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From the battlefields of Vietnam to the highways of Michigan, Bill Walton's story is a remarkable journey through service, sacrifice, and resilience. Born in Lansing in 1948, Bill's path took an unexpected turn when he was drafted into military service in 1967. As a radio operator stationed near the DMZ in northern Vietnam, he faced the brutal realities of combat that would shape his perspective for decades to come.

The conversation takes us through Bill's harrowing experiences, including a serious shrapnel wound sustained during an intense battle at Cam Duck Special Forces Camp. Despite injuries that should have sent him home, Bill completed his full tour – "twelve months, two weeks" as he precisely recalls. His matter-of-fact descriptions of 68 days without changing uniforms and encountering death for the first time at just 18 years old offer a sobering glimpse into the realities faced by thousands of young Americans during the Vietnam conflict.

Upon returning home to a less-than-welcoming reception, Bill channeled his experiences into a career dedicated to public service. His journey through the rigorous Michigan State Police Academy – which he describes as even more challenging than military training – led to assignments across the state, from Detroit's tough Redford Post to his final position in Alpena. Throughout his law enforcement career, Bill worked patrol and narcotics, facing life-threatening situations that tested the resilience he'd developed in Vietnam.

Beyond his professional life, Bill shares touching personal stories – meeting his wife Mary through a humorous blind date mix-up that led to a 45-year marriage, raising two daughters, and now enjoying his role as grandfather to seven grandchildren. His post-retirement years continued the theme of service as he worked as a bailiff, probation officer, and volunteer firefighter.

Bill's straightforward storytelling, occasionally punctuated with unexpected humor, reveals a man who faced extraordinary circumstances with remarkable fortitude. His journey reminds us of the profound impact military service has on those who serve and the quiet heroism of individuals who choose to protect others despite personal cost. Listen to this powerful conversation with a true American hero whose life embodies service above self.

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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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From Oklahoma oil fields to Vietnam and beyond, Billy Adams' life story captures the essence of service, resilience, and finding joy in life's journey.

Born in Drumright, Oklahoma in 1948, Billy grew up in Louisiana as the oldest boy among seven siblings. His early years were shaped by baseball, helping his father in the oil fields, and developing the work ethic that would serve him throughout life. When the draft came calling during the Vietnam War, Billy made the conscious choice to serve his country despite having opportunities to seek exemption due to his essential civilian work X-raying pipeline welds.

Billy's military journey took an unexpected turn when his 45-words-per-minute typing skills landed him a position as a company clerk at a post office near General Westmoreland's headquarters in Vietnam. This assignment came after a memorable first night in-country that included being blown off a latrine commode by a rocket attack – a baptism by fire that fortunately left him uninjured but certainly alert to his new surroundings.

After his military service, Billy returned to his roots in the oil industry before eventually moving to Florida and joining the Division of Forestry. It was in Florida where he met Shirley, his wife of over 30 years, forming a bond built on mutual respect and admiration. An avid runner in his younger days, Billy completed numerous road races, including a memorable marathon across the 26-mile bridge outside New Orleans – a feat he accomplished thanks to the encouragement of a fellow runner who refused to let him quit.

Now enjoying retirement and time with his grandchildren, Billy's message to future generations reflects the wisdom gained through his experiences: "Be calm, go with the flow, and accept what the good old United States will offer you." His story reminds us that through service, perseverance, and maintaining perspective, we can navigate life's challenges while appreciating its blessings.

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From running a family farm at age 13 to saving lives under enemy fire in Vietnam, Jim Hock's journey exemplifies the resilience and quiet heroism of a generation. Born in Michigan in 1943 and adopted at age two, Jim's life took an unexpected turn when his draft notice arrived in 1966—just as he and his wife were settling into a new apartment, with boxes still unpacked.

Trained as a combat medic despite having studied business administration in college, Jim describes the heart-wrenching moment of saying goodbye to his wife before deploying: "I knew when I kissed her goodbye that I was never gonna see her again." This powerful certainty of his own death hangs over his entire Vietnam narrative, making his survival all the more poignant.

Jim's vivid recollections bring listeners into the chaos and courage of wartime medical service—from treating his first casualties under fire to rescuing soldiers from a burning ammunition dump. He shares bittersweet moments too: watching Bob Hope and Raquel Welch perform for the troops, receiving care packages from home, and the surreal instruction not to wear his uniform at the airport when returning home to avoid harassment from war protesters.

What makes Jim's story truly remarkable is how he transformed potential trauma into a full life after Vietnam. Returning to General Motors where he worked for 39 years, raising three children, and using his medical training to save lives in civilian settings—including once saving his own daughter from choking. Now celebrating 61 years of marriage, Jim leaves listeners with hard-earned wisdom: "Just feel lucky that you're in a country that you're free to do it. Follow your dreams. Don't give up."

Want to hear more stories of courage and resilience? Subscribe now and share this episode with someone who appreciates the sacrifices made by our veterans.

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What does it mean to truly find your way home? For Mike Mikus, the journey began on a 27-acre Michigan farm where he taught himself to repair engines by age 10, continued through the Marine Corps where mentorship transformed his life, and ultimately led to creating a home filled with love, resilience and purpose.

Mike's story begins with childhood isolation that fostered self-reliance and mechanical aptitude. When a confrontation with his father led to enlistment in the Marines at 17, Mike found himself transformed by boot camp discipline and the guidance of Sergeant Kennedy, a mentor who helped him advance rapidly to sergeant while mastering helicopter hydraulics. Through three Mediterranean cruises on naval vessels and rare experiences like becoming a "Golden Shellback" when crossing the equator at 0-0 coordinates, Mike's military service shaped his character without sending him into direct combat.

The heart of Mike's narrative emerges in his return to civilian life, where meeting his wife led to a three-month courtship and decades-long marriage. Together they built a family of four children while repeatedly renovating homes, creating tight-knit neighborhood communities, and weathering life's challenges. Perhaps most powerful is their triumph over his wife's stage four cancer diagnosis—a battle they won against tremendous odds, reinforcing their belief in focusing on what truly matters.

Now in retirement, Mike embodies the wisdom he's gained: "Nobody on their deathbed ever said they wished they worked more." His dedication to veterans' ministry work, fishing trips with friends, and cherished time with children and grandchildren reflects a life built on service, resilience, and the understanding that home isn't just where you live—it's the legacy of love you create along the way.

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Vietnam-era Navy veteran Pat Knight takes us on an extraordinary journey through his life of service, sharing intimate details of his combat search and rescue missions during the height of the conflict. With remarkable clarity, he recounts his time as an aircrew member aboard H-2 utility helicopters, equipped with bulletproof panels and door-mounted M60 machine guns, flying dangerous rescue operations over the Gulf of Tonkin.

Knight's stories transport listeners directly into military life during the late 1960s—from his unexpected deployment to Japan where he remarkably discovered he and his father had slept in the same barracks twenty years apart, to the surreal experience of flying Bob Hope's USO tour and receiving a kiss from one of Hollywood's leading ladies. His vivid descriptions of tense encounters with Russian bombers during Cold War standoffs and the camaraderie that dissolved barriers between officers and enlisted men reveal the complexity of military service during this pivotal historical period.

The conversation shifts seamlessly from military service to Knight's 32-year career in law enforcement, where he rose from patrol officer to Chief of Police in Riverview, Michigan. His approach to community-oriented policing—treating youth with firm guidance rather than harsh punishment—demonstrates how his military values translated to civilian service. Rather than slowing down in retirement, Knight continues serving his rural Michigan community on emergency management boards and senior center leadership, fighting for resources and programs that benefit his neighbors.

What makes Knight's story truly remarkable is the thread of genuine human connection running throughout—from meeting his wife of 54 years on a blind date while stationed in California, to maintaining close ties with family across generations, to advocating for senior citizens in his retirement community. His parting wisdom reminds us that life inevitably brings challenges, but resilience, family support, and continued engagement with community provide the foundation for a meaningful life.

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