Theresa Carpenter introduces the 197th episode of Stories of Service, featuring the traditional introduction from Charlie Picard, emphasizing the show's focus on ordinary people doing extraordinary work. Theresa initiates a game with viewers to identify the People's Court theme song, which Andy Lindstrom correctly identifies, relating it to 90s daytime television.
Meet our Guest: Andy Lindstrom
Andy Lindstrom, a US Marine Corps veteran and former Nevada National Guardsman, shares his experience of taking on a significant legal battle alone. The discussion opens with Theresa addressing the complexities of facing legal allegations or wanting to take legal action without professional representation, often due to concerns about undetermined legal costs.
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Key Items:
- From Combat Veteran to Whistleblower: Lindstrom served with distinction in the U.S. Marine Corps, including two deployments to Afghanistan, before joining the Nevada National Guard.
- ⚠️ Uncovering Misconduct: In 2019, he reported MST and financial abuses within the Guard — supported by documentation and firsthand witness accounts.
- 🛑 Facing Retaliation: He was removed from his IT role at the Nevada Office of the Military and dismissed from his Guard unit, triggering a long and difficult legal journey.
- ⚖️ Pro Se Representation: With no formal legal training, Lindstrom has taken it upon himself to prepare legal briefs, navigate state personnel hearings, and file whistleblower complaints — all without an attorney.
- 📑 Barriers to Justice: He’s encountered roadblocks such as subpoena avoidance, lack of response to document requests, and apparent institutional stonewalling — issues many whistleblowers face, especially without legal representation.
- The Power of Persistence: Lindstrom’s story highlights the emotional and financial toll of going pro se, but also the fierce courage it takes to fight for truth when the system seems stacked against you.
