What happens when political pressure infiltrates military justice? Navy veteran Darin Lopez and retired Navy SEAL Keith Barry pull back the curtain on one of the most troubling chapters in modern military history - a period when false accusations could destroy careers without meaningful due process.

Lopez, who held high-level intelligence positions requiring FBI clearance, found himself convicted of sexual assault despite overwhelming evidence of his innocence. The shocking details of his case reveal a system where truth became irrelevant - military prosecutors were explicitly instructed to pursue charges "even if the elements cannot be proven" merely to demonstrate being "tough on sexual assault." Barry, whose conviction was eventually overturned, shares how a Rear Admiral later admitted in writing that he believed in Barry’s innocence but approved the conviction anyway due to political pressure.

Together, these veterans expose the devastating human cost of unlawful command influence (UCI) that corrupted military courts between 2012-2014. Their stories highlight a disturbing reality: in a rush to correct legitimate problems with sexual assault reporting, the military created a different injustice that continues to affect thousands of service members today.

This powerful conversation isn't about diminishing genuine sexual assault cases - both men emphasize their support for legitimate victims. Rather, it illuminates how abandoning due process harms everyone. The military's 2023 creation of an Independent Office to reduce UCI represents a tacit admission of past wrongs, but does nothing for those still carrying convictions or serving sentences.

For anyone concerned about military justice, veteran welfare, or the intersection of politics and law, this episode provides rare insight into a largely hidden injustice. If you've faced false accusations or know someone who has, you'll find valuable resources and a supportive community ready to help.

How the Largest Case of UCI in Military History Unfolded: https://tinyurl.com/bdf63v5d

Buy Darin’s book: https://a.co/d/062h77N

False Accusations: https://www.theresatapestries.com/false-accusations

Support the show

Visit my website: https://thehello.llc/THERESACARPENTER
Read my writings on my blog: https://www.theresatapestries.com/
Listen to other episodes on my podcast: https://storiesofservice.buzzsprout.com
Watch episodes of my podcast:
https://www.youtube.com/c/TheresaCarpenter76

“It doesn’t matter, you can’t sue anyway.”

From Battlefield to Birth Trauma: Lauren Palladini’s Fight for Justice in Military Medicine

This week’s guest, Lauren Palladini, is a former paratrooper with the 82nd Airborne Division whose life took a harrowing turn—not on the battlefield, but in a military hospital. At just 22 years old, Lauren experienced a catastrophic case of military medical malpractice during childbirth at Womack Army Medical Center. A lacerated uterine artery was left undiagnosed and concealed, leading to weeks of life-threatening hemorrhaging, multiple emergency surgeries, and a permanent hysterectomy.

But Lauren refused to stay silent.

In response, she co-founded Coalition of Heroes, a nonprofit organization dedicated to confronting medical malpractice in the military. The Coalition works to raise awareness, educate the public, and advocate for the voices of those harmed by preventable errors within the military healthcare system.

In this powerful episode, Lauren shares her story of trauma, resilience, and advocacy—and why she’s determined to spark lasting reform.

In This Episode, You’ll Learn:
• What happened during Lauren’s traumatic childbirth experience & the chilling words of those who were charged with her care
• The systemic issues behind military medical malpractice
• Why accountability is so difficult to achieve in the military healthcare system
• How Coalition of Heroes is helping victims and driving change
• What civilians and veterans alike need to know about this often-hidden issue

Mentioned in This Episode:
• Womack Army Medical Center
• Coalition of Heroes (cofounder)
• Military medical justice and reform efforts

Connect with Lauren Palladini & Coalition of Heroes:
Website: https://www.coalitionofheroes.org/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coalition_of_heroes?igsh=azVtNHVsOTZxOTY=
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1CSWVDpkpC/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Subscribe & Review:
If Lauren’s story moved you, please share this episode, leave a review, and help us spread the word. Every voice raised brings us one step closer to justice.

Support the show

Visit my website: https://thehello.llc/THERESACARPENTER
Read my writings on my blog: https://www.theresatapestries.com/
Listen to other episodes on my podcast: https://storiesofservice.buzzsprout.com
Watch episodes of my podcast:
https://www.youtube.com/c/TheresaCarpenter76

In this powerful episode of Stories of Service, host Theresa Carpenter sits down with Dr. Michael Hackney—Army veteran, business leader, coach, and author—to explore the dynamic intersections of military service, organizational leadership, and personal reinvention.

Dr. Hackney shares his journey from commanding infantry units in Germany and supporting operations during the Gulf War to leading corporate turnarounds at Fortune 500 companies like PepsiCo, Sara Lee, and ConAgra. With a doctorate in organizational psychology from USC, he brings a unique perspective on what it takes to sustain meaningful change in both military and business environments.

Now the founder of ShaydeTree Enterprises in Nashville, Mike coaches executives and advises organizations on cultivating motivated, high-performing cultures. He also speaks candidly about his role as a veteran advocate, pilot, and writer—showing how a life of service can evolve in powerful and unexpected ways.

🎧 Tune in to hear:

* How military leadership principles apply to the boardroom
* Why "sustaining change" is more than a buzzword—it’s a discipline
* The critical importance of self-awareness and resilience in transformation
* Mike’s reflections on aviation, writing, and pursuing purpose beyond profit
* The ways he continues to serve veterans and mentor rising leaders

📚 About the Guest – Dr. Michael Hackney:

* Founder, ShaydeTree Enterprises (Nashville, TN)
* Former Infantry Officer & Gulf War veteran
* Doctorate in Organizational Psychology – University of Southern California
* Corporate turnaround specialist with leadership roles at PepsiCo, Sara Lee & ConAgra
* Published author, speaker, general aviation pilot, and veteran advocate

Key Takeaway:
Leadership isn’t just about strategy—it’s about creating spaces where people thrive, grow, and bring their best to the mission. Whether in combat zones or corporate boardrooms, Dr. Hackney's life proves that service never really ends—it just evolves.

🔗 Connect with Dr. Michael Hackney:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-mike-hackney-892b466/

Support the show

Visit my website: https://thehello.llc/THERESACARPENTER
Read my writings on my blog: https://www.theresatapestries.com/
Listen to other episodes on my podcast: https://storiesofservice.buzzsprout.com
Watch episodes of my podcast:
https://www.youtube.com/c/TheresaCarpenter76