What happens to the operator when he becomes badly injured while deep in the jungle of a foreign country? Join retired Air Force Colonel John Alvarez with Senior Enlisted Leader CMSgt Greg Smith and Green Beret SGM Matt Parrish as they discuss the formation of “Special Forces with wings,” counter-narcotics missions in the 1990s, and John’s experience surviving a catastrophic helicopter crash in a piranha-infested Ecuadorian river.  John describes his challenging journey back to the cockpit after becoming the first amputee to return to full combat flying status. He credits his family, teammates and generous civilian benefactors for his successful return to the Special Operations community. Today, he is a strong advocate for USSOCOM’s Warrior Care Program chartered with advocacy for the command’s wounded, ill, or injured service members and their families. We know you’ll enjoy hearing this compelling conversation about resiliency and the support network within the Special Operations community.

14. Col (Ret) John Alvarez - Helo pilot & first amputee to return to combat flight duty

SOFcast is the official podcast of U.S. Special Operations Command. Listen to members of America's elite special operations forces discuss leadership, overcoming challenges, and current issues for the force. Hear from special operations personnel like Navy SEALs, Army Green Berets, Army Rangers, Marine Raiders, Air Force Special Operators, pilots, medics, communicators, and more!

Government

On this episode of SOFcast, we talk to retired Marine Raider Master Sgt. Jarad Stout. In previous episodes we've interviewed the recipients of many different valor awards, but today’s guest earned the Silver Star in an unexpected and little known location, Bamako, Mali. Jarad describes the details from that harrowing day, but that is only part of his story. He was also the Marine of the Year for 2019 and worked as a Congressional Fellow, all before he had to make an earlier than expected transition out of the military. Listen to how he successfully navigated his way into the tech industry and found a new and unexpected passion in the world of cyber-security. Listen now to this packed episode of SOFcast!

S5 E9 MSgt Jarad Stout - Retired Marine Raider and Silver Star recipient

On this episode of SOFcast two senior leaders get personal, about their relationship and their careers. Command Sgt. Major JoAnn Naumann, U.S. Army Special Operations Command CSM, and her husband Command Sgt. Major Thomas “T.J.” Baird, National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency Senior Enlisted Leader, who have more than 50 years in combined military service, share their insights on what it takes to be successful in your personal and professional life.They also talk about what keeps them coming back and how they have remained motivated to serve and endure through the toughest assignments and missions.All that and more on a new SOFcast!

S5 E8 CSM JoAnn Naumann and CSM Thomas Baird

The Honorable Christopher P. Maier, the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Special Operations and Low-Intensity Conflict, joined SOFcast during SOF Week 2023 in Tampa, Florida.He discussed his role in advocating for the care of our people, the 1st SOF Truth, and how he works with the USSOCOM Preservation of the Force and Family team. Maier also discussed the importance of building understanding with senior policy makers to ensure SOF is properly equipped, funded and postured to meet future challenges. All that and more on this episode of SOFcast!

S5 E7 Hon. Christopher Maier, ASD SO/LIC

Command Sgt. Maj. Matthew Williams shares details about the fateful day he earned the Medal of Honor. He also discusses talking with the President of the United States over the phone in his truck, and what it's like continuing to serve while holding the military's highest award.All that and more on this episode of SOFcast!

S5 E6 CSM Matthew Williams and the Medal of Honor

U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Robert Abernethy is the Senior Enlisted Leader for U.S. European Command. In this episode CSM Abernethy talks about his career in Special Forces, valuable take-aways from working at the highest levels, and advice to those in the force to remain ready and vigilant.All that and more on this episode of SOFcast!

14. Col (Ret) John Alvarez - Helo pilot & first amputee to return to combat flight duty

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