How Bergdahl’s stroll in Afghanistan affected a unit's operations

11/07/17 • 24 min

In this episode of the Mandatory Fun podcast, Blake speaks with Jimmy Blackmon the author of Pale Horse a book about his time commanding an Army aviation task force with the 101st Airborne Division at the height of combat in the Afghan War.

Set in the very valleys where the 9/11 attacks were conceived, and where 10 Medals of Honor were earned.

These are the stories of the pilots behind the lethal Apache helicopters who strike fear into the heart of their enemies as they work with medevac crews who risk their lives to save their fellow troops. We get an understanding of how warriors learned selflessness and found the closest brotherhood they ever known through the crucible of war.

Jimmy was also in the area when Pvt. Bowe Bergdahl decided to go for a stroll in Afghanistan.

"Every soldier out there has a mom and dad that loves them and they all make stupid mistakes at some point," Jimmy humorously states. "Thank goodness I didn't decide to go for a walk in Afghanistan."

In this episode, we talk on a wide-range of topics including:

[1:25] Jimmy's reaction to the controversial Pvt. Bowe Bergdahl's sentencing.
[5:00] These are the predicted events that might occur if Bergdahl did receive jail time.
[6:55] Jimmy explains went he meant in by writing the chapter in his book, "the plan begins to unravel,"
[10:55] How Operations Officer Jack Murphy worked with a team of Chinooks and Black Hawks on the battlefield.
[14:00] What was going on in the troop's mind when Bergdahl decided to abandon his post.
[18:00] This is the average timeline to begin a search for a missing troop on deployment.
[22:00] Jimmy's final thoughts about all the service members that are still affected by this case.

Set in the very valleys where the 9/11 attacks were conceived, and where 10 Medals of Honor were earned.

Jimmy was also in the area when Pvt. Bowe Bergdahl decided to go for a stroll in Afghanistan.

"Every soldier out there has a mom and dad that loves them and they all make stupid mistakes at some point," Jimmy humorously states. "Thank goodness I didn't decide to go for a walk in Afghanistan."

In this episode, we talk on a wide-range of topics including:

[1:25] Jimmy's reaction to the controversial Pvt. Bowe Bergdahl's sentencing.
[5:00] These are the predicted events that might occur if Bergdahl did receive jail time.
[6:55] Jimmy explains went he meant in by writing the chapter in his book, "the plan begins to unravel,"
[10:55] How Operations Officer Jack Murphy worked with a team of Chinooks and Black Hawks on the battlefield.
[14:00] What was going on in the troop's mind when Bergdahl decided to abandon his post.
[18:00] This is the average timeline to begin a search for a missing troop on deployment.
[22:00] Jimmy's final thoughts about all the service members that are still affected by this case.

Previous Episode

How to stay fit and not get fat after you get out of the military

In this episode of the Mandatory Fun podcast, Blake, Tim, and O.V. speak with Army veteran and fitness expert Jennifer Campbell on what veterans can do during their busy day to stay in shape when going to morning PT isn't an option.

"Veterans have a 70 percent higher chance of developing obesity than the general public," Jennifer Campbell says.

The reason for this statistic is due to the change is a service member daily habit. The majority of the veteran community have been known to cease fire on their work out plans which creates a negativity jolt the body's system.

In this episode, we talk on a wide-range of topics including:

[2:00] The daily regiment of a fitness instructor to maintain a healthy lifestyle, but still staying "loose."
[2:40] Information about the growing fitness trend between troops and professional athletes called "Merging Vets & Players."
[4:50] Some positive traits of working out versus taking certain medications.
[6:20] What "Overtraining Syndrome" consists of and how to avoid it.
[10:00] How structured dieting and workouts are necessary for those looking to get into the fitness industry.
[11:40] How to properly test your genetic makeup.
[13:25] If you want to cheat on your diet — a.k.a. cheat days — here's how to do it the right way.
[18:20] What you can learn about yourself from your genetic markers.
[19:20] Important tips how to stay in shape while working in an office space setting.
[23:20] Some dietary buzz words that freak everyone out.
[30:25] How we can stay looking young using our new health and fitness tools.
[34:45] What type of alcohol we should be drinking if you're trying to stay in shape.

Next Episode

These vets may have the answer to the future of cannabis pharmaceuticals

In this episode of the Mandatory Fun podcast, Blake speaks with Army veteran turned co-founder and CEO of RMR Laboratories, Mike Lui, about his over-the-counter cannabis pharmaceutical company.

RMR Laboratories produces cannabinoid oil that's applied as a topical cream to the skin for pain relief and to treat other medical alignments.

Mike served in the Army for eight-years and deployed to Iraq where he led teams to help rebuild the country by setting up its first democratic elections.

Even our WATM podcast producer O.V (who suffers from arthritis in his knees) tried out the CBD lotion.

"It tingles," O.V. humorously states. "But it [his knees] feels better."

[1:14] An introduction to RMR laboratories' CBD lotion that's designed to treat chronic pain.
[3:20] The population of who using this new CBD based lotion and the immediate results.
[5:45] Why and how Army veteran Mike Lui decided to enter the cannabis market.
[8:45] Why some veterans wish cannabis treatments were more accepted the general population and the image behind its use.
[10:15] Some interesting statistics on cannabis use in America.
[12:36] Reasons why RMR is different than any other cannabis pharmaceutical companies.
[13:20] Mike answers the ultimate question, "if I use this lotion, will I get high?"
[16:25] Some of the challenges in operating a start-up cannabinoid company.
[17:40] The cost of using this new and inventive product and how to get more involved with RMR labs.
[19:00] The RMR team answers your Facebook questions.
[20:45] Will you pop "dirty" on a drug test?
[21:00] What the future could hold for cannabinoid product users and manufacturers.
[23:40] The RMR lab team members speak out their final thoughts.