Operation Insight

Sergeant Helyn Kevrick

Join us on Operation Insight as we host Sergeant Helyn Kevrick, otherwise known as "Sarge"!
 
Towards the end of World War I, Opha May Johnson enlisted to become the first female Marine in 1918. Then, in 1943, with World War II raging on, the Marine Corps Women's Reserve was established, and by war's end, over 23,000 female Marines had served their country. In 1948, women were finally given the right to serve in active duty status, whether a war was on or not. And in 1955, two women attended the Marine Corps Drill Instructor School for the very first time! Helen, or "Helyn" as she prefers it, was part of that pioneering duo. And "Sarge" is still just as gung-ho now as she was then. Her love for The Corps and Semper Fi has remained steadfast and true.
 
When considering the military, Helyn's first inspiration was her Uncle Bud, who served in the Coast Guard and took Helyn under his wing during her tumultuous childhood. Soon, inspiration turned into determination! Helyn didn't let a recruiting poster seeking "A Few Good Men" deter her from joining the Marines. Soon, she found herself on Parris Island being barked at by someone she didn't expect, a female Marine Drill Instructor. Within two years, Helyn wouldn't be on the receiving end of commands; she'd be giving them as "Sarge"!
 
www.usmcu.edu/Research/Marine-Corps-History-Division/People/Women-in-the-Marine-Corps/
 
(00:00) Disclaimer
(01:21) Introduction
(43:26) Closing

Independence Day 2025

Join us on Operation Insight as we host World War II veterans and brothers, Chief Petty Officers Second Class Dan and Edgar Krattli!
 
When our founding fathers signed and ratified the Declaration of Independence on July 4th, 1776, they made a bold stance against tyranny and oppression. They asserted, "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness." As we celebrate our Independence Day on Friday, July 4th, 2025, we should recognize the sacrifices made by previous generations that have allowed us to keep those "unalienable Rights." One such generation is aptly named "The Greatest Generation," and PO2s Dan and Edgar Krattli are amongst its ranks. Along with their brother Bob, they answered the call when the world was at war a second time. They were willing to risk their lives and join the global effort against the Axis Powers because it was the right thing to do. According to the National WWII Museum, over sixteen million Americans served during World War II, but only one percent of that population remains with us today. It is truly an honor to share the story of the Krattli brothers and add their voices to the annals of history!
 
(00:00) Disclaimer
(01:20) Introduction
(45:54) Closing

Sergeant First Class Johnathon McDaris

Join us on Operation Insight as we host Sergeant First Class Johnathon McDaris!
 
Destiny is a big concept, and Johnathon McDaris thought he had it figured out. Spoiler alert: he didn't! And how could he? No one could have predicted the highs and lows SFC McDaris would experience from joining the National Guard in 1999 to medically retiring in 2015; from learning of the 9/11 attacks while in Basic Training to being televised while raiding the compound of Saddam Hussein's monstrous sons. But there was one person in SFC McDaris' life who had enough insight to know the soldier's life wasn't going to be easy, but it would certainly be worth it. That person was 1SG Ted McDaris, Johnathon's Purple Heart-recipient father. Looking back now, Johnathon can see a divine hand guiding many of his actions and the circumstances in which he found himself. Throughout it all, much like his father and grandfather did before him, Johnathon served with dedication, resilience, and a strong sense of self. As Johnathon says, "That's what McDaris men do."
 
(00:00) Disclaimer
(01:24) Part I
(43:24) Part II
 
"What It Felt Like", written by SFC Johnathon McDaris (Ret.)
In 2006, I was blown up by an IED. It was made of five 155mm artillery shells—something most people won’t have a frame of reference for. So when I try to explain what it felt like, I have to reach for comparisons that still fall short.
Imagine a car crash happening in less than a blink—no brakes, no warning, just impact. But instead of metal crunching metal, the air itself turns solid and hits you all at once. You don’t hear the explosion as much as you feel it, like your whole body got struck by a thunderclap. Your bones rattle. Your lungs forget how to breathe. And for a few seconds, the world becomes a vacuum of noise and light.
It’s not just the blast, either. The heat scorches. The shrapnel doesn’t care what it hits—it’s just spinning death. Every tiny piece of gravel, every bolt, every splinter of metal in the vicinity becomes a bullet. It’s like standing in the middle of a tornado made of knives.
Then comes the silence. Not peace—silence. Your ears ring like someone struck a tuning fork inside your skull. Your brain struggles to keep up. You might not feel pain right away. You might not even realize what just happened. But something deep inside you knows that your life just changed.
I carry that day with me, not just in scars or surgeries, but in the way I see the world. And while I wouldn’t wish it on anyone, I do wish people could understand that when a blast like that goes off, it doesn’t just destroy what's around it. It reaches into you and leaves fingerprints on the parts of your life that people can’t see.

Chief Petty Officer KJ Park

Join us on Operation Insight as we host Chief Petty Officer Kara Jo "KJ" Park!
 
As a child, she watched as they patrolled the Mississippi River during St. Louis' VP Fair. As a young adult and fresh recruit, she sailed the seas and circumnavigated the globe on a cutter. While in the Coast Guard, KJ Park accomplished nautical feats even some Sailors can't fathom. Throughout KJ's service, she proved herself to be one helluva Puddle Pirate. In fact, she is one helluva resilient individual. From overcoming stubborn stereotypes to standing her ground in the last branch of service to fully integrate women, KJ persevered. Yet, despite her dedication to Semper Paratus, KJ was not protected when her life was in danger on U.S. soil. While enduring the hardships of an abusive relationship, KJ was misled, poorly advised, and ultimately had to navigate a broken system alone. However, KJ doesn't define her career by the setbacks and tribulations she experienced. No, she doesn't take the path of anger and regret. Instead, KJ bravely sets a course that encompasses both the good and the bad, the anguish and the awe-inspiring aspects of life as a Coastie.
 
(00:00) Disclaimer
(1:24) Part I
(44:23) Part II
 
If you or someone you love is suffering from domestic abuse or intimate partner violence, you are encouraged to visit the links below for help and resources!
https://www.militaryonesource.mil/relationships/prevent-violence-abuse/domestic-abuse-help/
https://www.socialwork.va.gov/IPV/VETERANS_PARTNERS/WhatCanIDo/Index.asp
https://www.thehotline.org/here-for-you/

Captain Bill Reynolds

Join us on Operation Insight as we host Captain William "Bill" Reynolds!
 
For some folks born and raised in the southern half of the Land of Lincoln, life might seem a little slow. Not so for the adventure-seeking Bill Reynolds. No, life moved fast for Bill, and when the speed wasn't to his liking, he found a way to pull some Gs even when he wasn't supposed to! Captain Reynolds flew all types of aircraft, from the T-33 Shooting Star to the F-86 Sabre, and did so with panache. He had his fair share of close calls and enough "fifteen minutes of fame" to fill an entire book. In fact, he has authored two books: "Tiger 24" and "Inspirational Stories for You," both of which are available to our listeners at a discounted rate offered directly by Captain Reynolds himself (wreynolds12@bluetiehome.com). Beyond his piloting days, Bill served his community as an educator, and an excellent one at that! If it wasn't for him, many high schools in the St. Louis Metro East may not have as strong a Junior ROTC program as they do now. Mr. Reynolds has lived a life of adventure, but most importantly, he has lived a life dedicated to his family, his students, and his country. Even today, he continues to inspire those he meets!
 
(00:00) Disclaimer
(01:25) Part I
(43:07) Part II

Memorial Day 2025

Join us on Operation Insight as we host Gold Star Mother Lee Hundelt, whose son, LCpl Matthew Clark, was killed in action while on deployment to Iraq in 2006.
Monday, May 26th, marks this year's Memorial Day. While many may enjoy their three-day weekend by hosting parties and barbeques, there is a contingent of Americans who do not “celebrate” this holiday. Instead, they commemorate their lost loved ones and honor their sacrifices. This Memorial Day, we remember one such hero: LCpl Matthew Clark. Gold Star Mother Lee Hundelt shares the story of her son, from memories of him as a boy to his time as a Marine and the conversations she has with him even still today. Memorial Day is dedicated to the brave souls who paid the ultimate sacrifice in service to their nation.
 
(00:00) Disclaimer
(01:24) Introduction
(30:58) Closing

Sergeant Jorge Valdez

Join us on Operation Insight as we host Sergeant Jorge Valdez!
From the Yucatan Peninsula to Fort "Lost in the Woods" to a remote camp in Kosovo, SGT Valdez never lost his appetite for adventure. Soon after graduating from high school, Jorge announced to his parents that he felt an urge to leave Mexico and pursue the American dream. He did that and so much more! Soon after immigrating to the United States, Jorge enlisted in the Missouri National Guard. He served as a Combat Engineer out of Jefferson Barracks until finding his true calling as an MP. SGT Valdez also spent a year stationed in Kosovo relieving a unit that was deployed as part of Operation Enduring Freedom. SGT Valdez enjoyed being a soldier but had conflicting feelings about his time as an officer candidate. He graduated from OCS but was not permitted to commission due to his age. Upon further reflection, Jorge thinks his wife may have been right about things happening for a reason. Perhaps unsurprisingly, not long after retiring from the National Guard, he began teaching at Fort Zumwalt West High. Jorge gifts his love of learning and zest for life to his students, who enjoy hearing about his adventures as an immigrant who found his American dream, selflessly served his country, and had a lot of fun along the way!
 
(00:00) Disclaimer
(01:21) Part I
(35:21) Museum Event Ad
(36:25) Part II

Staff Sergeant Chris Miller

Join us on Operation Insight as we host Staff Sergeant Chris Miller!
Soon after graduating from De Soto High School, just south of St. Louis, MO, Chris joined the Army Reserves in September 2000. There wasn't a war on, and Chris wasn't expecting much from his time in the service. That all changed merely a year later when America was attacked on 9/11. Chris soon found himself wrestling with a burning moral obligation to deploy and join the fight. Eventually, in 2007, Chris got his wish and deployed to Iraq with Bravo Company of the 321st Engineer Battalion in support of "Task Force Pathfinder". Much of SSG Miller's deployment to Ramadi, Iraq, was spent neutralizing IEDs as part of a route clearance team. That experience would forge his character and completely reshape his life. Chris now works for the Wounded Warrior Project at their St. Louis branch. He and his wife Stephanie live locally and have three daughters.
 
(00:00) Disclaimer
(1:20) Part I
(46:22) Museum Event Ad
(47:26) Part II

Operation Insight: New Name, Same Mission

Join your hosts Jason & Ethan as they launch the inaugural episode of Operation Insight alongside the Mid America Veterans Museum's Executive Director, Nina DeAngelo.
https://mavm.org/podcast/
(00:00) Disclaimer
(01:20) Introduction
(20:32) Closing
 
 

The Dog Tag: Over & Out

Join Jason one final time on The Dog Tag as he speaks with Nina DeAngelo, Executive Director of the Mid America Veterans Museum. Nina is an Army veteran and cares deeply about the museum's mission to preserve the stories of local veterans. Jason and Nina will discuss the future of the museum's in-house podcast and the museum itself!