sniper Archives -

Ep 112 | Mark Schmitz – Disaster at Abbey Gate

December 11, 2023 By Thad Forester

Mark Schmitz’s son, LCpl Jared Schmitz, was one of the 13 Americans murdered at Hamid Karzai International Airport in Kabul, on 26 August 2021 during the evacuation from Afghanistan.

He was just 20 years old. He was there on a humanitarian mission working the infamous Abbey Gate. When Afghans made it past the Taliban checkpoints, they were desperate to get on a flight out of Afghanistan. Jared and his fellow Marines, and others, were there among crowds so large and compact that he said if your arms were at your side, you couldn’t raise the above your head.

We discuss how this suicide bomber made it to the bottlenecked gate and was able to kill so many. Why the sniper wasn’t given permission to kill him beforehand. And, what has been the government’s response since. Note: this bomb also killed over 100 Afghan civilians.

He has also created The Freedom 13.org that supports the veterans still with us. They have big plans for retreats in each state so that Veteran’s and their families can stay for free, much like and Airbnb, but with land, shooting, fishing, riding, etc. Learn about their upcoming events, including how to donate or volunteer, by visiting here: https://thefreedom13.org/pages/events

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Ep 087 | Kyle Defoor – Former SEAL, Sniper and current Firearms Instructor

December 27, 2021 By Thad Forester

To end the year, I’m playing my all-time most downloaded episode.

Right after high school graduation, Kyle Defoor @defoorproformanceshooting left for boot camp in Orlando. A few months later, he was in Coronado going thru BUD/S as an 18-year-old kid.

We talk about growing up together in the small town of Haleyville, AL. And since his chances of playing D-1 football were looking slim, he joined the military. He knew he wanted some type of special operations, but all he knew was the Army’s Green Beret’s (from watching Rambo). After meeting with an overweight Army recruiter, he moved along and met a decent Navy recruiter showing the old video “Someone Special”.

Kyle also shares how he prepared for the Navy and BUD/S. These were pre-internet days, so information wasn’t easy to get. He went to the library and talked with a man in town who was a SEAL from the Vietnam era.

After serving 10 years in the Navy, he got out, did some contracting and other odd jobs and then formed his own company in 2010 “Defoor Proformance Shooting”.

This episode is good stuff from an experienced special operator who was part of multiple military operations globally. He also speaks in generalities about the teams he was part of.

If you’re preparing for BUD/S, this is a good one to listen to b/c you get some insight on Kyle’s mindset and advice. He also shares what he’d do differently.

Read more about Kyle and you’ll understand why he says “boot camp was the greatest thing ever” and why he’d do BUD/S again.

Kyle Defoor supports The Mark Forester Foundation

My notes from Kyle’s Scoped Rifle Class

*This is a rebroadcast from 2017*

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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.

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Episode 026 – former SEAL, sniper, Kyle Defoor

April 17, 2017 By Thad Forester

real kyle defoor

“I would do BUD/S again,” Kyle Defoor told me today.

I’ve been looking forward to this one a long time. Right after high school graduation, Kyle left for boot camp in Orlando. A few months later, he was in Coronado going thru BUD/S as an 18-year-old kid.

We talk about growing up together in the small town of Haleyville, AL. And since his chances of playing D-1 football were looking slim, he joined the military. He knew he wanted some type of special operations, but all he had heard of was the Army’s Green Beret’s (from watching Rambo). After meeting with an overweight recruiter who smoked, he moved along and met a decent Navy recruiter showing the old video “Someone Special”.

Defoor Proformance Shooting

After serving 10 years in the Navy, he got out, did some contracting and other odd jobs and then formed his own company in 2010 “Defoor Proformance Shooting”. His bio from his site states:

“Kyle Defoor is a professional shooter who teaches firearms and tactics to military, law enforcement, and civilians. Specializing in pistol, carbine, urban sniper, and CQB, Kyle gained his knowledge from decorated combat service in multiple war fronts as a special operator and as one of the first and premier tactical trainers in the world. An active motorcyclist, hunter, climber, runner, and waterman he can be seen on multiple TV shows, magazines, websites, and on ranges worldwide.”

This episode is good stuff from an experienced special operator who was part of multiple military operations globally. He also speaks in generalities about the teams he was part of.

Read more about Kyle Defoor below and you’ll understand why he says “boot camp was the greatest thing ever.”

Defoor Proformance Shooting

Kyle Defoor supports The Mark Forester Foundation

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

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Episode 012 – Justin Constantine, Marine (ret), Attorney, Wounded Warrior, Author, Motivator

October 3, 2016 By Thad Forester

justin constantine It’s been 10 years since Justin was shot in the head by a sniper in Iraq. The bullet entered behind his ear and exited thru his mouth. You can imagine the destruction that caused.

Since his injury, Justin has continued his education, married his sweetheart (who took care of him during his recovery), written a book, and became a coach and motivational speaker.

This hero is involved in multiple organizations and causes that help veterans. He was named a “Champion of Change” by the White House, presented the All-American Hero Award in 2013, along with many other awards.

After a couple dozen reconstructive surgeries and being blind in his left eye, he tells us that we are stronger than we think we are and we can overcome any obstacle. Although he can no longer run, there are very few things he can’t do. I left this interview in awe of his attitude and grit – I hope you feel the same!

Learn more about Justin here:

http://www.justinconstantine.com/

Purchase his book here:

http://mybattlefieldyouroffice.com/

Music courtesy of Soundroad – Believe.

www.patriottothecore.com

email questions to thad@patriottothecore.com