reSee.it Podcast Summary
Sam Rehabberg recounts the events of March 12 at Old Dominion University, describing a day that began like any other for ROTC cadets and unfolded into a rapid, life‑and‑death emergency. He details his role in the classroom when a terrorist entered, opened fire, and targeted Colonel Brandon Shaw. Rehabberg explains how, despite the chaos, he and several cadets acted with immediate teamwork to subdue the attacker, prevent further harm, and administer aid to wounded classmates, including Shaw. The narrative emphasizes instinctual action, training, and the swift, coordinated response that ended the threat within minutes. Rehabberg vividly recalls the moment Shaw was mortally wounded and the subsequent effort by the cadets to manage bleeding, maintain the group’s safety, and guide others to safety as law enforcement and emergency responders arrived.
He also discusses the emotional aftermath: visits with family, the funeral, the impact on the cadets’ mental health, and the ongoing process of coping with loss and survivor’s guilt. The interview then shifts to the personal consequences for Rehabberg, including the reaction of university leadership, media coverage, and a later dialogue about security measures on campus.
Throughout, Rehabberg reflects on leadership, accountability, and the responsibilities that accompany service, as well as the importance of community support and mentorship in healing. The episode also delves into a broader context, with discussions about radicalization timelines, the attacker’s history, and critical policy questions about prevention and public safety.
Rehabberg articulates a belief in service and in continuing to contribute to his unit and country, even as he confronts grief and the complexities of policy and governance surrounding terrorism and security. The conversation ends with expressions of gratitude, a sense of solidarity among the cadets, and an invitation to keep investing in leadership, resilience, and care for those affected by violence.