Patriot to the Core – Thad Forester

In this episode, Colleen Shine, daughter of Air Force Lt. Col. Anthony Shine, shares her decades-long search for answers about her father’s fate after he was shot down and went missing in Vietnam in 1972. At just eight years old, Colleen began a journey that led her from uncertainty and loss to a determined investigation, including traveling to Vietnam to discover her father’s crash site and bringing his remains home in 1996. Colleen reflects on her personal experience as a Gold Star Daughter, the impact of POW/MIA families, and the enduring lessons about honor, family, and the lasting reverberations of war. Colleen is a member of the board on Sons and Daughters in Touch, committed to uniting the Gold Star sons and daughters of American servicemen who were killed, or who remain missing, as a result of the Vietnam War. You can read more about Colleen’s quest to get answers in Vietnam here: What Remains – Winter 2013 – Wellesley CollegeDownload You can also watch this interview on YouTube here. Copyright 2025 Thad Forester http://www.patriottothecore.com email questions to thad@patriottothecore.com

In part 2 of my interview with Lori Chapman Longfritz, sister of Medal of Honor recipient John Chapman, we discuss John’s final moments at the Battle of Takur Ghar in 2002, his courage as an Air Force Combat Controller, and the delayed recognition and non-recognition of his heroism (from who you ask?? The Navy, his SEAL team, National Medal of Honor Museum). Lori shares personal stories about John’s character, his dedication to family, and the lasting legacy he left behind. We also cover the Medal of Honor journey, the National Medal of Honor Museum, and Lori’s new book First There: The Life and Legacy of American Hero John Chapman. Listen to Part 1 here: https://www.thadforester.com/lori-chapman-longfritz-122/ 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. Get Lori’s new book: “First There: The Life and Legacy of American Hero John Chapman“. I read it and ask all my listeners to consider getting it–physical copy or e-book. Also mentioned in this episode: Episode 64: Dan Schilling – Alone at Dawn Episode 102: Darrell Utt – National Medal of Honor Bus. Ops. The outgoing song, “Sons of War Veteran“, was written by former CCT, and 2-time PTC guest, Dan Schilling. You can also watch this interview on my YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/F2IUJCZqKP0 Copyright 2025 Thad Forester http://www.patriottothecore.com email questions to thad@patriottothecore.com

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

In this episode, I talk with Marc Fitzwater (@i68consultinggroup)—former Army Green Beret, JTAC, and teammate of my brother Mark Forester. Marc shares what it was like serving alongside Mark in combat, the bonds formed with the guys from ODA 7212, the intense responsibility of calling in air support, and how those experiences shaped his life and leadership. Additionally, he talks about the day Mark and Calvin Harrison were killed on the battlefield in 2010. Now the founder of I68 Consulting Group, Marc helps empower others, drawing from the same principles that guided him in Special Forces. This episode is a powerful mix of brotherhood, sacrifice, and living a mission-driven life. Related episodes: Ep 60: ODA Team Captain Wes Wilson Ep 31: Teammate George Earhart, TACP Copyright 2025 Thad Forester http://www.patriottothecore.com email questions to thad@patriottothecore.com

In this episode, we unpack the legendary role of the A-10 Warthog in the battlespace, the irreplaceable bond between pilots and JTACs, and the critical missions led by Air Force Combat Controllers. Col. Oaks shares insights from his time in the cockpit, what ordnance the A-10 can carry, when a show of force is necessary, and the lasting legacy of my brother SrA Mark Forester, a Combat Controller who gave his life in Afghanistan while Derek’s squadron was deployed. Strap in—this one is loud, low, and lethal (maybe exaggerating a little bit). Topics Covered: The mission and legacy of the A-10 Warthog Why Close Air Support (CAS) is about more than just firepower The intense coordination between A-10 pilots and JTACs (Joint Terminal Attack Controllers) 70 rounds of 30mm per second The vital role of Combat Controllers in both air and ground ops Lessons in leadership, humility, and courage under fire Learn more about Derek Oaks here: Derek Oaks – Decisive Leadership Derek’s book he co-authored with this dad, Gen. Robert Oaks – “Rising Above” Copyright 2025 Thad Forester http://www.patriottothecore.com email questions to thad@patriottothecore.com

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. Patriot to the Core proud affiliates who support our country and military: GORUCK. Check out big sales right now. Freedom Blends, vitamins and supplements.. Use code patriot at checkout for 10% off your order. Mark Lauren Bodyweight Fitness. I’ve been using since 2016. Use code THAD at checkout for 10% off first year subscription. You can watch this interview with Mark Roland here: https://youtu.be/XLhUOs8_9JE Copyright 2024 Thad Forester http://www.patriottothecore.com email questions to thad@patriottothecore.com

Michael Madsen is a Judge Advocate in the US Army. His current full-time job is an Attorney for the Air Force and he’s a JAG in the Army Reserves. After graduating law school and completing a JD/MBA program, Michael worked in the private sector before joining the Army at the age of 33. He wanted to serve his country and found that the Army gave him the best opportunity, even though he had several injuries, mostly from playing football in college at Brigham Young University. I’ve always admired Michael b/c he gave up lucrative opportunities in the world of law to join the military. He stands by his grandfather’s wise counsel: “It doesn’t matter where you serve; it matters how you serve.” Madsen comes from a line of American Patriots. His grandfather is Ezra Taft Benson, who was the Secretary of Agriculture under President Eisenhower, and was the 13th President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. In early 2020, Michael was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. We discuss in great detail how this affected his family (his wife and 4 young kids), and how he’s doing today with the multitude of side effects from this disease, treatments and his bone marrow transplant (thanks to his sister). In addition, how his faith, the faith of his family and those around him, continue to strengthen him and his family. Also mentioned in this episode: Jupiter Patch Boards Watch on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/wBBNyEwei7I Copyright 2024 Thad Forester http://www.patriottothecore.com email questions to thad@patriottothecore.com

CW4 Matthew Longanacre (Matthew on Facebook) was an AH-64D Apache Pilot with 1-101 Aviation Regiment “Expect No Mercy”. He was the Pilot-In-Command of one of the two Apaches that were overhead when Mark and Calvin were killed on 29 September 2010. Printed in Mark’s book, My Brother in Arms, Matthew wrote to our family: “We pride ourselves on doing whatever it takes to protect these gifted warriors on the battlefield. This is why the loss of Mark has hit me harder than any in the past. I was overhead that day and unable to prevent this tragedy. I just hope that his family and friends can find some small measure of comfort in knowing that he took the fight to the enemy right until the end. Very few in this world can say the same…” Longanacre joined me today while we walked 28 miles for the Mark Forester JAG 28 Memorial Birthday Walk/Ruck. Therefore, the audio isn’t stellar, but the best this low-tech guy can do. We were moving the entire time in mist rain. My family and I appreciate Matthew keeping in touch, making the effort to visit and support. He developed a friendship with Mark, all over the radio, while they slew the enemy! Enjoy the outro music, “Sons of War Veteran“. This short clip was written by former AF CCT, and 2-time PTC guest, Dan Schilling. You can hear the full version here: https://open.spotify.com/track/5iujSF8UmN4VyvWB42UfLa Freedom Blends, supplements and vitamins for men and women: use discount code PATRIOT at checkout. Copyright 2024 Thad Forester http://www.patriottothecore.com email questions to thad@patriottothecore.com

Eric Moutsos (@ericmoutsos) is a small business owner and creator of Freedom Blends, a supplement company based on the principles of Freedom and Liberty. A former Salt Lake City Police Officer, Moutsos loved the job but quickly started being outspoken about disturbing practices (aka quotas) and discrimination within the department. In the end, Eric lost his badge and gun when, for religious reasons, he asked to trade into a security assignment instead of being in the celebration of the Utah Pride Parade for the LGBTQ community. When the story made national news, Eric decided to resign from the department and go into the private sector. Today Eric tells us why he’s no longer a police officer and how he created the Utah Business Revival during Covid to help save small businesses. Part of this was organizing what was probably the first music concert in America during the lockdown. If you want to try Freedom Blends, go to: https://freedomblends.myshopify.com/?ref=patriot and use code PATRIOT at checkout to get 10% off. I’ve been taking Freedom Fuel w/ energy and 1st Amendment Men’s multivitamin since mid-April. So far, I approve. I get up early to work and/or workout almost every day. I have 3 active young boys and we are always playing sports, in the woods, rucking…. just staying active. I used to be very tired every day. I feel much better while taking these vitamins and supplements. Freedom Blends: use discount code PATRIOT at checkout. Watch Eric’s documentary “Non Essential” here: https://www.ericmoutsos.com/non-essential-the-full-documentary/ Watch this interview on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/ow8SnRUratI Copyright 2024 Thad Forester http://www.patriottothecore.com email questions to thad@patriottothecore.com

Brian Jodice (@brianjodice) of Pick Up The Six Productions and NGBN TV is back to promote this new network for men in their 40’s, 50’s and 60’s. Discussed in this episode: -why focus on this demographic? -men’s mental health -Biblical application -best athletic gear and brands for outdoor workouts (specifically F3 and GORUCK events) -prison ministering -oldest man to play Division 1 football -other random topics that may or may not offend You can also watch this interview on YouTube here. If you’d like to support Patriot to the Core podcast with a very small regular donation, visit my Patreon page here. Brian Jodice was also on PTC in Episode 95. Use code PUT6 at Mudgear.com for a discount, compliments of Brian. Enjoy the outro music. This short song clip was written by former Air Force CCT, and 2-time PTC guest, Dan Schilling. You can learn the history of this song here. Dan’s goal is for it to be something that urges people to turn up the volume when they play the track! Copyright 2024 Thad Forester http://www.patriottothecore.com email questions to thad@patriottothecore.com

Within weeks of the 9/11 attacks, Air Force Combat Controller Joe O’Keefe was in Afghanistan working with the CIA and other special operations units. Joe and his small team made their way into the mountains of Tora Bora with the help of the Northern Alliance. Armed with the element of surprise, he was able to start calling in close air support against hundreds, if not a thousand enemy fighters. What was initially thought to be an overnight observance, turned into 5 days with only 1 hour of sleep the entire period. The CIA station chief told his team to drop bombs for as long as possible because the President was getting sit-reps on it minute by minute. He and his team ended up killing hundreds of people. “They had chosen their course, we had chosen ours, that’s the nature of it.” You can read an excellent article about this mission in Task and Purpose here: Task and Purpose – Air Force Commando You can also watch this interview on YouTube at the link below: Other CCT interviews mentioned in this episode: Ep. 91 – Will Markham Ep. 88 – Kyle Stanbro and Michael Lamonica Copyright 2024 Thad Forester http://www.patriottothecore.com email questions to thad@patriottothecore.com

The late Woody Williams will never forget the odor of burning human remains. “There are some things about that 4 hours that have bothered me my whole life… I can’t remember going back and getting the other 5 flamethrowers.  It was so horrific, I didn’t want to remember.” I was introduced to death by flamethrower after learning of Mr. Williams.  He went thru 5 – 70 lb flamethrowers in a 4-hour battle on Iwo Jima.  Two of the Marines assigned to him were killed that day protecting his life.  At the time of this interview in 2017, he was the last surviving recipient of the Medal of Honor from that battle, and the last surviving Marine to receive the Medal of Honor for heroism in World War II. Mr. Williams died in 2022. I asked Woody, “What did you know about Iwo Jima before you got there?”  His response, “Not a thing!”  Later he saw the flag raised on Mount Suribachi, but didn’t consider the significance at that time.  He had a job to do and wasn’t reveling in the moment. His story is remarkable.  He was awarded the Medal of Honor by Pres. Truman, but admits being more nervous to meet the Commandant of the Marine Corp than the President.  He shares with us what both these men told him regarding the medal.  He didn’t know anything about the MOH beforehand.  Even the day he received it he didn’t know what it was about. Awesome interview.  You should read his medal citation below and learn more about him at these links: Read his Medal of Honor Citation Learn about his foundation: Hershel Woody Williams Medal of Honor Foundation *originally published Oct 30, 2017 Copyright 2024 Thad Forester http://www.patriottothecore.com email questions to thad@patriottothecore.com

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 If you’re listening on Apple Music or Spotify, please rate the podcast with 5-stars and subscribe or follow. I’m tired of average podcasts with lame topics getting more listens than mine. Please help spread the word! Listen on Spotify Listen on Apple Podcasts Listen on Amazon Music Listen on Google Podcasts Watch on YouTube I’m a proud affiliate of GORUCK. Please use this link if you want to check out their workout, rucking, running, apparel and other equipment. It doesn’t cost you any add’l money, but allows me to get a small commission to help this podcast reach larger audiences: https://www.thadforester.com/gr-affiliate Copyright 2023 Thad Forester https://www.patriottothecore.com email questions to thad@patriottothecore.com

Don Stevens is one of those rare operators who retrained into the Air Force combat control (CCT) pipeline at the age of 32, after being in security forces. This required uncommon humility since leadership said, “What are we gonna do with a MSgt. who doesn’t know squat (many different strong words could be inserted here)?” Even though I’ve had several CCT’s on this show, we haven’t talked much about their humanitarian roles. Don tells us how he got a team ready to deploy to Haiti in less than 4 hours, when the earthquake in 2010 happened. Stevens provides advice to new guys entering the CCT pipeline, why PTSD doesn’t have to be a big deal, and shared the scariest thing he’s ever done. Hint, it wasn’t in Afghanistan or Africa. You can also learn more about Don as the co-founder of FoxTrot 3. Mentioned in this episode: Thai Soccer Team Rescue If you’re listening on Apple Music or Spotify, please rate the podcast with 5-stars and subscribe or follow. I’m tired of average podcasts with lame topics getting more listens than this one. Please help spread the word! Listen on Spotify Listen on Apple Podcasts Listen on Amazon Music Listen on Google Podcasts Watch on YouTube I’m a proud affiliate of GORUCK. Please use this link if you want to check out their workout, rucking, running, apparel and other equipment. It doesn’t cost you any add’l money, but allows me to get a small commission to help this podcast reach larger audiences: https://www.thadforester.com/gr-affiliate Copyright 2023 Thad Forester https://www.patriottothecore.com email questions to thad@patriottothecore.com

On this 13th anniversary of the death of my brother, SrA Mark Forester, I have the opportunity to talk with Kenny Alicea who was the Senior Weapons Sergeant for his Army Special Forces team (ODA 7212) where Mark was attached. Kenny contacted me a few weeks ago and told me he was on that final mission when Mark and Calvin were killed. He was a few hundred meters away with the mounted element, but he heard the radio calls and helped clear the area after their deaths. He helps piece together a few more details about Mark’s final moments. In addition, Alicea told me about some initial disagreements and arguments he and Mark had and how they resolved those and worked together to bring destruction to terrorists and protect their teams. Hint: both of them said they own the airspace. Once they started working together, he said Mark was phenomenal at his job. You can connect with Kenny on his YouTube Channel that helps vets in the private security contracting field: https://www.youtube.com/@VetsToPSC For those watching the YouTube version, I hope you enjoy the slideshow at the very end of the interview. Mentioned in this episode: Ep 60: Captain Wes Wilson – Ken’s team captain gives lots of detail on that battle too Ep 38: Bobby Bonello – Mark’s good friend escorting him home to Dover AFB – Angel Flight Copyright 2023 Thad Forester https://www.patriottothecore.com email questions to thad@patriottothecore.com Watch this interview on YouTube

Nic McKinley is an entrepreneur, former Air Force Pararescueman, and ex-CIA operative who founded DeliverFund, the only donor-funded solution to human trafficking that delivers proprietary data and technology to law enforcement, allowing them to take down human traffickers effectively. With 30 combat deployments under his belt in both Special Operations and the CIA, Nic experienced the power of technology during the Global War on Terror and set out to use his skills and training with that experience to combat modern slavery. On September 1, 2023, DeliverFund launched an app to combat human trafficking. Nic discusses this in-depth and drives home how effective and life saving this app can be. You can download it here. By gaining access to DeliverFund’s immense digital database of potential human trafficking activity, we all have the ability to take proactive measures to ensure our safety. We can work collectively to build safer, stronger communities. I loved talking with Nic. He also gave unique perspective how his life as an Air Force PJ prepared him for the CIA and for launching DeliverFund. He also shares some thoughts on “til Valhalla” meaning and why we should seek for something better. Mentioned in this episode: Nic on Episode 68 of Patriot to the Core Nic on Cleared Hot Podcast Nic McKinley – The Real Jack Ryan Copyright 2023 Thad Forester https://www.patriottothecore.com email questions to thad@patriottothecore.com Watch this interview on YouTube ​

Retired U. S. Marine and former Policeman, bouncer, Corrections Officer and more Rich Brown (@american_warrior_society) is back on the show so I can dig into his new Memoir “On Violence & Varietals“. We cover many areas of his life: fighting as a boy, the Gulf War, sleeping with one eye open, interacting with prisoners as a corrections officer while safeguarding his family, marriage trials, combatives, Highway of Death, 80’s music, dominating at Police Academy, pepper spray, and so much more. An excerpt from his book states: “At the moment of cease-fire, I emerged from the metal-skinned C-7 changed. I looked at my hands and the hands of the men around me. During the last several days, I had brought death, yet I had emerged from the land of the dead. I was reborn, transformed from the Rich Brown that began the assault to a man ready to take his place in the tribe.” Brown would give anything to have journals from his ancestors. Since he kept good records while deployed and beyond, he wanted to leave this record for his posterity; at least this is one reason he wrote the book. Rich is almost a jack of all trades, and holds belts in Gracie Barra Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Kinami Ryu Aiki Jujutsu, Judo, MCMAP, and Okinawan Freestyle Karate. You can also listen to Rich on Episode 51 American Warrior Society Copyright 2023 Thad Forester https://www.patriottothecore.com email questions to thad@patriottothecore.com Watch this interview on YouTube

The Mark Forester Foundation’s annual golf tournament will be held Friday August 11, 2023 at the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail in Muscle Shoals, AL. In this episode, I chat with Doug Cole and Jay Stubbs who are long time participants and supporters. We talk about the course, the value of the entry fee, prizes, experiences and why they keep coming back each year. My family and I appreciate the tremendous help we receive from these families that support my brother’s foundation. The MFF always needs sponsors, so if you’re interested in sponsoring a team, a hole, the flag pins, a contest, or even donating prizes, we will welcome it. You can learn more about The Mark Forester Foundation here and register and/or become a sponsor. We hope to see you on Aug 11 in Muscle Shoals, AL. Copyright 2023 Thad Forester www.patriottothecore.com email questions to thad@patriottothecore.com Watch this episode on YouTube

T. C. Fuller joined the FBI after an 11-year career in the Army as an Explosive Ordnance Disposal officer. Then he joined the FBI and became a Special Agent, serving for 20 years. During his time in the FBI he held many assignments, including: Principal Firearms Instructor, Joint Terrorism Task Force – Domestic and International, and Violent Crimes where his subject was added to the FBI’s Top Ten Most Wanted list. The fugitive was captured for severe crimes against children. We start out talking situational awareness and how his “lack of” got him robbed at gunpoint, and what he learned from that. We also discuss how he graduated from Defensive Tactics School, compare the leadership of former FBI Directors Mueller vs. his predecessor Freeh, what would happen if owning guns became illegal – that could fall upon the FBI to confiscate them, the interesting work he does with The Horus Group, and his new book “Painting Over Rust.” Dr. T. C. Fuller is a frequent guest on The American Warrior Show and has dozens of articles published in various periodicals mostly related to law enforcement procedure, weaponry and personal defense. You can watch this interview on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/nIW_7QQdA_o Special thanks to Our Town Podcast for letting me use their studios once again. Mentioned in this episode: Episode 51 – Rich Brown Episode 50 – Tim Larkin American Warrior Society The Old Gray Man YouTube Channel Copyright 2023 Thad Forester www.patriottothecore.com email questions to thad@patriottothecore.com Thad on YouTube

Gary Michael Rose (Mike) joins me in person to share what happened in Laos during Operation Tailwind in 1970. During these 4 days, Sergeant Rose exposed himself to the enemy many times in order to treat the wounded. And then, the helicopter carrying Rose and others crashed further injuring him and the other wounded on board. Despite his numerous wounds from the past three days, Mike Rose continued to pull and carry unconscious and wounded personnel out of the burning wreckage and continued to administer aid to the wounded until another extraction helicopter arrived.  It’s a remarkable story of selflessness where Rose said “we should not have survived.” “I really take pride in the fact that I can go to my grave knowing that at least one person- I did something one day that caused him to live another 42 years,” Rose said. This Special Forces Medic is credited with saving numerous lives over that 4 day period. You can read his Medal of Honor Citation here. I loved having him in studio to talk in person. You can also watch this interview on YouTube here. Copyright 2023 Thad Forester www.patriottothecore.com email questions to thad@patriottothecore.com The post Ep 105 | Medal of Honor Recipient Mike Rose – Vietnam appeared first on .