Thad Forester

Episode 011 – SPECIAL: Joseph Forester on 6th Anniversary of Mark Forester’s death

September 29, 2016 By Thad Forester

Mark Forester and family — Forester family 1984

Today is six years since Mark Forester was killed by a terrorist in Afghanistan. This episode is just two brothers talking about the notification of Mark’s death, the Angel Flight, the Patriot Guard Riders, near death experiences, and life since. We also reminiscence about our little brother and why he was the warrior he became.

Joseph was very influential in Mark’s decision to join the Air Force so it was fitting that we chat and document it. I especially enjoyed Joseph’s insight on what he thought Mark’s final thoughts were in those last few minutes of his life on the battlefield.

Learn more about Mark at:

www.markaforester.com

Music courtesy of Soundroad – Believe.

www.patriottothecore.com

email questions to thad@patriottothecore.com

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Episode 010 – Ryan Manion Borek, President of the Travis Manion Foundation, Gold Star Sister

September 19, 2016 By Thad Forester

Ryan Manion Borek This week Ryan introduces us to her brother Travis and why he inspired the creation and growth of their foundation. He was a 2004 graduate of the US Naval Academy and was KIA 29 April 2007.

By following the mantra “If not, me then who…”, they’ve created an organization that empowers veterans and families of fallen heroes to develop character in future generations.

You’ll be impressed with the work they’re doing for our veterans, Gold Star families, and the community.

Learn more here:

www.travismanion.org

Brothers Forever book

www.patriottothecore.com

email questions to thad@patriottothecore.com

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Episode 009 – Rob Gutierrez, Air Force Cross recipient, CCT, aka “The Combat Chassis”

September 5, 2016 By Thad Forester

Rob Gutierrez Rob is one of those guys who was angered by the attacks on 9/11 and quit his job and joined the military THAT DAY. Unfortunately, he couldn’t pass the swim test for CCT initially, but he kept working and got accepted.

Even though his employer laughed at him for wanting to join, Rob has had a successful career in combat and sent many terrorists to meet their maker. After being shot, having a lung collapse – twice, and losing over 5 pints of blood during a fight with the Taliban in 2009, he still called in close air support and saved his team which helped eliminate over 47 enemies that night and prevent thousands of pounds of Imodium Nitrate from being used for bombs.

Rob shares an incredible story of bravery and determination by him and his team to fight the enemy, no matter how many of them kept appearing from the spider holes trying to kill them.

He was also named one of the Outstanding Airmen of the Year in 2010.

You can learn more about Rob from this book by Oliver North:

https://amzn.com/0805447121

This book:

https://amzn.com/147659936X

And read more about him here:

http://www.sgtmacsbar.com/CCTPhotos/Gallery24/Gutierrez/Gutierrez.html

Music courtesy of Soundroad – Believe.

www.patriottothecore.com

email questions to thad@patriottothecore.com

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Episode 008 – Bart Decker, Air Force CCT (ret), original Horse Soldier in Afghanistan

August 22, 2016 By Thad Forester

The Horse Soldiers

I’ve been wanting to talk to Bart for a long time. He and his Special Operations team were some of the first men inserted into Afghanistan after 9/11. They were covert operators named Task Force Dagger that joined up with the Northern Alliance to defeat the Taliban.

They rode on horseback to capture the city of Mazar-i-Sharif. Once they arrived, the Taliban had moved out and his team were welcomed as liberators. Bart also tells us how he controlled his emotions when interacting with John Walker Lindh, the American who converted to Islam and took part in a violent uprising after his capture in Afghanistan.

Decker is now retired after 20+ years serving in the Air Force. He said he wouldn’t go back and change a thing. He loved his time serving his country and has no regrets.

He and his team are forever honored at One World Trade center with a 13’ bronze statue of an American Commando on a horse. Hopefully we see this story hit the big screen in the next few years. It’s definitely deserving of it!

More info here:

“First In” by Gary Schroen

“Horse Soldiers” by Doug Stanton

Americas Response Monument at One World Trade Center

Sgt Macs Bar on Horse Soldiers and Bart Decker

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Episode 007 – Bill Williams, creator of Remembering our Fallen and founder of Patriotic Productions

August 8, 2016 By Thad Forester

Bill and Evonne Williams have created a powerful memorial for fallen heroes since 9/11. Its legacy will be that these men and women will never be forgotten and that their names will be remembered and spoken. Their original exhibit has traveled around the state of Nebraska every week since 2011.

In cooperation with Bellevue University, their exhibit has traveled to and represented 18 states. Soon, they will have all 50 states represented and begin a national tour.

He also shares his involvement with flying large numbers of WWII and Vietnam vets to DC on Honor Flights. And then Gold Star wives and children honored at a Nebraska football game last fall. Although Bill and his wife never served in the military, their four sons did. They have incredible support and continue to help Gold Star families around the country heal.

More info here:

http://www.rememberingourfallen.org/

http://www.patrioticproductions.org/

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