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Watch the podcast "Boots & Chutes Unfiltered Podcast" with Ricky Schroder and others at this link:  Episode 12: Battlefield Discussions -- unfiltered, raw discussion of the Battle of Wanat.

Show notes:

Boots & Chutes Unfiltered Podcast

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721 views Jul 13, 2026 Boots And Chutes Unflitered

Please join us for an unfiltered, raw discussion of the Battle of Wanat with a special guest: Ricky Schroder, Gold Star Father Frankie Gay, Battlefield Survivors Scott Stenoski, and Christopher McKaig. We sit down and talk about the heroes who were lost that day, to the "why" and the reasons behind the future project that Ricky Schroder is working on to tell the raw truth of one of the most intense days in GWOT history. Our discussion is unscripted; it is the veterans telling their stories, and the Gold Star father telling his story of the incredible bonds he has developed with these men. Ricky Schroder shares why this project means so much to him and his Reel American Heroes Foundation. He cares deeply about telling the story of these brave men and how the Army and Army leaders can learn from this dark day. 18 Years Since the Battle of Wanat On 13 July 2008, in the remote Waygul Valley of Nuristan Province, Afghanistan, one of the most intense and costly battles of the war unfolded. In the early morning hours, U.S. soldiers from Chosen Company, 2nd Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment (Airborne), 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team, alongside their Afghan National Army partners, came under a coordinated assault by hundreds of enemy fighters determined to overrun their newly established patrol base. The enemy attacked from multiple directions, using mortars, machine guns, rocket-propelled grenades, and small arms fire. Outnumbered by nearly four to one, the paratroopers fought from bunker to bunker and position to position, refusing to surrender ground despite overwhelming odds. As defensive positions were destroyed and ammunition ran low, soldiers repeatedly exposed themselves to enemy fire to reinforce fellow paratroopers, evacuate the wounded, and continue the fight. For hours, these American warriors displayed extraordinary courage, discipline, and selfless service. Close air support, artillery, and the unwavering determination of the defenders ultimately turned the tide, forcing the enemy to withdraw after suffering heavy losses. The victory came at a tremendous cost. Nine American soldiers gave their lives, and nearly 30 others were wounded in the defense of Patrol Base Kahler. Their sacrifice became a lasting testament to the warrior spirit of the 173rd Airborne Brigade and the bonds forged in combat. Today, eighteen years later, we pause to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice, honor those who survived the battle, and recognize the families whose lives were forever changed. The Battle of Wanat remains a powerful reminder of the courage, resilience, and brotherhood that define America's paratroopers. "We Will Never Forget." Jonathan P. Brostrom, 24, of Aiea, Hawaii Israel Garcia, 24, of Long Beach, California Jonathan R. Ayers, 24, of Snellville, Georgia Jason M. Bogar, 25, of Seattle, Washington Jason D. Hovater, 24, of Clinton, Tennessee Matthew B. Phillips, 27, of Jasper, Georgia Pruitt A. Rainey, 22, of Haw River, North Carolina Gunnar W. Zwilling, 20, of Florissant, Missouri Sergio S. Abad, 21, of Morganfield, Kentucky #Battleofwanat #gwot #11daysandawakeup #173rdairborne #fyp