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Episode 32: The Fog of War and Humanity – Part 1
Guest: Jack Brehm
Host: Richard Acritelli | hmTv – Influential Origins

In this gripping and deeply human episode of The Fog of War and Humanity, host Richard Acritelli sits down with retired Chief Master Sergeant and Suffolk County Police Officer Jack Brehm. In Part 1 of their conversation, Jack takes us back to his early years—from his childhood in Long Island to his unlikely path into the elite ranks of the New York Air National Guard’s 106th Rescue Wing.

With vivid storytelling and raw honesty, Jack recounts his transformation from a young man cutting grass for the Teamsters to a pararescue jumper trained to skydive, scuba dive, and survive the harshest conditions imaginable. Along the way, he shares what it was like to endure brutal military training, navigate underwater combat scenarios, eat slugs and snakes in SERE school, and make over 3,000 jumps—1,500 of them freefall.

This episode is not only a testament to personal grit and resilience but also an inspiring look at how military training shapes character, teamwork, and the will to serve. Whether you're a veteran, a first responder, or someone who values the quiet strength behind extraordinary service, Jack’s story is one you won’t forget.

Don’t miss Part 2, where the journey continues.