The remarkable journey from combat Infantry officer to veteran advocate unfolds as Troy Carrico shares his extraordinary path of service beyond the battlefield. A highly decorated, service-connected disabled Army veteran, Troy reveals how childhood dreams of becoming a fighter pilot evolved into a distinguished military career after learning his eyes weren't suitable for flight.

Troy's storytelling captivates as he recounts his transition from Infantry operations to tactical human intelligence following 9/11. With refreshing candor, he describes his work with the elite Iraqi Survey Group—traveling on blackout flights with "suitcases full of money" while searching for weapons of mass destruction. These operations, now declassified, provide rare insight into the complex realities of intelligence gathering during America's most challenging military engagements.

The conversation shifts to Troy's innovative leadership at the US Army Corps of Engineers, where he established an intelligence fusion center that revolutionized collaboration between engineers and intelligence agencies. His matter-of-fact descriptions of creating unprecedented partnerships between traditionally siloed organizations demonstrate the practical impact of service-minded leadership. Perhaps most surprising are his revelations about Fort Knox, where he discloses that more foreign gold is stored than domestic—a testament to international trust in American security.

Now focused on veteran advocacy through Alabama Veteran Nation, Troy is mobilizing the state's 444,000 veterans into a unified political voice. His investigation into misused suicide prevention funds highlights the critical need for veteran leadership in policy decisions. Troy's straightforward leadership philosophy—"If we have a dog food factory and make dog food, we better be feeding it to our dogs"—encapsulates his commitment to authentic service and accountability.

Follow Troy's continuing mission through his political commentary at 1819 News Alabama, and join the movement to ensure veteran voices shape the policies affecting their lives. His story reminds us that true service never stops when the uniform comes off—it simply finds new battlefields.

*Sorry we got cut off at the end, but we appreciate all of you who watched or are watching the replay!*

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Visit my website: https://thehello.llc/THERESACARPENTER
Read my writings on my blog: https://www.theresatapestries.com/
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Watch episodes of my podcast:
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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

In this episode, Stories of Service host Theresa Carpenter talks with Navy SEAL veteran Bill Brown and his attorney Chris D’Alessandro about Bill’s firing from McCarter & English. What began with a LinkedIn post reveals a deeper story of alleged discrimination and retaliation tied to Bill’s military service and beliefs.

Chris breaks down the legal side as Bill shares what it’s like to challenge a system that preaches diversity but often excludes veterans.

🎙️ Topics include:

• Transitioning from military to law
• The LinkedIn post that triggered the firing
• Alleged exclusion and retaliation
• What laws protect veterans and whistleblowers
• How to recognize and prove workplace retaliation

🎯 Why This Story Matters
This episode reveals the gap between DEI talk and real inclusion—especially for veterans. It’s about the hidden cost of service and the price of speaking up.

🔍 You’ll Learn:
• What workplace retaliation really looks like
• Challenges veterans face in corporate settings
• What true inclusion means in practice
• Why free speech and respect for service must coexist

📢 Call to Action
If you’re a veteran, an ally, or someone who believes in fairness and truth—this episode is for you. Share it, talk about it, and be part of the movement toward better understanding and advocacy.
More on this fight - https://www.law.com/njlawjournal/2024...
More on Chris - https://www.ddplawfirm.com/

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

The U.S. military justice system was designed to uphold discipline and integrity—but what happens when it becomes a tool for political agendas instead of truth?

In this powerful and eye-opening episode, former Navy Commander Arvis Owens shares his harrowing experience of being falsely accused of sexual assault. What unfolds is a disturbing look at a system that, under pressure to show progress on sexual assault cases, has sacrificed due process and fairness in pursuit of conviction rates.

Key Topics Discussed:

•The rise of metrics-based justice since 2009—and why conviction rates became the new gold standard,
•Suppressed exculpatory evidence, blocked video proof, and commanders incentivized to convict,
•The military’s "titling" process that brands service members for life—even after acquittal,
•The absence of innocence projects or conviction review units in military courts,
•The deep personal and professional toll on the falsely accused,
•Why real justice means protecting the innocent and believing victims.

This conversation is not about discrediting survivors—it's about protecting the integrity of the justice system for everyone. When the balance tips too far in one direction, both victims and the falsely accused pay the price.

🔊 Listen now—and ask yourself:
If this happened to someone you love, wouldn’t you want a path to clear their name?

You don’t want to miss this episode — it’s raw, real, and deeply important. 🎙️

Read and rate his book - https://a.co/d/3FazLeK

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, we sit down with Ricki Laahs, a United States Marine Corps veteran whose career journey spans from military network administration to critical care nursing—and whose personal story raises urgent questions about civil liberties and government overreach.

Ricki began her service as a 0651, specializing in network administration. Her ability to bridge complex IT systems with real-world solutions propelled her quickly into leadership roles, both in uniform and as a government contractor. She later transitioned into project management before answering a deeper call: to serve others through nursing. Today, she applies the same precision, grit, and compassion she learned in the military to her work as an ICU nurse—meeting people on their worst days and offering hope in the darkest moments.

But in 2021, everything changed.

After peacefully attending the January 6th rally in Washington, D.C., Ricki was abruptly fired from her contracting job. Without warning or due process, she was labeled a domestic terrorist and flagged as an insider threat by federal authorities. She’s since been blacklisted from opportunities, harassed in airports, and denied access to the records that explain why.

💥 In this episode, Ricki speaks candidly about:
• Her journey from Marine to ICU nurse
• The emotional and professional toll of being wrongly targeted
• What it means to serve with honor—only to be cast aside without justice
• Why she continues to fight not only for her name, but for the rights of all silenced citizens

🔊 This is a story about courage, resilience, and refusing to be erased.

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, we sit down with Paul Pearson, a seasoned IT professional and mission-driven leader whose journey took a life-altering turn after he unintentionally blew the whistle while contracting for the Department of Defense. What followed was a deep dive into ethical leadership, digital justice, and community empowerment.

Paul brings over 15 years of IT experience, including a decade of service in the U.S. Air Force with expertise in digital forensics and cyberspace operations. He now leads Running Name LLC, a veteran-owned business offering cybersecurity, managed IT, and digital strategy to nonprofits and small businesses.

But Paul’s work doesn’t stop there. He also serves as:
• President of Eduruna
• Vice President of Whistleblowers of America
• Director of Information at Blacks in Cyber

His 2019 whistleblower experience involving corporate espionage retaliation now fuels his advocacy for safer, more inclusive, and tech-enabled workplaces.

Topics Covered:
• Paul’s transition from military to IT entrepreneur
• Blowing the whistle: what really happened and what came next
• The importance of ethical leadership in tech
• Building secure, scalable solutions for nonprofits and small businesses
• The mission of Eduruna and empowering through education
• Why community matters in cybersecurity
• Lessons in resilience, retaliation, and redemption

Connect with Paul:
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulpearson85?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app
• Running Name LLC: https://www.runningname.com/
• Eduruna.org: https://www.eduruna.org/

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