Patriot to the Core

Matthew Roland was killed-in-action in Afghanistan in August 2015 in an insider attack (aka “green on blue”) at an Afghan-led security checkpoint. Killed alongside him was teammate SSgt Forrest Sibley, both Air Force Combat Controllers attached to an Army Special Forces team. Matthew's father Mark, shares what happened, how Matthew responded instantly and what his […]

Michael Madsen is a Judge Advocate in the US Army. His current full-time job is an Attorney for the Air Force and he's a JAG in the Army Reserves. After graduating law school and completing a JD/MBA program, Michael worked in the private sector before joining the Army at the age of 33. He wanted […]

CW4 Matthew Longanacre (Matthew on Facebook) was an AH-64D Apache Pilot with 1-101 Aviation Regiment “Expect No Mercy”. He was the Pilot-In-Command of one of the two Apaches that were overhead when Mark and Calvin were killed on 29 September 2010. Printed in Mark's book, My Brother in Arms, Matthew wrote to our family: “We […]

Eric Moutsos (@ericmoutsos) is a small business owner and creator of Freedom Blends, a supplement company based on the principles of Freedom and Liberty. A former Salt Lake City Police Officer, Moutsos loved the job but quickly started being outspoken about disturbing practices (aka quotas) and discrimination within the department. In the end, Eric lost his […]

Brian Jodice (@brianjodice) of Pick Up The Six Productions and NGBN TV is back to promote this new network for men in their 40's, 50's and 60's. Discussed in this episode: -why focus on this demographic? -men's mental health -Biblical application -best athletic gear and brands for outdoor workouts (specifically F3 and GORUCK events) -prison […]

Within weeks of the 9/11 attacks, Air Force Combat Controller Joe O'Keefe was in Afghanistan working with the CIA and other special operations units. Joe and his small team made their way into the mountains of Tora Bora with the help of the Northern Alliance. Armed with the element of surprise, he was able to […]

The late Woody Williams will never forget the odor of burning human remains. “There are some things about that 4 hours that have bothered me my whole life… I can't remember going back and getting the other 5 flamethrowers.  It was so horrific, I didn't want to remember.” I was introduced to death by flamethrower […]

Mark Schmitz's son, LCpl Jared Schmitz, was one of the 13 Americans murdered at Hamid Karzai International Airport in Kabul, on 26 August 2021 during the evacuation from Afghanistan. He was just 20 years old. He was there on a humanitarian mission working the infamous Abbey Gate. When Afghans made it past the Taliban checkpoints, […]

Don Stevens is one of those rare operators who retrained into the Air Force combat control (CCT) pipeline at the age of 32, after being in security forces. This required uncommon humility since leadership said, “What are we gonna do with a MSgt. who doesn't know squat (many different strong words could be inserted here)?” […]

On this 13th anniversary of the death of my brother, SrA Mark Forester, I have the opportunity to talk with Kenny Alicea who was the Senior Weapons Sergeant for his Army Special Forces team (ODA 7212) where Mark was attached. Kenny contacted me a few weeks ago and told me he was on that final […]

Nic McKinley is an entrepreneur, former Air Force Pararescueman, and ex-CIA operative who founded DeliverFund, the only donor-funded solution to human trafficking that delivers proprietary data and technology to law enforcement, allowing them to take down human traffickers effectively. With 30 combat deployments under his belt in both Special Operations and the CIA, Nic experienced […]

Retired U. S. Marine and former Policeman, bouncer, Corrections Officer and more Rich Brown (@american_warrior_society) is back on the show so I can dig into his new Memoir “On Violence & Varietals“. We cover many areas of his life: fighting as a boy, the Gulf War, sleeping with one eye open, interacting with prisoners as […]

The Mark Forester Foundation's annual golf tournament will be held Friday August 11, 2023 at the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail in Muscle Shoals, AL. In this episode, I chat with Doug Cole and Jay Stubbs who are long time participants and supporters. We talk about the course, the value of the entry fee, prizes, experiences and why they […]

T. C. Fuller joined the FBI after an 11-year career in the Army as an Explosive Ordnance Disposal officer. Then he joined the FBI and became a Special Agent, serving for 20 years. During his time in the FBI he held many assignments, including: Principal Firearms Instructor, Joint Terrorism Task Force – Domestic and International, […]

Gary Michael Rose (Mike) joins me in person to share what happened in Laos during Operation Tailwind in 1970. During these 4 days, Sergeant Rose exposed himself to the enemy many times in order to treat the wounded. And then, the helicopter carrying Rose and others crashed further injuring him and the other wounded on […] The post Ep 105 | Medal of Honor Recipient Mike Rose – Vietnam appeared first on .

Dan Skidmore (@danskidmore11) is the Director of Specialized Training at GORUCK. He's back on PTC as to talk initially about the upcoming Mark Forester JAG 28 Memorial Birthday Walk/Ruck. This is our annual event honoring my brother Mark Forester who was KIA 2010, where we walk 28 continuous miles. Dan will be joining us for […] The post Ep 104 | Dan Skidmore, aka Cadre DS – Getting Ready for the JAG 28 Birthday Walk appeared first on .

Chris Sprayberry and Troy Bye join me to talk about the upcoming JAG 28 Birthday Walk on May 20, 2023. Chris (@https://www.instagram.com/sprayberry_77/) has done the walk every year since we started in 2011. Troy's (@https://www.instagram.com/ourtownpodcast/) first time was last year. After learning the hard way, he can't wait to do it again while being more […] The post Ep 103 | Tips and Thoughts on the Mark Forester JAG 28 Birthday Walk/Ruck appeared first on .

MSG Darrell Utt retired from the U.S. Army Special Forces in January of 2017 after 26.5 years in the Army. For this episode, he joins me in person and we have a great time covering the purpose of the National Medal of Honor Museum being constructed in Arlington, TX and why TX was chosen over […] The post Ep 102 | Darrell Utt – Army Special Forces (Ret.) and National Medal of Honor Museum Foundation Chief of Bus. Ops appeared first on .

Matthew Reed started his military career in the Marines. After being honorably discharged in 2007, he joined the Army and became an Interrogator and a Military Intelligence NCO, deploying to both Iraq and Afghanistan. Then from 2012 through 2022, Matt worked as an Intelligence Contractor for the U.S. Department of Defense, with roughly six years […] The post Ep 101 | Matthew Reed – Military Intelligence, Afghanistan, Ukraine, Russia and China appeared first on .

Michael Blout joins me to talk about the battle from 2012 where he was awarded the Silver Star. As a former Flight Superintendent, Combat Dive Course Superintendent, and Superintendent over the Department of Training, Special Warfare Preparatory Course and more, we talk much about preparation, mindset, leading, integrating into a team and never quitting. During […] The post Ep 100 | Michael Blout – Combat Controller, Silver Star Recipient appeared first on .

On Sept 16, 2010, Yvette's son, Daniel Ray Sanchez (Danny) was killed in Afghanistan by an insurgent who infiltrated the Afghanistan partner force. Today, Danny's mom tells us why this “ball of energy” was made for Combat Control and what happened on his first deployment – how was an insurgent able to get on the […] The post Ep 099 | Yvette Sierra – Gold Star Mother to SrA Danny Sanchez appeared first on .

On this special Christmas Day episode, we hear from a legend from WWII – Gail (Hal) Halvorsen.  He has many names:  Uncle Wiggly Wings, The Berlin Candy Bomber and The Chocolate Flier.  He became popular for dropping candy from his plane to the children of Berlin, from 1948-49. His efforts gained support from many back […] The post Ep 098 | Christmas from Heaven – Gail Halvorsen appeared first on .

Scott's younger brother, Steven, was killed-in-action in Afghanistan in Aug. 2010 at the same time that Scott was deployed just miles away. Not only did Scott (@scottdeluzio) have to receive the news of Steven's death while Scott and his unit were outside the wire, his teammates had to engage in combat until he could get […] The post Ep 097 | Scott DeLuzio – Surviving Son appeared first on .

Scott's younger brother, Steven, was killed-in-action in Afghanistan in Aug. 2010 at the same time that Scott was deployed just miles away. Not only did Scott (@scottdeluzio) have to receive the news of Steven's death while Scott and his unit were outside the wire, his teammates had to engage in combat until he could get […] The post Ep 097 | Scott DeLuzio – Surviving Son appeared first on .

Today, September 29, 2022, mark's 12 years since my little brother, Mark Forester's death in Afghanistan. Mark's close friend and roommate, Doug Cole (@dcoleii), spends some time telling us what life was like living with Mark and watching him transform from a narrow-shouldered, pudgy, college student to a solid, chiseled man. No matter how serious […] The post Ep 096 | Special: Doug Cole on the Impact of Mark Forester appeared first on .

Today, September 29, 2022, mark's 12 years since my little brother, Mark Forester's death in Afghanistan. Mark's close friend and roommate, Doug Cole (@dcoleii), spends some time telling us what life was like living with Mark and watching him transform from a narrow-shouldered, pudgy, college student to a solid, chiseled man. No matter how serious […] The post Ep 096 | Special: Doug Cole on the Impact of Mark Forester appeared first on .

Brian Jodice is the owner and host of Pick up the Six Productions and Podcast, where he shares stories about the men and women among us who go above-and-beyond to PICK UP THE SIX through SERVICE, PURPOSE and IMPACT. He recalls many impactful interviews he's done in the last few years, among them was the […] The post Ep 095 | Brian Jodice – Pick Up the Six Podcast appeared first on .

Brian Jodice is the owner and host of Pick up the Six Productions and Podcast, where he shares stories about the men and women among us who go above-and-beyond to PICK UP THE SIX through SERVICE, PURPOSE and IMPACT. He recalls many impactful interviews he's done in the last few years, among them was the […] The post Ep 095 | Brian Jodice – Pick Up the Six Podcast appeared first on .

Ish Villegas is one of three people who have received the Silver Star twice, since 9/11. Today he walks us thru the battle in 2009 where he got his first Silver Star. It was a 16 hour fight that resulted in at least 32 enemy insurgents killed. During this fight, Ish ran 200 feet across […] The post Ep 094 | Ish Villegas – 2-time Silver Star Recipient appeared first on .

Ish Villegas is one of three people who have received the Silver Star twice, since 9/11. Today he walks us thru the battle in 2009 where he got his first Silver Star. It was a 16 hour fight that resulted in at least 32 enemy insurgents killed. During this fight, Ish ran 200 feet across […] The post Ep 094 | Ish Villegas – 2-time Silver Star Recipient appeared first on .

“Good judgment comes through experience, which comes from bad judgment.” Brig. Gen. Robert (Gwyn) Armfield and Lt. Gen. Bruce Fister, both USAF, retired are on the show to talk about their new book “Lead to Serve and Serve to Lead.” They use their experience from extensive military careers and now consulting with companies–from non-profits, to […] The post Ep 093 | Leading Well in Turbulent Times appeared first on .

“Good judgment comes through experience, which comes from bad judgment.” Brig. Gen. Robert (Gwyn) Armfield and Lt. Gen. Bruce Fister, both USAF, retired are on the show to talk about their new book “Lead to Serve and Serve to Lead.” They use their experience from extensive military careers and now consulting with companies–from non-profits, to […] The post Ep 093 | Leading Well in Turbulent Times appeared first on .

Former Army Chaplain Justin Roberts (@justindroberts) has been in Ukraine since April 2022 recording a documentary film series to highlight people who are doing good in Ukraine–helping with aid, managing donated money effectively and honestly, and just serving their fellow man. I wanted to know what it's like in the war where he's been. How […] The post Ep 092 | Justin Roberts – On the Ground in Ukraine appeared first on .

Former Army Chaplain Justin Roberts (@justindroberts) has been in Ukraine since April 2022 recording a documentary film series to highlight people who are doing good in Ukraine–helping with aid, managing donated money effectively and honestly, and just serving their fellow man. I wanted to know what it's like in the war where he's been. How […] The post Ep 092 | Justin Roberts – On the Ground in Ukraine appeared first on .

Retired Chief Master Sergeant William Markham spent 30 years in the Air Force, was inducted in the 2021 Air Commando Hall of Fame and in the 2022 USSOCOM Hall of Heroes. I know him personally because he was the chief of my brother Mark's squadron (21st STS out of Pope Field, NC). I never met […] The post Ep 091 | William Markham – One Veteran at a Time appeared first on .

Retired Chief Master Sergeant William Markham spent 30 years in the Air Force, was inducted in the 2021 Air Commando Hall of Fame and in the 2022 USSOCOM Hall of Heroes. I know him personally because he was the chief of my brother Mark's squadron (21st STS out of Pope Field, NC). I never met […] The post Ep 091 | William Markham – One Veteran at a Time appeared first on .

M. Troy Bye, is an Executive Director with ManTech and has spent much of his career managing large IT programs for customers within the Intelligence Community in the Washington D.C. area.  ManTech has a long history of supporting the FBI. Now, with the FBI's transition of many of their cyber programs to Huntsville, AL, Troy […] The post Ep 090 | Troy Bye – The Long Road to Cyber Security, Insider Threat & Intelligence appeared first on .

M. Troy Bye, is an Executive Director with ManTech and has spent much of his career managing large IT programs for customers within the Intelligence Community in the Washington D.C. area.  ManTech has a long history of supporting the FBI. Now, with the FBI's transition of many of their cyber programs to Huntsville, AL, Troy […] The post Ep 090 | Troy Bye – The Long Road to Cyber Security, Insider Threat & Intelligence appeared first on .

Jennie Taylor was taking a much needed break by spending the weekend with friends from college, therefore she wasn't home when the “knock” came at her door. In January of 2018, her husband, Major Brent Taylor left his position as Mayor of North Ogden, UT and deployed to Afghanistan with the US Army for what […] The post Ep 089 | Jennie Taylor – Gold Star Wife and Mother of 7 appeared first on .

Jennie Taylor was taking a much needed break by spending the weekend with friends from college, therefore she wasn't home when the “knock” came at her door. In January of 2018, her husband, Major Brent Taylor left his position as Mayor of North Ogden, UT and deployed to Afghanistan with the US Army for what […] The post Ep 089 | Jennie Taylor – Gold Star Wife and Mother of 7 appeared first on .

CMSgt (retired) Michael Lamonica and MSG (retired) Kyle Stanbro, both retired Air Force combat controllers join us to break down what CCT's do and their roles in the war on terror, Afghanistan withdrawal, and humanitarian missions throughout the world. And, why CCTs are arguably the deadliest force to ever walk the planet. With each of […] The post Ep 088 | Combat Controllers – Small Force, Big Impact appeared first on .

CMSgt (retired) Michael Lamonica and MSG (retired) Kyle Stanbro, both retired Air Force combat controllers join us to break down what CCT's do and their roles in the war on terror, Afghanistan withdrawal, and humanitarian missions throughout the world. And, why CCTs are arguably the deadliest force to ever walk the planet. With each of […] The post Ep 088 | Combat Controllers – Small Force, Big Impact appeared first on .

To end the year, I'm playing my all-time most downloaded episode. Right after high school graduation, Kyle Defoor @defoorproformanceshooting 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 […] The post Ep 087: Kyle Defoor | Former SEAL, Sniper and current Firearms Instructor appeared first on .

To end the year, I'm playing my all-time most downloaded episode. Right after high school graduation, Kyle Defoor @defoorproformanceshooting 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 […] The post Ep 087 | Kyle Defoor – Former SEAL, Sniper and current Firearms Instructor appeared first on .

Retired Air Force Combat Controller Gene Adcock joins me to talk about his new book, “Combat Control Team History“. Since joining the Air Force in 1955 and retiring in 1977, Mr. Adcock has continued to contribute to the CCT career field. This book is another example with its estimated 800 pages and weight of 10 […] The post Ep 086 | Gene Adcock – Combat Control Team History appeared first on .

Retired Air Force Combat Controller Gene Adcock joins me to talk about his new book, “Combat Control Team History“. Since joining the Air Force in 1955 and retiring in 1977, Mr. Adcock has continued to contribute to the CCT career field. This book is another example with its estimated 800 pages and weight of 10 […] The post Ep 086 | Gene Adcock – Combat Control Team History appeared first on .

As this episode goes live, Bobby Weismiller @lionscreedfitness is awaiting his job status with the federal government. Will he still be employed at the end of November? Like millions of others, the executive order could affect his and his family's livelihood. Bobby outlines his health history, yet the federal government still denied his waiver request. […] The post Ep 085 | Bobby Weismiller – Vaccine mandate, liberty and breaking the cycle appeared first on .

As this episode goes live, Bobby Weismiller @lionscreedfitness is awaiting his job status with the federal government. Will he still be employed at the end of November? Like millions of others, the executive order could affect his and his family's livelihood. Bobby outlines his health history, yet the federal government still denied his waiver request. […] The post Ep 085 | Bobby Weismiller – Vaccine mandate, liberty and breaking the cycle appeared first on .

Afghanistan. What can I say? Well, I have a lot to say, but I'm not unloading my feelings here–much. We lost 13 American lives. At least 18 are injured, last I read (trying to get correct #). My heart goes out to their families. These heroes haven't gotten the attention they deserve. Now that our […] The post Ep 084 | Zach Asmus and Cress Clippard on Afghanistan and SIV's appeared first on .

Afghanistan. What can I say? Well, I have a lot to say, but I'm not unloading my feelings here–much. We lost 13 American lives. At least 18 are injured, last I read (trying to get correct #). My heart goes out to their families. These heroes haven't gotten the attention they deserve. Now that our […] The post Ep 084 | Zach Asmus and Cress Clippard on Afghanistan and SIV's appeared first on .

Mark Lauren (@mark_lauren_training) started as a USAF Combat Controller. After his active duty service, he went on to use his experience as an operator and instructor to write the bestselling book You Are Your Own Gym; the Bible of Bodyweight Exercises, which has sold 1.5 million copies worldwide. Mark now uses his 30+ years of training […] The post Ep 083 | Mark Lauren – Move Better, Feel Better appeared first on .