Retired Special Forces veteran Joe Kent shares his inspiring journey, from early days to entering the military and meeting Shannon Kent. They discuss intense deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan, family sacrifices, and Shannon's significant contributions. The podcast also touches on Joe's political aspirations and the challenges faced in a political campaign, highlighting the importance of securing the border and engaging veterans in politics.
Read more
AI Summary
Highlights
AI Chapters
Episode notes
auto_awesome
Podcast summary created with Snipd AI
Quick takeaways
Shannon Kent's determination and linguistic skills set her apart early in life, showcasing her unwavering resolve to achieve her goals.
Shannon's exceptional proficiency in Arabic impressed colleagues and Iraqi counterparts, leading to strong rapport in Baghdad.
Recognized for her potential in combat missions, Shannon's meticulous attention to detail and preparedness stood out in high-tempo deployments.
Shannon's invaluable contributions in identifying targets and human intelligence operations showcased her critical role in special operations missions.
Shannon Kent's sacrifices and dedication as a combat veteran, mother, wife, and cancer survivor highlight the challenges faced by military personnel and their families.
Deep dives
Shannon's Determination and Linguistic Skills
Shannon's early determination and linguistic skills stood out from a young age. Despite initial challenges on the playground, she persisted and mastered riding the monkey bars, showcasing her unwavering resolve to achieve her goals. This determination carried forward as she excelled in sports, academics, and various extracurricular activities in high school.
Language Expertise and Assignment to Baghdad
Shannon's exceptional proficiency in Arabic and her eagerness to engage with diverse dialects impressed both her colleagues and Iraqi counterparts in Baghdad. Her ability to communicate effectively in Iraqi dialects within a mixed unit environment garnered admiration and established strong rapport. Despite her linguistic capabilities initially being underutilized, her desire for hands-on involvement propelled her into field operations.
Transition to Combat Operations and Recognition of Full Potential
While Shannon began her deployment in an analytical role, her talents were quickly recognized by a Navy SEAL officer who saw her potential for active combat missions. Even amidst the perception of natural readiness for combat in a war zone, Shannon's meticulous attention to detail in configuring gear placement and adherence to operational procedures showcased her commitment to preparedness for real-world missions.
Shannon's Combat Training with Mentor in Special Operations
Shannon, without formal special operations combat training, learned crucial skills from a mentor during high-tempo deployments. She adapted rapidly to time-sensitive missions and strategic analysis, cementing her trajectory in the world of special operations.
Shannon's Valuable Contributions in Combat Missions
Shannon excelled in identifying targets, leading to the capture of enemy insurgents. Her capabilities in language, analysis, and human intelligence operations made her invaluable on missions, leading to critical contributions and recognition.
Challenges and Triumphs in Special Operations and Family Life
Facing dangers and stress in multiple deployments, Shannon balanced combat duties with personal life, including a secret but strong love connection. Overcoming challenges such as cancer, Shannon remained dedicated and resilient in her roles as a combat veteran, mother, wife, and cancer survivor.
Shannon Kent's Decision to Deploy Despite Personal Circumstances
Shannon Kent faced a challenging decision when asked to deploy for her 11th deployment while being pregnant and having recently given birth. Despite being at the end of her military career and not necessarily having to go, Shannon felt compelled to accept the deployment request due to her specialized skill sets. This decision strained her relationship with her partner and family, highlighting the complexities military personnel face when balancing duty with personal obligations.
Shannon Kent's Pursuit of a Psychology PhD Program and Tragic End
Following the deployments, Shannon Kent aspired to pursue a psychology PhD program to contribute to her community after noticing the psychological struggles among servicemen. Despite her acceptance into the prestigious program, a medical history hurdle prevented her from continuing. As her unit prepared for another deployment, Shannon, driven by a sense of duty and commitment, chose to deploy again. Tragically, during a mission in Syria, she was killed in an ISIS attack, underscoring the sacrifices and challenges faced by military personnel and their families.
Campaign Challenges and Preparation for a Political Run
Facing financial challenges during his campaign and being hit with substantial opposition funds on day one of the general election, the speaker shared his experiences of fundraising and strategic planning to prepare for running for office. Despite previous setbacks, including a razor-thin loss in a prior election, the speaker expressed optimism for the upcoming primary in August and the general election in November, highlighting improved Republican unity and strategic initiatives to mobilize voters.
Political Strategies, Ballot Harvesting, and Fundraising Insights
Discussing political strategies and challenges, the speaker delved into the significance of ballot harvesting, contrasting Republican and Democratic approaches in targeted voter outreach areas like urban locales, apartment complexes, and gun shows. The speaker emphasized the impact of data-driven campaign efforts, efficient fundraising tactics, and the critical role of small dollar donors in countering corporate influence in Washington, advocating for grassroots engagement and support.
"Send Me: The True Story of a Mother At War", by Joe Kent.
Joe Kent is a retired 20-year-veteran of our nation’s Special Forces and a widower raising his two young sons in Yacolt, Washington State. His first wife, who also served, was killed while fighting ISIS in Syria. Four years later, he married Heather Kaiser.
