Patriot to the Core

This week Ryan introduces us to her brother Travis and why he inspired the creation and growth of their foundation.  He was a 2004 graduate of the US Naval Academy and was KIA 29 April 2007. By following the mantra “If not, me then who…”, they’ve created an organization that empowers veterans and families of fallen heroes to develop character in future generations. You’ll be impressed with the work they’re doing for our veterans, Gold Star families, and the community. Learn more here: www.travismanion.org Brothers Forever book Copyright 2016 Thad Forester www.patriottothecore.com email questions to thad@patriottothecore.com  

Rob is one of those guys who was angered by the attacks on 9/11 and quit his job and joined the military THAT DAY.  Unfortunately, he couldn’t pass the swim test for CCT initially, but he kept working and got accepted. Even though his employer laughed at him for wanting to join, Rob has had a successful career in combat and sent many terrorists to meet their maker.  After being shot, having a lung collapse – twice, and losing over 5 pints of blood during a fight with the Taliban in 2009, he still called in close air support and saved his team which helped eliminate over 47 enemies that night and prevent thousands of pounds of Imodium Nitrate from being used for bombs. Rob shares an incredible story of bravery and determination by him and his team to fight the enemy, no matter how many of them kept appearing from the spider holes trying to kill them. He was also named one of the Outstanding Airmen of the Year in 2010. You can learn more about Rob from this book by Oliver North:   https://amzn.com/0805447121 This book: https://amzn.com/147659936X And read more about him here: http://www.sgtmacsbar.com/CCTPhotos/Gallery24/Gutierrez/Gutierrez.html   Music courtesy of Soundroad – Believe. Copyright 2016 Thad Forester www.patriottothecore.com email questions to thad@patriottothecore.com  

I’ve been wanting to talk to Bart for a long time.  He and his Special Operations team were some of the first men inserted into Afghanistan after 9/11.  They were covert operators named Task Force Dagger that joined up with the Northern Alliance to defeat the Taliban. They rode on horseback to capture the city of Mazar-i-Sharif.  Once they arrived, the Taliban had moved out and his team were welcomed as liberators.  Bart also tells us how he controlled his emotions when interacting with John Walker Lindh, the American who converted to Islam and took part in a violent uprising after his capture in Afghanistan. Decker is now retired after 20+ years serving in the Air Force.  He said he wouldn’t go back and change a thing.  He loved his time serving his country and has no regrets. He and his team are forever honored at One World Trade center with a 13’ bronze statue of an American Commando on a horse.  Hopefully we see this story hit the big screen in the next few years.  It’s definitely deserving of it! More info here: “First In” by Gary Schroen “Horse Soldiers” by Doug Stanton Americas Response Monument at One World Trade Center Sgt Macs Bar on Horse Soldiers and Bart Decker

Bill and Evonne Williams have created a powerful memorial for fallen heroes since 9/11.  Its legacy will be that these men and women will never be forgotten and that their names will be remembered and spoken.  Their original exhibit has traveled around the state of Nebraska every week since 2011. In cooperation with Bellevue University, their exhibit has traveled to and represented 18 states.  Soon, they will have all 50 states represented and begin a national tour. He also shares his involvement with flying large numbers of WWII and Vietnam vets to DC on Honor Flights.  And then Gold Star wives and children honored at a Nebraska football game last fall.  Although Bill and his wife never served in the military, their four sons did.  They have incredible support and continue to help Gold Star families around the country heal. More info here: http://www.rememberingourfallen.org/ http://www.patrioticproductions.org/

As a college baseball player, Will was mentally tough and physically strong.  After graduating college, he joined the Army and became a member of Special Forces (aka Green Beret).  He shares the challenges of going through the pipeline and how the Army gave him much more than he ever gave it. On his third deployment, he stepped on an IED and lost both legs above the knee.  This IED also killed some teammates.  He enlightens us with his road to recovery, mental toughness, and strain on his family.  He now hunts, snowboards and serves as a motivator and inspiration to anyone dealing with adversity.  He expresses how grateful he is to be alive and to live in this country. Learn more about Will here: http://poetsandquants.com/2015/10/19/meet-the-rice-jones-mba-class-of-2017/8/

Melanie got into the publishing business after sharing copies of her journal to help people deal with grief and hardship.  This was because she documented her trial of losing her seven-month old baby girl Brynn to SIDS.  Seeing the hope it gave so many, she turned these writings into a book called “The Triumph Book”, which is real stories of people overcoming tremendous trials and finding purpose in life. Later, she wrote and published “The Triumph Book: HEROES” which consist of real life stories from our veterans.  She learned and shares the struggles many of our veterans endure and fight each day. Her stories are real and powerful.  Listen and feel her passion for serving our guardians of freedom.  She encourages us to serve others to overcome tragedy. Learn more at: www.triumphpress.com www.loveyourveterans.org

Phil has always been an artist and worked with many actors and entertainers in Hollywood and in the music business.  But, after painting a portrait for a fallen friend’s dad, Phil realized how much healing it provided for those left behind to grieve.  He realized his calling was to paint portraits of fallen heroes, so he started the Texas Fallen Soldiers Project, which quickly grew into The American Fallen Soldiers Project. He personally delivers 30-35 paintings every year to the families of fallen.  He shares the long process of producing each painting and the connection he feels with each one. Learn more at www.americanfallensoldiers.com

Mike Dillman has spent his life in service to our country and his fellow veterans.  While flying home from Vietnam, Pres Nixon gave an order to remove their uniform because they were returning to a divided nation.  Once in California and on his way to Oakland, his bus was literally stopped and rocked by protesters in Berkeley.  Ironically he felt safer 24 hours prior while in another country than in his home state.  After this he vowed to do all he could to honor our military, their service and sacrifice. Since then he’s created and incredible Memorial Day event in one of the most patriotic cities in America – Manteca, CA.  I know because I’ve been there.  He shares his fight with PTSD and how sleep was his enemy.  How he almost lost his wife and kids and how the VA saved his life and marriage. Pastor Dillman is a man who loves his country and is devoted to making sure his posterity remains free. Learn more at www.thememorialweekend.org

This week I talk with my good friend Mike about his volunteer work. He’s a photography instructor by profession, but his most rewarding work is traveling the globe when massive natural disasters occur. He shares why this work is so fulfilling despite his life being threatened multiple times, details about his extended stays in Haiti, Nepal, Japan, and shorter relief efforts in the southern US. He also shares his failed businesses, financial struggles and the fruits of his service.  He has a “go-bag” and is always ready to leave within 24 hrs of disaster.  He gives us some tips of what tools he travels with and what’s in his go-bag. As an adult, he has never worked for someone else to live.  He’s always been an entrepreneur and after many years has found financial stability.  We went a little long today, but there was so much information that needed to be covered.  We still had to cut it short.  After listening, you’ll understand why he is a Patriot to the Core. Learn more about Mike and his work at: www.redlightning.com www.michaelthemaven.com

In July 2011 Johnnie was 10 days into his second deployment to Afghanistan when his vehicle hit an IED.  After applying two tourniquets to his legs and calling for air support and medical evacuation, he was eventually transferred to Brooks Army Medical Center for more surgeries, rehab and recovery. He’s now had 30 limb-salvaging surgeries to his feet, he is 1-inch shorter in height, and his ankles are fused at a 90-degree angle, requiring him to wear braces on each leg. He discusses the details of his injury and how he kept a positive attitude throughout his recovery and painful surgeries.  He says there is nothing he can’t do. Now medically retired from the Air Force, he speaks regularly to large groups and churches.  He’s also been a two-time participant in Pres. George W. Bush’s Warrior Open Golf Tournament. You’ll appreciate his advice and humor on overcoming adversity and always having something to look forward to.