Boots And Chutes Unfiltered

Boots And Chutes Unfiltered

By Chris RoweSociety & CulturePersonal Journals
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Boots And Chutes Unfiltered episodes

  • Task Force Falcon to Criminal Investigation Division (CID) | Julio Escareno

    LEADING PARATROOPERS. WORKING CRIMINAL CASES. LEARNING TO BE A BETTER DAD. Boots & Chutes Unfiltered, my good friend Julio Escareno joins us for a conversation that goes well beyond his military career.We talk about his growth from a young paratrooper into a combat leader in the 82nd Airborne Division, his move into Army CID, and life as a criminal investigator.Then we get into leaving the Army, breaking into executive protection, and the advice he has for veterans figuring out their next chapter.Julio also opens up about failure, personal struggles, leadership, and the challenges of balancing service and family, and becoming a better father.An honest conversation with a good friend. You’ll want to catch this one. BOOTS & CHUTES UNFILTERED.

    #BootsAndChutesUnfiltered #82ndAirborne #Veterans #Leadership #ExecutiveProtection

    2 hr 45 min
  • Adrian Bonenberger | Afghanistan and the Road After War.

    What happens when the deployments end, but your story keeps going?

    On this episode of Boots & Chutes Unfiltered, we sit down with Adrian Bonenberger to talk about a life that has taken him from leading infantrymen in Afghanistan to training warfighters in Ukraine, writing about war, and eventually stepping into politics.Adrian served as a Platoon Leader and XO with C Co, 1-503rd, 173rd Airborne, deploying to Paktika Province, Afghanistan. He later commanded A Co, 1-87 Infantry, 1st Brigade, 10th Mountain Division, during another deployment to Afghanistan, this time in Kunduz Province.We get into the realities of combat leadership, the responsibility of leading Soldiers in Afghanistan, and the experiences that stayed with Adrian long after he came home.But this conversation goes well beyond Afghanistan.Adrian talks about becoming an author and journalist and using his experiences to write about war, national defense, veterans, and American foreign policy. His work has appeared in The New York Times, Foreign Policy, The Washington Post, Forbes, The Hill, and The New Republic.We also discuss his connection with Chris during Operation Dragoon Ride II, his decision to return overseas following Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, and his experience training Ukrainians from 2022–2023.Then we get into another chapter few infantry officers probably imagine while they're downrange: running for Governor of Connecticut as an unaffiliated candidate.This episode is about more than one Soldier's career. It's about leadership, war, purpose, politics, and figuring out what comes next when the uniform eventually comes off.No script. No bullshit. Just a conversation about where the road after war can take you.Subscribe to Boots & Chutes Unfiltered for more conversations with the men and women who lived the GWOT—from the conventional force to the stories that don't always get told.Adrian Bonenberger: 173rd Airborne, Afghanistan & The Road After War

    2 hr 12 min
  • Ken Ramos: Army WTF Moments, PSYOP & Leadership

    Army WTF Moments has a mission beyond the posts. Retired Army Sergeant Major Ken Ramos shares his path from National Guard aviation into psychological operations (PSYOP), lessons from combat, and his work as an administrator behind the page.


    We discuss the team’s efforts to help soldiers and commanders address problems, connect veterans with opportunities, and handle information responsibly. Ken also opens up about the personal cost of going public, the importance of telling veterans’ stories, and why leadership means paying knowledge forward.


    Content note: Strong language and discussion of combat, death, and suicide.


    Follow the show for more conversations with the military and veteran community.

    3 hr 14 min
  • Battlefield Discussions: Task Force Falcon (Iraq 2006-2008) with James Downing & Kevin Spooner

    Task Force Falcon was a specialized combat task force built around 1st Squadron, 73rd Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division. Based at Camp Speicher near Tikrit from November 2006 into early 2008, it served as a highly mobile, theater-level reaction force during the Iraq Surge. Rather than owning one fixed battlespace, Task Force Falcon moved throughout Iraq, often by helicopter assault, to strike terrorist sanctuaries, capture or kill high-value insurgents, disrupt al-Qaeda networks, and reinforce units fighting in the country's most unstable areas. Its Paratroopers operated across multiple provinces under demanding and often dangerous conditions, earning a reputation as a force capable of rapidly deploying wherever the fight was hottest. The enemy would later know the unit as the "Black Ghost." At the highest level of Army leadership, their success was known as the "Falcon effect," and it is still talked about today. #gwot #IraqiSurge #82ndAirborne

    3 hr 11 min
  • He Survived War—Then Faced the Fight to Recover | Episode 15 With Justin “Freebird” Freeman

    This one was raw and emotional. Justin talks about some really tough subjects, from surviving an IED strike in Afghanistan to life as a 13F (JFO) in Baqubah, Iraq, and Arrowhead Ripper, to recovery afterward, including some really emotional struggles that he faced with addiction and the military transition because of struggles with what happened upon coming home and going through so much. Justin gets candid about an Article 15 that affected his military career. He talks about his wife's strength and how they got through those struggles together. There are some really good leadership lessons to draw from this one, including life lessons. Justin is a good human being who has been through so much and hasn't let it defeat him, through the strength of family and a willingness to do better. He has a lot going for him, including a strong family that he plans to do amazing things with in the future. This was one of the hardest episodes to do because of the emotion and trials in his story. Please come on over and give a listen to a young guy's incredible story. Also, please come on over and give us a like, subscribe, or share on all socials.

    3 hr 6 min
  • From the Cockpit to the Front Lines | Episode 14 w/ Keith Benoit

    Episode 14:| From the Cockpit to the Front LinesWhat does it take to lead from the front when the mission, the aircraft, and the lives of others are in your hands?In this episode of Boots & Chutes Unfiltered, we sit down with an Army Apache aviator whose career has been defined by leadership, discipline, and service. From the intensity of combat aviation to the traditions and camaraderie that make military life unforgettable, this conversation goes beyond flying helicopters.We discuss:🚁 The path to becoming an Apache pilot⚔️ Leadership under pressure🇺🇸 Lessons learned from service and combat🤝 Brotherhood, sacrifice, and the military culture that lasts a lifetime🎖️ Stories you won't hear anywhere else about Task Force Falcon and Special Operations Command. If you're a veteran, active-duty service member, aviation enthusiast, or someone who enjoys authentic conversations about service and leadership, this episode is for you.👍 Like the video if you enjoyed it.💬 Comment: What's the biggest leadership lesson you've learned—from the military or in life?🔔 Subscribe to Boots & Chutes Unfiltered for more conversations with veterans, military leaders, and those who have lived extraordinary stories.Real Stories. Real Leaders. Real Front Lines.#BootsAndChutesUnfiltered #ArmyAviation #ApachePilot #MilitaryPodcast #Veterans #Leadership #USArmy #CombatAviation #MilitaryStories #Brotherhood #Podcast #Aviation #GWOT #ServiceBeforeSelf #Episode14

    2 hr 30 min
  • From the First Ranger into Afghanistan After 9/11 to Serving Veterans | Tony Mayne

    Tony Mayne was among the first U.S. Rangers to enter Afghanistan following the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. On October 19, 2001, he and the 3rd Ranger Battalion conducted a historic nighttime combat parachute assault into Kandahar—one of the opening missions of the Global War on Terror.

    After eight combat deployments and twenty years of military service, Tony found a new mission: helping Rangers and veterans successfully navigate life after the military.

    In Episode 13 of Boots & Chutes Unfiltered, Tony shares his incredible journey from enlisted Soldier to Army Major, his years serving in the 75th Ranger Regiment, and the leadership lessons learned in combat that continue to shape his work supporting veterans today.

    • The combat jump into Kandahar on October 19, 2001
    • What it was like serving in the 75th Ranger Regiment
    • Eight combat deployments during the Global War on Terror
    • Leadership under pressure and lessons from Special Operations
    • The challenges of transitioning out of military service
    • Veteran mental health and finding purpose after the uniform
    • GallantFew and the Ranger Outreach Center
    • His induction into the U.S. Army Ranger Hall of Fame

    Tony served 20 years in the U.S. Army as both an enlisted Soldier and an officer. Twelve of those years were spent in U.S. Special Operations Command, including nine years with the 75th Ranger Regiment.

    Following his retirement as a Major in 2020, Tony joined GallantFew, a nonprofit dedicated to helping veterans overcome barriers to mental health care and successful transition. In 2021, he established the Ranger Outreach Center in Columbus, Georgia, providing support to active-duty Rangers and their families. In 2024, he joined the Three Rangers Foundation and was inducted into the prestigious U.S. Army Ranger Hall of Fame.

    If you enjoy authentic conversations with America's military leaders, veterans, and changemakers, subscribe to Boots & Chutes Unfiltered for new episodes every week.

    👍 Like the video
    💬 Leave a comment with your biggest takeaway
    🔔 Subscribe so you never miss an episode

    #TonyMayne #75thRangerRegiment #RangerHallOfFame #SpecialOperations #VeteranSupport #Leadership #MilitaryPodcast #BootsAndChutesUnfiltered

    In this episode, we discuss:About Tony Mayne

    2 hr 52 min
  • EP 12: Battlefield Discussions w/ Ricky Schroder & Friends -- Unfiltered, Raw Discussion of the Battle of Wanat.
    Please join us for an unfiltered, raw discussion of the Battle of Wanat with a special guest: Ricky Schroder, Gold Star Father Frankie Gay, Battlefield Survivors Scott Stenoski, and Christopher McKaig. We sit down and talk about the heroes who were lost that day, to the why and the reasons behind the future project that Ricky Schroder is working on to tell the raw truth of one of the most intense days in GWOT history. Our discussion is unscripted; it is the veterans telling their stories, and the Gold Star father telling his story of the incredible bonds he has developed with these men. Ricky Schroder shares why this project means so much to him and his Reel American Heroes Foundation. He cares deeply about telling the story of these brave men and how the Army and Army leaders can learn from this dark day. 18 Years Since the Battle of WanatOn 13 July 2008, in the remote Waygul Valley of Nuristan Province, Afghanistan, one of the most intense and costly battles of the war unfolded. In the early morning hours, U.S. soldiers from Chosen Company, 2nd Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment (Airborne), 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team, alongside their Afghan National Army partners, came under a coordinated assault by hundreds of enemy fighters determined to overrun their newly established patrol base.The enemy attacked from multiple directions, using mortars, machine guns, rocket-propelled grenades, and small arms fire. Outnumbered by nearly four to one, the paratroopers fought from bunker to bunker and position to position, refusing to surrender ground despite overwhelming odds. As defensive positions were destroyed and ammunition ran low, soldiers repeatedly exposed themselves to enemy fire to reinforce fellow paratroopers, evacuate the wounded, and continue the fight.For hours, these American warriors displayed extraordinary courage, discipline, and selfless service. Close air support, artillery, and the unwavering determination of the defenders ultimately turned the tide, forcing the enemy to withdraw after suffering heavy losses.The victory came at a tremendous cost. Nine American soldiers gave their lives, and nearly 30 others were wounded in the defense of Patrol Base Kahler. Their sacrifice became a lasting testament to the warrior spirit of the 173rd Airborne Brigade and the bonds forged in combat.Today, eighteen years later, we pause to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice, honor those who survived the battle, and recognize the families whose lives were forever changed. The Battle of Wanat remains a powerful reminder of the courage, resilience, and brotherhood that define America's paratroopers."We Will Never Forget"Jonathan P. Brostrom, 24, of Aiea, HawaiiIsrael Garcia, 24, of Long Beach, CaliforniaJonathan R. Ayers, 24, of Snellville, GeorgiaJason M. Bogar, 25, of Seattle, WashingtonJason D. Hovater, 24, of Clinton, TennesseeMatthew B. Phillips, 27, of Jasper, GeorgiaPruitt A. Rainey, 22, of Haw River, North CarolinaGunnar W. Zwilling, 20, of Florissant, MissouriSergio S. Abad, 21, of Morganfield, Kentucky#Battleofwanat #gwot #11daysandawakeup #173rdairborne #fyp #ReelAmericanHeroesFoundation
    3 hr 20 min
  • Episode 11: Jerry Powers Jr, "From the drill deck to the fire truck."

    Jerry talks about his time as a Marine in the Silent Drill Platoon stationed at 8th & I Marine Barracks, Washington, DC. He talks about his transition from the Marine Corps to the Boston Fire Department. Jerry describes firefighter life, struggles, leadership, and opportunities as a veteran who has joined one of the best departments in the country. It was a really good discussion for two guys who have known each other for 20+ years. Here is more on Jerry Powers: Jerry Powers Jr. – Boston Fire Department District ChiefGerald “Jerry” Powers Jr. is a veteran firefighter, leader, and public servant who serves as a District Chief with the Boston Fire Department (BFD). A former United States Marine Corps veteran, Powers has dedicated his career to service, leadership, and emergency response, both in the military and in the fire service. Powers has more than 25 years of service with the Boston Fire Department, rising through the ranks from firefighter to captain and eventually to District Chief. In his current role, he oversees multiple fire companies, manages emergency incidents, and provides leadership during fires, rescues, hazardous materials incidents, and other emergencies throughout the City of Boston. Before becoming a District Chief, Powers served as a Captain with Engine 17 and earned a reputation as a dedicated firefighter and mentor. He has also been active in firefighter health and wellness initiatives, particularly raising awareness about occupational cancer risks in the fire service. In 2019, he participated in the Pan-Mass Challenge as part of Team Boston Fire, helping raise funds for cancer research while honoring family members and fellow firefighters affected by cancer. Pan-Mass ChallengeThroughout his career, Jerry Powers Jr. has embodied the values of discipline, service, and leadership learned during his time in the Marine Corps and refined through decades in the Boston Fire Department. His journey from Marine Corps service to becoming a Boston Fire District Chief reflects a lifelong commitment to protecting and serving others. #bostonfire #veteran #marinescorps #fyp #firefighter

    1 hr 31 min

About Boots And Chutes Unfiltered

From the publisher's feed

Boots And Chutes Unfiltered is a podcast for veterans, service members, and anyone else curious about the human side of military life. Our show blends gritty frontline stories, hard-won lessons, and honest conversations about military life and life after service.