He started as a non-designated airman aboard a Navy ship — no rating, no clear path forward. But through discipline, faith, and relentless drive, Laurquis earned his wings as an Aviation Rescue Swimmer, mastering one of the Navy’s toughest training pipelines. His journey didn’t stop there — he rose again, becoming a Surface Warfare Officer (SWO), leading sailors on the high seas.

In this episode, we dive into:

• What life is like for a non-rated sailor trying to find direction
• The brutal reality and brotherhood of Rescue Swimmer School
• Leadership lessons that carried him into the Surface Warfare community
• The mindset that separates those who quit from those who rise

👉 Subscribe, share, and review — it helps more veterans, first responders, and families find hope through these stories.

CALM IN THE CHAOS PODCAST Episode 44

So Others May Live! 🫡🇺🇸

Keep Calm in the Chaos Merch

(Link in bio or https://shop.calminthechaospodcast.com)

Military and First Responders get 10% discount with code: SARRESCUE10 applied at checkout

100% of proceeds go to support the podcast!

#LaurquisRockSowell #RescueSwimmer #NavyRescueSwimmer #AviationRescueSwimmer #NavySWO #SurfaceWarfareOfficer #CalmInTheChaosPodcast #BrianDickinson #NavyMotivation #MilitaryLeadership #RescueSwimmerStories #NavyLife #SoOthersMayLive #VeteranStories #USNavy #NavyJourney

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In this powerful episode of Calm in the Chaos, I sit down with Jay Shropshire, retired Senior Chief, Aviation Rescue Swimmer — a brother I went through training with. Jay opens up about the catastrophic Navy helicopter crash in Kuwait that everyone miraculously survived, and the invisible battles that followed after 23 years of dedication to serving our country.

We talk about survival, purpose, and the quiet struggle of transitioning from military life to civilian reality. It’s one of the heaviest and most honest episodes yet — a reminder that even the strongest warriors carry unseen scars.

👉 Subscribe, share, and review — it helps more veterans, first responders, and families find hope through these stories.

CALM IN THE CHAOS PODCAST Episode 42

So Others May Live! 🫡🇺🇸

Keep Calm in the Chaos Merch

(Link in bio or https://shop.calminthechaospodcast.com)

Military and First Responders get 10% discount with code: SARRESCUE10 applied at checkout

100% of proceeds go to support the podcast!

#CalmInTheChaosPodcast #AviationRescueSwimmer #RescueSwimmer #JayShropshire #BrianDickinson #NavyVeteran #SoOthersMayLive #HelicopterCrashSurvivor #MilitaryTransition #VeteranMentalHealth #Resilience #Brotherhood #FaithThroughAdversity #LeadershipUnderPressure #MilitaryPodcast #VeteranStories

For more content, subscribe to our channel and follow @TheCalmintheChaosPodcast:

Twitter: https://x.com/briancdickinson/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/briandickinson/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/briancdickinson

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/briancdickinson

Collin Koss built a remarkable Navy career as a Rescue Swimmer, performing multiple rescues at sea before witnessing one of the most harrowing moments imaginable — an F/A-18 ejection that struck the back of the carrier. Later, Collin made the jump to officer, leading from the front and shaping the next generation of sailors. Now, with retirement on the horizon, he reflects on a career of service, sacrifice, and lessons that will last a lifetime.

In this episode, Collin shares the highs and lows of his journey — from rescues in the fleet to the burden of command — and the perspective that only comes with decades in uniform.

CALM IN THE CHAOS PODCAST Episode 43

So Others May Live! 🫡🇺🇸

Keep Calm in the Chaos Merch

(Link in bio or https://shop.calminthechaospodcast.com)

Military and First Responders get 10% discount with code: SARRESCUE10 applied at checkout

100% of proceeds go to support the podcast!

#NavyRescueSwimmer #USNavy #HelicopterRescue #CombatRescue #MilitaryPodcast #NavalAviation #CarrierLife #F18 #RescueSwimmer #MilitaryLife #VeteranStories #SearchAndRescue #AviationPodcast #MilitaryHistory