S.O.S. (Stories of Service) - Ordinary people who do extraordinary work

Let us know what you think of the show and what we can do better! A life's trajectory derailed by a single night, a textbook case of injustice unfolding at one of America's most prestigious military academies. This urgent special episode of Stories of Service brings to light the troubling case of Joseph Fernau, a wrestler and former Air Force Academy cadet fighting to save his military c...

Let us know what you think of the show and what we can do better! A decorated Navy corpsman's career derails when military justice turns against him. Eric Gilmette served 21 honorable years, deploying as a medic with Marine infantry and special operations forces, only to find himself embroiled in a four-year legal nightmare stemming from a New Year's Eve incident in Iraq. After an alterc...

Let us know what you think of the show and what we can do better! The most meaningful connections in military service often come from those who guide us through our most challenging moments. Ron Dean represents this kind of transformative mentorship—a Vietnam-era Navy veteran whose expertise in aircraft electrical systems made him legendary among maintainers across four decades of service. Born to...

Let us know what you think of the show and what we can do better! What happens when a sailor takes his leadership philosophy beyond the quarterdeck and into the podcast studio? Command Master Chief Damo McCullough's story illuminates how authentic conversations can transform military culture. From his Philadelphia roots to becoming a respected Navy leader, Damo shares the unfiltered journey t...

Let us know what you think of the show and what we can do better! What happens when a decorated Army officer discovers her family is being poisoned by contaminated water on a military base – and then faces retaliation for speaking out? Major Mandy Feindt takes us inside one of the largest toxic exposure cases in U.S. military history, revealing how the Red Hill fuel facility in Hawaii contaminated...

Let us know what you think of the show and what we can do better! When you're a young service member preparing for your first PCS, finding honest information about where you'll live and eat can be nearly impossible. Military barracks and dining facilities remain one of the most significant blind spots in our support system for junior enlisted personnel. Rob Evans, an Army veteran and sof...

Let us know what you think of the show and what we can do better! What happens when you refuse to let the world put you in a box? Marine Corps officer Riley Compton reveals the extraordinary journey that unfolded when she decided to pursue every passion without limitation. Riley's story begins in the Midwest, where she never saw women serving in the military while growing up. After earning a...

Let us know what you think of the show and what we can do better! Military psychiatrist Dr. Robert Moretta exposes the hidden flaws in our armed forces’ mental healthcare system—where administrative convenience often trumps genuine healing. From the overuse of adjustment and personality disorder diagnoses to avoid benefits, to a culture that discourages sailors from seeking help, Dr. Moretta revea...

Let us know what you think of the show and what we can do better! What happens when a warrior who's dedicated to never leaving anyone behind is forced to witness a fellow airman lost at sea? Aaron Love's journey from elite Air Force Pararescueman to outspoken veterans advocate reveals the profound cost of service and the power of principle-based leadership. In this raw, unfiltered conver...

Let us know what you think of the show and what we can do better! What happens when a system designed to protect our warriors becomes their greatest threat? In this powerful conversation, retired Air Force Colonel Doug James exposes the devastating impact of false allegations in military justice—a crisis he knows firsthand. As the former President of Save Our Heroes, Colonel James witnessed hundre...

Let us know what you think of the show and what we can do better! In this powerful episode, Frank Sunius takes us on a remarkable journey—from a difficult childhood in Amsterdam to wrongful imprisonment in Australia, and ultimately, to his rebirth as an inspirational speaker and author. Born to a mother who survived Japanese concentration camps and a father who valued success over connection, Fran...

Let us know what you think of the show and what we can do better! The military justice system is failing our warriors through a perfect storm of bias, incompetence, and political pressure. In this eye-opening episode, Mike Konzachi—Army veteran, retired homicide detective, and private investigator—pulls back the curtain on how false allegations destroy military careers. After nearly three decades...

Let us know what you think of the show and what we can do better! In this powerful and eye-opening conversation, decorated veteran and military justice reform advocate Adam DeRito takes us through his remarkable journey from Air Force Academy cadet to the frontlines of a battle few civilians understand: the fight against military retaliation. Adam's story begins with his post-9/11 commitment...

Let us know what you think of the show and what we can do better! The remarkable journey from combat Infantry officer to veteran advocate unfolds as Troy Carrico shares his extraordinary path of service beyond the battlefield. A highly decorated, service-connected disabled Army veteran, Troy reveals how childhood dreams of becoming a fighter pilot evolved into a distinguished military career after...

Let us know what you think of the show and what we can do better! What happens when political pressure infiltrates military justice? Navy veteran Darin Lopez and retired Navy SEAL Keith Barry pull back the curtain on one of the most troubling chapters in modern military history - a period when false accusations could destroy careers without meaningful due process. Lopez, who held high-level intell...

Let us know what you think of the show and what we can do better! “It doesn’t matter, you can’t sue anyway.” From Battlefield to Birth Trauma: Lauren Palladini’s Fight for Justice in Military Medicine This week’s guest, Lauren Palladini, is a former paratrooper with the 82nd Airborne Division whose life took a harrowing turn—not on the battlefield, but in a military hospital. At just 22 years old,...

Let us know what you think of the show and what we can do better! In this powerful episode of Stories of Service, host Theresa Carpenter sits down with Dr. Michael Hackney—Army veteran, business leader, coach, and author—to explore the dynamic intersections of military service, organizational leadership, and personal reinvention. Dr. Hackney shares his journey from commanding infantry units in Ger...

Let us know what you think of the show and what we can do better! In this episode, Stories of Service host Theresa Carpenter talks with Navy SEAL veteran Bill Brown and his attorney Chris D’Alessandro about Bill’s firing from McCarter & English. What began with a LinkedIn post reveals a deeper story of alleged discrimination and retaliation tied to Bill’s military service and beliefs. Chris br...

Let us know what you think of the show and what we can do better! The U.S. military justice system was designed to uphold discipline and integrity—but what happens when it becomes a tool for political agendas instead of truth? In this powerful and eye-opening episode, former Navy Commander Arvis Owens shares his harrowing experience of being falsely accused of sexual assault. What unfolds is a dis...

Let us know what you think of the show and what we can do better! In this powerful episode, we sit down with Ricki Laahs, a United States Marine Corps veteran whose career journey spans from military network administration to critical care nursing—and whose personal story raises urgent questions about civil liberties and government overreach. Ricki began her service as a 0651, specializing in netw...

Let us know what you think of the show and what we can do better! In this powerful episode, we sit down with Paul Pearson, a seasoned IT professional and mission-driven leader whose journey took a life-altering turn after he unintentionally blew the whistle while contracting for the Department of Defense. What followed was a deep dive into ethical leadership, digital justice, and community empower...

Let us know what you think of the show and what we can do better! Back by popular demand, Neil Jurd OBE returns to Stories of Service to explore leadership, service, and the changing needs of those who lead—both in and out of uniform. A former British Army officer and Sandhurst instructor, Neil is the founder of Leader Connect and author of The Leadership Book , aiming to make leadership accessibl...

Let us know what you think of the show and what we can do better! In today’s episode, we sit down with Chris Greco — a dedicated father, husband, and executive performance coach whose journey is as inspiring as it is instructive. Known for his unwavering faith, grit, and perseverance, Chris brings a boundless energy and a core-values approach that has helped transform both people and organizations...

Let us know what you think of the show and what we can do better! In this in-person episode of Stories of Service , Theresa Carpenter speaks with Christopher Lamy—veteran, dog trainer, and her SkillBridge provider—about his journey from Air Force K-9 handler to community advocate. Growing up as the oldest of seven, Chris developed leadership skills and a bond with animals early on. After 10 years...

Let us know what you think of the show and what we can do better! Can a Navy SEAL serve in our toughest military roles, launch multiple companies, speak hard truths, and still have the heart to lead a movement in wellness? Rob Sweetman is living proof. In this episode, I sit down with Rob — a former Navy SEAL turned sleep scientist and founder of 62Romeo and Sleep Genius — who’s on a mission to ra...