Hazard Ground

Neil Hansen began his aviation career as a pilot for Teamster boss Jimmy Hoffa. He later spent more than a decade in Southeast Asia during the Vietnam War era as a captain for Air America, the CIA’s airline that operated there during the Vietnam era and the ‘Secret War’ in Laos. Neil reveled in the risky flying that fed his adrenaline addiction. Support the podcast by supporting our sponsors at www.hazardground.com/sponsors Shop Amazon! As an Amazon Associate We Earn From Qualifying Purchases...You Know The Deal! (Paid Link) Help grow the show! Spread the word, tell a friend!! Subscribe, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts! Episode Intro Music: “Prelude” by “Silence & Light” (www.silenceandlightmusic.com) Photo Credit: The Veterans Channel

Richard 'Dick' Stroud joined the U.S. Navy at age 17 during World War II, and he continued his service through the Korean War. Richard served as a U.S. Naval Aviator with seven years active duty plus ten years of service in the U.S. Navy Reserve. He was selected to be a member of the U.S. Blue Angels – the U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron — in 1951 after the Korean War but was released to inactive duty in August of 1951 because the Navy temporarily canceled the Blue Angels due to budget cuts by the U.S. Department of Defense. Richard began his career at the then-Lockheed Georgia Company in 1952 and retired at age 88 years young in 2015 (62 years and 4 months). At Richard’s retirement party, Shan Cooper (then the Marietta site vice president and general manager) said she was willing to tear up his resignation letter because of Richard’s commitment to excellence, honor, and respect – all of which had been shown and proven over and over throughout his years of service with the company. Support the podcast by supporting our sponsors at www.hazardground.com/sponsors Shop Amazon! As an Amazon Associate We Earn From Qualifying Purchases...You Know The Deal! (Paid Link) Help grow the show! Spread the word, tell a friend!! Subscribe, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts! Episode Intro Music: “Prelude” by “Silence & Light” (www.silenceandlightmusic.com) Photo Credit: Richard Stroud

Brian Tally is a former Sergeant in the United States Marine Corps who enlisted in 1994 and served active duty from 1995-99. He was stationed in Camp Lejeune NC; Okinawa Japan; and Camp Pendleton California during his service while also serving abroad in six different countries. Brian was a successful small business owner prior to his life changing VA medical malpractice injury in 2016. Brian now spends his time advocating for Veteran(s) reform and authored 4 bills in Congress that effectively closed a 74 year VA legal loophole that destroyed the lives of Veterans and their families for generations. President Trump signed the Brian Tally VA Employment Transparency Act also known as the Tally-Bill into law on January 5th, 2021. Support the podcast by supporting our sponsors at www.hazardground.com/sponsors Shop Amazon! As an Amazon Associate We Earn From Qualifying Purchases...You Know The Deal! (Paid Link) Help grow the show! Spread the word, tell a friend!! Subscribe, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts! Episode Intro Music: “Prelude” by “Silence & Light” (www.silenceandlightmusic.com) Photo Credit: Brian Tally

Michael Cataldi joined the U.S. Marine Corps in January of 2003 and would go on to serve in the 3rd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion as a Light Armored Vehicle Repairman from August of 2003 to February of 2007. When vehicles weren't broken, Michael deployed as a Dismount Scout (Infantry), Vehicle Driver, Vehicle Commander, and a Designated Marksman. Michael was honorably discharged in February 2007 as a Corporal. Support the podcast by supporting our sponsors at www.hazardground.com/sponsors Shop Amazon! As an Amazon Associate We Earn From Qualifying Purchases...You Know The Deal! (Paid Link) Help grow the show! Spread the word, tell a friend!! Subscribe, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts! Episode Intro Music: “Prelude” by “Silence & Light” (www.silenceandlightmusic.com) Photo Credit: Hazard Ground

Jason Roncoroni graduated from West Point and spent over 20 years in the United States Army reaching the rank of Lieutenant Colonel and served in multiple high level roles including battalion command, brigade executive officer and deputy director for strategic plans and policy. Jason also deployed his battalion to Afghanistan along with several other deployments in his career. It was those deployments that led Jason down a dark path that he knew he needed help to change course. Once he found the help he needed, he dedicated the next chapter of his life to helping others and preventing suicide in the veteran population. Jason eventually founded his own organization called “Ordinary Hero Coaching.” As a Professional Certified Coach (PCC) from the International Coach Federation, he provides executive coaching for current and future executive leaders. His specialty includes transition coaching for senior leaders and members of the special operations community and executive development for leaders in the corporate world. He is the best-selling author of the book Beyond the Military: A Leader's Handbook for Warrior Reintegration, and he has also created innovative, award winning programs designed to reframe the process of military transition to help leaders achieve a more empowering life beyond the military. Support the podcast by supporting our sponsors at www.hazardground.com/sponsors Shop Amazon! As an Amazon Associate We Earn From Qualifying Purchases...You Know The Deal! (Paid Link) Help grow the show! Spread the word, tell a friend!! Subscribe, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts! Episode Intro Music: “Prelude” by “Silence & Light” (www.silenceandlightmusic.com) Photo Credit: Jason Roncoroni

JJ Leonard was born in Dallas, Texas in 1972. JJ received a nomination to the US Naval Academy in 1991, and began his college career there on Induction Day. He graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1995. He then served as an intelligence officer in the US Marine Corps for five years, specializing in aviation intelligence and strategic targeting. Currently, J.J. is the managing director of the Dallas division at Stream Realty Partners and has more than 18 years of commercial real estate experience. J.J. serves on Carry The Load’s Operation Committee and lives in the Dallas area. Support the podcast by supporting our sponsors at www.hazardground.com/sponsors Shop Amazon! As an Amazon Associate We Earn From Qualifying Purchases...You Know The Deal! (Paid Link) Help grow the show! Spread the word, tell a friend!! Subscribe, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts! Episode Intro Music: “Prelude” by “Silence & Light” (www.silenceandlightmusic.com) Photo Credit: JJ Leonard

Pamela Zembiec is the Gold Star Spouse of Major Douglas Zembiec, a.k.a. “The Lion of Fallujah.” Major Zembiec served in “the Ground Branch of the CIA's Special Activities Division in Iraq when he was killed by small arms fire while leading a raid in Sadr City, a neighborhood of Baghdad, on May 11, 2007. Zembiec was leading a unit of Iraqi forces he had helped train. Reports from fellow service members that were present when he was killed indicate that he had warned his troops to get down before doing so himself and was hit by enemy fire. The initial radio report indicated "five wounded and one martyred" with Zembiec having been killed and his men saved by his warning. He was posthumously awarded the Silver Star and Purple Heart for his actions that day. Pamela's first book, 'Selfless Beyond Service, A Story about the Husband, Son, and Father Behind the Lion of Fallujah', is a brutally honest account of her journey through her life, love, and loss with Major Zembiec. This book has since been adapted into a screenplay for development into a major motion picture. She is working on her second book, 'The Shattering, Why We Still Suffer Years After Their Death'. Support the podcast by supporting our sponsors at www.hazardground.com/sponsors Shop Amazon! As an Amazon Associate We Earn From Qualifying Purchases...You Know The Deal! (Paid Link) Help grow the show! Spread the word, tell a friend!! Subscribe, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts! Episode Intro Music: “Prelude” by “Silence & Light” (www.silenceandlightmusic.com) Photo Credit: Pamela Zembiec

This week's guest is Barclay Murphy, the wife of late Army Major, Ed Murphy. Ed spent 16 years in the U.S. Army; his last assignment was in Afghanistan in 2005. He was killed in a helicopter accident on April 6th, 2005. Since her husband's passing, Barclay has worked extensively with The Gold Star Wives of America to change laws that were written many years ago for survivors' benefits and spouses' benefits after their spouse was killed in combat. Barclay sits down with Mark to share Ed's story and her story, and the sacrifice of her family. Support the podcast by supporting our sponsors at www.hazardground.com/sponsors Shop Amazon! As an Amazon Associate We Earn From Qualifying Purchases...You Know The Deal! (Paid Link) Help grow the show! Spread the word, tell a friend!! Subscribe, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts! Episode Intro Music: “Prelude” by “Silence & Light” (www.silenceandlightmusic.com) Photo Credit: Barclay Murphy

Peter Strzok spent four years on active duty in the US Army’s 101st Airborne Division. Peter served in the FBI from 1996 to 2018, rising to the deputy of its Counterintelligence Division. During his career, Mr. Strzok worked around the world against national security threats. He is the New York Times bestselling author of Compromised: Counterintelligence and the Threat of Donald J Trump, and co-host of the Cleanup On Aisle 45 podcast. Strzok is an adjunct professor at Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service, from which he holds master’s and bachelor’s degrees in international affairs. Support the podcast by supporting our sponsors at www.hazardground.com/sponsors Shop Amazon! As an Amazon Associate We Earn From Qualifying Purchases...You Know The Deal! (Paid Link) Help grow the show! Spread the word, tell a friend!! Subscribe, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts! Episode Intro Music: “Prelude” by “Silence & Light” (www.silenceandlightmusic.com) Photo Credit: Pete Strzok

Chris Irwin is a retired Navy SEAL Commander who suffered from severe mental and physical chronic illness after his time in the military. Through an extensive journey of self-discovery, he overcame these conditions and now teaches mind fitness through his brand, RARE SENSE. He publishes content through Substack, including weekly training, monthly articles, and podcast episodes. His work is changing the paradigm and stigma around mental health and human performance. Chris is also a singer/songwriter whose original works include the score and song “Sacrifice” from the film Murph: The Protector about Navy SEAL and Medal of Honor recipient Michael Murphy. Both made the shortlist for the 86th (2013) Annual Academy Awards in the categories of “Best Original Score” and “Best Original Song,” respectively. https://www.navysealfoundation.org/ Support the podcast by supporting our sponsors at www.hazardground.com/sponsors Shop Amazon! As an Amazon Associate We Earn From Qualifying Purchases...You Know The Deal! (Paid Link) Help grow the show! Spread the word, tell a friend!! Subscribe, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts! Episode Intro Music: “Prelude” by “Silence & Light” (www.silenceandlightmusic.com) Photo Credit: Chris Irwin

Matt Payne spent over 9 years in the United States Air Force as a Combat Controller and is now the Founder of Inner Circle Solutions. He is a Global Leader with 30 years of experience identifying and managing security risks for Fortune 500 companies. Matt is keenly interested in emerging trends in the corporate sector and seeks to find and implement innovative processes, controls, and tools to help reduce risk for companies. Career highlights include being a retired USAF 24th Special Tactics Squadron (Joint Special Operations Command) Combat Controller, Retired Chief Humane Law Enforcement Officer, and Former Chief Security Officer (financial, technology, entertainment, and engineering). https://1innercircle.com/ Support the podcast by supporting our sponsors at www.hazardground.com/sponsors Shop Amazon! As an Amazon Associate We Earn From Qualifying Purchases...You Know The Deal! (Paid Link) Help grow the show! Spread the word, tell a friend!! Subscribe, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts! Episode Intro Music: “Prelude” by “Silence & Light” (www.silenceandlightmusic.com) Photo Credit: Matt Payne

After graduating high school in 1990, Darrell Utt joined the U.S. Army. During his service, Darrell was awarded the Bronze Star Medal with 'Valor' for heroic actions and leadership during combat operations in Baghdad, Iraq in 2006. He was also awarded four Bronze Star Medals for achievement and service in Iraq. As a Special Forces Team Sergeant, his Operational Detachment Alpha was recognized and awarded the 2006 Larry Thorne Award for best Operational Detachment in 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne). Master Sergeant Darrell Utt retired from the U.S. Army Special Forces in January of 2017. In February 2022, the President and CEO of the National Medal of Honor Museum Foundation selected Darrell Utt to be the Chief of Business Operations. https://mohmuseum.org/ Support the podcast by supporting our sponsors at www.hazardground.com/sponsors Shop Amazon! As an Amazon Associate We Earn From Qualifying Purchases...You Know The Deal! (Paid Link) Help grow the show! Spread the word, tell a friend!! Subscribe, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts! Episode Intro Music: “Prelude” by “Silence & Light” (www.silenceandlightmusic.com) Photo Credit: Darrell Utt

James Bruton is a former U.S. Army Green Beret, retired Lieutenant Colonel, who spent 28 years in the Army between Active Duty and Reserves. James has multiple deployments to Southeast Asia, including a two year stint in Vietnam, as well into Thailand and worked a secret covert mission in Laos with the Lao Army, training and advising them. Support the podcast by supporting our sponsors at www.hazardground.com/sponsors Shop Amazon! As an Amazon Associate We Earn From Qualifying Purchases...You Know The Deal! (Paid Link) Help grow the show! Spread the word, tell a friend!! Subscribe, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts! Episode Intro Music: “Prelude” by “Silence & Light” (www.silenceandlightmusic.com) Photo Credit: James Bruton

Byron Rodgers is a dedicated Executive Protection Agent, Video Blogger, Published Author, and Veteran with a decade of private security experience across over 60 countries. A former US Marine Corps infantry Squad Leader with two deployments to Iraq, Byron transitioned seamlessly to civilian life, becoming an Executive Protection Agent and authoring "Finding Meaning After the Military." Byron serves as CEO of Bravo Research Group, a boutique private security firm, and founded Protector Nation, a training company for first responders, private security professionals, and civilians. He operates The League of Executive Protection Specialists, an executive protection school and training organization, and consults for high-net-worth individuals and corporate clients. Support the podcast by supporting our sponsors at www.hazardground.com/sponsors Shop Amazon! As an Amazon Associate We Earn From Qualifying Purchases...You Know The Deal! (Paid Link) Help grow the show! Spread the word, tell a friend!! Subscribe, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts! Episode Intro Music: “Prelude” by “Silence & Light” (www.silenceandlightmusic.com) Photo Credit: Byron Rodgers

Theresa Carpenter is an active-duty Navy Commander with 27 years of service, including 10 years as an enlisted aviation electrician on the S-3B Viking aircraft. She currently serves as public affairs branch head for the maritime arm of NATO, responsible for all seagoing operations under its oversight. Upon her commissioning in 2006, she became a Surface Warfare Officer and was subsequently accepted into the public affairs community in 2008. She's deployed three times to combat zones and was assigned with the Navy Seals and Army Special Forces in the Philippines in 2008-2009. After that tour, she served as a media and plans officer for the U.S. Indo-Pacom from 2010-2013, one of three tours in a joint environment. She brings extensive experience working in humanitarian missions across the Asia Pacific, including the first land-based iteration of the Navy's Pacific Partnership mission, coordinating with multiple Embassies, Non-Governmental Organizations, and USAID. Her award-winning programs across multiple commands have resulted in 18 Navy awards for public affairs excellence. https://beacons.ai/theresacarpenter Support the podcast by supporting our sponsors at www.hazardground.com/sponsors Shop Amazon! As an Amazon Associate We Earn From Qualifying Purchases...You Know The Deal! (Paid Link) Help grow the show! Spread the word, tell a friend!! Subscribe, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts! Episode Intro Music: “Prelude” by “Silence & Light” (www.silenceandlightmusic.com) Photo Credit: Theresa Carpenter

Gary Volkman spent a total of 24 years in the U.S. Army, between active duty and the Army National Guard. Gary served as a military technician and retired as a first sergeant. He was a combat medic and a flight medic who had multiple deployments, including Afghanistan and Bosnia. Gary also spent time in his career teaching Rescue and recently retired as a firefighter in the state of California. Support the podcast by supporting our sponsors at www.hazardground.com/sponsors Shop Amazon! As an Amazon Associate We Earn From Qualifying Purchases...You Know The Deal! (Paid Link) Help grow the show! Spread the word, tell a friend!! Subscribe, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts! Episode Intro Music: “Prelude” by “Silence & Light” (www.silenceandlightmusic.com) Photo Credit: Gary Volkman

Lieutenant Colonel Jason Smith retired from the US Marine Corps on 1 Sept 2016 after 22 years of service. He joined the Marine Corps in January of 1995 after graduating from Louisiana State University. As an infantry officer, Jason commanded Marines at every rank during his service, including two combat deployments to Iraq as a company commander. He was in charge of Marine Corps recruiting for the state of New Jersey from 2007-2010 and served in units from North Carolina, California, Virginia, Louisiana and the country of Bahrain. Jason's last posting was as the senior USMC exchange officer with the Royal Marines of the United Kingdom. His personal decorations include the Silver Star medal, Bronze Star medal and the Combat Action Ribbon. Jason is a distinguished graduate of the Naval War College, was selected as the Basic School’s instructor of the year for 2000-2001, and was awarded the Marine Corps University Rose Award for teaching excellence. Support the podcast by supporting our sponsors at www.hazardground.com/sponsors Shop Amazon! As an Amazon Associate We Earn From Qualifying Purchases...You Know The Deal! (Paid Link) Help grow the show! Spread the word, tell a friend!! Subscribe, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts! Episode Intro Music: “Prelude” by “Silence & Light” (www.silenceandlightmusic.com) Photo Credit: Jason Smith

David Hollis grew up in a small town in eastern Oklahoma that was little more than a fuel stop along Interstate 40. At the age of seventeen, he resolved that his escape from the purgatory of middle America would be to join the U.S. Army. Throughout his Army career, David served in tough units, completed challenging leadership and tactical training courses, deployed to five countries, and led 189 combat missions in Iraq. His military experience and the soldiers he served with have inspired the characters and stories in his writing. David retired from the Army in 2010 and has worked for the Department of the Army, the Department of Veterans Affairs and served on advisory councils for the executive certificate program, Transformative Leadership in Disruptive Times at both, The George Washington University and Seton Hall University. Support the podcast by supporting our sponsors at www.hazardground.com/sponsors Shop Amazon! As an Amazon Associate We Earn From Qualifying Purchases...You Know The Deal! (Paid Link) Help grow the show! Spread the word, tell a friend!! Subscribe, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts! Episode Intro Music: “Prelude” by “Silence & Light” (www.silenceandlightmusic.com) Photo Credit: David Hollis

Dan Kostrzebski was born and raised in rural western New York State. His humble, small-town beginnings blossomed into a noteworthy 40 years of military and government service. While working his way up the enlisted ranks, Dan served in various Military Occupational Skills, including Military Police, Ordinance, and Special Operations, finishing his military career with the infamous 5th Special Forces Group. Dan’s service in Special Operations took him to the Middle East and East Africa, along with numerous military exercises throughout the United States. Dan is also the author of the book, 'No One is Fatherless'. The book features 365 Daily Devotionals. https://nooneisfatherless.com/ Support the podcast by supporting our sponsors at www.hazardground.com/sponsors Shop Amazon! As an Amazon Associate We Earn From Qualifying Purchases...You Know The Deal! (Paid Link) Help grow the show! Spread the word, tell a friend!! Subscribe, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts! Episode Intro Music: “Prelude” by “Silence & Light” (www.silenceandlightmusic.com) Photo Credit: Dan Kostrzebski

Ayman Kafel survived civil wars in Africa and Lebanon before immigrating to the United States in 1988. After witnessing the horrors of September 11, 2001, Ayman enlisted in the U.S. Army National Guard and deployed to Iraq in 2005. While there, he conducted over 30,000 miles of combat patrols and military missions. He coordinated and worked with various units in the Army due to his ability to speak Arabic. After returning from war and being medically discharged from the military, Ayman decided to continue serving his country and community by becoming a police officer, and he has been on the job for over 15 years. Recognizing a need in the training program for police officers, Ayman started Hybrid Wolf Blue Line Strategies, LLC and began writing extensively about his experiences. Support the podcast by supporting our sponsors at www.hazardground.com/sponsors Shop Amazon! As an Amazon Associate We Earn From Qualifying Purchases...You Know The Deal! (Paid Link) Help grow the show! Spread the word, tell a friend!! Subscribe, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts! Episode Intro Music: “Prelude” by “Silence & Light” (www.silenceandlightmusic.com) Photo Credit: Ayman Kafel