Send us a text What does it really cost to lead with integrity when the system leans the other way? We sit down with Forrest, a former naval flight officer and mission commander, whose career bends from high school dropout to strike planner for Kosovo—and later into the crosshairs after he refused to hide a serious security breach on a remote island base. The stories move fast: carrier decks and air tasking orders, isolated duty stations that no one wanted, and the everyday creativity required to keep crews motivated and safe. Forrest opens up about the moment a civilian smuggled a pistol and ammo onto San Nicolas Island to kill feral cats, how his CO ordered him to bury the report, and why he said no. That choice triggered nineteen charges, an NCIS probe, a revoked clearance, and threats of prison and pension loss. With a sharp JAG at his side and a website full of documents, he fought back, demanded a court-martial, and watched the case crumble. Along the way, we talk Desert Storm’s waning days, the grind of multinational targeting in Kosovo, and the hard truth that institutions can honor your work on Monday and disown you by Friday. Beyond the uniform, Forrest built a thriving charter operation in California, rescued people at sea, and eventually traded the coast for Idaho, where a wolf encounter became a courtroom headline. The through line is steady: tell the truth, document everything, and keep showing up for the people who count on you. If you care about military leadership, whistleblower courage, and practical strategies for advocacy when the process turns against you, you’ll find real tools here—plus candid advice on writing a memorable military memoir that sticks to facts and reads like lived experience. If this conversation resonates, follow the show, share it with a friend who needs a lift, and leave a quick review so more listeners can find these stories. Your support helps us bring forward voices that remind us why service, courage, and clarity still matter. The stories and opinions shared on Stories of Service are told in each guest’s own words. They reflect personal experiences, memories, and perspectives. While every effort is made to present these stories respectfully and authentically, Stories of Service does not verify the accuracy or completenes Support the show Visit my website: https://thehello.llc/THERESACARPENTER Read my writings on my blog: https://www.theresatapestries.com/ Listen to other episodes on my podcast: https://storiesofservice.buzzsprout.com Watch episodes of my podcast: https://www.youtube.com/c/TheresaCarpenter76
