In my first book, “Lions of Marjah”, I talk about several situations that took place in the country. Specifically, I wrote about a day when we were in a pretty good gunfight. There were fighters squirting out of the forward edge of the battle area and this was observed by my squad and the remaining Marine co-located at the same Patrol Base. During the Fight, an enemy mortarman squirted out of the battle and headed east away from the fight on a motorbike. He had his mortar system in tow. Instantly our 60mm mortar team, headed by Kyle Mihalecz, went into action. They prepared the rounds for airburst, calculated the flight time, and used another one of our weapons guys inside the courtyard as an aiming stake. They let the round fly and gave us a 3-second countdown to the splash. Like clockwork, the round splashed, and the enemy fighter disappeared in the mortar impact. It was a direct hit and the surgical accuracy of the shot meant we didn’t need to conduct a battle damage assessment BDA. Kyle later became a Scout Sniper and deployed again. In this conversation, we cover his life, career, and subsequent initiatives. Please enjoy this episode.

In my first book, “Lions of Marjah”, I talk about several situations that took place in the country. Specifically, I wrote about a day when we were in a pretty good gunfight. There were fighters squirting out of the forward edge of the battle area and this was observed by my squad and the remaining Marine co-located at the same Patrol Base. During the Fight, an enemy mortarman squirted out of the battle and headed east away from the fight on a motorbike. He had his mortar system in tow. Instantly our 60mm mortar team, headed by Kyle Mihalecz, went into action. They prepared the rounds for airburst, calculated the flight time, and used another one of our weapons guys inside the courtyard as an aiming stake. They let the round fly and gave us a 3-second countdown to the splash. Like clockwork, the round splashed, and the enemy fighter disappeared in the mortar impact. It was a direct hit and the surgical accuracy of the shot meant we didn’t need to conduct a battle damage assessment BDA. Kyle later became a Scout Sniper and deployed again.  In this conversation, we cover his life, career, and subsequent initiatives. Please enjoy this episode.

Several years ago, I was introduced to a living legend. Johnny Glenn (JMFG) as I came to know him, is one of the most real people on the planet. Johnny is an All-American Bad Ass. Johnny and I hit it off immediately over our passion for storytelling, pranks, and all things combat. But there is more to Johnny than storytelling and pranks. Johnny is a true friend to those close to him and an excellent mentor to those around him. Johnny encapsulates true grit, and steadfast devotion to bringing out the GOOD in all things. Johnny is one of my best friends, and he is launching his own podcast on July 4th, 2023. I am already a big-time fanboy and want all of you to give his show a listen. Johnny has a unique way of driving conversation, and the guests are sure to be top-notch. This episode is to give you a dose of what is to come with the JMFG Podcast. Please enjoy!

This week’s episode feature Robert Kerman, Master Sergeant (USMC Retired). I am super excited to share this episode with you due to the impact young Lance Corporal Kerman, had on me and subsequently my squad in Third Battalion Second Marines. When we were in our final exercise prior to pushing out on deployment, I pulled one of the more recent Silver Star Citations I could find. I wanted to inspire my younger Marines and make them realize that the junior enlisted Marines were taking the fight to the enemy.  The citation reads as follows,

KERMAN, ROBERT P.

Citation:

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Robert P. Kerman, Lance Corporal, U.S. Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving as Rifleman, Combined Anti-Armor Platoon, Weapons Company, Third Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, on 25 March 2003, in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM. Lance Corporal Kerman exhibited exceptional bravery when the lead elements of the battalion were ambushed with mortars, rocket-propelled grenades, and automatic weapons fire. As the vehicle he was traveling in drove directly into machine gun fire and into a trench line, Lance Corporal Kerman sprang from the vehicle and began assaulting down the enemy-occupied trench with two other Marines. As enemy soldiers fired at him, he fearlessly plunged towards them firing his M-16 with lethal accuracy. Continuing to move through the trench he repeatedly came under enemy fire. Each time he would calmly occupy a steady firing position and take well-aimed shots that had devastating effects on the enemy. As the group ran out of ammunition, they pressed forward 200 to 300 meters utilizing captured enemy AK- 47s. Lance Corporal Kerman showed no regard for his own personal safety, and his actions directly contributed to the successful outcome of the engagement. By his bold leadership, wise judgment, and complete dedication to duty, Lance Corporal Kerman reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service. 

18 years later, I met Robert Kerman at the Post 9983 VFW in Holly Ridge while shooting with some buddies of mine. The introduction was anti-climactic for everyone but me, we all shot and had a great time. I was honored to attend his retirement last month on Camp Lejeune and have been looking forward to bringing you all this story.

KERMAN, ROBERT P.

Citation:

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Robert P. Kerman, Lance Corporal, U.S. Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving as Rifleman, Combined Anti-Armor Platoon, Weapons Company, Third Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, on 25 March 2003, in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM. Lance Corporal Kerman exhibited exceptional bravery when the lead elements of the battalion were ambushed with mortars, rocket-propelled grenades, and automatic weapons fire. As the vehicle he was traveling in drove directly into machine gun fire and into a trench line, Lance Corporal Kerman sprang from the vehicle and began assaulting down the enemy-occupied trench with two other Marines. As enemy soldiers fired at him, he fearlessly plunged towards them firing his M-16 with lethal accuracy. Continuing to move through the trench he repeatedly came under enemy fire. Each time he would calmly occupy a steady firing position and take well-aimed shots that had devastating effects on the enemy. As the group ran out of ammunition, they pressed forward 200 to 300 meters utilizing captured enemy AK- 47s. Lance Corporal Kerman showed no regard for his own personal safety, and his actions directly contributed to the successful outcome of the engagement. By his bold leadership, wise judgment, and complete dedication to duty, Lance Corporal Kerman reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service. 

18 years later, I met Robert Kerman at the Post 9983 VFW in Holly Ridge while shooting with some buddies of mine. The introduction was anti-climactic for everyone but me, we all shot and had a great time. I was honored to attend his retirement last month on Camp Lejeune and have been looking forward to bringing you all this story.

This week’s episode feature Robert Kerman, Master Sergeant (USMC Retired). I am super excited to share this episode with you due to the impact young Lance Corporal Kerman, had on me and subsequently my squad in Third Battalion Second Marines. When we were in our final exercise prior to pushing out on deployment, I pulled one of the more recent Silver Star Citations I could find. I wanted to inspire my younger Marines and make them realize that the junior enlisted Marines were taking the fight to the enemy.  The citation reads as follows,

KERMAN, ROBERT P.

Citation:

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star Medal to Robert P. Kerman, Lance Corporal, U.S. Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving as Rifleman, Combined Anti-Armor Platoon, Weapons Company, Third Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, on 25 March 2003, in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM. Lance Corporal Kerman exhibited exceptional bravery when the lead elements of the battalion were ambushed with mortars, rocket-propelled grenades, and automatic weapons fire. As the vehicle he was traveling in drove directly into machine gun fire and into a trench line, Lance Corporal Kerman sprang from the vehicle and began assaulting down the enemy-occupied trench with two other Marines. As enemy soldiers fired at him, he fearlessly plunged towards them firing his M-16 with lethal accuracy. Continuing to move through the trench he repeatedly came under enemy fire. Each time he would calmly occupy a steady firing position and take well-aimed shots that had devastating effects on the enemy. As the group ran out of ammunition, they pressed forward 200 to 300 meters utilizing captured enemy AK- 47s. Lance Corporal Kerman showed no regard for his own personal safety, and his actions directly contributed to the successful outcome of the engagement. By his bold leadership, wise judgment, and complete dedication to duty, Lance Corporal Kerman reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service. 

18 years later, I met Robert Kerman at the Post 9983 VFW in Holly Ridge while shooting with some buddies of mine. The introduction was anti-climactic for everyone but me, we all shot and had a great time. I was honored to attend his retirement last month on Camp Lejeune and have been looking forward to bringing you all this story.

In the Corps when a man is down on the field, we operate under a rule referred to as the “golden hour”. This means, that once self-aide, buddy-aide, and Corpsman-aide are conducted, if the Marine is wounded badly, we need him/her to a trauma unit in less than an hour. If we can accomplish this mission, the rule is that he/she will survive. There are of course exceptions to that rule.

People like Ken Sample exist and operate in the gray... without these people, with these skills, our battlefield KIA numbers would not stay as low as they are. It was an honor and a pleasure to sit down with Ken and learn about a different side of war, the side of saving and giving new life to the National Treasures holding the line.

This week’s episode features Ken Sample (Capt. USN retired). He spent a large portion of his life in service to others. Ken laughs as he tells how his drive to become a doctor very much came from his dear wife. Ken spent overwhelming time as a General Surgeon for the United States Navy. Some of this time was spent forward deployed and some of his time was stateside in places like Camp Lejeune. Ken also ran his own private practice in between reserve time and deployments. Surgeons like Ken are vital to the warfighting mission.

In the Corps when a man is down on the field, we operate under a rule referred to as the “golden hour”. This means, that once self-aide, buddy-aide, and Corpsman-aide are conducted, if the Marine is wounded badly, we need him/her to a trauma unit in less than an hour. If we can accomplish this mission, the rule is that he/she will survive. There are of course exceptions to that rule.

People like Ken Sample exist and operate in the gray... without these people, with these skills, our battlefield KIA numbers would not stay as low as they are. It was an honor and a pleasure to sit down with Ken and learn about a different side of war, the side of saving and giving new life to the National Treasures holding the line.

I have met men in my life that have done insane and heroic actions against the enemies of our Nation. I Have seen what war can do to the psyche of hard men. I have seen these men that have the drive, courage, and will win in EVERY situation.

There are others, though, that have been tested in ways I have not. There are others who have sustained injuries, life-altering in some cases, and continue to toe the line.

Nick Machine Lavery is one of those other people. We talked in depth about the establishment of Nick’s purpose, which came about halfway through his first pump. He would tell you that he joined for the job and excitement and stayed for the people in the teams.

Nick is Green Beret in the United States Army and is the only person to continue to deploy in combat capacity with an above-the-knee amputation.

In this clip, we talk about the cultural differences between the regular infantry and the SF teams. Especially as it pertains to injured Soldiers/Marines and the options they have post-injury. We also delve into the mission sets of each.

Nick would say, “It is not a better-than statement”. The two elements have completely different mission sets. They are each amazing at these missions, but they are indeed different animals.