Marine Corps 250th Birthday Special: Sgt. Tommy James and the Dogs of War | Ep. 74
Description
📍In honor of the 250th Birthday of the United States Marine Corps, David Rutherford sits down with Sgt. Tommy James, a Marine K9 handler whose life story embodies everything the Corps has stood for — discipline, loyalty, and courage under fire.
From his humble beginnings in Arkansas to boot camp at Parris Island, from patrolling Quantico with a 130-pound Czech Shepherd to facing snipers in Afghanistan with his specialized search dog “Rona,” Sgt. James’ journey captures the Marine ethos: “The Few. The Proud.”
Next Steps:
- 🏫 Get coaching by David Rutherford: https://www.froglogicinstitute.com/
- đź“• Get David's novel, The Poet Warrior: https://www.ballastbooks.com/ballast-bookstore/the-poet-warrior
- đź“° Sign up for David's weekly newsletter for free coaching tips, updates, and more: https://davidrutherfordletter.substack.com/
Â
Timestamps:Â
00:00 - The Allure of the Marine Corps
12:57 - Boot Camp Experience and Transformation
27:59 - Military Working Dog Training and Deployment
41:13 - The Battle of Chaparral and Its Aftermath
41:44 - The Journey of a Marine: From Boot Camp to Deployment
48:50 - First Combat Deployment: The Reality of War
01:03:03 - Training and Bonding: The Special Relationship with K9s
01:06:31 - Engagement in Combat: The Challenges of ROEs
01:17:18 - Casualties and the Harsh Realities of War
01:19:34 - Entering the Compound: A Tactical Overview
01:22:06 - The Reality of Combat: Friendships and Loss
01:25:44 - Transitioning Units: Challenges and Adjustments
01:29:04 - The Aftermath of Deployment: Reflections and Regrets
01:36:36 - Life After the Marines: Adjusting to Civilian Life
01:51:01 - Lessons Learned: Integrity and Brotherhood
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
United States
