Operation Insight

The Mid America Veterans Museum

Every Veteran Has a Story, They Can Share It Here Brought to you by the Mid America Veterans Museum in O’Fallon, Missouri, this podcast facilitates stories of service and sacrifice as told by veterans. Marvel as military history is brought to life through firsthand accounts and insightful conversations. Operation Insight delivers compelling interviews with servicemembers both past and present, veteran advocates, and friends of our museum who remain dedicated to preserving the legacy of our heroes. Join Gold Star Son Jason Galvan and Army veteran and former Paratrooper Ethan Groce as they introduce the audience to men and women who bravely served their country and were prepared to die for it if need be. The guests celebrated and highlighted on this podcast only ever sought to serve. They did not seek the spotlight. In fact, many guests say, "I didn't do anything worth telling," and that's where the mission of the museum steps in. Ralph Barrale, visionary and founder of the Mid America Veterans Museum, felt with every fiber of his being that "Every veteran has a story," no matter how long or short their service was; No matter where they went or where they stayed. The museum and this podcast believe that selfless service is a rarity and must be celebrated and cherished. That's our mission: to present the stories of our veterans with curiosity and interest, with dignity and respect, with honesty and purpose. We do this not only to educate and maybe even, on occasion, to entertain, but to inspire the next generation to take up the mantle of sacrifice and service for our country. If you value veterans and veteran-related issues and topics, you have a home here. So, with that, Welcome Home! 🎖️Listen. Honor. Remember.🎖️

  1. Sep 20

    STL Veterans Ball

    Join us on Operation Insight as we host Hospital Corpsman Second Class George Herrera and Kim Dunman, two founding members of the STL Veterans Ball!   In 2016, three leaders from different organizations convened for an AAR related to a veteran community-building event.  The conversations had during that meeting led to a survey which sought to gather information from veterans themselves. As fate would have it, due to unforeseen organizational shifts, 2017 would become the last year of that annual event. But the dream endured amongst those three leaders! Collectively, the passion to bring people together in celebrating military service while also promoting camaraderie continued to be discussed. After several years of various meetings, something more devastating than organizational shifting occured, COVID-19. After the “lockdown period” in an attempt to bridge the gap, bringing veterans from all eras together, while offering the community the opportunity to learn military traditions, customs, and courtesies, the STL Veterans Ball was founded.   With that in mind, you are invited to attend the 5th Annual STL Veterans Ball! The evening will include a formal dinner, a distinguished guest speaker and entertainment. This year’s program is thoughtfully curated to feature inspiring speakers, a meaningful agenda, and a continued message that each veteran is stronger because of the community we build and the individuals we stand beside.   The 2026 STL Veterans Ball will take place on Friday, November 13th, at Westport Plaza (191 Westport Plaza Drive, St. Louis, MO 63146) Cocktail Hour Begins at 5:30 PM Presentation of Colors Begins at 6:45 PM Dinner Begins at 7 PM   (00:00) Disclaimer (01:01) Opening Theme (01:30) Introduction (04:21) George’s Story (1:04:29) Kim’s Story (1:27:15) The STL Veterans Ball (1:46:34) The 2025 Ball & Bob Zahn (1:53:08) Kim's Personal Mission (1:57:11) The Mission (2:02:48) Closing

  2. Sep 6

    Colonel Paul G. Dixon

    Join us on Operation Insight as we host Colonel Paul G. Dixon of the U.S. Army & Army Reserve!   In this episode, our guest traces his journey from a restless youth who had skipping school down to a science to his formative time in Basic Training at Fort Knox. Then, it was on to being assigned as an Armor Officer, and an unexpected turn towards Psychological Operations and multiple deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan. Listeners will hear personal family history, memorable moments that shaped Dixon’s leadership, and the practical lessons he learned as a company and battalion commander. He explains PSYOPs, the ethics of truth versus disinformation, and how his teams supported units like the 101st Airborne during major operations. Paul shares firsthand stories from combat — narrow escapes, working with local populations, and how faith and divine intervention from God spurred crucial decisions that ultimately saved lives. He also speaks candidly about traumatic brain injury symptoms, the difficulties of navigating medical care within the military, and the emotional toll of burying wartime experiences. This episode also explores life after the service: Dixon’s civilian career in risk management, his unexpected retreat into beekeeping, volunteer work as a court‑appointed special advocate (CASA) for children in the foster care system, and how he channels his veteran identity into mentoring, listening, and spiritual leadership for coworkers and community members. Expect a candid, reflective interview that mixes tactical details with broader themes — leadership under pressure, the responsibility of veterans when sharing stories, faith, healing, and practical advice for anyone seeking to understand modern deployments and veteran reintegration.   (00:00) Disclaimer (01:01) Opening Theme (01:30) Introduction (27:51) Joining the Army: From "Stripes" to "Sir" (44:36) Tanking & Training (49:22) Creating a Strong Foundation (58:10) West Point (1:01:17) PSYOPs: Truth vs. Disinformation (1:09:39) Deployment Planning & Prep (1:15:27) The Deployment (1:26:48) Homefront: Family, Communication & Reintegration (1:31:32) "Turn Around...Now": Keeping the Faith in Combat (1:41:21) Lessons in Leadership (1:49:04) Injuries, Hospitalization & Isolation (2:01:36) A Veteran's Societal Responsibility & Safeguarding Mental Health (2:15:24) Court Appointed Special Advocate (2:22:39) Closing

  3. Jul 26

    Lieutenant Colonel Fred Wellman

    Join us on Operation Insight as we host Lieutenant Colonel Fred Wellman of the U.S. Army and Army Reserve!   The Primary Election in the Great State of Missouri is scheduled for Tuesday, August 4th. While this program remains committed to neutrality and will never officially endorse a candidate, we do wish to present our audience with a special individual who just so happens to be running for Missouri's 2nd Congressional District. Lieutenant Colonel Fred Wellman (Ret.) is an affable and vibrant individual who cares deeply about the people of his home state and the issues they are facing. Through unimaginable personal loss and struggles, Fred has kept his chipper and can-do attitude. His motto is "I'm not done yet," and that is a mantra he has lived by through the tragic death of his first wife to the decision to jump head-first back into active duty service after the 9/11 terror attacks. Fred is a man of action with the gift for gab. The conversation with Fred was fun, lively, and maybe just a little bit off-color, but that's why we love him! Fred spoke frankly about his time in the Army and his fight with PTSD, all while maintaining his good-natured demeanor. While the thrust of his interview was focused on his many years of military service and his leadership as a service member, space is given for a discussion of his candidacy. We are honored to present his story to you.   (00:00) Disclaimer (01:01) Opening Theme (01:30) Introduction (40:45) Desert Shield/Desert Storm (51:46) Part II (1:20:52) Fred the Candidate (1:38:09) Closing

  4. Jul 4

    Independence Day 2026 w/WWII Veteran Tom Lacey

    Join us on Operation Insight as we celebrate Independence Day with World War II veteran Tom Lacey of the U.S. Army!   When our founding fathers signed and ratified the Declaration of Independence on July 4th, 1776, they made a bold stance against tyranny and oppression. They asserted, "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness." As we celebrate our Independence Day on Saturday, July 4th, 2026, we must recognize the sacrifices made by previous generations that have allowed us to keep those "unalienable Rights." One such generation is aptly named "The Greatest Generation," and Corporal Tom Lacey stands amongst its ranks. Tom answered the call when the world was at war a second time and did so as a "Happy Warrior". He was willing to risk his life and join the global effort against the Axis Powers because it was the right thing to do. According to the National WWII Museum, over sixteen million Americans served during World War II, but only one percent of that population remains with us today. It is truly an honor to share the story of Tom Lacey and add his voice to the annals of history!   (00:00) Disclaimer (01:01) Opening Theme (01:30) Introduction (43:28) Arriving to the Front Line & the Battle of the Bulge (58:57) Part II (1:27:05) Life After the War (1:51:57) Closing

About

Every Veteran Has a Story, They Can Share It Here Brought to you by the Mid America Veterans Museum in O’Fallon, Missouri, this podcast facilitates stories of service and sacrifice as told by veterans. Marvel as military history is brought to life through firsthand accounts and insightful conversations. Operation Insight delivers compelling interviews with servicemembers both past and present, veteran advocates, and friends of our museum who remain dedicated to preserving the legacy of our heroes. Join Gold Star Son Jason Galvan and Army veteran and former Paratrooper Ethan Groce as they introduce the audience to men and women who bravely served their country and were prepared to die for it if need be. The guests celebrated and highlighted on this podcast only ever sought to serve. They did not seek the spotlight. In fact, many guests say, "I didn't do anything worth telling," and that's where the mission of the museum steps in. Ralph Barrale, visionary and founder of the Mid America Veterans Museum, felt with every fiber of his being that "Every veteran has a story," no matter how long or short their service was; No matter where they went or where they stayed. The museum and this podcast believe that selfless service is a rarity and must be celebrated and cherished. That's our mission: to present the stories of our veterans with curiosity and interest, with dignity and respect, with honesty and purpose. We do this not only to educate and maybe even, on occasion, to entertain, but to inspire the next generation to take up the mantle of sacrifice and service for our country. If you value veterans and veteran-related issues and topics, you have a home here. So, with that, Welcome Home! 🎖️Listen. Honor. Remember.🎖️