Episode 206: Kent Solheim "Green Beret/ Operation Volcano 2"
In this conversation, Colonel Kent Solheim shares his remarkable journey from a challenging childhood to becoming a leader in the Special Forces. He discusses his motivations for joining the military, the pivotal moments in his career, and the lessons learned from both successes and failures. Colonel Solheim reflects on the impact of combat experiences on his perspective of life and the value of human existence, culminating in a life-changing injury during Operation Volcano 2. In this conversation, Kent shares his harrowing experience of being shot in combat, the emotional and physical challenges he faced during recovery, and the profound impact on his family. He reflects on the importance of resilience, the decision to amputate his leg, and his journey back to active duty as a Green Beret. Kent discusses the mental toll of his injuries, the fears he faced about his future, and how he has channeled his experiences into helping others through his foundation, Gold Star Teen Adventures.
00:00 Introduction to Colonel Kent Solheim's Journey
02:01 Early Life and Decision to Join the Military
05:14 Enlistment and Initial Military Experience
10:25 Transition from Enlisted to Officer
14:43 The Drive for Special Forces
19:40 Selection Process and Personal Challenges
29:57 First Deployment to Afghanistan
37:17 Leading in Combat: The First Night
43:20 The Importance of Training and Teamwork
45:07 Reflections on Combat Experiences
46:49 Changing Perspectives on War
49:43 The Impact of Deployments on Personal Growth
51:54 Lessons from Civilian Life in War Zones
54:16 Contrasting Reactions to War: Civilians vs. Soldiers
01:02:34 Operation Volcano 2: A Life-Changing Incident
01:08:35 The Mental Toll of Injury and Recovery
01:17:41 Fears and New Realities Post-Injury
01:20:53 Overcoming Doubts and Embracing New Challenges
01:24:06 The Decision to Embrace a Prosthetic Leg
01:26:45 Proving Himself: Competing as an Amputee
01:29:52 Leadership and Responsibility After Injury
01:31:41 Returning to Combat: A New Perspective
01:35:07 Defining Identity Beyond Injury
01:40:50 Family Dynamics and Support During Deployment
01:44:33 The Role of a Spouse in Military Life
01:46:49 Training the Next Generation of Medics
01:49:36 Transitioning to Civilian Life
01:51:21 Future Endeavors: Gold Star Teen Adventures
INTRO and OUTRO music written,performed, and provided by the band Rattle Root. Check them out below.
Kent Solheim
A dude. :)
Colonel Kent G. Solheim was born on 30 November 1972 in Oregon City, Oregon. He enlisted in the United
States Army on 28 December 1994, as a Cavalry Scout, and was later commissioned an Armor Second
Lieutenant upon graduation from Officer Candidate School in 1999. His first assignment was to 1-72 Armor,
2nd Infantry Division in Korea. There he served as a Tank Platoon Leader and then a Scout Platoon Leader.
Following this assignment, Colonel Solheim attended the University of Louisville, and graduated with a
Master of Education degree in Human Resource Education. Upon completion of the Special Forces
Qualification Course, Colonel Solheim served as a Detachment Commander on ODA 3232, deploying to
Afghanistan two times in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM (2004-2005). Upon returning from his
second deployment, Colonel Solheim was assigned as the Detachment Commander in the 3rd Special Forces
Group’s Crisis Response Force and later the Company Executive Officer for Bravo Company, 2nd Battalion,
deploying to Iraq two times in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM (2006-2007). Colonel Solheim was very
seriously wounded in Iraq 27 July 2007, losing his right leg to multiple gunshot wounds sustained in a firefight
in Karbala, Iraq. He underwent rehabilitation until July 2008. Upon returning to full duty, Colonel Solheim was
assigned as the Company Commander for Charlie Company, 4th Battalion, 1st Special Warfare Training
Group, and then as the Battalion Executive Officer in the same Battalion. In September 2010, upon
completion of …
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