Ep 087 | Kyle Defoor – Former SEAL, Sniper and current Firearms Instructor
Dec 27, 2021
Show notesPhoto Courtesy of BCM
To end the year, I’m playing my all-time most downloaded episode.
Right after high school graduation, Kyle Defoor @defoorproformanceshooting left for boot camp in Orlando. A few months later, he was in Coronado going thru BUD/S as an 18-year-old kid.
We talk about growing up together in the small town of Haleyville, AL. And since his chances of playing D-1 football were looking slim, he joined the military. He knew he wanted some type of special operations, but all he knew was the Army’s Green Beret’s (from watching Rambo). After meeting with an overweight Army recruiter, he moved along and met a decent Navy recruiter showing the old video “Someone Special”.
Kyle also shares how he prepared for the Navy and BUD/S. These were pre-internet days, so information wasn’t easy to get. He went to the library and talked with a man in town who was a SEAL from the Vietnam era.
After serving 10 years in the Navy, he got out, did some contracting and other odd jobs and then formed his own company in 2010 “Defoor Proformance Shooting”.
This episode is good stuff from an experienced special operator who was part of multiple military operations globally. He also speaks in generalities about the teams he was part of.
If you’re preparing for BUD/S, this is a good one to listen to b/c you get some insight on Kyle’s mindset and advice. He also shares what he’d do differently.
Read more about Kyle and you’ll understand why he says “boot camp was the greatest thing ever” and why he’d do BUD/S again.
Copyright 2021 Thad Forester www.patriottothecore.com email questions to thad@patriottothecore.com
Ep 086 | Gene Adcock – Combat Control Team History
Dec 13, 2021
Show notes
Retired Air Force Combat Controller Gene Adcock joins me to talk about his new book, “Combat Control Team History“.
Since joining the Air Force in 1955 and retiring in 1977, Mr. Adcock has continued to contribute to the CCT career field. This book is another example with its estimated 800 pages and weight of 10 pounds.
Gene gives us a brief history of combat control, dating back to its origins in WWII. We talk Operation Varsity, Operation Overlord, Carpetbaggers – all from WWII, and the ill-fated rescue attempt code named Desert One from the Iranian hostage crisis.
It’s probably safe to say that Air Force combat controllers have been part of all major conflicts where the US has been involved. It’s also safe to say that most of the time, very few know that CCT’s are part of those missions–including Philippines, Korea, Vietnam, Grenada, Panama, Haiti, Afghanistan and Iraq.
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Copyright 2021 Thad Forester www.patriottothecore.com email questions to thad@patriottothecore.com
Ep 085 | Bobby Weismiller – Vaccine mandate, liberty and breaking the cycle
Nov 15, 2021
Show notes
As this episode goes live, Bobby Weismiller @lionscreedfitness is awaiting his job status with the federal government. Will he still be employed at the end of November? Like millions of others, the executive order could affect his and his family’s livelihood.
Bobby outlines his health history, yet the federal government still denied his waiver request. He details why he holds such conviction to not get the vaccine, even if he wasn’t concerned about his previous blood clots. Additionally, his doctor won’t sign Bobby’s request for medical exemption.
We also talk physical fitness, finances, his faith, and how his family is holding to that faith, especially since they may have zero income at the end of this month.
He “chose this hill to die on.” I wanted him on the show b/c he’s served our country for 14 years, feels strongly against this government overreach, and is sticking to his beliefs.
We firmly believe that the vaccine should be a choice, not forced upon us. I chose to get it, Bobby didn’t. We don’t argue about it. It’s up to the individual and we believe strongly in freedom and liberty.
Because his father was a drug addict and dealer, and in-and-out of his life due to unfaithfulness to his mother, Weismiller said God wanted him to break the cycle in his family. Sports was a big part of that. He has broken that mold and is the father of 3 and still married to the love of his life – proving we don’t have to live by the hand we were dealt.
Copyright 2021 Thad Forester www.patriottothecore.com email questions to thad@patriottothecore.com
Ep 084 | Zach Asmus and Cress Clippard on Afghanistan and SIV’s
Sep 06, 2021
Show notes
Afghanistan. What can I say? Well, I have a lot to say, but I’m not unloading my feelings here–much. We lost 13 American lives. At least 18 are injured, last I read (trying to get correct #). My heart goes out to their families. These heroes haven’t gotten the attention they deserve.
Now that our President has declared the war over, what is happening with the thousands of Afghans who are coming to the USA? How are they being vetted? How can we trust them? Why did we leave so many trusted Afghan partners behind? What will happen to them? The questions go on and on for so many of us.
Zach Asmus, former Air Force combat controller, and Cress Clippard, former Marine, have been taking action for several years not only by helping veterans transition from the service, but by helping with the Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) process to get Afghans and Iraqi’s to the US to live better lives. These are people who have proven themselves as trusted by their US teammates as terrorists hunters and who have been vetted.
I’ve had a ton of anger recently, but that’s not going to solve one of the big problems at hand–what do we do with the SIV’s who are here, and who are coming? Zach and Cress are experts on the SIV process and explain it all. And what were the documents the Afghans were showing to our Marines at the airport and at Taliban checkpoints; and why many of those Afghans who are left have been instructed to burn anything that connects them to the US.
You can learn how Zach and Cress are making Americans by visiting:
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Copyright 2021 Thad Forester www.patriottothecore.com email questions to thad@patriottothecore.com
Ep 083 | Mark Lauren – Move Better, Feel Better
Aug 23, 2021
Show notes
Mark Lauren (@mark_lauren_training) started as a USAF Combat Controller. After his active duty service, he went on to use his experience as an operator and instructor to write the bestselling book You Are Your Own Gym; the Bible of Bodyweight Exercises, which has sold 1.5 million copies worldwide.
Mark now uses his 30+ years of training experience to develop and stream continuously evolving online bodyweight workouts to a loyal international following. His newest book Strong and Lean; 9-Minute Daily Workouts to Build Your Best Body releases October 2021.
For you current followers, we talk specifics like middle-aged fitness; and then the benefits of some specific workouts such as: A-frames with Elbow Drops, Streamline RDL’s, Windshield Wipers with legs straight and how to stretch your achilles/improve ankle flexion.
Also, the impact that living in Thailand and Thai boxing had on his exercise and mindset, knowing when to stop, why efficiency is so important, and what a beginner in any physical shape should do with his programs to make gains. You’ll find out if Mark still needs to take ibuprofen too.
This is Mark’s 3rd time on PTC. You can listen to his previous interviews here:
Mark has offered our listeners a discount on his bodyweight program membership. Go to https://marklauren.com/ and sign up. Use promo code PATRIOT for a 20% discount on an annual subscription. No expiration date.
Copyright 2021 Thad Forester www.patriottothecore.com email questions to thad@patriottothecore.com
Ep 082 | Dan Schilling – The Power of Awareness
Jul 26, 2021
Show notes
I last spoke with Dan Schilling in episode 64 about his NY Times Best-Selling book “Alone at Dawn”. Today, he has a new book, The Power of Awareness.
Schilling uses his personal experience from conducting combat and covert missions around the world, founded and then commanded two special operations squadrons – the second being one of America’s most clandestine special mission units, and he worked alongside the CIA, FBI and NSA to defeat terrorists.
Because of his unique career, safety and risk calculation became the fabric of his DNA. He emphasizes that understanding and mitigating risk is a learned activity and his mission with this book is to save lives.
We’re not talking about self-defense skills here–weapons, martial arts, etc. Dan is sharing about how to avoid dangerous circumstances, oftentimes by applying very simple acts and observations – from how to safely withdraw money from the ATM, how to navigate in an unknown city or area, what the difference is between instinct and intuition, and how to respond if you’re forced to take more drastic action.
To learn more about Dan, his books and his extreme world-record adventures, visit his web site at:
If you enjoy this interview, please consider helping my cause by supporting here on Patreon
Copyright 2021 Thad Forester www.patriottothecore.com email questions to thad@patriottothecore.com
Ep 081 | Michael Andrew in Indonesia | Covid Vaccine Distribution
Jun 14, 2021
Show notes
Michael Andrew (Michael the Maven) is back on the show to discuss why he’s in Indonesia and why UPS asked him to help them with logistical challenges in delivering vaccines.
If you don’t follow Michael, I encourage you to check out all his adventures–both as an entrepreneur and as a volunteer throughout the world. Today he explains the difficulty in getting the vaccines to the poor and to very remote areas. He’s not pushing it on anyone, rather providing logistics and supply chain help in making it available to those who desire the vaccine.
This isn’t a political, left or right, discussion. Mike merely explains why he feels compelled to help and why he’s lost some friends over his involvement with this project.
Copyright 2021 Thad Forester www.patriottothecore.com email questions to thad@patriottothecore.com
Ep 080 – Three Wise Men
Mar 15, 2021
Show notes
In 2010, Beau and Ben Wise buried their big brother Jeremy. Two years later, Beau buried his brother Ben. He went from the youngest son to the only son.
Their parents are the only known U.S. military family to lose two sons in Afghanistan during the 19+ year war.
In this interview, I’m privileged to have Beau Wise and his co-author of “Three Wise Men“, Tom Sileo.
After top U.S. officials realized that two Wise brothers had been lost, Beau, a Marine, was permanently pulled from the battlefield – becoming the only U.S. service member to be removed from combat as a result of such extraordinary events in Afghanistan.
Copyright 2021 Thad Forester www.patriottothecore.com email questions to thad@patriottothecore.com
Ep 079 | Rhonda Jimmerson – The Fight to Bring Her Brother Home
Feb 22, 2021
Show notes
Rhonda Jimmerson’s brother, Major Troy “Trojan” Gilbert was an F-16 pilot with over 1000 flying hours.
On November, 27, 2006, his plane crashed in Iraq while he was protecting Americans whose helicopter had crashed. His body was ejected from the plane upon impact and immediately found and taken by al Qaeda–rolled up in a carpet and placed in a truck.
They made videos in celebration and kept his body as a trophy for 10 years.
Finally, on October 3, 2016, his body was returned home.
He was married with five children. Troy graduated from Texas Tech in 1993 with a degree in International Economics.
This interview with Rhonda is about her fight to get all of her brother’s remains home. She shares her struggles as a sister to support her parents and to support Troy’s wife Ginger, and children.
We finish up with her faith and how she persevered through one disappointment after another.
Note: since it became known that Troy had been killed, he was not considered “missing”. We discuss this but didn’t go into depth about what is considered “missing”.
Copyright 2021 Thad Forester www.patriottothecore.com email questions to thad@patriottothecore.com
Ep 078 | Stan Staheli, Patton’s Third Army, WWII POW – Replay
Jan 11, 2021
Show notesPhoto courtesy of The Commercial Appeal
Please enjoy this replay that originally aired in Feb of 2017.
J. Stanford (Stan) Staheli was only 18 years old when drafted. One year later he was a member of Patton’s Third Army, 4th Armored Division, liberating France from the Nazi’s. It was here that he was captured in 1944 during a German counter-attack near Rimsdorf, France. The Germans immediately said “The war’s over for you.” Stan thought surely, they were going to be killed; but that wasn’t the case.
He and the other prisoners walked three days to the camp in Frankfurt. They then traveled by rail in a standing-room only conditions to East Germany. Then eventually to another location where they were held for five months. Even though he said he was treated humanely, he was stripped of his clothes each night and only had a small throw blanket for cover, during the coldest recorded winter in German history at the time.
Stan said life in the prison camp wasn’t that bad. The guards told them “if you don’t work, you don’t eat.” Having grown up in the depression, this wasn’t a new concept to him. He learned to love to work long before the Army. They built bomb shelters and repaired railroads for the German Army. However, many of the guards were disabled from the front lines and would show the prisoners pictures of their captors’ families when their superiors weren’t around.
Staheli said his mom never lost faith that her son was alive. Even though he was officially “missing in action”, many presumed he was dead. After being released, he was finally able to write his family and then surprised them on a Sunday morning in Cedar City, UT.
Today, Staheli is 91 years old (as of Feb 2017) and has a noble posterity – 10 children (2 have passed), 53 grandchildren, and 60+ great-grandchildren. Quoting Will Rogers, he said “I never met a man I didn’t like.”
This hero, with only an 8th grade education, was presented an honorary diploma from Enterprise High School in May 2016.
Music courtesy of Soundroad – Believe. Copyright 2021 Thad Forester www.patriottothecore.com email questions to thad@patriottothecore.com
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