Sally Roberts had a rough start in life.  So much so that a judge finally told her she had a choice between finding a productive after school activity and being sent to juvenile hall.  After trying (and failing) at several team sports she finally tried wrestling – and it changed the trajectory of her life. Sally Roberts With hard work and grit Sally became a world class athlete.  She was US National Champion, a two time world bronze medalist and secured a spot as alternate on the US Olympic team.  Being an alternate was not enough for Sally [...]

The Right Reverend Derek Jones is the Bishop of the Armed Forces and Chaplaincy for the Anglican Church of North America.  Bishop Derek Jones As Bishop of the Armed Forces it is Derek’s responsibility to train, educate and credential the Anglican Chaplains serving in the US Armed Forces, Veteran’s Administration, Department of Justice and other Federal and State agencies. Prior to becoming a Bishop he was an Air Force Top Gun pilot and saw combat in both F-111 and F-16 aircraft. The F-111 Aardvark was the first variable sweep wing fighter aircraft developed.  It did not really fulfill [...]

“Rampage: McArthur, Yamashita, and the Battle of Manila” is James M. Scott’s fourth military history book and has been named a Best Book of 2018 by Amazon.  James is one of my favorite authors because his research is meticulous. Manila has been the scene of 12 battles, the first occurring in the year 1258.  The World War II battle began February 3rd and pitted two military leaders of great reputation.  For General Douglas McArthur, it was the fulfillment of his famous promise “I shall return”.  For Japanese General Tomoyuki Yamashita it was a return to front line combat after handing [...]

Kevin Briggs spent most of his 23 year career as a California Highway Patrol officer patrolling the Golden Gate Bridge and surrounding areas.  The Golden Gate Bridge is one of the world’s most “popular” locations for persons committing suicide and during his career Kevin talked several hundred persons out of making that irreversible mistake. He is the author of the book “Guardian of the Golden Gate Bridge; Protecting the Line Between Hope and Despair”. Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the US.  Help is available! Call 1-800 273-TALK. Talking was one of the most powerful tools in [...]

British born actor Matthew Marsden has 38 films/television series to his credit and has played military characters many times. But it was an encounter with an Army Ranger during the filming of “Blackhawk Down” that inspired his commitment to supporting those who serve. Matthew Marsden Matthew asked the Ranger why he joined to which the young Ranger responded “For Freedom.”  Matthew then asked “You’d die for me wouldn’t you?” To which the Ranger responded “Yes sir”.   This experience inspired Matthew to really delve into the history and philosophies of the United States and what he shared on American [...]

Koh Tang Island may have been Alex Wright’s ONLY combat time in the cockpit, but it was sufficient to leave a lasting impression. Also known as the “Mayaguez Incident”, the battle was the last “official” action of the war in Indochina. The names of the personnel who lost their lives are engraved on the last panel of the Vietnam War Memorial. BBG w/ Alex Wright On May 12, 1975 Cambodian Khmer Rouge forces boarded the US merchant ship Mayaguez and took the crew hostage. The battle took place in the shadow of the recent departure of US forces [...]