He may be a US Marine and NY Police Department veteran, but J.W. Cortes agreed with Todd Palin that the toughest and most rewarding job in the world is being a dad. During his interview on the Palin Update with Kevin Scholla, Cortes said when he first met Todd, he did not know what to expect. Todd is not a “muscular looking pretty boy,” like some of the other celebrities on Stars Earn Stripes were. Cortes said he knew Todd was “my kind of guy” when Todd related how he pressed on in 2,000-mile Iron Dog race with a broken arm. Had Todd sought treatment on the spot, both he and his partner would have been out of the race.
Scholla said Todd has been generous with his time on the show and with other projects. Cortes said his friendship with Todd built over a year. He noticed Todd’s son Track – who had been deployed to Afghanistan – driving him to and from the set and related that his own son is autistic.
Cortes said his number one objective in the Combat Fishing Tournament was to meet and spend time with veterans. His second objective was to catch “a friggin’ halibut.” He achieved both objectives and caught an octopus along with several rock fish.
Cortes said he would like to see Combat Fishing catch on in coastal cities along the Eastern Seaboard. Inshore and from the surf, the New York area is known for striped bass, bluefish, fluke, flounder, and weakfish. Party and charter boats go off-shore for cod, mackerel, blackfish, sea bass, and tuna. He said the Combat Fishing Tournmament captains donated their boat space, fuel, and crew time “all with a smile.”
Cortes said in 1993, he had reached a crossroads and “was involved in the wrong thing”s back in his native New York. He joined the Marines, which he said saved his life. His proudest moment was putting his training to use in Iraq and it carried him through to his police career.
About Chris Kyle, Cortes described him as a humble, gentle, compassionate man who loved his fellow veterans and his children. Kyle did not know Cortes at all like everyone else on Stars Earn Stripes, but the men quickly became close friends. Kyle never questioned or belittled anyone’s service and was always re-assuring.
Overwhelming Joy in Serving Others
Cortes said he finds such joy in service to others that it is overwhelming. He does not see it as a job. In addition to his work with Autism Speaks, Cortes offers self-defense classes for women. He was raised in a low income family in Sunset Park, Brooklyn. He said, “I want to do more [service to others], bigger, and more frequently.”
He plans to pursue his acting career with the same intensity as he did his Marine Corps and NYPD work. Cortes regards entertainment as public service – helping people escape by riding along with a character.
Steel Resolve: “Slow Play” D.C.’s Biggest Problem?
Sarah Steelman said she was listening to golfers on her morning drive explain how “slow play” is the “world’s biggest problem” for them because it causes them to lose money. Steelman said the Obama administration has enthusiastically embraced “slow play” as a tool to make people forget about its many scandals. Thus, “slow play” could be one of Washington, D.C.’s biggest problems.
Teaser and Downloadable Audio Transcript
J.W. Cortes is the guest on The Palin Radio Update with Kevin Scholla! Cortes, an actor and activist is a former U.S. Marine & NYPD Officer. He was Todd Palin’s operative on NBC’s “Stars Earn Stripes” and he has continued his friendship with the First Dude. Cortes talks to Kevin about Todd, fatherhood, Combat Fishing, Chris Kyle, and much more. The Palins have an Indy 500 adventure, Governor Palin honors those who have served, and a campaign to help Oklahoma tornado victims. Plus, Sarah Palin delivers the commencement address at a tiny high school in Republic, Washington (See video below). Also, Steel Resolve, our weekly commentary with Sarah Steelman is featured. Steelman tells us why President Obama is all about ‘slow play’ on and off the golf course.
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