On this Warrior Wednesday with Chad Ray, we honor the service and leadership of Sergeant First Class (Ret.) Justin Mayes, a 21-year U.S. Army veteran whose career was shaped by duty, adaptability, and people-first leadership. Raised in Wichita Falls, Texas, Justin’s path to service began in high school as he watched the events of 9/11 unfold, eventually leading him to enlist while in college. What started as a short-term plan quickly became a career marked by rapid deployments, global service, and constant movement. Justin served as a reservist, deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan, worked at Walter Reed, and later transitioned into the Active Guard Reserve program. His longest and favorite assignment was with the 412th Theater Engineer Command in Vicksburg, Mississippi, where strong teamwork and camaraderie carried his unit through the challenges of COVID. Justin retired out of Fort Hood with the 120th Infantry Brigade, helping certify Guard and Reserve units for overseas deployments. Now serving the community through the City of Abilene’s Human Resources Department, Justin continues his mission by supporting veteran hiring and workforce development—proof that service doesn’t end with the uniform.

On this Warrior Wednesday with Chad Ray, Navy veteran Viron Smith shares the story that took him from small-town Winfield, Louisiana to a life of service—and a career that literally put him in charge of saving lives. Viron talks about leaving college football behind, joining the Navy at 19, and reporting to an aircraft carrier—USS George Washington—as an undesignated fireman assigned to damage control, the Navy’s frontline firefighters and “keep-the-ship-alive” team. He recounts a jaw-dropping early-career moment: being selected (without volunteering) to ride a helicopter to a sinking civilian vessel, getting lowered onto the deck alone, and running the dewatering pump that helped bring the ship safely to port. Byron also reflects on traveling the world, later shifting into substance abuse counseling to help active-duty members rebuild their lives, and how the Navy helped fund his education all the way to doctoral work. A powerful reminder: you never know what you’re capable of until you step up.

On this post-Veterans Day edition of Warrior Wednesday with Chad Ray, Retired Master Sergeant Chris Ferguson shares the remarkable journey that took him from a Navy-brat childhood to two decades in the U.S. Air Force. After growing up on bases around the world, Chris joined from Houston, following a dream to work on aircraft and serve his country. From Hurlburt Field in Florida to Mildenhall in England, and later Misawa Air Base in Japan, he built a career in aviation maintenance and Special Operations Command that forged unbreakable bonds and lifelong friendships. In this conversation, Chris reflects on deployments, teamwork, leadership, and why he believes volunteering—and trusting the people on your left and right—is the secret to a great military career. A story of family, faith, and service, it’s a heartfelt salute to those who raise their hand for something bigger than themselves.

In this Veterans Day special edition of Warrior Wednesday, Chad Ray sits down with World War II veteran Franklin Jackson “Frank” Cosby Jr. — a true American original whose memories bring history to life. Born outside of Lewisville, Texas, Frank was drafted at just 18 years old and began a journey that took him from Fort Worth to Camp Hood, across the Pacific to Fort Ord, California, and under the Golden Gate Bridge on a troop ship bound for war. In vivid detail, he recalls the long voyage, the island stops, and his arrival in Japan as one of the first U.S. soldiers to land near Hiroshima after the atomic bomb. From chopping weeds in Oregon to cleaning up devastation overseas, Frank’s storytelling captures the courage, grit, and humor of an entire generation. Now in his later years, he reflects on duty, survival, and gratitude for every young man who served beside him. This conversation is a moving salute to a hero who lived the history we can only imagine.

In this week’s Warrior Wednesday on The Raider, Chad Ray talks with Retired Air Force Technical Sergeant Steve Winegardner, whose 20-year career began with a leap of faith and led to a lifetime of service at Dyess Air Force Base. Originally from Des Moines, Iowa, Steve joined the Air Force from Dallas in 2000, following in his brother’s footsteps to become a B-1 engine mechanic. He shares how one decision changed everything—from his first day on the flight line to witnessing history on 9/11 and seeing the space shuttle Atlantis stop at Dyess before its final mission. Steve reflects on two decades of dedication, the friendships that became family, and the lessons that last beyond uniform—humility, teamwork, and gratitude. His story is a reminder that service isn’t just about where you go—it’s about the people you stand beside.

On this week’s Warrior Wednesday with Chad Ray on The Raider, meet Retired Air Force Master Sergeant Sal Garcia — a Jersey native whose career began with one unexpected ride to a recruiter’s office. From Newark, New Jersey, to Dover Air Force Base, Misawa, Japan, and finally Dyess AFB in Abilene, Sal’s 20-plus years in uniform took him around the world as a jet engine mechanic, flying crew chief, and later first sergeant guiding the next generation of airmen. He shares his early days turning wrenches on C-5s, snowy deployments to Japan, and lessons learned about leadership, resilience, and family. With humor and warmth, Sal talks about growing up a Marine’s son, serving through change, and the brotherhood that lasts long after the flight line goes quiet. And yes — he and Chad finally settle the debate over New York “dirty water dogs.” Because real strength deserves real recognition.

we meet Retired Air Force Veteran Kristin Fane. Originally from Chicago, Kristen joined the Air Force right out of high school after receiving a simple postcard from a recruiter — a decision that led to a remarkable 20-year career, all spent right here at Dyess Air Force Base. As a jet engine mechanic, Kristin worked on B-1 bombers, supported depot-level maintenance at Tinker Air Force Base, and served in multiple additional roles including PT leader, security manager, and technical data officer. She shares insight into the meticulous work behind keeping aircraft flight-ready, explains what happens during a FOD walk, and reflects on the camaraderie and lifelong friendships built in service. Her story is one of dedication, resilience, and humor — proof that every path to service begins with a single step.

In this episode: Retired Army Staff Sergeant Mark Delgado, a native of Knox City, Texas, whose 24-year Army career spanned artillery, infantry, and combat engineering. Mark shares his journey from small-town beginnings to global service — from breaching minefields and operating heavy equipment to instructing soldiers on early GPS systems. He talks about deployments across the U.S. and Germany, his time as a recruiter in Abilene, and the lessons learned from a lifetime of service. The conversation turns candid as Mark reflects on discipline, leadership, the evolution of the military, and advice for young men and women considering enlistment. With humor, humility, and a Yankees cap proudly on his head, he reminds us what true dedication looks like. Because real strength deserves real recognition.