Patriot to the Core

[https://thadforester.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Ep-120-Derek-Oaks-thumbnail-1024x573.jpg] In this episode, we unpack the legendary role of the A-10 Warthog in the battlespace, the irreplaceable bond between pilots and JTACs, and the critical missions led by Air Force Combat Controllers. Col. Oaks shares insights from his time in the cockpit, what ordnance the A-10 can carry, when a show of force is necessary, and the lasting legacy of my brother SrA Mark Forester, a Combat Controller who gave his life in Afghanistan while Derek’s squadron was deployed. Strap in—this one is loud, low, and lethal (maybe exaggerating a little bit). Topics Covered: * The mission and legacy of the A-10 Warthog * Why Close Air Support (CAS) is about more than just firepower * The intense coordination between A-10 pilots and JTACs (Joint Terminal Attack Controllers) * 70 rounds of 30mm per second * The vital role of Combat Controllers in both air and ground ops * Lessons in leadership, humility, and courage under fire Learn more about Derek Oaks here: Derek Oaks – Decisive Leadership [https://derekoaks.com/home] Derek’s book he co-authored with this dad, Gen. Robert Oaks – “Rising Above” [https://www.amazon.com/Rising-Above-Gaining-Perspective-Confidence/dp/1478793538] Copyright 2025 Thad Forester http://www.patriottothecore.com [http://www.patriottothecore.com/]email questions to thad@patriottothecore.com [thad@patriottothecore.com]

[https://www.thadforester.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Ep-120-Derek-Oaks-thumbnail-1024x573.jpg] In this episode, we unpack the legendary role of the A-10 Warthog in the battlespace, the irreplaceable bond between pilots and JTACs, and the critical missions led by Air Force Combat Controllers. Col. Oaks shares insights from his time in the cockpit, what ordnance the A-10 can carry, when a show of force is necessary, and the lasting legacy of my brother SrA Mark Forester, a Combat Controller who gave his life in Afghanistan while Derek’s squadron was deployed. Strap in—this one is loud, low, and lethal (maybe exaggerating a little bit). Topics Covered: * The mission and legacy of the A-10 Warthog * Why Close Air Support (CAS) is about more than just firepower * The intense coordination between A-10 pilots and JTACs (Joint Terminal Attack Controllers) * 70 rounds of 30mm per second * The vital role of Combat Controllers in both air and ground ops * Lessons in leadership, humility, and courage under fire Learn more about Derek Oaks here: Derek Oaks – Decisive Leadership [https://derekoaks.com/home] Derek’s book he co-authored with this dad, Gen. Robert Oaks – “Rising Above” [https://www.amazon.com/Rising-Above-Gaining-Perspective-Confidence/dp/1478793538] Copyright 2025 Thad Forester http://www.patriottothecore.com [http://www.patriottothecore.com/]email questions to thad@patriottothecore.com [thad@patriottothecore.com]

[https://www.thadforester.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Ep-119-Mark-Roland-cover2-1024x548.jpg] Matthew Roland was killed-in-action in Afghanistan in August 2015 in an insider attack (aka “green on blue”) at an Afghan-led security checkpoint. Killed alongside him was teammate SSgt Forrest Sibley [https://www.airforcespecialtactics.af.mil/About/History/Honor-The-Fallen/SSgt-Forrest-Sibley/], both Air Force Combat Controllers attached to an Army Special Forces team. Matthew’s father Mark, shares what happened, how Matthew responded instantly and what his and Forrest’s final moments were like. In addition, we talk about the notification process, grief, healing and the CCT community and support. Matthew was awarded the Silver Star for his actions that day. You can read the citation here. [http://veterantributes.org/TributeDetail.php?recordID=2307#:~:text=His%20Silver%20Star%20Citation%20reads%3A&text=When%20the%20convoy%20reached%20the,began%20to%20raise%20his%20weapon.] Also mentioned in this episode is Danny Sanchez, who was another CCT killed in a green on blue attack. His mother was a guest in episode 99. [https://www.thadforester.com/danny-sanchez/] Patriot to the Core proud affiliates who support our country and military: GORUCK. Check out big sales right now. [https://www.thadforester.com/gr-starthere] Freedom Blends, vitamins and supplements. [https://freedomblends.myshopify.com/?ref=patriot]. Use code patriot at checkout for 10% off your order. Mark Lauren Bodyweight Fitness. I’ve been using since 2016. [https://bodyweight.marklauren.com/a/2147834137/AyW3mZAJ] Use code THAD at checkout for 10% off first year subscription. You can watch this interview with Mark Roland here: https://youtu.be/XLhUOs8_9JE [https://youtu.be/XLhUOs8_9JE] Copyright 2024 Thad Forester http://www.patriottothecore.com [http://www.patriottothecore.com/]email questions to thad@patriottothecore.com [thad@patriottothecore.com]

[https://thadforester.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Ep-119-Mark-Roland-cover2-1024x548.jpg] Matthew Roland was killed-in-action in Afghanistan in August 2015 in an insider attack (aka “green on blue”) at an Afghan-led security checkpoint. Killed alongside him was teammate SSgt Forrest Sibley [https://www.airforcespecialtactics.af.mil/About/History/Honor-The-Fallen/SSgt-Forrest-Sibley/], both Air Force Combat Controllers attached to an Army Special Forces team. Matthew’s father Mark, shares what happened, how Matthew responded instantly and what his and Forrest’s final moments were like. In addition, we talk about the notification process, grief, healing and the CCT community and support. Matthew was awarded the Silver Star for his actions that day. You can read the citation here. [http://veterantributes.org/TributeDetail.php?recordID=2307#:~:text=His%20Silver%20Star%20Citation%20reads%3A&text=When%20the%20convoy%20reached%20the,began%20to%20raise%20his%20weapon.] Also mentioned in this episode is Danny Sanchez, who was another CCT killed in a green on blue attack. His mother was a guest in episode 99. [https://thadforester.wpenginepowered.com/danny-sanchez/] Patriot to the Core proud affiliates who support our country and military: GORUCK. Check out big sales right now. [https://thadforester.wpenginepowered.com/gr-starthere] Freedom Blends, vitamins and supplements. [https://freedomblends.myshopify.com/?ref=patriot]. Use code patriot at checkout for 10% off your order. Mark Lauren Bodyweight Fitness. I’ve been using since 2016. [https://bodyweight.marklauren.com/a/2147834137/AyW3mZAJ] Use code THAD at checkout for 10% off first year subscription. You can watch this interview with Mark Roland here: https://youtu.be/XLhUOs8_9JE [https://youtu.be/XLhUOs8_9JE] Copyright 2024 Thad Forester http://www.patriottothecore.com [http://www.patriottothecore.com/]email questions to thad@patriottothecore.com [thad@patriottothecore.com]

[https://www.thadforester.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Ep-118-Michael-Madsen2-resize-1024x574.jpg] Michael Madsen is a Judge Advocate in the US Army. His current full-time job is an Attorney for the Air Force and he’s a JAG in the Army Reserves. After graduating law school and completing a JD/MBA program, Michael worked in the private sector before joining the Army at the age of 33. He wanted to serve his country and found that the Army gave him the best opportunity, even though he had several injuries, mostly from playing football in college at Brigham Young University. I’ve always admired Michael b/c he gave up lucrative opportunities in the world of law to join the military. He stands by his grandfather’s wise counsel: “It doesn’t matter where you serve; it matters how you serve.” Madsen comes from a line of American Patriots. His grandfather is Ezra Taft Benson [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ezra_Taft_Benson], who was the Secretary of Agriculture under President Eisenhower, and was the 13th President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. In early 2020, Michael was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. We discuss in great detail how this affected his family (his wife and 4 young kids), and how he’s doing today with the multitude of side effects from this disease, treatments and his bone marrow transplant (thanks to his sister). In addition, how his faith, the faith of his family and those around him, continues to strengthen him and his family. Also mentioned in this episode: Jupiter Patch Boards [https://jupiterpatchboards.etsy.com] Watch on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/wBBNyEwei7I [https://youtu.be/wBBNyEwei7I] If you’re looking for trusted vitamins and supplements, I’ve been using Freedom Blends [https://freedomblends.myshopify.com/?ref=patriot] the past 4 months and love the energy I get w/out caffeine. I have the Freedom Fuel (fruits and veggies), Sons of Liberty B-12 and 1st Amendment Men’s Multi Vitamin. Use discount code PATRIOT at checkout to get 10% off your order. [https://freedomblends.myshopify.com/?ref=patriot] The owner is a great American who was Episode 116 guest, Eric Moutsos [https://www.thadforester.com/ericmoutsos/]. Copyright 2024 Thad Forester http://www.patriottothecore.com [http://www.patriottothecore.com/]email questions to thad@patriottothecore.com [thad@patriottothecore.com]