On this episode of the American Valor Podcast, we were joined by veteran and former U.S. Army Sergeant Richard Schmidt III. Born and raised in Patten, Maine, Richard joined the Maine Army National Guard following graduation from high school, and deployed to Iraq in 2004 during Operation Iraqi Freedom. In this interview, Richard describes his motivations for joining the National Guard, his experiences while deployed to Iraq, and how he is helping the Foundation’s Vice President and Education Chair Steve Curtis and fellow veterans through the Run 4 Life event in Patten on Saturday, September 18 for veteran suicide awareness.Support the show (https://customcoinholders.com/product/walk-of-heroes/)

American Valor Podcast

Richard H. Schmidt III on Commitment to Country and Fellow Veterans

On this episode of the American Valor Podcast, we were joined by Ken Falke, the founder and chairman of the Boulder Crest Foundation and the author of “Struggle Well: Thriving in the Aftermath of Trauma.”After serving 21 years as a Master Chief Petty Officer in the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) community within the U.S. Navy, Ken founded Boulder Crest, a nonprofit organization that aims to heal, train, and support veterans, first responders and their families struggling with the aftermath of war and traumatic events. In this episode, Ken describes what it means to “struggle well” and how Boulder Crest uses the “Posttraumatic Growth” method to heal our nation’s warfighters and first responders.Support the show (https://customcoinholders.com/product/walk-of-heroes/)

Master Chief Ken Falke (U.S. Navy Retired) on the Power of Healing and “Struggling Well”

This week we bring to you another great episode of the American Valor Podcast featuring Retired Rear Admiral Sonny Masso. He brings to us some incredible stories of heroism and valor from a variety of individuals he’s honored during his 32 year career in the Navy and as director of the Naval Historical Foundation. A San Clemente, California native, RADM Masso also shares with us great stories and conversation about growing up watching and covering baseball legends with the Dodgers and Angels as a writer and baseball fan. The podcast team got Sonny’s insight on the state and future of baseball as well, so this is a must listen for baseball and Navy connoisseurs alike.Support the show (https://customcoinholders.com/product/walk-of-heroes/)

Naval History and Baseball with Rear Admiral Sonny Masso (U.S. Navy Retired)

Support the show (https://customcoinholders.com/product/walk-of-heroes/)

Jim Brady on the State of Journalism

We have yet another great episode of the American Valor Podcast featuring retired Rear Admiral and Commanding Officer of the USS Louisville Michael Jabaley. During a 34-year career in the Navy aboard submarines, he learned what it meant to make uncommon valor a common virtue. Admiral Jabaley shares a lot of great stories about his relationships with Louisville Slugger, Tommy Lasorda, Yogi Berra, and other baseball legends. This is a very fun listen, as he also shares the story of how the Bob Feller Act of Valor Award was started.Support the show (https://customcoinholders.com/product/walk-of-heroes/)

History of the Act of Valor Award with Rear Admiral Michael Jabaley (U.S. Navy Retired)

On this episode of the American Valor Podcast, we were joined by Luke Epplin, the author of Our Team: The Epic Story of Four Men and the World Series That Changed Baseball. Born and raised in rural Illinois, Luke took a liking to writing in high school. Upon graduation from Washington University in St. Louis, Luke moved to New York City to work in book publishing. On the side, Luke has written articles for magazines and newspapers such as the New Yorker and the Daily Beast. In this episode, Luke discusses his inspiration for writing Our Team and how each of the four main characters in his book (Bob Feller, Satchel Paige, Larry Doby, and Bill Veeck) played a key part in forever changing the landscape of America’s national pastime.Support the show (https://customcoinholders.com/product/walk-of-heroes/)

Luke Epplin: Storyteller and Publisher

On this episode of the American Valor podcast, we were joined by Jon Hancock, a Marine veteran and documentary filmmaker as well as the co-founder and president of the Bastards’ Road Project. Jon Hancock was born in Honolulu but moved all over the world until he ended up moving to Maryland for good. Early on in his life, Jon Hancock realized that he wanted to be a Marine. He worked with a team called the Magnificent Bastards and later moved on to work counterintelligence operations. Following his time as a Marine, he came home and attended the University of Maryland. He later took on mountain biking and made the decision to walk across the country to meet with fellow members of his unit along with gold star families; he took off on this journey on September 11th in 2015. This journey led Mr. Jon Hancock to make a documentary called Bastards Road which is all about his journey and how he learned about himself while on this journey. In this episode, he talks about his journey and some of the hardships that he faced while on his walk across the country.Support the show (https://customcoinholders.com/product/walk-of-heroes/)

Jon Hancock: Marine veteran and Documentarian

On this episode of the American Valor Podcast, we were joined by Mr. Grant McCracken, an award-winning cultural anthropologist and author of his new book, The New Honor Code: A Simple Plan For Raising Our Standards and Restoring Our Good Names.Mr. McCracken has been studying American Culture for the last 25 years. In this interview, we talk about why the military is one of the few remaining best examples of positive honor culture in America, why we struggle to make honor a part of our everyday life and culture and he gives us a rundown of his 10 virtues of honor.Support the show (https://customcoinholders.com/product/walk-of-heroes/)

Grant McCracken: The Importance of Honor in Society

Jim Leeke was born and grew up in the Midwest. He studied journalism at Ohio State University after serving in the U.S. Navy. Jim then began his writing career in daily newspapers as a reporter, columnist and sportswriter. He later worked in communications with technology clients across North America and worldwide. An award-winning author of numerous books, Jim lives in Columbus, OhioA former journalist, creative director, and copywriter, Jim Leeke is the author of several books on WWI-era baseball. He has contributed to various SABR publications, and also writes about other areas of American history. Hosts: Galen Odell and Leo MenchettiBob Feller Act of Valor Award FoundationSupport the show (https://customcoinholders.com/product/walk-of-heroes/)Support the show (https://customcoinholders.com/product/walk-of-heroes/)

Jim Leeke: Navy Veteran and Storyteller

Stammen grew up and still resides in North Star, Ohio a village about 11 miles (18 km) northwest of Versailles. Drafted by the Washington Nationals in the 12th Round of the 2005 MLB June Amateur Draft from University of Dayton.In 2012, Stammen took his first trip to Afghanistan to visit military personnel. Stammen&apos;s work with the United States Military is partially due to some of his college friends joining the Army and Marines. His support of the military has continued throughout his Major League Baseball career. In recognition of all his efforts to the military, he was the Major League Baseball recipient of the Bob Feller Act of Valor Award, in 2020.Hosts: Tyler Buchholz and Colin KirkBaseball for AllBob Feller Act of Valor Award FoundationSupport the show (https://customcoinholders.com/product/walk-of-heroes/)Support the show (https://customcoinholders.com/product/walk-of-heroes/)

Baseball and the Community with Craig Stammen

Ms. Justine Siegal, the founder of Baseball for all, speaks about creating a role for women and girls in baseball. She shares her experiences with individuals such as Mike Veeck, Joe Maddon, and Billy Beane.“When she was 13, Justine’s coach told her that girls were only supposed to play softball—not baseball. At that moment, she vowed she’d never quit. At 16, despite being ridiculed, laughed at, and told no man would ever listen to a woman on the baseball field, she worked toward her goal of becoming a college baseball coach.To give her an edge in an otherwise male-dominated profession, Justine earned her PhD in Sports Psychology while working as an Assistant Baseball Coach for Springfield College. She went on to be the first woman to coach for a professional men’s baseball team (Brockton Rox, 2009), the first woman to throw batting practice to a Major League Baseball team during Spring Training (Cleveland Indians, 2011)—and the first woman to ever coach for a MLB organization (Oakland Athletics, 2015). Since then, her jersey has been hung in the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, and she has gone on to work with baseball teams around the world, including Team Israel at the MLB World Baseball Classic Qualifier, and teams in Japan and Mexico as a guest coach.Now, Justine is giving back to the next generation with Baseball For All, a nonprofit she founded to provide opportunities for girls to play, coach, and lead in baseball. “Too many girls are still told they can’t play baseball. I want girls to know they can follow their passions and that they have no limits—that their dreams matter” (Baseballforall.com).Hosts: Tyler Buchholz and Colin KirkBaseball for AllBob Feller Act of Valor Award FoundationSupport the show (https://customcoinholders.com/product/walk-of-heroes/)

Ms. Justine Siegal on Women and Girls in Baseball

Mr. Eric Kettani served in the Navy for two years after graduating from the US Naval Academy before embarking on a career as a football player in the NFL and fulfilling his service commitment in the Navy Reserves. Kettani shares stories of serving in the Navy and playing football at the professional level for coaches such as Bill Belichick of the New England Patriots. “Lieutenant Eric Kettani (born March 26, 1987) was an American football fullback who played five seasons in the National Football League. He played college football at the United States Naval Academy and graduated with a Bachelor of Science specialized in Economics.Kettani attended the United States Naval Academy and graduated in 2009. He played for the Navy Midshipmen football team from 2006-09. In his last three seasons with the Midshipmen, Kettani rushed 395 times for 2,091 yards, a 5.3-yards-per-carry average, and scored 15 rushing touchdowns. He was named the MVP for the first win against Notre Dame in 43 years and never lost to Army or Air Force” (EricKettani.com).Hosts: Tyler Buchholz and Colin KirkEric Kettani’s WebsiteEric Kettani USNA BiographyPAINTRUBob Feller Act of Valor Award FoundationSupport the show (https://customcoinholders.com/product/walk-of-heroes/)

NFL Player and Artist Lt Eric Kettani, USN (Ret.)

“Jim Morris is no stranger to big dreams. Since he was five years old, he passionately yearned to play baseball in the major leagues. However, despite all his hard work and determination, a series of unfortunate events and injuries scuttled his career before he was twenty-five. Doctors told him he would never play again.Then at age thirty-five—after a string of highly implausible events and at an age when most players are retiring—Morris found himself on the mound as a relief pitcher for the Tampa Bay Devil Rays. His return to the game was so incredible that Disney made his story into a heartwarming film—The Rookie—with a stellar performance by Dennis Quaid. It was released to popular acclaim and was a huge box office success. It won the ESPY for Best Sports Movie in 2002 and the CAMIE award for Character and Morality in Entertainment.Morris is the author of two books, with his most recent release entitled Dream Makers. It picks up where The Rookie left off. This compelling memoir explores the untapped territory of Morris’s life, including his contentious relationship with his father, his incessant and grueling struggle with pain and addiction, the mentorship with his wise and loving grandfather who kept him grounded, and the resolve and faith that drove him to overcome every tribulation. Dream Makers explores the transformative power of surrounding yourself with the best, most accomplished people possible—inspiring you to overcome life’s obstacles and achieve your dreams.Morris is a seasoned motivational speaker, traveling the world since 2001. He has participated in such prestigious events as The Million Dollar Round Table, twice. He received a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2008, by the Bobby Bragan Foundation. Morris also started a Foundation in his name helping inner city children find hope and inspiration through sports” (Jimtherookiemorris.com).Hosts: Tyler Buchholz and Colin KirkThe Rookie: The Incredible True Story of a Man Who Never Gave Up on His Dream by Jim MorrisDream Makers: Surround Yourself with the Best to Be Your Best by Jim Morris and Mark StuertzJim Morris baseball statisticsBob Feller Act of Valor Award FoundationSupport the show (https://customcoinholders.com/product/walk-of-heroes/)

Dreaming Big and Surrounding Yourself with the Best to Be Your Best with Jim “The Rookie” Morris

Ed Dooling shares stories of the USS Iowa turret explosion tragedy and his thoughts on service within the military and business communities.Hosts: Peter Fertig and Galen OdellVanguard Healthcare StaffingBob Feller Act of Valor Award FoundationSupport the show (https://customcoinholders.com/product/walk-of-heroes/)

CEO of Vanguard Healthcare Staffing Lt Ed Dooling, USN (Ret).

Thoughts on writing, philosophy, leadership, heroism, and valor.“LTC (Ret) JC Glick is a leadership consultant who advises at the strategic, operational, team and individual levels. He has a strong background in leadership development, executive personnel assessment and selection, strategy, coaching, counseling, and developing innovative solutions to complex problems.JC served in the U.S. Army as an infantry officer for 20 years, primarily in special operations and special missions units with more than 11 combat tours. Since retiring from the military, JC has brought his innovative and unconventional thoughts on education, leadership and resiliency into the private sector, consulting with Fortune 500 companies, the NFL and professional sports teams including the Denver Broncos and the Carolina Panthers.JC recently wrote and published the thought-provoking, groundbreaking book titled "A Light in the Darkness: Leadership Development for the Unknown," which has been implemented by major corporations including the NFL and Microsoft and endorsed by leaders in the field of education, business and the military.JC is considered a thought leader in adaptive and proactive programs of instruction centered on the development of leadership behaviors and values suited to dynamic environments and situations of ambiguity and adversity. JC recently developed the "Prodromos Developmental Model," a capacity-building system designed to develop people and leaders for the future, which is outlined in his book. His methods have been featured in Forbes Magazine and the Huffington Post and his work has been referenced in Forbes, Inc. and Entrepreneur.He holds a Masters Degree from the Naval War College and was a Senior Fellow in the Service Chief’s Fellowship at the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA).He has earned 3 Bronze Stars, 3 Meritorious Service Medals, a Joint Commendation Medal, and the Order of Saint Maurice. He is a Liberty Fellow, a part of The Aspen Institute and the Aspen Global Leadership Network” (LinkedIn).Hosts: Tyler Buchholz and Colin KirkMerging Vets & Players (MVP)A Light in the Darkness: Leadership Development for the Unknown by JC Glick and Sarah Ngu with forward by General Stanley McChrystalMeditations of an Army Ranger: A Warrior Philosophy for Everyone by JC Glick, Dr. Alice Atalanta with forward by Mark Divine “Reorienting Leadership to Be Effective” Ted TalkJC Glick: A Warrior’s WisdomBob Feller Act of Valor Award FoundationSupport the show (https://customcoinholders.com/product/walk-of-heroes/)

Philosophy, Leadership, and Small Acts of Valor with LTC JC Glick, USA (Ret.)

Through the unique intersection of Major League Baseball, the United States Navy and Marine Corps, we recognize and honor those who support our service men and women with the Bob Feller Act of Valor Award. By using the Bob Feller story, we educate the youth of today on the lessons of citizenship, service to one’s country, and personal sacrifice in times of great need. Teaching the legacy of the greatest generation to the next generation will help instill in them the virtues of service to others. The American Valor Podcast interviews Americans exhibiting valor in their lives to inspire others to do the same. http://www.actofvaloraward.org

hubhopper

American Valor Podcast

hubhopper