Strength From Service

The calendar changes—but the mission doesn’t.In this New Year’s episode of Strength From Service, we break down why most resolutions fail and how to set goals the right way—using the same mindset we used in service: clear objectives, realistic standards, and accountability.Instead of vague promises, we talk about:• Choosing the right categories to focus on• Setting goals that actually stick• Why discipline beats motivation• How to adapt instead of quitThis episode isn’t about becoming a new version of yourself.It’s about becoming more disciplined, more intentional, and more committed to who you already are.No hype. No guilt. Just a clear way forward.

This week on Strength From Service, we shine the spotlight on one of our own — Jake Palmer. Jake shares the story of his journey from growing up in Washington state and Wisconsin to eventually making his way to Sioux Falls, where he found his voice in broadcasting and developed the perspective that would shape the rest of his life.Jake opens up about the challenges he faced, the lessons that molded his “silver lining” mindset, and how a chance connection with Jack Zimmerman set the foundation for what would eventually become Strength From Service. He reflects on how the podcast came together, the mission behind it, and why telling real stories from veterans, first responders, and everyday Americans matters now more than ever.This episode is honest, inspiring, and full of the heart that Jake brings to the show every single week — offering listeners a deeper look at the voice they’ve come to know behind the mic.

This week on Strength From Service, Jack and Jake sit down with Cheri Rohlfing — a Minnesota-born Delta Airlines pilot whose aviation journey began at Minnesota State University, Mankato.Cheri shares how she first fell in love with flying, the determination it took to earn her wings, and the path that led her to the cockpit of a Delta jet. She opens up about training, setbacks, milestones, and the drive that kept her moving forward.Today, Cheri is committed to giving back to the aviation community, mentoring young pilots and helping future aviators find their way into the sky just like she did.A powerful conversation about passion, perseverance, and lifting others up once you’ve reached altitude.

Al Travis joins Jack and the team on Strength From Service to share his journey from serving in the U.S. Reserves to building a career in media and radio. He walks us through the lessons he learned in uniform, how they shaped his role behind the mic, and why connection and service matter no matter the uniform.Check out his platforms:🎙 Website – The Al Travis Show: altravisshow.com 📺 YouTube – The Al Travis Show: youtube.com/@AlTravisShow 📘 Facebook – @AlTravisIMT (Blue Earth, MN)

In this episode of Strength From Service, we welcome back Tom McLaughlin for his second appearance on the show.Tom is a Vietnam veteran who shares what Veterans Day looked like for him during the war, what it has come to mean now, and how life as a veteran has changed through the years. He also reflects on what life looked like after being wounded in Vietnam—how it shaped his perspective on sacrifice, resilience, and the meaning of Veterans Day in the years since.From the jungles of Vietnam to today’s community of service and remembrance, Tom offers perspective on honoring the past, understanding the present, and finding purpose in the legacy of service.

In this episode of Strength From Service, we sit down with Stu McGee, a Vietnam veteran from Cleveland, Minnesota.Stu grew up a small-town farm kid before being drafted into the Vietnam War. He shares what it was like to suddenly find himself halfway across the world, the day he was on point and wounded, and how life changed after returning home.This is a story of courage, resilience, and perspective—one man’s journey from the fields of Minnesota to the jungles of Vietnam, and the lessons he carried back with him.

In this special Strength From Service episode, Jack, Mike, and Jake sit down for a Service Announcement — a chance to step back, catch up, and talk about life.We cover:What’s going on in the world and how to still find the goodThe importance of disconnecting when life gets heavyMike’s time coaching football and the lessons it bringsJake’s work on a boat giveaway and the joy of giving backJack’s speaking, hunting, and finding purpose in the outdoorsThis episode is all about perspective, grounding ourselves, and remembering that service doesn’t stop when the uniform comes off.