Shawn Ryan Show #230 Keith Stansell - Operation Jacque & Surviving FARC Captivity
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Aug 25, 2025 Keith Stansell, a former U.S. Marine and Northrop Grumman employee, shares his harrowing tale of surviving nearly 2,000 days in FARC captivity after a plane crash. He delves into the emotional struggles of separation from family, the intensity of survival in harsh conditions, and the camaraderie developed among captives. Stansell recounts the dramatic rescue during Operation Jaque and reflects on the complexities of reintegrating into civilian life, emphasizing resilience and the importance of community support for veterans.
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Capture And Long Hostage Ordeal
- Keith Stansell was captured after an OV-10 surveillance plane crash and held by FARC for 1,967 days.
- He later co-wrote Out of Captivity and received the Secretary of Defense Medal for the Defense of Freedom.
How FARC Shifted From Politics To Profit
- The FARC began as a political guerrilla movement but morphed into a drug-funded criminal network.
- Leadership lived comfortably while lower-tier fighters remained indoctrinated and exploited.
Crash Into Guerrilla Ambush
- Their Caravan crashed into guerrilla territory after an engine failure while flying anti-drug missions in Colombia.
- Three crewmen survived the crash but were immediately seized by about a hundred FARC guerrillas and separated into different groups.
