03xx series by Jose Herrera, Tyler Pawlak

Episode Start Min 2:36

Episode Starts at Min 2:36

Episode Start Time: Minute 2:18

Interview Start Min 8:37

Episode Start Minute 2:10

(Lab 2 Begins at Min 4:38)

Episode Begins at Minute 2:18

Understanding the mechanisms, threat actors, and multi-tiered impacts of the security and operational environment is essential to cultivating strategies of stability and resilience. The 03XX Series Lab provides insight into the mechanics of a meta-modern battlespace by interviewing outliers in the field. Our guests, Mr. Bocker and Mr. Ryan, share their analyses based on their expertise in their respective fields and lived experiences.

Episode begins at minute 2:22

In this episode, Jeremy Stalnecker (CEO) of The Mighty Oaks Foundation and members of The Veterans Resiliency Project discuss faith, resilience, and mental health.

Tyler and Jose catch up with their Brother Bryan Laney in this episode. Laney shares his love for teaching, its impact on his post-service outlook, and how it pertains to a cycle of meaning, passion, and purpose. I'd like to thank Laney for spending a couple of hours out of the day to share a piece of his life.

In this episode, Tyler and Jose catch up with their fellow 2/8 Brother Court Heyborne. Court completed two combat tours with 2nd Battalion 8th Marines. After his honorable discharge, Court struggled with his transition into civilian life. He had a breakthrough on his final attempt to go through PTSD treatment. Since then, Court has been living a whole life attempting to piece together his past and his future. In this episode, Court opens up in attempting so that others in the shadows needing help know that there is a way out. We thank Court for his openness.

Episode 36: In this episode, Tyler and Jose interview Josh Vance, a fellow 2/8 Marine, who served in Echo Co. Diving deep into various subjects about life, death, and Operation Khanjar, Josh explains the intricacies of combat, brotherhood, leadership, and lasting implications. We are truly honored and thankful for Josh's service, leadership, and willingness to converse openly about his wartime experiences. Enjoy this episode. Interview begins at Min 1:58

11 years ago, on June 6, 2011, Sgt. Joseph M. Garrison made the ultimate sacrifice. On that day, he saved the lives of his Marines by taking charge as he always did to inspect metallic hits on IEDs. I am honored and privileged to have lived, fought, and learned at Joe's side. So, in keeping tradition with his legacy, I asked Carmen Medina and Dr. Mossbridge if they could take some time out of their schedule to sit with Tyler and me to discuss their life experiences. And the current mental health battle within the operations and the Veteran community. Long has the suicide epidemic cast its shadow over our lives and too long has it decreased our ranks. Hermanos, y Hermanas don't lose faith.

In this episode, Tyler and Jose interview Sergio Cepeda (Doc). Sergio was attached to 2/8 Golf Co. from 2007-2010. In this conversation, Sergio shares his origins story and his journey into the U.S. Navy to become a Greenside Corpsman. We learn about the nuances of traversing the rituals of earning an FMF Pin, the fleet, and his transition to Blue Side Navy, where he began his transformation into becoming the best version of himself and eventually a firefighter. Sergio also shares his passion and best practices for dealing with life after the war by remaining physically fit and maintaining relationships with fellow veterans. Finally, we thank Sergio for taking time out of his day to spend with his fellow brothers and keeping the tradition of Semper Fidelis to country, community, and brothers.

In this episode, Tyler and Jose reunite with their former Company Commander Andrew Dabbs. After Op Khanjar, many of us went our separate ways; almost 12 years later, we're picking up where we last left off. Andrew shares his personal story of development, and transition from Marine Officer to a citizen, his combat experiences from the Invasion of Iraq to the lush river valley of Helmand Province, Afghanistan. Throughout this episode, you will find a warrior scholar's wisdom elucidating the meta-modern issues we face as a country and as Brotherhood. We hope you enjoy our conversation with our beloved Company Commander Andrew Dabbs.

In this episode, Tyler and Jose sit down with their fellow 2/8 Brother Reagan Roberts. Reagan shares with us his lessons in ownership and accountability within an evolving Marine Corps, his humbling moments, and the triumph in overcoming life-changing decisions by envisioning his future after his time and service. While on Active Duty, Reagan dedicated his time to establishing his now thriving business Mission Essential Gear, obtaining his degree, and attending the fire academy. Since then, Reagan has given back to the Fire, EMS, Law Enforcement, and Veteran communities. Reagan is a living example of his philosophy "We Do It For The Boys." and an outstanding example of Marines, especially 2/8 Marines who have continued serving their communities after service.

In this episode, Tyler and Jose speak with special guest Briana Hamill. First and foremost, we want to thank Bri for sharing a difficult story and experience through her eyes as a family member and sister to one of 2/8's beloved Marines, Rory Hamill. Rory was and is still loved by all; his impact is still felt to this day. For the Hamill family, our arms are still extended for any support needed.

In this episode, Tyler and Jose sit down with their Marine Brother Robert Elliott. Robert takes us back to his early upbringing on a farm, his family's struggles to maintain operability, and ultimately his decision to enter the Brotherhood (Marine Corps). Robert also discusses the evolution and uphill battles farmers have undergone over the years and the relevance to national security. Robert has been a pillar for the Veteran community and Farmer Veterans; he has laid the groundwork for states to follow and has led great efforts to use agriculture to mitigate the mental health degradation within the veteran community.

In this episode, Tyler and Jose sit down with Steve Matias, former 2/8 brother. Steve shares with Tyler and Jose his experiences throughout 2/8 2004-2007, his unexpected orders to Quantico, Virginia, and his continued service and training in Jiu-Jitsu and Judo. Steve is the owner of Cohesion BJJ and Director of Gis 4 The Brave Project. Steve has committed his life to instruct and share the therapeutic facets of martial arts to cultivate resilience and stop suicides within 1st Responder and Military Communities.

In this episode, Tyler and Jose sit down with Alex West, Retired Navy Seal, Founder, and Director of the Veteran, surfing non-profit known as One More Wave. Alex shares his wisdom from his many years in operations, physical recovery, and self-discovery. We hope you enjoy our conversation with Alex.

In this episode, Tyler and Jose catch up with their fellow 2/8 brother Steve Kupryk. Steve takes us back to his childhood and his love for all things active, his two combat tours with 2/8 Weapons Co as an 0331, and his Professional Wrestling Career. We are very grateful for Steve's time and his motivation in pursuing excellence while representing 2/8 and the Corps. Steve completed two combat tours with 2nd Battalion 8th Marines as an 0331, he was part of Operation Khanjar in (2009) and in (2011) he returned to the fight in Marjah. After his time and service, Steve rekindled his love for professional wrestling, and with the help of childhood friends, he was introduced to a New Jersey native WWE Superstar. Realizing he might have a chance to become a professional wrestler, Steve joined The Monster Factory in Paulsboro, New Jersey, in 2012. After one tryout with a WWE recruiter, Steve received a full-time NXT contract for WWE's developmental brand and moved to Orlando, FL, in January 2014. Steve worked for WWE for seven years, traveling the world performing and ultimately ending up on Smackdown as a tag team, The Forgotten Sons. Now, Steve is employed at IMPACT Wrestling, where his character, Steve Maclin.

In this episode, Tyler and Jose sit down with recently retired Command Master Chief Jody Fletcher and discuss his experiences spanning three decades of service in the United States Navy. Jody began his service in October of 1992 and ended his service in 2021. Jody spent the first two decades of his service in the special operations community as a Special Amphibious Reconnaissance Corpsman, also known as a (SARC). Jody gaining a meta-perspective and deep appreciation in the investment of people, he now focuses his efforts on coaching, leadership, and culture consulting.

In this episode, Tyler and Jose reunite with fellow 2/8 brother Dayne Prall after a decade. Dayne takes us back to his childhood and early experiences as he transitioned into the fleet. Dayne shared his experiences during Operation Khanjar in 2009 and the TBI sustained during an IED attack. Dayne, choosing to stay with the unit, redeployed in 2011 and shared his take on Afghanistan in 2011. Proud of his service Dayne reenlisted and discussed the dichotomy of Infantry life versus the airwing life. Dayne's injuries from his previous deployments caught up after a 12-month tour of duty with Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response, which performed operations in Spain, Italy, France, and Africa. Dayne eventually departing ways honorably with the Marine Corps now advocates for veterans.

In this episode, Tyler and Jose sit down with their former Company Gunnery Sergeant, 1stSgt Grimmett USMC Ret. Nearly 12 years after Operation Khanjar, the bond between senior enlisted and junior Marines lives on. 1stSgt Grimmett takes us on a journey after the events of 2009 and forward, where he grappled with the pain of leaving 2/8, transitioning, and finding his foundation amidst a Hyper-polarized United States.

In this episode, Tyler and Jose continue their discourse involving the events taking place in Afghanistan. This forum had Veterans and active-duty members spanning from the '70s to the present. We want to thank all the participants for joining and sharing their wisdom involving this historical moment. We would also like to thank Chase Smoak for taking the initiative in pulling Americans and interpreters out of Afghanistan; in his words, "It's the least we could do for them since they were there with us fighting." Right now, he is on a mission to pull more Americans out; if there is anyone with real-time information, resources, or political pull, please get in touch with us @03XXSeries on Instagram or find Chase on FB or Instagram.

In this episode, Tyler and Jose host an open forum on Afghanistan. A special report called The Gray Zone from USSOCOM (United States Special Operations Command) briefed across agencies characterized the last 100 years of conflict. USSOCOM reported nine losses, 43 ties, and only 12 wins. Increasingly the U.S. finds itself containing conflicts rather than resolving, and enemies adapt in novel ways, making traditional doctrines nearly obsolete. Iraq and Afghanistan are among these 57 instances of conflict characterized in the Gray Zone Report. So what does it mean for the U.S. moving forward? And what does it mean for Veterans and the Operational Community who fought in those conflicts? In this forum, veterans from across the Marine Corps share their concerns.

In this episode, Tyler and Jose reunite with Sergio Navarette, a fellow 2/8 Brother. Sergio takes us back to pre-OP Khanjar through a series of events that shaped the outcome of his deployment. Sergio also discusses the burden of operations and the toll on the physical body nearly a decade later.

In this episode, Tyler and Jose sit down with Doug Sterner, a decorated former Army Combat Engineer who served two tours of duty in Vietnam. Doug is the Curator of the "Hall of Valor," the largest and most complete unofficial database of U.S. Military award recipients in the world. Doug is also the most published military historian, with more than 85 books published. In this episode, we also get an opportunity to speak with Pam Sterner, Doug's wife. Pam authored "The Stolen Valor Act," which she and Doug shepherded through Congress, as well as hearing before the U.S. Supreme Court in what became a landmark 2012 First Amendment decision. Their story is documented in Restoring Valor a book authored by Doug and Pam.

In this episode, Tyler and Jose sit down with Senior Marine William Anthony Rodriguez and traverse various topics ranging from a time before 9/11, the old Corps, Bootcamp, V 3/3, Security Force Regiment, and V 2/8 Echo Co. Themes explored in this episode with William focused on gratitude, resilience, the surrealness of war, God (Dios) and the state of affairs with digital technologies. We honor our Senior Marines as they paved the way for us younger guys. We also thank Anthony for keeping his grit, integrity, and fire.

In this episode, Tyler and Jose sit down with their fellow 2/8 Brother Dan Spaulding and traverse his journey from Bootcamp, Iraq, Afghanistan to his current position with 6th Regiment as their Regimental Athletic Trainer.

In this episode Tyler and Jose sit down with Mike Dalgliesh father of Rory Dalgliesh a fellow 2/8 Marine who served with the unit during OEF (2011) and OEF (2013). Mike shares his experience with losing his son Rory with the (War at Home). Mike also shares his mission to eradicate the "22 a Day" by carrying an American Flag and trekking along the road remembering the fallen, especially those lost at home. Mike also describes his efforts in trying to gain traction to pass legislation in order to make the Month of April Veterans Suicide Awareness Month.

In this Episode, Co-Founder and Host Tyler Pawlak sits with Jose Herrera (Co-Founder of the 03XX Series) and traverses OP Khanjar 2009 and Kariz-E Saydi (Crazy City) 2011. Jose Herrera shares the raw story about why he extended for a 3rd Combat Tour with 2/8 after the death of PFC Donald W. Vincent and the events of 2009. In January of 2011, 2/8 was deployed to Helmand, Province, Afghanistan. In the months that followed the deployment 1st, Platoon Fox Co. found itself in an internal political battle with platoon leadership while conducting combat operations. Throughout the deployment Sgt. Garrison led his squad in a relentless pursuit to track or kill Codename D, a Taliban cell leader. On June 6, 2011, Sgt. Garrison was killed in action. After his death, Cpl Herrera took control of his squad and finished the mission by capturing Codename D and his 2nd in command. The grit and commitment of the Marines who were wounded and returned to the platoon, along with the tenacity of the platoon to maintain combat effectiveness, demonstrates the keeping of traditions, legacy, and the fighting spirit of the United States Marine Corps.

Both Mark and Phil have extensive backgrounds in special operations. Mark served in various MOS's and billets throughout his 30 years of time and service to the Corps from Infantry to Force Reconnaissance. Phil served in the U.S Army as an 18C Special Forces Engineer Sergeant. Mark and Phil have served as quiet professionals over the decades, never forgetting the common thread of brotherhood. Tyler and I are thankful for both of them coming forward to share wisdom and pay homage to our fallen brothers this coming Memorial Day.

In this episode, Tyler and Jose sit down with Chase Smoak (3rd Battalion 2nd Marines) and traverse his experiences as a bomb dog handler during operations in Musa Qala, Helmand Province, Afghanistan, in 2011. Chase also discusses his reunion with Luke, his bomb dog, and his passion for plant science.

In this episode, Tyler and I sit down with our Brother Chris Murray (Senior Marine 2/8) and traverse the landscape of today's cultural, political, and technological climate. In this PT I episode, Chris also takes us back to the early days of 2/8, where Chris pays homage to OIF I Marines who fought in the battle of (Al Nasiriyah). Tyler and I want to thank Chris for coming forward and sharing with us the sacred.

Dominic Davila (U.S. Marine Corps. Ret.)

Tyler and I sit with our Brother Ray Grabau (Senior) and discuss the philosophical dilemmas facing the veteran community, his journey fighting cancer after 5 combat tours, and his passion for serving his fellow brothers and sisters.

In this episode, Tyler and I sit down with General Spalding to discuss narrative and memetic warfare, 5G, the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), and efforts to create encrypted and EMP resistance infrastructure.

Join Co-Host Tyler Pawlak and me as we discuss 2nd Lt. Blye's journey into becoming a commissioned officer in the U.S Marine Corps, the operational trajectory in preparing for a near-peer adversary conflict, and maintaining esprit de corps. We are proud to know that 2/8 Marines like 2nd Lt. Blye are still in the fight.

This week with Co-Host Tyler Pawlak and Special Guest Phil "Doc" Gigstad, we continue to discuss life after service, mental health, and the perspective of Greenside Corpsmen, during operations.

Special Guest Julian P. Seddon traverses his time and service from 2008 through the present. Julian takes us from Afghanistan 2008 (The Lost Year) to the pinnacle moments that shaped his life. Julian is a writer, and just recently some of his pieces have been awarded and published. We're proud of Julian for coming forward and sharing the context of OEF (2008). As Julian has told us the undertone of that deployment was similar to a guinea pig experiment for the main force OP Khanjar. You can find Julian's poetry on his Instagram, @hewhowanders_13, and on joseherrera03xx.com.

Lt. Col. Daniel E. Harris shares his experiences on Leadership and Mental Health from the scope of a 30-year career in the U.S. Army National Guard.

This past Wednesday, Tyler and I were allowed to sit down and exchange dialogue with John L. Gronski, Major General (U.S. Army Retired). Throughout our near two hour discussion, we discussed General Gronski’s time in Al Anbar Province, Ramadi, Iraq, during one of the most kinetic times of Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF). General Gronski paid homage to Soldiers, Marines, and Sailors, whose sacrifice and courage laid a foundation for future units entering the battlespace.

Elijah served proudly in the U.S.Marine Corps from 06/20/2004-08/20/2008. He completed 3 combat tours with 2nd Battalion 8th Marines Fox Co. Today Elijah continues to serve by educating and promoting physical fitness and wellbeing to include firearms training.

In this episode, Tyler and I sit down with Michael Ramos (Invasion Guy). Michael shares his experiences leading up to the Invasion of Iraq in 2003, the standby, push, and inevitable return home. Michael also shares his experiences in pursuing a BA and MFA from the Creative Department at UNC Wilmington. Michael has written some of the most beautiful, raw, relevant literature for the veteran and operational community.

November 2020 marks 11 years since 2/8 Fox came home from Afghanistan. In 2009 2/8 was part of Operation Khanjar (Strike of the Sword) the largest helicopter insertion since Vietnam. In the early morning of July 2, 2009, 2/8 Fox inserted into Garmsir District. Join me and Tyler as we discuss the paradox of war, meaning, joy, love, and brotherhood. Friedrich Nietzsche said “to live is to suffer; to survive is to find some meaning in the suffering.” Tyler lives by this and I suspect many of us do. We remember our fallen and the living by embracing our suffering and turning it into life.

In this episode, Tyler and I sit down with our Brother Eamon LeBlanc-Shoemaker, a fellow 2/8 Marine. We traverse time before our paths crossed and culminated in 2009 during OP Khanjar (Strike of the Sword). Shoe shares his experiences about the early days in the fleet, his choice to extend for a third combat tour, and finally, the burden of command, as he assumed the billet of Squad Leader after an IED took two Marines out, both of them lived.