Walking for Warriors, Medical Freedom, and Fighting Human Trafficking

On September 20, 2022, Kim Monson explores the power of individual advocacy with Jill Byers, who walked 2,022 miles to raise awareness for veteran suicide, Matt Dark of Roots Medical on post-pandemic medical freedom, Andi Buerger of Voices Against Trafficking on survivor-led prevention, and Kim Ware of Christian Home Educators of Colorado on educational alternatives.

Walking 2,022 Miles for Veterans

Start listening at 21:55 – Hour 1

Jill Byers completed an extraordinary personal challenge, walking 2,022 miles in 2022 to bring attention to the crisis of veteran suicide. Starting January 1st and finishing July 22nd, Byers carried an American flag through her Southern California community of Murrieta, engaging strangers about the tragedy of losing 22 veterans daily to suicide.

The effort supported organizations including Wheelchairs for Warriors, Fight the War Within, Walk for Vets, and Mission 22. Byers was inspired by walking portions of John Ring’s cross-country trek from Georgia to California, where she heard firsthand accounts from veterans and their families about the struggles that lead to suicide.

“I would have a sign on my back that said what I was doing so some people would stop, some would pull over and talk, some would be walking and stop and talk and it would give me a chance to share what I’m doing.”

Jill Byers, Veteran Advocate

COVID Policy Failures and Medical Freedom

Start listening at 31:40 – Hour 1

Matt Dark of Roots Medical addresses President Biden’s declaration that the COVID-19 pandemic is over, arguing that the announcement exposes years of failed public health policy. Dark highlights a peer-reviewed study showing ivermectin reduced COVID mortality by 92 percent when administered upon infection, a treatment option that was actively suppressed by federal health officials.

The functional medicine practitioner criticizes Dr. Anthony Fauci and CDC Director Rochelle Walensky for their handling of vaccine mandates and booster recommendations. Dark notes the hypocrisy of declaring a national emergency over a single monkeypox death while ignoring ongoing crises like fentanyl overdoses and preventable heart disease deaths.

“The more you’re boosted, the more you’re busted, meaning you either have an increased chance of death, hospitalization, or serious illness with COVID, the more you’re boosted. That’s fact, not fiction.”

Matt Dark, Roots Medical

Survivor-Led Approach to Human Trafficking Prevention

Start listening at 69:21 – Hour 2

Andi Buerger, founder of Voices Against Trafficking, describes her organization’s new First Responders curriculum designed to help families develop situational awareness habits in just four minutes daily over 90 days. The network partners with international and domestic organizations to combat human trafficking and sexual exploitation.

Buerger, who was trafficked by family members beginning at six months old, explains how her 14 years running Beulah’s Place safe houses rescued over 300 children from trafficking and abandonment. She emphasizes that modern human trafficking represents 21st century slavery, with more people enslaved today than at any point in history.

“Our children are under siege in this country. You know, their value and their worth has just been so diminished. And the more that we sell or use or indoctrinate them, their innocence goes, and you can never return innocence.”

Andi Buerger, Founder, Voices Against Trafficking

Homeschooling as Educational Freedom

Start listening at 96:17 – Hour 2

Kim Ware, Outreach Director for Christian Home Educators of Colorado, explains the three legal pathways for homeschooling in the state: filing a Notice of Intent with the local school district, enrolling under an umbrella school like CHEC Independent School, or homeschooling independently as a certified teacher.

CHEC offers free resources including a starter pack with videos covering everything from legal requirements to curriculum selection and daily scheduling. Ware promotes the organization’s October 15th introductory seminar in Castle Rock for families considering the transition to home education.

“We sometimes have principals of schools telling us that they come check our website to figure out about homeschooling when they have kids who are being withdrawn from their schools.”

Kim Ware, Outreach Director, Christian Home Educators of Colorado