Podcasts about Fallujah

What do you do when your Humvee gets rocked by an IED blast… and a suspicious car creeps toward you through the dust? Most people freeze. Navy Corpsman Noi Dumpit didn't. He confronted the driver — thinking it could be his last moment — and somehow chose not to pull the trigger.In this episode of Urban Valor, Noi relives the chaos of Fallujah, where life and death blurred by the second. He breaks down the day his Humvee was launched into the air by a vehicle-borne IED, and the surreal moment that followed when he faced a possible suicide bomber.But the IED blast was only one chapter. Noi also opens up about his post-deployment struggles, the moral confusion of letting terrorists through checkpoints, and how martial arts eventually became his path to healing. From battlefield trauma to rebuilding a business back home, this story is raw, real, and unforgettable.

In this special episode of Rizzuto After Hours, host Rafe Williams welcomes his friend Dustin Row to discuss the impactful charity, Songs4Soldiers. Rafe and Dustin dive into the mission of Songs 4 Soldiers (S4S), which supports combat veterans facing hardships, and share personal anecdotes from their own military experiences. Tune in for a heartfelt conversation about friendship, service, and the importance of giving back to those who have served and don't miss the Songs4Soldiers Benefit Concert coming up on Friday, September 5th and Saturday, September 6th, 2025 in Columbia, IL. Get tickets for the Songs4Soldiers Benefit Concert 105.7 The Point, Weber Chevrolet, Budweiser, Jim Beam, Veterans United Home Loans & Country Financial proudly present the 12th Annual Songs 4 Soldiers Benefit Concert in Columbia, IL on Friday & Saturday, September 5th & 6th. Enjoy a full weekend of cheap beer, music, food, and fun with The Wallflowers, Craig Morgan, Jimmy Griffin & The Incurables, Dazed N Confused STL + so many more. 100% of proceeds go toward the Songs 4 Soldiers mission of helping combat veteransTickets are just $30 + Veterans and kids 12 and under get in FREE https://songs4soldiersstl.org/events/Chapters:(00:00) Rafe Williams welcomes Dustin Rao to Russuto After Hours(01:42) Songs for Soldiers helps combat veterans through its annual music festival(03:49) How's Craig in the military? Yeah, he was. Probably like a chief warrant officer or something like that(04:33) I tried to convince David Lee Roth he was my dad Monday night(05:44) You were in the Army from 98 to 06. Yep. You were in. That's right, I was. Uh, we were both in(09:00) When I went to boot camp, I saw World War II barracks(12:25) Rafe says he did terribly on his ASVAB test(14:57) At Fort Sill, it was all dudes. Right. So it's all dudes relatively around your age(15:59) An African American man showed me his penis in the shower at boot camp(18:48) How'd you do on your PT test? 300, actually(19:26) Kevin McAllister describes seeing the biggest penis he's ever seen(22:14) Okay, we're back. Thank you to all of our sponsors(23:05) So before we went on break, you were talking about pranks in the army(26:28) Carter is a good kid. I'm glad to be his dad(28:47) Tell me about the pranks that you pulled in boot camp(31:47) I got broke off the run somehow. I can't remember how that happened(34:45) There's always one little group running narcissist in every group(38:18) We had done pillow parties. Okay, not soap parties, like Full Metal Jacket(41:27) Dr. Lang came into the kitchen and asked me if I did something(44:33) I would do impersonations of the drill sergeants during boot camp(47:39) You joined pre 911 three months. So you joined in 01. Yeah. So and you converted from truck driver to reserve(51:09) My first cruiser you gotta dig in did was a 260 in Iraq(51:59) So you're over there 04 to 05 single, uh, deployment(55:49) The Abu G prison scandal had happened like three weeks before this. And that's when both Fallujah offenses happened(59:13) I would never discourage military service. And I would recommend to anybody(01:01:41) Dustin Round is a combat veteran who has survivor's guilt(01:03:42) You're helping combat veterans when they really need it, John says(01:07:27) I disagree with the idea that veterans are owed disability. I don't think that's right(01:10:46) There's a misconception that all veterans are heroes in the military(01:13:47) There have been several cases where we've helped veterans' families(01:16:43) S4S is a non profit organization that helps veterans(01:20:01) Psychedelics could be game changer for veterans, comedian says(01:20:27) A clinic in Mexico is treating veterans with ibogaine(01:23:22) Texas has passed it now to be a treatment through va, which is cool(01:27:11) Rafe says Soldiers My Fire is working on helping veterans get off prescription drugs(01:31:31) Rafe says Songs for Soldiers is tackling both addiction and abuse(01:34:10) Personal question. How have you dealt with trauma from Iraq on a personal level(01:38:25) You have survivor's guilt over a lot of this. You're 41 now(01:39:06) You talked about processing trauma after going to Iraq(01:41:44) Songs for Soldiers has helped thousands of veterans since its inception(01:45:39) Songster Soldiers is raising money for veterans through concerts(01:48:25) This concludes Riz show after hours. See you next timeSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Welcome back to another episode of the Hunt Lift Eat podcast where Carter is looking handsome as ever and Kerri is no longer homeless. We are stoked to have Nick Jefferies with Custom Antler Design out of Washington State. Nick is a seasoned hunter, having hunted since he was a young lad, served in the United States Marine Corps with multiple deployments to Fallujah, and found a calling for antler interior design that has grown into a full fledged business. 

Robert Young Pelton first became aware of the phenomenon of hired guns in the War on Terror when he met a covert team of contractors on the Afghanistan/Pakistan border in the fall of 2003. Pelton soon embarked on a globe-spanning odyssey to penetrate and understand this shadowy world, ultimately delivering stunning insights into the way private soldiers are used.Enter a blood-soaked world of South African mercenaries and tribal fighters backed by ruthless financiers. Drop into Baghdad's Green Zone, strap on body armor, and take a daily high-speed ride with a doomed crew of security contractors who dodge car bombs and snipers just to get their charges to the airport. Share a drink in a chic hotel bar with wealthy owners of private armies who debate the best way to stay alive in war zones.Licensed to Kill spans four continents and three years, taking us inside the CIA's dirty wars; the brutal contractor murders in Fallujah and the Alamo-like sieges in Najaf and Al Kut; the Deep South contractor training camps where ex–Special Operations soldiers and even small town cops learn the ropes; the contractor conventions where macho attendees swap bullet-punctuated tales and discuss upcoming gigs; and the grim Central African prison where contractors turned failed mercenaries pay a steep price.The United States has encouraged the use of the private sector in all facets of the War on Terror, placing contractors outside the bounds of functional legal constraints. With the shocking clarity that can come only from firsthand observation, Licensed to Kill painstakingly deconstructs the most controversial events and introduces the pivotal players. Most disturbingly, it shows that there are indeed thousands of contractors—with hundreds more being produced every month—who've been given a license to kill, their services available to the highest bidder.https://amzn.to/3HWKcwVBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-opperman-report--1198501/support.

Today we'll meet Retired United States Marine Corps Sergeant and two-time Operation Iraqi Freedom Combat Veteran Richard V. Gilbert.  Sergeant Gilbert participated in Operation Phantom Fury also known as the Second Battle of Fallujah which began on November 13th, 2004.  He is included in Retired United States Marine Corps Sergeant Major and Navy Cross recipient Brad Kasal's book "My Men Are My Heroes."  Sergeant Gilbert takes us from his upbringing in a small Texas town, to his Marine Corps exploits, and his humanitarian outlook today.Our library of shows can be found at www.veteranscornerradio.comJoin us on Facebook at the page Veterans Corner RadioYou can contact our host Joe Muhlberger at joseph.muhlberger@gmail.com

Today, Cora has her most personal conversation to date. At her home in Maine, she speaks to her childhood friend Graham Platner about his unique campaign for U.S. Senate. Running as a progressive democrat, Graham hopes to change the American system to support working class families and fight the oligarchy."My hope, at its core, is that working people in this country begin to realize that many of the divisive issues that we all find ourselves on opposite sides of are merely there to keep us all divided. And that we can build a real sense of true solidarity with each other over the fact that we all know that the system is not built for us, it is not representing us, and the more of that solidarity that we can build, the more organizing capacity that we can build on the ground amongst working people, the more power that we can take back from the political structure that have left us so unrepresented for so long." – Graham PlatnerGraham and Cora discuss everything from how his military service has influenced his thoughts on foreign policy to the importance of family farms. This is an intimate conversation had in her living room, with Graham sharing his lived experiences that have shaped him into the man who is becoming the political movement of Graham for Maine. About Graham: Graham Platner is a Marine and U.S. Army veteran, oyster farmer, and chair of the Sullivan Planning Board, and candidate running for U.S. Senate in Maine, to defeat Susan Collins and win back the seat for working Mainers. Whether it was enlisting in the US Marine Corps, or coming back home to Maine to work in his community, or running for Senate, at the core of every decision Graham has made has been how he can best serve the people of Maine.After graduating high school in 2003, during the height of the Iraq War, Graham snuck his birth certificate out of his father's office to enlist in the United States Marine Corps. After completing his infantry training, Graham was assigned to Kilo Company, 3rd Battalion 8th Marines and deployed to Al-Anbar Province, Iraq in January of 2005 where the battalion served primarily in the area east of Fallujah. In 2006, he was deployed to Ramadi, Iraq and served as machinegun section leader at the Government Center. He was deployed again in 2007.After his third deployment, Graham enrolled at The George Washington University using the GI Bill. Graham quickly realized that his time serving in uniform was not over. So in 2009, he joined the Maryland Army National Guard. He was deployed to Afghanistan the following year where he served as a rifle team leader. 

He returned from Afghanistan and went back to school at The George Washington University in 2011. Like many veterans, Graham struggled with undiagnosed PTSD and physical challenges that come from heavy infantry combat. Graham eventually withdrew from George Washington University and moved back home to Maine where he used the resources from the Department of Veterans Affairs to get the help he needed.After four tours overseas, Graham was deeply disillusioned with America's failed foreign policy and endless wars and decided to focus on serving his local community in Maine.In 2018, Graham started working on his friend's small oyster farm in his hometown of Sullivan. He quickly felt deeply connected with the sea and the community. He eventually took over the oyster farm and built it into a business that produces high quality oysters. Graham also began a diving and mooring service to help out around the bay, and serves the town of Sullivan as Harbormaster and Planning Board Chair. 

He met Amy Gertner in 2023, fell in love, and got married soon after. They now reside in Sullivan—three doors down from where Graham grew up—with their two dogs Gryffin and Zevon and their cat Neptune.

Robert Young Pelton first became aware of the phenomenon of hired guns in the War on Terror when he met a covert team of contractors on the Afghanistan/Pakistan border in the fall of 2003. Pelton soon embarked on a globe-spanning odyssey to penetrate and understand this shadowy world, ultimately delivering stunning insights into the way private soldiers are used.Enter a blood-soaked world of South African mercenaries and tribal fighters backed by ruthless financiers. Drop into Baghdad's Green Zone, strap on body armor, and take a daily high-speed ride with a doomed crew of security contractors who dodge car bombs and snipers just to get their charges to the airport. Share a drink in a chic hotel bar with wealthy owners of private armies who debate the best way to stay alive in war zones.Licensed to Kill spans four continents and three years, taking us inside the CIA's dirty wars; the brutal contractor murders in Fallujah and the Alamo-like sieges in Najaf and Al Kut; the Deep South contractor training camps where ex–Special Operations soldiers and even small town cops learn the ropes; the contractor conventions where macho attendees swap bullet-punctuated tales and discuss upcoming gigs; and the grim Central African prison where contractors turned failed mercenaries pay a steep price.The United States has encouraged the use of the private sector in all facets of the War on Terror, placing contractors outside the bounds of functional legal constraints. With the shocking clarity that can come only from firsthand observation, Licensed to Kill painstakingly deconstructs the most controversial events and introduces the pivotal players. Most disturbingly, it shows that there are indeed thousands of contractors—with hundreds more being produced every month—who've been given a license to kill, their services available to the highest bidder.https://amzn.to/3HWKcwVBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-opperman-report--1198501/support.

Eliot and Eric welcome John Spencer, Chair of Urban Warfare Studies with the Madison Policy Forum and Co-Director of the Urban Warfare Project and author of numerous articles and studies of urban and subterranean warfare. They discuss the unique characteristics of urban warfare, the traditional U.S. military approach to urban warfare as well as historical examples from the U.S.-Mexican War in the 19th Century to more recent examples like the Battle of Aachen in World War II and the Battles of Baghdad, Fallujah, and Sadr City during the Iraq War. Based on Spencer's multiple trips to Israel and Gaza, they also discuss how the Israeli Defense Forces have attempted to deal with the even more difficult urban warfare conditions in Gaza including the more than 400 miles of tunnels that created enormously complicated problems for Israeli forces attempting to destroy Hamas's 24 battalions of some 30 to 40 thousand fighters and the inevitable impact that has on civilian populations. They also discuss the information or cognitive warfare dimension of fighting on urban terrain and the difficulties Israel has had in that regard. Shield of the Republic is a Bulwark podcast co-sponsored by the Miller Center of Public Affairs at the University of Virginia.

With a rifle in one hand, and a sketch pad in the other, retired Marine veteran Joe Winslow's combat service in the Battle of Fallujah inspired a return to his love of art. He drew sketches and collected artifacts before returning home to begin working on art reflecting the dedication of Marines, sailors, soldiers and others in action. Winslow discusses his time in the military, drawing inspiration from combat zones, transition issues for servicemembers and more. Other topics include alternative therapies for mental health, the origins of battle cries and the upcoming anniversary of Star Trek. Special Guest: Joe Winslow.

    Retired Major General Paul Friedrichs, MD, offers a unique perspective on military leadership principles through the lens of healthcare, drawing from his extensive service, including his role as the inaugural director of the White House Office on Pandemic Preparedness and Response Policy. Listen as Paul emphasizes the significance of keeping patients at the core of healthcare efforts and the profound impact of expressing gratitude to medical teams. He recounts a powerful experience from Fallujah that highlights the importance of distinguishing between tough days and routine challenges in medical leadership, all while embracing the privilege of serving others.     The unpredictable world of military medicine serves as a backdrop for our discussion on the necessity of adaptability and innovation in times of crisis, whether natural or political. Paul stresses the importance of mentorship and support networks in navigating leadership roles and recommends insightful reads such as "The Servant" and "Coral and Brass," which offer valuable leadership perspectives. Join us as we foster engagement with our WarDocs community, invite listeners to connect with us on social media, and explore more enriching content from esteemed guests committed to enhancing patient care and effective healthcare delivery.   Chapters: (00:04) Military Leadership Principles and Experiences (11:22) Leadership Principles and Personal Experiences (18:04) Engaging Leadership Insights and Updates   Take Home Messages: Patient-Centric Leadership: Emphasizing the importance of keeping patients at the center of healthcare efforts, the episode underscores how maintaining a patient-focused approach can guide effective leadership and improve healthcare delivery.   Gratitude and Team Acknowledgment: The discussion highlights the power of expressing gratitude to medical teams, noting that simple acknowledgments can boost morale and reinforce a positive working environment in challenging healthcare settings.   Adaptability in Crisis: The podcast explores the necessity of adaptability and innovation in responding to unexpected events, whether natural disasters or political upheavals, underscoring the value of flexibility in leadership roles.   Mentorship and Support Networks: The significance of mentorship and strong support networks is stressed as crucial for navigating the complexities of leadership, providing guidance and shared wisdom in decision-making processes.   Leadership Literature: The episode recommends insightful reads like "The Servant" and "Coral and Brass" to offer listeners diverse perspectives on leadership, focusing on collective efforts and overcoming internal and external challenges within a military context.   Episode Keywords: Military leadership, healthcare insights, Paul Friedrichs, White House Office on Pandemic Preparedness, military medicine, crisis management, patient-centered care, gratitude in healthcare, leadership lessons, adaptability in crisis, War Docs podcast, mentorship in leadership, healthcare innovation, combat experiences, leadership challenges, effective healthcare delivery, medical leadership principles, enriching content, military wisdom   Hashtags: #MilitaryLeadership #HealthcareInnovation #LeadershipLessons #PaulFriedrichs #WarDocsPodcast #HealthcareHeroes #MentorshipMatters #PatientCenteredCare #CrisisManagement #GratitudeInLeadership    Honoring the Legacy and Preserving the History of Military Medicine The WarDocs Mission is to honor the legacy, preserve the oral history, and showcase career opportunities, unique expeditionary experiences, and achievements of Military Medicine. We foster patriotism and pride in Who we are, What we do, and, most importantly, How we serve Our Patients, the DoD, and Our Nation.   Find out more and join Team WarDocs at https://www.wardocspodcast.com/ Check our list of previous guest episodes at https://www.wardocspodcast.com/our-guests Subscribe and Like our Videos on our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@wardocspodcast Listen to the “What We Are For” Episode 47. https://bit.ly/3r87Afm   WarDocs- The Military Medicine Podcast is a Non-Profit, Tax-exempt-501(c)(3) Veteran Run Organization run by volunteers. All donations are tax-deductible and go to honoring and preserving the history, experiences, successes, and lessons learned in Military Medicine. A tax receipt will be sent to you. WARDOCS documents the experiences, contributions, and innovations of all military medicine Services, ranks, and Corps who are affectionately called "Docs" as a sign of respect, trust, and confidence on and off the battlefield,demonstrating dedication to the medical care of fellow comrades in arms.     Follow Us on Social Media Twitter: @wardocspodcast Facebook: WarDocs Podcast Instagram: @wardocspodcast LinkedIn: WarDocs-The Military Medicine Podcast YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@wardocspodcast

Repost from MintPress due to censorship of their channel and the importance of this episode.In this episode of State of Play on MintPress News, host Greg Stoker—former U.S. Army Ranger turned anti-imperialist journalist—examines the destruction of journalism in Gaza, the propaganda machine fueling war crimes, and the institutional collapse of media accountability.Joined by Tara Sutton, award-winning filmmaker and the only unembedded Western journalist to enter Fallujah in 2004, we confront the latest Israeli airstrike that assassinated Al Jazeera journalist Anas Al-Sharif and his crew. We break down how the targeting of journalists fits into a broader pattern of media erasure, state-sponsored violence, and Western complicity.

Today's guest is Elliot Ackerman—decorated Marine veteran, former CIA paramilitary officer, and New York Times bestselling author. A recipient of the Silver Star, Bronze Star with Valor, and Purple Heart, Elliot served five combat deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan, including the battle of Fallujah, before going on to serve as a White House Fellow. His acclaimed books - 2034, Halcyon, Waiting for Eden, Places and Names, and The Fifth Act - blend authenticity with a sharp literary edge. His latest novel, SHEEPDOGS, follows an ex-CIA officer and an Afghan pilot caught in a high-stakes heist that spirals into a deadly web of betrayal.In this episode, Jack and Elliot dive into the inspiration behind Sheepdogs, Elliot's path to the Marine Corps after 9/11, and his experiences in Iraq and Afghanistan. They also explore his transition from the battlefield to publishing, his time with the CIA and as a White House Fellow, and the craft of writing stories that confront the moral complexities of war.FOLLOW ELLIOTX: @elliotackermanInstagram: @Elliot.ackermanFOLLOW JACKInstagram: @JackCarrUSA X:  @JackCarrUSAFacebook:  @JackCarr YouTube:  @JackCarrUSASPONSORSCRY HAVOC – A Tom Reece Thriller https://www.officialjackcarr.com/books/cry-havoc/Bravo Company Manufacturing - https://bravocompanyusa.com/ and on Instagram @BravoCompanyUSATHE SIGs of Jack Carr:Visit https://www.sigsauer.com/ and on Instagram @sigsauerinc Jack Carr Gear: Explore the gear here https://jackcarr.co/gear 

Episode 588Adam Kokesh is a former United States Marine Corps corporal who served in Fallujah, Iraq. He received an other-than-honorable discharge from the military, a decision attributed to his political activism and an incident involving the unauthorized transport of a pistol from Iraq.Since 2007, Kokesh has established himself as a prominent libertarian, anti-war activist, independent journalist, and podcaster. He is the creator of the multimedia project "Adam vs The Man," which began in July 2010 as a radio program on 1550 KRKE in Albuquerque, New Mexico. In April 2011, the show was picked up by RT America, expanding its reach to a national television audience. After his tenure with RT, Kokesh continued to produce "Adam vs The Man" as an independent podcast and video series, distributing content through his website and a now-defunct YouTube channel. His work is noted for its strong libertarian and anti-war perspectives.

David Bellavia earned the Medal of Honor for his actions on November 10, 2004, during Operation Phantom Fury in Fallujah, Iraq—one of the most intense urban battles in U.S. military history. In this re-release of The Afterburn Podcast, Bellavia shares raw, unfiltered reflections on leadership in combat, the trauma of modern warfare, and the deep bonds of brotherhood forged in battle.David's book - Remember the Ramrods: https://amzn.to/453Rgj9 

Gold Star Father George Lutz More on George: https://tragedytotribute.orgwww.HonorandRemember.orgNew Book Chronicles a Father's Sacred Journey to Honor America's Fallen HeroesForeword by Dennis MillerGold Star father George A. Lutz has written a book that is a unique tribute to his son, Tragedy to Tribute: One Father's Grief Fuels a Passionate Journey to Change the Mindset of a Nation. It is a deeply personal and powerfully patriotic book that traces his journey from heartbreaking loss to a national mission of remembrance. This release marks the 20th anniversary of the death of his son, Corporal George "Tony" Lutz II, who was killed in Fallujah, Iraq, on December 29, 2005. On that fateful day, Corporal Tony Lutz was killed by a sniper's bullet while on patrol in Fallujah, Iraq. The devastating news shattered his family and friends, plunging them into shock, grief, and an unimaginable loss - a pain familiar to countless other families across the nation. In the months following Tony's funeral, his father George visited other families who had lost loved ones in the war. What he discovered was a powerful, unspoken bond - a fellowship forged by sacrifice and shared sorrow, stretching back generations to the American Revolution, when the first patriots gave their lives for our country's freedom. As the grief of these families turned to acceptance, one question echoed in their minds as it did in Tony's family: Will their loved ones truly be remembered? Determined to find an answer, George set out to discover a specific symbol that America used to honor military fallen in a way that would endure. Thus, the 'Honor and Remember' Flag was born - a definitive beacon of appreciation to forever recognize those who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country. George's mission of unification led him across all fifty states, grieving with thousands of Gold Star families, walking through the halls of Congress and speaking to whomever would listen. His tireless advocacy ignited a movement for national remembrance, fighting for the recognition and respect that every fallen warfighter and their families deserve. What began in the wake of unimaginable devastation has grown into a nationwide movement. In Tragedy to Tribute, Lutz shares how he transformed his grief into purpose, creating the Honor and Remember Flag - a unifying symbol to publicly recognize every U.S. military service member who has died in the line of duty. Establishing the flag as our nation's unified expression of appreciation became a national mission. Through George's tireless efforts, the flag has become a powerful emblem of sacrifice, family, and enduring gratitude. With a moving foreword by cultural commentator and longtime supporter Dennis Miller, the book opens with a heartfelt reflection on Lutz's extraordinary resolve: "As George navigated the depths of despair involved in the five stages of grief, with God's help, he entered a sixth stage: an indefatigability about never letting Tony and his sacred brethren ever be forgotten." In Tragedy to Tribute, Lutz invites readers into the most sacred spaces of loss and healing - from the knock on the door that changed his life forever, to the quiet hours of anguish, and ultimately to the birth of a national movement. It is a story of faith, family, purpose, and the sacred power of remembrance. Today, the Honor and Remember Flag flies proudly across the country: · Legislated as an official state symbol in 28 U.S. states;· Recognized in federal bill H.R.1363;· Seen at NASCAR's Memorial Weekend tribute, NHL Playoffs and Norwegian Cruise Line vessels;· Displayed at corporate offices, state buildings, town squares, schools, churches, and homes; and· Presented in thousands of ceremonies to Gold Star families across the nation. "This book is not just about Tony," says his proud father. "It's about every son and daughter who never came home - and every mother, father, spouse, and sibling who carries that sacrifice in their hearts forever. It's about a promise: We will never forget the sacrifices they made for our freedom." ABOUT THE AUTHOR: George Lutz is the founder of Honor and Remember, Inc., a national nonprofit dedicated to permanent public recognition of every U.S. service member who died in the line of duty. A Gold Star father and passionate advocate, Lutz has traveled to all fifty states, bringing honor, healing, and unity to thousands of military families across generations. Go to: TragedytoTribute.org See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

10:05 – 10:22 (17mins) Weekly: Karen Kataline - @KarenKataline More info on Karen: www.karenkataline.com 10:41 – 10:56 (15mins) Gold Star Father George Lutz More on George: https://tragedytotribute.orgwww.HonorandRemember.orgNew Book Chronicles a Father's Sacred Journey to Honor America's Fallen HeroesForeword by Dennis MillerGold Star father George A. Lutz has written a book that is a unique tribute to his son, Tragedy to Tribute: One Father's Grief Fuels a Passionate Journey to Change the Mindset of a Nation. It is a deeply personal and powerfully patriotic book that traces his journey from heartbreaking loss to a national mission of remembrance. This release marks the 20th anniversary of the death of his son, Corporal George "Tony" Lutz II, who was killed in Fallujah, Iraq, on December 29, 2005. On that fateful day, Corporal Tony Lutz was killed by a sniper's bullet while on patrol in Fallujah, Iraq. The devastating news shattered his family and friends, plunging them into shock, grief, and an unimaginable loss - a pain familiar to countless other families across the nation. In the months following Tony's funeral, his father George visited other families who had lost loved ones in the war. What he discovered was a powerful, unspoken bond - a fellowship forged by sacrifice and shared sorrow, stretching back generations to the American Revolution, when the first patriots gave their lives for our country's freedom. As the grief of these families turned to acceptance, one question echoed in their minds as it did in Tony's family: Will their loved ones truly be remembered? Determined to find an answer, George set out to discover a specific symbol that America used to honor military fallen in a way that would endure. Thus, the 'Honor and Remember' Flag was born - a definitive beacon of appreciation to forever recognize those who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country. George's mission of unification led him across all fifty states, grieving with thousands of Gold Star families, walking through the halls of Congress and speaking to whomever would listen. His tireless advocacy ignited a movement for national remembrance, fighting for the recognition and respect that every fallen warfighter and their families deserve. What began in the wake of unimaginable devastation has grown into a nationwide movement. In Tragedy to Tribute, Lutz shares how he transformed his grief into purpose, creating the Honor and Remember Flag - a unifying symbol to publicly recognize every U.S. military service member who has died in the line of duty. Establishing the flag as our nation's unified expression of appreciation became a national mission. Through George's tireless efforts, the flag has become a powerful emblem of sacrifice, family, and enduring gratitude. With a moving foreword by cultural commentator and longtime supporter Dennis Miller, the book opens with a heartfelt reflection on Lutz's extraordinary resolve: "As George navigated the depths of despair involved in the five stages of grief, with God's help, he entered a sixth stage: an indefatigability about never letting Tony and his sacred brethren ever be forgotten." In Tragedy to Tribute, Lutz invites readers into the most sacred spaces of loss and healing - from the knock on the door that changed his life forever, to the quiet hours of anguish, and ultimately to the birth of a national movement. It is a story of faith, family, purpose, and the sacred power of remembrance. Today, the Honor and Remember Flag flies proudly across the country: · Legislated as an official state symbol in 28 U.S. states;· Recognized in federal bill H.R.1363;· Seen at NASCAR's Memorial Weekend tribute, NHL Playoffs and Norwegian Cruise Line vessels;· Displayed at corporate offices, state buildings, town squares, schools, churches, and homes; and· Presented in thousands of ceremonies to Gold Star families across the nation. "This book is not just about Tony," says his proud father. "It's about every son and daughter who never came home - and every mother, father, spouse, and sibling who carries that sacrifice in their hearts forever. It's about a promise: We will never forget the sacrifices they made for our freedom." ABOUT THE AUTHOR: George Lutz is the founder of Honor and Remember, Inc., a national nonprofit dedicated to permanent public recognition of every U.S. service member who died in the line of duty. A Gold Star father and passionate advocate, Lutz has traveled to all fifty states, bringing honor, healing, and unity to thousands of military families across generations. Go to: TragedytoTribute.org See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today you'll hear clips from interviews with Matt Harvey of Gruesome, Gabriel Tapper and Rasmus Booberg from Gosta Berlings Saga, Kyle Schaefer of Fallujah, Alex Garcia Rivera of Bloodhorse, Eric Kusanagi of Hiroe, Austin Evans of Orthodox, Tom Angelripper of Sodom, Kasey Karlsen of Deadland, Matthieu Kirby and John Fine of TSS, and Ryan Vanderwolk of Death Rattle!DiscordPatreonSubstackEmail: asthestorygrows@gmail.comMusic:Gruesome - "Silent Echoes"Gosta Berlings Saga - "Through The Arches"Fallujah - "Kaleidoscopic Waves"Bloodhorse - "A Malign Star"Hiroe - "I've Been Waiting For You All My Life"Orthodox - "Blend In With The Weak"Sodom - "The Spirits That I Called"Deadlands - "Die In Paradise"TSS - "Something In The Way"Death Rattle - "March Of Delusion"

Jim O'Grady and Thomas Brennan discuss Reveal's episode on the Marines who fought in Fallujah, exploring how the battle's brutality and moral injuries still haunt them 20 years later. In the Spiel, Haiti's use of drones against gangs runs up against the oddity of international law experts declaring such violence not technically an “armed conflict.” Plus, a SCOTUS decision that pits lower courts against each other. Produced by Corey Wara Production Coordinator Ashley Khan Email us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠thegist@mikepesca.com⁠⁠⁠⁠ To advertise on the show, contact ⁠⁠⁠⁠ad-sales@libsyn.com⁠⁠⁠⁠ or visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://advertising.libsyn.com/TheGist⁠⁠⁠⁠ Subscribe to The Gist: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://subscribe.mikepesca.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠ Subscribe to The Gist Youtube Page: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4_bh0wHgk2YfpKf4rg40_g⁠⁠⁠⁠ Subscribe to The Gist Instagram Page: ⁠⁠⁠⁠GIST INSTAGRAM⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow The Gist List at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠Pesca⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Profundities | Mike Pesca | Substack⁠⁠⁠⁠

This week the boys head into the cosmic realms conjured up by San Francisco's Fallujah, with their latest banger Xenotaph!

Doug Bahrns knew he wanted to be a U.S. Marine Corps officer when he finished high school a couple of years before 9/11. He graduated from the Virginia Military Institute and was commissioned as a Marine Corps officer. After going to officer's training at Quantico, Bahrns was assigned command of 3rd Platoon, Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 8th Marines in 2003. By 2004 they were in Iraq, and a few months later they would be involved in some of the fiercest fighting of the war - the Second Battle of Fallujah.In this edition of Veterans Chronicles, Bahrns discusses the ramping up to the battle, how he got orders to get his men ready for the fight in the middle of the night, and what he went over in his mind just before the battle began.Bahrns describes the successful push to the mayor's complex, the vicious fighting to move out from there, and the brutal house-to-house fighting that followed. He explains the very effective method of clearing houses, how those gains stayed secured, and how his Marines escaped from a very precarious situation at a place they called "The Alamo."Finally, Bahrns details the devastating loss of Cpl. Bradley Faircloth in late November 2004 and how Faircloth's death still weighs on him today.

No Medics, No Press, No Mercy: Modern War Doesn't Believe You Anymore In theory, war has rules: press badges, medics, the Red Cross, the Geneva Conventions. But in practice—on the battlefield, on the street, or online—those protections are myths, not shields. And in 2025, no one in uniform truly believes in neutrality anymore.Whether in Gaza, Fallujah, or downtown Los Angeles, one reality has taken hold:Everyone is a combatant until cleared.Talk to JSOC operators, riot cops, drone pilots, or soldiers who've served in asymmetric warzones, and you'll hear it without hesitation. Journalists, NGOs, charity workers, even medics—all are potential threats. Open-source intelligence (OSINT) has made everyone's digital footprint an operational asset. What you post online can—and does—get you profiled in the field.A close friend of mine, a DIA interrogator embedded with a JSOC Little Bird unit in Iraq, once said it straight:“The vest doesn't protect you—it flags you for vetting.”And if you're wearing a vest labeled “PRESS” but tweeting like an activist? You're not neutral. You're narrative. And in modern conflict, narrative is firepower.No place illustrates this breakdown like Gaza. A population half under 18, with mosques doubling as command centers, apartment buildings as launchpads, and schools as arms caches. This doesn't mean every Gazan is a militant—but no soldier in the field can afford to assume they're not.That's not a moral judgment. It's a tactical one.The same logic applied in Vietnam, where children strapped bombs to their chests. It applied in Iraq, Afghanistan, Chechnya, and Kosovo. And it applies in America too—where during the George Floyd protests, even medics and credentialed journalists were shot, tear-gassed, tackled. Not because they were mistaken, but because they were no longer presumed neutral.Here's a harder question no one wants to ask:If a population is truly oppressed, where's the resistance?In occupied France, the Resistance bombed train tracks, assassinated collaborators, and ran sabotage cells. In Vietnam, even old women ran courier networks. But in Gaza? If Hamas is so hated, where are the Gazans fragging their commanders? Where are the defections, the bombings of Hamas arms depots, the assassinations from within?Silence can mean fear. Or it can mean complicity. Or something in between—Stockholm, survival, or shared ideology.In the U.S., we talk about “civilians” as if the distinction still means something. But with over 400 million privately owned firearms and tens of millions ideologically radicalized online, let's be honest: If America were ever invaded, “civilians” would become insurgents by nightfall.That's the world we live in now. There are no neutral NGOs. No unarmed narratives. No protected identities. Only signal and threat.The 20th century gave us the myth of the sacred civilian.The 21st gave us livestreams, hashtags, and high-velocity optics.And in that world, no medic, no press, no mercy. You are what your feed says you are.

David Gregory Bellavia is a former United States Army soldier who was awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions during the Second Battle of Fallujah. Bellavia has also received the Bronze Star Medal, two Army Commendation Medals, two Army Achievement Medals, and the New York State Conspicuous Service Cross. In 2005, Bellavia was inducted into the New York Veterans' Hall of Fame. He has subsequently been involved with politics in Western New York State. Upon being awarded the Medal of Honor on June 25, 2019, Bellavia became the first, and currently only living recipient of the Medal of Honor for service during the Iraq War.

Stephen and Jake of The ToosDay Crue welcome USMC Veteran Jon Reid, a man whose journey from the battlefield to personal rock bottom—and back again—reveals the raw truth about life after war. From pushing into Baghdad and Fallujah with 3/4 Marines to facing personal demons after service, Jon shares an unfiltered look at combat, trauma, addiction, incarceration, and recovery. This isn't just a story of survival—it's one of redemption and the quiet power of second chances.

Chapter 621 - "It Is A Concept Album" ...as read by Kyle Schaefer of FallujahToday we welcome Fallujah vocalist Kyle Schaefer to the podcast! Fallujah's new record, Xenotaph, is out this Friday on Nuclear Blast Records. Kyle talks about not worrying about the pressure of joining an established band, the vision behind the band's new record, recapturing the technical and heavy elements, and a lot more.https://fallujah.bandcamp.com/https://shop.nuclearblast.com/collections/new-releases/products/fallujah-xenotaph-pre-orderDiscordPatreonSubstackEmail: asthestorygrows@gmail.comChapter 621 Music:Fallujah - "Kaleidoscopic Waves"Fallujah - "Labyrinth of Stone"Fallujah - "Xenotaph"

Meet Marine Corps veteran Armando Garcia, a dual-branch warrior who served 30 years in the U.S. Air Force and Marine Corps. In this episode of Urban Valor, Garcia recounts his incredible journey from Desert Storm to Fallujah, including surviving a grenade blast, building military infrastructure, training future Marines, and even serving alongside his own son in Iraq.From enlisting to escape poverty to being handpicked by General “Mad Dog” Mattis for Ranger School, Garcia's path includes everything from infantry combat to drill instructor duty to command-level strategy in some of the Marine Corps' most intense operations.

On the latest show, we discuss Venny and his unhealthy obsession with kebabs. We also review albums from Fallujah and AVKRVST.

A friendship between an environmental historian and a chronically ill US Marine yields a powerful exploration into the toxic effects of war on the human body. Alexander Lemons is a Marine Corps scout sniper who, after serving multiple tours during the Iraq War, returned home seriously and mysteriously ill. Joshua Howe is an environmental historian who met Lemons as a student in one of his classes. Together they have crafted a vital book that challenges us to think beyond warfare's acute violence of bullets and bombs to the “slow violence” of toxic exposure and lasting trauma. In alternating chapters, Lemons vividly describes his time in Fallujah and elsewhere during the worst of the Iraq War, his descent into a decade-long battle with mysterious and severe sickness, and his return to health; Howe explains, with clarity and scientific insight, the many toxicities to which Lemons was exposed and their potential consequences. Together they cover the whirlwind of toxic exposures military personnel face from the things they touch and breathe in all the time, including lead from bullets, jet fuel, fire retardants, pesticides, mercury, dust, and the cocktail of toxicants emitted by the open-air “burn pits” used in military settings to burn waste products like paint, human waste, metal cans, oil, and plastics. They also consider PTSD and traumatic brain injury, which are endemic among the military and cause and exacerbate all kinds of physical and mental health problems. Finally, they explore how both mainstream and alternative medicine struggle to understand, accommodate, and address the vast array of health problems among military veterans. Warbody: A Marine Sniper and the Hidden Violence of Modern Warfare challenges us to rethink the violence we associate with war and the way we help veterans recover. It is a powerful book with an urgent message for the nearly twenty million Americans who are active military or veterans, as well as for their families, their loved ones, and all of us who depend on their service. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/new-books-network

A friendship between an environmental historian and a chronically ill US Marine yields a powerful exploration into the toxic effects of war on the human body. Alexander Lemons is a Marine Corps scout sniper who, after serving multiple tours during the Iraq War, returned home seriously and mysteriously ill. Joshua Howe is an environmental historian who met Lemons as a student in one of his classes. Together they have crafted a vital book that challenges us to think beyond warfare's acute violence of bullets and bombs to the “slow violence” of toxic exposure and lasting trauma. In alternating chapters, Lemons vividly describes his time in Fallujah and elsewhere during the worst of the Iraq War, his descent into a decade-long battle with mysterious and severe sickness, and his return to health; Howe explains, with clarity and scientific insight, the many toxicities to which Lemons was exposed and their potential consequences. Together they cover the whirlwind of toxic exposures military personnel face from the things they touch and breathe in all the time, including lead from bullets, jet fuel, fire retardants, pesticides, mercury, dust, and the cocktail of toxicants emitted by the open-air “burn pits” used in military settings to burn waste products like paint, human waste, metal cans, oil, and plastics. They also consider PTSD and traumatic brain injury, which are endemic among the military and cause and exacerbate all kinds of physical and mental health problems. Finally, they explore how both mainstream and alternative medicine struggle to understand, accommodate, and address the vast array of health problems among military veterans. Warbody: A Marine Sniper and the Hidden Violence of Modern Warfare challenges us to rethink the violence we associate with war and the way we help veterans recover. It is a powerful book with an urgent message for the nearly twenty million Americans who are active military or veterans, as well as for their families, their loved ones, and all of us who depend on their service. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/military-history

A friendship between an environmental historian and a chronically ill US Marine yields a powerful exploration into the toxic effects of war on the human body. Alexander Lemons is a Marine Corps scout sniper who, after serving multiple tours during the Iraq War, returned home seriously and mysteriously ill. Joshua Howe is an environmental historian who met Lemons as a student in one of his classes. Together they have crafted a vital book that challenges us to think beyond warfare's acute violence of bullets and bombs to the “slow violence” of toxic exposure and lasting trauma. In alternating chapters, Lemons vividly describes his time in Fallujah and elsewhere during the worst of the Iraq War, his descent into a decade-long battle with mysterious and severe sickness, and his return to health; Howe explains, with clarity and scientific insight, the many toxicities to which Lemons was exposed and their potential consequences. Together they cover the whirlwind of toxic exposures military personnel face from the things they touch and breathe in all the time, including lead from bullets, jet fuel, fire retardants, pesticides, mercury, dust, and the cocktail of toxicants emitted by the open-air “burn pits” used in military settings to burn waste products like paint, human waste, metal cans, oil, and plastics. They also consider PTSD and traumatic brain injury, which are endemic among the military and cause and exacerbate all kinds of physical and mental health problems. Finally, they explore how both mainstream and alternative medicine struggle to understand, accommodate, and address the vast array of health problems among military veterans. Warbody: A Marine Sniper and the Hidden Violence of Modern Warfare challenges us to rethink the violence we associate with war and the way we help veterans recover. It is a powerful book with an urgent message for the nearly twenty million Americans who are active military or veterans, as well as for their families, their loved ones, and all of us who depend on their service. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/psychology

A friendship between an environmental historian and a chronically ill US Marine yields a powerful exploration into the toxic effects of war on the human body. Alexander Lemons is a Marine Corps scout sniper who, after serving multiple tours during the Iraq War, returned home seriously and mysteriously ill. Joshua Howe is an environmental historian who met Lemons as a student in one of his classes. Together they have crafted a vital book that challenges us to think beyond warfare's acute violence of bullets and bombs to the “slow violence” of toxic exposure and lasting trauma. In alternating chapters, Lemons vividly describes his time in Fallujah and elsewhere during the worst of the Iraq War, his descent into a decade-long battle with mysterious and severe sickness, and his return to health; Howe explains, with clarity and scientific insight, the many toxicities to which Lemons was exposed and their potential consequences. Together they cover the whirlwind of toxic exposures military personnel face from the things they touch and breathe in all the time, including lead from bullets, jet fuel, fire retardants, pesticides, mercury, dust, and the cocktail of toxicants emitted by the open-air “burn pits” used in military settings to burn waste products like paint, human waste, metal cans, oil, and plastics. They also consider PTSD and traumatic brain injury, which are endemic among the military and cause and exacerbate all kinds of physical and mental health problems. Finally, they explore how both mainstream and alternative medicine struggle to understand, accommodate, and address the vast array of health problems among military veterans. Warbody: A Marine Sniper and the Hidden Violence of Modern Warfare challenges us to rethink the violence we associate with war and the way we help veterans recover. It is a powerful book with an urgent message for the nearly twenty million Americans who are active military or veterans, as well as for their families, their loved ones, and all of us who depend on their service. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this conversation, LUF's senior mentor Jim Roussell, USMC(Ret) and Chicago PD (Ret) candidly discusses leadership in mission-oriented organizations.  He reflects on the courageous actions of his U.S. Marines and their Iraqi allies in Fallujah.  Jim also shares lessons that he learned during various chapters of his career as well as key takeaways from several historical vignettes.  The conversation transpired over coffee in the farmhouse during the winter 2025 LUF Human-Centered Fireground Command and Control retreat on the Farm in Western Maryland. 

Ep 055 – Nonfiction. Environmental Historian Joshua Howe & Marine Corps veteran Alexander Lemons discuss their new book, “Warbody: A Marine Sniper and the Hidden Violence of Modern Warfare.”‘A friendship between an environmental historian and a chronically ill US Marine yields a powerful exploration into the toxic effects of war on the human body.Alexander Lemons is a Marine Corps scout sniper who, after serving multiple tours during the Iraq War, returned home seriously and mysteriously ill. Joshua Howe is an environmental historian who met Lemons as a student in one of his classes. Together they have crafted a vital book that challenges us to think beyond warfare's acute violence of bullets and bombs to the “slow violence” of toxic exposure and lasting trauma.In alternating chapters, Lemons vividly describes his time in Fallujah and elsewhere during the worst of the Iraq War, his descent into a decade-long battle with mysterious and severe sickness, and his return to health; Howe explains, with clarity and scientific insight, the many toxicities to which Lemons was exposed and their potential consequences. Together they cover the whirlwind of toxic exposures military personnel face from the things they touch and breathe in all the time, including lead from bullets, jet fuel, fire retardants, pesticides, mercury, dust, and the cocktail of toxicants emitted by the open-air “burn pits” used in military settings to burn waste products like paint, human waste, metal cans, oil, and plastics. They also consider PTSD and traumatic brain injury, which are endemic among the military and cause and exacerbate all kinds of physical and mental health problems. Finally, they explore how both mainstream and alternative medicine struggle to understand, accommodate, and address the vast array of health problems among military veterans.Warbody challenges us to rethink the violence we associate with war and the way we help veterans recover. It is a powerful book with an urgent message for the nearly twenty million Americans who are active military or veterans, as well as for their families, their loved ones, and all of us who depend on their service.'Subscribe to the War Books podcast here:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@warbookspodcastApple: https://apple.co/3FP4ULbSpotify: https://spoti.fi/3kP9scZFollow the show here:Twitter: https://twitter.com/warbookspodcastFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/warbookspodcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/warbookspodcast/

John has extensive experience in both the Military and Civilian realms. He has 35 years in Active Duty, Reserve and National Guard service and 22 straight months in Iraq and Kuwait.  While deployed to OIF I and II, he served in various positions on the staffs of Lt Generals David McKiernan, Rick Sanchez, GEN George Casey, Under Secretary of the Navy (Admiral) Greg Slavonic, and Major General Erv Lessel.  His assignments included handling media during Saddam Hussein's arraignment, numerous press conferences, and serving as the Intelligence Liaison to the Interim Iraqi Government under MG Barb Fast.  He developed U.S. media strategy for addressing anti-coalition press and propaganda in Arab media during the battles of An Najaf and Fallujah, as well as many other special assignments in Baghdad.

Kathleen Faircloth received the news that no parent wants to get. In late November 2004, she learned that her son, U.S. Marine Corps Lance Corporal Bradley Faircloth, was killed during the Second Battle of Fallujah in Iraq. What followed was the anguish over losing her only child, slowly emerging from the immense grief that followed, and the unexpected joy of finding a family she never expected.In this Memorial Day edition of Veterans Chronicles, Kathleen Faircloth tells us how the 9/11 attacks sparked Bradley's interest in joining the military and how he joined the Marines impulsively while home from college. She then explains how Marine Corps boot camp produced significant, positive changes in her son, how much he loved being a Marine, and how she stayed in touch with Bradley while he was deployed to Iraq. We'll also hear Kathleen's detailed recollection of the day she found out Bradley was killed, receiving his body as it returned to the U.S., and the incredible bond she formed with the surviving members of Alpha Company, 1/8 Marines. It was forged at Bradley's memorial service and has strengthened exponentially over the past 20 years.Kathleen speaks very openly about her struggles following Bradley's death, the powerful moments that proved she was healing, and her desire to help the men of Alpha Company heal as well.As we honor those who gave their lives for our nation on Memorial Day and every day, Kathleen Faircloth's candor, humor, and tears will give you a powerful glimpse into those who put their ilves on the line for our nation and the powerful legacy they leave behind.

Constitutional fun facts in honor of The American Legion National Oratorical Competition Finals THE INTERVIEW Army combat veteran Blake Hall created his company to protect veterans from identity theft. Veterans are more than 80% likely to have their identity stolen than other Americans. Learn how ID.me prevents fraud in this week's episode. SCUTTLEBUTT A salute Ronin – the hero rat who set a Guinness World Record for detecting landmines Legionnaires supporting manners, etiquette and Americanism in South Carolina Special Guest: Blake Hall.

Check out this great review of the new Fallujah release, "Xenotaph" by Dark Macek Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Marine veteran George Kite shares his account of close combat in Fallujah, the brutal realities of war, and the lifelong impact of PTSD in this week's Urban Valor episode. From growing up poor in South Carolina—sometimes homeless—to enlisting on his 17th birthday, George's journey is one of survival, grit, and raw honesty.He remembers the chaos of the First Battle of Fallujah, including rooftop firefights, mortar attacks, and moments that still haunt him decades later. George opens up about accidentally shooting a combatant, encountering child soldiers, losing friends in battle, and the emotional fallout that followed. His story captures what so many combat veterans face but rarely share publicly.George also describes life after war: working with the Army National Guard, battling depression, and discovering a new purpose by supporting fellow veterans through mental health challenges. From sniper school to urban warfare instructor to DC security assignments, George's Marine Corps career is filled with intense and emotional moments that every American should hear.This is not just a war story. It's a human story. One of courage, trauma, transformation, and the quiet fight that continues long after the battlefield.

It's been just over 20 years since the Battle of Fallujah, a bloody campaign in a destructive Iraq War that we now know was based on a lie. But back then, in the wake of 9/11, the battlefield was filled with troops who believed in serving and defending the country against terrorism. “Going to Fallujah was the most horrific experience of our lives,” said Mike Ergo, a team leader for the US Marines Alpha Company, 1st Battalion. “And it was also, for myself, the most alive I've ever felt.”This week on Reveal, we're partnering with the nonprofit newsroom The War Horse to join Ergo's unit as they reunite and try to make sense of what they did and what was done to them. Together, they remember Bradley Faircloth, the 20-year-old lance corporal from their unit who lost his life, and unpack the mental and emotional battles that continue for them today.This episode originally aired in January 2025. Support Reveal's journalism at Revealnews.org/donatenow Subscribe to our weekly newsletter to get the scoop on new episodes at Revealnews.org/newsletter Connect with us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

The Jack Carr Book Club April 2025 selection is THE UNVANQUISHED by bestselling author Patrick K. O'Donnell.THE UNVANQUISHED pulls back the curtain on a little-known shadow war that raged alongside the Civil War's better-known battles. At its center: Lincoln's special forces, the Jessie Scouts—Union soldiers who disguised themselves in Confederate uniforms to carry out daring raids, intelligence gathering, and high-risk missions behind enemy lines.Through vivid storytelling and never-before-published firsthand accounts, O'Donnell shines a light on the Scouts' deadly cat-and-mouse game with Mosby's Rangers, uncovering espionage operations, plots to kidnap Abraham Lincoln, and a postwar proxy fight in Mexico. Patrick K. O'Donnell is a combat historian, public speaker, and the bestselling author of 13 critically acclaimed books spanning from the American Revolution to Iraq. He is a leading authority on special operations and irregular warfare, having embedded with troops in Fallujah and advised on projects like BAND OF BROTHERS and MEDAL OF HONOR. His research blends archival discovery with thousands of oral history interviews, bringing lost stories back to life with intensity and precision.FOLLOW PATRICKFacebook - @patrickkodonnellX - @combathistorianWebsite - https://patrickkodonnell.com/index.html FOLLOW JACKInstagram - @JackCarrUSA X - @JackCarrUSAFacebook - @JackCarr YouTube - @JackCarrUSA SPONSORSCRY HAVOC – A Tom Reece Thriller https://www.officialjackcarr.com/books/cry-havoc/Bravo Company Manufacturing - BCM Stock MOD3:https://bravocompanyusa.com/bcm-stock-mod-3-black/  and on Instagram @BravoCompanyUSATHE SIGs of Jack Carr  P365 Collection: P365XL with Red Dot Optic, P365, P365X-Macro, P365 Custom with True Precision, and P365 Legion.Visit https://www.sigsauer.com/ and on Instagram @sigsauerinc Jack Carr Gear: Explore the gear here https://jackcarr.co/gear 

Marine veteran Sam Williams reveals the brutal reality of close-quarters combat during the Iraq War, including the infamous Second Battle of Fallujah. In this Urban Valor episode, Sam shares his experiences from the frontlines of Iraq, where he and his unit were forced to retreat from Mosul after engaging a hostile crowd and later thrown into the bloodiest urban battle of the war.Born in a trailer park and raised on a Northern Michigan farm, Sam joined the Marines seeking a sense of purpose after losing his childhood home to a fire. Over 13 years of service, he faced deadly firefights, watched close friends fall, and learned what it truly means to survive war—and life after it.

Incredible Podcast with my friend Brett Schaal. Brett served 8 years in the Marines. He did 2 tours in Iraq and was in the first fight for Fallujah and was there for the Flour Factory incident. He served with 2/7 Marines. He share his upbrining and path into the Marines and transition. Brett and I went to UW- Whitewater together and sat next to each other in English class. Brett is one of the most humble and hard working friends I know. He's not one to boast about his service so I am doing it for him. He also recently bought a Traeger! On December 1, 2005, in Fallujah, Iraq, 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines lost ten Marines in an improvised explosive device (IED) attack. The fallen Marines were: Lance Cpl. John M. Holmason, Staff Sgt. Daniel J. Clay, Lance Cpl. David A. Huhn, Lance Cpl. Adam W. Kaiser, Lance Cpl. Robert A. Martinez, Cpl.Anthony T. McElveen, Lance Cpl. Scott T. Modeen, Lance Cpl. Andrew G. Patten, Sgt. Andy A. Stevens, and Lance Cpl. Craig N. Watson

I sat down with Rudy Reyes, Marine Recon veteran, actor, and force of nature, for a raw and unfiltered conversation about transformation through trauma. Rudy shares his extraordinary journey from an abused child in poverty to elite warrior, and the intense struggles that followed his combat experiences. We discuss the profound impact of his father figures, how hatred of tyranny fueled his path to heroism, and his battle with PTSD, addiction, and suicidal thoughts after returning from Fallujah and Ramadi.

JK Weston is more than just a man. More than a patriot, more than an author. He is a storyteller who has been in the belly of the beast and stared the devil in the eye. He worked in both Iraq and Afghanistan in an official capacity with the U.S. State Department. He was a semi-direct link to Washington, D.C., on all matters of big strategy concerning the Iraqi elections. JK was tasked with building the new government. He explains how some of these political positions were filled and by whom they were filled. We discuss the mistakes of America's longest war and of some unforgettable memories. Kael was in Fallujah and later Marjah, Afghanistan. He was attached to General Larry Nicholson on both occasions. Both occasions as his political advisor. I hope you enjoy this episode as much as I enjoyed recording it. It is always enlightening to understand the missions and execution of tasks at 2-3 levels higher than you are/were commanding.

In this episode, SgtMaj David Wilson, Command Senior Enlisted Leader of II MEF, shares hard-earned leadership lessons from over 30 years in the Marine Corps. From being meritoriously promoted through the ranks to leading Marines in the Battle of Fallujah, SgtMaj Wilson reflects on mentorship, emotional intelligence, and why some combat lessons shouldn't be “gold-plated.” A must-listen for any emerging leader. Support this project on Supercast: Moments In Leadership SupercastVisit the Moments in Leadership website: Follow on Instagram: Email: themiloffice@gmail.com

On this episode of March Forth with Mike Bauman, Mike chats with Sergio Vega of A Moments Notice! A Moments Notice is a metalcore band from Sacramento, California. Originally started as a solo project for vocalist Greg Molina back in 2021, A Moments Notice eventually became a full band and is now comprised of Vega (bass), Molina (vocals), Thomas Ventura (guitar), and Jesse Yen (drums). Since the band's inception, A Moments Notice has built their name through strong songwriting and live shows. Over the years, the band has played with the likes of A Skylit Drive, Fallujah, Saltwound, and Enterprise Earth, among others. In 2022, A Moments Notice dropped their debut EP entitled Lotus, and has since released numerous singles, the latest of which is "Blood War." In December 2024, the band announced their signing to Overshadow.  In this episode, Sergio talks with Mike about how he got into metal, being diagnosed with diabetes at 2-years-old and the challenges of being a diabetic, not letting dialysis stop him from chasing his dreams with music, joining A Moments Notice, signing with Joe Tichy and Overshadow, working with Nick Miller, their shared love for Deftones, and more. This episode also features the new single "Blood War" from A Moments Notice, available where you get your music! Follow Sergio on Instagram @sergio_amn. Follow A Moments Notice on Instagram @amomentsnoticeofficial. To stay up-to-date with A Moments Notice, visit https://www.amomentsnoticeofficial.com/. Follow Mike on Instagram @marchforthpod. To stay up-to-date on the podcast and learn more about Mike, visit https://linktr.ee/marchforthpod. Thanks for listening! If ya dug the show, like it, share it, tell a friend, subscribe, and above all, keep the faith and be kind to one another.

Marine Veteran Brian Mendez takes us inside the brutal battles of Fallujah and Ramadi, sharing his experiences fighting through the Fallujah Mile, one of the deadliest combat zones of the Iraq War. In this episode of Urban Valor, Brian reflects on the mental and emotional toll of war, his battle with PTSD, and how Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu became his saving grace. From enlisting after 9/11 to becoming a Marine Corps Martial Arts Instructor, Brian's journey is one of resilience, survival, and redemption.

When the second truce in Israel's War of Independence went into effect on July 18, 1948, Israel was militarily in a far better position than it had been at the outbreak of the War. Still, work was still very much cut out for the nascent IDF as Egyptian forces had pressed so deep into the Negev that they were able to menace the key artery linking Tel Aviv to the southern towns and Jewish settlements. Israel's innovative, young commander of the Negev campaign was Yigal Allon. In order to break the Egyptian hold, he would have to get his troops to the south undetected. Allon's soldiers discovered an ancient route built by the Romans 2000 years earlier, known as the Ruheiba Trail. The Egyptians logically expected an Israeli assault from the conventional route and were totally unprepared for an enemy that materialized out of nowhere from a trail that was concealed and provided natural cover. Audio credits: Trailer: To Cast a Giant Shadow Pacific Front Untold – Flying the Hump vs The Burma Road Kings and Generals – The First Arab-Israeli war 1948 The Armchair Historian – Brutal Urban Combat - Battle for Fallujah 2004 Fox News – Fallujah General details the True Challenges of Gaza Invasion Learn more at TellerFromJerusalem.com Don't forget to subscribe, like and share! Let all your friends know that that they too can have a new favorite podcast. © 2025 Media Education Trust llc

It's been 20 years since the Battle of Fallujah, a bloody campaign in a destructive Iraq War that we now know was based on a lie. But back then, in the wake of 9/11, the battlefield was filled with troops who believed in serving and defending the country against terrorism. “Going to Fallujah was the most horrific experience of our lives,” said Mike Ergo, a team leader for the US Marines Alpha Company, 1st Battalion. “And it was also, for myself, the most alive I've ever felt.”This week on Reveal, we're partnering with the nonprofit newsroom The War Horse to join Ergo's unit as they reunite and try to make sense of what they did and what was done to them. Together, they remember Bradley Faircloth, the 20-year-old lance corporal from their unit who lost his life, and unpack the mental and emotional battles that continue for them today. Support Reveal's journalism at Revealnews.org/donatenow Subscribe to our weekly newsletter to get the scoop on new episodes at Revealnews.org/newsletter Connect with us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

On this edition of “Victor Davis Hanson: In His Own Words,” Hanson explores the historical roots and evolution of the 'Make America Great Again' (MAGA) movement. Understand the unique strategies Donald Trump employed to unite diverse groups and achieve political success. Please go to https://victorhanson.com/ for Victor's lastets content! “First of all, remember, it's not all that different, in its core, from doctrinaire republicanism, in this sense. It, professes to be fiscally sound. It wants low taxes, limited government, and conservative values, in the sense of culture and tradition, patriotism.” “Donald Trump added to it was: We were not going to nation build abroad. We're not taking people out of East Palestine, Ohio and sending them over to spend billions of dollars, and lose their lives in God awful places, like Fallujah ,where people don't appreciate it.” “In fact, when we have 16% of the population that's foreign born, and that's almost 55 million people, he has called for a reduction or at least a breathing spell in legal immigration. That's ignited another tension or paradox or conflict between the MAGA people, who do not want any more than, say, 200,000 legal immigrants, and the Silicon Valley converts who want these work visas for skilled coders and people in Silicon Valley.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices