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Ep 118 | Michael Madsen – Army Judge Advocate (JAG) | Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Survivor

July 1, 2024 By Thad Forester

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.

Also mentioned in this episode:

Jupiter Patch Boards

Watch on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/wBBNyEwei7I

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.

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Ep 117 | Matthew Longanacre – AH-64D Apache Pilot Overhead Mark in Afghanistan

May 27, 2024 By Thad Forester

CW4 Matthew Longanacre (Matthew on Facebook) was an AH-64D Apache Pilot with 1-101 Aviation Regiment “Expect No Mercy”. He was the Pilot-In-Command of one of the two Apaches that were overhead when Mark and Calvin were killed on 29 September 2010.

Printed in Mark’s book, My Brother in Arms, Matthew wrote to our family: “We pride ourselves on doing whatever it takes to protect these gifted warriors on the battlefield. This is why the loss of Mark has hit me harder than any in the past. I was overhead that day and unable to prevent this tragedy. I just hope that his family and friends can find some small measure of comfort in knowing that he took the fight to the enemy right until the end. Very few in this world can say the same…”

Longanacre joined me today while we walked 28 miles for the Mark Forester JAG 28 Memorial Birthday Walk/Ruck. Therefore, the audio isn’t stellar, but the best this low-tech guy can do. We were moving the entire time in mist rain.

My family and I appreciate Matthew keeping in touch, making the effort to visit and support. He developed a friendship with Mark, all over the radio, while they slew the enemy!

Enjoy the outro music, “Sons of War Veteran“. This short clip was written by former AF CCT, and 2-time PTC guest, Dan Schilling. You can hear the full version here:

https://open.spotify.com/track/5iujSF8UmN4VyvWB42UfLa

Freedom Blends, supplements and vitamins for men and women: use discount code PATRIOT at checkout.

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GORUCK Rough Runners – Are They Worth the Hype for Rucking Long Distance?

May 21, 2024 By Thad Forester

First off, I did a YouTube video review below. My article here will cover a little more detail, but the video will cover some specifics that I don’t in this post:

On May 18, 2024, I completed the Mark Forester JAG 28 Memorial Birthday Walk. This is an annual event that I’ve organized and led annually since 2011.

I used the GORUCK Rough Runners for my second long distance ruck this year. You can read my initial review from 2 months ago here. I go into great detail on these shoes.

I explain in the review linked above the surface of the JAG 28 Walk and why I thought the Rough Runners were a good choice. After spending 11 hours on various wavy/unlevel, mostly paved surfaces, I can now confidently say the Rough Runners passed my test and I can recommend them to anyone who needs a long distance rucking shoe (without ankle support–covered in the video).

Below are my feet after 28 miles, 11 hours, and pouring rain. We were soaked.

My feet were definitely soft after being in wet shoes for over 7 hours straight. But, I had zero blisters or hot spots.

Below are most of the surfaces we walked on. Although most all of them were paved, except for about 6 miles of gravel in the national forest, some of those roads were very wavy and after about 20 miles, felt sharp on the feet. This is where the firm, thick padding on the Rough Runners came into play for me. They are build for carrying heavy weight over long periods of time. They will bend and flex with the surface, without breaking down and getting too soft or marshmellowy.

Below was probably the worst surface on the route. We had a few roads like this, covering several miles, once we got up in the mileage that day. If you had on thin or stiff shoes, this surface really worked your feet. It’s what really worked my feet and ankles last year wearing the Ballistic Trainers (which I detail in this video and others linked in this post).

Some of the surfaces were very smooth, however the slope from the center to edge was pretty good.

This rucker was in so much pain by mile 26, that she took off her shoes to walk for a few minutes.

I hope my words and these pics, along with the other linked articles and videos, give you the info you need to confidently use or purchase what shoes you’ll wear for your long distance rucks, walks, or runs.

The GORUCK Rough Runners have proven to take care of my feet in wet and dry conditions. I like the time and space they’ve saved me from not having to change socks and carry so many extra socks. There is a reason why the Rough Runners and Ballistic Trainers were named the Official Footwear of CrossFit in 2024.

If you want to compare the Rough Runners to Ballistic Trainers side-by-side (which are also great shoes), click here: https://www.thadforester.com/gr-footwear20

Of course, no matter how good the gear is, there is no substitute for training. I recommend training no matter what shoes or socks you’re wearing–there is no substitute. Never show up to a long event in untested gear.

In the end, we did the 28 miles all for this patch (well, kind of):

Ep 116 | Eric Moutsos – Freedom, Liberty, and Non-Essential

May 6, 2024 By Thad Forester

Eric Moutsos (@ericmoutsos) is a small business owner and creator of Freedom Blends, a supplement company based on the principles of Freedom and Liberty.

A former Salt Lake City Police Officer, Moutsos loved the job but quickly started being outspoken about disturbing practices (aka quotas) and discrimination within the department. In the end, Eric lost his badge and gun when, for religious reasons, he asked to trade into a security assignment instead of being in the celebration of the Utah Pride Parade for the LGBTQ community. When the story made national news, Eric decided to resign from the department and go into the private sector.

Today Eric tells us why he’s no longer a police officer and how he created the Utah Business Revival during Covid to help save small businesses. Part of this was organizing what was probably the first music concert in America during the lockdown.

If you want to try Freedom Blends, go to: https://freedomblends.myshopify.com/?ref=patriot
and use code PATRIOT at checkout to get 10% off. I’ve been taking Freedom Fuel w/ energy and 1st Amendment Men’s multivitamin since mid-April. So far, I approve. I get up early to work and/or workout almost every day. I have 3 active young boys and we are always playing sports, in the woods, rucking…. just staying active. I used to be very tired every day. I feel much better while taking these vitamins and supplements.

Freedom Blends: use discount code PATRIOT at checkout.

Watch Eric’s documentary “Non Essential” here: https://www.ericmoutsos.com/non-essential-the-full-documentary/

Watch this interview on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/ow8SnRUratI

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GORUCK Discount Codes

April 28, 2024 By Thad Forester

BLUF: (Bottom line up front) – The below codes provide 10% discount on GORUCK purchases. Use my link to their main page here and then go to the product(s) you want:

EASTER
JBAKER
REDBEARD10

The compilation of pics above are just a sampling of the GORUCK gear and clothing that I own. And I not only own it, but I use it–all the time (since 2015). This post is b/c I believe in the GORUCK brand and understand that it’s expensive and not everyone can afford it, especially on a regular basis. Many of the items I buy are paid off over time with Affirm while others have to be budgeted.

In the realm of outdoor enthusiasts and avid ruckers, few brands command as much respect and admiration as GORUCK. Known for their tough and versatile gear designed to withstand the roughest of conditions, GORUCK has become synonymous with quality, durability, and a spirit of adventure. Whether you’re embarking on a ruck through the wilderness or city, tackling an urban exploration or city ruck, needing the most effective and efficient garage gym gear, traveling and only want a carry-on, or simply seeking reliable gear or clothing for everyday use, GORUCK has you covered. And for those seeking to save a few bucks on their next GORUCK purchase, discount codes offer a welcomed opportunity to indulge in premium gear while providing a little less guilt.

And if you’re mil, LE, Fire, medic, gov, or teacher, GORUCK offers a discount–always. You can read more about the Earned Service Discount here.

Once again, here are codes from other users with great experience and authority on GORUCK gear. These codes seem to consistently work. Use this link to visit GORUCK and enter any of the codes below at checkout for 10% off.
Note: the below codes are from sites/channels whose GORUCK reviews I respect. You can visit their sites by clicking the code names listed.

EASTER
JBAKER
REDBEARD10