Milestone Episode: Completing Season 2 of "The Colonel and the Kid" & Chapter 40 - The Mail Route

Join host Greg Heitmann as he celebrates the culmination of Season 2 and Volume 2 of the memoir dedicated to Lieutenant Colonel Edwin P. Hagen Jr. In this episode, Greg reflects on his grandfather’s career as a rural mail carrier, shares family artifacts, and explores broader themes of history, effort, and personal legacy.

Main Insights:

• Overview of Grandpa Hagen’s career with the US Postal Service and his mail route in South Dakota
• The significance of the unofficial postal motto: "Neither snow nor rain nor gloom of night..."
• Personal stories about Grandpa's vehicle, homemade devices, and daily routines
• Use of AI tools to enhance family artwork depicting old cars and farm life
• Reflections on community, education, and the importance of preserving family history
• Commentary on contemporary topics: NFL draft, baseball, societal craziness, and cultural reflections
• Philosophical thoughts on life accomplishments, anonymity, and societal progress
• The importance of asserting positivity and control in life
• Brief preview of upcoming projects, including the next book in the Charlie LeBeau Mystery Series
• Season finale with a heartfelt thank you and encouragement to "see you later"

Timestamps:

• (11:15) Grandpa’s career and personal stories
• (28:57) Inventiveness of Grandpa and DIY modifications
• (34:00) Family photos and community snapshots
• (37:01) Concluding thoughts, quotes, and future plans
• (44:00) Society, education, and cultural observations
• (50:37) The NFL draft and American dreams
• (55:55) The desire for anonymity and legacy
• (60:40) Upcoming book project: "Lake Traverse" and family art
• (68:25) Final reflections and season closure

Resources & Links:

• Charlie LeBeau Mystery Series — next project in progress
• O'Farrell Hat Company — unofficial sponsor and hat collector

Connect with Greg:

• YouTube Channel
• Twitter
• Email & Contact

Optional:

• Stay tuned for merchandise updates: custom T-shirts designed with family artwork
• Future episodes may include select chapters from the upcoming "Lake Traverse" series

Season Finale Note:

This episode celebrates the end of Season 2 and Volume 2—thank you for your support. Greg encourages listeners to "Be assertive, positive, and proactive" and to enjoy life’s journey with gratitude and curiosity.See you later, and keep exploring your own Mail Routes!