Former Action Guys Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Ep. 013 | Tracy Offutt and Michael Farrell | ANGLICO Marines Oct 24, 2019

Show notes

We get a little loose in this one. I have Tracy Offutt back on and we discuss a multitude of topics with our friend Michael Farrell.
Support the show:
https://patreon.com/formeractionguys
https://jcramergraphics.com
https://ANGLICOshop.com

Ep. 012 | Jerry Geller | Marine Corps F4 Phantom Pilot and Vietnam War Veteran Oct 17, 2019

Show notes

An F-4 Phantom pilot and Vietnam veteran, Capt Jerry Geller, is our guest for Ep. 012 of the Former Action Guys Podcast.
Recruited from college, Jerry joined the Marine Corps through the cadet program and began his flight training in Pensacola, FL. He positioned himself to be accepted into the jets training pipeline and eventually made it to VMFA-122 out of El Toro, California.
At VMFA-122 Jerry honed the pilot skills he would need in Vietnam like close air support (CAS), air-to-air combat, and deep air support (DAS). Once he was fully qualified, Jerry was sent to Vietnam to fly with VMFA-542 out of Chu Lai. 1967 was an active time in Vietnam and Jerry participated in multiple combat sorties that ranged from providing CAS to troops engaging enemy forces along with the defense of Khe Sanh.
The latter mission is how Jerry ended up being shot down by enemy forces. Luckily, Jerry survived and is able to recall that experience and some of the follow-on actions for our listeners.
Support the show:
https://patreon.com/formeractionguys
https://jcramergraphics.com
https://ANGLICOshop.com

Ep. 011 | Tracy Offutt | Marine Corps Infantryman and 1st ANGLICO Sergeant Major Oct 10, 2019

Show notes

In Former Action Guys Podcast Episode 011, we feature retired Sergeant Major Tracy Offutt, a Marine Corps Infantryman with over three decades of service. Transitioning from the Army National Guard to the Marine Corps, Tracy's journey included service as a Dragon Gunner in 2nd Battalion 7th Marines and deployment to the Middle East during Operation Desert Storm/Shield.
Post-deployment, Tracy continued a routine of training and overseas exercises, later serving as a Primary Marksmanship Instructor and Drill Instructor at MCRD San Diego. His role at the School of Infantry involved addressing training deficiencies between MCRD and SOI.
Selected as a 1st Sergeant, Tracy served in 1st Battalion 5th Marines during a deployment to Ramadi, Iraq, marked by challenges and significant losses. He later undertook Inspector and Instructor Duty with an engineering unit in Washington before concluding his career as the Sergeant Major of 1st ANGLICO until his retirement in 2015.
This interview offers a glimpse into Tracy's extensive military career, with future episodes promising a more in-depth exploration of specific milestones. Join us for a professional and insightful exploration of Tracy Offutt's remarkable experiences in the Marine Corps.
Support the show:
https://patreon.com/formeractionguys
https://jcramergraphics.com
https://ANGLICOshop.com

Ep. 010 | Justin Cramer | Host Oct 03, 2019

Show notes

Ep. 010 of the Former Action Guys podcast is me answering some user questions like if I ever considered conducting an inter-service transfer to become an Air Force CCT or JTAC, how to keep pride from getting in your way, and what story reminds me of my time in the Marines.
I also discuss one of the scouts who worked with me during our deployment to Marjah, Afghanistan with 3rd Battalion 6th Marine Regiment in 2011. LCpl Mister Lemelle was one of the best 0861s I worked with during my time in the service so I tell a story about some of his actions during an ambush.
Support the show:
https://patreon.com/formeractionguys
https://jcramergraphics.com
https://ANGLICOshop.com

Ep. 009 | Nathaniel Garens | Marine Corps Fire Support Man and JTAC Sep 26, 2019

Show notes

In Episode 009 of the Former Action Guys Podcast, join us for an engaging conversation with Marine Corps Fire Support Man and Joint Terminal Attack Controller, SSgt Nate Garens. Nate, a pioneer at 5th ANGLICO in Okinawa, Japan, played a crucial role as the Marine Corps expanded fire support capabilities for the ongoing conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. He participated in bi-lateral exercises, including a deployment to Iraq with a Firepower Control Team (FCT).
Later, Nate volunteered for a deployment with 1st ANGLICO from Camp Pendleton, CA, contributing to missions in both Iraq and Afghanistan. In Afghanistan, he supported British units in Musa Qala before assisting 1st Battalion 6th Marine Regiment during Operation Moshtarak in the Marjah District.
Post-1st ANGLICO, Nate's journey involved training Georgian Liaison Team Advisors, supporting the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit on a deployment to CENTCOM, and screening/training prospective JTACs and JFOs at the 10th Marine Regiment Artillery Training School.
Support the show:
https://patreon.com/formeractionguys
https://jcramergraphics.com
https://ANGLICOshop.com

Ep. 008 | Justin Cramer | Host Sep 19, 2019

Show notes

This week's episode features the host of the Former Action Guys Podcast, me, Justin Cramer. Our original guest had to reschedule so I'm filling in with a little bit about myself and how I ended up on the yellow footprints at Parris Island with an especially hilarious twist. We also have a few messages from listeners I address so please continue to send those in to our Twitter (@4meractionguys), Instagram (@formeractionguys) or email (jcramermedia@gmail.com).
Support the show:
https://patreon.com/formeractionguys
https://jcramergraphics.com
https://ANGLICOshop.com

Ep. 007 | Andrew Dimauro | ANGLICO Radio Operator and JFO Sep 12, 2019

Show notes

In Episode 007 of the Former Action Guys Podcast, join Marine Corps Radio Operator and 1st ANGLICO Alum, Sgt Andrew Dimauro, as he shares his compelling journey. We delve into Andrew's communications training and his role in the 1st ANGLICO deployment to Afghanistan, exploring events like Joint Warrior in Scotland, a collaborative exercise with the UK’s 148 Battery for fire support training, and other crucial pre-deployment preparations.
Later in the episode, Andrew recounts his return home and his second deployment that supported the Georgian Military in Afghanistan. He talks about the challenges of working alongside foreign partners, detailing his Georgian Liaison Team training and discussing various missions, including a poignant recovery mission for an American KIA.
Post-deployment, Andrew returns to 1st ANGLICO and is assigned to SALT D, which eventually became my team. He shares experiences from jump school and discusses the workup for the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) deployment our team connducted.
Support the show:
https://patreon.com/formeractionguys
https://jcramergraphics.com
https://ANGLICOshop.com

Ep. 006 | Michael Cullen | Marine Corps AH-1W Pilot and Forward Air Controller (FAC) Sep 05, 2019

Show notes

Episode 006 of the Former Action Guys Podcast focuses on Marine Corps AH-1W WTI pilot and 1st Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company (ANGLICO) Forward Air Controller (FAC), Major Michael “Archer” Cullen.
In this episode, Archer shares insights into his journey from Marine officer and aviator to transitioning into the corporate world. We delve into his Officer Candidate School training, contrasting it with experiences at Parris Island. Archer discusses the screening process and key training events to become a Naval Aviator, sharing thoughts on flying the T-34 and TH-37 aircraft.
He provides details on AH-1W Cobra training and deployment with the Gunfighters (HMLA-369) during Operation Enduring Freedom, discussing real-world engagements and weapons effects. After Afghanistan, Archer attends the Weapons and Tactics Instructor Course and joins 1st ANGLICO for a ground tour, highlighting experiences during a Marine Expeditionary Unit deployment.
The podcast concludes with Archer's transition to corporate America, covering both positive and challenging aspects. He shares his decision to leave the corporate world for a Master’s of Business for Veterans program at the University of Southern California.
Support the show:
https://patreon.com/formeractionguys
https://jcramergraphics.com
https://ANGLICOshop.com

Ep. 005 | Sgt Christopher Rothblatt | Marine Infantry, Fire Support Man and JFO Aug 29, 2019

Show notes

Episode 005 of the Former Action Guys Podcast focuses on Marine Corps Rifleman turned Fire Support Man, Sgt Christopher Rothblatt.
During this episode we discuss Chris’s multiple deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan, changing careers from being a scout with Light Armored Reconnaissance (LAR) to being a Fire Support Man with 3D Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company (ANGLICO), his transition from the military into the world of security contracting, and his new career as a public servant.
Support the show:
https://patreon.com/formeractionguys
https://jcramergraphics.com
https://ANGLICOshop.com

Ep. 004 | LCpl Michael Hanthorne | Phantom Fury Veteran Aug 22, 2019

Show notes

During this episode we discuss Michael’s career, multiple deployments to Iraq and dealing with separating from the Marine Corps with PTSD.
During his first deployment, Michael and his unit were assigned to Mortuary Affairs for the second attack of Fallujah in November of 2004. This assignment meant he would be trailing 3rd Battalion 1st Marine Regiment members fighting house to house in the city in order to dispose of insurgent bodies left behind by enemy fighters. During their time at the “Potato Factory”, Michael and his unit picked up and processed over 600 dead enemy fighters from the streets and homes of Fallujah.
After the city was declared secured, Michael took part in the reestablishment of the Fallujah population by screening them through required biometric security tools.
Michael also discusses his second deployment to Iraq and compares the differences in enemy tactics between the two deployments, how American armor was upgraded to counter the growing IED threat and other topics.
We finish the podcast discussing Michael’s End of Active Service (EAS) from the Marine Corps, his continued fight with PTSD and his opinion regarding the Department of Veteran's Affairs care given to veterans.
Support the show:
https://patreon.com/formeractionguys
https://jcramergraphics.com
https://ANGLICOshop.com

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