When someone goes missing in Florida, one word can change the way a case is understood:

Endangered.

That word matters.

It matters to the family sitting at home staring at a silent phone.
It matters to the officer taking the first report.
It matters to the detective deciding what risk level the case deserves.
It matters to the community being asked to pay attention.

Because a missing person is not always just “gone.”

Sometimes they are vulnerable. Sometimes they are being exploited. Sometimes they are with dangerous people. Sometimes they are dealing with mental health issues, addiction, domestic violence, coercion, disability, trafficking, gang pressure, or criminal activity around them.

And sometimes the first mistake is assuming they are safe simply because they are not a child, not elderly, or not “perfect.”

Florida law does not treat every missing-person case the same. It specifically recognizes a category called a “missing endangered person.”

Under Florida Statute 937.0201, a “missing endangered person” includes several groups: a missing child; a missing adult younger than 26; a missing adult 26 or older who law enforcement suspects is endangered or the victim of criminal activity; a missing adult who meets Florida Silver Alert criteria; or a missing adult who meets Florida Purple Alert criteria.

That definition is important because it is broader than many people realize.

In Florida, a missing adult under 26 is not just another adult case. The statute specifically includes missing adults younger than 26 in the “missing endangered person” definition.

That should matter in the first conversation.

It should matter when a parent says their 18-year-old stopped calling.
It should matter when a 22-year-old disappears from a dangerous environment.
It should matter when a young adult is surrounded by drugs, coercion, violence, trafficking risk, or people who may be controlling them.

Turning 18 does not magically erase danger.

Florida Law Requires Missing Reports to Be Accepted

Before anyone can argue over labels, alert criteria, or investigative steps, the report itself matters.

Florida Statute 937.021 says a report that a child or adult is missing must be accepted and filed by the law enforcement agency with jurisdiction where the person was last seen. The same section says this does not prevent an agency from accepting a report when jurisdiction cannot be determined.

That is not a small detail.

Families are often told some version of:

“Wait a few days.”
“They are an adult.”
“They probably left voluntarily.”
“They are probably with friends.”
“They use drugs.”
“They hang around bad people.”
“They do this.”

But Florida law does not say a family must prove a crime occurred before a report is accepted. It does not say a person has to live a clean life before being reported missing. It does not say the family must wait until the situation becomes worse.

A missing-person report is the starting point.

It is how the facts are documented.
It is how the risk is assessed.
It is how systems can be activated.
It is how accountability begins.

“Endangered” Does Not Mean “Perfect Victim”

This is where law enforcement and families both need to slow down and think clearly.

A missing person may be endangered because of the very issues some people use to dismiss them.

Drug use does not make a person less endangered.
Gang exposure does not make a person less endangered.
Prostitution or sexual exploitation does not make a person less endangered.
Mental health struggles do not make a person less endangered.
Homelessness does not make a person less endangered.
A bad crowd does not make a person less endangered.

In many cases, those facts may increase the risk.

This matters especially when young adults are involved. Florida’s law recognizes missing adults under 26 as missing endangered persons. That should make officers pause before treating a young adult’s disappearance as ordinary just because the person has struggled or made poor decisions.

Families also need to understand this: do not hide the hard facts.

If drugs are involved, say so.
If trafficking is possible, say so.
If the missing person was being controlled, say so.
If there was violence, say so.
If they were afraid of someone, say so.
If they were being pressured, manipulated, threatened, or isolated, say so.

Shame can delay urgency.

Law enforcement cannot properly assess danger if families leave out the very facts that show danger exists.

What About Adults 26 and Older?

For adults 26 or older, Florida’s definition still allows a person to qualify as a missing endangered person if law enforcement suspects the person is endangered or the victim of criminal activity.

That means age alone should not close the door.

A 30-year-old in a violent relationship can be endangered.
A 40-year-old with serious medical needs can be endangered.
A 50-year-old under coercive control can be endangered.
A person involved with dangerous individuals can be endangered.
A person who vanishes after threats can be endangered.

The question should not be, “Are they an adult?”

The better question is:

What are the risk factors?

Florida’s Missing Endangered Persons Information Clearinghouse

Florida has a Missing Endangered Persons Information Clearinghouse, often called MEPIC, within the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. FDLE describes MEPIC as the central repository of information regarding missing endangered persons in Florida.

MEPIC case criteria include missing children 17 or younger, missing adults ages 18 to 25, and missing persons 26 or older who are suspected by law enforcement of being endangered or the victim of criminal activity.

That structure matters because it shows that Florida already has a system designed around risk, not just age.

But systems only work when cases are properly recognized, documented, and elevated.

Families can ask law enforcement:

“Does this case meet the criteria for MEPIC involvement?”
“Has this person been entered into FCIC and NCIC?”
“Is this being treated as a missing endangered person case?”
“If not, what information would change that assessment?”

Those are fair questions.

They are not attacks.

They are part of informed advocacy.

Alerts Are Not the Same Thing as Reports

Families often hear about AMBER Alerts, Silver Alerts, Purple Alerts, and Missing Child Alerts. These alerts matter, but they are not the same as filing a missing-person report.

A person can be missing and endangered without meeting the criteria for a statewide alert.

Florida’s Silver Alert is used to help locate missing persons with an irreversible deterioration of intellectual faculties, such as Alzheimer’s disease or dementia. FDLE states Silver Alert criteria may include a person 60 or older, or a person ages 18 to 59 when law enforcement determines the person lacks capacity to consent and certain conditions are met.

Florida’s Purple Alert is used to help locate missing adults with certain mental, cognitive, intellectual, developmental, physical, or emotional disabilities, or brain injury, whose disappearance poses a credible threat of immediate danger or serious bodily harm. FDLE states the Purple Alert does not apply to disabilities related solely to substance abuse.

Florida’s Missing Child Alert is also requested through law enforcement and FDLE’s MEPIC system. FDLE states only law enforcement agencies can request activation of a Missing Child Alert.

This is where communication matters.

Law enforcement should explain:

“We can take the report.”
“We can enter the person into the appropriate systems if criteria are met.”
“This case does or does not meet alert criteria, and here is why.”
“Here is what information could change that decision.”

Families should understand that not every missing case triggers a public alert. But lack of an alert should never be confused with lack of urgency.

What Law Enforcement Needs to Understand

Families are not asking law enforcement to assume every disappearance is a crime.

They are asking officers not to dismiss danger before the facts are documented.

There is a difference between saying:

“An adult has the right to leave.”

and saying:

“An adult has the right to leave, but let’s document the report, identify risk factors, and determine whether this person may be endangered.”

That second response changes everything.

It respects the law.
It respects the family.
It respects the possibility that something is wrong.
It protects the agency’s record.
It keeps the process moving.

When a family says, “This is not normal,” law enforcement should ask why.

When a family says, “She is with dangerous people,” law enforcement should ask who.

When a family says, “He is using drugs,” law enforcement should ask what risk that creates.

When a family says, “She may be trafficked,” law enforcement should ask what indicators exist.

When a family says, “He has not contacted anyone,” law enforcement should ask what the normal pattern is.

That does not mean every concern will be proven true. It means the concern is documented before time and evidence disappear.

What Families Need to Bring

Families should not walk into the police department with panic alone if they can avoid it. Panic is understandable, but facts move cases.

Bring:

Full name
Date of birth
Recent photos
Height, weight, tattoos, scars, and identifying marks
Last confirmed contact
Last known location
Known associates
Phone number and carrier
Social media accounts
Vehicle information
Medical needs
Mental health concerns
Substance use concerns
Domestic violence history
Threats
Trafficking indicators
Gang or criminal exposure
Places the person is known to stay
Screenshots, messages, or voicemails
Any recent behavior that was unusual

Then say clearly:

“I am concerned this person may be endangered because…”

That sentence matters.

It helps law enforcement separate fear from risk.

The Most Dangerous Assumption

The most dangerous assumption in a missing-person case is not always the dramatic one.

Sometimes the most dangerous assumption is:

“They are probably fine.”

Maybe they are.

But maybe they are not.

Maybe the silence is voluntary.
Maybe it is fear.
Maybe it is coercion.
Maybe it is addiction.
Maybe it is exploitation.
Maybe it is violence.
Maybe it is someone else controlling the phone.
Maybe it is someone who wants the family to be dismissed.

That is why reports matter.

That is why risk factors matter.

That is why “endangered” matters.

The Bottom Line

Florida already recognizes that missing people can be endangered for many reasons.

A missing child is endangered.
A missing adult under 26 is included in Florida’s missing endangered person definition.
A missing adult 26 or older may qualify when law enforcement suspects danger or criminal victimization.
Silver Alert and Purple Alert criteria cover specific vulnerable adults.
MEPIC exists to help collect, process, maintain, and disseminate information on missing endangered persons.

The law already provides the framework.

Now the culture has to catch up.

Families need to bring facts, not just fear.

Law enforcement needs to listen for risk, not just reasons to delay.

And communities need to stop deciding whose life is urgent based on whether the missing person made mistakes.

A complicated life does not cancel danger.

A troubled past does not erase victimization.

And in Florida, the word endangered should mean exactly what it says:

This person may be in danger.

Act like time matters.

When someone goes missing, families are often told to stay calm.

That sounds reasonable until it is your child, your parent, your spouse, your friend, or your sibling who suddenly stops answering. It sounds reasonable until you are standing in a police lobby, holding your phone, trying to explain why this silence is different.

Then the words hit:

“Wait a few days.”

“They are probably with friends.”

“They are an adult.”

“They have the right to leave.”

“They use drugs.”

“They are known to hang around bad people.”

“Come back later.”

Sometimes officers are not trying to be cruel. They may be dealing with limited facts, a person who has left before, an adult who may legally choose not to contact family, or a situation that does not yet show obvious signs of a crime. Law enforcement has to sort fact from panic, risk from rumor, and emergency from uncertainty.

But families also know something officers may not know yet: this person’s patterns, their fears, their relationships, their vulnerabilities, and what is out of character.

A refused or delayed missing-person report should not end the conversation. It should start a more organized one.

Professional escalation is not screaming, threatening, or posting accusations online five minutes after the first phone call. It is also not going home defeated.

Professional escalation means documenting what happened, asking for the right people, using clear language, putting concerns in writing, and forcing the process to deal with facts.

First, Understand the Difference Between Frustration and Escalation

Frustration is understandable. Escalation has to be useful.

A family member yelling, “You do not care,” may be emotionally justified, but it usually does not move the case forward. A family member saying, “I need to file a missing-person report, I am concerned for this person’s safety, and I am requesting a supervisor if the report is being refused,” creates a record.

That record matters.

Every date, name, badge number, phone call, email, and response may become important later. Families should assume from the first contact that documentation matters.

Write down:

The date and time you contacted law enforcement
The agency contacted
The officer’s name and badge number, if available
Exactly what you reported
Whether a report was accepted
Whether a case number was provided
If refused, the reason given
Whether a supervisor was requested
What next step was offered, if any

Do not rely on memory. The early hours of a disappearance are chaotic. Details blur. Write everything down immediately.

Ask for a Supervisor Without Making It Personal

If an officer refuses to take the report, ask for a supervisor.

Not because the officer is automatically wrong. Not because every refusal is malicious. Ask because missing-person cases require careful risk assessment, and families deserve clarity when a report is not being accepted.

Use firm, controlled language:

“I understand you may believe this person left voluntarily. I am still concerned for their safety, and I am requesting that a missing-person report be taken. If that is being refused, I would like to speak with a supervisor and document the reason.”

That sentence does three things. It acknowledges law enforcement’s possible concern. It restates the family’s request. It creates accountability.

Do not argue about whether your loved one was perfect. Missing people do not have to be perfect to be missing.

Substance use, homelessness, domestic violence, trafficking indicators, mental health concerns, gang exposure, dangerous relationships, or prostitution concerns should not be treated as reasons to dismiss a report. In many cases, those details may increase the person’s risk.

If the Missing Person Is a Child, Say That Clearly and Immediately

For missing children, families should be direct. Federal guidance is clear that there is no waiting period before reporting a missing child. The Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention’s 2025 family guide states there is no waiting period for parents to report children missing or for police to act on a missing-child report.

NCMEC also advises families to contact law enforcement immediately and request that the child’s identifying information be entered into the FBI’s National Crime Information Center Missing Person File.

Use this language:

“My child is missing. I am requesting that your agency take the missing-child report now and enter my child into NCIC. Please provide the case number and confirm the next steps.”

If the child is missing from foster care, a group home, treatment placement, or another care setting, that should be stated clearly. NCMEC states there is no waiting period for law enforcement to take a report and enter a child into NCIC.

This is not the time for vague language. Say “child.” Say “missing.” Say “NCIC.” Say “case number.”

If the Missing Person Is an Adult, Do Not Let “They Have a Right to Leave” End the Conversation

Adults do have the right to leave. They have the right to cut contact. They have the right to make bad decisions. They have the right to live in ways their families may not approve of.

But that is not the same thing as proving they are safe.

A missing-adult report is not a criminal conviction. It is not a demand that police drag someone home. It is a request to document that a person is missing and assess whether there are risk factors that require action.

The right response is not:

“But they would never do this.”

The stronger response is:

“I understand an adult may leave voluntarily. My concern is that we do not know whether this is voluntary, and there are risk factors that need to be documented.”

Then list the facts.

“She has not contacted her mother in a way that is completely out of pattern.”

“He left behind medication.”

“She was recently threatened.”

“He was last seen with someone known to be violent.”

“She may be under coercive control.”

“He has a medical condition.”

“She has been involved with people connected to drugs or exploitation.”

“He missed work, missed court, missed treatment, or missed a required appointment.”

The goal is not to dramatize. The goal is to document risk.

Ask About NCIC, But Understand What It Is

NCIC matters because it allows missing-person information to be available to law enforcement agencies across the country. The FBI’s 2025 NCIC Missing Person and Unidentified Person Statistics report describes the Missing Person File categories, including endangered, involuntary, juvenile, disability, catastrophe victim, and other. The FBI defines endangered entries as cases where circumstances indicate the missing person’s physical safety may be in danger, and involuntary entries as cases where circumstances indicate the disappearance may not have been voluntary, such as abduction or kidnapping.

Ask:

“Will this missing-person report be entered into NCIC?”

If the answer is no, ask:

“Can you explain why it does not qualify, and what additional information would change that assessment?”

That question is important. It keeps the conversation factual. It also gives law enforcement an opportunity to explain the process rather than simply end the discussion.

Do Not Confuse a Missing-Person Report With an AMBER Alert

Families often ask why an AMBER Alert has not been issued. That question is understandable, but an AMBER Alert is not the same thing as a missing-person report.

The Department of Justice’s AMBER Alert guidance says AMBER plans require law enforcement to confirm an abduction before issuing an alert, because the alert system is designed for specific high-risk child abduction cases.

That means a child can be missing, endangered, and entered into NCIC even if an AMBER Alert is not issued.

Families should ask clear questions:

“Has the missing-person report been accepted?”

“Has the child been entered into NCIC?”

“Has a BOLO been issued?”

“Does this case meet the criteria for any alert system in this state?”

That keeps the focus where it belongs: action, documentation, and visibility.

Put the Escalation in Writing

If the report is refused or delayed, send a written follow-up. Keep it short, factual, and clean.

Do not send a ten-page emotional essay. Do not bury the request. Do not make accusations you cannot support. Do not threaten lawsuits in the first paragraph unless an attorney is advising you.

Use a direct subject line:

Request to File Missing-Person Report: [Full Name], [Date of Birth]

Then write:

“My name is [your name]. I am requesting that your agency accept a missing-person report for [missing person’s full name], date of birth [DOB]. I contacted your agency on [date/time] and was advised [briefly state what happened]. I remain concerned for this person’s safety and am requesting review by a supervisor.”

Then list the facts:

Last confirmed contact
Last known location
Known risk factors
Medical needs
Threats or violence
Substance use or exploitation concerns
Mental health concerns
Names of last known associates
Vehicle or phone information
Photos available
Family contact information

End with:

“Please confirm whether a report will be accepted, whether a case number will be assigned, and whether the person will be entered into NCIC if applicable.”

That message is not emotional weakness. It is pressure with a paper trail.

Escalate Up the Chain, Not Into Chaos

If the front desk or responding officer refuses the report, ask for a supervisor.

If the supervisor refuses, contact command staff in writing.

If command staff does not respond, consider contacting:

The agency’s missing-persons unit, if one exists
The patrol supervisor or watch commander
The investigations division
The chief’s or sheriff’s office
The local victim advocate office
The state missing-person clearinghouse, if applicable
A qualified attorney
A reputable missing-person advocacy organization

For child cases, families should contact NCMEC after reporting to law enforcement. NCMEC identifies itself as the nation’s largest child protection organization and operates a 24-hour hotline at 1-800-843-5678.

For longer-term adult cases, families should ask about NamUs. NamUs is the national repository for missing, unidentified, and unclaimed persons cases, and it gives families limited public access to help them take a more proactive role in the search. NamUs also notes that creating a missing-person case requires an active missing-person report with law enforcement.

That is another reason a refused report matters. Without an active law enforcement report, families may be blocked from other systems that could help.

What Not to Do

Do not lie to get police to act.
Do not invent threats.
Do not exaggerate facts.
Do not post confidential investigative details online.
Do not name people as suspects without evidence.
Do not destroy potential evidence by cleaning rooms, deleting messages, or taking over accounts recklessly.
Do not send mobs to someone’s house based on rumor.
Do not let shame stop you from telling law enforcement the truth.

The truth may be ugly. Tell it anyway.

If drugs are involved, say so.

If trafficking is possible, say so.

If the missing person was in a violent relationship, say so.

If they were being controlled, threatened, exploited, or manipulated, say so.

If they were involved with dangerous people, say so.

Families sometimes try to protect the reputation of the missing person by leaving out hard details. That instinct is human. It can also be dangerous.

Law enforcement cannot assess risk factors they never receive.

What Law Enforcement Needs to Understand

Families are not asking officers to magically solve a case in one conversation.

They are asking to be heard before time disappears.

When a family is told to wait, they may hear indifference even if the officer intended procedure. When a family is told “they are an adult,” they may hear dismissal even if the officer meant legal limitation. When a family is told “they are probably on drugs,” they may hear that their loved one’s life is being discounted.

The words matter.

A better response from law enforcement may be:

“We can take the information and assess the risk factors.”

“Tell me why this is out of character.”

“Let’s document the last confirmed contact.”

“Here is what we can do right now.”

“Here is what we cannot do yet, and why.”

“Here is what information would help us escalate the case.”

That kind of communication does not promise a miracle. It builds trust. It also helps families become better sources of information instead of adversaries.

What Families Need to Understand

Officers need facts they can act on.

A family saying “something is wrong” may be true, but it is stronger when supported by details. Last contact. Missed obligations. Medical needs. Threats. Unusual silence. Dangerous associates. Recent violence. Phone activity. Vehicle location. Financial activity. Known addresses. Screenshots. Names. Dates.

Professional escalation does not mean being passive. It means being hard to dismiss because your information is organized, your request is clear, and your paper trail is clean.

The Bottom Line

If a missing-person report is refused, do not walk away.

Pause. Document. Ask for a supervisor. Put it in writing. List the risk factors. Ask about NCIC. Ask what information is needed. Escalate through the proper chain. Keep your language factual and your pressure steady.

Families should not have to become experts overnight to be taken seriously.

But when someone is missing, organized advocacy can make the difference between being brushed off and being documented.

And documentation is where accountability begins.

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• Origins and Impact: Understanding how fentanyl became a prevalent and dangerous drug in communities across the United States.​

• Role of Drug Cartels: Examining the involvement of cartels in the production and distribution of fentanyl and their influence on the drug trade.​

• Law Enforcement Challenges: Discussing the obstacles faced by law enforcement agencies in curbing the spread of fentanyl and dismantling trafficking networks.​

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Recent Developments:

The U.S. government has intensified efforts to secure the southern border, deploying thousands of active-duty soldiers and National Guard members. This military presence aims to deter illegal crossings and combat drug smuggling operations. Additionally, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has warned Mexican officials of potential unilateral action against drug cartels if Mexico fails to address the flow of fentanyl into the U.S. These measures underscore the administration's commitment to tackling the fentanyl crisis and securing the border.​

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💡 Topics Covered in This Episode:

✔️ How cartels control human trafficking at the Southern Border

✔️ The different types of trafficking—beyond what most people think

✔️ The role of corruption

✔️ Nonprofits on the front lines

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In addition to his work as a developer, Zach is also a motivational speaker and is currently working on a podcast titled "Going in Blind." Through this platform, he aims to share his journey and connect with others who may be facing similar struggles. His message is clear: healing is possible, and no one has to face their battles alone.

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However, through perseverance and a willingness to learn, Travis partnered with industry veteran Robert Lippmann. Together, they leveraged the buying power and expertise of industry giants like Buffalo Trace to create a product that could compete with established brands while maintaining an affordable price point.

What sets Heroes Vodka apart is not just its exceptional taste, but the ethos that underpins the brand. Crafted from 100% American corn and free of gluten and glycerin, the vodka is a pure, high-quality spirit that can be enjoyed straight or in a variety of cocktails.

Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Heroes Vodka has continued to grow, expanding its distribution to several states and garnering recognition for its quality, with the brand winning multiple gold and silver medals.

As the brand prepares to unveil a fresh, new look in the new year, Travis encourages supporters to reach out to their local retailers and request Heroes Vodka.

Throughout the interview, Travis' resilience and compassion shone through.

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The story of Heroes Vodka is one that transcends the boundaries of the spirits industry. It is a tale of friendship, sacrifice, and the unwavering determination of a veteran-turned-entrepreneur who is committed to honoring those who have served. Through his brand, Travis McVeigh is not only creating a high-quality product but also building a community that celebrates the unsung heroes of our nation.

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- Wren's military background and experiences have influenced his approach to filmmaking and storytelling.

- He discusses the differences between the various military branches and his decision to serve in multiple branches.

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Where to Find Gabe Wren:

- Instagram: @gabrielrentn

- "Flipping Farms" show Instagram: @flippingfarmsshow

Be sure to tune in next week for part two of the conversation with Gabe Wren, where they'll dive deeper into his military experiences and extreme sports background.

We discuss:

Here are the key ideas from the transcript:

1. Pat Miltic's background in solving his own respiratory issues as a child through natural means, which led him to work with athletes, military personnel, and eventually get into soil health.

2. The negative impact of the "green revolution" and the widespread use of synthetic chemicals, pesticides, and fertilizers in agriculture, which led to various health issues in Pat's family and community.

3. The observation of the rise of autism and the use of medications (similar to methamphetamines) to treat it, which raised concerns for Pat.

4. The realization that the food system is "poisoned" and the importance of understanding the inputs that go into growing the food we consume.

5. The idea that the environment and toxification of the environment directly impact genetic expression and human health, and the need to fix the environment first or fix the people first.

6. The importance of educating people about the solutions available to reverse DNA damage and restore health through natural means, rather than relying on synthetic chemicals and medications.

7. The importance of growing your own food, creating edible landscapes, and advocating for chemical-free neighborhoods and communities.

8. The specific products and protocols recommended by Pat, such as the mineral king life products, to support human health and regeneration.

9. The impact of synthetic substances and heavy metals on veterans and active-duty military personnel, and the need to address these issues.

Patrick Jay Miletich is a retired American mixed martial artist and former sports commentator. He is known for his fights in the Ultimate Fighting Championship, where he became the first UFC Welterweight Champion and UFC 16 Welterweight Tournament Winner. On July 6, 2014, he was inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame.

About Office Joe:

Joe, an Army Infantry Staff Sergeant, gets his DD214 and drives across the country to start a job as a graphic designer, a skill he perfected by drawing in porta potties across multiple combat zones. 

Fresh out of the military and never having had a civilian job, Joe hilariously finds himself on a quest for the two things that every military veteran searches for when they get out: Tribe and Purpose, as well as the one thing every human seeks: Love. 

He also shoots a guy in the junk.  But let’s not get ahead of ourselves…

Nick is a Founding Board Member of international rescue non-profit Save Our Allies, and is the CEO of the full service marketing agency Diesel Jack Media. He is a Graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point, and received his MBA from Duke University. He received the prestigious “Entrepreneur of the Year” award from the Entrepreneur Organization in 2015, the U.S. Army Ranger Tab, and the Bobcat, Wolf, Bear, and Webelos badges in Cub Scouts. The Wolf Badge was his favorite.
His screen work includes Range 15, which he wrote and produced, and was the first independent film to top the charts at Amazon. Not A War Story, a documentary on the challenges of making a film with an all-veteran team, became the number one documentary in America. Send Me, is a documentary that Palmisciano filmed while joining a team of 12 veterans assisting with the evacuation of Afghanistan in the final days of the war, qualified for Academy Award voting.

Palmisciano loves to tell stories that include veteran characters that do not fit the Hollywood stereotype of what a veteran is supposed to be. Office Joe fits that to a T. That rhymed you see. Tee-hee.

Glen shares his personal story of resilience and transformation, highlighting how he turned his own traumatic experiences into a catalyst for change. As they delve into the impact of trauma on individuals and communities, Glen provides insights into his work assisting public safety workers and trauma survivors in processing their experiences.

From confronting PTSD to advocating for support systems within police departments and public agencies, Glen's mission is to prevent divorce and suicide among officers and staff. With transparency and empathy, he discusses the importance of open dialogue and support networks in healing from trauma.

Join Patti Katter and Glen Williams in this insightful conversation as they shed light on the journey from trauma to triumph.

The episode, titled "Healing Through Harmony: Shannon Book's Musical Journey from Combat to Compassion," delves into Shannon's early love for music, his harrowing experiences in combat, and his remarkable path to healing through songwriting and performance. Patti and Shannon discuss the transformative power of music, not just as a form of self-expression, but as a means of connecting with others who have endured the horrors of war.

Shannon's story is one of courage and creativity. Despite the challenges posed by his injuries, he has dedicated his post-military life to composing original songs that reflect his experiences, the struggles and triumphs of recovery, and the universal quest for peace. His album, "Deliberately Broken," is a testament to his journey and a source of inspiration for military families, civilians, and fellow veterans alike.

Listeners of the podcast are treated to an intimate look at Shannon's creative process, his insights on living with PTSD and TBI, and his hopes for the impact of his music. He shares how his songs serve not only as a personal catharsis but also as a vehicle for education and healing, aiming to make a difference in the world by shedding light on the aftermath of war and the power of resilience.

Shannon's music, available on all major platforms, resonates with a wide audience, offering solace and understanding to those who have shared similar experiences. This show is more than just an episode of a podcast; it's a beacon of hope and a call to action, encouraging listeners to embrace the healing power of music and to recognize the sacrifices made by those who serve.

As Patti and Shannon conclude their conversation, it's clear that this episode of "Wake Up with Patti Katter" is not just about the struggles faced by veterans but about the incredible potential for healing and connection through the arts. Shannon Book's journey from the battlefields to the recording studio is a powerful reminder of the strength of the human spirit and the redemptive power of music.

For anyone looking for inspiration, healing, or simply a deeper understanding of the sacrifices made by military personnel and the potential for creative expression to overcome adversity, "Healing Through Harmony" is a must-listen. Join Patti Katter and Shannon Book on this unforgettable journey through pain, resilience, and the unifying power of music.

Steve's official bio:

Steve Stratton started his military career at the White House Communications Agency supporting the needs of President’s Ford and Carter, Vice President’s Rockefeller and Mondale and Secretary of State Henry Kissinger. His work took him around the world introducing him to new cultures, ways of thinking, and the various agencies tasked with projecting and protecting American interests abroad. The jump to the US Secret Service was an easy transition but after several years and an election campaign, Steve left for the commercial sector.

Steve was awarded his Green Beret in 1986. From the 80’s through 2000 he deployed with 20th Special Forces on counter-drug and training missions in the SOUTHCOM region. His civilian contractor time includes support for USCENTCOM, USSOCOM, and several intelligence agencies. Today he is retired but advising cyber security companies that support the warfighter and intelligence community. When he is not writing, you can find him mountain biking, trout fishing, or hunting in Colorado.

His first novel, Shadow Tier, was named a 2023 Bronze Medal winner by the Military Writers Society of America.

Chief, Force Protection Training Division

Directorate of Training & Education, US Army Military Police School

Mr. David ‘DC’ Reed served as the Chief of Force Protection Training Division (FPTD) having responsibilities for three USAMPS training branches; the Law Enforcement Operations Branch, the Antiterrorism Training Branch, and the Advanced Military Working Dog Training Branch. In all, FPTD trains in excess of 7800 US Army and other DoD personnel annually. Mr. Reed is a retired career law enforcement officer and started with USAMPS in 1996 as a Special Reaction Team instructor at Ft. McClellan, AL. He is a charter member of the International Law Enforcement Educators and Trainers Association (ILEETA), a past member of the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP), and past member of both the Missouri Sheriffs Association and the Missouri Police Chiefs Association.

Prior to his appointment as FPTD Chief Reed was Chief of the US Army LE Operations Branch since its inception in 2003. He led the development of courses for the Military Police Corps to include the US Army Civilian Police Academy, the LE Senior Leaders course, the Conservation LE Officer course, and a broad range of special projects, including analysis of Army operations world-wide. He was the principal training and operations advisor from 2003-2019 to the DoD Undersecretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness, (later Intelligence and Security) Office of Policy and Support.

Before working as a senior Army civilian, Reed was the Chief Deputy and lead Criminal Investigator of Metropolitan Moore County, Tennessee. He also served as Commander for the 17th Judicial District Major Crimes Task Force from 1993-1996, working multi-jurisdictional violent crime, white collar crime, and attorney/ medical malpractice investigations. From 1991 to 1993 he was a homicide investigator for Bedford Co. and later Metro. He started his police career with Prince George’s County Police, Maryland in 1979 and served in a variety of roles to include patrol and SWAT.

Mr. Reed retired from the US Army Reserve having been assigned to special duties with the DoD, serving from 2003-2019. He is also a veteran of the US Air Force (‘79-85) where he served as Special Agent to Specially Designated Secure Air Mission (SDSAM) aircraft including Air Force One. Reed served worldwide from Andrews AFB under President Reagan as an airborne counter threat agent for four years. He is also a veteran of the Tennessee Army National Guard where he served as a Captain of the state NGB Service Rifle Competition team.

Mr. Reed is a 1980 graduate of Prince George’s County, Maryland Police Academy and a 1985 graduate of the Tennessee Law Enforcement Training Academy. He received his Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Administration from the University of Tennessee in 1986 and is a 1996 graduate of the Southeast Law Enforcement Conference, Leader’s Training Academy. He was a commissioned civilian police officer/deputy sheriff for 40 years in three states - Maryland, Tennessee, and Missouri.