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Episode 31: "More Than My Share of the Task" w/ the Gold Star Parents of SGT Joel Clarkson
Description
In this episode, Johnny and I sit down with Karen and Stephen Clarkson, the Gold Star parents of SGT Joel Clarkson, the 2026 Hero Games Honoree, to tell the story of their son’s life, service, and sacrifice.
Joel served as a Fire Team Leader in 2nd Ranger Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment. On March 16, 2010, during his fifth deployment, he was killed in action in Afghanistan while supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. Through the memories of his parents, we explore who Joel was long before he became a Ranger, the experiences that shaped him, his commitment to the people around him, and the legacy he left behind.
This conversation goes beyond the circumstances of Joel’s death to preserve the story of how he lived. Karen and Stephen share their perspective as parents, the weight carried by Gold Star families, and what it means to see Joel’s name and legacy continue through those committed to remembering him.
This is the life story of Sergeant Joel Clarkson, told by the people who knew and loved him first.
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