Patriot to the Core

Terry Dailey could possibly have the baddest Harleys around.  When he rides “Old Glory” or “The Eagle” he gets lots of attention.  Additionally, strangers start talking to him about their service or their bikes.  It kind of gave others permission to talk to him about almost anything.  In my first “in person” interview, Terry and I meet at “Sheepdog Firearms” to see and learn about his bikes. Dailey started Project Patriot Bikes to reach out to groups, communities and individuals in an educational format. Through the visual aspect of the bikes, PPB will raise public awareness of each branch of the military. The PPB exhibits will instill a renewed level of patriotism. Icon of Freedom What better way to show our gratitude to those that have served our country than to use an icon of freedom. The motorcycle, since its inception, has always been viewed as representing a free spirit. It doesn’t matter if you have ridden a motorcycle or not. The motorcycle is symbolic with the freedom to travel, to see the country in a different light. The freedom of the open road, with the wind in your face and constant changing fragrances of mother nature. It is the goal of PPB to add more bikes to the fleet: one each representing the branches of the US military and Coast Guard. We also discuss Project Patriot Bikes’ flag program where they’ll replace any tattered or weather flag at a business.  However, they always thank them for flying it. This Vietnam veteran was a pleasure to speak with.  He just wants to do some good in the world and educate others on our symbols of freedom. Learn more about Terry and PPB below: http://www.projectpatriotbikes.org And our show partner: www.sheepdog-firearms.com *Also, we’re now on Patreon.  Please check out how you can help the cause so I can provide quality content.  Copyright 2017 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/    

When this 5’3″ tall airman was denied a waiver to be a pilot, along with women and a male gymnast, he had to figure out something else to do. 23 years later, he retired from the Air Force’s elite Special Tactics community as a combat controller. Kurt Buller said he has “the energy of a really tall guy jammed up in my little body.”  He’s a motivator and a leader.  You’ll hear his passion for excellence from the moment he opens his mouth.  When I asked him how he made it thru the grueling pipeline, he said “the team made me stronger.”  We also talked about the most difficult decisions he made as a leader. He shares some nuggets of wisdom, such as: * Our adversary (enemy) is very clever. The dumb ones got killed in first wave * The enemy can’t duplicate our training and team mindset * Get them the snorkel; a reference to Buddy Breathing in the water training portion of pipeline * I may ask you to do hard things, but I will run thru the brick wall first This interview was jam-packed with advice for being a leader and teammate.  And since he helped prepare AFSOC warriors for battle, he complimented the role of all battlefield airmen–CCT, PJ, TACP, and SOWT.   Since his retirement three years ago, he taught JROTC and now has his own consulting company Intrepid Leadership Group where he’s still able to work with our nation’s elite warriors.  It allows him to spend more time with his wife and teenage boys while still doing something he loves. Buller will fire you up.  I had a good time with this one and think you will too. *Also, PTC is now on Patreon.  Please check out how you can help the cause so I can provide quality content.  Copyright 2017 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/

Since seeing all the good happening in the Houston area among so much devastation that Harvey brought, I had to talk to someone who was there – boots on the ground.  Johnnie Yellock II is a medically retired veteran, and still a man of action. He posted this week that he was going to drive to Houston and help; provided his email where donations could be made and then… the donations came.  He rented a Uhaul, got LOTS of supplies and drove towards Houston Thursday. I talk to him today (Sept 1) while he’s taking a short break from the work in Spring, TX.  He tells us how high the morale, spirit and determination are for everyone he’s been around these two days.  Johnnie tells us how you can help and what you’ll need if you come out to do some manual labor. If you know others that are in the thick of it, let me know and we may have them on the show.  Johnnie Yellock is a true Patriot showing service before self. You can follow Johnnie on Facebook or Instagram @jyellock2 Also, Johnnie was the guest in Episode 001. Patriot to the Core is now on Patreon.  Check out our page and consider contributing to the cause and get a little something more in return. Copyright 2017 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 2005, George Lutz opened his door to two uniformed Army officers who spoke these five devastating words: “We regret to inform you…”  His son Tony had been KIA on 12/29 at just 25 years old.  A short time later, Honor and Remember was born. Since starting Honor and Remember, George’s goal has been to have the Honor and Remember flag recognized nationally.  Currently 23 states have officially adopted it as a symbol of remembrance.  He encourages us to help him get more states on board. All Gold Star families qualify for one of their flags.  Unfortunately, there are 1000 families on the waiting list today because of lack of funds. Run for the Fallen Beginning in April of 2018, Honor and Remember is teaming up with Run for the Fallen to run over 6000 miles across America to honor all our fallen service members since the USS Cole.  It will start in San Diego and end in Arlington National Cemetery 120 days later.  Their web site will show you where they will be each day and you can search by death date of your loved one to see where in their route the runners will be when representing a specific death date. See below how you can get involved, if you so desire.  It’s pretty remarkable to see so many people run this monumental distance.  Throw in all the volunteers and it’s moving to see and/or take part in. Learn more about George, his organization, and Run for the Fallen: http://www.honorandremember.org/ Run for the Fallen Patriot to the Core is now on Patreon.  Check out our page and consider contributing to the cause and get a little something more in return. Copyright 2017 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/

Jack Fanning was a combat controller training for a new team when a night time HAHO training jump went terribly wrong. When he jumped from the aircraft, he was at the pinnacle of physical shape, with hundreds of jumps under his belt.  However, Fanning ended up hitting the ground at 35 knots (~40 mph) which caused his C3 to overlap his C4.  While on the ground, he had a very hard time breathing and said “I knew I was dying.”  Somehow, his IR strobe got turned on and his teammates found him. After some miracles, much determination, and remaining positive, Jack is now an active quadriplegic who skydives, skis, hunts, scuba dives, and other activities. He’s also a founding member of “Brother’s Keepers“, which is a non-profit that provides retreats and support for our wounded warriors, their families, and others in our community who are in need.  He’s found immense healing by serving others. This warrior is determined to walk again.  Therapy kicks his butt 3-days/week and he’s flexed one bicep and walked with robot legs. Fanning gave some advice for those considering spec ops: * you’ve got to be in shape * It’s about 80% mental.  When the body wants to quit, you’ve got to override that feeling with mental toughness. And if you’re struggling from seen or unseen wounds, ask for help.  It’s also beneficial to talk about your injury/problem.  Keep a positive attitude and get up and do it (whatever ‘it’ is).  You’ll be uplifted when you hear Jack talk about his recovery and feel his fighting spirit. Learn more about Jack Fanning below and other organizations mentioned in this episode: Jack Fanning – My Story Brother’s Keepers National Ability Center Jackrabbit documentary   *Also, we’re now on Patreon.  Please check out how you can help the cause so I can provide quality content.  Copyright 2017 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/

“If you think you can’t memorize something, you’re wrong.  You can remember 10-20 times more data than you think.” 2-time USA Memory Champion Ron White, aka Brain Athlete, gives us some insights on what he’s been doing.  We start out with the Afghanistan Memory Wall, where he memorized the rank, first and last name of each person killed in Afghanistan since the war on terror began.  This is over 2300 names, 7000 words.  Not only does he have them memorized, but he knows them in the order they were killed.  He has a traveling wall where he writes their names at various events across the country.  He was most recently at Charlotte Motor Speedway for the 600 Miles of Remembrance and Dover International Speedway. SuperHuman He was a contestant on Season 1 of SuperHuman on Fox where he met 10 ladies, got their name, phone number (all 10 digits) and unique fact about them in a few short minutes.  The judges randomly called out names and he got 100% correct. Now, this former Navy reservist teaches online memory courses and speaks around the world.  He has a memory system by visually attaching what he wants to remember to an object in his house. Brain Athlete – US Memory Champion In 2009-2010, this brain athlete was a memory champ by memorizing a deck of cards in 1:27 (1 min, 27 secs).  He also memorized 167 digit number in 5 mins.  Eventually he was beat out by someone who memorized a deck of cards in 19 seconds (that just blew my mind).  We had a good time today.  We even played a simple memory game (simple for him, not for me) where I called out some random 2-digit numbers and he recited them all back in order. Learn more about Ron and his memory courses below: Ron White Training Brain Athlete Mind Palace Technique Copyright 2017 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/  

“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? Dave Grossman is the country’s #1 trainer of military and law enforcement who helps those who have to kill overcome the natural resistance to killing. There is no safety in denial Among the many things we discuss today are the difference 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. Grossman’s books are required reading for DEA, military and police units.  He travels 250+ days/year as one of our nation’s leading trainers for military, law enforcement, mental health providers, and school safety organizations.  He helped train mental health professionals after the Jonesboro school massacre, and he was also involved in counseling or court cases in the aftermath of the Paducah, Springfield, Littleton and Nickel Mines Amish school massacres. Our kids have been taught to blow brains out and get points Yes, we even talk about the effects of violence on TV and in video games, especially in very young children.  Feed our youngsters virtuous info and images, then once they are more mature, it’s okay to see some violence.  Don’t take a 5-year-old to see “Saving Private Ryan” for heaven’s sake. Sleep deprivation He also gives staggering statistics regarding the effects of sleep deprivation in everyone – young and old.  Don’t let your kids go to bed with their phones/devices.  And we adults shouldn’t either.  He will explain a few reasons why. Veteran’s health Lt. Col. Dave Grossman is also very passionate about our veteran’s health and the anti-war smear of our veterans by the media.  PTSD is treatable!  And survival guilt is normal.  It’s not PTSD.  For those with PTSD, don’t let it stop you from getting better.  Grossman provides an example from a very well-known veteran. Every day carry (EDC) We even talk about being prepared with tools to protect us, our families, and others.  He said, “I’d rather walk out the door naked and alone than to be with my loved ones without the tools to protect us.” My conversation with this Army Ranger, paratrooper and former West Point Psychology Professor blew me away.  He’s a dynamic speaker who uses facts, passion, and common sense. 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)   Copyright 2017 Thad Forester http://www.patriottothecore.com

Tactical Air Control Party (TACP) member George is with us to share how his desire to serve others resulted in joining the JROTC in high school, then enlisting in the Air Force after graduating. 17 years later, his body is worn and at times his heart, soul and body were broken.  On his 9th deployment in 2010, his Humvee rolled over on him a few times, which shattered his hip, broke bones in his back and screwed up his shoulder.  He woke up on his way to Walter Reed where he’d spend the next seven months. His recovery while in the hospital didn’t only include his body, but also his heart and soul.  His teammate and friend, Mark Forester, was killed a few days prior and George was suffering with severe survivor’s guilt.  “Nothing impacted me the way it did when Mark died”, George tells us.  His demons were so serious that after arriving in our town to visit for the first time, he pulled over for an hour to get the courage to face Mark’s family.  Of course, we had no ill feelings. On a lighter note, he informs us what a TACP is and why he chose to join this elite group in the Air Force Special Operations.  Almost seven years later, George is still working for the Air Force in a Research and Development role. In this episode, we talk: * battlefield tactics * leadership * team dynamics * survival George is captivating and a selfless American. He will be back soon to get into more details about his recovery at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, including surviving a divorce and overcoming all odds to walk 33 continuous miles, accept a more demanding job with AFSOC and even got remarried recently. Music courtesy of Soundroad – Believe. Copyright 2017 Thad Forester http://www.patriottothecore.com email questions to thad@patriottothecore.com

I asked Benjamin Brandt how deploying to a war zone prepared him to be a financial planner.  He said in the military they learned to act without thinking.  In his profession now, it’s important to think without acting. He was a member of Task Force Trailblazer where he was a combat engineer.  Their mission was to identify IED’s so US and coalition forces are assured mobility.  While deployed in 2003-2005 for 15 months, he saw IED’s get more and more sophisticated. Now 12 years later he has a successful business teaching people how to retire.  He also gives us solid advice how to plan a vacation on a limited budget by: * have 30 daily (not monthly) budget meeting with spouse * do not round numbers, be specific.  You can save a few dollars here and there that will add up each month * Press pause on what you can – cable, Netflix, lawn maintenance, etc We have a great talk about actionable steps we can take to put ourselves in better financial positions.  And Benjamin is open about his PTSD and how he has no side effects now. Retirement Starts Today You can watch him on his weekly show “Money Monday” in a Gorilla suit here: http://www.myndnow.com/news/bismarck-news/money-monday-trick-or-treat/603482833 He’s an interesting guy with no secrets.  He even hired a private investigator to find out everything about him and he published on his blog. Learn more about Brandt here, including listening to his podcast: http://retirementstartstoday.com/ Blog Subscribe to his podcast Benjamin created this link for our listeners: http://retirementstartstodayradio.com/patriot/ Music courtesy of Soundroad – Believe. Copyright 2017 Thad Forester http://www.patriottothecore.com email questions to thad@patriottothecore.com

For this Memorial Day show, we are privileged to have the Gold Star parents of Adam Brown, fallen SEAL Team 6 operator. Larry and Janice’s son Adam was killed in action on March 17, 2010 in Afghanistan.  He died a hero, putting himself in harm’s way to help save his team. They share with us how the traits and personality he had as a small boy were critical in how successful he was as a special operator.  He has since been referred to as “Fearless”.  This is probably a better nickname than he had for a short period of time when he was younger playing youth sports.  Then they called him “Psycho”. His parents also share when he got shot in the right eye, so he learned how to shoot using his non-dominant eye and became a sniper.  Later, a Humvee crushed and severed most of the fingers of his right hand. After recovery, he learned to use his left to shoot a pistol, a tougher task than firing a sniper rifle. Adam Brown had his struggles too.  He became addicted to meth and cocaine while a teenager, and even stole to support this habit.  But, he went to teen challenge and overcame.  Even after marrying and being clean, Adam had a moment or two of weakness.  Fortunately he had a good woman who could hold him accountable. Since his death, his family has created “While We’re Waiting“, which is a nonprofit ministry which offers faith-based retreats and support for parents who have lost children. His friends also organized an annual race at his high school to raise money for charities that Adam would support.  They are listed here.  This event had about 1000 participants this year and raised almost $50k. Adam Brown – Fearless You’ll also want to review the New York Times best-selling book on Adam, titled “Fearless”.  Written by Eric Blehm.  I’ve read it and definitely recommend. At a memorial service in Hot Springs, a week after his death, John Faas — a SEAL who had been with him on the final raid — said: “Adam is the hardest man I have ever met. Over the course of his career he sustained more significant injuries than most of us combined, but he just kept on operating. He would not quit, he would not accept defeat. Not ever. Adam’s devout Christian faith matched his toughness and fearlessness.” I can’t say enough about this guy.  This interview with Adam’s parents can not cover all the aspects of his life that benefitted so many, and also saved many lives. Adam leaves behind his wife, two children, parents, a brother, and sister. Learn more about Adam Brown at the below links: Adam’s Legacy NRA Patriot Profiles Investors Business Daily Purchase the book “Fearless” Fearless Rock – Adam Brown underwater memorial Music courtesy of Soundroad – Believe. Copyright 2017 Thad Forester http://www.patriottothecore.com email questions to thad@patriottothecore.com

Mark’s ebook in the Kindle version will be on sale the next 4 days.  Today you’ll see it start out at $0.99 (at 10 am central) and then will go up by $2.00 every 27 hours for the next 4 days.  This is a very cheap option to read about an American Hero, especially as we celebrate Memorial Day. Click here to go to Amazon and download  

If you’ve read my book: “My Brother in Arms”, you’ve seen Matthew Glencoe’s name on the front cover.  After I’d been working on the book for about a year, I realized help was needed if the book was ever going to be finished in reasonable time. As he helped organize the book, Matt and I discuss what is was like for him to learn about Mark and his family.  One duty was to come to Mark’s annual memorial walk in Haleyville AND take part.  He did.  Then quickly realized walking a continuous 31 miles in hilly northwest Alabama without training wasn’t the best idea.  However, he endured and finished.  This 13-hour event allowed Matt many opportunities to see and feel the support for Mark and his foundation from so many. Glencoe also turns the tables and asks me several questions.  I share the process of writing the book and why I was committed to it, especially having not written a book before. Today’s episode is a little different because May 15 is my brother Mark’s birthday.  He’d be 36 years old today.  And with our big event coming up this weekend, on May 20, I thought it was appropriate to talk about Mark’s book, the race, and memorial walk. He was ready A portion of book sales supports The Mark Forester Foundation.  This isn’t a book specifically about war, even though the majority of the book is about Mark’s military career and deployment.  However, Matthew Glencoe reminds us that this book is more about the makings of a hero. After reading, you may also feel that Mark’s life ended dramatically, but was exceedingly well lived.  You can read more and purchase the book at these links (and any major bookstore): http://markaforester.com Register for the Price of Freedom Race (event is May 20) Register for the 36-mile Memorial Birthday Walk (event is May 20) Book on Amazon Music courtesy of Soundroad – Believe. Copyright 2017 Thad Forester http://www.patriottothecore.com email questions to thad@patriottothecore.com

Carter Henry’s new book “The Hero Workouts” features 100 hero WODs (workout of the day), with background on each fallen hero featured.  Hero WODs are common in the Crossfit community.  They typically add a level of difficulty that isn’t already there with normal WODs. If you’ve participated in a Hero WOD at a Crossfit box, you know how intense they are.  People often gather to honor these men and women they never knew, but who gave their life while serving others. Carter set out to do a new Hero WOD each week for 52 weeks straight.  She realized that it benefited her tremendously, but not anyone else.  So, she wrote this book so we have the back story about each person featured.  After all, these heroes were someone’s child, spouse, brother, parent, and of course friend. From the web:  … “By participating in these workouts, one gains the opportunity to revere an individual who has made the ultimate sacrifice. Taking the time to remember these men and women or to learn who they were can be part of a healing process…  The stories behind the workouts are emotional and moving – stories of courage, family, loss, and grief collected and expressed by researcher and writer Carter Henry, herself an active duty sailor in the United States Navy.” She also directs the reader to non-profits and organizations their families have created. Special Operations Warrior Foundation Carter is donating 100% of her earnings from this book to the Special Operations Warrior Foundation.  SOWF provides college scholarships for the surviving children of fallen Special Operations Forces, family & educational counseling, and financial grants to severely-wounded Special Operations Forces service members. Read more and order the book here: The Hero Workouts Book Follow on Instagram at: http://instami.com/therealcarterhenry Music courtesy of Soundroad – Believe. Copyright 2017 Thad Forester http://www.patriottothecore.com email questions to thad@patriottothecore.com

“I would do BUD/S again,” Kyle Defoor told me today. I’ve been looking forward to this one a long time.  Right after high school graduation, Kyle left for boot camp in Orlando.  A few months later, he was in Coronado going thru BUD/S as an 18-year-old kid. We talk about growing up together in the small town of Haleyville, AL.  And since his chances of playing D-1 football were looking slim, he joined the military.  He knew he wanted some type of special operations, but all he had heard of was the Army’s Green Beret’s (from watching Rambo).  After meeting with an overweight recruiter who smoked, he moved along and met a decent Navy recruiter showing the old video “Someone Special”. Kyle also shares how he prepared for the Navy and BUD/S.  These were pre-internet days, so information wasn’t easy to get.  He went to the library and talked with a man in town who was a SEAL from the Vietnam era. Defoor Proformance Shooting After serving 10 years in the Navy, he got out, did some contracting and other odd jobs and then formed his own company in 2010 “Defoor Proformance Shooting”.  His bio from his site states: “Kyle Defoor is a professional shooter who teaches firearms and tactics to military, law enforcement, and civilians. Specializing in pistol, carbine, urban sniper, and CQB, Kyle gained his knowledge from decorated combat service in multiple war fronts as a special operator and as one of the first and premier tactical trainers in the world. An active motorcyclist, hunter, climber, runner, and waterman he can be seen on multiple TV shows, magazines, websites, and on ranges worldwide.” This episode is good stuff from an experienced special operator who was part of multiple military operations globally.  He also speaks in generalities about the teams he was part of. Read more about Kyle Defoor below and you’ll understand why he says “boot camp was the greatest thing ever.” Defoor Proformance Shooting Kyle Defoor supports The Mark Forester Foundation Music courtesy of Soundroad – Believe. Copyright 2017 Thad Forester http://www.patriottothecore.com email questions to thad@patriottothecore.com  

Blayne Smith is the Executive Director of Team RWB (red, white and blue), a nonprofit that has become one the nation’s fastest growing veteran service organizations by “enriching the lives of America’s veterans by connecting them to their community through physical and social activity.” In this episode, Blayne discusses his deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan as a Scout Platoon Leader, and SF ODA officer, respectively.  We dive into some details of leadership on the battlefield while down range.  He shares how his team worked to be unified, even though they had several members attached who weren’t Green Berets who’d worked together for a few years.  This was common with their Air Force combat controllers (JTAC’s), Special Operations Weathermen, dog trainers, etc. Blayne struggled after he returned home and separated from the Army.  He found he couldn’t push aside his memories and friendships during his time serving.  Smith also needed to deal with the feelings of losing teammates during his final deployment.  He became a different person: the tires on his mountain bike went flat. The soles of his golf shoes rotted. His guitar sat silent, and he lost confidence in himself. Team RWB He found therapy in getting out in his community, running, and thanks to a friend, joined Team RWB.  He counsels those who are struggling (veteran or not) to “take care of it.  Talk to somebody.”  He also found great success at the VA.  Additionally, Team RWB is in over 200 cities across the country and their shirts are easy to spot at any running event in the US. This West Point grad was in college when we were attacked on 9/11.  After his first deployment, he cross-trained to special forces and deployed to Afghanistan as a detachment commander for the 3rd Special Forces Group.  It was an honor to talk to this Patriot who has dedicated his days to serving others. You’ll also enjoy hearing Blayne Smith and J.J. Pinter on Eagle Nation podcast.  Links with more info below: https://www.teamrwb.org/ Eagle Nation podcast Here is a little more background on Blayne: www.teamrwb.org/blog/blayne-smith-a-soldier-in-parts/ Music courtesy of Soundroad – Believe. Copyright 2017 Thad Forester http://www.patriottothecore.com email questions to thad@patriottothecore.com