Welcome to Patriot to the Core Podcast

Patriot to the Core 2018

Patriot to the Core was inspired by my little brother Mark Forester. After he was KIA in Afghanistan in 2010, I was amazed at the new world of heroes and warriors we met. These men and women have become close to our family and been huge supports. But, they also stood out b/c of their willingness to voluntarily fight evil for all of us. Because of them and many like them, I started this podcast to interview these great Americans.

By supporting this podcast, you help support The Mark Forester Foundation and its cause.

Please follow and subscribe so we can have many episodes to come. Send suggestions and questions to me at thad@patriottothecore.com. Hope you enjoy!

You can also become a patron. Your support is not considered a donation--it's a way to get something in return for helping support my cause. See link below:

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Special thanks to Peter Bradberry for mixing and editing each episode.

Episode 005 – Melanie Davis, author, founder of Triumph Press and Love Your Veterans

July 11, 2016 By Thad Forester

Melanie got into the publishing business after sharing copies of her journal to help people deal with grief and hardship. This was because she documented her trial of losing her seven-month old baby girl Brynn to SIDS. Seeing the hope it gave so many, she turned these writings into a book called “The Triumph Book”, which is real stories of people overcoming tremendous trials and finding purpose in life.

Later, she wrote and published “The Triumph Book: HEROES” which consist of real life stories from our veterans. She learned and shares the struggles many of our veterans endure and fight each day.

Her stories are real and powerful. Listen and feel her passion for serving our guardians of freedom. She encourages us to serve others to overcome tragedy.

Learn more at:

www.triumphpress.com

www.loveyourveterans.org

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Episode 004 – Artist Phil Taylor of The American Fallen Soldiers Project

June 27, 2016 By Thad Forester

Phil has always been an artist and worked with many actors and entertainers in Hollywood and in the music business. But, after painting a portrait for a fallen friend’s dad, Phil realized how much healing it provided for those left behind to grieve. He realized his calling was to paint portraits of fallen heroes, so he started the Texas Fallen Soldiers Project, which quickly grew into The American Fallen Soldiers Project.

He personally delivers 30-35 paintings every year to the families of fallen. He shares the long process of producing each painting and the connection he feels with each one.

Learn more at www.americanfallensoldiers.com

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Episode 003 – Pastor Mike Dillman, Vietnam veteran (Army), organizer of largest Memorial Day event on the west coast

June 13, 2016 By Thad Forester

Mike Dillman has spent his life in service to our country and his fellow veterans. While flying home from Vietnam, Pres Nixon gave an order to remove their uniform because they were returning to a divided nation. Once in California and on his way to Oakland, his bus was literally stopped and rocked by protesters in Berkeley. Ironically he felt safer 24 hours prior while in another country than in his home state. After this he vowed to do all he could to honor our military, their service and sacrifice.

Since then he’s created and incredible Memorial Day event in one of the most patriotic cities in America – Manteca, CA. I know because I’ve been there. He shares his fight with PTSD and how sleep was his enemy. How he almost lost his wife and kids and how the VA saved his life and marriage.

Pastor Dillman is a man who loves his country and is devoted to making sure his posterity remains free.

Learn more at www.thememorialweekend.org

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Episode 002 – Michael Andrew, founder of Red Lightning, author, and natural disaster volunteer

May 30, 2016 By Thad Forester

This week I talk with my good friend Mike about his volunteer work. He’s a photography instructor by profession, but his most rewarding work is traveling the globe when massive natural disasters occur. He shares why this work is so fulfilling despite his life being threatened multiple times, details about his extended stays in Haiti, Nepal, Japan, and shorter relief efforts in the southern US.

He also shares his failed businesses, financial struggles and the fruits of his service. He has a “go-bag” and is always ready to leave within 24 hrs of disaster. He gives us some tips of what tools he travels with and what’s in his go-bag.

As an adult, he has never worked for someone else to live. He’s always been an entrepreneur and after many years has found financial stability. We went a little long today, but there was so much information that needed to be covered. We still had to cut it short. After listening, you’ll understand why he is a Patriot to the Core.

Learn more about Mike and his work at:

www.redlightning.com

www.michaelthemaven.com

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Episode 001 – Johnnie Yellock II, Air Force Combat Controller (ret), Operation Enduring Freedom veteran, wounded warrior

May 16, 2016 By Thad Forester

In July 2011 Johnnie was 10 days into his second deployment to Afghanistan when his vehicle hit an IED. After applying two tourniquets to his legs and calling for air support and medical evacuation, he was eventually transferred to Brooks Army Medical Center for more surgeries, rehab and recovery.

He’s now had 30 limb-salvaging surgeries to his feet, he is 1-inch shorter in height, and his ankles are fused at a 90-degree angle, requiring him to wear braces on each leg.

He discusses the details of his injury and how he kept a positive attitude throughout his recovery and painful surgeries. He says there is nothing he can’t do.

Now medically retired from the Air Force, he speaks regularly to large groups and churches. He’s also been a two-time participant in Pres. George W. Bush’s Warrior Open Golf Tournament.

You’ll appreciate his advice and humor on overcoming adversity and always having something to look forward to.

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Welcome to Patriot to the Core Podcast

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