Podcasts about Kunar Province

JC Knight was born on September 4, 1976, in Charleston WV. He joined the Marine Corps on 1 September 1995 aboard Parris Island SC and graduated from recruit training on November 17, 1995. Following recruit training, He attended the School of Infantry East (SOI), graduated with the MOS of 0331 Machine Gunner, and was assigned to 1st Bn 2d Marines (1/2). During his time in 1/2, he served as a Team, Squad, and Section leader. He also deployed to provide security in Panama and as part of the 22d Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU). While deployed with the 22d MEU, he evacuated Americans from Sierra Leone. From 1999 to 2000, Sergeant Knight was assigned to the Infantry Training Battalion East (ITB). He held several billets, including squad leader, chief weapons instructor, and platoon commander. Following his tour at ITB he received orders to Parris Island for Drill Instructor Duty in January 2001. While aboard Parris Island, he molded Marines as a Drill Instructor, Senior Drill Instructor, and as Marine Corps Instructor of Water Survival (MCWIS). He was meritoriously promoted to the rank of Staff Sergeant in July of 2003 and received orders to 3rd Bn 6th Marines (3/6) in February of 2004. Upon arrival, he was assigned as the Platoon Sergeant for the 1st Platoon Kilo Company leading his platoon during combat operations in the Kunar Province of Afghanistan and Al Qaim Iraq. In 2006, he graduated from Scout Sniper School and subsequently led the Scout Sniper Platoon during combat operations in Habbiniyah, Iraq, and along the Fallujah Peninsula. In December 2007, Gunnery Sergeant Knight reported for duty with the Staff Non-Commissioned Officer Academy (SNCOA) Camp Lejeune NC. He was the resident subject matter expert (SME) on infantry weapons and tactics as a faculty member. In December 2009, he received orders and reported for duty with 3rd Bn 2d Marines (3/2) where he served as a Company Gunnery Sergeant and Executive Officer. Shortly after, he was selected for the Marine Gunner Program leaving 3/2 for commissioning as a Chief Warrant Officer 2 (Gunner) and attendance of The Basic School (TBS) followed by the Infantry Weapons Officer Course (IWOC). Following graduation, he received orders back to 3/2 as the Battalion Gunner. From 2011 through 2014 Gunner Knight was responsible for the training and readiness of the battalion leading up to its deployment with the 26th MEU. Upon return from deployment, 3/2 set the standard for the Second Marine Division by winning the 2014 Super Squad Competition and having 50 Honor Graduates from 55 advanced infantry schools. (CWO3) Gunner Knight's next assignment was as the Battalion Gunner for the Second Reconnaissance Battalion from 2015- 2016. During this time, he developed and supervised countless weapons and sniper packages increasing the battalion's combat readiness. He additionally began efforts to improve shoulder-fired weapon capabilities for the infantry. From 2016-2017 he served in his final assignment as the Battalion Gunner for Second Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion (2D LAR). While at LAR, he made several improvements to the small unit warfighting skills of the battalion and standardized training practices across its companies. The culmination of his service saw the adoption of a Multi-Purpose Anti-Armor Assault Weapon (MAAWS) and the development of countless Marine leaders across the Second Marine Division. Gunner Knight retired on 1 December 2017 after 22-plus years of service. His personal decorations include the Purple Heart Medal, Meritorious Service Medal x2, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal x4 w/Combat V, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal x4 w/Combat V, Combat Action Ribbon x2, and he holds the rank of Centurion in the US Infantry Associations Order of St. Maurice.

In this episode of “Soldiers, Stories & Songs”, Guy (Jaquier) and Adam (Rossi) spend time with Army combat engineer Mike “Doc Straw” Swart. Mike served from 2004-2013 and deployed twice to the Middle East, first near Fallujah in Iraq and later to Asadabad in the Kunar Province in Afghanistan, conducting road clearance for IEDs and other explosives.  Following Mike's separation from the Army, he went back to school and became a doctor of physical therapy focusing on how the body and brain changes when we are subjected to stressful experiences/environments.  Mike currently lives in Virginia and fronts an alternative rock band called “Doc Straw and the Scarecrows”.  During this podcast, Mike presents three of his original songs, including:“Get On By”“For The Broken”“Situational Awareness”You can follow “Doc Straw and the Scarecrows” on any of your favorite streaming platforms or at:https://www.facebook.com/docstrawandthescarecrows/ Support the show

EPISODE #1005 JUSTICE FOR JEFFREY EPSTEIN'S VICTIMS Richard speaks with the Associate Director of Epstein Justice, a 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization Dedicated to Justice on Behalf of the Victims of Jeffrey Epstein and His Co-conspirators. GUEST: Lt. Col. (Retired) Pete Shinn has an extensive background in the U.S. Air Force as a trainer, journalist, and adult educator. He also served as an executive officer for the Continental NORAD Region Air Operations Center, and as a liaison between the Secretary of the Air Force and U.S. Senate Appropriators. Beginning in 1989, Shinn began providing interactive diversity and inclusion training to Air Force audiences. In 2008, Shinn was selected to provide leadership, communications, problem solving, and critical thinking skills training at the U.S. Air Force Officer Training School. In 2010, he deployed with the Iowa National Guard to provide agricultural training to farmers in Afghanistan's Kunar Province.  After returning from Afghanistan, he provided interactive training on the intersection between agriculture and national defense to a variety of organizations, including the National Agri-Marketing Association, American Farm Bureau Federation, National Pork Board, and National Cattlemen's Beef Association, among others. Pete retired from the Air Force in October 2020 after 36 years of service. He is currently a co-creator at Shinnfluence LLC, a family media and training business. Pete's major military awards include the Bronze Star, the Meritorious Service Medal with three oak leaf clusters, and the U.S. Army Combat Action Badge. His major civilian awards include the 1998 Nebraska Broadcaster's Association Gold Service to Agriculture Award, the National Association of Farm Broadcasting President's Award in 2004 and 2005, and an Emmy Award in 2012 for Best Military Program. WEBSITE: https://epsteinjustice.com BECOME A PREMIUM SUBSCRIBER!!! https://strangeplanet.supportingcast.fm Three monthly subscriptions to choose from. Commercial Free Listening, Bonus Episodes and a Subscription to my monthly newsletter, InnerSanctum. Visit https://strangeplanet.supportingcast.fm Use the discount code "Planet" to receive one month off the first subscription. We and our partners use cookies to personalize your experience, to show you ads based on your interests, and for measurement and analytics purposes. By using our website and services, you agree to our use of cookies as described in our Cookie Policy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://strangeplanet.supportingcast.fm/

Joined this week by Dakota Meyer. Dakota is a former United States Marine & was awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions during the Battle of Ganjgal on September 8, 2009, in Kunar Province, Afghanistan. Throughout our conversation we discuss the importance of conflict, feelings vs. reality, believing in the goodness in people, changing the narrative around suicide, why people will steal your peace, what it was like having a beer with the president & much more. Having Dakota on the pod was an extreme honor. If you like what you hear, please share it with a friend. Enjoy.  Follow Dakota's Journey @dakotameyer0317 Interested in my private coaching & FREE workouts? Link below.http://www.nockperformance.com/ Use code "NockP15" for 15% off your first order at www.farewellcoffeeroasters.comUse code "NockP23" for 10% off at ruckerknives.comUse code "NockP" for 20% off all ointments at getsaltybritches.comUse code "NockP" for 15% off at alpenfuel.comUse code "NockP" for 15% off at strongcoffeecompany.com  

On today's show, Peter Shinn, the Associate Director of http://www.epsteinjustice.com/, will discuss the work his organization is doing to achieve its goals. GUEST OVERVIEW: Lieutenant Colonel (Ret.) Peter Shinn has an extensive background in the U.S. Air Force as a trainer, journalist, and adult educator. He also served as an executive officer for the Continental NORAD Region Air Operations Center and as a liaison between the Secretary of the Air Force and U.S. Senate Appropriators. Beginning in 1989, Shinn began providing interactive diversity and inclusion training to Air Force audiences. In 2008, Shinn was selected to provide leadership, communications, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills training at the U.S. Air Force Officer Training School. In 2010, he deployed with the Iowa National Guard to provide agricultural training to farmers in Afghanistan's Kunar Province.  

Introduction: Welcome to the VinnyRoc Podcast. In this episode, we're honored to introduce Captain Florent A. Groberg, a symbol of bravery and selflessness in the U.S. Army. His story is one of extraordinary valor and sacrifice. Military Service and Leadership: Captain Groberg served as the Personal Security Detachment Commander for Task Force Mountain Warrior, 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division. His leadership was pivotal during crucial combat operations in Asadbad, Kunar Province, Afghanistan. A Day of Heroism: On August 8, 2012, Captain Groberg's courage was put to the ultimate test. Leading a dismounted movement with several high-ranking officials, he faced a life-threatening situation that demanded instant action and unflinching bravery. Decisive Action Against Imminent Threat: Identifying a suicide bomber within the formation, Captain Groberg selflessly placed himself in harm's way. His quick thinking and decisive actions in pushing the bomber away saved countless lives, displaying his extraordinary heroism and commitment to his fellow soldiers. Aftermath and Impact: The explosion resulted in casualties, but Captain Groberg's actions significantly minimized the attack's impact. His ability to act swiftly under pressure averted a potentially devastating outcome for the entire formation. Legacy of Valor: Captain Groberg's actions reflect the highest military service traditions, embodying the essence of selfless service and bravery. His story is a testament to the courage and dedication of those who serve in the U.S. Army.   AND… During this podcast, we don't talk much about that because you can google that. We talk about Family and being a FATHER!   We sincerely thank our sponsors for their unwavering support of the VinnyRoc Podcast. Their commitment enables us to deliver content that informs, educates, and engages consistently.   Core Medical Group: Striving to pioneer wellness solutions and help you achieve optimal well-being. Visit https://www.coremedicalgrp.com to discover more. GMR Gold: Offering premium gold and silver investment options to elevate your wealth. Explore more at https://www.gmrgold.com. Everest: The ultimate marketplace for the great outdoors. Embark on your adventure today at https://www.everest.com. Modern Gun School: Dedicated to enriching your firearms knowledge with a comprehensive curriculum. Find out more at https://mgs.edu.   We value each sponsor's contribution and appreciate their dedication to our shared goals.   For those who haven't yet, we invite you to watch our latest episode on YouTube, subscribe to our channel, and follow us on social media to stay updated on upcoming content. If you find our discussions valuable, please share them within your networks.   Thank you for your continued support of the VinnyRoc Podcast.   #VinnyRocPodcast #ThankYouSponsors

Dakota Meyer is a former United States Marine. He was awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions during the Battle of Ganjgal on September 8, 2009, in Kunar Province, Afghanistan. In this conversation, we talked about the importance of testing yourself, how Dakota's relationship with Jocko Willink changed his life, and why he's becoming a firefighter. 0:00 Intro 1:16 Tinkerbell 7:45 “There's No Way You'll Make It As A Marine” 9:00 Weak Men 17:02 Tim Kennedy's Influence 18:39 Identity Change 24:39 The Darkness 30:10 Firefighting 34:28 From Weak Man To Strong Man  45:23 What Has Dakota Learned From Jocko? 49:33 Daily Non-Negotiables 54:31 Hard Work Fixes Everything 58:44 We All Have Doubts 1:01:33 Make The Commitment 1:06:40 Societal Living 1:14:29 Intentional Time 1:16:49 Military Divorces? 1:18:41 Value Of Life 1:26:02 Challenge Dakota's Links Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dakotameyer0317 Podcast: You're Human My Links ✉️ Newsletter: https://dannymiranda.substack.com

-The following citation is an account of the actions that earned Dakota Meyer the Congressional Medal of Honor:For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving with Marine Embedded Training Team 2-8, Regional Corps Advisory Command 3-7, in Kunar Province, Afghanistan, on 8 September 2009. Corporal Meyer maintained security at a patrol rally point while other members of his team moved on foot with two platoons of Afghan National Army and Border Police into the village of Ganjgal for a pre-dawn meeting with village elders. Moving into the village, the patrol was ambushed by more than 50 enemy fighters firing rocket propelled grenades, mortars, and machine guns from houses and fortified positions on the slopes above. Hearing over the radio that four U.S. team members were cut off, Corporal Meyer seized the initiative. With a fellow Marine driving, Corporal Meyer took the exposed gunner's position in a gun-truck as they drove down the steeply terraced terrain in a daring attempt to disrupt the enemy attack and locate the trapped U.S. team. Disregarding intense enemy fire now concentrated on their lone vehicle, Corporal Meyer killed a number of enemy fighters with the mounted machine guns and his rifle, some at near point blank range, as he and his driver made three solo trips into the ambush area. During the first two trips, he and his driver evacuated two dozen Afghan soldiers, many of whom were wounded. When one machine gun became inoperable, he directed a return to the rally point to switch to another gun-truck for a third trip into the ambush area where his accurate fire directly supported the remaining U.S. personnel and Afghan soldiers fighting their way out of the ambush. Despite a shrapnel wound to his arm, Corporal Meyer made two more trips into the ambush area in a third gun-truck accompanied by four other Afghan vehicles to recover more wounded Afghan soldiers and search for the missing U.S. team members. Still under heavy enemy fire, he dismounted the vehicle on the fifth trip and moved on foot to locate and recover the bodies of his team members. Corporal Meyer's daring initiative and bold fighting spirit throughout the 6-hour battle significantly disrupted the enemy's attack and inspired the members of the combined force to fight on. His unwavering courage and steadfast devotion to his U.S. and Afghan comrades in the face of almost certain death reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.Dakota's Instagram:https://instagram.com/dakotameyer0317?igshid=YzcxN2Q2NzY0OA==Dakota's YouTube + Podcast:https://youtube.com/@DakotaMeyerNoDaysOffFirstNet Built with AT&T:http://www.firstnet.com/healthandwellnessDownload the O2X Tactical Performance App:app.o2x.comLet us know what you think:Website - http://o2x.comIG - https://instagram.com/o2xhumanperformance?igshid=1kicimx55xt4f 

This edition features stories on an assault by Taliban insurgents on a base in Kunar Province, U.S. and Afghan Soldiers providing protection for Afghan citizens, and Soldiers practicing Ju-Jitsu at Bagram Air Field. Hosted by Tech. Sgt. Gene Taylor.

This edition features stories about the capture of a Taliban commander in the Asadabad District of Kunar Province, and a visit to the Egyptian Hospital on Bagram Air Base. Hosted by Staff Sgt. Joy Meek. Afghanistan.

This edition features a story on International Security Assistance Forces killing several armed insurgents in the Pech District of Kunar Province, Afghanistan and a hands-on veterinary clinic for future veterinarians being conducted at Forward Operating Base Mehtar Lam in Laghman province, Afghanistan. Hosted by Senior Airman Jay Hernandez.

This edition features stories on how the Taliban lost another safe haven and staging area in Kunar Province, Afghanistan thanks to Afghan and NATO Forces and some of the outlying bases in Afghanistan are pretty remote and it can take days to get a flight into one of them. One soldier makes sure people and equipment can get to his area of operation. Sound bite includes Staff Sgt. Wayne Schill. Hosted by Staff Sgt. Jeremy Vought.

This edition features stories about a village in Kunar province, Afghanistan celebrating its freedom from the Taliban with new farm supplies, and the Oklahoma Agribusiness Development Team (ADT) and the Paktia Beekeeping Association teaching local Afghans how to raise bees as a way to earn income. Produced by Petty Officer 1st Class Dustin Diaz.

This edition features a stories on Afghan and Coalition forces killed an insurgent in Logar Province, Afghanistan October 1st and the Iowa National Guards 734th Agribusiness Development Team manages various projects to enable Afghan locals to better their own lives. Air Force Staff Sgt. Joe Woolston introduces us to a Guardsman whose experience in irrigation is helping Afghans do just that in Kunar Province, Afgahnistan. Sound bites include Lt. Col. Neil Stockfleth, 734th ADT AG Section OIC; from Sergeant Bluff, Iowa. Hosted by Petty Officer 1st Class Dustin Diaz.

This edition features stories about suspected insurgents arrested in Logar Province, Afghanistan, and an offensive led by ISAF and Afghan forces in Kunar Province to increase security in the area. Produced by Petty Officer 3rd Class Cody Ray Boyd.

This edition features stories about a meeting between the Afghan Government and Regional Command South-West to increase security in Marjah District, and a meeting in Kunar Province to discuss security along the Afghan-Pakistan border. Produced by Petty Officer 3rd Class Dustin Diaz. Afghanistan

This edition features stories about Nawa district Elders electing new members to their community council, and Kunar Province, Afghanistan Elders conducting their first veterinary civil action program completely on their own. Hosted by Staff Sgt. Alana Ingram.

This edition features stories on Afghan and Coalition Forces detained a Taliban Sub-Commander and several other suspected Insurgents in Nangarhar Province and an act as simple as turning on a computer can make a world of difference in a Nations Security. U.S. Army Soldiers give their Afghan counterparts crucial training in Kunar Province, Afghanistan. Sound bites include Capt. McLynn Howard and 1st Lt. Khalilah Khalilullah. Hosted by Petty Officer 1st class Dustin Diaz.

This edition features a story on an airstrike in Kunar province resulting in the death of a Taliban leader and a veterinarian helping Iowa's 734th Agri-Business Development Team oversee projects to rejuvenate and re-establish the farming economy in Afghanistan's Kunar province. Hosted by Air Force Staff Sgt. Joe Woolston. Includes soundbites from Maj. Loren Adams, veterinarian.

This edition features stories on how ISAF Forces are fighting back against foreign fighters who interfere with Afghan affairs and Forward Operating Base Wright in Afghanistan's Kunar Province is home to the deployed Iowa National Guard's 734th Agri-Business Development Team. Air Force Staff Sgt. Joe Woolston tells us how the A.D.T helps keep the local area safe in Afghanistan. Hosted by Petty Officer 1st Class Dustin Diaz.

This edition features stories about Afghan and coalition forces killing a Haqqani Network senior leader, and service members stationed at Forward Operating Base Wright providing protection for Afghan civilians, coalition and Afghan security forces in Kunar province, Afghanistan. Produced by Petty Officer Dustin Diaz

This edition features stories on U.S. Forces and local Afghan leaders in Kunar Province, Afghanistan have come to an agreement regarding agricultural development in the region. Petty Officer 1st Class Dustin Diaz explains how this new agreement will benefit both parties and Forward Operating Base Gamberi in Afghanistan's Nangarhar Province hosts an Afghan National Army Training Team led by U.S. Military members. Senior Airman Chris Pyles visited Gamberi garrison as ANA Soldiers performed a live fire exercise. Sound bites include Sgt. Maj. Stephen Harris, Task Force Provider, from Richmond, Va. Hosted by Petty Officer 1st Class Dustin Diaz.

Coalition forces work hard everyday to ensure the stability of the Afghan people and government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan. Staff Sgt. James Zannetti takes us to Kunar province where the Provincial Reconstruction Team provides this stability through bridge projects. Includes sound bites from Lt. David Pfaefflin, Junior Engineer, Kunar, PRT, Kunar province, Afghanistan

This edition features a story on how Coalition Forces drive the roads in Afghanistan every day working to provide security and safety for the Afghan people. Staff Sgt. James Zannetti takes us to Kunar Province, Afghanistan where route clearance vehicle maintenance is vital to mission success. Sound bite includes Spc. Burke Wayment, Vehicle Mechanic, Route Clearance Patrol 46. Produced by Staff Sgt. James Zannetti. Hosted by Staff Sgt. Jessica King.

This edition features a story on coalition forces conducting route clearance patrols in the Nawa valley in Kunar province, Afghanistan as part of their mission to provide safety and security for the Afghan people by keeping the paths safe. Hosted by Lance Cpl. Benjamin Harris. Produced by Air Force Staff Sgt. James Zannetti. Includes soundbites from Capt. Bryce Higgins - commander, 744th Engineer Company, 54th Engineer Battalion, from Layton, Utah.

This edition features a stories on how Afghan and U.S. Forces are teaming together to remove the Insurgent threat in Kunar Province, Afghanistan and how in some countries women struggle to obtain equality and independence as Air Force Staff Sgt. Jessica King reports. The women in Parwan Province, Afghanistan are no different, but they are getting a little help from an American woman serving with the Kentucky Agribusiness Development Team. Sound bite includes Maj. Bobbie Mayes, Women's Empowerment Coordinator, Kentucky ADT, Hometown: Lawrenceburg, Ky., Hosted by Petty Officer 1st Class Dustin Diaz.

Captain William Swenson will recieve the Medal of Honor for his actions during the battle of Ganjgal in Kunar Province, Afghanistan. Available in high definition.

Suzi talks with Josh Wheeldon about his journey to service, time during the military, his duty as a military police officer and his continued commitment to serve his fellow brothers and sisters. Josh's BioJoined the Army as a Military Police Officer in December 2004 shortly after I traveled to Korea 2005. In 2006 came to Fort Lewis where I deployed to the Anbar Province of Iraq for 15 months living embedded in an Iraq Police Station with Marines. Upon returning it was time to get out of the Army. When I was attending college in 2011 I was offered a position to go to Afghanistan, so like any other Veteran I left and found myself in the Kunar Province of Afghanistan at FOB Joyce within no time. I supported 25th Infantry Division (235) and 4th Infantry Division (212). Since returning I used my GI Bill and obtained a degree in Human Resources Management. I went to work for the Veteran Benefits Administration for the external affairs director. Finding the need for services I assisted in starting a Veteran Social Media group that actively serves nearly five thousands Veterans daily. I have served as Puyallup VFW Post Senior Vice Commander. My daily job is ensuring the Soldiers who are being medically separated from the Army are connected with the best resources to succeed outside of the military. I am what is called a Transition Coordinator at the Soldier Recovery Unit. Music credit to Kalvin Love for the podcast's theme song “Bee Your Best Self”Contact Suzi at suzigma@gmail.com or (818) 470-2013 and share your story.vetsandplayers.orgwildhorserescue.org Visit our webpage at cominghomewell.comInterested in sponsoring our podcasts email us at cominghomewell@gmail.comFollow us on our socialsYouTube @cominghomewellbehindtheserviceInstagram @cominghomewell_btsFacebook at Coming Home WellLinkedIn at Coming Home WellTwitter @ComingHomeWellThank you for listening!

I sit down with former 1-32INF Medic Christopher Bellingham. We talk about his background before the military, his time in the military, life after, and nonsense. He joined the Army as a teenager and by the time he was in his early twenties he had been to Afghanistan twice as a medic embedded with the 1-32INF out of Fort Drum, New York. His first deployment was in the Korangal Valley. The Korangal Valley, also nicknamed "The Valley of Death" is a valley in the Dara-I-Pech District of Kunar Province, eastern Afghanistan. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/duck-it-dialogue/support

Join us today as our souls connect to a riveting testimonial of heroism and valor with our Soul Doctor and author, Dr Kristiann Lefferts with special guest Gold Star Mother and Veteran, Susan Price. Susan shares the story of her son, a recognized Marine of the year, twice, which was a historic feat: Gunnery Sgt. Aaron M. Kenefick, who served in Kunar Province, Afghanistan as an ETT 2-8 Trainer. He received a bronze star and purple heart and was KIA during battle. We need to stop and recognize the incredible toll some families have taken to defend and honor our foundation of freedom! Susan has been an outspoken advocate for Veterans and was one of the first endorsements for the once candidate and now popular President, Donald J Trump.

Join us today as our souls connect to a riveting testimonial of heroism and valor with our Soul Doctor and author, Dr Kristiann Lefferts with special guest Gold Star Mother and Veteran, Susan Price. Susan shares the story of her son, a recognized Marine of the year, twice, which was a historic feat: Gunnery Sgt. Aaron M. Kenefick, who served in Kunar Province, Afghanistan as an ETT 2-8 Trainer. He received a bronze star and purple heart and was KIA during battle. We need to stop and recognize the incredible toll some families have taken to defend and honor our foundation of freedom! Susan has been an outspoken advocate for Veterans and was one of the first endorsements for the once candidate and now popular President, Donald J Trump.

"I talked to my son a week ago. He was going to be home in one month. 30 days and he would be returning home from the Army. He was an honorable part of Operation Enduring Freedom stationed in Afghanistan and my baby is headed home. I can wait for a hug. I just can't wait."  Michelle never got that hug. The next time she saw her son, he was in a casket. He died with glory serving his country, the United States of America. But all the glory in the world would not replace the pain of her broken heart. Her son was now a fallen soldier.  Confusion. Depression. Moving forward. Cant move forward. Support. Gold Star Mom. As a military mom, I can't image the pain.  Michelle later learned her son was not afraid to die. He was afraid to be forgotten! So today we honor him and the other soldier who died beside him.  A news article read:Two soldiers with Fort Collins ties are being remembered today after they were killed fighting in Afghanistan.Sgt. Aaron B. Cruttenden, 25, and CPL. Dale J. Kridlo, 33, were killed in action Nov. 7 when their patrol, which was sweeping for explosives in Operation Enduring Freedom, came under small-arms fire in Kunar Province, Afghanistan, according to the Department of Defense. Michelle is now President of the American Gold Star Mothers in the state of FL.  We are here to honor her son Dale and give recognition to all the gold star mothers out there.  For additional information about the Indian River County, FL Gold Star moms chapter, visit: https://www.ircgoldstarmoms.org/Email Michelle at: MichDaleIRC@GoldStrMoms@gmail.comVisit https://www.goldstarmoms.com/ for the national directory. Dogs For Life, Vero Beach, FL - https://www.dogsforlifevb.org/Support the podcast message: https://www.patreon.com/INEEDBLUEVisit https://ineedblue.net/  for additional stories 

 Suzi is joined by Retired Colonel Loren Weeks to talk about some of the issues and possible solutions within the VA Healthcare system. Some of the questions are: Why is the Veterans Affairs Hospital system not mapped out to serve veterans as efficiently as they are served when on active duty? Why is it that when veterans go to a VA hospital no matter where the location, the EMR system cannot retrieve medical records from another VA location? Why does a veteran have to enroll when they come into the Emergency Room before being seen? So many questions? Listen in to Suzi and Loren's perspectives on issues and solutions to create a better system for our veteran community.BioColonel Loren A. Weeks enlisted in the Army Reserve on June 6, 1983 as a 13B, Cannon Crewman, with the C Battery, 4th Battalion, 75th Division Artillery.  He served three years as an enlisted soldier with the U.S. Army Reserve and the Illinois Army National Guard before receiving a commission as a 2nd Lieutenant on May 10, 1986.  His service continued with the Illinois Army National Guard as a Platoon Leader with Company A, 3rd Battalion, 130th Infantry Regiment and Chemical Officer for the 106th Aviation Battalion.  In September 1987, he transferred to the U.S. Army serving as Chemical Officer with the 1st Battalion, 508th Airborne Infantry, 193rd Infantry Brigade stationed in the Republic of Panama.  During this tour, he participated in 28 named Joint Operations concluding with Operation Just Cause.  In 1990, he was transferred to Fort Campbell and served with the 63rd Chemical Company, 101st Airborne Division and the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment.  Colonel Weeks returned to the Illinois Army National Guard in March 1991 with service in the   66th Infantry Brigade, 34th Infantry Division as Brigade Chemical Officer and HHC Company Commander.  Branch transferring into the Quartermaster Corps, he was assigned duties within the Department of Logistics, State Area Command as the Defense Movement and Supply Management Officer. His last duty assignment within the Illinois Army National Guard was as Support Operations Officer, 232nd Corps Support Battalion.  He transferred to the California Army National Guard in 2003 and served as the Support Operations Officer, XO and the Battalion Commander of the 340th Forward Support Battalion and 1/149 Armor Battalion until his first Operation Enduring Freedom deployment.   As part of Task Force Phoenix, the 40th ID Embedded Training Team mentored the 5th Kandak (CSS Battalion), 2nd Brigade, 201st Corps at Forward Operating Base Fiaz, Kunar Province supporting ANA combat operations in the Kunar, Pech, Waterpor, Waygal, and Korrengal Valleys.Colonel Weeks returned to the CAARNG in 2009 to command the Pre-Mobilization Training Battalion, Task Force Warrior, with the primary responsibility for training assistance and certification of mobilizing units. In 2012, he conducted his second OEF Deployment assigned to the Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force - Afghanistan.  Upon return, he was assigned as the Army Division G-4.  In May 2015, he deployed to Afghanistan as commander of the 224th Logistics Mentor Team.Colonel Weeks' military education includes the Chemical Officer Basic Course, Quartermaster Officer's Advanced Course, Combined Arms and Services Staff School, Command and General Staff College. His civilian education includes a Baccalaureate of Arts Degree in Political Science from Southern Illinois University in 1987.Colonel Weeks' military awards and decorations include the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star with one Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal with three Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters, Army Commendation Medal with two Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters, Army Achievement Medal, Air Force Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Me

Hosted by Andrew Keen, Keen On features conversations with some of the world's leading thinkers and writers about the economic, political, and technological issues being discussed in the news, right now. In this episode, Andrew is joined by Major Tom Schueman and Zainullah Zaki, author of Always Faithful: A Story of the War in Afghanistan, the Fall of Kabul, and the Unshakable Bond Between a Marine and an Interpreter. Major Tom Schueman served in Afghanistan for sixteen months, including the single bloodiest battle of the war in Afghanistan as a platoon commander with the Third Battalion, Fifth Marines in Helmand Province. Schueman redeployed to Afghanistan as a JTAC and advisor to the Afghan National Army while he was a member of First Reconnaissance Battalion. Schueman went on to get his master's in English literature at Georgetown University and teach English literature at the United States Naval Academy. He is currently a student at the Naval War College and remains on active duty. He is also the founder of the nonprofit Patrol Base Abbate. Zainullah “Zak” Zaki is one of nine children and was raised by a subsistence farmer in eastern Afghanistan. Zak served as an interpreter for the U.S. forces during the war in Afghanistan with the Third Battalion, Fifth Marines in Helmand Province beginning in 2010, and later worked for the U.S. government in Kunar Province from 2012 to 2014. After more than six years battling bureaucracy with Major Tom Schueman as his advocate, Zak successfully immigrated to America with his family in 2021. He is currently awaiting a final ruling on his immigration status and working in construction in San Antonio, Texas. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode we are joined by Justin Roberts. Justin is a documentarian and former Army chaplain who served in Afghanistan with the 101st Airborne Division. Justin's documentary "No Greater Love" details the reality of war with firsthand footage and accounts of a harrowing 12-month deployment to Kunar Province, Afghanistan. While we discuss Justin's experiences in Afghanistan, he spoke to us while on the ground in Ukraine. We discuss what the current battle tempo is like, and how the war has evolved into an artillery-heavy war with little maneuver. Justin has an incredible perspective of war and the people affected. No Greater Love Support the show and become a War Stories patron: https://www.patreon.com/warstoriespodcast Website: https://www.warstories.co

In this episode Preston Stewart and Sayre Payne are joined by a group of Dimitri Del Castillo's classmates, Army rugby teammates and friends. John Wagner, Jericho Jones, Tommy Sandonato, Andy Brigman, and Mike Fleming. They talk about their time with Del at West Point, on the rugby pitch, during Ranger School and once everyone scattered their separate ways into the Army. 1LT Dimitri Del Castillo was killed on June 25th, 2011 in Kunar Province, Afghanistan while serving as a platoon leader with 2-35IN, 3rd BCT, 25th ID.

https://twitter.com/wesleysmorgan?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor (Wesley Morgan) is a military affairs reporter who covered the Pentagon for two and a half years at Politico. He previously worked as a freelance journalist in Washington, D.C., Iraq, and Afghanistan, contributing stories to The Washington Post, The New York Times, The Atlantic and other publications. He is an alumnus of Princeton University. In the wake of our withdrawl from Afghanistan, I - like many of you - have done a lot of soul-searching, navel gazing, and head-scratching about the war: our goals, our execution, our exit. That's why I was glad to have Wes Morgan on the show today. Wes is the author of https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/227894/the-hardest-place-by-wesley-morgan/ (The Hardest Place: The American Military Adrift in Afghanistan's Pech Valley), a book that I place alongside Steve Coll's books and Thomas Barfield's Afghanistan as invaluable contributions to understanding the country and its problem sets. Wes started the book as an embedded reporter in 2010 and continued writing it, traveling to Afghanistan and interviewing folks for the next decade or so. He was there for the first draft of history, but his book has the benefit of perspective and context for how the war would play out. I would go so far as to say that if you haven't read The Hardest Place yet, you may not fully understand or be able to articulate all the dysfunction and nuance that you might have found during your deployments there. Or maybe that's just me and I'm projecting. But either way, any serious student of military history or our time in Afghanistan or proponent of COIN cannot afford to ignore the book. Wes wisely focuses on Pech Valley and Kunar Province, without trying to sum up all the battle spaces inside Afghanistan, so there are certain problem sets that don't translate completely to other provinces. But the Venn diagram of problems in Pech Valley overlaps enough with the rest of Afghanistan to provide a useful insight into many aspects of the war, theater-wide. Follow Wes https://www.instagram.com/wesleysmorgan/ (here).

Today we hear a special Combat Story of one of the military's most revered leaders who many have never heard of (but should). This is the experience of retired Colonel Bill Ostlund, a beloved mentor and leader developer who served 35 years in the Army working his way up from a private and growing into combat command in some of the bloodiest fighting of any unit in the post-9/11 era. [NOTE: We're launching on Patreon soon. Register to get notified at https://www.combatstory.com/patreon] Bill's command in Kunar Province, recounted countless times in dozens of books including Sebastian Junger's War and the documentary Restrepo, resulted in over 400 awards for valor and three Medals of Honor (all living honorees). This episode is an embarrassment of riches for those who want to know what real leadership looks like; what the Burden of Command actually means; how you show up after losing a soldier six hours into a 15 month deployment; or leading joint SpecOps task forces with Delta, DEVGRU, 160th, and other Tier 1 elements over thousands of operations. Bill Ostlund will remind so many listeners of Todd Opalski in how he cared for and treated his soldiers and explains why, so many years later, his soldiers and officers still seek his advice as they step into greater roles of responsibility in the military and their personal lives. I'm honored to have had a chance to spend this time with what so many think of as the pinnacle of battlefield leadership and hope you enjoy this Combat Story on leadership as much as I did. Find Ryan Online Combat Story Merch Ryan's Linktree Instagram @combatstory Facebook @combatstoryofficial Send us messages Email ryan@combatstory.com Learn more about Ryan Intro Song: Sport Rock from Audio Jungle Show Notes: 0:00 - Intro 0:40 - Guest introduction (Bill Ostlund) 1:31 - Interview begins 3:44 - The jump into Iraq in March 2003 with almost 1000 paratroopers 12:09 - Bill's perspective on the current conflict in Ukraine 17:32 - Childhood and getting into the military 42:19 - Combat Story #1 - Lightning in the Storm Air Assault and leadership lessons learned 1:06:49 - Instilling expectation in his soldiers and his love of soldiers 1:26:57 - Combat Story #2 – Troops in Contact 6 hours into 15 month mission after just taking command 1:37:08 - Awards process and how combat provides a unique opportunity for leaning and growth 1:49:30 Combat Story #3 - Battle of Wanat 2:08:48 – Feeling about now having a son in the military 2:10:09 - What did you carry into combat/interrogations? 2:11:41 - Would you do it all again? 2:15:23 - Listener comments and shout outs

Today Preston Stewart and Sayre Payne are joined by a group of Dimitri Del Castillo's classmates, Army rugby teammates and friends. John Wagner, Jericho Jones, Tommy Sandonato, Andy Brigman, and Mike Fleming. They talk about their time with Del at West Point, on the rugby pitch, during Ranger School and once everyone scattered their separate ways into the Army. 1LT Dimitri Del Castillo was killed on June 25th, 2011 in Kunar Province, Afghanistan while serving as a platoon leader with 2-35IN, 3rd BCT, 25th ID.

-The following citation is an account of the actions that earned U.S. Army Captain (ret.) Florent Groberg the Congressional Medal of Honor-Captain Florent Groberg distinguished himself by acts of gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving as a Personal Security Detachment Commander for Task Force Mountain Warrior, 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, during combat operations against an armed enemy in Asadbad, Kunar Province, Afghanistan on August 8, 2012. On that day, Captain Groberg was leading a dismounted movement consisting of several senior leaders to include two brigade commanders, two battalion commanders, two command sergeants major, and an Afghanistan National Army brigade commander. As they approached the Provincial Governor's compound, Captain Groberg observed an individual walking close to the formation. When the individual made an abrupt turn towards the formation, he noticed an abnormal bulge underneath the individual's clothing. Selflessly placing himself in front of one of the brigade commanders, Captain Groberg rushed forward, using his body to push the suspect away from the formation. Simultaneously, he ordered another member of the security detail to assist with removing the suspect. At this time, Captain Groberg confirmed the bulge was a suicide vest and with complete disregard for his life, Captain Groberg again with the assistance of the other member of the security detail, physically pushed the suicide bomber away from the formation. Upon falling, the suicide bomber detonated his explosive vest outside the perimeter of the formation, killing four members of the formation and wounding numerous others. The blast from the first suicide bomber caused the suicide vest of a previously unnoticed second suicide bomber to detonate prematurely with minimal impact on the formation. Captain Groberg's immediate actions push the first suicide bomber away from the formation significantly minimized the impact of the coordinated suicide bombers' attack on the formation, saving the lives of his comrades and several senior leaders. Captain Groberg's extraordinary heroism and selflessness above and beyond the call of duty at the risk of life are in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect credit upon himself, 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division and the United States Army.Follow Florent Groberg:https://www.instagram.com/florent.groberg/?hl=en8 Seconds of Courage: A Soldier's Story from Immigrant to the Medal of Honor:https://www.amazon.com/Seconds-Courage-Soldiers-Story-Immigrant/dp/1501165887#:~:text=Amazon.com%3A%208%20Seconds%20of,Flo%2C%20Sileo%2C%20Tom%3A%20BooksFirstNet Built with AT&T:http://www.firstnet.com/healthandwellnessDownload the O2X Tactical Performance App:app.o2x.comLet us know what you think:Website: http://o2x.comIG: https://instagram.com/o2xhumanperformance?igshid=1kicimx55xt4f 

Join MSgt Roger Sparks and host Jason Sweet for LIVE Q&A with aspiring special operations candidates across the United States. SOCOM Athlete is America's #1 resource in Special Operations career preparation. In this powerful episode of the "Send Me" podcast, Roger Sparks, a USAF Pararescueman (PJ) legend & the Author of “Warrior’s Creed" opens up for questions on battlefield experience, leadership, training tips, and more. Roger was considered for the Medal of Honor for his actions in Kunar Province, Afghanistan during Operation Bulldog Bite, receiving the Silver Star Medal for "distinguished valor & heroism in combat." A former USMC Force Reconnaissance Marine & USMC Basic Reconnaissance Course (BRC) instructor, Roger trained thousands of candidates during his time as a Marine before continuing his journey into the Air Force. After successfully graduating the 2-year PJ pipeline, Roger's first duty station was the 23 Special Tactics Squadron at Hurlburt Field, Florida, where he later transferred to the elite Alaska PJ team, 212 Rescue Squadron. Whether rescuing downed pilots from a remote glacier in Alaska, or braving Taliban gunfire to save infantrymen of the 101st Airborne in the austere mountains of Northeastern Afghanistan, Roger lives by the PJ motto: "These things we do, that others may live." It's a true honor to bring Roger Sparks on the podcast. "Send Me!"• SOCOM Athlete Website: https://www.socomathlete.com/• Become a Patreon Donor to support us & keep the podcast going: https://www.patreon.com/socomathlete• Follow SOCOM Athlete Instagram: https://instagram.com/socomathlete/• Subscribe to our YouTube Channel:(With One Click!): http://www.youtube.com/c/SOCOMAthlete?sub_confirmation=1• Check out our Reviews on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/socomathlete/reviews/The “Send Me” Podcast by SOCOM Athlete connects well-known U.S. Special Operators with America’s aspiring young leaders & warriors; sharing battlefield wisdom, leadership advice, childhood stories, and expert training tips. SOCOM Athlete is America's #1 resource in special operations career preparation. We are a special operations veteran-owned organization featuring nation-wide training events & a vast online community, providing individuals of all ages a full-spectrum resource to maximize readiness via: nation-wide hosting of assessment/developmental events, nation-wide online group chats, leadership skills & team communication development, workout programming, meal planning, elite physical training/mentoring, career information/Q&A, and more.Many SOCOM Athlete students have gone forward to accomplish their goals and are now serving as Special Operators in the Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Army Special Operations community. Will YOU be next? Contact us via website, email, or social media today!

SOCOM Athlete is America's #1 resource in Special Operations career preparation. In this powerful episode of the "Send Me" podcast, host Jason Sweet brings on Roger Sparks; a USAF Pararescueman (PJ) legend & the Author of “Warrior’s Creed." Roger was considered for the Medal of Honor for his actions in Kunar Province, Afghanistan during Operation Bulldog Bite, receiving the Silver Star Medal for "distinguished valor & heroism in combat." A former USMC Force Reconnaissance Marine & USMC Basic Reconnaissance Course (BRC) instructor, Roger trained thousands of candidates during his time as a Marine before continuing his journey into the Air Force. After successfully graduating the 2-year PJ pipeline, Roger's first duty station was the 23 Special Tactics Squadron at Hurlburt Field, Florida, where he later transferred to the elite Alaska PJ team, 212 Rescue Squadron. Whether rescuing downed pilots from a remote glacier in Alaska, or braving Taliban gunfire to save infantrymen of the 101st Airborne in the austere mountains of Northeastern Afghanistan, Roger lives by the PJ motto: "These things we do, that others may live." It's a true honor to bring Roger Sparks on the podcast. "Send Me!"• SOCOM Athlete Website: https://www.socomathlete.com/• Become a Patreon Donor to support us & keep the podcast going: https://www.patreon.com/socomathlete• Follow SOCOM Athlete Instagram: https://instagram.com/socomathlete/• Subscribe to our YouTube Channel:(With One Click!): http://www.youtube.com/c/SOCOMAthlete?sub_confirmation=1• Check out our Reviews on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/socomathlete/reviews/The “Send Me” Podcast by SOCOM Athlete connects well-known U.S. Special Operators with America’s aspiring young leaders & warriors; sharing battlefield wisdom, leadership advice, childhood stories, and expert training tips. SOCOM Athlete is America's #1 resource in special operations career preparation. We are a special operations veteran-owned organization featuring nation-wide training events & a vast online community, providing individuals of all ages a full-spectrum resource to maximize readiness via: nation-wide hosting of assessment/developmental events, nation-wide online group chats, leadership skills & team communication development, workout programming, meal planning, elite physical training/mentoring, career information/Q&A, and more.Many SOCOM Athlete students have gone forward to accomplish their goals and are now serving as Special Operators in the Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Army Special Operations community. Will YOU be next? Contact us via website, email, or social media today!

In this episode of Haunted AF, Rebekah & Julie talk to a Marine who was protected by something unknown in Afghanistan. They also hear more terrifying stories from the Kalita Humphreys Theater in Dallas, which is allegedly haunted by Frank Lloyd Wright! Remember to send your ghost, Bigfoot, UFO or "Glitch in the Matrix" stories to hauntedafpodcast@gmail.com & include your number in case Rebekah & Julie want to have YOU on Season 4 of Haunted AF!

Dakota Louis Meyer is a retired United States Marine. A veteran of the War in Afghanistan, he was awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions during the Battle of Ganjgal on 8 September 2009, in Kunar Province, Afghanistan.

Dr. Katie Kopp, Ph.D. assumes Co-hosting duties on today’s Saga Episode to discuss her amazing journey to becoming a Clinical Psychologist. Not all Veterans set out in life to serve directly, but some are given auspicious moments that change their life's path, thus changing them forever. Katie is one of those Veterans who found Soldiering to be a calling that she found tough not to answer. Katie takes us through her time in college as she worked on achieving her goal to become a Clinical Psychologist and how a scholarship changed everything for her and her family.  As CPT Kopp, Katie was embedded with the “Mountain Warriors” of 4th Brigade, 4th Infantry Division at Ft. Carson, CO, where she deployed not once, but twice with her brigade to the Kunar Province, Afghanistan. Listen to her describe her first deployment and the actions she took to get timely care to the survivors of the Battles of Ganjgal and Keating. Her second deployment saw her traveling all over RC-East to help service members manage life in a combat environment, even providing a solid sounding board for Sr. Battalion/Brigade leadership. I’ve talked about a concept that I call a “Veterans-Veteran” on the show before. Dr. Kopp is one of those Veterans who are leaning forward in the ruck straps to ensure positive outcomes for Veterans. CPT Kopp's passion was first and foremost the mission, keeping service members in the fight and as fit as possible mentally was paramount in fulfilling that. As a Clinical Psychologist and a Veteran, Dr. Kopp has not stopped supporting the mission of the Veterans she helps today. We look forward to having Dr. Kopp on the podcast again to help us Veterans understand what's new with “Our Mental Health”. Everyone stay safe out there and help us spread the word by sharing. Don't miss an episode, Subscribe to stay in the loop. HOV©2020

Retired US Army Captain Eric Gobin served with the 1-75 CAV which is a reconnaissance unit in 2 BCT, 101st Airborne DIV. He attended the United States Military Academy: West Point where he attended Airborne School, Air Assault School and was a D1 Wrestler. On completion of IBOLC he attended Ranger School and deployed to Kunar Province, Afghanistan immediately on arrival to his unit. He Deployed to Northern Iraq on his next deployment supporting the campaign fighting ISIS. He is now a High School Science teacher.  You can find him on Insta @gobin_eric  Follow us on Insta @leadwasps  If you or anyone you know might be a suitable fit for the podcast email leadwaspspodcast@gmail.com for consideration.

Some dates are seared into one's memory. For Jon Macaskill, that date is June 28, 2005. Jon Macaskill is a recently retired US Navy Seal, an officer, graduate of the US Naval Academy at Annapolis. Jon is currently the Deputy Executive Director and Podcast host for Veteran's Path. Veteran's PATH enables returning veterans to rediscover meaning, purpose, and joy in their lives through mindfulness, meditation, and a safe community. Jon stepped into the Spotlight in this VeteranCrowd podcast episode. Operation Red Wings Jon Macaskill was serving in the Teams in Afghanistan in June of 2005 when Operation Red Wings was conceived and under way. June 28, 2005 turned out to be the one of the darkest days in the history of the Navy SEAL teams. Operation Red Wings, informally referred to as the Battle of Abbas Ghar was a combined / joint military operation during the War in Afghanistan in the Pech District of Afghanistan's Kunar Province, on the slopes of a mountain named Sawtalo Sar. As we spoke on this podcast, I recognized the immense impact this event had upon Jon - it was telegraphed in his appearance. Jon shared with me the pain of this event, his close ties to the SEALs lost that day, and the survivor guilt that he and many others carried home. He also shared his journey to recovery, and the discoveries he made along that way. Veteran's Path Now recently retired, Jon is relocating with his young family to Colorado Springs, and launching a new drive for veterans to help them recover through techniques that helped him - including meditation and mindfulness. Rather than pursue some of the “shiny things' offered transitioning special operations veterans, Jon sought to find his passion. It  became clear to Jon he must help others as he had been helped himself. Jon decided to found a non-profit to teach these things, but luckily one already existed. As he searched, Jon found Veteran' PATH, a non-profit founded by two women in Berkeley, CA in 2008. Originally called “Honoring the Path of the Warrior,” this company had been introducing veterans to the life-changing and life-saving benefits of mindfulness and mediation. Jon walked me through the impact on his life and: Physiological changes to the brain How 100,000 years of evolution is hard to change, but needs to How military training for stress develops one way and meditation another How 200,000 transitioning veterans need this training every year to find their path and their “new tribe” Veteran's Path is kicking off a new program, supported by social media and delivered online this week in concert with eMindful. Accelerated by the Corona Virus, these online programs augment many of the services Veteran's PATH provided face to face in the past. You can learn more about Jon and Veteran's PATH at the links provided below. Jon Macaskill - Veteran's Path Website: Veteranspath.org Podcast:  Veteran's PATH on all major podcast platforms. YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPvJnrurdnXxdlaE7v3uoMA Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/veteranspath/ Facebook: https://facebook.com/veteranspath LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/veteran's-path Twitter: https://twitter.com/veteranspath

22JUL2007: Serving as a medic with 2nd Platoon, Battle Company, 2-503IN, 173d ABN BDE, PFC Juan Restrepo deployed with his unit to the Korengal Valley, Kunar Province, Afghanistan in May of 2007. PFC Restrepo and his unit quickly understood they had landed in the heart of enemy country where firefights would become a daily part of life. As a medic, PFC Restrepo was tasked with looking after his platoon both on combat patrols as well as during down time on base. In turn, his job never really stopped, just changed forms. A few months into his deployment, on 22JUL2007, PFC Restrepo was on a patrol when enemy fire erupted all around. Instinctively going to ground for cover, PFC Restrepo then did what a great medic does, he raised his head to see if any of his brothers were hit. In doing so, he was struck by enemy fire and mortally wounded. As his brothers gathered to provide medical aid, PFC Restrepo did his best to relay what these men needed to do to treat him, the normal roles now reversed. PFC Juan Restrepo, age 20, would pass away that day on the MEDEVAC flight. For continually going above and beyond to care for his men, PFC Juan Restrepo would be awarded, posthumously the Bronze Star.

Mat Best sits down with Medal of Honor Recipient and long time friend, Dakota Meyer to catch up and discuss current events. Dakota is a United States Marine. A veteran of the War in Afghanistan, he was awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions during the Battle of Ganjgal on 8 September 2009, Kunar Province, Afghanistan.

The one and only, Dakota Meyer is here! Dakota is a retired Marine Corps scout sniper, Father, entrepreneur and author, among many other things. Dakota was deployed to Afghanistan, as part of a training team that supported the Afghan local Military, fighting the Taliban forces in the Kunar Province area. On Sept 8, 2009 his life would change forever when the Battle of Ganjgal fired off. Dakota’s selfless actions during that day would go into history as he was awarded the Medal of Honor by President Obama in 2011. Dakota goes really deep into this subject on the Jocko Podcast, episode 115 as well as the Joe Roegan Podcast #1363 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E6LbwCKJ0lo https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PlDUYhZvU9s As a father of 2 daughters, Dakota tries to instill into his children what his Father and family placed into him, a sense of work ethic, right and wrong, and “living a life worth living”. Meyer credits his Dad’s parenting style for most of his success. His father didn’t just tell Dakota how to live to be a good person, he showed him by doing those actions himself everyday. Dakota believes whole heartedly that its a Dads job to show his sons what a man is supposed to be, and to show what his Daughters should expect from a man. There are so many amazing conversations in this podcast at it goes into what it means to be a Father, training for parenting, getting comfortable being uncomfortable, discipline styles, and so much more. Dakota has an amazing perspective on so many areas in life, that can only be had after being in the extreme situations he has been through. Sit back, relax and enjoy Episode 022 of the Tactical Baby Gear® Podcast.

Dakota Meyer is a United States Marine. A veteran of the War in Afghanistan, he was awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions during the Battle of Ganjgal on 8 September 2009, in Kunar Province, Afghanistan.

Dakota Meyer is a United States Marine. A veteran of the War in Afghanistan, he was awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions during the Battle of Ganjgal on 8 September 2009, in Kunar Province, Afghanistan.

Here it is, episode 1 of Iron Man Minute, my new podcast discussing the 2008 film Iron Man, one minute at a time.In this first episode, I discuss the logos that appear at the beginning of the film for Paramount Pictures and Marvel Studios and provide a little history about each of those companies.I also talk about the overall action of the minute and give some background on Kunar Province, Afghanistan, the setting for this minute and much of the action to follow in the film.Finally, I finish things out with a little tidbit I'd never noticed in the film, until I paused it at the one minute mark to make this podcast.Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/MARVELousminute)

This week's podcast guest is retired U.S. Army Capt and Medal of Honor winner, Florent "Flo" Groberg. Flo was born in Poissy, France and became a naturalized U.S. citizen in 2001. Flo went to high school with my wife at Walter Johnson High School in Bethesda, Md. Groberg attended the University of Maryland, College Park (UMD) and competed in varsity track and cross country. In May 2006, Groberg graduated from UMD with a bachelor's degree in criminology and criminal justice. Groberg entered the Army and attended Officer Candidate School at Fort Benning, Ga. He received his commission as an infantry officer, Dec. 4, 2008. After completing Infantry Officer Basic Course, Mechanized Leaders Course, U.S. Army Airborne and U.S. Army Ranger Schools, he was assigned to the 4th Infantry Division at Fort Carson, Colo., as a platoon leader. In November 2009, he deployed to Afghanistan as part of Task Force Lethal, with responsibility for the Pech River Valley in Afghanistan's Kunar Province. Upon returning home in June 2010, he continued serving as a platoon leader until he was reassigned as an infantry company executive officer from October 2010 to November 2011. He was then assigned as the brigade personal security detachment commander for 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division. He deployed again to Kunar Province, Afghanistan, in February of 2012, with Task Force Mountain Warrior. He was promoted to captain in July 2012. As a result of his actions, Groberg sustained the loss of 45 to 50 percent of his left calf muscle with significant nerve damage, a blown eardrum, and a mild traumatic brain injury. Groberg spent his recovery at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center from August 2012 through May 2015. He was medically retired from Company B Warriors, Warrior Transition Battalion, as a captain, July 23, 2015. Groberg's awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal with one Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster, the Purple Heart, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, the Army Achievement Medal with one Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster, the Afghanistan Campaign Medal with three Bronze Service Stars; the Global War on Terrorism Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Army Service Ribbon, the Overseas Service Ribbon, the NATO Medal, the Combat Infantryman Badge, the U.S. Army Parachutists Badge, the U.S. Army Ranger Tab, and the Meritorious Unit Commendation. You can follow Flo on Twitter: @FlorentGroberg and read his book, 8 Seconds of Courage.  Also, if you liked this episode and others, please support us at Patreon or follow me on Twitter: @brianlevenson or Instagram: @IntentionalPerformers. Thanks, Brian

202: Medal of Honor Recipient Florent Groberg Medal of Honor Recipient Florent Groberg served in the military for about seven years. From an infantry officer, he became a captain and took part of a deadly mission in Afghanistan. He survived to tell his story in his book, 8 Seconds of Courage. "Dream big. Don't put anything off because you don't think you can make it." - Retired Capt. Florent Groberg Off to Afghanistan Retired Capt. Groberg entered the Army in 2008. He became a platoon leader after completing the Infantry Officer Basic Course, Mechanized Leaders Course, U.S. Airborne and U.S. Army Ranger Schools. He deployed to Kunar Province, Afghanistan where he was part of Task Force Lethal in 2009 and of Task Force Mountain Warrior in 2012. In July of 2012, he was promoted to captain. The Game Changer For six months that time, their mission was to protect the Colonel on the ground and plan his air movement. But in August, what was supposed to be an easy task proved to be lethal. Two suicide bombers appeared on their way to a security meeting in East Afghanistan. The detonation of the first bomber killed four members of their team. Retired Capt. Groberg was left with a traumatic brain injury. He also lost almost half his left calf muscle and suffered from a blown eardrum and a significant nerve damage. Life with a New Mission Consequently, he spent almost four years in the hospital for recovery. In 2015, he medically retired as a captain. That time, he struggled and couldn't understand why he was spared. It led him to a new mission in life, which was to honor his brothers and their families. Upon transition, he slowly picked up himself and furthered his education. Now, he works at the Department of Defense as a civilian employee. To hear from Medal of Honor Recipient Florent Groberg, download and listen to this episode. Don’t forget to leave us a 5-star rating and review if you enjoyed the show. We would love to hear from you! Check out these links from Medal of Honor Recipient Florent Groberg: 8 Seconds of Courage book Transitions 2.0 book Download Joe Crane’s Top 7 Paths to Freedom or get it on your mobile device. Text VETERAN to 38470. Guest Bio Florent Groberg Retired U.S. Army Captain Florent Groberg is the Co-Author of 8 Seconds of Courage, where he shares his story as an immigrant from France who ended up as receiving the Congressional Medal of Honor. After seven years in the military, he now works at the Department of Defense and with a new life mission. His many other awards include the Global War on Terrorism Medal, the NATO Medal, and the Meritorious Unit Commendation. Join the Veteran on the Move on Facebook! Check out Veteran on the Move on Facebook to connect with our guests! It’s also a great place where you can stay in touch with other veterans who are transitioning to entrepreneurship, and get updates and free gouge on the people programs and resources to help you in your transition to entrepreneurship. The Veteran On the Move podcast has published over 150 episodes giving listeners the opportunity to hear in-depth interviews conducted by host Joe Crane featuring the people, programs and resources to assist veterans in their transition to entrepreneurship: Marine Corps, Army, Navy, Air Force and Coast Guard veterans, DOD, entrepreneurship, business, success, military spouse, transition, education, programs and resources. Veteran On the Move has garnered over 500,000 listens verified through Stitcher Radio, Sound Cloud, Itunes and RSS Feed Syndication making it one of the most popular Military Entrepreneur Shows on the Internet Today.

Today we pick-up with Ryan Pitts' story as the Anti-Afghan force begins their deadly and sustained assault on Pitts and his observation post, in the vicinity of Wanat Village, Kunar Province, Afghanistan on July 13, 2008! If you like the show, please subscribe/rate/review on iTunes!  It helps the show tremendously, and we always appreciate the feedback!

Veterans Day Program Room 003, Rockefeller Center PP_F13_Michael_Breen Michael Breen '02 Executive Director, The Truman National Security Project and the Center for National Policy Michael Breen is the Executive Director of the Truman National Security Project and the Center for National Policy. Breen is frequently called on to testify before Congress, regularly briefs government officials and elected leaders on security issues, and makes frequent media appearances. A former U.S. Army officer, Breen served with the infantry in Iraq and led paratroopers from the 173rd Airborne Brigade in Kunar Province, Afghanistan. After leaving the military, Breen clerked for the Office of White House Counsel. He co-founded the Iraqi Refugee Assistance Project, an organization that provides safe passage and new beginnings for Iraqi refugees. Mike has worked with refugees in Syria, Lebanon and Jordan—establishing the first clinical legal education program in Jordan. He serves on the Boards of IRAP and Yellow Ribbons United. Breen holds a BA in Government from Dartmouth College and a JD from Yale Law School. Mike is a proud New Hampshire native and a member of the NH Bar Association.

Bruce McQuain from Blackfive joined us once again for Someone You Should Know, our weekly tribute to the troops. Bruce spent 28 years in the U.S. Army and he is a veteran of the Vietnam war. He brings a perspective and understanding to these stories that we could never match. This week Bruce told us about Staff Sgt. Lincoln V. Dockery, "Staff Sgt. Lincoln V. Dockery said he didn't even see the grenade that sent shrapnel into his right forearm while charging insurgent fighters in Afghanistan's Korengal valley, Nov. 16, 2007. "Someone yelled out,” he said. “My hand went up and a hot, sharp feeling went through." Dockery, a combat engineer then assigned to a route clearance patrol with Company A of the 173rd Airborne Brigade's Special Troops Battalion, said he decided the injury wasn't major, and continued his charge up a hill into enemy fire. "I don't want to think about what would have happened had he not been there," said Capt. William Cromie, Dockery's platoon leader that day in Afghanistan. "It would have been a completely different day." Dockery said the description of the mission for which the patrol departed from Forward Operating Base Asadabad in Kunar Province that day sounded like the description of their mission for any other day: "Out looking for bombs." "My only concern was for the guys who worked under me," the 25-year-old stated." The Someone You Should Know radio collaboration began as an extension of Matt Burden’s series at Blackfive. Bruce does an incredible job with the series every week. What is Pundit Review Radio? On Boston's Talk Station WRKO since 2005, Pundit Review Radio is where the old media meets the new. Each week we give voice to the work of the most influential leaders in the new media/citizen journalist revolution. Called "groundbreaking" by Talkers Magazine, this unique show brings the best of the blogs to the radio every Sunday evening from 8-10pm on AM680 WRKO, Boston's Talk Station.

Bruce McQuain from Blackfive joined us once again for Someone You Should Know, our weekly tribute to the troops. Bruce spent 28 years in the U.S. Army and he is a veteran of the Vietnam war. He brings a perspective and understanding to these stories that we could never match. This week Bruce told us about Staff Sgt. Lincoln V. Dockery, "Staff Sgt. Lincoln V. Dockery said he didn't even see the grenade that sent shrapnel into his right forearm while charging insurgent fighters in Afghanistan's Korengal valley, Nov. 16, 2007. "Someone yelled out,” he said. “My hand went up and a hot, sharp feeling went through." Dockery, a combat engineer then assigned to a route clearance patrol with Company A of the 173rd Airborne Brigade's Special Troops Battalion, said he decided the injury wasn't major, and continued his charge up a hill into enemy fire. "I don't want to think about what would have happened had he not been there," said Capt. William Cromie, Dockery's platoon leader that day in Afghanistan. "It would have been a completely different day." Dockery said the description of the mission for which the patrol departed from Forward Operating Base Asadabad in Kunar Province that day sounded like the description of their mission for any other day: "Out looking for bombs." "My only concern was for the guys who worked under me," the 25-year-old stated." The Someone You Should Know radio collaboration began as an extension of Matt Burden’s series at Blackfive. Bruce does an incredible job with the series every week. What is Pundit Review Radio? On Boston's Talk Station WRKO since 2005, Pundit Review Radio is where the old media meets the new. Each week we give voice to the work of the most influential leaders in the new media/citizen journalist revolution. Called "groundbreaking" by Talkers Magazine, this unique show brings the best of the blogs to the radio every Sunday evening from 8-10pm on AM680 WRKO, Boston's Talk Station.

Bruce McQuain from Blackfive joined us once again for Someone You Should Know, our weekly tribute to the troops. Bruce spent 28 years in the U.S. Army and he is a veteran of the Vietnam war. He brings a perspective and understanding to these stories that we could never match. Tonight, Bruce told us about an incident from earlier this month in Afghanistan that was reported by the New York Times in a story titled "Turning Tables, U.S. Troops Ambush Taliban With Swift and Lethal Results", Fight by fight, the infantryman’s war in Afghanistan is often waged on the Taliban’s terms. Insurgents ambush convoys and patrols from high ridges or long ranges and slip away as the Americans, weighed down by equipment, return fire and call for air and artillery support. Last week a patrol from the First Infantry Division reversed the routine. An American platoon surprised an armed Taliban column on a forested ridgeline at night, and killed at least 13 insurgents, and perhaps many more, with rifles, machine guns, Claymore mines, hand grenades and a knife. The one-sided fight, fought on the slopes of the same mountain where a Navy Seal patrol was surrounded in 2005 and a helicopter with reinforcements was shot down, does not change the war. It was one of hundreds of firefights that have occurred in the Korangal Valley, an isolated region where local insurgents and the Americans have been locked in a bitter stalemate for more than three years. But as accounts of the fight have spread, the ambush, on Good Friday, has become an emotional rallying point for soldiers in Kunar Province, who have seen it as a both a validation of their equipment and training and a welcome bit of score-settling in an area that in recent years has claimed more American lives than any other." The Someone You Should Know radio collaboration began as an extension of Matt Burden’s series at Blackfive. Bruce does an incredible job with the series every week. What is Pundit Review Radio? Pundit Review Radio is where the old media meets the new. Each week we give voice to the work of the most influential leaders in the new media/citizen journalist revolution. Called “groundbreaking” by Talkers Magazine, this unique show brings the best of the blogs to your radio every Sunday evening from 8-10 pm EST on AM680 WRKO, Boston’s Talk Station.

Bruce McQuain from Blackfive joined us once again for Someone You Should Know, our weekly tribute to the troops. Bruce spent 28 years in the U.S. Army and he is a veteran of the Vietnam war. He brings a perspective and understanding to these stories that we could never match. Tonight, Bruce told us about an incident from earlier this month in Afghanistan that was reported by the New York Times in a story titled "Turning Tables, U.S. Troops Ambush Taliban With Swift and Lethal Results", Fight by fight, the infantryman’s war in Afghanistan is often waged on the Taliban’s terms. Insurgents ambush convoys and patrols from high ridges or long ranges and slip away as the Americans, weighed down by equipment, return fire and call for air and artillery support. Last week a patrol from the First Infantry Division reversed the routine. An American platoon surprised an armed Taliban column on a forested ridgeline at night, and killed at least 13 insurgents, and perhaps many more, with rifles, machine guns, Claymore mines, hand grenades and a knife. The one-sided fight, fought on the slopes of the same mountain where a Navy Seal patrol was surrounded in 2005 and a helicopter with reinforcements was shot down, does not change the war. It was one of hundreds of firefights that have occurred in the Korangal Valley, an isolated region where local insurgents and the Americans have been locked in a bitter stalemate for more than three years. But as accounts of the fight have spread, the ambush, on Good Friday, has become an emotional rallying point for soldiers in Kunar Province, who have seen it as a both a validation of their equipment and training and a welcome bit of score-settling in an area that in recent years has claimed more American lives than any other." The Someone You Should Know radio collaboration began as an extension of Matt Burden’s series at Blackfive. Bruce does an incredible job with the series every week. What is Pundit Review Radio? Pundit Review Radio is where the old media meets the new. Each week we give voice to the work of the most influential leaders in the new media/citizen journalist revolution. Called “groundbreaking” by Talkers Magazine, this unique show brings the best of the blogs to your radio every Sunday evening from 8-10 pm EST on AM680 WRKO, Boston’s Talk Station.