Freedom’s Pulse

This episode originally dropped on January 7, 2022.  Chris was one of my favorite guests for many reasons.  First, his story was absolutely remarkable.....a story that is now in the process of becoming a movie.  Second, Chris' book, "No Tougher Duty, No Greater Honor" is a gripping, riveting read.  Third, and the most important reason is Chris is a stellar human.  In spite of our internet connection problems, we had a incredible conversation.  He is a gifted writer, and reading sections of his book as he explained the background was an emotional experience.   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.  www.freedomspulse.com No Tougher Duty, No Greater Honor Facebook Page  

Kim is proud of her family's legacy of military service.  Both grandpas, her father, and several other family members have honorably served at home and abroad to protect this great country. In this episode, Kim shares how she shares patriotism with her children.  Having personal connections with the sacrifices made by our military, Kim understands that "Freedom Isn't Free," is more than a slogan.  She impresses upon her children the importance of standing up for America and its founding values. Kim has a burning testimony about the divine mission of America.  Her feelings for this country and its purpose are palpable.   Kim's love for America is contagious.  Her passion burns through to the listener.  Your fire for this country will only grow after you finish Kim's story.

Gabby Puckett grew up under the oppressive weight of Cuban communism.   Her father was forced to buy meat off the black market to feed his family.  Gabby was fitted with second hand braces.  Yes, you read that right..second hand braces.  She tasted the metal and oil as they were placed on her teeth.   Gabby remembers the hospital as a place of death, not a place of healing.   For many years Christians were not allowed to celebrate Christmas.  The Cuban government dictated every facet of life.   Socialist organizations bring American students to the country to show the happiness and success of Cuban students in the school system.  It is a false narrative.  They are brought to the best school and children are told how to behave.   The Cuban people are fed lies about America.  They are told the government wants to take over their country.  They are told Americans are plotting the Cuban downfall. Gabby and her family longed to escape the chains of communism.  In order to do so, they obtained Spanish citizenship without going to Spain, courtesy of their Spanish descent.   Gabby's family fled to Spain and, from there, made their way to the United States through legal immigration channels. Gabby is thriving in America with her husband and new baby.  She calls capitalism "perfection" and is astonished that Americans do not comprehed the beauty of the system. https://www.facebook.com/gabriela.perezpino.9    

Matthew Gardner is a retired marine and past guest on the Freedom's Pulse podcast.   Matt is back on this episode to discuss the military, and why he would not join today's force. Matt and I talk about issues with DEI, sexual assault, woke policies, and so much more. Is the U.S. military on a road that is irreversible?  Can America make a comeback from the state we find ourselves in now? Matt takes us deep into the issues, but allows time to share a few laughs as well. This is a fantastic episode that will get you thinking! Matt's previous episode on Apple. Ep. 76 The Darkness of PTSD and the Light of America-Andrew & Matt's American Story https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ep-76-the-darkness-of-ptsd-and-the-light/id1539356968?i=1000581920969

Justen Mellor is the founder of United We March, an organization that supports our veterans and first responders through the popular annual Gunnison Gut Check every September. Justen has gone from a life of alcoholism and depression to one of purpose and love. After experiencing the Battan Memorial Death March, Justen knew he needed to bring a race to the small town of Gunnison. The Gunnison Gut Check raises money for organizations that help our nation's heroes. Justen is always focused on the one, the one person who will leave better than when they came to Gunnison. Justen's story includes a little girl in a wheelchair who brought tears to the eyes of burly grown men, leaving an impression none will forget. Finally, Justen's story is about love...love for veterans....love for first responders...love for Americans...love for his family, his faith, and ultimately love for himself. Gunnison Gut Check https://gutcheck.itsyourrace.com/event.aspx?id=10941   Ep. 37 Justen's American Story on Apple Podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ep-37-justens-american-story/id1539356968?i=1000532558567   Ep. 25 No Legs, No Vision, No Problem-Matthew's American Story on Apple Podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ep-25-no-legs-no-vision-no-problem-matthews-american-story/id1539356968?i=1000519347145         usten's American Story

Carlos Moreno was labeled an enemy of the Venezuelan state by telling the truth.  As an international student living in the United States, he was villified for standing up for students' rights, for human rights. Carlos Moreno calls himself a socialism survivor.  Carlos has lived half his life in socialism and the other half in freedom. Venezuela was a prosperous nation before the socialist revolution, a revolution that brought poverty and misery to the once wealthy country. Carlos explains the evils of socialism, how America must stay true to her values, and his take on illegal immigration. You will love Carlos' patriotism and zeal for America. "America is not a dream, America is a miracle." Carlos Moreno Facebook Carlos Moreno Instagram  

This is the story of Jamie, Tal, Shemtov, the war in Israel, and peace for Jews worldwide. At 6:30am on October 7, 2023, Hamas launched an unprovked and vicious attack on over 20 communities in Israel.  Using rockets, paragliders, boats, motorcycles and other vehicles, Hamas murdered around 1,200 people.   Jamie was at a music festival, one of the sites where Hamas butchered the innocent.  He was one of the lucky ones to escape the terror. Tal and Shemtov add to the conversation, including the history of Gaza and the Israel state. The Jewish people are under attack in many parts of the world.  They are being maligned as the aggressor.  The facts have been twisted and contorted to fit the story Hamas wants to show on social media. We must open our eyes and ears.  Listen to the truth.  Keep Israel and the Jewish people in your prayers. This is an important episode for every American to hear.    

Calling himself the cheerleader of America, Alma Ohene-Opare is an immigrant from Ghana.  Growing up, his mother spread her love of education and America to her children. Alma came to America at 19 to fulfill a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, followed by school at BYU. After living in America for 18 years, Alma's dream of becoming an official citizen came to fruition. In this episode, we discuss the greatness of America.  This is the place of opportunities, the country to make your dreams reality. America is under seige from forces within and without.  Apathetic Americans is a pandemic.  Socialism is a misunderstood principle; one that leads to bondage through loss of choice. Alma uses his voice of experience and passion to spread the message of America and freedom on his podcast, Restitch America You can also find Alma on his website at https://www.willfulpositivity.com/   and https://www.instagram.com/willfulpositivity/  and https://www.tiktok.com/@willfulpositivity  

Andrew Farlaino was referred to me by Matthew Bradford.  Matt was the guest on  Episode 25.  Matt, a young U.S. marine, lost both legs and his vision when he stepped on an IED only a few months into his first deployment.  Andrew served with Matt.  He knew Matt before and after this tragic incident.  Andrew saw Matt after the explosion.  He recalls seeing Matt with mangled legs and his protective goggles still covering Matt's eyes with one hole in each lens where the bomb penetrated, causing the blindness. Andrew saw how these devastating injuries made men and women, like Matt, only stronger.  Instead of wallowing in self pity, Matt has helped others overcome their obstacles. Andrew is an advocate for veterans helping themselves.  You receive what you put in to your own treatment.   After retiring from the marines, Andrew worked as a security bodyguard for the wealthiest of wealthiest American families.  He made hundred of thousands of dollars, but the cost was too high. Working around the clock and witnessing the destruction of  these people who seemed to have it all, Andrew returned to his childhood home in Price, Utah.   Andrew was never happier than he is now.  He lives a quiet middle class life with his wife and children. He tries to do something good everyday; listening to his children's questions or simply smiling at a stranger. Check out Andrew's knife company at Trained Monkey Blade Company.   https://www.instagram.com/trainedmonkeyblade/    

This is the story of Erin "Aero" Orga, a pioneer in the field of  women combat aviation. Erin grew up with dreams of becoming a professional roller coaster rider, figure skater, or NASA astronaut. After learning there were NO professional roller coaster riders, Erin had to come up with a new plan. Erin is an experienced Air Force pilot, flying over 50 combat missions in Iraq, providing cover for the U.S. Army and Marines.   Erin's favorite fighter aircraft is the F-15E Strike Eagle.  She also spent time as a T-38 instructor, training many young Air Force pilots. Erin speaks about the difficulties of being a woman in the military, including sexual harrassment. After 10 years in the military, Erin retired from the Air Force.  She has led global teams of engineers with Westinghouse, and is now a sought after speaker. Erin has a third-degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do.  She continues to be passionate about aviation, and is a devoted mother. https://www.facebook.com/erin.m.orga.97 https://www.instagram.com/erin_orga/

Tell Steve he can't do something, and he is sure to achieve it in a smashing way.  This trait has allowed Steve to achieve what seems impossible to so many others. Steven “Brown Bear” is a retired Navy SEAL. During his career he served as the Senior Enlisted Adviser at Naval Special Warfare Basic Training Command Detachment Kodiak. He trained and mentored SEAL teammates, the command staff, other special operation forces and over 1000 SEAL Qualification Training students in mountaineering, survival, land navigation, over the beach operations, cold weather, nutrition and first aid, fitness, and avalanche awareness in this austere remote Alaskan environment. As a result, Steven was awarded the title Master Training Specialist. While assigned to Naval Special Warfare Development Group Steven made numerous deployments to Afghanistan and Iraq, tallying over 250 combat operations, for his actions he was awarded the Silver Star and many other individual awards. Steve finds fulfillment in the woods of Kentucky helping veterans and first responders gain relief and healing through Camp Brown Bear.   Camp Brown Bear https://www.instagram.com/campbrownbear/ https://www.facebook.com/campbrownbear

This episode is a special one as it was done remotely at the Gunnison Gut Check created by Justen Mellor and his incredible non-profit, United We March. The Gunnison Gut Check is a ruck through the desert landscape of central Utah.  Proceeds go to veteran and first responder organizations. Operation Enduring Warrior is a fundamental element of the gut check, bringing OEW honorees who challenge themselves physically and mentally with the help of masked athletes and other members of Operation Enduring Warrior. Saddie (former air force) and James (former police officer) share a slice of their stories as OEW honorees, including why they are at the Gunnison Gut Check. You can check out Justen's story, founder of United We March by visiting the following link:  https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/ep-37-justens-american-story/id1539356968?i=1000532558567 Operation Enduring Warrior  

September 12, 2014 was a day of tragedy, but also a day of miracles for Alex Douglass. It was a late Friday night when Alex pulled up to the Blooming Grove barracks in Pennsylvania.  As Alex moved his gym back from the patrol car to his personal car, a shot rang out. Officer Douglass was confused at first, not even realizing it was the fire of a gun. Alex noticed a figure on the pavement in front of the police barracks.  As he moved towards the building, Alex realized it was Corporal Bryan Dickson. Alex felt a feeling spread through his body.  Something bad was about to happen.  He bent down to grab Bryan's left foot with hopes of moving Bryon's body away from the gun's aim.  Alex was hit with the worst pain he had ever felt. This is the story of a young officer dealing with horrific traumatic injuries:  23 surgeries, shattered right hip and femur eventually leading to below the knee amputation, damage to intestine and colon, and nerve damage. The physical duress was enough, but Alex was also coping with the loss of Bryon Dickson and the hellish memories from that day. Hear how after evading authorities for 48 days in the woods, the culprit was apprehended and now sits on death row. This is not a story of sadness, but a tale of hope and renewal. Alex shares his new life and the people and organizations that helped him soar to new heights. Alex gained wisdom and encouragement from one of my former guests, Earl Granville, Episode 67.   Alex recommends the following organizations for veterans and first responders: Operation Enduring Warrior Valor Service Dogs You can find Alex on Instagram: Alex Douglass Instagram                

J.T. Robertson grew up in West Jordan, Utah.  His father, a retired firefighther, is someone he emulates to this day; his "mother by choice" adopted both J.T. and his brother after his birth mother left the family. J.T. was given adult responsibility as an eight-year-old child when in the "care" of his birth mother.  As the older brother, J.T. fed and attended to his brother while their mother was engaged with men and drugs.   J.T. lost contact with his mother when he was 12.  A drug hit was placed on her head, and she vanished.  His father did not know about what had happened at the home. J.T. will be the first to tell you, his choices weren't always thought through beforeheand.  As a senior in high school, he found himself as a husband and father.   J.T. took two glorious jobs at Firestone Tires and Hollywood Video to support his small family. ....Then September 11, 2001.  The following day, September 12, 2001, J.T. went to the recruiter's office.  He was going to protect his child, whether it be on home soil or foreign.  J.T. visited the airforce, navy, army, and finally...the marine recruitment centers. On January 14, 2002 J.T. began bootcamp as a prospective marine, followed by the school of infantry. J.T. was deployed to Iraq three days after his 2nd daughter was born. He served 8 years as a marine with one deployment to Iraq, and six years with the army national guard with one deployment to Afghanistan. J.T. was a witness to the disparity between Iraq and the United States, something most Americans can't even imagine.  He engaged in dangerous missions, including serving with the most decorated national guard unit in Utah, performing route clearance on the roads of Afghanistan. J.T. saw the senseless destruction, the fog of war as friendly fire took out a column of marines. He lost friends who came home with the war and were unable to cope with the PTS. J.T himself came home with TBI, PTS, anxiety, and a victim mentality.  He suffered debilitating depression.  J.T. went through two divorces.  Life was hardly easy. His PTS was unrecognizable to him.  First, believing it  to be survivors guilt, something J.T. would get over....but he didn't.   Things escalated.  Living outside the wire for both deployments, friends getting blown up, and an overall culmination combined into a terrible storm. The lowest point was the holiday season of 2015.  Working 2 jobs, living with a girl on the rebound, in peril of losing his business, living in the basement of a friend's home; the only thing he had to look forward to was spending Thanksgiving weekend with his girls until.. J.T. was arrested for being $1900 short on his child support.  He was put in jail until his credit card cleared for the amount owed, plus jailing expenses. J.T.'s holiday season becomes even darker.  Finding himself alone, J.T. buys a gun with a singular purpose.  Sitting in the basement with only his beloved dog, Montana, J.T. puts the gun in his mouth.  Through a series of actions by J.T's buddy, Montana, he does not pursue his plan.  Karaoke was the beginning of digging his hole out of depression.  The simple act of singing on statge gave J.T. a way out.  It has been a steady progression of steps since that first karaoke night. J.T. lives in Montana on serveral acres of land where he finds refuge and peace.    "No matter what happens in your life, you have a choice...a choice to suffer or be happy." During the pandemic, he experimented with honey and co-founded the Bearded Viking Mead Co.. You can find J.T. on the Podcast, Vikings, Outlaws, and Cowboys-dedicated to men's mental health And on social media at: https://www.instagram.com/beardedvikingmeadco/,  https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100083611050695 https://www.tiktok.com/@beardedvikingmead https://www.youtube.com/@beardedviking1586            

Doug Lane is the youngest of three children in a Navy family.  His first musical memory was at age three. Doug always loved music with six years in piano, and picking up the saxophone in middle school. Doug's dad was a naval aviator, finishing his career in Kingsville, Texas.  His father was the source of much childhood trauma. Doug grew up among ranchers, naval pilots, Mexicans, and college students.  He was exposed to many different cultures and ideas. Doug was seven years old when his dad retired.  Doug had no intention of following in his father's footsteps.   The recruiter turned out to be very convincing, appealing to Doug's love of music. Doug joined the Army as a saxophonist, and picked up the guitar later on. Doug's primary mission was that of a musician, but his first role was always a soldier. Military bands perform at ceremonial functions, parades, PR, diplomatic functions, and funerals. Music brings tradition to the military. Two to three months after Operation Iraqi Freedom ensued, Doug and fellow soldiers relieved the 3rd infantry division. Doug was fortunate in that he saw little of the violence that other solderis endured.  There were adjustments to the daily rocket attacks.  He counts himself lucky that no one in his unit was seriously injured. Doug's issues in Iraq centered around poor leadership and medical care. He feels the Iraqi workers get painted with a broad stroke.  Doug found most of them amazing; and he is grateful to their wives who provided the soldiers with food during lean times. Doug is proud to have offered relief to soldiers as he played for them in Iraq. Doug found his faith in Iraq.  Raised Catholic, Doug was not a believer. Studying the Bible forced him to find answers to questions.  Doug experienced the concept of grace when he realized he could never be good enough. Doug FOUND REST IN GOD!. Doug's wife was a soldier as well.  They deployed together.  Fifteen months of the their first two years was spent living in separate tents.  The strain on marriages in these circumstances is astounding, but they managed to weather the storm. Doug was in the army for four years.  Tired of the army BS, he did not re-enlist.  Looking back, Doug can see how his bad attitude and immaturity contributed to his dissatisfaction. Doug is the front man for his band, The Real Doug Lane Band.  Accused of being a country band, he maintains they also play blues and classic rock.  Pink Floyd and Billy Joel are heavy influences, along with Guy Cook and Robert Earl Keen. Doug has released two albums, 1 EP, and a few singles.  He aims to share his stories through the songs. Doug has dealt with suicidal thoughts his entire life, stemming from childhood trauma. Doug came close to suicide a few years back. The pressure of life was too much.  Their was no way out.  He has found relief in ketamine treatments. Following the ketamine treatments, it was the first time the voices in his head went quiet. Doug has been a pastor for 20 years.  His advice to anyone struggling with mental illness, "God is NOT angry at you because of your depression. The Real Doug Lane on Youtube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnnUnyQ3eW01dCyrulMhp6g https://www.facebook.com/TheRealDougLane https://www.instagram.com/therealdouglane/ You can find where his band is playing by visiting the following website: https://www.bandsintown.com/  Simply input, The Real Doug Lane    

Janet Henscheid grew up on a dairy farm in Idaho.  Her father was a WW2 veteran and wanted his family to live in peaceful surrounding. Janet moved to Idaho to go to school.  She and her husband, Don, have lived in Utah, Wyoming, and Arizona. Janet and Don are patriotic.  They raised their five kids to be patriotic. Like many others, September 11, 2001 transformed their family dynamic for years.  Their son, Cody, was 15 and their younger son, Landon, was only 12. Cody was only 17 in 2003 when Janet and Don agreed to sign him up to become a soldier.  Cody went to basic training at Fort Knox, Kentucky the summer between his junior and senior year in high school.   Their younger son, Landon, followed suit, attending basic training between his junior and senior year. Both boys came back from basic training changed.  They were now responsible adults. Cody was assigned to a transportation unit.  He served 18 months in Iraq.  Cody suffered brain damage when the semi he was in was hit by an IED.  He was awarded the bronze star. Janet had no idea about PTSD when Cody came home for R&R.  He was changed, quiet, and reclusive.  Cody's injuries are unseen.  It took 10 years to get him discharged from service. Cody has endured addiction and divorce.  Through healing, he now finds support in his wife and solace in fishing. Landon was in civil affairs.  He spent his time speaking with village elders while on his first deployment in Afghanistan.  Landon was assigned as a combat medic for his second deployment.  Six months into this deployment, life took a drastic turn for him. Janet recalls feeling uneasy about this deployment.  She was nervous. On June 16,  Landon was injured and medevacked out.  On June 21, Janet was finally able to speak to her son.  He was having a lot of back pain, something Landon attributed to the heavy equipment he carried, but it got to the point where he was physically unable to walk. Landon underwent surgery to decompress his spine.  Tumors were on his spine and around a rib.  He was immediately sent to the United States and Walter Reed hospital. Landon was diagnosed with a rare form of bone cancer (Ewing Sarcoma) ; a cancer most often found in pediatric patients.  Landon was 23. Landon's first thought was to knock out the cancer and get back to his guys in Afghanistan.  Doctors told him this was not possible; chemotherapy lasted one year and radiation 3-4 months.  Landon was devastated. Landon spent 14 months at Walter Reed hospital fighting the cancer.  He had no feeling from the chest down. Landon thought he had beat cancer.  He was moved to a spinal rehab facility.  Several weeks later, the cancer came back like a ferocious beast.  Landon was in severe pain. He decided to do chemotherapy again, but first there was a surgery to remove as much cancer as possible. Radiation on his esophagus made it difficult to swallow.  Between the bone, nerve, and esophagus pain; plus the PTSD, Landon felt very vulnerable. A new scan was done after the second line of chemotherapy.  The news was devastating, the tumor had grown. Landon's last procedure was on his esophagus.  He desperately wanted to eat.   Landon went into cardiac arrest.  He was surrounded by doctors.  Landon went into a coma. He was put on a ventilator.  Landon was taken off a ventilator for a short period.  Janet could see the pain in his eyes and requested that the ventilator be reapplied.   Following a command by Landon's first sargeant to "Stand Down Soldier," he passed away on December 7, 2013. Janet became a gold star mother.  Her desire was to help other families enduring the same heartache.   Janet works in Survivor Outreach through the Utah National Guard.              

Alec Lace is the host of the popular podcast, First Class Fatherhood.  Alec has spoken with first class athletes, celebrities, military, politicians, reality tv stars, and more.  Notable guests include:  Deion Sanders, Tom Brady, Matthew McConaughey, Steve Harvey, Jocko Willink, Marcus Luttrell, and Ron DeSantis. Alec is a strong proponent of fatherhood.  He recognizes the plight of America due to the lack of fathers in the home.  The importance of fathers is downplayed, and America is paying the price.  Crime and immorality are symptoms of the problem. Alec is honest with his troublesome past, including his addiction to alcolhol for serveral years. Alec's goal with the First Class Fatherhood podcast is to bring the value of fathers back to the forefront of America.   https://www.instagram.com/firstclassfatherhood/ https://www.facebook.com/FirstClassFatherhood  

John Ferguson had the idyllic childhood in his small Kansas hometown.  That all ended when his mother remarried.  John suffered physical and mental torture by the hands of his stepfather for years. He found solace at a local church, attending sessions throughout the week as a place of refuge. John was eventually removed from the home by his father, but the abuse left an indelible mark on him. John joined the marines right after high school graduation.  This was followed by service in the army. When John's enlistment was filled, he began a career as a deep sea diver on oil rigs.  He spent his time in water so dark and full of sediment, vision was nil.  John had a literal rope lifeline.  Losing grip of the rope could mean death.  He learned to "see" with his hands, manuevering around underwater in the deep recesses.  John became skilled with unmanned and manned submersibles.  John is a pioneer with drones. He is the owner of Saxon Unmanned. He manufactures drones, specific to the customer's needs.  They cost tens of dollars. John uses this technology to fight human trafficking on the southern border. He is willing to risk his life to save another. John is vocal with his beliefs on the evil and corruptness that happen within the American govenment. He is candid about his fears of China, and pulls no punches. Whether you buy everything John says, his story is fascinating.  He has been on the verge of death throughout his life several times, but will not quit.  John Ferguson loves America.  He repeats a phrase said to him in the military,"When things are screwed up, look in the mirror." So, look in the mirror and get involved. You can be a part of the problem or part of the solution. You can donate to John's fight at the border by visiting https://sujtc.com/