Life rarely takes people where they first plan or expect. In this interview, one of my colleagues, the commander of a headquarters company, shares about how he ended up in his role since beginning a six-year medical school. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/soldierstories/message

A twenty-year veteran Master Sergeant shares about his background and recalls when his daughter experienced a life-threatening medical emergency. No amount of military training can prepare a person to see their child flat-line. We don't stop being parents when we wear the uniform. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/soldierstories/message

They should make a movie out of this one. This Soldier's parents, under communist oppression, made multiple daring attempts to flee Vietnam after the war. Born in a refugee camp, Specialist Che tells his parent's story and talks about his return trips to his country of origin. Eye-opening and powerful.  If you enjoy these stories, please subscribe and share it with just one person! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/soldierstories/message

In my first interview with a fellow chaplain, one of my seniors, Chaplain (COL) David Bowlus shares about his call into military ministry. He also recounts a few deployment experiences including a time when his area came under attack from terrorist rockets. While he and fellow Rangers took shelter in a bunker they discovered that there was not enough room for everyone. That left them with one tactical option: prayer.  https://www.goarmy.com/chaplain/become-an-army-chaplain.html  If you enjoy these stories, please subscribe and share it with just one person! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/soldierstories/message

He left behind a successful career in management and sales to serve in the Army nearly twenty years ago. In our conversation, this Soldier shares about an unexpected opportunity to provide specialty support at a political national convention. This unique opportunity allowed him to hear a pivotal speech from a future U.S. president.  If you enjoy these stories, please subscribe and share it with just one person! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/soldierstories/message

A Chief Warrant Officer talks about her experience as a drill sergeant as well as multiple deployments. Being a single parent has not stopped her from reaching her goals and spending over two decades in the uniform.  If you enjoy these stories, please subscribe and share with just one person! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/soldierstories/message

"My sergeant opened the door and I remember looking at a bed, and I remember just dropping to my knees and crying. He said, 'What's wrong with you, private?' I said, 'Sergeant, I haven't slept in a bed in six or seven years.'"  In this interview, Sergeant First Class Bailey recalls his difficult upbringing in an abusive household. After getting kicked out and living on the streets, he found his way into the Army. Eventually he made his way through the ranks and became a senior enlisted leader as well as a top-ranked Army recruiter back in his hometown of NYC. An inspirational story of determination to overcome the odds. If you enjoy these stories, please subscribe and share with just one person! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/soldierstories/message

A Soldier in my battalion shares about the nonprofit foundation that he and his wife started in their country of origin...Ghana in West Africa. It is an educational endeavor for underprivileged children, many of whom are orphans. He is doing this work on the side as a junior enlisted Soldier! What a noble use of time and resources. Listen to him tell the story and check out their website... https://www.exploringdreams.org/  If you enjoy these stories, please subscribe and share with just one person! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/soldierstories/message

Talk about a rush! A Battalion Command Sergeant Major talks about his experience in Military Freefall School, plus a lesson learned in Afghanistan.  If you enjoy these stories, please subscribe and share with just one person! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/soldierstories/message

Impoverished conditions and constantly in & out of shelters throughout middle and high school, SGT Avery overcame years of  difficulty. In this fascinating interview she talks about the raw reality of her past that led her to where she is today. Don't miss this one! Absolutely incredible.   If you enjoy these stories, please subscribe and share with just one person! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/soldierstories/message