After Action

While just six percent of the US population has served in the military, veterans make up 25 percent of the nation's police force. Stacy Pearsall meets three veterans who have exchanged boots for badges, transitioning from the military to law enforcement because they are drawn to the culture, dedication to service and teamwork. Dwayne Gunther retired from the Air Force and became the first Civilian Operations Officer for the 437th Security Forces Squadron in Charleston, South Carolina. Air Force veteran Paul Naples spent 21 years in the Secret Service and now works as a patrol officer. After serving in the Army, Erik Salus has worked in the public safety and law enforcement field for 30 years. 

Historically, a large percentage of veterans have lived and worked on farms, but a recent census shows the veteran-farmer population has dropped 18% in just five years. Three farmer-veterans join Stacy Pearsall to discuss their work in agriculture, the importance of farming, and how farming can reduce stress, improve health and provide a sense of purpose. After being wounded by an IED in Afghanistan, Army Reservist Davon Goodwin persevered, earning a degree in biology. He now farms sustainably alongside his family on 42 acres in North Carolina. Marine Corps veteran Steve Jimenez was introduced to beekeeping and eventually founded Hives for Heroes, a nonprofit that helps veterans discover the therapeutic benefits of beekeeping. After retiring from the Army, Kara Rutter founded Project Victory Gardens, an agritherapy and education program for veterans. 

Most of the nurses serving during the Vietnam War were dedicated young women who treated combat injuries and consoled the wounded, often under extremely challenging conditions. Upon returning home, many faced hostile treatment or had their service denied by civilians and veterans alike. Stacy Pearsall talks with three nurses who served in Vietnam. Air Force Flight Nurse Jean Berkheiser provided in-flight medical aid to combat and noncombat casualties. Edie Meeks served in the Intensive Care Units of the 3rd Field Hospital and the 71st Evac Hospital in Pleiku. Air Force veteran Linda Pugsley served with the 34th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron, assisting in the evacuation of wounded personnel from Vietnam. 

In Native American culture, the warrior tradition emphasizes courage, bravery, protecting the community, and demonstrating strength through acts of valor. But the concept of a warrior extends beyond combat to include providing for the family and upholding cultural values. Stacy Pearsall meets three Native American veterans who served the country while upholding tribal traditions. Army veteran Mitchelene BigMan (Crow) was deployed twice to Iraq, where she faced discrimination, inspiring her to create Native American Women Warriors. Harold "Buster" Hatcher, Chief of the South Carolina Waccamaw Indian People, retired from the Army after serving for 20 years, including a deployment to Vietnam. Johancharles "Chuck" Van Boers (Lipan Apache Nation) was an Army combat photographer who deployed multiple times, including to Grenada and Iraq.