Hazard Ground

Johnny "Joey" Jones seemed to have it all. He was a young, good looking Marine, who had earned one of the most technically difficult, interesting, coolest, and coveted jobs in the U.S. military - that of Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Technician (Think back to Ep. 3 w/ EOD Tech, Brian Castner...). It's also one of the most dangerous jobs in the military, and on August 6, 2010, that danger caught up with Jones when he stepped on a very well hidden IED in Afghanistan, instantly severing both of his legs above the knee and severely damaging his right forearm and both wrists. Lucky to even be alive, Jones headed for a most difficult path to recovery, which he has endured with incredible strength, optimism, and grace. Hear in this episode how Jones went from the top of the mountain, to the bottom, and back to the top again, and how he handled his injuries in the immediate aftermath of the explosion that changed his life forever. Simply put, this is another inspirational story you don't want to miss! www.johnnyjoeyjones.com | www.bootcampaign.org

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Despite their difference in military rank when they served in the Army's elite 75th Ranger Regiment - one a seasoned enlisted man with a combat deployment already under his belt, and the other, a new lieutenant working to gain experience and the respect of other Rangers - Donald Lee and Matthew Griffin became fast friends.  They went to war together several times, all the while hatching a plan to become business partners when the bullets stopped whizzing overhead.  What they started, in spite of a few roadblocks along the way, was Combat Flip Flops - a successful flip flop company, that now produces other clothing and gear as well.  Combat Flip Flops employs a business model that helps create stability and security in war-torn countries by helping to educate children there, clear unexploded mines, and provide economic opportunities and a sense of purpose that otherwise wouldn't exist.  And they do it with a sense of humor and community that only two individuals who have endured the "suck" of multiple combat deployments could.  This is another incredible, inspirational story you don't want to miss! www.combatflipflops.com

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Jason Van Camp, who is today the Founder and Chairman of Mission 6 Zero, is another one of those guys who knows what it means to be a leader, in every sense of the word. He knows what it's like to have passion for something in life and to scratch and claw toward a goal until it's been achieved. He knows what it means to never quit - at least not until there's physically nothing left to give (and even then we're not quite sure Jason would give up). And it's that attitude that has gotten Jason through hundreds of hours of rigorous military training, multiple combat deployments in Special Operations as a Green Beret, and countless moments unlocking the hidden potential of others, so that they too can achieve greatness. Hear his story of combat and survival - how he's lead soldiers on the battlefield and also dealt with personal loss - on this very inspirational episode of Hazard Ground! www.mission6zero.com | www.warriorrising.org

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Feeling an obligation to do his part for his country, Paul Rieckhoff enlisted in the Army after graduating from college in the years just before 9/11. After the Twin Towers fell, Paul found himself in uniform working tirelessly at Ground Zero. It wouldn't be long after that he would trade the dust and debris of 9/11 for the sands of Iraq, fighting as an infantryman at the beginning of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Following his service overseas, Paul returned home to start a group that is now the leading post-9/11 veteran empowerment organization, serving his country in a much different, but much needed role once again. Paul is the founder and CEO of Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA), a veteran advocacy powerhouse that is making sure those who put on the uniform and serve around the globe, are given the support they deserve when they finally make it home. www.iava.org | "Chasing Ghosts: Failures and Facades in Iraq - A Soldier's Perspective"

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Many know Taya Kyle as the wife of American Sniper, Chris Kyle...But for so many others she's an inspiration for overcoming tragedy. For us, she is our first non-military member that we've interviewed, but her story is so compelling. She is raw, honest, and graceful. This is a woman who has shown more strength in her grief, than most do in a lifetime. And like Chris, she is a protector, who continues to help others through times of trouble. Please do not miss this episode!   www.tayakyle.com | www.chriskylefrog.com | www.chriskylefrogfoundation.org

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Washington Redskins Special Teams Coordinator, Ben Kotwica is a proven leader through and through. From his time spent grinding it out on the football field at West Point, to flying Apache attack helicopters in combat, and returning home to work his way up to coaching in the National Football League, Ben embodies the importance of preparation, perseverance, and mentorship. It was truly an honor to have him on the show to share his take on combat, survival, coaching, and leadership!  

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When Marty Skovlund joined the military, he knew right from the start he wanted to be a part of the best the Army had to offer.  He wanted to be a part of something bigger than himself...and Marty is not a small man.  So after Infantry School, he earned a coveted spot in the 75th Ranger Regiment, one of the most elite units in the United States Military.  While in the Ranger Regiment, Marty served five combat deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan combined.  Marty has since left the military, and is now an author and filmmaker, bringing other great stories, like his, to life.  Check out his story of combat and survival on this episode of Hazard Ground!   Violence of Action: The Untold Stories of the 75th Ranger Regiment in the War on Terror | www.martyskovlundjr.com | @MartySkovlundJr | www.darbyproject.org

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As a Marine, Jonathan Hancock experienced some of the worst fighting of the Iraq War in 2004 in Ar Ramadi.  That year started off fairly peaceful, and it looked as if an extended American presence in Iraq would not be needed.  Then, all hell broke loose, and Ramadi offered some of the fiercest fighting the Marines would see.  Jon survived combat, but when he came home, like most of his fellow 2/4 Marines - nicknamed "The Magnificent Bastards" - he continued to fight a battle that raged within.  Before it took him out for good, Jon decided to take a trip to try and heal.  That trip was a walk across the United States, from coast to coast, in honor and remembrance of those Magnificent Bastards that never made it home.  This is another great story you don't want to miss!  www.bastardsroad.com @bastardsroad @bastardsroadmovie 

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Part II of our episode w/ David S. Williams.  Thanks for listening!

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If you followed the news during the start of the war in Iraq in 2003, you probably remember the two Apache pilots that were shot down behind enemy lines during the first weeks of the war.  One of those pilots was Chief Warrant Officer David S. Williams, and his story was chronicled on several news outlets following his rescue.  But what you didn't hear was a detailed account of his time in captivity.  He and his co-pilot suffered through weeks of brutal interrogations among other perils.  Hear the full story of what they endured on this episode of Hazard Ground!  

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