By Don Lowe
Andy Albertson
When Andy Albertson joined the service, there were two distinct things that led him down this path: “The reason I enlisted was because we had started a family and I wanted to provide for them the best way I could. And with the turmoil in the Middle East, I felt led to do my part for my country.”
As for what made the Army right for Andy, he says, “It just seemed to be the best fit for me as far as what I was looking for at the time.”
It might have been a good fit, but it wasn’t easy, and Andy says, “The main challenges while I was in the military were being away from my family for long periods of time. I had family members who passed away while I was gone and missed all the ‘firsts’ with my children.
“Another challenge was developing close relationships with the people in my units, then eventually separating and never seeing them again due to deaths and getting stationed with other units all over the world.”
All the difficulties notwithstanding, Andy says, “The most satisfying and rewarding part of being in the service was the development of leadership skills that helped me gain the trust of my soldiers with their lives. Also, it helped me gain the maturity and structure that every young man should have.”
When considering the impact his time in service had on him, Andy says, “The negative is the difficulties with adapting back to civilian life, such as learning to make friends and not being on ‘high alert’ all the time. The positives have been with developing skills and traits that helped make me successful in law enforcement.”
In the big picture view, Andy says, “Good or bad, the Army played a part in developing who I am today, and I feel blessed because of that. Also, I’ve been able to pass down knowledge that I gained to help others.”
It has been a little more than two decades since Andy officially left the military, and he says, “The key to a successful return to civilian life is not only going to church, but being an active member of a church family that surrounds you with support and love.
“I also believe that if you become part of an organization such as Charlie 22 Outdoors, you can be with like-minded veterans and a staff that accepts you for who you are, while providing Bible scriptures that help during difficult times.”
Having a wife stand alongside him all through his journey has been the most important thing for Andy, and he says, “It goes without saying that a patient, loving, supporting and available spouse is a major key to success.”
Andy Albertson Fast Facts
Hometown: Born in Sigourney, Iowa, and raised in Shell Knob, Missouri.
Current Home City: Webb City, Missouri
Age: 49
High School Alma Mater: Cassville High School. Class of 1994.
College Alma Mater: Missouri Southern State University Law Enforcement Academy. Class of 2020.
Career/Employment: Probation officer with the Missouri Department of Corrections.
Family: Parents: David Albertson and Linda Reese; siblings: Kristi Jordan and Jodie Seitz; wife: Candice Albertson; children: Andrew Albertson, Bailey Albertson, Levi Albertson, Brayden Hall and Chandler Hall.
Favorite Military/War Movie: “13 Hours”
Final Rank: Sergeant
MOS (Military Occupational Specialty): 63y20/Track Vehicle Mechanic
Year Enlisted and Stationed: 1996/Fort Hood, Texas
Year Finished Service: July 2003
Deployed: Fort Hood (now Fort Cavazos near Killeen, Texas) – 1st Cavalry Division and 4th Infantry Division, 4.5 years total; Camp Howze – South Korea, 1 year; and Camp Casey – South Korea, 1.5 years
Clay O’Dell
When then 26-year-old Clay O’Dell enlisted in the service almost 15 years ago, there was only one place to go for him. He says, “The United States Marine Corps. is the standard of military excellence and I wanted to join the best. The Marines are the ‘tip of the spear,’ (leading force in any endeavor) and that’s what I wanted to be.”
It was 9/11 that pricked Clay’s heart, and he says, “I was a senior in high school when the towers fell. I tried to join then and help defend my country. But I was only 17. The Marines became a ‘shelf dream’ (put aside temporarily) until I was 26 years old.
“At that time, I was going to college and playing baseball. Every night, I’d go home from baseball practice or work and watch the news and feel guilty because I’m here living the easy life, while Americans are fighting and dying for those of us back here at home.”
Clay, who was studying to get a degree in ministry at the time, continued pondering his own situation and says, “I did not want to ever preach on sacrifice while never knowing what it was like to intentionally put myself in harm’s way and understanding I could possibly lose my life so others could live.
“How could I ever preach Jesus without being willing to sacrifice for someone else myself? There’s a deep meaning to John 15:13 and that struck a chord with me.”
While Clay gladly persevered through the difficulties of life in uniform, he says, “The biggest challenge was the physical toll the Marine Corps. demands. Nothing is free and you must give everything the Marine Corps. demands.
“The physical training demands everything you have. I still feel the Marine Corps. in my joints and bones as I get older. But I don’t regret it. The continual training and all the extra weight you carry adds tremendous wear and tear on your body. But God got me through it.”
It was well worth it, and Clay says, “I enjoyed being a Marine, the way of life, the purpose, the mission, etc. I enjoyed serving with other Marines who were there for all the same reasons as me. We just wanted to serve and help others.
“The most satisfying part of it was purely selfish: I did the most difficult thing I’d ever do. Nothing will ever compare to what the Marine Corps. puts you through. No one can ever say I didn’t do it. No one can ever say I didn’t do my part. The reward comes in knowing I did it.
“Serving still impacts me to this day. There is nothing out there that will ever be as difficult as life in the Marine Corps. Everything else in this spoiled American life is easy.
“I don’t feel my return to civilian life has been successful. A lot of people have judged me and mislabeled me as a guy who hasn’t changed back into a civilian. But I don’t want to go back to those low standards. I respect and appreciate the high standards of the Marine Corps. and strive to keep them as a civilian.”
Clay O’Dell Fast Facts
Hometown: Born in Carthage, Missouri and lived in Joplin, Missouri.
Current Home City: Republic, Missouri
Age: 41
High School Alma Mater: Joplin High School. Class of 2002.
College Alma Mater and Year Graduated: Ozark Christian College, Joplin, Missouri. Class of 2011.
Family: Wife: Mica O’Dell, and son, Everett O’Dell.
Favorite Military/War Movie: “Braveheart”
Final Rank: Sergeant
MOS (Military Occupational Specialty): 0311/8152 (Marine Corps. Rifleman/Marine Corps. Security Force Guard) and 0933/0931 (Combat Marksmanship Coach/Combat Marksmanship Trainer)
Year Enlisted and Stationed: 2011/Yorktown, Virginia
Year Finished Service: Sept. 2015
Deployed: Guantanamo Bay, Cuba and Yokosuka, Japan
Leonard Cutbirth
At the age of an elementary school student in the mid-1970s, Leonard Cutbirth already knew which branch of the military would be his destiny. He says, “I wanted to be in the Army from the time I was five years old.
“I joined the delay entry program when I was 16 years old. I just wanted to serve my country. I also wanted to travel to as many places as possible.”
While Leonard was clear-eyed on his choice, there were tremendous demands, and he says, “I started in the Infantry (soldiers trained and equipped to fight on foot), then went to Airborne School (teaches soldiers how to parachute from aircraft) and Ranger School (designed to train soldiers in close combat and direct fire operations) after returning from a year in Korea.
“I then attended Special Forces Assessment and Selection (SFAS) and eventually completed the Special Forces Qualification Course, and was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, Alpha Company, 1st Special Forces Group (Airborne) special unit. It was an extremely tough challenge to complete all the schools and graduate.
“After completing the Special Forces Qualification Course, I was always away from my wife and our youngest daughter. Most of the places I deployed were generally rough places to be.”
Leonard has reason to be proud of his tremendous achievements in the Army and when considering what this well-accomplished veteran finds most satisfying, he says it was “earning my Airborne Wings (Parachutist Badge), Red Beret (can symbolize things like discipline, combat skills, etc.) and Ranger Tab Service School Qualification.
“I eventually earned my Green Beret (rigorous Special Forces Qualification Course to officially be a member of the Army’s Elite Special Forces). I participated in more than 200 airborne jumps and 368 combat missions during my career.
“The military made me who I am today. I learned to be resourceful, complete the mission and push beyond the quitting point with the mentality that ‘No one is coming to save us.’”
Regardless of the challenges, Leonard says, “I didn’t get paid much while serving but the pride with what I accomplished made it all worthwhile. Also, I received two associate degrees and two bachelor’s degrees with my GI Bill (benefit administered by the Department of Veterans Affairs that provides education and training to eligible veterans, active-duty service members and their dependents).”
Now three decades removed from his time in service, Leonard says, “When I first got out of the military, I suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which I didn’t understand at the time. I’m 100% totally and permanently disabled due to injuries I suffered while serving my country.
“I worked hard at a full-time job while going to college full-time as well. I tried to make up for lost time with my family. I believe for those who have been in combat, it’s a lifetime of transitioning back to civilian life. The healing process is best with other veterans and groups like Charlie 22 Outdoors that work tirelessly to help veterans.”
Leonard Cutbirth Fast Facts
Hometown: Born in Upland, California and raised in Humansville, Missouri.
Current Home City: Diamond, Missouri
Age: 54
High School Alma Mater: Humansville High School. Class of 1988.
College Alma Mater: Missouri Southern State University, Joplin, Missouri. Class of 2001.
Career/Employment: Retired
Family: Parents: Bill Cutbirth (deceased) and Riena Nash; siblings: Steve Cutbirth (deceased), Dale Cutbirth and Becky Cutbirth. Wife: Amber Cutbirth. Children: Sonya Cobble, Silvia Cutbirth, Stone Karcher and Steel Karcher.
Favorite Military/War Movie: “12 Strong”
Final Rank: E-5 Sergeant
MOS (Military Occupational Specialty): 18B Special Forces Weapon’s Sergeant
Year Enlisted and Stationed: June 22, 1988/Fort Benning, Georgia
Year Finished Service: June 30, 1996
Deployed: Korea for one year with 2nd Infantry, plus other deployments with 1st Special Forces Group (Philippines, Thailand, Okinawa, Japan, Panama, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Iraq).
Lucas Turnage
When then 22-year-old Lucas Turnage enlisted in the Missouri Army National Guard four years ago, he says at that time he “was not in a place where I could go into active duty. But I still wanted to serve.
“I’m looking for other opportunities to work full-time with the Army. I am currently completing packets to go to flight school and work toward becoming an Army pilot in the future with the goal of advancing higher and farther in my military career.”
Lucas has a strong desire to serve his homeland, and he says, “I love my country. We enjoy freedoms I’ve seen taken away from citizens in other countries. If I’m going to reap the benefits of living here, I need to give back to my country for giving me so much.
“My heroes were soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines. I remember when I read the book, “Lone Survivor,” in seventh grade. It was the first time I recognized the sacrifice it takes for us to enjoy the freedoms we have here. I wanted to be part of the ‘machine’ that ensures safety and freedom for my family and my country.”
As passionate as he is about serving, there’s sacrifice involved, and Lucas says, “It takes you away from loved ones for extended periods of time and puts you in dangerous situations that make you wonder if you’ll ever see your family again. Also, seeing and doing some of the things we do can permanently alter your brain and damage it.
“Military life in general is a challenge as well. The military is a hard life. It’s demanding and dangerous. It’s a competitive, high-stress environment that consistently expects you to be your best. If you slip up a little, there’s the potential it could be a life-or-death mistake.”
Regardless of the difficulties, Lucas says, “I love the military community. I love the friends I’ve made along the way. I love the leadership. I’m grateful for all the opportunities I’ve been given.
“Serving in the military is the greatest choice I’ve made in my adult life. Working with like-minded individuals who are highly motivated to achieve mission success is one of the most satisfying experiences I’ve ever had in my life.”
It’s all about perspective, and Lucas says, “Joining the military made me a man. Before I joined, I was a college basketball player who only dreamed of achieving what I’ve accomplished. The military made me grow up, look myself in the mirror and work harder than I ever did in basketball.
“The relationships I’ve built through all the experiences have made the service and sacrifice worthwhile. I would not have most of my friends and the life experiences I’ve had if not for the military. I would not have the same pride in myself.”
When the time comes for him to transition back to civilian life, Lucas knows it won’t be easy, but he says, “My faith and my dogs are my biggest blessings when it comes to slowing down, settling down and reintegrating. You need things you enjoy that are low-stress and allow you to recover.”
Lucas Turnage Fast Facts
Hometown: Born in Jerusalem, Israel. Lived in Belgium for a year and ended up in Springfield, Missouri. Lucas grew up traveling back and forth to Israel because of his dad’s company that takes Christian tours to experience the length of the Bible.
Current Home City: Rogersville, Missouri
Age: 26
High School Alma Mater: Montverde Academy in Florida. Class of 2017.
College Studies: Enrolling online at Arizona State University in the Homeland Security & Threat Management Programs in the fall.
Career/Employment: Police officer with Rogersville, Missouri, Police Department and current member of the Missouri Army National Guard.
Family: Parents: Marc Turnage and Amy Flattery; siblings: Jordan Turnage and Eliesheva Turnage.
Favorite Military/War Movie: “Act of Valor”
Current Rank: Sergeant
MOS (Military Occupational Specialty): 11 Bravo, Infantry Team Leader
Year Enlisted and Stationed: 2021, Fort Benning, Georgia, for basic training.
Deployed: United States Southern Border and the Middle East.
Lee Lake
When Lee Lake decided to enlist in the military more than three decades ago, following in the footsteps of several loved ones was a no brainer for him. Lee says, “When I left my hometown, I needed to go serve. My family had a long tradition of service.”
Lee also recognized that this would be the perfect place for him to grow up, and he says, “I was a man child. Just because I was of legal age to serve didn’t mean I knew anything about how the world worked.”
When initially contemplating what direction to take with his life as a young man in 1992, Lee admits it was all about getting away from his roots. “I wanted to get out of my small hometown for a while.”
As for what led him to join the United States Naval Academy instead of pursuing another branch of the military, Lee says, “I liked being at sea.”
While Lee enjoyed spending time on the vast waters surrounding our country’s borders, there were challenges along his journey in the service. “Moral wasn’t always the best and it was hard to get promoted.”
Despite difficulties that made it tough at times, Lee found this life to have its thrilling aspects and he says it was all about “the camaraderie and being haze gray and underway (emphasizes the demanding nature of surface ship duty, and the paint color scheme used on U.S. Navy surface warships).”
It was a worthwhile adventure where Lee learned invaluable life lessons and says, “The Navy taught me tradition and precision. Naval tradition is a big thing, because it works. Modern technology is all well and good, but doing the same things the way they’ve always been done is important.
“I also served with some wonderful men. Some of those gentlemen helped teach me about my own self-worth, and to understand that if you want to be respected, you need to have respect for others.
“You go in the service and they do what they do to make you who you need to be. The Navy is where I became a man.”
Lee returned to civilian life in late 1996. It was an adjustment, but what helped was having “family and friends, as well as community involvement. I joined the fire department and emergency management services (EMS), and the structure (of military life) helped me in that job.”
Lee encourages all those who have served to get plugged in with organizations like Charlie 22 Outdoors in Webb City, Missouri, that are focused on serving veterans, while providing what he describes as “a lot of faith-based activities. Be sure and check this out.”
Dennis Lee Lake Jr. Fast Facts
Hometown: Crawfordville, Florida
Current Home City: Purdy, Missouri
Age: 52
High School Alma Mater: Wakulla (Florida) High School. Class of 1992.
College Alma Mater: Crowder College in Neosho, Missouri. Class of 2011.
Family: Parents: Dennis and Linda Lake; wife: Stacy Lake; children: James, Juliette, Cailee, Farrell, Chloe and Conner.
Favorite Military/War Movie: “A Bridge Too Far”
Final Rank: E4
MOS (Military Occupational Specialty): AMS3 (Aviation Structural Mechanic)
Year Enlisted and Stationed: June 15, 1992, Orlando, Florida (Basic Training)
Year Finished Service: Nov. 10, 1996
Deployed: Mayport, Florida, to join the USS Forrestal CV-59; Pensacola, Florida, onboard Forrestal to become AVT-59; PNSY Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in the shipyard; Pensacola, Florida, for Aircrew & Rescue Swimmer’s School; NAS Jacksonville, Florida, with HS-5 the Night Dippers flying from the USS George Washington CVN-73
Monty Johnson
All told, 58-year-old Monty Johnson has spent nearly half his life in the military, originally serving from 1991-1996 and then the past two decades (2006-2025) ministering to fellow service members. He says, “Initially I wanted to be an Airborne Infantryman. It’s the only branch (Army) that would guarantee Jump School.
“It was something I’d always wanted to do. I believe every man should spend a couple years in service. When I returned to the Army, I wanted to be in ministry. I wanted to serve God and had always been a soldier. It made sense to go back in the Army as a chaplain.”
While serving in the military has been his passion, Monty says, “It’s the best and worst of times. I loved being deployed. But being separated from family is difficult. I have an amazing wife who managed being mom and dad. She allowed me to focus on my task as chaplain.
“It takes a special woman to survive 26 years in the Army and I’m eternally grateful to my wife for that. I intend to spend time making it up to her now. I also have three sons who are amazing. Credit goes to God and my wife for them being the sons I’m eternally grateful for having.”
It was a satisfying experience for Monty, and he says, “I loved being a soldier and serving soldiers. I loved jumping out of planes, the ruck marches, the deployments, driving at breakneck speeds through the desert and low-level chopper flights.
“I loved baptizing soldiers in the Jordan River, presiding over weddings, doing marriage retreats, officiating memorials for America’s finest and doing retreats with families at Peterson Outdoors Ministries.”
Life hasn’t been easy, but Monty says, “Serving made me who I am. I was formed into the man I am today by my commanders and fellow soldiers. I’m negotiating what life will look like after a lifetime of jumping out of planes and ruck marches.
“I’ve had both knees and shoulders replaced, two neck fusions and four back surgeries. I’ve spent much of the last two years in a wheelchair. Now I’m walking with a cane and hoping to get my body to not being ‘gimpy.’ But I wouldn’t change a thing.
“I would say I’ve received far more than I’ve ever given. The people made it all worthwhile. It has been my life’s honor to serve alongside these greatest of men and women the world will ever know.”
As far as adapting to civilian life, Monty says, “I know God has a plan for me. He’s taken me on this odyssey, and even though I’ve often wondered what He’s doing, I know He has always been faithful and prepared me for what He had for me.”
Monty Johnson Fast Facts
Hometown: Born in Forest Grove, California; lived in Fremont, Sacramento and Turlock, California; and Flagstaff, Arizona.
Current Home City: Fort Campbell, Kentucky, but will be moving to Joplin, Missouri, in late June/early July.
Age: 58
High School Alma Mater: Flagstaff High School (Flagstaff, Arizona). Class of 1985.
College Alma Mater: Ozark Christian College, Joplin, Missouri; graduated in 2004. He also attended Missouri Southern State University and Wharton Community College, and received graduate degrees from Tennessee Temple Seminary.
Career/Employment: Retired from the U.S. Army and plans to work with Peterson Outdoors Ministries.
Family: Parents: John and Judy Johnson (both deceased); siblings: Joanne Palmer and Jeff Johnson; wife: Connie Jenkins Johnson; and children: John David Johnson, Caleb Montgomery Johnson and Nathaniel James Johnson.
Favorite Military/War Movie: “Green Berets”
Final Rank: Major
MOS (Military Occupational Specialty): Chaplain 56A/Non-MOS Q’d Chaplain’s Assistant 71M/Formerly Scout/Infantry 11B1P
Year Enlisted & Stationed: 1991/Fort Bragg, North Carolina (82nd Airborne)
Year Finished Service: Jan. 2025 (Jan. 1994 the first time)
Deployed: Fort Bragg, North Carolina (Feb. 1992-Jan. 1994); Parsons, Kansas (1.5 years); Oklahoma National Guard Chaplain Candidate/Joint Force HQ (Oct. 2006-Oct. 2008); Missouri National Guard Chaplain Candidate/35th Eng BN Joplin, Missouri (Oct. 2008-Dec. 2010); Kansas National Guard Chaplain/Djibouti, Kenya, Ethiopia and Liberia (Jan. 2011-May 2012); Missouri Reserves Chaplain/Springfield, Missouri (June 2012-May 2013); Special Forces Group/ABN Chaplain with five deployments as an Activated Reservist (June 2013-Jan. 2025) to Turkey (twice)/Jordan (four times)/Iraq (once) and Syria (once).