Note: The interview in this episode first aired in October of 2021 in Season 1, but it features a new gear spotlight. 

Don Bentley is a former U.S. Army Apache helicopter pilot who flew QRF in support of Operation Red Wings in Afghanistan. Launching with only a frequency, call sign and last known location of the four-man SEAL reconnaissance element, Don and the QRF flew into harm’s way.  One helicopter and the 16 warriors aboard would not make it home. This is a powerful conversation with someone who has spent years dealing with the emotional aftermath of that mission and who has learned to channel those feelings into his writing.  

Following his time in the Army, Don worked for General Electric before once again stepping up to serve as an FBI Special Agent focused on foreign intelligence cases and as an FBI SWAT Team member. 

Today, Don is the New York Times bestselling author of the Matt Drake series.  His latest book in the series, Hostile Intent, released on May 3, 2022.

He is also continuing the legacy of Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan Jr. series.  Zero Hour is on shelves now.

You can learn more about Don at donbentleybooks.com and follow him on Twitter @bentleydonb.
 
Navy Federal Credit Union: Today’s episode is presented by Navy Federal Credit Union. Learn more about them at navyfederal.org
Black Rifle Coffee Company: Today’s episode is also brought to you by Black Rifle. Purchase at www.blackriflecoffee.com/dangerclose and use code: dangerclose20 at checkout for 20% off your purchase and your first coffee club order!
 
Featured Gear
SIG:  Today’s featured gear segment is brought to you by SIG Sauer. You can learn more about SIG here.
 
Half Face Blades 
 
Laws Whiskey House
 
Black Rifle Coffee Company