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LOL, i was in 3/504, Recon, i remember the thunderdome, couple thousand of us in that damn building..also remember the scud missle that fly over us, just before the ground war started.
104 days sober from alcohol today. Thank the lord Edit - 173 days. Super thankful for the support and love coming back to this comment section. Keep pushing boys 🫡
Keep going guys!!! I'm 5 years sober this go-around. The six months mark is where your brain and gut truly start to work as they should. U will get better (mind body and soul) every hour of everyday. It's hard but it's the most fulfilling thing. It's like being reborn and feeling young again. Like u a re truly alive
82nd airborne 77-84. We called it cherry belly. You were aloud 3 beers during lunch. You could get any drug you wanted on Bragg or in Fayetteville. All that started me on my down spiral. Christ heeled my of my 35 plus years being a alcoholic. 9 years sober now. This show and all his guests are vital for our warriors.
Congratulations.. God bless... I was at the 82nd during those years and yes, I remember as a cherry my Squad leader brought me to a bar for lunch.... how many beers later we were soon back at the company, then running around the woods doing a compass course in the heat... they did call us lovingly the "Jumpin Junkies" ! Lol.... we had pot plants growing around the Company building where the troops would toss stuff out of the windows during an unannounced drug inspection with the drug dogs....
God bless both of you and for your service to our country I know it looks bad right now but you guys are some badass bed God bless your lives and your children I can't thank you enough for your service for this country and keep it by family safe The Morgan family Indiana USA God bless America
I was in the Marine Corps for four years and drank myself into oblivion and for the three years I was out of the Marine Corps it continued to progress. I found AA by the grace of God. Which is where I met my wife and we now have a daughter that’s 18 days old. Ended up getting back into the Marine Corps and am completely sober and I’m so thankful for the opportunity to serve again fully grasping the blessing of the job and the men and women I get to work with everyday. Hearing this story of Tom gives me even more hope because he operated at the highest level in the military and was sober and that’s my goal. Sean your podcast does more than you think. These lessons of the men that have been on your podcast are saving people’s lives. No one is ever alone. My journey is just beginning. Blessed with the opportunity to share my experience, strength, and hope to the men and women that I serve with so that they don’t make the same mistakes. Thanks Sean for your podcast and Tom for sharing your story.
Almost 2 months no alcohol. Began reading the bible at the same time. Mostly because of the men on this show. The longest I have ever gone in my adult life and Im 40. Man I can not tell you how good it was to hear Spooner talk about his mental health issues and his struggles with alcohol. Joined the Army (mn guard 19D) at 17 and then became a cop at 23. Drinking a huge part of both cultures and not a whole lot of talk about mental health. Definitely not much about spiritual health. Not drinking is very hard for me but Im in it for the long haul. Thank you Spooner and Ryan.
Psalm 51. Everyday. Makes life easier when you realize we are all sinners and we just need to try a little better everyday. God Bless you on your new chapter. God has you. We support you.
@@GORRAM3 I don’t know enough about any of these units to definitively have an opinion on which one operates at the highest level. My point is that you’re using meatriding too loosely. Giving someone their flowers or choosing a favorite is not meatriding.
I really appreciate this interview. Combat veteran, 3 deployments to Iraq followed by ptsd and substance abuse. I went through years of struggle and tried everything to get better and took a little from each place I went. This culminated in 42 days at Warrior’s Heart where I picked up some interests that I use every day to stay sober. Jiujitsu, yoga, fishing, woodworking and metal working. None of the other programs offered these things. Years of substance abuse stole all of my interests and hobbies. I didn’t do anything for fun and had completely forgotten how to until my time at the facility in Bandera, Texas. Thank you Tom
I am glad you saw your worth! I hate that we probably all know those who could never find it! You got out of it! I am personally in between. How do I answer or help the others who want help? I can't turn my back on them, but I am not at a place to give advice! This is a problem no ones even given advice on. They dont want treatment on their record or a program. Hell, I dont want it or suggest it! It's a hell of a position! What made you realize and change?
Warriors Heart truly changed and saved my life. Tom’s in the chow hall eating with us everyday then you see him mowing the damn grass lol. Amazing guy and even more amazing program
This is a prime example of what we as veterans need.. sobriety, mental health, healing in multiple facets of our lives.. all these years of suffering I only began to heal when I became completely sober, my journey has only just begun, thank u msgt, for everything you have done and continue to do.. to all my brothers out there please never give up, I know surrender is not in our creed but it truly takes complete surrender of self and you will pull out of this.. semper Fidelis.. 0311/.. 2/5, sgt..
To hear him talk about the anger, for no real reason. Feeling like he doesn’t deserve anything good. I lived that too. I wanted my wife to leave me even though it scared me to think of living without her. I wanted her to be happy because I knew how miserable I was and how that must be to live with. I have come to terms with why I felt dirty. Unlovable. I’m not angry about anything anymore. We could not been happier. I wanted to hear war stories but heard it isn’t just me. There is hope. You can turn your life around. We are the biggest obstacles to overcome come. Never quit.
@ShootinStrate - nothing the military does has anything to do with preserving 'rights' or 'freedoms' for Americans. No one is buying that ignorant narrative anymore, I'm sorry.
@@wolf5505 So, by extension you are saying all who died on 9/11 had it coming. Or at least we should have done nothing about it. Nearly 3,000 innocent people at work, traveling to see family, with family, or for business on a Tuesday morning murdered in cold-blood. I don’t believe family, friends, or right thinking citizens feel that our shutting down heartless attacks like these, at their source, amount to “ignorant narrative.”
If you care about 9/11 you should be looking at Israel, Mossad, and Saudi Arabia. We invaded Iraq because Israel & AIPAC run America, they had nothing to do with 9/11 or terrorism.
2/75 09-15. 4 rotations to Afghanistan and 1 to Iraq. 1-6 month deployment and 4-110 day deployments. This episode spoke to me. Family saved me from myself. My children and wife became everything. I had to leave the old life behind and realize like most say the special ops train never stops either you’re on it or you’re off. It leaves you behind quickly. Sounds cheesy but the book fearless (the Adam Brown Story) inspired me to be a better human, father and husband. Sober since April 2019.
Dude, the “I understand,” “you just told me I was injured and I’m not crazy” brought tears to my eyes. I’m loosing such much mental acuity every year…but that simple little acknowledgement…goes so far. I know you weren’t “talking to me” but yes, you were. Thanks brotha.
Traumatic Brain Injury is very real, My man.. And it does do weird sht to our brains.. I thought I was the only one.. My civilian buddies That I knew since Jr. High School. Couldn't understand and thought I was nuts.. It took atleast a decade. Before the internet got advanced enough. That I seen others talking and hinting towards The same sht I was going thru.. Your not crazy.. And I would bet Dollars to donuts. If you went to get your head scanned by folks that understand TBI.. They will Evan show you the injury.. Anyway.. Your not nutz man.. You were injured long ago
God Bless YOU, SGM! I’m proud of you for your sobriety. I’m a vet as well and just celebrated 5 years sober. Lead by example. This comment may very well inspire a lower enlisted guy to find sobriety because he sees comments from men like you, whom he looks up to. Thank you for sharing and being open and honest about a tough subject. Stay well brother.
If you read this and are dealing with addiction. Right now let these words fill you with Jesus Christs victory. May the Holy Spirit be yours very very soon. Please pick up the New Testament and allow the Truth to become true to you.
His story of Airborne School brought back memories. My Dad came and jumped with me on my 5th jump in 1991. Gave me my blood wings on the DZ - said he wasn’t waiting until the next day. His father who I never met jumped into Normandy and is buried at Fort Benning too.
@@brucemallick1293 If you don't mind me asking, I too went through jump school in 1991. Right afterwards, I got on a bus and went to RIP. Do you recall what month you went through?
As a 27 year LEO my God this episode hit me hard in the heart. I’m 5 years sober I’m a devout Christian, my amazing wife never left me when she should have I was so nasty to everyone I loved. But by the love of my wife God and a good brother who just died yesterday kept me from eating my gun saved me. I’ll never be that monster I’m good, I have a very good base of pillars. Thank you Shawn
I am happy you didn't do it!!! No one thinks of the lives ruined when people do it! You can change and become a pillar of being a hero of all citizens!! Please uphold the Constitution! NEVER violate anyones civil rights! Its a thankless job, like the military! I pray God allows you the strength to fight injustice and to uphold our Constitutional rights! You'll forever be safe in the arms of the Lord and never need to fear! I pray daily for officers safety! Law enforcement needs to also care about our safety!! The country isnt against law enforcement. However, you all seem to think we are! Thats why I pray for you all daily!!! In Afghanistan our ROE went from open to redistricted. From dispatching an identified target to having a weapon to it being pointed and it going off toward you. (YT doesnt allow certain words!) Ask yourself, is the job for you or partners? Bad days can cause severe penalties. No one reasonable wants you to eat it, quit or fail!!!! We just dont need tyrannical enforcers destroying lives!!! I wish you the best!!! Thank you for sharing!!! It takes balls!!! Lots of balls!!! You clearly have the strength to be great!!! You are great!!!
9/1/2006 - 9/2/2006 - Yusufiyah Iraq….God Bless you Tom! Couple days I will never forget. Don’t ever feel like you let us down! You guys were awesome! ❤
Tom is such a good and humble man. Thank you for giving so much of your life in the service of others and for dedicating your life now to help others in their own journey to heal. You’re an inspiration to many!! ❤
I'm not military but I love watching these interviews and learning what you guys go through and deal with. All the respect in the world, thanks to all who serve!
The mere fact that the U.S. government does very little to help our veterans with trauma is sad. This is for every veteran and active duty service member of the U.S. military.... the wicked who run this country will get theirs, by the Hand of God himself. Blessings all.... and buckle up.
I’m the son of a Vietnam combat medic vet who brought it home. I’m not SOF guy and my dad was just a patriotic kid in ‘67 who wanted to fight for his county. Believe it or not, I have felt this intensity as a child of a man who suffered all the PTSD and TBI that my dad suffered. No. I didn’t deal with war like he did, but our family (my little brother and my mom and I) lived a different life than those around us. My dad was my hero and still is.
God Bless your Father, your Mother, you and your family!! Thank you! My Father fought in Europe in WWII. We never talked about it very much, but there was a whole different mind set back then.
Crazy to think Tom got sober a few months after I was born but our disease looks identical. Working on ten years now, thank you for your service and insight Mr. Spooner
Tom, i know you'll never read this but just want to say you're one Honorable man. Honorable to your family, your team and your self. The honesty about your self, to your self is something everyone should emulate. Much respect.
The Legendary Delta Force Operator!!!! Mr Spooner!!! Just to think 10 years in Delta as a Breacher & Sniper! & A veteran of the gulf war & War on terror! What a man!
I am the wife of a ex vet, listening to this show has helped me understand my husband much better, they tight lipped about the war and that I understand, but now I understand better how to support him. He had no help integrating back into society he did it all by himself and the grace of God, his nightmares has stopped. I know what he has seen and done, still drives many of his disciplines and governs many of his choices. He is always in war mode, but not at war., it that makes sense.
This guy is an awesome human being. Almost 22 years for me. Wish I cut it out a lot sooner in my time in. Quit cold turkey. Still plenty of challenges in life. Still a fight. Always helps hearing other’s experiences. Thanks Tom and Shawn for sharing.
I appreciate Shawn's politeness and respect in these interviews. Like in this one when he respectfully says "I'd like to chime in on that if you don't mind." It's so simple, but it's an example of how to behave in a conversation.
Tom spits sincere and wholesome wisdom. 31 years of sobriety is a remarkable symbol of his discipline - a trait a lot of us warriors know well, but we also know there are different levels of discipline. This gentleman is a case study for discipline. Thanks for your service, Tom. Semper Fi!
Thank you Tom and SRS! Legendary man to say the least! He talked about what he did in the unit for what? 20-40 minutes? Hes as humble as a man can get. He is a great human being! Thank you and God bless you 🙏
Went through Warriors Heart in Bandera TX at the beginning of the year. Had the honor of meeting Tom and hearing him speak. He's an inspiration. Highly recommend going to WH if you need help
I was never military, but I have an immense gratitude and respect towards those who are there to protect us. I grew up near El Toro Marine Base, before it was shut down by Clinton. I know DC is extremely corrupt, and wish we weren't seemingly trying to get into every war possible.... I am glad there are places that are there to help our men get back some form of normalcy to their lives. I do wish WH was 100% covered or at least 99% covered by taxes/non-profits. Honestly, without a militia/military, we have no country. I have thought the same of VA benefits. Cheers.
1/506th from 06-10. Went to Warrior's Heart a few back after going through some VA programs for PTSD and substance abuse. Absolutely no comparison between them, and completely changed my mindset about life after combat. Loved being around Tom and his staff. Sidenote: I miss Valkyrie. Best service dog I've ever been around.
Sober 3 years. And it took the exact same thing. Being overwhelmed and not having tools or capacity to deal with it, having to give it up to a higher power change everything for me. I used to to curse my parents for sending me to cat school, but I ain’t gonna lie. It instilled morals, values, and our relationship with God very early in life that I was able to tap into decades later to turn my life around and to help me deal with some seriously traumatic events as well
I’ve said it before you are the best interviewer I’ve ever seen you let your guest talk. You don’t overt them. You don’t try to impress them with what you did you let them tell me a story. It’s a rare gift to be able to do this. God bless you, Shawn
Shawn, I've gotta say, from my heart. Your service is continuing to blossom, Except now it's with a camera, not a gun. Through the medium of Deep Dives into very personal, heartfelt and traumatic experiences of your Top Shelf guests, you are bringing to the general public an insight into the mindset and experiences of real warfighters. In a way which is simultaneously, horrific, heartwarming, and in typical military style, funny at times. But you bring out, even from yourself, the pain, the humility, the humanity, the honour and above all the healing, to the eyes and ears of the general public. That many of whom will have little concept of. Which without pats on the back and glorification, allows the public to see the real human beings inside those uniforms. That these are not simply avatar characters in 'Call of Duty', but actual people, with emotions, and frailties, just like everyone else. THAT in itself is serving, the free thinking, freedom loving aspects of humanity in ways you may not be totally aware of. There's a reason this show has exploded, and what I've highlighted above, IS that reason, people want to hear these stories, people NEED to hear these stories, but not from some wet journalist, but an SF operator that knows EXACTLY what questions to ask, and moreover HOW to ask them!! I don't think Shawn, you'll ever know HOW many veterans you've helped by your continuing body of work, I think your military and combat experiences were ACTUALLY training for THIS, right now. Keep it up bud, people like you are going to save America, from Tyranny, through education, and awakening people, I truly mean that. Even with your DMT experiences and guests like Randall Carlson and the other non military guests, it's ALL part of something Waay bigger than your military career!! But, deep down, you know that. Peace bro💚🙏🏻
The Reason. I’ve been into the dark my love. The choke. Black stone, the pit. No sleep, no smiles, no sleep again. All thoughts of ending it. My breath so short In nights so long. An ever crushing chest. The hours, the hours the endless hours Never finding rest. Never did I ever think, Or could I ever see, A time when I could breathe again A time when I’d be free. I never thought I’d thank the time When tears had run me dry, When physically I’d feel it And cry and cry and cry. Yet now I know the reasons. I had to friend the pain. I had to purge my heart and soul. To let me love again. I know you feel as I did. I know what you endure. The pain you feel The fear you have The future yet unsure. But trust me as I tell you. You’re gaining a new heart. You’re brave enough to cleanse it, Where others fall apart. You’ve chose the hardest thing to do. New birth is fraught with pain. But once it’s done And it will be done You’ll never hurt again. X (A poem I wrote, I’m a former Royal Marines Commando. Great podcast ❤️)
I really needed to hear this, I’m 8 years sober but I feel like I’m gonna mess it up soon. If this man can stay sober after all he went through then I can too.
I’m having a similar issue too; 2.5 years sober and life is great but I can’t shake the feeling I’ve become complacent and am taking the blessing of sobriety for granted.
I always had god with me. Any pointers how you started? I'm a homeless employed dude I drink just to drink I wake up drink Before I sleep drink I'm trying I tried rehab But it's a mess
Tom is a phenomenal human! He's the type of guy police departments should be hiring to teach tactics. His personality is a catch all. So humble and down to earth! Thank you Mr. Spooner for your dedication and service to this country and many others! Rockstar!
I've been sober 10 years this May.........I always comment on the videos and wanna say thank's Shawn as always. This time however- I need to thank Mr. Spooner. From the first year I was sober I saw you on the early BCM videos and then heard you speak about the things you did with warriors heart, it was Men like you guys close to my age (42) and a little older who showed me that sobriety WAS NOT weakness. I had blinders on and always just thought - I - was the weak, chaotic screw up. I can't put into words what a profound impact all you guys had in the early years of my journey, right through THIS very day. We are all human. You guys opening up and being honest about grinding and struggling showed me it's not just all ME. Thank you for your service and all you've done for the community, you had a huge impact on how hard I have fought. Thank's to all the warriors who reinforced the truth in me, because after all nothing worth doing is easy. Thank's for being there after I come in from the woods, work or working out and providing wisdom and encouragement as well as honest truth. Thank's gentlemen. Keep on killin' it.
@Shawn, you interviewing skills are growing show by show. Your ability to ask questions and probe respectfully but directly is fantastic. You brought out so much brilliant, personal content from Tom, and gave him all the room he needed to fully explain his story. Keep this shit up!! What a fantastic guy Tom Spooner is. Truly inspirational.
i was a vol. fire fighter in a busy town in NY for a very long time, around 13 years, the PTSD has crippled me and im just now digging back out. this man is a man i didnt knwo i looked up to until i saw this. thank you warrior
John mcphee would be an awesome guest. Also he should have don shipley senior. I know he had junior on but he's got to have the old man on the show. He's full of great stories.
@@cliftonbrown4051 , yeah he mentioned his stint as a war lord. I hope he goes into as much detail as he can. All I've ever heard him do was to just mention it. No story at all.😁
Sober almost 13 years. This was an amazing interview. There was so much here I needed to hear. It was like a really really good 4 hour long meeting. I can’t thank you both enough for everything that you’re doing.
Shawn, you've had some spectacular guests on your show however, Spooner is by far, the best representation of the full spectrum of what a war fighter experiences in war; kinetic to emotional.
The section where he is talking about the mass casualty event, and you can see in his eyes how much that moment hurt. He gets chocked up a little bit and that right there is his love for his country, for the guys he served with. It's a sad moment, yet beautiful at the same time. Things like that are what makes me so proud to serve our great nation. Thank You Tom, thank you for all that you have done, and all that you have sacrificed. You are appreciated. Our country is grateful for all you have done.
Tom Spooner is a legend on paper, an even bigger legend as a human. His absolute open heart, pure emotion, loving, honest, caring demeanor as a man, I hope to achieve. I was diagnosed with PTSD in my early 30's from child abuse. I wish I could say it was from a more glamorous military experience, but it is what it is. Almost 55 now and I still work every day on it. I was in joyful tears walking from my vehicle into the front doors of that office for the first time. I knew it was going to be work, I knew it was going to be difficult, I KNEW I was in the right place. My stuff happened 40+ years ago, even 50 years ago. Knowing what I know now...I wish I would have sought help sooner. It's a rotten way to live with so much shit in your cupboard. May God bless all veterans for their courage, and may God be with all of us who cry in the dark from time to time. Thank you Shawn Ryan! Thank you Tom Spooner!
In the Marines in 89-93 it was a Pink Belly and you NEVER let anyone know your birthday, because you’d get one for that, 1/6 Weapons Company and my platoon in Bravo 1st 2nd AABN gave me a 90 person pink belly during Desert Storm after we cleaned house. When I turned 22 on a MED Float, I was corned with a huge knife and threatened to slice whoever got near and I was an NCO then too😂
"short version" Shawn interrupts, "no short version!" lmao 😂 yes! Exactly what I was thinking. I love opening these up every Monday, and love it even more when it's at least 4 hours
One of the best, most descriptive, honorable men I have ever listened to. Unbelievable example of an American. This interview made Tom Spooner one of my heroes.
Hi Shawn, I'm an Ex British Army member. Watching your videos over these past months has really sparked a real pull of wanting to gain more knowledge or open myself to spirituality or God. But I really have no idea where to look or start as I dont want to be led down a possibly incorrect path for myself. Any insight or point in the right direction would be incredibly appreciated. Congratulations on your success and God Bless.
I work at LBL Kentucky. Every year, 3/5 marine corp have their reunion. It is such an honor to me to be able to serve them while they are here. They are like my family and i love each and every one of them. Couldnt be around a better group of men and women!! Shout out to you, 3/5 Marines!!!! Veitnam unit!!
This real operator is more grounded, humble, and experienced than some of these fake tough guy joe Rogan types who pretend. This is a real smart man. Train MIND, body, and SOUL. These new age guys just think it’s all about drinking and lifting weights and will pressure others into it as well
I have a sobriety date of October 5 2022. I am extremely grateful for my second chance at life. God bless to all those struggling with addiction,mental health,and depression. I drank and used for 31 years.
As a christian, i would argue he probably didnt "murder" anyone. He killed people in war: love protects and thats what you did. Thank you on behalf of all americans. I think just considering King David and considering Luke 22, i think youre ok from what ive heard.
I wouldn't know that guy was such a badass just by looking at him. He looks like a guy that works at Bass Pro that asks if you want to sign up for a Bass Pro credit card.
I don't think you told tom spooner, hey, I get into the dark moments in your life because A its good to get it out and share, but B, its good for other people who are going through this crap to hear that you can recover. You need to talk to these people before the camera turns on, because he has given this speech a hundred times to his firends and church, but he didn't want to get into, I was drinking, getting into fights when I was drunk, bullying other people I didn't even know..... You have to tell them that you want to know specifics about how bad the PTSD was or how bad his drinking was, and if he has to kick his wife out of the room to share, then do it. The other strange part of this and Im halfway through is he didn't really talk about boot camp, he didn't really talk about pre ranger school, didnt talk about ranger school, or special forces school. He just said yes, they are the hardest thing Ive done in my life up to that point. He doesn't have to say I woke up on day 1 and did 500 pushups, and ran 700 miles on day 1. But give us a sense of your skills, give us a sense of what it was like for the sake of telling the story. Did he graduate and have any friends, was there drama in graduating? he was able to run in full gear for 500 miles a day after graduating. like tell us the story. I know its leading up to the unit, but hes not telling us the story.
I can’t count the number of times I cried watching this. As a civilian, I had no idea what a mass casualty event could really be like and I’ve no doubt that I’ll never fully understand. However, after watching this, I definitely feel much more informed. Excellent interview. Tom Spooner is The MAN. Loved what he said about not feeling sorry for yourself and instead honoring those we’ve lost.
Finally You know what I mean You know ahhhhh what I mean The podcast was awesome but I heard him.say you know what I mean he's says it twice per sentence
First time watching this podcast/channel. Just looked interesting and honestly, I had a shit week, because we had to bury a good friend from A.A. who was just killed in a motorcycle crash. I don’t know this man, but aside from the military aspect, I swear he’s telling my story. The emptiness, the hopelessness, even down to the relationship with his wife, the anger at god. I even made a bet with my first sponsor that A.A. wouldn’t work for me. I feel like I’ve said almost all of this myself sitting around A.A. tables. In fact, I sent it to a guy I sponsor and he called me and said it was kinda creepy how similarly we share about our sobriety journeys. Goes to show that we’re not all that different when it comes down to it and there is a solution as long as you’re all in, all the time on recovery. My sober date is 10/28/2020. And thanks to A.A., the people in it, and a higher power of my understanding, I can honestly say that today I have a life that even on my worst day, I wouldn’t trade for all the bourbon in Kentucky.
Warriors Heart has saved so many lives, including my father. He has met Tom on several occasions and says he is a great human being. Thank you Tom for such a great rehabilitation program.
3:30:27 that was one of the coolest things I’ve ever heard. “Are they gonna vote to live or vote to die” it’s like that first shot they hear they get a high off the feeling of the fun starting, which I totally get cause I’d feel the same tbh. That mindset and thought process is just fucking badass
I was a few years later. But similar start 11x to 11h strait to airborne then to 82nd but 1st 505th then 4 months later to SF selection. Started 18D but then 9/11 and got switched to 19E
Thank you Shawn Ryan for doing what you do and thank you Tom Spooner for sharing your experiences and doing what you’re doing. Both of you need to know that there’s a whole lot of people that appreciate you and are very thankful for what you’ve done and for never giving up.
