Choices Not Chances Podcast

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Choices Not Chances Episode 52-Robert Kerman(MSgt USMC Ret.) Iraq Invasion and Phantom Fury Jun 27, 2023

Show notes

This week’s episode feature Robert Kerman, Master Sergeant (USMC Retired). I am super excited to share this episode with you due to the impact young Lance Corporal Kerman, had on me and subsequently my squad in Third Battalion Second Marines. When we were in our final exercise prior to pushing out on deployment, I pulled one of the more recent Silver Star Citations I could find. I wanted to inspire my younger Marines and make them realize that the junior enlisted Marines were taking the fight to the enemy. The citation reads as follows, KERMAN, ROBERT P. Citation: The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Robert P. Kerman, Lance Corporal, U.S. Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving as Rifleman, Combined Anti-Armor Platoon, Weapons Company, Third Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, on 25 March 2003, in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM. Lance Corporal Kerman exhibited exceptional bravery when the lead elements of the battalion were ambushed with mortars, rocket-propelled grenades, and automatic weapons fire. As the vehicle he was traveling in drove directly into machine gun fire and into a trench line, Lance Corporal Kerman sprang from the vehicle and began assaulting down the enemy-occupied trench with two other Marines. As enemy soldiers fired at him, he fearlessly plunged towards them firing his M-16 with lethal accuracy. Continuing to move through the trench he repeatedly came under enemy fire. Each time he would calmly occupy a steady firing position and take well-aimed shots that had devastating effects on the enemy. As the group ran out of ammunition, they pressed forward 200 to 300 meters utilizing captured enemy AK- 47s. Lance Corporal Kerman showed no regard for his own personal safety, and his actions directly contributed to the successful outcome of the engagement. By his bold leadership, wise judgment, and complete dedication to duty, Lance Corporal Kerman reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service. 18 years later, I met Robert Kerman at the Post 9983 VFW in Holly Ridge while shooting with some buddies of mine. The introduction was anti-climactic for everyone but me, we all shot and had a great time. I was honored to attend his retirement last month on Camp Lejeune and have been looking forward to bringing you all this story.

Choices Not Chances Episode 51-Ken Sample(Capt. USN Ret.) Naval Surgeon, Iraq, Afghanistan Jun 13, 2023

Show notes

This week’s episode features Ken Sample (Capt. USN retired). He spent a large portion of his life in service to others. Ken laughs as he tells how his drive to become a doctor very much came from his dear wife. Ken spent overwhelming time as a General Surgeon for the United States Navy. Some of this time was spent forward deployed and some of his time was stateside in places like Camp Lejeune. Ken also ran his own private practice in between reserve time and deployments. Surgeons like Ken are vital to the warfighting mission. In the Corps when a man is down on the field, we operate under a rule referred to as the “golden hour”. This means, that once self-aide, buddy-aide, and Corpsman-aide are conducted, if the Marine is wounded badly, we need him/her to a trauma unit in less than an hour. If we can accomplish this mission, the rule is that he/she will survive. There are of course exceptions to that rule. People like Ken Sample exist and operate in the gray... without these people, with these skills, our battlefield KIA numbers would not stay as low as they are. It was an honor and a pleasure to sit down with Ken and learn about a different side of war, the side of saving and giving new life to the National Treasures holding the line.

Choices Not Chances Episode 50-Nick "The Machine" Lavery(CWO2 US ARMY) Afghanistan May 30, 2023

Show notes

Unconventional Warfare I have met men in my life that have done insane and heroic actions against the enemies of our Nation. I Have seen what war can do to the psyche of hard men. I have seen these men that have the drive, courage, and will win in EVERY situation. There are others, though, that have been tested in ways I have not. There are others who have sustained injuries, life-altering in some cases, and continue to toe the line. Nick Machine Lavery is one of those other people. We talked in depth about the establishment of Nick’s purpose, which came about halfway through his first pump. He would tell you that he joined for the job and excitement and stayed for the people in the teams. Nick is Green Beret in the United States Army and is the only person to continue to deploy in combat capacity with an above-the-knee amputation. In this clip, we talk about the cultural differences between the regular infantry and the SF teams. Especially as it pertains to injured Soldiers/Marines and the options they have post-injury. We also delve into the mission sets of each. Nick would say, “It is not a better-than statement”. The two elements have completely different mission sets. They are each amazing at these missions, but they are indeed different animals.

Choices Not Chances Episode 49-Jarrett Zeigler(Sgt. USMC) Afghanistan, DMT and Ayahuasca May 16, 2023

Show notes

This week’s episode is a friend of mine, a United States Marine, who has continued to be a positive influence in my life. I met Jarrett Zeigler through golf. We have a group of combat guys that are all associated with the Brotherhood of Warriors. We hit it off a few years back and we have shared many stories with one another. Today I have Z in the hot seat, and we talk about everything from college sports to the Marine Corps, ending with some education on plant-based medicines such as DMT, THC, Magic Mushrooms, and Ayahuasca. I hope you enjoy this episode as much as we enjoyed shooting it.

Choices Not Chances Episode 48-Ryan Fugit(Cpt. US Army)Apache Pilot & Host Combat Stories May 02, 2023

Show notes

This week’s episode is with the host of Combat Story Podcast, Ryan Fugit. I first met Ryan when I recorded with him for his podcast several months ago. I had such a good time and conversation that I wanted to have him in the hot seat. Ryan talks about how his decision to serve came from hearing stories about his father’s Silver Star heroics as a young man. Ryan also speaks to the stories of his uncle and brothers as they became pilots. Being a pilot was simply in his blood! Ryan Graduated from flight school at the top of his class and earned the ability to select his platform. His hard work paid off and he became an Apache pilot. We discuss his career as a pilot flying in the badlands, and his follow-on career with the CIA. Ryan is an inspiration and his work with veterans through podcasting is impeccable. If you have not checked out Combat Story Podcast, do it. Without further delay Mr. Ryan Fugit….

Choices Not Chances Episode 47- Marc Arrington (MSgt. USMC Ret.) Iraq, Afghanistan, Korea, PACOM Apr 18, 2023

Show notes

Master Sergeant Marc Arrington USMC (Retired) joins the show to talk about life. Marc is a brilliant mind and stoic in his thoughts and as kind-hearted as they come. Marc was instrumental in helping a veteran in crisis two years ago. He was new to the VFW and heard a pitch I gave to bring aid to an infantryman in need. Not knowing me well, he took a huge chance. But help came in waves after the initial talk. Marc continues to be involved in the VFW and the Veteran community. He is working in real estate with Raider Realty and helps organize the local Veterans Business Collective. Marc will absolutely be coming back to the show to chat in the future. I hope you enjoy this episode as much as we did, and as always, don’t be selfish with the information you find valuable!

Choices Not Chances Episode 46 - Justin Gray (LtCol. USMC) Marjah, Leadership, and Mentoring Apr 04, 2023

Show notes

In this week’s episode, we had the privilege of sitting down with United States Marine Major Justin Gray. Shortly after recording, Major Gray was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel. Justin was a Platoon Commander in Marjah, Afghanistan (2010). He has held several billets since then and shares some of his experiences from each. Justin speaks wisdom about mentorship and virtue in this episode and his points cannot be overstated. Please enjoy this episode, I hope you learn as much as I did. Special shout out to @Gordon Emmanuel, @EA Mota, and @Jason Palanco for the leadership and wisdom you passed to the Marine in your care! Doing things correctly as a leader creates ripples that never die. Semper Fidelis~

Choices Not Chances Episode 45-Kamran Astana Afghan Interpreter, Marjah to Kabul and Beyond Mar 21, 2023

Show notes

KamranAstana was an interpreter for 3rd Battalion 6th Marines Kilo Company, during the invasion of Marjah in 2010, during Operation Moshtarak. The fighting was highly kinetic for the entire deployment. Kamran showed resolve and a fighting spirit rarely matched, even by the ANA commandos. Kamran became more than an interpreter on that deployment. The bonds forged in combat in 2010, are the bonds that brought us back together in Kamran’s time of need. Over the following year, we worked to get Kamran out of the country and to somewhere safe. Thanks to patriots like Jonathan Myers, Mrs. Katt, FOX news, and many others along the way. Please enjoy this episode.

Choices Not Chances Episode 44-Brad Clayton- Brotherhood of the Warrior & Puzzle Duck Golf Mar 07, 2023

Show notes

Brad Clayton joins the show to talk about life, golf, leadership, and his organization “The Brotherhood of Warriors”. Brad mentors and teaches golf to veterans as a means of therapy, and has a charitable organization dedicated to fellowship and golf. He is the recipient of the Decan Palmer award and the author of “Brad Clayton’s Puzzleduck Golf- Migrate to a More Efficient Swing & Game. Brad is a dear friend of mine and is close to our community. Please enjoy this podcast!

Choices Not Chances Special Edition-Rick Greene (Col. US Army Ret.) Russia VS. Ukraine 1 Year Later Feb 24, 2023

Show notes

Rick joins us as a US Army trained Russian-Eurasian expert to discuss the Russian invasion of Ukraine, one year after.

Rick is a former Army Colonel and served at US Embassy Moscow from 2000-2007 leading counterterror, counter-proliferation, and threat reduction cooperation efforts with Russian Ministries, including the Ministry of Defense. He was a Harvard University National Security Fellow in 2003, and served in Germany 1996-1999 assigned as an Arms Control Inspector. He led on-site and international inspection teams throughout Eastern and Central Europe and the Former Soviet Union, monitoring treaties and agreements like the Dayton Accords in the Former Republic of Yugoslavia, Conventional Forces in Europe, Intermediate Nuclear Forces, and Biological and Chemical Weapons Conventions. Rick, a senior paratrooper and jumpmaster, was assigned in his basic branch, Military Police, to Fort Bragg (Airborne), NC, Fort Drum (Light Infantry), NY and Fort Hood (Armor), Tx before his overseas assignments.

He spent six months in 1994, in Georgia, monitoring and reporting progress and ceasefire violations for the United Nations during Georgian-Abkhaz-Russian civil war.

In 1998, just prior to the NATO air campaign to expel Serbian forces from Kosovo, Rick was assigned to the Organization of Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) as part of the multinational Kosovo Diplomatic Observers' Mission (KDOM).

He has work, travel and living experience in over 50 countries including 6yrs in Germany, 6 in Russia and ~3 in Iraq. Rick is a fluent Russian-speaker with varying degrees of aptitude in Ukrainian, Bulgarian, Czech, Arabic, German, Spanish and Serbian. Active Duty hostile fire zones include Grenada, Georgia, Former Yugoslavia, Kosovo, and Iraq and Afghanistan after he retired.

He has supported DoD missions and initiatives for over 40 years.

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