cct Archives -

Ep 123 | Lori Chapman Longfritz | Remembering John Chapman – Left Alone on Takur Ghar: Part 2

September 28, 2025 By Thad Forester

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.

Listen to Part 1 here: https://www.thadforester.com/lori-chapman-longfritz-122/

What this video of the First Medal of Honor ever recorded, narrated by fellow CCT and co-author of Lori’s first book “Alone at Dawn“, Dan Schilling.

Get Lori’s new book: “First There: The Life and Legacy of American Hero John Chapman“. I read it and ask all my listeners to consider getting it–physical copy or e-book.

Also mentioned in this episode:

Episode 64: Dan Schilling – Alone at Dawn

Episode 102: Darrell Utt – National Medal of Honor Bus. Ops.

The outgoing song, “Sons of War Veteran“, was written by former CCT, and 2-time PTC guest, Dan Schilling.

You can also watch this interview on my YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/F2IUJCZqKP0

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Ep 122 | Lori Chapman Longfritz | Remembering John Chapman – Left Alone on Takur Ghar: Part 1

September 23, 2025 By Thad Forester

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).

What this video of the First Medal of Honor ever recorded, narrated by fellow CCT and co-author of Lori’s first book “Alone at Dawn“, Dan Schilling.

Read Lori’s new book: “First There: The Life and Legacy of American Hero John Chapman“.

Enjoy the short subtle outro music, “Sons of War Veteran“. This song was written by former CCT, and 2-time PTC guest, Dan Schilling.

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Ep 121 | Marc Fitzwater – Army JTAC, I68 Consulting Group

July 28, 2025 By Thad Forester

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.

Related episodes:

Ep 60: ODA Team Captain Wes Wilson

Ep 31: Teammate George Earhart, TACP

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Ep 119 | Mark Roland – Insider Attack!

November 25, 2024 By Thad Forester

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.

Matthew was awarded the Silver Star for his actions that day. You can read the citation here.

Also mentioned in this episode is Danny Sanchez, who was another CCT killed in a green on blue attack. His mother was a guest in episode 99.

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You can watch this interview with Mark Roland here: https://youtu.be/XLhUOs8_9JE

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Ep 114 | Joe O’Keefe – Hunting Osama bin Laden in Tora Bora in 2001

January 22, 2024 By Thad Forester

Within weeks of the 9/11 attacks, Air Force Combat Controller Joe O’Keefe was in Afghanistan working with the CIA and other special operations units.

Joe and his small team made their way into the mountains of Tora Bora with the help of the Northern Alliance. Armed with the element of surprise, he was able to start calling in close air support against hundreds, if not a thousand enemy fighters.

What was initially thought to be an overnight observance, turned into 5 days with only 1 hour of sleep the entire period. The CIA station chief told his team to drop bombs for as long as possible because the President was getting sit-reps on it minute by minute.

He and his team ended up killing hundreds of people. “They had chosen their course, we had chosen ours, that’s the nature of it.”

You can read an excellent article about this mission in Task and Purpose here:

Task and Purpose – Air Force Commando

You can also watch this interview on YouTube at the link below:

YouTube

Other CCT interviews mentioned in this episode:

Ep. 91 – Will Markham

Ep. 88 – Kyle Stanbro and Michael Lamonica

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