Operation Insight

Join us on Operation Insight as we host Councilwoman Linda Ragsdale of O'Fallon, Missouri!
 
Gold Star Families go through a lot. While they may not attend Basic Training or feel the mixture of terror and thrill when heading into a combat zone, they do know suffering. They know the stomach-churning anxiety of waiting for details about their loved one's well-being. They know the desperation of being left in the dark and praying for updates. They know all about those emotions. But there's one thing they don't know in those moments. There's one thing they cannot know until it's too late. And that's the fact that they have become a Gold Star Family.
Being a Gold Star family member is complicated. You are proud of the dedication and service of your loved one, while also feeling angry, devastated, and indignant. You love your country, but you hate that death took your kin in the name of it. These emotions were felt and are still felt to some degree by Linda Ragsdale and her family. Linda now serves as a councilwoman for O'Fallon's 5th Ward, but before she was born, her Uncle Joe died while serving in Vietnam. Even though Linda never met Uncle Joe, she knows him. In fact, she knows him quite well. Thanks to his legacy as a fun-loving, jovial man, Uncle Joe lives on in family stories. Conversely, stories of service are not always easy to relate, as evidenced by Linda's father's reluctance to share his. Here at the Mid America Veterans Museum, our motto is, "Every veteran has a story," and that's true, but it doesn't mean that story will always be told. We are so grateful to Councilwoman Ragsdale as she shares the story of her heroic Uncle Joe and educates us as to why it's ok that some veterans may never fully share theirs.
 
(00:00) Disclaimer
(01:22) Introduction
(17:15) Uncle Joe's Story
(33:39) Finding Closure
(36:40) Part II
(44:27) A Patriot's Heart
(47:15) Closing
(50:12) Remembrance Gala Ad

Join us on Operation Insight as we host Staff Sergeant Chris Munro of the U.S. Army, Army Reserve, and Missouri Army National Guard!
 
"Where'd you go to high school?" "Cubs or Cardinals?" "Panera or Bread Co.?" These are questions for which every good St. Louisan has an at-the-ready answer. Then there's, "What was it like being a Combat Medic?" Well, that's much more complicated. St. Louis native Chris Munro has his own take on that query, but we recommend buckling in for his answer! SSG Munro has spent nearly half his life in uniform, and that's not even counting his years as a diehard Boy Scout. As an X-ray Technician, Munro possessed the expertise and knowledge necessary to perform as a Medic, and he did both on numerous occasions. It is with humor, grace, and intellect that SSG Munro recounts his time in the Army Reserve and National Guard from 1997 to 2016. We'll see if that's the case when he returns to share his experience as an All-American Paratrooper! In all seriousness, Munro is an individual who takes great pride in his work and consistently gives of himself to the benefit of his fellow Soldiers. He is an individual who sought out the opportunity to deploy to Iraq and didn't hesitate when given the option to remain there for an additional deployment. He is a proponent of common sense and knows it takes a village to achieve success. While Munro does not provide a definitive answer on Provel's legitimacy as cheese, he does offer clarity on the "strangeness and weirdness" of the Army Combat Medic and so much more!
 
(00:00) Disclaimer
(01:19) Opening Theme
(01:49) Introduction
(38:07) Deployment Ramp-up & Arrival
(47:10) MACE Test
(01:00:18) Storytime
(1:25:04) PTSD & the Medic Mentality
(01:56:23) Closing

Join us on Operation Insight as we host Captain Garvis Pollard, Jr. of the U.S. Army!
 
"It's not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters." For much of his life, Garvis Pollard, Jr., had no choice but to abide by that tenet of Stoicism. In fact, living that motto began very early for Garvis. Born in 1944, he entered a world ravaged by World War II, and his first full year of life would coincide with what would ultimately be the deadliest year in that global conflict. While too young to realize it at the time, the Second World War and its far-reaching consequences would shape much of his future. Though his father and grandfathers never served, Garvis made a conscious decision to answer the call as the Vietnam War was ramping up. That choice, however, led to another event he couldn't control. In the fall of 1967, a fresh-faced Lieutenant Pollard arrived in Saigon only a few months before the start of the Tet Offensive. By the end of 1968, no other year would result in as many casualties, due primarily to that controversial military campaign. Despite being raised on a secluded farm in Arkansas, CPT Pollard seemingly couldn't escape the history happening around him, whether it was his father's recollections of managing a POW camp full of Nazi soldiers or the personal proximity to the societal aftershocks caused by the Little Rock Nine. Garvis credits events like those for his lifelong love of history and his relentless reckoning with it. He offers a clear-eyed and candid take on his eighteen months of service in Vietnam and the war as a whole. It is no surprise, then, that nowadays CPT Pollard spends his time teaching visitors to our museum the importance of understanding our history, what our forefathers did in the face of adversity, and how we can harness the power to do the same.
 
(00:00) Disclaimer
(01:19) Opening Theme
(01:48) Introduction
(32:55) Fort Devens & Other East Coast Adventures
(44:33) Vietnam
(1:00:01) Dissecting the War
(1:14:26) Welcome Home
(1:17:22) Forts Holabird & Huachuca
(1:25:18) Life After the Army
(1:32:06) Closing
(1:40:18) Remembrance Gala Ad

Join us on Operation Insight as we host Chief Petty Officer Chuck Robinson of the U.S. Navy!
 
If Chuck's first year as a Sailor was any indication of what lay ahead, then he would have known just how unordinary his thirteen years of service would be. Whether it was a hurricane, ironically causing the perfect storm that allowed Chuck to be present for his first child's birth, or the fact that he had to fight his way through bureaucracy while suffering from a mysterious brain tumor. Amongst the highs and lows, CPO Robinson found purpose in complexity. Finding steady ground in uncertain times was something with which he was all too familiar. Chuck's own father, Charlie Robinson, Jr., a Navy veteran himself, succumbed to his inner demons in 2013, leaving Chuck devastated and without his hero. Only a few months later, he would achieve the coveted rank of Chief Petty Officer, a momentous occasion he had hoped his father would see. Chuck remembers his father as an expert storyteller and a man who radiated love, traits Chuck clearly inherited. With grace and the utmost respect, Chuck continues to honor the memory of fellow Chief Petty Officers Don McFaul and Sean Sullivan. Chuck is a steward of their memories and takes that responsibility seriously. Despite a disappointing and abrupt end to his own Navy career, he speaks of his service with great pride and appreciation for all that he learned.
 
(00:00) Disclaimer
(01:22) Opening Theme
(01:49) Introduction
(44:02) Recruiting
(55:16) E Komo Mai, Hawaii!
(01:07:51) The Struggle for Care
(01:29:24) Closing

Join us on Operation Insight as we host Petty Officer Second Class Don Luney and Dr. Julie Smith of Re-Emerge!
 
After a decade of service in the Navy, PO2 Luney's story was not that different from other veterans. He suffered from chronic joint pain and debilitating migraines. Beyond that, Don was eager to rediscover the camaraderie he had enjoyed as a Sailor. Ultimately, Don just wanted to feel better! The VA's proposed solutions didn't work for Don until they eventually suggested something else to him. That something else was Re-Emerge! Their mission of providing full-body fitness training to veterans (absolutely free of charge, by the way) was exactly what Don was seeking.
 
Similarly, Julie Smith was in search of something. Her identity as an athlete ended with her collegiate career, but she didn't want to give up her passion for health and fitness. That was especially true after her mother tragically succumbed to melanoma. "I wish I would have known how to take care of myself when it mattered," is what Julie's cancer-stricken mother uttered in an especially vulnerable moment. After her mother's passing, Julie took that hurt and that grief and transformed it into action! Now, Julie serves as a physical therapist, a health coach, and even a self-help and wellness podcast host with her friend Dr. Angela "Ang" Bleecher! For Julie, the advocacy and emphasis on a healthy mind, body, and spirit is what led her to Re-Emerge!
 
Operation Insight is proud to help promote the mission and purpose of Re-Emerge! If you are a disabled veteran in need of a personalized fitness, mental health, and nutrition program, you are encouraged to reach out to the awesome folks at Re-Emerge (https://www.re-emerge.org/). Additionally, you are cordially invited to sign up for their upcoming golf tournament fundraiser (https://manager.gallusgolf.com/Register/68257/re-emerge-golf-tournament). The team scramble formatted tournament will take place on Monday, October 20th, at the Fort Woods Golf Course in Troy, MO. They hope to see you there! Remember, the world needs you, and you deserve to live your life to the fullest!
(00:00) Disclaimer
(01:22) Opening Theme
(01:52) Introduction
(24:42) Part II
(48:07) Closing

Join us on Operation Insight as we host Master Sergeant Leonor Branch of the U.S. Air Force, founder of Sisters in Service of Greater St. Louis!
 
"At the end of the day, we can endure much more than we think we can." Those are the words of renowned Latina artist Frida Kahlo, but they very much apply to Leonor Branch. During her time in the Air Force, MSgt Branch was the living embodiment of "Al mal tiempo, buena cara!" Through hardships like discrimination early in her career, all the way to suffering a severe physical setback before Recruiting School, Leonor held herself to a higher standard. Leonor knew she not only represented herself in adversity but also her entire family and her Latina identity. As a result, she achieved success. No one could doubt Leonor's commitment to excellence and service, whether as an administrator or a top recruiter. Then, when Leonor recognized it was time to transition from Master Sergeant back to Mother, she gracefully retired. Even after leaving the military, Leonor knew her mission wasn't over. Soon, she founded Sisters in Service of Greater St. Louis. This organization empowers and supports women veterans in their transition to civilian life through mentorship. Women veterans can connect with others, heal their spiritual and psychological wounds, and learn not only to survive but thrive!
 
Applications for the inaugural Pivot with Purpose cohort are now closed. The next cohort will open in the Spring of 2026. Stay connected with Sisters in Service via their social media pages!
https://www.facebook.com/SisServe/
https://www.instagram.com/sis_nonprofit
https://www.linkedin.com/company/sisters-in-service-greater-st-louis/
If you would like to support Sisters in Service, you can donate here: https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/VUDE8VFBRUNAA
 
(00:00) Disclaimer
(01:22) Opening Theme
(01:54) Introduction
(32:55) Part II
(56:41) Healing Oneself & Empowering Others
(01:04:55) Closing

Join us on Operation Insight as we host Specialist Dustin Row of the U.S. Army, founder of Songs4Soldiers!
 
Much is asked of America's youth in times of war. As written by author Brandt Legg, “War is a place where young people who don’t know each other, and don’t hate each other, [are commanded to] kill each other…” Rather than dwell on the callousness of combat, Dustin has transformed his compassion for fellow veterans into real, tangible results. Through Songs4Soldiers, Dustin and his dedicated team have enriched the lives of numerous combat veterans and their families by offering direct assistance, both financially and otherwise. St. Louis, the Metro East, and the broader region are better for it. Without a doubt, the SPC Row who deployed to wartorn Iraq in 2004 was very different from the SPC Row who returned home. Two things, however, remained the same: his love of music and that inner voice beckoning him to serve others. As Dustin has said, "That one year in Iraq has shaped every single thing I do, for the positive." Operation Insight is honored to share Dustin's story and help to promote the awesome work of Songs4Soldiers!
 
(00:00) Disclaimer
(01:23) Opening Theme
(01:51) Introduction
(30:06) The Good Friday Ambush
(58:57) Part II
(01:21:54) Songs4Soliders
(01:44:43) Closing

Join us on Operation Insight as we host Senior Master Sergeant Stevie Riley!
 
Although SMSgt Riley had a tendency to ask herself, "Can a woman do that?", by all accounts, she already knew the answer. With each new assignment or duty, Stevie succeeded but did so in unconventional ways. When tasked with demonstrating how to command a flight crew's attention during a briefing, she transformed into a burlesque dancer. While deployed to Saudi Arabia and undergoing a bombardment, SMSgt Riley provided her unit with calmness and serenity by lighting her holy candles and sharing her Rosary. Not to mention, Mother L'Ecuyer's House of Wayward Fighter Pilots! SMSgt Riley was well-liked and well-respected. Stevie never backed down from standing up for herself and her fellow Airwomen. More often than not, she had Wingmen to back her up and show support as well.
 
(00:00) Disclaimer
(01:22) Opening Theme
(01:50) Introduction
(23:08) Sobriety
(26:32) Family
(31:39) Part II
(53:05) Closing

Join us on Operation Insight as we host Specialist Jim Manahan of the U.S. Army and Navy Reserve!
 
우정 ("wu-juhng") is a meaningful word to Jim Manahan, especially when he was serving as a Korean linguist in the Army. Friendship, that's what SPC Manahan enjoyed most during his service. A close second to that was his love of learning! Jim was exposed to the world outside of his middle-class Irish Catholic neighborhood very early in life. Before his father became a war hero, Sergeant Charles Manahan had witnessed a day that would go on to "live in infamy," the surprise attack on Pearl Harbor. Two of Jim's older brothers would go on to serve as Marines in Vietnam. It was during that time that Jim wrote letters to his oldest brother, Chuck, his hero. Little did Jim know that in less than a decade, he would be sent overseas, although SPC Manahan's deployment wasn't to the jungles of Southeast Asia. No, he would be sent to South Korea, not far from the Demilitarized Zone, more commonly known as the DMZ.
 
(00:00) Disclaimer
(01:22) Opening Theme
(01:54) Introduction
(35:54) Voice Interception & South Korea
(43:58) Operation Paul Bunyan
(51:10) Part II
(01:02:37) Closing

Join us on Operation Insight as we host Sergeant Helyn Kevrick, otherwise known as "Sarge"!
 
Towards the end of World War I, Opha May Johnson enlisted to become the first female Marine in 1918. Then, in 1943, with World War II raging on, the Marine Corps Women's Reserve was established, and by war's end, over 23,000 female Marines had served their country. In 1948, women were finally given the right to serve in active duty status, whether a war was on or not. And in 1955, two women attended the Marine Corps Drill Instructor School for the very first time! Helen, or "Helyn" as she prefers it, was part of that pioneering duo. And "Sarge" is still just as gung-ho now as she was then. Her love for The Corps and Semper Fi has remained steadfast and true.
 
When considering the military, Helyn's first inspiration was her Uncle Bud, who served in the Coast Guard and took Helyn under his wing during her tumultuous childhood. Soon, inspiration turned into determination! Helyn didn't let a recruiting poster seeking "A Few Good Men" deter her from joining the Marines. Soon, she found herself on Parris Island being barked at by someone she didn't expect, a female Marine Drill Instructor. Within two years, Helyn wouldn't be on the receiving end of commands; she'd be giving them as "Sarge"!
 
www.usmcu.edu/Research/Marine-Corps-History-Division/People/Women-in-the-Marine-Corps/
 
(00:00) Disclaimer
(01:21) Introduction
(19:42) Military Career
(33:07) Once a Marine, Always a Marine
(43:26) Closing

Join us on Operation Insight as we celebrate Independence Day with World War II veterans and brothers, Dan and Edgar Krattli of the U.S. Navy!
 
When our founding fathers signed and ratified the Declaration of Independence on July 4th, 1776, they made a bold stance against tyranny and oppression. They asserted, "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness." As we celebrate our Independence Day on Friday, July 4th, 2025, we should recognize the sacrifices made by previous generations that have allowed us to keep those "unalienable Rights." One such generation is aptly named "The Greatest Generation," and PO2s Dan and Edgar Krattli are amongst its ranks. Along with their brother Bob, they answered the call when the world was at war a second time. They were willing to risk their lives and join the global effort against the Axis Powers because it was the right thing to do. According to the National WWII Museum, over sixteen million Americans served during World War II, but only one percent of that population remains with us today. It is truly an honor to share the story of the Krattli brothers and add their voices to the annals of history!
 
(00:00) Disclaimer
(01:22) Opening Theme
(01:52) Introduction
(31:01) After WWII
(41:30) Closing

Join us on Operation Insight as we host Sergeant First Class Johnathon McDaris of the U.S. Army!
 
Destiny is a big concept, and Johnathon McDaris thought he had it figured out. Spoiler alert: he didn't! And how could he? No one could have predicted the highs and lows SFC McDaris would experience from joining the National Guard in 1999 to medically retiring in 2015; from learning of the 9/11 attacks while in Basic Training to being televised while raiding the compound of Saddam Hussein's monstrous sons. But there was one person in SFC McDaris' life who had enough insight to know the soldier's life wasn't going to be easy, but it would certainly be worth it. That person was 1SG Ted McDaris, Johnathon's Purple Heart-recipient father. Looking back now, Johnathon can see a divine hand guiding many of his actions and the circumstances in which he found himself. Throughout it all, much like his father and grandfather did before him, Johnathon served with dedication, resilience, and a strong sense of self. As Johnathon says, "That's what McDaris men do."
(00:00) Disclaimer
(01:22) Opening Theme
(01:50) Introduction
(41:08) Part II
(1:02:04) Becoming a Recruiter
(1:14:47) Full Circle Moments
(1:18:30) Taking a Knee
(1:25:20) Closing
 
"What It Felt Like", written by SFC Johnathon McDaris (Ret.)
In 2006, I was blown up by an IED. It was made of five 155mm artillery shells—something most people won’t have a frame of reference for. So when I try to explain what it felt like, I have to reach for comparisons that still fall short.
Imagine a car crash happening in less than a blink—no brakes, no warning, just impact. But instead of metal crunching metal, the air itself turns solid and hits you all at once. You don’t hear the explosion as much as you feel it, like your whole body got struck by a thunderclap. Your bones rattle. Your lungs forget how to breathe. And for a few seconds, the world becomes a vacuum of noise and light.
It’s not just the blast, either. The heat scorches. The shrapnel doesn’t care what it hits—it’s just spinning death. Every tiny piece of gravel, every bolt, every splinter of metal in the vicinity becomes a bullet. It’s like standing in the middle of a tornado made of knives.
Then comes the silence. Not peace—silence. Your ears ring like someone struck a tuning fork inside your skull. Your brain struggles to keep up. You might not feel pain right away. You might not even realize what just happened. But something deep inside you knows that your life just changed.
I carry that day with me, not just in scars or surgeries, but in the way I see the world. And while I wouldn’t wish it on anyone, I do wish people could understand that when a blast like that goes off, it doesn’t just destroy what's around it. It reaches into you and leaves fingerprints on the parts of your life that people can’t see.