Team Never Quit

• Mike Penn: Navy Fighter Pilot Shot Down Over Vietnam Shares His Story as a POW for 8 Months

  From the Skies Over Vietnam to the Power of Healing — The Story of Mike Penn  This week’s Team Never Quit guest, Mike Penn, embodies courage, resilience, and grace under pressure. A Navy fighter pilot who served in Vietnam over 50 years ago, Penn’s life took a dramatic turn on August 6, 1972, during his 85th combat mission off the USS Midway. Shot down and captured by enemy forces, he endured eight harrowing months as a POW in Hanoi, facing starvation, torture, and isolation. Losing 60 pounds and battling injuries from the crash, he survived where many did not. Upon returning home, Penn continued to serve his country before transitioning to a long and successful career as an airline pilot. Yet, his greatest battles weren’t fought in the skies—they were fought within. Like countless Veterans, Penn wrestled with PTSD and alcoholism, learning that even the strongest warriors can’t always go it alone. Penn credits his recovery and renewed purpose to sheer determination, the support of fellow Veterans, and the care he received through the Houston VA, which later discovered a life-threatening cancer during a routine scan—saving his life once again. Today, Penn continues to inspire others through motivational speaking, encouraging Veterans to seek help, share their stories, and lean on one another. His outlook remains deeply positive: despite his suffering, he still calls it “an honor to serve.” Join us as we hear Mike Penn’s incredible journey—from fighter pilot to prisoner of war to survivor and mentor. His story is a testament to resilience, faith, and the healing power of community. Thank you, Mike Penn, for your honorable service—and for reminding us that healing begins when we choose to reach out. In this episode you will hear: • [Marcus] If you’re struggling in college, get your butt in the military for4-6 years, come back, and you’ll scream right through it. (6:54) • To get on the Blue Angels demo pilot team, they vote on you. It’s a good ol’ boy system. If any one guy says no, you’re done. (9:30) • Out of nowhere this Marine Corps Master Gunnery Sergeant shows up right in my face. And he starts yelling at me, and honestly, I thought I was in the wrong place. When he gets through yelling at me, he says “You got anything to say for yourself you smart ass college boy?” I put my hand on his shoulder, looked him in the eyes, and I called him “sarge,” I said “Sarge, I really think I’m in the wrong place, because I cam down here to be a Navy jet pilot.” Boom! He threw me on the ground. I’ve never done so many push ups in my life. (12:21) • He got me in such good officer shape; I ended up becoming the Regimental Commander.  (13:19) • Landing at night is so difficult, because in the daytime you have depth perception. You’re looking at the “Meatball,” the optical landing system. Line up with the ship, and your air speed. At night you can’t see anything. (19:00) • [When missiles are fired at you] you see it lift off, you see it coming at you. You build up speed. When it gets to be about ¾ of a mile away from you, you do a high G roll into it. It tries to track on you, but it’s going so fast, it can’t. (29:00) • They were firing 3 from behind that we never saw, so when I tried to get more speed, one from behind hit me. Boom. Engine quit. Stated shaking like crazy. Immediately 8I turned toward the beach. (29:26) • When I got hit, I knew it was over. (30:14) • I reached up to fire the ejection seat. I pulled it, and nothing happened. Never quit. (31:10) • Once I hit the ground, I was in about a foot of water, and the bullets were hitting the water all around me. (34:02) • [Melanie: Q: What happens to the plane?”] A: It blew up right after I ejected. (34:49) • At 36:22, Mike tells the story of his treatment when he was taken by the enemy. • When we got there, we were just beat up and tied up. We had about 3 weeks of that. (41:25) • We had 24” concrete slabs on either side. That’s what we slept on. (42:57) • We got no rice. The Vietnamese ate it all. (43:35) • My grandfather, who was an Army vet in Japan, when I went to war, he told me 2 things: Take care of your men, and don’t ever give up.(44:36) • [Melanie: Q: How long were you in there as a POW”] A: 8 months. (47:27) • When I got to Oakland, I made beer milkshakes. (55:03) • When I was at Clark, first thing I did – I sat in the shower for 2 hours. (55:28) • Guess where I git [a new car]? I won it on Hollywood Squares. (71:19) • If I can save 1 life from [writing] that book, it’s worth it. (80:53) Support Mike:   - www.hopeandcourage.us Support TNQ   - IG: team_neverquit , marcusluttrell , melanieluttrell , huntero13   -  https://www.patreon.com/teamneverquit Sponsors:   - Tractorsupply.com/hometownheroes   - Navyfederal.org        - Dripdrop.com/TNQ   - ShopMando.com [Promo code: TNQ]   - mizzenandmain.com   [Promo code: TNQ20]   - meetfabiric.com/TNQ   - masterclass.com/TNQ   - Prizepicks (TNQ)   -  cargurus.com/TNQ    - armslist.com/TNQ    -  PXGapparel.com/TNQ   - bruntworkwear.com/TNQ    - Groundnews.com/TNQ    - shipsticks.com/TNQ    - stopboxusa.com {TNQ}    - ghostbed.com/TNQ [TNQ]   -  kalshi.com/TNQ   -  joinbilt.com/TNQ    - Tonal.com [TNQ]   - greenlight.com/TNQ   - PDSDebt.com/TNQ   - drinkAG1.com/TNQ   - Hims.com/TNQ   - Shopify.com/TNQ

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• Kalob Creighton: Green Beret on the Night He Was Shot Protecting His Family and the Miracle of Recovery

  From the Battlefield to Breakthrough: The Kalob Creighton Story This week on the Team Never Quit Podcast, we sit down with Special Forces Green Beret Kalob Creighton, whose story embodies the essence of courage, faith, and the power of healing. Kalob’s journey began on the battlefield—serving his nation with honor and sacrifice. But his most life-changing battle didn’t happen overseas; it happened at home. During a late-night burglary attempt, Kalob was shot while shielding his toddler from danger. The bullet remains lodged near his spine—a constant reminder of that night and the uncertainty that followed. Yet Kalob’s story doesn’t end with pain; it continues with purpose. Through his partnership with RejuvStem, Kalob has discovered the transformative potential of regenerative medicine. His recovery is more than physical—it’s a story of restored hope, renewed strength, and a return to life fully lived. Join Marcus and Melanie as they explore how Kalob’s warrior mindset, combined with groundbreaking medical innovation, has redefined what it means to overcome. This episode is a powerful testament to resilience, family, and the mission to heal, restore, and give back the chance at life that so many fight for. Listen now to hear Kalob’s incredible journey of survival, innovation, and strength—reminding us all why we never quit.  In this episode you will hear: • You know how you go through stuff in training where it just sucks so bad it stops sucking? The “give a fuck” goes away. (15:20) • The Delta course is crazy. You see guys cut open. Until I hit A&P and we started putting fingers in asses. (27:17) • You have to learn the hard way sometimes. (37:34) • [My father] He may not do it the right way himself, but he wanted us to do it the right way, and he taught us some morals and values. (37:50) • [My dad] was a great human. [He’d] shake your hand. That’s what meant more than a contract. (38:00) • When you’re switching from something that’s high octane like this driven purpose in a team environment. You walk out and you’re like “where’s my team at? (42:52) • I’m all in. 100 miles an hour. Full throttle. Let’s go. (43:12) • I got shot by a guy named “Keypad.” (61:26) • That was the best thing that happened to me. I needed the wake-up call. It was God saying “listen up, dude.” (63:44) • Like life #7. Pay attention, bro. (63:54) • I got the feeling back in my right leg. In my left leg it never returned. (64:23) • I’m sitting the just asking God, “When do guys like me quit? When do we throw in the towel? (70:11) • I really brought in the realization of what’s important. If this does not have a purpose – change it. (80:03) Support Kalob:   - IG: kalobcreighton   - Green Hat Defense: http://www.greenhatdefense.com   - https://theathletelab.org/   - Dr. Trent Nessler at The Athlete Lab - IG:  bjjpt_acl_guy   - Peptides and continued care and support for myself and other vets: Core Medical Group https://coremedicalgrp.com/   - RejuvStem where I received stem cells: https://rejuvstem.com   - https://www.wsmv.com/2025/02/13/suspects-fire-multiple-shots-injure-man-during-active-burglary-whites-creek/ Support TNQ   - IG: team_neverquit , marcusluttrell , melanieluttrell , huntero13   -  https://www.patreon.com/teamneverquit Sponsors:   - Tractorsupply.com/hometownheroes   - Navyfederal.org        - meetfabiric.com/TNQ   - masterclass.com/TNQ   - Prizepicks (TNQ)   - Dripdrop.com/TNQ   -  cargurus.com/TNQ    - armslist.com/TNQ    -  PXGapparel.com/TNQ   - bruntworkwear.com/TNQ    - Selectquote.com/TNQ    - Groundnews.com/TNQ    - shipsticks.com/TNQ    - strawberry.me/TNQ    - stopboxusa.com {TNQ}    - ghostbed.com/TNQ [TNQ]   -  kalshi.com/TNQ   -  joinbilt.com/TNQ    - Tonal.com [TNQ]   - greenlight.com/TNQ   - PDSDebt.com/TNQ   - drinkAG1.com/TNQ   - Shadyrays.com [TNQ]   - qualialife.com/TNQ [TNQ]   - Hims.com/TNQ   - Shopify.com/TNQ   - Aura.com/TNQ   - TAKELEAN.com [TNQ]   - usejoymode.com [TNQ]

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• Greg Froelick: Navy SEAL on the Camp Mystic Flood, 300 Justice Road, and the Mission That Never Ends

  More Than the Uniform: Greg Froelick’s Pursuit of Purpose This week on the Team Never Quit Podcast, Marcus and Melanie sit down with former Navy SEAL and private aviation businessman*, Greg Froelick—a man who has dedicated his life to excellence, discipline, and service both on and off the battlefield. Greg’s journey began after college, when he chose to serve his country and earned his place among the elite ranks of the U.S. Navy SEAL Teams. His time in special operations sharpened his perspective on resilience, teamwork, and intentional living—lessons he now carries into every corner of his life. After leaving the military, Greg transitioned into the medical sales industry, where he quickly proved himself in a competitive arena. His combination of grit, professionalism, and mission-focused thinking eventually opened the door to his next chapter with EMCJET, a premier group in the private aviation space. Today, he plays a key role on the EMCJET team, helping deliver world-class service with a warrior’s level of precision and accountability. Greg recounts his experience aiding in the recovery efforts following the July 4th Camp Mystic flood disaster. He and Marcus reflect on their immediate decision to head to the affected area, coordinating the logistics required to make a meaningful impact—joining forces with several fellow Navy SEALs to provide help where it was needed most. Greg’s story is a reminder that your mission doesn’t end when one chapter closes. Whether in uniform or in business, he continues to serve — helping others live with intention. In this episode you will hear: • We shouldn’t be on no defense - Department of Defense. This is the Department of War. We don’t go on defense. You step up, and we’ll come in and crush the shit out of you. (19:02) • Got into private aviation. It’s like a real estate agent for private jets. (22:46) • [The gate at Camp Mystic] was twisted. You can’t talk about it and do it justice – the way it was twisted steel. (34:46) • We’re not by any means a search and rescue outfit, but we knew that we could help. (36:31) • We’re this close to being signed up to be a care coalition. It’s a safe place to land. (36:51) • You’re at that point where “I hope I don’t find anything” [and at the same time] “I hope I find it.” (41:01) • When the cadaver dogs showed up and the backhoe maintainers showed up – Game Changers. (41:16) • The one’s that’ll never get any attention or no one will ever know who they are the drivers of the maintainers. (41:51) • How many times did we walk on somebody before we even found ‘em, because they were buried under the dirt from the Cypress trees. (43:30) • This is why it was key to have the cadaver dogs because of everything else that was dead around it: horses, pigs, deer, dogs. (44:02) • Everything aside from the situation – A lot of good came from all that. (46:55) • The more people sometimes – the harder it becomes. Everybody just wants to help. We were fortunate to get in the way we got in. (48:27) • No one was there yet. It was just us. (48:40) Support Greg: https://300justiceroad.com/  Support TNQ   - IG: team_neverquit , marcusluttrell , melanieluttrell , huntero13   -  https://www.patreon.com/teamneverquit Sponsors:   - Tractorsupply.com/hometownheroes   - Navyfederal.org        - meetfabiric.com/TNQ   - masterclass.com/TNQ   - Prizepicks (TNQ)   - Dripdrop.com/TNQ   -  cargurus.com/TNQ    - armslist.com/TNQ    -  PXGapparel.com/TNQ   - bruntworkwear.com/TNQ    - Selectquote.com/TNQ    - Groundnews.com/TNQ    - shipsticks.com/TNQ    - strawberry.me/TNQ    - stopboxusa.com {TNQ}    - ghostbed.com/TNQ [TNQ]   -  kalshi.com/TNQ   -  joinbilt.com/TNQ    - Tonal.com [TNQ]   - greenlight.com/TNQ   - PDSDebt.com/TNQ   - drinkAG1.com/TNQ   - Shadyrays.com [TNQ]   - qualialife.com/TNQ [TNQ]   - Hims.com/TNQ   - Shopify.com/TNQ   - Aura.com/TNQ   - TAKELEAN.com [TNQ]   - usejoymode.com [TNQ]

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• Christian Hickey: From Marine to Green Beret to Peacemaker - Bringing the Gospel to the Front Lines of Ukraine & Beyond

  From Marine… to Green Beret… to Peacemaker This week, Marcus and Melanie sit down with an unconventional warrior with an unconventional calling—Christian Hickey, Founder and CEO of the Triple A Authority Foundation, husband, father of three, Marine, Police Officer, Green Beret, and now… missionary on the front lines of Ukraine. Christian’s journey reads like a novel you’d assume was fiction—yet every chapter is true. For over 15 years of military service and 15 years in law enforcement, Christian has lived a life of duty—to God, to his country, and to his community. His time as a United States Marine and later as a U.S. Army Green Beret gave him the tactical expertise to operate in the world’s harshest conflict zones. But it was behind the badge, on the streets of American neighborhoods, that he honed a different weapon—the power of communication.  “As a police officer, I learned to listen and speak to people in a meaningful manner. Those communication skills allowed me to solve problems, restore peace, and bring change.”  Christian earned his Associate Degree in Criminal Justice and is currently completing a Bachelor’s in Evangelism at Liberty University. Yet nothing could have prepared him for the mission God would call him to next.  At age 41, he found himself on the frontline in a small Ukrainian village, serving not as a soldier, but as a missionary—bringing aid, hope, and the Gospel into a war zone.  “If you had asked me six months prior, I would’ve never guessed I’d be in Ukraine serving as an unconventional missionary. But God knew what to do with a born-again Christian, Marine, Police Officer, and Green Beret.”  Through his foundation, Triple A Authority, Christian combines faith, humanitarian work, and tactical mission skills to reach the unreachable and serve those in the shadow of war. His story is a reminder that purpose isn’t always found in comfort—sometimes it’s found in chaos, obedience, and calling.  This episode is a powerful reminder that service can take many forms—and that sometimes the most dangerous places reveal the deepest purpose. Christian Hickey is a man living out his faith with courage, humility, and conviction—and his story will challenge, inspire, and move you.  In this episode you will hear: • What really pushed me into the military was that I wanted to become a deputy Sheriff. (13:01) • I accepted Christ when I was a young man, but I’ve always been intentional with my faith.  (30:38) • God was real to me. He said “I’m calling you into ministry now.” I still don’t know what that meant at the time. (31:35) • I believe that the season that you’re in now; God is preparing you for the next season. (32:41) • I was following Psalms: 105, the lit path for me to continue to go. (35:17) • When you’ve got all of the DOD behind you, you don’t carry much fear with you. (41:21) • When Jesus is in charge of your life - This is not my rodeo. (44:05) • I’ve never been shot at by a tank Before. (46:24) • The Ukranian men and women are some of the best soldiers I’ve ever met. They’re so resilient. (50:12) • I’m the chaplain for SOCOM athletes. (61:56) • I pray that through this war, that Christ is revealed, and His authority is king, and His love is felt, and many come to know Christ through it. (70:41) • We have a God. He has a son, His son’s name is Jesus Christ and He died for us. If you believe that in your heart, you believe He was raised three days later, you will be saved. Do you want that in your life? Do you believe that in your heart? All I heard was “Da da” which means “Yes, I want Jesus.” (71:28) Support Christian: tripleaauthority.org Support TNQ   - IG: team_neverquit , marcusluttrell , melanieluttrell , huntero13   -  https://www.patreon.com/teamneverquit Sponsors:   - Tractorsupply.com/hometownheroes   - Navyfederal.org        - meetfabiric.com/TNQ   - masterclass.com/TNQ   - Prizepicks (TNQ)   - Dripdrop.com/TNQ   -  cargurus.com/TNQ    - armslist.com/TNQ    -  PXGapparel.com/TNQ   - bruntworkwear.com/TNQ    - Selectquote.com/TNQ    - Groundnews.com/TNQ    - shipsticks.com/TNQ    - strawberry.me/TNQ    - stopboxusa.com {TNQ}    - ghostbed.com/TNQ [TNQ]   -  kalshi.com/TNQ   -  joinbilt.com/TNQ    - Tonal.com [TNQ]   - greenlight.com/TNQ   - PDSDebt.com/TNQ   - drinkAG1.com/TNQ   - Shadyrays.com [TNQ]   - qualialife.com/TNQ [TNQ]   - Hims.com/TNQ   - Shopify.com/TNQ   - Aura.com/TNQ   - TAKELEAN.com [TNQ]   - usejoymode.com [TNQ]

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• Justin Hughes: Navy SEAL on the Hardest Tests in BUD/S, the Phone Phantom, and Discovering Purpose Through Oil Painting

  From SEAL to Studio: The Art of Grit with Justin Hughes In this week’s episode of the Team Never Quit Podcast, Marcus, Melanie, and Hunter sit down with Justin Hughes — former Navy SEAL turned professional oil painter — whose journey from the battlefield to the art studio embodies the essence of transformation, discipline, and creative courage. Based out of Charleston, South Carolina, Justin has redefined what it means to serve and to create. As a self-taught representational artist, he channels the lessons, emotions, and intensity of his time in the SEAL Teams into his paintings, merging the warrior spirit with the sensitivity of the fine arts. His mission is to bridge two seemingly distant worlds — the world of combat and the world of creativity — revealing that both demand vision, perseverance, and heart. Listeners will hear how Justin’s childhood in Southeast Asia, and a fateful encounter with Lone Survivor sparked a dream that would change his life forever. His story takes us through the rigors of SEAL training, moments of doubt and triumph, and the eventual transition from military service to artistry — a path shaped by struggle, purpose, and redemption. Through his brushstrokes, Justin explores what it means to be a modern warrior — one who fights not only on the battlefield but also in the soul. Drawing comparisons to the renaissance genius Leonardo da Vinci, Hughes uses his art to express the beauty within discipline and the strength found in vulnerability.  In this episode you will hear: • My dad was a Huey pilot. (8:44) • I grew up all over Southeast Asia (9:20) • I was thinking: Whatever is gonna be the hardest thing to do in the military; wherever that realm is, those are the people that want to be in those jobs the most. That’s gotta be where my people are at. (14:41) •  One of the biggest misconceptions of BUDs is you can’t just show up and not quit. You still have to be a good team guy. You still have to do the work. You gotta be a performer. You gotta be a pro. We’re looking for the whole man. (21:05) • For those of you who don’t know what pool competency is. It’s the hardest single test in BUDs. (37:55) • When I first started painting, I didn’t know any artists. I didn’t know anything about art. (62:48) • [Melanie] Q: What’s your goal with art? A: Just to be better every day. And continue to provide paintings that are meaningful to people. To glorify the Lord through whatever work I’m doing. (74:30) • I’m still saying “Hooyah! like turrets. (75:25) • It takes a lot of bad work. You’ve gotta be patient with the process. Sometimes a really good thing will look really bad for a long time for a long time before you can polish it up and make it into something beautiful. So… don’t quit. (86:43) Support Justin: www.justinhughesart.com  - IG: justin_hughes_art Support TNQ   - IG: team_neverquit , marcusluttrell , melanieluttrell , huntero13   -  https://www.patreon.com/teamneverquit Sponsors:   - Tractorsupply.com/hometownheroes   - Navyfederal.org        - meetfabiric.com/TNQ   - masterclass.com/TNQ   - Prizepicks (TNQ)   - Dripdrop.com/TNQ   -  cargurus.com/TNQ    - armslist.com/TNQ    -  PXGapparel.com/TNQ   - bruntworkwear.com/TNQ    - Selectquote.com/TNQ    - Groundnews.com/TNQ    - shipsticks.com/TNQ    - strawberry.me/TNQ    - stopboxusa.com {TNQ}    - ghostbed.com/TNQ [TNQ]   -  kalshi.com/TNQ   -  joinbilt.com/TNQ    - Tonal.com [TNQ]   - greenlight.com/TNQ   - PDSDebt.com/TNQ   - drinkAG1.com/TNQ   - Shadyrays.com [TNQ]   - qualialife.com/TNQ [TNQ]   - Hims.com/TNQ   - Shopify.com/TNQ   - Aura.com/TNQ   - TAKELEAN.com [TNQ]   - usejoymode.com [TNQ]

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