DTD PODCAST DJ KELLY

This week in the studio a guest with a story of unwavering commitment to duty and country.



On January 31, 2001, my guest took his first steps into a world of service, donning the uniform of the United States Marine Corps. As a platoon sergeant in conventional infantry operations, he led with integrity and compassion, guiding his fellow Marines through the trials of war and ensuring their readiness for whatever challenges lay ahead. As a Marine Raider within Marine Special Operations Command, Derek's valor knew no bounds. For over 12 years, he faced the crucible of combat with unyielding resolve, navigating the chaos of war with grace and determination.



On January 31, 2021, my guest bid farewell to his 20-year career with the United States Armed Services, leaving behind a legacy of honor and sacrifice. But his journey was far from over. Today, Derek stands as a beacon of hope and resilience, embracing a new mission as the Co-Owner and Director of Operations at Trident Coffee Roasters LLC in Imperial Beach, CA and a graduate of the University of Southern California MBV program. His unwavering spirit continues to inspire all who encounter him. Join us in the studio this week  as we explore and celebrate the indomitable spirit of those who serve.  Please welcome into the studio Derek Mensen.

Please Be Advised This episode contains GRAPHIC Description of Child Abuse

Seth's journey is one of resilience and redemption. From enduring extreme poverty, violence, and prolonged sexual abuse as a child, Seth has faced more than his fair share of trials. Yet, through unwavering determination and an indomitable spirit, he has risen above his circumstances to become the incredible individual he is today.

But Seth's story doesn't end with his personal triumphs. Instead, he has chosen to become a champion for all victims of abuse, using his own experiences to advocate for mental healthcare and support systems for those who have suffered similarly.

In this episode, Seth opens up about his past, sharing the raw and often difficult moments that have shaped him. Join us as we explore how adversity has molded Seth into a beacon of strength and resilience, and how his journey is not just about surviving, but thriving, and making a profound difference in the lives of others.

Tim DeMaio served in the US Navy where he operated as a Squad Leader at the Presidential Retreat Camp David providing support to high level USG officials, foreign dignitaries, and the Commander-in-Chief of the United States of America. After a tour at Camp David, Tim was chosen to shoot for the US Navy Marksmanship team. He then deployed around the world under the Naval Expeditionary Combat Command with Seal Team 17, EOD Mobile Unit 5, and NMCB 4. Finishing up his Naval career, Tim DeMaio was assigned to US Embassy Athens, Greece where he served under Diplomatic Security Services performing missions on behalf of DoS & OGA all over South East Europe, the Middle East, and HOA. While on mission, Tim was thrown into multiple world conflicts in austere locations and warzones including the Armenian/Azerbaijan war, Civil War in Ethiopia, the Israeli/Palestine conflict, and the war on terror in Lebanon and Iraq. After a career in the Navy, Tim
became a Private Contractor for the US Pentagon where he served the Joint Chiefs of Staff as a member of the Intelligence Community. Moving forward Tim became an overseas contractor representing DS/OGA and the IC traveling all over the world as a countermeasures specialist safeguarding our nation's interests. Tim is a world traveler with real life experience in over 38 countries with a fresh and raw perspective of how the world truly operates.

This week in the studio, an extraordinary individual whose life's journey transcends the boundaries of adversity, resilience, and redemption. From a turbulent past marked by brushes with the law, the U.S. Navy SEALs, and subsequent turmoil that led to a downward spiral, His story is a testament to the human spirit's capacity for transformation. After hitting rock bottom and grappling with homelessness and despair, a pivotal moment guided him across the Atlantic to the French Foreign Legion. It was here, amidst discipline and self-restraint, that he discovered redemption, inner peace, and the profound fortification of mind and body. My guest stands as the sole individual to have walked the path of both a United States Navy SEAL and a French Foreign Legionnaire, embodying a remarkable narrative of personal evolution and triumph. With a guiding mantra of "Training the body and mind for the divine design," he inspires others to commence their journey towards realizing their dreams despite life's most formidable obstacles.

Ben Wallick, aka the “Vanilla Gorilla” (a nickname he was given in the SEAL teams), joined the Navy immediately after graduating high school in July 2001. He went through BUDS (SEAL) training class 242 and after completion was assigned to SEAL Team 2 where he served as a Lead Breacher, Team Leader, and other various capacities for multiple combat deployments overseas to the Middle East. He detached from SEAL Team 2 in 2009 where he then spent his last year on active duty at Naval Special Warfare Training Detachment assault cell teaching all the east cost SEAL teams close-quarter combat tactics. After leaving active duty in 2010 he still remained attached to SEAL Team 18 (reserve team) until 2012. Since leaving the SEAL teams, he has spent the last 12 years doing hired gun security contract work INCONUS and overseas. Here at home, he has worked for multiple security/tactical training companies teaching firearms instruction, small unit tactics, and CQC. Overseas he has worked as a GRS agent in a high-risk detail providing personal security assessments and mobile personal security protection for CIA field agents in combat environments in the Middle East. He has also worked overseas as an APASS operator deploying aboard container vessels in international waters in high-threat areas conducting anti-piracy operations.

Joseph Hahn was raised in central Texas under the care of Child Protective Services as a foster child in multiple homes from age five until he graduated high school. He was accepted into Texas A&M following graduation where he studied Biomedical Science for a pre-med degree. While attending Texas A&M University for a Biomedical Science Degree, he volunteered to serve after our great nation was attacked. Joseph spent 14 years in the United States Navy as a Special Operator First Class (SEAL). After completing Basic Underwater Demolition /SEAL training Class 252, he was stationed on a west coast team where he deployed multiple times in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) from 2005-2009. In 2009 Joseph Hahn completed Selection and Training for Naval Special Warfare Development Group where he was assigned at NSWTACDEVRON 4. At DEV 4 he deployed three times to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) and other undisclosed locations worldwide. During these deployments, he was involved in hundreds of capture/kill missions of the top terrorist worldwide, as personal security detail for US generals, state officials, and foreign officials. Joseph Hahn also conducted multiple advanced special operations which utilized tracking, following, and surveillance of various persons of interest. He also developed and coordinated foreign internal defense (FID) training of Iraqi, Afghanistan, and other foreign special forces units. Some of his awards include the Purple Heart, Joint Meritorious Service Medal, 3x Navy/Marine Corp Commendation Medal w/ Combat V, 2x Combat Action, 2x Presidential Unit Commendation, 2x Joint Unit Commendation, 4x Good Conduct, National Defense Service, Global War on Terror Service, Global War on Terror Deployment, Iraq Campaign, Afghanistan Campaign, 5x Sea Service Deployment, ISAF NATO, Expert Rifle, and Expert Pistol. Currently, Joe conducts weapons and tactics training for law enforcement and active duty military.