n this special Memorial Day episode of Duty Beyond Duty, host Manny Guzman sits down with Sergeant Nick Cervantes, a United States Marine Corps veteran and Chicago Police Sergeant, for a powerful conversation about leadership, service, sacrifice, and remembrance.

Nick shares his journey from his early years and decision to join the Marine Corps, to the lessons of discipline and brotherhood that shaped him as a leader. He opens up about transitioning from military service to law enforcement, the realities of policing in Chicago, and what it means to lead officers in today's challenging environment.

As Memorial Day approaches, the conversation takes a deeper turn as Nick reflects on the true meaning of the holiday, honoring those who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation and our communities. Together, Manny and Nick discuss the importance of remembering the fallen, supporting Gold Star families, and preserving the legacy of those who gave everything.

The episode also pays tribute to the late William Betancourt, a respected leader, mentor, teammate, and friend whose impact continues to be felt throughout the Chicago Police Department. Through personal stories, leadership lessons, and heartfelt memories, Nick and Manny reflect on the lasting influence Deputy Chief Betancourt had on those fortunate enough to serve alongside him.

This episode is about more than uniforms and rank. It's about purpose, leadership, brotherhood, legacy, and the responsibility we all share to remember those who came before us.

🇺🇸 Honor the Fallen. Support the Living. Never Forget.

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In this powerful episode of Duty Beyond Duty, host Manny Guzman sits down with Jose Hernandez, a retired U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel and senior leader with the Army & Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES), to explore a lifetime of service, leadership, and family.

Jose shares where he was born and raised, what his childhood was like, and the early influences that shaped his values and decision to join the U.S. Army. He walks us through his early years in uniform, the moment he chose to pursue a commission as an officer, and how leadership evolved throughout his career. Jose reflects on his time as an officer, including deployments, command responsibilities, and the weight of leading Soldiers.

After retirement, Jose didn’t step away from service. He explains his current role with AAFES, how the mission continues in a new form, and why supporting Soldiers and their families remains personal. The conversation also dives into life beyond the uniform—being a husband and father, balancing duty with family, and the legacy he hopes to leave behind.

This episode is a testament to leadership that doesn’t end at retirement—and a reminder that duty never truly retires.

Culver City Police Detective James Thomas shares his journey from Army officer to mental health responder — balancing discipline, compassion, and service. Hosted by Manny Guzman, this episode of Duty Beyond Duty explores resilience, leadership, and the calling to serve beyond the uniform.