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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.

Copyright 2025 Thad Forester
http://www.patriottothecore.com
email questions to thad@patriottothecore.com

https://media.blubrry.com/podcast_patriot_to_the_core/feeds.soundcloud.com/stream/2175090579-user-645944549-lori-chapman-longfritz-122.mp3

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Filed Under: Patriot to the Core Tagged With: afghanistan, air force, Air force cross, cas, cct, combat control, delta, devgru, grief, medal of honor, moh, navy, qrf, seal, seals

Ep 080 – Three Wise Men

March 15, 2021 By Thad Forester

In 2010, Beau and Ben Wise buried their big brother Jeremy. Two years later, Beau buried his brother Ben. He went from the youngest son to the only son.

Their parents are the only known U.S. military family to lose two sons in Afghanistan during the 19+ year war.

In this interview, I’m privileged to have Beau Wise and his co-author of “Three Wise Men“, Tom Sileo.

After top U.S. officials realized that two Wise brothers had been lost, Beau, a Marine, was permanently pulled from the battlefield – becoming the only U.S. service member to be removed from combat as a result of such extraordinary events in Afghanistan.

Great Americans, sad and powerful story.

You can read more of Tom Sileo’s books here.

Copyright 2021 Thad Forester
www.patriottothecore.com
email questions to thad@patriottothecore.com

https://media.blubrry.com/podcast_patriot_to_the_core/feeds.soundcloud.com/stream/1006920613-user-645944549-threewisemen-80.mp3

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Filed Under: Patriot to the Core Tagged With: afghanistan, cia, gold star, green beret, marines, seal, sniper, sole survivor, tom sileo

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