Episode
#51 Chris VanSant - Delta Force Operator / Killing Off the "Deck of Cards" & Capturing Saddam Hussein | Part 2
3:08:06
Published: Mon Mar 20 2023
Description
Delta Force Operator Chris VanSant is back in Part 2 of this two-part series. This episode dives deep into his role in the invasion of Iraq and the capture of Saddam Hussein. VanSant vividly recalls an engagement with over 300 enemy combatants after a goat herder revealed his team's location. We get a first hand account of the operational tempo it takes to hunt down each player of the infamous "Deck of Cards," and what happens when a handful of Delta Operators are outnumbered in the Horn of Africa with only the Navy Destroyer U.S.S. Chafee for cover. VanSant tells stories of loss and grappling with the survivor's guilt that would ultimately change the course of his life. Chris serves on the board of the All Secure Foundation and is on a multi-year effort to complete the seven summits to raise awareness for veteran mental health and support All Secure. Shawn Ryan Show Sponsors: https://mudwtr.com/shawn - USE CODE "SHAWN" https://meetfabric.com/shawn https://ziprecruiter.com/srs https://mypatriotsupply.com Chris VanSant Links: All Secure Foundation | Instagram | LinkedIn Please leave us a review on Apple & Spotify Podcasts. Vigilance Elite/Shawn Ryan Links: Website | Patreon | TikTok | Instagram Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Chapters
The speaker describes his time in Saudi Arabia where they were co-located with two other units, including one he was previously a part of, before crossing the border into Iraq.
00:00 - 18:19 (18:19)
Summary
The speaker describes his time in Saudi Arabia where they were co-located with two other units, including one he was previously a part of, before crossing the border into Iraq. They were able to successfully defend themselves despite being outnumbered and outgunned.
Episode#51 Chris VanSant - Delta Force Operator / Killing Off the "Deck of Cards" & Capturing Saddam Hussein | Part 2
PodcastShawn Ryan Show
Mud Water is a coffee alternative made with four adaptogenic mushrooms and herbs that gives you energy without the anxiety, jitters, or crash of coffee.
18:19 - 36:56 (18:36)
Summary
Mud Water is a coffee alternative made with four adaptogenic mushrooms and herbs that gives you energy without the anxiety, jitters, or crash of coffee. The product is whole 30 approved, 100% USDA organic, non-GMO, gluten-free, vegan and kosher certified, and is partnered with the Berkeley Center for Science of Psychedelics, and donates monthly to help with mental health research.
Episode#51 Chris VanSant - Delta Force Operator / Killing Off the "Deck of Cards" & Capturing Saddam Hussein | Part 2
PodcastShawn Ryan Show
The speaker shares his experience of visiting Saddam Hussein's hometown, Tukrit, during the Iraq War and witnessing traumatic events such as concrete block-head crushing and hyped-up dogs.
36:56 - 53:20 (16:24)
Summary
The speaker shares his experience of visiting Saddam Hussein's hometown, Tukrit, during the Iraq War and witnessing traumatic events such as concrete block-head crushing and hyped-up dogs.
Episode#51 Chris VanSant - Delta Force Operator / Killing Off the "Deck of Cards" & Capturing Saddam Hussein | Part 2
PodcastShawn Ryan Show
In this podcast episode, a former soldier talks about how he carried a heavy burden of guilt of not being there for his team and how therapy helped him overcome it.
53:20 - 1:17:16 (23:56)
Summary
In this podcast episode, a former soldier talks about how he carried a heavy burden of guilt of not being there for his team and how therapy helped him overcome it. He also shares a few experiences from his time serving in Iraq.
Episode#51 Chris VanSant - Delta Force Operator / Killing Off the "Deck of Cards" & Capturing Saddam Hussein | Part 2
PodcastShawn Ryan Show
A team of special forces operators from different sections, called the "Rainbow Coalition," recounts a mission to clean the board on bad guys and high-value targets in a 90-day period.
1:17:16 - 1:40:45 (23:29)
Summary
A team of special forces operators from different sections, called the "Rainbow Coalition," recounts a mission to clean the board on bad guys and high-value targets in a 90-day period.
Episode#51 Chris VanSant - Delta Force Operator / Killing Off the "Deck of Cards" & Capturing Saddam Hussein | Part 2
PodcastShawn Ryan Show
During a battle in Somalia, a group of soldiers grapple with the challenge of getting wounded team members to safety while dealing with armed adversaries, and strategize on setting up a patrol base to wait out their enemies.
1:40:45 - 1:58:17 (17:31)
Summary
During a battle in Somalia, a group of soldiers grapple with the challenge of getting wounded team members to safety while dealing with armed adversaries, and strategize on setting up a patrol base to wait out their enemies.
Episode#51 Chris VanSant - Delta Force Operator / Killing Off the "Deck of Cards" & Capturing Saddam Hussein | Part 2
PodcastShawn Ryan Show
The stress of being part of a special operations unit not only affects individuals overseas but also their families back home.
1:58:17 - 2:16:15 (17:57)
Summary
The stress of being part of a special operations unit not only affects individuals overseas but also their families back home. The fear of letting up even for a second can be the end of one's career.
Episode#51 Chris VanSant - Delta Force Operator / Killing Off the "Deck of Cards" & Capturing Saddam Hussein | Part 2
PodcastShawn Ryan Show
The podcast speaker reflects on their past self-destructive tendencies and how they overdid medication after it was quadrupled by accident, leading to loss of control over their emotions and actions.
2:16:15 - 2:32:25 (16:10)
Summary
The podcast speaker reflects on their past self-destructive tendencies and how they overdid medication after it was quadrupled by accident, leading to loss of control over their emotions and actions.
Episode#51 Chris VanSant - Delta Force Operator / Killing Off the "Deck of Cards" & Capturing Saddam Hussein | Part 2
PodcastShawn Ryan Show
The speaker shares his experience of how being in the outdoors has positively impacted his mental health and relationships with loved ones.
2:32:25 - 2:46:19 (13:54)
Summary
The speaker shares his experience of how being in the outdoors has positively impacted his mental health and relationships with loved ones. He encourages others to find their own "zen space" and connect with nature in their own way.
Episode#51 Chris VanSant - Delta Force Operator / Killing Off the "Deck of Cards" & Capturing Saddam Hussein | Part 2
PodcastShawn Ryan Show
The host speaks with a veteran who shares his experience of having his identity stripped away after leaving the military and how he was able to reinvent himself and find success in a completely different field.
2:46:19 - 3:00:54 (14:34)
Summary
The host speaks with a veteran who shares his experience of having his identity stripped away after leaving the military and how he was able to reinvent himself and find success in a completely different field.
Episode#51 Chris VanSant - Delta Force Operator / Killing Off the "Deck of Cards" & Capturing Saddam Hussein | Part 2
PodcastShawn Ryan Show
This episode talks about Warrior's Heart, a professional treatment facility for veterans dealing with substance abuse, TBI, PTSD and drug addiction issues, and the importance of seeking help during the diagnosis phase.
3:00:54 - 3:08:21 (07:27)
Summary
This episode talks about Warrior's Heart, a professional treatment facility for veterans dealing with substance abuse, TBI, PTSD and drug addiction issues, and the importance of seeking help during the diagnosis phase. Contact information is available in the linked description.