Operation Insight

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.

Join us on Operation Insight as we host Chief Petty Officer Kara Jo "KJ" Park of the U.S. Coast Guard!
 
As a child, she watched as they patrolled the Mississippi River during St. Louis' VP Fair. As a young adult and fresh recruit, she sailed the seas and circumnavigated the globe on a cutter. While in the Coast Guard, KJ Park accomplished nautical feats even some Sailors can't fathom. Throughout KJ's service, she proved herself to be one helluva Puddle Pirate. In fact, she is one helluva resilient individual. From overcoming stubborn stereotypes to standing her ground in the last branch of service to fully integrate women, KJ persevered. Yet, despite her dedication to Semper Paratus, KJ was not protected when her life was in danger on U.S. soil. While enduring the hardships of an abusive relationship, KJ was misled, poorly advised, and ultimately had to navigate a broken system alone. However, KJ doesn't define her career by the setbacks and tribulations she experienced. No, she doesn't take the path of anger and regret. Instead, KJ bravely sets a course that encompasses both the good and the bad, the anguish and the awe-inspiring aspects of life as a Coastie.
 
(00:00) Disclaimer
(1:22) Introduction
(33:43) Patrolling Domestic Waters
(42:55) Part II
(1:32:18) Closing
 
If you or someone you love is suffering from domestic abuse or intimate partner violence, you are encouraged to visit the links below for help and resources!
https://www.militaryonesource.mil/relationships/prevent-violence-abuse/domestic-abuse-help/
https://www.socialwork.va.gov/IPV/VETERANS_PARTNERS/WhatCanIDo/Index.asp
https://www.thehotline.org/here-for-you/

Join us on Operation Insight as we host Captain William "Bill" Reynolds of the U.S. Air Force!
 
For some folks born and raised in the southern half of the Land of Lincoln, life might seem a little slow. Not so for the adventure-seeking Bill Reynolds. No, life moved fast for Bill, and when the speed wasn't to his liking, he found a way to pull some Gs even when he wasn't supposed to! Captain Reynolds flew all types of aircraft, from the T-33 Shooting Star to the F-86 Sabre, and did so with panache. He had his fair share of close calls and enough "fifteen minutes of fame" to fill an entire book. In fact, he has authored two books: "Tiger 24" and "Inspirational Stories for You," both of which are available to our listeners at a discounted rate offered directly by Captain Reynolds himself (wreynolds12@bluetiehome.com). Beyond his piloting days, Bill served his community as an educator, and an excellent one at that! If it wasn't for him, many high schools in the St. Louis Metro East may not have as strong a Junior ROTC program as they do now. Mr. Reynolds has lived a life of adventure, but most importantly, he has lived a life dedicated to his family, his students, and his country. Even today, he continues to inspire those he meets!
 
(00:00) Disclaimer
(01:22) Introduction
(37:44) Messing with Chuck Yeager's Squadron
(42:56) Part II
(1:20:15) Closing

Join us on Operation Insight as we host Gold Star Mother Lee Hundelt, whose son, Lance Corporal Matthew Clark, was killed in action while on deployment to Iraq in 2006.
 
Monday, May 26th, marks this year's Memorial Day. While many may enjoy their three-day weekend by hosting parties and barbeques, there is a contingent of Americans who do not “celebrate” this holiday. Instead, they commemorate their lost loved ones and honor their sacrifices. This Memorial Day, we remember one such hero: LCpl Matthew Clark. Gold Star Mother Lee Hundelt shares the story of her son, from memories of him as a boy to his time as a Marine and the conversations she has with him even still today. Memorial Day is dedicated to the brave souls who paid the ultimate sacrifice in service to their nation.
 
(00:00) Disclaimer
(01:22) Opening Theme
(01:50) Introduction
(27:49) Closing

Join us on Operation Insight as we host Sergeant Jorge Valdez of the Missouri Army National Guard!
 
From the Yucatan Peninsula to Fort "Lost in the Woods" to a remote camp in Kosovo, SGT Valdez never lost his appetite for adventure. Soon after graduating from high school, Jorge announced to his parents that he felt an urge to leave Mexico and pursue the American dream. He did that and so much more! Soon after immigrating to the United States, Jorge enlisted in the Missouri Army National Guard. He served as a Combat Engineer out of Jefferson Barracks until finding his true calling as an MP. SGT Valdez also spent a year stationed in Kosovo, relieving a unit that was deployed as part of Operation Enduring Freedom. SGT Valdez enjoyed being a soldier but had conflicting feelings about his time as an officer candidate. He graduated from OCS but was not permitted to commission due to his age. Upon further reflection, Jorge thinks his wife may have been right about things happening for a reason. Perhaps unsurprisingly, not long after retiring from the National Guard, he began teaching at Fort Zumwalt West High. Jorge gifts his love of learning and zest for life to his students, who enjoy hearing about his adventures as an immigrant who found his American dream, selflessly served his country, and had a lot of fun along the way!
 
(00:00) Disclaimer
(01:22) Opening Theme
(1:51) Introduction
(35:05) Museum Event Ad
(36:06) Part II
(46:17) Home Again
(50:20) Officer Candidate School
(1:03:13) Closing

Join us on Operation Insight as we host Staff Sergeant Chris Miller of the U.S. Army and Army Reserve!
 
Soon after graduating from De Soto High School, just south of St. Louis, MO, Chris joined the Army Reserves in September 2000. There wasn't a war on, and Chris wasn't expecting much from his time in the service. That all changed merely a year later when America was attacked on 9/11. Chris soon found himself wrestling with a burning moral obligation to deploy and join the fight. Eventually, in 2007, Chris got his wish and deployed to Iraq with Bravo Company of the 321st Engineer Battalion in support of "Task Force Pathfinder". Much of SSG Miller's deployment to Ramadi, Iraq, was spent neutralizing IEDs as part of a route clearance team. That experience would forge his character and completely reshape his life. Chris now works for the Wounded Warrior Project at their St. Louis branch. He and his wife Stephanie live locally and have three daughters.
 
(00:00) Disclaimer
(1:22) Opening Theme
(1:51) Introduction
(46:03) Museum Event Ad
(47:06) Part II
(1:04:07) Urban Ambush
(1:14:58) Reality Sets In
(1:28:23) Closing

In 2015, World War II hero and veteran Ralph Barrale envisioned a museum that would honor all who served their country, with a special emphasis on those from his hometown. By 2019, after a tremendous grassroots effort, the St. Charles County Veterans Museum was established in O’Fallon, Missouri. Then, in 2023, Ralph's vision expanded, and the museum was renamed the Mid America Veterans Museum! Thus, the dream and the mission continue and reach further than ever before. As Ralph would say, "No one is ever really gone, as long as memories of them remain."
It is in that spirit and in honor of Ralph's dream that we proudly present to you "Operation Insight"! Join your hosts, Gold Star son Jason Galvan & former Army paratrooper Ethan Groce, as they launch the inaugural episode of this new and improved program. To kick things off right, they are joined by Nina DeAngelo, Executive Director of our museum.
https://mavm.org/podcast/
(00:00) Disclaimer
(01:22) Opening Theme
(01:51) Introduction
(18:33) Closing

Join Jason one final time on The Dog Tag as he speaks with Nina DeAngelo, Executive Director of the Mid America Veterans Museum. Nina is an Army veteran and cares deeply about the museum's mission to preserve the stories of local veterans. Jason and Nina will discuss the future of the museum's in-house podcast and the museum itself!

Join us from the Mid America Veterans Museum as we host museum curator Marcia Higgins and museum historian Jim Higgins to discuss our ever-evolving stories of veterans. In this episode, you will hear an in-depth accounting of updates to the story of Joseph McNamee, WWII Marine, which can only be described as serendipitous.
 
 

Join us on The Dog Tag as we host Marine veteran Corporal Bobby Christopher. Bobby is a combat veteran and currently serves as president of the Mid America Veterans Museum, formerly known as The St. Charles County Veterans Museum.
Bobby walks us through his military and combat experiences as a 0352 TOW (tube-launched optically tracked wire-guided missile system) Anti-tank Missile Gunner from 2002-2008, and was deployed to Iraq in 2005.
We also discuss Bobby’s role as the museum board president, and he shares updates on the museum’s new branding, the building project, and the hiring of our new executive director.

After graduating from St. Louis University with a degree in Business, he joined the Missouri Air National Guard and was assigned to the 131st Tactical Fighter Wing as a weapons mechanic.
Joe has traveled several interesting, exciting, and successful career paths in his life including leader and bass player for the rhythm and blues rock and soul horn band The Spirit of St. Louis, musical artist manager touring with The Moody Blues and the band Chicago, owner/operator of Rumbolo’s Deli On The Hill in St. Louis, MO, radio talk show host, creator and co-founder if the Awakening Zone Radio Network presenting 51 shows in 12 languages from all over the world, facilitator and certified transformational trainer.
When he retired, Boredom immediately set in, and he began his search for his “Retirement Career.” He initially found it as a Medicare agent with UnitedHealthcare but soon discovered that he could be more effective as a broker, representing many carriers, so he joined Comprehensive Benefits and now represents all the major carriers.
Joe is not only a broker, but he is on Medicare, too, just like you. His training and experience as a broker, along with being a beneficiary, allow him to expertly guide you through the minefield that is Medicare
Currently, Joe is a Licensed Medicare Broker, representing all of the major carriers, and he especially works closely with Veterans who use the VA, surviving spouses who have ChampVA, and Veterans who have Tricare for Life, as well as anyone who is on Medicare. 
Contact Information:
Joe Rumbolo Insurance Services
Medicare Made Easy with
Your Medicare Guy
Joe Rumbolo
Comprehensive Benefits
2350 S. 7th St. # 120
St. Louis, MO 63104
314-753-0792 Cell

Valor Villages is a large-scale project that provides medical, mental, spiritual, counseling, career training, retreat, transient, and permanent housing for those most needing and underserved in the veteran community.
“It Takes a Village.”
Website: valorvillages.org
Email: info@valorvillages.org
Phone: (314)944-2426