Delta Force Operator Dave Nielsen's Life Changed When A Terrorist Killed His Dog

[@davidhooksteadinterviews]

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[@herrikudo]

Buddy of mine was an aircraft mechanic at a delta post years ago while on rotation. He said they were the nicest men hed ever had the pleasure of working with. Told me whenever new guys came in they took the time to learn and remember his name and thank him for taking care if their shit. Mad respect for these men.

[@davidhooksteadinterviews]

Sound exactly right. The guys in Delta are class act humans.

[@Chazb369]

Hi I am SEAL team 6 DEVGRU please buy my book and no nothing is exaggerated I am actually a fckn badass yeah man delta force guys are nice bro but we really do the hard shit bustin down doors and swimming through the cold dark ocean. Buddies are elite but hey man I’m just being honest they didn’t have to run miles after miles with a heavy boat crushing their skull good guys though for sure you know obviously respect to Delta but I mean I don’t think you can deny some people are just built different and hey man the cold ain’t for everyone you know. Definitely great bunch of guys but SEAL team 6 here if I didn’t mention and I gotta say nobody can compare man we really are the best bro. But don’t get me wrong Delta is a standup unit of guys. I’m DEVGRU btw just for reference.

[@evanvourazeris1374]

​@@Chazb369There sure are a lot of "SEAL Team 6" guys in the comments sections of KZbin videos.

[@aarone1981]

For sure, I recall reading 6 or 7 books on Fallujah and multiple times there was a mention of Delta Force Snipers being brought in to assist Marines... The Marines were certainly motivated by the presence of the best soldiers in the World! This was referenced in a Shawn Ryan podcast recently...

[@WhatsNextFam]

@@evanvourazeris1374haha facts dude is definitely not a deal 😭😭

[@WithinandThroughout]

It’s probably so hard to put into words, but your trusted friend looked back and said “are you sure about this” and was loyal to the end. Incredible

[@heycowild8814]

I interpreted it as " this is prolly my last bite. Good bye my friend. See u on the other side."

[@beenschmokin]

She said goodbye. They do not hesitate. They die with honor and gladly to save you. Faith without question. We'll never know such. Saw above comment after. Yep. What he said

[@Mrd1_j6665]

Nielson is a stand-up guy. This dude has been through some things but he is still standing. Kudos to him for what he is doing and for what he stands for.

[@rhymetimeuk]

The world needs men like this. Evil is prevalent and this type of man helps to balance the scales. Terrific interview, absolute hero.

[@timmanion7459]

Nobody that hasn't worked a k9 can truly understand the bond and the loss when you loose one. I lost a dog but was able to retire with my last dog . A female Malinois as well . Without her , I don't know what would have happened to me the first few yrs of retirement. Lots of respect for ya bro . HooYa!!!

[@80Ragincajun]

I absolutely loved Dave's interview. His frankness and honesty on killing terrorists. Thats excatly how we should all look at them.

[@shanecrocker3629]

I did prolonged exposure therapy at the wounded warrior projects veterans program at Emory hospital in Atlanta. It changed my life. I did the same thing that this guy did for 12 months and it absolutely saved my life..

[@Mrd1_j6665]

This dude is "The Real Deal". He has a very unique outlook on life and everything it encompasses. His demeanor is one like I have never seen. Kudos to him and I hope he continues to inspire others.

[@evam.8567]

Rest in Peace Pepper 🙏 🇺🇸 What a selfless warrior you were! Dave, thank you for keeping Pepper's story alive, which I have heard before 🙏 We are grateful and proud of you both for your honor and sacrifice 🇺🇸

[@williamwhite9819]

Pepper is still alive in his heart and still watching.

[@Chris-gc3cm]

My dog means more to me than I could describe. I could see how losing Pepper that way could nearly break a guy. 😢

[@emptynester9241]

I think she was saying good bye when she looked baxk

[@evam.8567]

​@@emptynester9241😢

[@swaffy101]

Awesome! I was a Marine dog handler from 04-09, and next to my children it is the most proud I have ever been. Greatest job in the military!

[@evam.8567]

Thank you for your service

[@bibekjung7404]

ALMIGHTY ++ GOD ++. KABIR++ 🙏🙏🙏

[@danielmugambi1174]

This was great man, thank you for your service, Dave Nielsen!

[@092174john]

Very moving interview. I appreciate what you're doing here with this channel. America needs to hear the sacrifices these guys make to protect our freedoms....

[@tressietes04]

I listen to a lot of veteran interviews and this was one of my favorites in a long time. This guy is just incredibly genuine and humble. Hearing about Pepper was heartbreaking.

[@johndix2857]

One of the realist, honest interviews I've heard involving these incredible Tier 1 warriors. Thanks for bringing it to us.

[@guyspadorcio384]

Welcome home brother. Thankyou for letting us live free. Very sorry about Pepper. Please try to live a peaceful life, you’ve done enough my man.

[@tonyvieira4534]

Omg!! What a terrible burden this man has to carry. Respect for pepper and you

[@getstuk87]

I watch a lot of these, this one has tears in my eyes. The uncertainty would gut me. I'm sorry you went through that my friend. Thank you for Pepper. She made a heroic sacrifice. I'm glad I heard her story and thank you for sharing her with us. I won't forget her story.

[@frankm2911]

One of the lesser well known interviews but definitely one of the best and most enjoyable to listen to. This guy is a real warrior. Nothing but respect to him and for having the courage to talk about difficult things in public. What a legend.

[@jasonhuttermusic424]

I've owned dog's most of my life but Ive had one that was extraordinary. The bond was immediate and we seemed to "get" each other right away, understand each other's language. It's hard to describe. Losing him was nearly as hard as losing my grandparents. 15 yrs I had that boy.

[@kevinfarrell8570]

Great Interview... These interviews help those recovering from trauma (any trauma) tremendously. If these dudes can put in the hard work to heal... anyone can.

[@MalikShaunte]

❤

[@nateg4236]

What patriots!! So privileged to live here bc of you and your amazing partner. God bless you. You do get to see your dog again. For eternity sir. I believe that.

[@spencergregory8049]

What a humble man

[@quietiger1288]

can't imagine how devastating it was when Pepper gave her life for the purpose. Dave must be missing her badly.

[@coachjonjiujitsu]

That breaks my heart for him and that pup. God bless you sir and God bless that dog. Ive struggled with PTSD too. OIF 3 04-05. I was a tanker.

[@evasmejkal8982]

What a great interview and a great guy! We need men like this in the world 🇺🇸

[@jamesleonard8374]

I went thru the SF Q course in 1991 right after Desert Storm and there were about 10 Delta guys in the 18C course with us (they had active roles in Desert Storm) and they were absolute professionals on so many levels. They set the tone for a great class, they were very modest and fantastic mentors for us. Even the SF cadre had the upmost respect for them. One of the D-Boys was the honor grad of course. I often wondered how their careers played out. I know a couple of them were in the Black Hawk Down battle two years later. It was an honor to have them in our class and rub elbows with them!

[@juanshaftpatel7488]

did you kill anybody?

[@TheInfantry98]

@@juanshaftpatel7488no he was peacetime only

[@juanshaftpatel7488]

did you kill anybody?@@TheInfantry98

[@brentpage1402]

Sorry to hear, I am a dog lover had 2 different labs the last 30 years, thanks for all, from CA

[@LeDiamondDog]

Very emotional guy he’s watching his own life retrospectively Sometimes heartbreaking when he talk about his losses

[@akiheavenly6]

I went and watched the HBO documentary and now I'm sobbing. 💔 It hurts so much just to see the photos of Pepper and thinking of the sacrifice that innocent dog has made. And I don't even know the dog! I can see how one would need years of therapy to get over the loss of their war dog.

[@phillysphinest3946]

This is one of the best interviews I’ve ever heard

[@jamesw1313]

Found your channel from clips of the interviews, now watching the full interviews. Keep up the good work, it’s a slow grind.

[@Taco_ocaT]

Man I love animals too. It must be so hard to have to put them in those situations. This guy is tough respect

[@ryanward8025]

Pepper and this guy are absolute heroes

[@Memphis_Mafia]

A dog from that documentary is or was from my County. DeSoto County, Mississippi. DCSO didn’t do the right thing. I don’t agree with how they took the dog from his trainer. They did that man wrong along with that dog. If the dog retires, the handler should have the right to take care of it as long as they have the ability.. they truly know that dog better than ANYONE ever could. Why break that bond? Plus I’m sure it has to help with recovering the vet handler when they return home/retire with their PTSD/whatever other issues they may be suffering from. It’s proven dogs help with a lot of those issues.. I’d love to hear Dave’s thoughts on if the handler should have the ability to keep their war service dog after service? I’m so sorry for your loss and I pray god puts his hand on you and your heart/family everyday sir! Thank you for your service and thank God for Pepper and her service to our amazing country! 🇺🇸

[@timothykelleher6336]

An outstanding interview. Will be thinking about it for a while to come. David, as a former seminarian myself, now ordained, it will be a privilege for me to pray for Pepper, for you, and for your family, and comrades. May our Lord continue to strengthen you through his healing love. 🙏🏼🕊

[@kimosabbe50]

Thank you both for this great interview 👍

[@johnkamot3237]

Love how humble these Army and Air Force SMU vets are! Unlike their amphibious counterparts.

[@aaaooo792]

I’m by no means a military dog handler but I am a dog guy and I can’t imagine the hurt this guy had behind that engagement. He must be unbelievably mentally tough to stay focused inside a couple days

[@donscherenberg8858]

This video, by far, was the absolute best I've ever seen and I watched 💯 and hundreds of them ...I respect the warriors 💯 and more !!!

[@tappenmom]

Such a great interview. So important for people to know what is real.

[@aarone1981]

I appreciate how many CAG operators you interview!

[@davidhooksteadinterviews]

Thank you. They're great guys!

[@nickjohnson710]

​@@davidhooksteadinterviews Great interview, was David in C squadron?

[@aueyburroughs1143]

​@David Hookstead hey David! Good interview would like too acknowledge a couple things regarding What Dave said which hit straight home. 38:10 anyway YOU don't know me but; am a medically retired AFSOC CCT & WAS a Recon Marine at First Force as a TM Rto 1 deployment Vehichle Tm + 2nd as Halo TM, anyway that is just gibberish. 1st thank you FOR YOUR REVERANCE TO LORD CHRIST with the HOLY CROSS ADORNED IN BACKGROUND! 2ND YOU said absolutely 💯 % something am still struggling with you are either on deployment GETTING WORK IN & HAVING LIFE Or at home killing yourself it feels like. 3. 38:10 am still struggling with that ? However, HEAVENLY FATHER KEEPS ME. + ALWAY'S FORGIVES ME. HOWEVER WOULD RATHER BE JOBBING IT WITH HIM AS 1 OF THE 144,000 RIDERS EVERY SECOND. IF NOT have constant panic attacks, anxiety, insomnia, PTSD. SO, TRULY THINK AM, MAYBE JUST A MAN OF WAR BUT NO LONGER HAVE A CAGE IN THE TM. HOUSE.

[@aarone1981]

@@aueyburroughs1143 If you served in those elite Units, I have utmost respect for you! I suffer from multiple anxiety disorders, occasional panic attacks and a history of opioid dependence. I read everything about War but am too cowardly to fight. Have you seen how Shawn Ryan changed his life after taking Shrooms? I believe it was in a medical setting but not sure. If anyone can help you, I think he would be the Man... He has a popular show on YT, I'm sure you know that.

[@aarone1981]

@adam3797 Good point. I am a bit obsessed with Delta Force, so I don't really consider these things sometimes...

[@therealdivineinsight7]

Bro you deserve so many more subscribers, this is one of the best uncut military channels aside from The Shawn Ryan Show❤

[@davidhooksteadinterviews]

Thank you for the incredibly kind comment. My goal is to just help people understand what these incredible men have gone through.

[@benchenzo]

I was a Marine infantry guy, an intel guy and an Apache pilot. I never had to see or do anything these guys did. There are deployments and there are deployments. They might suck or be awesome, but so few actually fought the fight, comparatively.

[@evam.8567]

Thank you for your service

[@Rorschach_theghost]

Great interviewing skills man.. Much appreciated

[@davidhooksteadinterviews]

Thank you very much! I appreciate the kind words.

[@WithinandThroughout]

Little do people know that the Spanish Conquistadors did the same thing. They used huge Bezerrillos to rip the natives to shreds, letting the dogs feast upon the bodies after the battle. They developed a taste for human flesh, and they would encase the canines in spiky steel armor.

[@Jam-vj8ig]

Great Show !

[@chadcater5343]

Great interview!!!

[@gg3596]

Such a powerful, convicting testimony from a brave hero & brother in Christ. TY for sharing 🙏❤️

[@ramvan2284]

Dogs are like people, they are loved and it hurts just as bad or worse than loosing a human. I am so sorry man, Pepper was sounded like a love and protector. Hard to deal with, so sorry.

[@Jackymoooon]

you are one of the good ones, operator Nielsen

[@zico1583]

Great interview

[@ramvan2284]

Saying prayers for you Dave, that you find peace. I trust dogs are different and that "All dogs go to heaven". I hope you meet Pepper again.

[@diljithayre9379]

This gentleman gave a Frank and honest answer and now playing to the camera thank you for the podcast

[@MrNcgy]

When I served, I felt like the Rangers I saw at Ft. Leonard Wood were God-like. It's just awe-inspiring to hear from a humble, intelligent man who went even farther. Thank you David, for sharing some of your story with us. I'm very sorry for the loss of your brother, and Pepper. I really appreciate you talking about exposure therapy too. It's so painful until it gets easier.

[@luisamaro100]

Great interview, awesome life story, sad ordeal of the K-9 unit, thank you for your service. Wish him all the best for his new endeavor serving the Lord👏👏🙌🙌

[@rezzyn94]

Bro I watch every single podcast like this and I’m familiar with all the guests and everything across KZbin. I don’t know how you don’t have more followers 😂 you do a great job and have some of the best dudes on your show. Keep at it man this is awesome

[@davidhooksteadinterviews]

We just started this channel about a month ago after having a different one. We're growing!

[@aarone1981]

A lot of People subscribed to Jocko, Team House, and Combat Story will find this channel soon enough!

[@TravisLeeism]

So refreshing to see a warrior who doesn’t feel the need to embellish wartime experience. Just the facts.

[@salmotones]

God Bless you and God Bless Pepper.

[@dailygiftsforever]

Good soldiers are different. The willingness to commit and move forward to complete the objective. Combat is hell, ask anyone wounded in action. To all good soldiers, thank you.

[@Johnson11c]

I immediately pulled over to say I also lost my brother the same way 2017. Memorial day. I would do anything to get him back. I know Jesus christ and God are with my brother our family and pets waiting for the rest of us in heaven. I stay strong and drive on for my brother my family. I work hard for christ and give everything to God especially the glory!

[@enavy58]

As to the clear out before sunrise. Recall Extortion 17. You have one of the most highly trained and equipped groups of individuals. Hundreds of millions of dollars invested. They don’t put the entire group at risk unnecessarily. Risk versus gains kinda scenario. It’s heartbreaking that such a valiant canine was lost in this op. 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽

[@brian8861]

also have an advantage at night

[@nobodyspecial7185]

There was a pilot in my unit at Savannah second of the 159th who also jumped in with first bat in Panama I’m sure this gentleman knows him first name of Serge. I later met his ranger buddy, who enlisted together with him, and was now working Savannah police department told me the whole story of that jump. It was wild.

[@michaelchurgin7027]

That was one of the best/realist interviews I've ever watched, thank u David for your phenomenal service and putting shttbags in the dirt, RIP PEPPER🙏 God bless America 🇺🇸

[@nicholasshotwell5340]

“Sheep giving orders to the shepherds” Well said.

[@Chief_Ten_Bears]

Rest in peace sweet girl Pepper. I'm tearing up now remembering my boy Kilo (boxer) I lost 2 years ago. Fucking hell

[@2Based4Life]

I'm not crying, you are crying. It's raining on my eyes... You just can't see. I'm a real grown_@$s man. I don't cry. F£$ Pepper... You are dearly missed... I don't know if I want her to have survived and still waiting and searching for him or drowned in the river... I almost want to say it would be better for her if she didn't make it.😢😢😢 Utmost respect Sir. And Mam Pepper.😢

[@johnpennington9770]

Dave, your hard core brother! You have my up most respect. USA, USA, USA USA USA 🙏

[@hoosierdaddy2308]

That poor guy.. I had a German Shepherd and I loved that dog and he was killed by a crazy woman.. I know in some way, little, little way that dogs are special.. Poor guy.. I really feel for him and thank him for what he did..

[@seanhokanson4115]

1:02:50 - who is he talking about?

[@enavy58]

I don’t know about a lot of you. But I’m constantly amazed by the character, personal strengths and integrity of so many of the guys who actually served with Delta but were not “operators.” In other words, they passed selection but not the operators course. Tu Lam, Mike Glover and Dave Nielsen just to name a few, were all “Support Personnel.” Go figure? These guys are the real deal. No disrespect meant to the guys who actually passed selection. I’m so thankful and glad we have this group of guys. 👌🏽🙏🏽

[@valdivia1234567]

Well Dave Nielsen did pass OTC on the second attempt.

[@enavy58]

@@valdivia1234567 Look at what it cost him? I stand by what I wrote. Probably the only person they ever did that for. After, he really took one for the team so to speak. 🙏🏽

[@GATOR_MCLUSKY]

south of baghdad we lost guys it was palm groves canals area is tough

[@alwaysoutafterdark6136]

Around the 13:00 mark, Dave talks about doing 100 hits in 100 days. If you're explosive breaching 50% of the time, that's 50 sub-concussions. In 5 deployments, you will have experienced 250 sub-concussions, excluding gunfire, RPGs, grenades and whatever else. Don't forget about whatever you experience in training. It's easy to see why guys are fucked up after a career in Special Operations/SMUs.

[@KennethBrooks-wm9sq]

GOD bless you brother!

[@generalkrang7138]

thank you sir

[@6timechamp]

My father told me before i enlisted in 2003 that to survive war you have to become war .. and he told me i would know after i come home

[@aronhagos1929]

Incredible.

[@TheGoldenTriangleAcademy]

Great interview. You can FEEL his pain! One issue, do not say you need to have honor and call out the frauds who embellish their stories but neither of you call out anyone by name who you claim to have embellished Have honor and call them out by name

[@akiheavenly6]

Nah. They don't need to make that drama public. I'm sure they settle that in private with the person in question. No one would want to come out on this show if the host starts mud slinging, so it's wise for David to not call anyone out. It's an issue between the operators themselves. No need to meddle in their business with a call-out and get ostracised for it in the process.

[@Linkwaxx]

There is no line to cross. This is earth.💯

[@zen5419-so8kp]

Let me say Dave made me Delta Force fan now. I like the humility yet the capacity for rage and smile at the same time. It fits my personality somehow. In fact , by far, your response not to do it all over again, only when attacked, is the best and most sincere response ever. If it were boxing, Delta Force is Manny Pacquiao and Navy Seals is like Mayweather and the likes. Still a Seals fan though.

[@Joshua-do3go]

Can somebody please tell me the name of the documentary?

[@bradjones2480]

I don't do many comments but have to admit, as a dog trainer, my dog with me 24/7, everywhere, I can feel Dave's pain! I very much understand the mission.....dogs are 'less than' humans. But you will never convince a dog handler of that. I literally lost my shi* hearing that pain. I am so sorry Dave! I am not an operator, but I know exactly what it's like to be so bonded with your dog, that not a word needs spoken to communicate. It's a special trust/bond, and dogs with a different set of senses, and a good handler knows how to read that like a book. My Doberman NEVER barks for no reason. But when she does, I know by the sound if it is a rabbit, a coyote, or a human, and I respond with the correct tool for the job. She gets to decide if she wants to sleep inside or out. Most of the time, she stays out......holding the perimeter, and she knows I will back her up in 10 seconds when she calls. Dave, I can tell you have that special something with dogs. Stay in that! I know another operator that channels civilian life through his dog training center.

[@FMD023]

50% that is fking nuts. Imagine being in a group and u are looking to the dude left n right of you. You won’t be seeing one of them come home. That’s just crazy

[@derfunkhaus]

It's actually worse than that. You're describing 33% casualty rate. 50% is you look at the guy to your left, and he looks at you, and one of you is not coming home.

[@FMD023]

@@derfunkhaus but u get the point. It’s practically you looking at the other person knowing one of u will not make it back which is crazy because these guys are the best of the best.

[@777repentnow]

When he talks about “brutalizing the enemy” you can tell the stuff he was thinking about when he let out that breath lol… he even talked about earlier in the interview how killing people isn’t natural. You could tell he was probably still trying to wrap his mind around the stuff they did.

[@777repentnow]

Then at the same time he liked what he was doing lol , almost like cognitive dissonance

[@SteveZ919]

He failed out of OTC, go support via Handler, but is still called a Delta Operator....can someone explain that? Support in SOF Groups are never called Green Berets (my mind thinks to for comparison).

[@davidhooksteadinterviews]

He didn't pass OTC the first time around due to his pistol skills. Went through again after Pepper died in 2006 and was selected as an operator in C Squadron moving forward. Served the rest of his career as an operator.

[@silkplayer9]

Listen to 32:00

[@MrChuckwagon55]

I know a dude who went through OTC 3 times. It happens sometimes.

[@6timechamp]

I still have bad ptsd and drink and they won't let me reenlist because im 43

[@Peter-mf6gd]

There’s a reason dog is spelled God backwards. I believe it’s because God/Jesus wanted to give us a loyal example of His love for us. For those of us who are in dogs professionally, this story is crushing.

[@matthiasthulman4058]

Have you considered having Pat McNamara on? He was former Delta and he has a channel as well, I imagine he'd be happy to speak with you.

[@bryanwiedeman3154]

he didn't do any hits

[@matthiasthulman4058]

@@bryanwiedeman3154 considering he did raids and snatches, I don't think we can rule it out. There's a two hour interview with him and it sure sounds like he was in some scrapes. Either way, does he have to have smoked people to have a good career?

[@bryanwiedeman3154]

@@matthiasthulman4058 No but we got a little thin from casualties for a bit

[@manhalen7046]

"are those army issue socks?" 😂 Yeah ranger batt is such great training but its best to take the training and get the hell out quickly while you still have your sanity lol Dave seems like such a great guy i hope life gives him what he deserves.

[@douglashanson7489]

Mark Wahlberg, 'Shooter': "No You Don't Understand, these boys killed My Dog."

[@jaktil9246]

Whats there training like

[@Pawel-ij8yz]

This interview and SOG interview's I 've watched few times 😢. Great.

[@6timechamp]

ROE from command was so back and forth was the biggest issues in war in Iraq/Afghanistan, i know because im US 🇺🇸 Army combat veteran 2003-07

[@beenschmokin]

My female Rhodesian ridgeback saved my life. Without her being there I was headed off the cliff. She listened. She loved me. She made me love again and there is nothing like the love of a dog. I'm a female dog guy. Used to have a male and he was super cool but was hard to manage. My female was daddy's girl and she would die for me faster than any male.

[@thrghost2234]

Dude your work is awesome. When he said something about the dude with the ak it reminded me of the suicide attackers in kabul who would wear their mother's pants qnd thier sister's underwear then blowing themselves up in hospitals. Good thing what they did to him and people like them .

[@one-of-us9939]

God: I'll be there without wings... Dog: I'm ready Sir! 💌 K9 respect

[@ericjohnson8727]

Who is being referred to with respect to “embellishing” their accomplishments?

[@kylohtheshepherd]

Good man

[@heycowild8814]

Who did he mean with the people who embelish? Did he mean oneal? Luttrell?

[@cvgodd1432]

80% of them 😂

[@6timechamp]

Anger actually to be honest made me a better soldier