Tom Spooner - Delta Force Operator | SRS

Tom Spooner is a former Special Operations Veteran with a twenty one year career. His incredible service included time in the 82nd Airborne as a Green Beret in the US Army’s 7th Special Forces Group and culminated with numerous deployments with the elite 1st Special Forces Operational Detachment Delta. In addition to his military success, Spooner is also highly regarded for his work off of the battlefield with Warriors Heart-a comprehensive treatment program for veterans, law enforcement and first responders. As co-founder and president of the organization, Spooner's mission is to "bring our warriors home."
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00:00 - Introduction
06:20 - Patreon question
21:28 - Childhood
33:47 - Enlisting
44:31 - Meeting Mrs. Spooner
56:15 - Reality of war
1:06:41 - Personal life & getting sober
1:35:42 - The meaning of recovery
2:10:12 - Joining the Unit
2:39:25 - First engagement
3:06:34 - Mortar attack
3:55:48 - Leaving the Unit
4:03:54 - Warriors Heart

[@ShawnRyanShow]

This episode was released early on Patreon AD free, with the exception of Shawn’s personal reads. www.patreon.com/VigilanceElite The toll is $5 a month. Supporting us on Patreon and Ad Rev is what enables us to produce the quality content that we have come to love. We strive for perfection with each and every one of these stories. Please enjoy the show!

[@WinstonBromley]

Thank you Shawn for all that you do!

[@user-ht1rc9fn1v]

Well done. 1 of the best

[@bradchris2154]

Mediocre at best.

[@Av-vd3wk]

What is this Gold scam BS you’re promoting?? Get real man.

[@Thomzombie303]

LOL, i was in 3/504, Recon, i remember the thunderdome, couple thousand of us in that damn building..also remember the scud missle that fly over us, just before the ground war started.

[@timboorn9454]

82nd airborne 77-84. We called it cherry belly. You were aloud 3 beers during lunch. You could get any drug you wanted on Bragg or in Fayetteville. All that started me on my down spiral. Christ heeled my of my 35 plus years being a alcoholic. 9 years sober now. This show and all his guests are vital for our warriors.

[@ShawnRyanShow]

Congratulations man.

[@DJPTEXAS]

Congratulations.. God bless... I was at the 82nd during those years and yes, I remember as a cherry my Squad leader brought me to a bar for lunch.... how many beers later we were soon back at the company, then running around the woods doing a compass course in the heat... they did call us lovingly the "Jumpin Junkies" ! Lol.... we had pot plants growing around the Company building where the troops would toss stuff out of the windows during an unannounced drug inspection with the drug dogs....

[@user-ur7qh2mu3k]

Unfortunately the Murk in Fayetteville probably hasn’t changed

[@choppermorgan9946]

God bless both of you and for your service to our country I know it looks bad right now but you guys are some badass bed God bless your lives and your children I can't thank you enough for your service for this country and keep it by family safe The Morgan family Indiana USA God bless America

[@DJPTEXAS]

@@choppermorgan9946 God bless you and your family..

[@mattb4379]

104 days sober from alcohol today. Thank the lord

[@BigORider]

138 days

[@rileywalker4271]

89 days

[@ScottWessels]

+2 days, brother

[@daveoldham3894]

Keep pushing guys, it does get easier, I'm 236 days today and it's still difficult sometimes but stay focused and we will achieve our goals, stay 💪 💪

[@MrRolloBaggins]

Keep going guys!!! I'm 5 years sober this go-around. The six months mark is where your brain and gut truly start to work as they should. U will get better (mind body and soul) every hour of everyday. It's hard but it's the most fulfilling thing. It's like being reborn and feeling young again. Like u a re truly alive

[@jasonviola1880]

"I'll sit here and pray with you, or we can go outside and fight. I would be equally happy with either one." That was a fantastic quote.

[@Sammy-iu3bx]

No one asked for your opinion.

[@mikehuff9793]

In Belgium there’s an old saying about being a good neighbor: “I will k1ll you of if I must, I will help you if I can.”

[@robertK3371]

Absolutely classic

[@hunterbondurant2957]

I was in the Marine Corps for four years and drank myself into oblivion and for the three years I was out of the Marine Corps it continued to progress. I found AA by the grace of God. Which is where I met my wife and we now have a daughter that’s 18 days old. Ended up getting back into the Marine Corps and am completely sober and I’m so thankful for the opportunity to serve again fully grasping the blessing of the job and the men and women I get to work with everyday. Hearing this story of Tom gives me even more hope because he operated at the highest level in the military and was sober and that’s my goal. Sean your podcast does more than you think. These lessons of the men that have been on your podcast are saving people’s lives. No one is ever alone. My journey is just beginning. Blessed with the opportunity to share my experience, strength, and hope to the men and women that I serve with so that they don’t make the same mistakes. Thanks Sean for your podcast and Tom for sharing your story.

[@themetaphysicalaxe5506]

God bless man and Godspeed!

[@brimac58]

Sometimes it’s 15 minutes at a time…..God Bless🇺🇸

[@Swerve762]

Proud of you.

[@WYO-FAM]

Great comment brother, I hope you have a great day.

[@Sammy-iu3bx]

No one asked boy

[@labradorviewer2789]

I love the Delta stories more than any other organization.

[@beansbeansbeans4025]

The men from that organization is literally the best! Seem like normal humble dudes who are capable of anything. Simply the best.

[@RoSeeUO]

Stop meatriding😂

[@replexity]

@@RoSeeUO You don’t know what that means. Go on somewhere.

[@RoSeeUO]

​@@replexity Says the delta fanboy

[@replexity]

@@RoSeeUO I don’t know enough about any of these units to definitively have an opinion on which one operates at the highest level. My point is that you’re using meatriding too loosely. Giving someone their flowers or choosing a favorite is not meatriding.

[@tudyk21]

It's this kind of interview that I come to the Shawn Ryan show for.

[@DZB666]

I only watch these ones

[@JC-di4uz]

Yeah man I'm sick of the conspiracy shit and the aliens 👽 and whatever the fuck

[@hairless_monkey]

not me, I come to look at the ads

[@SomeJustice19k]

For real. It's my therapy.

[@rickgrimes7948]

Here here!!

[@OPD574]

Almost 2 months no alcohol. Began reading the bible at the same time. Mostly because of the men on this show. The longest I have ever gone in my adult life and Im 40. Man I can not tell you how good it was to hear Spooner talk about his mental health issues and his struggles with alcohol. Joined the Army (mn guard 19D) at 17 and then became a cop at 23. Drinking a huge part of both cultures and not a whole lot of talk about mental health. Definitely not much about spiritual health. Not drinking is very hard for me but Im in it for the long haul. Thank you Spooner and Ryan.

[@ashleymurray2709]

Good for you! This is huge!

[@peterdoesburg4312]

Psalm 51. Everyday. Makes life easier when you realize we are all sinners and we just need to try a little better everyday. God Bless you on your new chapter. God has you. We support you.

[@kixuh6314]

Good job man

[@swivel_lock]

Yo! Keep it pushin it is a struggle worth fighting and winning! I too struggle but will win!

[@taramoja8869]

Stay strong 💪

[@Adventurer-AnthonyQuinn]

I really appreciate this interview. Combat veteran, 3 deployments to Iraq followed by ptsd and substance abuse. I went through years of struggle and tried everything to get better and took a little from each place I went. This culminated in 42 days at Warrior’s Heart where I picked up some interests that I use every day to stay sober. Jiujitsu, yoga, fishing, woodworking and metal working. None of the other programs offered these things. Years of substance abuse stole all of my interests and hobbies. I didn’t do anything for fun and had completely forgotten how to until my time at the facility in Bandera, Texas. Thank you Tom

[@ericgibson2079]

That's a heavy testimony. God Bless you and may you continue to be a good person to be around and help our nation through these wars.

[@mattrolih1550]

I am glad you saw your worth! I hate that we probably all know those who could never find it! You got out of it! I am personally in between. How do I answer or help the others who want help? I can't turn my back on them, but I am not at a place to give advice! This is a problem no ones even given advice on. They dont want treatment on their record or a program. Hell, I dont want it or suggest it! It's a hell of a position! What made you realize and change?

[@RoSeeUO]

Thanks for the irrelevant paragraph Anthony.

[@danielsullivan7740]

@@RoSeeUO what is so irrelevant about it?

[@WYO-FAM]

One day at a time brother, have a great day.

[@fergallawlor1353]

Scary how this absolute machine of a human being looks like your Dad about to sit down for Sunday dinner.

[@ashleymurray2709]

How I wish he was my Dad! 😂

[@christopherjordan2467]

Looks like a square ass Ned Flanders and could kill you in. Multiple ways

[@joshuayork467]

Truth Hollywood makes everyone think these guys are built like the Rock and most of them are far from that

[@deepakknaikable]

This is why I always give salutations instead of insults. You never know.

[@seraphim_eternal]

Delta and DEVGRU guys give the best interviews. Truly our nations finest.

[@brianbishop4753]

I’m not a service guy, what does DEVGRU mean?

[@MAB3776s]

@@brianbishop4753 Development Group, it’s essentially, I believe, seal team 6. Which are some of the best of the best. Hand selected warriors.

[@Tetelestai_John]

​@brianbishop4753 Development Group aka Navy SEAL Team Six aka The Command

[@twotimes81]

Tom is one of the nicest most humble men you will ever know. I'm so glad to know him as he helped me with my recovery.

[@WoodysSteakHouse]

❤

[@Usmc03556]

This is a prime example of what we as veterans need.. sobriety, mental health, healing in multiple facets of our lives.. all these years of suffering I only began to heal when I became completely sober, my journey has only just begun, thank u msgt, for everything you have done and continue to do.. to all my brothers out there please never give up, I know surrender is not in our creed but it truly takes complete surrender of self and you will pull out of this.. semper Fidelis.. 0311/.. 2/5, sgt..

[@dhooter]

Saving this for my 10hr drive on Wednesday

[@ShawnRyanShow]

Right on!!

[@Seakaye2s]

This is so relatable. When you listen to really good shit, ya want to save it haha. Drive safe boss!

[@tech6263]

To hear him talk about the anger, for no real reason. Feeling like he doesn’t deserve anything good. I lived that too. I wanted my wife to leave me even though it scared me to think of living without her. I wanted her to be happy because I knew how miserable I was and how that must be to live with. I have come to terms with why I felt dirty. Unlovable. I’m not angry about anything anymore. We could not been happier. I wanted to hear war stories but heard it isn’t just me. There is hope. You can turn your life around. We are the biggest obstacles to overcome come. Never quit.

[@jricknuts8067]

I got a 1,500 mile drive next week. This is definitely on the playlist

[@Golgi-Gyges]

Enjoy!

[@nighttrain06nc20]

Warriors Heart truly changed and saved my life. Tom’s in the chow hall eating with us everyday then you see him mowing the damn grass lol. Amazing guy and even more amazing program

[@zachscott4867]

I’m just learning about Tom now but the comments (where I lurk) tells me a lot about his character. Thanks you👍🏼

[@MTG9878]

I’m happy you are here. It is great you found him!

[@stephenhanchey594]

Me too! Bandera TX, I hope you’re doing good!

[@RoSeeUO]

Who asked for your opinion?

[@twotimes81]

Proud Alumni myself

[@thecombatengineer7069]

Dude, the “I understand,” “you just told me I was injured and I’m not crazy” brought tears to my eyes. I’m loosing such much mental acuity every year…but that simple little acknowledgement…goes so far. I know you weren’t “talking to me” but yes, you were. Thanks brotha.

[@larryapl]

Amen!

[@WoodysSteakHouse]

❤

[@RoSeeUO]

How corny😂

[@jaseone]

100%

[@yorboyroyboy9829]

Traumatic Brain Injury is very real, My man.. And it does do weird sht to our brains.. I thought I was the only one.. My civilian buddies That I knew since Jr. High School. Couldn't understand and thought I was nuts.. It took atleast a decade. Before the internet got advanced enough. That I seen others talking and hinting towards The same sht I was going thru.. Your not crazy.. And I would bet Dollars to donuts. If you went to get your head scanned by folks that understand TBI.. They will Evan show you the injury.. Anyway.. Your not nutz man.. You were injured long ago

[@tucker4174]

Shawn. The way you know how to let these men speak. No interruptions. It’s truly amazing.

[@jaosndedic]

"My only emotional tool was alcohol." That was the realest quote I've ever heard. (5 years sober)

[@M4HRed]

Congrats brother one day at a time

[@jaosndedic]

@@M4HRed 💯

[@brock45569]

🎉

[@OceanInMotion]

10 years sober for me, since quitting alcohol my life started, that goes for all Addictions including smoking. I have so much more mental clarity and it gave me the chance to manifest my dreams, I now live onboard my own yacht on the great barrier Reef in Australia and am now a Australian citizen (wasn't born in Australia)

[@M4HRed]

@@OceanInMotion nice bro! Love to hear it.

[@Cjones322]

Tom, you have saved far more lives than you have taken. Thank you. - Curtis Warriors Heart Alumni

[@donkeyboom6047]

More than you know Tom! -Stephen Warriors Heart Alumni

[@1028Kee]

​l

[@WoodysSteakHouse]

❤

[@nathanielmacelroy1988]

That is the point. Man

[@paulmullen2191]

9/1/2006 - 9/2/2006 - Yusufiyah Iraq….God Bless you Tom! Couple days I will never forget. Don’t ever feel like you let us down! You guys were awesome! ❤

[@killmeslowly0029]

101st?

[@KennethBrooks-wm9sq]

GOD Bless you brother, retired SGM from the 82nd, have been addicted to opioids and an alcoholic. 2 years sober, Thank you for sharing!

[@Mordant.Melodys]

God Bless YOU, SGM! I’m proud of you for your sobriety. I’m a vet as well and just celebrated 5 years sober. Lead by example. This comment may very well inspire a lower enlisted guy to find sobriety because he sees comments from men like you, whom he looks up to. Thank you for sharing and being open and honest about a tough subject. Stay well brother.

[@ericgibson2079]

If you read this and are dealing with addiction. Right now let these words fill you with Jesus Christs victory. May the Holy Spirit be yours very very soon. Please pick up the New Testament and allow the Truth to become true to you.

[@GROCK619]

Nice work Ken

[@Sammy-iu3bx]

No one asked for opinion Kenneth.

[@crewthief1431]

@@Sammy-iu3bxand no one cares what you think, son. You really shouldn’t address your betters without asking permission first.

[@tpshunter72]

The Legendary Delta Force Operator!!!! Mr Spooner!!! Just to think 10 years in Delta as a Breacher & Sniper! & A veteran of the gulf war & War on terror! What a man!

[@robertK3371]

Absolutely!

[@chriskirkemo2522]

Striving to be like this man. He’s the product of a life well lived and an incredible resource for so many communities. God bless Mr. Spooner.

[@slam-master4187]

As a 27 year LEO my God this episode hit me hard in the heart. I’m 5 years sober I’m a devout Christian, my amazing wife never left me when she should have I was so nasty to everyone I loved. But by the love of my wife God and a good brother who just died yesterday kept me from eating my gun saved me. I’ll never be that monster I’m good, I have a very good base of pillars. Thank you Shawn

[@rp03md2]

Prayers

[@mattrolih1550]

I am happy you didn't do it!!! No one thinks of the lives ruined when people do it! You can change and become a pillar of being a hero of all citizens!! Please uphold the Constitution! NEVER violate anyones civil rights! Its a thankless job, like the military! I pray God allows you the strength to fight injustice and to uphold our Constitutional rights! You'll forever be safe in the arms of the Lord and never need to fear! I pray daily for officers safety! Law enforcement needs to also care about our safety!! The country isnt against law enforcement. However, you all seem to think we are! Thats why I pray for you all daily!!! In Afghanistan our ROE went from open to redistricted. From dispatching an identified target to having a weapon to it being pointed and it going off toward you. (YT doesnt allow certain words!) Ask yourself, is the job for you or partners? Bad days can cause severe penalties. No one reasonable wants you to eat it, quit or fail!!!! We just dont need tyrannical enforcers destroying lives!!! I wish you the best!!! Thank you for sharing!!! It takes balls!!! Lots of balls!!! You clearly have the strength to be great!!! You are great!!!

[@CaptainWillard830]

My condolences for the loss of your brother. You will see him again. Semper Fidelis

[@freethinker1056]

I’ve just discovered your podcast and have shared it with many. The spiritual aspect of so many of you is so healing to me. I don’t know if you have had comments from the wives of war veterans, but I’m one. There were many very young wives in the Vietnam war with small babies who became bad asses for their husbands and children , supporting one another whose husbands were KIA, MIA, POW and were told by the SD and Navy to shut our mouths and accept whatever our husbands did because if we didn’t and they died, it’d be our fault. I threw that welcome book in the trash after I became a veteran in my own way 13 years later after having 5 children , losing one and being a single parent while my pilot husband was deployed and gone half the years. The drinking and womanizing finally broke me and I left to struggle raising children, working and going back to school so I could support us when support was sketchy and no effort of participation extended. Then I began to fight back as a political activist trying to make politicians responsible for spending our money and sending our families to war. I was born a golden retriever and grew up to be a Rottweiler and was the one who turned to God for survival while he went on to advance in the military. Wives grieved for what our men were going through and tried to cope by helping one another without any recognition. We had our own PTSD. Listening to you and the way you struggled to change and grow and included your wife and appreciated her for her efforts is healing to me even as our family never recovered. Because of the spiritual addition to my life and my children, we survived and thrived, and have nothing but respect and admiration for all our military men and women fighting in many aspects to save this country being eroded from within our own halls of power. Thank you for your service and for sharing your personal experiences. It helps many more than you know. I pray to our powerful and wonderful God for your continued strength and growth. Thank you for being real warriors.

[@Last_Chance.]

I chewed some dirt with spooner back in the day. He's a damn good man. It's good to see him doing well.

[@LP3me]

By dirt do you mean Copenhagen snuff or is that some other reference?

[@Frank-uw5xq]

The kind of dirt Tom Sizemore put in jars on Private Ryan

[@HaHa-mg2lw]

😆

[@Smoke3380]

​@Bluepickles333 bro....cmon

[@419delta]

@@LP3meJesus no. 😂

[@brucemallick1293]

His story of Airborne School brought back memories. My Dad came and jumped with me on my 5th jump in 1991. Gave me my blood wings on the DZ - said he wasn’t waiting until the next day. His father who I never met jumped into Normandy and is buried at Fort Benning too.

[@ericgibson2079]

Wow, that's really cool. What a testament.

[@Ok-551]

Happy Memorial Day to all of you. God bless.

[@robertK3371]

That's awesome to hear.

[@truthseeker1536]

I have ADHD I can't keep a thought in my head, and I can sit for 4 hours watching SRS. Thank you for everything you do!

[@pietervanderwesthuizen2106]

I am the wife of a ex vet, listening to this show has helped me understand my husband much better, they tight lipped about the war and that I understand, but now I understand better how to support him. He had no help integrating back into society he did it all by himself and the grace of God, his nightmares has stopped. I know what he has seen and done, still drives many of his disciplines and governs many of his choices. He is always in war mode, but not at war., it that makes sense.

[@michellechewning4503]

Tom is such a good and humble man. Thank you for giving so much of your life in the service of others and for dedicating your life now to help others in their own journey to heal. You’re an inspiration to many!! ❤

[@bazztiki]

This is the interview I have been wanting to hear. Tom Spooner is the man! He is a wise man with so much in his past. Thank you for this episode!

[@cameronshorkey843]

I appreciate Shawn's politeness and respect in these interviews. Like in this one when he respectfully says "I'd like to chime in on that if you don't mind." It's so simple, but it's an example of how to behave in a conversation.

[@J.Ferghus]

Tom spits sincere and wholesome wisdom. 31 years of sobriety is a remarkable symbol of his discipline - a trait a lot of us warriors know well, but we also know there are different levels of discipline. This gentleman is a case study for discipline. Thanks for your service, Tom. Semper Fi!

[@-11BRAVO-]

2/75 09-15. 4 rotations to Afghanistan and 1 to Iraq. 1-6 month deployment and 4-110 day deployments. This episode spoke to me. Family saved me from myself. My children and wife became everything. I had to leave the old life behind and realize like most say the special ops train never stops either you’re on it or you’re off. It leaves you behind quickly. Sounds cheesy but the book fearless (the Adam Brown Story) inspired me to be a better human, father and husband. Sober since April 2019.

[@bcmchozeh]

Great book about a man wrestling with God...

[@jasonlamour4787]

I grew up with Tom and his siblings. All good people.

[@mda1501]

So many memories flooding up during this video. 30 plus years here, flew AH64s and UH60s in Afghanistan and Iraq. Thanks for your service!

[@peterlaughlin930]

I’ve said it before you are the best interviewer I’ve ever seen you let your guest talk. You don’t overt them. You don’t try to impress them with what you did you let them tell me a story. It’s a rare gift to be able to do this. God bless you, Shawn

[@timbroderick4454]

This guy is an awesome human being. Almost 22 years for me. Wish I cut it out a lot sooner in my time in. Quit cold turkey. Still plenty of challenges in life. Still a fight. Always helps hearing other’s experiences. Thanks Tom and Shawn for sharing.

[@donniebrasco2530]

Crazy to think Tom got sober a few months after I was born but our disease looks identical. Working on ten years now, thank you for your service and insight Mr. Spooner

[@robertK3371]

This show absolutely resonates with me. I retired after 21 years in the Army, With my career starting off after graduating RIP in 1991. I arrived at 2/75 and everything that I thought I was, was nothing. And not a day went by that I was reminded of it. Yes, I did 6 years at Lewis and then headed to regiment. Long story short, I stayed in that world and it cost me a 21 year marriage and almost my relationship with my two amazing daughters. Like many of us, I lived the Creed, or at least I thought that I was. But we all know using substances is anything but living the Creed. After retirement and going through a divorce, I just fell deeper into using garbage. Fortunately, I met an amazing woman who helped me get clean and sober (which was no easy feet, for her). Well I retired in Dec. 2010 and I have been clean for 7 years. I stay faithfully in the gym. Go to counseling, and most importantly, I tell that woman who saved my life, just how much I love her. To all my brothers before and after. RLTW.

[@jesuschristsuperczar1224]

I’m the son of a Vietnam combat medic vet who brought it home. I’m not SOF guy and my dad was just a patriotic kid in ‘67 who wanted to fight for his county. Believe it or not, I have felt this intensity as a child of a man who suffered all the PTSD and TBI that my dad suffered. No. I didn’t deal with war like he did, but our family (my little brother and my mom and I) lived a different life than those around us. My dad was my hero and still is.

[@Last_Chance.]

God bless you and your family

[@gtoolejr]

Me too buddy, me too. Dad was an SF medic. Childhood was.......interesting.

[@everhea9907]

Sorry if this is an annoying question but was is SOF and TBI?

[@Coopdawg67]

@@everhea9907SOF= Special operations force TBI= Traumatic brain injury

[@randyhavener1851]

God Bless your Father, your Mother, you and your family!! Thank you! My Father fought in Europe in WWII. We never talked about it very much, but there was a whole different mind set back then.

[@ThomSwellick]

1/506th from 06-10. Went to Warrior's Heart a few back after going through some VA programs for PTSD and substance abuse. Absolutely no comparison between them, and completely changed my mindset about life after combat. Loved being around Tom and his staff. Sidenote: I miss Valkyrie. Best service dog I've ever been around.

[@johnnyfamous]

Were you in Ramadi? If so we replaced yall at COP and Corregidor

[@12gaugemackattack]

Sober almost 13 years. This was an amazing interview. There was so much here I needed to hear. It was like a really really good 4 hour long meeting. I can’t thank you both enough for everything that you’re doing.

[@gernblanston4956]

I'm not military but I love watching these interviews and learning what you guys go through and deal with. All the respect in the world, thanks to all who serve!

[@theroller5673]

Tom Spooner is a legend on paper, an even bigger legend as a human. His absolute open heart, pure emotion, loving, honest, caring demeanor as a man, I hope to achieve. I was diagnosed with PTSD in my early 30's from child abuse. I wish I could say it was from a more glamorous military experience, but it is what it is. Almost 55 now and I still work every day on it. I was in joyful tears walking from my vehicle into the front doors of that office for the first time. I knew it was going to be work, I knew it was going to be difficult, I KNEW I was in the right place. My stuff happened 40+ years ago, even 50 years ago. Knowing what I know now...I wish I would have sought help sooner. It's a rotten way to live with so much shit in your cupboard. May God bless all veterans for their courage, and may God be with all of us who cry in the dark from time to time. Thank you Shawn Ryan! Thank you Tom Spooner!

[@seanbrando_7456]

I've been sober 10 years this May.........I always comment on the videos and wanna say thank's Shawn as always. This time however- I need to thank Mr. Spooner. From the first year I was sober I saw you on the early BCM videos and then heard you speak about the things you did with warriors heart, it was Men like you guys close to my age (42) and a little older who showed me that sobriety WAS NOT weakness. I had blinders on and always just thought - I - was the weak, chaotic screw up. I can't put into words what a profound impact all you guys had in the early years of my journey, right through THIS very day. We are all human. You guys opening up and being honest about grinding and struggling showed me it's not just all ME. Thank you for your service and all you've done for the community, you had a huge impact on how hard I have fought. Thank's to all the warriors who reinforced the truth in me, because after all nothing worth doing is easy. Thank's for being there after I come in from the woods, work or working out and providing wisdom and encouragement as well as honest truth. Thank's gentlemen. Keep on killin' it.

[@ImCastorTroy69]

Fantastic to hear his mental preparation before joining SF....by getting sober and going through the 12 steps.

[@ryank7142]

Wow what a great episode love it, I’m 67 days sober!

[@PaWhiteTailHunter]

Tom is a phenomenal human! He's the type of guy police departments should be hiring to teach tactics. His personality is a catch all. So humble and down to earth! Thank you Mr. Spooner for your dedication and service to this country and many others! Rockstar!

[@TheStoreytime12]

Went through Warriors Heart in Bandera TX at the beginning of the year. Had the honor of meeting Tom and hearing him speak. He's an inspiration. Highly recommend going to WH if you need help

[@Cjones322]

Hello fellow WH Alum. Hope all is well brother.

[@eriklondon2946]

I was never military, but I have an immense gratitude and respect towards those who are there to protect us. I grew up near El Toro Marine Base, before it was shut down by Clinton. I know DC is extremely corrupt, and wish we weren't seemingly trying to get into every war possible.... I am glad there are places that are there to help our men get back some form of normalcy to their lives. I do wish WH was 100% covered or at least 99% covered by taxes/non-profits. Honestly, without a militia/military, we have no country. I have thought the same of VA benefits. Cheers.

[@RoSeeUO]

Who asked for your opinion?🤡

[@nighttrain06nc20]

Same!

[@nathanielmacelroy1988]

Lifeboat

[@chrisharris6834]

Holy crap! Tom was at Staccato ranch on May 11th. I had no idea who he was, shook his hand. Incredible nice guy!! 🤯

[@victorchinchillvas]

This episode can't be described in words, in my opinion. So many layers, so many levels. Fckn A. Thank you for your service, and so much more.🙏🏽🇺🇸

[@nolisonlyne]

I'm not a military man, but I have a lot of respect for those that serve. Even more so since watching your podcast. This interview was incredible. As a sober man, Mr. Spooner has been the guest that I've identified with the most. I got sober on a Memorial Day and God willing, I'll be celebrating 12 years at the end of this month. 👊

[@calebleblanc2397]

You spooned with Spooner?

[@kirkvilla9781]

I wish someone wouldve told me theadvice about getting another team together before you come home. Thats the smartest advice Ive ever heard.

[@charliegrandison1176]

Man thank you to you and all your guests. I was almost a Marine. My uncle who was a Vietnam vet told me to not waste my life killing for beaurocrats and politicians. I listened cause he was my hero. I sometimes regret it though. As a man who wants naturally to be a warrior. In any case thank you. I admire these soldiers.

[@TheronAnderson-hy3lp]

My old man was a decorated Vietnam vet. He was my hero. It took him taking me into the mountains and shooting at me to get his point across about the military. He got his point across.

[@electricjellyfish375]

This guy is Amazing. Truly a Legend. He has an intrinsic understanding of trauma and so many other things that people struggle with, including addiction. That makes him a priceless asset for applying that understanding towards helping others. Thank You

[@opShuro]

Now this is a role model. I wish nothing but the best for all of our absolute warriors that serve and protect this country.

[@austinrains5636]

Love it man cant get enough of this interview! I was a fucked up mess till this guy saved my ass!

[@JD-xm3mg]

Jesus did

[@GROCK619]

Thank goodness

[@twotimes81]

Amen saved me too

[@user-re7cq4zv1w]

The wilder building

[@RoSeeUO]

No one asked buddy

[@Z0PP8852]

i was a vol. fire fighter in a busy town in NY for a very long time, around 13 years, the PTSD has crippled me and im just now digging back out. this man is a man i didnt knwo i looked up to until i saw this. thank you warrior

[@ericolsen1678]

Thank you Tom and SRS! Legendary man to say the least! He talked about what he did in the unit for what? 20-40 minutes? Hes as humble as a man can get. He is a great human being! Thank you and God bless you 🙏

[@djrigmarole7077]

What a wonderfully humble man.

[@WoodysSteakHouse]

Fact

[@M16xblowDRO]

Sober 3 years. And it took the exact same thing. Being overwhelmed and not having tools or capacity to deal with it, having to give it up to a higher power change everything for me. I used to to curse my parents for sending me to cat school, but I ain’t gonna lie. It instilled morals, values, and our relationship with God very early in life that I was able to tap into decades later to turn my life around and to help me deal with some seriously traumatic events as well

[@lanettefrancis8197]

Spot on with AA - the only thing you have to change is everything. I concur that getting sober was the hardest thing I have ever done; it is also the best thing I have ever done. I believe I would not be alive without it and I believe I would not have the relationships I do have with out it. I am so grateful I was beat into submission by alcohol to discover I didn't know how to do this. I thought I knew how to accomplish anything I set my mind to. My ego kept me stuck. AA taught me how to live. Thank You Tom for sharing your experience and thank you Ryan for hosting Tom and all the other individuals you interview.

[@colingomez8949]

Thank you, brother.

[@ShawnRyanShow]

Hope you enjoyed the show!

[@codybielik1838]

The section where he is talking about the mass casualty event, and you can see in his eyes how much that moment hurt. He gets chocked up a little bit and that right there is his love for his country, for the guys he served with. It's a sad moment, yet beautiful at the same time. Things like that are what makes me so proud to serve our great nation. Thank You Tom, thank you for all that you have done, and all that you have sacrificed. You are appreciated. Our country is grateful for all you have done.

[@dirtyknucklegarage4085]

Thank you Shawn Ryan for doing what you do and thank you Tom Spooner for sharing your experiences and doing what you’re doing. Both of you need to know that there’s a whole lot of people that appreciate you and are very thankful for what you’ve done and for never giving up.

[@figgiefigueroa7372]

I can see the positive influence this channel has on hundreds of mens who were soldiers now veterans. Is a basket of wisdom from each and every one who gets to be interviewed. Congratulations to all who served and triple congrats 👏 to all who grow up and became sober for Life. Hats 🎩 off to all of you who move up in the ladder 🪜 of life.

[@tome013]

What a humble human being...respect!!! It's interesting how the Delta guys are so down to earth, no ego problems, just simple down to earth!!! Great guest.

[@danielgarb87]

First time watching this podcast/channel. Just looked interesting and honestly, I had a shit week, because we had to bury a good friend from A.A. who was just killed in a motorcycle crash. I don’t know this man, but aside from the military aspect, I swear he’s telling my story. The emptiness, the hopelessness, even down to the relationship with his wife, the anger at god. I even made a bet with my first sponsor that A.A. wouldn’t work for me. I feel like I’ve said almost all of this myself sitting around A.A. tables. In fact, I sent it to a guy I sponsor and he called me and said it was kinda creepy how similarly we share about our sobriety journeys. Goes to show that we’re not all that different when it comes down to it and there is a solution as long as you’re all in, all the time on recovery. My sober date is 10/28/2020. And thanks to A.A., the people in it, and a higher power of my understanding, I can honestly say that today I have a life that even on my worst day, I wouldn’t trade for all the bourbon in Kentucky.

[@ritaphifer]

Thank you for sharing your story! It’s very encouraging and motivational to hear … so many have same story .. thank god for person who started AA!

[@baye850]

Wow! I'm happy for you and your family!

[@macdad159]

This is, without a doubt the greatest interview Shawn Ryan has done. Salute! RLTW

[@jefffarr8477]

I love this guy !! Wish I would have found him sooner !!! Nobody knows what are military personnel go through!! And it pisses me off !!! Thank you to all the vets that see this !! You are appreciated more than you think !! Thank you !

[@lookingforthemeaning]

Mr. Spooner. total respect from Germany . Especially about your talk on PTSD and the need to get help before you do something stupid. Having the courage to open up. I hope you win the war. You tell no one about

[@JeffGoins88]

I really needed to hear this, I’m 8 years sober but I feel like I’m gonna mess it up soon. If this man can stay sober after all he went through then I can too.

[@doodahman2995]

Don't give up all that time. Believe me, it ain't ever worth it. Still struggling myself and it sux.

[@ryanvanhoy8004]

I’m having a similar issue too; 2.5 years sober and life is great but I can’t shake the feeling I’ve become complacent and am taking the blessing of sobriety for granted.

[@mikeglasgow9618]

Don't give up Vietnam ERA vet here. You have tools. Make more meetings and talk to your sponsor. He'll reach out to me .BEFORE YOU DRINK !

[@Giantist]

You’ve got this buddy, one day at a time keep up the fight and be proud of yourself 💪

[@GROCK619]

Stay strong brother..you deserve it

[@wadeerwin3920]

'Addres the threat, until it is no longer a threat" Brilliant!

[@dantrevisan4445]

Mad respect for this man. Grateful dudes like this exist.

[@rightsidewarrior2010]

I had the immense pleasure of serving with Tom! And the last thing you said, Sean is so true… “You’ve touched so many lives!“ I feel immensely blessed to have been one of those lives! Thank you Tom for all you’ve done and all you’re doing to help men get straight and be the men that they can be! Delta Dawgs!

[@downtown4028]

The mere fact that the U.S. government does very little to help our veterans with trauma is sad. This is for every veteran and active duty service member of the U.S. military.... the wicked who run this country will get theirs, by the Hand of God himself. Blessings all.... and buckle up.

[@zachrigby69]

This is the best one yet ! I’m in recovery and Tom here spits fire 🔥 and wisdom left and right ! This guy is my role model

[@PatriciaRodriguez-vn6cv]

We as layman, would never know how much you all suffer. It is wonderful that people be advised of all our Warriors go through. This makes me more grateful and makes me want to never complain again. I have a safe life in my home because of all of you. I would never want to seem ungrateful to a wonderful warrior as Mr Spooner and the rest of your comrades. God Bless you all.

[@Brick_Chick]

Shawn what a blessing you are to your guests. You're like an easy to talk to therapist that they all feel comfortable releasing their insides to. You can feel their bodies relief when they unload. So many times through this interview I was brought to tears. I'm thankful for you for them. ❤ 🙏 Thank you both for your service. 🇺🇸

[@fodz9246]

Started watching thinking I'd do 30m segments cause its a long interview. Still here 3 hours later. Wow.

[@questingforone1353]

Shawn, you've had some spectacular guests on your show however, Spooner is by far, the best representation of the full spectrum of what a war fighter experiences in war; kinetic to emotional.

[@12backlund]

I have watched 109 episodes. Hands down one of my top 3. Shawn thank you so much for this. The veteran and civilian community need to hear these great men.

[@zacparatore296]

What are the other 2 you recommend?

[@josephherring8761]

I was an 0311 in Marjah in 2010. Some of that deployment was rough, but I can't imagine what these guys have seen. Several years later I ended up at Bragg after my wife joined the Army. My drinking was out of control at the time and I started going to AA meetings there. Long story short, fairly certain I met one of the guys he mentioned, who in turn spoke very highly of Tom, and his work. Those guys are a different breed. Was very refreshing to hear Tom's philosophy about healing/honoring them after death. That really needed to be said. It took me another 4 years to get sober. Though I didn't stay in AA and figured it out another way (it's a wonderful group and has helped many many people - NOT IN ANY WAY criticizing it), I did learn some things from a few people in that group that stuck with me. Excellent interview, Shawn. Much respect, Tom!

[@srsmedic8285]

My first year sober I went to AA in an affluent neighborhood. There were CEO’s CFO’s Lawyers and doctors some of who were admitted crackheads at some point. Who put themselves back together. I needed that positive energy at first. I don’t do AA anymore more it sure helped at my lowest. Haven’t drank since getting arrested in October 2015. That sucked and I learned my lesson. I should have been arrested 1,000 times prior. But I got lucky

[@josephherring8761]

I'm glad you were able to pull yourself out of it.

[@SuperMulletguy]

Shawn; you do a great job on these interviews. Thank you for your hard work.

[@ShawnRyanShow]

Thank you for the kind words.

[@shanonporter4041]

I work at LBL Kentucky. Every year, 3/5 marine corp have their reunion. It is such an honor to me to be able to serve them while they are here. They are like my family and i love each and every one of them. Couldnt be around a better group of men and women!! Shout out to you, 3/5 Marines!!!! Veitnam unit!!

[@KS6DAY]

For me, this is, hands down, the most compelling and emotional interview that I have seen you do. Thank you for doing this.

[@abcdefghijk5095]

Humility, honesty, intelligence, self-awareness and acknowledgement. This is a unique individual that makes SRS a must-watch for me.

[@user-qh4if4xq8j]

16 years sober and God is the answer

[@miguelavila9548]

Amen brother

[@Yourmom-sb9lk]

I always had god with me. Any pointers how you started? I'm a homeless employed dude I drink just to drink I wake up drink Before I sleep drink I'm trying I tried rehab But it's a mess

[@tjordulf]

Shawn, I've gotta say, from my heart. Your service is continuing to blossom, Except now it's with a camera, not a gun. Through the medium of Deep Dives into very personal, heartfelt and traumatic experiences of your Top Shelf guests, you are bringing to the general public an insight into the mindset and experiences of real warfighters. In a way which is simultaneously, horrific, heartwarming, and in typical military style, funny at times. But you bring out, even from yourself, the pain, the humility, the humanity, the honour and above all the healing, to the eyes and ears of the general public. That many of whom will have little concept of. Which without pats on the back and glorification, allows the public to see the real human beings inside those uniforms. That these are not simply avatar characters in 'Call of Duty', but actual people, with emotions, and frailties, just like everyone else. THAT in itself is serving, the free thinking, freedom loving aspects of humanity in ways you may not be totally aware of. There's a reason this show has exploded, and what I've highlighted above, IS that reason, people want to hear these stories, people NEED to hear these stories, but not from some wet journalist, but an SF operator that knows EXACTLY what questions to ask, and moreover HOW to ask them!! I don't think Shawn, you'll ever know HOW many veterans you've helped by your continuing body of work, I think your military and combat experiences were ACTUALLY training for THIS, right now. Keep it up bud, people like you are going to save America, from Tyranny, through education, and awakening people, I truly mean that. Even with your DMT experiences and guests like Randall Carlson and the other non military guests, it's ALL part of something Waay bigger than your military career!! But, deep down, you know that. Peace bro💚🙏🏻

[@thankfullyredeemedmaderigh7436]

VERY well spoken!

[@tjordulf]

@@thankfullyredeemedmaderigh7436 Thankyou.

[@gg3596]

Well said & agree 100%

[@tjordulf]

@@gg3596 thanks 😊👍🏻

[@nathanielmacelroy1988]

A image. Can cost oh so much. Just one photo? There goes your id ten T

[@djbuschman1889]

I have been watching this show for well over a year now and the men, warriors, who you interview, have been therapeutic for me! I listen to them; their stories and experiences and sooo relate. I too started as paratrooper: 3/325 (from the 82nd) ABCT in Vicenza, Italy from 1986-1989. We still get together in the first week of June (D-Day weekends) and have been doing this for well over a decade. We set up camp here in eastern Kentucky. Nearly all of us are combat veterans. AATW!!! I retired from active duty in 2009 and I was sooo lost! I deployed to Mosul, Iraq in the fall of 2004 with 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry (Stryker) and my unit was 3-21 Infantry. We saw a lot of SHIT! I was actually a MiTT team NCOIC and I was blessed to have worked with dudes from SF: 10th, 7th and 3rd Groups. As a “conventional guy”; regular infantryman (11C4XP) I admired and respected these nonconventional warriors. So right after retirement I went to the VA and what a mess that was! They had NO idea how to react to or treat combat veterans. All they wanted to do at the time was pump me full of pills!!! After that horrible, initial experience, I vowed to NEVER go back again. However, after some serious pressure from my brothers (those that I served with and love) I restarted the process with the VA. I am grateful that the VA has learned and getting back to truly taking care of us. So far all is going well, even though the process is bringing back up to the surface that I have compartmentalized from years ago. I got saved in 2010; and I am still marching forward. We can NOT tap out! Our loved ones need us! My journey with Jesus has been nothing short of a miracle in what He has done for me. He has taught me to be a true warrior for Him and that has given me peace. I have never felt like a victim: I volunteered to do what I did and with few regrets. The loss was deep and traumatic but to honor the lost: we must live for them in the best way possible. Warriors MUST have a mission even after war and separation/retirement from the military. That’s how we are wired. I have been on our church “safety team” for many years and serve with like sheepdogs: law enforcement, firefighters, veterans and those with servant hearts. This “mission” has helped me more than I can put into words. Like Tom stated, you have to put in the work and the work is not always easy but if we stay focused on our “mission”, it’s worth it. If it weren’t for Christ I would easily be an alcoholic bitter and angry man! What a BLESSING this channel has been for me!!! Thank you and please, continue the mission brother!!! ✝️🇺🇸🤠👊

[@jakemullins4002]

This is one of the best guests you’ve had on Shawn! You can see the pain in that man’s eyes as well as the feeling of pure happiness when he talks about his family m. Shit this is gut wrenching but it’s definitely something all veterans need to hear. Nothing has helped my ptsd/tbi injury than getting my ass back in the gym. It’s therapeutic. If you’re a vet, quit the booze and start getting in shape. You’ll start feeling positive about yourself again and then 90 days from that you will feel like a new man! God bless y’all 🇺🇸

[@redacted547]

"short version" Shawn interrupts, "no short version!" lmao 😂 yes! Exactly what I was thinking. I love opening these up every Monday, and love it even more when it's at least 4 hours

[@redacted547]

3:10:58

[@jmat7000]

The only time I've seen shawn interrupt. Was awesome

[@user-sl9qo1zz5z]

These are the reason I started watching this channel. Love the military lives. So grateful to have men like this so we have the freedom to live the lives we choose. Thank you both for your service. You guy’s are amazing.

[@vigilantofstendarr6276]

What a fantastic story and example of redemption. Tom has so much humility,it’s inspiring 🇺🇸

[@USMC232wTioga]

🇺🇸TOM!!! What’s up man, it’s Billy from Philly. Just left the Lodge Mahal this morning. On a plane right now heading home.

[@maxhedrick311]

3:30:27 that was one of the coolest things I’ve ever heard. “Are they gonna vote to live or vote to die” it’s like that first shot they hear they get a high off the feeling of the fun starting, which I totally get cause I’d feel the same tbh. That mindset and thought process is just fucking badass

[@donmoody9423]

Powerful. So good to see a humble hero. This video really got to me and I will see what I can do to support Warriors Heart. Thank you Shawn Ryan for making this interview happen.

[@kevinhartwick2-327]

I find your podcast to be the most helpful and informative of all that I’ve listened to. I was going through airborne school in Jan of 90 and was 11b but went to the 101st. Tom’s story is so relatable. Civilian life I was a paramedic for 28 yrs, out now due to PTSD. The nonprofit I work for now assists rural first responders in my state with training and resources, we are heavily into the mental health aspect and I truly appreciate what you’re doing. One of the biggest hurdles is the stigma. I tell the first responders to listen to the SRS. Keep it up and thank you.

[@grantbuxton]

Thank God for guys like this!