Gary Sinise Foundation Podcast

In this episode, retired Riverside police detective Katie Mendonca shares her powerful story of survival and resilience after a violent line-of-duty attack left her with severe injuries and a traumatic brain injury. From losing her voice for nearly two years to fighting her way back through recovery, Katie opens up about the challenges of healing—both seen and unseen—and how the support of the Gary Sinise Foundation helped her find her strength again.Preorder Resurrection & Revival, Part 3 by Mac Sinise now! https://www.garysinisefoundation.org/resurrection-and-revival-part-3Learn more about the Gary Sinise Foundation:Website: https://www.garysinisefoundation.org/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/GarySiniseFoundationFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/GarySiniseFoundation/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/garysinisefoundationMake a donation today: https://www.garysinisefoundation.org/donateSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Welcome to Season 3 of the Gary Sinise Foundation Podcast! In the season premiere, Gary takes over the host seat (literally!) and sits down with our very own Cristin Kampsnider for a conversation about her personal service journey. From her time in the Marines to her service at GSF, this is one episode not to be missed.Preorder Resurrection & Revival, Part 3 by Mac Sinise now! https://www.garysinisefoundation.org/resurrection-and-revival-part-3Learn more about the Gary Sinise Foundation:Website: https://www.garysinisefoundation.org/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/GarySiniseFoundationFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/GarySiniseFoundation/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/garysinisefoundationMake a donation today: https://www.garysinisefoundation.org/donateSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this special season finale, host Cristin sits down with Gary Sinise for a candid and reflective conversation about the mission, meaning, and growth of the Gary Sinise Foundation. From its humble beginnings to its impact today, Gary shares why service has always been at the heart of everything he does—and why he believes the work is never finished. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

U.S. Marine, Jason Ross, survived a catastrophic IED blast in Afghanistan that left him with less than a 2% chance to live. In this inspiring episode, Jason shares the moment everything changed, his long road through recovery, his faith and family who carried him, and the humor that kept him fighting. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this inspiring episode, Marine Corps Captain and helicopter pilot Sarah Bettencourt shares how a rare neurological condition abruptly ended her military career and sparked a new mission. From losing mobility to becoming a five-time Para-Surfing World Champion, Sarah reveals how resilience, community, and adaptive sports helped her reclaim her life. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

U.S. Navy Corpsman Doc Jacobs was serving on the front lines in Iraq when an IED explosion changed his life forever. Against all odds, Doc survived devastating injuries and the loss of both legs. But he refused to stop serving. From becoming the first amputee corpsman to redeploy, to pursuing Major League Baseball tryouts, to honoring fallen heroes through battlefield recovery missions, Doc’s story redefines courage, perseverance, and purpose. In this powerful conversation, Doc opens up about the day he was injured, his long road to recovery, and how the Gary Sinise Foundation gave him a home built for healing. He shares what it means to truly live a life of service—long after the uniform comes off. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In 2011, Marine Corps veteran Nick Kimmel was serving in Afghanistan when an IED blast devastated his body. Defying the odds, Nick became one of the few triple amputees to survive his injuries. In this powerful episode, Nick shares his remarkable journey from the day of his life-altering injury to his relentless recovery, rediscovering his passion for golf, and building a life defined not by loss, but by possibility. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Marine Corps Corporal Jose Armenta was serving in Afghanistan as a canine handler when an IED blast took both his legs but never his determination. In this moving episode, Jose shares how his Marine mindset carried him through recovery, how his loyal working dog Zenit became his lifeline, and how he found new purpose helping others build a future beyond hardship. His story is one of courage, resilience, and the unbreakable bond between a Marine and his dog. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Army Captain, Tyson Quink’s life was forever changed when an explosive device, hidden in one of the most dangerous regions of Afghanistan, essentially amputated both of his legs. In this powerful episode, Tyson shares his harrowing story of the day he was injured and the long and the painful recovery that followed. More than a story of survival, Tyson’s journey is a reminder of the indomitable strength of the human spirit, the importance of family, and the enduring gratitude owed to those who sacrifice so much for our freedom. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

When a roadside attack in Iraq left Army Sergeant First Class Joe Bowser critically wounded, he was forced to make the life-changing decision to amputate his leg. What could have led to a life full of anger and despair became a rallying point for a powerful new chapter in his story. With grit, faith, and a wry sense of humor, Joe pushed through intense pain to find purpose in serving others. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this powerful episode, Cristin sits down with Army veteran and country music artist, Scotty Hasting, as he shares his extraordinary journey from the battlefield to the stage. After surviving ten gunshot wounds in Afghanistan, Scotty faced years of recovery, survivor’s guilt, and the weight of Post Traumatic Stress — until music became his lifeline. In this powerful conversation, Scotty reveals how songwriting turned his pain into purpose, how his songs have inspired others to keep going, and why he believes the stage is now his sanctuary. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Join Cristin as she sits down with Taylor Hargis, wife of U.S. Army Ranger Josh Hargis. Taylor’s world was forever changed when Josh was catastrophically injured while serving overseas. From the famous “salute seen around the world” to building a new life together in their specially adapted smart home, Taylor shares raw, heartfelt insights into resilience, sacrifice, and the power of unwavering love. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Join Cristin for this can’t-miss episode with former Navy SEAL, Jason Redman. After surviving a brutal ambush that resulted in a gunshot to the face, Jason shares how pain, faith, and a relentless can-do mindset helped him battle back, lead others, and ultimately inspire millions to overcome life’s toughest challenges. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Join Cristin as she sits down with U.S. Army COL Greg Gadson who shares his incredible journey following the loss of both legs in an IED explosion in Iraq. From the football field to the battlefield to the big screen, Greg opens up about healing without hate, finding purpose in pain, and living each day with presence, peace, and a passion to give back. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Join Cristin as she sits down with Mike O’Dell and Tom Spooner, the warriors behind Warriors Heart. After years of combat, addiction, and personal loss, Mike and Tom turned their deepest wounds into a powerful mission of hope and healing. Warriors Heart is a defender-focused sanctuary where veterans and first responders rediscover purpose, connection, and find strength through healing. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Join Cristin as she sits down with award winning Country artist Craig Morgan who opens up about his faith, military service, grief, and purpose. From the battlefield to the biggest stages in the world, Craig shares his incredible story and how music helped him turn personal tragedy into healing. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.