Today, SAS legend and longtime friend of SOFREP “Big Phil” Campion sits down and talks with SOFREP Radio host Aaron “Rad” Radl about life, the military, and selling grilled cheese sandwiches at age 13 to make some cash.

Rad’s interview offers a compelling glimpse into his life, shaped profoundly by his father’s military service and personal experiences. Born in Stockton, California, Rad moved to Utah following his father’s career in the Navy and subsequent transition to the Green Berets, influenced by intense wartime encounters and harrowing missions during the Vietnam War. This legacy of resilience and valor profoundly impacted Rad, who faced bullying in school and struggled academically, leading him to special education programs. At 13, he demonstrated entrepreneurial spirit by starting a skateboard shop and learning business principles from his father, who held a degree in business and human resource management. Despite the shop’s growth, it was eventually robbed, prompting Rad to refocus on education and later join the Air Force, although an injury cut his military career short.

Rad’s setback from the Air Force led him to explore acting, spurred by a chance encounter with a director. He landed roles in films like “Cowboys and Angels” and took acting classes to refine his craft, finding fulfillment in an unexpected parallel to his father’s unfulfilled dream of acting. His passion for Airsoft, rooted in childhood adventures with BB guns, grew into organizing large-scale events, emphasizing its benefits for training and therapy, especially for veterans. Rad also worked in security for high-profile events, utilizing his skills to ensure safety and manage crowd control.

Currently active in podcasting, Rad interviews people on SOFREP Radio, sharing stories from the front lines and military experiences. He balances his professional life with family time, recently celebrating his children’s birthdays in Moab, Utah. Looking forward, Rad plans to continue his involvement in Airsoft, podcasting, and acting and is open to collaborating more with Force Radio, including potential boxing training sessions with his interview host. Rad Radl’s journey reflects a blend of personal and professional growth, deeply influenced by his family’s legacy and his own diverse experiences.

Enjoy the interplay between these two characters below. It really is quite entertaining.

Disclaimer: SOFREP utilizes AI for image generation and article research. Occasionally, it’s like handing a chimpanzee the keys to your liquor cabinet. It’s not always perfect and if a mistake is made, we own up to it full stop. In a world where information comes at us in tidal waves, it is an important tool that helps us sift through the brass for live rounds.