Men in the Arena - Christian Men's Podcast

On December 22, 2009, the "STRIKE" Brigade received orders to spearhead the new surge of forces into the southern region of Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. The 2nd Brigade Combat Team (BCT), 101st Airborne Division, Air Assault - Combined Task Force (CTF) STRIKE deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) X-XI from 10 May 2010 to 30 May 2011, as the main effort brigade of the President's "surge" force in Afghanistan. CTF STRIKE conducted a comprehensive counterinsurgency strategy in Arghandab, Zharay, Maiwand, and Panjwai'i Districts, Kandahar Province, to defeat the insurgency and improve the security situation in the "militant birthplace of the Taliban." CTF STRIKE simultaneously developed and enabled the Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF) and district governance to assume control in the region. During the year-long deployment in Southern Afghanistan, STRIKE defeated the Taliban in these critical districts and established over 29 combined Coalition and ANSF bases in Taliban contested areas. Combined Task Force STRIKE extended governance into previously inaccessible areas establishing district administration, health and educational services, and providing the people of Kandahar Province a voice in their government. During the deployment, Combined Task Force STRIKE effectively reduced violence along major civilian supply routes by attacking the insurgency deep in historic enemy-held terrain. STRIKE's use of persistent intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance platforms prevented the reemergence of the Taliban in the critical terrain. The actions of CTF STRIKE resulted in the significant reduction of Taliban influence where hostile activity the area of operations dropped significantly and allowed for greater engagement of the population by ANSF and local government leaders. Success in Kandahar Province provided the Afghan people the choice to support the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan and the opportunity for peace and prosperity in the future.   CTF STRIKE's deployment in Afghanistan saw the award of a Distinguished Service Cross, 5 Silver Stars, 38 Bronze Star Medals with Valor, 111 Army Commendation Medals with Valor, and 491 Purple Hearts. CTF STRIKE executed more than 7 major operations during which 65 STRIKE Soldiers made the ultimate sacrifice. In recognition of their efforts under extreme combat situations, the STRIKE Brigade Combat Team was awarded the Presidential Unit Citation (PUC) for OPERATION DRAGON STRIKE and operations in Kandahar, as well as a Valorous Unit Award for the deployment. 1st Battalion, 502d Infantry Battalion, Combined Task Force TALON, received the Valorous Unit Award for their actions to remove hardened Taliban fighters and supporters in eastern Zharay District from September to November 2010. "I am a STRIKE Soldier: I fight where told, and win where I fight!" www.campdownrange.org 

How you finish is key. Stay focused, go against the flow, and finish strong. www.mancardpodcast.com 

This episode is all about the Men in the Arena. Who are they and how do you become one of them? How do you join a virtual team? Listen now! www.mancardpodcast.com  

We all need rest. Don't think you can say yes to everything. www.mancardpodcast.com   

The Death Ruck is done for this year and it was conquered with great success. Hear from Jim Ramos, Jacob Duke, and Dallas Ruehlen on what it took to accomplish it and what they learned from it for next time.  www.mancardpodcast.com 

Do your kids know you love them? Do they know that you are proud of them? www.mancardpodcast.com 

MIKE YOUNG Founder and Executive Director Mike has a passion to see men grow, serve and lead as godly men… Noble Warriors even. He especially wants to see this in his three sons and the man that he hopes his daughter will someday marry. Launching Noble Warriors in 2005 was the result of a clear calling to move into full-time ministry to men. Today Mike leads the ministry, by God’s grace, to serve churches as they equip men to walk with Christ and lead well.

What does it mean to make an impact in your home and community? And How do you do it? www.mancardpodcast.com 

David McIntyre is the season 2 winner of History Channel's Alone survival show. He spent 66 days on the north end of Vancouver Island living off the land in isolation. He is the author of the post-apocalyptic fiction series The Fall. For fifteen years he was a church planting missionary in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, where he founded the Per Ardua Wilderness Ministry and the Bushmaster Wilderness Survival School. David has practiced wilderness survival in the Appalachian mountains, Alaska, and Brazil's Atlantic Rainforest and Tropical Alpine ecosystems, just to name a few. In fact, he says he never feels comfortable in a new location until he has survived in that area's wilderness. David now lives in Grand Rapids Michigan with his three children (15, 18, and 25).

Are you the parent your kids need you to be or the friend you want to be? In this episode we want to encourage Dad's to parent well.  www.mancardpodcast.com