“Glasnevin is of course famous in this country for having the burials of so many people who shaped Irish history.”

This week on Story Behind the Stone, we speak with Ultan Moran, historian and tour guide at Glasnevin Cemetery in Dublin, Ireland's National Cemetery. Ultan shares powerful stories of Irish lives that shaped, and were shaped by, North American history.

In this episode:
- Discover how a Dublin-born soldier became a hero of the American Civil War
- Learn how Frederick Douglass was inspired by Irish abolitionist Daniel O’Connell
- Explore the legacy of Irish-born veterans of the Canadian Expeditionary Force and how their memory is preserved today

"Veterans are constantly faced with problems. You're constantly having to solve them. You almost don't know how to walk by a problem, and not solve it."

This week on Story Behind the Stone, we're joined by Kristin Sargent, founder of Sargent Initiatives. We explore Kristin’s transition from the US Army’s air defense artillery to her work at the intersection of technology and national security, helping companies navigate the complexities of the defense sector.

In this episode:

Discover Kristin’s journey from serving as a unit Information Assurance Officer to leading modernization efforts at Booz Allen Hamilton and Amazon Web Services.

Learn about the core challenges entrepreneurs face when entering the government system, including identifying essential requirements and managing corporate resources efficiently.

Hear Kristin’s "Measured Restraint" philosophy for business growth and why she believes the defense sector is an "endurance sport" that requires patience and C-suite commitment.

Explore the unique value veterans bring to the tech industry, fueled by a desire to solve archaic processes and a commitment to the "Mission, Men, Me" hierarchy of service.

Learn more: Sargent Initiatives and the Defense Entrepreneurs Forum

Listen on Wreaths Across America Radio on Friday December 19: https://wreathsacrossamerica.org/

"I think more importantly for my fellow veterans is just remember the promise that you made to never leave anyone behind."

This week on Story Behind the Stone, we speak with Stuart Smith, who has dedicated 33 years to serving his fellow veterans. We explore Stuart's military service, his transition to civilian life, and his commitment to supporting veteran-owned businesses through organizations like the National Veteran Small Business Coalition (NVSBC) and the National Association of Veteran Owned Businesses (NaVOBA).

In this episode:

- Discover Stuart's personal journey from joining the Army as a "last option" to transitioning successfully into human resources and organizational development

- Learn about the work of the National Veteran Small Business Coalition (NVSBC) and the National Association of Veteran Owned Businesses (NaVOBA) in helping veteran small businesses thrive in government contracting and commercial supplier diversity spaces

- Hear why Stuart is honored to MC the Wreaths Across America laying at the Cape Canaveral National Cemetery and what that day means for the community

Learn more: National Veteran Small Business Coalition and National Association of Veteran Owned Businesses

Listen on Apple, Spotify, and Wreaths Across America Radio