Choices Not Chances Podcast

Ron joined the Marine Corps Reserves as an Infantryman in 2002 and deployed as force protection to Djibouti, Africa in January 2003 in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. In 2006 he was deployed to Fallujah, Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. There, he served as infantry squad leader in a variety of counter-insurgency missions. Some of Ron and his unit’s experiences are recounted in the book Fallujah Awakens: Marines, Sheikhs and the Battle Against al Qaeda, by Bill Ardolino.​ ​ Ron holds an Associates Degree from Grand Rapids Community College, a Bachelors in Business Administration from Grand Valley State University and a Masters of Management, Strategy and Leadership from Michigan State University. ​ Ron joined SpartanNash in 2020. Prior to joining SpartanNash he was Senior Manager, Mergers and Acquisitions at Stryker, medical device company. Ron held several roles at Stryker to include Project Manager, M&A Integration and Program Manager, Strategic Development. Prior to joining Stryker, Ron held a variety of project and operations management roles at SecurAlarm Systems, a video and access control system integrator.​

David Pouleris grew up in Richmond Virginia and attended Midlothian High School. His interests during this time included skateboarding, flying, collegiate-style wrestling, hunting, fishing, and being an active member of the volunteer fire department and rescue squad. He attended Virginia Military Institute and graduated in 1998. Upon graduation, he enlisted in the Marine Corps Reserve as a Motor Transport Operator until his commissioning in 1999. After The Basic School 2nd Lieutenant Pouleris graduated from communication school and was awarded the Communication Officer MOS. In the 20 years Dave spent in the Marine Corps he served in the following units: 4th Combat Engineer Battalion | 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit | 2d Force Service Support Group | 2d Force Reconnaissance Company | 2d Marine Special Operations Battalion (now known as 2d Raider Battalion) | Expeditionary Warfare Training Group Atlantic | Programs and Resources, Headquarters Marine Corps - Pentagon | Marine Security Cooperation Group | Headquarters, Marine Forces Special Operations Command. While on active-duty Dave was certified as a Navy and Marine Corps Parachutist and a Joint Terminal Attack Controller Instructor (JTAC-I). His personal awards included the Meritorious Service Medal (x2), Navy Commendation Medal (x3), Army Commendation Medal, Navy Achievement Medal, and numerous unit and campaign awards. Dave’s deployed experiences while on active duty include Joint and Multi-National training evolutions both home and abroad, as well as deployments to Kosovo, Kuwait, two tours in Iraq and one tour in Afghanistan. Upon retirement from the Marine Corps in 2018 Dave became the first Director of Programs for The Honor Foundation (THF) campus serving Marine Forces Specials Operations Command in Wilmington North Carolina. In 2021 Dave turned over his duties at The Honor Foundation and was hired as the Vice President of Operations for CloudWyze, an IT services company in Wilmington N.C. In 2022 Dave was presented with a rare opportunity to return to the fire service as a Firefighter / EMT with the North Topsail Beach Fire Department where he still serves part-time. In 2024 Dave was hired as the full-time Operations Manager with PipeView Technologies, a utility cleaning and surveying company in Wilmington N.C.

Stephen Roberts is a highly decorated infantryman with 11 years of military service, seamlessly transitioning into a successful Inventory and Procurement Management career. As Supply As chain Manager at Dakota Matting, he excelled in managing strategic sourcing and procurement functions. Stephen played a crucial role in the seamless integration of an enterprise-wide ERP system, tracking assets and enhancing operational efficiency. In prior roles, including Distribution Center Manager at Leaf Home, Hudson, Ohio, and Warehouse Manager at Leaf Home Solutions, Stephen showcased his skills in effective sourcing, procurement management, and warehouse optimization. His strategic distribution and procurement strategies, coupled with his ability to establish centralized control programs, led to enhanced cost-effectiveness and resource utilization. Stephen's military experience as Chief Instructor in the United States Marine Corps from 2011 to 2016, where he received recognition as the Top Enlisted Instructor at The Basic School in 2014, further highlights his leadership and training capabilities. Recognized for heroic actions in Iraq and Afghanistan, he received multiple military awards, demonstrating his commitment to excellence. Beyond his professional achievements, Stephen's community involvement, academic excellence, and OSHA 30 Certification from Eastern Michigan University showcase his commitment to well-rounded success. With a Bachelor of Science in Social Science from the American Military University and Dean's List honors, Stephen brings a unique blend of leadership, strategic thinking, and procurement expertise to any organization.

Lieutenant General Lawrence D. Nicholson, USMC (Ret.) retired after 39 years of active duty service to our nation in October of 2018 as the Commanding General of III Marine Expeditionary Force in Japan. He was born in Toronto, Canada, and commissioned after graduating from The Citadel, in Charleston SC in 1979. From 1980-1990 he served as an Infantryman in the First Marine Division, and as a Series and Company Commander at MCRD San Diego. From 1990- 1993 he served at the US Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. Additionally, he served as a United Nations Observer in the Middle East in 1994-95, at NATO HQ in Brussels, Belgium from 2002-04, as the Commander of the Warlords of 2nd Bn 2nd Marines from 1999-2001, and as the Senior Military Assistant to the Deputy Secretary of Defense in the Pentagon from 2010- 2012. Lt.Gen. Nicholson earned a master’s degree from the United States Army Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth, KS. and is a 2002 graduate of the NATO Defense College in Rome, Italy. Multiple combat tours include service as the G-3 (Operations) of the 1st Marine Division in Ramadi, Iraq during 2004-05, and as the Commander of the 5th Marine Regiment in Fallujah, Iraq 2006-07. He commanded Task Force Leatherneck and the 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade in Helmand Province Afghanistan from 2009-2010. He later returned to Afghanistan in 2012 as the CJ-3 Operations Officer for the ISAF Joint Command (IJC). Lt.Gen. Nicholson commanded the famed 1st Marine (Blue Diamond) Division at Camp Pendleton California from 2013-2015. After retiring from active duty, Lt.Gen. Nicholson served as a Vice President for Execution and Leadership for the H.T. Hackney Company in Knoxville, TN until July of 2022. Today he serves as a Senior Mentor and Highly Qualified Expert for the Joint Staff travelling globally in support of large scale exercises. Additionally, he serves as a Distinguished Senior Fellow for the Sasakawa Peace Foundation is on the advisory board for Spirit of America and serves on several veterans-focused non-profit boards. He and his wife Deborah enjoy spoiling their 9 grandchildren, and hiking in the beautiful Smoky Mountains of Tennessee.

Original "Lion of Marjah" Kevin Knuckles, joins the show to share his perspective of The original work up and push into Marjah, as well as his follow-on deployment back to Marjah. The second pump thriving in a leadership position in the squad. Kevin was always a special Marine to Second Squad. He was thirsty and reliable. A Marine that was honest and required very little supervision when given a task, "Message to Garcia" as the saying goes. Knuckles will forever be a war hero, a man amongst men, a Marine through and through.

In this episode, Sean Goes into his unorthodox career progression during service, and his transition out. He is now the Director of The Honor Foundation, where his team aids in transitioning the Nation's Special operators through fellowship and networking. Sean is a stand-out man and an awesome leader.

Major Mike Reynolds of the United States Marine Corps joins the show to talk about what the military enlisted, CWO, to commissioned officer experience was like. As well as shining some light on the Marine Corps Combat Art MOS. At 22 years and counting Major Reynolds will continue to serve and preserve the spirit of the Marines, both through superior leadership and the Combat Art Program.

Brent Downing is a Sergeants Major in the United States Marine Corps. He has done many things in his career, starting as an 0331 Machine Gunner in 1st battalion 4th Marines. Shortly after checking into the Battalion, Lance Corporal Downing was deployed to Kuwait and In March of 2003, crossed the line of departure into Iraq during the initial invasion in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Lance Corporal Downing would take part in several combat engagements fighting against the Iraqi army as well as their elite Republican Guard and Fedayeen forces from Al-Nasiriyah to Baghdad. In 2004 Lance Corporal Downing returned to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom II with the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), serving as a machine gun squad leader. In August 2004, Lance Corporal Downing led a squad of machine gunners in an intense three day long battle against Muqtada Al-Sadr’s Mahdi army in the Najaf cemetery. For his actions, Lance Corporal Downing was subsequently awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with combat distinguishing device and would later be promoted to the rank of Corporal.

Brent Downing is a Sergeants Major in the United States Marine Corps. He has done many things in his career, starting as an 0331 Machine Gunner in 1st battalion 4th Marines. Shortly after checking into the Battalion, Lance Corporal Downing was deployed to Kuwait and In March of 2003, crossed the line of departure into Iraq during the initial invasion in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Lance Corporal Downing would take part in several combat engagements fighting against the Iraqi army as well as their elite Republican Guard and Fedayeen forces from Al-Nasiriyah to Baghdad. In 2004 Lance Corporal Downing returned to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom II with the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), serving as a machine gun squad leader. In August 2004, Lance Corporal Downing led a squad of machine gunners in an intense three-day-long battle against Muqtada Al-Sadr’s Mahdi army in the Najaf cemetery. For his actions, Lance Corporal Downing was subsequently awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with combat distinguishing device and would later be promoted to the rank of Corporal.

During this episode we talk with Jared Prewitt, the author of "It'll Buff Out. In his book he talks about a myriad of different struggles. Starting in high school Jared became called an pulled into the war. He would watch as the Marines cleared the city of Fallujah in just a few days and wanted to learn about the long lived brotherhood his grandfather told him about. Jared would fight for Cold Steele in 1/6 as a DM in Ramadi in 2006 as well as Garmsir, Afghanistan in 2008. If that wasn't enough, Jared also suffered from a stroke after his active service time ended, setting him again on a path of struggle and perseverance. He has since published his war memoir, and took employment helping other Vets become aware and introduced to Hyperbaric Oxygen therapy. For all of the bad reviews he says there are twice as many people who found it helpful. If you have tried other things and still need migraines and TBI/PTSD relief, give it a try.

Brent Downing is a Sergeants Major in the United States Marine Corps. He has done many things in his career, starting as an 0331 Machine Gunner in 1st battalion 4th Marines. Shortly after checking into the Battalion, Lance Corporal Downing was deployed to Kuwait and In March of 2003, crossed the line of departure into Iraq during the initial invasion in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Lance Corporal Downing would take part in several combat engagements fighting against the Iraqi army as well as their elite Republican Guard and Fedayeen forces from Al-Nasiriyah to Baghdad. In 2004 Lance Corporal Downing returned to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom II with the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), serving as a machine gun squad leader. In August 2004, Lance Corporal Downing led a squad of machine gunners in an intense three day long battle against Muqtada Al-Sadr’s Mahdi army in the Najaf cemetery. For his actions, Lance Corporal Downing was subsequently awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with combat distinguishing device and would later be promoted to the rank of Corporal. Following the return from a second combat tour in Iraq, Corporal Downing checked into Headquarters Battery, 11th Marines and served as the Substance Abuse Control Officer (SACO) for approximately one year. Before leaving active duty in June 2006, Corporal Downing would be promoted to the rank of Sergeant. In January 2007, then Sergeant Downing checked into Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 23d Marines serving as the machine gun section leader. In April of 2008, Sergeant Downing was meritoriously promoted to the rank of Staff Sergeant. In 2011, Staff Sergeant Downing deployed with the battalion to Helmand Province, Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom as the Platoon Sergeant of 2nd Platoon, Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 23d Marines. While conducting combat operations in Afghanistan, 2nd Platoon was responsible for seizing over two tons of illegal narcotics from the Taliban during aerial interdiction missions and participated in several multi-battalion operations during the course of the deployment. Since that time he has Been in various leadership roles and training Marines. In June of 2022, after being selected to the rank of Sergeant Major, SgtMaj Downing was assigned as the Battalion Sergeant Major of 2d Battalion, 14th Marines, a HIMARS rocket Battalion located in Grand Prairie, Texas.

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Recently I sat down with Nick Aicardi, the Host of the Hard to Kill podcast, and talked about life. I really learned a lot in this one. Nick walks us through his experiences overseas, right down to the moment they closed on the enemy and sorted the situation out. The warfighter in me loved the chat and so will you.

This week’s guest is retired Army Captain Joshua Hearns. He has had a multitude of different experiences in life and in service. I first met Josh in San Antonio, TX during a stay in an in-patient therapy facility called Laurel Ridge. During the 30 days I was in therapy, Josh and I talked a good bit and jammed out with guitars in the evenings. In this episode, we talk about his childhood, and his experiences in Iraq as the XO for Alpha Company 177. We discuss leadership, combat in Iraq., and transition back to society. This was a special episode for me because it was the first conversation between Josh and me in a long time. I hope you enjoy it as much as we did.

Justin Cramer joins the show to chat about life, war, and transition. We have a chat in this clip about his time operating out of a patrol base in Afghanistan. He had friendly Marines under fire as he was controlling air to assist. Cramer explains the process of deconflicting fires from air assets, and the chaos that can ensue. When Marines and friendly forces are under fire the fog of war is real. Things don't always go as planned.

Chase McGrorty-Hunter joins the show to talk about Flashpoint Taiwan. Chase is an active duty Gunnery Sergeant in the United States Marine Corps and has been someone that I started to follow on social media some time ago. In the past few years a cluster of active duty enlisted Marines as well as Officers have taken to the social media scene to enhance the warfighter. As I followed I learned, and every conversation we have had, I have learned as well. Gunny McGrorty-Hunter takes us through the structure of Flashpoint Taiwan, a war game of the largest kind. He speaks to articles written, Q&A sessions, and the culmination of the games in December. If you are an active duty Marine you do not want to miss this information.

This week’s guest is Dominique Williams, a former NFL football running back for the Minnesota Vikings, working toward his lifelong dream of being called up and activated. Dom suffered two ACL injuries, one on each knee and he was confronted with the reality that he was getting older, and his injuries were not helping his cause. Dom had to look at his life and decide on how to reinvent himself. Now, Dom works with the youth in his community branding himself a student success coach. He means to be the mentor and coach that he never had. Showing students what to do and how to be successful in identifying their dreams and taking actions that align with their thoughts and vision for themselves. This was an awesome interview to conduct and I hope you all enjoyed it as much as we did.