Ep. 514 Daniel Carlton - Near Death Experience, Combat, & Stolen Valor

In this powerful episode of the Three of Seven Podcast, Daniel Carlton, a decorated U.S. Army Special Forces veteran and Green Beret, shares his transformative journey marked by extreme combat experiences, a life-altering near-death experience, and a deep commitment to truth and service. After 15 years of service across Iraq, Afghanistan, and Central/South America, Daniel was severely wounded in 2012 when an IED detonated beneath him, resulting in the amputation of his left leg above the knee. He recounts the harrowing aftermath with vivid detail, describing a profound near-death experience where he encountered a blinding white light, the face of his fallen comrade Jose Jaquez, and a terrifying entity of pure darkness—events he insists were not hallucinations but spiritual revelations of the eternal battle between good and evil. This experience redefined his purpose, fueling a mission to speak truthfully about military service and combat, especially in confronting the issue of 'stolen valor' in Tim Kennedy’s account of the Anaconda mission. Daniel reflects on the mental toughness forged through Ranger School and Special Forces selection, emphasizing leadership, community, and staying calm under pressure. He also shares his post-military life, including his passion for adaptive rodeo, the Rite of Passage endurance challenge, and his dedication to being present for his family after years of deployment. A deeply moving segment highlights the often-overlooked sacrifices of military spouses, as Daniel shares his personal regret for not recognizing the immense emotional and logistical burden his wife carried—while also battling a drug addiction—during his deployments. Both Daniel and the host express heartfelt gratitude for the quiet heroism of military spouses, calling for greater public recognition of their resilience and contributions.