Choices Not Chances Podcast

Aubrey Wrenn is a retired Marine Corps First Sergeant from Danville, Virginia, and was the owner ofProven Valor Professionals, a coaching, consulting, and training and development company thatalso provided digital marketing solutions through Google Business Profile and Google Adsservices. He enlisted in the Marine Corps on January 1, 2001, and retired in November of 2022. Prior to being a First Sergeant, Aubrey spent 16 years as an 0811, Field Artillery Cannoneer.Aubrey has 3 combat deployments (Iraq 2003 and 2004, Afghanistan 2009), 1 UDP to Okinawa,Japan and a deployment with Special Purpose MAGTF CENTCOM.Aubrey has held many positions during his time in the Marine Corps, notably from 2012-2016Aubrey served as a Combat Instructor and the Chief Instructor for Combat Instructor School. InIn 2013, Aubrey was recognized as Combat Instructor of the Year for the Marine Corps. Aubrey is apassionate and dedicated servant leader who loves nothing more than to add value and help thosearound him in any way he can.After retiring from the Marine Corps, Aubrey worked as an education specialist at the MCB CampLejeune Education Center, an Adjunct Faculty Instructor for the Sergeants Course DistanceEducation Course and an Instructional Systems and Education Specialist with the Marine ForcesSpecial Operations Command. Aubrey has a Bachelor of Science degree from Park University inInterdisciplinary Studies with a double concentration in Military Studies and Leadership Studies.Aubrey is dedicated to influencing positive change in the effectiveness, culture, and climate of theorganizations he has been a part of, by offering perspective, emotional intelligence, and support tothose he has been privileged to work with. Aubrey is married to Ashley R. Wrenn (MSgt USMC), andthey have 5 children together.New or upcoming ventures: Sept of 2024 became a stay-at-home dad who homeschools his 4-year-oldand 7yo. December 4th, 2025, he and his wife welcomed their newborn son into the world.

Jon Williams is a retired Marine Sergeant who hales from the Third Battalion Fifth Marines. A veteran of Fallujah 2 and Sangin following that. He tells stories in this episode that can shake grown men. Those who have been in the fray can understand, but most cannot. After his service, he has done several things, including being high in the video gaming industry, specifically Halo league play. He also operated an American Rally race team as well as an American Formula Drift Pro 1 team. He is now the CEO of WAR INC., a company bringing new tech and training to the troops who close the last 100 yards with the enemy. I hope you enjoy this episode as much as I enjoyed making it.

Retired Marine Gunner Mike Carr is back for his Part 2 as we pick up in the early 2000's and cover the rest of his time in service. After which, we discuss the Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy treatment that has been helping vets across the nation. HBOT for Heroes is a non-profit organization that pays for veterans to receive HBOT therapy at no cost. HBOT treatments are proven to speed up the healing inside the body. Mike discusses his journey through recovery and the symptoms that were reduced by the third treatment. It may not be for everyone, but if it helps you, rock on. If you are interested in more information, please reach out through the DM on any platform.

Mike Carr is a retired Marine Gunner who spent time in multiple areas that have not been covered on the show yet. He discusses the Marine Corps before 9/11 and covers some of the different deployments from that era. One of which was Somalia in the early 1990s. This is a great episode, and we hope you enjoy it.

Chris walks us through his early life briefly and then dives deep into his coaching business and the Entrepreneurial Operating System used for coaching elite-level companies and teams. Getting his foundation and early structure in the National Guard as a Military Police officer, and then later in civilian law enforcement, Chris can blend the business world and the blunt style of the military and corrections to achieve a desired goal or end state.

I started watching Daniel's show and listening to his Intel report a year or so ago. I find his topics well researched and reported on neutrally. I enjoy spending my mornings listening to the bigger wave tops of issues taking place around the world. HM Intelligence provides that to me. I reached out to Daniel, and he has been more than willing to answer all my questions and share his business with the audience. From his time in the New Zealand Army to corporate intelligence work, he provides great down-to-earth insight.

https://www.amazon.com/Mailman-Went-UA-Vietnam-Memoir/dp/1479168653 - copy and paste to get the book.David Mulldune was a Weapons Company Marine in 1968 in Vietnam. His very first big mission was the bloody Operation Allen Brook. He operated in the Liberty Bridge area and operated in and out of Go Noi Island as well. David talks about the difficulties of Vietnam, including torturing enemy combatants and hanging on the very edge. So far out on the edge that morals and ethics disappeared altogether. There is some talk of Bush Marines vs. Bush Marines in 1968, some unreal realizations about self, about drugs, about prostitution, and grunt life. He talks about the dark thoughts and the numbness that came over him the longer he was there. David was covered with Agent Orange on more than one occasion and now has Stage 4 cancer as a consequence. He is told he has 12 months or less and talks about having peace. He has peace and has turned his life over to God. I asked him if he was ready for the next life. His answer will touch your heart.

In this episode, Jason walks us through his early life in Indonesia, growing up as the child of American Missionaries. He attended boarding school after the age of 6 and eventually was fully immersed in the local culture. His family stayed for 16 years to bring Christianity to new cultures. Jason went on to join the Marine Corps and worked as a Force Recon Marine with 2nd Force Recon. We discuss living a purpose-driven life, writing, and taking the risks necessary for a fulfilling human experience.

Jeffrey A. Sabins is a retired Gunnery Sergeant in the United States Marine Corps, a Purple Heart recipient, and the author of five books, including "You Just Survived" and "We Are The Storm". With five combat deployments across Iraq, Afghanistan, and Somalia, his writing is raw, unfiltered, and grounded in the truth most war stories leave out.He is an inspiration to many, he is an entrepreneur, and he is a veteran advocate. Please enjoy the show. Website – https://jeffsabins.com/LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-sabins/Amazon Author Page – https://shorturl.at/ULSo4

To the men of the 3rd Battalion, 6th Marines out of Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Names like William Bodette and JC Knight stay with the Marines they led into harm's way. These two Marines are the epitome of what it means to be a Marine. Both seasoned war veterans have impacted many Marines with their leadership. The ripple effect a good leader has will ripple forever in the hearts and actions of their men. JC and Bodette have a wealth of knowledge and compassion for the Marines and our way of life. They just launched the JC and Bo Show, and focus on the lighter side of war. They talk about the lighter side of combat and sometimes the shit only Marines would find humor in. Get on and subscribe to these two heroes and prepare to laugh.

JK Weston is more than just a man. More than a patriot, more than an author. He is a storyteller who has been in the belly of the beast and stared the devil in the eye. He worked in both Iraq and Afghanistan in an official capacity with the U.S. State Department. He was a semi-direct link to Washington, D.C., on all matters of big strategy concerning the Iraqi elections. JK was tasked with building the new government. He explains how some of these political positions were filled and by whom they were filled. We discuss the mistakes of America's longest war and of some unforgettable memories. Kael was in Fallujah and later Marjah, Afghanistan. He was attached to General Larry Nicholson on both occasions. Both occasions as his political advisor. I hope you enjoy this episode as much as I enjoyed recording it. It is always enlightening to understand the missions and execution of tasks at 2-3 levels higher than you are/were commanding.

Riley Tejcek is an active duty Captain in the United States Marine Corps, a top-ranked bobsled pilot, and the 2021 female Marine athlete of the year. Riley just published a children's book, "If You Can Dream It, Be It". Be sure to support her and her work after watching this episode.

Adam Walker is more than a retired Marine; he is more than a patriot and friend. Adam continues to transition his experiences in the Middle East to written works. From his columns to his own poetry and short stories, Adam gives the reader a glimpse into the world of a grunt. Adam takes us from his 1996 Super Squad to the battles that wounded him and others in Iraq. He appears in the Documentary "The Gift" about the courage and tenacity of Medal of Honor recipient Jason Dunham, who gave his life for the life of his brothers. There is so much to take in from this episode to recount, I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. Please let us know the most moving part of the episode in the comments below.

In this Episode, Jo speaks about her experience with projects overseas working for in different capacities. State Department, Peace Corps Response, and others. For her credentials and life story go back to episode 83. Tonight will focus on USAID Afghanistan And USAID Ukraine, as she worked to deliver and vet different projects with our tax dollars. Jo has several first-hand experiences with USAID money/missions, as well as the ability to articulate ways that the money is extorted when the purpose is just. She explains some of the overhead pressures that people in her line of work can face, when the projects are unjust.

In this Part 1 episode of a two-part story, Doron speaks about his upbringing in the land of the Bible. He lived in the place where David killed Goliath, and the spirit of the living God was abundant. In these times, the Jewish state is more under attack than ever in my lifetime. The West has continued to support Israel through the years, but even some in the West are bucking the open-ended support. In Part 2 we will discuss the current day operations in Gaza and Doron's front line experience in the fighting.

JC Knight was born on September 4, 1976, in Charleston WV. He joined the Marine Corps on 1 September 1995 aboard Parris Island SC and graduated from recruit training on November 17, 1995. Following recruit training, He attended the School of Infantry East (SOI), graduated with the MOS of 0331 Machine Gunner, and was assigned to 1st Bn 2d Marines (1/2). During his time in 1/2, he served as a Team, Squad, and Section leader. He also deployed to provide security in Panama and as part of the 22d Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU). While deployed with the 22d MEU, he evacuated Americans from Sierra Leone. From 1999 to 2000, Sergeant Knight was assigned to the Infantry Training Battalion East (ITB). He held several billets, including squad leader, chief weapons instructor, and platoon commander. Following his tour at ITB he received orders to Parris Island for Drill Instructor Duty in January 2001. While aboard Parris Island, he molded Marines as a Drill Instructor, Senior Drill Instructor, and as Marine Corps Instructor of Water Survival (MCWIS). He was meritoriously promoted to the rank of Staff Sergeant in July of 2003 and received orders to 3rd Bn 6th Marines (3/6) in February of 2004. Upon arrival, he was assigned as the Platoon Sergeant for the 1st Platoon Kilo Company leading his platoon during combat operations in the Kunar Province of Afghanistan and Al Qaim Iraq. In 2006, he graduated from Scout Sniper School and subsequently led the Scout Sniper Platoon during combat operations in Habbiniyah, Iraq, and along the Fallujah Peninsula. In December 2007, Gunnery Sergeant Knight reported for duty with the Staff Non-Commissioned Officer Academy (SNCOA) Camp Lejeune NC. He was the resident subject matter expert (SME) on infantry weapons and tactics as a faculty member. In December 2009, he received orders and reported for duty with 3rd Bn 2d Marines (3/2) where he served as a Company Gunnery Sergeant and Executive Officer. Shortly after, he was selected for the Marine Gunner Program leaving 3/2 for commissioning as a Chief Warrant Officer 2 (Gunner) and attendance of The Basic School (TBS) followed by the Infantry Weapons Officer Course (IWOC). Following graduation, he received orders back to 3/2 as the Battalion Gunner. From 2011 through 2014 Gunner Knight was responsible for the training and readiness of the battalion leading up to its deployment with the 26th MEU. Upon return from deployment, 3/2 set the standard for the Second Marine Division by winning the 2014 Super Squad Competition and having 50 Honor Graduates from 55 advanced infantry schools. (CWO3) Gunner Knight's next assignment was as the Battalion Gunner for the Second Reconnaissance Battalion from 2015- 2016. During this time, he developed and supervised countless weapons and sniper packages increasing the battalion’s combat readiness. He additionally began efforts to improve shoulder-fired weapon capabilities for the infantry. From 2016-2017 he served in his final assignment as the Battalion Gunner for Second Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion (2D LAR). While at LAR, he made several improvements to the small unit warfighting skills of the battalion and standardized training practices across its companies. The culmination of his service saw the adoption of a Multi-Purpose Anti-Armor Assault Weapon (MAAWS) and the development of countless Marine leaders across the Second Marine Division. Gunner Knight retired on 1 December 2017 after 22-plus years of service. His personal decorations include the Purple Heart Medal, Meritorious Service Medal x2, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal x4 w/Combat V, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal x4 w/Combat V, Combat Action Ribbon x2, and he holds the rank of Centurion in the US Infantry Associations Order of St. Maurice.

Ron Holmes retired from Marine Special Operations Command after serving over 20 years in the U.S. Marines. During his time at MARSOC as the Communications Operations Chief he was the senior enlisted responsible for creating the first Marine Special Operations Communications School called MNOC (Marine Network Operators Course). Before this, he served with Force Reconnaissance commands for much of his time in service. His primary job was Reconnaissance Communications. Post retirement he worked in support of the Global War on Terror for the Joint Special Operations Command. Shortly thereafter serving as a Sensor Operator on an Intelligence Reconnaissance Surveillance platform. This led him to work as an Independent Diplomatic Security Consultant. In 2014 he was diagnosed with cancer and could no longer deploy. As of today, he is cancer-free. For the last 15 years, He has run his own firearms training that has provided over 7000 hours of marksmanship instruction for all skill levels on multiple weapons platforms. RYKER USA was created in 2014. He holds a patent for the RYKER Grip that he invented. He is a principal owner of RYKER USA. He has a bachelor’s degree in Homeland Security and Emergency Management, with honors. The summer of 2023 he created the Life SKillZ Academy. A summer Camp for boys and girls ages 6-15. The camp works to create assets in the home and the community starting at the age of 6. Their motto is God-Family-Country. He is married to Tracey lynn Holmes together they have their son Ryker Jeffrey Holmes who the company and grip were named after. His son is also named after fallen Force Recon Communicator, Jeffrey “Corky” Starling. He lives by the 5 F’s and a B. Faith, Family, Fitness, Fighting, Firearms, and a BOW. The goal with their company, products and training is the same. Make a positive impact and leave you better than when you started. You can reach Ron Holmes at the following. ron.holmes@rykerusa.com www.rykerusa.com ron.holmes@lifeskillzusa.com www.lifeskillzusa.com Instagram @instructorone , @rykerusa , @lifeskillzusa Youtube @rykerusa , @lifeskillzus

Accomplished Special Operations leader for 26 years with a passion for coaching and mentoring others and developing new ideas and initiatives while always maintaining the highest ethics. Brad is a highly analytical problem solver, adapt at arranging the individuals on the team for optimal success and creating opportunities for emerging leaders to develop and grow. With over 80 months of combat experience throughout Afghanistan and North-Western Africa, he has had the honor of serving with and leading the most elite people on earth. Brad Moses is a native of New Jersey. He graduated from the Virginia Military Institute in May 1995. He has served in the 82d Airborne Division, the 75th Ranger Regiment and 3rd Special Forces Group Brad resides in Holly Ridge North Carolina with his wife Stacy and their two sons, Hunter and Lucas. Brad has a Master of Science in Strategic Studies, from the United States Army War College, and a Bachelor of Arts, in English, from Virginia Military Institute

Intrepid Explorer of inner and outer worlds. Jo is an educator, a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) practitioner, was a Sundancer, a certified combat analyst,a student of martial arts, and an avid hiker, choreographer/dancer and swimmer.   Jo is a mother of a son and a daughter- Denali and Sequoia Schmidt, and former wife of the late USAF PJ, mountain guide and climber Martin W. Schmidt. Jo's non-fiction, technical writing and research is published in New Zealand, Australia, the USA, Pakistan, Russia, India, and Iraq (in English).  Jo publishes her poetry and creative fiction under Jo Patti. She is a graduate of Georgetown University School of Foreign Service, Massey University, and has her diploma from New Zealand School of Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine. In addition, Jo has a Third Class Radio Engineering License (NYC) and completed numerous Professional Development courses.

In this episode, our returning guest Rick Green walks us through the Georgian Civil War from the eyes of the first American on deck in an official capacity. Rick was a Specialist in the Russian Language and Culture. He was selected to be a U.N. Observer to keep the peace between Abkhazia and Georgia as the nation started to split. Rick was in the conflict zone in a small safehouse in Gali, a town ravaged by both forces multiple times. He details his daily battle rhythm and some of the scarier times he experienced in days past. Rick also compares what we see today, versus what we saw in the past.