Heat, shock, and friction are well known actions in the Explosive Worker world. The basis of these “safeties” can be applied to every day life. You come in with overwhelming “ heat”, when replying to a conversation using an overly emotional response. You “shock” your repetitive, everyday routine, into something unknown in its progression. You add “friction” to your mind state, by dwelling on past anguish from horrific experiences. Either uplifting, or self destructive, these 3 actions can be shifted and shaped to create something beautiful in life. -do your job... stay hungry... stay humble- “It reinvigorates the basic human reaction to extreme violence....... survive at all cost, even if the price is your humanity.”
HSF sat down with Mark for part 2 of his experience as a bomb technician, recovering from loosing both legs to an IED in Afghanistan.All the way up to working to get his law degree to represent veterans in the justice system.
HSF sat down with Mark Zambon to discuss everything from his childhood, to loosing his legs in the battle for Sangin Afghanistan in 2010. This is Part 1 of a 2 Part series..... so listen in and listen to this amazing humans story.
HSF sits down to discuss the last three episodes, but also to talk about what makes a good human being , not specifically a good man.......
ABOUT Katherine BlackwellBlackwell Mental Performance was founded on a passion for helping others. Since 2014, I've worked with active-duty military which inspired me to go into the field of sport psychology and pursue working with high performers and high-risk occupations. Dealing with my own sports injuries fueled my desire to work with others who've been injured. As a USMC spouse, athlete, and business owner, I understand the strain these lifestyles create, and I know the stigma associated with reaching out for help. My goal is not only to help with symptom reduction but to address the root of the problem and then help you work towards optimal performance. I take a solution-focused holistic approach when working with individuals, recognizing the importance of the mind-body connection. I am straightforward and take an active role in helping you achieve your goals so be prepared to do the work!
Listen in to Jaime take us from his childhood in South America, moving to the US, joining the military in time of war, and finally finding his path / himself......
Part 2 discusses Cody's Journey from joining MARSOC at its inception, to becoming a Marine Corps Officer, and then moving on from service.
This is Part 1 of a Cody's story of combat, the after effects, and what comes next. Cody's story of resilience from a tumultuous childhood, to being at the leading edge of one of the Marine Corps historic battles in modern day combat. Listen in and hopefully get educated from someone who has experienced the highs / lows of this profession.
This episode deep dives our personal experiences with operator syndrome, and the way ahead with potential treatments….
HSF goes over the past 3 episodes in order to understand the impacts of these individual stories on our lives, and the lives of others……
Craig Grossi is a Former Marine who fought in one of the bloodiest places in Afghanistan, Sangin. In that deadly valley, he met a stubbornly positive dog named Fred, and began a journey to find himself, and Fred a home with him in the US. Episode 4 HSF sat down with Craig to discuss it all, and enjoyed every second of it!!!!!!!!
Nate sits down with HSF to discuss his journey through the roughest years of the Global War on Terrorism, and how he came through the adversity of being whole again........ I have never once celebrated this holiday. I never cared. The list of my friends names grew longer and longer but I was so upside down I couldn’t grasp the weight of it all. I kept fighting and diffusing bombs and the list grew longer but it escaped my name- not for a lack of trying.I will never know what spared me and what took others out there but it happened a lot. This is a photo of me lifting my daughter up to put a star on the very first tree I created when I was home for the last time 2012 ( I didn’t know it then) and directly after a particularly rough many months. This picture represents what all of these men gave to me. They kept me scared of dying when I didn’t care anymore. They kept me humble when I thought I knew it all. They kept me gracious for every call I made home. They kept me motivated to get out there and do it better. They shoved lessons learned in my face. They made me fight harder and more persistent. They are honestly the only reason I am still alive-the only reason I was able to lift my child up on that tree in 2012. These guys are still the only reason I’m alive. It never gets easier we just get stronger. Thanks boys. Ret. MSgt Nate McCafferty (USMC EOD)
Retired Marine EOD Technician, Ralph Dequebec joins HSF for an emotion packed episode. From his childhood, growing up in a rough L.A. neighborhood. Come with us on his amazing transition, to winning a gold medal with his USA Hockey teammates, and everything in between........... “The early morning patrols were my favorite because of the silence and how the silence highlighted the beauty of the landscape. Before long, the silence would disappear and the fight would begin....”
Meet the core of HSF, and how their life experiences mirror your own, or not...................