grief Archives -

Ep 119 | Mark Roland – Insider Attack!

November 25, 2024 By Thad Forester

Matthew Roland was killed-in-action in Afghanistan in August 2015 in an insider attack (aka “green on blue”) at an Afghan-led security checkpoint. Killed alongside him was teammate SSgt Forrest Sibley, both Air Force Combat Controllers attached to an Army Special Forces team.

Matthew’s father Mark, shares what happened, how Matthew responded instantly and what his and Forrest’s final moments were like. In addition, we talk about the notification process, grief, healing and the CCT community and support.

Matthew was awarded the Silver Star for his actions that day. You can read the citation here.

Also mentioned in this episode is Danny Sanchez, who was another CCT killed in a green on blue attack. His mother was a guest in episode 99.

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You can watch this interview with Mark Roland here: https://youtu.be/XLhUOs8_9JE

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Ep 089 | Jennie Taylor – Gold Star Wife and Mother of 7

May 2, 2022 By Thad Forester

Jennie Taylor was taking a much needed break by spending the weekend with friends from college, therefore she wasn’t home when the “knock” came at her door.

In January of 2018, her husband, Major Brent Taylor left his position as Mayor of North Ogden, UT and deployed to Afghanistan with the US Army for what would have been a year-long deployment. On November 3, 2018 Major Taylor was killed in action in a planned, insider attack by one of the Afghan commandos he was training.

In the months and now years since Brent’s shocking death, Jennie has unexpectedly and frequently found herself in a position to speak out about the price of freedom, the value of community support, and the healing that can be found when moving forward with a conviction to find hope and happiness in spite of life’s heartache and pain.

You can read more about Major Brent Taylor below:

Military Times

https://www.majorbrenttaylor.com/

And watch Jennie’s Ted Talk here

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Episode 042 – TACP “George” on Healing, Forgiving, and Resiliency

November 13, 2017 By Thad Forester

military depressed

On George’s 9^th deployment in 2010, his Humvee rolled over on him a few times, which shattered his hip, broke bones in his back and screwed up his shoulder. He woke up on his way to Walter Reed where he’d spend the next seven months.

We talk in person about his recovery – not physical, but his mental and emotional recovery. Of course, George wasn’t immune to self-medicating because he didn’t want to dream. After talking with a professional, she convinced him that he suffered from Survivor’s Guilt, not Post Traumatic Stress (PTS).

George tells us of his darkest time, lashing out at his nurses and sister, drinking way too much, and then being told by a Priest that he was “being an ass.” That was a wake up call.

This is just a good interview with an American Hero who has seen hell and suffered tremendous injuries and come out even stronger physically, and especially emotionally.

Whether you’re dealing with your own trials or know someone who is, George shares some great insight on overcoming.

If you want to hear more from George, he was my guest on Episode 031.

*PTC is now on Patreon. Please check out how you can help the cause so I can provide quality content and keep on keeping on!

Rock Tune by Audionautix is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

Artist: http://audionautix.com/

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Episode 029 – Larry and Janice Brown, parents of fallen SEAL Adam Brown

May 29, 2017 By Thad Forester

Adam Brown

For this Memorial Day show, we are privileged to have the Gold Star parents of Adam Brown, fallen SEAL Team 6 operator.

Larry and Janice’s son Adam was killed in action on March 17, 2010 in Afghanistan. He died a hero, putting himself in harm’s way to help save his team.

They share with us how the traits and personality he had as a small boy were critical in how successful he was as a special operator. He has since been referred to as “Fearless”. This is probably a better nickname than he had for a short period of time when he was younger playing youth sports. Then they called him “Psycho”.

His parents also share when he got shot in the right eye, so he learned how to shoot using his non-dominant eye and became a sniper. Later, a Humvee crushed and severed most of the fingers of his right hand. After recovery, he learned to use his left to shoot a pistol, a tougher task than firing a sniper rifle.

Adam Brown had his struggles too. He became addicted to meth and cocaine while a teenager, and even stole to support this habit. But, he went to teen challenge and overcame. Even after marrying and being clean, Adam had a moment or two of weakness. Fortunately he had a good woman who could hold him accountable.

Since his death, his family has created “While We’re Waiting“, which is a nonprofit ministry which offers faith-based retreats and support for parents who have lost children.

His friends also organized an annual race at his high school to raise money for charities that Adam would support. They are listed here. This event had about 1000 participants this year and raised almost $50k.

Adam Brown – Fearless

You’ll also want to review the New York Times best-selling book on Adam, titled “Fearless”. Written by Eric Blehm. I’ve read it and definitely recommend.

At a memorial service in Hot Springs, a week after his death, John Faas — a SEAL who had been with him on the final raid — said: “Adam is the hardest man I have ever met. Over the course of his career he sustained more significant injuries than most of us combined, but he just kept on operating. He would not quit, he would not accept defeat. Not ever. Adam’s devout Christian faith matched his toughness and fearlessness.”

I can’t say enough about this guy. This interview with Adam’s parents can not cover all the aspects of his life that benefitted so many, and also saved many lives.

Adam leaves behind his wife, two children, parents, a brother, and sister.

Learn more about Adam Brown at the below links:

Adam’s Legacy

NRA Patriot Profiles

Investors Business Daily

Purchase the book “Fearless”

Fearless Rock – Adam Brown underwater memorial

Music courtesy of Soundroad – Believe.
Copyright 2017 Thad Forester
http://www.patriottothecore.com
email questions to thad@patriottothecore.com

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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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