Former Action Guys Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Ep. 044 | SSgt Matthew Koetting | Recon Marine Apr 13, 2020

Show notes

Matt Koetting served in the United States Marine Corps as an assaultman, machine gunner, joint terminal attack controller (JTAC), Marine Corps instructor of water survival (MCIWS) and Reconnaissance Marine. Matt served with 1st Battalion 3rd Marine Regiment during two deployments to Iraq and one to Afghanistan.
During his deployment to Afghanistan, Matt took part in Operation Moshtarak which was meant to wrest control of the city of Marjah from Taliban and insurgent forces. During the operation, he was severely wounded by an improvised explosive device (IED). He was medically evacuated from the point of injury to Camp Bastion Air Base in order to stabilize him before moving to Landstuhl Regional Medical Center and finally Walter Reed National Medical Center. During recovery, Matt underwent more than a dozen surgeries to repair damage caused by the IED blast and was awarded the Purple Heart medal by President Barack Obama.
Matt is not one to be held back by adversity, so he applied to screen for one of the hardest jobs in the Marine Corps, Reconnaissance Man. He completed Basic Reconnaissance Course and was assigned to the legendary 1st Reconnaissance Battalion at Camp Pendleton, CA. While serving as a recon Marine, Matt attended the US Army Airborne School at Ft. Benning, GA and the Tactical Air Control Party school at Naval Amphibious Base Coronado, among others.
After completing his final deployment as part of the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), Matt realized his ongoing issues with the injuries he suffered during his IED blast would make him a liability to his team and he was medically retired from the Marine Corps.
After leaving the service, Matt worked in different industries while finishing his degree and used his experience to co-found Invictus International. His company provides armed and unarmed security options for various assets requiring their specialized service. He continues to support the military community by employing veterans that can bring real-world experience to a job that requires maturity and decisive action in stressful situations.
It was a pleasure interviewing Matt and I look forward to our future conversations on the Former Action Guys Podcast.
As always, make sure to subscribe and share the show!
Support the show
https://patreon.com/formeractionguys
https://jcramergraphics.com
https://ANGLICOshop.com

Ep. 043 | LCpl Geraint Jones | UK Army Infantry and Private Military Contractor Apr 06, 2020

Show notes

Geraint Jones is formerly part of the British Army Reserves and completed two deployments to the Iraqi city of Basra and one deployment to the Musa Qala District in Helmand Province, Afghanistan. Following his service in the military, Geraint worked as a private military contractor helping to defend naval vessels from pirates off the coast of Africa.
Geraint is now using his experience as an infantryman in the military and his love for history to fuel him as a writer. He currently has 10 books published through different publishing houses and by self-publishing. During the podcast, he shares some tips for those that may be interested in making a career of writing.
We also spend some time comparing and contrasting different aspects of our individual militaries, healthcare systems, government responses to the COVID-19 outbreak and more.
As always, make sure to subscribe and share the show!
Support the show
https://patreon.com/formeractionguys
https://jcramergraphics.com
https://ANGLICOshop.com

Ep. 042 | Vanessa Hulsey Apr 04, 2020

Show notes

Vanessa Hulsey is a mixologist and hospitality professional that has worked in the industry at establishments in New York, Chicago, Miami, Nashville and most recently Milan, Italy where she resides with her husband and child. Vanessa is also my cousin and I thought it would be interesting to have an American living in a city that was hit hardest by COVID-19 to come on the show and discuss what has been happening with the virus.
The United States is entering a two-week period that is expected to show a large increase in the number of fatalities caused by the Coronavirus. Administration officials and medical advisors are preparing citizens of America to experience hundreds of thousands of deaths due to the virus so we're doing our part to get the word out to our listeners.
Stay safe out there everyone and I'd love to know how you're preparing for the virus. Just leave a comment and join the conversation!
As always, make sure to subscribe and share the show!
Support the show
https://patreon.com/formeractionguys
https://jcramergraphics.com
https://ANGLICOshop.com

Ep. 041 | Deputy Sheriff II Ashley Smentek | California Law Enforcement and Dog Trainer Apr 03, 2020

Show notes

In this episode of the Former Action Guys Podcast, we talk to Ashley Smentek, a retired deputy sheriff who now runs Gold Hill Canine in Northern California. Ashley served as a patrol officer, a member of a helicopter team, and for 3 years within the jail system.
We discuss recent officer-involved shootings and other incidents that have put the spotlight on the men and women in blue. Ashley's perspective on these matters is both insightful and thought-provoking. He shares his views on the use of body cams and other recording devices, and he brings context to situations that civilians may not have considered.
This is a fascinating episode that provides a unique look into the world of law enforcement. If you're interested in learning more about the challenges and complexities of being a police officer, then you'll definitely want to check this out.
Support the show
https://patreon.com/formeractionguys
https://jcramergraphics.com
https://ANGLICOshop.com

Ep. 040 | Sgt Alex Anninos | Marine Corps Artillery Fire Direction Control Mar 26, 2020

Show notes

In this episode of the podcast, we talk to Alex, a former Fire Direction Controlman (FDC) Marine for Alpha Battery 1st Battalion 11th Marine Regiment aboard Camp Pendleton, CA. Alex served for eight years and was deployed to Syria to support the fight against ISIS.
We discuss Alex's career in artillery, including his role in the retaking of Tabaqa Dam. We also talk about the challenges of being a FDC Marine and the importance of indirect fire assets in modern warfare.
This is an awesome podcast with some interesting insight into one of the most recent major combat operations outside of Iraq or Afghanistan. Thanks again to Alex for coming on and I look forward to recording more episodes in the future!
Support the show
https://patreon.com/formeractionguys
https://jcramergraphics.com
https://ANGLICOshop.com

Ep. 039 | Capt Amanda Huffman | Air Force Civil Engineering Officer Mar 22, 2020

Show notes

Join Amanda Huffman, a former US Air Force civil engineering officer, as she shares her experiences attached to a US Army Provisional Reconstruction Team in Afghanistan. Amanda, the first Air Force guest on the show, engages in an intriguing comparison of our lives as military advisors working closely with Afghan counterparts.
Explore the challenges Amanda faced in the seemingly out-of-touch mission of constructing modern structures in an agrarian society where people sleep outdoors and live in mud buildings. Bureaucratic issues, differing workmanship, and quality standards between societies contributed to project timeline setbacks. We also delve into the impact of internal conflicts within a unit and their effects on combat missions.
Beyond our military experiences, we discuss life around FOB Morales Frazier and the difficulties veterans encounter when interacting with civilians. Tune in for valuable insights into the realities of military life and the struggles of transitioning back to civilian society.
Support the show
https://patreon.com/formeractionguys
https://jcramergraphics.com
https://ANGLICOshop.com
Amanda's Site
https://airmantomom.com

Ep. 038 | Nate Garens | Marine Corps Fire Support Man and JTAC Mar 20, 2020

Show notes

Nate Garens is a junior at the Ohio State University and former Marine JTAC that served with 5th ANGLICO, 1st ANGLICO, 10th Marine Regiment and 24th MEU. Nate was our guest on Ep. 009 of the podcast so make sure to check that out for his full background.
Today, we are covering Coronavirus (COVID-19), how it has affected our schools (SDSU and OSU), a smidgen of politics, China and obviously some old sea stories.
As always, make sure to subscribe and share the show!
Support the show
https://patreon.com/formeractionguys
https://jcramergraphics.com
https://ANGLICOshop.com

Ep. 036 | Michael Farrell | Marine Corps Fire Support Man and JFO Mar 13, 2020

Show notes

Michael Farrell is back on the show and we go over quite a few topics covering Coronavirus, Michael's Suzuki Hayabusa, Okinawa, college, investing and more.
Support the show
https://patreon.com/formeractionguys
https://jcramergraphics.com
https://ANGLICOshop.com

Ep. 035 | Sgt Aaron Quinonez | Marine Corps Radio Operator Mar 09, 2020

Show notes

Sgt Aaron Quinonez was a United States Marine Corps radio operator that served prior to 9/11 and rejoined in time to take part in the invasion of Iraq by manning remote communications sites.
After leaving the military for the second time, Quinonez realized he was dealing with mental health issues stemming from both his childhood and his service in the military. Quinonez now promotes charitable trips outside of the United States that allow service members to give back to the less fortunate and add a new sense of purpose to his life.
Overall, this was a good talk regarding the military, mental health and philanthropic opportunities.
Support the show
https://patreon.com/formeractionguys
https://jcramergraphics.com
https://ANGLICOshop.com

Ep. 034 | MAA Jose Esparza | Navy Master-at-Arms and SDSU GI Bill School Certifying Official Mar 04, 2020

Show notes

Esparza spent four years on active duty in the Navy as a Master-At-Arms and has continued his military career as a reservist. He also works with veterans at the San Diego State University Veterans Center by evaluating their coursework and education plan prior to certifying their GI Bill paperwork.
This is a great episode for veterans questions about utilizing their post-9/11 or Montgomery GI Bill and we also discuss the Vocational Rehabilitation program that many people don't understand. Esparza also goes into more detail regarding SDSU and how they specifically support their veterans.
Support the show
https://patreon.com/formeractionguys
https://jcramergraphics.com
https://ANGLICOshop.com

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