It's A Blast Podcast It's A Blast Podcast

SGM Mike Vining is a military legend. From his time as an Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technician in Vietnam, to the founding of the United States Army's premiere counter terrorism force, Delta Force, Mike has done it all.

In this episode, Mike sits down and talks about his time in the Army to include being EOD, Vietnam, civilian life, and the founding of Delta Force.

SPC Christian Sutton, also known as the bone marrow guy, discusses his work in promoting bone marrow donation within the Army. He explains the importance of the bone marrow registry and how it helps individuals with cancer or blood disorders find a match for a life-saving donation. SPC Sutton shares his journey of getting involved in the bone marrow registry and the challenges he faced in establishing a sustainable program within the Army. He emphasizes the need for education and awareness about bone marrow donation and hopes to make the Army the largest source of bone marrow donors in the United States.

Mike sits down with Eric and Nick, two Special Forces Lieutenant Colonels, to discuss their article on online mentorship and their involvement in the Harding Project. They explore the importance of mentorship in the military and how it can be facilitated through digital platforms. They emphasize the need for a board of advisors rather than relying on a single mentor and highlight the value of feedback and self-improvement. The conversation also touches on the role of NCO mentors and the impact of mentorship on career success.

Chuck Ritter, a former deputy commandant of the John F. Kennedy Special Warfare NCO Academy, shares his military journey and experiences. He discusses his pre-army days, including his initial lack of interest in the military and his troubled youth. Chuck then talks about his time in basic training and his struggles with physical fitness. He shares his decision to attend Special Forces selection and the challenges he faced during the process. Chuck also recounts his deployment in 2008, where he was severely injured in an IED attack. He discusses his mental health struggles after the deployment and the importance of seeking help.

Chuck shares his experiences in combat, specifically focusing on a mission in an Afghanistan where his team faced challenges in mission planning and limitations. They encountered a determined and skilled enemy force, engaging in an intense firefight where Chuck was shot three times.

He also discusses the value of education and mentorship, the controversy surrounding the movie 'The Hurt Locker,' and his plans for transitioning to civilian life. Throughout the conversation, Chuck emphasizes the need for humility and the constant struggle to balance confidence with cockiness. Despite the hardships, he expresses his willingness to do it all over again.

Luke Whitwell, a Cadet at Florida State University, shares his journey towards joining the military and his decision to pursue a career in Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD). Luke's upbringing in a military town and his family's military background influenced his interest in the military. He initially joined Army ROTC out of curiosity and gradually developed a passion for it. Luke highlights the competitive nature of the EOD branch and the rigorous selection process. He expresses his excitement for commissioning and attending Chemical Corps school before eventually transitioning to EOD school. Luke recommends the military to those who enjoy a team-oriented environment and value the sense of community it offers.

In this conversation, Mike sits down with Michael "Tony" Grinston, the 16th Sergeant Major of the Army and the current Army Emergency Relief (AER) CEO. They discuss Tony's transition from the military to his role as CEO, the mission and services provided by AER, and the importance of increasing awareness and participation in AER. They also touch on the possibility of expanding AER to the National Guard and Reserve, the wide range of assistance provided by AER, and the role of leadership in suicide prevention. The conversation concludes with Tony emphasizing the importance of AER and its commitment to helping soldiers in need.