Ranger Rick was born Belize and moved to Jersey City NJ at seven where he grew up with his mom stepfather and four sisters. He attended New Jersey City University where he obtained his GED and also his EMT-B(basic) certificate. He worked as a first responder before his mom decided he should go into the military. Rick attended basic training and AIT at Fort Sill Oklahoma and went on to volunteer for US Army Airborne and Ranger Indoctrination Program. After completion he was assigned to 1st Ranger Battalion spent 4 years there then PCS to Camp Greaves South Korea . He did a year tour then decided to attend Special Forces Assessment and Selection course. Upon successful completion of the Q Course, he was assigned to 3rd Special Forces Group. He deployed four times with short tours in between. He was shot January 26th 2008 FIVE times. He returned home for a month and half before returning to combat zone to be with his team. Ranger Rick's awards include a Purple Heart, two Bronze stars, Defense Meritorious Service Medal and many others. He was discharge in June of 2011. Since separation from the army he worked many odd jobs and tried to attend school but did not have the attention span. Like many GWOT veterans, he a hard adjustment to civilian life where he would find himself lost and at rock bottom. Rick lost one of his best friend to suicide which then he realize his life needed to change. During this time he created Parking Sign Dedication and the Man22 Suicide Awareness Run which both are going on their 6th year. He has since graduated from Fayetteville Technical Community College with his degree in Welding Technology. Rick lives in Fayetteville and focuses on with his mission within the First Responder/Veteran Community and the hopes of becoming a welding instructor at Fayetteville Tech.

Twenty One Gun Podcast

1 Bullet, 5 Holes - The Story of Ranger Rick!

Our guest had to reschedule last minute so we're salvaging what we can for tonight's broadcast. We'll be going a few hours early - 4pm East - and will be covering this week's military/veteran themed news and events. Hope to see you !!! If you liked this episode or want to share you story, shoot us an email kevin@twentyonegun.net  Visit www.twentyonegun.net for everything 21 Gun Follow 21 Gun on Instagram @21gunpodcast

#105 Current News & Events Discussed from the Veteran Point of View

Navy SEAL veteran Kaj Larsen and Marine Raider veteran Don Tran carried a 45-pound rock across the ocean floor for 5 miles! We are honored tonight to have half the of that duo, Don Tran. Don grew up learning the principles of overcoming adversity being raised by a South Vietnamese Sailor turned refugee turned physicist. The easy way was never an option. He became a Marine and reached the apex of MC special operations by serving in the legendary MARSOC Raiders. Don completed the underwater feat to raise awareness for Force Blue, a non-profit dedicated to rehabilitating the worlds reefs with like minded operators from around the DoD.

#104 Marine Raider Don Tran & 5 Mile Underwater Rock Run!

In 2007, Sgt. John Peck, of Antioch, Illinois, enlisted in the USMC. Little did he know the direction this decision would take him in life. Despite a brain injury in Iraq, he continued his service in the Marine Corps. In 2010 an IED in Afghanistan took both his legs and eventually both arms! Despite these horrific injuries, Sgt. Peck persevered. In 2016 he received a bilateral arm transplant in Boston, MA. If you liked this episode or want to share you story, shoot us an email kevin@twentyonegun.net  Visit www.twentyonegun.net for everything 21 Gun Follow 21 Gun on Instagram @21gunpodcast We are honored to have John on the show and his story is truly amazing both as a fellow vet and as a medical provider myself.

#103 Sgt. John Peck, USMC - Arm Transplant Recipient

GySgt Charles Wolf served in many Marine Corps Billets to include 9 years in the Marine Corps infantry. His primary MOS was 0351, Anti-Tank Assault man (Dragon Gunner). He is also a desert Storm Veteran. In 1994 he lateral moved into the 4600 Marine Corps Graphic Illustrator field. Since that time, he has served as a Production Chief, DOD Graphics Art Instructor and Art Director of the Marine Corps Recruiting Command. He retired after 21 years of active duty service in the United States Marines. Since retiring he has worked for the United States Marine Corps as a graphic artist on Marine Corps Base Quantico since 2007. One of his assignments is to create a weekly Cartoon called CorpsToons to share and boost Morale across all social media platforms. Since 1994, SemperToons has been featured in many publications around the world. His cartoons have been donated to the Wounded Marine Barracks in Camp Lejeune, NC and many units, individuals and commands. He is currently the only cover artist commissioned by the Marine Corps Association to illustrate the Birthday Cover and Christmas Covers for Leatherneck Magazine. SemperToons were featured in “Chicken Soup for the Veterans Soul” published in 2001 and have also been admired by Presidents, many high ranking figures in the military, as well as Senate and State Officials to mention a few. SemperToons is read and admired by an audience that spans the all ages. Gunny Wolf’s SemperToons have opened doors to new fans that have no connection to the military. Wives, Moms, Dads, Kids, Military Service members, Grand Parents and everyone associated to the military are SemperToons Fans.   Visit www.irreverentwarriors.com  for a list of all upcoming #Silkieshikes! If you liked this episode or want to share you story, shoot us an email kevin@twentyonegun.net  Visit www.twentyonegun.net for everything 21 Gun Follow 21 Gun on Instagram @21gunpodcast 

#102 GySgt Charles Wolf, Artist & Creator of Semper Toons

Our lie show is now Sundays at 8pm East and the follow on audio portion will be available Tuesday mornings! This week's episode is with Founder of Semper Fly Sunglasses Company, Sgt. Patrick Turley, USMC. From their site: Semper Fly was founded by Marine and Iraq War (OIF 2-2) Veteran Sergeant Patrick Turley. Not only is Semper Fly a wholly Veteran owned and employed company, delivering quality, comfortable, and durable sunglasses at the most affordable prices, but Semper Fly is also committed to partnering with Veterans advocacy groups around the nation, donating a percentage of proceeds to quality organizations that support our nation's heroes. Visit www.irreverentwarriors.com  for a list of all upcoming #Silkieshikes! If you liked this episode or want to share you story, shoot us an email kevin@twentyonegun.net  Visit www.twentyonegun.net for everything 21 Gun Follow 21 Gun on Instagram @21gunpodcast

We're Back! Episode #101 with SGT Patrick Turley from Semper Fly Sunglasses

Tune in tonight when we celebrate 100 episodes at Revival 1869 among a gaggle of Irreverent Warriors. We will take a deep dive into the creation of 21 Gun, its partnership with IW, and talk to past guests of the show. One of the topics, in light of recent geopolitical events, is the importance of remaining in the lives of fellow veterans by any means possible. Through hikes, podcasts, youtube, movies etc. The mission is you! Visit www.irreverentwarriors.com  for a list of all upcoming #Silkieshikes! If you liked this episode or want to share you story, shoot us an email kevin@twentyonegun.net  Visit www.twentyonegun.net for everything 21 Gun Follow 21 Gun on Instagram @21gunpodcast

#100 Our 100th Episode Special LIVE at Revival 1869!!!

This September, as tribute to the flight attendants and crew members killed in the September 11th attacks, former flight attendant Paul “Paulie” Veneto will push an Airline Beverage Cart from Boston Logan Airport to Ground Zero, NYC. Every GWOT veteran was affected by 9/11 and what better way to honor those that sacrificed so much than have a true patriot like Paulie chat with the Irreverent Warriors! We also have David Boston from the San Jose Hike hopping on to tell us why the left coast hike is the right hike to be at ;-) Visit www.irreverentwarriors.com  for a list of all upcoming #Silkieshikes! If you liked this episode or want to share you story, shoot us an email kevin@twentyonegun.net  Visit www.twentyonegun.net for everything 21 Gun Follow 21 Gun on Instagram @21gunpodcast

#98 Paulie's Push!

We have some awesome guests coming on tonight! The Korean cease fire happened 68 years ago (as of last week). The DMZ was the scene of many harrowing missions outside the wire for America's Armed Forces for the decades following the cease fire. Many of these missions went unreported unlike the constant live feeds we got from the GWOT. In remembrance of the time our brothers and sisters have spent deployed to the DMZ we have an former Army Infantry Officer (who wishes to remain anonymous due to current DoD contracting) who is coming on the show to talk about what it was like to serve in the ROK back in the 80s and 90s. He's got some wild stories including tigers! TIGERS in the DMZ! We also have 2 reps from Fort Bragg's Survivor Outreach Services on to discuss an upcoming memorial, 1,000 sets of boots on a Ft. Bragg football field) to represent the men and women lost in Iraq and Afghanistan. They need boots and there are enough IW'ers in NC to help them out! Visit www.irreverentwarriors.com  for a list of all upcoming #Silkieshikes! If you liked this episode or want to share you story, shoot us an email kevin@twentyonegun.net  Visit www.twentyonegun.net for everything 21 Gun Follow 21 Gun on Instagram @21gunpodcast

#97 Tigers in the DMZ with Capt. Whiskey Whiskey

Audio of our livestream where we discuss latest news in military and veteran life along with putting certain rumors to rest! Tonight we have Patrick Behl. He is an active duty Marine and co-Coordinator fot the upcoming Kansas City Hike! Also, we have the man-the-myth-the-legend... Russell Oxley joining us to discuss the Charlotte hike. We'll press him on other issues as well and try to get him to open up and show us his softer side.

#96 Patrick Behl, USMC - KC Coordinator & Russ Oxley, USMC District Coordinator

Calling in all the way from GUAM!!! Hike Coordinator - Ray Gamboa Special Guest - Aaron Des from Veteran Owned and Operated - Bulkhead Energy. From their site: Crafted for those whose mission requires their unbreakable best, BULKHEADTM is the go-to energizer for military, first responders, and essential workers of all professions. Featuring BRAINSTEAMTM, our exclusive nootropic blend to improve cognitive function and help you bravely forge ahead with steely courage. Visit www.irreverentwarriors.com  for a list of all upcoming #Silkieshikes! If you liked this episode or want to share you story, shoot us an email kevin@twentyonegun.net  Visit www.twentyonegun.net for everything 21 Gun Follow 21 Gun on Instagram @21gunpodcast

#95 Aaron Des, USN Sailor & Member of the Bulkhead Energy Team

This week Sully is on vacation down in Texas so Jeremy took the reins and hosted the show. We had on the Tulsa (Charles Schrader) and Ft. Lauderdale (Brendan Allf) coordinators to talk up their respective hikes!

#95 - The Texas Episode with Hike Coordinators Charles Schrader and Brendon Allf

This entire episode was plagued by the tech gremlins from the onset. I am rereleasing this episode after correcting some audio issues and download issues. Hopefully you'll enjoy! Special Guest - Daniel Flores Dan is a lifelong Texan. He enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1985 and then served in the 4th Infantry Division in Colorado Springs, Colorado. After his active-duty time was over, he served in the Texas Army National Guard’s special operations unit; Company G. 143rd Infantry LRRP (Long Range Reconnaissance Patrol). In 1990 Mr. Flores went to Army flight school to become an Apache helicopter pilot with 7th Squadron 6th Cavalry Regiment, based in Conroe Texas. In 2006 he was deployed as the attack asset for the 10 th Mountain Division. He was assigned to the northeast sector, which included the infamous Korengal Valley, and numerous outposts in the Hindu Kush mountains and along the Pakistani border. He wrote a #1 bestselling book “South of Heaven, My Year in Afghanistan” telling of his experience flying the Apache helicopter in combat, and was instrumental in the success of the movie "Apache Warrior." From his book the film “Above the Best” was made. “Above the Best” premiered in March 2019 and promptly won the “Reel Hero” award at the GIFF (Gasparilla International Film Festival, in Tampa Fl.) and then numerous awards since. The film uses actual footage taken from his Apache helicopter in combat. The film has also been enshrined into the National Infantry Museum at Fort Benning. He also flew airplanes and helicopters for 21 years, for U.S. Customs and Border Protection, as an Air Interdiction Agent before retiring July 2020. He has been deployed to the U.S./Mexico border, and South America, on numerous occasions for operations against the Drug trafficking Cartels and the illegal immigrant surge. He currently flies an EC-145 Helicopter for Air Methods, as an EMS pilot, in the Houston area. Visit www.irreverentwarriors.com  for a list of all upcoming #Silkieshikes! If you liked this episode or want to share you story, shoot us an email kevin@twentyonegun.net  Visit www.twentyonegun.net for everything 21 Gun Follow 21 Gun on Instagram @21gunpodcast

#94 CW4 Daniel Flores - Author/Filmmaker & Apache Attack Helo Pilot

My gosh... the gremlins attacked the show from the onset. Fear not, I salvaged my interview with the legendary Helo Pilot - CW4 Daniel Flores. Dan is a lifelong Texan. He enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1985 and then served in the 4th Infantry Division in Colorado Springs, Colorado. After his active-duty time was over, he served in the Texas Army National Guard’s special operations unit; Company G. 143rd Infantry LRRP (Long Range Reconnaissance Patrol). In 1990 Mr. Flores went to Army flight school to become an Apache helicopter pilot with 7th Squadron 6th Cavalry Regiment, based in Conroe Texas. In 2006 he was deployed as the attack asset for the 10 th Mountain Division. He was assigned to the northeast sector, which included the infamous Korengal Valley, and numerous outposts in the Hindu Kush mountains and along the Pakistani border. He wrote a #1 bestselling book “South of Heaven, My Year in Afghanistan” telling of his experience flying the Apache helicopter in combat, and was instrumental in the success of the movie "Apache Warrior." From his book the film “Above the Best” was made. “Above the Best” premiered in March 2019 and promptly won the “Reel Hero” award at the GIFF (Gasparilla International Film Festival, in Tampa Fl.) and then numerous awards since. The film uses actual footage taken from his Apache helicopter in combat. The film has also been enshrined into the National Infantry Museum at Fort Benning. He also flew airplanes and helicopters for 21 years, for U.S. Customs and Border Protection, as an Air Interdiction Agent before retiring July 2020. He has been deployed to the U.S./Mexico border, and South America, on numerous occasions for operations against the Drug trafficking Cartels and the illegal immigrant surge. He currently flies an EC-145 Helicopter for Air Methods, as an EMS pilot, in the Houston area.

In studio - EOD Frank Easterling Calling In - Mason WIllis to talk about the July 4th Hike in Hopedale, IL Special Guest - 1Lt. Sam Eckholm Sam is a social media creator, photographer and videographer who creates content across his platforms that have accumulated over 500,000 followers. Averaging over 200,000 monthly views on his YouTube channel, Sam’s goals is to help inspire the next generation both with educational content and entertainment. Sam is originally from Dallas, Texas and graduated from the United States Air Force Academy in 2018. He currently resides in St. Louis, Missouri. Visit www.irreverentwarriors.com  for a list of all upcoming #Silkieshikes! If you liked this episode or want to share you story, shoot us an email kevin@twentyonegun.net  Visit www.twentyonegun.net for everything 21 Gun Follow 21 Gun on Instagram @21gunpodcast

#93 1Lt. Sam Eckholm, USAF - Social Media Creator, Photographer & Videographer

The Twenty One Gun Podcast, in partnership with Irreverent Warriors, is an interview show highlighting the experiences of the modern veteran through the voices of those that served. It is an unfiltered view into our motives for joining, our experiences serving, and how we perceive our place in a society of non-veterans. Twenty One Gun shares a common philosophy with Irreverent Warriors: reigniting the camaraderie and sense of purpose experienced within the brotherhood we once had in the military and reinforcing the notion that we’ll always be there for each other. Bringing veterans together through humor and camaraderie improves their quality of life. Be that through the 21 Gun Podcast, IW Silkies Hikes, or other veteran events. THE END RESULT IS THE SAME: fewer veterans who kill themselves!

hubhopper

Twenty One Gun Podcast

hubhopper