Chad shares his personal testimony through a harrowing account of a Taliban ambush in Afghanistan, a dire situation where he found himself trapped on "The X" – a perilous ambush site or kill zone. Amidst the chaos, Chad and his partner miraculously escaped to safety. Yet, upon returning home, Chad realized he was still on "The X," but in a profoundly different kind of kill zone – one marked by a diagnosis of PTSD, anxiety, and depression. This ordeal also threatened to tear apart his family, pushing him to the brink of divorce and a battle with suicidal thoughts.

 

Despite Chad's triumphant career as a Professional MMA Champion, he remained ensnared on the metaphorical X for an extended period, endangering everything he held dear. However, the pivotal moments of his life arrived in the form of a loving wife's challenge, the profound guidance of a biblical mentor, and the universal opportunity for a second chance that God bestows upon us all. These elements combined to present Chad with a choice: to "Get Off The X" and embark on a journey of restoration, hope, and purpose, aligning himself with the life God intended for him. In doing so, he discovered a mission – to pay forward his newfound wisdom and experiences to his fellow Warriors.

There are many stories that inspire the warrior within people daily. For Chad, that story comes from the Bible and it challenges him to live a more Godly life as he walks down the narrow path the Lord has set before him. That very lifestyle, coupled with the warrior within him, is what guides Chad in his heavenly endeavors. Chad shares the call that he received following the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan, stating that:

 

We heard the voice of the Lord calling upon us, we heard the very calling that Isaiah did when the Lord called, “Whom shall I send? Who will go for Us?” And like Isaiah, we replied, “Here am I. Send me!” (Isaiah 6:8). This calling is what led us to form Task Force 6:8, which is a coalition of organizations with the heart to help the helpless. A task force of the willing, the passionate, and one that had the means to pull it off… and they did. What started out as a small rescue effort turned into the largest civilian evacuation in the history of Kabul, with over 15,000 people rescued.

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Though Chad has accumulated many accolades and has served our great Nation honorably, his warrior spirit still lives deep within him as he continues to serve the almighty God. Chad shares that deep down within every single person lives a warrior spirit, just awaiting the call from the Lord. If your inner warrior calls, will you hear it?

Though trauma is not exclusively a combat issue or new to mankind, the War on Terror has put a spotlight on PTSD. Our responses to the abnormal events of trauma were designed to help us survive and protect ourselves…. that’s not a disorder, but a blessing.

 

The question is, with the mountain of valid research compiled on Post Traumatic Stress, how do we move forward? The answer is found in understanding how we were created. There is hope and freedom on the other side of trauma, but not until you understand some essential truths that will make that freedom possible.

Chad frequently revisits churches to delve into the second chapter of his remarkable testimony, imparting invaluable lessons on discovering purpose beyond our personal setbacks. His life serves as a living testament to this profound reality. Having once faced failure and descended to the depths of despair, Chad experienced a profound transformation through his relationship with Jesus Christ. With divine intervention, he rose from the ashes to establish and lead the Mighty Oaks Foundation, a global force for good that has touched the lives of thousands worldwide.

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During these engaging talks, Chad draws from his own extraordinary journey and delves into the timeless teachings of the Bible. He weaves a narrative of personal struggle, failure, and ultimate redemption, drawing inspiration from the life of Peter as documented in the books of Matthew and Acts. This spiritual journey, encapsulated in the message of 1 Timothy 1:9, serves as a powerful testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the boundless potential for transformation through faith.

Deep within the hostile terrain of the tribal borderlands between Afghanistan and Pakistan, Chad found himself in a dire predicament – alone and ensnared within a valley teeming with Taliban insurgents. In the face of seemingly insurmountable odds, he managed to not only extricate himself but also inadvertently guide others to safety. The parallel between this ordeal and the biblical notion of finding hope in the "valley of the shadow of death" is striking. Loneliness can make such a journey appear utterly impossible, especially when one is burdened with the responsibility of leading others to safety.

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However, the Bible never refers to this challenging passage as the "valley of death" but rather as a shadow, one that we have the capacity to step out of and into the illuminating light through a transformative encounter with the ultimate Healer of despair. Chad's narrative serves as a profound reminder for us all.

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He draws powerful parallels between his own valley experience and the remarkable story from the Book of Luke, where four friends demonstrated an unwavering commitment to bring their paralyzed comrade into the presence of Jesus, seeking hope and restoration. This tale underscores a fundamental truth: the most critical wound to heal in life is the healing of the soul. As encapsulated in Psalm 23:4, Chad's message resonates deeply, shedding light on the potential for hope and restoration even in the darkest valleys of our lives.

In a riveting yet humor-laden talk, Chad shares a time when he and his two team members embarked on a daring mission deep within enemy territory. However, their bravado crumbled in the face of an unexpected adversary – an elderly, irate tribal woman armed only with river rocks and an unmistakable fire in her eyes. This captivating incident underscores the complex relationship between courage and fear, revealing that the willingness to confront fear is often measured by the price we're willing to pay for something we hold dear.

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This paradox of courage and fear finds its ultimate expression in one of history's most courageous narratives: the crucifixion of Jesus at Calvary. Here, Chad masterfully retells this awe-inspiring story, aligning the Gospels with the prophetic words of Psalm 22. Through this retelling, he captures the profound marvel, undeniable truth, and the unparalleled heroism and courage that unfolded as Jesus made the ultimate sacrifice to save humanity.

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As highlighted in John 15:13, Chad's narrative serves as a poignant reminder of the lengths to which true courage can take us and the transformative power of sacrificial love.