Operation Insight

Corporal Tim Taylor - U.S. Army

Growing up in Ferguson, MO, Tim Taylor was completely oblivious to the geopolitical issues that our country was facing. That was until September 11, 2001. That day changed Tim's view on the world and led him to join the U.S. Army. Tim served with the 3rd Infantry Division as a cannon crew member from 2003-2006. On October 27 2005, Tim's vehicle was struck by an IED while providing convoy security for the Department of Justice in Bagdad, Iraq. The injuries sustained left him with a mostly amputated left hand , severe damage to his right hand and traumatic brain injury. Unable to continue service, Tim was medically retired from the military in 2006. Now, he is married to the same woman he began dating just four months before deploying with three beautiful children. His story is one of pain, endurance, resilience, drive, opportunity, love and patriotism.

Dominic Masters - United States Marine & Iraq War Veteran (Part 2)

CPL Dominic Masters, USMC combat veteran joins us once again in studio to share the second half of his incredible story. Dominic provides us with an in-depth picture of his struggle through addiction and journey through healing and recovery. 
You can listen to part 1 of Dominic's story on our march 28, 2023 episode of the Dog Tag Podcast.

Colonel Ted Hodgson - America’s Warrior Partnership

Join us on the Dog Tag Podcast as we host Colonel Ted Hodgson (Retired) who is now working with the America's Warrior Partnership which partners with communities to prevent veteran suicide.
Colonel Ted Hodgson served in the military for 34 years. His last assignment before retiring in 2012 was at CENTCOM. CENTCOM directs and enables military operations and activities with allies and partners to increase regional security and stability in support of enduring U.S. interests. He led several key initiatives at CENTCOM which includes creating a new supply chain into Afghanistan called the Northern Distribution Network and the New Silk Road initiative  which developed a comprehensive economic plan for Afghanistan.

Paul ”Bud” Haedike - WW2 B-17 Bombardier

Join us on the Dog Tag Podcast as we host our guest Paul "Bud" Haedike. Bud joined the Army Air Corps in 1944 and was a bombardier flying on a B-17 Flying Fortress. Bud had the distinction of being shot down on his very first mission. Fortunately, the crew crash landed and made it back to their base. They went on to fly 22 more missions.

Focus Marines

We are honored to host Jennifer Jefferson, Holly Klaesner and Todd from Focus Marines on tonights podcast. This amazing organization is tasked with helping our combat veterans deal with complex and emotional issues that took place before, during or after their military service. We lose over 22 veterans a day to suicide and Focus Marines is making a great impact in the lives of our veterans. For more information about Focus, visit https://focusmarines.org.
 

Stacey, A Journey Of Healing from Military Sexual Trauma

Join us on The Dog Tag podcast as our special guest, Stacey, shares her experiences while serving in the military as a female soldier and her journey of healing from military sexual trauma (MST).
VA uses the term “military sexual trauma” (MST) to refer to sexual assault or sexual harassment experienced during military service. MST includes any sexual activity during military service in which you are involved against your will or when unable to say no. Examples include:
Being pressured or coerced into sexual activities, such as with threats of negative treatment if you refuse to cooperate or with promises of better treatment
Sexual contact or activities without your consent, including when you were asleep or intoxicated
Being overpowered or physically forced to have sex
Being touched or grabbed in a sexual way that made you uncomfortable, including during “hazing” experiences
Comments about your body or sexual activities that you found threatening
Unwanted sexual advances that you found threatening
 
 
 
People of all genders, ages, sexual orientations, racial and ethnic backgrounds, and branches of service have experienced MST. Like other types of trauma, MST can negatively affect a person’s mental and physical health, even many years later. Things you may experience could include:
Disturbing memories or nightmares
Difficulty feeling safe
Feelings of depression or numbness
Using alcohol or other drugs to numb or escape from negative feelings
Feeling isolated from other people
Difficulties with anger, irritability, or other strong emotions
Self-doubt, self-blame, or decreased self esteem
Issues with sleep
Physical health problems
If you are having any current difficulties related to MST, VA is here to support you in whatever way will help you best — from learning more about how MST affects people, to treatment that helps you cope with how MST is impacting your life currently, or if you prefer, treatment that involves discussing your experiences in more depth.
For questions about treatment and health care options related to MST, talk with an MST Coordinator at a VA health care facility near you.
 

Live From The Vietnam Veterans Remembrance Day At The St. Charles County Veterans Museum

On this day, 29 March, U.S. troops leave Vietnam.
Many served their country just as their father had….
Many served because that’s what American men do…
They believed in our country and principles….
They never shirked their duty…
They fought heroically…
They lost “brothers” there…
They weren’t given time to mourn…
Then…
They were told, ‘don’t wear their uniform home’…
‘Don’t tell anyone you are a soldier’…
There was no band at the airport…
They were not recognized as a “great” generation…
And not all of them came home…
It was the first time US troops did not come home to victory parade…
It was 50 years ago, but to many of them, just yesterday…
Many still won’t or can’t talk about their time in ’nam’
It’s unlikely their wounds will ever heal.
They deserve our thanks and eternal gratitude…
They don’t wear uniforms today,  so it’s hard to pick them out of a crowd…
When you see that old, crumpled VIETNAM VETERAN cap, 
Give them your heartfelt thanks.
 -J. Higgins, March 2022

Dominic Masters - United States Marine & Iraq War Veteran

CPL Dominic Masters, USMC joins us in studio to share his experiences as a Marine, combat veteran and a proud Grunt from time of entry into the Marine Corps, the Crucible, Rehab platoon, being deployed, coming home, caring for his ailing mother, reserve option, transitioning to civilian life and finding healing.
One day, when I was young, my mom took me to a car show at a McDonald’s in North County not too far from our home.  There at the car show was this guy in a dressy blue and red uniform.  I asked my mom, who is that guy?  My mom told me, “that is a Marine.”  He looked 10’ tall!  From that moment on, I wanted to be a Marine.  
Dominic joined the Marines just weeks before 9/11. In just a few short months, he was invading Iraq.

Joe Rumbolo, ”Your Medicare Guy” & Colonel Ted Hodgson

Joe Rumbolo, "Your Medicare Guy" & Colonel Ted Hodgson join us in studio to discuss important information regarding Medicare plans that are specifically designed for veterans who use the the VA for medical services and prescription drugs, Tricare For Life and ChampVA for surviving spouses as well as anyone who is on Medicare. Colonel Ted Hodgson also discusses the America Warrior Partnership whose mission is to partner with communities to prevent veteran suicide. 
Joe Rumbolo can be reached at (314)753-0792

Salina and Zach Mann - U.S. Army Combat Veterans

Salina and Zach Mann share their experiences in the Army, both as a couple and individually, as they served in combat and how they managed life after they returned home. Salina and Zach met in 2008 and have been married since March 2012. They have two daughters.
Salina served as a 37F Psychological Operations Specialist with the the 307th reserve unit out of Jefferson Barracks. She completed one tour in NE Afghanistan in Logar Province, 2010-2011.
Zach served as a 91A Tank Mechanic with the 3HBCT a part of 1/2 CAV out of Fort Hood, Texas. Zach served one tour in Iraq in February 2011 and was part of the pull out as his Battalion left Iraq in December 2011.