#109 Tom Spooner - Delta Force Operator Podcast Summary with Shawn Ryan, Tom Spooner (2025)

Table of Contents
1-Page Summary Spooner's Challenging Upbringing Spooner's Extensive Military Career Addiction, Mental Health Struggles Transitioning to Civilian Life and Warrior's Heart Additional Materials Spooner's background and early life Grew up in a rough town in Florida, with alcoholic father and turbulent family life Was always drawn to the military, inspired by Vietnam veteran uncle and grandfather Additional Materials Spooner's military career and combat experiences Enlisted in the Army and joined the 82nd Airborne Division, completing Ranger training Transitioned to the Special Forces, serving in multiple deployments to Afghanistan and Iraq Witnessed and responded to multiple mass casualty events, struggling to cope with the emotional toll Additional Materials Spooner's struggles with addiction, mental health, and PTSD Developed an alcohol addiction as a coping mechanism for the trauma of war Suffered from undiagnosed traumatic brain injury (TBI) and PTSD, leading to erratic behavior and suicidal thoughts Additional Materials Spooner's transition to civilian life and the founding of Warrior's Heart Decided to leave the military, facing resistance from his "warrior" identity and unit Co-founded Warrior's Heart, a residential treatment program focused on healing the "warrior's way" Additional Materials

#109 Tom Spooner - Delta Force Operator

1-Page Summary

Spooner's Challenging Upbringing

Tom Spooner details his difficult childhood in Belle Glade, Florida, where he grew up dealing with a turbulent family life. Shawn Ryan describes Spooner's alcoholic father who instilled a strong work ethic through demanding chores. From a young age, Spooner learned to survive through physical violence and developed resilience in this rough environment reminiscent of "Lord of the Flies." Despite adversity, he found solace in football and earning money through lawn mowing. The military always enticed Spooner, inspired by his Vietnam veteran uncle and both grandfathers' military service.

Spooner's Extensive Military Career

Spooner enlisted in the Army, intending to join the Rangers. After completing Ranger training, he transitioned to the Special Forces. Ryan notes Spooner's deployments included 1 in Afghanistan and 11 in Iraq over 40 months of combat. Spooner vividly recounts his first killing experience, mass casualty events, and the emotional toll of witnessing injured countrymen. Despite trauma, he remained dedicated, never missing a deployment due to the ingrained brotherhood.

Addiction, Mental Health Struggles

While maintaining sobriety during service, Spooner was a high-functioning alcoholic from 16, using alcohol to cope with emotions like shame and anxiety. His drinking worsened until he decided to pursue sobriety. Ryan highlights Spooner's battles with undiagnosed traumatic brain injury (TBI) and PTSD, leading to erratic behavior and suicidal thoughts before getting treatment.

Transitioning to Civilian Life and Warrior's Heart

Leaving the military proved immensely difficult for Spooner, conflicted by his "warrior" identity. However, recognizing his family's struggles and inability to lead from the front due to injuries motivated his departure. Spooner realized the need for specialized veteran/responder treatment during his recovery. He co-founded Warrior's Heart, providing holistic healing for addiction, PTSD, TBI, and moral injury in a military setting - with activities like counseling, workshops, yoga and nature outings. The program aims to bridge the military-civilian divide while empowering its "warriors healing warriors."

1-Page Summary

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • Shawn Ryan is an American screenwriter and television producer known for creating and producing various TV series like The Shield and S.W.A.T. He has a successful career in television, starting with winning the Norman Lear Playwriting award. Ryan has worked on multiple shows and projects in the television industry.
  • "Lord of the Flies" is a novel by William Golding about a group of boys stranded on an uninhabited island, exploring themes of morality, leadership, and the struggle between order and chaos. The story delves into how the boys' behavior evolves in the absence of adult supervision, reflecting on human nature and societal structures. The title is a reference to a biblical demon, symbolizing the darker aspects of human nature. Golding's experiences in World War II and the Cold War era influenced his exploration of humanity's capacity for both good and evil.
  • Special Forces are elite military units trained for special operations like reconnaissance, counter-terrorism, and unconventional warfare. They are highly skilled and equipped to operate in hostile environments using unconventional tactics. Special Forces often work behind enemy lines and are trained for a variety of missions, including hostage rescue and sabotage. These units play a crucial role in modern military operations.
  • A mass casualty event is a situation where the number and severity of casualties overwhelm available medical resources. These incidents often occur during large-scale emergencies like natural disasters, terrorist attacks, or accidents. The term is used when emergency services are faced with more casualties than they can readily manage. It signifies a critical need for additional resources and coordination to address the high volume of injuries.
  • A traumatic brain injury (TBI) is damage to the brain caused by an external force, leading to a range of physical, cognitive, and emotional symptoms. TBIs can vary in severity from mild (concussion) to severe, with causes including falls, accidents, and violence. Diagnosis often involves imaging techniques like CT scans and MRIs to assess the extent of brain damage. TBIs can result in long-term consequences, from complete recovery to permanent disability or death.
  • A moral injury occurs when an individual's moral beliefs are violated, leading to deep feelings of guilt, shame, and betrayal. It is often experienced by military personnel who face situations conflicting with their values. This type of injury can result in significant emotional and psychological distress, impacting one's sense of trust and moral integrity.

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#109 Tom Spooner - Delta Force Operator

Spooner's background and early life

Tom Spooner's journey to resilience began in the small town of Belle Glade, Florida, shaped by a turbulent family life and an early attraction to the military.

Grew up in a rough town in Florida, with alcoholic father and turbulent family life

From 1970 to 1987, Spooner's early life in Belle Glade—a town centered around farming—was marked by instability and hardship. His father, who worked at a sugar cane mill and grappled with alcoholism, taught Spooner and his siblings the value of hard work through demanding chores around the house and yard. Despite his father's issues with alcohol and lack of emotional support, Spooner learned to tackle challenges from a young age.

Spooner described his childhood environment as comparable to "Lord of the Flies," highlighting the "survival stuff" that went on amongst the local kids. This harsh backdrop forged his resilience, with bullying being a routine part of life, propelling him to learn self-defense and survival through violence.

Developed resilience and learned to survive through physical fights and hard work from a young age

Spooner started earning his own money at the tender age of 10 by mowing lawns in South Florida's grass that seemed to grow ceaselessly. Football became a sanctuary for him, providing a structured contrast to his chaotic home life. He was determined to excel despite being naturally lean and skinny, and his drive in sports further cemented his robust work ethic.

Was always drawn to the military, inspired by Vietnam veteran uncle and grandfather

Military life had always beckoned Spooner, partly due to the influence of his family members—his uncle, a three-tour Vietnam veteran, and ...

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See Also
Interview with Tom Spooner, Invictus Alliance Group LLC & Labyrinth GuidesFormer Green Beret dedicates life to helping veterans fight addiction - Military Health - Military Families

Spooner's background and early life

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • In "Lord of the Flies," a novel by William Golding, a group of boys stranded on an uninhabited island struggle with power dynamics, survival, and the darker aspects of human nature. Comparing Spooner's childhood environment to "Lord of the Flies" suggests a chaotic and challenging upbringing where children had to navigate difficult situations and conflicts without adult supervision, mirroring the themes of the novel. This reference highlights the intense and sometimes brutal nature of the interactions among the local kids in Belle Glade, emphasizing the harsh realities Spooner faced growing up.
  • Spooner's dedication to football instilled in him a strong work ethic and discipline, traits valued in the military. The structured nature of football provided him with a sense of purpose and direction, mirroring the regimented environment of military life. Through football, Spooner learned the importance of teamwork, perseverance, and pushing oneself beyond perceived limitations, qualities that are also essential in military service. His experiences in football helped shape his desire to join the military, as he saw parallels between the values instilled in him through the sport and those upheld in the armed forces.
  • Spooner's family members, including his uncle, a Vietnam veteran, and his grandfathers who were veterans too, shared stories ...

Counterarguments

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#109 Tom Spooner - Delta Force Operator

Spooner's military career and combat experiences

Tom Spooner's extensive military career is marked by notable service in the U.S. Army's elite units and harrowing combat experiences that spanned decades and multiple conflicts.

Enlisted in the Army and joined the 82nd Airborne Division, completing Ranger training

Shawn Ryan introduces Tom Spooner as a retired Master Sergeant with 21 years in the U.S. Army, with a notable early career in the 82nd Airborne Division. Before enlisting, Spooner experienced minor legal issues, being on probation for acts like shooting signs within city limits. He enlisted on a two-year contract and went to Airborne School as a cadet in 1989. After enlisting in the Army, he intended to join the 11 Bravo infantry and go to the Ranger Indoctrination Program (RIP) but became an 11 hotel instead due to the X-Ray program. Spooner made repeated efforts to attend Ranger School and, upon completion, returned to the 82nd Airborne with his Ranger tab.

During the Gulf War, Spooner was in Saudi Arabia, waiting to move forward with his unit. The environment of the 82nd Airborne Division included veterans from Vietnam and Panama. Spooner was eager to attend Ranger School, and after managing to become a specialist despite hearing problems, he successfully completed the school, despite recycling mountains, and came back to the 82nd Airborne as a Ranger-qualified specialist.

Transitioned to the Special Forces, serving in multiple deployments to Afghanistan and Iraq

Spooner transitioned from the 82nd Airborne to the Special Forces. In December 1995, he went to Special Forces Selection and passed, later joining the 7th Special Forces Group. His new brotherhood in Special Forces operated in regions like Central and South America during a time preceding the events of 9/11.

After training with his new team, Spooner anticipated going to war, reflecting on his 11 years of military experience leading up to that moment. During an operation before deployment, while boarding a plane, he sustained an injury but remained focused on his combat responsibilities. Spooner described feeling at home during combat, noting the clarity of rules and decision-making in war.

He joined Delta and had 12 combat deployments, 1 to Afghanistan and 11 to Iraq, totaling 40 months in combat at a team level. He served in the first class to graduate from Operator Training Course at Delta post-9/11 and had combat operations such as intercepting individuals planning attacks on Americans as part of a task force in Afghanistan. His involvement in a gunfight where he shot an individual reaching for a PKM machine gun marked the first time he had killed another person. He describes feeling neither rage nor joy but a sense of professional fulfillment.

Witnessed and responded to multiple mass casualty events, struggling to cope with the emotional toll

Spooner recounts several mass casualty events that left a striking emotional impact on him. On ...

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Spooner's military career and combat experiences

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • The Ranger Indoctrination Program (RIP) is a rigorous training course designed to prepare soldiers for service in the U.S. Army's elite Ranger units. It focuses on physical fitness, small unit tactics, and leadership skills, aiming to select and train soldiers to meet the high standards of the Ranger Regiment. Successful completion of RIP is a prerequisite for attending the U.S. Army Ranger School, a more extensive leadership course that further hones soldiers' skills for operating in challenging environments. RIP serves as an initial step in the process of becoming a fully qualified Army Ranger.
  • Delta Force, officially known as 1st Special Forces Operational Detachment-Delta (1st SFOD-D), is a secretive and elite special operations unit within the United States Army. It is primarily focused on counterterrorism and other high-risk missions. Delta Force operators are highly trained in various skills, including direct action, hostage rescue, and special reconnaissance. The unit is shrouded in secrecy, and its missions are classified, often working alongside other special operations forces like the Navy SEALs and the Army's Special Forces.
  • The Operator Training Course at Delta is an intensive training program designed to prepare candidates for the demanding operational requirements of Delta Force, officially known as the 1st Special Forces Operational Detachment-Delta (1st SFOD-D). This course focuses on enhancing the skills and capabilities of special operations soldiers, covering a wi ...

Counterarguments

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#109 Tom Spooner - Delta Force Operator

Spooner's struggles with addiction, mental health, and PTSD

Shawn Ryan highlights the challenges faced by Tom Spooner with chemical dependency, traumatic brain injury (TBI), and untreated trauma known as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Developed an alcohol addiction as a coping mechanism for the trauma of war

Tom Spooner discusses his sobriety and how he dealt with the pressures of the Special Operations community. Despite maintaining sobriety while serving, Spooner admits to being a high-functioning alcoholic from a young age, using alcohol as his main emotional coping tool during his military career. He began drinking at the age of 16, finding that it helped him feel normal and kept negative emotions like shame, guilt, anxiety, and panic attacks at bay. Over time, this consistent use of alcohol did not necessarily lead to extreme drunkenness but was persistent enough to be a problem, eventually leading to a deterioration of personal relationships, especially his marriage.

Spooner's drinking escalated to the point where he would drink as often as possible, experiencing only bad times associated with it toward the end. His alcohol use was a perpetual solution to his problems, and yet it also caused problems, such as when he got drunk on the night his wife threatened to leave if he drank again. This highlights his struggle to control his alcohol use despite his intent to quit. Ultimately, he decided to commit to a sobriety process after resisting alcohol for 62 days.

Suffered from undiagnosed traumatic brain injury (TBI) and PTSD, leading to erratic behavior and suicidal thoughts

In addition to his struggles with alcoholism, Spooner dealt with the ramifications of a TBI and PTSD. His panic attacks and unexpected absence from military formation signaled a deviation from his usual behavior. These issues led to significant emotional instability, including an episode where h ...

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Spooner's struggles with addiction, mental health, and PTSD

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • A traumatic brain injury (TBI) is damage to the brain caused by an external force. TBIs can range from mild (concussion) to severe, leading to various physical, cognitive, and emotional symptoms. Causes include falls, accidents, and violence, resulting in a spectrum of outcomes from full recovery to permanent disability or death. Imaging techniques like CT scans and MRIs are used to diagnose and assess the severity of TBIs.
  • Vestibular dysfunction relates to issues with the inner ear's balance system, affecting spatial orientation and coordination of movement. It involves disruptions in the vestibular system's ability to provide accurate feedback on balance and motion, leading to symptoms like dizziness, vertigo, and difficulties with coordination. This dysfun ...

Counterarguments

...

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#109 Tom Spooner - Delta Force Operator

Spooner's transition to civilian life and the founding of Warrior's Heart

Tom Spooner's journey from military life to co-founding Warrior's Heart highlights the challenges faced by veterans and first responders in their transition back to civilian life.

Decided to leave the military, facing resistance from his "warrior" identity and unit

Spooner describes his transition out of the military as one of the hardest experiences of his life, harder than the events he went through during his military career. Despite initially planning for a 30-year career in the Army, he decided to leave, influenced not by a caring about rank but by an understanding that leading from the front was no longer possible due to his physical condition and desire to stay sober, avoiding narcotics for pain management. His family, showing signs of exhaustion and struggling from the tempo of military life, also played a significant role in his decision. The visible tiredness of his family at his retirement ceremony and his own shift to a negative outlook made him recognize that it was time to move on. Following his "med boarding" out of the military, he faced the challenge of his team deploying without him for the first time, realizing that while difficult, his departure was the right choice.

Recognized the need for comprehensive, specialized treatment for veterans and first responders

Spooner's own recovery and sobriety journey among warriors at Fort Bragg, and the impactful fellowship he found there, influenced his view on treatment, especially because this environment starkly differed from a civilian setting. Through his vocal journey of handling therapy for various injuries and conditions, Spooner implicitly recognized the need for specialized treatment that understands the struggles unique to veterans and first responders.

Co-founded Warrior's Heart, a residential treatment program focused on healing the "warrior's way"

Spooner, through his work at Warrior's Heart, ensures the organization reflects a military mindset, intertwining spirituality and sobriety with military decision-making processes. They offer a holistic approach to healing by treating chemical dependency, PTSD, TBI, and moral injury concurrently in an environment familiar to service members. Spooner emphasizes the phrase "warriors healing warriors," showcasing the specialized, communal environment at the facility. Notably, the organization has helped over 3,000 warriors thus far, with a 90% completion rate for their 42-day course. Spooner indicates that the success rate for staying sober after departing the facility is at 60%.

Provides a holistic approach to treating chemical addiction, PTSD, TBI, and moral injury

Therapeutic activities at Warrior's He ...

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Spooner's transition to civilian life and the founding of Warrior's Heart

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • "Med boarding" is a term used in the military to describe the process of being medically discharged from service due to physical or mental health reasons that prevent a service member from continuing their duties. It involves a thorough medical evaluation to determine the extent of the individual's condition and whether they are fit to remain in the military. This process is typically initiated when a service member's medical condition is deemed incompatible with the requirements of their military role, leading to their separation from active duty.
  • A moral injury occurs when an individual's moral beliefs are violated, leading to feelings of guilt, shame, and betrayal. It is often experienced by military personnel who face situations that conflict with their deeply held values. This type of injury focuses on the psychological and emotional impact of moral transgressions in high-stress environments.
  • The 90% completion rate for their 42-day course at Warrior's Heart indicates that 90% of the participants who enroll in the program successfully finish the entire 42-day treatment regimen. This statistic reflects the high level of commitment and engagement of the individuals seeking help at Warrior's Heart. It suggests that the program is structured in a way that supports a significant majority of participants in completing the full course of treatment. The completion rate is a measure of t ...

Counterarguments

  • While Warrior's Heart has a 90% completion rate for their 42-day course, the 60% success rate for staying sober post-treatment might suggest that there is room for improvement in post-program support and long-term care strategies.
  • The specialized "warrior's way" approach, while beneficial for many, may not resonate with all veterans and first responders, as individuals may have diverse needs and may respond better to different treatment modalities.
  • The focus on a military mindset within the treatment program could potentially limit the appeal to those veterans or first responders who are seeking to fully transition away from the military culture and integrate into civilian life.
  • The therapeutic activities offered, such as metal and wood shops, might not be universally accessible or appealing to all participants, which could affect the program's inclusivity and the individual's engagement with the treatment.
  • The concept of "warriors healing warriors" emphasizes camaraderie but might inadvertently create an echo chamber that doesn't fully prepare individuals for the diversity of perspectives and experiences in the civilian world.
  • The success of the program is measured ...

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John Lovell - How a 75th Ranger Built One of the Biggest Tactical Training Networks | SRS #80 Part 3Shawn Ryan, John Lovell , Jason RedmanJoin Shawn Ryan, veteran Navy SEAL and host of the "Shawn Ryan Show," as he engages in a profound dialogue with John Lovell and Jason Redman, two distinguished military veterans. This episode offers a raw and illuminating look into the transformation from elite service members to influential civilians. Lovell discusses his tenure with the 75th Ranger Battalion and sheds light on the nuanced leadership techniques that he developed to inspire and elevate his team. Meanwhile, the poignant topic of loss in the line of duty and the solace found in faith paints a gripping picture of the emotional fortitude required of those who serve.Beyond the battlefield, this installment delves into the veterans' return to civilian life and the ensuing quest for purpose. John Lovell takes us through his venture of transitioning military discipline and expertise into the entrepreneurship of tactical training, sparking the conception of the Warrior Poet Society—an endeavor that blends the art of combat with a poet's heart. The conversation also explores personal evolution, including how faith and marriage can flourish post-service. Touching on the challenges faced by today's youth and the vital role of education, Ryan and his guests underscore the responsibility of imparting wisdom to the next generation, inviting the community to join the journey of collective growth through the lens of their experiences.From Combat to Compassion: Jon Bernthal Learns How Veterans are Retrained for Humanitarian MissionsJon Bernthal, Jeremy LockeEmbark on an insightful journey with Jon Bernthal in "REAL ONES with Jon Bernthal" as he talks with Jeremy Locke about the complex transition that combat veterans undergo as they reintegrate into civilian life. Their conversation sheds light on the silent battles faced by veterans as they navigate the stark shift from a combat mentality to one rooted in empathy and collaboration. Locke opens up about the identity crisis many face post-service, where once-critical military skills seem to lose their purpose, and how veterans adapt by channeling their expertise into humanitarian work.Jon and Jeremy dive deep into the stigmatization of mental health within the military, where reaching out for help is often seen as a sign of weakness, discussing Locke's own struggles with alcoholism and the cathartic power of giving back through disaster relief efforts. The episode culminates as Bernthal unveils an initiative to build a stronger veteran community through Patreon, aiming to amplify their voices and offer support. This powerful narrative isn't just about the transformation of soldiers; it's a clarion call for understanding, support, and togetherness in healing the heroes among us.

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#109 Tom Spooner - Delta Force Operator Podcast Summary with Shawn Ryan, Tom Spooner (2025)
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