While most of the country is home with family, someone is always standing watch.

In this special Christmas episode of Strength From Service, we talk about what Christmas looks like overseas, the quiet sacrifices made by those serving far from home, and the men and women who continue to work through Christmas Eve and Christmas Day—military members, first responders, nurses, dispatchers, and all those who answer the call when others are celebrating.

We reflect on Christmas spent in uniform, the brotherhood that forms in hard places, and powerful letters written home from overseas—reminders that no matter the generation, the heart of service hasn’t changed.

This week on Strength From Service, we shine the spotlight on one of our own — Jake Palmer. Jake shares the story of his journey from growing up in Washington state and Wisconsin to eventually making his way to Sioux Falls, where he found his voice in broadcasting and developed the perspective that would shape the rest of his life.

Jake opens up about the challenges he faced, the lessons that molded his “silver lining” mindset, and how a chance connection with Jack Zimmerman set the foundation for what would eventually become Strength From Service. He reflects on how the podcast came together, the mission behind it, and why telling real stories from veterans, first responders, and everyday Americans matters now more than ever.

This episode is honest, inspiring, and full of the heart that Jake brings to the show every single week — offering listeners a deeper look at the voice they’ve come to know behind the mic.

This week on Strength From Service, Jack sits down with Jeff Traxler, owner of Traxler’s Hunting Preserve — a small-town Minnesota farm that grew into one of the most unique hunting destinations in the Midwest.

Jeff shares the history of how his family’s farm transformed into a full hunting preserve and the incredible stories that have come out of Traxler’s over the years — from military weaponry and reenactments, to the annual Combat Veteran Hunt, and the unforgettable people who make the place what it is.

This is a conversation about tradition, community, the outdoors, and the impact a single place can have on veterans and families alike.