John Pontacolone was on his way to work on the morning of September 11, 2001. John worked for the city of New York. He was on the sidewalk when the first plane careened overhead and crashed into the World Trade Center. John and other New Yorkers instinctively crouched onto the ground as the plane screamed past them.

John was an eyewitness to both planes hitting the buildings and the subsequent imposions.

John spent 13+ harrowing hours trying to escape the city. He saw dead bodies in the East River. He saw the faces of fear everywhere he looked.

John's story is also a story of miracles, and how things could have been much worse.

This episode is one for families to hear together.

September 11, 2001, WE WILL NEVER FORGET.

This episode originally dropped on January 7, 2022. Chris was one of my favorite guests for many reasons.

First, his story was absolutely remarkable.....a story that is now in the process of becoming a movie.

Second, Chris' book, "No Tougher Duty, No Greater Honor" is a gripping, riveting read.

Third, and the most important reason is Chris is a stellar human. In spite of our internet connection problems, we had a incredible conversation. He is a gifted writer, and reading sections of his book as he explained the background was an emotional experience.

Christian Bussler joined the Marine Corps Reserves right out of high school and was assigned to MP Co. "C" in Dayton, Ohio as an Infantry Rifleman, and was later crosstrained as a Graves Registration/Mortuary Affairs Marine.

In 2003 his platoon of Mortuary Affairs specialists was activated to head to Kuwait, where he participated in the invasion of Iraq.

In February of 2004, he volunteered to go back to Iraq and was assigned to Weapons Company 3rd Battalion, 4th Marines, where he was wounded in combat operations while fighting against Al Qaeda terrorist insurgents.

After Chris' surgeries, he volunteered once again to go back to Iraq in 2005, but this time as the Staff Noncommisioned Offier in charge of all Mortuary Affairs operations in and around Al Taqaddum and Ar Ramadi, Iraq.

With Bussler's leadership, his team executed 4 search and recovery missions in active hostile territory and successfully recovered 13 service members and 1 civilian contractor originally classified as "missing in action."

His team also successfully process and evacuated 150 service members back to the continental United States. His book, "No Tougher Duty, No Greater Honor" details his experiences as a forward operating "body-bagger" in midst of combat. Chris tells the side of war that no one ever speaks of, about a duty that few know exists.

www.freedomspulse.com

No Tougher Duty, No Greater Honor Facebook Page

Kim is proud of her family's legacy of military service. Both grandpas, her father, and several other family members have honorably served at home and abroad to protect this great country.

In this episode, Kim shares how she shares patriotism with her children. Having personal connections with the sacrifices made by our military, Kim understands that "Freedom Isn't Free," is more than a slogan. She impresses upon her children the importance of standing up for America and its founding values.

Kim has a burning testimony about the divine mission of America. Her feelings for this country and its purpose are palpable.

Kim's love for America is contagious. Her passion burns through to the listener. Your fire for this country will only grow after you finish Kim's story.