The Lasting Mission podcast is a journey through the lived experiences of veterans, their families, and leaders from Veteran Service Organizations (VSOs), offering inspiration, education, and a strong sense of community.
In this special episode of The Lasting Mission podcast, we hear from Ron Pastino, an Army veteran and 9/11 first responder, who shares his harrowing experience at Ground Zero. Ron recalls the scene as a war zone, sifting through debris and facing the unimaginable loss of innocent lives. Despite the physical and emotional toll, Ron's dedication to service never wavered—until a lung disease linked to his time at Ground Zero forced his early retirement from the New York State Police. Join us as Ron reflects on his journey, the resilience of his team, and the lasting impact of that tragic day.