In this episode of Living History with Alex, we sit down with Mr. Terry Thompson, Assistant Principal at Royal Palm Elementary School, educator, mentor, and a lifelong advocate for helping young people reach their potential. Mr. Thompson shares his remarkable journey from studying criminal justice and political science with dreams of becoming an attorney to discovering that education and mentoring were truly his calling.

He reflects on his family's extraordinary history, including their connection to one of the first schools for Black students in Taylor County, Florida, and explains how teaching and mentoring had always been part of his DNA—even before he realized it himself. Mr. Thompson also shares powerful lessons about leadership, authenticity, the impact of positive role models, and why patience and teaching are often more effective than punishment.

Throughout the conversation, he discusses his experiences working in elementary, middle, and high schools, supporting students facing difficult circumstances, and the profound moments that shaped his philosophy as an educator and mentor.

One of the most touching moments of the episode is when Alex reflects on how Mr. Thompson's guidance, history lessons, and words of encouragement during fourth grade helped shape his own love for history and personal growth.

🌟 Topics Covered:
📚 Discovering a calling in education and mentoring
🏫 Family history and one of the first schools for Black students in Taylor County, Florida
⚖️ Studying criminal justice and aspiring to become an attorney
👨‍🏫 Life as an assistant principal and working with students of all ages
💡 Leadership, authenticity, and the importance of strong values
❤️ Supporting children through difficult circumstances and trauma
📖 The power of history, mentorship, and lifelong learning
🌟 Inspiring the next generation to pursue their dreams

If you enjoy real stories about education, mentorship, leadership, and personal growth, 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 Ramon Torralba, a retired Fire Lieutenant who dedicated more than 26 years of service to his community as a firefighter, paramedic, rescue and suppression officer, fire inspector, fire investigator, aviation fuel safety inspector, and much more.

Ramon shares the incredible story of what first inspired him to become a firefighter after witnessing a tragic childhood accident in Miami, and how television shows like Emergency! fueled his passion for the fire service. He opens up about the many obstacles he faced along the way, including severe vision limitations, back surgery, and having to leave fire college before eventually returning years later to finally achieve his dream.

Throughout the conversation, Ramon reflects on his long career with Miami-Dade Fire Rescue, including responding to major incidents, investigating fires, working in inspections and plan review, and balancing the demands of public service with the importance of family. He also shares emotional stories about teamwork, sacrifice, leadership, and the pride he feels for the men and women he served beside.

One of the most powerful moments of the episode is Ramon’s deeply personal story about his father’s journey from Portugal to Cuba, surviving political imprisonment under Castro, and the unwavering love story between his parents that carried through hardship, faith, and sacrifice.

🌟 Topics Covered:
🚒 Becoming a firefighter despite major obstacles
🔥 Fire investigations and emergency response stories
👨‍🚒 Life inside Miami-Dade Fire Rescue
✈️ Responding to the Fine Air plane crash
👓 Overcoming vision requirements and back surgery
👨‍👩‍👦 Why family always came first
🇨🇺 His father’s imprisonment in Cuba and family history
🙏 Faith, perseverance, and leaving a legacy

If you enjoy real stories of service, sacrifice, leadership, and perseverance, 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 Carlos Lopez, a United States Marine Corps veteran who served from 1992 to 1996 in the elite Fleet Anti-Terrorism Security Team (FAST Company) as both an infantry rifleman and anti-tank guided missileman.

Carlos shares what inspired him to join the Marine Corps at just 17 years old, his intense journey through Marine Corps training, and what it took to earn a position in FAST Company — a highly specialized Marine security force responsible for protecting embassies and responding to high-threat situations around the world.

One of the most powerful parts of this conversation is Carlos reflecting on his deployment to Mogadishu, Somalia, where he served during the final phase of Operation Continue Hope and was part of the remaining Marine presence after the major withdrawal of U.S. forces. He also explains the camaraderie of the Marines, the lasting brotherhood formed through service, and how those experiences shaped his life long after the military.

Beyond his military career, Carlos talks about overcoming PTSD, anxiety, and depression through scuba diving and his volunteer work with Aquanauts Scuba Academy and veteran dive organizations that help veterans heal through underwater therapy.

🌟 Topics Covered:
🦅 Joining the United States Marine Corps at 17 years old
⚔️ Serving in FAST Company (Fleet Anti-Terrorism Security Team)
🚀 Training as an anti-tank guided missileman using the TOW missile system
🇸🇴 Deployment to Mogadishu, Somalia during Operation Continue Hope
🤝 Brotherhood and camaraderie inside the Marine Corps
🎖️ Marine Corps boot camp and infantry training
🌊 Healing through scuba diving and aquatherapy for veterans
💡 Life advice about learning, communication, and keeping an open mind

If you enjoy real stories of military service, resilience, and history, 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 Abraham Arellano, a U.S. Air Force veteran from the Vietnam era.

Abraham shares why he joined the Air Force during the draft, hoping to serve while avoiding being sent directly to Vietnam. He talks about basic training in San Antonio, learning to shoot the M16, and how a series of unexpected moments led him to serve stateside instead of being deployed overseas.

He also reflects on his time at Patrick Air Force Base in Florida, where he worked with transportation and licensing for government vehicles, as well as his later assignment in England working in the post office system. Along the way, Abraham shares stories about discrimination, faith, meeting his wife, and how service helped shape his independence, values, and future.

🌟 Topics Covered:
🇺🇸 Joining the Air Force during the Vietnam draft era
🎯 Basic training, M16 qualification, and unexpected turns
🚗 Working in transportation at Patrick Air Force Base
🌎 Service in Florida, Mississippi, and England
📦 Military post office work overseas
🙏 Faith, family, marriage, and life lessons
💡 Advice on following your passion and doing what makes you happy

If you enjoy real stories of service, faith, and personal history, 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 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.

In this episode of Living History with Alex, we sit down with Dr. Vern, a retired U.S. Coast Guard veteran and author of The Power of Transformation: My Journey from High School Dropout to PhD.

Dr. Vern shares an incredible story of perseverance, faith, and personal growth. He talks about joining the Coast Guard in the mid-1970s as a high school dropout, struggling with tests in boot camp, and eventually earning his GED through a Coast Guard education program that changed the course of his life. From there, he discovered a passion for helping others through education, eventually rising through the ranks, becoming a Chief Warrant Officer, and later earning his master’s degree and PhD.

He also reflects on major moments from his Coast Guard career, the Sunshine Skyway disaster, and the sinking of the Coast Guard Cutter Blackthorn, while explaining how those experiences shaped his sense of service and purpose. Beyond the military, he shares how education opened doors for him to become a university dean, president, professor, and mentor to future leaders.

🌟 Topics Covered:

⚓ Joining the Coast Guard as a high school dropout

📚 Earning a GED and discovering the power of education

🎓 From enlisted service member to PhD and professor

🌊 Service during the Mariel boatlift and other Coast Guard operations

🏫 Building learning centers and helping military members earn degrees

💡 Life lessons on faith, transformation, and never giving up

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