Uploaded August 2025 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
The Honoring Service series explores civic virtue and responsibility by the service of our nation’s veterans.
In this episode, former Marine Corps Gunnery Sergeant July Franco talks with Vice President of Civic Leadership Development Gerald Gangaram about her determination to join the Marine Corps at a very young age because she wanted to be part of something than was bigger than herself.
From the time she started boot camp, Franco had the tenacity to overcome obstacles and develop as a leader.
Franco is now the President and CEO of Gunny Gear, an apparel company that honors and empowers veterans with military-inspired clothing.
For Franco, anything is possible with a little grit. Gunny Gear is meant to celebrate her accomplishments and those of all female servicemembers and veterans, whose numbers are growing fast in today’s military ranks.
Learn more about Gunny Gear here. gunnygear.com
Learn the story behind the iconic photo of Marines raising the flag on Iwo Jima, here. billofrightsinstitute.org/essays/raising-the-flag-on-iwo-jima
Learn how art- and clothing- can be used for political expression, here. billofrightsinstitute.org/activities/art-as-protest-images-from-the-united-farm-workers-of-america-1973-1978
00:00 – 00:11 Honoring Service: Meet Julie Franco
00:12 – 00:34 Journey from Teen to U.S. Marine
00:35 – 02:28 Overcoming Challenges & Learning Leadership
02:29 – 03:33 Marine Corps Symbolism & Iwo Jima Legacy
03:34 – 04:53Launching Gunny Gear: Apparel with a Mission
04:54 – 05:40Women in the Military & Inspiring the Next Generation
05:40 – 07:30 Advice for Young People
-----
About the Bill of Rights Institute:
Established in September 1999, the Bill of Rights Institute is a 501(c)(3) non-profit educational organization that works to engage, educate, and empower individuals with a passion for the freedom and opportunity that exist in a free society. The Institute develops educational resources and programs for a network of more than 50,000 educators and 70,000 students nationwide.
Official Site: billofrightsinstitute.org
Facebook: / billofrightsinstitute
Twitter: / brinstitute
Instagram: / brinstitute
BRI Educator Newsletter Sign Up Page: https://billofrightsinstitute.org/new...
The Honoring Service series explores civic virtue and responsibility by the service of our nation’s veterans.
In this episode, former Marine Corps Gunnery Sergeant July Franco talks with Vice President of Civic Leadership Development Gerald Gangaram about her determination to join the Marine Corps at a very young age because she wanted to be part of something than was bigger than herself.
From the time she started boot camp, Franco had the tenacity to overcome obstacles and develop as a leader.
Franco is now the President and CEO of Gunny Gear, an apparel company that honors and empowers veterans with military-inspired clothing.
For Franco, anything is possible with a little grit. Gunny Gear is meant to celebrate her accomplishments and those of all female servicemembers and veterans, whose numbers are growing fast in today’s military ranks.
Learn more about Gunny Gear here. gunnygear.com
Learn the story behind the iconic photo of Marines raising the flag on Iwo Jima, here. billofrightsinstitute.org/essays/raising-the-flag-on-iwo-jima
Learn how art- and clothing- can be used for political expression, here. billofrightsinstitute.org/activities/art-as-protest-images-from-the-united-farm-workers-of-america-1973-1978
00:00 – 00:11 Honoring Service: Meet Julie Franco
00:12 – 00:34 Journey from Teen to U.S. Marine
00:35 – 02:28 Overcoming Challenges & Learning Leadership
02:29 – 03:33 Marine Corps Symbolism & Iwo Jima Legacy
03:34 – 04:53Launching Gunny Gear: Apparel with a Mission
04:54 – 05:40Women in the Military & Inspiring the Next Generation
05:40 – 07:30 Advice for Young People
-----
About the Bill of Rights Institute:
Established in September 1999, the Bill of Rights Institute is a 501(c)(3) non-profit educational organization that works to engage, educate, and empower individuals with a passion for the freedom and opportunity that exist in a free society. The Institute develops educational resources and programs for a network of more than 50,000 educators and 70,000 students nationwide.
Official Site: billofrightsinstitute.org
Facebook: / billofrightsinstitute
Twitter: / brinstitute
Instagram: / brinstitute
BRI Educator Newsletter Sign Up Page: https://billofrightsinstitute.org/new...
