EPISODE · Aug 25, 2025 · 57 MIN
The Rescue, The Badge, and The Bakery: Lessons in Service from Ed Kirkman
from WSNtv · host Barbara Beach, Charles McFall
In this episode of Veteran Coach Courtney, Tanner sits down with Edward “Ed” Kirkman, a Coast Guard veteran, former Des Moines police officer, and now co-owner of Highland Cha Cha Bakery. Ed takes us through his remarkable journey—from growing up in a working-class Catholic household, to life-changing service in the Coast Guard during New York’s busiest rescue years, to the challenges of law enforcement during the crack epidemic, and now building second-chance opportunities for others through his bakery.Highlights include his raw stories from 9/11-era New York, rescuing lives on the harbor, lessons learned from losing everything as a kid in the 80s, and how he and his wife turned a 1940s bakery into both a thriving business and a community of hope. His insights on faith, resilience, leadership, and the importance of giving people a second chance are powerful reminders of why service never ends.Ed shares how his grandfather’s WWII Coast Guard service pushed him away from the Marines and into a life at sea.Within 45 minutes of arriving at his first Coast Guard station, Ed was responding to suicides and barge accidents in New York Harbor.He recalls being officer of the day during the 1993 World Trade Center bombing, leading evacuations and supply runs.Transitioning to the Des Moines Police Department, Ed faced the realities of gang violence and drug corridors during the 90s crack epidemic.Today, he and his wife Cha Cha run Highland Cha Cha Bakery, where they hire “second chance” employees and create a culture of redemption.“You cannot take it back once you’re gone. One more day, one more phone call can change everything. Reach out—especially if you’re a veteran or first responder. There are still people who need your help.” – Ed KirkmanFollow Coach Courtney on WSNtv to hear more inspiring stories of service, resilience, and leadership.Watch and connect with us here:YouTube.com/@WeServeNetworkVimeo.com/wsntvFacebook.com/WeServeTvWeservenetwork.orgSpotify: Tiny.cc/WSNtvNow streaming on Roku
What this episode covers
In this episode of Veteran Coach Courtney, Tanner sits down with Edward “Ed” Kirkman, a Coast Guard veteran, former Des Moines police officer, and now co-owner of Highland Cha Cha Bakery. Ed takes us through his remarkable journey—from growing up in a working-class Catholic household, to life-changing service in the Coast Guard during New York’s busiest rescue years, to the challenges of law enforcement during the crack epidemic, and now building second-chance opportunities for others through his bakery.Highlights include his raw stories from 9/11-era New York, rescuing lives on the harbor, lessons learned from losing everything as a kid in the 80s, and how he and his wife turned a 1940s bakery into both a thriving business and a community of hope. His insights on faith, resilience, leadership, and the importance of giving people a second chance are powerful reminders of why service never ends.Ed shares how his grandfather’s WWII Coast Guard service pushed him away from the Marines and into a life at sea.Within 45 minutes of arriving at his first Coast Guard station, Ed was responding to suicides and barge accidents in New York Harbor.He recalls being officer of the day during the 1993 World Trade Center bombing, leading evacuations and supply runs.Transitioning to the Des Moines Police Department, Ed faced the realities of gang violence and drug corridors during the 90s crack epidemic.Today, he and his wife Cha Cha run Highland Cha Cha Bakery, where they hire “second chance” employees and create a culture of redemption.“You cannot take it back once you’re gone. One more day, one more phone call can change everything. Reach out—especially if you’re a veteran or first responder. There are still people who need your help.” – Ed KirkmanFollow Coach Courtney on WSNtv to hear more inspiring stories of service, resilience, and leadership.Watch and connect with us here:YouTube.com/@WeServeNetworkVimeo.com/wsntvFacebook.com/WeServeTvWeservenetwork.orgSpotify: Tiny.cc/WSNtvNow streaming on Roku
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The Rescue, The Badge, and The Bakery: Lessons in Service from Ed Kirkman
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