In this episode, we dive into the compelling story of Alessandro, an Italian immigrant and former Special Forces captain, who shares his journey from the battlefields of Afghanistan to building a new life in America. He discusses the stark differences between living in Italy and the U.S., emphasizing the opportunities that the American Dream still holds for those willing to work hard and dedicate themselves.

Alessandro offers candid insights into the challenges faced by veterans transitioning to civilian life, including the lack of understanding and respect from the civilian world. He stresses the importance of veterans reaching out for help and the value of empathy and brotherhood forged through military service.

The conversation also explores the inadequacies of the American education system compared to Italy's classical education and the importance of having a well-rounded knowledge base. Alessandro recounts his experiences in the movie industry, how he transitioned into stunt work, and the intense training and mental fortitude required to perform high-risk stunts.

Join us for an inspiring discussion that not only highlights the sacrifices and resilience of veterans but also underscores the enduring promise of the American Dream.

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EP-370 | From Italy to America: An Italian Special Forces Veteran's Journey to the American Dream

U.S. Army Ranger, Byron Beplay, shares his raw journey from childhood dyslexia and intense military service through commercial diving, homelessness, and a near-fatal suicide attempt.

He explains how perseverance, therapy, and a service dog helped him rebuild his life, leading to founding BTS K9 and growing a successful canine training business.

The episode also covers his appearance on MrBeast, lessons learned about ownership and resilience, and his mission to help others by sharing hard-earned truths.

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EP-394 | Byron Beplay: One Man’s Fight Back from Rock Bottom

Kevin Key is a retired U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel who served with the 2nd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment before going through special forces selection and assessment (SFAS) and becoming a Special Forces Officer (18A) with 7th Special Forces Group. He started his military career in the Army National Guard while attending college under the simultaneous membership program (SMP). He served at Special Operations Command - South (SOCSOUTH) and has commanded a unit within the 82nd Airborne Division. 

At one point in this episode, Kevin recounts Operation Willing Spirit (Colombia version is Operation Jacque) — the effort to locate and verify hostages taken after a 2003 FARC plane was shotdown in Colombia, and how U.S. and Colombian forces used covert tactics (including a fake humanitarian operation) to free captives years later.

The episode also traces Key’s path post‑military shift into real estate, restaurant/event property ownership (Cosmic Tiki), cattle ranching and writing about carnivore nutrition in his book.

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EP-395 | Kevin Key: Operation Willing Spirit — The Hunt for FARC Hostages

In this episode we dive back in time to an older episode with Mike, Kat, and Robert where they explore the difference between structure and routines and how small changes—like waking up earlier or blocking personal time—can reclaim hours in your day.

Guests discuss task management versus time management, goal setting, journaling, and flexible routines that support productivity, mental health, and reintegration after military service.

Practical tips include keeping a single synced schedule, scheduling thinking time, planning for interruptions, and trying a one-week routine change to see measurable benefits.

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EP-396 | Win Your Day: Simple Routines to Reclaim Time

Part One of a 3-Part Series for 2025 as we approach the anniversary of Operation Gothic Serpent - "Black Hawk Down"

In this episode, Tara Harris, daughter of First Sergeant Glenn Harris, talks about her father and all of the men who served with him as part of Operation Gothic Serpent in Mogadishu, that became known as The Battle of Black Hawk Down based on the movie.

Today, Tara gathers photos, interviews, and archives to preserve the stories of her father, but also of all of B Company, 3rd Ranger Battalion before and after Operation Gothic Serpent, Somalia — including the Somalia deployment, the training and daily lives of Rangers of that period, and life then and now at the B Company 3/75 day room. She digitizes records and connects veterans and families so the Rangers’ experiences and legacies from Task Force Ranger are remembered and shared.

If you or someone you know has 75th Ranger Regiment photos, especially those from Mogadishu, email Tara at tharris75thrgrhistory@gmail.com 


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EP-397 | Daughter of Black Hawk Down Ranger First Sergeant: Preserving 1SG Glenn Harris’s Legacy

Gerry Izzo recounts his journey from a Long Island upbringing to becoming a 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (SOAR) Night Stalker pilot, describing training, combat missions in Grenada and Panama, and the harrowing Operation Gothic Serpent and Task Force Ranger, the Black Hawk Down operation in Mogadishu that is known for the movie by the same name.

Listen as Gerry describes the battle in Mogadishu from his perspective as never heard before. 

The episode explores leadership, fear, survivor guilt, and the bonds forged in combat, offering firsthand lessons on courage, professionalism, and resilience.

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EP-398 | Gerry Izzo, Night Stalkers: Inside Black Hawk Down - A Pilots Perspective (Super 65)

A Ranger recounts the sudden shift from training to chaos after the “boom” — helicopters struck, smoke and gunfire, and a race through Mogadishu to extract teammates. They focused on the Ranger Creed.

The episode traces Colonel Larry Perino's (then Lieutenant) path from West Point and Ranger training to Task Force Ranger in Somalia, describing fast‑rope assaults, ambushes, downed aircraft, and the desperate vehicle and foot exfil under heavy fire.

He reflects on the losses, survivor’s guilt, the duty to remember fallen comrades, and how the experience shaped leadership and care for soldiers afterward.

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EP-399 | Larry Perino, Never Leave a Fallen Comrade: A Ranger’s Account of Mogadishu

Episode 400 celebrates the podcast’s origin and impact: founders and early guests recount how honest, living-room conversations grew into a show focused on transition, purpose, PTSD, and real solutions. The episode revisits pivotal stories, treatments like stellate ganglion blocks, and the raw, organic approach that built an engaged community. Hosts invite listener topics and preview upcoming episodes while thanking supporters for helping the show reach this milestone.

A huge thank you to everyone who has listened and who follows us.

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EP-400: Reflecting on Our Roots and the Impact - Celebrating Our Journey and Community

In this episode, Zahraa shares her harrowing journey growing up in a strict village in Iraq, her decision to flee at 19, and a violent attack that led to an unexpected rescue by American soldiers at Baghdad International Airport.

She explains how faith and chance carried her through, her arrival in the United States, learning English, pursuing engineering studies, and ultimately joining the U.S. Army where she rose through the ranks as an enlisted cavalry scout and now as an officer in flight school who found purpose serving others.

Zahraa reflects on gratitude, the people who helped her, the losses that motivate her, and her commitment to inspire and protect other women and girls facing similar dangers. She is a proud American and also shares how fortunate Americans are to live in this country.

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EP-401 | Zahraa’s Escape from Iraq to Freedom and the U.S. Army

In this episode Alfred recounts his unexpected journey into the Marines, training as a K-9 handler, and the harrowing experience of an IED explosion in Afghanistan that cost him his dog, Grief, and left him seriously wounded. He shares the chaos of combat, the bond between handler and dog, and the long road of recovery.

Alfred also reflects on recruitment, boot camp, canine school, the losses among his unit, the healing power of reunions, and his decision to write Surviving with Grief to honor those who cannot speak for themselves.

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EP-402 | Alfred Brenner: I Felt Like I Was Dying - A Marine K-9 Handler’s True Story

This episode explores how artificial intelligence is reshaping warfare — from ISR, targeting, drone swarms and decision support to the ethical risks of losing human control.

Guests share lessons from Ukraine and the Pacific, discuss limits like range and networks, and stress modernization, industry partnerships, and why leadership and soldiering fundamentals remain essential.

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EP-403 | AI on the Battlefield: Who Pulls the Trigger?

Imagine a bunch of veterans sitting around a living room with their favorite adult beverage and someone brings up a topic that takes the conversation down a rabbit hole. That's our show. Grab a chair and your favorite beverage and join in on an awesome topic. Our hosts are military veterans and our guests are real people with a message to share. Real Talk. Real People. (aka Mentors4Mil)

EP-370 | From Italy to America: An Italian Special Forces Veteran's Journey to the American Dream

Mentors for Military

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