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Ryan Fugit

Real combat stories from the military's elite. This podcast highlights the courageous, outrageous, crazy, and surreal experiences veterans recall from their toughest days in the foxhole, cockpit, and front lines. We interview JTACs, Special Operators (Delta), Special Forces, Jet Pilots, Combat Aviators, Infrantrymen, Marines, and vets from over 50 years of combat experience.Interviews touch on the toughest missions these vets faced, how they handled them, their first combat experiences, how they found their way to the military, and how they managed after leaving the combat behind.

Combat Story

In this episode of Combat Story, we sit down with Azad, known overseas as "Mike," whose life represents one of the most extraordinary and unlikely journeys to come out of the post-9/11 wars.
 
Born Kurdish in Baghdad, Azad was still a child when the 2003 U.S. invasion of Iraq began. His first exposure to Americans didn't come from movies, television, or Western culture — it came from U.S. soldiers operating in his hometown, at a time when alliances were fragile and the cost of being seen as a collaborator could be fatal.
 
Driven by curiosity, survival, and a desire to understand the forces shaping his country, Azad taught himself English one word at a time. That determination led him to become a U.S. military interpreter, where he served shoulder-to-shoulder with some of America's most elite combat units, including the 101st Airborne Division, 82nd Airborne Division, Marine Special Operations, and multiple Navy SEAL teams — often in the most dangerous and remote areas of Iraq.
 
His service earned him a Special Immigrant Visa (SIV), a rare pathway granted to foreign nationals who risked their lives in support of U.S. forces. But Azad's journey didn't stop there.
 
After arriving in the United States, Azad did something almost unheard of: he raised his right hand again, this time to enlist as a U.S. Marine, transitioning from interpreter to infantryman and formally joining the ranks to continue to defend the country he had already sacrificed so much for.
 
Today, Azad continues to serve beyond the battlefield. He earned his bachelor's degree from the University of Maryland, is currently pursuing a master's degree in cybersecurity at the University of San Diego, and works with the nonprofit No One Left Behind, advocating for interpreters and wartime allies who stood with U.S. forces and now seek safety, recognition, and support.
 
This conversation explores war, loyalty, identity, immigration, service, and sacrifice, and asks a deeper question: What does it mean to belong to a nation you were willing to die for long before you were allowed to call it home?
 
 
 
 
 
To learn more about No One Left Behind visit https://www.nooneleft.org/ 
 
 
 
Live Better Longer with BUBS Naturals. For A limited time get 20% Off your entire order with code COMBAT at Bubsnaturals.com

Azad "Mike" - Special Operations Interpreter to United States Marine

The Second Battle of Fallujah — also known as Operation Phantom Fury — was one of the most intense urban combat engagements fought by U.S. forces since Vietnam. In this gripping documentary, real Marines, soldiers, and corpsmen recount the chaos, courage, and sacrifice that defined Fallujah, Iraq, in November 2004.
 
This is not a scripted Hollywood war story. These are the firsthand voices of men who fought house to house, clearing buildings block by block in what became a defining moment of the Iraq War. Through raw interviews and authentic battlefield audio, this film captures the human side of modern warfare — the camaraderie, the fear, the humor, and the heartbreak that only those who lived it can truly describe.
 
At its core, Battle of Fallujah II is a story of brotherhood under fire. The Marines of 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines (India Company) and their brothers from 1/8 and other units share what it was like to face an enemy that called Fallujah home — an insurgent stronghold fortified by foreign fighters, Al-Qaeda extremists, and jihadists determined to die there. From the first breach through the city's northern berm to the final house cleared along the Euphrates River, the battle tested every ounce of discipline, endurance, and faith these men had.
 
You'll hear the personal accounts of hospital corpsmen risking everything to save wounded Marines, snipers like Tony Scardino and Chris Kyle trading shots in the same building, and infantrymen recounting split-second decisions that meant life or death. The film also revisits the leadership and sacrifice of officers and NCOs who never came home — men like Maj. Sean Sims, Capt. Ed Iwan, and Sgt. Maj. Cavaiani, whose courage inspired those still fighting.
 
Each memory in this documentary is seared with authenticity:
 
The claustrophobic streets filled with traps and ambushes.
 
The roar of tanks and AAVs breaching into the city.
 
The eerie quiet before dawn as Marines wrote what they called "death letters" to their families.
 
The moment when a platoon found itself isolated and surrounded, fighting for survival until air support could reach them.
 
Battle of Fallujah II goes beyond tactics and timelines. It's about what happens after — how these veterans carried the memories of their fallen brothers, how they grappled with loss, and how they continue to honor those who never made it home.
 
This film also examines the broader historical context: the political timing after the 2004 U.S. presidential election, the symbolism of reclaiming Fallujah from Al-Qaeda in Iraq, and the strategic shift toward large-scale urban warfare. For many who served, Fallujah became their generation's Normandy — a defining battle that shaped the course of their lives and the legacy of the Marine Corps.
 
Throughout the documentary, voices like Elliot Ackerman, Travis Greenwood, and Justin Oliver bring depth to the narrative — reflecting on leadership, moral complexity, and what it means to serve in a fight where the lines between survival and sacrifice blur.
 
The film does not glorify war. It reveals it. From the grit of medevac missions and sniper overwatch to the quiet moments of remembrance years later, this is the raw, unfiltered story of those who stood shoulder to shoulder in one of the fiercest battles of the modern era.
 
🎖️ Featuring:
 
Elliot Ackerman | Travis Greenwood | Tony Scardino | Scott Prill | Justin Oliver | Chris Kyle | Doc Pell | and the Marines of 3/5 India Company
 
📅 Timeline: November 2004 – Operation Phantom Fury
 
📍 Location: Fallujah, Al Anbar Province, Iraq
 
💬 Themes:
 
Urban warfare and military brotherhood
 
Sacrifice and survival in modern combat
 
PTSD, resilience, and life after war
 
Firsthand veteran testimony and oral history
 
The human cost of the Iraq War
 
Get 20% off your DeleteMe plan when you go to joindeleteme.com/ COMBAT and use promo code COMBAT at checkout. 
 
Timestamps:
 
00:00 – Intro
 
01:00 – Preparing for Battle
 
03:00 – The Enemy's Stronghold
 
05:00 – The Invasion Plan and Forces Assembled
 
07:00 – Into the City: Breaching the Berm
 
09:00 – Snipers and Scouts: Eyes of the Battle
 
12:00 – Letters Before Combat: Facing Mortality
 
13:00 – The First Casualties
 
15:00 – Chaos and Courage in the Streets
 
17:00 – Mechanized Assault on the Government Center
 
20:00 – Snipers and SEALs: Chris Kyle's Overwatch
 
23:00 – Corpsmen in the Crossfire
 
27:00 – House-to-House Combat
 
30:00 – The Cost of Brotherhood
 
36:00 – "Be Advised, There's a War On"
 
41:00 – Holding the Line
 
45:00 – Breaking Through: The Candy Store Stronghold
 
50:00 – Urban Hell: Five Hours, 400 Meters
 
55:00 – Acts of Valor and Survival
 
1:00:00 – The Medal of Honor Fight
 
1:05:00 – Aftermath: A City in Ruins
 
1:10:00 – Reflections and Legacy
 
1:15:00 – The Human Cost of War
 
1:18:00 – Why We Fought
 
1:20:00 – Closing Thoughts: Remembering the Warriors
 
 
 
#BattleOfFallujah #Fallujah2004 #IraqWar #USMarines

Dauntless Courage: Inside Fallujah II and the Hardest Fought Battle of the War

This is an invite to watch the Premiere of a Combat Story special episode titled Dauntless Courage focused entirely on combat stories taking place during the Battle of Fallujah II.
 
To join the premiere later today, go to YouTube at https://youtu.be/iO0-BJXWWJE and click notify me. The Premiere starts on Nov 8 at 8pm EST / 5pm PST.
 
Ryan and AJ will be in the chat watching the video live with everyone, including other Marines who fought in Fallujah!

Invite to the Battle of Fallujah II Dauntless Courage Premiere on Combat Story with Ryan and AJ

In this incredible episode, Mark Wales, a former Australian SAS officer, opens up about his military journey. From his initial days in the Australian infantry to transitioning into the elite Special Forces, Mark reflects on his most pivotal experiences, including dangerous combat missions and the mental and physical toll of war. He shares intimate details about his service, his motivation to join Special Forces, and the challenges of losing friends in combat.
 
Mark's story isn't just about the highs of military life; it's also about the realities, the struggles with PTSD, and the transition back to civilian life. He talks about what it means to have the courage to face adversity, the bonds formed between soldiers, and how he now uses his experiences to inspire others as a corporate speaker.
 
A must-watch for anyone interested in the warrior spirit, leadership, resilience, and the human side of combat.
 
 
 
🎙️ About Ryan Fugit:
 Ryan is the creator and host of Combat Story, a podcast that captures the firsthand accounts of combat veterans, and Restricted Handling, which explores authoritarian activity and international security through conversations with world-class experts.
 
🔔 Subscribe for more interviews with military veterans, intelligence professionals, and leaders shaping the future of national security.
 
 
 
Find AJ Online:
 
📸 Instagram: /ajpasciuti
 📘 LinkedIn: /angelo-pasciuti
 👉Combat Story Podcast (Part 1 – USMC Sniper & Force Recon in Fallujah): https://open.spotify.com/episode/4aqn
 
👉Combat Story Podcast (Part 2 – Sniper vs Sniper Battle): https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast 
 
👉Urban Valor Facebook Feature: / 602000529075284 
 
👉DVIDS Video on Infantry Marine Course: https://www.nationalguard.mil/Leaders
 
 
 
Find Ryan Online:
 
🎙️ Ryan's Linktree
 🔗 Merch: Bonfire Store
 🛒 Email: ryan@combatstory.com
 📸 Instagram @combatstory / combatstory
 📘 Facebook @combatstoryofficial Link
 🎵 Intro Song: Sport Rock from Audio Jungle
 
 
 
Time Stamps:
 
00:00 Introduction to Mark Wales
 
00:57 Joining the Special Forces
 
01:42 Life After the Military
 
05:30 Combat Experiences and Near Misses
 
09:35 Dealing with Loss and Grief
 
16:42 Mental Health and PTSD
 
19:43 Reflections and Traditions
 
23:39 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Australian SAS Officer Mark Wales: Combat Stories, PTSD, and the Warrior Spirit | Combat Story

Sponsored by Veterans Help Group — supporting veterans navigating VA benefits.
 
In this incredible, unconventional story, Nate reveals how he discovered his life's purpose by taking a radical leap of faith.
 
In 2004, feeling adrift and disturbed by the ongoing genocide in Darfur, Sudan, Nate knew he had to do something. Rejected by countless NGOs due to his lack of a college degree and "special skills," he refused to accept "no" for an answer.
 
With nothing but determination and a bold elevator pitch, he bought a plane ticket to Chad and found a way onto a UN flight to the refugee camps. Despite being interrogated by local authorities, Nate's perseverance paid off, and he was put to work—an experience that transformed his life in ways he never imagined.
 
This powerful, two-month journey ignited Nate's passion for service and ultimately led him to enlist in the U.S. military. A must-listen story about the warrior spirit, rising to the occasion in a time of crisis, and choosing action over complacency.
 
 
 
🎙️ About Ryan Fugit:
 
Ryan is the creator and host of Combat Story, a podcast that captures the firsthand accounts of combat veterans, and Restricted Handling, which explores authoritarian activity and international security through conversations with world-class experts. Check out the Retricted Handling podcast at www.restrictedhandling.com
 
🔔 Subscribe for more interviews with military veterans, intelligence professionals, and leaders shaping the future of national security.
 
 
 
 
 
Find AJ Online:
 
📸Instagram: / ajpasciuti
 
📘 LinkedIn: / angelo-pasciuti
 
 🔗Personal Website & Book Pre-Order ("Darkhorse"): https://www.ajpasciuti.com/
 
👉Combat Story Podcast (Part 1 – USMC Sniper & Force Recon in Fallujah):
 https://open.spotify.com/episode/4aqn
 
👉Combat Story Podcast (Part 2 – Sniper vs Sniper Battle):
 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast
 
👉Urban Valor Facebook Feature:
 / 602000529075284
 
👉DVIDS Video on Infantry Marine Course:
 https://www.nationalguard.mil/Leaders
 

 Find Ryan Online:
 
🎙️ Ryan's Linktree https://linktr.ee/combatstory
 
🔗Merch https://www.bonfire.com/store/combats
 
🛒 Email ryan@combatstory.com
 
📸 Instagram @combatstory / combatstory
 
📘 Facebook @combatstoryofficial https://fb.me/combatstoryofficial
 
Check out the Retricted Handling podcast at www.restrictedhandling.com
 
📖 Send us messages at https://m.me/combatstoryofficial
 
✔ Learn more about Ryan www.combatstory.com/aboutus
 
🎵 Intro Song: Sport Rock from Audio Jungle
 

 📘 Chapters:
 00:00 Introduction 00:30 Nate's Journey to Darfur 02:10 Challenges and Experiences in Darfur 04:30 Joining the Military: From Darfur to the Army 14:49 Family Reactions and Early Military Days 29:25 Special Forces Training and Deployment 35:04 Reflecting on Physical Fitness and Aging 36:26 Deployment to Iraq: A Journey Through History 38:19 Experiences and Challenges in Iraq 40:36 The Complexities of War and Foreign Policy 46:34 First Missions and Initial Encounters 57:49 Training and Selection of Iraqi Soldiers 01:03:41 Balancing Military Service and College Football 01:06:47 Internships Abroad and Early Deployments 01:07:01 Experiences in Afghanistan 01:07:17 Combat Encounters and Reflections 01:09:36 Returning Home and Transitioning to Football 01:10:10 Balancing Military and Football 01:11:02 Challenges of Transitioning from Military to Civilian Life 01:23:19 Veterans Help Group and Support Systems 01:28:09 Merging Vets and Players (MVP) Initiative 01:33:05 Personal Reflections and Future Plans

He Couldn't Get Hired, So He Bought a Plane Ticket to Darfur | Finding Purpose Before the Military

🎖️ From Marine Sniper to Army Special Operations Veteran | Erick Miyares' Unbelievable Combat Story 🇺🇸. In this powerful episode, we sit down with Erick Miyares — a retired Special Operations soldier who began his journey in the U.S. Marine Corps and went on to serve in the Army's 7th Special Forces Group and an Army Special Missions Unit under U.S. SOCOM.
 
 Eric takes us deep into the realities of war, from the jungles of Central and South America to the battlefields of Afghanistan and Iraq. He opens up about taking a life, losing brothers, living with post-traumatic stress, and finding healing and purpose after decades in the shadows.
 
 This is more than a combat story — it's about resilience, identity, and redemption. Eric's transition from elite soldier to PhD student in Cyber Psychology shows how warriors continue to serve even after the battlefield.
 
 🔥 What You'll Learn in This Episode:
 
The truth about life inside Special Operations
 
 How elite warriors process trauma and rebuild
 
 What it's like to order a kinetic strike — and live with it
 
 Lessons in discipline, humility, and healing from a 30-year veteran
 
 The mindset of those who operate in the world's most dangerous environments
 

 
 💡 About Eric Ez Miyares:
 
Retired U.S. Army Special Operations veteran
 
 Former Marine Corps sniper
 
 Served in Panama, Colombia, Ecuador, Afghanistan, Iraq, and beyond
 
 Now a PhD candidate in Cyber Psychology, studying cognitive resilience
 
 Advocate for mental health and veterans' reintegration
 
 
 💬 Support & Resources:
 If you or someone you know is struggling with post-traumatic stress, reach out for help. You are not alone.
 👉 Visit VeteransHelpGroup.com or call (855) 231-6144.
 
 
 
🎙️ About Ryan Fugit:
 
Ryan is the creator and host of Combat Story, a podcast that captures the firsthand accounts of combat veterans, and Restricted Handling, which explores authoritarian activity and international security through conversations with world-class experts. Check out the Retricted Handling podcast at www.restrictedhandling.com
 
🔔 Subscribe for more interviews with military veterans, intelligence professionals, and leaders shaping the future of national security.
 
 
 
Find Erick Miyares :
 
📘 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erick-miyares/
 
 
 
Find AJ Online:
 
📸Instagram: / ajpasciuti
 
📘 LinkedIn: / angelo-pasciuti
 
 🔗Personal Website & Book Pre-Order ("Darkhorse"): https://www.ajpasciuti.com/
 
👉Combat Story Podcast (Part 1 – USMC Sniper & Force Recon in Fallujah):
 https://open.spotify.com/episode/4aqn
 
👉Combat Story Podcast (Part 2 – Sniper vs Sniper Battle):
 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast
 
👉Urban Valor Facebook Feature:
 / 602000529075284
 
👉DVIDS Video on Infantry Marine Course:
 https://www.nationalguard.mil/Leaders
 

 Find Ryan Online:
 
🎙️ Ryan's Linktree https://linktr.ee/combatstory
 
🔗Merch https://www.bonfire.com/store/combats
 
🛒 Email ryan@combatstory.com
 
📸 Instagram @combatstory / combatstory
 
📘 Facebook @combatstoryofficial https://fb.me/combatstoryofficial
 
Check out the Retricted Handling podcast at www.restrictedhandling.com
 
📖 Send us messages at https://m.me/combatstoryofficial
 
✔ Learn more about Ryan www.combatstory.com/aboutus
 
🎵 Intro Song: Sport Rock from Audio Jungle
 

 📘 Chapters:
 00:00 – Introduction: Meet Eric Ez Miyares
 01:00 – Marine Corps beginnings & escaping the streets of Miami
 02:00 – Lessons learned from the Corps: discipline and humility
 03:00 – The weight of pulling the trigger and ordering strikes
 05:00 – Facing death in the Middle East and processing fear
 07:00 – Living with Post-Traumatic Stress (without the "D")
 08:30 – Opening Pandora's Box: therapy and healing
 10:00 – Rediscovering purpose through resilience and service
 11:00 – Sacrifices of family life during decades of deployments
 13:00 – Cognitive fatigue and the toll of 20 years at war
 14:30 – Finding brotherhood, connection, and purpose after combat
 15:30 – The dual life: operator and intelligence professional
 17:00 – The veteran bond and the humor that keeps them going
 18:00 – The lighter side: local food, culture, and MRE memories
 20:00 – Healing, time, and reflecting on legacy
 21:30 – Lessons learned and why he'd serve again
 23:00 – Closing reflections on purpose, family, and discipline

Combat Story - Podumentary - Erick Miyares

Marine Raider LtCol Ivan Ingraham (USMC, Ret.) takes us deep inside one of the most intense firefights of the Afghanistan War — when his convoy rolled into the Green Zone and an RPG bounced off the hood of his Humvee before exploding behind him.
 
In this unforgettable episode of Combat Story, Ivan shares what it really feels like when all hell breaks loose. From the chaos of a full-blown ambush to the calm, deliberate decisions that saved his Marines' lives, this story captures the courage, clarity, and leadership forged only through combat.
 
Ivan spent 24 years in the Marine Corps, serving as both a conventional infantry officer and later as a Special Operations Marine Raider with MARSOC. Across five combat deployments to Afghanistan, he led elite units under fire, trained the next generation of Recon Marines, and later turned his hard-won lessons into writing, speaking, and leadership coaching.
 
 
 
This is more than just a war story. It's about courage under fire, the weight of command, and finding purpose after the battlefield.
 
 
 
🔗 Connect with Ivan Ingraham
 
 
 
🌐 Official Website: ➡️ https://ivanfingraham.com
 
📰 Substack Newsletter – The Log Book ➡️ https://ivanfingraham.substack.com
 
📘 Books by Ivan F. Ingraham
 
➡️ Once We Pledged Forever: A Novel of Combat, Marines and the War Within
 
 https://www.amazon.com/Once-We-Pledged-Forever-Marines/dp/1958861669
 
➡️ Dream Job
 
 https://www.amazon.com/Dream-Job-Ivan-F-Ingraham-ebook/dp/B0CW18V16F
 
➡️ Athena: Bravery Knows No Gender
 
 https://www.amazon.com/Athena-Ivan-F-Ingraham-ebook/dp/B0BLT469Y4
 
➡️ 22: A Journey to The Edge of Darkness
 
 https://www.amazon.com/22-Darkness-Ivan-F-Ingraham/dp/B0C2RYRYFW
 
➡️ The Patrol: A Story of MARSOC at War https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/137341905-the-patrol-a-story-of-marsoc-at-war
 
📚 Amazon Author Page (Full Catalog): ➡️ https://www.amazon.com/stores/Ivan-F.-Ingraham/author/B0BCL7NGS3
 
💬 Facebook: ➡️ https://www.facebook.com/IvanFIngraham
 
📸 Instagram: ➡️ https://www.instagram.com/ifi_writer
 
 
 
Find AJ Online:
 
📸Instagram: / ajpasciuti https://www.instagram.com/ajpasciuti/
 
📘 LinkedIn: / angelo-pasciuti https://www.linkedin.com/in/angelo-pasciuti/
 
🔗Personal Website & Book Pre-Order ("Darkhorse"): https://www.ajpasciuti.com/
 
👉Combat Story Podcast (Part 1 – USMC Sniper & Force Recon in Fallujah):
 
 https://open.spotify.com/episode/4aqnKAUUOCDmJZPWrMf9NZ
 
👉Combat Story Podcast (Part 2 – Sniper vs Sniper Battle):
 
 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sniper-vs-sniper-battle-killing-the-enemys-most/id1537933985?i=1000633686192
 
👉Urban Valor Facebook Feature:
 
 https://www.facebook.com/UrbanValor/posts/retired-marine-chief-warrant-officer-3-aj-pasciuti-recounts-being-in-the-middle-/602000529075284/
 
👉DVIDS Video on Infantry Marine Course:
 
 https://www.nationalguard.mil/Leadership/Joint-Staff/Comptroller/Innovation/?dvpTag=imc&videoid=790758
 

 

 
🧭 CHAPTERS / TIMESTAMPS
 
 
 
00:00 – Intro: RPG Ambush & Chaos in the Green Zone
 
03:15 – Ivan Ingraham's background and upbringing in a military family
 
07:20 – Why he joined the Marines and the recruiting story that changed everything
 
12:10 – Lessons from OCS and The Basic School: what makes a Marine officer different
 
18:00 – Becoming an Infantry Officer and early deployments with 1/4
 
25:30 – Transition to Recon and the path toward Force Reconnaissance
 
34:00 – September 11th: where Ivan was when the towers fell
 
37:45 – Early years of the Global War on Terror and Recon's evolving role
 
41:00 – The creation of MARSOC and Ivan's move to Marine Special Operations
 
51:30 – Inside MARSOC's first deployments: structure, culture, and combat readiness
 
1:07:00 – The firefight: RPG hits the convoy and "all hell breaks loose"
 
1:13:00 – What combat really sounds like and the chaos of leadership under fire
 
1:20:00 – Calling in air support and the A-10 Warthog strafing run
 
1:26:00 – The moment Ivan thought they wouldn't make it out alive
 
1:31:00 – Aftermath: reflection, loss, and lessons in leadership
 
1:47:00 – Writing, healing, and building "The Log Book" newsletter
 
1:54:00 – Life after MARSOC: leadership, loss, and finding purpose again
 
2:10:00 – Ivan Ingraham's advice on courage, humility, and leading through fear
 
 
 
🪖 ABOUT IVAN INGRAHAM
 
 
 
LtCol Ivan Ingraham, USMC (Ret.) is a former Marine Raider (MARSOC), combat veteran, and author. Over a 24-year career, he served in leadership roles across conventional and special operations units, deploying five times to Afghanistan and around the world.
 
 
 
⚡ WHAT YOU'LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE
 
 
 
✅ How a Marine Raider leads through chaos when everything falls apart
 
✅ What it feels like to be ambushed by RPGs in Afghanistan
 
✅ The difference between leadership in combat vs. corporate life
 
✅ The emotional cost of war and how Ivan found meaning beyond the battlefield
 
✅ Lessons on humility, courage, and trust from 24 years of service

The RPG That Changed Everything – Ivan Ingraham's Wildest Day in Combat | Marine Raider

In this episode, we sit down with Ryan Fugit — former Army attack helicopter pilot, CIA Directorate of Operations officer, and host of Combat Story and Restricted Handling for an inside look at a life spent on the front lines of America's wars and intelligence operations.
 
Ryan shares raw and insightful stories from his time flying AH-64 Apache helicopters in Afghanistan and from his years conducting global operations with the CIA's Directorate of Operations. From the intensity of combat to the complexity of modern intelligence work, Ryan reflects on the lessons, challenges, and defining moments that shaped his approach to leadership, resilience, and purpose.
 
We also discuss his transition from public service to leading trust and safety investigations in Silicon Valley, and how his experiences inform his mission to protect people from harm in the digital age. Ryan has now created the Restricted Handling podcast featuring daily, curated insights and news on Russia, China, Iran, North Korea, the Middle East and more with weekly deep dives with Ryan and former CIA legends about what's going on in the world of geopolitics, international security, and military and intelligence operations. Subscribe for FREE daily insights at www.restrictedhandling.com.
 
 
 
🎙️ About Ryan Fugit:
 
Ryan is the creator and host of Combat Story, a podcast that captures the firsthand accounts of combat veterans, and Restricted Handling, which explores authoritarian activity and international security through conversations with world-class experts. Check out the Retricted Handling podcast at www.restrictedhandling.com
 
🔔 Subscribe for more interviews with military veterans, intelligence professionals, and leaders shaping the future of national security.
 
 
 
Find AJ Online:
 
📸Instagram: / ajpasciuti
 
📘 LinkedIn: / angelo-pasciuti
 
 🔗Personal Website & Book Pre-Order ("Darkhorse"): https://www.ajpasciuti.com/
 
👉Combat Story Podcast (Part 1 – USMC Sniper & Force Recon in Fallujah):
 https://open.spotify.com/episode/4aqn
 
👉Combat Story Podcast (Part 2 – Sniper vs Sniper Battle):
 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast
 
👉Urban Valor Facebook Feature:
 / 602000529075284
 
👉DVIDS Video on Infantry Marine Course:
 https://www.nationalguard.mil/Leaders
 

 Find Ryan Online:
 
🎙️ Ryan's Linktree https://linktr.ee/combatstory
 
🔗Merch https://www.bonfire.com/store/combats
 
🛒 Email ryan@combatstory.com
 
📸 Instagram @combatstory / combatstory
 
📘 Facebook @combatstoryofficial https://fb.me/combatstoryofficial
 
Check out the Retricted Handling podcast at www.restrictedhandling.com
 
📖 Send us messages at https://m.me/combatstoryofficial
 
✔ Learn more about Ryan www.combatstory.com/aboutus
 
🎵 Intro Song: Sport Rock from Audio Jungle
 

 Chapters:
 0:00 Intro
 01:53 Introduction
 08:12 The Impact of 9/11
 17:04 Choosing the Aviation Path
 26:37 The Competitive World of Aviation
 30:02 Imposter Syndrome and Military Service
 37:05 Pop Culture Influences
 44:22 First Unit Assignment
 44:56 Early Days in the Cavalry Unit
 46:09 The Battle of March 23, 2003
 48:00 Life in Germany and the Desire to Deploy
 50:01 First Deployment to Afghanistan
 54:25 Challenges of Command and Crew Rest
 59:00 Navigating Leadership and Combat Decisions
 01:23:26 Reflecting on a Tragic Incident
 01:24:40 Sponsor Message: Protect Your Privacy with Delete Me
 01:26:07 Making Tough Decisions in the Military
 01:28:44 Transitioning to Civilian Life and the CIA
 01:34:38 Starting a Podcast: Inspiration and Challenges
 01:52:13 Highs, Lows, and Laughs of Podcasting
 02:03:01 Future Plans and New Ventures

Ryan Fugit - The Story Behind Combat Story

✈️ A-10 Fighter Pilot Combat Story – Kim "Killer Chick" Campbell
 
In this episode, we sit down with Col. Kim "KC" Campbell (USAF, Ret.), a decorated A-10 Warthog pilot and true combat veteran. Known by her legendary call sign "Killer Chick," Kim shares her incredible story of surviving a surface-to-air missile strike over Baghdad and pulling off a harrowing emergency landing that few pilots could ever attempt. This is a raw, inspiring deep dive into leadership, resilience, and what it takes to fly and fight in one of the most iconic aircraft in U.S. Air Force history.
 
🎥 Deep Dive with Kim "Killer Chick" Campbell
 
This episode features none other than Col. Kim "KC" Campbell (USAF, Ret.), who has one of the coolest call signs imaginable. A decorated A-10 Warthog pilot, she survived a surface-to-air missile strike and pulled off a landing few pilots have ever faced in real life.
 
📞 Support Veterans Help Group
 
Go to: http://www.veteranshelpgroup.com
 
Or call: 855-233-6144 and tell them your buddies Ryan and AJ from Combat Story sent you.
 
🔥 Find Kim "Killer Chick" Campbell Online
 
 • Twitter (X): https://twitter.com/kchawg987

 • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kchawg987

 • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimkc-campbell

 • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KC-Campbell-106544762115864

 • Website: https://kim-kc-campbell.com
 
🎙️ Find AJ Online
 
 • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ajpasciuti/

 • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angelo-pasciuti/

 • Website & Book Pre-Order ("Darkhorse"): https://www.ajpasciuti.com/

 
🎧 Featured Content
 
 • Combat Story Podcast (Part 1 – USMC Sniper & Force Recon in Fallujah): https://open.spotify.com/episode/4aqnKAUUOCDmJZPWrMf9NZ

 • Combat Story Podcast (Part 2 – Sniper vs Sniper Battle): https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sniper-vs-sniper-battle-killing-the-enemys-most/id1537933985?i=1000633686192

 • Urban Valor Facebook Feature: https://www.facebook.com/UrbanValor/posts/retired-marine-chief-warrant-officer-3-aj-pasciuti-recounts-being-in-the-middle-/602000529075284/

 • DVIDS Video on Infantry Marine Course: https://www.nationalguard.mil/Leadership/Joint-Staff/Comptroller/Innovation/?dvpTag=imc&videoid=790758

 
⚡ Subscribe for more Combat Story episodes highlighting the courage, resilience, and leadership of warriors who've lived it.

Surviving a Surface to Air Missile (SAM) Strike | DFC | A-10 Aviator | Kim "Killer Chick" Campbell

In remembrance of the attacks on September 11th, 2001, we have a special guest on the show, and for the first time in our Combat Story community, we'd like to introduce Darin Kinder — Former Secret Service Agent • 9/11 Survivor.
 
Darin Kinder brings a rare blend of courage, clarity, and conviction from years spent navigating the world's most high-pressure moments. As a former Secret Service Agent and survivor of the 9/11 attacks, he uses his story to help individuals and leaders live with bold purpose and unwavering resilience.
 
Author of Bury Me in a Dirty Suit: Discovering Man's Valiant Purpose in the Aftermath of 9/11, Darin invites listeners to reframe how they live—seeing everyday work not simply as provision, but as purpose in motion. His own experience, assisting, evacuating, and enduring on that fateful day, embodies the idea that courage is always a choice.
 
Darin's story is one of heroism and humility—his actions during the 9/11 attacks earned him the Secret Service Medal of Valor. As the founder of Fierce Comms, based in Dallas, Darin empowers people to rediscover mission and meaning—not just in what they do, but why they do it. Through keynote talks and multi-session seminars, he challenges audiences to "get their suit dirty"—to choose the narrow, courageous path of sacrifice over comfort.
 
Join us as we sit down with Darin Kinder—a man who invites us to embrace the grit of life, unlock purpose in our work, and live courageously, even when the world tells us we can't.
 
 
 
Find Darin Kinder Online:
 
🔗 Website: https://www.darinkinder.com/
 
📸 Instagram / darinkinder
 
 
 
Find AJ Online:
 
📸Instagram: / ajpasciuti
 
📘 LinkedIn: / angelo-pasciuti
 
 
 🔗Personal Website & Book Pre-Order ("Darkhorse"): https://www.ajpasciuti.com/
 
👉Combat Story Podcast (Part 1 – USMC Sniper & Force Recon in Fallujah):
 
 https://open.spotify.com/episode/4aqn...
 👉Combat Story Podcast (Part 2 – Sniper vs Sniper Battle):
 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast
 
👉Urban Valor Facebook Feature:
 / 602000529075284
 
👉DVIDS Video on Infantry Marine Course:
 https://www.nationalguard.mil/Leaders
 

 Find Ryan Online:
 

 🎙️ Ryan's Linktree https://linktr.ee/combatstory
 
🔗Merch https://www.bonfire.com/store/combats
 
🛒 Email ryan@combatstory.com
 
📸 Instagram @combatstory / combatstory 
 
📘 Facebook @combatstoryofficial https://fb.me/combatstoryofficial
 
📖 Send us messages at https://m.me/combatstoryofficial
 
✔ Learn more about Ryan www.combatstory.com/aboutus
 
🎵 Intro Song: Sport Rock from Audio Jungle
 
 
 
Chapters:
 
00:40 Introduction 
 00:59 Meet Darren Kinder: 9/11 Survivor and Secret Service Agent
 02:47 The Story Behind 'Bury Me In a Dirty Suit'
 07:17 Darren's Path to the Secret Service
 11:06 Inside the Secret Service: Training and Missions
 24:20 First Days in New York: Pre-9/11 Assignments
 30:58 Isolation and Law Enforcement Collaboration
 31:24 AJ Pesi's Story and New Book Announcement
 32:46 Recounting 9/11: Initial Impact and Evacuation
 35:59 Heroic Efforts and Personal Sacrifices
 45:55 Surviving the Collapse and Aftermath
 56:02 Reflecting on the Day and Moving Forward
 57:06 Veterans Help Group Sponsorship
 58:28 Divine Intervention and Final Thoughts
 01:01:47 Evacuation Efforts on 9/11
 01:02:37 Returning Home and Reuniting with Family
 01:04:32 Receiving the Secret Service Medal of Valor
 01:05:31 Serving on the New York Joint Terrorism Task Force
 01:06:23 Protecting President George W. Bush
 01:07:38 Reflecting on 9/11 and Ground Zero
 01:14:29 Traveling the World with the Secret Service
 01:18:40 Memorable Moments and Close Calls
 01:24:06 Leadership Lessons and Personal Reflections
 01:30:28 Final Thoughts and Farewell

Invite to the Battle of Fallujah II Dauntless Courage Premiere on Combat Story with Ryan and AJ

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