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Today we complete the second segment of our Combat Story with Chris VanSant, a retired Army infantryman, Ranger, Green Beret, and Operator in 1st Special Forces Operational Detachment - Delta (1st SFOD-D). 

You can hear the first round with Chris at https://youtu.be/tdSA8O_T6mE. We left our first interview with Chris at the height of his career: in the Unit, combat rotations, and close friends. We pick up in round two where things start to get more difficult and the optempo, intensity, and constant fighting begin to take a toll.

Chris describes how he overcame some very dark days that many can relate to and found new opportunities he never would have imagined. He’s gone on to become the Chief Operating Officer of TYR Tactical and is a board member for Tom and Jenn Satterly’s All Secure Foundation, both of which continue to protect those in need.

I hope you enjoy this deep dive into combat and recovery from a very humble Tier 1 operator as much as I did.

Find Chris Online:   Instagram @vansanttyrtactical  Website TYR Tactical   Board Member at All Secure Foundation (Tom Satterly’s organization)  Instagram @allsecurefoundation  Find Ryan Online: Follow on Instagram @combatstory  Follow on Facebook @combatstoryofficial   Email [email protected]  Learn more about Ryan    Intro Song: Sport Rock from Audio Jungle Video Edited by: Owen Fugit Show Notes 0:00 - Intro 1:00 - Guest bio 1:52 - Interview begins 2:37 - Chris’ thoughts on Afghanistan 14:18 - Where does the exhaustion come from? 17:18 - What are some other interesting fear responses? 17:24 - “Fight or flight is the first response when someone thinks they may die.” 20:11 - The next deployment 30:00 - Tactics and Procedures 32:40 - Different ways to attack a building. 36:23 – When did the trauma and stress start 43:33 – Early Indicators that will help others 48:25 – Pivotal moments during combat 57:39 - “You got to understand the individuals in your charge to get the best out of them; you got to know what motivates them, what makes them tick.” 58:48 – Starting to change 1:09:04 - Key things in your journey that you try to make sure a wider audience hears 1:10:05 - “Open up. Talk to the people that matter to you. It doesn't have to be a lot. It just has to be a few.” 1:13:13 – Getting fired from the Unit 1:18:53 – Pushing yourself 1:19:11 - “There are winners and losers. A loser is just a winner that tried one more time.” 1:22:40 – Pieces of advice 1:31:11 – Getting in touch with Chris