Uploaded July 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, retired Air Force Colonel Mike Komorous talks with Vice President of Civic Leadership Development Gerald Gangaram about his career in the Air Force, his time working in legislative affairs at the Pentagon, and his desire to continue to highlight stories of service on his podcast, Voice for Valor.
Komorous’ experience commanding airmen and working with legislators on Capitol Hill revealed that despite the deep divisions in our national politics, it is possible work through disagreement to accomplish missions and achieve common goals.
For Komorous, military service and mentorship impacted his life in a profound way, and he encourages young people to find mentors who can inspire them and help share their future.
Through Voice for Valor, Komorous provides a platform to share the stories of veterans and first responders. Learn more here. voiceforvalor.com/.
Learn more about the inner workings of U.S. governance in BRI’s resource, Government and Politics: Civics for the American Experiment, here. billofrightsinstitute.org/curricula/government-and-politics-civics-for-the-american-experiment
Explore our point-counterpoint essays that address the question, “Is Congress broken?,” here.
billofrightsinstitute.org/essays/yes-congress-is-broken
billofrightsinstitute.org/essays/no-congress-is-not-broken
00:00 – 00:39 Introduction
00:40 – 01:59 Military Service & Views on Citizenship
02:00 – 04:59 Capitol Hill & the Power of Public Service
05:00 – 07:59 Tribalism, Congress & Civil Discourse
08:00 – 10:29 Encouraging Youth to Serve Locally
10:30 – 12:59 Leadership, Mentorship & the Value of Mission
13:00 – 15:15 Final Thoughts
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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, retired Air Force Colonel Mike Komorous talks with Vice President of Civic Leadership Development Gerald Gangaram about his career in the Air Force, his time working in legislative affairs at the Pentagon, and his desire to continue to highlight stories of service on his podcast, Voice for Valor.
Komorous’ experience commanding airmen and working with legislators on Capitol Hill revealed that despite the deep divisions in our national politics, it is possible work through disagreement to accomplish missions and achieve common goals.
For Komorous, military service and mentorship impacted his life in a profound way, and he encourages young people to find mentors who can inspire them and help share their future.
Through Voice for Valor, Komorous provides a platform to share the stories of veterans and first responders. Learn more here. voiceforvalor.com/.
Learn more about the inner workings of U.S. governance in BRI’s resource, Government and Politics: Civics for the American Experiment, here. billofrightsinstitute.org/curricula/government-and-politics-civics-for-the-american-experiment
Explore our point-counterpoint essays that address the question, “Is Congress broken?,” here.
billofrightsinstitute.org/essays/yes-congress-is-broken
billofrightsinstitute.org/essays/no-congress-is-not-broken
00:00 – 00:39 Introduction
00:40 – 01:59 Military Service & Views on Citizenship
02:00 – 04:59 Capitol Hill & the Power of Public Service
05:00 – 07:59 Tribalism, Congress & Civil Discourse
08:00 – 10:29 Encouraging Youth to Serve Locally
10:30 – 12:59 Leadership, Mentorship & the Value of Mission
13:00 – 15:15 Final Thoughts
---
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...
