cas Archives -

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.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

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

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Ep 120 | Col. Derek Oaks – A-10 Warthog and JTACs

May 26, 2025 By Thad Forester

In this episode, we unpack the legendary role of the A-10 Warthog in the battlespace, the irreplaceable bond between pilots and JTACs, and the critical missions led by Air Force Combat Controllers. Col. Oaks shares insights from his time in the cockpit, what ordnance the A-10 can carry, when a show of force is necessary, and the lasting legacy of my brother SrA Mark Forester, a Combat Controller who gave his life in Afghanistan while Derek’s squadron was deployed.

Strap in—this one is loud, low, and lethal (maybe exaggerating a little bit).

Topics Covered:

The mission and legacy of the A-10 Warthog
Why Close Air Support (CAS) is about more than just firepower
The intense coordination between A-10 pilots and JTACs (Joint Terminal Attack Controllers)
70 rounds of 30mm per second
The vital role of Combat Controllers in both air and ground ops
Lessons in leadership, humility, and courage under fire

Learn more about Derek Oaks here:

Derek Oaks – Decisive Leadership

Derek’s book he co-authored with this dad, Gen. Robert Oaks – “Rising Above”

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

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.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

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

Podcast: Play in new window | Download