Choices Not Chances Podcast

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.

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.