In the first episode, Kevin Schmiegel and Sherman Gillums, Jr. give us a backstory briefing of the inspiration for this podcast. They share stories from their experience in the Marine Corps and the people who influenced them and who they mentored. The veterans talk about their own families’ dedication to service with children of their own in the military, how they came to that decision, and what these dads hope for their children’s future. They touch on tragic events of their past with a focus on learning from them and finding empathy and understanding instead of vengeance and divide.
This episode features the pair sharing their choices to continue to serve as non-profit leaders, discussing Sherman Gillums, Jr.’s role as Chief of Strategy and Operations Officer at the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) and what he has witnessed in regard to the sacrifices of first responders and military. Kevin Schmiegel talks about his dedication to Operation Gratitude as their Chief Executive Officer and how the organization’s efforts change people’s lives, and “that it goes beyond a thank you.” The leaders see current challenges in America as opportunities to grow as a nation through acts of kindness and “going one step further.” It’s clear why these grateful Americans are leaders of their organizations—you get fired up and inspired listening to them speak about healing our nation by finding solidarity in service.
This podcast is dedicated to the memory of John D. Ellis, U.S. Army, 1951-1953 (Korean War veteran).