Warriors' Roundtable warriorsroundtable

"For fans of Unbroken and Hacksaw Ridge comes the powerful true story of a Medal of Honor recipient who faced more than his fair share of battles—and overcame them through perseverance and faith.
“ 'What Gary Beikirch did to receive his medal is unforgettable—and the story of what he overcame afterward is as big and moving as they come'. —Gary Sinise "
In the preface of the book Blaze of Light, Gary dedicates the story to anyone who has ever "fought through a battle or sheltered in a cave."  In this interview, Gary and Marcus discuss the circumstances surrounding the battle of Dak Seang in April of 1970.  Because of Gary's actions, he was later awarded the Medal of Honor.  He would learn much about life by coming face to face with death, but more in coming face to face with himself.
 
Show Notes and Resources:
 - Purchase Blaze of Light now on Amazon.com: https://amzn.to/2BmF7eZ
 - Visit http://www.marcusbrotherton.com/ today to see more books by NYT bestselling author, Marcus Brotherton.    Marcus is known for his books with high-profile public figures, humanitarians, inspirational leaders, and military personnel.  Coauthored and collaborative works include books with the paratroopers featured in HBO’s Band of Brothers miniseries, the Marines featured in HBO’s The Pacific, Oscar-nominated actor turned advocate Gary ‘Lieutenant Dan’ Sinise, and the legendary Lt. Buck Compton, who prosecuted Sirhan Sirhan for the murder of Bobby Kennedy.
 
Gary's Medal of Honor Citation:
"For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty.  Sgt. Beikirch, medical aidman, Detachment B-24, Company B, distinguished himself during the defense of Camp Dak Seang.  "The allied defenders suffered a number of casualties as a result of an intense, devastating attack launched by the enemy from well-concealed positions surrounding the camp.  Sgt. Beikirch, with complete disregard for his personal safety, moved unhesitatingly through the withering enemy fire to his fallen comrades, applied first aid to their wounds and assisted them to the medical aid station. When informed that a seriously injured American officer was lying in an exposed position, Sgt. Beikirch ran immediately through the hail of fire.  Although he was wounded seriously by fragments from an exploding enemy mortar shell, Sgt. Beikirch carried the officer to a medical aid station.  Ignoring his own serious injuries, Sgt. Beikirch left the relative safety of the medical bunker to search for and evacuate other men who had been injured.  He was again wounded as he dragged a critically injured Vietnamese soldier to the medical bunker while simultaneously applying mouth-to-mouth resuscitation to sustain his life.  Sgt. Beikirch again refused treatment and continued his search for other casualties until he collapsed.  Only then did he permit himself to be treated.  Sgt. Beikirch's complete devotion to the welfare of his comrades, at the risk of his life, are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit on him, his unit, and the U.S. Army."
 
Song Used:
Rock of Ages, by Augustus Montague Toplady

Gabe was a Platoon Sergeant for 2nd Battalion 7th Marines, Fox Company (3rd PLT), in Now Zad during 2/7’s deployment to Afghanistan in 2008.  In this second interview, Gabe talks about the multiple challenges in coming home after combat, to include losing his leg, experiencing divorce, kicking his addiction to pain killers, and processing through the normal mental and emotional challenges of post-traumatic stress.  He reminds us that maintaining love, empathy and compassion for others is a key part to post-traumatic growth.
#warriorsroundtable  #notforgotten  #marines
 
 **Show Notes and Resources**
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/warriorsroundtable
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7OQ9BKVj2_o8QSq0HZu8vA
iTunes:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/warriors-roundtable/id1461732654
Google Play: https://play.google.com/music/listen?u=0#/ps/I74pq647ewtdrqtnuk53r74slqi
Stitcher:  https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/warriors-roundtable
 
Veterans Resources:
The Truth About PTSD, by Chad M. Robichaux and Jeremy M. Stalnecker 
- Paperback: https://mighty-oaks-store.myshopify.com/products/the-truth-about-ptsd
- PDF: https://www.mightyoaksprograms.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/mighty-oaks-foundation-the-truth-about-ptsd.original.pdf
 
Veterans Crisis Line:  Call 800-273-8255 and Press 1; text 838255; or chat online at https://www.veteranscrisisline.net
Feeling anxious or alone and thinking about suicide are some of the signs that a Veteran may be in crisis. No matter what you are experiencing, there is support for getting your life back on track. A trained responder will answer your call, text, or chat and ask you a few questions. You can decide how much you want to share.
 
 Focus on the Family: https://www.focusonthefamily.com
“Have questions about guiding your kids or improving your marriage? Struggling with life’s tough issues?  Focus on the Family has licensed and pastoral counselors to listen and provide initial guidance and resources including an offer to pray with you.  Arrange for a free one-time consultation with a member of our Counseling Department staff by calling 1-855-771-HELP (4357).”
 
Wings for Warriors: https://wingsforwarriors.org, 888-598-4434
Founded by a 2/7 veteran, Doc Ameen, “Wings for Warriors is a volunteer driven 501(c)(3) non-profit organization designed to help ensure that our combat wounded Iraq and Afghanistan War veterans returning home, or transitioning into the realm of their disabilities are getting the adequate healthcare and financial benefits that they deserve.”
 
 
 
Song used:
Not Gonna Die by Skillet: https://www.facebook.com/skillet,   https://twitter.com/skilletmusic
Orchestral cover at end of podcast by Marc v/d Meulen

Veterans of 2/7 Weapons Company were asked two questions --
"What was the most difficult part of your transition to civilian life?"
"How did you overcome those challenges?"
In this video, six Marines and Sailors share their personal experiences.
Making the transition to civilian life isn't always easy. But with the wisdom and help of fellow warriors, we find the knowledge, resources and strength to overcome the challenges that a vast majority of veterans commonly encounter.
#warriorsroundtable #usmc #neverfightalone
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**Show Notes and Resources**
Veterans Resources:
Veterans Crisis Line: Call 800-273-8255 and Press 1; text 838255; or chat online at https://www.veteranscrisisline.net/
Feeling anxious or alone and thinking about suicide are some of the signs that a Veteran may be in crisis. No matter what you are experiencing, there is support for getting your life back on track. A trained responder will answer your call, text, or chat and ask you a few questions. You can decide how much you want to share.
 
Wings for Warriors: https://wingsforwarriors.org/, 888-598-4434
Founded by a 2/7 veteran, Doc Ameen, “Wings for Warriors is a volunteer driven 501(c)(3) non-profit organization designed to help ensure that our combat wounded Iraq and Afghanistan War veterans returning home, or transitioning into the realm of their disabilities are getting the adequate healthcare and financial benefits that they deserve.”
 
Focus on the Family: https://www.focusonthefamily.com/ “Have questions about guiding your kids or improving your marriage? Struggling with life’s tough issues? Focus on the Family has licensed and pastoral counselors to listen and provide initial guidance and resources including an offer to pray with you. Arrange for a free one-time consultation with a member of our Counseling Department staff by calling 1-855-771-HELP (4357).”
 
Mighty Oaks Warrior Programs: https://www.mightyoaksprograms.org
“The Mighty Oaks Foundation is committed to serving the brokenhearted by providing intensive peer-based discipleship through a series of programs, outpost meetings, and speaking events. Our Mighty Oaks Warrior Programs hosts such Men, Women, and Marriage Advance Programs at multiple locations nationwide. The Warriors who attend are fully sponsored for training, meals, and lodging needs to ensure that upon arrival to the ranch, each Warrior is focused solely on his or her recovery and identifying purpose moving forward.” Email: Info@MightyOaksPrograms.org Facebook Page: @mightyoaksprograms
   The Truth About PTSD
   - Paperback: https://mighty-oaks-store.myshopify.c...
   -PDF: https://www.mightyoaksprograms.org/wp...
 
Semper Fi Fund: https://semperfifund.org
Semper Fi Fund is "one of America's highest rated charities... dedicated to providing urgently needed resources and support for combat wounded, critically ill and catastrophically injured members of the U.S. Armed Forces and their families." They provide support to veterans and their families through transition programs, counseling, education assistance, housing assistance, adaptive equipment, children's camps, and many other lines of effort.
 
ASPIRE: https://www.sandiego.va.gov/locations...
“The ASPIRE Center is a 40-bed residential treatment facility designed to promote recovery in Veterans, particularly those who returned from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. The Center provides a safe, comfortable living environment. Evidence-based, recovery-oriented treatment is provided to eligible male and female Veterans of all ages who desire to once again become fully independent and self-sufficient members of the community. Based on the individualized treatment plan, the average stay from admission to discharge ranges from 90-180 days. For questions or additional information, call Dr. Carl Rimmele, ASPIRE Center Director, (855) 297-8397.”
 
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Gabe was a Platoon Sergeant for 2nd Battalion 7th Marines, Fox Company (3rd PLT), in Now Zad during 2/7’s deployment to Afghanistan in 2008.  In this interview, Gabe talks about the compressed training leading up to his deployment in 2008, his experiences with his brothers in combat, and the importance of maintaining connected with fellow warriors.
#warriorsroundtable  #notforgotten  #marines
 
 **Show Notes and Resources**
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/warriorsroundtable
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7OQ9BKVj2_o8QSq0HZu8vA
iTunes:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/warriors-roundtable/id1461732654
Google Play: https://play.google.com/music/listen?u=0#/ps/I74pq647ewtdrqtnuk53r74slqi
Stitcher:  https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/warriors-roundtable
 
Veterans Resources:
The Truth About PTSD, by Chad M. Robichaux and Jeremy M. Stalnecker 
- Paperback: https://mighty-oaks-store.myshopify.com/products/the-truth-about-ptsd
- PDF: https://www.mightyoaksprograms.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/mighty-oaks-foundation-the-truth-about-ptsd.original.pdf
 
Veterans Crisis Line:  Call 800-273-8255 and Press 1; text 838255; or chat online at https://www.veteranscrisisline.net
Feeling anxious or alone and thinking about suicide are some of the signs that a Veteran may be in crisis. No matter what you are experiencing, there is support for getting your life back on track. A trained responder will answer your call, text, or chat and ask you a few questions. You can decide how much you want to share.
 
Wings for Warriors: https://wingsforwarriors.org, 888-598-4434
Founded by a 2/7 veteran, Doc Ameen, “Wings for Warriors is a volunteer driven 501(c)(3) non-profit organization designed to help ensure that our combat wounded Iraq and Afghanistan War veterans returning home, or transitioning into the realm of their disabilities are getting the adequate healthcare and financial benefits that they deserve.”
 
Focus on the Family: https://www.focusonthefamily.com
“Have questions about guiding your kids or improving your marriage? Struggling with life’s tough issues?  Focus on the Family has licensed and pastoral counselors to listen and provide initial guidance and resources including an offer to pray with you.  Arrange for a free one-time consultation with a member of our Counseling Department staff by calling 1-855-771-HELP (4357).”
 
 
Song used:
Not Gonna Die by Skillet: https://www.facebook.com/skillet,   https://twitter.com/skilletmusic
Orchestral cover at end of podcast by Marc v/d Meulen

"Get ready, because it's coming. We're next. Anything on the road that moves -- LIGHT 'EM UP."
The next morning, a suicide bomber detonated 3,000 lbs. of explosives under the bridge at Checkpoint 286.
Four Marines and one Navy Corpsman were among those who survived this attack on April 20, 2007 in Iraq. In this interview, they share the story of their deployment, survival, care for others, and an enduring brotherly love for each other.
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Warriors' Roundtable: 
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/warriorsroundtable
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7OQ9BKVj2_o8QSq0HZu8vA
- iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/warriors-roundtable/id1461732654
- Google Play: https://play.google.com/music/listen?u=0#/ps/I74pq647ewtdrqtnuk53r74slqi
- Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/warriors-roundtable
 
Song used: 
Reforge the Sword, by Joseph McDade , 2018, https://josephmcdade.com/
 
#warriorsroundtable  #checkpoint286  #iraq  #marines  #neverfightalone

Ross served as the Company Commander for Fox 2/7 during their deployment to Now Zad, Helmand Province in 2008.   As an enlisted Marine and as a Marine infantry officer, Ross completed multiple deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan.   In part two of this interview, he reminds us of the challenges our families face at home, how "post traumatic stress" is a normal response to trauma, and ways in which we can properly calibrate our minds to embrace and overcome whatever adversity we may currently be facing.
 #warriorsroundtable  #notforgotten   #afghanistan   #ptsd   
 

 **Show Notes and Resources**
15 Years of War, by Kristine Schellhaas
https://www.amazon.com/15-Years-War-Affected-Military/dp/0997090804
“Less than 1% of our nation will ever serve in our armed forces, leaving many to wonder what life is really like for military families.
“He answers the call of duty in Afghanistan, Iraq, and the Pacific; she keeps the home fires burning. Worlds apart, and in the face of indescribable grief, their relationship is pushed to the limits.
“15 Years of War: How the Longest War in U.S. History Affected a Military Family in Love, Loss, and the Cost Of Service provides a unique he said/she said perspective on coping with war in modern-day America. It reveals a true account of how a dedicated Marine and his equally committed spouse faced unfathomable challenges and achieved triumph, from the days just before 9/11 through 15 years of training workups, deployments, and other separations.
“This story of faith, love, and resilience offers insight into how a decade and a half of war has redefined what it means to be a military family.”
 
Mission 43, http://www.mission43.org/
"By bringing together these world-class organizations, Idaho's post-9/11 servicemen, women, and their spouses have the resources to excel academically, in their next career, and in the community."
About Mission 43 [video]
 
Warriors' Roundtable: 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/warriorsroundtable
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7OQ9BKVj2_o8QSq0HZu8vA
iTunes:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/warriors-roundtable/id1461732654
Google Play: https://play.google.com/music/listen?u=0#/ps/I74pq647ewtdrqtnuk53r74slqi
Stitcher:  https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/warriors-roundtable
 
 
Songs used:
War Pigs (Instrumental), inspired by Ross Schellhaas and written by Geezer Butler, Ozzy Osbourne, Bill Ward, Tony Iommi
Not Gonna Die(Instrumental) by Skillet: https://www.facebook.com/skillet,   https://twitter.com/skilletmusic