Ep. 12: From Nicaragua to the 101st Airborne and Beyond

Welcome to Beyond the Barrel, where every episode takes you deeper into the lives of those who serve on the frontlines. Hosted by two dynamic leaders— Kenny, a nationally recognized K9 interdiction officer, and Attorney Mike, a U.S. Army veteran and seasoned Patrol Supervisor—this podcast is where stories of bravery, sacrifice, and humanity unfold. Beyond the Barrel isn’t just about what happens on duty—it’s about what happens when the uniform comes off. Kenny and Mike sit down with first responders and military personnel to dive into the real stories behind their service, exploring the personal challenges and triumphs that have shaped their lives. But they don’t stop there—they reveal the human side, the passions and interests that make these heroes just like you and me. From veteran and cop to entrepreneur, law enforcement officers possess a wide range of skills that seamlessly translate to the private sector. Yet, we often underestimate our own potential, believing we lack the qualifications to pursue new opportunities. It’s time we give ourselves the credit we deserve and confidently explore what lies beyond the barrel. Today’s guest is the embodiment of resilience, dedication, and the American dream. Born in Nicaragua, Katherine Montenegro came to the U.S. at 14, not speaking a word of English. Her passion for service led her to JROTC and her local police Explorer program in high school, ultimately joining the U.S. Army at 18 as an all-wheeled mechanic with the 101st Airborne. After her military service, Katherine returned to Miami, where she faced challenges breaking into the mechanic field. Instead, she used her GI Bill to attend the police academy, launching a 10-year career with the Hialeah Police Department. Over the years, she’s served in elite units like CRT, Burglary, and Homicide, worked as a Spanish-language PIO, and mentored future officers through the Explorer program. Now a sergeant on the road, she’s ranked #2 for promotion to lieutenant while balancing the demands of leadership with life as a single mom. In this episode, we dive into Katherine’s incredible journey, the challenges of being a female officer, and how she continues to break barriers while inspiring the next generation. If you like what you hear, like, subscribe and follow the Beyond the Barrel podcast on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/beyond_the_barrel_pod/⁠⁠