467: All It Takes Is All You Got. Risking it All For The People. With Chad Robichaux

Chad Robichaux provides an in-depth account of his and his team's experiences on the ground in Ukraine, sharing their efforts to provide humanitarian aid and medical support amidst the devastating impact of the Russian invasion.

Chad and his team provided humanitarian aid and medical support to Ukrainians amidst the Russian invasion.

Robichaux discusses the multifaceted mission his team undertook while in Ukraine. Initially focused on rescuing Americans after the political situation with Russia intensified, they found themselves thrust into the broader humanitarian crisis affecting the Ukrainian population. They rode around in a specially modified vehicle, rescuing individuals and providing support to Ukrainian troops. This included supplying free medical aid, creating one of the fastest free Wi-Fi connections available, and even serving espresso.

Chad and his team witnessed the devastating aftermath of Russian attacks, including destroyed buildings, mass graves, and civilian casualties.

Witnessing the impact of the war first-hand, Chad talks about the transformation of their mission, which became about much more than just rescuing Americans. From encountering a woman at a field hospital who had been captive and assaulted by Russian soldiers, to navigating the aftermath of relentless attacks that leveled entire cities, the team saw extraordinary strength in the local population, particularly women protecting their children. Through instances such as visiting a military hospital to help a critically injured individual named Ben Hall, Chad's team faced the often-grim realities of the warzone.

Chad shares poignant stories of civilian casualties and trauma, including the Ukrainian military's efforts to push back the Russian invasion from Kyiv. He described entire streets in Bucha reduced to rubble, cars burned out, and the horror of indiscriminate attacks aimed at terrorizing the populace.

Chad and his team worked to establish alternative communication networks for Ukrainian NGOs and humanitarian groups when the Russian military threatened to take out the phone and power grids.

The team also turned their efforts toward creating robust communication networks for NGOs and humanitarian groups. As the Russian military threatened to dismantle existing phone and power infrastructure, Chad's team installed secure satellite communications, encrypted radios, and solar power stations to ensure that these critical groups could continue their operations uninterrupted.

Chad's team encountered Russian special forces posing as humanitarian workers, which made their missions more dangerous and required extra security precautions.

Their mission was further complicated by the presence of Russi ...

Chad Robichaux has been involved in extensive humanitarian efforts, particularly following the intense situation of the Afghanistan withdrawal. Through a number of organizations, he orchestrates aid and rescue missions to support those in crisis regions like Ukraine.

Working with Non-Profit Organizations for Rescue and Aid

Chad Robichaux, a figure deeply engaged in humanitarian efforts, works alongside reputable non-profit organizations.

Organizations Assisting in War Zones

Chad is the founder of the Mighty Oaks Foundation, an organization designed to help veterans and first responders overcome combat trauma. Beyond his initiatives to support veterans, Chad co-founded Save Our Allies, a non-profit focusing on the evacuation of Americans, and our allies, from war zones and hostile environments. Additionally, Chad is involved with the Fourth Option, a non-profit that operates discreetly to rescue Americans and others from situations where the government either cannot or will not assist.

During a conversation with Jocko Willink, Robichaux highlights these organizations as channels through which he directs his support for the Ukrainian crisis. He references their activities in war zones, which include rescue operations as well as providing essential services like medical care and support for military and civilian populations.

Collaborative Efforts on the Ground

Chad and his affiliates coordinate with local forces to deliver aid and establish support networks effectively.

Assistance via Ukrainian Churches and Volunteer Groups

In Ukraine, Chad’s teams collaborate closely with the church, which has been essential in facilitating aid distribution. Chad mentions Vitally, a former secret service agent for President Zelensky and chaplain who started a non-profit for home reconstruction, as instrumental in gaining access to different regions in Ukraine. Samaritan’s Purse, another organization Chad praises for its trustworthiness and front-line assistance, has an established network with local Ukrainian pastors.

Through their connection with Samari ...

Chad Robichaux outlines his difficult decision-making process about bringing his son Hunter on trips to Ukraine, as discussed in his book. Despite initial fears and concerns, the decision ultimately leads to feelings of pride and affirmation as Hunter excels in his humanitarian role.

Chad initially struggled with the decision to bring his son Hunter to Ukraine, fearing for his safety.

Chad Robichaux experienced an intense internal conflict regarding the safety of his son Hunter when considering bringing him along to Ukraine. He was torn between his natural instinct to protect his son from danger and acknowledging Hunter’s sincere conviction to help and serve as a humanitarian.

Chad had to weigh his desire to protect his son with his belief that Hunter was being called to serve and help in Ukraine.

Chad acknowledged that he couldn't avoid bringing his son Hunter on the mission to Ukraine. He delved into introspection and faith as he deliberated over his decision, ultimately trusting in divine providence over his fear and the need for control.

Ultimately, Chad decided to trust in God's plan and let Hunter join the mission, believing he would be safer in God's will than under Chad's own control.

Chad mentioned that Hunter had been to Ukraine more times than himself, with 13 trips to Chad’s 10. He observed Hunter navigating the aftermath of a Russian strike with great respect, and the successful handling of the situation by his son validated Chad's decision. Despite seeing Hunter in harm's way, specifically during an indirect fire attack, Chad's trust in his son's abilities gr ...

Chad Robichaux, while working in Ukraine, continues to expand his impact through leadership at the Mighty Oaks Foundation and forays into fiction writing.

In addition to his work in Ukraine, Chad continues to lead Mighty Oaks, a non-profit that helps veterans, first responders, and their families overcome trauma.

Mighty Oaks, under Chad Robichaux's leadership, assists in dealing with combat trauma. The non-profit organization conducts recovery programs at their ranches, aimed not only at individuals requiring intensive intervention but also for any in need, reflecting a commitment to mind, body, spirit, and social well-being.

These programs are free and cover costs including travel for active duty service members, veterans, first responders, and their spouses. The foundation serves over 1,000 individuals per year, with 6,000 graduates from their programs. Apart from direct aid, Chad is active in advocating for policy and legislation for veterans' care and speaks to military personnel about resiliency at bases and suicide prevention conferences.

Before visiting Krakow, Chad was at Camp Pendleton, California for a U.S. Marine Corps graduation, signifying his ongoing involvement with the military community.

Mighty Oaks provides free recovery programs, trains chaplains for the Ukrainian military, and advocates for alternative treatments for PTSD.

Chad's work includes advocating for veterans through policy and testimony before Congress. Mighty Oaks also hosts programming for resiliency, designed to support the holistic well-being of participants. There is an emphasized need for support given the high demand for the program.

Chad has also written a new fiction book series called "Silent Horizons" that draws on his military and humanitarian experiences.

Chad has ventured into fiction with “Silent Horizons,” a book series that draws heavily on his military and humanitarian experiences. The protagonist, a former Force Recon Marine turned contractor named Foster Quinn, operates in a covert special operations unit, emphasizing Chad's commitment to accuracy by having current special forces members and an intel officer review for military details.

In developing characters for “Silent Horizons,” Chad Robichaux named them after people from his life, such as Seth Stone, and his co-author in crafting the series is Jack Stewart. The book series aims t ...