Looking for a picture of what it looks like to lead by example? Look no further than this man right here! Josh is a Warrior serving in the panhandle of Florida, but that is just the start of who he is. When you look behind the name tape and rank insignia, you find a man who's heart is for others, and a heart who wants to help others share their story.
When it comes to stories, he created the HeroFront podcast several months back, and in one of the first few episodes, guess who shares their own story? Yep, Josh. Complete with his struggles with alcohol and how his life has changed recently, he leads the way with his own very real and very authentic vulnerability. When asked why he started the podcast, he simply said that he saw a need and wanted to do something about it.
This is the description of the HeroFront Podcast: "Interviewing members from the top echelons of the DoD, down to the wingman sitting right next to you, we will hear stories of resilience, leadership, and purpose."
Josh is much more than just a Warrior who does a podcast though, he is one who truly sees people and cares for their overall well being. Humble, family first, kind, generous, leader...just a few words that truly describe him.
Check out the HeroFront Podcast:
https://linktr.ee/HeroFront
Meet Josh White
Fighting for Resilience, Leadership, and Purpose.
May 4, 2021
Meet Kenny Bish
September 14, 2021 • Bravo Zulu
We love it when Warriors do amazing things, but what really speaks volumes about the character of a Warrior is when they give the credit to other Warriors for the amazing things that those Warriors do. Kenny Bish, currently serving downrange, has not only dealt with and owned his own story, but he also continues to prove his leadership abilities through the way he selflessly serves, cares for those around him, and gives credit where it is due. Well done Kenny, well done. This is what he had to say on his Social Media platforms recently. "As most of you know I conducted a mission to help evacuees escape Kabul, Afghanistan at the end of August. For almost two weeks I was extremely lucky to be attached to a person that I now see as family, but also as a leader and mentor. This picture was taken as we were stuck in a holding pattern above Ramstein AFB for 2 1/2 hours. A woman passed out after breastfeeding her infant baby and stopped breathing. My brother TSgt Moquete immediately reacted by grabbing oxygen off the interior of the aircraft and began resuscitating the woman. Performing life-saving skills. Layed her on the ground, placed her legs on an aircraft chair, and turned her head to the side. The woman's breathing became shallow as the aircraft landed. I stood by as the loadmaster had to land the aircraft and I still had to do my job doing flight denial. Upon landing he carries the woman off the aircraft to seek immediate and further medical assistance at the fire truck; probably saving her life. It wasn’t the fact that he did this act but how fast and how much he cared for these refugees that we had only picked up from Kabul no less than 9 hours prior. I grabbed this photo as I was so proud to call this man a leader of mine. These are the unsung heroes that unfortunately won’t receive the gratitude they whole heartily deserve. This is the reason I still serve because of the man standing next to me in Sgt Moquete. Pray for this woman and the rest of the Afghanistan Citizens who escaped that day."
Meet Bree Carroll
September 10, 2021 • Bravo Zulu
We are so proud of our friend Bree Carroll. Bree joined our team a few years ago to help us create the ultimate experience at our events and has become a great advisor for our team since. In 2020 Bree was recognized by Armed Forces Insurance as the Air Force Spouse of the year for 2020-2021. The week she was recognized in DC with Branch winners from all branches of service for all her amazing work and shared about her platform. While Bree is an Engineer, Event Planner, and podcast host (Hearts & Stripes), she has recently founded an initiative to address Military Marriages. This August Bree celebrated the 2nd Annual Military Marriage Day with thousands of military couples around the globe serving in all branches and duty statuses. Military Marriages are unique and Bree wanted to work with DOD, Non-profits and others to increase resources and understanding of what it takes to thrive in this environment. The AFI Military Spouse of the Year Program recognizes military spouses around the world doing great things for our installations, our families, and our communities. We are honored to have Bree a part of Striker Nation and Every Warrior! Bree’s support team is her husband, Donovan (attached to AFGSC Staff) and her 3 amazing kids. We are so proud of everything you are doing and cannot wait to see what you do next Bree!
Thirteen Heroes
August 28, 2021 • Bravo Zulu
U.S. Marine, Sgt Johanny Rosario (25) U.S. Marine, Cpl Hunter Lopez (22) U.S. Marine, LCpl Kareem Nikoui (22) U.S. Marine, LCpl Rylee McCollum (20) U.S. Marine, LCpl Jared Schmitz (20) U.S. Marine, LCpl David Lee Espinoza (20) U.S. Navy, Maxton Soviak (20) U.S. Marine, SSgt Taylor Hoover (31) U.S. Marine, Cpl Daegan Page (23) U.S. Army, SSG Ryan Knauss (23) U.S. Marine, Cpl Humberto Sanchez (22) U.S. Marine, Sgt Nicole Gee (23) U.S. Marine, Ricky Thompson (21) The names above represent 13 lives given in the ultimate display of selflessness, one that every Warrior knows is a possibility. Five of these names found their way onto birth certificates the same year the war in Afghanistan started. 20 years later, life ended with the end of the war. 11 were men, 2 were women...separated by only a span of 11 years. Several had posted pictures from their deployment within hours of the bombing. Giving candy to children. Holding an Afghan infant. Standing with fellow troops. Even a status update of an expectant father. Talking about his military service, one family member of one of these Warriors said "He wanted to be in a situation where he actually made a difference." We believe that can be said of every life represented here. Their stories, their lives, like countless others before them, are true stories of selflessness, bravery, courage, love, and legacy. Their stories are stories that will forever be etched in the hearts and lives of those around them. And because of the difference they made in those hearts, we say "Well Done." Whether an expectant father, the son of a police officer, the son of a medic, an older brother, a younger sister, or any other form of relational bond imaginable, the shock, disbelief, horror, sadness, sorrow, anger and grief are only evidence of lives that truly influenced others.