Hazard Ground

On the morning of October 3rd, 2009, American Combat Outpost Keating was attacked by over 300 Taliban fighters, the small outpost defended by just 53 U.S. cavalry scouts. The location of COP Keating couldn't have been any worse from a tactical standpoint, inviting the inevitable before American forces would shut it down: an overwhelming attack by insurgent fighters. The small outpost sat along the banks of a river at the base of the mountains, deep within Afghanistan’s rugged Nuristan province. Built in 2006, COP Keating's strategic purpose was initially to serve as a base from which U.S. Army counterinsurgency efforts could win-over local Afghan villagers; however, after a few years, it had produced little counterinsurgency benefit. On the day it was attacked with overwhelming force, Andrew Bundermann, a platoon leader at the time, was the acting commander. He and his soldiers mounted a successful counter-attack, eventually taking back the outpost, but at the cost of losing eight men from their unit. Two sol

Following a fairly short stint and multiple deployments with the Navy not long after 9/11, Mike Mednansky felt a calling to a military occupation much more technical, and challenging than the one he had in the Navy. He decided to go out for Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) school - one of the most dangerous, but most rewarding jobs in the military. EOD technicians are some of the most highly trained, highly focused, technically surgical servicemembers on the battlefield. It takes nerves of steel to perform their job, and for good reason, as one slip-up could cost lives, or at a minimum, serious injury. Mike ended up transferring from the Navy to the Army in order to attend EOD School. Once out of school he went back to deployments, this time as an EOD tech. It was on what would be his final deployment, that an IED he was attempting to gather evidence from, partially detonated in his hands, causing serious injury. It would ultimately lead to Mike's medical retirement, but not his exit from the EOD community,

Chili Palmer's military career started off with a bang...or rather, a combat jump into Panama. Less than two weeks after arriving at 1/75 Ranger Battalion, Chili jumped into combat for Operation Just Cause. It was just his ninth static line jump, and although the action on the ground was minimal for Palmer, he would go on to participate in and experience a heavy amount of kinetic operations throughout the rest of his over two-decade long career in the Army, serving much of that time as an operator in a special mission unit. Chili goes in depth into the highs and lows of serving as an operator, the early days of fighting in Afghanistan and Operation Iraqi Freedom, and what has changed in the SOF community since his time there. He also talks about his time working as a military advisor on the films “How It Ends” (2018) and 2020’s Netflix original, “Extraction.” Tune in to another powerful and interesting story of combat and survival on this latest edition of HAZARD GROUND! @chilipalmershooting Support the pod

For 14 years Elana Duffy lived with chronic physical and mental pain, the result of injuries sustained from an IED blast and vehicle collision during one of her deployments to Iraq, two years into the war. During that time she had struggled with figuring out exactly what was wrong, and healing enough to continue on with a promising Army career, injury-free. Elana Duffy enlisted in the Army with an Ivy League Masters education and a desire to perform a job where she would see tangible results. But the IED blast and vehicle collision in 2005 would unfortunately inhibit her ability to continue to deploy, even after she had worked her way into selection to an elite Army unit. The invisible wounds of war had caught up with her, and she was medically retired in 2012. But through all of her struggles to figure out what was wrong, Elana Duffy never gave up the fight, both on and off the battlefield. She continued to perform her job at a high level in combat, and found a way to heal once she left the military, up to e

Aaron Love joined the Air Force shortly after 9/11 to become a Pararescueman, or “PJ” as they are more commonly known. PJs are expert combat medical professionals capable of providing life-saving measures in hostile areas, as part of the Air Force's special operations force. A few missteps along the way though, nearly derailed Aaron’s pursuit of becoming a PJ. But Aaron’s desire to succeed in one the military’s most difficult training and qualification pipelines, ultimately led him to earning the title of Air Force PJ and deploying in support of the Global War on Terror. In this episode, Aaron talks about operating as a PJ in combat; the highs and lows, and what it’s like when the reality of war sets in and there’s one fellow soldier you can’t bring home alive. Today, in the true spirit and path of a Warrior, Aaron also continues to prepare the next generation of special warfare servicemembers through his own podcast and website, called "Ones Ready", while still serving on active duty. Aaron has led an inspir

Today we go back to the first Gulf War and Operation Desert Storm! Shane Hudella joined the military to carry on a family tradition of serving. Not long after signing up, he was headed for his first and only major combat deployment in Desert Storm, where life became quite interesting with the constant threat of SCUD missiles targeting and raining down close to his unit's location. Following Desert Storm, Hudella would go on to serve in the Army until 2012, when he retired as a First Sergeant. But, perhaps of equal note to his military service was what he did outside of the military with the United Heroes League - a hockey, and now multi-sport focused non-profit he started in 2009, under the name Defending The Blue Line (DTBL). Hudella initially founded DTBL to help military families with the high costs of hockey and help ensure children of military members are afforded every opportunity to participate in a sport he loved, being from Minnesota. Since 2016, when DTBL transitioned to United Heroes League, it has

Chris VanSant had an impressive career in the Army. He retired with twenty-plus years as a Special Operations veteran, operating at the highest level in a special mission unit for a good portion of that time. He took part in eleven combat deployments as both a team member and team leader in 1st SFOD-D, deploying to Afghanistan, Iraq, and the Horn of Africa. During that time he took part in 500-plus combat operations. One of those operations was the capture of Saddam Hussein. But, all that time in combat took its toll on VanSant, as it often does despite the person or the unit they serve in, leaving Chris to deal with the effects of Post Traumatic Stress, Traumatic Brain Injury, and the dependence on chemicals that is so often associated with attempts to heal from injury. As you'll hear in VanSant's story though, he found a way out of the darkness, and continues to lead a life of purpose, developed through the moments he spent as a warrior in combat. Hear about his powerful journey of combat and resilience on

It’s often said on this podcast that war and combat change you forever, no matter your level of exposure. Tim Stolinski is living proof of that. Deployed to Iraq to train and advise Iraqi Border Police as part of a Military Transition Team (MiTT) in 2009, Stolinski was integrated into a society and fledgling military reeling from an insurgency and a leadership void, the genesis of which extended back decades. Due in part to the day-to-day effort to remain amongst the living, Stolinski’s experience in Iraq would leave a lasting impression, changing him, as it does, forever. Once home and able to process his time at war, Stolinski noticed that the divide between the civilian populace and those who had ventured off to different wars in the Global War on Terror - one of which has lasted for nearly twenty years now - had become much deeper than what it was before he joined the military in the early 2000s. Stolinski hopes to bridge that gap, through writing and outreach within his community, and continued service t

When Brad Snyder talks about his experiences at the U.S. Naval Academy you can sense his appreciation for how the Academy builds strong leaders - men and women of character, integrity, fortitude, and optimism. Brad Snyder graduated from the Naval Academy in 2006. He would deploy as a Navy EOD officer for the first time in 2008. Five years later, he would be medically retired from the Navy, permanently blinded by an IED blast in Afghanistan. The bomb that took his eyesight would not destroy the person he became through valuable life experiences, forged by the indispensable lessons taught to future Naval officers at the Academy. Brad Snyder would go on to win a total of five Gold medals combined, in swimming at the Paralympic Games in London and Rio de Janeiro, and break a World Record that had stood for over thirty years. He has become an inspiration for many, both athletes and leaders, on and off the battlefield. And he continues to prepare the next generation of leaders as well, teaching at the Naval Academy

Dan Luna is using his experience as a Navy SEAL to do something revolutionary, that for a species that has enacted violence on itself in times of war, for centuries, probably shouldn't be. That "something" is preparing American servicemembers for the shock that war is on the human brain. He's helping servicemembers get ahead of Post Traumatic Stress by working to minimize its effects from the front end, rather than saving all of the treatment for after servicemembers come home from war. And Luna has plenty of experience to draw from. He is a 20-plus year veteran of the SEAL Teams, spending some of that time with Naval Special Warfare Development Group. He's also an expert in Leadership, credentialed through both operational and institutional education experience. In this episode, Dan talks about the highs and lows of surviving combat and operating at the highest level. He also covers his experience as an instructor at the U.S. Naval Academy, where he's worked to prepare the next generation of servicemembers a

We don’t often hear the stories of women who served in Vietnam, especially those who deployed directly to combat zones. Diane Evans is one of those women who had the opportunity to serve as a nurse in combat in Vietnam in areas where humanity seemed only a ragged shred of existence. She joined the military in the late 1960’s with the intent to go to Vietnam. Like her brothers and other young men she knew in her rural Minnesota town, she felt a sense of duty and calling to serve her country in a time of war. She would fulfill that duty serving in Evacuation Hospitals on the front lines, one of which was located not far from the Cambodian border in the Central Highlands. She would do this at the young age of 21, from 1968-69, arguably the most brutal year of the Vietnam War. When Diane returned home, she found herself fighting a different war: the fight for recognition for the women who contributed so bravely to the war effort in Vietnam. After a nearly 10-year battle, her dream was realized in 1993 with the de

From an early age, Jack Murphy wanted to join the military - he wanted to be close to the action, to experience war. 9/11 happened during his senior year in high school, so as soon as he graduated he enlisted to become an Army Ranger. As a Ranger he served as an anti-tank gunner, sniper, and team leader with 3rd Ranger Battalion. A friendly fire incident nearly derailed his military and special operations career, though. Luckily for Jack, he was able to continue serving in Special Operations. In 2006, he completed the Q-Course, becoming a Green Beret and joining 5th Special Forces Group as the senior Weapons Sergeant on a military free fall team. In 2010, Jack left the military to attend Columbia University, where he graduated in 2014. He has since written multiple books, co-founded a military news website run by SOF veterans (while still in college), and become a full-fledged journalist, reporting from around the world. Jack Murphy's story is one of honor and service, and seeking the hard truths in a chaotic

Legendary journalist, Joe Galloway, joins us again on the podcast! Joe has covered just about every major conflict involving the U.S. military from the Global War on Terror all the way back to Vietnam, where he made a name for himself and was awarded the Bronze Star with “V” device for rescuing wounded soldiers under fire at Ia Drang, becoming the only civilian to receive a combat medal from the Army during the Vietnam War. More importantly, Joe has embedded himself in military conflict to ensure the stories of those who fought in those wars, along with the families who supported them at home, are heard, even after those service and family members have passed. In this episode, Joe talks about his time covering the first Gulf War, up to the GWOT and present day, as well as his new book about remembering the sacrifices of those who fought in Vietnam, who, despite a bitter welcome home, went on to achieve great success. Hear it all on this latest edition of HAZARD GROUND! "They Were Soldiers: The Sacrifices and

His military career had an almost idyllic start. Following in his father's footsteps, he signed up for the Infantry, and set out to do his part in the fight against terrorism and protect not just Americans, but also the continually oppressed. He even ended up sitting next to his future wife on the long flight from Infantry School to his first duty station in Alaska. But Eric Donoho's time as an Infantryman would take a dark turn, literally the moment he stepped off the plane for a 14-month deployment to Iraq in 2006. During that deployment he survived blasts from two IEDs and one EFP, along with personal tragedy. The blasts would take their toll, leading Eric to early retirement from the Army, and eventually to the edge of taking his own life. Ironically, it was the shock of personal tragedy once again that pushed Eric forward to a place where he could heal and return to the husband and father he'd always hoped to be. Hear Eric Donoho's moving story of combat and survival on this latest edition of HAZARD GROU

Fred Wellman has experienced some pretty significant highs in his military career. He was commissioned in Aviation out of West Point; flew Scout missions in Desert Storm; studied at Harvard; learned to fly Black Hawks so he could return to active duty to serve in combat in the Global War on Terror; as well as served as the spokesman for Generals David Petraeus and Martin Dempsey. But with those highs came unimaginable lows. From personal tragedy to combat loss, to fractured relationships from years of untreated post-traumatic stress, Wellman has lived through the fire and is still standing to see the other side. This episode gets deep into that journey and the ride Fred Wellman took to become a successful entrepreneur and leader in times of crisis, which he is still doing to this very day! Hear his powerful and inspiring story on this latest edition of HAZARD GROUND! www.scoutcommsusa.com Support the podcast by supporting our sponsors at www.hazardground.com/sponsors! Shop Amazon! As an Amazon Associate We

Following a promising college football career at Notre Dame, Rocky Bleier was on his way to starting a pro career in the NFL. It was 1968, and Bleier, who was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers, was nearing the end of his first NFL season when he received another draft notice. This time it was from the Army, and it was for a report date the morning after a Steelers game Bleier was suited up for. It was the height of the war in Vietnam, and Bleier's number was called, budding NFL career or not. Bleier accepted, and by May of 1969 was thrust into combat in Vietnam. He would go on to serve honorably, sustaining serious injuries and receiving the Purple Heart and Bronze Star medals for actions in combat. Following his service in Vietnam, in spite of his injuries and being told he'd never play football again, Rocky Bleier worked his way back into the NFL, eventually starting at running back for the Steelers and winning four Super Bowls. It's an incredible and inspirational story - hear it all on this week's episod

Searching for a higher purpose, and a sense of selflessness and brotherhood, Rob Jones enlisted in the Marine Corps at 20, while still attending college at Virginia Tech. His sense of purpose and the warrior mentality that the Corps gave him were put to the test after he sustained devastating injuries on July 22, 2010 in Afghanistan. While sweeping a field for suspected IEDs, Jones stepped on a land mine. The blast would leave him a double amputee. What most people see as insurmountable, Rob Jones saw as just another challenge. He has since faced down that challenge, making a quick recovery and going on to become a bronze medal Paralympian, among other amazing feats, including running 31 marathons in 31 days! And now he hopes to carry on that warrior mentality as a leader in Washington - he is currently running to represent the 10th District of Virginia in the U.S. Congress. Hear about Rob Jones’ incredible and inspiring journey on this latest edition of HAZARD GROUND! www.robjonesjourney.com Support the po

Matt Klein grew up with vivid stories of his grandfather flying dive bomb missions in World War II. His grandfather had signed up shortly after the attack on Pearl Harbor. Much like his grandfather, Klein joined the military shortly after 9/11. He signed up to serve in the Infantry - a job that would provide more than its fair share of hairy moments through two combat deployments to Iraq as the insurgency there gained steam. A chance opportunity to take the NYPD entrance test eventually led to Klein leaving the Army and becoming a detective with the NYPD. An avid and talented artist, whose father was a career animator with Walt Disney and Warner Brothers, Klein now serves as a Forensic Sketch Artist. He's also the creator of Rendar ART and "Battle Tribe" - a cool, Star Wars take on military operators. Hear how Matt Klein survived some very close calls in combat, including an IED blast for which he was awarded a Purple Heart, to earning a coveted spot as one of three Forensic Sketch Artists with his unit in th

It's safe to say that fate has been on Gary Wetzel's side since the day he stepped foot in Vietnam. He survived 5 helicopter crashes; he's a living recipient of the Medal of Honor from his time there; he was shot, stabbed, and blown up on the battlefield; and he's come full circle in meeting those who treated him after his 5th helicopter crash, decades later. That 5th crash and subsequent firefight that earned him the Medal of Honor came on January 8, 1968. Wetzel's arm was nearly blown off in the initial engagement, forcing him to fend off a multitude of enemy fighters with just one arm and a machine gun. Decades later, Wetzel continues to honor the lives he saved that day, as well as the lives of those he couldn't by sharing his story with groups all over the country. He wears the medal for them, and for the unsung heroes, especially those who never made it home from war. Hear his incredible story of courage under fire, honor, and service on this Memorial Day edition of HAZARD GROUND! Support the podcast b

Strap in folks, because in this episode we go deep into the life and survival of Justin Lascek. Justin is a Green Beret Medic, who was blown up a little over a year ago while fighting in Afghanistan. The blast ended up taking both of his legs, and a couple of other vital parts which you’ll hear about in the episode. What the blast didn’t take was Justin’s indomitable warrior spirit, which is undeniable when you hear him tell his story. Ultimately, his strength, cultivated well before he enlisted, and his will to live carried him through the excruciating pain of an aggressively fast recovery. This episode gets deep, it gets dark, it gets light, and it’s one you don’t want to miss. Hear it all, and even how Justin Lascek went from combat wounded to inspiring others through his appearance on the "Joe Rogan Experience" and touring with musician Sturgill Simpson in support of the Special Forces Foundation, on this powerful, latest edition of HAZARD GROUND! @justin.lascek | Special Forces Foundation | www.sturgill