Interview with retired Green Beret, Teddy Lanier

[@restinparadisepops5673]

My father recently passed away after dealing with Stage 3 Colon Cancer He was in Special Forces 1st battalion 10th special forces (Airborne) He was a Hero Earned the Soilders Medal in 2011 after risking his life to help rescue 35 people in Germany. Rest in Paradise SPC Willie James Smith Jr Love you pops

[@violentshemp7776]

TY Willie!!!!

[@churnstyle]

God bless your father. Salute!!

[@GuidoMillonezz]

Awarded

[@mikesmith6292]

I’ll assume you meant SFC. 🙏🏾 for your Dad’s service.

[@danthelowblood2653]

@Ariah Dela Cruz Maybe he told a Lt to go fuck himself and got punched by a ninja its possible

[@user-jr2ue9nu6y]

Silver wings upon their chest These are men, America's best One hundred men will test today But only three win the Green Beret

[@georgegomme3940]

Graeme Guerrilla David car

[@k9pirateslair704]

A tribute to the Green Beret kzbin.info/www/bejne/aavVYox4qdJkjJo

[@sugewhitejacoby8654]

First time I heard that song was during the movie "The Green Beret" with John Wayne. I only made it through 8 yrs of living the life as a ARMY RANGER AIRBORNE! 8 Sops 8 broken bones and fractures 117 staples and stitches. #RLTW

[@marklafollett6266]

100% disabled vet here. Thank you for your service brother. I will have one clean in July.

[@silentpainfilm9120]

Mark LaFollett congrats!

[@Contractnik]

Congrats, Mark. Thank you for your service, too.

[@justinharris6898]

Mark LaFollett i appreciate your service sir! I aspire to serve as well!!

[@brian.willett]

Mark LaFollett good job! I am 100% also and ran a close to 20 year opiate addiction into the ground. The VA saved my ass and I'm forever grateful for the folks at the VA SORCC for their help. Maybe someday we won't be looked upon as "scumbag addicts" and more people can get the help they need without the judgemental bullshit.

[@LadybugRonnie]

Thank you for your service sir.

[@mcbridemotorsports5788]

My Brother and Friend of 20+ Years and I enlisted right out of High School back in 99. I went 11B with Option4 and ended up 82nd 2-325th. He went 19D and he ended up 172nd Striker Brigade Combat Team up in Alaska. We were both out by 2007. Him and I were close, as close as anyone can be without being blood. We understood each other and what each of use was going through. We had each others backs and could deescalate each others Shenanigans. The last three years of his life we had kinda drifted apart as I moved a couple of states away but we still stayed in touch. I moved back to our home state of MT late 2014, we lost him April of 2015. I miss him to this day so much so that I always have to fight back tears. I carry him in my heart always. And I swear, at night riding my motorcycle on a long lonely back road in the middle of no place USA. I can still hear his laugh. Stay strong guys.

[@GODofDeeStruction]

AATW!!

[@evanabbott2737]

R.I.P.🙏❤️🇺🇸

[@erwinwestby5719]

This is the reason we must honor our veterans. Their fight is never over. God bless you my brother.

[@jasonsmith1449]

I served in the United States Army 2000-2009 3 tours Iraq Iraq 2003 Iraq 2004-2005 Iraq 2006-2007 MEB APRIL 14th 2009 Earned my DD-214 I LOVED MY COUNTRY Thank you far your service I do know what you go threw I live it every day again you and the ones who serve and Veterans thank you from the bottom of my heart

[@peteraldridge5210]

God bless you 🇺🇸🇺🇸👍👍

[@melpaller5381]

God bless you Sir. Thank you for defending our country.

[@johnwong381]

"For the first time in my life, it feels really good to face the sun and let my shadows fall behind me" - may you always face the sun, Teddy Lanier.

[@scottmosley4762]

I had a problem with drugs while I was in the Marines I turned to my platoon commander for help. It resulted in a court martial for me not help. I'm glad it turned out better for you. God bless!

[@lindaturner628]

I am sorry they did not give you the help you needed. I hope you did eventually get some help and that you are ok now.......

[@butchtaylor6400]

Sorry it went that way for you Scott, I think we as a country owe it to our soldiers. We should always give help to those who ask for it. I hope things are better for you. Thank You for serving.

[@nope642]

Never go to anyone shiny or anyone with a rocker for help on things that could get you in trouble. They WILL save their own ass

[@judithcampbell3354]

Thank You for your service Teddy! My husband was a Vietnam war vet and he died because of alcohol and drug abuse. He never got the help he needed when he got home. I admire your courage for speaking out about this issue. Keep up the great work, and congratulations on your first year clean and sober! Blessings to you and your family! A’ho

[@eddiehizo3365]

Sorry to hear your husband didn't get any help. My condolence...coming from a Desert Storm veteran.

[@joosh9802]

God bless you im so sorry

[@jasontipton8430]

Sorry for your loss mam

[@courtneyharris92323]

So sorry for your loss ❤

[@michaelhakesjr.5715]

I am glad you got the help you needed! I am a Veteran who has struggled with addiction on the past but this past January I celebrated 20 years of sobriety!

[@frankhendricks6631]

Sir, both my wife and I just want to say thank you for your service. Because of your sacrifice, my family can live without fear. You are my hero!

[@teddylanier9393]

Frank Hendricks Thank you Frank for your kind words and support!

[@butchtaylor6400]

to: Master Sergeant Ted Lanier, U.S. Army retired. Thank You for the sacrifices you and your family made for 22 years serving this nation in the Army. Thank you for your story. It takes a strong selfless man to confess his weakness (knowing they materialize from situations mostly out of your control, military service is different from anything most of us ever think of or understand). I am new understanding this, I am 59 years old and did not serve in the military. I registered for the draft at 18 as required, but was not called. I wish now that I had enlisted, and served at least 4 years. My son just turned 22, he entered the Army right after high school and has been in the Middle East for 8 months as a D19 Cav Scout. I have a new respect for every man or woman who has served and pray God protects their bodies and minds from damage from what they may see or do performing their duties to this country. God Bless you and your family!

[@kevinbostrom9025]

Congratulations Teddy on your first anniversary of sobriety. You have earned all this nation can offer you in journey to recovery and happiness.

[@kazama850]

It takes a strong person to realize they need help and to do something about it.

[@randalleakin3912]

I was was on opiates for 8 years. Im a disabled veteran I smoke a lot of flower and leave the opiate poison alone.

[@mastermind0981]

Depression is a serious problem. But, I asked for help. Now, I'm all good and strong.

[@joesantiago413]

What a great story. Very happy to hear you won the toughest battle you ever faced. A battle SF couldn't even prepare you for. Well done. Your truly an inspiration.

[@jsullivan1082]

Among all the different facets in which one can serve, the green beret takes the most grit and the highest toll. Thank you for what you've done for your country and the sacrifices you and your family have made.

[@ronalddavidleindecker3358]

10th SFGA 18B/D retired....I lived a similar story. Thank you for sharing yours. De Oppresso Liber Godspeed sir.

[@darthcannabis856]

A Major Holevas? I knew a Major Holevas.

[@edwardenglish1519]

Thank you for opening your heart to us brother.

[@johnjenks6340]

Teddy, it was an honor to have known you. It's unfortunate how events can sprial out of control. You're an honorable man, a true patriot and maybe most of all, a great father.

[@silentpainfilm9120]

John, how do you know Teddy?

[@Contractnik]

Thank you, Teddy Lanier, for your courageous service as a warrior, and heroic example as a human being. Congrats on the one year mark. And thank you to your father, too, for his service in Vietnam. We all owe you both a great debt of gratitude.

[@richardappugliese3883]

love your shirt that word means something that a lot Americans have forgotten.

[@valhalla3367]

I remember Ted. You are a good man. Thank you for sharing. Garrett

[@TomCon118]

Thank you for sharing brother. I’m three years sober and need to see strength in others going through our struggle. God bless.

[@tracistainesbedenbaugh9485]

God Bless You and Thank You Teddy Lanier for all that you have done for our Country and also for what you are doing now by telling your story for so many others that are dealing with any and all of those things you personally experienced. Sir, I am certain that by you sharing your story as an Elite Soldier in Our Military you are an Inspiration to so many and your testimony will Prayerfully be a guiding light for those who don't know where to turn. God Bless You and Your Beautiful Family and Thank You For All That You Have Done to keep us all safe. I have very strong admiration for all of our Military because many generations of my family have served or are currently serving and I am so very Proud and Grateful to them and to You and All the others that do the job of keeping us all safe from Dangers we couldn't possibly even imagine. You are a True American Hero and we are Blessed to have men like you that do what You All do that so many of us cannot. God Bless You and Your Beautiful Family And God Bless All Of Our Awesome US Military🇺🇸

[@randallskrabonja2966]

Thank you for your service to our Nation and thank you for your transparency. God bless you and your loved ones Teddy

[@jayd3337]

Salute, from a Navy man who was medically separated from boot camp. Boss, thanks for your service. Love and ☮️! Teddy, you deserve better than what you gave. If it was me, you'd get 200% veterans benefits sir.

[@l.a6273]

How you get medically separated

[@roadscholar9323]

Right on, MSgt Lanier. You decided to do what a lot of us vets don't do, talk about our weaknesses with others. You took on a tough situation and are handling it. Sobriety is an amazing feeling. Forty years of hard partying here, & a Vietnam-era vet. Finally got sober. Welcome to the club.

[@pj7362]

Mr. Lanier We don't know each , we have never met. But I had to tell you that I love you man and not just because your a Veteran. But because you loved us enough to love yourself and that is the best gift yet. Thank you Sir for your service.

[@dande19]

Teddy, you’re the man. Thank you for your service.

[@makebadmoviesgreatagain2795]

I second that.

[@RivetGardener]

For sure!

[@chamoundong8200]

Marine Infantry for 4 years; served 2011-2015. Just a grunt and did grunt things. Lost a marine I deployed with in 2019 to suicide. This happened while he was out. I watched this a year ago and again now. I am more than grateful that you called out for help. It took a lot of courage to admit that there is a problem. The people you served with will always be there. All I can say is that you are NOT ALONE! It doesn't matter what war you fought in, the type of uniform you wore, or a combat vet. We all feel the same empty void that we all feel missing when we leave the military. If you can stay, try to reach out and stay connected to the guys you served with. Thanks you again for sharing your story.

[@patriotonepatriotone3087]

Your story has touched me deeply and emotionally for someone that has been dealing with drug and alcohol abuse in their family I don’t know what you’re going through but I understand I hold you in the most up standing respect that another human being can give I applied you as a person for taking the strength to doing what you had to do. I also applied you for coming forward with your story and sharing it with everyone you have my upmost respect you fight for our country and all our veterans I come home have to fight another war inside them I thank all of our veterans that will read this message thank you I support you. And all of the vets give you my upmost respect and dignity for what you have done for this country. THANK YOU

[@theoraclespeaks4462]

Can you imagine the strength it takes to be this honest and transparent? I have the highest level of respect for you sir and thank you for serving this country!

[@edhafner2593]

Thank you God for men like Teddy. Please bless him and his family

[@boneyardmilitia3070]

Teddy is the Man for opening up and getting the help he deserved..Salute..

[@josephlewis2312]

I am very proud of you my brother. A lot of us suffer with problems, but you were tough enough to see that you needed help and that is what makes you a Hero. GOD BLESS you and your family!

[@thomasvanderharst1486]

For a man of this calibre showing his feelings and sharing his story. What a brave man!

[@silentpainfilm9120]

Thomas van der Harst hear hear! Thanks for the comment.

[@stevecallahan4708]

Wow Sir, fabulous testimony. Thank you and all veterans ......God bless each and everyone of you.

[@nickbeam9180]

Congrats! Thanks for your service!

[@Nicholz4554]

You truly are a warrior. Thank you for your inspiration.

[@silentpainfilm9120]

Seth Nichols thanks for your support. Please share with those who need to see it.

[@jamespisano1164]

Good for you, Bro! Thanks for your service. Thanks for sharing. A warrior fights battles on different fronts. They're all important.

[@keithhardee3839]

Now that's a real man...god bless you Teddy and thanks for keeping us free!

[@emmanuelsebastiao3176]

what a beautiful and honest story. i was touched watching it, and thank goodness there are organisations of good people like, Warriors heart.

[@7983jj]

Way to go Teddy on your one year accomplishment!!! Keep up the fight. Thank you SO MUCH for your service to our great nation. And, thank you for being true to yourself and your family.. that takes the biggest man. Well done!!!!

[@amyrichardson5740]

Thank you Teddy! Not only for your exceptional service to this country but possibly even more so for coming clean about you personal struggles.

[@jakgit858]

Any person that can survive the demanding high tempo pace of the special forces world has my respect, medication or none.

[@leanajo754]

I served 6 years in the Army (1995-2001) and my last 2.5 years was in Ft. Bragg. I volunteered for Robin Sage in 2000. I must say, God bless the Green Berets! They were just awesome folks. Kept me motivated the entire time & never judged or ridiculed me. Awesome people. Wished I had stayed in longer & stayed in Ft. Bragg to still serve near them....I had my own demons with alcohol, as soon as I got out in Sept. 2001, right before 9/11 (just in time too, wow!)....Thank you for MSGT. Lanier's story & the information for this organization. God bless....

[@frankhendricks6631]

Thank you for everything sir ! From both, my wife and I.

[@robertdug495]

Addiction is a war carried out between the ears and its incredibly brutal, and I'm so grateful that I survived. I love hearing the story of others making it out

[@fredrandle]

Awesome testimony Sir! God bless you and your family. Thank you for your service.

[@natahliasmith9533]

This is by far the toughest battle any person with dependence issues will have to fight. It is a life long battle but each little success turns to victory. The most important thing we all must learn is to not to judge and simply be there for those who need and are willing to receive our help. So proud of you. You have a beautiful family and they are worth the fight.

[@chrisswanner4279]

God bless you and all the other veterans. I too have struggled with addiction in fact it impeded me from joining the army when I became interested in doing so. I'm 31 now and been clean going on a year I'm trying to get in shape and join before I can't join. And I end up regretting I exploited this country and didn't serve it. Keep your head up your a hero

[@hughwoods83]

Get in touch mate .We're u from ?

[@seanmacseanreinvented9306]

Real hero bro... strength and heart of a lion. I've no doubt you still struggle at times, but remember your helping guys like myself. Respect

[@300blk8]

Thank you for your service my son is just starting out he's down in Fort Benning. Wish nothing but good things for our men and women.🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@petertelford4900]

From Australia Hearing Teddy tell his story lets us know that you are not alone , and when you come home the biggest fight starts, and we must help those who have helped us be safe now it's our time to help them to be safe . Don't just thank someone for there service ask them how we can help them . Because the helped us . God bless you teddy .

[@teddylanier9393]

Peter Telford thank you brother!

[@petertelford4900]

@@teddylanier9393 your welcome mate . I hope your keeping safe during this covid19 ,

[@teddylanier9393]

Peter Telford absolutely brother, solid on my end!

[@FaresX2023]

"Hoah, Sua Sponte, Rangers leads the way" We humans if we're not tested, we will lean to the wrong path. You did awesome job fighting your demons for your family. Congrats on your one year of soberty and clean. God bless you and your family.

[@jackpiner2500]

It takes a bigger man to admit his mistakes and faults, thats why your a better man today. So glad you got the help yo needed. Bless you and thank you for your service!

[@jennifercouncil6993]

Awesome Teddy!!! Thank you for your service.

[@eastcoastwolf]

i was a active duty Cav scout and also 1 year an 3 months sober from alcohol, getting sober was the hardest thing ive ever done ! thanks for speaking about ur demons brother ! this helps so many people including myself

[@Sha362]

My dad fought on Peleliu and Okinawa during ww2. He suffered from ptsd when it wasn't known of. He was a chronic alcoholic and died at the young age of 64. I'm happy to hear that you're getting the help you need. Stay safe and be healthy, God bless you.

[@Sig721Tau]

john jones It was called "Shell Shock" syndrome back then.

[@bmiller1460]

john jones eosksslsosksskoekxkplaos9 a OWOSSO Q

[@dande19]

Wow, thanks for sharing about your Dad. Sorry that happened. Wish he could have received the help he deserved.

[@RivetGardener]

Your dad was a hero. Big hugs~sorry for his passing.

[@resolve-lifetrainingmichae7762]

I served ON the USS Peleliu in the Navy.

[@garyslomczynski6579]

Teddy I now have 12 yrs sober and have been in the same bad place of addiction and alcoholism this is a great start!! Your lucky number is 24 one day at a time!! If I can stay sober so can you!!! Keep it up!!!

[@cadenluke6564]

Thank you teddy for your service. The rest of your country and I are dearly great full and proud.

[@andyjohn1495]

God Bless you Brother. I've been there Teddy, Military Vet, Civilian Cop and SWAT Medic, I've been right there after I retired.

[@vihugaal]

God bless & thank you for your service!

[@silentpainfilm9120]

Vihugaal thank you

[@johnrice6670]

Thank you for your honesty, thank you for your message, thank you for your service

[@MatthewCensullo1]

Your the man! Acknowledging your problem was amazing....THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE!

[@Steve-bo6ht]

Incredible man he looked for help just in time thank you god

[@leighallen9255]

it took me a long time to get through the pain and suffering of addiction I can finally enjoy people and life again I really enjoyed your story I to am former military where it all started when I was 17 have a blessed day to everyone

[@Sandhill1988]

13 year Infantry vet here Master Sergeant. I've got nothing but love and respect for you sir, you have done what very few will ever do and on top of all that what makes you a real man is the fact that you were able to beat your demons, not only for yourself but for the people who love you. Your country can never repay you for your Gallant service for you are the tip of the spear. God bless you sir and thank you.

[@peterjohn2473]

Such an articulate good person! God bless you

[@courtneyharris92323]

This video made me so hopeful and so emotional. Thank you sir and to all that served, truly inspirational ❤❤

[@iwillchoosefreewill9787]

Outstanding Video . Thank you for making it & doing a great job making it . Teddy ; Much respect to you for everything you sacrificed for our country. My little brother served 22 yrs in the army. He retired a CW3. I'm so very proud of him & all that put on the unniform for our country. Much love , respect & gratitude. Peace & well wishes Stay the course !!!

[@petehorn6261]

You and your family are true hero's Thank you for your service ! Good Luck Ted in all that you do And thank you again ,Sir.

[@BrassCatcher365]

God Bless you, sir. Thank you for sharing your story and being the light others need, and will need.

[@tinaallen3558]

An Amazing Story! Some don't recover.. So happy for you. Thank you for your Service, And for sharing your Story. We all fall . Some where! Me.Sobriety 5 1 /2 yrs. My father served in Military, IM grateful to still be here too! God Bless...🇺🇸

[@Megamix472]

Hat off to you Teddy. You have the humility to know that you needed help and have climbed the difficult mountain to achieve a fresh start. Keep up the outstanding work. From a UK equivalent of a 18D. Regards 472

[@arttrumbo9496]

What exactly is the UK equivalent to an 18D?

[@carriethompson378]

Thank you, thank you for your service. For keeping us safe. You are truly a American hero. I have so much respect for all of you. There's nothing wrong with needing some help, and now there you go helping us again. GOD BLESS.

[@angryguppy4617]

This needs more views. Thank you and your father for your service and sacrifice! 🦅🇺🇸🦅

[@silentpainfilm9120]

Thank you, Wesley! Please share if you know people who need to see it.

[@joesph9748]

Thankful everyday for our soldiers and first responders. Hoping others who may be suffering in silence can find the help they deserve and we owe them.

[@embergaming4226]

I love those who serve. Just like my father my brother and past family has all been in the military i want to tell you that i thank you for your service and just like my dad and my brother we all love you.

[@Thetequilashooter1]

He is the definition of badass. Anyone who can recognize his weaknesses and is not afraid to seek help is a person good character and a badass in my book. Too many of us continue the downward spiral and don’t have the strength to seek help from others. That took a lot of courage

[@theonewiththename5867]

This man made great sacrifices to serve in the us military god bless you sir

[@heavyd9154]

Scouts Out! 4 years sober here. Thanks for your Service

[@michaelbellinger1363]

Teddy, the realist story, told by the realist person I’ve heard in a long time. I hit my one year mark on June 20th, 2018. I get to retire from the Army in 2020. Thanks for sharing, god bless brother.

[@jaykizll6442]

Do you mean EAS in 2020? How can you retire after only 3 years?

[@michaelbellinger1363]

Jay Kizll, No I came in in 1999. I have over 20 years of service. Did you mean ETS, not EAS?

[@rhines3470]

Great testimony thank you sir and thank you for your service to this great country.

[@aaceve1]

As a vet that recently serve, not as high speed as this brother just a line grunt, I feel ya. One more week and ill be detoxed from methadone maintenance because of my opioid sickness. This post has been inspirational and just gave me that added courage to keep going. In my prayers brother!

[@silentpainfilm9120]

Aaron Acevedo this comment made my day! Keep after it, brother.

[@6.8SuperDutyDriver]

Hey Aaron, don't ever say you were "just anything". You served bro...."you're everything". Keep at it, everything will work out!

[@tmalsixx]

Absolutely bro I just put down everything on my mind and scrolled down to read what you put! Awesome stay strong my journey starts when I wake up long and behold! -11B -2/35 , 25th ID

[@boboneill6721]

Hey man...You took the Oath of Enlistment....you were prepared to spill blood for American...don't downplay your contribution!!

[@dperignyjr]

I'm a veteran as well, I didn't experience what you saw and did but I sure as hell lived some of the same problems as you. Alcohol tore me down to my very foundation and beyond. Now I'm going on three years sober and I still find new truths almost daily. All I really want to say is you're not alone. You are just now stepping back into the light, congratulations and welcome home.

[@conniedupper7330]

As one vet to another ,thank you for your service .I totally understand what you went through . There isn't a day that goes by I don't think about the memories and faces of my friends that I have lost.. opioids , alcohol and sleeping pills have become a way of life for the past 40 + years. Like you i to suffer from PTSD and depression ..... God bless CED

[@scrider8464]

Does anyone factor in the 'cost' of all the above when sending men to war? I doubt it.

[@LtMav-zk2qo]

👍🏻 I see the brightness in your eyes. Thank you to supporting dad and family for your success in life.

[@melaniemorris667]

Always praying for our military and their families, God bless you all and may God keep you safe

[@semperfidelis6235]

100% service connected vet here as well. I saw this vid a while back and by accident it popped up. I hope that God is blessing you and your family. A buddy D. Comesctock served in 82nd, 3rd, and 1st..... I was in Grenada and then after that Beirut.... Semper Fi my brother. Always think about your kids, your wife, and talk to Jesus for guidance in those dark times. I am blessed to be alive.......

[@j.m.5744]

Unbelievable video. Thank you for your courage brother. I am a former police officer who also suffered for chemical dependency and PTSD. We.... you..... are not alone. A proud man sitting there telling the world about his problem to help others. Respect.

[@A.B.-zs8ir]

Teddy, you are a better man today for facing your demons head on than anything you ever did in your life, I and a grateful nation Salute you for everything you have given to this country!!! You are Truly a HERO!! stay strong and safe brother!!

[@rogerchristopherswindle6018]

Good job Teddy, thank you for your service.God bless you and your family. 👍👍

[@tstealth9412]

Awesome brother!! I will say a prayer for you. I admire those who have served our awesome country and present time.

[@mycrofts1234]

Amen Warrior brother. I am extremely happy you got the help you needed and congratulations on 1 year. I wish you and your family nothing but the best. 🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@BK-fz1bh]

Thank you to all of our vets. Thank you for everything you've done and seen to keep us the best country in the world. God bless you all.

[@TheKentuckyPatriot]

Way to go hero! Proud of you! God bless you and your family! :-)

[@lolaperez520]

Thank you for sharing and for your humbleness to seek help. Unfortunately alot of Vets are too proud or ashamed to seek help.

[@dalehogan6759]

Thank you Sir. May God watch over you and your Family

[@geoc3956]

Teddy, congrats to you and your family. I am a retired GB also and I want to salute you and your fighting spirit that has helped you find the help you needed, and to land on your feet. I, myself have had to always suck it up due to who I am and never spoke to anyone about my experiences and what troubles me on a daily basis. Because I was conditioned to never let it show like the way our Fathers and Grandfathers kept it in deep down inside from what WWII and Korea did to them. I can't even fathom that someone would actually listen? Why would they? So, I trained myself to shut it off and focus on other talents I have and take what it took to become a GB and be as good playing music. Truth is, Drugs and drink never made sense to me, but music did, and always will. Thanks for your service Teddy. Freedom brother!