dignified transfer Archives -

Ep 076 – Special: Brig. Gen. Gwyn Armfield | Behind the scenes of our Next-of-Kin notifications

September 29, 2020 By Thad Forester

Sept 29, 2020 is the 10th anniversary of Mark Forester’s death in Afghanistan. The picture in this post is Mark’s body being taken from the C-17 at Dover AFB for the Dignified Transfer.

My guest is General Robert Armfield who was Mark’s group commander in 2010. Armfield was also at Dover when Mark’s body arrived, he visited our home to provide additional details of his death, and was in the background helping lead the notification activities.

We discuss how they arranged simultaneously notifying our family, how they watched Mom and Dad’s home until Dad got home from work. Why they called the sheriff before they delivered the news and how they prepare to bring this news that rocks someone’s world instantly.

He also shares the purpose of that last big mission Mark and his team were on. It was great to have this experienced, American warfighter on the show and we appreciate him reflecting on Mark’s death from Gwyn’s unique perspective.

“I cannot think of another Air Force general who has more combat time than Brig. Gen. Armfield,” said retired Lt. Gen. Eric Fiel, former commander of Air Force Special Operations Command and officiant of Armfield’s retirement ceremony.

Learn more about Brig. Gen. Armfield here

Mentioned in this show:

HBO original movie: Taking Chance

*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!

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Ep 074 – Memorial Day Special: Bobby Bonello Escorting Mark’s Body to Dover – The Angel Flight

May 24, 2020 By Thad Forester

Today Mark’s friend and teammate tells us what it was like to get the news of Mark’s death, how he got a risky flight out of his FOB and met up with Mark so he could escort his buddy back to the states as part of the Angel Flight.

This episode is solely about Bobby Bonello and Mark Forester. Even though much of what is discussed is written in my book, I wanted to have an oral history and capture Bobby’s feelings and some details that were left out of the book.

Seeing Bobby at Dover AFB for the Dignified Transfer was somewhat comforting. He knew Mark and knew us. Up until then, our notifications had been from those who knew Mark, but we didn’t really know.

Bobby was visibly shaken and had a sort of blank look in his face when we first saw him. Probably how we looked too.

The picture above is Bobby at Mark’s casket/transfer case in a C-17 in Kandahar, just before leaving for Dover AFB. Although barely being able to see Bobby’s face, he looks shaken, worn and upset. I still can’t tell you who took these pictures, but they were a friend of a family friend who happened to be there. Amazingly this person found out who it was and made the connection, got the pics to his friend, who then sent to me. It was only a matter a days after this happened.

And hope you enjoy clips of the song used. Credit to Radney Foster, Angel Flight.

**originally aired Sept. 29, 2017 as episode 038**

*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!

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Episode 038 – SPECIAL: Bobby Bonello Escorting Mark’s Body to Dover – Angel Flight

September 29, 2017 By Thad Forester

Bonello_Forester Angel Flight

Today Mark’s friend and teammate tells us what it was like to get the news of Mark’s death, how he got a risky flight out of his FOB and met up with Mark so he could escort back to the states as part of the Angel Flight.

September 29, 2017 makes seven years since Mark was killed in Afghanistan. This episode is solely about Bobby Bonello and Mark Forester. Even though much of what is discussed is written in my book, I wanted to have an oral history and capture Bobby’s feelings and some details that were left out of the book.

Bobby was visibly shaken and had a sort of blank look in his face when we first saw him. Probably how we looked too.

And hope you enjoy clips of the song used. Credit to Radney Foster, Angel Flight.

*PTC is now 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!

hughes_forester

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

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

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Get Chapter 3 from my book for Free. It's an easy read.