Third Deck Lounge

Jared was a Sergeant in the Marine Corps with 1st Battalion 6th Marines based out of Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. He joined the Marines in 2004 as Iraq ignited into all-out war. The Battle of Ramadi would forever change Jared’s life and set him down a path of strife and survival. From explosions and gun fights to blood clots and panic attacks, nothing is hopeless. He participated in the Battle of Ramadi (Iraq) as a designated marksman from 2006 to 2007 and as a Squad Leader in the Battle of Garmsir (Afghanistan) in 2008. After being honorably discharged in 2009 having served five years, Jared moved to Colorado and married in 2011. At the age of 30 he survived a serious stroke and details his struggle to overcome and recover both mentally and physically from everything in the past and the stroke itself. He has a bachelor’s in business and a Master’s in writing. From explosions and gun fights to blood clots and panic attacks, nothing is hopeless. Follow him @cold_steel_collective

Today on the podcast I spoke with Bijan Mehdiyoun, a prior 3/6 Radio Operator who shared his story during his time with 3/6 and CLB before his EAS and what transitioning was like for him. He shared his story of finding his footing among the adversity he faced throughout it all while joining the Reserves and how he ultimately joined the Navy Reserves, his journey becoming a Law Enforcement Officer, and the work he's doing to obtain his degree to further his career within Law Enforcement. I even shared my story with trying the Reserves at the end as well. Very interesting conversation for anyone that's getting out soon or has given the Reserves a thought.

Decided to read the first 30 pages out of the book "History of The Third Battalion Sixth Regiment, U.S. Marines" by Akers, Mac Ritchie, & Hurlbut, This book goes over the battle of Belleau Wood written by these three lieutenants in 1919 that recorded it on paper as it progressed. The book tells the story in a very candid way but not in a boring way and tells what each Company and the Battalion as a whole did from the time they formed state side to the end of the battle.

Joshua Forsythe was a Corporal Designated Marksmen, point man, and Team Leader with India Company from 2006-2009. During his time in 3/6 he deployed to Fallujah in 2008 with the battalion. After his time in the Marine Corps he began his journey in the outdoors doing everything you can imagine involving the outdoors. Very interesting for anyone that's an outdoorsman!

Lt Jackson Smith was the Platoon Commander of 3rd platoon India Company during the 2010 Invasion of Marjah and came onto the show to share his story.

Had a cool conversation with Miguel Sanchez-Sanchez a 3/6 Kilo Co Vet who is transitioning out of the Marine Corps and came onto the show to talk about his skills bridge that he was able to get into that will give him training for him to be able to work in IT immediately following his EAS.

Had an awesome conversation with Jonathon Benjamin, a 3/6 Corporal 0311 Vet Squad Leader with Kilo Co 3/6 3rd PLT 3rd SQD. We talked all about his work in law enforcement and as a SWAT Operator. It was a very interesting and informative conversation for anyone that is in the LEO field or is considering getting into the field!