Global Recon

Latest Episodes:

GRP 103-Everence: The Story of a Navy SEAL DEVGRU Operator Dec 21, 2017

Show notes

GRP 103-On with me for this week’s podcast is Chief Warrant Officer (W-4), U.S. Navy, Boyd Renner. Renner served for 28 years in the Navy all of that time as a SEAL. He served for 23 years with the Naval Special Warfare Development Group (DEVGRU). DEVGRU is the Tier 1 counter-terrorism component of the Navy. With a total of 12 combat deployments to Afghanistan and Iraq Boyd has a unique perspective. We discussed his role in Operation Red Wings 2 which was the mission to locate and recover Marcus Luttrell, as well as the SEALs that were killed on the quick reaction helicopter that got shot down attempting to provide back up to Luttrell’s team. We discussed leadership, tactical medicine, the burning out of Special Operations Forces, and a new product which just released from Boyd’s company called Everence. Everence is a patented technology that allows you to add DNA from a loved one directly into any new or existing tattoo. Everence is currently being offered at a special holiday discount. You can visit their website at www.everence.life to take advantage of it. 0:00-Intro 4:17-Introduction into Boyd’s military career. Going through Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL (BUD/S) school. 9:24-Naval Special Warfare Development Group (DEVGRU). 11:56-Operation Red Wings 2. The search and rescue of Marcus Luttrell. 26:00-The nonstop deployments of Special Operations Forces over the last 16 years. Units getting burned out, and the care received after coming home. Tactical medicine. 35:00- 12 combat deployments to Afghanistan and Iraq. Specialty skill sets in the SEAL Teams. Leadership. 46:50- “That speeding train keeps going when you get off of it” -retired SEAL. 49:00-Endeavor life sciences. Everence. Adding DNA safely to a new or existing tattoo. A way to have family and loved ones with you long after they’re gone. Follow my co-host and my pages on social media. Links below. Global Recon: www.Globalrecon.net https://www.instagram.com/igrecon https://www.instagram.com/blackopsmatter www.twitter.com/igrecon https://www.facebook.com/GlobalReconPodcast/ HP Lefler: https://www.instagram.com/4runner.freyja Chantel Taylor: https://www.instagram.com/mission_critical https://www.instagram.com/altern8rv Music provided by Caspian: www.caspianmusic.net

GRP 102-United and Undaunted:The Story of Paul De Gelder Dec 14, 2017

Show notes

GRP 102- On for this week’s podcast is Australian Navy Clearance Diver Paul De Gelder. Paul served in the Australian Army as a Paratrooper before transferring into the Navy to serve in the elite Navy Clearance Diver teams. While working on a counter terrorism exercise in Australia Paul was attacked by a Bull shark. The shark nearly killed him ripping off his wrist and tearing through a large portion of his right leg which was eventually amputated. Being in a really dark space Paul was struggling with basic task and overwhelming pain as a result of his injuries. We talked about what this recovery process was like and the value of the human spirit. He was able to become an instructor at the Clearance Diver school, but wasn’t allowed back into the teams. Paul now does documentary film work, and television shows with Discovery. We talked about mindset and how to overcome adversity. Powerful. 0:00-Intro 7:00- Paul’s life pre military. Australian Army Paratrooper. 11:07-East Timor. An eye opening experience. 16:41- Australian Navy Clearance Diver 29:10-The shark attack that was nearly fatal. Paul lost his wrist and right leg after a Bullshark bit him during a counter terrorism exercise. Recovery, phantom pains, mindset, dealing with adversity. You can find Paul on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/PaulDeGelder Follow my co-host and my pages on social media. Links below. Global Recon: www.Globalrecon.net https://www.instagram.com/igrecon https://www.instagram.com/blackopsmatter www.twitter.com/igrecon https://www.facebook.com/GlobalReconPodcast/ HP Lefler: https://www.instagram.com/4runner.freyja Chantel Taylor: https://www.instagram.com/mission_critical https://www.instagram.com/altern8rv Music provided by Carson Aune: "A soldiers Best Friend" http://www.carsonaune.com

GRP 101-Never Above You, Never Below You, Always Beside You- A Marine Raiders Journey Nov 30, 2017

Show notes

GRP 101-On for this week's podcast is former Marine Raider Nick Koumalatsos. Nick explained his early life which was a bumpy road as he was getting in trouble prior to joining the Marine Corps. Overcoming several obstacles he made it in and began his journey. We talked about his time spent in Force Recon, and the Marine Raider Battalions. Nick shared a war story from his Force Recon days in Fallujah, Iraq running Asymmetrical operations. We discussed transitioning out of the military, and several of the different ventures Nick has been spearheading including the Raider Project. We talked about Youtube, traveling, drone cameras and much more. Enjoy. 0:00-Intro 3:40-Nick's early life struggles. Entry into the Marine Corps. 28:08-The difference between Force Recon and the Marine Raider Battalions 33:35-Force Recon in Fallujah 47:38-Nick's transition out of the military. Check out some links below to follow up with Nick: USMC Prep www.usmcprep.com Week Marine Corps Recruit Training Prep Program YouTube http://youtube.com/c/nickkoumalatsos - Nick’s Weekly Vlog (BE PREPARED SERIES) Spartan Carton www.spartancarton.com - Nick fitness subscription box. The Raider Project www.raiderproject.org - Veteran Non-Profit Global Recon: www.Globalrecon.net https://www.instagram.com/blackopsmatter www.twitter.com/igrecon https://www.facebook.com/GlobalReconPodcast/ HP Lefler: https://www.instagram.com/4runner.freyja Chantel Taylor: https://www.instagram.com/mission_critical https://www.instagram.com/altern8rv

GRP 100-War Dogs:The Story of a Special Missions Operator Nov 16, 2017

Show notes

GRP 100- For the 100th episode of the Global Recon Podcast we have an extremely special episode. On with us is retired Special Missions Operator Dave Nielsen. Dave served first with the 75th Ranger Regiment and then went into a Special Missions unit as an assaulter, dog handler, and sniper. His story was featured in the HBO documentary released on the 13th of this month called "War Dogs" executive produced by actor Channing Tatum. This documentary shows the story of three dog handlers and their canine counterparts from the Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC). It's a raw, realistic view of what it's like going into combat with these warrior dogs and what its like post-military. Dave talked about his combat jump into Panama in 1989 as a young Ranger. He shared stories of his dog "Pepper" who was killed while rooting out an enemy from a sewer hole in Iraq on the banks of the Tigris River. They searched for her all night but had to leave once the sun was coming up as they were in enemy-held territory. We talked about the mindset required to pass selection for special operations, and the mindset required to surmount any obstacle in life. Enjoy. RIP Pepper. 0:00-Episode overview 3:48-Episode introduction with Chantel Taylor 17:33- Introduction to Dave's career in the Army. Combat jumped into Panama with the 75th Ranger Regiment in 1989. 22:12-Military Working Dog Pepper 55:54-Mindset and passing selection. Fear of success 1:03:00-SOF K-9 Memorial Here is the link to the SOF K-9 memorial page ran by Dave's wife Laura, and a former unit operator: http://www.sofk9memorial.com Here is the link to the full documentary: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ojVq2Sa-PD0 Follow my co-host and my pages on social media. Links below. Follow my co-host and my pages on social media. Links below. Global Recon: www.Globalrecon.net https://www.instagram.com/igrecon https://www.instagram.com/blackopsmatter www.twitter.com/igrecon https://www.facebook.com/GlobalReconPodcast/ HP Lefler: https://www.instagram.com/4runner.freyja Chantel Taylor: https://www.instagram.com/mission_critical https://www.instagram.com/altern8rv Music provided by Carson Aune: "A soldiers Best Friend" http://www.carsonaune.com

GRP 99-Jason Hall: Screen Writer for "American Sniper" Director for "Thank You For Your Service" Nov 09, 2017

Show notes

GRP 99-Our guest for this weeks episode is Jason Hall. Jason wrote the screen play for "American Sniper" and is the director for "Thank You For Your Service". His latest film is based on the book of the same title written by David Finkel. It's centered around Adam Schumann a U.S. Army Combat veteran and some of the final moments of this last deployment into Iraq with a focus on his return home. This movie highlights the struggle that some combat veterans face upon returning from war not only with the physical and mental damage , but in getting help from Veterans Affairs. Jason shared a funny story about how he met Navy SEAL Sniper Chris Kyle. We talked about what it was like working behind the scenes for this film, and some of the issues that are faced by combat veterans. Enjoy. 0:00-Episode overview 3:06-Jason Hall's career in Hollywood 5:47-How Jason met Navy SEAL Sniper Chris Kyle 17:57-Entering the window of a human brain that has undergone traumatic brain injury but doing so on a massive scale. Helping turn the corner on these issues. Follow my co-host and my pages on social media. Links below. Global Recon: www.Globalrecon.net https://www.instagram.com/igrecon https://www.instagram.com/blackopsmatter www.twitter.com/igrecon https://www.facebook.com/GlobalReconPodcast/ HP Lefler: https://www.instagram.com/4runner.freyja Chantel Taylor: https://www.instagram.com/mission_critical https://www.instagram.com/altern8rv Music provided by Caspian: www.caspianmusic.net

GRP 98-Benito Olson:The Story of a Dog Handler Supporting SEAL Team Six in Combat Nov 02, 2017

Show notes

GRP 98-On for this week's podcast is retired Master at Arms Benito Olson. Benny began his career in the Navy working in Bahrain where he developed an interest in dog handling. He eventually became a dog handler and was stationed back in the states. Benny was then recruited as a dog handler into the Naval Special Warfare Development Group (DEVGRU) to support the SEALs as their dog handler. We talked what it's like working with military dogs and then working with Special Operations dogs in the SEAL teams. Benny deployed 5 times with the Tier 1 SEALs. He was paired up with SEAL dog "Digo". He shared stories of his first deployment where they conducted direct action raids in Iraq. Two of the DEVGRU assaulters were killed on this rotation. Navy Chief Special Warfare Operator (SEAL) Nathan H. Hardy and Navy Chief Special Warfare Operator (SEAL) Michael E. Koch. Benny shares the story of when he was severely wounded conducting a raid where they got into a brief gunfight killing two enemy fighters. Benny moved in with two assaulters to enter the building. Unbeknownst to them, it was rigged to explode. The blast seriously wounded Benny, Digo, and killed Navy Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technician 1st Class Luis A. Souffront. Benny's last trip was to Afghanistan during the Extortion 17 incident in which 30 Americans were killed when they're helicopter was shot down. 17 were SEALs with 15 of them from DEVGRU. Many of them close friends. This was Benny's last trip before he was medically retired out of the Navy. He now runs a company called Patriot Dog Training. 0:00-Episode overview 3:50-Benito's Navy career, Master at Arms, Dog Handler 16:15-Benny's recruitment into the Naval Special Warfare's Development Group (DEVGRU) in a support role as a Dog Handler. 30:14-SEAL dog "Digo" whom Benny became his handler upon his entry into the squadron. 35:41: First combat deployment into Iraq conducting direct action missions. Two DEVGRU assaulters were killed on this rotation prior to Benny getting blown up. Rest in Peace Navy Chief Special Warfare Operator (SEAL) Nathan H. Hardy and Navy Chief Special Warfare Operator (SEAL) Michael E. Koch 1:02:25-The operation in which they assaulted a building that was rigged with explosives seriously wounding Benny, Digo, and killing Navy Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technician 1st Class Luis A. Souffront. Benny was told he wouldn't be able to deploy again. 9 months later he was back in Afghanistan and went on to complete 5 total trips. 1:21:20-Digo passed away after retiring from the Navy and being adopted by a family. Benny's last deployment was to Afghanistan during the "Extortion 17" incident which the 31 American deaths represent the greatest loss of U.S. military lives in a single incident in the, by then, decade-long war in Afghanistan that began in 2001. 15 of the SEALs on board were from DEVGRU and many were close friends of Benito's. 1:26:00- Patriot Dog Training. Benito's dog training company. Check out Benito Olsen's website: www.patriotdogtraining.com Social Media: Patriot Dog Training Global Recon: www.Globalrecon.net https://www.instagram.com/igrecon https://www.instagram.com/blackopsmatter www.twitter.com/igrecon https://www.facebook.com/GlobalReconPodcast/ HP Lefler: https://www.instagram.com/4runner.freyja Chantel Taylor: https://www.instagram.com/mission_critical https://www.instagram.com/altern8rv Music provided by Caspian: www.caspianmusic.net

GRP 97-"Thank You For Your Service" With Adam Schumann Oct 28, 2017

Show notes

GRP 97- “Thank You for Your Service” written and directed by “American Sniper” screenwriter Jason Hall depicts Adam Schumann (played by Miles Teller) and other, real-life soldiers with the 1st Infantry Division. The movie, opening Friday, portrays their struggles with traumatic brain injury, post-traumatic stress disorder, depression and suicidal thoughts following their return from Iraq to Fort Riley, Kansas. We have Schumann on for this episode to discuss his career in the Army as well as some of the challenges he’s faced over his 34 months on the ground in Iraq. We talked about PTSD and brain injuries. This is an incredible movie that I had the opportunity to attend an early screening back in August. I was literally gripping the edge of my seat. It’s very emotional. Enjoy. 0:00-Episode overview 1:08-Retired four-star general and former Secretary of State Colin Powell on Leadership 5:18-Introduction to Adam Schumann. Three combat deployments into Iraq for a total of 34 months of time on the ground. 13:19-How we deal with brain damage as a society. 23:44-Blast wave injuries, explosively formed penetrator’s (EFP). “Separate your arms and legs so you weren’t sitting parallel. A lot of times you sit with your arms on your knees guys were getting hit by EFP’s and losing all four in one shot”- Adam Schumann Follow my co-host and my pages on social media. Links below. Global Recon: www.Globalrecon.net https://www.instagram.com/igrecon https://www.instagram.com/blackopsmatter www.twitter.com/igrecon https://www.facebook.com/GlobalReconPodcast/ HP Lefler: https://www.instagram.com/4runner.freyja Chantel Taylor: https://www.instagram.com/mission_critical https://www.instagram.com/altern8rv Music provided by Caspian: www.caspianmusic.net

GRP 96- The Commando: The life and death of Cameron Baird. Oct 20, 2017

Show notes

GRP 96-Corporal Cameron Baird is one of Australia’s most highly decorated warriors. He was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross for his actions in leading a team of Australian Commando’s assaulting an enemy strong hold on June 22, 2013 in Afghanistan. Author Ben Mckelvey just published the book “The Commando: The life and death of Cameron Baird”. I have Ben on for this podcast alongside former Australian Special Forces operator Eddie Robinson. Cam and Eddie were best friends having grown up in Special Forces together. We talked about the process of writing the book, and Ben sitting down with Cameron’s wonderful parents Doug, and Kaye Baird. Ben and Eddie shared some details from the book and it really gives some insight into a man like Cam who not only was a remarkable warrior, but was also a deep thinker with interest in philosophy and history. Eddie shares a story of a time when they were on patrol in Afghanistan and the children of this particular village were running alongside the vehicle’s probably hoping to get some candy or water. They had nothing left to give them so Eddie decided to hand them bottles of hot sauce. Cam proceeds to tell Eddie this will likely get them into a fight. A few minutes later they got ambushed. LOL 0:00-Episode overview 6:58-History and insight into the Victoria Cross 31:06-Shaping the book “The Commando”. Utilizing the 2nd Commando Regiment in Afghanistan. 35:00-Eddie Robinson’s background in Special Forces and how he met Cam. Ben Mckelvey’s background. 1:08-A story of a time when Cam and Eddie were on patrol in Afghanistan eventually getting ambushed because Eddie gave out hot sauce to kids in the village LOL 1:27:00-” If there’s anyway he could have gone out this is how he would of went. With a hot weapon in his hand”- Eddie Robinson You can get a copy of the book here https://www.hachette.com.au/ben-mckelvey/the-commando Below is the official website of Australia’s 2nd Commando Regiment: http://2commando.gov.au Follow Eddie on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/fast_eddie_079/ Follow Ben McKelvey here: https://www.instagram.com/bennymck/ Follow my co-host and my pages on social media. Links below. Global Recon: www.Globalrecon.net https://www.instagram.com/igrecon https://www.instagram.com/blackopsmatter www.twitter.com/igrecon https://www.facebook.com/GlobalReconPodcast/ HP Lefler: https://www.instagram.com/4runner.freyja Chantel Taylor: https://www.instagram.com/mission_critical https://www.instagram.com/altern8rv Music provided by Caspian: www.caspianmusic.net

GRP 95- The Reality of War: Perspective of SAS Trooper and Victoria Cross recipient Mark Donaldson Oct 16, 2017

Show notes

GRP 95- We know you’ve all been anticipating part two of the conversation we had with Mark Donaldson. Mark is a veteran of the Australian Special Air Service Regiment and recipient of the Victoria Cross. The VC is Australia’s highest award given for valor in combat. In this segment Mark talks about running operations with U.S Army Special Forces Green Berets in Afghanistan. It was on one of these operations in which the battle took place where Mark went above and beyond the call of duty. Mark walks us through that operation in vivid detail. The most important piece of this conversation is when Mark gives us the reality of it all when saying yes, he’s been celebrated for his actions that day, but for many it was the worst day of their lives. There are second and third effects for the family and friends of the warriors who were wounded, or killed during the chaos and confusion of that battle. It wasn’t said to dampen our moods, but to add perspective to what is generally looked at as something glamorous. 0:00-Episode overview 1:43- 2008 SAS deployment to Afghanistan, running operations with U.S Army Special Forces Green Berets. 6:20-Battle in which Mark was awarded the Victoria Cross 52:15- The realities of war, and remembering the Victoria Cross from the perspective of the men on the ground. Follow my co-host and my pages on social media. Links below. Global Recon: www.Globalrecon.net https://www.instagram.com/igrecon https://www.instagram.com/blackopsmatter www.twitter.com/igrecon https://www.facebook.com/GlobalReconPodcast/ HP Lefler: https://www.instagram.com/4runner.freyja Chantel Taylor: https://www.instagram.com/mission_critical https://www.instagram.com/altern8rv Music provided by Caspian: www.caspianmusic.net

GRP 94 Echo in Ramadi: Marine Corps Major Scott Huesing Oct 12, 2017

Show notes

GRP 94-It’s a great honor to have United States Marine Corps Major Scott Huesing on the podcast. Major Huesing served for 24 years with 10 deployments conducting operations in over 60 countries worldwide. He’s the author of the upcoming book “Echo in Ramadi”. Now Major Scott A. Huesing, the commander who led Echo Company through Ramadi, takes readers back to the streets of Ramadi in a visceral, gripping portrayal of modern urban combat. Bound together by brotherhood, honor, and the horror they faced, Echo's Marines battled day-to-day on the frontline of a totally different kind of war, without rules, built on chaos. In Echo in Ramadi, Huesing brings these resilient, resolute young men to life and shows how the savagery of urban combat left indelible scars on their bodies, psyches, and souls. We discussed Transnational terrorism, Ramadi, Leadership in combat and Gold Star families. 0:00-Episode overview 2:17-Conflict in Africa, transnational terrorism 11:29-Ramadi, Iraq 18:07-Leading Marines in combat, Gold Star families 32:46-The less then 1 percent of Americans serving in combat, PTSD 47:49- Save The Brave Foundation Major Huesing: www.echoinramadi.com https://www.facebook.com/EchoinRamadi/ https://twitter.com/EchoinRamadi http://www.savethebrave.org/ Follow my co-host and my pages on social media. Links below. Global Recon: www.Globalrecon.net https://www.instagram.com/igrecon https://www.instagram.com/blackopsmatter www.twitter.com/igrecon https://www.facebook.com/GlobalReconPodcast/ HP Lefler: https://www.instagram.com/4runner.freyja Chantel Taylor: https://www.instagram.com/mission_critical https://www.instagram.com/altern8rv Music provided by Caspian: www.caspianmusic.net

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