In this episode of Living History with Alex, we sit down with Retired Sgt. Rudy Espinosa, who served nearly three decades (1984–2013) in the Miami-Dade County Police Department.

Rudy shares what inspired him to pursue a career in law enforcement from a young age and what it was like going through the police academy in the 1980s — from intense training under the Florida heat to the discipline and dedication required to succeed.

One of the most powerful parts of this episode is his experience during Hurricane Andrew, one of the most devastating natural disasters in South Florida’s history. He reflects on the destruction, the fear many officers and families faced, and the incredible unity of communities coming together to help one another during crisis.

Rudy also talks about his role as a Public Information Officer, working closely with the media during emergencies like wildfires, helping maintain safety and communication in high-risk situations.

Throughout the episode, he shares meaningful lessons about responsibility, integrity, and what it truly means to wear the badge — serving others, doing the right thing, and staying proud of your work.

🌟 Topics Covered:
👮‍♂️ Joining the Miami-Dade Police Department (1984–2013)
🌪️ Serving during Hurricane Andrew and disaster response
🎓 Police academy training in the 1980s
📢 Role as a Public Information Officer during emergencies
🔥 Wildfire response and working with the media
💡 Life lessons on service, integrity, and community

If you enjoy real stories of service, resilience, and community impact, make sure to like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes of Living History with Alex.

🔔 Stay tuned for more conversations that keep history alive.

In this episode of Living History with Alex, we sit down with members of the U.S. Army Golden Knights — the elite parachute team of the United States Army — including Sgt. Nelson Velez, Sgt. Katie Leadbetter, and Sgt. 1st Class Dusty Gebhardt.

They share what inspired them to join the Army, how they found their way to the Golden Knights, and what it means to serve on one of the most respected airborne teams in the world.

The team reflects on their different paths into military service, from family military traditions to Airborne service, medical work, helicopter maintenance, and Pathfinder operations. They explain how the Golden Knights are more than just parachutists — they are a mission-driven team supported by aviation, medical, and logistics personnel, all working together to represent the Army at the highest level.

They also talk about the pride of wearing the Golden Knights uniform, the intense training schedule behind each jump, and the life lessons they’ve learned through service, sacrifice, and doing hard things even when they seem intimidating.

🌟 Topics Covered:
🪂 Joining the Army and earning a place on the Golden Knights
🇺🇸 What it means to represent the U.S. Army at an elite level
✈️ Airborne service, aviation support, medicine, and Pathfinder experience
🎯 Training days, jump operations, and life behind the scenes
🏅 Pride, teamwork, and the legacy of those who came before them
💡 Advice on courage, growth, and going after difficult goals

If you enjoy real stories of service, leadership, and excellence, make sure to like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes of Living History with Alex.

🔔 Stay tuned for more conversations that keep history alive.

In this episode of Living History with Alex, we sit down with SFC Cheri Hooker, a U.S. Army and National Guard veteran who began her military journey at just 17 years old and went on to serve over 20 years in the armed forces.

SFC Hooker shares her inspiring story of how she followed in her father’s footsteps, joining the National Guard as a teenager and later transitioning into active duty Army service. She talks about her early experiences in basic training at Fort Jackson, the challenges of being a woman in the military during the 1980s, and the determination it took to prove herself in a male-dominated environment.

Throughout the episode, she reflects on her roles as an administrative specialist and later in the Signal Corps, working in communications and field operations. She also shares powerful memories from her time stationed overseas, including her experiences in Germany and Korea, where she faced both cultural challenges and the emotional difficulty of being away from her young son.

One of the most meaningful moments of her career includes reenlisting at the USS Arizona Memorial in Pearl Harbor, a powerful and emotional experience she was able to share with her son. Beyond her military service, she also speaks about life after retirement and how she found a new passion in art and entrepreneurship.

🌟 Topics Covered:
🎖️ Joining the National Guard at 17 and serving over 20 years
👨‍👧 Influence of family and military legacy
💪 Being a woman in the military during the 1980s
📡 Serving in communications and Signal Corps operations
🌍 Experiences living in Germany and Korea
💔 Challenges of military life as a single mother
🇺🇸 Reenlisting at the USS Arizona Memorial in Pearl Harbor
🎨 Life after service and starting a creative business

If you enjoy real stories of service, sacrifice, and resilience, make sure to like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes of Living History with Alex.

🔔 Stay tuned for more conversations that keep history alive.