From Oviedo to the Black Seminoles

Before he became a celebrated American hero, Sergeant First Class Alwyn “Al” Cashe was a kid from Oviedo, Florida—the youngest of ten, raised on hard work, family values, and a fearless spirit. In this episode, we trace the early life and influences that shaped him, from fishing trips and daredevil stunts to a father’s timeless lesson: “Whatever you do, do it like you’re putting your name on it.”

But Cashe’s story isn’t told in isolation. We uncover the deep historical echoes between his boldness and the legacy of the Black Seminoles—descendants of Native Americans and escaped enslaved Africans who forged a free, armed, and thriving community in Florida. Led by John Horse, they fought the U.S. government in the Seminole Wars, staged the largest slave revolt in U.S. history, and eventually found refuge in Mexico.

In this episode you’ll learn:

• How growing up in Seminole County connected Cashe to a legacy of resilience.

• The extraordinary story of John Horse and the Black Seminoles’ fight for freedom.

• Why risk-taking and leadership often go hand-in-hand.

• How this history foreshadowed the courage Cashe would later display on the battlefield.

This is more than a military biography—it’s a story of heritage, defiance, and the unbreakable will to protect one’s people.