🎖️2 x MOH recipients, SEAL training and more

February 20, 2023

Good morning,

Well modern warfare continued this past week, as we shot down more unidentified objects in Alaska and Canada. As spying technology gets more sophisticated every year, it must be very interesting being an intelligence officer these days. Would love to hear your thoughts, reply and let me know.

On this day in 1942

During WWII, Lieutenant Commander, Edward Henry O'Hare a naval aviator achieved the status of the Navy's first Fighter Ace, after engaging in a solo attack on a group of nine heavy bombers heading towards his aircraft carrier.

Despite having a restricted supply of ammunition, he successfully took down five enemy bombers, and was subsequently awarded the Medal of Honor. This made him the first naval aviator to receive the prestigious accolade during the war.

In todays newsletter we honor...

Dakota Meyer

The former United States Marine became the second youngest living Medal of Honor recipient (23 years old) from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. So how did he earn it and what's his story? Read on to find out ⬇️

Born in Columbia, Kentucky after graduation from High School, he enlisted in 2006 and trained at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island.

On September 8th, 2009, Meyer, who was serving as a scout sniper with Embedded Training Team 2-8, was part of a mission to meet with village elders in the Ganjgal valley in Kunar province. While en route, the team was ambushed by a large force of insurgents, who were well-equipped with rocket-propelled grenades, and mortars.

Meyer, who was not originally a part of the mission, but had requested to join, drove into the ambush zone with Staff Sergeant, Juan Rodriguez-Chavez to try to rescue four missing team members who were pinned down.

They came under heavy fire but managed to locate the missing men, all of whom had been killed in action. Meyer then carried their bodies back to a safer location, despite continued enemy fire.

He made five trips back into the kill zone in order to rescue wounded Afghan soldiers, and fellow Marines who were under attack. He also provided cover for other Marines as they maneuvered to safety. Meyer's actions allowed for the safe recovery of 13 U.S. and Afghan personnel, and the bodies of four American service members.

Since leaving, he has become a prominent advocate for veterans' causes, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) awareness, and suicide prevention. He has also founded the Dakota Meyer Foundation, which provides assistance to wounded veterans and their families.

In the news this week

So I thought I'd share with you some relevant news stories that I've seen past week.

Did you know?

That the training program for Navy SEALs, known as Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL (BUD/S) training, has an incredibly high dropout rate?

In fact, as many as 75% of candidates fail to complete the rigorous six-month program. This dropout rate is a testament to the extreme level of dedication, resilience, and strength required to become a Navy SEAL.

Quote of the week

I remember this one from a few years ago, seems quite relevant now.

So out of interest where are you reading this email, reply and let me know.

P.s: Check out our video on our YouTube Channel, which tells the story of the Green Berets and SBS who rescued CIA Agents