1 00:00:00,000 --> 00:00:10,640 All across America and around the world, this is Veterans Radio. 2 00:00:10,640 --> 00:00:15,920 This is Veterans Radio. 3 00:00:15,920 --> 00:00:17,840 Welcome to Veterans Radio. 4 00:00:17,840 --> 00:00:20,520 I am Jim Fossone. 5 00:00:20,520 --> 00:00:22,840 I'm the officer of the deck today. 6 00:00:22,840 --> 00:00:24,720 We've got some great programs for you. 7 00:00:24,720 --> 00:00:29,520 We always want to remind you you can find more about Veterans Radio at its Facebook 8 00:00:29,520 --> 00:00:35,240 site or at the web veteransradio.org where we're on the web 24-7. 9 00:00:35,240 --> 00:00:38,360 You can find a lot of our podcasts there as well. 10 00:00:38,360 --> 00:00:45,040 We post new ones every Tuesday so you can get a new story, a new interview, something 11 00:00:45,040 --> 00:00:49,600 you didn't know before by going to veteransradio.org. 12 00:00:49,600 --> 00:00:53,040 And before we get started, we want to thank our sponsors. 13 00:00:53,040 --> 00:01:00,880 Next up we want to thank National Veteran Business Development Council, NVBDC.org. 14 00:01:00,880 --> 00:01:06,560 It was established to certify both service disabled and veteran owned businesses. 15 00:01:06,560 --> 00:01:13,080 You'll find out how they can help your business by going to NVBDC.org. 16 00:01:13,080 --> 00:01:16,600 We want to thank Legal Help for Veterans. 17 00:01:16,600 --> 00:01:22,120 Legal Help for Veterans fights for veterans disability rights all across the nation. 18 00:01:22,120 --> 00:01:33,240 You can reach them at 800-693-4800 or on the web at legalhelpforveterans.com. 19 00:01:33,240 --> 00:01:36,040 And finally, PuroClean. 20 00:01:36,040 --> 00:01:38,680 PuroClean is the paramedics of property damage. 21 00:01:38,680 --> 00:01:44,560 It provides water damage remediation, flood water removal, fire and smoke damage remediation, 22 00:01:44,560 --> 00:01:48,000 mold removal, biohazard cleanup. 23 00:01:48,000 --> 00:01:52,240 It also has a focus on veteran franchisees. 24 00:01:52,240 --> 00:01:56,120 You can learn more about them by going to puroclean.com. 25 00:01:56,120 --> 00:01:59,840 All right, strap in everybody. 26 00:01:59,840 --> 00:02:03,320 Today we're going deep on a pretty incredible story. 27 00:02:03,320 --> 00:02:04,800 Oh, I know this one. 28 00:02:04,800 --> 00:02:05,800 This is going to be good. 29 00:02:05,800 --> 00:02:08,480 Yeah, we're talking about Sergeant Julia Brinlow. 30 00:02:08,480 --> 00:02:10,480 An air ambulance flight medic. 31 00:02:10,480 --> 00:02:11,480 Wow. 32 00:02:11,480 --> 00:02:12,480 You got it. 33 00:02:12,480 --> 00:02:13,480 Operating in the thick of it. 34 00:02:13,480 --> 00:02:14,480 Not just anywhere. 35 00:02:14,480 --> 00:02:15,480 Nope. 36 00:02:15,480 --> 00:02:17,680 Operation Hammerdown in Afghanistan. 37 00:02:17,680 --> 00:02:19,320 Petch River Valley. 38 00:02:19,320 --> 00:02:20,320 2011. 39 00:02:20,320 --> 00:02:22,200 Right in the heart of things. 40 00:02:22,200 --> 00:02:23,400 Exactly. 41 00:02:23,400 --> 00:02:28,880 And we've got excerpts from a whole chapter about her, this woman. 42 00:02:28,880 --> 00:02:29,880 She's something else. 43 00:02:29,880 --> 00:02:31,040 I bet. 44 00:02:31,040 --> 00:02:32,400 So what are we focusing on here? 45 00:02:32,400 --> 00:02:34,400 What's the mission for today's deep dive? 46 00:02:34,400 --> 00:02:35,400 I'm glad you asked. 47 00:02:35,400 --> 00:02:39,640 What we're going to do is unpack what it was really like for her out there. 48 00:02:39,640 --> 00:02:41,560 Out there, meaning? 49 00:02:41,560 --> 00:02:42,560 Imagine this. 50 00:02:42,560 --> 00:02:44,040 You're not in some sterile hospital room. 51 00:02:44,040 --> 00:02:45,040 You're in a helicopter. 52 00:02:45,040 --> 00:02:46,040 A helicopter. 53 00:02:46,040 --> 00:02:47,040 Yeah. 54 00:02:47,040 --> 00:02:48,040 A battlefield. 55 00:02:48,040 --> 00:02:49,360 And every second counts. 56 00:02:49,360 --> 00:02:50,360 Every single one. 57 00:02:50,360 --> 00:02:51,520 And to make it even more intense. 58 00:02:51,520 --> 00:02:52,520 More intense. 59 00:02:52,520 --> 00:02:53,520 How? 60 00:02:53,520 --> 00:02:54,520 We're not just talking about any medic. 61 00:02:54,520 --> 00:02:56,440 This one earned the Distinguished Flying Crock. 62 00:02:56,440 --> 00:02:57,440 Oh, wow. 63 00:02:57,440 --> 00:02:59,520 That's one of the highest military honors you can get. 64 00:02:59,520 --> 00:03:00,520 You got it. 65 00:03:00,520 --> 00:03:02,080 So yeah, that's what we're diving into. 66 00:03:02,080 --> 00:03:03,680 The pressure. 67 00:03:03,680 --> 00:03:05,160 The decisions. 68 00:03:05,160 --> 00:03:06,680 And all while dodging bullets. 69 00:03:06,680 --> 00:03:08,360 You know it. 70 00:03:08,360 --> 00:03:10,520 But to really get it, we got to set the scene. 71 00:03:10,520 --> 00:03:11,920 Okay, yeah. 72 00:03:11,920 --> 00:03:13,200 The Petch River Valley. 73 00:03:13,200 --> 00:03:14,720 What was it like? 74 00:03:14,720 --> 00:03:16,360 Just picture this. 75 00:03:16,360 --> 00:03:17,920 Deep rugged mountains. 76 00:03:17,920 --> 00:03:18,920 Scorching heat. 77 00:03:18,920 --> 00:03:21,920 And don't leave me hanging. 78 00:03:21,920 --> 00:03:24,480 The constant threat of insurgent activity. 79 00:03:24,480 --> 00:03:26,600 It was like their backyard, you know. 80 00:03:26,600 --> 00:03:27,600 The Taliban. 81 00:03:27,600 --> 00:03:28,600 Yeah. 82 00:03:28,600 --> 00:03:30,520 This valley was a major corridor for them. 83 00:03:30,520 --> 00:03:32,720 And that's where Operation Hammerdown comes in. 84 00:03:32,720 --> 00:03:33,720 Right. 85 00:03:33,720 --> 00:03:37,520 It was this yearly thing the Afghan National Army and the US Army did. 86 00:03:37,520 --> 00:03:39,360 Trying to disrupt the Taliban's activities. 87 00:03:39,360 --> 00:03:40,360 Exactly. 88 00:03:40,360 --> 00:03:42,200 But it was no walk in the park. 89 00:03:42,200 --> 00:03:43,200 No kidding. 90 00:03:43,200 --> 00:03:44,200 Yeah. 91 00:03:44,200 --> 00:03:45,200 High elevations, difficult terrain. 92 00:03:45,200 --> 00:03:46,200 Yeah. 93 00:03:46,200 --> 00:03:48,760 They were in the US forces with their helicopters and night vision. 94 00:03:48,760 --> 00:03:50,720 Wait, trying to gain some kind of control. 95 00:03:50,720 --> 00:03:54,040 But the Taliban knew those mountains like the back of their hand. 96 00:03:54,040 --> 00:03:55,040 Does their home turf. 97 00:03:55,040 --> 00:03:58,320 And they used the terrain, the weather, everything to their advantage. 98 00:03:58,320 --> 00:04:02,080 So you've got this volatile setting, then you bring in the dust off crews. 99 00:04:02,080 --> 00:04:03,080 Dust off. 100 00:04:03,080 --> 00:04:04,080 You know, Medevac. 101 00:04:04,080 --> 00:04:06,320 But have you ever thought about what it actually takes? 102 00:04:06,320 --> 00:04:07,320 To do that. 103 00:04:07,320 --> 00:04:08,920 Yeah, especially in a war zone. 104 00:04:08,920 --> 00:04:11,080 We're not talking picking people up off the highway. 105 00:04:11,080 --> 00:04:14,960 These are the folks who swoop in under fire to get the wounded out. 106 00:04:14,960 --> 00:04:15,960 That's exactly it. 107 00:04:15,960 --> 00:04:18,640 They're picking US Army Air Ambulance units. 108 00:04:18,640 --> 00:04:20,440 Their call sign is dust off. 109 00:04:20,440 --> 00:04:21,440 Right. 110 00:04:21,440 --> 00:04:22,440 Now think about this. 111 00:04:22,440 --> 00:04:27,440 They're responsible for getting critically injured soldiers out of a combat zone. 112 00:04:27,440 --> 00:04:28,560 Wow. 113 00:04:28,560 --> 00:04:30,640 Using helicopters is their main mode of transport. 114 00:04:30,640 --> 00:04:32,440 I mean, talk about pressure. 115 00:04:32,440 --> 00:04:33,440 Seriously. 116 00:04:33,440 --> 00:04:35,760 And during the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. 117 00:04:35,760 --> 00:04:36,760 Wait, hold on. 118 00:04:36,760 --> 00:04:37,760 How successful were they? 119 00:04:37,760 --> 00:04:38,760 Get this. 120 00:04:38,760 --> 00:04:43,560 Dust off operations had a 90.6% survival rate for the casualties they evacuated. 121 00:04:43,560 --> 00:04:44,560 90.6%. 122 00:04:44,560 --> 00:04:45,560 That's incredible. 123 00:04:45,560 --> 00:04:46,560 I know, right? 124 00:04:46,560 --> 00:04:48,000 That's not just luck. 125 00:04:48,000 --> 00:04:50,440 That's skill, training, and nerves of steel. 126 00:04:50,440 --> 00:04:52,280 And at the heart of our deep dive today. 127 00:04:52,280 --> 00:04:55,920 Is Sergeant Julia Bringlow one of these dust off heroes? 128 00:04:55,920 --> 00:04:57,080 But here's the thing. 129 00:04:57,080 --> 00:04:58,080 What's that? 130 00:04:58,080 --> 00:05:01,680 She didn't take the typical path to becoming a flight medic. 131 00:05:01,680 --> 00:05:02,680 At all. 132 00:05:02,680 --> 00:05:04,360 Okay, now I'm really intrigued. 133 00:05:04,360 --> 00:05:05,360 Tell me more. 134 00:05:05,360 --> 00:05:06,360 What do you mean? 135 00:05:06,360 --> 00:05:08,320 Well, before the Army, she worked construction. 136 00:05:08,320 --> 00:05:10,160 Imagine her out in the Hawaiian sun. 137 00:05:10,160 --> 00:05:11,160 Building things. 138 00:05:11,160 --> 00:05:12,520 She was even senior class president. 139 00:05:12,520 --> 00:05:13,520 Wow. 140 00:05:13,520 --> 00:05:15,760 That's a big change going from construction to the Army. 141 00:05:15,760 --> 00:05:16,760 It is. 142 00:05:16,760 --> 00:05:18,360 Life threw her some curve balls though. 143 00:05:18,360 --> 00:05:19,360 What kind of curve balls? 144 00:05:19,360 --> 00:05:21,440 Well, there were some personal tragedy. 145 00:05:21,440 --> 00:05:23,360 And then at age 34. 146 00:05:23,360 --> 00:05:24,460 What happened at 34? 147 00:05:24,460 --> 00:05:26,160 She decided to enlist. 148 00:05:26,160 --> 00:05:29,040 And she was laser focused on becoming a flight medic. 149 00:05:29,040 --> 00:05:30,040 That's incredible. 150 00:05:30,040 --> 00:05:34,120 So from Hawaii to Afghanistan, what was that training like? 151 00:05:34,120 --> 00:05:35,120 Intense. 152 00:05:35,120 --> 00:05:37,320 They don't mess around when it comes to training these medics. 153 00:05:37,320 --> 00:05:38,320 It's the real deal. 154 00:05:38,320 --> 00:05:39,320 Yeah. 155 00:05:39,320 --> 00:05:40,680 Mastering medical skills, combat tactics. 156 00:05:40,680 --> 00:05:44,120 The ins and outs of helicopter operations, all of it. 157 00:05:44,120 --> 00:05:45,960 And something people don't always think about. 158 00:05:45,960 --> 00:05:46,960 What's that? 159 00:05:46,960 --> 00:05:49,280 They have to develop serious mental toughness. 160 00:05:49,280 --> 00:05:53,280 The ability to handle the horrors of war without falling apart. 161 00:05:53,280 --> 00:05:54,280 You're right. 162 00:05:54,280 --> 00:05:55,280 That's huge. 163 00:05:55,280 --> 00:05:57,280 So, Bringlow, she thrived in all of this. 164 00:05:57,280 --> 00:05:58,280 She did. 165 00:05:58,280 --> 00:06:00,680 Ended up with Dustoff 7.3. 166 00:06:00,680 --> 00:06:02,680 Assigned to Operation Hammerdown. 167 00:06:02,680 --> 00:06:05,760 Okay, so this is where things get really intense. 168 00:06:05,760 --> 00:06:06,760 You got it. 169 00:06:06,760 --> 00:06:08,240 We're going to take a look at some of those missions. 170 00:06:08,240 --> 00:06:09,240 Those missions. 171 00:06:09,240 --> 00:06:10,240 She and her crew flew. 172 00:06:10,240 --> 00:06:11,240 Yeah. 173 00:06:11,240 --> 00:06:14,680 During those three crazy days in June 2011. 174 00:06:14,680 --> 00:06:16,120 Give me a glimpse. 175 00:06:16,120 --> 00:06:17,320 What were they like? 176 00:06:17,320 --> 00:06:22,960 These missions were a window into the sheer danger and complexity of Medevac work. 177 00:06:22,960 --> 00:06:26,840 They were constantly extracting wounded soldiers from hot LZs. 178 00:06:26,840 --> 00:06:29,720 Hot LZs, meaning places under heavy fire. 179 00:06:29,720 --> 00:06:30,720 Exactly. 180 00:06:30,720 --> 00:06:33,120 Risking their lives every single time they went in. 181 00:06:33,120 --> 00:06:34,120 Wait. 182 00:06:34,120 --> 00:06:39,400 Going into active firefights in unarmed helicopters, even with the Red Cross markings, that's terrifying. 183 00:06:39,400 --> 00:06:40,520 It absolutely was. 184 00:06:40,520 --> 00:06:44,680 They had armed escorts for protection, but the threat, constant. 185 00:06:44,680 --> 00:06:45,680 Wow. 186 00:06:45,680 --> 00:06:47,360 And don't forget the physical demands. 187 00:06:47,360 --> 00:06:48,360 Oh, right. 188 00:06:48,360 --> 00:06:51,440 Being hoisted down from a helicopter to the ground. 189 00:06:51,440 --> 00:06:53,400 Sometimes swinging around trying to secure a patient. 190 00:06:53,400 --> 00:06:54,720 I can't even imagine. 191 00:06:54,720 --> 00:06:57,840 And she collided with trees and boulders during some of these hoists. 192 00:06:57,840 --> 00:06:59,080 Yeah, she did. 193 00:06:59,080 --> 00:07:01,920 So what were some of the missions that really show Bringlow's heroism? 194 00:07:01,920 --> 00:07:06,160 Well, there was this one where she literally saved a soldier's life mid-air. 195 00:07:06,160 --> 00:07:07,640 He had been shot in the face. 196 00:07:07,640 --> 00:07:08,640 Oh, wow. 197 00:07:08,640 --> 00:07:10,320 A life-threatening wound. 198 00:07:10,320 --> 00:07:13,720 But it was her quick thinking and medical care that stabilized him. 199 00:07:13,720 --> 00:07:15,080 Enough to get him back to a hospital. 200 00:07:15,080 --> 00:07:16,880 You got it. 201 00:07:16,880 --> 00:07:19,560 The surgeons later said he wouldn't have made it without her. 202 00:07:19,560 --> 00:07:21,880 She was saving lives on the fly, basically. 203 00:07:21,880 --> 00:07:22,880 Incredible. 204 00:07:22,880 --> 00:07:23,880 Tell me about another mission. 205 00:07:23,880 --> 00:07:26,920 Okay, remember those hot LZs we were talking about? 206 00:07:26,920 --> 00:07:33,200 Well, there was this other mission where they had to extract wounded soldiers from a rooftop. 207 00:07:33,200 --> 00:07:34,200 A rooftop. 208 00:07:34,200 --> 00:07:39,480 And all while under intense fire, the maneuvering the coordination with Apache support, it was 209 00:07:39,480 --> 00:07:40,480 incredible. 210 00:07:40,480 --> 00:07:43,560 And they were doing all of this while battling exhaustion. 211 00:07:43,560 --> 00:07:44,560 Mission after mission. 212 00:07:44,560 --> 00:07:49,640 Barely any time to rest, just fueled by adrenaline and the need to save lives. 213 00:07:49,640 --> 00:07:52,360 I can't even imagine the toll that must have taken on them. 214 00:07:52,360 --> 00:07:54,200 It was grueling. 215 00:07:54,200 --> 00:07:58,520 And it's in those moments of exhaustion that Bringlow's dedication really shines. 216 00:07:58,520 --> 00:07:59,840 Okay, tell me more. 217 00:07:59,840 --> 00:08:00,840 What happened? 218 00:08:00,840 --> 00:08:05,400 During one hoist, she collided with a tree trunk and injured her leg. 219 00:08:05,400 --> 00:08:06,680 You'd think she'd stand down. 220 00:08:06,680 --> 00:08:07,680 You would. 221 00:08:07,680 --> 00:08:08,680 But she refused. 222 00:08:08,680 --> 00:08:11,080 Despite the pain, she kept going. 223 00:08:11,080 --> 00:08:13,040 Putting the needs of her patients above her own? 224 00:08:13,040 --> 00:08:14,040 Exactly. 225 00:08:14,040 --> 00:08:15,040 That's some serious grit. 226 00:08:15,040 --> 00:08:16,840 Talk about above and beyond the call of duty. 227 00:08:16,840 --> 00:08:17,840 You said it. 228 00:08:17,840 --> 00:08:20,640 And you know, it wasn't just American lives they were saving. 229 00:08:20,640 --> 00:08:21,640 Oh, right. 230 00:08:21,640 --> 00:08:22,640 Tell me about that. 231 00:08:22,640 --> 00:08:23,640 There was another mission. 232 00:08:23,640 --> 00:08:27,720 They had to recover a fallen Afghan soldier. 233 00:08:27,720 --> 00:08:28,720 Wow. 234 00:08:28,720 --> 00:08:31,160 All well under enemy fire, of course. 235 00:08:31,160 --> 00:08:36,040 It just shows her commitment, you know, to honoring everyone, showing respect, no matter 236 00:08:36,040 --> 00:08:37,720 what side they were on. 237 00:08:37,720 --> 00:08:38,720 That's powerful. 238 00:08:38,720 --> 00:08:41,480 So each mission, new challenges, new risks. 239 00:08:41,480 --> 00:08:44,960 And she kept stepping up every single time. 240 00:08:44,960 --> 00:08:47,000 Another mission that really stands out, they had to do an extraction. 241 00:08:47,000 --> 00:08:48,000 Oh yeah. 242 00:08:48,000 --> 00:08:49,000 What happened? 243 00:08:49,000 --> 00:08:51,760 The weather going downhill fast. 244 00:08:51,760 --> 00:08:53,120 Pushing them to their limit. 245 00:08:53,120 --> 00:08:57,520 Their skills, the helicopter, everything. 246 00:08:57,520 --> 00:09:01,400 That must have felt like a constant battle, the elements, the enemy. 247 00:09:01,400 --> 00:09:02,400 Their own exhaustion. 248 00:09:02,400 --> 00:09:03,840 It was a pressure cooker for sure. 249 00:09:03,840 --> 00:09:04,840 And Bringlow. 250 00:09:04,840 --> 00:09:05,840 Calm. 251 00:09:05,840 --> 00:09:06,840 Collected. 252 00:09:06,840 --> 00:09:11,840 Using her medical expertise to make sure those wounded soldiers had the best chance. 253 00:09:11,840 --> 00:09:12,840 The best chance of survival. 254 00:09:12,840 --> 00:09:13,840 Oh wow. 255 00:09:13,840 --> 00:09:17,880 After those three crazy days, all those acts of heroism, there had to be some recognition, 256 00:09:17,880 --> 00:09:18,880 right? 257 00:09:18,880 --> 00:09:19,880 You bet. 258 00:09:19,880 --> 00:09:22,000 Her actions during Operation Hammerdown, they didn't go unnoticed. 259 00:09:22,000 --> 00:09:23,440 I would hope not. 260 00:09:23,440 --> 00:09:25,760 She was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross. 261 00:09:25,760 --> 00:09:26,760 That's incredible. 262 00:09:26,760 --> 00:09:28,560 Her estimate to her service. 263 00:09:28,560 --> 00:09:29,560 Her bravery. 264 00:09:29,560 --> 00:09:30,560 Her determination. 265 00:09:30,560 --> 00:09:32,120 It's a huge honor. 266 00:09:32,120 --> 00:09:33,120 Huge. 267 00:09:33,120 --> 00:09:37,040 And get this, she became only the seventh woman to receive it. 268 00:09:37,040 --> 00:09:38,440 The seventh woman ever. 269 00:09:38,440 --> 00:09:39,440 Ever. 270 00:09:39,440 --> 00:09:41,320 That really puts it into perspective. 271 00:09:41,320 --> 00:09:43,840 What does the citation actually say about her actions? 272 00:09:43,840 --> 00:09:48,320 Well, it highlighted her willingness to put herself in harm's way. 273 00:09:48,320 --> 00:09:49,320 Time and time again. 274 00:09:49,320 --> 00:09:50,400 Like how? 275 00:09:50,400 --> 00:09:51,400 What specifically? 276 00:09:51,400 --> 00:09:56,560 It mentions specifically her repeated exposure to enemy fire. 277 00:09:56,560 --> 00:10:01,120 While guiding her aircraft into these really, really confined spaces. 278 00:10:01,120 --> 00:10:02,120 Like what? 279 00:10:02,120 --> 00:10:03,120 Like rooftops. 280 00:10:03,120 --> 00:10:04,120 Yeah. 281 00:10:04,120 --> 00:10:05,120 For one wheel landings. 282 00:10:05,120 --> 00:10:10,800 Or those times she was hoisted down to patients from crazy heights, all while under fire. 283 00:10:10,800 --> 00:10:11,800 Wow. 284 00:10:11,800 --> 00:10:14,280 And it talks about her medical treatment and route to the hospital. 285 00:10:14,280 --> 00:10:15,280 Yeah. 286 00:10:15,280 --> 00:10:16,280 Like with that soldier who was shot in the face. 287 00:10:16,280 --> 00:10:18,440 Oh yeah, the skinny kid she mentions in the chapter, right? 288 00:10:18,440 --> 00:10:19,440 That's the one. 289 00:10:19,440 --> 00:10:22,560 The surgeon said he wouldn't have made it if it weren't for her. 290 00:10:22,560 --> 00:10:26,120 Her quick thinking and care during the flight, it's amazing. 291 00:10:26,120 --> 00:10:27,120 It is. 292 00:10:27,120 --> 00:10:30,800 The citation also mentions her role in recovering fallen Afghan soldier. 293 00:10:30,800 --> 00:10:32,600 Her composure under fire. 294 00:10:32,600 --> 00:10:34,000 Even during her own extraction. 295 00:10:34,000 --> 00:10:37,520 It paints a picture of someone truly remarkable. 296 00:10:37,520 --> 00:10:40,360 Someone willing to risk everything to save others. 297 00:10:40,360 --> 00:10:43,720 It makes you think about all the challenges women in the military have faced. 298 00:10:43,720 --> 00:10:45,400 And still face, honestly. 299 00:10:45,400 --> 00:10:46,480 That's an important point. 300 00:10:46,480 --> 00:10:49,720 It's even more significant when you consider the historical context. 301 00:10:49,720 --> 00:10:50,720 How so? 302 00:10:50,720 --> 00:10:54,440 For a long time, women were stuck in support roles. 303 00:10:54,440 --> 00:10:56,360 Far from the front lines, bring those story. 304 00:10:56,360 --> 00:10:57,360 Yeah. 305 00:10:57,360 --> 00:11:02,040 It's an example, a powerful example of the strength, the courage women bring to the 306 00:11:02,040 --> 00:11:05,600 armed forces, even in the most demanding situations. 307 00:11:05,600 --> 00:11:08,240 You know what really struck me after Operation Hammerdown? 308 00:11:08,240 --> 00:11:09,240 Yeah. 309 00:11:09,240 --> 00:11:10,240 What's that? 310 00:11:10,240 --> 00:11:11,840 She married one of the patients she had saved. 311 00:11:11,840 --> 00:11:16,440 Isn't that something it speaks to the impact she had on people's lives? 312 00:11:16,440 --> 00:11:22,640 You know, it shows that even amidst the chaos and tragedy, there's room for hope, for connection, 313 00:11:22,640 --> 00:11:23,640 for love. 314 00:11:23,640 --> 00:11:24,640 It's a beautiful thing. 315 00:11:24,640 --> 00:11:25,640 And it doesn't end there. 316 00:11:25,640 --> 00:11:27,240 She continued her military career. 317 00:11:27,240 --> 00:11:31,600 She rose through the ranks, eventually even became a Medevac instructor. 318 00:11:31,600 --> 00:11:33,040 Talk about paying it forward. 319 00:11:33,040 --> 00:11:38,560 It shows her commitment to sharing her experience, her knowledge, to make sure future generations 320 00:11:38,560 --> 00:11:40,040 were prepared. 321 00:11:40,040 --> 00:11:41,960 Prepared for what they would face out there. 322 00:11:41,960 --> 00:11:42,960 Exactly. 323 00:11:42,960 --> 00:11:43,960 That's incredible. 324 00:11:43,960 --> 00:11:48,040 Sergeant Julia Brinlow's story is really a testament to those who serve. 325 00:11:48,040 --> 00:11:51,600 It's about bravery, resilience, compassion. 326 00:11:51,600 --> 00:11:55,000 It's a story that makes you think about what heroism really means. 327 00:11:55,000 --> 00:11:56,000 You know? 328 00:11:56,000 --> 00:11:57,000 How so? 329 00:11:57,000 --> 00:12:00,560 It's not always about grand gestures or medals. 330 00:12:00,560 --> 00:12:06,080 Sometimes it's about the quiet determination to do what's right, even when it's hard, 331 00:12:06,080 --> 00:12:07,080 even when it's dangerous. 332 00:12:07,080 --> 00:12:11,040 It's about stepping up, putting yourself on the line, never giving up. 333 00:12:11,040 --> 00:12:12,040 Exactly. 334 00:12:12,040 --> 00:12:17,120 And that's something we can all learn from on a battlefield or just facing everyday life. 335 00:12:17,120 --> 00:12:21,040 You know, it's easy to get lost in the action, the details of the missions. 336 00:12:21,040 --> 00:12:23,200 But what sticks with me is her resilience. 337 00:12:23,200 --> 00:12:24,200 It's incredible. 338 00:12:24,200 --> 00:12:25,200 Brinlow. 339 00:12:25,200 --> 00:12:26,200 It wasn't just physical strength either. 340 00:12:26,200 --> 00:12:27,280 It was mental toughness. 341 00:12:27,280 --> 00:12:31,280 Being able to compartmentalize the horrors and just keep going. 342 00:12:31,280 --> 00:12:33,720 And it's even more powerful when you consider her journey. 343 00:12:33,720 --> 00:12:34,720 Oh, absolutely. 344 00:12:34,720 --> 00:12:36,520 She wasn't a career military person. 345 00:12:36,520 --> 00:12:38,000 She came to it later. 346 00:12:38,000 --> 00:12:40,440 After facing her own struggles, it's amazing. 347 00:12:40,440 --> 00:12:42,720 It makes you wonder where she found that strength. 348 00:12:42,720 --> 00:12:43,720 Right. 349 00:12:43,720 --> 00:12:45,760 Was it always there? 350 00:12:45,760 --> 00:12:50,200 Or did those challenges, those tragedies forge something new in her? 351 00:12:50,200 --> 00:12:51,200 That's a good question. 352 00:12:51,200 --> 00:12:55,840 It's like she took those hardships, those glows life dealt her. 353 00:12:55,840 --> 00:13:02,200 And turned them into fuel, this incredible drive to serve, to heal, to protect. 354 00:13:02,200 --> 00:13:03,960 And it wasn't just about saving lives either. 355 00:13:03,960 --> 00:13:04,960 Right. 356 00:13:04,960 --> 00:13:07,040 It was about honoring them, even in death. 357 00:13:07,040 --> 00:13:08,880 Like with the fallen Afghan soldier. 358 00:13:08,880 --> 00:13:09,880 Exactly. 359 00:13:09,880 --> 00:13:13,440 She risked her own safety to make sure he was brought back with dignity. 360 00:13:13,440 --> 00:13:15,040 There's a lot about her character. 361 00:13:15,040 --> 00:13:16,200 It really does. 362 00:13:16,200 --> 00:13:18,720 And what's fascinating is she didn't seek out recognition? 363 00:13:18,720 --> 00:13:19,760 No, she didn't. 364 00:13:19,760 --> 00:13:22,320 She was just doing her job, driven by duty. 365 00:13:22,320 --> 00:13:23,880 That distinguished flying cross. 366 00:13:23,880 --> 00:13:25,720 It wasn't something she chased. 367 00:13:25,720 --> 00:13:29,800 It was a consequence of her actions, her commitment to something bigger. 368 00:13:29,800 --> 00:13:30,800 Than herself. 369 00:13:30,800 --> 00:13:34,120 And that commitment continued, even after active duty. 370 00:13:34,120 --> 00:13:35,600 Becoming a Medevac instructor. 371 00:13:35,600 --> 00:13:36,600 Wow. 372 00:13:36,600 --> 00:13:39,920 Passing on her knowledge, making sure future generations were ready. 373 00:13:39,920 --> 00:13:44,360 For the realities of that job, it's like she took her experiences, the lessons. 374 00:13:44,360 --> 00:13:46,080 From the crucible of war. 375 00:13:46,080 --> 00:13:48,640 And turned them into a gift, a legacy. 376 00:13:48,640 --> 00:13:51,320 It's powerful, Sergeant Julia Brinlow's story. 377 00:13:51,320 --> 00:13:52,320 It is. 378 00:13:52,320 --> 00:13:54,960 It reminds us that heroism comes in many forms. 379 00:13:54,960 --> 00:13:57,400 It's not always about charging into battle. 380 00:13:57,400 --> 00:13:59,880 Sometimes it's about quiet courage. 381 00:13:59,880 --> 00:14:01,320 Facing your fears. 382 00:14:01,320 --> 00:14:02,600 Pushing through pain. 383 00:14:02,600 --> 00:14:04,040 Putting others before yourself. 384 00:14:04,040 --> 00:14:09,480 It's about finding that strength, that resilience that allows you to keep going when everything 385 00:14:09,480 --> 00:14:10,720 seems impossible. 386 00:14:10,720 --> 00:14:13,520 We all have that capacity somewhere inside. 387 00:14:13,520 --> 00:14:14,520 We do. 388 00:14:14,520 --> 00:14:16,160 So what do we take away from all of this? 389 00:14:16,160 --> 00:14:19,400 What can we learn from Brinlow's story? 390 00:14:19,400 --> 00:14:22,720 Apply it to our own lives, even if we're not facing, you know. 391 00:14:22,720 --> 00:14:23,720 Life or death situations. 392 00:14:23,720 --> 00:14:24,720 Yeah. 393 00:14:24,720 --> 00:14:26,320 I think it's about finding our own missions. 394 00:14:26,320 --> 00:14:31,360 Those things we're passionate about that call us to serve something larger than ourselves. 395 00:14:31,360 --> 00:14:33,440 Facing challenges with courage. 396 00:14:33,440 --> 00:14:35,040 Knowing we have the strength to overcome. 397 00:14:35,040 --> 00:14:38,000 And recognizing the heroism in everyday acts. 398 00:14:38,000 --> 00:14:40,360 Kindness, compassion, resilience. 399 00:14:40,360 --> 00:14:42,560 What stands out to you about her story? 400 00:14:42,560 --> 00:14:43,560 The choices she made. 401 00:14:43,560 --> 00:14:45,000 Brinlow chose to enlist. 402 00:14:45,000 --> 00:14:46,200 She chose to become a flight medic. 403 00:14:46,200 --> 00:14:48,200 She chose to face danger. 404 00:14:48,200 --> 00:14:51,040 And in those choices, she found her purpose. 405 00:14:51,040 --> 00:14:52,040 Her strength. 406 00:14:52,040 --> 00:14:53,040 Her legacy. 407 00:14:53,040 --> 00:14:55,640 Makes you think about the choices we make. 408 00:14:55,640 --> 00:14:56,840 Every day. 409 00:14:56,840 --> 00:14:57,840 The impact. 410 00:14:57,840 --> 00:15:00,840 Not just on us, but on everyone around us. 411 00:15:00,840 --> 00:15:01,840 It's a powerful thought. 412 00:15:01,840 --> 00:15:04,520 It's been an honor to unpack Brinlow's story with you. 413 00:15:04,520 --> 00:15:05,520 It really has. 414 00:15:05,520 --> 00:15:11,080 It's a story that challenges us, inspires us, reminds us of the incredible potential inside 415 00:15:11,080 --> 00:15:12,080 each of us. 416 00:15:12,080 --> 00:15:15,640 A story that will stay with me for a long time. 417 00:15:15,640 --> 00:15:17,240 Thanks for joining us for this deep dive. 418 00:15:17,240 --> 00:15:19,720 We hope you found it as illuminating as we did. 419 00:15:19,720 --> 00:15:22,600 And remember, keep exploring, keep learning. 420 00:15:22,600 --> 00:15:26,440 Keep diving deep into the stories that matter. 421 00:15:26,440 --> 00:15:32,760 I hope this interview, this AI generated interview, kind of pick, pekewed your interest as they 422 00:15:32,760 --> 00:15:34,000 say. 423 00:15:34,000 --> 00:15:35,000 You want to know more. 424 00:15:35,000 --> 00:15:36,480 Go read the full chapter. 425 00:15:36,480 --> 00:15:39,960 This interview didn't do it justice in my opinion. 426 00:15:39,960 --> 00:15:44,680 Julie Brilgillow is an American hero, an incredible story. 427 00:15:44,680 --> 00:15:48,880 Her valor is recognized with the DFC. 428 00:15:48,880 --> 00:15:52,280 But really the story is more powerful. 429 00:15:52,280 --> 00:15:59,560 The injuries that she sustained during her service, swinging at the end of that line, 430 00:15:59,560 --> 00:16:05,640 going down to pick guys up in Afghanistan, just incredible. 431 00:16:05,640 --> 00:16:07,080 So go read more about it. 432 00:16:07,080 --> 00:16:14,360 You can read more about it at HomeOfHeroes.org or in the Beyond Belief series books. 433 00:16:14,360 --> 00:16:18,000 Just like sometimes you read a book and then you see the movie and you say, eh, the movie 434 00:16:18,000 --> 00:16:23,080 is not as good as the book, this interview is not as good as the chapter written about 435 00:16:23,080 --> 00:16:27,840 her because her life is that amazing and heroic. 436 00:16:27,840 --> 00:16:34,520 And if you've got daughters or nieces who need a little inspiration about where life 437 00:16:34,520 --> 00:16:40,320 might take them, maybe their journey is not fully outlined yet, this is a good story that 438 00:16:40,320 --> 00:16:43,800 will get them charged up about where life might take them. 439 00:16:43,800 --> 00:16:46,880 So read some more about it. 440 00:16:46,880 --> 00:16:49,800 And I want to thank everybody for listening to Veterans Radio today. 441 00:16:49,800 --> 00:16:51,280 I am Jim Fossone. 442 00:16:51,280 --> 00:16:53,680 It's been a pleasure to be your host. 443 00:16:53,680 --> 00:16:58,440 I'm a Veterans Disability Lawyer at Legal Help for Veterans and you can reach us at 444 00:16:58,440 --> 00:17:06,000 800-6934800 or LegalHelpforVeterans.com on the web. 445 00:17:06,000 --> 00:17:10,920 You can follow Veterans Radio on Facebook and listen to its podcasts and internet radio 446 00:17:10,920 --> 00:17:15,480 shows by visiting us at VeteransRadio.org. 447 00:17:15,480 --> 00:17:18,120 That's VeteransRadio.org. 448 00:17:18,120 --> 00:17:23,720 We again want to thank our national sponsors, the National Veterans Business Development 449 00:17:23,720 --> 00:17:27,640 Council, NVBDC.org. 450 00:17:27,640 --> 00:17:34,560 Legal Help for Veterans, a Veterans Disability Law firm with a national practice before the 451 00:17:34,560 --> 00:17:39,760 VA can help you on your claims and your appeals. 452 00:17:39,760 --> 00:17:48,560 It can be reached at LegalHelpforVeterans.com or 1-800-6934800. 453 00:17:48,560 --> 00:17:53,360 And PuroClean, a leader in property emergency services. 454 00:17:53,360 --> 00:17:59,600 It's the paramedics of property damage, providing water damage remediation, flood water removal, 455 00:17:59,600 --> 00:18:05,280 fire and smoke damage remediation, mold and biohazard cleanups. 456 00:18:05,280 --> 00:18:13,600 You can reach them at PuroClean.com or 800-775-7876. 457 00:18:13,600 --> 00:18:16,560 We also want to thank our local sponsors. 458 00:18:16,560 --> 00:18:24,360 This would include the Charles S. 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