A powerful conversation with CSM (R) Jimmy Carabello, a decorated combat Veteran of more than 32 years of honorable service to America. This episode was originally published 7 April 2024 on an associated podcast - Manager Memo.

Along the way we talk about "Black Hats and Boot Black" (10:20), Richard Gere (14:00), R.I.P. (17:20), Ranger History (19:00), "Master Blaster" (37:45), the power of Ranger Buddies (51:25), "Stallions, Thoroughbreds, and Donkeys" (53:15), and PFC Andrew Small (1:01:00).

Donations for scholarships targeted to the families of US Army Rangers can be made @ LukeLeaders1248.com

Music from the works of the blues master, Kenny Kilgore. Low Riders and Beautiful Rainy Day.

This pod, part of a series of interviews of Military Veterans, is presented by the New England Chapter of the U.S. Army Ranger Association. It was originally published on 19 March 2025 through an associated podcast - Manager Memo.

Ranger Murray Johnson talks about his military service and Ranger Lessons Learned.

Along the way we discuss – Class 502-73 (3:00), Parade Rest (7:00), “Not a Broken Leg” (9:30), Visions of General Grange (19:30), the Sleeping Snake (22:30), Doctor/Ranger (24:15) and Lessons Learned (35:45).

This podcast is teamed with LukeLeaders1248, a nonprofit that provides scholarships for the children of Military Veterans. Help us reach our 3-scholarship goal. Send your $20 donation to our website @ www.lukeleaders1248.com, PayPal, or Venmo @LukeLeaders1248.

Music intro and outro from the creative brilliance of Kenny Kilgore. Lowriders and Beautiful Rainy Day.

Chris Richards is the Director at Pocasset Pokanoket Land Trust and the author of Nothing So Broken. His powerful book details the impact of the Vietnam War on his family and the importance of community as a way to manage the pain.

Along the way we discuss – War, Always About the Families (3:30), A Single Soldier (4:15), Agent Orange, the Spray (10:00), Mill Town America (16:10), Engineer-like (20:45), Aloneness vs. Loneliness (23:45), Perceptions of War (25:45), and DFN (28:15). Additional outtakes from a second interview from 34:20 to 41:30.

You can grab a copy of Chris Richards’ book at MSI Press. When asked “Have a coupon?” – use the code “Luke” for a 25% discount. With this code, ALL proceeds from the book purchase will be directed toward scholarships for the children of Veterans through LukeLeaders1248.

You can also donate directly to this scholarship through our website @ www.lukeleaders1248.com.

Music intro and outro from the creative brilliance of Kenny Kilgore. Lowriders and Beautiful Rainy Day.

Originally published: 24 March 2024 on an associated podcast, Manager Memo, Season 6, Episode 23.

In this episode, Leo Joseph Heaney, a proud Vietnam Veteran, provides a raw and unfiltered account of his 17 months with Tiger Force, the long-range reconnaissance patrol (LRRP) of the 1st Battalion (Airborne), 327th Infantry, 1st Brigade (Separate), 101st Airborne Division.

Episode Highlights:

• Free Fire Zones (8:30)
• Walking Point (16:40)
• Punji Sticks (18:40)
• VC Tunnels (24:45)
• Latin Lessons (27:20)
• Mine Fields (29:15)
• Death in Combat (32:00)
• The importance of Having a Plan (33:20)

Scholarship Support: Donations to support scholarships for children of military veterans may be made through PayPal @LukeLeaders1248, Venmo @LukeLeaders1248, or online at www.LukeLeaders1248.com.

Music Credit: Intro and outro music by the incomparable Kenny Kilgore – Low Riders and Beautiful Rainy Day.

Mike Hall is a retired Command Sergeant Major who served with distinction for more than 34 years in the U.S. Army, leading America’s finest in assignments from the squad to theater level. CSM Hall is the only soldier to have held a senior enlisted position at the Ranger Regiment, the Joint Special Operations Command and the United States Army Special Operations Command. General Stanley McChrystal called Hall the “best soldier I have ever known.”

Along the trail we discuss – Beginnings (3:00), 1st Ranger Battalion (10:20), Ring in the Mail (13:30), Army Taking Care of its own (15:00), Levels of Leadership (19:30), Always on Parade (23:30), the Ranger Creed (26:15), Three Rangers Foundation (28:45), Presenting Opportunities (32:00), and Final Thoughts (40:30).

This podcast is partnered with LukeLeaders1248, a nonprofit that provides scholarships for the children of military Veterans. Send a donation, large or small, through PayPal @LukeLeaders1248; Venmo @LukeLeaders1248; or our website @ www.lukeleaders1248.com. You can also donate your used vehicle @ this hyperlink – CARS donation to LL1248.

Music intro and outro from the creative brilliance of Kenny Kilgore. Lowriders and Beautiful Rainy Day.

Originally published: 18 February 2024 on an associated podcast, Manager Memo, Season 6, Episode 19.

In this episode, Greg d’Arbonne reflects on his distinguished 21-year career in the U.S. Army (1978–1999). A proud Veteran and Patriot, Greg’s most memorable service included his role as an Airborne Company Commander. His career took him through major operations—Grenada, Operation Just Cause, and Desert Shield/Storm, where he was among the first troops on the ground in 1990.

Lessons Learned:

• Lesson 1: Rehearse (11:00)

• Lesson 2: Speed as a Force Multiplier (12:05)

• Lesson 3: Be Fair

• Lesson 4: Take Responsibility (21:00)

• The beauty of parachute jumps in Alaska (26:00)

• A near-death experience (27:00)

• The Power of a First Sergeant (33:10)

Scholarship Support: Donations to support scholarships for children of military veterans can be made at LukeLeaders1248.com or via Venmo @LukeLeaders1248.

Music Credit: Intro and outro music from the genius of Kenny Kilgore – Low Riders and Beautiful Rainy Day.

Dan Fitch is a USMA Grad (’78), a former Army Officer, patent attorney, and Fellow in the Virginia Law Foundation. Dan is recognized by his peers as one of the top 100 lawyers in Virginia. In this pod we share memories of the impact of Ranger Class 10-75.

Along the way we discuss – Food Hallucinations (7:00), Florida Phase, POW Camp (11:45), Gallows Humor (15:30), S.E.A.L. in a Wall Locker (18:00), Fear Management (21:45), Self Discipline (23:00), Fitness (23:45), Run With the Best (29:30), White Shoe Polish (30:00), and Paul Buca MoH (31:30).

This podcast is partnered with LukeLeaders1248, a nonprofit that provides scholarships for the children of military Veterans. Send a donation, large or small, through PayPal @LukeLeaders1248; Venmo @LukeLeaders1248; or our website @ www.lukeleaders1248.com. You can also donate your used vehicle @ this hyperlink – CARS donation to LL1248.

If you have a product or service to promote, please email @ ov1dlen@gmail.com or www.lukeleaders1248.com

Music intro and outro from the creative brilliance of Kenny Kilgore. Lowriders and Beautiful Rainy Day.

Originally published: 18 February 2024 on an associated podcast, Manager Memo, Season 6, Episode 18.

In this episode, Jim Colligan shares vivid stories from his service in Vietnam, 1969.

As a young officer, 1LT Colligan led an Infantry Platoon before becoming a 23-year-old Company Commander with the 4th Infantry Division, responsible for operations in the Central Highlands sector of the war.

Episode Highlights:

• The joys of being a Winter Ranger (5:50)

• “Every Day’s a Tuesday” (12:35)

• The perfect Spit Shine (24:00)

• Race Cars (28:20)

• Business insights and lessons (29:20)

Sponsorship: This episode is sponsored by the New England Chapter of the U.S. Army Ranger Association (USARA). In partnership with LukeLeaders1248.com, NEC-USARA is raising funds to provide educational scholarships for the children of Army Rangers. Donations can be made directly through the website or via Venmo @LukeLeaders1248.

Music Credit: Intro and outro music by the incomparable Kenny Kilgore – Lowriders and Beautiful Rainy Day.