Lots. If it doesn't work, you're just not using enough. You're listening to Software Radio, Special Operations, Military Nails and straight talk with the guys in the community.

Lots. If it doesn't work, you're just not using enough. You're listening to Software Radio, Special Operations, Military Nails and straight talk with the guys in the community.

Hey, what's going on? This is rad and this is another awesome episode of soft rep Radio. And today I have two very cool special guests. You already know who they are. But before I introduce you to them, I've got to tell you what. Say it with me. Go visit the merch store. Yeah, soft rep dot com for slash merch. Go check it out. Pick up the branded goods from all of the special operators who have put it all together and put soft Rep on it. Go check it out. Tag us all over the social media. We love to see it and share it. And thanks for keeping the gas lit by buying the merch. It really helps us out. The second thing is that we have a book club, and that is soft rep dot com Forward Slash Book hyphen Club. If you're new and you're just joining us for the first time, go check out soft rep dot com Ford Slash Book hyphen Club. And those of you that are already a member of it, thanks and thanks for reading a book. Okay, it's a big deal. Reading a book. It's a book. You open it, you turn the pages, you use your eyes, brain neurons, they all fire. You read it, you feel feelings. Okay, so read a book. All right. Now, I've got two cool guests on the show today. We're gonna do this three way, and we got some video game conversation coming up. We're gonna talk about some military experiences coming up, but first let's talk to Lewis Manolo and Matt Patak. Welcome to SOFTWAREP Radio.

Hey, what's going on? This is rad and this is another awesome episode of soft rep Radio. And today I have two very cool special guests. You already know who they are. But before I introduce you to them, I've got to tell you what. Say it with me. Go visit the merch store. Yeah, soft rep dot com for slash merch. Go check it out. Pick up the branded goods from all of the special operators who have put it all together and put soft Rep on it. Go check it out. Tag us all over the social media. We love to see it and share it. And thanks for keeping the gas lit by buying the merch. It really helps us out. The second thing is that we have a book club, and that is soft rep dot com Forward Slash Book hyphen Club. If you're new and you're just joining us for the first time, go check out soft rep dot com Ford Slash Book hyphen Club. And those of you that are already a member of it, thanks and thanks for reading a book. Okay, it's a big deal. Reading a book. It's a book. You open it, you turn the pages, you use your eyes, brain neurons, they all fire. You read it, you feel feelings. Okay, so read a book. All right. Now, I've got two cool guests on the show today. We're gonna do this three way, and we got some video game conversation coming up. We're gonna talk about some military experiences coming up, but first let's talk to Lewis Manolo and Matt Patak. Welcome to SOFTWAREP Radio.

Thanks awesome, awesome to be here.

Thanks awesome, awesome to be here.

Man, Thanks, and I just want to mention that you guys are the founders of Old Glory Studios, and I also want to mention that you're both veterans of the military.

Man, Thanks, and I just want to mention that you guys are the founders of Old Glory Studios, and I also want to mention that you're both veterans of the military.

Correct, that's correct, That's right.

Correct, that's correct, That's right.

Yeah, we've also we've also both worked in video games for like a combined twenty five years, so we've worked on a lot of popular games, like especially Tom Clancy kind of franchise.

Yeah, we've also we've also both worked in video games for like a combined twenty five years, so we've worked on a lot of popular games, like especially Tom Clancy kind of franchise.

So right, like, okay, let's just crack that open, right, Like Ghost Recon Okay, I remember playing Ghost Recon on Xbox okay in like two thousand and five, four or five, and it was like multiicam. They had the scar just coming out. You know, and my buddy's like, hey, let's sluff work in the radio industry. I used to work in radio. He's like, let's go over to my house and eat lunch and play Ghost Recon. And we would literally, at like twenty four years old, be playing Ghost Recon talking about airsoft war games. Yeah, okay, all right at the same time. Right, So, Ghost Recon, I mean it really brings out. Let me just kind of just segue into air Off. How all these loadouts that come out from Ghost Recon and all of the weaponry and all of the gloves and all of the styling. It just plays over into these loadouts air softers go after. You know, they just replicate it to the to the t. How do you feel about that when you're involved in a video game and you know that that loadout, you know, whether it's the orange watch that everybody wants with the guy sitting on the looking like Simba looking over the plane. You know what I'm saying, backpack and his LBT kit or whatever that it may be. Yeah, wow, let's talk to me. Who wants to take that? I'd say? And I love it honestly.

So right, like, okay, let's just crack that open, right, Like Ghost Recon Okay, I remember playing Ghost Recon on Xbox okay in like two thousand and five, four or five, and it was like multiicam. They had the scar just coming out. You know, and my buddy's like, hey, let's sluff work in the radio industry. I used to work in radio. He's like, let's go over to my house and eat lunch and play Ghost Recon. And we would literally, at like twenty four years old, be playing Ghost Recon talking about airsoft war games. Yeah, okay, all right at the same time. Right, So, Ghost Recon, I mean it really brings out. Let me just kind of just segue into air Off. How all these loadouts that come out from Ghost Recon and all of the weaponry and all of the gloves and all of the styling. It just plays over into these loadouts air softers go after. You know, they just replicate it to the to the t. How do you feel about that when you're involved in a video game and you know that that loadout, you know, whether it's the orange watch that everybody wants with the guy sitting on the looking like Simba looking over the plane. You know what I'm saying, backpack and his LBT kit or whatever that it may be. Yeah, wow, let's talk to me. Who wants to take that? I'd say? And I love it honestly.

So, like, uh so I was on I worked on Ghost Recon wild Lands and Ghost Reecon Breakpoint and yeah, those players, like even end game especially, like they really love personalizing everything, and it's something that we really tried to cater to, you know, you know, we understand that they're they're they're all different kinds of players, right, Like some people will go in and they'll just play whatever, you know, the kind of base character it is, you know, the one that you're on madically given. But then there are other people, especially in like especially in games where you can play as a team, where people like to really get themselves decked out and like hear that kind of coordinates, you know, so the whole role play as if they're like Brazilian boat or something, you know, like but going right.

So, like, uh so I was on I worked on Ghost Recon wild Lands and Ghost Reecon Breakpoint and yeah, those players, like even end game especially, like they really love personalizing everything, and it's something that we really tried to cater to, you know, you know, we understand that they're they're they're all different kinds of players, right, Like some people will go in and they'll just play whatever, you know, the kind of base character it is, you know, the one that you're on madically given. But then there are other people, especially in like especially in games where you can play as a team, where people like to really get themselves decked out and like hear that kind of coordinates, you know, so the whole role play as if they're like Brazilian boat or something, you know, like but going right.

You know, garden gloves and ak and a life preserve bro. They're like, this is my new loadout, dude, this is my new load out. It's awesome. Yeah, it's it's awesome. Like it.

You know, garden gloves and ak and a life preserve bro. They're like, this is my new loadout, dude, this is my new load out. It's awesome. Yeah, it's it's awesome. Like it.

We were like, I love seeing that kind of involvement from players into the game. You know, it shows that they care about it because they also make it their own.

We were like, I love seeing that kind of involvement from players into the game. You know, it shows that they care about it because they also make it their own.

See and what I do here in Utah, Matt, you may not be aware I have large scale Airsoft wargame operations. Sometimes they average two hundred people, you know, and it's guys like us, guys who've been in, guys who've been out, Guys who could never have joined because they have asthma. Yep, right. Or does someone get to shoulder to shoulder with a guy like Lewis you know, well, maybe Lewis got out and he's like, well, I'm looking for somebody to team up with. These guys are doing this Airsoft thing. Let me go check it out next, you know, he's like, he's like, whoa, my kid still fits and I need a little cardio. But no, that yeah fitting? But yeah, right, Matt, I mean hell yeah, I still got a uniform in my closet fit in.

See and what I do here in Utah, Matt, you may not be aware I have large scale Airsoft wargame operations. Sometimes they average two hundred people, you know, and it's guys like us, guys who've been in, guys who've been out, Guys who could never have joined because they have asthma. Yep, right. Or does someone get to shoulder to shoulder with a guy like Lewis you know, well, maybe Lewis got out and he's like, well, I'm looking for somebody to team up with. These guys are doing this Airsoft thing. Let me go check it out next, you know, he's like, he's like, whoa, my kid still fits and I need a little cardio. But no, that yeah fitting? But yeah, right, Matt, I mean hell yeah, I still got a uniform in my closet fit in.

That's like a tight nice see.

That's like a tight nice see.

Yeah, you're like, what's up, let's go right, still fits, But that's about it.

Yeah, you're like, what's up, let's go right, still fits, But that's about it.

In the army, baby, Now, let's talk about that real quick. So, Louis you come from what the eighty second Airborne? I saw maroon beret? Is that right? Yeah?

In the army, baby, Now, let's talk about that real quick. So, Louis you come from what the eighty second Airborne? I saw maroon beret? Is that right? Yeah?

That's correct. I was, uh so, I enlisted after September eleventh, two thousand and one, and I kinda it was kind of you know, I went in there. You know, I did well on my ASVAB, so I kind of had like my pick of like what I could do. But then it's like, you know, I was looking at kind of like intelligence or something like that, you know, because it's, you know, a war on terror. It's going to be very much about information, right, this is war and the information. So I was like, I could probably do some good there. Then like like after the MEPs and the guy, you know he's got the paper for me to sign, He's just like, well, that would be like six months. You'd have to wait, you know, but we got this spot in eighty second. As a combat engineer, you can do that right away.

That's correct. I was, uh so, I enlisted after September eleventh, two thousand and one, and I kinda it was kind of you know, I went in there. You know, I did well on my ASVAB, so I kind of had like my pick of like what I could do. But then it's like, you know, I was looking at kind of like intelligence or something like that, you know, because it's, you know, a war on terror. It's going to be very much about information, right, this is war and the information. So I was like, I could probably do some good there. Then like like after the MEPs and the guy, you know he's got the paper for me to sign, He's just like, well, that would be like six months. You'd have to wait, you know, but we got this spot in eighty second. As a combat engineer, you can do that right away.

All that engineer baby. So yeah, wow, So.

All that engineer baby. So yeah, wow, So.

That's what I That's what I was. And so I took part in combat combat missions for OEF operation during Freedom one, two and three.

That's what I That's what I was. And so I took part in combat combat missions for OEF operation during Freedom one, two and three.

Wow, so lots you went over a few times, did some things and a few waves. And so how old were you when you enlisted in one?

Wow, so lots you went over a few times, did some things and a few waves. And so how old were you when you enlisted in one?

So I had already graduated college, I was already working, so I was twenty three. So your grandpa, Yeah, I really was like it's kind of hard, Like now that I'm like in my forties, it's it's hard to kind of conceive of. But like going through airborne school that because again, like I wasn't like any kind of PT boss or anything even before, right, So going through airborne school at twenty three was freaking hard, man, Like, like I made it through, but you know, not without like support from my you know buddies there.

So I had already graduated college, I was already working, so I was twenty three. So your grandpa, Yeah, I really was like it's kind of hard, Like now that I'm like in my forties, it's it's hard to kind of conceive of. But like going through airborne school that because again, like I wasn't like any kind of PT boss or anything even before, right, So going through airborne school at twenty three was freaking hard, man, Like, like I made it through, but you know, not without like support from my you know buddies there.

Seventeen year old buddies that are next to you, Like, bloh, you knew what to do at seventeen, man, Like what was your drive?

Seventeen year old buddies that are next to you, Like, bloh, you knew what to do at seventeen, man, Like what was your drive?

You know?

You know?

What about you, Matt, How old were you when you enlisted? Tell me a little bit about that.

What about you, Matt, How old were you when you enlisted? Tell me a little bit about that.

I was just turned I just suit to be nineteen when I enlisted, and yeah, and then I hadn't listed. Yeah about a few months after nine to eleven. I was in college at the time, like just doing the basic gen ed stuff and just trying to find my way saw nine to eleven on TV. I was in Nebraska at the time, and yeah, I talked with my mom and she's like, you know, don't take this the wrong way, but have you ever thought about joining the military?

I was just turned I just suit to be nineteen when I enlisted, and yeah, and then I hadn't listed. Yeah about a few months after nine to eleven. I was in college at the time, like just doing the basic gen ed stuff and just trying to find my way saw nine to eleven on TV. I was in Nebraska at the time, and yeah, I talked with my mom and she's like, you know, don't take this the wrong way, but have you ever thought about joining the military?

I was like, eh, you know, I've thought about it.

I was like, eh, you know, I've thought about it.

I'd never really given any really seriously you know, consideration. But now it's like Okay. Talked to some recruiters, Yeah, talked to the didn't even bother talking with the Navy. I'm six foot six. There's no way my ass will fit on a boat or a submarine like screw that.

I'd never really given any really seriously you know, consideration. But now it's like Okay. Talked to some recruiters, Yeah, talked to the didn't even bother talking with the Navy. I'm six foot six. There's no way my ass will fit on a boat or a submarine like screw that.

Uh yeah. I talked with Air Force. I was a bit too boring, you know, because.

Uh yeah. I talked with Air Force. I was a bit too boring, you know, because.

I always wanted to be in computers in some type of you know, industry like that. And so she's like, I'll talk to the Air Force. I'm I was just like, no, if I'm going to sign up, I want to sign up. I want to do something right.

I always wanted to be in computers in some type of you know, industry like that. And so she's like, I'll talk to the Air Force. I'm I was just like, no, if I'm going to sign up, I want to sign up. I want to do something right.

And so the.

And so the.

Marines, like I couldn't drink the kool aid to get that far. That was a bit too much for me. The Army was that that right Middle Grounds and they showed me like I wanted to be an Abrams tanker, but they're like, now you're too tall for that. I was like, ah, what's the next best thing? Well, you could fit in the Bradley. It's got an adjustable seat, right, So it's like I was like, okay, like I could squeeze in there. It's like they showed me a video and it was like total like you know, late nineties prop again, they're like, oh, look at this dope ast, you know, you know, our infantry fighting vehicle driving through the water and guys running out of the back. It's like, yeah, that's cool. I want to do that. So yeah, I signed up.

Marines, like I couldn't drink the kool aid to get that far. That was a bit too much for me. The Army was that that right Middle Grounds and they showed me like I wanted to be an Abrams tanker, but they're like, now you're too tall for that. I was like, ah, what's the next best thing? Well, you could fit in the Bradley. It's got an adjustable seat, right, So it's like I was like, okay, like I could squeeze in there. It's like they showed me a video and it was like total like you know, late nineties prop again, they're like, oh, look at this dope ast, you know, you know, our infantry fighting vehicle driving through the water and guys running out of the back. It's like, yeah, that's cool. I want to do that. So yeah, I signed up.

But it bradly has like six wheels on.

But it bradly has like six wheels on.

It doesn't it doesn't know it's it's a tracked vehicle.

It doesn't it doesn't know it's it's a tracked vehicle.

It's tracked twenty five millimeter toe toe launcher.

It's tracked twenty five millimeter toe toe launcher.

Yeah, but.

Yeah, but.

Wow you can Yeah, it holds, uh holds. I think eight in the back, six to eight, like six comfortably.

Wow you can Yeah, it holds, uh holds. I think eight in the back, six to eight, like six comfortably.

Well, maybe I'm thinking like very command and conquer here, you know what.

Well, maybe I'm thinking like very command and conquer here, you know what.

Probably, Oh, I think I'm on it, probably thinking like the lab, the lab twenty five, I think is what you're thinking of it.

Probably, Oh, I think I'm on it, probably thinking like the lab, the lab twenty five, I think is what you're thinking of it.

Yeah, and I'm also probably thinking striker in my head with the wheel striker.

Yeah, and I'm also probably thinking striker in my head with the wheel striker.

Yeah yeah, yeah, totally that's my one.

Yeah yeah, yeah, totally that's my one.

Yeah, but still mechanized nonetheless, right, Yeah, you're a mechanized yeah warrior.

Yeah, but still mechanized nonetheless, right, Yeah, you're a mechanized yeah warrior.

Yeah.

Yeah.

I was with the third I D in when I went to Iraq, so just did one tour operation reckefeed him.

I was with the third I D in when I went to Iraq, so just did one tour operation reckefeed him.

So don't they call the third I D the fuzzy TV screen?

So don't they call the third I D the fuzzy TV screen?

It is?

It is?

Yes, you're right, yeah, the static across the Yeah, you can see I get the badge right there.

Yes, you're right, yeah, the static across the Yeah, you can see I get the badge right there.

Oh, okay, you do. Yeah, see over my shoulder, you have my father's SF. My father was a Green Beret. Yeah, it's the way a long time ago twenty thirteen is beret. My mom is right next to him in this picture right here where my pencils at. He's jumping out of or he's getting ready to land do a peel like you know, yeah, airborne jump. But nonetheless, yeah, we all have something cool behind us.

Oh, okay, you do. Yeah, see over my shoulder, you have my father's SF. My father was a Green Beret. Yeah, it's the way a long time ago twenty thirteen is beret. My mom is right next to him in this picture right here where my pencils at. He's jumping out of or he's getting ready to land do a peel like you know, yeah, airborne jump. But nonetheless, yeah, we all have something cool behind us.

Bro awesome, I love.

Bro awesome, I love.

Yeah. So, so you guys go in the military. You guys go and do your jobs, and I know there's stress put involved with that, you know, and the stress of you know, combat takes its toll on you. You guys both have just mentioned you've done like three different waves of OEFS and OAFS and Operation of Iraqi Freedom Operation and Dury Freedoms, you know. And for those that are listening, those are when they send out like waves of troops back into the country to reinforce the other troops that are there. Right oefs way one, two, three, all the way to like seven. I think.

Yeah. So, so you guys go in the military. You guys go and do your jobs, and I know there's stress put involved with that, you know, and the stress of you know, combat takes its toll on you. You guys both have just mentioned you've done like three different waves of OEFS and OAFS and Operation of Iraqi Freedom Operation and Dury Freedoms, you know. And for those that are listening, those are when they send out like waves of troops back into the country to reinforce the other troops that are there. Right oefs way one, two, three, all the way to like seven. I think.

I don't know when they stopped counting, Actually.

I don't know when they stopped counting, Actually.

When did you stop counting?

When did you stop counting?

At three, right, Yeah, well I got ayt yes. But so actually, just to clarify, so I deployed twice. But actually when I went for operation and during Freedom too, you know, the one hundred and first was still in country, but they'd actually they something came up, like some high value target was cited or something, so they wanted to go in like one more time, right, because not all the eighty second was back, but the one hundred and first have already started sending people back, so they'd already sent their engineers to Germany. So they like knocked in our door basically like the the Rocissans, you know, one hundred and eighty seven, they walked on our doors just like hey, you got engineers. So my Cletine sergeant like grab us up, and that's how we went on that last combat mission operation in Jeering Freedom Ion.

At three, right, Yeah, well I got ayt yes. But so actually, just to clarify, so I deployed twice. But actually when I went for operation and during Freedom too, you know, the one hundred and first was still in country, but they'd actually they something came up, like some high value target was cited or something, so they wanted to go in like one more time, right, because not all the eighty second was back, but the one hundred and first have already started sending people back, so they'd already sent their engineers to Germany. So they like knocked in our door basically like the the Rocissans, you know, one hundred and eighty seven, they walked on our doors just like hey, you got engineers. So my Cletine sergeant like grab us up, and that's how we went on that last combat mission operation in Jeering Freedom Ion.

So is that pretty Was it sketchy? Did you guys get it? Did you get into a firefight or anything?

So is that pretty Was it sketchy? Did you guys get it? Did you get into a firefight or anything?

No? I mean it was kind of I mean it was new, right, so it was for us were like the how many of us was on? There was probably like five or six of us from from my platoon, from my squad that were there. So we were like, we didn't know what the heck to exist, but sorry, we didn't know what the heck to expect. But these one hundred and first guys, you know, they'd already gone through like that early fighting from Operation Anaconda, so they were just like they're fucking around with us. We were sitting there like eating lunch and everything, and then you know, with mrs you can make those little flash bangs. Some popped one of those off. Of of course we're all like whoa, and they're just sitting there laughing at us.

No? I mean it was kind of I mean it was new, right, so it was for us were like the how many of us was on? There was probably like five or six of us from from my platoon, from my squad that were there. So we were like, we didn't know what the heck to exist, but sorry, we didn't know what the heck to expect. But these one hundred and first guys, you know, they'd already gone through like that early fighting from Operation Anaconda, so they were just like they're fucking around with us. We were sitting there like eating lunch and everything, and then you know, with mrs you can make those little flash bangs. Some popped one of those off. Of of course we're all like whoa, and they're just sitting there laughing at us.

A water bottle and a heater right exactly, But yeah, yeah, that'll that'll trick you though. Bro. It's like, like, what is that?

A water bottle and a heater right exactly, But yeah, yeah, that'll that'll trick you though. Bro. It's like, like, what is that?

It was hilarious because I still remember my my squad leader like jumping up and like you know, bell throwing is his his body armor, his IBA like tight, and then like just the other squad leader's just like loud at.

It was hilarious because I still remember my my squad leader like jumping up and like you know, bell throwing is his his body armor, his IBA like tight, and then like just the other squad leader's just like loud at.

That would be pretty funny to incorporate that in a game as like a Easter egg like where you just have to like get the heater packet and the water bottle kind of like Duke nukemb takes the leak. He's like I needed that. Yeah, yeah, yeah, so Matt, And so Matt, what kind of you know trip did you go on?

That would be pretty funny to incorporate that in a game as like a Easter egg like where you just have to like get the heater packet and the water bottle kind of like Duke nukemb takes the leak. He's like I needed that. Yeah, yeah, yeah, so Matt, And so Matt, what kind of you know trip did you go on?

You might tell me a little from Kuwait City all the way to Bagdad. It was D Day, March twentieth, two thousand and three, so I was one deployment.

You might tell me a little from Kuwait City all the way to Bagdad. It was D Day, March twentieth, two thousand and three, so I was one deployment.

Uh.

Uh.

I didn't know what to expect.

I didn't know what to expect.

Man, I was like, holy shit, are we gonna like hit the beaches of Normandy or what the hell is going to happen? It was this is just the longest ride of my life, seriously, Like it was just driving through the desert non stop. And the only like crazy stuff that I really saw was when we hit the Carbala gap. Is like, just saw this whole like a squadron of like, OHGE fifty eight's just straight from the ship out with rockets, you know, straight fen the ship out of Carbala, and it's like this is where if anywhere we're ever gonna get ambush, it would be here, because it's like the gap between I think that there's a Tigris River. I don't know which lake that was, but there's a there's a big ass lake there next to Carbala, and there's like a highway that runs between the town and the lake and that's the Carbola gaps. Like this is where all the you know, the convoy would all go through here. This is where they get all their all their kills. So we were on high alert there, like we we had the gas attacks every damn twenty minutes. Like I just like wore my mop suit through the entire ride, like like because you have to take it off and then put it back on. It's like I'm just gonna keep it all on and just you know, have my gas maskets. I say, oh gas, okay, cool, you know mask. It was really like a fucking annoying just can we curse?

Man, I was like, holy shit, are we gonna like hit the beaches of Normandy or what the hell is going to happen? It was this is just the longest ride of my life, seriously, Like it was just driving through the desert non stop. And the only like crazy stuff that I really saw was when we hit the Carbala gap. Is like, just saw this whole like a squadron of like, OHGE fifty eight's just straight from the ship out with rockets, you know, straight fen the ship out of Carbala, and it's like this is where if anywhere we're ever gonna get ambush, it would be here, because it's like the gap between I think that there's a Tigris River. I don't know which lake that was, but there's a there's a big ass lake there next to Carbala, and there's like a highway that runs between the town and the lake and that's the Carbola gaps. Like this is where all the you know, the convoy would all go through here. This is where they get all their all their kills. So we were on high alert there, like we we had the gas attacks every damn twenty minutes. Like I just like wore my mop suit through the entire ride, like like because you have to take it off and then put it back on. It's like I'm just gonna keep it all on and just you know, have my gas maskets. I say, oh gas, okay, cool, you know mask. It was really like a fucking annoying just can we curse?

I don't know if yeah, you can say whatever you want really.

I don't know if yeah, you can say whatever you want really.

Really freaking ay, there you go, all right.

Really freaking ay, there you go, all right.

Yeah, but it was just like, uh, you were expecting you like you would like, oh, we're gonna like I've seen all the war movies. I heard all my you know, my you know grandfathers and stuff talk about you know, all this the history and stuff, and you wanted to be a part of this.

Yeah, but it was just like, uh, you were expecting you like you would like, oh, we're gonna like I've seen all the war movies. I heard all my you know, my you know grandfathers and stuff talk about you know, all this the history and stuff, and you wanted to be a part of this.

Everyone's surrendering. Everyone just throws up their hands. Uh call it.

Everyone's surrendering. Everyone just throws up their hands. Uh call it.

The MP's all right, get these people process, get them out of here, Like okay, let's just keep rolling. Just kept rolling and driving. It was like a month of just driving across the damn desert. I remember driving the Bradley.

The MP's all right, get these people process, get them out of here, Like okay, let's just keep rolling. Just kept rolling and driving. It was like a month of just driving across the damn desert. I remember driving the Bradley.

It was like this.

It was like this.

If you remember two thousand and three, there's like massive convoys that stretched to the horizon. Yeah, and they had this according effect and so you'd all come together and stop. You hit the brakes and you sit there and you listen to your engine and you're just like it's just so peaceful. And then suddenly like I heard this dude stomping on the turret hatch do oh, And I look at the convoys like on the horizon you can see the trail lights, like oh shit, And I started going.

If you remember two thousand and three, there's like massive convoys that stretched to the horizon. Yeah, and they had this according effect and so you'd all come together and stop. You hit the brakes and you sit there and you listen to your engine and you're just like it's just so peaceful. And then suddenly like I heard this dude stomping on the turret hatch do oh, And I look at the convoys like on the horizon you can see the trail lights, like oh shit, And I started going.

It's just like it's just non stop, like what could you do?

It's just like it's just non stop, like what could you do?

So a lot of boredom out there, but like we had some situations like holy shit, we might be in something, but nothing. I was never PTSD, thank god. I think I brought a lot more positive like I guess, not experiences, but positive feedback or whatever to the Iraqi people than I ever took away. So I think I brought yea more positive than anything.

So a lot of boredom out there, but like we had some situations like holy shit, we might be in something, but nothing. I was never PTSD, thank god. I think I brought a lot more positive like I guess, not experiences, but positive feedback or whatever to the Iraqi people than I ever took away. So I think I brought yea more positive than anything.

So that's good. So it gave you also, like probably some insight into how they perceived us.

So that's good. So it gave you also, like probably some insight into how they perceived us.

Oh, yeah, it was thumbs up, like clapping, cheering.

Oh, yeah, it was thumbs up, like clapping, cheering.

It was like literally that yeah, Like I never understood why we throw candy from like cars and stuff in a parade, but this was like literally like it just triggered me, like this is what parraise are. It's liberation, Like you're giving people their freedom. And we were literally just like tossing em ReFood because we just we had so much Like there was you know, a pack of skills. Have had like twenty of these today, So you know, to the kids and stuff along inside the road, they're like, you know, asking us to throw stuff down.

It was like literally that yeah, Like I never understood why we throw candy from like cars and stuff in a parade, but this was like literally like it just triggered me, like this is what parraise are. It's liberation, Like you're giving people their freedom. And we were literally just like tossing em ReFood because we just we had so much Like there was you know, a pack of skills. Have had like twenty of these today, So you know, to the kids and stuff along inside the road, they're like, you know, asking us to throw stuff down.

I was like, all right, dope, like we felt like liberating takes for you, Yeah, for you, I'm telling you. It was actually a really cool experience.

I was like, all right, dope, like we felt like liberating takes for you, Yeah, for you, I'm telling you. It was actually a really cool experience.

Yeah, but that was that was the again, that was the first like six months, six to seven months.

Yeah, but that was that was the again, that was the first like six months, six to seven months.

Of the war.

Of the war.

And then I got out of there and went back to a training battalion and helped you know, train the new guys.

And then I got out of there and went back to a training battalion and helped you know, train the new guys.

Basically was like the big brother figure. So I never got sent back again.

Basically was like the big brother figure. So I never got sent back again.

But what happened in Iraq, I'm glad I never got sent back because the rack kind of turned into a hell hole after that, So.

But what happened in Iraq, I'm glad I never got sent back because the rack kind of turned into a hell hole after that, So.

You know, I had a friend that rode like an m rap all the time and he had to work up on the top of it. And he said that when he'd get surrounded, yeah, by all of the kids and everything coming up constantly, yes, like they would never scatter when he had his M four out, no run away from that, but he'd pull a shotgun out and they would just.

You know, I had a friend that rode like an m rap all the time and he had to work up on the top of it. And he said that when he'd get surrounded, yeah, by all of the kids and everything coming up constantly, yes, like they would never scatter when he had his M four out, no run away from that, but he'd pull a shotgun out and they would just.

Dude, what of our our track? Commander turned the turn on the kids A twenty five millimeter kid, Like, that's like, yeah, yeah.

Dude, what of our our track? Commander turned the turn on the kids A twenty five millimeter kid, Like, that's like, yeah, yeah.

Get the hell out of here.

Get the hell out of here.

Like we had to fix it's to kind of keep the kids back because they would literally come up and yank on your clothes. Like you just had to like, come on, You're not gonna stab them, obviously, but just like, come on, kid, like respect the boundaries there.

Like we had to fix it's to kind of keep the kids back because they would literally come up and yank on your clothes. Like you just had to like, come on, You're not gonna stab them, obviously, but just like, come on, kid, like respect the boundaries there.

It's like right, and he yeah, the shotgun probably has a little more like oh yeah, scatter effects. So he's like, I pulled the shotgun out right and I just rack it and then they would scattered.

It's like right, and he yeah, the shotgun probably has a little more like oh yeah, scatter effects. So he's like, I pulled the shotgun out right and I just rack it and then they would scattered.

Oh yeah, I was racking. Sound that'll get your.

Oh yeah, I was racking. Sound that'll get your.

Your They're like they're not afraid of the cannon. They're not afraid of the cannon.

Your They're like they're not afraid of the cannon. They're not afraid of the cannon.

Literally, TC just swung the cannon around these kids, and they're just like, ah, like they just kind of stepped to the side.

Literally, TC just swung the cannon around these kids, and they're just like, ah, like they just kind of stepped to the side.

Oh my gosh, Oh my gosh. How crazy would that be. I've done war games in California at Old Georgia Air Force Base, and these guys they're hobbyists like I am, and they have armor personnel carriers that we get a ride in and the whole thing. And I was in an ambush and I just had this track a right by me. I was like, yeah, could have just died. I could have Sure he was supposed wasn't he supposed to stay on the streets. Why is he cutting through the neighborhood through the dirt?

Oh my gosh, Oh my gosh. How crazy would that be. I've done war games in California at Old Georgia Air Force Base, and these guys they're hobbyists like I am, and they have armor personnel carriers that we get a ride in and the whole thing. And I was in an ambush and I just had this track a right by me. I was like, yeah, could have just died. I could have Sure he was supposed wasn't he supposed to stay on the streets. Why is he cutting through the neighborhood through the dirt?

Wait? Wait, you don't really care? Yeah?

Wait? Wait, you don't really care? Yeah?

No, right, So I mean.

No, right, So I mean.

That's why we have we can go anywhere, we go anywhere anywhere.

That's why we have we can go anywhere, we go anywhere anywhere.

That's on YouTube. If you want to go find it. You can find rat Almost dies by an APC at A one All right, crazy. I had an M two three grenade launcher. I was in a bush and I was just like waiting for it to come by, and I thought he's coming on my right side on the street. But in fact, all I heard was I was like, you see on the dirt, you hear me? In the video and I go to shoot with my two of three fail you know, airsoft gas grenades. I mean, come on, baby, there you go. So so again to transition from the military side of things, you know, to the wargame side of things, like what I'm doing, And how did you guys manage that? How did you manage to go from being a combat engineer and being you know, in your position as a Bradley vehicle operator to to video games for.

That's on YouTube. If you want to go find it. You can find rat Almost dies by an APC at A one All right, crazy. I had an M two three grenade launcher. I was in a bush and I was just like waiting for it to come by, and I thought he's coming on my right side on the street. But in fact, all I heard was I was like, you see on the dirt, you hear me? In the video and I go to shoot with my two of three fail you know, airsoft gas grenades. I mean, come on, baby, there you go. So so again to transition from the military side of things, you know, to the wargame side of things, like what I'm doing, And how did you guys manage that? How did you manage to go from being a combat engineer and being you know, in your position as a Bradley vehicle operator to to video games for.

Yeah, yeah, so for me, so again, like I'd actually gone to college before i'd enlisted, right, so I'd already actually I went to n ONEU Film School, so I'd already been working a little bit in film and TV and doing some writing before I went in. But then when I got out, it was, you know, like everybody else, their careers had already their lives had kept moving for three years, you know what I mean. So it was a little it was a little bit of a transition to try to get back into things. But after a few years, I'd found myself producing independent documentaries down in South America. Didn't spend a lot of time in the Amazon actually I saw that, yes, yeah, and then but I was still writing at the time. So I had a reading of a play I wrote about a bunch of soldiers who were stranded on a mountaintop in Afghanistan, and an old friend of mine came and saw it, and a few months later he asked me to He called me up and he's like, yeah, you know, I'm writing for this video game about these the special operators who were like having their own like drug war in Bolivia or something. It's called ghost freakon Wildlands, which you like to come write for it. So again, so it didn't really come from you know, my background is mostly as a writer. I worked with special operations guys in Afghanistan a lot, as like engineer support, and then I knew South America. Okay, so at the time, Ubisoft really wanted some kind of authenticity in their games, so I was brought in to kind of bring some of that, and then I had a blast working on wild Lands, and then I was asked to I've done well enough, I guess that they asked me to come on as lead writer when the opportunity came on for Ghostrycome Breakpoint.

Yeah, yeah, so for me, so again, like I'd actually gone to college before i'd enlisted, right, so I'd already actually I went to n ONEU Film School, so I'd already been working a little bit in film and TV and doing some writing before I went in. But then when I got out, it was, you know, like everybody else, their careers had already their lives had kept moving for three years, you know what I mean. So it was a little it was a little bit of a transition to try to get back into things. But after a few years, I'd found myself producing independent documentaries down in South America. Didn't spend a lot of time in the Amazon actually I saw that, yes, yeah, and then but I was still writing at the time. So I had a reading of a play I wrote about a bunch of soldiers who were stranded on a mountaintop in Afghanistan, and an old friend of mine came and saw it, and a few months later he asked me to He called me up and he's like, yeah, you know, I'm writing for this video game about these the special operators who were like having their own like drug war in Bolivia or something. It's called ghost freakon Wildlands, which you like to come write for it. So again, so it didn't really come from you know, my background is mostly as a writer. I worked with special operations guys in Afghanistan a lot, as like engineer support, and then I knew South America. Okay, so at the time, Ubisoft really wanted some kind of authenticity in their games, so I was brought in to kind of bring some of that, and then I had a blast working on wild Lands, and then I was asked to I've done well enough, I guess that they asked me to come on as lead writer when the opportunity came on for Ghostrycome Breakpoint.

So cool.

So cool.

Yeah, and then I just I just kind of stayed in the industry since that's.

Yeah, and then I just I just kind of stayed in the industry since that's.

Very cool, very cool. What about you, Matt, What was your segue?

Very cool, very cool. What about you, Matt, What was your segue?

Yeah, I've always kind of known that I wanted, Like I said, before even joining, I was at school for multimedia. It was like the most generic scoring degree ever, but I knew I wanted to do something with computers. And I've always I've always been a gamer, like for my whole life, Like I even got bullied for it.

Yeah, I've always kind of known that I wanted, Like I said, before even joining, I was at school for multimedia. It was like the most generic scoring degree ever, but I knew I wanted to do something with computers. And I've always I've always been a gamer, like for my whole life, Like I even got bullied for it.

Middle you know, sonicat I had a big head and I played Sonic a lot. So yeah, so yeah, it's like I've always been a gamer. Like It's like it's always been with me.

Middle you know, sonicat I had a big head and I played Sonic a lot. So yeah, so yeah, it's like I've always been a gamer. Like It's like it's always been with me.

So I when I was getting ready to transition, like again, I was at that the training battalion, helping the new kids, like coming in kind of being that big brother figure. You're in more of a more of an admin role, and I knew that's not what I wanted. I always love ftx's field train exercises were my jam or.

So I when I was getting ready to transition, like again, I was at that the training battalion, helping the new kids, like coming in kind of being that big brother figure. You're in more of a more of an admin role, and I knew that's not what I wanted. I always love ftx's field train exercises were my jam or.

I loved it.

I loved it.

I was a combat life saver, like I'd even pulled some medic duty, like you know, I'd just be kind of jack of all trades out there. But being back in the admint role just it just killed me. I just couldn't do it, so I knew, like I wouldn't want to make this a career. So let's like you said before, like having that the guys that couldn't join, I always like wondered, like, you know, the guys that can't be you know, pilots, but they could play Microsoft Flight Simulator, the guys that wanted to be you know, NASCAR drivers as they play you know, you know, ey racing or something like this, Like it's that living that experience and how do we do that? And so for me, it's like I could take my military career make some type of software or some games and stuff where like I was even thinking like movies too, like special like special effects with like saving Private Ryan or you know, black Hawk Down or anything like this that needed effects to make it more authentic.

I was a combat life saver, like I'd even pulled some medic duty, like you know, I'd just be kind of jack of all trades out there. But being back in the admint role just it just killed me. I just couldn't do it, so I knew, like I wouldn't want to make this a career. So let's like you said before, like having that the guys that couldn't join, I always like wondered, like, you know, the guys that can't be you know, pilots, but they could play Microsoft Flight Simulator, the guys that wanted to be you know, NASCAR drivers as they play you know, you know, ey racing or something like this, Like it's that living that experience and how do we do that? And so for me, it's like I could take my military career make some type of software or some games and stuff where like I was even thinking like movies too, like special like special effects with like saving Private Ryan or you know, black Hawk Down or anything like this that needed effects to make it more authentic.

So that just drove me into.

So that just drove me into.

Like, okay, games like I could just create a game in the future that would make you feel like you're in a you know, in a battalion, in a platoon, in a squad, like make you feel what you never could because you just didn't get that opportunity. People have lives, right, And so for me, it's just like it was just it was a it was it was.

Like, okay, games like I could just create a game in the future that would make you feel like you're in a you know, in a battalion, in a platoon, in a squad, like make you feel what you never could because you just didn't get that opportunity. People have lives, right, And so for me, it's just like it was just it was a it was it was.

A long time coming.

A long time coming.

So I made the push to go for school for game design and made that transition and found out that I'm really good at making three D worlds, and so I got a job as a level designer at cry Tech and been doing that for the last almost sixteen years.

So I made the push to go for school for game design and made that transition and found out that I'm really good at making three D worlds, and so I got a job as a level designer at cry Tech and been doing that for the last almost sixteen years.

Did you use your GI bill to accomplish that goal?

Did you use your GI bill to accomplish that goal?

Fifty to fifty? So here's the deal with the GI bill.

Fifty to fifty? So here's the deal with the GI bill.

So it's a physical time right, So it's like I did, like like Lewises was saying, I was like behind the curve. I felt like I was just I needed to go because all my friends were like out pacing me. So I was like, I needed the accelerated program. So I did a two and a half year school program to get my four year degree, like I did, no breaks.

So it's a physical time right, So it's like I did, like like Lewises was saying, I was like behind the curve. I felt like I was just I needed to go because all my friends were like out pacing me. So I was like, I needed the accelerated program. So I did a two and a half year school program to get my four year degree, like I did, no breaks.

Just let's just power through. Let's go straight up.

Just let's just power through. Let's go straight up.

But because of that less time length, they pay you once you're done with school, well, we don't need to give you GI bill anymore. So it's like, okay, so I still have, you know, half the bill to pay. It's like, yeah, I know, tell me about it. But we're all covered now with our student loan debts and we're good. But I was left with the half of it, but yes, there was there was a part of it that they did cover for sure.

But because of that less time length, they pay you once you're done with school, well, we don't need to give you GI bill anymore. So it's like, okay, so I still have, you know, half the bill to pay. It's like, yeah, I know, tell me about it. But we're all covered now with our student loan debts and we're good. But I was left with the half of it, but yes, there was there was a part of it that they did cover for sure.

Right, And I just wanted to bring that up because you know, some of our listeners are you you know that might be thinking, how do I just go straight to college, I'll just leave my GI bill or like, is there other types of schooling that can take my GI bill to help? Yeah, in the in multimedia, you know, you know, things like that. So I just like to hear we'd like to hear that and thank yeah, sharing that absolutely. Did you did you expound on your college degree Lewis? Have you moved any more towards it? Are you pretty good? Where you're not? Well?

Right, And I just wanted to bring that up because you know, some of our listeners are you you know that might be thinking, how do I just go straight to college, I'll just leave my GI bill or like, is there other types of schooling that can take my GI bill to help? Yeah, in the in multimedia, you know, you know, things like that. So I just like to hear we'd like to hear that and thank yeah, sharing that absolutely. Did you did you expound on your college degree Lewis? Have you moved any more towards it? Are you pretty good? Where you're not? Well?

I actually had, like I said, I was older, I'd already graduated, so I was like working so right, But then I did actually use the GI but when I got out there just to take some more business because.

I actually had, like I said, I was older, I'd already graduated, so I was like working so right, But then I did actually use the GI but when I got out there just to take some more business because.

It's not doctor Lewis today, m D M d ye Doctor wild Lands. Yes, I love it. No, it's like so that's very cool. So there's there's hope for a veteran out there to transition from the military back into what we call civilian life. Yeah, and and move forward to be successful and you guys are kind of living that that dream that is out there. Right someone who's listening to this might still be just closing out their D two fourteen and going to get all the signatures from everybody with matter on the outside. It's like, we get all these signatures, but I'm gonna be something.

It's not doctor Lewis today, m D M d ye Doctor wild Lands. Yes, I love it. No, it's like so that's very cool. So there's there's hope for a veteran out there to transition from the military back into what we call civilian life. Yeah, and and move forward to be successful and you guys are kind of living that that dream that is out there. Right someone who's listening to this might still be just closing out their D two fourteen and going to get all the signatures from everybody with matter on the outside. It's like, we get all these signatures, but I'm gonna be something.

To hold on to that document. Yeah, it's that thing comes.

To hold on to that document. Yeah, it's that thing comes.

In you'll need it. Oh yeah, yeah, yeah, you'll get You'll get discounts at the dispensaries. You get discounts at EGO. Yeah, we'll just leave it there.

In you'll need it. Oh yeah, yeah, yeah, you'll get You'll get discounts at the dispensaries. You get discounts at EGO. Yeah, we'll just leave it there.

Yeah, come on, we know.

Yeah, come on, we know.

Oh that's so funny. If the recruiter only told you up front list you can't do it right now. But when you get out, you're going to have discounts here. You're gonna have discounts there. You're gonna get fifteen percent off at the dispensaries over there. Yeah, you'll be good. You know, go hit the VIA up. Do you guys use the VA for anything or you guys currently for home loans?

Oh that's so funny. If the recruiter only told you up front list you can't do it right now. But when you get out, you're going to have discounts here. You're gonna have discounts there. You're gonna get fifteen percent off at the dispensaries over there. Yeah, you'll be good. You know, go hit the VIA up. Do you guys use the VA for anything or you guys currently for home loans?

This is I kind of a this keeps coming up, and this keeps coming up. I'm sorry, so when I ets in two thousand and four, you know, yes for my listener. Sorry, so that's basically when you when an enlisted person gets out of the military, it's a process known as EATS.

This is I kind of a this keeps coming up, and this keeps coming up. I'm sorry, so when I ets in two thousand and four, you know, yes for my listener. Sorry, so that's basically when you when an enlisted person gets out of the military, it's a process known as EATS.

I can't remember exit terms of service right or some yeah something, Yeah, okay, So but for the when I got out, there was a period of like just several months during two thousand and four.

I can't remember exit terms of service right or some yeah something, Yeah, okay, So but for the when I got out, there was a period of like just several months during two thousand and four.

When basically the basically the VA was just overrun by all these wounded soldiers coming back from Iraq. They're just like, if you don't have any medical needs, if you're like your disability, you're not going to get any VA medical benefits, right, And so that's the window that I managed to exit, right, So, like I don't have any VIA medical benefits. I've gone back to check like over the years and now it's been like over twenty years.

When basically the basically the VA was just overrun by all these wounded soldiers coming back from Iraq. They're just like, if you don't have any medical needs, if you're like your disability, you're not going to get any VA medical benefits, right, And so that's the window that I managed to exit, right, So, like I don't have any VIA medical benefits. I've gone back to check like over the years and now it's been like over twenty years.

So yeah, you have a health provider. So it's like, you.

So yeah, you have a health provider. So it's like, you.

Know, it's like, yeah, but that's the thing, like especially when you when I first got out, though, you know, like it would have been probably nice to have health insurance those first couple of years.

Know, it's like, yeah, but that's the thing, like especially when you when I first got out, though, you know, like it would have been probably nice to have health insurance those first couple of years.

It really would have been, and we should we should be mad about that.

It really would have been, and we should we should be mad about that.

Yeah, yeah, it's still kind of annoyed. But but you see that said though, like the the in service medical care I've always been like very ambivalent about let's say, so, so one thing that they had in the eighty second Airborne, I'm like talking.

Yeah, yeah, it's still kind of annoyed. But but you see that said though, like the the in service medical care I've always been like very ambivalent about let's say, so, so one thing that they had in the eighty second Airborne, I'm like talking.

Shit now, so spare with me.

Shit now, so spare with me.

But uh, the dentists there had a quota on the number of fillings that gave per month. That's because to be like jump ready, your your dental needs to be in order or something. So because you know, like you got to be anywhere in eighteen hours or something as like in the eighty second, so you don't want to show up in that after your soldiers to be like full of cavities. I guess I don't know, but either way, So, like I went in for to the dentist on my last dental visit and like I had probably had like just needed a cleaning, or maybe I had one cavity, but I ended up leaving with like three or fillings.

But uh, the dentists there had a quota on the number of fillings that gave per month. That's because to be like jump ready, your your dental needs to be in order or something. So because you know, like you got to be anywhere in eighteen hours or something as like in the eighty second, so you don't want to show up in that after your soldiers to be like full of cavities. I guess I don't know, but either way, So, like I went in for to the dentist on my last dental visit and like I had probably had like just needed a cleaning, or maybe I had one cavity, but I ended up leaving with like three or fillings.

So did they make them for you?

So did they make them for you?

Yeah? No, they just gave it.

Yeah? No, they just gave it.

They were just like, oh, yeah, that that'll be a cavity, So we're just gonna go ahead and drill it out a little more and put a filling.

They were just like, oh, yeah, that that'll be a cavity, So we're just gonna go ahead and drill it out a little more and put a filling.

And you're like, but you're an e three right right?

And you're like, but you're an e three right right?

Right?

Right?

Is the thing? Right? You're like, what about you over here, bro, and spit and spit and yeah, spit right, you know.

Is the thing? Right? You're like, what about you over here, bro, and spit and spit and yeah, spit right, you know.

So that's why I've never really pushed too hard to try to get via medical benefits.

So that's why I've never really pushed too hard to try to get via medical benefits.

Yeah, I got you, I got you. But I just want to say, you know, come on now, let's make sure that everybody that gets them deserves them, gets them.

Yeah, I got you, I got you. But I just want to say, you know, come on now, let's make sure that everybody that gets them deserves them, gets them.

Yeah. It blows in my mind that he doesn't have them. I couldn't.

Yeah. It blows in my mind that he doesn't have them. I couldn't.

I couldn't comprehend that part. But yeah, I've used my via medical benefits and the V loan I bought purchased his house with using.

I couldn't comprehend that part. But yeah, I've used my via medical benefits and the V loan I bought purchased his house with using.

That, so I wouldn't have my I'd be renting today if I didn't have a VA Home loan. Yeah. Yeah. The Homeland thing is is great, incredible. So I mean, like, like, let's just say I am. I am cashing in on my VA Home loan from nine I got in during the Obama buy a house, we give you money. Yeah, okay, Holy yeah, dude. They gave us eight thousand dollars when we bought our house in two thousand and nine from the government. It was a grant and then the seller put a new roof on for us. It was a short sale. They paid all closing costs and I think I got something else out of the deal. No PM I uh you know, my my lenders like, I feel like you're stealing this, and I'm like, hey man.

That, so I wouldn't have my I'd be renting today if I didn't have a VA Home loan. Yeah. Yeah. The Homeland thing is is great, incredible. So I mean, like, like, let's just say I am. I am cashing in on my VA Home loan from nine I got in during the Obama buy a house, we give you money. Yeah, okay, Holy yeah, dude. They gave us eight thousand dollars when we bought our house in two thousand and nine from the government. It was a grant and then the seller put a new roof on for us. It was a short sale. They paid all closing costs and I think I got something else out of the deal. No PM I uh you know, my my lenders like, I feel like you're stealing this, and I'm like, hey man.

It's yeah, just taking the player.

It's yeah, just taking the player.

Yeah yeah I did. He's the house locked in and uh, you know, here we are twenty twenty five. Fireplace is still going. So I do give credit to the home loan and the VA home loan there. But I fancy I went to physical therapy after I got out because I got injured, and uh, they put me in a pool for pool therapy, and it was just a bunch of old salty seals that were just really barrel rolling each other in the water and I'm holding over the edge, just like trying to like do my you know, stretches with my legs and whatnot, and they're just like coming up for air, You're good, back down into the water fighting each other. Dude. I'm like, all right, that's I'm taking my dath through a VA all my life, you know, to try to get his health and wheelchairs, long hallways, my steam mom pushing him her feet.

Yeah yeah I did. He's the house locked in and uh, you know, here we are twenty twenty five. Fireplace is still going. So I do give credit to the home loan and the VA home loan there. But I fancy I went to physical therapy after I got out because I got injured, and uh, they put me in a pool for pool therapy, and it was just a bunch of old salty seals that were just really barrel rolling each other in the water and I'm holding over the edge, just like trying to like do my you know, stretches with my legs and whatnot, and they're just like coming up for air, You're good, back down into the water fighting each other. Dude. I'm like, all right, that's I'm taking my dath through a VA all my life, you know, to try to get his health and wheelchairs, long hallways, my steam mom pushing him her feet.

You know, what was your dead service? If you don't mind me asking what was your dead service?

You know, what was your dead service? If you don't mind me asking what was your dead service?

He was with the nineteen Special Forces Group out here at Special Forces Airborne, but never really like he always wore jeans and plaid shirts. You never really you know why, that's how they are. You know, we'd go hiking into the mountains and his whole team would out of Layton, Utah. We'd all go for hikes and you would never know that. It was just like a whole a team of dads, you know, hiking training with their kids or you know, us little kids. They never asked, Hey, why is your ten year old son tagging along on all these like maneuvers with us, which I didn't realize we're maneuvers until now that I'm older. Right out, Dad's like, you're going up on the mountain with us today, And I was like, yeah, going up the mountain with with dad, you know and his guys, all the buddies. So always brought in like a moguli to that. I was brought into that culture at such a young age. You know. They would star drill into a big boulder on top of a waterfall up this canyon, and they put rebar in that boulder and they bent it into a hook into the other side. And so now we just had an immediate d ring click and then we would just enbolay down this like forty five foot wall fall. Oh that sounds yeah, So we just make Swiss seats out of little green ropes, you know, and it's from those, bro imagine eleven twelve year old little me and my nuts are just right up. Dads and guys are like just pulling on the ropes and just you know, and they just stunded. I think I think Jerry, one of my dad's guys, Jerry Calwell, he had a figure eight. It was new. It was like the latest thing, you know, and so they were like working with figure eights at that point, but it was usually just d rings, Swiss seats, and leather gloves. Due one guy, his gloves hit through the gloves. His hands turned green from the burn from the rope because he just did one lead. Yeah, but that's how I grow up. And now today flash forward and I'm still hunting my friends in the mountains of Utah with you know, replica style airsoft guns fully kitted out and you know, face paint and night war games. We have tracer rounds, so we have suppressors that go on the end of our Airsoft rifles. Yeah, and then they have they have an infrared sensor that every time the bb goes through it, Strobe lights it and so the glow on the dark bbies.

He was with the nineteen Special Forces Group out here at Special Forces Airborne, but never really like he always wore jeans and plaid shirts. You never really you know why, that's how they are. You know, we'd go hiking into the mountains and his whole team would out of Layton, Utah. We'd all go for hikes and you would never know that. It was just like a whole a team of dads, you know, hiking training with their kids or you know, us little kids. They never asked, Hey, why is your ten year old son tagging along on all these like maneuvers with us, which I didn't realize we're maneuvers until now that I'm older. Right out, Dad's like, you're going up on the mountain with us today, And I was like, yeah, going up the mountain with with dad, you know and his guys, all the buddies. So always brought in like a moguli to that. I was brought into that culture at such a young age. You know. They would star drill into a big boulder on top of a waterfall up this canyon, and they put rebar in that boulder and they bent it into a hook into the other side. And so now we just had an immediate d ring click and then we would just enbolay down this like forty five foot wall fall. Oh that sounds yeah, So we just make Swiss seats out of little green ropes, you know, and it's from those, bro imagine eleven twelve year old little me and my nuts are just right up. Dads and guys are like just pulling on the ropes and just you know, and they just stunded. I think I think Jerry, one of my dad's guys, Jerry Calwell, he had a figure eight. It was new. It was like the latest thing, you know, and so they were like working with figure eights at that point, but it was usually just d rings, Swiss seats, and leather gloves. Due one guy, his gloves hit through the gloves. His hands turned green from the burn from the rope because he just did one lead. Yeah, but that's how I grow up. And now today flash forward and I'm still hunting my friends in the mountains of Utah with you know, replica style airsoft guns fully kitted out and you know, face paint and night war games. We have tracer rounds, so we have suppressors that go on the end of our Airsoft rifles. Yeah, and then they have they have an infrared sensor that every time the bb goes through it, Strobe lights it and so the glow on the dark bbies.

That's awesome.

That's awesome.

That's kind of good.

That's kind of good.

Oh, that's cool.

Oh, that's cool.

Find it. You can find it on YouTube. Just look up Utah Airsoft Night Games. But we have guys with PVS fourteen's white phosphor thermals. Holy no, Joe. It's like it's like the US is just like, what's your choice of gun? You say, oh, ak, here you go, here's an akh M fourteen, Here's an M fourteen. Yeah, and then you just get to work with it.

Find it. You can find it on YouTube. Just look up Utah Airsoft Night Games. But we have guys with PVS fourteen's white phosphor thermals. Holy no, Joe. It's like it's like the US is just like, what's your choice of gun? You say, oh, ak, here you go, here's an akh M fourteen, Here's an M fourteen. Yeah, and then you just get to work with it.

That's funny, that's all what we're doing it.

That's funny, that's all what we're doing it.

It's so cool and that's and it's like the video game comes to life for uh those you were talking about who's driving that I that I Force car or who DA's car, who's driving the simulators? In fact, I have a young man fifteen years old is when I met him, joined the Utah Air National Guard as a PFC, turning his wafflet packet, became an Apache pilot, has the full total full system in his front room to fly.

It's so cool and that's and it's like the video game comes to life for uh those you were talking about who's driving that I that I Force car or who DA's car, who's driving the simulators? In fact, I have a young man fifteen years old is when I met him, joined the Utah Air National Guard as a PFC, turning his wafflet packet, became an Apache pilot, has the full total full system in his front room to fly.

Like yeah, DC combat simulator, the whole thing crazy.

Like yeah, DC combat simulator, the whole thing crazy.

Yeah he is, and he still loves Airsoft. Right, it's just all video game blending in with you know, real life and now, and he's gone and done it.

Yeah he is, and he still loves Airsoft. Right, it's just all video game blending in with you know, real life and now, and he's gone and done it.

Yep.

Yep.

So what we see here at Soft Rep is like today's air Softer might be tomorrow's Lewis or tomorrow's Matt or tomorrow's you know, Navy Steel Sniper Total or maybe the kid has asthma and he can't join, but he gets to you know, at least pala around and get into a pillbox.

So what we see here at Soft Rep is like today's air Softer might be tomorrow's Lewis or tomorrow's Matt or tomorrow's you know, Navy Steel Sniper Total or maybe the kid has asthma and he can't join, but he gets to you know, at least pala around and get into a pillbox.

That's awesome. Love that, that's cool.

That's awesome. Love that, that's cool.

Yeah, it's just like a video game, right, just go go crawl, you know, get into a pill box. Now. I'll tell you something about Rainbow six that's tough for me, is the teamwork. I'm too loud, I run.

Yeah, it's just like a video game, right, just go go crawl, you know, get into a pill box. Now. I'll tell you something about Rainbow six that's tough for me, is the teamwork. I'm too loud, I run.

I'm just like like Siege the News.

I'm just like like Siege the News.

Six sis. Yeah. Yeah, the guys were playing it. I kind of moved away from playing it so much because you know, when you're playing these other first person shooter games that are out there, there's just really no rhyme or reason and you're not like exactly, there's no alert like a dog's like you know, you're like, oh, I just alerted a century. I'm gonna keep running. No, I'm learning all the centuries, and then I go squat by my guys. They're like, yo, Rad, you're getting us killed, you know, And I'm like, I hope you know what I'm talking about here, Ok.