Patriot to the Core

In the predawn hours of March 4, 2002, just below the 10,000-foot peak of a mountain in Afghanistan, a fierce battle raged. Outnumbered by Al Qaeda fighters, Air Force Combat Controller John Chapman and a handful of SEALs struggled to take the summit in a desperate bid to find a lost teammate. Chapman, leading the charge, was gravely wounded in the initial assault. Believing he was dead, his SEAL leader ordered a retreat. Chapman regained consciousness, finding himself alone with the enemy who was closing in on three sides. Thus began the most difficult and exceptional fight of his life. For the U.S., the battle proved the deadliest entanglement of Operation Anaconda. We lost 7 men there at Takur Ghar, including Jason Cunningham and Neil Roberts. On August 22, 2018, Pres Trump posthumously awarded the medal of honor to John Chapman. My guest today, Dan Schilling, has written a book, Alone at Dawn, to capture the life and legacy of this American Hero. Although the book doesn’t come out until June, I loved getting an inside scoop on Chapman’s life leading up to his final mission and how Dan became involved. We also talk about his extreme sports and why he set a Guinness World Record for 201 BASE jumps in 24 hours. Pre-order Alone at Dawn here plus check out Dan’s other books. Watch drone footage of Chapman’s incredibly heroic final stand here. Copyright 2019 Thad Foresterhttp://www.patriottothecore.comemail questions to thad@patriottothecore.com Rock Tune by Audionautix is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/) Artist: http://audionautix.com/

If you search for Justin Carroll on the web, you will find very little about him–and good luck finding a picture of his face. This former Marine is now a security and privacy consultant. Carroll stresses that it’s not about hiding anything, but protecting our information. In his early days he transitioned from Force Recon to becoming a member of the first Fox Company (first MARSOC unity to deploy) under Maj. Fred Galvin. Today we spend most of our time learning how to protect ourselves and our children online. Justin has it figured out since he’s managed to keep himself from being blasted all over the web. We also talk about some of his current projects – Across the Peak podcast, Revolverguy.com and his books, The Complete Privacy and Security Desk Reference, Volumes I and II. Justin is full of tips that anyone could and should do to be a little more careful regarding our online presence–whether it’s social media, banking or our credit. Copyright 2019 Thad Foresterhttp://www.patriottothecore.comemail questions to thad@patriottothecore.com Rock Tune by Audionautix is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/) Artist: http://audionautix.com/

Sammy Davis joined the Army because he loved his daddy. He wanted to make him and his grandads proud.  He was just a kid out of high school.  If he hadn’t joined the Army, he wanted to be a member of Hell’s Angels.  Regarding war protestors at SFO I asked, “Did you look them in the eye?”  Davis’ response: “I looked every one of them in the eye.”  On November 18, 1967, his team was ambushed by the Vietcong and the Americans did what they were trained to do.  Davis was knocked unconscious, then woken up by a beehive round strike to his body. Although he didn’t think he’d live to see the light of day, he saw his brothers across the river and he rescued them.  One of those men was Jim Dyster, who had been shot thru the head and was for sure dead.  Turns out, he wasn’t.   During our conversation we get to hear from his wife, Dixie too.  She’s by his side at all his appearances.  She wrote a book about their life, which is linked below. This is another great, selfless American that kept a smile on my face the entire interview.  And you may be interested to know he’s the real life Forrest Gump.  Watch his Medal of Honor ceremony with Pres Johnson and you’ll see why.  Below are some resources to learn more about Sergeant FirstClass Sammy L. Davis: Medal of Honor citation His book: You Don’t Lose Til You Quit Trying. Dixie’s book:  Endless Love and Second Chances

“Dear God, I wish I could have been on one of those planes.  Maybe I could have made a difference.” (spoken by the sheepdogs; the warriors). What do you ask the expert in the study of the psychology of killing? Among the many things we discuss today are the differences between sheep, wolves and sheepdogs.  Which one are you?  Well he’s going to describe each one and how they respond to threatening situations.  There are evil men in this world and they are capable of evil deeds. We also talk violence on TV, sleep deprivation, teen suicide, everyday carry (EDC) and veterans health.  I love his reasoning for turning off the cell phone/tablet at night–do not take to bed.  This was very interesting. Learn more about Lt. Col. Dave Grossman, his books and academy here: www.killology.com Grossman Academy On Combat On Killing (perennial bestseller) Stop Teaching our Kids to Kill Warrior Mindset: Mental Toughness Skills for our Nation’s Peacekeepers Sheepdogs – Meet our Nation’s Warriors (children’s book) Why Mommy Carries a Gun, American Sheepdogs (children’s book) *Replay from 7/10/17 Copyright 2018 Thad Forester http://www.patriottothecore.com email questions to thad@patriottothecore.com Rock Tune by Audionautix is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/) Artist: http://audionautix.com/

Today is 8 years since Mark was killed in Afghanistan.  Although we were notified in person by his teammates and leadership, there were still many unanswered questions–details no one who wasn’t there could personally share. Major Wes Wilson was the ODA Detachment Commander when Mark was killed.  Their team had split up and Wes was about 200 meters away with the mounted element, which included George, who’s been on the podcast two times before. Hear Wes give us more details of that intense short period on Sept 29, 2010 in Uruzgan Province, where two Americans and others were killed. You can read more specifics of Mark’s final stand from his Silver Star citation here. Purchase his book in paperback, hardback or Kindle here. Copyright 2018 Thad Forester http://www.patriottothecore.com email questions to thad@patriottothecore.com

“If we don’t try to rescue the boys, we’ll be giving them a death sentence.” On June 23, 2018, a team of 12 boys — who were all between the ages of 11 and 16 — had just finished a weekly soccer practice and went to explore a cave with their coach. But after they’d entered the cave, heavy rain started falling and the rising water trapped them inside. 1 day later their belongings were found.  Then, on July 2 a rescue diver discovered them when he ran out of line and popped up out of the water inside the cave. While most of the world was captivated by this story, my guest today was in the thick of the action.  Major Charles Hodges was the US Mission Commander. He and his team from the 353rd Special Operations Group along with a team from the 31st Rescue Squadron, were brought in to advise and assist the Royal Thai government. He gives us great detail on their initial thought processes, how he and his team assisted the multinational effort and why they were willing to take risks and be bold b/c they had no choice but to get the Wild Boars out of there, accepting that 3-5 of the boys could die in the process. Maj Hodges, an Air Force Special Tactics Officer, concluded with: “This is what we train for – going into a crisis and solving problems.”   Copyright 2018 Thad Forester http://www.patriottothecore.com email questions to thad@patriottothecore.com Rock Tune by Audionautix is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/) Artist: http://audionautix.com/  

  Back on the show is former Air Force combat controller (CCT) Mark Lauren.  In episode 40, we discussed his early life, time in military and how he implemented his workouts in the CCT pipeline.  Now, we’re talking a little more about how he observed that the fitness industry at large was backward, ineffective, and unsustainable in it’s approach.  So, he created fitness programming that improves performance outside of the gym. His mantra is “you only get good at what you do”, which guides the development of his programs.  Lauren’s understanding of athletic fundamentals allows him to create exercise programs for all ability groups that improve performance and physical condition in record time, injury free, by mastering the fundamentals. Bodyweight training is Mark’s calling in life.  I’ve been following his programs since January 2018 and feel great.  I’m a big believer in his philosophy and movements. Today we talk about those programs and the success of his app at MarkLauren.com. Follow Mark on Instagram Copyright 2018 Thad Forester http://www.patriottothecore.com email questions to thad@patriottothecore.com Rock Tune by Audionautix is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/) Artist: http://audionautix.com/    

“As a senior AH-64D Longbow Apache aviator rated as Pilot in Command and qualified as Air Mission Commander, I have never witnessed such an act of heroism in my three years of fighting in combat…. My only regret is that I was unable to prevent Jag 28’s death.  I will carry that burden indefinitely.  Jag 28 continued to advance on the enemy while taking intense enemy fire, and continuously fired his weapon in an attempt to get to his fallen teammate and destroy the enemy.  I can only hope to live up to such an example.” In today’s Memorial Day episode, I describe some of my brother Mark’s final moments on 29 Sept 2010 as he and his team fought terrorists in a remote village in Afghanistan.  The particulars I cover are from the book “My Brother in Arms” and testimony provided by one of the Apache pilots who watched it all go down with his naked eye. I also report on last weekend’s “Jag 28 Birthday Walk” in Haleyville.  Man, it was a great time. To learn more about Mark Forester, here are a few links: National Geographic Eyewitness War on Mark Forester or official site here Lifetime Channel Coming Home

Since The Mark Forester Foundation’s annual race and 28-mile birthday walk is May 19, I wanted to have family friend and race director Lauren Tinker on the show.  Lauren shares why she wants to lead the races each year and what Mark Forester means to her.  She and her family dedicate countless hours throughout the year to make this race happen. Tinker also tells us about last minute emergencies and miracles, and praises the many people who sponsor and support our foundation and her efforts. We end by talking about the JAG 28 Birthday Walk, which takes place at the same time as the races.  Since she’s not around for the walk and I’m not around for the race, we both had questions about each. Up until two years ago, the Price of Freedom Race and Birthday Walk were our only fundraisers each year.  In 2016, we had our first Mark Forester Charity Golf Tournament, which has been a great fundraiser too. Here is a listing of all the events taking place on May 19, 2018: Half marathon -5k -10k -Double-dip (both 5k and 10k) -1-mile fun run -JAG 28 Birthday Walk For more details and registration, visit The Mark Forester Foundation *My podcast is on Patreon.  Please check out how you can help the cause and get insider access! Copyright 2018 Thad Forester http://www.patriottothecore.com email questions to thad@patriottothecore.com Rock Tune by Audionautix is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/) Artist: http://audionautix.com/

I first learned of Brant Ireland in an ESPN interview prior to the 2017 Warrior Games.  That’s when I knew he needed to be on the show. Here he is sharing how he made it thru the grueling pipeline to become a Green Beret, then loosing his leg in a bazaar accident in Afghanistan in 2013.  Ireland will describe in painful detail how it happened and his long recovery.  I mean, your leg isn’t supposed to bend backward where you kick yourself in the groin. Now he finds purpose and healing thru sports, which has been a constant his entire life.  Sled Hockey – this has become his favorite.  Brant says, “When I was at a very low point, sled hockey kind of found me.  ‘I was kind of closed-minded to adapted sports because I wanted to play real sports.  Those are for people who can’t compete at real sports, but I’m going to find a way to compete at real reports.’  Looking back, how silly I was and how wrong I was.” I loved talking to this family man who continues to take care of his men in the 3rd Special Forces Group (A) and his family.  At the same time, showing his wife and children that there are always ways to adapt so you can continue to do what you love and prevail.  In Brant’s case, it’s sports. Ireland won a silver medal in the 2017 Warrior Games and bronze medal in the 2017 Invictus Games. *My podcast is on Patreon.  Please check out how you can help the cause and get insider access! Copyright 2018 Thad Forester http://www.patriottothecore.com email questions to thad@patriottothecore.com Rock Tune by Audionautix is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/) Artist: http://audionautix.com/

Ever wondered if your deceased father received any awards for valor while serving in the military?  Ever been told a relative received a medal, but you’ve never seen it?  Or, do you feel someone is flat-out lying to you about their service accomplishments?  My guest today is helping answer all those questions.  Doug Sterner has created a searchable database of valor award citations.  Sterner, a Vietnam veteran and Military Times contributing editor has consumed himself with verifying this data by source material such as official award citations, narratives and/or synopses from individuals or records from the National Archives. The Hall of Valor is an ongoing project. It is a monumental effort to identify the half-million men and women who received the highest U.S. military awards, in addition to the millions of others who received other awards. The Hall of Valor database currently includes all recipients of the Medal of Honor and all of the second-tier valor awards: Distinguished Service Cross, Navy Cross and Air Force Cross. They are also in the midst of a multi-year effort to identify recipients of Silver Star and below. Doug and his wife Pam also created the Stolen Valor Act (SVA) that was signed into law by George W. Bush in 2006. Additionally, Sterner warns us of calling out stolen valor; because, what if you’re wrong?  Is it worth it? I had a great time talking with this Patriot today.  He even surprised me by the amount of info he had on my brother Mark. Doug Sterner’s Amazon Author Page with his numerous books. *My podcast is on Patreon.  Please check out how you can help the cause and get insider access! Copyright 2018 Thad Forester http://www.patriottothecore.com email questions to thad@patriottothecore.com Rock Tune by Audionautix is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/) Artist: http://audionautix.com/  

Justin Roberts is our first Chaplain on the show.  I thought we were going to mainly talk about his new movie, “No Greater Love“, but I also got educated on the emotional roller coaster roles of an Army Chaplain. Roberts, the director and producer of No Greater Love, has experienced the reality of war and its aftermath first hand. While deployed in Afghanistan with the legendary “No Slack” Battalion, he witnessed brave men and women sacrifice themselves to protect others.  Justin also witnessed suicide, the first occurring just two days after arriving at his new battalion.  Then, at Brooks Army Medical Center he witnessed the physical and emotional struggle veterans experience even after returning home, including their intense sense of isolation. This award-winning documentary shares the experiences of Chaplain Roberts and other soldiers through combat footage and emotional interviews. It was released in theaters in Nov 2017, and will be available on DVD March 27, 2018. You can order the movie here. If you’re not sure of a trustworthy organization to support, Justin has provided a solution here where you can select a non-profit he has listed or search for one near you. Nogreaterlovemovie.com/give *My podcast is on Patreon.  Please check out how you can help the cause and get insider access! Copyright 2018 Thad Forester http://www.patriottothecore.com email questions to thad@patriottothecore.com Rock Tune by Audionautix is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/) Artist: http://audionautix.com/

Matt Larsen is the most successful hand-to-hand combat trainer and program developer in history.  Regarded as the father of the Modern Army Combatives Program (MACP), Larsen overhauled the Army’s hand-to-hand combat doctrine by rewriting the Combatives field manual in 2002 and updated the manual in 2009. Larsen shared with me his background and why the Combatives Field Manual needed rewriting and why he was the guy to do it.  Matt, who owns Matt Larsen’s Combat Fitness Center in Springfield, Virginia is a former Marine and Army Ranger, and has decades of experience in the martial arts field.  He’s also a Black Belt Magazine Hall of Fame combatives instructor Matt Larsen. Here are a few topics covered: * There are 10,000 sources of bad information when it comes to getting realistic training in self protection and combatives * Being comfortable with interpersonal violence * How do you train a group of people who aren’t self motivated, even in the most elite military roles? * How getting humiliated in the boxing ring motivated him in his early years * How does Matt train – real time or slow and methodical? * Weapons malfunction in CQB situation based on real life experiences and Matt’s high speed combat takedown in a home * Type of blade to carry and how to deploy (He mentions SOCP dagger) * Skills needed for every-day men and women to protect themselves Based on my last three shows, it appears I have a pattern of guests who teach how to protect yourself and your family.  Although not intentional, I like what each of these guests teach, so I’m fortunate to have Matt on here to round out my three-in-a-row personal protection experts. *My podcast is on Patreon.  Please check out how you can help the cause and get insider access! Copyright 2018 Thad Forester http://www.patriottothecore.com email questions to thad@patriottothecore.com Rock Tune by Audionautix is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/) Artist: http://audionautix.com/    

In addition to being a Marine, Rich Brown is my first law enforcement officer on the show.  He’s proven to live a life of service–to his country, to his community and to immigrants looking for work and better ways of life in the US. Speaking of immigrants, we have a great discussion about President Trump’s recent remarks concerning people coming here from shithole countries.  Rich has not only been to many of the countries spoken of, but he helps hire immigrants from these countries.  He provides some insight into the outrage by so many based on his experiences in these corrupt countries and working with their people. Brown is a founding member of the American Warrior Society, which is an online university where anyone can learn how to keep their families safe.  He is a veteran of Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm.  And at one time he received orders to teach small arms, patrolling, military operations in urban terrain and unarmed close combat at the Marine Corps School of Infantry (East). We close our conversation by talking a little every-day carry (EDC).  And he shares some tips on how to carry with a tucked in shirt. Learn more about American Warrior Society Listen to the American Warrior Show podcast *My podcast is on Patreon.  Please check out how you can get insider access while helping me produce quality interviews! Copyright 2018 Thad Forester http://www.patriottothecore.com email questions to thad@patriottothecore.com Rock Tune by Audionautix is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/) Artist: http://audionautix.com/

The Most Effective Self-Protection Training in the World Here in part 2, Tim goes into more detail about how to protect yourself and he provides real-world examples both by his students and by other random acts of violence.  Then you’ll understand why it’s absolutely crucial to know how to survive the most critical 5 seconds of your life. If you don’t know the name Tim Larkin (@TFTTimLarkin), that’s probably a good thing.  Why?  Because most civilians who come to him have already had a violent encounter and been a victim. Tim Larkin is the founder & creator of Target Focus Training, the world leader in personal-protection training. For more than 25 years he’s taught everyone from US Navy SEALS to regular citizens how to survive unavoidable violent attacks. Larkin gave me a lot of time for this interview and in episode 1 he went into detail about his background and why he started Target Focus Training.  He also explains why he uses the methods he does, because they are unique.  He emphasizes the tools he teaches have nothing to do with your athleticism, size or strength. Visit Target Focus Training and sign up for 10 free videos Buy When Violence is the Answer Buy Survive the Unthinkable: A Total Guide to Women’s Self-Protection *My podcast is on Patreon.  Please check out how you can help the cause so I can provide quality content and keep on keeping on! Copyright 2018 Thad Forester http://www.patriottothecore.com email questions to thad@patriottothecore.com Rock Tune by Audionautix is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/) Artist: http://audionautix.com/