Join the conversation with Sergeant Major Roy Lewis, a US Army veteran with a riveting 36-year legacy, as he traverses the poignant realities of military life, its effect on home, and the wisdom gained along his impressive journey. With an infectious blend of humor and profundity, Roy guides us through his transformation from a music and theater aficionado to a life of service, sharing potent lessons from his transitions to the corporate world and ministry. His reflections on intentional leadership will captivate anyone looking for inspiration, as will his experience building the sanctuary of Urban Christian Veterans for comrades of faith and color.

We're cracking open the book on modern education and its shifting sands, analyzing how college has evolved from a bastion of enlightenment to a battleground for job readiness. Roy and I ruminate on the pressures bearing down on academia's stakeholders, from students seeking more than just a diploma to educators striving to maintain the ethos of learning amidst a corporate-driven culture. The dialogue spans everything from personal anecdotes as a mature student to the celebration of knowledge for its own sake, providing a seasoned angle on the educational odyssey many are embarking upon today.

The journey doesn't stop there: we venture into the thicket of racism, the art of overcoming stereotypes, and the fortitude it takes to forge one's path regardless of societal barriers. Roy's perspective, shaped by the discipline of military experience and the compassion of his pastoral calling, offers a beacon of hope for minorities and veterans alike. With a call to mentorship and community support, our discussion underlines the importance of veterans assisting each other in claiming their rightful benefits, while encouraging leadership and resilience in the face of life's myriad challenges. This episode is more than just a chat; it's an invitation to explore the power of diversity, the strength of spirit, and the unifying potential of shared experiences.

As the sun sets on battlefields, the hearts and minds of those who've served often linger in a space where faith and duty collide. Air Force veteran Leola McNeill, alongside other brave service members, opens up about the spiritual odyssey they've embarked on through their time in combat. From the internal tug-of-war between military values and religious beliefs to the profound moments where the divine seemed to intervene, our guests share stories that reveal the depths of the human spirit when tested by war.

Navigating through the murky waters of conflict and conscience, our conversation takes a turn into the realm of the personal and the universal. Warriors, who have undergone profound personal growth, grapple with the commandment 'thou shalt not kill' as they recount the moments where their roles in combat forced them to confront their core beliefs. These narratives stretch beyond the battlefield, touching on the search for truth and peace in a world that reveals its complexities at every corner—be it through the political machinations behind wars or the government disclosures about extraterrestrial life. Such discussions underscore how personal faith and a broader worldview can evolve dramatically in the aftermath of war.

We wrap up our heartfelt dialogue with reflections on the passage of time and the evolution of self. Memories of missile attacks in youth contrast sharply with the mature gratitude expressed by our guests for the journey they've undergone, shaped immensely by their military experiences. The support of loved ones, the lessons learned, and the unwavering faith that has persisted through trials and tribulations are woven together, painting a picture of resilience and hope. Join us for this powerful exchange that honors the voices of veterans like Sister McNeill, Brother Bynum, Brother Curry, Brother Hart, and Brother McDonald and resonates with anyone seeking to understand the complex tapestry of life, faith, and duty.
#DesertStormVeterans #Combat #OperationDesertStorm

Facing the uncharted waters of prostate cancer treatment, I take you through the ebbs and flows of my journey with radiation therapy on the Urban Christian Veterans Podcast. Imagine the rigorous precision of preparing for each session, where even the state of your bladder and bowels plays a critical role. I walk you through the nerve-racking simulation, the hum of the dual-purpose PET scan and radiation machine, and the myriad sensations accompanying a process so crucial yet taxing.

The relentless pursuit of normalcy during cancer treatment can be as daunting as the disease itself. From slogging through the fatigue that anchored me down to syncing my water intake with treatment schedules, I share the stark realities of adapting to life's new rhythm. The weekly check-ins with doctors, while routine, brought their surprises—like an invasive ultrasound, a shadow of biopsies past—reminding me that the path to healing is seldom a straight line.

As I peel back the layers of prostate cancer's lesser-known adversaries, you'll hear about battles with dizziness, the paradox of hunger without appetite, and the often undiscussed yet deeply impactful challenge of incontinence. It's a narrative punctuated with the psychological toll these symptoms take and a testament to the strength required to face each day. Stay tuned as I prepare to unfold the next chapter of this deeply personal voyage, offering a beacon of understanding and camaraderie to fellow veterans and anyone else braving this storm.

#ProstateCancer #Veterans #RadiationTherapy