Hope in the Trenches

Jed Morgan is a U.S. Marine Corps veteran who sustained life changing injuries during a deployment to Afghanistan on June 21st, 2012, in Sangin and Helmand Province. He was critically injured in an IED explosion. Despite those challenges, Jed's determination and positive outlook have led him to become a passionate advocate for fellow veterans and first responders.

Chaplain Scott sits down with Staff Sgt. Michaela Thompson, a firefighter with the 142nd Wing, Oregon Air National Guard, and discusses her journey with the military and competitive bodybuilding.

Chaplain Scott and guest co-host Chaplain Shane Yates sit down with Vanessa Munson, a U.S. Army veteran and Miss Washington 2023, and find out more of what it took for her to successfully navigate the challenges of serving as a Soldier and a pageant contestant.

Chaplain Scott and guest co-host Chaplain Shane Yates, ORNG Deputy State Chaplain, meet with Deputy O'Reilly and his dog Radar. O'Reilly and Radar are a K-9 team with the Washington County Sheriff's Office in Oregon and also have a popular social media channel, @deputy_dog_radar, where the pair help bring smiles to their viewers.

Chaplain Scott and guest co-host Lt. Col. Carmen Barteling chat with Jessica Pekari, a U.S. Army veteran who recently completed the Pacific Crest Trail in record time. Pekari shares stories about her military service, becoming an ultramarathoner and her battle with PTSD and how these experiences led her to this incredible accomplishment.

Chaplain (COL) Jacob Scott and guest co-host Steve DeLuna speak with Mike Erwin about positive psychology and leadership. Erwin is the founder of Team RWB, co-founder of the Positivity Project and a combat veteran.

Chaplain Scott and guest co-host Staff Sgt. Justin Miller, speak with Oregon Army National Guard medical officer MAJ Tommy Vu, who set the world record for the most chest to ground burpees in one hour on March 27, 2023. MAJ Vu will attempt a second world record for most chest to ground push-up burpees on Sept. 4, 2023.

Chaplain (COL) Jacob Scott and guest co-host Sgt. 1st Class Anna Rutherford speak with Staff Sgt. Emma Harvang, a member of the Warrior Fitness Team, about Holistic Health and Fitness and how she combines her military experience with her love of fitness and competition.

On this episode of Hope in the Trenches, Chaplain Scott and HITT producer SFC Zach Holden speak with Austin Vonletkemann, creator of the social medial channel ‘Mandatory Fun Day’ and an officer in the United States Army.

Chaplain Scott and Command Sgt. Maj. Smith speak with two Oregon National Guard Soldiers about the reasons and motivations that led them to join the Guard and why they continue to serve, as well as some of the many benefits service in the National Guard can provide.