Ep 127 | Unbroken Will: Remembering Lance Sijan w/ His Sister Janine Sijan
Aug 17, 2026
Show notes
Janine Sijan shares the story of her brother, Air Force Capt. Lance Sijan, a Medal of Honor recipient whose courage in Vietnam became a lasting symbol of duty, endurance, and sacrifice. Janine reflects on Lance as a brother and a man, offering personal memories that reveal the character behind the legend and the deep family bond that shaped his life.
The conversation explores the pain and uncertainty of having a loved one go missing in combat, the emotional toll of captivity, and the heartbreak of ultimately learning of his death. Janine also discusses how her family endured the long silence, what his story meant to them then, and why his legacy continues to inspire service members and civilians today.
More than a military history interview, this episode is an effective tribute to resilience, faith, family, disbelief, and the cost of freedom. It honors Lance Sijan not only for how he fought and suffered, but for the example he left behind — one that still challenges cadets and listeners to live with courage, purpose, and conviction. After all, he was a Sijan, and Sijan’s don’t quit!
Look for the release of Lance’s documentary “Sijan” in 2027, narrated by Gary Sinise. It was produced by Janine and we mentioned in this interview. I was able to watch it this summer. It was powerful.
Copyright 2026 Thad Forester https://www.patriottothecore.com email questions to thad@patriottothecore.com
Ep 126 | They Didn’t Know Him But They Showed Up Anyway – 45 Miles for Mark Forester
Jun 08, 2026
Show notes
What does it mean to sacrifice for someone you’ve never met? In this episode of Patriot to the Core, Thad Forester sits down with his young boys and their friends who completed the Mark Forester JAG 28 Memorial Birthday Walk — a tribute to Senior Airman Mark Forester, who gave his life in Afghanistan on September 29, 2010, earning him the Silver Star.
These kids didn’t grow up knowing Mark. He was killed before they were born. But Thad’s boys have known of their uncle their entire lives — and this year, they laced up their shoes, hit the pavement, and pushed through real physical pain and discomfort to honor his memory. Some walked 25 continuous miles, some 36 miles, and others completed all 45 miles (17 hours) — representing how old Mark would have been this year. In their own words, they share what the JAG 28 Birthday Walk meant to them, how they kept going when it got hard, and what they learned about sacrifice, legacy, and showing up even when it’s tough.
In the second half of the episode, the boys reflect on their recent experience at Arlington National Cemetery on Memorial Day — a place they say every young American should visit.
This is a conversation that will remind you why we remember, why we walk, and why the story of Senior Airman Mark Forester — JAG 28 — lives on, one generation at a time.
Copyright 2026 Thad Forester http://www.patriottothecore.com email questions to thad@patriottothecore.com
Ep 125 | From Nuclear Sub Commander to the U.S. Senate: Seth Burton’s Mission
Apr 03, 2026
Show notes
Seth Burton (@sethburtonforsenate) joins me in the Our Town studios for this episode of Patriot to the Core podcast. We dive into his run for U.S. Senate, unpacking the issues that matter most to Alabama and the nation—from security and leadership to economic growth and nuclear energy. Seth shares how his military background and command experience on nuclear submarines have shaped his approach to leadership, along with personal stories that define his values.
He may have entered the race late, but make no mistake — his background has uniquely prepared him for this moment, and as a Patriot to the Core, he’s running for one reason: to fight for what’s best for Alabama and America.
Copyright 2026 Thad Forester http://www.patriottothecore.com email questions to thad@patriottothecore.com
Ep 124 | Colleen Shine – The Search for Her Father in Vietnam
Dec 02, 2025
Show notes
In this episode, Colleen Shine, daughter of Air Force Lt. Col. Anthony Shine, shares her decades-long search for answers about her father’s fate after he was shot down and went missing in Vietnam in 1972. At just eight years old, Colleen began a journey that led her from uncertainty and loss to a determined investigation, including traveling to Vietnam to discover her father’s crash site and bringing his remains home in 1996. Colleen reflects on her personal experience as a Gold Star Daughter, the impact of POW/MIA families, and the enduring lessons about honor, family, and the lasting reverberations of war.
Colleen is a member of the board on Sons and Daughters in Touch, committed to uniting the Gold Star sons and daughters of American servicemen who were killed, or who remain missing, as a result of the Vietnam War.
You can read more about Colleen’s quest to get answers in Vietnam here:
You can also watch this interview on YouTube here.
Copyright 2025 Thad Forester http://www.patriottothecore.com email questions to thad@patriottothecore.com
Ep 123 | Lori Chapman Longfritz | Remembering John Chapman – Left Alone on Takur Ghar: Part 2
Sep 28, 2025
Show notes
In part 2 of my interview with Lori Chapman Longfritz, sister of Medal of Honor recipient John Chapman, we discuss John’s final moments at the Battle of Takur Ghar in 2002, his courage as an Air Force Combat Controller, and the delayed recognition and non-recognition of his heroism (from who you ask?? The Navy, his SEAL team, National Medal of Honor Museum). Lori shares personal stories about John’s character, his dedication to family, and the lasting legacy he left behind. We also cover the Medal of Honor journey, the National Medal of Honor Museum, and Lori’s new book First There: The Life and Legacy of American Hero John Chapman.
You can also watch this interview on my YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/F2IUJCZqKP0
Copyright 2025 Thad Forester http://www.patriottothecore.com email questions to thad@patriottothecore.com
Ep 122 | Lori Chapman Longfritz | Remembering John Chapman – Left Alone on Takur Ghar: Part 1
Sep 23, 2025
Show notes
In this episode, I speak with Lori Chapman Longfritz, sister of Medal of Honor recipient John Chapman, about her brother’s remarkable life and ultimate sacrifice. Lori shares personal stories that reveal John’s character, his commitment to family, and his job as an elite Air Force Combat Controller.
She also reflects on the events that led to his death during the Battle of Takur Ghar in 2002, the recognition of his heroism, and the lasting legacy he left behind. This heartfelt conversation honors John’s memory while offering an intimate look at the man behind the uniform and the man left to fight and die alone on Takur Ghar.
This is Part 1 of our 2 Part interview.
In Part 2 we’ll delve into how John saved the lives of his SEAL team and then another 18 members of a quick reaction force (QRF).
Enjoy the short subtle outro music, “Sons of War Veteran“. This song was written by former CCT, and 2-time PTC guest, Dan Schilling.
Copyright 2025 Thad Forester http://www.patriottothecore.com email questions to thad@patriottothecore.com
Ep 121 | Marc Fitzwater – Army JTAC, I68 Consulting Group
Jul 28, 2025
Show notes
In this episode, I talk with Marc Fitzwater (@i68consultinggroup)—former Army Green Beret, JTAC, and teammate of my brother Mark Forester. Marc shares what it was like serving alongside Mark in combat, the bonds formed with the guys from ODA 7212, the intense responsibility of calling in air support, and how those experiences shaped his life and leadership. Additionally, he talks about the day Mark and Calvin Harrison were killed on the battlefield in 2010. Now the founder of I68 Consulting Group, Marc helps empower others, drawing from the same principles that guided him in Special Forces. This episode is a powerful mix of brotherhood, sacrifice, and living a mission-driven life.
Copyright 2025 Thad Forester http://www.patriottothecore.com email questions to thad@patriottothecore.com
Ep 120 | Col. Derek Oaks – A-10 Warthog and JTACs
May 26, 2025
Show notes
In this episode, we unpack the legendary role of the A-10 Warthog in the battlespace, the irreplaceable bond between pilots and JTACs, and the critical missions led by Air Force Combat Controllers. Col. Oaks shares insights from his time in the cockpit, what ordnance the A-10 can carry, when a show of force is necessary, and the lasting legacy of my brother SrA Mark Forester, a Combat Controller who gave his life in Afghanistan while Derek’s squadron was deployed.
Strap in—this one is loud, low, and lethal (maybe exaggerating a little bit).
Topics Covered:
The mission and legacy of the A-10 Warthog
Why Close Air Support (CAS) is about more than just firepower
The intense coordination between A-10 pilots and JTACs (Joint Terminal Attack Controllers)
70 rounds of 30mm per second
The vital role of Combat Controllers in both air and ground ops
Lessons in leadership, humility, and courage under fire
Derek’s book he co-authored with this dad, Gen. Robert Oaks – “Rising Above”
Copyright 2025 Thad Forester http://www.patriottothecore.com email questions to thad@patriottothecore.com
Ep 119 | Mark Roland – Insider Attack!
Nov 25, 2024
Show notes
Matthew Roland was killed-in-action in Afghanistan in August 2015 in an insider attack (aka “green on blue”) at an Afghan-led security checkpoint. Killed alongside him was teammate SSgt Forrest Sibley, both Air Force Combat Controllers attached to an Army Special Forces team.
Matthew’s father Mark, shares what happened, how Matthew responded instantly and what his and Forrest’s final moments were like. In addition, we talk about the notification process, grief, healing and the CCT community and support.
Copyright 2024 Thad Forester http://www.patriottothecore.com email questions to thad@patriottothecore.com
Ep 118 | Michael Madsen – Army Judge Advocate (JAG) | Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Survivor
Jul 01, 2024
Show notes
Michael Madsen is a Judge Advocate in the US Army. His current full-time job is an Attorney for the Air Force and he’s a JAG in the Army Reserves.
After graduating law school and completing a JD/MBA program, Michael worked in the private sector before joining the Army at the age of 33. He wanted to serve his country and found that the Army gave him the best opportunity, even though he had several injuries, mostly from playing football in college at Brigham Young University.
I’ve always admired Michael b/c he gave up lucrative opportunities in the world of law to join the military. He stands by his grandfather’s wise counsel: “It doesn’t matter where you serve; it matters how you serve.”
Madsen comes from a line of American Patriots. His grandfather is Ezra Taft Benson, who was the Secretary of Agriculture under President Eisenhower, and was the 13th President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
In early 2020, Michael was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. We discuss in great detail how this affected his family (his wife and 4 young kids), and how he’s doing today with the multitude of side effects from this disease, treatments and his bone marrow transplant (thanks to his sister). In addition, how his faith, the faith of his family and those around him, continues to strengthen him and his family.
If you’re looking for trusted vitamins and supplements, I’ve been using Freedom Blends the past 4 months and love the energy I get w/out caffeine. I have the Freedom Fuel (fruits and veggies), Sons of Liberty B-12 and 1st Amendment Men’s Multi Vitamin. Use discount code PATRIOT at checkout to get 10% off your order. The owner is a great American who was Episode 116 guest, Eric Moutsos.
Copyright 2024 Thad Forester http://www.patriottothecore.com email questions to thad@patriottothecore.com
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