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 Tommy Vext and Shane Vitko sit down with Matt (@theoperationalathlete) Aaron and Thomas from Hard To Kill Fitness and this was such a solid crew we recorded two full episodes. Addressing what it means to be an alpha male and dealing with depression and suicide, and MUCH MORE! 

 In this episode we talk about what he learned in Special Forces that he still uses on the streets today, why policing was his LAST option but why it turned out to be the greatest blessing, the brotherhood of those who spend their time in service, whether in a foreign land or in our communities, his unique ideas about how to set goals and crush them.

In this podcast, Brendan talks shop with Matt Pech, a retired Green Beret and current law enforcement officer who is passionate about helping other vets through fitness. Together, they talk about his brand, Lift Fight Shoot, dealing with PTSD, and the importance of staying operational on a daily basis. 

Charlie One, the Operational Athlete is your go-to man when it comes to preparing for Selection in both Military and Police. With 15 years in the military and over 14 years of experience training tactical athletes, his knowledge is unrivaled.

A former Army special forces member with multiple deployments, OP Athlete has trained International special forces units all around the globe. In recent years OP Athlete has continued his service transitioning into Law Enforcement and is currently working in some of the roughest areas in California.

When he’s not on the streets chasing down bad guys, he’s crushing weights and doing all he can to maximize his physical performance.

Raw unadulterated conversations about anything, everything and sometimes nothing at all, with CrossFit Games Athlete Christian Lucero and Friends. 

Former Green Beret and current Law Enforcement Officer, Matt Pech Stops by to talk about mental health, his former job and his current employment. 

This is MikedUpPod, hosted by Mike Gabriel, an LA-based, born and raised Angeleno who lives and breathes the wide, wide world of sports. But sports isn’t where things start and stop on this podcast. He talks a wide range of topics, from business, health, lifestyle, but most importantly the topics of LIFE, GROWING, LEARNING, SELF AWARENESS AND LEADING. Today, Former Green Beret Talks Hot Topics. Police, Military, and Lifestyle. 

 This week’s Urban Valor episode features former U.S. Special Forces Green Beret, Matt Pech. He’s the Founder of Ruck for Vets and Lead Advisor for Hard to Kill Fitness. Matt talked us through fond memories of his military service. 

From rocking out in Afghanistan to thriving off the adrenaline rush from conducting missions, to remembering a good friend and warrior he served with. Matt also speaks on how he continues to serve by giving back to the veteran community and how he keeps a strong mental state of mind. In this interview, you truly get a glimpse INSIDE the Green Berets and what incredible and heroic stories Matt shares with us! Not only will you hear some history of the Green Berets, but what it takes to become a Green Beret. Enjoy listening and watching as this Green Beret tells stories that are absolutely incredible to hear, as well as this may inspire those wishing to become a green beret!  

Today I sit down with Mr. Matt Pech of The Operational Athlete. We talk about a variety of topics ranging from growing up in a DV Household (domestic violence), to joining the Army and developing a sense of selfless service and becoming the person he wants his kids to look up to, and into making things happen that you want to see out of life.

This conversation was great, Matt is an awesome human - and I was excited enough to forget to triple check pronunciation of his last name, ha! Peaches.

Matt Pech is a man on a mission to make a difference. By battling his own demons and by winning the fight with himself first, he has become a force multiplier in the war to save veterans and help people unlock their own potential. It was such an honor to sit down with him for a few minutes to dig into not only the tools he’s used in making the most of his struggle but also the different tools he’s created for brave men and women designed to help them win their own personal battles… These are the things true warriors do when they return home. The war never ends but the battlefield always changes.

Matt, AKA CHARLIE ONE served in the Army for 15 years, 12 of which were on a Special Forces Operational Detachment Alpha (ODA). He has experienced nine overseas deployments, four of which were combat rotations to Iraq and Afghanistan.  He has also founded a non-profit, Ruck for Vets. An organization aimed at raising awareness for Veterans’ issues and mental health.

"You are not alone in whatever it is your are going through. There are people out there that not only love you, but understand you and that are willing to help you."

Matt spent 15 years in the Army, mostly with an ODA (Operational Detachment Alpha). Outside of the uniform, he had difficulty with mental health issues and not asking for help. He has since overcome those challenges is now known as the Operational Athlete, leading others in the Lift, Fight, Shoot way of being ready. Listen in on his story and the many business ventures he's got going on from his business, non profit and a boxing gym.

Matt Pech served in the Army for 15 years, 12 of which were on a Special Forces Operational Detachment Alpha (ODA). His specialties were advanced demolitions, breaching, sniper, and technical intelligence specialist. He had 4 combat deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan and 9 rotations in total. Because of the strain these rotations put on Matt, he chose to leave the military early to be home for his family. In 2015 he became a police officer in Southern California. After leaving the Army Matt founded the non-profit, Ruck for Vets. An organization aimed at raising awareness for Veterans issues and mental health. Through his non-profit he brings the brotherhood he loves so much back to my community and giving back to those who gave more than enough. If all of this wasn’t enough, Matt provides fitness training through his company Operational Athlete, he also serves as the Lead Advisor for Hard to Kill Fitness, and is in the process of opening a boxing gym in Southern California, which will combing the boxing community with the military mindset of training.