In this powerful Fourth of July episode of Stories from the Road, Dick Foth sits down with long-time friend and decorated Army veteran, Sergeant Major Kirk Foster, to reflect on the meaning of freedom. From the quiet back porch in Fort Collins, Colorado, the two share stories of service, sacrifice, and legacy. Kirk recounts his journey from enlisting before 9/11 to becoming one of the most decorated soldiers since that day. He speaks about leadership, loss, faith, and what it means to fight for and uphold the freedoms we often take for granted. This heartfelt conversation reminds us all of the cost of liberty and the enduring hope found in service and faith.

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🔑 Key Topics:

• The true meaning of freedom
• Military service and 9/11
• Valor and humility in leadership
• Mentorship in today’s Army
• Faith, purpose, and legacy
• Lincoln’s timeless call to freedom

🪖 About the Guest:
Sergeant Major Kirk Foster is one of the most decorated soldiers since 9/11, with two Silver Stars, five Bronze Stars, and three Purple Hearts. He currently serves out of Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, where he mentors and trains the next generation of Army leaders. A man of deep faith, he shares how his relationship with Christ shapes his leadership and service.

📌 Notable Quotes:
“We have given you a republic—if you can keep it.” – Attributed to Benjamin Franklin
“I'd give them all back if I could have a couple of my buddies still be around.” – Kirk Foster
“You can be a lethal soldier, a good husband, a good father—and a follower of Christ.” – Kirk Foster

On a spring morning in May 2013, Dick and Ruth Foth’s life changed forever. While gathered with longtime friends in Estes Park, Colorado, Ruth suddenly collapsed from cardiac arrest. With no pulse and minutes to act, a chain of miracles unfolded—beginning with a rookie officer’s CPR and culminating in Ruth’s full recovery, with no brain damage.

Twelve years later, Dick sits on the porch with Ruth to reflect on that extraordinary day, the people who intervened, the power of prayer, and the deep gratitude that has marked every day since.

This is a story of crisis, community, faith—and grace that goes beyond explanation.

⏱️ Episode Highlights + Timecodes

00:00–00:32 – Setting the scene: birds, trains, and a morning full of memory

00:46–02:08 – Ruth collapses mid-conversation after reciting a poem

02:08–04:14 – First responders arrive and perform CPR; Ruth is shocked three times

04:49–05:13 – Airlift to Loveland; doctors offer a grim prognosis

05:20–06:07 – Friends around the world begin to pray; candles light up online

06:22–08:13 – A doctor prays over Ruth—and hours later, she wakes up

08:24–09:18 – Ruth beats the odds: survival, recovery, and full cognition

09:25–11:19 – One year later: apple pie thank-you tour to responders

11:19–12:20 – A police captain asks Dick to pray for his team

13:00–16:11 – Ruth reflects: family, friends, and Andre Crouch’s “My Tribute”

16:14–17:43 – Final thoughts on life, love, and laughter

🔁 Themes

Faith in crisis

The power of community and prayer

Gratitude for first responders

The miracle of survival and second chances

🔗 Mentioned in This Episode

Medical Center of the Rockies, Loveland, CO

Estes Park Police and Fire Departments

“My Tribute (To God Be the Glory)” by Andre Crouch

🙏 Favorite Quotes

“We have a pulse.”
“To God be the glory for the things He has done.”
“I’m doing this for the rest of my life,” said the EMT, inspired by Ruth’s recovery.

📣 Connect With Us

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🎧 Episode 56 – The Tale of Two Mothers
Host: Dick Foth
Guest: Mackenzie “Mac” Matthews
Theme: Honoring motherhood through story, struggle, and song

In this special Mother's Day edition, Dick shares the stories of two remarkable women: his mother, Gwendolyn, and friend Mackenzie “Mac” Matthews—a young mom whose faith carried her through a battle with aggressive breast cancer.

⏱️ Chapters:

00:00: Introduction – Early morning reflections and the heart behind Mother's Day

01:07: The origin of Mother's Day and the symbolism of the white carnation

02:14: Mothers in Scripture – A generational look through Timothy’s family

03:25: Introducing Mackenzie Matthews (“Mac”)

05:00: Mac shares about her mom, Penny – intentionality, love, and high standards

06:21: Motherhood stories – Meet Powell and Callie

07:48: A life-changing diagnosis – cancer, treatment, and miracles

10:28: Against the odds – Callie’s miraculous arrival

11:58: What Mac loves about being a mom

13:23: Encouragement to fellow young moms – presence over perfection

16:12: Remembering Gwendolyn – Dick’s tribute to his mother

17:56: Growing up during WWII – nurturing memories from Dick’s childhood

19:27: A mother's prayer – "Oh God, don't let Dick do anything more stupid..."

20:09: Gwendolyn’s strength after loss – working until age 82

21:26: The “wig story” – a moment of laughter after a car crash

23:00: Gwendolyn’s signature song – No One Ever Cared for Me Like Jesus

25:11: Closing thoughts – celebrating mothers everywhere

💬 Quotes & References:

“Mothers hold their children’s hands for a short while, but their hearts forever.”

2 Timothy 1:5 – Paul’s tribute to Timothy’s grandmother Lois and mother Eunice

“Life began with waking up and loving my mother’s face.” – George Eliot

“A mother is someone who, seeing there are only four pieces of pie for five people, promptly announces she never did care for pie.” – Unknown

Hymn: “No One Ever Cared for Me Like Jesus” – played by Gwendolyn Foth at age 90

🌸 To all the moms

Thank you for your sacrifice, love, and presence—whether in quiet faith, sleepless nights, or loud laughter. You are deeply seen and celebrated.