Legacy Lives On: The Power of Emily Perez and John Martin III

A Special Power Surge Episode


In this powerful and heartfelt episode of GenX Journeys, Paul
Stroessner honors two remarkable American heroes—Captain
John Thomas Martin III and Second Lieutenant
Emily Jazmin Tatum Perez—whose legacies deserve to be
remembered, not erased.


Captain Martin was a brilliant scholar, leader, and trailblazing
West Point graduate who also earned a master’s from Harvard
before serving in Vietnam. Lieutenant Perez was a fearless
medical officer, record-breaking West Point cadet, and decorated
track athlete who led from the front—literally—on her final
mission in Iraq.


Paul shares their stories with passion and purpose, tying in his
own experiences as a veteran and runner. He also addresses the
disturbing trend of erasing diverse military histories under the
Trump administration and calls on listeners to rise up and speak
their names.


This episode is a tribute. A truth-telling. And a rally cry.


Topics Covered:


The remarkable legacies of John Martin III and Emily Perez

The erasure of diversity-related military content under Trump
& Pete Hegseth

Paul’s personal connection as a veteran and runner

The meaning of real leadership and sacrifice

A call to action to honor our fallen heroes



️ “True leadership is grounded in courage, service, and purpose.
Real patriots don’t erase heroes—they remember them.”


 
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