In this special episode of *Defending Our Children*, we are honored to welcome Congressman Eli Crane to the show. As a dedicated advocate for family values, a former Navy SEAL, and a strong voice in Congress, Congressman Crane will share his insights on the urgent need to protect our children from the threats they face in today's world.

We’ll discuss pressing issues such as:

- Combatting child trafficking and exploitation

- Tightening up Legislation and enforcement

- Border Legislation

Congressman Crane’s leadership and experience give him a unique perspective on the challenges confronting families and the actions we can take to create a safer future for our children. Don’t miss this compelling conversation packed with practical advice, powerful insights, and a call to action for all parents and guardians.

Tune in to *Defending Our Children* as we join forces with Congressman Eli Crane to empower families and communities to defend what matters most—our kids.

Carlile Transportation is a forward-thinking organization dedicated to creating a socially conscious workplace by educating its employees on the fight against human trafficking, particularly the exploitation of children. Through comprehensive training programs, partnerships with advocacy organizations, and community outreach initiatives, the company equips its workforce with knowledge and tools to recognize and combat trafficking within their communities.

This initiative fosters a deep sense of purpose among employees, connecting their daily work to a meaningful cause. By aligning corporate values with social responsibility, Carlile Transportation has seen increased employee engagement, improved productivity, and reduced turnover. The program also cultivates a supportive and collaborative culture, as employees unite around a shared mission, enhancing overall job satisfaction and minimizing human resource challenges.

With its innovative approach, Carlile Transportation not only drives its business forward but also serves as a model for how companies can inspire change and create lasting societal impact.

Meet Krista Williams: Krista is the President of Carlile Transportation, a leading Alaskan trucking and logistics company. Since joining Carile’s parent company, Saltchuk Resources, in 2018, Krista has led initiatives to drive operational excellence, cultural transformation, and business performance across multiple roles, including Director of Continuous Improvement, VP of Logistics, and Chief Operating Officer. Her leadership at Carlile has been instrumental in delivering both financial results and a renewed focus on team member engagement and customer service.

Prior to her time at Saltchuk, Krista held leadership positions at Toyota North America and Kaiser Permanente, where she honed her passion for empowering teams to deliver value and improve business outcomes.

Outside of work, Krista is actively involved with nonprofits supporting international relief and development, orphan care, and family preservation through entrepreneurship. She and her family live in the Seattle area and enjoy golfing, traveling, and playing endless rounds of board games on rainy Seattle weekends.

Mark “Oz” Geist is a member of the Annex Security Team that fought the Battle of Benghazi, Libya, from September 11 to September 12, 2012. A Colorado native, Mr. Geist joined the United States Marine Corps in 1984. During his time in the service, he served in Barracks Duty in the Philippines, then with the 2nd Battalion 9th Marines Golf Company, as well as the Surveillance and Target Acquisition Platoon. He then was chosen to serve in the newly formed Marine Cadre program as an Anti-/Counter- Terrorism Instructor. Upon the completion of a very successful tour and re-enlistment, Mr. Geist changed his military occupational specialty to the Intelligence field, specializing in Interrogation Translation. He attended language school where he studied Persian Farsi.

After serving 12 years in the United States Maine Corps, Mr. Geist became a Deputy Sheriff in Teller County, Colorado. In that role, he was assigned as liaison with the Vice Narcotics and Intelligence Unit in Colorado Springs, Colorado, as well as an Investigator for Crimes against Children. Certified as a Forensic Interviewer of children, he investigated numerous case of abuse in which he helped to secure convictions of the perpetrators. He then took a job as Chief of Police in Fowler, Colorado. After leaving the Fowler Police Department, Mr. Geist began his own business in private investigations as well as bounty hunting and bail bonds.

In 2004, Mr. Geist began doing contract security work in Iraq. He worked for Triple Canopy, providing Personal Security Details for Department of State personnel in Baquba, Iraq. Upon the completion of that contract he worked for USIS, the United States Investigative Services, training Iraqi SWAT teams and Personal Security Details. He also served as a mentor/advisor to the Personal Security Detail of Dr. Ayad Allawi, the former Prime Minister of Iraq.

Mr. Geist finished his career as a security contractor in Benghazi, Libya, where he was credited with helping to save the lives of more than 25 Americans. Mr. Geist is still recovering from the injuries he sustained in the battle. He is a co-author of the bestselling book 13 Hours: The Inside Account of What Really Happened in Benghazi.