Thad Forester, Author at

Ep 088 | Combat Controllers – Small Force, Big Impact

February 7, 2022 By Thad Forester

CMSgt (retired) Michael Lamonica and MSG (retired) Kyle Stanbro, both retired Air Force combat controllers join us to break down what CCT’s do and their roles in the war on terror, Afghanistan withdrawal, and humanitarian missions throughout the world. And, why CCTs are arguably the deadliest force to ever walk the planet.

With each of them having over 30 yrs of active service, they’ve experienced a wide range of deployments, both combat related and due to natural disasters. In addition, they’ve trained CCT’s in the pipeline.

We also discuss their fundraising efforts for the Combat Control Association. Mike is the President and Kyle is a member of the board and they have worked tirelessly to raise money thru the Combat Control Foundation so they can support CCT’s and their families in times of need.

Previous episodes mentioned:

Episode 15 – Ronnie Rains

Episode 64 – Dan Schilling – Alone at Dawn

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Thad’s Recommended Reading

January 23, 2022 By Thad Forester

Clearly, I’m not a fiction guy.

2022

–The Comfort Crisis by Michael Easter
–Fortitude by Dan Crenshaw
–Lead to Serve and Serve to Lead by Armfield and Fister

2021

–The Power of Awareness by Dan Schilling
–Three Wise Men by Beau Wise and Tom Sileo

2020

–Lucky 666: The Impossible Mission by Bob Drury and Tom Clavin
–The Stenuous Life: Theodore Roosevelt and the Making of the American Athlete by Ryan Swanson
–Stealth War: How China Took Over While America’s Elite Slept by Robert Spaulding
–Coming Back Stronger: Unleashing the Hidden Power of Adversity by Drew Brees
–The Man Who Knew the Way to the Moon by Todd Zwillich
–Leadership Strategy and Tactics: Field Manual by Jocko Willink

2019

–Catch me if you Can: The True Story of a Real Fake by Frank Abagnale
–Grateful American: A Journey from Self to Service by Gary Sinise
–Alone at Dawn by Dan Schilling

2018

–Rocket Men by Robert Kurson
–Always My Hero: The Road to Hope and Healing Following My Brother’s Death in Afghanistan by Renee Nickell
–The Time of Our Lives by Tom Brokaw

Ep 087 | Kyle Defoor – Former SEAL, Sniper and current Firearms Instructor

December 27, 2021 By Thad Forester

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.

Kyle Defoor supports The Mark Forester Foundation

My notes from Kyle’s Scoped Rifle Class

*This is a rebroadcast from 2017*

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Ep 086 | Gene Adcock – Combat Control Team History

December 13, 2021 By Thad Forester

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.

Click here to order this massive book: Combat Control Team History

Other books/articles referenced in our conversation:

U.S. Special Operations Forces

CCT The Eye of the Storm

Gene Adcock Biography

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Ep 085 | Bobby Weismiller – Vaccine mandate, liberty and breaking the cycle

November 15, 2021 By Thad Forester

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.

Mentioned in this episode:

Power for Living book

Bully breed advocates

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