Mandatory Fun

In this episode of the Mandatory Fun podcast, we speak with Scott Huesing, a retired U.S. Marine Corps Infantry Major with 24 years of service as an enlisted and commissioned officer.

During his career spanning ten deployments, he operated in over 60 countries worldwide. Throughout his numerous deployments to Iraq, Afghanistan, and the Horn of Africa he planned, led, and conducted hundreds of combat missions under some of the most austere and challenging conditions.

Before the Marines on-the-ground could consider fighting an unconventional war, they first had to demonstrate using unconventional tactics to fight the War on Terror in Iraq — that's exactly what retired Marine Scott Huesing did.

"When I say "unconventional," I was willing to think outside of the box to some degree," Scott Huesing states. "If there was a Marine, soldier, sailor, airman, contractor that had a rifle, knew how to shoot it, I didn't care. If they wanted to come out in the combat zone and fight with us, that was an enabler."

The Marine veteran is a published author since 2005. His upcoming book, Echo in Ramadi, is a ten-month snapshot in time that changed the face of operations on the battlefield; a captivating story of Echo Company, 2d Battalion, 4th Marines during the Second Battle of Ramadi in support of the Multi-National Forces (MNF) Surge Strategy in 2006.

His true-life account provides keen insights into what may be an unfamiliar world to readers, but very familiar to those, like Scott, who lived it and endured this historic fight.

Echo in Ramadi was written to honor the sacrifices and spirit of his Marines and the families they supported – his way of honoring and paying tribute to troops he served next too.

In this episode of the Mandatory Fun podcast, we speak with poet, activist, filmmaker, actor, and Navy SEAL veteran of 22 years, Mikal Vega.

Mr. Vega joined the Navy at 17, entered the EOD profession for roughly nine-years, deployed multiple times throughout the world in support of a few SEAL teams when he decided that's what he wanted to do with the rest of his career.

At 28, Vega earned a spot on the SEAL teams and added a few more tours of duty to his already impressive resume.

After being honorable discharge in 2012, Vega started a nonprofit called Vital Warrior, providing Kundalini Yoga for veterans, first responders, and active duty service members.

But, this wasn't enough for this motivated sailor.

Mr. Vega went on to express his creative side by entering the world of film and television and now serves as a military advisor on the hit NBC military-drama The Brave.

As veterans, we hold a surplus of talents and personal creativity that we can draw from our unique military service and experiences.

Like many combat vets who are fans of narrative filmmaking, Vega uses his in-depth training to bring the realism of combat tactics to the screen.

NBC's The Brave focuses on a group of elite Special Operatives who embark on the most challenging and dangerous missions around the world to save the innocent lives behind enemy lines.

During his service, Vega held many positions such as a SEAL Platoon Leading Chief Petty Officer, Personal Security Detail Shift Leader, U.S. Navy SEAL Combatives Instructor, U.S. Navy SEAL Demolitions Instructor and Senior Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technician.

He holds many awards, including the Purple Heart for injuries sustained during Operation Iraqi Freedom, two Bronze Stars with combat valor, Army Achievement Medal for Operation Joint Guardian Kosovo and the Navy Achievement Medal.

Vega's qualifications include, but are not limited to, Navy SEAL, Senior EOD Technician (Bomb Squad), Breacher RSO, HRST Master, free fall parachutist, U.S. Secret Service, Presidential Security Detail Operations, combat leadership, precision driver, dynamic firearms, SCUBA and closed circuit diving supervisor, Cold Weather Environment Survival, demolitions instructor and martial artist.

Following his lifelong passion for acting, he used his career successes to fund Vital Warrior, a system that increases performance and resiliency through non-pharmaceutical stress mitigation techniques that can help veterans and their families recover from wartime trauma.

He was recently elected as president of AK Waters Productions and has acted in film and television productions that include "Transformers 4" and "Hawaii Five-O," among others. Vega lives in Los Angeles with his wife, daughter, and son.

In this episode of the Mandatory Fun podcast, we speak with respected book author, speaker, publisher, and Vice President of Production at Warriors, Inc — Julia Dye. Warriors, Inc. is a unique organization that provides technical advice to the entertainment industry.

Mrs. Dye is the daughter of a World War 2 bomber pilot and is married to Hollywood's drill instructor Capt. Dale Dye — who is featured in episode 37 of the Mandatory Fun podcast.

Although growing up as a military brat has its issues, the advantages can form several unique traits within the individual.

"Many of them speak more than one language, know more cultures, have seen more of the world, which is great for any kid," Julia said.

Julia's book titled Through My Daughter's Eyes is a one-of-a-kind, much-needed look at what it means to come of age in a military family today.

Book Excerpt:

Dad wasn't feeling the emptiness like we were. He was busy, I'm sure, fighting the war and leading his soldiers. You're probably wondering what it's like over there, so let's see if I can make it real for you, like it was for my dad. Start by finding the vacuum cleaner.

Pop that sucker open and grab the dust bag. OK, now pour that over your head. Get it good in your nose and eyes. Hit yourself in the chest and make sure that you cough up a good cloud. It's a start. I'm sure you think it's hot, and yeah, that's true, during the day. At night try walking over a frozen rock garden.

Fun, no?

You have to walk over that to get to the bathroom in the dark. And the during-the-day hot isn't like a warm summer day, even here in Texas. Think living inside a blow dryer. On high. While wearing a suit of armor. We're getting closer. Oh, yeah, and while all that is going on, people are trying to kill you. While you are breaking into their houses.

To follow Mrs. Dye work feel free to check out her website warriorspublishing.com and follow their nonprofit organization Our Military Kids.

Our Military Kids grants pay fees for athletic, fine arts, and tutoring programs.

In this episode of the Mandatory Fun podcast, we once again speak with Army veteran, national speaker, and acclaimed author of the 2017 Independent Publishing Award-winning book The Frontline Generation: How We Served Post 9/11 — Marjorie K. Eastman.

Marjorie is also an accomplished executive and operational professional with over 20-years experience in leading people and various organizations.

Her award-winning book began as a personal memoir for her son. Marjorie's goal was to capture the lessons and inspirations she learned serving beside men and women who represent the very best of what it means to be American — the 1% of the population in the military.

She respectfully identifies this group as the Frontline Generation and notes that it is an untapped reservoir of leaders who have been strengthened by their Post 9/11 service.

• [2:00] Here's the reason why this acclaimed author decided to join the military.
• [7:25] Marjorie explains how she received her direct Army officer commissioning.
• [11:50] What gave Marjorie the motivation to move forward and write her now acclaimed book.
• [16:10] The story behind why Majorie smiled at a drill sergeant during boot camp
• [20:30] What helps define a strong female presence in a leadership position.
• [25:00] What veteran stories Marjorie loves to tell during her public speaking events.
• [31:15] The complete explain behind the story "Yes, man. No, man."

In this episode of the Mandatory Fun podcast, we talk to former Air Force Chief of Staff, General Merrill A. McPeak, who served as a military adviser to the Secretary of Defense, National Security Council, and the President.

He's also a career fighter pilot with more than 6,000 hours under his belt, including time as a solo pilot with the elite Thunderbirds.

The General currently has three books out, Below The Zone, Roles and Missions, and Hangar Flying, about his time being ringside during one of the most tumultuous moments in recent history: the Vietnam War, where Gen. McPeak was an attack pilot and high-speed forward air controller.

In this episode of the Mandatory Fun podcast, Blake speaks formerAir Force Chief of Staff General Merrill A. McPeak who served as a military adviser to the secretary of defense, National Security Council, and the president.

He's also a career fighter pilot with more than 6,000 hours under his belt, including time as a solo pilot with the elite Thunderbirds.

The General's book Hangar Flying is about his time being ringside during one of the most tumultuous times in recent history as an attack pilot and high-speed forward air controller over Vietnam.

In this episode, we talk on a wide-range of topics including:

• [1:35] The Mandatory Fun crew introduces General McPeak and his epic resume.
• [4:00] How allied troops managed to set traps on their North Vietnamese enemy.
• [7:00] The general discusses what it was like kicking off Operation Desert Storm.
• [10:30] The reasons behind why air doctrine changed since the Vietnam War ended.
• [13:45] The general breaks down the stats of the fighter pilots who have been shot down.
• [21:00] What it's like flying in an Air Force air show in front of political VIPs.
• [28:50] What influences the general had on Ken Burn's PBS Vietnam documentary and what it was like working with the filmmaking legend.
• [34:35] How the Air Force attempts to retain it's outstanding and well-trained fighter pilots.
• [35:30] What things the general loved about being a fighter pilot.
• [45:15] The importance of having nuclear weapons on station.

In this episode of the Mandatory Fun podcast, Blake speaks once again with Jimmy Blackmon, the author of Pale Horse, a book about his time commanding an Army aviation task force with the 101st Airborne Division at the height of combat in the Afghan War.

Set in the very valleys where the 9/11 attacks were conceived, and where 10 Medals of Honor were earned.

These are the stories of the pilots behind the lethal Apache helicopters who strike fear into the heart of their enemies as they work with medevac crews who risk their lives to save their fellow troops.

Jimmy was also in the area when Pvt. Bowe Bergdahl decided to go for a stroll in Afghanistan.

In this episode, we talk on a wide-range of topics including:

• [1:45] Jimmy humorously explains why he decided to join the military.
• [5:50] How growing up in Georgia prepared Jimmy for a career in the Army.
• [7:55] This is how playing Cowboys and Indians as a child helps develop skills for combat operations.
• [11:45] Jimmy compares his life as an enlisted soldier to growing up in Georgia.
• [13:45] The difference between situational awareness to situational curiosity.
• [15:05] The combat rules of flying vs. the combat rules on the ground.
• [17:15] The most challenging aspect of war according to a pilot.
• [24:30] How pilots develop skills to read the enemies' intention from high above.
• [27:50] How the enemy uses their terrain and weather to combat allied forces.
• [30:10] Jimmy's coolest memory from the battle at Observation Post Bari Alai
• [35:00] What Jimmy's been doing since exiting the military.

In this episode of the Mandatory Fun podcast, we talk to veterans Mike Lui and Buck Jordan from RMR Laboratories, an over-the-counter cannabis pharmaceutical company about the best qualities investors love in veteran entrepreneurs.

RMR Laboratories produces cannabinoid oil that's applied as a topical cream to relieve pain and other medical ailments.

Mike served in the Army for eight-years and deployed to Iraq where he led teams that helped rebuild the country by setting up its first democratic elections.

Buck served also served in the Army a but as an officer and Blackhawk Pilot. After exiting from his military service, he began working as a venture capitalist and now is an RMR Laboratory investor.

• [1:55] Mike's unique career path from college, through the military, and into the cannabinoid industry.
• [4:13] Buck tells us how about his military service and what businesses he's helped build from the ground up.
• [7:03] We get a solid explanation of what the business term "quick exit" means and how we can get in front of other venture capitalists for investments.
• [9:25] They answer the tough question: How do you know if you are ready for a VC?
• [12:30] How being deployed helped Mike's business sense flourish.
• [16:10] What key aspects investors look for in startup companies.
• [18:25] What factors the military instills in veterans that potential investors highly respect.
• [20:00] The different types of investors you should know about.
• [24:14] What projects/ideas VCs are interested in investing into
• [29:00] What traits and characteristics veterans have that investors love the most.

For more information about RMR Laboratories and/or are interesting in investment opportunities click here.

In this episode of the Mandatory Fun podcast, Blake speaks with Army veteran turned co-founder and CEO of RMR Laboratories, Mike Lui, about his over-the-counter cannabis pharmaceutical company.

RMR Laboratories produces cannabinoid oil that's applied as a topical cream to the skin for pain relief and to treat other medical alignments.

Mike served in the Army for eight-years and deployed to Iraq where he led teams to help rebuild the country by setting up its first democratic elections.

Even our WATM podcast producer O.V (who suffers from arthritis in his knees) tried out the CBD lotion.

"It tingles," O.V. humorously states. "But it [his knees] feels better."

• [1:14] An introduction to RMR laboratories' CBD lotion that's designed to treat chronic pain.
• [3:20] The population of who using this new CBD based lotion and the immediate results.
• [5:45] Why and how Army veteran Mike Lui decided to enter the cannabis market.
• [8:45] Why some veterans wish cannabis treatments were more accepted the general population and the image behind its use.
• [10:15] Some interesting statistics on cannabis use in America.
• [12:36] Reasons why RMR is different than any other cannabis pharmaceutical companies.
• [13:20] Mike answers the ultimate question, "if I use this lotion, will I get high?"
• [16:25] Some of the challenges in operating a start-up cannabinoid company.
• [17:40] The cost of using this new and inventive product and how to get more involved with RMR labs.
• [19:00] The RMR team answers your Facebook questions.
• [20:45] Will you pop "dirty" on a drug test?
• [21:00] What the future could hold for cannabinoid product users and manufacturers.
• [23:40] The RMR lab team members speak out their final thoughts.

For more information about RMR Laboratories and/or are interesting in investment opportunities click here.

In this episode of the Mandatory Fun podcast, Blake speaks with Jimmy Blackmon the author of Pale Horse a book about his time commanding an Army aviation task force with the 101st Airborne Division at the height of combat in the Afghan War.

Set in the very valleys where the 9/11 attacks were conceived, and where 10 Medals of Honor were earned.

These are the stories of the pilots behind the lethal Apache helicopters who strike fear into the heart of their enemies as they work with medevac crews who risk their lives to save their fellow troops. We get an understanding of how warriors learned selflessness and found the closest brotherhood they ever known through the crucible of war.

Jimmy was also in the area when Pvt. Bowe Bergdahl decided to go for a stroll in Afghanistan.

"Every soldier out there has a mom and dad that loves them and they all make stupid mistakes at some point," Jimmy humorously states. "Thank goodness I didn't decide to go for a walk in Afghanistan."

In this episode, we talk on a wide-range of topics including:

• [1:25] Jimmy's reaction to the controversial Pvt. Bowe Bergdahl's sentencing.
• [5:00] These are the predicted events that might occur if Bergdahl did receive jail time.
• [6:55] Jimmy explains went he meant in by writing the chapter in his book, "the plan begins to unravel,"
• [10:55] How Operations Officer Jack Murphy worked with a team of Chinooks and Black Hawks on the battlefield.
• [14:00] What was going on in the troop's mind when Bergdahl decided to abandon his post.
• [18:00] This is the average timeline to begin a search for a missing troop on deployment.
• [22:00] Jimmy's final thoughts about all the service members that are still affected by this case.