The Long War Interviews

Hey everyone, just a heads up, this interview was originally recorded back in March of 2021, so some of Robert's comments will sound a little dated, but remarkably prescient. The groups Robert recommends are: Horses for Heroes, they provide free programs for post-9/11 vets that focus on leadership and horsemanship exercises. Anyone who's ever spent some time on a ranch can testify to the healing powers of horses. The second is Hooten Young, an American Whiskey and cigar company founded by a former Delta Force Master Sergeant. They also donate 10% of the proceeds to veterans charities. Lastly, if you're interested in my memoir, Chasing Alexander: A Marine's Journey Across Iraq and Afghanistan, you can grab a copy here.

Hey everyone, we're back! For today's episode I spoke to Gus Biggio. We originally spoke back in the spring, so things might be a little dated. Gus recently published a wonderful memoir about his time in the Marines called The Wolves of Helmand. Gus is an insightful guy, who genuinely carries about service and honor. The organizations he supports are: Socks for Heroes, over they last 10 years they've donated over 750,000 pairs of fresh socks to troops serving overseas. Anyone who's ever deployed or gone on a long camping trip can appreciate the sheer joy of a fresh pair of socks. Our Spirit of America, they work alongside US troops and diplomats to help out in a civilian capacity. If you're interested in helping Afghan refugees after the Taliban takeover, this is a great place to start. And lastly, a repeat recommendation because of what great work they do, Team Rubicon. Right now these rapid response teams of veterans are helping out after the horrific tornadoes in Kentucky. You can find out more about Gus, his book, and other organizations he works with at WolvesOfHelmand.com. And last but not least, you can by my memoir Chasing Alexander: A Marine's Journey Across Iraq and Afghanistan.

Hey everyone, just a quick update on the show and a big Happy Veterans' Day to all my fellow vets out there. Also, here are the links to my book, Chasing Alexander: A Marine's Journey Across Iraq and Afghanistan https://www.amazon.com/Chasing-Alexander-Marines-Journey-Afghanistan-ebook/dp/B098JWHJLV https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/chasing-alexander-christopher-martin/1139775998?ean=9781737259817 https://www.indiebound.org/book/9781737259817

For today's episode, I sat down with Myles Hennessey, who was both an enlisted soldier and a commissioned officer in the US army. We talked about both of his tours to Iraq, as well as the mindset it takes to go from being enlisted to being an officer. He's an incredibly humble and interesting guy. This episode supports The Independence Fund. They work with catastrophically wounded veterans and their families in a ton of ways. From political advocacy, to supplying free all-terrain wheelchairs, to supporting the caregivers and family members who support wounded veterans. The Independence Fund is an amazing organization, and if you can swing it, give them a donation. They're doing great work.

For this episode I talked to Erik about the 82nd Airborne, his time fighting the Iraq War and his time hopping around in the Afghanistan War. We also talked about the importance of training, good leadership, working with army Special Forces, and the differences between those two wars and those two countries. This show supports local veterans' organizations. It's easy to give money to large, national groups, and call it a day, but it's much more impactful, and rewarding to work with vets in your local community. Here's a link from the VA that highlights different local, veterans service organizations across the country. Take a look, and see if there's a way you could make an impact.

For this episode, I sit down with Michelle Murray, a former soldier and veteran of OIF I, (that's Operation Iraqi Freedom phase one, or the invasion of Iraq). We talked about dealing with our Arab allies and their biased views of women, how to talk to your kids when you're a military parent, and she filled me on what happened to the famous 507th Maintenance Company. This episode supports the Veterans Business Association in El Paso, Texas. They support veterans in two ways. First they help veterans who own their business, or vets who are looking to start a business, with education and access to critical resources. Second, they assist vets in the community, and make sure that the business community is working to aid veterans in crisis. You can find out more about Michelle at her website, or listen to her interview with StoryCorps.

Hey everyone, this episode contains discussions of suicide bombings and things like that. If hearing stories about that isn't for you, go ahead and skip this one. Today I talk to Abe McCann, a former combat engineer. He discusses how the US Army started to develop standard operating procedures, or SOPs, to fight IEDs, largely based on the work that Abe and his team did. Also, he gets deep into the profound dehumanizing aspects of war. This episode supports Veterans 5-9. They're an Arizona based 501(c)3 that helps provide emergency assistance to veterans in a crisis. Their goal to to provide help and assistance until more formal forms of help can kick in. If you're in Arizona and you need help, hit them up. If you not in Arizona, send them a donation, they're doing incredible work.

Hey everyone, in this episode I sat down to talk to Nick Burkert, a veteran of the famous 82nd Airborne Division. He did two tours through Iraq and one in eastern Afghanistan, before finishing out his career as a recruiter. He's an incredibly honest, and open guy who talks about a lot of things most vets aren't willing to open up about.

Hey everyone, this episode has discussions of sexual assault and suicide, so if that's not for you, go ahead and skip this one. For today's episode I sat down with Courtney Salapek to talk about what it was like to have orders to go to bootcamp during 9/11, her time in Korea, and her experiences in Iraq. I think she has an important story to tell about what life can be like under the worst circumstances, and how to pull yourself out. She's a truly inspiring person. This episode highlights two great organizations. The first is The National Veterans Wellness and Healing Center, they operate a free, week-long retreat for veterans in New Mexico, where they take a holistic approach to treating post-traumatic stress. The second organization is Operation Warrior Resolution, founded by army veteran Kendra Simpkins, to help combat the epidemic of veteran suicides. If you need some intense help, reach out to either one of these groups, they'll help put you on the right path.

This is the second half of my interview with Doug Hawthorne. We discuss his second deployment to Iraq, his time in eastern Afghanistan, and we talk a lot of shop about IEDs. Doug makes the great point that you can't understand Iraq or Afghanistan without knowing about IEDs. Also, Doug's veteran's organization for this episode is Hire Heroes USA. We've talked about them before, but if you're strugglign to find a job, or getting ready to transition out of the military, reach out to Hire Heroes. They've helped over 43,000 vets find jobs, and they can help you too.

This week I talked to Doug Hawthorne about IEDs. It was such a great conversation, that I'm making this into a two-part episode. This episode covers Doug's early years in the army and his first deployment to Iraq. Part II will cover his second deployment to Iraq, his tour in Afghanistan, and some shop talk about IEDs. Today's episode is brought to you by Operation Surf and Veteran Surf Alliance. They're both located in California, and they both work with physically and mentally wounded veterans. Not only is surfing awesome, they have a track record of success. One study found that Operation Surf participants decreased their symptoms of PTSD by 36% while decreasing depression by 47%. Just incredible success. So, if you're out in California and you're struggling, hit them up, they can help. If you're not out on the Left Coast, make a donation if you can afford it.

Hi everyone, just a quick warning, in this episode we talk about people who were killed and wounded in Iraq. If that's not for you, we'll be back on Friday. Now, for today's episode, I talk to Carl Ploense. He's a great guy, and a testament to the patriotism of everyday Americans. Carl served in the Marines in the 80s, and then after 9/11, he wanted to serve again. So he joined the SeaBees, the Navy's construction arm. In the end he didn't do much construction, but instead served in the nerve center, the COC, the Combat Operations Center during his deployment in Iraq. Listen to Carl and I talk about how that works, and what it's like to have a bird's eye view of a war. Check it out. This episode supports the Sea Cadets. They're a program that's run by the US Navy, that helps middle and high schoolers learn more about military. Carl describes it perfectly, if the ROTC prepares college students to become officers, Sea Cadets helps high schoolers prepare to become enlisted sailors and Marines.

Joining me on this episode is an old platoon mate of mine from the Marines, William Fabrocini. If we seem too chummy on the episode, that's why. He deployed to the same town, Marjah, on back to back deployments, and got to see how the town changed over time. The organization he wants to promote for this episode is Veterans Expeditions. They are a veteran led 501c3, that helps helps deal with separation issues and trauma through outdoor adventures and leadership training. If you want to hike a 14er, go mountain biking, or rock climbing, these are the guys to call. Check them out, they're having fun all over the country.

For today's episode I sat down with Yonel Dorelis, a career helicopter pilot. We talked about his time in the Marines, the Navy, the Air National Guard, and the Air Force. He's a recipient of the prestigious Distinguished Flying Cross, with a V for Valor and a super interesting guy. Check it out. Yonel has two organizations to highlight. The first is Merging Players and Vets, or MVP. They bring together combat veterans and professional athletes, to workout and hang out. The second group is Irreverent Warriors. We've highlighted them on the show before, they do a great job bringing together veterans to build that sense of teamwork and camaraderie that a lot of miss when we get out. They're both great groups, give them a look.

Just a heads up for everyone, this episode deals with PTSD and some other heavy topics. If that's hard for you, you might want to skip this one. Annette and I talked about her 17 years in the army, and how the army has changed over time. We also dove into what the military is like for parents and spouses (her husband is also in the army). After that we discussed the unique challenges a woman can face in the military as well as how hard it can be transitioning out of active duty. You can listen to Annette's podcast on her website A Wild Ride Called Life. She has three great organizations, all three of them help out veterans who are struggling with PTSD. The first is the Steven A Cohen Foundation, they have clinics all over the country that can help you out. The second is Hicks Strong, they help set up veterans that need therapy. And third is Warriors Next Adventure, who help vets overcome PTSD through outdoor adventures like playing with wolves and hiking mountains.

For this episode I talked to Alani about her time in the elite Air Force Office of Special Investigations. Much of her work is confidential, but she does a great job explaining how military law enforcement and counter-intelligence works. She also came prepared with a pair of great organizations that help people successfully transition out of the military and into civilian jobs. American Corporate Partners and Hire Heroes USA are both doing great work. Check out our conversation to learn more.

I sat down with Danny to talk about his unique perspective on the Iraq war. He did three tours across Iraq, and got see the major phases of the war up close. He also spent some time in the mountains of Afghanistan. Make sure you listen for his comparison of Iraqi insurgents and the Taliban. Also, make sure to check out Irreverent Warriors, the have events all across the country. If you're missing the dark humor and friendship of your old platoon mates, Irreverent Warriors can help bring that back.

I sat down with Travis to talk about the 101st Airborne, what it feels like on pre-deployment, and what makes a good military leader. Check out his documentary at MeatGrinderDoc.com

Welcome to the Long War Interviews