In this episode, Ben sits down with a National Guard Special Forces Master Sergeant with over 20 years in the Army and seven combat deployments.

They talk about what it actually feels like when it gets real — the first firefight, improvised armor, insurgency warfare, and the quiet reality of putting your hands on a wounded man and hoping he makes it.

But this conversation isn’t about glory.

It’s about reputation.

It’s about brotherhood.

It’s about what it means to “free the oppressed.”

And it’s about something most civilians never consider:

On the battlefield — and in life — survival often comes down to knowing what not to do.

They discuss:

The moment a young soldier realizes combat won’t prove his manhood

Why Green Berets care more about credibility than recognition

The sacred trust inside an ODA team room

The difficulty of leaving the team after years of war

Why aging inside Special Forces is a conversation we’re not having enough

How the lessons of warfare translate directly into fatherhood and civilian life

This is a conversation about violence — but not for violence’s sake.

It’s about responsibility.

About protecting others.

About carrying something forward for the next generation.

And about understanding that a man’s purpose is never about himself — it’s about the team. To learn more about our mission and support these elite citizen

warriors, visit thesoldierfund.org. Follow us on all social media

channels to stay updated on our latest efforts and stories. If you'd

like to contribute directly, please visit this link to donate. Your

support makes a difference.