baghdad Embassy attack while working as a contractor protecting US diplomats. "That's when it hit me. It's not a game," he recalls of the moment they were warned of incoming ballistic missiles.

Perhaps most powerful is Eric's recent transformation through sobriety. After years of alcohol-fueled adventures across multiple continents, he shares how giving up drinking in November 2023 has led to profound physical and spiritual growth. "There's been someone helping me, watching over me," he reflects, embracing a newfound spirituality.

Eric leaves us with hard-earned wisdom: "The decisions you make determine the outcome of your life. You control your own destiny." It's a powerful testament from someone who has truly lived on the edge and found his center.

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What happens when a natural leader desperately tries to avoid the spotlight? Shirley Adams never wanted to stand out, but life had other plans. From being volunteered as platoon leader in Army basic training to becoming an HR executive decades later, leadership positions kept finding her despite her best efforts to remain invisible.

Born in Detroit in 1965 before moving to Orlando as a child, Shirley joined the Army in 1983 on the "buddy program" with her best friend when she discovered the Navy had a year-long waiting period for female recruits. What followed was a journey through military service as an Army cook in Germany, an unexpected pregnancy that led to an honorable discharge, and the beginning of civilian life as a young mother navigating the challenges of an unhealthy first marriage.

When Shirley took what she thought would be a temporary production job at Correct Craft boat manufacturing where her father worked, she couldn't have imagined it would become a 27-year career trajectory that would see her rise through purchasing into human resources and eventually senior leadership. Along the way, she began college at 39, earned her MBA at 47, and discovered her gift for organization during international mission trips.

Shirley's story is a powerful reminder of life's unexpected paths. Now working as an HR Director at a Presbyterian church after "retiring" at 50, she balances caring for grandchildren and supporting her husband through Alzheimer's while teaching as an adjunct professor. Her message resonates with clarity: "Don't operate out of fear. If you don't know something, learn it. Be a lifelong learner... It's never too late, and put yourself outside your comfort zone. You'll be so richly rewarded."

Join us for this compelling conversation about resilience, faith, reluctant leadership, and embracing the opportunities that arrive when we least expect them. Subscribe to hear more stories of ordinary people living extraordinary lives through service and purpose.

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