Thad Forester

Ep 096 | Special: Doug Cole on the Impact of Mark Forester

September 29, 2022 By Thad Forester

Today, September 29, 2022, mark’s 12 years since my little brother, Mark Forester’s death in Afghanistan.

Mark’s close friend and roommate, Doug Cole (@dcoleii), spends some time telling us what life was like living with Mark and watching him transform from a narrow-shouldered, pudgy, college student to a solid, chiseled man.

No matter how serious Mark was about prepping for the military, he always made time for Call of Duty, Halo, Terry Tate, Saving Private Ryan, 24, Anchorman, 300, Gladiator, and maintaining the integrity of the handicap parking spots!

This is one of those episodes I publish on Sept 29 (most years) to allow us to learn more intimately about Mark and to reminisce our times together. It’s important to capture these memories so that our loved ones aren’t forgotten.

Doug, thank you for opening up and sharing your feelings. We all miss Mark terribly and his family and close friends will never take for granted his sacrifice for this country that we love.

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Ep 095 | Brian Jodice – Pick Up the Six Podcast

September 26, 2022 By Thad Forester

Brian Jodice is the owner and host of Pick up the Six Productions and Podcast, where he shares stories about the men and women among us who go above-and-beyond to PICK UP THE SIX through SERVICE, PURPOSE and IMPACT.

He recalls many impactful interviews he’s done in the last few years, among them was the Commander of the USS Cole when it was attacked by al-Qaeda terrorists in 2000. Also, the lesser-known pilot for Marcus Luttrell’s rescue during Operation Red Wings, Jeff “Spanky” Peterson.

We also discuss F3 Nation – what it is, why they call him “Hello Kitty”, the benefits of F3 and Brian’s favorite workouts, including his recent 208 mile relay in the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Mentioned in this episode:

CDR. Kirk Lippold – USS Cole

Jeff Spanky Peterson – Operations Red Wings

Thad Forester – My Brother in Arms

Jason McCarthy – Founder of GoRuck

*PTC is on Patreon. If you like what you’re hearing please check out how you can help the cause so I can provide quality content and keep on keeping on!

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Ep 094 | Ish Villegas – 2-time Silver Star Recipient

September 19, 2022 By Thad Forester

Ish Villegas is one of three people who have received the Silver Star twice, since 9/11.

Today he walks us thru the battle in 2009 where he got his first Silver Star. It was a 16 hour fight that resulted in at least 32 enemy insurgents killed. During this fight, Ish ran 200 feet across an open, uncleared IED minefield to more effective position and returned fire with his M-4 and then directed aircraft (rotary and fixed wing) onto the enemy locations in a surgical and lethal manner. It’s an incredible story; one that he completed with two broken arms.

He also trained my brother, Mark Forester, at FOB Cobra/Tinsley and we are forever grateful for his friendship to Mark and for showing him the ropes in one of the most active areas in all of Afghanistan.

Ish is a great American and we’re lucky to have men like him on our side. You can listen to details of his 2nd Silver Star here on Black Rifle Coffee.

*PTC is on Patreon. If you like what you’re hearing please check out how you can help the cause so I can provide quality content and keep on keeping on!

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Ep 093 | Leading Well in Turbulent Times

August 8, 2022 By Thad Forester

“Good judgment comes through experience, which comes from bad judgment.”

Brig. Gen. Robert (Gwyn) Armfield and Lt. Gen. Bruce Fister, both USAF, retired are on the show to talk about their new book “Lead to Serve and Serve to Lead.”

They use their experience from extensive military careers and now consulting with companies–from non-profits, to large organizations.

Some specifics we discuss:
-Leading in a crisis
-How do develop leaders, including delegating effectively
-Giving feedback: possibly an area where most leaders struggle
-Gwyn and Bruce’s mistakes and responses to them

I’ve already given the book a 5-star rating on Amazon and recommend it to all listeners to Patriot to the Core.

Purchase the book here: Lead to Serve book

You can also listen to my previous interview with Gwyn here.

*PTC is on Patreon. If you like what you’re hearing please check out how you can help the cause so I can provide quality content and keep on keeping on!

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Ep 092 | Justin Roberts – On the Ground in Ukraine

July 26, 2022 By Thad Forester

Former Army Chaplain Justin Roberts (@justindroberts) has been in Ukraine since April 2022 recording a documentary film series to highlight people who are doing good in Ukraine–helping with aid, managing donated money effectively and honestly, and just serving their fellow man.

I wanted to know what it’s like in the war where he’s been. How are the Ukrainians living? What is their morale? Are they going about their daily lives in some parts? How do they respond when Russian soldiers come to their home? Why is this war mostly artillery and not small arms?

It was fascinating to talk with Justin from his air b and b in Lviv. He goes out with the military in the mornings and works from his home in the afternoons and evenings.

Below are links where you can follow him, watch videos showing the destruction and fight of the Ukrainian military and civilians, and listen to my first interview with him from back in 2018. Please follow him and support where possible.

Do Good Army on Facebook

Do Good Army on Tiktok

Episode 53 of Patriot to the Core

Justin on War Stories podcast

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