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A simple question opens a complicated story: what happens when you say no to a powerful directive that feels wrong? Rick joins us with 43 years of experience spanning infantry, war-zone logistics, and Pentagon program oversight to recount how refusing an alleged extortion scheme set off a cascade of retaliation, reassignment, and legal battles. The stakes are not just personal—this is about how procurement ethics, whistleblower protection, and culture shape national security and public trust.

We walk through his time in Kuwait, Iraq, and Afghanistan, where he says he pushed back on inflated costs, substandard equipment, and pressure to rubber-stamp paperwork. Then we move to the Pentagon, where Rick describes a supervisor’s alleged attempt to steer work from one contractor to a competitor to prompt a payoff hidden as a cost overrun. He asked for the order in writing; it never came. Instead, he says doors closed, friendships and office politics complicated oversight, and a familiar pattern emerged: small write-ups, nitpicks about tone and attendance, and a transfer that led to new allegations of harassment and denied accommodations.

This conversation goes beyond headlines to examine how DEI can be misused when identity becomes a shield against scrutiny, why fewer veterans in key roles changes decision-making, and where contracting oversight often cracks under pressure. We dig into the alphabet soup—MSPB, OSC, EEOC, ADA—and how slow, costly processes can deter even the most committed public servants. The message is clear: real inclusion requires merit, transparency, and the courage to investigate quickly, document directives, and protect those who speak up. If you care about defense acquisition, government accountability, and protecting taxpayer dollars, this is a story you need to hear.

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Stories of Service presents guests’ stories and opinions in their own words, reflecting their personal experiences and perspectives. While shared respectfully and authentically, the podcast does not independently verify all statements. Views expressed are those of the guests and do not necessaril

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