Podcasts about Master sergeant

Happy 4th of July! Ann sits down with a Young Marine Julie Solano, and Henry Gonzales, Master Sergeant retired US Marine Corps to talk about the program. Also Larry Groth, former city of Waco manager, stops by to talk Mammoth. We get some great music from Patrick and Jett Shade! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Quaranteam – Book 1: Part 21 Andy's spirits are lifted by an old friend. Based on a post by CorruptingPower, in 25 parts. Listen to the Podcast at Explicit Novels. Chapter 36 Half an hour later, his phone rang and Andy glanced down to see it was Phil calling, a picture of him with the words "Phil The Elder" superimposed over part of it. The poker group actually had two Phils in it,  Phil Marcos and Phil Pak. The two men were dramatically different from one another, but also remarkably similar in others. They shared the same first name, so the group had given them nicknames when they were talking about them if it could've been either of them. Phil Marcos a.k.a. Phil The Elder a.k.a. Greater Phil was 34, Filipino and worked for Boeing with the Air Force at a base in the East Bay, and was certainly the closer friend to Andy. They'd met at a local comic book store just after Andy had moved out to the West Coast, and had hit it off immediately. When Andy had started his poker group up a few years later, Phil was one of the first people Andy had called. Phil Pak, a.k.a. Phil The Younger a.k.a. Lesser Phil was 32, Korean and worked for the NSA out of San Francisco, and not someone they'd seen as often as they liked. For the last couple of years, Lesser Phil had been trying to convince Andy to come work as a data analyst for the NSA in terms of interpretation and extrapolation. Lesser Phil had been a college friend of Eric's, and had been introduced to Andy only a few months after he'd met Greater Phil. While Andy still typically thought of them as Greater and Lesser Phil, he tried not to call them that out loud, and had them as Phil The Elder and Phil The Younger in his phone. Andy asked if it was a common name, and Eric remarked that he knew at least a couple more Phils but none he knew that well. Andy told him he'd had a similar problem with Jennys in high school. "Talk to me, Phil," Andy said to his friend. "You heard the recording. Should I be worried?" "Concerned, yes. Worried, no," Phil sighed. He sounded exhausted on the other end of the line, but as of late, Phil had always sounded exhausted. Whatever he was doing over at the base, it was certainly taking a toll on his friend. "So the good news is that in the long run, it shouldn't make too much of a difference. But that reaction means that Lexi had been infected with the Orange Variant of the DuoHalo virus before we introduced the serum to her body." "The 'Orange Variant?'" "We started naming them after colors, working our way through the spectrum. The Red Variant was first but it died off very quickly, so this is the second one," he grumbled. "But she isn't our first exposure to it, so we know how the serum's going to generally react to it, and what it's going to do to her. There are only two real major differences you're going to need to worry about." "Is she going to be okay?" "I told you, in the long run, it shouldn't make too much of a difference. The two differences you need to pay attention to are this,  first, her margin of error for recursion is far less forgiving. That means don't ever make her go more than a week without getting some Rook juice, if you know what I mean, otherwise she see temporary cognitive decline set in pretty fast, and she'll be ripping your clothes off no matter where you are, so keep that in mind." "Every seven days minimum," Andy repeated, writing it down on a notepad in his writing office. "What's the other major difference I need to worry about?" "It shouldn't even be a concern, but you should still know about it. You know how other men's semen will typically make an imprinted woman ill?" "Sure?" "Those who've been exposed to the Orange Variant, if they come in contact with the semen of a man other than those they're imprinted with, they go into a violent fit of rage, attacking anyone other than their imprinted man on sight. Those rage fits tend to be relatively short lived,  only a hour at most,  but they're still incredibly dangerous and not the kind of thing you want sprung on you as a surprise." "And this is my bodyguard who has this," Andy sighed. "Oh it's fine," Phil chuckled. "She won't harm you, and you know how to protect your family better than anyone. I think anyone who tried to use it as a weakness against Lexi would probably not live to regret it. She'll also be imprinting for longer than normal, so if she's sleeping for like a day and a half, don't worry about it. That's to be expected." "You doing okay, Phil?" Andy asked. "You look like shit, and I'm more worried about you now than I am Lexi." Phil sighed then laughed a little bit. "You know me. I'll sleep when I'm dead. Lots of long days in the office turning into long nights, and on top of that, Audrey and Linda are making sure that I have several partners as well, so that my immunity to DuoHalo continues to be strong. We're not entirely sure of the science of it yet, but it looks like the more people inside a particular polypod, the stronger the internal herd immunity the male at the center get is. Once we knew that for certain, my two queens made sure I had a good litter of partners in our household. So I'm up to eleven myself now." "I still can't believe I'm a level five and you're not, Phil," Andy said, deliberately testing a theory by trying to bait it out of his friend. "Okay, Andy, you got me," Phil said with amusement. "I'm also a level five. I was lying to you earlier, for security reasons. In fact, I think technically I was one of the first level fives. I've also technically had DuoHalo, but I can't really get into the details of that all that much. Let's just say that when we're finally through this whole pandemic, I'm going to have a bunch of stories to tell you that will blow your mind. I probably have to get clearance for you so that I can tell you some of them, but it'll be worth it." "I've always known you were up to something over there, Phil," Andy laughed. "I just couldn't figure out what it was." "Greater Phil, International Man of Mystery. It's got a nice ring to it." "Speaking of Mystery. Poker, this week. Let's do it." "Yeah, sure," Phil said. "I could use a break, so you call everyone else, and I'll make a point of coming over with as much of the family as I can convince to come out, although it has that weird side effect of making every poker night feel like a giant party where we're all hiding from our wives. Maybe we should see if there's enough interest to set up a second table and we can mix and match, so you can spend a bit more time meeting my partners and vice versa." "Well, you see Niko all the time, what with her being at your work, so you probably know her about as well as I do." "That girl's got secrets upon secrets, Andy." That caught him a little off guard. He wasn't bothered by it, but he was amused at the idea of her trying to hide something from him. "Niko? My Niko? I can't see it. She's open and transparent about everything with me." "Sure, okay. Didn't you feel that way about Erin?" "That was different?" "Was it though?" Phil said in a tone that immediately conjured the Smug Thor meme to his mind. "I mean, sure, Niko's secrets are probably being kept from you for the right reasons, as opposed to Erin's, but secrets are secrets." "The last thing I need is you making me more paranoid, Phil." "Forget I said anything. Oh, one last bit of news for you. Maya won't be there until tomorrow midday. Turns out she's also got the Orange Variant, so we're making sure the serum is getting a good foothold before we send her over to you. It's all just safety precautions, but it'll be over soon enough." "Great. We can do poker night on the 20th, so we can all watch the President's speech and the 60 Minutes story together." "Sounds like fun," Phil agreed. "Hopefully Katie Couric's team caught my good side. See you on Friday." As Andy hung up the phone, he noticed that Whitney was lingering in the doorway. She was dressed impeccably in a white button up shirt and a black pencil skirt with black pantyhose on beneath, and the shirt was just barely thin enough that he could see hints of her red bra on underneath. "Have you got a moment, sir?" "Sure thing, Whitney, what's up?" "Just wanted to go over the set up work I've done for the house so you know what's going on, and to ask you a few questions so I can start the process of replacing your laptop for you," she said, her hands folded together in front of her, her eyes mostly lowered. "Sounds great, but Whitney, you don't have to look down all the time. I know you're more used to a stern hand than I am, and I'll do my best to be what you like when we're intimate, but when you're acting in your duties as the house IT manager, you need to relax a little more and try to fit in." Whitney smirked a little bit, those dark red lips perked up as she lifted her head, nodding at him with a little smile. "Oh, I know, sir. I think I mostly just wanted to see if you would notice. Shall we?" For the next half an hour, Whitney explained to him in good detail all the changes she'd gone about to the house in the last day, getting all the rooms configured to work within the house's larger intranet. As it turned out, there were multiple LAN ports in the walls of every room in the house, it seemed like, and once again, Andy found himself wondering who this house had been built for originally. In addition to making sure all the ports were working, Whitney had also set up wireless hubs and repeaters all throughout the house, enough so that no matter where a person was in the house, they should always have a good signal to the internet. The house's security systems ran on an entirely separate network, one with minimal external connectivity, and Whitney said that she would work with Lexi to make sure the system was up to whatever standards his new head of security had in mind. They walked while they talked, and outside in the back, Andy could see Katie astride her riding lawn mower, zipping in lines across the monstrous amount of green grass in his back yard, making sure to get all of it cut even and levelly. He could also see Tala hauling things into the back house with the help of Nicolette, who had ditched the maid outfit for the time being for a more practical set of blue jeans and a baggy t shirt covered in paint splotches. All of the changes, Whitney assured him, had been done with minimal disruption to anyone's work in the house, and she'd been trying to get as much of it today, as it was a Sunday. The last thing they talked about was his replacement laptop, something that Andy was remarkably picky about. Oh, he didn't care about the things most people cared about,  when it came to processors and memory, Andy insisted none of that mattered to him,  but the thing he was adamant about was that the keyboard feel as close to the one on the laptop he was currently using, an eight year old IBM ThinkPad. Too many keyboards were difficult to use for long periods at a time, and considering how many words Andy found himself putting into his laptop on a daily basis, if the keyboard was unwieldy, the laptop might as well be non existent. Whitney made a special note that "keyboard feel" was of the utmost import, and she insisted to him, she would do her best to get him a good replacement within a week or so. She had already begun backing up all the files from his existing laptop to the house's master network, as well as to a backup kept in a fire safe, so that even if disaster struck, he would still have his work in a safe location. Andy did tell her that she didn't have to work full time on the weekends, and that she should make a point of getting settled into her own room, and spending some time catching up with her friend Nicolette who had brought her here. Whitney had smiled at that, and agreed to go get changed so she could help Tala move in, and then they could all help Whitney get moved in afterwards. He was starting to walk back towards his office when he ran into Lauren, clearly just back from a jog around the neighborhood, sweaty and out of breath, a big smile on her face. "Hey there, fella, just the bloke I was lookin' to have a moment with. Got a snip?" He grinned, leaning against the wall, crossing his arms over his chest. "Sure, what's up?" "I've been thinking, and I think maybe we should let Taylor off the hook now," she said, looking down at her feet for a second. "I know, I know, I was the one who set the whole month punishment in place but, strewth, seeing her walking around naked all the time is starting to make me feel bad. I'm thinking she's learned her lesson, and she knows she's got lots of trust to earn back from me, so I'm only keeping her from getting to spend time learning more about all the other amazing sheilas you have in this house, and that's not fair of me." "I agree," Andy chuckled, "but I didn't want to be the one to tell you, seeing how fire and brimstone you were about the whole thing when you set the rules in place." "Strewth," she muttered. "Was it really that much a dunnybrook?" "I was a little worried the heavens were going to part and you were going to call down lightning bolts from the skies," he said, the smile wide on his face. "Real wrath of god type shit." "Bugger. Anyway, you should tell'er that you've talked me down, and that you laid down the law, and you decided, and eventually I relented, that she is done with that punishment and should just join the family like all the other birds. Make it clear you decided, not me, so I still get to keep a bit of that big scary reputation." Andy rolled his eyes but nodded. "Sure sure, you'll look mean. You'll look really scary. Anyway, I'll go find her and tell her while you're hopping into the shower." "Stink that bad, do I?" "Your sweatstains have got sweatstains, Lauren," he said with a laugh as he was backing away from her, while she mimed punching motions in his direction. He wasn't certain where he'd find Taylor in the house, so he decided just to go wandering the halls and see where he stumbled into her. He found her in Hannah's room, where she, Asha and Hannah were sitting on the bed, gossiping. Asha and Hannah hadn't bothered to change out of their pajamas, enjoying a lazy Sunday, while Taylor sat nude with her back against the wall. One of his two cats, Muninn, the Russian blue, was sitting on the bed near Asha, who was petting him idly. All three girls tensed a little bit when he entered the room,  Taylor wasn't supposed to be sitting up on furniture unless Lauren or himself had told her to do so, but Andy hadn't really followed the rules at all, and had made it clear multiple times that Taylor's 'punishment,' such as it was, was mostly for Lauren's mollification, and that if Taylor slipped on the rules from time to time while she wasn't around, he didn't particularly care. "No no, don't get up, Taylor, it's fine," he said, coming into the room. "In fact, it's what I came to talk to you about." "You need to get Nicolette to turn up the house furnace, babe," Asha said to him. "If I'd ta walk around all day in me skivvies, I know I'd be freezin'." "Totally, Daddy," Hannah said. He'd repeatedly told her that she didn't have to call him that (in fact, going so far as to hint that it made him a little uncomfortable when she did) but she had repeatedly answered that she liked calling him that, so she wasn't going to stop any time soon. At least she knew enough not to do it when other people were around the house. "We're just talkin' anyway, so I told her to hop up here, so if you gotta punish someone, it should be me." "You look far too eager when you suggest that, Hannah," he told the Asian teenager. "Anyway, I had a talk with Lauren just a little bit ago. I told her this is my house, and I'm in charge, and that I've decided you've served this part of your punishment long enough. You're free to get dressed, wear clothes around the house, sleep wherever you want, sit wherever you want. You can get your phone back, and you can start working with Lauren at the 49ers camp whenever you feel like you're ready. You're a full member of the household now, and there's no reason for this silly punishment to go on any further. And you can certainly take off that ridiculous dog collar." Taylor's bright blue eyes had been focused on him the entire time he'd been talking, and she slipped off the bed quickly to throw her arms around him, pressing those impressive tits of hers against his chest as she hugged him very tightly, clinging to him, even as he could hear her sniffling back some tears. "Thank you, Andy," she said quietly. "I know Lauren's still mad at me, but this has been really hard, being made to feel like less than a person." He wrapped his arms around her, patting her bare back. "I know, and I get that, but you also have to realize that cheating on her hurt her in a way she'd never been hurt before, and that won't go away fully for a long long time. Just because you're done with all of this doesn't mean you're done with all of that. I know you know that, but it doesn't hurt to be reminded that you're going to be repairing that damage between you two for years to come. You screwed up, but there's a way back from that, as long as you're willing to put in the work and learn from your mistakes." Taylor pulled back, looking at him as something just dawned on her. "So, wait, all the rules have been lifted? Like all all of them?" He tilted his head a little. "Yyyyes? Why, is there one in particular you're asking about?" "So, like, next time, y'know, when me and you, then we can,” He bit back a smile and nodded. "Yes, yes we can. And if you want to masturbate again, you're welcome to start doing that too." She shook her head over dramatically once then leaned in to kiss him. "After we've had our first time together, our first real time together, then I will, but I want the first thing inside of my cunt after all this time to be your cock. If that's okay," she said, biting her lip nervously. "Of course it's okay. I think your next day in the rotation was going to be the 20th, but if you want, we can try and find some time before then instead. It can even be just the two of us, without Lauren around, if that's what you want." She pouted again for a moment. "Anything I want?" "Well, within my usual limits, but sure." She slipped her arms away from him, and turned back to look at Asha and Hannah, extending a hand to each of them. "I want the four of us together, for my first time normally with you, Andy," she said, as Asha took one hand and Hannah took the other. "Oh rrrrreally?" Asha said, dragging the sound out, her London accent dripping through the word. "All four of us together? Sounds like a spot of fun. I'm game if you are, Whiskers," she said, looking over at Hannah with a smile. "Anything you can throw at me, I can totally handle, Goldfish," Hannah shot back at her friend. Clearly the girls had developed nicknames for each other when he wasn't around. "I was supposed to have tomorrow night, Daddy, so instead of it just being me, it'll be all three of us, if that's totally cool and shit." "Yeah, that's, ahem, totally cool. And shit." He leaned in to give Taylor a quick kiss, but she kissed him back harder than expected, and it lasted longer than he'd planned, not that he minded. "And you, young lady, should get some clothes on, and maybe unpack your stuff, whether that's in your own room or in Lauren's room, that's up to you." "Oh it totally all goes in with Lauren," Taylor said. "I don't even want my own room. Either I'm in her bed or yours. You want to come help me move in, girls?" "You couldn't stop us, love," Asha said. "Last one there has a smelly cunt!" Hannah said as she bolted towards the door, Asha and Taylor just a step or two behind her. "Y'know," Andy said to himself and the cat, "I feel like I should've yelled that there's no running in the house after them, but I just know it wouldn't have done any good." "Meow," Muninn said to him in response. "Oh hush," Andy said. "What the hell do you know?" "Meow," Muninn agreed. "Damn straight." After leaving Hannah's room, he was halfway down the hall when he ran into Sarah, who was wearing one of his t shirts, one for a band called Stereophonics, and sweatpants beneath it, her hair done up in the least stylish ponytail he'd ever seen from her, as if she'd just put her red mane up to get it out of the way for a while. "Hey you," she said, her pearly white smile beaming at him. "Maya should be here any minute, and I know you're just gonna love her." "I actually spoke to Phil a little bit ago, and she's not going to be here until tomorrow, but she's still coming, don't you worry." He explained the Orange Variant to her, and while she was a little disappointed that her friend's arrival would be delayed, she understood that Maya's health was the most important thing, and the base didn't want to let her out of their sight until she was ready. "What've you been up to today?" She rolled her oceanic blue eyes at him with a big harumph. "Reading screenplays that my agent sent over, trying to pick my next project. It's looking like everyone's going to want to do serialized television right now, because they can get more content out of smaller budgets, but so many of these stories are just so boring," she groaned. "It's like my agent's only sending me the same stuff." "Well," he said, taking her hand in his as they walked down the hallway, "tell your agent what you want then, whether that's more drama, more action, more comedy, more whatever it is you want more of. They only know what you want when you tell them. I had to learn the same lesson with my literary agent early on." She squeezed his hand thankfully. "My agent really should know better, but you're right. I can get her on the hunt for the kinds of things I want to be doing. You know there aren't really any good spy stories on television right now? I should see if she can get me something like that. I'll give her a call tomorrow, see if maybe she can reach out to the production companies, see who's already got projects winding up I can try and piggyback onto." They walked past the door of Emily and Sarah's workspace, and Andy noticed it was closed. He pointed with his other hand at the closed door as they kept on walking. "Em in some kind of meeting?" Sarah nodded. "London based production company wanted to reach out to her, so she's taking the call today, but she should be out in an hour or so." The doorbell rang, and Sarah arched an eyebrow in surprise. "I thought you said Maya wouldn't be here until tomorrow." "That's what Phil told me," he said, as the two of them started to head downstairs, although Andy could hear someone answering the door, followed by a loud squeal of recognition. When they came down the stairs, Andy could see it was Piper who'd answered the door, and she had her arms wrapped around a short blonde girl, hugging her tightly. "Andy! Sarah! Brooke's here!" Piper said to them, swinging the shorter girl around a bit. "That's great, but I thought she was  " "Surprise, man!" Xander said as he stepped in through the doorway. Andy let go of Sarah's hand and rushed down the rest of the stairs, suddenly stopping about six feet away from the door. "Are you...?" "Paired with three people this morning, so I'm 100% safe as houses," his tattooed friend said. Once he'd gotten the word 'paired' out, Andy had continued rushing his best friend, wrapping his arms around the burly guy, giving him a hell of a hug. "Oh Jesus, it's good to know you're safe, man," Andy sighed. "And it's so fucking good to see you. I know we hung out last December, but fuck, these eleven months have felt like five fucking years,” "Glad to see my mouth's rubbing off on you," Sarah laughed, closing the distance to meet them. "Xander, these are my partners Piper Brown and Sarah Washington, both of whom you've talked to a bit through FaceTime. Piper, Sarah, this is my best and oldest friend, Xander Baker, whom I've known since we were both, like, what, 6?" Xander laughed, nodding. "6, 7, something like that. However old we were in kindergarten." "Not very," Andy said. "Not enough!" Xander replied. "Anyway, Andy, Sarah, this is my soon to be partner Brooke Maloney, whom I have your partner Piper to thank for." "Well," Piper laughed, "I'd originally pitched her to come here and be Andy's partner, but he realized she'd be a much better fit for you, considering how much you both love classic cars, although really, I think it was just so he didn't have to hear her singing Vince Gill songs around the house all the time, 'cause she does that a lot, and I hope they warned you about that, Xander." "She can be singing Vince Gill while I'm singing Wu Tang Clan, and somewhere in the middle, over the engine of a Dodge Charger, I think we can make it work," Xander said. "Honestly, Pipes," Brooke said to her, "the only reason he said soon to be is because I wanted to come over and say thank you to y'all, and let Xander have a bit of time with his friend before we got to bumpin' uglies. But all the other gals in his house have just been so sweet, y'all, I can't wait for you to meet'em." "Why don't Piper and I give you a tour of the place, Brooke," Sarah said, "and the boys can do a little bit of catching up. You want me to have Jenny bring drinks to you out on the patio, hun?" "Yeah," Andy said, "I'll take a pina colada. Xander?" "Just a Corona." Sarah nodded. "Drinks coming up! This way ladies!" she said, marching them down towards the kitchen first. "Jesus Andy," Xander said quietly. "You really bagged Sarah Washington. I mean, I know I've talked to her vidchat, but seeing her in person like this,” "Seriously, I don't deserve this much luck," Andy said with a chuckle as he started to lead his best friend towards the back patio. "Oh fuck you," Xander teased. "You deserve exactly this much luck. Our entire lives, I've been watching you do good things for people left and right and never asking for so much as a thank you in return, and this is what karma has brought you, dude, so live a little. Enjoy it." As they moved out onto the patio, Xander shook his head. "I will say, however, that my house isn't quite as big as yours is. Don't get me wrong, it's still a fucking palace compared to that one bedroom shithole I lived in back in Ohio, but I'm just saying,” Andy rolled his eyes with a smirk. "You know I didn't pick the places myself, right jackass?" "I guess so," Xander said, as the two men moved to sit down on deck chairs near the pool. It was cool for November but not so cold that either man felt like they needed to add layers, both having grown up in the Midwest, where California winters would be considered nice spring days. "God, I'm really here. It's wild, man." "It's great having you out here, Xander. Jesus, the stories I have to tell you. You're here early, though. I didn't expect you out here for at least a few more days." "Turns out these DuoHalo Variants are pretty intense," Xander sighed, "and since they were pairing me up with someone in the military, they wanted to make sure I got hooked into the system as quickly as they could, so everything got very rush rush rush. When you told me to be ready to go at a moment's notice, you weren't kidding. As soon as we finished up that conversation, I started packing, and just barely got done before they showed up to cart me away. They're even taking care of selling my house for me, although I suspect it's just going to become government housing or something." "Yeah, that wouldn't surprise me," Andy agreed. "God, it's good to have you here, man." "Well if it isn't my favorite hoodrat," Fiona said, carrying out a tray with three drinks on it, setting it down on a table as Xander immediately got up and hugged him hard. "How you been, lunkhead?" "Better now that I know you made it here okay, muckraker," he teased back. "How the hell you been Fi?" "Better now that I know you ditched that crazy ex of yours," she laughed. "Can I say it?" "Oh I think you've earned it." "I told you that girl was no good." "You did indeed tell me that," Xander agreed, taking his bottle of Corona from the drinks tray, as Andy grabbed his pina colada and Fi grabbed a tall glass of wine. "Hey hey hey, the gang's all back," Fi said with a smile. "To old friends and new flames." "To life, liberty and us getting through this fucking plague together," Xander toasted. "To family," Andy corrected. "To family!" they all toasted together, clinking glasses. Piper has a confession to make.. Chapter 37 The conversation had gone far into the evening, with members of the household coming in and out several times, joining for a while before leaving the trio to their own devices once more, mostly anyway, a couple of Andy's partners choosing to remain longer. Sarah and Aisling in particular were intent on getting as many stories about Andy's youth as they could, and he felt a little like they hoped either Xander or Fiona would tell them embarrassing tales from their college years. While Fi had been mostly coy about the years they'd spent at university, Xander, by contrast, had been eager to tell at least a handful of hilarious and ridiculous stories about the troubles they'd found themselves in during their misspent youth. Despite how flustered he got a couple of times, it was a wonderful night of reminiscing, and a chance for the girls to see Andy in a different light. A piece of advice Andy had never let go of was that as you got older, it was almost important to keep people around you who knew you when you were young and fearless. At least a few times, he'd managed to deflect the conversation off himself and onto other people, a detour letting both Sarah and Emily talk about their experiences making movies, and Xander talking about the process of being relocated from Ohio out to California. Xander's trip had been surprisingly surreal, and he told the group about it in explicit detail. He'd been loaded into an isolation chamber on a cargo plane along with twenty other men, each in their own little plastic bubble tent, although each of the tent also had curtains that could be dropped for privacy. Xander told them he'd found that odd but understood why eventually. The plane had been mostly full of men when it picked Xander up in Ohio. The little isolation chamber was like a emergency field hospital's clean room, with a mattress on the floor as well as a few days of rations, both food and water, and a little sealable chemical toilet. Nearly everything was ziptied to weights to keep it steady. There was also a little headset that connected to a series of voice chat channels all the men could use to talk to one another. The main channel had been too hectic for Xander to stay in for more than a handful of minutes, but he'd eventually peeled off a couple of the men in the plane into a separate channel, and was able to both give them some information and get some on his own. All of the men on the plane had been gathered from cities in the central and eastern United States, and were being ferried out to partners, generally military but some in other branches of the government, and they weren't being let out of their isolation chambers until they'd been paired up with at least one woman, thus, the beds and the privacy curtains. At least a couple of the pods had not only men in them, but also a woman in the middle of the imprinting process . The government didn't want to risk the life of any man, so this was an emergency plan decided to keep as many people as they could safe. The two men Xander spent the afternoon talking with were Klaus, a 26 year old Master Sergeant from Georgia that Xander felt like was probably in special ops of some kind, and Bill, a 34 year old schoolteacher from Tennessee who was being paired up with a prominent Silicon Valley businesswoman he'd dated back in high school. Klaus clearly knew far more than he wanted to share with Xander and Bill, but he'd done his best to give the two men some information to make their journey a little less panic stricken. There were two women in the isolation chamber with Klaus, a twenty year old blonde named Olivia and a twenty two year old Korean American named Naya, or so Klaus told them, as both women were still in the middle of the imprinting process. The man was part of the security forces for the flying hospital that was transporting men and women around the country. He knew what he could and couldn't tell Xander and Bill, and just having a conversation with Klaus had made Xander feel more safe in their travels. He had a calm and casual demeanor to him while discussing how everything had been carefully planned, even if it all felt pretty slapdash. He couldn't answer all of their questions, for security reasons, but he told the two men that the airplane had basically been in motion nonstop for the last three weeks, doing its best to ferry people around the nation. Xander had asked him if it was truly necessary, only to be told how high the casualty rate was for men around the nation. Klaus had seen the stacks of bodies, and the man sounded rattled when he described the hundreds of empty apartments he'd seen in his native Queens, as the corpses had filled up dump trucks, and they'd had to conceal the bodies as they were taking them out in the dead of night. Klaus told them he'd been in a biohazard suit for most of the last week, but now that he had two partners, he would be able to go out and provide an escort for everyone going to and from the plane, although he planned to return to his isolation room with his two partners in between each stop they made. From Ohio they flew down to Nebraska, stopping at Offut Air Force Base, where they picked up a handful of soldiers and dropped off a handful of women. Bill had asked Klaus how long they'd been running these routes. Klaus said they'd been running for a few weeks now, and they were only one of five planes that were crisscrossing the nation. Olivia and Naya had both been brought into the inoculation center in Denver earlier and then swapped planes to meet up with him in New York, where they'd met up after he'd returned bringing in another stable of surviving men. All privacy had basically gone out the window. Klaus told him that most of the men had the option to wait until they were in a house or an apartment or something, but Klaus had been told by his commanding officer that they couldn't spare him that much time, so he needed to just get on with his business on the plane so he could get back to work as soon as he was done. By the time they'd touched down at McCarran Airport in Las Vegas, Bill had been just about ready to break out into full fledged panic, between the constant shift in air pressure, the take offs and landings done without proper seatbelts and his inability to go anywhere that wasn't his little sealed off compartment, but a quick talking to from Xander had gotten the man to cool down at least a little bit. They were barely on the ground in Nevada an hour, taking people off and bringing new people on, as well as refueling the plan, before taking off again, landing at Oakland airport a few hours later under the cover of night. Their cellphones had been taken from them when they'd arrived at the plane, so Xander had been forced to guess at the time, but he would've placed their arrival in Oakland at something around 2 a.m. or so, although the lock in had made it impossible to use traffic as a gauge. In Oakland, everyone had been taken from their individual compartments and loaded onto a large troop transport truck, with no caution given to cross contamination or infection, as they were all told they would be getting paired up within a few hours, so even if they caught DuoHalo now, it wouldn't matter. Xander had been concerned by that but he had decided to go along with it, because Klaus seemed to consider the whole thing fine, and he was the one loading people onto the trucks. The trucks had ferried them from Oakland up to a staging area next to the lab near Mount Diablo, just adjacent to New Eden, and once there, they'd been introduced to their new partners and from there, sorted into where they were going to go. The building they were using as a staging area felt like a converted aircraft hangar, with a high curved metal ceiling and big fluorescent lights hanging high above them. Although there were some tented parts of the space, similar to what had been inside the cargo hold of the airplane that had brought him here, most of the space was open, with long painted striped lines on the ground, leading people through the processing. Men weren't being given any injections, something Xander had thought was odd, until all the men were given a five minute lecture on "Your New Reality," something that the men were told to take deadly seriously. The lecture included basic things like how they would be receiving their vaccinations (sexually transmitted from their new partners), how their partners would need sexual satisfaction about once a week or so, how their semen would be toxic to any woman they weren't paired with, and how if they ever felt like they were coming down with the symptoms of DuoHalo they should have sex with one of their partners immediately, which would resolve them. At the point when the men had been told that their semen would be toxic to any woman they weren't paired with, a handful of the men had quietly jeered and rolled their eyes, but the next slide in the presentation showed a wound on a woman's arm that had silenced all that nonsense quickly. The end of the lecture included a video message from President Pelosi, urging the men to consider fatherhood like a new version of the World War 2 draft,  every man needed to do his service to help save the country. Extensive tax breaks and financial aid would be provided to families with multiple children, it was stressed. The country needed to be rebuilt. As soon as the lecture was done, they'd been marched single file to a series of processing windows, over a dozen clerks taking people's names and social security numbers before assigning them a holding area to head over to, where they would meet their partners. A sticker was placed on their chest before they were sent on their way. It had all felt very assembly line, as if there wasn't time for kindness or courtesies, and people were simply being pushed through the grinder as quickly as possible. Klaus had joked around with them on the ride over that while it might seem rough, it was being done for optimal performance in getting people in and through the system and into their new lives, wherever they may be. Xander had heard several different locations mentioned,  the San Jose highrises, the Stanford campus, the Berkeley campus, the SF towers, the Altamont sprawl, the Tracy ghosttown,  but when it came time for him to be told where to go, he was told he wouldn't need to go far, as he was being assigned to Dos Eden, the first expansion zone to New Eden. He'd been given four partners on site, with one more to be waiting for him at the location. They'd been waiting for him in the holding area assigned to him, each having arrived sometime over the previous day, so they'd all had a chance to get to know one another. Letting the women have some time to bond in advance of the man's arrival seemed smart to Xander, as they could size each other up without having to worry about keeping their new mate's attention. The women had also been given their injections in the holding area, and so Xander assumed the spaces had also doubled as observation areas, making sure none of the women had suffered any adverse reactions to their injections the day before. Captain Betsy Ross had turned out to be a complete knockout, a blonde pint size pocket rocket dynamo who was training men nearly twice her size in hand to hand close quarters combat, and they had clicked immediately, almost as if they were custom made for each other. She'd kissed him hard enough to nearly knock him off his feet before he'd even been able to say hello. The second woman had been Serena Ortiz, a Latina woman in her late twenties who was a U.S. Marshall, and had built a career out of tracking down fugitives. Tall and statuesque, she had a certain grace to how she'd moved, he'd noticed immediately. She'd spent the past few hours talking with Betsy before Xander's arrival, and the two already had a friendly relationship, having bonded over the fact that they could both kick Xander's ass if needed. The third was a slender blonde woman in her late 30s who had looked hauntingly familiar before her introduction, but Xander had struggled to place her, even after she identified herself as Alicia Geller. When she'd told Xander that he would likely know the role she'd played in her youth, Rascal Rachel, that had made it all come together immediately. Alicia was a child actress who had been the star of a popular kids show until she'd grown out of it and the show had been canceled. Instead of continuing acting, she had retired from show business and gone into education, teaching history to high school students. She seemed a little shy, but had assured him that once they'd had time to get to know one another, she would come out of her shell. The final one on site had been Brooke, and she'd detailed the story to him how her friend Piper was paired up with Andy, and that they had recommended Brooke pair up with Xander, so she had. She'd been wearing a Shelby GT Cobra necklace when they met, and Xander had known it was going to work out just fine. A second sticker was placed on his chest and the girls were told to stay with him, as everyone was sorted into lines and sent towards trucks. Most of the trucks were large troop transports, but Xander had been surprised to see that the vehicle he and his partners were set to was much smaller, and they were the only group loaded up onto it. He'd felt a little bad, since really they could've just been loaded up into an Escalade, him, his four new partners and the MP driving them over to their new home. On the way over, the MP delivered the final set of instructions to Xander, as to why his fifth partner hadn't been waiting for him at the base and was, instead, at the new home. Her name was KC Kadrey, and she was a 20 year old Vietnamese American student over at Stanford, studying mechanical engineering. She'd needed to get her injections a couple of days prior, and there had been some concerns that she might simply just grab the first man she saw and go after him, so she'd been taken to their new home and allowed to settle in. But, the MP warned him, it meant that she might be a bit intense when they arrived. She'd also brought her golden retriever with her, and keeping the large dog at the staging area had seemed problematic. Xander, like all the men who'd been on the airplane, had been forced to travel light, a single wheelie suitcase all he'd been allowed to bring with him. All of his things that had been picked up in Ohio would show up at some point within the next few weeks as the truck conveying them drove cross country, but until they, he would have to make due with the things he had. Xander had been forced to argue with the people picking him up that the one car he'd been restoring, a black 1970 Barracuda, would be part of the things taken to his new home, and while the discussion had gotten a little heated, eventually the people picking him up had relented and loaded it into the truck with the rest of his stuff. Each of the women had a similar amount of things with them, and when they arrived at their new home, they all felt woefully unprepared. Dos Eden was technically part of New Eden, but it was an expansion to the original enclave, and the dwellings there were much more of nice houses than they were the sorts of mansions and manors that made up New Eden itself. The MP driving them over had said she lived in Dos Eden, and she was incredibly thankful, as it meant having a family was a distinct possibility, while the people in many of the other locations were going to be doing lots of relocating and readjusting over the next few years. Those in the tower condo buildings were generally being given an entire floor to themselves, and as needed walls would be knocked down and units combined as families expanded. The views were nice, the MP told them, but it just didn't feel like a home. When they pulled up to the house just around dawn, Xander was a little surprised by it. They had told him not to expect a grandiose mansion, but the home was far nicer than any place he'd ever lived in before, a two story building with five bedrooms and four bathrooms, so not enough that each person had their own bedroom, but they would make it work, all of them agreed. It was mostly glass walls, and Xander found himself thankful for the ring of trees, and the high fences, that would provide him with at least a little privacy from his neighbors, who were only a short walk away on either side. It had a three car garage, and Xander was told there were new Teslas charging inside for them. (Xander immediately planned to turn one of the three garage spaces into his own little workshop where he'd continue restoring the Barracuda.) The driveway was long enough that they would be able to comfortably fit at least four more cars out front if needed. The place had its own pool with hot tub, however, something Xander was astonished to find. He'd never lived in a place with a pool before, and now his home had one. They'd barely gotten in the door before KC had rushed Xander, practically mauling him with love in the entry way to the home. She'd been coherent enough to talk with him, the two of them moving into the master bedroom before he'd had sex with her and she'd fallen into her imprinting process. The other girls had moved into the bedroom somewhere in the middle of their tryst and Betsy had immediately insisted on going second, having stripped down while watching Xander and KC. Alicia had gone third, leaving him with only Serena and Brooke conscious. The three of them had taken a shower together, and somewhere in the middle of the shower, Serena had decided she couldn't wait any further, and had gone through part of the process in the shower and the rest bent over the bathroom countertop. As much as he wanted to, he told Brooke that he was going to need a while before he could imprint her, his entire body more than a little exhausted, as the chemicals from the four women had been flowing through his bloodstream, giving him immunity from DuoHalo and doing some rather significant changes to his body. Brooke had laughed and just suggested they go over to visit Andy and Piper, which brought them up to now. "Fuckin' hell," Andy laughed. "No fucking wonder you look exhausted, Xan. How much have you slept in the last two days?" "Oh, we took a nap after we settled into the house, and I slept a bit on the plane while it was hauling our asses through the skies," his best friend said with a chuckle. "So yeah not as much as I should but more than I do some days. Was your experience similar, Fi?" Fiona's journey had been very similar, with her and Moira catching an earlier flight out of Washington a few days ago, although their plane had made only one additional stop before landing in Oakland, their plane having gone straight from Washington D.C. to Los Angeles, where many of the men in the chambers had been unloaded and several women had been loaded on board. Because Fi and Moira had been traveling together, they'd had each other to talk with and neither had felt especially lonely during the voyage. Fi even admitted they had spent much of the time talking about Andy, speculating how much he might or might not have changed over the years. As the hour grew late, Brooke returned to the main room with Piper, suggesting she and Xander head home, reminding the two old friends that they now lived less than fifteen minutes apart, and could see each other as often as they wanted to, but Andy and Xander still hugged for a long minute, thankful to have reconnected on the other side of the disaster, before they walked the two to the door and sent them home. Several of the girls had peeled off and gone to bed over the course of the evening, and at the end of the night, the only people still awake were Andy, Piper and Sarah. Aisling had been the very last to go to bed before reminding Sarah not to stay up too late, otherwise she would be too tired to talk to Maya when she arrived tomorrow, but Sarah had laughed it off and dismissed it. After closing the door behind Xander, he walked back down stairs, intending to clean up the remaining empty beer bottles and glasses left behind in the living room, only to find that Nicolette had beaten him to it, having cleaned it all up and then disappearing into her room for the night, so he couldn't even say thank you to her. "I swear, we've got a ninja for a French maid around this house," he muttered to himself with amusement. Huginn, his black cat, stood up from his perch on the back of one of the couches, stretched by arching his back, then moved to sit back down exactly where he was. "I feel ya, bud," he agreed with the cat. "We should probably see about getting to bed, don't you think, ladies?" Piper shook her head, pushing Andy back to sit down on the couch. "Not for a bit. You can sleep when you're dead," she said with a grin. "Don't you agree, Sarah?" "Oh totally," the tall redhead said, moving to slide in to one side of Andy on the couch. "You lose one third of your life sleeping, well, I mean I guess you don't really lose it since you have to sleep otherwise you'll go insane, but it's, like, a lot a lot of time to be spending doing just one thing." "Besides, I have to say thank you for making sure you brought my best friend to be nearby so I didn't feel so lonely all the time," Piper said, peeling her shirt up and over her head, tossing it aside, leaving her in a sports bra and tight fitted blue jeans, her toned stomach bared to the cool night air. "We've been kinda dancing around each other for the last few weeks, Andy, and I don't want you to think I'm not grateful, because I'm very thankful for all the things you've done for me since we've met." "Piper, you don't have  " he started before she lifted her hand up to cover his mouth, "Andy, enough," she giggled. "You can just say 'you're welcome' when you're being thanked for something, you know. You don't have to try and play down the work that went into it." He smirked a little bit, as she pulled her hand back. "I just don't want you to feel like you owe me anything." "Oh, but Andy, I do owe you," she said, bending down to press a kiss to his lips, just a soft and quick one. "You got me away from that asshole Covington. When I couldn't think straight, you did everything you could to bring me back to being me again, and that's not something anyone would do." She inhaled the scent of him, and he could swear he saw her pupils dilate a little in response. "You remember how I told you I could smell you from far away? I still can, but the raw musk of you is even more intense up close, and I fucking love how you smell, you sexy bastard. It makes me feel warm and safe and gooey and sticky and protected all at once. And I know that at least some of that is just the chemicals flowing through my brain bonding me to you, but you know what?" She leaned in and nibbled on his earlobe a little bit. "I've decided that I don't fucking care why I feel how I feel. I feel how I feel and that's all that fucking matters. You've kept me safe. You've given me space when I wanted it, and been happy to talk with me when I needed that. You helped me get my friend here and kept her safe, and as soon as you thought it was time, you pushed my ass to get back to work and reminded me not to give up on my dreams. So don't you dare fucking tell me I don't have to repay you, because even if you don't think that I do, I do, and I want to." "You're the only one of the girls who says she can smell me anywhere in the house, Piper," he told her. "I hope that's not a sign that anything's wrong because Covington held off so long on letting you get imprinted after the injections." "Oh, there's nothing wrong with me, Andy," she purred, unbuttoning her jeans before pushing them down to her ankles, not having bothered to put shoes on earlier, stepping out of them and her panties, leaving her in just the sports bra. She had such an athletic body that it had a tendency to make Andy feel a little ashamed of how out of shape he was. "I'm just different, that's all. Being able to smell you when you're in the house? I consider that a benefit, not a side effect. I get a little anxious when you leave and I can't smell you, not so much that it bothers me, but just enough that I notice the feeling of longing I have that you aren't on hand. And I've reread that letter you left me over a dozen times, because each time, I think I fall for you a little more." She grinned, grabbing her sports bra, pulling it up over her head, tossing it aside. "So yeah, I was scared of saying that, but I'm definitely falling for you, Andrew Rook. Falling in love with you. That's why I was so deep in thought the other morning. You didn't do anything to make me upset or angry. I just was worried about how to tell you." "Piper, Why would you be worried?" Andy said with a kind smile. "You've got so many beautiful women here, Andy," she said, gesturing back to the house. "I mean, shit, you've got Sarah Fucking Washington with her arm around you right now! I know I'm fit, but I'm not beautiful like she and Em are." At that, he raised a single finger, pointing at her. "How dare you," he said, his tone evening a little bit. "You are fucking stunning, I mean beautiful like you cannot even imagine and I do not want to hear you saying you're not beautiful ever again, okay? Because whatever dumb ass boyfriend or athlete you met who said you weren't pretty was the biggest fucking moron you ever met, and you shouldn't give whatever that prick said another thought ever again. Tell her I'm right, Sarah," he said with a soft laugh, shaking his head. "Yep yep yep," Sarah said with a giggle. "Stop being fucking stupid because you're not just pretty, you're fucking hot, and every girl in this house who likes girls thinks so. Shit, I heard Katie telling Jenny that if she wanted to give her a hall pass for her birthday, she'd want to use it on you over all the other girls in the house." Piper giggled, shaking her head, her dark hair covering her eyes for a minute. "You're fucking lying, Sarah." "Cross my fucking heart, swear to fucking God, may she strike me the fuck down if I'm lying. Katie thinks you're the hottest bitch in the house, so you need to shut the fuck up about saying you aren't fucking pretty because that's the stupidest fucking thing anyone's said today, and people talk, like, the worst amount of shit in this house when they think people aren't listening," Sarah said, rolling her eyes, as if she found the whole thing hilariously sad. "Well, that's something I wouldn't have believed if you hadn't told me," Piper replied with a smile. "And I was talking about us dancing around each other, Andy, and I want to apologize for that. I know we've had a handful of encounters, but I've been, guarded, and I'm sorry for how guarded I've been emotionally. I think maybe I was a little hurt that you didn't want to bring Brooke into this house, even though I know you said you thought she'd be a better match with Xander. I thought maybe that was a polite way of you trying to duck out of meeting her,” She looked down at her feet. "I feel a bit guilty about that right now, having spent a bunch of the evening talking with her. I have known that girl almost half a de

In this electrifying episode of The MisFitNation, host Rich LaMonica welcomes Joshua Daniel, a retired Master Sergeant with over 20 years of service in U.S. Special Operations. From the elite ranks of the 75th Ranger Regiment and Special Forces, Joshua transitioned from warfighter to purpose-driven leader. He's the Founder of Counter Culture Solutions, where he trains others in personal protection, mindset mastery, and purposeful living. He also serves as President of Hero Games Charity, which hosts an annual event honoring fallen Special Operations Soldiers by bringing their families together—honoring legacies, building community, and healing through service.

The Momsfor America Podcast sat down with two influential fathers using their publicroles to advocate for our children. Tim Kennedy is a best-selling author,Master Sergeant in the U.S. Army, Green Beret Sniper, and retired MMA and UFCfighter. Pastor John Amanchukwu is an author, speaker, and activist. PastorJohn gained notoriety for his viral videos, confronting school boards who wereallowing pornographic books in their libraries. These two men are powerfulexamples of fathers taking the lead on protecting our kids and making Americaneducation great again. Like, subscribe, and share.

This is the VIC 4 VETS, Honored Veteran, during Veterans Month in America. SUBMITTED BY: Mike Marfell from the Bluff City Outdoors Show _____________________________________________________________ Hey Mike Marfell here from the Bluff City Outdoors Show submitting this in behalf of my late Father 32 years in the Illinois Air National Guard. Allen E Marfell was born July 20th, 1937 and passed August 12th 2019. Allen joined the Air National Guard 183rd Tactical Fighter wing unit in 1955 at the age of 18 Allen served in this Unit based out of Springfield, Illinois for 31 years where he then retired as Master Sergeant on the flight line. He had multiple deployments overseas including Great Britain, France and Italy. He was also active during the Cuban Missile Crisis. He loved his service and made lifelong friendships. As his children we have great memories of seeing him in his uniform and feeling great pride in his service. Every summer he would spend a month in Wisconsin with his Unit and we would follow and vacation there. Also there were innumerable air shows we attended as a family sitting on the flight line and feeling tremendous pride that our father was part of this. When he passed many years later in 2019 many fellow service members attended his funeral with military rites. Some of these men we had never met but they came to show their respect 20 some years after his retirement. They shared great stories of him and his service, one of our favorites of him driving a truck on the flight line with a cigar hanging out of his mouth. Serving their country together had built lifelong friendships and an unbreakable bond. Two of Allen's grandsons followed in his footsteps with military service. Tyler A Robinett served 11 years in the 82nd Airborne ending rank of Captain & Graduated Ranger School. Spencer Marfell currently serving in Idiana Army National Guard Airborn Infantry C Co 2-134 IN (ABN) Rank - Specialist with 3 years served and a 1 year deployment to Kenya Africa. ________________________________________________________________ This is today’s VIC 4 VETS, Honored Veteran, during Veterans Month in America on NewsTalkSTL. With support from our friends at: DG FIREARMS - PATRIOT HEATING AND COOLING - BEST BUY FLOORINGSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This is the VIC 4 VETS, Honored Veteran, during Veterans Month in America. SUBMITTED BY: Mike Marfell from the Bluff City Outdoors Show _____________________________________________________________ Hey Mike Marfell here from the Bluff City Outdoors Show submitting this in behalf of my late Father 32 years in the Illinois Air National Guard. Allen E Marfell was born July 20th, 1937 and passed August 12th 2019. Allen joined the Air National Guard 183rd Tactical Fighter wing unit in 1955 at the age of 18 Allen served in this Unit based out of Springfield, Illinois for 31 years where he then retired as Master Sergeant on the flight line. He had multiple deployments overseas including Great Britain, France and Italy. He was also active during the Cuban Missile Crisis. He loved his service and made lifelong friendships. As his children we have great memories of seeing him in his uniform and feeling great pride in his service. Every summer he would spend a month in Wisconsin with his Unit and we would follow and vacation there. Also there were innumerable air shows we attended as a family sitting on the flight line and feeling tremendous pride that our father was part of this. When he passed many years later in 2019 many fellow service members attended his funeral with military rites. Some of these men we had never met but they came to show their respect 20 some years after his retirement. They shared great stories of him and his service, one of our favorites of him driving a truck on the flight line with a cigar hanging out of his mouth. Serving their country together had built lifelong friendships and an unbreakable bond. Two of Allen's grandsons followed in his footsteps with military service. Tyler A Robinett served 11 years in the 82nd Airborne ending rank of Captain & Graduated Ranger School. Spencer Marfell currently serving in Idiana Army National Guard Airborn Infantry C Co 2-134 IN (ABN) Rank - Specialist with 3 years served and a 1 year deployment to Kenya Africa. ________________________________________________________________ This is today’s VIC 4 VETS, Honored Veteran, during Veterans Month in America on NewsTalkSTL. With support from our friends at: DG FIREARMS - PATRIOT HEATING AND COOLING - BEST BUY FLOORINGSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

#JasonSands #UFO #Program #Christian #WhistleblowerJason Sands Unsealed - very special interview with Master Sergeant (ret) Jason Sands - USAF veteran, part of "The Program", official Whistleblower and committed Christian. Jason may be uniquely qualified to speak to both audiences. LIVE INTERACTION IS ENCOURAGED AND YOUR QUESTIONS WILL BE TAKEN.Follow Jason on X at https://x.com/JasonTSandsInstagram at https://www.instagram.com/sandstrom001TikTok at https://www.tiktok.com/@jasonsands413Christians are now meeting on this critical topic, learn more at https://www.UAPCouncil.comLearn more about what the Bible says about this topic by registering for the online course "Angels, Demons and UFOs" here: https://www.wingsoftheeagle.com/challenge-page/angelsdemonsandufos Read the new hypothesis on who may be behind the UFO Phenomenon after 2+ years of deep research: https://www.wingsoftheeagle.com/product-page/the-hypothesis-the-hidden-civilization-behind-the-ufo-phenomenon Read what Iran and Bible Prophecy may have to do with this: https://www.wingsoftheeagle.com/product-page/the-great-sword-iran-prophecy-ufo-weaponsSupport this podcast however you can! https://www.wingsoftheeagle.com/supportunsealed

This is the VIC 4 VETS, Honored Veteran, during Veterans Month in America. SUBMITTED BY: Kevin aka Ed Stoit _____________________________________________________________ My Father Master Sergeant Albert Nowak - US Army Served at Fort Knox during the Korean Conflict Trained on Tanks Thankfully he was kept Stateside by a 4 Star General who made him his Assistant because my Dad knew how to type. He was in a Tank during a training exercise when someone in his Tank was killed when it fired and the recoil hit him. My Dad opened up late in life, that he was thankful that the General saved him, but emotionally he was upset for years for those that did die in battle or training. My Father in Law Private First Class Jack Benson - US Army He served in the Marshall Islands during Nuclear testing etc. He lied about his age to join the Army. Although he never attained a higher rank, he served. I don’t know anything more about his service. He never told my wife or me much of anything. ________________________________________________________________ This is today’s VIC 4 VETS, Honored Veteran, during Veterans Month in America on NewsTalkSTL. With support from our friends at: DG FIREARMS - PATRIOT HEATING AND COOLING - BEST BUY FLOORINGSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This is the VIC 4 VETS, Honored Veteran, during Veterans Month in America. SUBMITTED BY: Kevin aka Ed Stoit _____________________________________________________________ My Father Master Sergeant Albert Nowak - US Army Served at Fort Knox during the Korean Conflict Trained on Tanks Thankfully he was kept Stateside by a 4 Star General who made him his Assistant because my Dad knew how to type. He was in a Tank during a training exercise when someone in his Tank was killed when it fired and the recoil hit him. My Dad opened up late in life, that he was thankful that the General saved him, but emotionally he was upset for years for those that did die in battle or training. My Father in Law Private First Class Jack Benson - US Army He served in the Marshall Islands during Nuclear testing etc. He lied about his age to join the Army. Although he never attained a higher rank, he served. I don’t know anything more about his service. He never told my wife or me much of anything. ________________________________________________________________ This is today’s VIC 4 VETS, Honored Veteran, during Veterans Month in America on NewsTalkSTL. With support from our friends at: DG FIREARMS - PATRIOT HEATING AND COOLING - BEST BUY FLOORINGSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Send us a textWe discuss a thought-provoking scenario involving a Tech Sergeant who lost all her belongings to a fraudulent moving company during a PCS. When she requested funds for a dining room table through Operation Warm Heart, all First Sergeants voted yes except one who claimed she "made a stupid decision."• Debating whether choosing a DITY move constitutes a poor decision or a reasonable choice gone wrong• Exploring the purpose of Operation Warm Heart and leadership's responsibility to airmen in need• Questioning if helping service members after risks encourages bad behavior or fulfills our commitment• Discussing creative alternatives like community donations versus direct financial assistance• Examining how personal values influence leadership decisions when policy allows discretionThe podcast also covers Chief Master Sergeant initial mission command training, military decorations criteria, and Master Sergeant promotion rates reaching 23.42% this year. The show concludes with a celebration of being ranked among the top military leadership podcasts.

Geoff Dardia joins Mike Ritland to expose the real story behind Afghanistan, the missed chance to take out Bin Laden, and how politics destroyed 20 years of sacrifice.Dardia is a former Master Sergeant and Green Beret who lived it for real — from kicking doors in hostile countries to hunting bad guys under night vision.Before that?He was supposed to be a Navy SEAL — training shoulder-to-shoulder with Mike Ritland — until a medical issue derailed that path. Instead of quitting, Geoff took the fight to Special Operations, racking up multiple deployments as a Weapons Sergeant, Intel Sergeant, and Ops Sergeant.Since leaving active duty, Geoff's been on a different kind of warpath — fighting for the health and survival of the special operations community. As the founding director of SOF Health Initiatives for the Task Force Dagger Foundation, he's tackling the issues nobody wants to talk about — traumatic brain injuries, cancer, and the hidden wounds killing more operators than enemy bullets ever did. Like + Subscribe to the Mike Drop Podcast to Support the Show & Guests at http://youtube.com/@MikeRitland?sub_confirmation=1 Subscribe to the Mike Drop Patreon Page to see Ad-Free Episodes Early + Bonus Content at https://www.patreon.com/mikedrop ---------- Support Geoff Dardia - Website - https://www.taskforcedagger.org/sof-health/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/geoffrey-dardia/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sof_health_initiative/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100081804750883 ---------- TEAM DOG FOOD, TREATS & SUPPLEMENTS Be Your Dog's Hero: Veteran-owned by a former Navy SEAL and Special Operations K9 Trainer, Team Dog provides a complete diet of science-backed premium dog food, treats, and supplements to optimize your dog's health, forged from rigorous standards and real-world expertise. https://www.teamdog.shop TEAM DOG ONLINE TRAINING Mike Ritland – a former Navy SEAL & Special Operations K9 trainer – shares his simple and effective dog training program to build trust and control with your dog. Based on Mike's bestselling book “Team Dog, Train the Navy SEAL Way”, join tens of thousands of families that successfully trained their way to a better dog. https://www.teamdog.pet SHOP ALL THE MIKE RITLAND BRANDS Get all your Mike Ritland branded gear - Mike Drop | Trikos | Team Dog https://shop.mikeritland.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

I start this interview with a super simple question: where is the Arctic? As it turns out, the answer may not be so simple. In fact, it's a serious question that invokes geopolitical conflicts that seem to be undermining the "exceptionalism" of the Arctic. ►In this interview, I discuss the following with Dr. Troy Bouffard: Countries in the Arctic - the Arctic 8, 5 & 3. China - a "Near Arctic Country" Russia and China joint show of force in the Arctic - a wakeup call for America! Can/could Russia embarrass the U.S. with its Arctic forces? Is America prepared to enforce Arctic security? Is Canada prepared to enforce Arctic security? How have supersonic weapons changed Arctic security? Why don't satellites and lasers work in the Arctic? Why role does Greenland play in Arctic security?

Military hero Tim Kennedy's served as a Master Sergeant with the US Army Green Berets and a Special Forces Sniper. He's also a New York Times bestselling author, a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Black Belt, a former UFC fighter, and a philanthropist.In this powerful episode, we talk about personal growth, love for country, the warrior mindset, and much more.If you enjoy this episode, please consider leaving a rating and a review. It makes a huge difference in spreading the word about the show and helps us get more great guests.  Thanks for listening!Follow Tim on IG @timkennedymma and check out his website at https://timkennedy.com/ Follow Moshe on social media:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MoshePopack/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mpopack/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@mpopack Topics:  0:00 – Intro2:00 – Tim is “unapologetically American”4:30 – Is America united or divided?7:00 – Caring for our veterans10:00 – Healing from PTSD14:00 – The benefits of BBJ16:45 – Failure's the ultimate motivator19:00 – Split-second decisions   20:00 - Gratitude

In Episode 049 of The Resilient Show, Chad sits down with Tom Spooner, retired Master Sergeant from the U.S. Army with 21 years of service, including 10 years in Delta Force and co-Founder & President of Warriors Heart.Tom shares his journey from a young man struggling with addiction to a seasoned warrior dedicated to helping fellow veterans, first responders, and law enforcement heal from PTSD, addiction, and moral injury.Chad and Tom discuss the challenges of military life, the importance of peer-to-peer healing, and the mission of Warrior's Heart. Tom's story of resilience, faith, and leadership is an inspiration to anyone facing hardship. Don't miss this raw and honest conversation about overcoming adversity and finding purpose beyond the battlefield.Learn more about Warriors Heart https://www.warriorsheart.com Follow Warriors Heart: https://www.instagram.com/warriorshearthealingRESILIENT:Join Our Patreon: https://patreon.com/theresilientshowFollow Us On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/resilientshowFollow Us On Twitter:⁠ https://twitter.com/resilientshowFollow Us On TikTok: ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@resilientshowFollow Chad:⁠https://www.instagram.com/chadrobo_official⁠https://www.x.com/chadroboSPONSORS:Smith & Wesson: ⁠https://www.smith-wesson.com/⁠Vortex Optics:https://vortexoptics.comGatorz Eyewear: ⁠https://www.gatorz.com/⁠Allied Wealth:https://alliedwealth.comBioPro+: ⁠https://www.bioproteintech.com/⁠BioXCellerator:https://www.bioxcellerator.comThe Holy Waters:https://theholywaters.comGet The Resilient Show x Uncharted Supply Co Bag: https://liveresilient.com/shop—-------TRS is a proud supporter of military & first responder communities in partnership with Mighty Oaks Foundation.

USAF Master Sergeant saw a UFO land on Nellis AFB and met its Alien Pilot

JOHN MILOR - Aliens and the Antichrist - John Milor is an author of several books, and radio talk show guest for numerous programs. His interest in understanding paranormal phenomenon began at the age of five after hearing his great grandmother's tale of seeing a UFO shortly following the turn of the century. This story, as well as numerous otherworldly encounters of his own, fuelled his quest of the unknown. When he reached the age of twenty one, and was visited by none other than Jesus Christ, in a vision. Since that time, Milor has become a born again Christian, yet continues to investigate paranormal phenomenon. In most respects, he is an outsider, considered too 'Christian' for New Agers, and too 'Occultish' for Christians. Those who read his books with an open mind, however, may discover him to simply be a Bible believing intellectual who constantly questions everything he sees, hears, feels, and believes. John has earned two Associate degrees, a Bachelor degree in Business, and is currently pursuing a Masters in Professional Screenwriting. He works fulltime as a Master Sergeant in the Air National Guard. All are invited to visit his website to read all his books as free downloads; they are posted online in their entirety for free reading on his websites @ www.AliensInTheBible.com and www.AliensAndTheAntichrist.com.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-x-zone-radio-tv-show--1078348/support.

In Episode 044 of The Resilient Show, Chad sits down with Cody Alford, retired MARSOC Raider, entrepreneur, & motivational speaker.From the battlefield to a fight for self discovery on the other side, former MARSOC Raider Cody Alford has an incredible story to tell. Cody shares with Chad his journey of resilience—pushing past the limits of elite military service, confronting the darkness of transition, and forging a new path toward purpose and freedom.Cody Alford is Cody Alford is a retired MARSOC Raider who served 15 years in military special operations and was the fastest-promoted Master Sergeant in Marine Corps history. He's a world-renowned mental health advocate, public speaker, founder of Defy The Norm apparel, podcast host, and mindset coach aimed at helping others break beyond their self-limiting beliefs.Learn more about Cody & His Projectshttps://www.codyalford.com Follow Cody:https://www.instagram.com/thecodyalfordRESILIENT:Follow Us On Patreon:https://patreon.com/theresilientshowFollow Us On Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/resilientshowFollow Us On Twitter:⁠https://twitter.com/resilientshowFollow Us On TikTok:⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@resilientshowFollow Chad:⁠https://www.instagram.com/chadrobo_official⁠https://www.x.com/chadroboSPONSORS:Smith & Wesson: ⁠https://www.smith-wesson.com/⁠Vortex Optics:https://vortexoptics.comGatorz Eyewear: ⁠https://www.gatorz.com/⁠Allied Wealth:https://alliedwealth.comBioPro+: ⁠https://www.bioproteintech.com/⁠BioXCellerator:https://www.bioxcellerator.comThe Holy Waters:https://theholywaters.comGet The Resilient Show x Uncharted Supply Co Bag:https://liveresilient.com/shop—-------TRS is a proud supporter of military &first responder communities in partnership withMighty Oaks Foundation.

Jason Sands served for 22 years with the US Air Force and attained a final rank as Master Sergeant. Midway through his military service he was recruited into a UFO-related program while stationed at Nellis Air Force Base, which adjoins Area 51 or Dreamland. He learned about a UFO crash retrieval program and that biological material from Non-Human Intelligence (NHI) had been recovered. In 1984, Sands and four other soldiers witnessed a UFO land at Nellis and an NHI emerging who asked for help. During his Exopolitics Today interview, Sands was able to confirm key aspects of the testimony of Charles Hall about NHI living in remote areas of Nellis due to secret agreements reached with USAF leaders. He also corroborated claims of two secret UFO research facilities at Area 51 called S-4 and S-2. Sands appeared in the recently released UFO-related documentary, The Program, created by filmmaker James Fox. The Program is available at: https://www.amazon.com/Program-James-Fox/dp/B0DJB5P1WD & https://tv.apple.com/us/movie/the-program/umc.cmc.o1nsjudjqe5lwmr48wdrloo6 X.com/@JasonSa32135987

Reports of violence in the workplace have escalated over the last 10 to 20 years, despite laws and rules that have been put in place to prevent these situations from happening. So, as a business owner, supervisor or manager, what can you do? Are you prepared to manage a situation once it starts? Better yet, do you know the warning signs and have a plan to deescalate the situation before it starts? Today on the MEMIC Safety Experts Podcast, Command Master Sergeant, United States Army Retired Bart Womack, author of the book, Embedded Enemy, and screenplay for the feature film of the same name, joins me to discuss the issue of workplace violence using his experience, expertise and knowledge from a survivor's perspective on insider threats. https://www.bartwomack.com/

JOHN MILOR - Aliens and the Antichrist - John Milor is an author of several books, and radio talk show guest for numerous programs. His interest in understanding paranormal phenomenon began at the age of five after hearing his great grandmother's tale of seeing a UFO shortly following the turn of the century. This story, as well as numerous otherworldly encounters of his own, fuelled his quest of the unknown. When he reached the age of twenty one, and was visited by none other than Jesus Christ, in a vision. Since that time, Milor has become a born again Christian, yet continues to investigate paranormal phenomenon. In most respects, he is an outsider, considered too 'Christian' for New Agers, and too 'Occultish' for Christians. Those who read his books with an open mind, however, may discover him to simply be a Bible believing intellectual who constantly questions everything he sees, hears, feels, and believes. John has earned two Associate degrees, a Bachelor degree in Business, and is currently pursuing a Masters in Professional Screenwriting. He works fulltime as a Master Sergeant in the Air National Guard. All are invited to visit his website to read all his books as free downloads; they are posted online in their entirety for free reading on his websites @ www.AliensInTheBible.com and www.AliensAndTheAntichrist.com.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-x-zone-radio-tv-show--1078348/support.

JOHN MILOR - Aliens and the Antichrist - John Milor is an author of several books, and radio talk show guest for numerous programs. His interest in understanding paranormal phenomenon began at the age of five after hearing his great grandmother's tale of seeing a UFO shortly following the turn of the century. This story, as well as numerous otherworldly encounters of his own, fuelled his quest of the unknown. When he reached the age of twenty one, and was visited by none other than Jesus Christ, in a vision. Since that time, Milor has become a born again Christian, yet continues to investigate paranormal phenomenon. In most respects, he is an outsider, considered too 'Christian' for New Agers, and too 'Occultish' for Christians. Those who read his books with an open mind, however, may discover him to simply be a Bible believing intellectual who constantly questions everything he sees, hears, feels, and believes. John has earned two Associate degrees, a Bachelor degree in Business, and is currently pursuing a Masters in Professional Screenwriting. He works fulltime as a Master Sergeant in the Air National Guard. All are invited to visit his website to read all his books as free downloads; they are posted online in their entirety for free reading on his websites @ www.AliensInTheBible.com and www.AliensAndTheAntichrist.com.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-x-zone-radio-tv-show--1078348/support.

00:00 Introductions 0:150  Shamsud-Din Jabbar 14:38 DEI in Universities 21:50 Brad Spafford 28:41 Alfred Rava —We begin with apologies.  We know we've mentioned this several times over the past several weeks, but Jake and his family (wife, two kids, two dogs, cat) are moving.  They just got to their new house, which means the first half of craziness has passed, but as we record, they're in the second half of insane. Things are in boxes, the kids are noisy… there's a lot going on. HOPEFULLY, next week, Jake will have all his audio issues taken care of. Cross your fingers, and thanks for your patience. —Is there a bigger douchebag out there right now than Shamsud-Din Jabbar? Sure, historically, there are bigger losers, but at the moment, this guy is the absolute worst. Thrice divorced, failed businesses, and does he look in the mirror and pick the common denominator, him? Nope! He lashes out at the world around him. Ugh. Such an a-hole. Makes me wish I believed in hell, so I could find peace in the knowledge he's down there right now, waiting for Trump and his ilk. We also discuss (and praise) Master Sergeant Matthew Alan Livelsberger, who took himself out in Vegas. He didn't go on a rampage, and target innocent people, he ended his problems the right way, but removing himself from the game. Good on ya, Master Sergeant.  —The University of Iowa is dialing back its DEI courses. That's a win for conservatives, right? Well, not really. A university with 33,000 students is cutting programs that, combined, had less than 60 students.  So… Yeah, that's just a good business move. “Oh, no one is interested in this? Yeah, cut the program.” —Speaking of douchebags… Brad Spafford has a lawyer, and that lawyer is a big one. Brad Spafford seems to have issues.  He has a hobby of making bombs. Lots and lots of them. And I'm not talking about movies that don't make back their budget. The FBI found out about him, arrested him, and a lawyer is arguing for his release into society. Dude is the biggest walking red flag you've ever seen, and a lawyer wants him walking around unfettered.  Yay.  —Speaking of douchebag lawyers, Alfred Rava appears to be an enormous one.  He files lawsuits for incels against businesses that dare to offer a “ladies night,” in order to attract customers. Apparently the weakest, most pathetic man-boys on the planet are threatened by women getting a dollar off the drink you're probably going to buy for them anyway, and think it should be illegal.  Why? Because when women go to a bar, men go to a bar.  They go to a bar and talk to women. But not man-boy incels.  No, they're afraid of women, so instead of allowing normal men to enjoy a night at a bar full of women, they sue.  And Alfred Rava takes the case. Idiots on Parade: we mock the news, so you don't have to. Tune in and get your giggle on. Find Jake at @jakevevera Find nathan at nathantimmel.com

Ron Holmes retired from Marine Special Operations Command after serving over 20 years in the U.S. Marines. During his time at MARSOC as the Communications Operations Chief he was the senior enlisted responsible for creating the first Marine Special Operations Communications School called MNOC (Marine Network Operators Course). Before this, he served with Force Reconnaissance commands for much of his time in service. His primary job was Reconnaissance Communications. Post retirement he worked in support of the Global War on Terror for the Joint Special Operations Command. Shortly thereafter serving as a Sensor Operator on an Intelligence Reconnaissance Surveillance platform. This led him to work as an Independent Diplomatic Security Consultant. In 2014 he was diagnosed with cancer and could no longer deploy. As of today, he is cancer-free. For the last 15 years, He has run his own firearms training that has provided over 7000 hours of marksmanship instruction for all skill levels on multiple weapons platforms. RYKER USA was created in 2014. He holds a patent for the RYKER Grip that he invented. He is a principal owner of RYKER USA. He has a bachelor's degree in Homeland Security and Emergency Management, with honors. The summer of 2023 he created the Life SKillZ Academy. A summer Camp for boys and girls ages 6-15. The camp works to create assets in the home and the community starting at the age of 6. Their motto is God-Family-Country. He is married to Tracey lynn Holmes together they have their son Ryker Jeffrey Holmes who the company and grip were named after. His son is also named after fallen Force Recon Communicator, Jeffrey “Corky” Starling. He lives by the 5 F's and a B. Faith, Family, Fitness, Fighting, Firearms, and a BOW. The goal with their company, products and training is the same. Make a positive impact and leave you better than when you started. You can reach Ron Holmes at the following. ron.holmes@rykerusa.com www.rykerusa.com ron.holmes@lifeskillzusa.com www.lifeskillzusa.com Instagram @instructorone , @rykerusa , @lifeskillzusa Youtube @rykerusa , @lifeskillzus

On this very special Veterans Day and Marine Corps Birthday episode of the Stubbornly Positive Podcast, Nora and Craig reflect on Schmalls Fest and what it means to them as they prepare for the 10th annual fundraiser. Justin Schmalstieg and Sean Osterman went above and beyond for their fellow Marines on December 14-15th. Their actions are the inspiration for this meaningful event. To enhance the perspective of this episode, Ysa Rubio, Justin's partner and recently retired Master Sergeant rejoins the podcast. Ysa is an incredible person and a great storyteller who digs deep as he recalls his friendship with Justin. Tune in to celebrate the lives of Justin and Sean and all those who've left us too soon. 

Today, Walt Robillard and I are giving you a sneak peek at a new project we've been working on. Give it a read (below), or a listen (Above), and check it out, and yeah, that's Walt's killer voice doing the narration.Hobo Recon:Hard Luck and TroublebyNick Cole and Walt RobillardChapter OneHobos in the Wind“This is why we can't have nice things, Troubs!” Hardy shouted across the cargo containers in the yard.            It'd been a while since he'd had to draw the heater, much less fire it. This wasn't the gun he'd normally shuck from beneath his worn patchwork “dirty” military jacket when things went south fast and desperate. The dialed-up M4.  This was definitely the shotty he used for tense negotiations with uncertain characters who harbored bad intentions.Bad intentions was everyday and everyone now days. In these times.He pulled that shotgun from under the coat where it dangled on a single point underarm sling as he ate up the miles and rode the rails. A model 870 SPS Marine Magnum he'd rattle-canned to look more used, weathered, subdued. On the road and the kinda gun a desperate man lookin' for work might use to protect himself in these lawless times. He'd save his sidearm for the real intense gunfights up close that needed more rounds on target. Less fiddling with the firearm when he wanted to put a hurt on someone. The double stack mag held enough, “go screw yerself,” forty-five caliber ACP. Usually good to get out of whatever scrape he and Trouble had gotten themselves into this time behind enemy lines and in service to SOCOM and the Heartland that was all that remained of the U.S.             Trouble—because it wasn't a middle name, it was really… who he was—Troubs had his head shoved into the open cargo container in the shipping yard, using his teeth to strip off the casing around a wire he was working. He had a multi-tool with wire strippers too. The ones all those old EOD guys carried back in the day on their rig and chest plate carriers in the wars in other places not the battleground they found themselves in now… America. Still America regardless of what all factions were involved and especially the ChiComs.The sudden appearance of a Chinese security agent had Trouble stripping wires with his teeth for expediency in order to, “get it done in one, son.”It didn't help that Hard Luck had been muttering that same phrase as he got ready to distribute some hate-spray from the barrel of the rattle-canned 870. Rattle-canned old BDU multicam because that was the way the world was now, and the lands they found themselves in, and was the camo of the day when they'd both started out as Eleven Bravo privates in the last days of the Old Cold War.Not the hot one now.            The unlucky and early security agent was currently dead behind where Trouble was kneeling, large caliber holes bleeding over his gray uniform and onto the wet pavement of the yard.            “Brah, that shot was like Mozart on a motorcycle. That's how we do it, my brother in combat arms!” Trouble quietly exclaimed as he twisted the end of the newly exposed wire, pumped his fist, and continued whatever Def Leppard song he was keeping time to, to get his EOD on like he'd always done. Then he pumped his fist again and bit his lip, hearing some searing unheard guitar solo from long ago. “Need me a little cover while I finish this last bit, Hardy.”            Hard Luck.            SFC James C. Hardy. SOCOM. Eighteen Bravo. Shoulda been a Master Sergeant before retirement. But he spent some unrated time doing dark stuff in uncertain places along the way for shadows that didn't want to come out into the light before America got sold out by those shadows and all that was left was SOCOM to defend the Heartland and give the Chinese and the rest a bad time. There was the 82nd too, even though they were stuck in the irradiated remains of Russian-occupied Poland and fighting for their lives living on dead horses and hate. The Marines held Sand Diego and were officially listed as insurrectionists and traitors, allies of Russia.            But that wasn't true. Not at all.            Eighteen Bravo.  The weapons sergeant within the Special Forces career field, employs conventional and unconventional warfare tactics and techniques in individual and small unit infantry operations. Employs individual domestic, foreign small arms, light and heavy crew-served weapons, anti-aircraft and anti-armor weapons. He is… a master of all weapons.            And don't ask about the Rangers and where they are in the mess we find ourselves in called America's Darkest Hours on a good day. All four Battalions were dead. As they say in SOCOM, “Ain't no Rangers here,” and then those that can, point to where they once rolled the scroll and wink. “They just on the fade.”               Hardy leaned into the shadows beside his own container he was covering from. No use standing in the same spot as his partner. The guy was either going to blow himself up or get trounced by the incoming security responding to the shots. Why risk both of them getting schwacked?            “You were supposed to wait,” Hardy muttered as he scanned the misty and wet dark.            “I was supposed to be a rock star,” Trouble responded, humming metal to himself as he cursed the wire he was working with. “Playing the axe at night; beach, beer, fish tacos by day. Maybe even charm my way to seeing a bikini hanging off the end of the bed post, ya know? Life comes at ya fast, Hardy, but don't worry… Trouble's my name and causin' it is my… game,” he whispered almost to himself as he continued to solve the problems in his hands.            SFC Stephen X. Bach. Eighteen Charlie.  SFC when he shoulda retired at least an E8 just a few years ago as things began to get truly weird and surreal and even the Army lost its mind and lowered standards, painted nails and even let some girls wear the Ranger Tab when no one who's actually earned one thinks they even got remotely close to meeting standard without a lotta help along the way.            Eighteen Charlie. Special Force engineer sergeants are specialists across a wide range of disciplines, from demolitions and constructions of field fortifications to topographic survey techniques.            Trouble was his tag with SOCOM, and it wasn't because he was cool. He caused it on mission more than effectively, on behalf of the teams, and didn't stop back behind the wire when it was generally not needed or in his own best interest.            So… Trouble had run his mouth about the general current state of affairs, and if he wasn't so highly decorated that some of his awards were redacted, and so competent at the delicate art of high explosives… then he might have found himself with an even lower rank and very little retirement in light of the various courts martial and articles of offense.            But he knew real bad guys in high places even there at the end of all things. And so, he'd gotten a chance to walk with some retirement and rank for the last six months of America.            “Then get it done, and don't be that guy,” Hardy growled. Trouble liked to talk it up when things were getting thick.And things were getting definitely thick.Like the song lyrics from long ago Trouble always had running… It was distracting. Not to mention, Trouble had a tendency to sip his own cool aid, or so Hardy thought. “Got more coming.”Matter of fact statement. No drama. It was about to be get-it-on-thirty in the midnight yard of bad decisions and insertion behind enemy lines with assets to deny and mayhem to be caused.            The sound of rushing boots thumping across the wet concrete was getting louder, as was the group barking loudly in Mandarin the way the Chinese do as they approached the x they had no idea they were walking onto. It was funny how the Chinese all ran the same way, or at least, that's how it sounded to Hardy. And it… bemused him. He was a thinker, and he'd never have used that ten-cent word on the teams. But in his mind, that and other words like it… they were there. He was a reader, and a thinker. And so, to Hard Luck all the Chinese seemed to have that same mincing pitter-patter run where they never really stepped it out like they were Usain Bolt intent on not just winning… but winning with icing. It was like watching that cartoon Martian run while trying to nab a, “P-32 ulidium space modulator!”            Or whatever it was.            Of course, the newer generation had no clue about good ol' Marvin, but that didn't mean it wasn't funny.            And…            “Sucks to be them,” exhaled Hard Luck and readied the shotty for sudden thunder.            The Chinese shouts changed to whispers as the pitter-patter running soldiers got to the container group close to the two operators. Hardy knew the trick. Direct the guys into the target, then shift to the radios to keep their opponents guessing as to what came next. Only, the two operators had seen this particular Chinese trick before, as this wasn't the first time he and Trouble had gone up against the Puffies.            Of course, their enemy didn't refer to themselves as Puffies because their units always went about with names to make them feel special. Hardy got the intel on these mooks a couple of weeks ago when Trouble blew up that cargo ship down in the gulf. They'd called themselves Thunder of the Gods and gay stuff like that. Because of course they did. And this was a reference to the People's Liberation Army Air Force's Airborne Brigade.            Which was who they were facing today. This was their operation area on the road to New Orleans.            Now, sounding all that out had been a mouthful for the various teams rolling out of the SRC, and instead of just shortening it to PLAAF, it came out like Puff. The few Puffies that Hardy's unit had managed to capture and talk to, got all sorts of mad about the slur. Which was great when they caught and released a few of them to spread the legend of the Special Reconnaissance Companies SOCOM had deployed into Occupied America. Get the rest of the Puffies all nervous about facing an invisible covert military force hiding in plain sight within the subjugated population.            Ghosts in the night in plain sight.            And deadly ghosts at that.            Some of the SRC teams had even conducted massacres that were simply bone-chilling so the Chinese could have their very own boogie men to be afraid of in the night.            What had Colonel Spear said when he created the Special Recon Teams for SOCOM as it waged its war out of what remained of North Carolina and the battle lines down in Georgia… "Now they will know why they are afraid of the dark. Now they learn why they fear the night."            One of the nerdy Green Berets, an 18 Delta, had told everyone that was a line from Conan the Barbarian. No one cared and all agreed it was as cool as it gets. And if there's anything Green Berets love… it's cool stuff that's super deadly. See the tats since ‘Nam for examples. Cobras, skulls, knives… women.            The Puffies had rightly guessed Trouble and Hardy would eventually come after this cargo depot along the gulf after they'd slagged that cargo ship. So, the Chinese high command out of New Orleans had deployed a company of PLAAF airborne forward in the hopes word would get out, and the “American GI special forces terrorists” prowling the Area of Operations North of New Orleans would come and enter the dragnet the PRC had thrown across much of the South and Southwest of what the maps once called the United States of America.They were anything but united.Most of the States that remained were fighting for themselves with what little was left of their veterans and National Guard. What was known as “Caliphistan” centered around the Midwest out of Michigan, was engaged in a brutal no-holds-barred plains war with the Chinese 3rd Army and being supplied and trained by SOCOM with what could be begged, borrowed, or stolen.California was behind enemy lines except for Marine-held San Diego and some warlord in Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, and parts of San Bernardino proclaiming an independent nation called Vanistan and being held by heavily armed and mobile militia.They had vans.            Hardy scanned the angles and shadows of the cargo containers past where Trouble was working.            Their night vision had been a step up from what he'd had when he'd been a regular grunt. The overhead lighting shining down on them from gantries and industrial light towers of the cargo yard situated around the cargo docks didn't even factor in to how these new NODs worked out in the dark. Running next gen night vision based on the ENVG-B—still in use—their gear just factored in the lighting and highlighted anything warmer than the surroundings. Complex motion tracking fed into augmented reality, highlighted potential targets and let the soldier see in complex low light conditions.            “Trubs,” Hardy said quietly into his throat mic. “Hooking out to get an angle on our new friends.”            “Gonna leave me here all by my lonesome,” Trouble joked. “You know… I'm afraid of the dark, right?”            “NODs and that red lens you're working ain't enough?” Hardy asked.            Trouble waved the flashlight in the direction of the incoming Puffies. “Seriously, come over here and hold my hand while I finish this. You know how I get.”            Hardy knew all too well, which is why he left his partner alone to finish his chore.            He slipped past several of the containers, then used a small stack of metal frames to vault himself to the top of the nearest CONEX. The cargo containers were the standard variety, so he had to move cautiously as he jumped, then crept across the top of the ribbed metal box. Walk too fast and he'd sound like he was pounding on a metal drum with each footstep. After jumping across several of the boxes, Hardy had a good line of sight to Trouble and several avenues of approach.            The operator leaned into the shadows against the cargo container stack, then removed his cell phone from the sleeve pocket of his patrol parka. Set to lowlight conditions, the EUD—End User Device—was loaded with the latest and greatest ATAK interface, allowing Hardy to act as a battlefield information hub. The screen was already pinging two angles of approach off the trip sensors Hardy had placed when they'd first snuck into the yard.            The fact they were coming at all worried the veteran operator. He scratched the few days' worth of stubble on his chin, trying to figure where they'd botched the insert and alerted this security detail tasked with holding the yards. The Chinese had their own version of EUDs, and if they ran something like the Android Team Awareness Kit, all it would've taken was for Hardy and Trouble to trip a sensor they'd missed, and the soldier responsible for the zone would have called it in.            Hardy shook his head, internally bashing himself for not being more careful. It's why they'd taken to calling him Hard Luck for his call-sign. Throughout his military career and now out in the Special Recon Companies, he'd never found a stretch of bad luck that didn't stick to him. And that included being partnered with Trouble.            That guy was bad luck personified.            Looking up from his EUD, Hardy saw the Chinese first fire team angling on the objective. A single soldier with three more behind him was trying to pie the corner as though this was the first time he'd done it for real. Hardy had to give the Asian kid credit though, he was sticking his QBZ-191 rifle around the corner, trusting the optic to broadcast whatever was past the CONEX to his night vision, so the soldier didn't have to stick his head in the open and get it blown off.            SOCOM's PsyOps guys had made sure all the illegal social media sites still operational were filled with GoPros of Chinese guys getting their heads blown off. Some of them were even real. AI made the rest.            Hard Luck, that internal monologue, that thinking machine he was, a thinking-killing machine who'd even had profound thoughts while running a belt fed two-forty in a hostile combat zone and laying some serious hate, that thinking machine he was always… wondered…            Warfare had gotten weird when advanced sighting devices operated on wireless link tech and rifles could see around corners.            It wasn't… fair. But when was war ever fair. He'd seen enough kids get talked into it only to end up lying in the tall grass by some road a few days later. Just where he'd left them.            No, there was nothing fair about war.            Now that it wasn't close quarters in the dark, he gently let the shotty slide back under his old “down and out in occupied America” hobo-coat and shucked the heater.            The heater.            It wasn't an issued weapon. There were very few issued-weapons for SOCOM, and all the kids and whoever would show up to get trained on them and sent out to die in any of the seven directions the heartland was being attacked from. Plus… shipping and transport weren't easy.            In the SRTs everything went on your back just like the old LRRP teams in Vietnam. And you looked like a hobo so you could pass with all the refugees, transients, and mad homeless displaced by the war, or just… whatever.            You looked like a hobo because you were… a hobo.            The heater was his own personal truck gun he'd dragged everywhere from Bragg to wherever he got stationed along the way.            Everything on it was his. Paid for by his salary. Just in case it hit the fan. Just in case he got invaded at home one night, wherever home happened to be between deployments. Honestly, he'd never thought he'd need it for what he was using it for now.            A domestic insurgency.            But he sure had built it to do the trick.            It was a Daniel Defense MK18 with a ten-inch threaded barrel he could go quiet with. He had jungle-mags ready to go and one stack in. Along the barrel he had illuminate and IR. He'd added a BCM foregrip and done some work with the internals to get it just where he wanted it to run. He had a match grade flat-trigger because that felt best for the tap. The optic was a basic Aimpoint T-1. It didn't look tactical-cool guy but if you knew you knew. The T1 was a great optic system if you needed to keep both eyes open and see everything while keeping the dot on target.            And in the SRTs, outnumbered, behind lines, running gun fights and using everything and being as aware as possible, wasn't just optimal or maximal… it was vital to continued birthday parties.            Hardy lined up his optic to target and let the heater bark. The first round caught the kid in the neck, splattering a good amount of the kid's blood across the CONEX's side panel. The assault took the trio behind the kid by surprise, forcing them to turn and instantly shoot in all directions except up because they weren't fighting Batman. Hardy covered behind the metal boxes, trusting their contents to bullet sponge enough of the bouncing rounds to keep him from getting accidentally blasted.            Then… leaning from cover, Hardy put a trio of shots that tore off the commie soldier's face, before transitioning to the third trooper in the stack. Then he sent more rounds sailing past the number three paratrooper's chin and behind the space at the top of his chest where the armor didn't cover.            And thinking-killing machine he was… he reflected that it was good “commie” was back in use as the dirty word it really was.            It was the truth.            And it was always good to stack them.                       The fourth Chinese paratrooper decided to run for it when he couldn't find the spot the shooting was coming from. In a show of solidarity, he grabbed the trooper who'd just soaked up rounds behind his chest plate, dragging the downed soldier to cover with him.            Probably thinking he was gonna get a medal someday for this.            Poor Schmoe, thought Hard Luck, guy didn't observe the first rule of combat first aid, and it was going to cost him. Now. Hardy lined up the optic dot to the soldier's hip, having already figured out the sight was probably off because he'd been shooting center mass but hitting high. The thinking but really killing machine part of his mind doing that math too… and then his suspicion got confirmed when the rounds punched into the spot on the Chinese soldier's back right behind and beneath his shoulder, once again where their PLA armor didn't cover.            The round tore into the kid's torso, punching him to the ground next to his friend he was gonna rescue and get a medal for, and twenty years after, they'd drink Tsing Taos and celebrate a ChiCom-dominated world they'd made happen, with their little part, and managed to survive as they watched their loud children shout, and their pretty wives dote over them.Now both PLA troopers gasped for air and coughed out blood-soaked ragged Chinese, definitely drawing all sorts of attention to the hate he'd laid on them.Now we wait, he thought.Killing Machine taking over in the night and the dark and the mist.            Hardy jumped across the space to the next set of containers, allowing him to get a better view of the opposite line of advance. “Trouble, how long, man?”            The radio broke squelch in the small earpiece he wore under his hood. “Hard Luck, this is Trouble, coming at you with all the classic rock your ears can swallow!”            Great, Hardy thought. Could this guy really not take anything seriously?            The operator pushed the toggle for his PTT and growled, “Trubs, how long?”            “Closing it up now,” Trouble said. “Moving to zone two, pushing out at the crane, toward the water.”            “Roger out,” Hardy said, cutting the comms.            They'd sand-tabled this. They'd done it many times without each other in other teams not this one and other days better than this. And together, lately, Hard Luck and Trouble were becoming known for this little act of behind the lines terrorism.            Miss USA on the Nightly Free America Broadcast has even noted them in the scramble codes sent to the military and operators as far behind lines as North Dakota and New Mexico where the Chinese ran their death camps night and day, and hope is just a voice in the night right now. Near the end of the broadcast. Her warm voice coming in clear.            “Chris… sleeps until dawn.”            “The number is forty-two.”            “And to all the patriots listening tonight out there in the dark… Our boys with the Raiders and the Packers thank two particular hobos for their roadside assistance at Route Twenty-Four with the Chinese Column moving in on Nashville that was causing many patriots in the area much Hard Luck and Trouble. The supplies are through, and the children have been evacuated back into the Homeland behind the Green Zone. Thank you, boys.”            Then…            “There's a match in Peterborough. No Slack in effect.”            And finally…            “That's the news for tonight, America. Stay in the fight. We aren't done yet. Good night. And now… The Star Spangled Banner. The lights are still on.”            Both men had listened in that night after a long and very hard day on the hump, sleeping in a wet ditch out near a county road. It was cold. They'd said nothing. In the dark a few minutes later, Trouble spoke. He was gonna take first watch as they faded off the hit, avoiding Chinese Air Cav Hunter killer teams that had been roaming the countryside in HINDs.“She sounds hot, Hardy. Like that girl on the White Snake video back in the day. Remember her?”“Yeah,” said Hard Luck with his poncho pulled over him and the shotty in one hand nearby on his pack. “I do.”Pause.Then…“Do you think she's hot? Miss USA.”Hard Luck was fading. Dreaming that dream he never told anyone about.But just before he'd fallen asleep, he said, “I think she's good, Trouble. And that's what makes her beautiful.”And then Trouble might have grunted or said, “Okay.” But Hard Luck had gone to that other world that didn't exist anymore. Yesterday, some call it.But that wasn't now. Now they were in the fight in the supply yard with the PLA airborne thinking they had them right where they wanted them, barking Mandarin radio chatter and thumping hard heavy too-short-step boots and even untargeted fire at ghosts and phantoms in the mist.They were conscripts after all. They were afraid. Afraid of the PRC. And now, down range and right near the boogie men… they were afraid of the hobos that had come for them.            Another fire team of Chinese paratroopers slowly advanced to the corner of the new row of containers Hardy now faced. They mimicked the first group of soldiers, sticking their rifles around the corner to let the optics assume the risk. When they dropped their field of view on the fire team dying across from them, they retreated from the corner and broke out in a heated conversation of harsh whispers.            Yeah, the operator could smell their fear.            Behind the dying paratroopers on the ground Hard Luck had put rounds on target into, a third fire team slowly advanced, careful not to get too close to the fatal CONEX corner. They fanned out, with the tail man in the stack launching a slick matte-black drone.            Hushing-hushing in the way of Chinese battle-speak.            That was smart of them, Hardy thought. Get some eyes in the air and cover the ground quickly to find their targets. What they didn't count on was Trouble sliding in behind them, running his knife out the front of the drone trooper's neck, starting from somewhere near his ear. The battlefield surgery was grizzly, wet work, but Trouble seemed to be totally cool with it, going so far as to gently lay the soldier down and relieve him of his drone controller even as his buddies, soon to be bodies, were eyes forward and fighting for the Fatherland or whatever the godless b******s believed in these days.            With a few deft taps on the screen, Trouble had a good grip on the flight mechanic and stepped back into the shadows, fading from the fire team of Chinese paratroopers. Hardy watched as his wingman sailed the drone across the cargo yard, dropping it in line with the enemy crew close to him. They froze in place, unsure of what to make of the machine hovering in front of them at eye level.            “Hard Luck, this is Trouble. If you wouldn't mind taking advantage of the little distraction I just created, I'd appreciate it.”            There were times when James “Hard Luck” Hardy really wanted to punch his partner straight up in the grill. They all paled in comparison to those times when Trouble just couldn't be serious about an operation. Times like now.            Hardy reached into his pack, pulling a grenade from where it was taped to the inside. He yanked the pin and let the spoon fly. After mentally ticking off a count of One Mississippi, the operator flicked the weapon over the CONEX boxes to land in the middle of the fire team.            The grenade rolled and then popped, its kinetic fury suddenly and obnoxiously ignoring the Chinese soldiers' armor and planting them onto the pavement in piles of ruined meat and shredded gear.To them it was sudden and brutal, and none of the Chinese propaganda about “a glorious war of liberation” matched their violent deaths. The close proximity to the cargo containers funneled some of the blast and over-pressure across the way, startling the final team of Chinese paratroopers on approach to where they thought their boogie men might be. This group stumbled backward behind the cover of the containers, suddenly shouting in their hushed and harsh speech pattern… only to come face to face with Trouble ready to take advantage of their surprise, as they'd retreated to where they thought they might be safe.Trouble's thoughts were synched to “Breakin' the Law” by Judas Priest as he assessed the funnel they'd been forced into. The funnel and area they'd chosen as… safe.“Ain't nowhere safe in America for you,” hissed the operator.            He muzzle-thumped the first man to see he was there, pushing the suppressed Berretta pistol into the soldier's throat. The paratrooper doubled over, coughing and holding his throat after the hit. Trouble lowered himself at the same time, using the stunned soldier as cover. Angling to the side, the predatory operator sent two rounds into the lower torso of the next guy in the stack, dropping him to the concrete. He lowered the pistol to the man recovering from the throat hit, sent a round through the top of the man's boot, then followed him through a series of pain-soaked hops as he tried to recover his balance.            This was a song.            Just like all the ones he'd learned on his guitar as a kid. And they were his sheet music as he moved them about in a fatal dance of lead and death at twenty-four hundred feet per second.            Seeing how quickly things had devolved into chaos, the last man ran into the intersection, probably hoping the smoke and noise of the grenade going off in the intersection would hide his escape. All it did was bring him into Hardy's sight picture, where the concealed operator put a single round into the soldier's leg, adjusting the aim on the scope he needed to re-zero next chance he got. The paratrooper tumbled into the stack of bodies from the first fire team to get murked, a bloody mess on the ground really, screaming as he pushed himself to his back and frantically whirled his rifle in any and all directions.            In a moment of clarity, the surviving para realized the nature of his injury. He expertly pulled a tourniquet from a pouch on his armor, then slid the contraption over his leg before tightening it down.            “Fàngxià nǐ de wǔqì!” Trouble hissed from around the corner. The man had hugged the shadows until he got in position, then slid from the dark holding a confiscated QBZ-191.            The Chinese soldier held his hands out wide at seeing his own style battle rifle pointed at him. He let the rifle slip from his fingers, while glaring daggers at Trouble coming in. As the dark and dirty man advanced, the paratrooper used his good leg to push himself against the other bodies and prop up to a sitting position.            Trouble looked the part of a hobo riding the rails. He had an old-style military trench coat over a hoodie covering his normally unkempt hair. His beard was wispy, with patches of hair not growing in for some reason or another. His dirty military-style civilian pants seemed to have as many stains as they did pockets, lending credence to looking like someone who slept among the garbage. Trouble advanced on a set of well-worn high-top sneakers, complete with the Velcro strap at the top, a look no kid on either side of the Chinese militarized zone would be caught dead wearing.            He got a few yards from the downed soldier, then repeated, “Move the weapon away,” in Chinese. He spoke with the inflection and tone of someone who knew the language intimately, although he'd never be truly taken as a native speaker.            Trouble hovered over the man, both staring at each other over the sound of the paratrooper breathing rapidly after being badly wounded. The man flinched, and Trouble sent a single round center mass of the downed soldier's face. He immediately brought the carbine in line with the hopping foot injury guy, finishing him off with a series of quick staccato shots administered with cold brutality and efficiency.            Weapon up.            Bang bang bang.            Weapon low and ready, scanning dark eyes for who else wants to die next.            “You good?” Hardy asked over the net in the silence that followed.            “Yeah. Guy on his butt was gonna try for the grenade he had on his kit. No sense in both of us dying.”            “Give me a minute to scoop up their EUDs. Maybe the I&R guys can pull something off them,” Hardy said.            “I'll scoop some of these rifles and this sweet, sweet ammo, my brother-man,” Trouble said, holding the Chinese carbine. “Might as well take their NODs too. Haul like this and we could be into some serious cash if we sell it all at the general store.”            “I'll help you take some of it,” Hardy said as they both fell into the work of battlefield scavenging and asset management. “But hey, I ain't carrying a backpack full of rifles looking like a walking Middle East bazaar.”            Trouble laughed and made a cat's low owwwwwwww like he was some rock singer hamming it up just before the bridge in some long-lost metal anthem.            “Recycled due to lack of motivation,” announced Trouble. Both had been graduates of the Darby Queen and Robert Rogers school for wayward boys.            Hardy had already grabbed several of the soldiers' battle boards when his own piped off from inside his jacket.Hardy checked the sitrep from the observers. Then… “Hey. More troops coming in. Gotta rabbit.”            “But, but, all the gear,” whined Trouble. “I can do some stuff with this, Brother.”            “Fine,” Hardy quipped. “You stay and get all the shwag. I'm avoiding the Chinese infantry platoon and jumping back into the water. Discuss division of assets with them and whatever indirect and air support that's all hot and bothered right now at oh-two hundred.”            Trouble scooped up a few more rifles, then fell in step with his partner, catching up swiftly, eyes roving across all sectors each knew was their own. In moments consumed by fog and shadows, just two down and out tramps on the hump to the next refugee camp, work-gang project, handout, UN FEMA camp for indoc and digital ID assignment.Just two shadows in the night.“Time to get wet,” muttered one. “Well, when you put it like that,” hissed the other, each laboring under a huge pack, stepping it out like they were late for a better tomorrow that might just happen. “I am a bit swampy after all that work we just did. Maybe the right thing here is a nice dip in the ocean to cool a man off. Even if it is late.”Sirens began to sound in the distance. Doomsday and mournful. The music of a fallen America.A gunship could be heard in the swamps to the west. Coming in fast. Its echo thundering and reverberating off the bayous and swampy hills.“Got some blood on my hands.”“Bummer, dude.”And then they were gone.For those that wanna buy us a coffee until the next chapter drops. Thank you.CTRL ALT Revolt! is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. We love the SOCOM M1 “The B*****d” because it sure shoots like one. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit nickcole.substack.com/subscribe

A Hiking Accident brings Mark and Carrie Together.by T. Foxal. Listen to the ► Podcast at Connected.Mark and Carrie never met before, until an accident to Carrie, brought them together, and now maybe for good.Chapter 1.I’m Mark. 39 years old, single, a computer geek who is lucky enough that I can work from home, and make my own hours. I wasn’t always like this. When I was 18, I had a choice, jail or join the service. I just made some bad decisions back then, doing drugs and getting in fights. So I opted for the Marines. I spent 15 years with them, and advanced to Master Sergeant, which is the fourth highest position an NCO can go. Served 3 tours in Iraq and Afghanistan, which are true shit holes. Great thing about the service, besides 3 square meals a day and a place to sleep, you can be taught almost any useful job in the world, which is where I learned computer programing.Now I pretty much free-lance my abilities out and make a good wage. Most times I have jobs to do, but sometimes I don’t and have lots of free time. If I do have jobs, I can make my own hours.I don’t have a steady woman at this time, and I am  okay with that. Being deployed all the time, whether it was in the Middle East, or on some ship with a bunch of Squids, I really had no time for a relationship.I had been out almost a year this past August, when I decided I needed some down time. I decided I was going to the Adirondacks and do some hiking. I grew up outside of Syracuse NY., and have always wanted to go there. My one uncle owns a cabin up there and offered it to me when he heard I wanted to go hiking up there. He told me it had one bedroom, a bathroom, kitchen, and a living room with fireplace. It had running water and electricity. He warned me that I would need to turn on the hot water tank, since they shut it down last fall, after they used it last.I had decided that I would take two weeks to explore all the different mountain ranges this area had, finishing up at Mt. Marcy, the highest of them all. Since it was just after Labor Day, tourism should be at a low, with vacationers and school kids back into their routines. My plan was to hike daily, a different range, and if need be, camp out at night. Being a Marine, we are taught all types of survival skills, so this would be no problem for me. One thing my uncle did ask me to do, is stop at the Ranger station and let them know I would be occupying the cabin for a length of time. People sometimes like to use squatter rights and just use cabins, regardless if they are allowed, or not.I also like that the temperature doesn’t get to warm up there either. I prefer cool nights and just warm days. Maybe it’s because of my time in that hell hole of the middle east. My trip took almost 4 hours to get to where I wanted to go.Chapter 2.The skies were quite cloudy when I pulled into the Ranger Station. I got out of my truck and headed to the stations door, and when I opened it, a woman was coming out at the same time and we bumped into each other. We both apologized, then laughed, and then she continued on to her vehicle.After letting a ranger know where I was going and for how long, I exited the station and headed back to my truck. That’s when I noticed her again. She was 5 ‘7, maybe 130 lbs., caramel colored skin, hair just past her shoulders, when she let it down. From the side, she did not look like she had very big boobs, they were smallish medium, just the way I actually like them. She was wearing camo style shorts, and a tan polo shirt. Boy, she had nice legs, long and muscular, very toned. If I had to guess her age, early 30’s. Whoever was getting lucky with that, was one lucky son of a bitch. One thing I did notice, she was wearing white running shoes, and not hiking boots. Judging from the backpack she was attempting to put on, she was going hiking and camping out. Running shoes are not the smartest thing to wear hiking. No ankle support what so ever.As I drove off, I stole another look at her, as I drove by. Great looking ass. Bigger than a model would have, but smaller than many of the women I have seen in my lifetime. I exited the parking lot and started heading up Whiteface Mountain. My uncle’s cabin is up about 4 miles from this point, on a long and windy road. If I had to guess, it would be about a third of the way up the mountain, and only because of the road, which I believed was cut out by a snake.Once I arrived, I unloaded everything into the cabin. Found the circuit breaker and turned them on, especially the hot water tank. Too many cold showers in my life, so no need to suffer this time now. One thing I did notice too, the temp was cooler up this high. It was around 70 down by the station, but I bet it dropped a good 10 degrees.Next, I unload my coolers, which had meats and eggs, butter, and all of the necessities needed to eat well. I had enough for 2 weeks, if not more. Also brought along two 12 packs of beer as well, and water. Man I love roughing it.After stowing away my gear and food, I checked the place out. Nice queen size bed, in the bedroom. They even had TV, which I could care less about. May to use for the weather is all I can see a use for it. I’m not one to sit and watch TV much, except for football and maybe playoff baseball.I then went and checked the area out. The back porch had a gas grill on it, plus what looked like a cord of wood. I figured if I used any, I could go into town and buy some to replenish, unless Unc had a chain saw, then I would do my own. I then went for a small hike just around the area.I did not want to venture to far today. It was already after 4pm, and the skies were really getting dark, so some rain, if not storms, were moving in soon. About a ¼ mile into the woods, was a hiking trail, well used too. I wondered if that lady was on this trail, if she even made up this far yet. If she did, she better start preparing her campsite for the weather that was due in soon. I kept hiking for another 30 minutes before heading back to the cabin. I figured a good early start in the morning, may get me to the top by the afternoon, early evening.Chapter 3.I was now back from my little hike and relaxing, but also getting hungry. I settled on frying up some home fries and grill up some Polish kielbasa. I cooked up the potatoes first, and then set the pan in the oven and set it to warm. Then took the meat out to the porch and fired up the grill.It was a little after 6 now and the wind had really picked up and the skies hung low, full of rain that to start shortly. As I waited for the grill to heat up some, I thought I heard someone cry out. At first I thought it could be just the wind, but then I heard it again.I stepped off the porch and headed towards the trail, behind the cabin. As I got on the trail, I heard the cry again, but this time could make out the word Help. I yelled out for the person to keep yelling, so I could judge where it was actually coming from.Whoever it was, must have heard me because the Helps were coming more quickly. I was at least a good half mile now from the cabin when I came upon a woman, lying on the ground, holding her foot. It was the lady I saw down by the ranger station when I first arrived.When she saw me coming she said, “Oh Thank God. I wasn’t sure anyone could hear me.”“What happened?” I asked. “Oh stupid me wasn’t watching where I stepped and then all of a sudden, I’m on the ground from twisting my ankle.” she explained, then went on,“I tried walking on it, but damn, it hurts. I don’t think it is broken.” I kneeled in front of her and took off her shoe, then her wool sock, and could see the ankle was swollen and just starting to turn a little purplish. I’m no doctor, nor was I corpsman in the service, but I have had my share, and have seen many a sprained ankle, and this sure did look like one.After looking at it, I looked up at her face and could see the pain written all over her gorgeous face. I then gently removed her backpack, which had to weigh a good 25 to 30 pounds. “Christ, what the hell is she carrying in this.”, I thought. Then I put the backpack on over my shoulders. Just then, the rain started. “Great, just what I needed”, I thought.“Oh damn. This isn’t good. What are we going to do now?” she asked.“First off, grab my arm and let’s get you up, then we’ll hike back down to my cabin, which I think is about a ½ mile from here.” I said. “By the way, my name is Mark” She retorted back to me “Carolyn, or Carrie to my friends, which you are fast becoming.”With my help, she stood up, using her good leg. Now I am not a tall man, 5’ 10 175 lbs., and still in great shape, since I work out 4 times a week. I then asked her to put her right arm around my neck and I would hold her waist, and we would try and keep all the weight off of the foot.We did quite well actually, and she didn’t complain one time. Only twice did we have to stop and rest a minute. That didn’t matter, we were both soaked to our skin by now, and it was quite chilly out. What should have taken maybe 5 minutes to walk, turned into almost 25 minutes, by the time we got back to the porch of the cabin. At one point, I felt I should have just carried her fireman’s style, just to speed this up.We then entered the cabin. Luckily it was still pretty warm in there, but I knew that wouldn’t last long. I guided her over to a leather chair and had her sit. Then went and got some towels to at least dry off some of the rain.I then went into the bathroom and saw that my uncle had 2 inch wide medical tape and some gauze. I went into my pack and pulled out some Aleve. I came back out, got some water and then handed her the medicine. Then I knelt down and removed her shoe again, sans the sock, since we didn’t put that back on. I carefully dried her foot and ankle, and then wrapped gauze around it, then taped it up.After I finished, I could see she was shaking from being cold now. Both of us were soaked to the skin. I went into my uncles dresser and looked around. My aunt had a set sweats in there. I hope they fit her. My aunt is only 5'4, but is big chested, so the top should be fine. I also pulled out some socks for her as well. I then looked in the closet, and in the back, found a pair of crutches. Uncle’s family comes up here a lot to ski, so crutches would be a wise investment, especially for my one cousin Carol, she is a klutz.I came back into the living room and looked down at her. “ How does that feel now Carrie”“Still hurts, but not like it was, and thank you.” she said. I extended a hand to her and told her to grab it, then pulled her up. “I got you some clothes to change into, and these crutches. The shower is down the hall. A good hot shower should help you warm up a bit . Also, take this baggie and wrap it around your foot and ankle and tape off the top, to keep it dry.”“Oh My God, you are so nice. I am so sorry for being a pain in your ass, but thank you so much.”She trudged down the hall to the bath. I couldn’t help but look at her great legs and chubby ass as she went. I did notice she wore no wedding, or engagement ring, so that was a good thing. Just before she opened the bathroom door, I told her I was going to finish making dinner. She just grinned, but said nothing. Before I did that though, I pulled out some sweats. Both the top and the bottoms had the Marine logo on it. Those sweats last forever.I had to reheat the fried potatoes and then went and relit the grill. The kielbasa was done in about 10 minutes. So when I came back in, she was still not out of the shower. “Women”, I thought. They take so friggin long to get clean. Although I did have some thoughts about how she looked in the shower.I had just finished setting the table, when she arrived back out in the living room. The sweat top was definitely too big for her, yet looked cute. The sweat pants were a little snug and stopped short about two inches from the top of her feet. She was like staring at me, but didn’t speak.“Is something wrong?” I asked. “No, not a thing, except for those Jarhead sweats you have on.”“What? You don’t like Marines?” She laughed and said, “They are okay, but to a Navy gal, they don’t get my motor running”“Oh shit. I helped a god damn Squid? Christ sakes”, then laughed, and so did she. “Come on, let’s eat”I asked her what she would like to drink, which was limited to beer or water. She chose a water, as I did too, and sat down to our little feast.Chapter 4.She was quiet at first, so I broke the silence and asked her “So Miss Carrie, and I presume Miss, what has you up here by yourself?”She chuckled then spoke “ I love hiking and always wanted to come explore these mountains. And Yes, I am a miss. Divorced actually, 5 years now. I have a 20 year daughter too, who attends Syracuse University.“Good God” I interjected; “How the hell did you ly you way into the navy as a 10 year old? You can't be past your early thirties!”I spent 14 years in the Navy. I was also a Navy brat too. My dad and mom live in Pensacola, after he retired from the Navy as a Master Chief. I left the Navy 7 years ago, but that’s another story.”She took a drink of water, then continued. “ I live right outside of Syracuse now, mostly to be close to my daughter. We adopted her when she was 3 years old. I couldn’t have kids, and she was orphaned when her parents were killed in an auto accident in Norfolk. What about you Mr. Mark?”I smiled at her and looked her right in the eye, which were hazel in color. “Let’s see, I spent 20 good years in the Navy, and then retired from it. I did pick up a good vocation, programming computers, so that’s what I do now. Mostly free-lance myself out. I make a good wage doing it. My uncle owns this cabin and I needed a vacation, so I too, wanted to explore here. I took the next two weeks off and hope to finish up on Mt. Marcy. I grew up just east of Syracuse and moved back there. Both of my parents are deceased now, and I have one sister, who is two years older than me”She then asked, “What did you end up at?”“An E8, Master Sergeant,” I answered. “and you?”She chuckled and said, “E8 as well, Senior Chief. How many deployments?”“3 tours in the sandpit, then countless boat rides. Served on the George Washington and the Lincoln, and ended my career at Quantico.”“Oh shit. My dad served on the Lincoln too, John Reynolds. Master Chief of the Boat.”I laughed and said, “I know your old man. I served with him on the Lincoln for 6 months. At the time I was a E6 (Staff Sergeant), but I got to know him well. I even got to meet your mom too, when we got done at Norfolk. Beautiful lady and not being forward, I can see where you get your looks. Your old man had a way with the crew. They all respected him and did anything he told them to do. I can still remember his one saying, "Son. Don’t fail me, or I will open a can of whoop ass on you.” Usually scared the shit out of some teenage kid”She laughed and said, “Yeah, he did have their respect, but at home he was a teddy bear, at least to me and mom. I remember in high school, any boy I would date, he would just stare at them, which usually scared the shit out of them”We laughed and told stories about our time in the service. Then I did the dishes up while I had her go relax on the couch. When I finished, I asked if she would like a beer now, which she gladly accepted. Before I came out with the beers, I wrote down my name, address and phone number, and handed it to her.“What’s this for?” I told her, “Look. You were injured and I would like you to call your family and tell them and that you will be staying here tonight. Plus give you peace of mind that you are not bunking with some crazy guy in the woods. So let them know that info, and all should be good.”She chuckled then said, “Well, for one. all of you jarheads are crazy, so I am not too sure how safe I am with you, but so far, you haven’t shown any craziness. But I will call my daughter and let her know.”She then called her daughter and explained the situation to her. They chatted for about 10 minutes or so. Her daughter must have asked her if I was cute, because she softly spoke, “yeah. pretty cute” After that she hung up her phone and sat back on the couch.“I want to thank you again for saving me from a very bad situation. I know I have to be a pain in the ass to you, and you weren’t planning on someone screwing up your vacation like this.” Carrie said.“Number one, you are not a pain in the ass at all, and two, you haven’t screwed anything up. I rather enjoy your company, if I am being honest here. Granted, I came up here alone, but now I have made a friend, or at least, an acquaintance, and if I may add a very beautiful one at that..Carrie blushed, "Thank you. I mean for a Gyrene, you are pretty nice, and a bonus, you can cook too. How come some pretty woman hasn’t snatched you up?”I just chuckled at that, “Well, you know how it is in the service. Always deployed to some ungodly place, or never being able to put roots down in one place. That’s not fair to anyone. Plus, there has been no one who really rocked my world. The closest I came was living with this one girl for like 6 months, but she opted out after seeing me off to Iraq, and just couldn’t handle the unknown. When I got back 8 months later, she was long gone. Never heard a word from her either, except for the letter she left behind. So from that point on, I just dated here and there, nothing steady. And now, I haven’t really looked. You say you are divorced, what happened there, if you don’t mind telling.”She smiled, and when she did, her whole face smiled. Her almond shaped eyes were to die for. A man could get lost in those eyes. I know I was. I also wondered if she had a special man in her life. If so, he was a complete idiot for letting her go on this by herself. Not to keep her safe, or anything like that, but just to be with her.“We met at Pensacola when I was just 2 years into my first term. He was a Seal. So of course he hung the moon and stars. But growing up Navy, I knew what this entailed. We had a great marriage, at least I thought we did. Only when he got deployed, did I get scared. You know how it is with them, they are not going to some amusement park. When he got transferred to a base, I got one too, since I worked in procurement and distribution, it was no big deal.”She took a swig of her beer and breathed out, then continued. “We tried having kids, but I came to find out that my tubes were closed and I couldn’t have any. So we started looking at adoption and then about a year later we were informed about Jenny. Her parents killed in an auto accident and she had no living relatives. We took her in as a foster child and then about a year after, we adopted her. Things were going good for us. We both got transferred to Norfolk, and luckily, Dad was stationed there too, but as

A Hiking Accident brings Mark and Carrie Together.by T. Foxal. Listen to the ► Podcast at Connected.Mark and Carrie never met before, until an accident to Carrie, brought them together, and now maybe for good.Chapter 1.I’m Mark. 39 years old, single, a computer geek who is lucky enough that I can work from home, and make my own hours. I wasn’t always like this. When I was 18, I had a choice, jail or join the service. I just made some bad decisions back then, doing drugs and getting in fights. So I opted for the Marines. I spent 15 years with them, and advanced to Master Sergeant, which is the fourth highest position an NCO can go. Served 3 tours in Iraq and Afghanistan, which are true shit holes. Great thing about the service, besides 3 square meals a day and a place to sleep, you can be taught almost any useful job in the world, which is where I learned computer programing.Now I pretty much free-lance my abilities out and make a good wage. Most times I have jobs to do, but sometimes I don’t and have lots of free time. If I do have jobs, I can make my own hours.I don’t have a steady woman at this time, and I am  okay with that. Being deployed all the time, whether it was in the Middle East, or on some ship with a bunch of Squids, I really had no time for a relationship.I had been out almost a year this past August, when I decided I needed some down time. I decided I was going to the Adirondacks and do some hiking. I grew up outside of Syracuse NY., and have always wanted to go there. My one uncle owns a cabin up there and offered it to me when he heard I wanted to go hiking up there. He told me it had one bedroom, a bathroom, kitchen, and a living room with fireplace. It had running water and electricity. He warned me that I would need to turn on the hot water tank, since they shut it down last fall, after they used it last.I had decided that I would take two weeks to explore all the different mountain ranges this area had, finishing up at Mt. Marcy, the highest of them all. Since it was just after Labor Day, tourism should be at a low, with vacationers and school kids back into their routines. My plan was to hike daily, a different range, and if need be, camp out at night. Being a Marine, we are taught all types of survival skills, so this would be no problem for me. One thing my uncle did ask me to do, is stop at the Ranger station and let them know I would be occupying the cabin for a length of time. People sometimes like to use squatter rights and just use cabins, regardless if they are allowed, or not.I also like that the temperature doesn’t get to warm up there either. I prefer cool nights and just warm days. Maybe it’s because of my time in that hell hole of the middle east. My trip took almost 4 hours to get to where I wanted to go.Chapter 2.The skies were quite cloudy when I pulled into the Ranger Station. I got out of my truck and headed to the stations door, and when I opened it, a woman was coming out at the same time and we bumped into each other. We both apologized, then laughed, and then she continued on to her vehicle.After letting a ranger know where I was going and for how long, I exited the station and headed back to my truck. That’s when I noticed her again. She was 5 ‘7, maybe 130 lbs., caramel colored skin, hair just past her shoulders, when she let it down. From the side, she did not look like she had very big boobs, they were smallish medium, just the way I actually like them. She was wearing camo style shorts, and a tan polo shirt. Boy, she had nice legs, long and muscular, very toned. If I had to guess her age, early 30’s. Whoever was getting lucky with that, was one lucky son of a bitch. One thing I did notice, she was wearing white running shoes, and not hiking boots. Judging from the backpack she was attempting to put on, she was going hiking and camping out. Running shoes are not the smartest thing to wear hiking. No ankle support what so ever.As I drove off, I stole another look at her, as I drove by. Great looking ass. Bigger than a model would have, but smaller than many of the women I have seen in my lifetime. I exited the parking lot and started heading up Whiteface Mountain. My uncle’s cabin is up about 4 miles from this point, on a long and windy road. If I had to guess, it would be about a third of the way up the mountain, and only because of the road, which I believed was cut out by a snake.Once I arrived, I unloaded everything into the cabin. Found the circuit breaker and turned them on, especially the hot water tank. Too many cold showers in my life, so no need to suffer this time now. One thing I did notice too, the temp was cooler up this high. It was around 70 down by the station, but I bet it dropped a good 10 degrees.Next, I unload my coolers, which had meats and eggs, butter, and all of the necessities needed to eat well. I had enough for 2 weeks, if not more. Also brought along two 12 packs of beer as well, and water. Man I love roughing it.After stowing away my gear and food, I checked the place out. Nice queen size bed, in the bedroom. They even had TV, which I could care less about. May to use for the weather is all I can see a use for it. I’m not one to sit and watch TV much, except for football and maybe playoff baseball.I then went and checked the area out. The back porch had a gas grill on it, plus what looked like a cord of wood. I figured if I used any, I could go into town and buy some to replenish, unless Unc had a chain saw, then I would do my own. I then went for a small hike just around the area.I did not want to venture to far today. It was already after 4pm, and the skies were really getting dark, so some rain, if not storms, were moving in soon. About a ¼ mile into the woods, was a hiking trail, well used too. I wondered if that lady was on this trail, if she even made up this far yet. If she did, she better start preparing her campsite for the weather that was due in soon. I kept hiking for another 30 minutes before heading back to the cabin. I figured a good early start in the morning, may get me to the top by the afternoon, early evening.Chapter 3.I was now back from my little hike and relaxing, but also getting hungry. I settled on frying up some home fries and grill up some Polish kielbasa. I cooked up the potatoes first, and then set the pan in the oven and set it to warm. Then took the meat out to the porch and fired up the grill.It was a little after 6 now and the wind had really picked up and the skies hung low, full of rain that to start shortly. As I waited for the grill to heat up some, I thought I heard someone cry out. At first I thought it could be just the wind, but then I heard it again.I stepped off the porch and headed towards the trail, behind the cabin. As I got on the trail, I heard the cry again, but this time could make out the word Help. I yelled out for the person to keep yelling, so I could judge where it was actually coming from.Whoever it was, must have heard me because the Helps were coming more quickly. I was at least a good half mile now from the cabin when I came upon a woman, lying on the ground, holding her foot. It was the lady I saw down by the ranger station when I first arrived.When she saw me coming she said, “Oh Thank God. I wasn’t sure anyone could hear me.”“What happened?” I asked. “Oh stupid me wasn’t watching where I stepped and then all of a sudden, I’m on the ground from twisting my ankle.” she explained, then went on,“I tried walking on it, but damn, it hurts. I don’t think it is broken.” I kneeled in front of her and took off her shoe, then her wool sock, and could see the ankle was swollen and just starting to turn a little purplish. I’m no doctor, nor was I corpsman in the service, but I have had my share, and have seen many a sprained ankle, and this sure did look like one.After looking at it, I looked up at her face and could see the pain written all over her gorgeous face. I then gently removed her backpack, which had to weigh a good 25 to 30 pounds. “Christ, what the hell is she carrying in this.”, I thought. Then I put the backpack on over my shoulders. Just then, the rain started. “Great, just what I needed”, I thought.“Oh damn. This isn’t good. What are we going to do now?” she asked.“First off, grab my arm and let’s get you up, then we’ll hike back down to my cabin, which I think is about a ½ mile from here.” I said. “By the way, my name is Mark” She retorted back to me “Carolyn, or Carrie to my friends, which you are fast becoming.”With my help, she stood up, using her good leg. Now I am not a tall man, 5’ 10 175 lbs., and still in great shape, since I work out 4 times a week. I then asked her to put her right arm around my neck and I would hold her waist, and we would try and keep all the weight off of the foot.We did quite well actually, and she didn’t complain one time. Only twice did we have to stop and rest a minute. That didn’t matter, we were both soaked to our skin by now, and it was quite chilly out. What should have taken maybe 5 minutes to walk, turned into almost 25 minutes, by the time we got back to the porch of the cabin. At one point, I felt I should have just carried her fireman’s style, just to speed this up.We then entered the cabin. Luckily it was still pretty warm in there, but I knew that wouldn’t last long. I guided her over to a leather chair and had her sit. Then went and got some towels to at least dry off some of the rain.I then went into the bathroom and saw that my uncle had 2 inch wide medical tape and some gauze. I went into my pack and pulled out some Aleve. I came back out, got some water and then handed her the medicine. Then I knelt down and removed her shoe again, sans the sock, since we didn’t put that back on. I carefully dried her foot and ankle, and then wrapped gauze around it, then taped it up.After I finished, I could see she was shaking from being cold now. Both of us were soaked to the skin. I went into my uncles dresser and looked around. My aunt had a set sweats in there. I hope they fit her. My aunt is only 5'4, but is big chested, so the top should be fine. I also pulled out some socks for her as well. I then looked in the closet, and in the back, found a pair of crutches. Uncle’s family comes up here a lot to ski, so crutches would be a wise investment, especially for my one cousin Carol, she is a klutz.I came back into the living room and looked down at her. “ How does that feel now Carrie”“Still hurts, but not like it was, and thank you.” she said. I extended a hand to her and told her to grab it, then pulled her up. “I got you some clothes to change into, and these crutches. The shower is down the hall. A good hot shower should help you warm up a bit . Also, take this baggie and wrap it around your foot and ankle and tape off the top, to keep it dry.”“Oh My God, you are so nice. I am so sorry for being a pain in your ass, but thank you so much.”She trudged down the hall to the bath. I couldn’t help but look at her great legs and chubby ass as she went. I did notice she wore no wedding, or engagement ring, so that was a good thing. Just before she opened the bathroom door, I told her I was going to finish making dinner. She just grinned, but said nothing. Before I did that though, I pulled out some sweats. Both the top and the bottoms had the Marine logo on it. Those sweats last forever.I had to reheat the fried potatoes and then went and relit the grill. The kielbasa was done in about 10 minutes. So when I came back in, she was still not out of the shower. “Women”, I thought. They take so friggin long to get clean. Although I did have some thoughts about how she looked in the shower.I had just finished setting the table, when she arrived back out in the living room. The sweat top was definitely too big for her, yet looked cute. The sweat pants were a little snug and stopped short about two inches from the top of her feet. She was like staring at me, but didn’t speak.“Is something wrong?” I asked. “No, not a thing, except for those Jarhead sweats you have on.”“What? You don’t like Marines?” She laughed and said, “They are okay, but to a Navy gal, they don’t get my motor running”“Oh shit. I helped a god damn Squid? Christ sakes”, then laughed, and so did she. “Come on, let’s eat”I asked her what she would like to drink, which was limited to beer or water. She chose a water, as I did too, and sat down to our little feast.Chapter 4.She was quiet at first, so I broke the silence and asked her “So Miss Carrie, and I presume Miss, what has you up here by yourself?”She chuckled then spoke “ I love hiking and always wanted to come explore these mountains. And Yes, I am a miss. Divorced actually, 5 years now. I have a 20 year daughter too, who attends Syracuse University.“Good God” I interjected; “How the hell did you ly you way into the navy as a 10 year old? You can't be past your early thirties!”I spent 14 years in the Navy. I was also a Navy brat too. My dad and mom live in Pensacola, after he retired from the Navy as a Master Chief. I left the Navy 7 years ago, but that’s another story.”She took a drink of water, then continued. “ I live right outside of Syracuse now, mostly to be close to my daughter. We adopted her when she was 3 years old. I couldn’t have kids, and she was orphaned when her parents were killed in an auto accident in Norfolk. What about you Mr. Mark?”I smiled at her and looked her right in the eye, which were hazel in color. “Let’s see, I spent 20 good years in the Navy, and then retired from it. I did pick up a good vocation, programming computers, so that’s what I do now. Mostly free-lance myself out. I make a good wage doing it. My uncle owns this cabin and I needed a vacation, so I too, wanted to explore here. I took the next two weeks off and hope to finish up on Mt. Marcy. I grew up just east of Syracuse and moved back there. Both of my parents are deceased now, and I have one sister, who is two years older than me”She then asked, “What did you end up at?”“An E8, Master Sergeant,” I answered. “and you?”She chuckled and said, “E8 as well, Senior Chief. How many deployments?”“3 tours in the sandpit, then countless boat rides. Served on the George Washington and the Lincoln, and ended my career at Quantico.”“Oh shit. My dad served on the Lincoln too, John Reynolds. Master Chief of the Boat.”I laughed and said, “I know your old man. I served with him on the Lincoln for 6 months. At the time I was a E6 (Staff Sergeant), but I got to know him well. I even got to meet your mom too, when we got done at Norfolk. Beautiful lady and not being forward, I can see where you get your looks. Your old man had a way with the crew. They all respected him and did anything he told them to do. I can still remember his one saying, "Son. Don’t fail me, or I will open a can of whoop ass on you.” Usually scared the shit out of some teenage kid”She laughed and said, “Yeah, he did have their respect, but at home he was a teddy bear, at least to me and mom. I remember in high school, any boy I would date, he would just stare at them, which usually scared the shit out of them”We laughed and told stories about our time in the service. Then I did the dishes up while I had her go relax on the couch. When I finished, I asked if she would like a beer now, which she gladly accepted. Before I came out with the beers, I wrote down my name, address and phone number, and handed it to her.“What’s this for?” I told her, “Look. You were injured and I would like you to call your family and tell them and that you will be staying here tonight. Plus give you peace of mind that you are not bunking with some crazy guy in the woods. So let them know that info, and all should be good.”She chuckled then said, “Well, for one. all of you jarheads are crazy, so I am not too sure how safe I am with you, but so far, you haven’t shown any craziness. But I will call my daughter and let her know.”She then called her daughter and explained the situation to her. They chatted for about 10 minutes or so. Her daughter must have asked her if I was cute, because she softly spoke, “yeah. pretty cute” After that she hung up her phone and sat back on the couch.“I want to thank you again for saving me from a very bad situation. I know I have to be a pain in the ass to you, and you weren’t planning on someone screwing up your vacation like this.” Carrie said.“Number one, you are not a pain in the ass at all, and two, you haven’t screwed anything up. I rather enjoy your company, if I am being honest here. Granted, I came up here alone, but now I have made a friend, or at least, an acquaintance, and if I may add a very beautiful one at that..Carrie blushed, "Thank you. I mean for a Gyrene, you are pretty nice, and a bonus, you can cook too. How come some pretty woman hasn’t snatched you up?”I just chuckled at that, “Well, you know how it is in the service. Always deployed to some ungodly place, or never being able to put roots down in one place. That’s not fair to anyone. Plus, there has been no one who really rocked my world. The closest I came was living with this one girl for like 6 months, but she opted out after seeing me off to Iraq, and just couldn’t handle the unknown. When I got back 8 months later, she was long gone. Never heard a word from her either, except for the letter she left behind. So from that point on, I just dated here and there, nothing steady. And now, I haven’t really looked. You say you are divorced, what happened there, if you don’t mind telling.”She smiled, and when she did, her whole face smiled. Her almond shaped eyes were to die for. A man could get lost in those eyes. I know I was. I also wondered if she had a special man in her life. If so, he was a complete idiot for letting her go on this by herself. Not to keep her safe, or anything like that, but just to be with her.“We met at Pensacola when I was just 2 years into my first term. He was a Seal. So of course he hung the moon and stars. But growing up Navy, I knew what this entailed. We had a great marriage, at least I thought we did. Only when he got deployed, did I get scared. You know how it is with them, they are not going to some amusement park. When he got transferred to a base, I got one too, since I worked in procurement and distribution, it was no big deal.”She took a swig of her beer and breathed out, then continued. “We tried having kids, but I came to find out that my tubes were closed and I couldn’t have any. So we started looking at adoption and then about a year later we were informed about Jenny. Her parents killed in an auto accident and she had no living relatives. We took her in as a foster child and then about a year after, we adopted her. Things were going good for us. We both got transferred to Norfolk, and luckily, Dad was stationed there too, but as

FIDF Chief Executive Officer Steve Weil welcomes Aaron Bours, Master Sergeant, Givati Brigade. Bours tells his story from his childhood in the U.S., finding his calling with the IDF, his experience as a lone soldier, his life after active service, his reaction and return to service after October 7th, and much more. Donate NOW at FIDF.org for the fastest and most direct way to give IDF Soldiers what they need most. 100% of your contribution will go to meet their emergency humanitarian needs. (Recorded 08/18/2024)

Master Sergeant Tom Spooner wants military men and law enforcement veterans to know that they are not alone. As a former Special Operations Veteran with more than two decades of military service, Tom Spooner has seen things that most humans only read about in books or see on the movie screen. Throughout his decorated military career, he spent time with the 82nd Airborne as a Green Beret in the US Army's 7th Special Forces Group and with numerous deployments with the elite 1st Special Forces Operational Detachment Delta. Today, Tom Spooner is a retired military veteran who focuses on equipping men in healing their hearts and constructively working through their traumas from the battlefields of their vocations and the battlefield of their minds. As the co-founder of Warriors Heart, Tom's mission is to serve the most underserved member of the American population: Men. Don't miss this special episode with Master Sergeant Tom Spooner. Resources:  https://www.warriorsheart.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomas-spooner-b988072b/ https://www.instagram.com/warriorshearthealing/

In a situation reminiscent of the 2004 attacks on John Kerry, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, the Democratic vice-presidential nominee, is facing Republican criticism over his military service. The Trump campaign has questioned the accuracy of Walz's statements about his service in the Minnesota National Guard, sparking a debate that echoes the "swift boating" attacks on Kerry's Vietnam War record. Background: The "Swift Boating" Strategy The term "swift boating" originated from the 2004 presidential campaign when an outside group, Swift Boat Veterans for Truth, questioned Kerry's military honors, including his three Purple Hearts and a Silver Star. The strategy effectively undermined Kerry's image as a war hero and raised doubts about his fitness to lead. Walz's Military Service Timeline Tim Walz served 24 years in the Minnesota National Guard, achieving the rank of Command Sergeant Major. However, he retired as a Master Sergeant for benefits purposes due to not completing certain coursework. His military service included a deployment as part of Operation Enduring Freedom, and his retirement in May 2005 has been scrutinized by Republicans, who claim he retired to avoid deployment to Iraq. Walz's campaign refutes these claims, asserting that his service record is being mischaracterized. Political Implications Democratic strategists argue that the political landscape has evolved since 2004, and such attacks may not have the same impact in today's media environment. The Trump campaign's attempt to revive this tactic, led by adviser Chris LaCivita, who was involved in the original "swift boating" campaign, highlights the enduring nature of military service as a political issue. Key Takeaways Tim Walz's Military Record: Central to the Republican criticism, with claims that he misrepresented his service and retired to avoid deployment. Comparison to John Kerry: The strategy mirrors the 2004 attacks on Kerry, although the effectiveness of this approach in 2024 remains uncertain. Political Landscape: Democrats believe that the changed media environment may blunt the impact of these attacks compared to 2004. #TimWalz #MilitaryRecord #SwiftBoating #JohnKerry #2024Election #TrumpCampaign #Veterans #Democrats #Republicans #PoliticalStrategy #OperationEnduringFreedom #NationalGuardYou can find every episode of this show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or YouTube. Prime Members can listen ad-free on Amazon Music. For more, visit barstool.link/ZeroBlog30

Welcome back to the team room, everyone! Get ready for an epic episode featuring none other than Master Sergeant "Young Gerald" Romo!Join Trent as MSGT Gerald Romo, a seasoned United States Air Force recruiter, shares his incredible career journey and invaluable insights into the recruiting process. Discover what it takes to join the elite Air Force Special Warfare (AFSW) team, from meeting eligibility requirements to acing the ASVAB. Learn about the physical and mental fitness standards, the perks of a military career, and insider tips on how to prepare for this challenging path. Don't miss out on this engaging and informative conversation designed to inspire and guide future airmen!Chapters00:00 Introduction and Background04:43 Eligibility Requirements for AFSW06:16 The ASVAB Score Requirement08:25 Recruiters' Role in Promoting AFSW30:46 Introduction and Recap31:03 Physical Fitness and Swimming Skills32:08 The Water as the Great Equalizer33:04 Long-Term Commitment and Lifestyle Change34:38 Joining with a Criminal Record40:03 Educational Benefits in Air Force Special Warfare41:52 Medical and Psychological Screening Requirements46:30 Family and Dependent Benefits58:22 Tips for Preparing for Air Force Special Warfare01:00:49 Embracing Failure and Striving for GreatnessJoin this channel to get access to perks:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9aFBBZoBcQk8UUN_pO7nDA/joinCollabs:Ones Ready - OnesReady.com 18A Fitness - Promo Code: 1ReadyAlpha Brew Coffee Company - Promo Code: ONESREADYATACLete - Follow the URL (no promo code): ATACLeteCardoMax - Promo Code: ONESREADYDread River - Promo Code: ONESREADY Eberlestock - Promo Code: OR10Hoist - Promo Code: ONESREADYTrench Coffee Company - Promo Code: ONESREADYThe content provided is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. The host, guests, and affiliated entities do not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the information provided. The use of this podcast does not create an attorney-client relationship, and the...

It was an honor having Master Sergeant (Retired)Crystal C. Romero on the show! Crystal is a military veteran who has served 16 1⁄2 years in the US Army National Guard, serving full-time Active-Duty Operational Support primarily in her home state of New Mexico. Today, she is an activist for veterans' causes and has had a significant role in passing legislation related to military sexual assault and veterans' mental health. In this episode she will discuss her motivations for joining the military as well as the powerful meaningful work she has done. Crystal also get's into discussion on many of the difficult aspects of her job that took an emotional toll of her well being. After her honorable discharge, in 2014, Crystal struggled to adjust to civilian life and found herself battling depression and PTSD. That struggle is what prompted her to start volunteering to help other veterans, who are presumably, worse off than she is. This was to be her path to redemption and the way she plans to make her mark in the veteran's community: through her advocacy. Crystal always stood up for what she believed what was right no matter what the implications were. Which makes her an amazing person that I have had the pleasure to meet and have as a special guest. Crystals contact information Travelsforchocolate.com dezinedit@me.com linkedin.com/in/crystalcromero CalmiGo Enter the code BHIPODCAST  for $30 off the device. calmigo.com?fid=614&utm_source=affiliatly&utm_medium=influencer&utm_campaign=Jacob_Minnig-614&utm_content=facebook-ig&utm_term=BHIPODCAST&source=affiliatly&placement=facebook-ig&medium=influencer&aff_id=614&aff_name=Jacob_Minnig&coupon_code=BHIPODCAST

We are new creations through Christ.1 Corinthians 6:9-11Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? ... And such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.Remaster of Episode 4, originally released on April 17, 2019.Support the Show.

Episode 2810 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature a story about Army Master Sergeant Roy Benavidez and his Congressional Medal of Honor award. The featured story appeared on the Grunge website and was titled: The Incredible True Story … Continue reading →

This week's guest is explosive! Ysa Rubio is many things. A father of 3 amazing daughters, husband to an incredible wife, an artist, athlete and oh he's also spent the last twenty years of his life devoted to a career in the Marine Corps serving in the most dangerous job imaginable, Explosive Ordinance Disposal (EOD), in the deadliest places on earth.  If you've read CRAIG&FRED or talked to Craig for longer than 5 minutes, you've heard about Ysa. This special episode is full of stories and meaningful reflection by Ysa and Craig on their service together and their thoughts on how best to honor our nation's fallen this coming Memorial Day.  Visit our Website : ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.fredtheafghan.com/stubbornlypositive⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Join Our Patreon Pack for Video Episodes and so much more: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.patreon.com/StubbornlyPositive⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow us on Instagram! @StubbornlyPositive

Ever wondered how integrating feminine energy could transform your leadership style?Join us on the Leading with Heart Podcast as April Bravo, retired Master Sergeant turned yoga teacher and Reiki master, shares her inspiring journey. From military service to holistic wellness, April reveals how embracing feminine energy led to newfound peace and confidence in her life.Discover how incorporating practices like yoga and Reiki can enhance authenticity, empathy, and listening skills in leadership. Plus, learn why cultivating soft skills through creative activities is vital for success in any field.Tune in now and explore the power of balancing masculine and feminine energies in your career and personal life!RESOURCES:SHOW NOTES:  https://www.christinamattisonyoga.com/blog/episode44Join my Facebook group! https://www.facebook.com/groups/yogaformilitarywomenwww.leadingwithheartpodcast.com (https://www.leadingwithheartpodcast.com/)Connect with me in the Strong and Resilient Woman Community on Facebook HERE (https://www.facebook.com/groups/yogaformilitarywomen), or on Instagram @themilitaryyogiMore about Christina Mattison and the Leading with Heart PodcastHey there! I'm Christina Mattison, an Air Force Officer, yoga teacher, dedicated wife, and proud mother of two. But most importantly, I'm here as a wellness and leadership coach for women in the military. I want you to know something: It doesn't have to be this way.I've walked in your combat boots, and I understand the chaos that often accompanies military life. But I'm here to share a powerful truth with you: You have the innate ability to transform your own life. I've personally experienced this transformation, and I've witnessed it in the lives of countless clients I've had the privilege to guide.Welcome to the Leading With Heart podcast — your ultimate resource for discovering how to infuse joy, peace, and true success into every facet of military life.**The views and opinions expressed within this podcast episode are those of the individual, and do not necessarily represent those of the Department of Defense or its components.

Shawn spent 20 years as a Marine, he received the Bronze Star with Combat V for Valor, Purple Heart, and a Navy Commendation Medal with Combat V for Valor before retiring as a Master Sergeant in July of 2015. Shawn also he worked in construction, advancing to a skilled Concrete Finisher. After his retirement from the Marine Corp, Shawn took his talents as an effective leader and communicator and founded The Raider Company. Also, Shawn's and his units story was turned into a book and a seven-part HBO miniseries focusing on the first 40 days of the war in Iraq as seen through the eyes of Shawn's elite unit of U.S. Marines who spearheaded the invasion. The book and mini series found on HBOS is called Generation Kill. www.theraidercompany generationkill.com  

Today I speak with Air Force Retired Major Ana Mondragon.   Maj Mondragon grew up in San Angelo, TX, and attended San Angelo Central High School where she graduated in 1995.  She joined the Air Force in August 1995 under an Open Administration contract.  Upon completing basic training, she attended tech school at Kessler AFB in Biloxi, MS.  Her first assignment was to Reese AFB, in Lubbock, TX.   In 1997, she was assigned to a Joint Support Squadron at Stuttgart, Germany.  She came back to the States in 2000 when she was assigned to the 55th Space Weather Squadron at Falcon AFB, CO.  As a SrA, she left active duty and joined the AF Reserves.  Shortly thereafter she transitioned to the Air Reserve Technician program as a GS 7 with the 302nd Airlift Wing at Peterson AFB, CO.   After being promoted to Master Sergeant, she was hired in 2006 as an AGR in the 310th Space Wing with the 19th Space Operations Squadron.  She was later selected to the Deserving Airman Commissioning Program and was commissioned in 2010.  In 2017 she took a position with the 8th Space Warning Squadron at Buckley AFB, CO.  In 2020, she was hired into the 42nd Combat Training Squadron and was promoted to Major.  Maj Mondragon retired in 2024.

Tim Kennedy is a Master Sergeant and Green Beret, New York Times Best Selling Author, and Retired UFC Fighter. He is the Founder of Sheepdog Response, a tactical training company dedicated to preserving human life. He also helped create Save Our Allies in the wake of the Afghanistan withdrawal and successfully assisted in the evacuation of over 17,000 American allies. Today, Kennedy spends his time continuing to serve his country and community through his companies and ventures like Apogee Strong, an online mentorship program that has evolved into a brick and mortar academy that offers an alternative to traditional education. This release marks SRS's 100th episode. Shawn and the team are extremely grateful for the opportunity to engage, educate, and entertain you. Each episode has been an incredible journey and we appreciate all of your support along the way. Celebrate this milestone with us and enjoy the show. Shawn Ryan Show Sponsors: https://lairdsuperfood.com - USE CODE "SRS" https://shopify.com/shawn https://betterhelp.com/shawn https://ziprecruiter.com/srs https://hillsdale.edu/srs https://blackbuffalo.com https://ShawnLikesGold.com | 855-936-GOLD #goldcopartner Tim Kennedy Links: Website - https://timkennedy.com Stars and Stripes Book - https://sheepdogresponse.com/products/scars-stripes-book Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/TimKennedyMMA Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/timkennedymma YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-gO6d2N_MiG5wVuL14okbg  X - https://twitter.com/TimKennedyMMA  Sheepdog Response - https://sheepdogresponse.com Please leave us a review on Apple & Spotify Podcasts. Vigilance Elite/Shawn Ryan Links: Website | Patreon | TikTok | Instagram | Download Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode of what could easily be considered the best podcast for those preparing for military transition, we dive into the journey of Michael “Halty” Halterman, a distinguished MARSOC veteran who has navigated the complex waters of military transition with remarkable resilience and insight. Halty's story is not just about his time in the Marine Corps and MARSOC (Marine Forces Special Operations Command), but also about the broader challenges and triumphs faced by veterans as they transition to civilian life. His experiences shed light on the critical importance of preparation, adaptability, and the invaluable support systems like The Honor Foundation (THF) that play a pivotal role in helping veterans find their footing post-service. Today, Halty is the VP of Operations at The Honor Foundation. Halty's narrative is an array of combat, camaraderie, and the quest for personal growth beyond the battlefield. Enlisting in the Marines because he wanted adventure. He served in the infantry for half of his career. Opportunity put him in a place to be at the inception of MARSOC. However, not having been prior Recon, he wasn't welcomed as a Raider. Because of his humbleness, Halty admits he shouldn't have been there, yet his tenacity pushed him every day to earn the right to be there the next day. His commitment embodies the courage, discipline, and dedication that define the very essence of the military ethos. Yet, it's his journey after getting out that offers profound insights into the challenges of military transition. Halty retired in 2018 as a Master Sergeant. Halty discusses the pivotal role of reading and continuous learning in his life, highlighting how it has shaped his transition and helped him assist other veterans in their journeys. This episode is a cache of wisdom for military veterans, first responders, and anyone interested in the intricacies of transitioning from a life of service to a new chapter filled with unknowns. Through Halty's lens, we explore the significance of embracing new identities, the power of vulnerability, and the importance of community support, as exemplified by organizations like The Honor Foundation. ALL LINKS FOR THE PODCAST https://linktr.ee/TransitionDrillPodcast SUBSCRIBE AND WATCH EPISODE ON YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@TransitionDrillPodcast?sub_confirm=1 CONNECT WITH MICHAEL Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/MGHalterman IG: https://www.instagram.com/mghalty/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelghalterman/ BOOKS RECOMMENDED BY MICHAEL Daring Greatly – Brene Brown https://www.amazon.com/Daring-Greatly-Courage-Vulnerable-Transforms/dp/1592407331/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&sr=8-1 Atomic Habits – James Clear https://www.amazon.com/Atomic-Habits-James-Clear-audiobook/dp/B07RFSSYBH/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=atomic+habits&sr=8-1

In this episode, we're joined by Master Sergeant Terrance Cooley, a trailblazing leader within the United States Air Force, to explore the nuances of inclusive leadership. From his early days as a wireless system specialist to his current role as Chief People Officer, Terrance shares his insights on creating an environment of psychological safety, fostering diversity and equity, and empowering individuals to contribute their unique talents to the mission. Drawing from his extensive experience as a foster parent, Terrance emphasizes the importance of empathy, understanding, and creating opportunities for all, both within the Air Force and beyond.

Think you can't fix the system? My next guest embodies the warfighter spirit.  Meet Chris McGee. A man who took on the defense industry inspired by his own survival story enduring a toxic work environment. Chris McGee enlisted in the Air Force, fixing fighter jets in the Air Force, rising to the top of the enlisted ranks. After leaving the Air Force, he embarked on a law career and began his advocacy journey to tackle command climate issues using his blog, podcast, and many FOIA requests. Working with his State Senator, his efforts after three years of dogged persistence led to a DoD-wide study in the 2023 NDAA to help tackle the problem of suicides. Join me as we discover how he did it and what's next for this incredible change agent.  Chris McGhee is a VA disability attorney and former Master Sergeant in the United States Air Force whose life epitomizes resilience and dedication to advocacy. Overcoming challenges in his early years, Chris forged a path of service and transformation. His 20-year military tenure, primarily as an aircraft mechanic, sharpened his leadership and technical skills while instilling a deep awareness of systemic issues within the military. This awareness fueled his commitment to advocacy and systemic reform, a theme that has been a constant in his professional journey.After retiring from the Air Force, Chris pursued a career in law, advocating for veterans and servicemembers. He recently founded Falcon Forward Law Group, where he continues to dedicate his efforts to championing the rights of those who have served. Additionally, through his "20 Years Done" blog and podcast, Chris addresses critical issues in military culture, mental health, and systemic changes. His advocacy achievements include successfully lobbying for a study of military suicides by job code, demonstrating his relentless pursuit of impactful change. Chris's transition from military service to founding his law firm reflects his enduring commitment to advocacy and making a tangible difference in the lives of veterans and service members. Find Chris here - Visit my website: https://thehello.llc/THERESACARPENTERRead my writings on my blog: https://www.theresatapestries.com/Listen to other episodes on my podcast: https://storiesofservice.buzzsprout.comWatch episodes of my podcast:https://www.youtube.com/c/TheresaCarpenter76

Ronald Gene Simmons spent 20 years in the military and retired as Master Sergeant. During his time in the military, he and his wife Becky had 7 children together although Ronald would later be investigated for fathering his daughter's child and this is when he moved the family in fear of being arrested. This move would be the last for the Simmons's family as Ronald snapped one day on not only his wife but his entire family.

Tim Kennedy is a Master Sergeant with the US Army Green Berets and a Special Forces sniper, MMA fighter, and entrepreneur.  He is the author of the best-selling book “Scars and Stripes: An Unapologetically American Story of Fighting the Taliban, UFC Warriors, and Myself” Tim is also the founder of Sheepdog Response, a company that specializes in training and products that support preparedness and is the co-founder and board member for the organization Save Our Allies. Today on Change Agents, Tim and Andy discuss the importance of preparedness and how to react in violent situations in an effort to save lives.  SPONSOR: Change Agents is presented by Montana Knife Company. Use CODE "CHANGEAGENTS10" for 10% off your first order at ⁠https://www.montanaknifecompany.com/⁠ MTNTOUGH Go to ⁠https://mtntough.com⁠ and enter code CHANGEAGENTS  to receive 40% OFF - a savings of about $100 your  MTNTOUGH+ annual subscription. Fabric Life Insurance Join the thousands of parents who trust Fabric to protect their family. Apply today in just minutes at https://hello.meetfabric.com/term-life-insurance-partner-changeagents?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=paid&utm_campaign=premium_podcast_vanityurl&utm_content=changeagents Shop IRONCLAD Apparel: ⁠https://shop.thisisironclad.com/⁠ Change Agents is an IRONCLAD original. Visit ⁠https://www.thisisironclad.com⁠ to learn more. Be sure to subscribe to @thisisironclad on YouTube and major social platforms.

On today's episode, Mike and Kyle interview Chris Alvarez and Matt McGuire of Green Ops training. Talking about LPVO and the passion behind instructing. This is a great episode to listen to and also tap into the Green Ops training. **Disclaimer** There is no video of the episode, for the exception of a few* snippets of b-roll. Enjoy the Audio! Chris Alvarez is a 20-year veteran of the United States Army. Retiring as a Master Sergeant in 2016. He is Special Forces, Ranger, Pathfinder, Jumpmaster and Military-Freefall qualified. During his service he completed five operational deployments to the CENTCOM and SOUTHCOM areas of operation. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chrisalvarez580/ Matt McGuire is a United States Marine Corps veteran. Prior to the Marine Corps Matt worked for 2 years as a Martial Arts instructor for a school aged martial arts program and as a student, training in Muay Thai, Boxing, Kali Escrima and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Matt started shooting competitively in 2011 and through 2013 competed in USPSA, IDPA and 3 Gun. Matt is also a Modern Samurai Project endorsed Red Dot Pistol Instructor. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/Czya4wXL8S6/ Green Ops is a veteran owned and operated consulting company that has been offering specialized firearms & security training since 2005. We provide on-site training classes in the Northern Virginia area, South Central Texas and mobile training to your location. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/greenopsinc/ Be sure to visit our websites: ⁠www.SOLGW.com⁠ ⁠www.GreenDragonTrading.co⁠ Spotify for Podcasters: ⁠https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/solgw-podcast⁠ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/solgw-podcast/message

Tim is an active duty Master Sergeant and Green Beret within the US Army, a former UFC fighter, founder of Sheepdog Response, and author of Scars & Stripes. In this conversation, Tim and I discuss: Tim's childhood stories of his father, an Undercover Narcotics Agent How this affected his mentality, and decisions he has made in life The poor choices he has made and what he has learned How Tim got into the UFC and what it was like to fight for the belt Is today's generation soft? And why Tim always encourages people to seek out discomfort and struggle The importance of tiny decisions, and why Tim believes in the micro, more than the macro His unique relationship with fear and how he overcomes it Tim's advice for anyone dealing with difficulties in their life, including mental health & much more Learn more about Tim: Website: https://timkennedy.com/ Instagram: https://instagram.com/timkennedymma Twitter: https://twitter.com/TimKennedyMMA Book: https://www.amazon.com/Scars-Stripes-Unapologetically-American-Fighting/dp/B09V1S1KC9/ If you enjoy the podcast, would you please consider leaving a short review on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcasts/iTunes⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and a rating on our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify show⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠? It takes less than 60 seconds, and it really makes a difference. Past guests on Growth Minds include: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Robert Kiyosaki⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (Rich Dad Poor Dad), ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Steve Aoki⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Robert Greene⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Dr. Jason Fung⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Dr. Steven Gundry⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Neil deGrasse Tyson⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Dennis Rodman⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Wim Hof⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Robin Sharma⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Vanessa Van Edwards⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠King Bach⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, Daniel Pink, Dr. William Davis, Doctor Mike, Lewis Howes (School of Greatness), Tom Bilyeu (Impact Theory), Andrew Yang, Dr. Paul Conti, Charles Hoskinson (Ethereum), Dr. Drew (After Dark), Jo Koy, Jordan Belfort (Wolf of Wall Street), Gad Saad, Adam Carolla, Louis the Child, Vishen Lakhiani (Mindvalley), Bret Weinstein (DarkHorse Podcast), James Nestor, Dave Rubin, Scott Adams (Real Coffee with Scott Adams), and more.

Today's guest is David Sepulveda.   David is a U.S. Air Force retired Master Sergeant with a strong track record in leadership & discipline. Transitioned into real estate investor & commercial broker.   Show summary: In this podcast episode, retired US Air Force Master Sergeant David Sepulveda shares his journey in real estate and discusses his expertise in commercial real estate. He emphasizes the importance of considering factors like inflation and the cost of living when investing in real estate. David also talks about the challenges he faced in the industry and how he overcame them by obtaining his license as a commercial broker. He specializes in retail and multifamily properties and discusses the current market trends in Southwest Florida. The episode also touches on David's military background and the leadership skills he learned in the military. Overall, it highlights David's commitment to integrity and client satisfaction in his real estate career.   -------------------------------------------------------------- Starting Real Estate Journey [00:01:02]   Breaking into Commercial Real Estate [00:02:03]   Southwest Florida Real Estate Market [00:05:02]   The military rank structure [00:10:13]   Leadership skills developed in the military [00:12:19]   Impact of insurance market changes in Florida [00:15:35]   David's journey in real estate [00:20:48]   Becoming a commercial real estate broker [00:21:22]   Contacting David [00:21:30] -------------------------------------------------------------- Connect with David: Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/commercialrealestatedave/   Connect with Sam: I love helping others place money outside of traditional investments that both diversify a strategy and provide solid predictable returns.     Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HowtoscaleCRE/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samwilsonhowtoscalecre/ Email me → sam@brickeninvestmentgroup.com   SUBSCRIBE and LEAVE A RATING. Listen to How To Scale Commercial Real Estate Investing with Sam Wilson Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-to-scale-commercial-real-estate/id1539979234 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4m0NWYzSvznEIjRBFtCgEL?si=e10d8e039b99475f -------------------------------------------------------------- Want to read the full show notes of the episode? Check it out below: DAvid Sepulveda (00:00:00) - I tried to explain to them, Well, you're not taking into account, number one, inflation. You're not taking into account, you know, increase in cost of goods. You're not taking into account just increase in cost of living, you know. So all of those things, I think, are important factors that a lot of people kind of. Bypass. They don't they don't take it into consideration as much as I think they should.   Intro (00:00:25) - Welcome to the how to scale commercial real estate show. Whether you are an active or passive investor, we'll teach you how to scale your real estate investing business into something big.   Sam Wilson (00:00:38) - David Sepulveda is a US Air Force retired master sergeant with a strong track record in leadership and discipline. He is a real estate investor and also now a commercial broker. David, welcome to the show.   DAvid Sepulveda (00:00:49) - Thank you for having me, Sam. Absolutely.   Sam Wilson (00:00:51) - The pleasure is mine. David There are three questions I ask every guest who comes on the show in 90s or less. Can you tell me where did you start? Where are you now and how did you get there?   DAvid Sepulveda (00:01:00) - 90s All right.   DAvid Sepulveda (00:01:02) - Well, I honestly started back in 2013. That's where I started my real estate journey. I started out as an investor. It was really my focus to just try to grow my wealth, take care of my family, try to figure out how to get a piece of that American dream, if you will. Um, so got into tax lien investing. From there. I graduated to tax deed investing from tax deed investing scaled up to the single family. Did a very light flip. Then I scaled it up to a major flip. And then I said, Well, you know, the natural progression is to get into commercial real estate. What I noticed when I got into commercial real estate is that it's a little bit more difficult to kind of that entry to barrier, if you will. Um, you have a lot of people that if you don't already have a proven track record, they don't want to play with you, you know, they don't want to allow you to, to come to their sandbox.   DAvid Sepulveda (00:02:03) - So I had to do is I had to figure out, well, hey, if this is a space that I really want to be and how do I break into that? And that's what led me to get my license as a commercial broker, because I still wanted to be an investor. But since nobody else wanted me to play, I was going to play the way That's awesome.   Sam Wilson (00:02:21) - So did you skip the residential brokerage side altogether?   DAvid Sepulveda (00:02:27) - I did. And that's that's not something that normally happens, right? I will say that most brokers and to be honest with you, when I got my license, they didn't even want to talk to me. Right. I actually had to go in person into the different brokerages and say, Hey, here I am, this is who I am. Because commercial real estate is a completely different language than residential real estate. But once I went into the office and I started speaking the language, they were like, Oh, he does know what he's talking about. We can allow him to play with us.   DAvid Sepulveda (00:03:01) - So that's really what it took, was the persistence and that just resilience, you know, that that that thing that we get taught in the military being resilient be resilient.   Sam Wilson (00:03:10) - Absolutely when you so yeah one of the things that sound like you did right was to understand who it was you were talking to when you went to these brokerages and say, hey, look, I've already done my homework. I know. I know this industry. I mean, a lot of times, like you said, you got to have some sort of experience or something to kind of break in or allow get your foot in the door. What what did you do once you got into the commercial real estate world to really solidify your position?   DAvid Sepulveda (00:03:39) - I really had to market myself as an expert. I had to make sure that I conveyed not only the confidence, but the knowledge. You know, because you can have all the confidence in the world. But if you don't have the knowledge to back it, you're still going to look like a fool.   DAvid Sepulveda (00:03:54) - You know, So it was nice to come back home to southwest Florida because I know the area I grew up here. So it was very easy for me to already have a good working knowledge of the area. So then all I had to do was really express to all of the different business owners and the different landlords and whatnot that I do understand the market as well as the market product itself.   Sam Wilson (00:04:20) - Got it. Got it. Very, very cool. So what year was it then that you got your or you became a commercial real estate broker?   DAvid Sepulveda (00:04:28) - I actually got my license back in 21, 2021.   Sam Wilson (00:04:33) - Okay. License in 2021. And you specialize. We talked about this off air, so I'll ask a little bit of leading question. But you specialize in retail and multifamily. Things have changed incredibly in both of those asset classes from 2020, especially in the retail side. And multifamily has gone hot and heavy. And then, you know, we've seen quite a bit of slowdown on the transaction side on that.   Sam Wilson (00:04:56) - Is that something you're also seeing in your market or are things still just running wide open where you are?   DAvid Sepulveda (00:05:02) - Southwest Florida is a very hot market. We're actually seeing growth in a lot of different sectors. So unfortunately, don't get to capitalize on the the downturn as everybody else may be able to in other areas of the of the continent. But southwest Florida is just the growth. Has been phenomenal. We're talking, last I checked, a thousand people moving to Florida daily. And out of that thousand we were capturing here in southwest Florida, I believe it was maybe, you know, 10 to 15% of that.   Sam Wilson (00:05:39) - Wow. That's a lot. That's a lot. That's really interesting. So you haven't seen the transaction volume slow down at all on the multifamily side?   DAvid Sepulveda (00:05:48) - No, we saw a little bit of a pause because of Hurricane Ian. So a lot of people were, you know, kind of holding on to their money, both on the buyer side and seller side. The buyers were trying to see what the sellers were going to do with the properties, if they were going to fix it up with the insurance money, they were going to take the insurance money and run.   DAvid Sepulveda (00:06:06) - So we saw a bit of a pause there. But man, southwest Florida is so strong and so resilient. Man. They just came back and, you know, a year later and it's as if, you know, obviously we have areas where you can see the the damage. But, I mean, everybody's going strong, man.   Sam Wilson (00:06:23) - That's great. I think it's one of those things that, you know, we hear it, but you don't if you listen to the national conversation, it's going to say, man, you know, transaction volume in multifamily is down, what, 75% year over year on a national level. But real estate is indeed local. So I think that's the other part of it is, you know, for you guys, it's almost as if interest rates it sounds like interest rates have risen, but you guys haven't taken notice.   DAvid Sepulveda (00:06:49) - No, not as bad as that. Other parts mean. There might have been a bit of a slowdown, but not enough for me to be like, Hey, there's just an abundance of multifamily come shopping here, you know.   Sam Wilson (00:07:01) - Come shopping and say, Well, let's talk about then what are people buying right now that makes sense for you guys?   DAvid Sepulveda (00:07:09) - Man, Let me tell you, we can't keep multifamily on the shelf. We can't keep industrial on the shelf. Um, even retail now is starting to pick it back up. You know, now that Covid has slowed down and we're getting the tourism back into Florida. So a lot of different sectors, especially like I said, here in southwest Florida, we're seeing a good increase.   Sam Wilson (00:07:30) - Wow, That's awesome. That's awesome. Let's talk about what you invest in personally. Now, you've been you talked about this early on. You know, in 2013, you were buying tax liens and tax deeds, which I think is kind of an advanced strategy, to be honest with you, for your kind of intro into real estate. Most people don't start with deals with that much hair on them. We won't go down that rabbit hole, but that's someday maybe we'll have you back on and we can talk about that journey because I think that's a very interesting one.   Sam Wilson (00:07:57) - But what are you personally investing in now?   DAvid Sepulveda (00:08:02) - Now I am still investing in multifamily. I'm investing in small retail as well as small businesses.   Sam Wilson (00:08:11) - Interesting. Okay. How do you as a broker tell me this from a not from an ethical standpoint, but just from a working with your client standpoint to know that you're putting their interests first? I'm sure that's something that you have to think about when you see deals come across your desk, you say, Hey, man, that's a great opportunity. But should you know, you don't want to eat the best and leave the leftovers for your clients. So how does that work with you both as an investor and as a broker?   DAvid Sepulveda (00:08:41) - It's all about just open and honest communication, right? One of the things that we've learned in the military is integrity first. And I always try to make sure that I'm open and honest with my clients. Let them know, listen, I. Understand that you're trying to sell this property and I may have an interest in this property.   DAvid Sepulveda (00:08:59) - Here's what I could offer you. And to be fair, I will also let you know that if we were to take this to market, you would get X amount. And there's quite a delta between my offer and X amount, but I can close quickly. You know, it'll be a smooth transaction as opposed to us being on the market and allowing the market to tell us when it will close.   Sam Wilson (00:09:23) - Right, right. Yeah, that's that's really, really interesting. Yeah. But that would be and that's, I mean, that's, that's the beauty of doing what you do is that you can offer, offer people deals that make sense for them in order to avoid a lot of those pains of taking deals there to market. Well tell me this, David, as a master sergeant in the military and I will openly say I knew nothing about the military. I was not in the military. I'm often accused of it just because I was raised by a marine. And so I know what it's like to grow up in one of those houses where it's, you know, be seated by X number of times and out the door by this very, very regimented.   Sam Wilson (00:10:00) - But what does a master sergeant do and what are some of the things from a leadership and leadership development perspective, I think that you learned inside of the military that still guide what you do today.   DAvid Sepulveda (00:10:13) - Well. So when you're looking at the military, it's really broken down into two different sectors. You have your enlisted sector and you have your officer sector. Being a master sergeant, which is equivalent to E7, is an enlisted sector rank. E7, Master Sergeant is one of the higher ranks. It is part of what they call the top three, the highest rank you can achieve as an enlisted members and E9, which is a chief master sergeant in the Air Force. And then you have below that the senior master sergeant, and then you have the master sergeant. Now depending on your in the Air Force, we call it AFS in the different branches, they call it by a different name. For example, in the army is Mos. But basically what it is, it's your job in the military. So depending on your job in the military can really determine what your responsibilities and your roles are.   DAvid Sepulveda (00:11:08) - You could be in charge of a whole section of airmen and it could be include 20 or 30 people as well as a certain number of civilians. Or you could be in a very small shop and only be responsible for 2 or 3 people. A lot of my time as a master sergeant, I spent it in what they call the commander support staff. So the general has an admin staff and that admin staff is responsible for making sure that the airmen are taken care of. Whether we're talking about their vacation time, which we call leave, we're talking about any pay issues that they may have, um, making sure that they're, I don't know what you call them on the civilian side, but we call them enlisted performance reports, so their PRs. So that's really where I spent a lot of my time as a master sergeant is making sure that the airmen were taken care of.   Sam Wilson (00:12:08) - Wow, that's really, really awesome. What are some of the things I guess that you felt like were developed in you as a leader in that role?   DAvid Sepulveda (00:12:19) - Well, um, there's really a lot of things that you learn being in the military, right? You learned teamwork, you learned, um, the discipline and the core values, which is the the integrity, first excellence and everything we do, you know, and I think a lot of that has carried over into civilian sector for me now is making sure that, you know, like I stated before, I'm open and honest with my communication.   DAvid Sepulveda (00:12:47) - I'm letting you know, letting my clients know, like, listen. I can purchase this, but it's going to be significantly lower than if you were to take it to market. However, it's a lot quicker. So that integrity, just being that, you know, that honest dealings with people and you know, the discipline because real estate is really a disciplined game, you have to continuously do the cold calling. You have to continuously do the door knocking. You have to continuously look at the market, the market trends, see what's going on, see what changes are coming into place, whether we're talking about, you know, new policies, new laws, you know, different, you know, companies coming in that may affect other sectors of your businesses. So it's just the discipline of doing the thing over and over again, no matter how much you might dread it.   Sam Wilson (00:13:43) - And man, there is plenty of that to go around, I think for all of us, there's there's plenty of those things where you go, yep, I don't really want to do that today, but it's something you just got to put your head down and go.   Sam Wilson (00:13:55) - It's probably easier in the military when there's somebody, you know, yelling at you if you don't get it done than it is when you just can, you know, hide it under your own to do list. You're like, you know, maybe tomorrow we'll get that done. But either way, I like both things that you said there was the adaptability is the way I would summarize that when you said, you know, being open to changes and looking at what changes are coming and then the open and honest communication side of things, I think I was speaking with somebody yesterday and they said, man, you know, I just I'm just not very I'm pretty non-confrontational. I'm like, man, like, just one stop saying that. I said, Because that's negative self-talk. And two, we can rephrase this into something where that open and honest communication like you're talking about can become part of who, who that person is. And they're significantly younger than me. But I think it was it was it was just a great conversation, a reminder that we can constantly be improving the way that we communicate.   Sam Wilson (00:14:50) - Let's go back, I guess one of the things I thought about when you were saying looking at changes and we're going to take a real left turn here in conversation, so I apologize, but I wrote it down here as a note. The the Florida market, you're on the brink of, I think what's the name of the next hurricane potentially heading your way right now. They named that.   Sam Wilson (00:15:07) - Yet Adelia.   Sam Wilson (00:15:09) - Amelia okay so that's that's and we're recording this at the end of August here in 2023 hopefully hopefully that passes by without much to talk about. But the insurance market's for what you guys deal with in Florida. I mean, that's a hot topic. Like what are you advising from the brokerage side? Like how are you advising your clients and your own portfolio right now? What are you doing on the insurance side of stuff?   DAvid Sepulveda (00:15:35) - I mean, that has been a thorn in everyone's side because so many insurance companies have pulled out of Florida altogether, which, you know, by the law of supply and demand, the ones that have stayed are able to jack up their prices and have I mean, you're talking about people used to pay, you know, let's just say 100 grand annually.   DAvid Sepulveda (00:16:00) - Now they're looking at almost half a million annually, you know, So the increase is definitely hurting a lot of people's pockets. Unfortunately, it's a necessary evil. You know, because being here in Florida, you can't just go without flood insurance. You can't just go without, you know, any insurances to cover your assets. So, unfortunately, you know, I try to make sure that I have surrounded myself with the best team so that my clients can win. So I do work with a good insurance broker who goes out there and finds my clients the best insurance coverage that they can.   Sam Wilson (00:16:43) - What are people doing to offset some of those just astronomical rate increases?   Sam Wilson (00:16:50) - Well.   DAvid Sepulveda (00:16:51) - I mean, you're seeing a lot of. A lot of adjustments, whether we're talking scaling back on their inventory in the retail sector, whether they're talking. Increasing the rents in the multifamily sector. So you're seeing a lot of. Passed as being passed, you know, passed down, which it's understandable, but unfortunately when you're in a market.   DAvid Sepulveda (00:17:20) - That you have a mix of fixed income and disposable income. Those with the fixed income really feel the pain of those, you know, costs being passed down.   Sam Wilson (00:17:34) - And there's really nothing. There's nothing you could do about it. I mean, it's just it is. I mean, you can't you can't continue to absorb those astronomical rate increases without then eventually, you know, passing that on down to the to the end user. And that's I just I don't see a way any other way around that. Especially, again, as you said, you know, the the insurers are leaving the market, leaving just a few there to choose from. And I guess that's just something probably to think through as you look at investing in Florida or markets like Florida that have some of these associated natural disaster risk where it's like, okay. Do you see people underwriting a continued increase in insurance costs where they say, okay, you know, it was 100, now we are 500. But you know what? We're going to go ahead and budget for a million.   Sam Wilson (00:18:26) - I mean, is that part of people's equation now?   DAvid Sepulveda (00:18:31) - I think it's always smart to make sure that when you're underwriting any asset class that you always increase cost. I think, you know, whether we're talking about a increase of 3% or whether we're talking an increase based on prime rate or even the CPI. I think it's it's wise to I don't see it a lot. I think I'm seeing it more now. You know, now that has skyrocketed. But prior to Hurricane Ian, when I would talk to my clients and I would, you know, see where their mindset was and try to pick their brains as to how they're coming to the numbers that they're coming. I tried to explain to them, Well, you're not taking into account, number one, inflation. You're not taking into account, you know, increase in cost of goods. You're not taking into account just increase in cost of living, you know. So all of those things, I think, are important factors that a lot of people kind of.   DAvid Sepulveda (00:19:29) - Bypass. They don't they don't take it into consideration as much as I think they should.   Sam Wilson (00:19:34) - Interesting. Interesting. Well, there's there's the nugget for the day. If this is something you haven't been considering in your underwriting, David just laid it out for you. Make sure you're including those things and really probably padding those stats, especially in higher risk markets such as Florida on some of those variable costs that you have. I mean, that's the bummer about it. It's like you have no absolutely no control over it. It's like, oh, by the way, your insurance went up 400 grand and you did nothing wrong. It's not like it's not like half of your property burned down. You rebuilt it and they're like, okay, well, you're a terrible manager. It's like, by the way, you're just we're going to quintuple the cost of your insurance and you're just kind of stuck. So that's, you know, preparing for some of those things can be a difficult thing to do and put in your underwriting because it might might kill more deals than than you would like.   Sam Wilson (00:20:26) - But then again, yeah.   DAvid Sepulveda (00:20:28) - And I think that's what a lot of people think. That's the deterrent for a lot of people. I think they're so caught up in the momentum of trying to get a deal that they don't look at the fact like, well, what are the factors that will make this a good deal? Because in the long run, if you don't take those things into consideration, even a good deal today may not be a good deal tomorrow.   Sam Wilson (00:20:48) - Right. Right. Absolutely. Well said. David, thank you for taking the time here to come on the show today. Certainly enjoyed learning about what a master sergeant is in the military, what your leadership skills there that you had in the military and how you translate those over into what you've done. I love the go get them attitude in 2013, just jumping right into tax liens and tax deeds. I think that's that's that's really, really cool. And then and then, like you said, positioning yourself as an expert, jumping out there and saying, hey, look, I'm going to be a commercial real estate broker becoming an expert there in your market and in your space.   Sam Wilson (00:21:22) - You've shared a lot of great things with us today. Certainly appreciate that. If our listeners want to get in touch with you and learn more about you, what is the best way to do that?   DAvid Sepulveda (00:21:30) - Honestly, you can find me on most social media under commercial real estate. Dave Or you can look up David Sepulveda with con consultants in Fort Myers, and that'd be the best way to get hold of me.   Sam Wilson (00:21:41) - Fantastic. David, thank you again for your time today. I certainly appreciate it.   DAvid Sepulveda (00:21:46) - Absolutely. Thank you for having me.   Sam Wilson (00:21:47) - Hey, thanks for listening to the How to Scale Commercial Real Estate podcast. If you can do me a favor and subscribe and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, whatever platform it is you use to listen. If you can do that for us, that would be a fantastic help to the show. It helps us both attract new listeners as well as rank higher on those directories. So appreciate you listening. Thanks so much and hope to catch you on the next episode.  

On this episode we talk with Christian Sandoval.  Christian is a retired veteran serving in the United States Army and ended his career as a Master Sergeant.  He has a Masters degree in Human Performance and a Masters in organizational leadership.  He is the owner  and operator of TAT (total athlete performance).   TAT helps athletes improve their speed, agility, strength, conditioning, and nutrition.   On this episode we talk with Christian about facing the coward in all of us, leadership, the transfer portal for athletes, stoicism, the importance of intention, and building resilience in the body and mind.

Steven Rinella talks with Son Tao, Ryan Callaghan, Brody Henderson, Chester Floyd, Phil Taylor, and Corinne Schneider. Topics discussed: The "master" label; when you're a Master Sergeant in the U.S. Military; fish names abbreviated down to initials; guide flies; tying flies that actually catch fish; fleeing Vietnam in a banana boat; Steve's friend's mobile bar; announcing the launch of MeatEater Season 12; get our Dirty Dozen 2024 calendar; Phelp's mind-bending and devastating Unleashed V2 bugle tube; sifting through what's actually a population-level effect; the Weird Al of fishing; getting started on the fishing rod your neighbor couldn't sell at his garage sale; no wasting food at the dinner table;  crispy skin; if you're not a doctor or lawyer, you're not my kid; how we withdrew from Afghanistan; when your fish on a fly rod is a trophy-sized bonefish; Healing Waters - Fly Fishing; God talking to you through your car radio; arts & crafts; tying to perfection; commercial ties from overseas sweat shops; the bonds you form when you endure together; CALL 9-8-8 now if you need to talk to someone; find a hobby you love; and more.  Your life is important. Please reach out to someone. There are resources to support you, whether you're an at-risk veteran, a friend or family member, and really, just anyone who is suffering. Remember, you matter and you are not alone. Call or text 9-8-8 24/7 9-8-8 Lifeline Stop Soldier Suicide Military One Source Overwatch+Project America's Warrior Partnership Veterans Administration's efforts Warriors In Quiet Waters BHA's Armed Forces InitiativeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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