A Veteran’s Journey From Field To Real Estate
In the latest Nostalgia Street podcast, we interviewed realtor Andrew Miller. Vince kicked off the conversation with one of his random questions. He asked Andrew, a soccer enthusiast, which non-soccer players from different sports would he choose to make up his own soccer team. Andrew names potential players like Steph Curry, Tyreek Hill, Travis Kelce, Tim Duncan, and Devante Adams.
We talked about Andrew's involvement with 4Front Studios, our video production company, and briefly mentioned his wife Maggie's previous episode. The conversation then took a nostalgic turn, exploring Andrew's childhood memories, favorite toys like Tonka trucks and big wheels, and the mishaps he had while biking.
Andrew shared a humorous story of when he fell asleep while riding a bike. The story of Vince's accidental attempt to shoot his mom with an arrow came up again in this episode. We continued the conversation by asking about Andrew's school experiences, his love for soccer, and his position as a defender in the sport. We then had a discussion about music preferences, with Andrew expressing a fondness for classic country tunes.
We covered various topics, starting with childhood movie preferences, particularly focusing on soccer-themed films like "The Big Green." Andrew expressed an interest in military movies such as "Saving Private Ryan" and "Men of Honor." The discussion then shifted to personal interests, including a love for soccer and being a fan of the Nebraska Huskers due to family ties. Andrew shared memories of watching Huskers games with their dad in the early '90s and the impact of Coach Osborne stepping down in '98. The conversation then turned to sports fandom and enduring tough times as a fan, using the Chiefs as an example.
Andrew reminisced about winning a soccer championship at a young age and the influence of a youth director and grandfather. A pastor's encouragement during Andrew’s teenage years became a pivotal moment, influencing his decision to join the military.
Andrew shared his college experience and the decision to join the Air National Guard. The conversation delves into Andrew’s expectations versus reality in the military, debunking the notion of perfection and highlighting the importance of self-reliance and personal responsibility.
He shared a valuable lesson learned from a first sergeant – the idea that one must take care of themselves because, in the military, individuals are often viewed as numbers, and relying on others may not always be effective.
Andrew also shared stories about his deployment to Iraq in 2008. He reflected on the challenges of basic training, landing in Iraq, and interacting with the local population. There was a focus on the surreal feeling of being in a combat zone and the impact of the deployment on Andrew’s perspective. The transition back to civilian life is discussed, including the challenges and anger issues faced upon returning. The speaker expressed gratitude for the comforts of life in the United States and highlighted the importance of perspective and appreciation for the sacrifices made by military personnel.
In this conversation, Jeff shared a poignant encounter with a veteran at a wedding who recounted a tragic incident in Afghanistan where a child threw a grenade into a truck, resulting in the death of everyone inside. The conversation delved into the challenges faced by veterans, including PTSD and homelessness, and highlighted the speaker's passion for helping veterans find homes.
We briefly touched on the growth of Sioux Falls, memories of childhood, and the importance of mindset and belief in achieving one's goals. We concluded the episode with a quote emphasizing the power of the mind and the potential to overcome self-imposed limitations. What you believe in your mind is a powerful tool, and directly affects your potential.
—----
You can connect with Andrew on LinkedIn.
—--
Learn more about 4Front Studios and connect with us on social media!
114 S Main Ave Unit 220, Sioux Falls, SD 57104