grit Archives -

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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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 039 – Noah Galloway | Living with No Excuses

October 3, 2017 By Thad Forester

Noah Galloway

“You wanna be a leader? It starts at home.”

When I say Noah Galloway quit college to join the Army after the attacks of 9/11, he literally didn’t go back to class and joined officially in October of 2001.

He was in shape and felt impressed to do his part by taking the fight to the enemy. On his second deployment to Iraq, he was hit with an IED and lost his left arm above the elbow and left leg above the knee.

Fast forward just a little: he went thru two divorces, depression, and got out of shape. Thanks to his children, he finally made the decision to get back in shape, be healthier and inspire others. That’s exactly what he’s done.

I remember in 2014 when he was working to be on the cover of Men’s Health magazine. I voted for him and so did countless others. He was chosen for the cover and as Men’s Health magazine’s 2014 Ultimate Guy.

Life for him exploded after this – Dancing with the Stars finalist, talk show appearances and a cadre on Fox’s American Grit, where his team won Season 1.

Here are a few questions I ask Noah Galloway today:

-Why quit college (mid-semester) to join military?

-Who was your rock during your darkest times?

-Did you talk openly about your struggles?

-What can someone who is suffering with depression or anxiety do right now to ease their pain?

-How did exercise help you recover mentally?

His children are his priority. He turns down opportunities regularly if it takes him away from his kids too long.

Hear him talk about future plans. I recommended he do a show with Bear Grylls’ (my dream). I had a great time with Noah. Watch out, you may see him and one of his sons on the professional bowlers circuit soon.

We talked in person at Sheepdog Firearms. I really appreciate their support of the podcast and The Mark Forester Foundation.

Learn more about Noah, his book, his charity or give him a shout-out below:

No Excuses Charitable Fund

His book – Living with No Excuses

On Instagram

On Twitter @Noah_Galloway

*Patriot to the Core is on Patreon. Please check out how you can help the cause so I can provide quality content and guests like Noah.*

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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SPECIAL: Johnnie Yellock II on the Ground in Houston

September 2, 2017 By Thad Forester

johnnie yellock hurricane harvey relief

Since seeing all the good happening in the Houston area among so much devastation that Harvey brought, I had to talk to someone who was there – boots on the ground. Johnnie Yellock II is a medically retired veteran, and still a man of action.

He posted this week that he was going to drive to Houston and help; provided his email where donations could be made and then… the donations came. He rented a Uhaul, got LOTS of supplies and drove towards Houston Thursday.

I talk to him today (Sept 1) while he’s taking a short break from the work in Spring, TX. He tells us how high the morale, spirit and determination are for everyone he’s been around these two days. Johnnie tells us how you can help and what you’ll need if you come out to do some manual labor.

If you know others that are in the thick of it, let me know and we may have them on the show. Johnnie Yellock is a true Patriot showing service before self.

You can follow Johnnie on Facebook or Instagram @jyellock2

Also, Johnnie was the guest in Episode 001.

Patriot to the Core is now on Patreon. Check out our page and consider contributing to the cause and get a little something more in return.

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

Artist: http://audionautix.com/

Podcast: Play in new window | Download