#189 Thomas "Drago" Dzieran - Navy SEAL / The Terrorist Terrorizer

Drago’s early life and subsequent resistance against the oppressive communist system in Poland is marked by personal hardship, family strife, and political activism, epitomizing the struggles of many who lived under such regimes.

Drago's Early Life Under Communist Rule in Poland

Raised Poor, Communist Father Abandoned Family

Raised in post-World War II Poland, Drago had a privileged life until his father, a high-ranking communist, abandoned the family. The departure was due to Drago's mother taking the children to church, which was frowned upon by the communist regime. Left poor and stigmatized by divorce, Drago's family, including his Catholic grandmother, struggled with poverty when his father, who remained a staunch communist until his death in 2021, abandoned them fearing for his career.

Brutality and Violence in Polish Society: Involving Fighting and Child Extortion

Childhood poverty forced Drago to fend for himself. In elementary school, he learned to extort food from children of Communist Party members and would conceal his own meager meals to avoid appearing poor. Violence was commonplace in society, with Drago describing Poland as brutal and ready for fighting; street fights were so frequent that bystanders would not intervene. Drago even had to defend himself against bullies with a piece of rebar. He and his friends would critique each other's fighting techniques, escalating their challenges to improve their martial arts skills. This background painted a grim picture of a society where aggression was a survival mechanism.

Drago's Imprisonment and Resistance Against the Communist System

Underground Solidarity Trade Union Participation, Distributing Banned Publications

As an adult, Drago joined the Solidarity movement, participating in the resistance against communist oppression. His activities during martial law in Poland included the distribution of underground bulletins detailing the arrests and detentions by the regime. Such resistance was considered a threat to the state, as it countered the state media's propaganda.

Sentenced To 3 Years in Political Prison

For his role in distributing these underground publications, Drago was se ...

Thomas "Drago" Dzieran's journey to America serves as a powerful testament to the experiences of political refugees integrating into a new culture and embodying the American dream.

Drago's Journey to America as a Political Refugee

Fled Poland In 1984 With No Money or English Skills

Drago, originally from Poland, envisioned the United States as a beacon of freedom. In 1984, at the age of 23, he made a life-changing decision to leave Poland and seek help from the U.S. embassy. He saw America as the land where he could live freely and hoped one day to be "good enough" to become an American citizen. Granted the status of a political refugee, Drago left his homeland with a 10 Phoenix German coin in his pocket, a bag of clothes, including a sweater his mother knitted for him, and $20, which he partly spent on a tape recorder, arriving in America with virtually nothing.

Assisted by U.S. to Start Anew

At a center for political refugees in Germany, the U.S. State Department provided guidance for what to expect in America. Drago didn't specify where he wanted to settle, only expressing the desire for somewhere warm. As a result, he moved to Memphis, Tennessee, to begin his journey. On arriving legally in the U.S., Drago was helped with finding housing and a job. He reminisces about early challenges, such as his inappropriate swimwear at a pool party and his initial attempts to learn English.

Drago's Struggles and Successes in American Society

Janitor and Mechanic, Learning English

Drago began his American working life as a janitor, humbly mopping floors while improving his English by carrying cartoons and a map with simple phrases. He credits a man named Jimbo with helping him significantly, describing him as a "half gangster" who became like a big brother. Despite never having previously owned a car, Drago learned to work on European cars and eventually became skilled enough that even Mercedes later expressed interest in hiring him. To improve his English further, he asked his colleague to read car repair manuals to him while recording them, aiding his learning of both car mechanics and the language simultaneously.

Freedoms and Opportunities in America vs. Communist Pol ...

Thomas "Drago" Dzieran, a former U.S. Navy SEAL, offers a detailed account of his experiences from SEAL training to combat and the subsequent impacts of service on his life.

Drago's Journey To Becoming a Seal

Drago had a driving desire to serve America, fueled by gratitude for the life he'd found in the country. At the age of 32, despite being told he was too old for the SEALs and facing language barriers, his determination saw him successfully switch from the army recruiting office to pursue a SEAL career. He had to overcome several setbacks, including a potentially disqualifying medical condition and a steep learning curve during the intense and often isolating training. Nevertheless, driven by a desire to serve in any capacity, he excelled, graduating as the top recruit from boot camp and later, at age 33, completing BUD/S training and joining SEAL Team Two. He bonded with fellow SEALs, like Jason Cabell, and faced and overcame challenges due to his age and language barriers. Dzieran's early experience with SEAL training included intense physical exams and a harsh welcome ritual involving hazing.

Joined the Navy to Serve and Defend America

Drago joined the Navy with a deep-seated notion of service. His initial ambition wasn't specific to the SEALs; Drago was willing to participate in any capacity where America needed him. He carried the idea that serving in war would be a way to give back to America.

Completed Seal Training Despite Age and Language Barriers

Facing skepticism due to his age as he was above the typical age limit for SEALS, Drago, with determination and superior physical fitness, managed to earn his place in BUD/S. A friend named Les Barrios helped Drago navigate a medical issue that threatened to delay his SEALS application. Drago's training in swimming was rigorous due to his unfamiliarity with the ocean and struggle with using a mask, but his discipline saw him excel. Expected isolation in training was contrary to reality, where he focused on recovery over leisure. Even with a serious leg infection, he persevered, reflecting a strong mental fortitude. After graduating BUD/S, Drago joined SEAL Team Two, acknowledging the rarity of succeeding in the program at his age.

Drago's Combat Experience in the Seal Teams

Drago served multiple deployments in Iraq, engaging in over a hundred direct action missions. Throughout his deployments, his role ranged from conducting nighttime assaults and operations alongside the Polish GROM to VBSS tasks and seizing high-value targets. His desire to aggressively confront enemy threats was evidenced by his attitude toward terrorists and his extended stay in Baghdad. Drago's commitment to mission success and his ability to mitigate civilian harm during breaches, enhanced by his development of new breaching charges, underlined his value to the teams. This sentiment extended to his personal regret over not eliminating more threats, pondering the potential consequences of action not taken. Drago earned a Bronze Star with Valor for his hand-to-hand combat encounter, reflecting his preference for decisive action in high-stakes situations.

Deployed To Iraq, Conducted 100 Direct Action Missions

Drago’s time in Iraq involved high levels of activity, with multiple target operations sometimes happening in a single night. His personal engagement with targets and partnership with Polish GROM operatives highlighted the close cooperation between forces. Drago describes an action-packed first-year combat experience, from subduing a charging suspect without le ...

Drago's personal journey from finding love online to raising a family reflects the values of understanding, reasonableness, and shared faith.

Drago's Marriage to His Wife, Rachel

Drago's relationship with his wife Rachel began online, overcoming initial challenges and growing into a successful partnership.

Met Rachel Online, Overcame Communication Challenges With Seal Teammates’ Help

Drago, having sought advice from his SEAL Teammates on finding a wife, turned to online dating and met Rachel. After some unsuccessful attempts and being misled by potential dates, he connected with Rachel. Challenges with written communication led to Drago receiving help from his teammates in crafting love letters. Despite a misunderstanding due to his limited English language skills, Rachel eventually came to understand the issue and continued the relationship.

Married In a Unique, Seal-Themed Proposal

Drago's proposal to Rachel was as unique as their online courtship. At a shooting range, Rachel shot several guns, and with the last round from an M48, she found an engagement ring and a note asking her to marry Drago. The proposal, designed by Drago to be both budget-friendly and memorable, eschewed formalities and grandeur for a personal touch.

Credits Marriage Success to Shared Faith, Rachel's Emotional Intelligence

Drago acknowledges that their marriage is a process of continuous improvement, jokingly admitting that his wife sees him as a "project under construction." The couple nurtures their connection through a shared faith, reading books on spirituality together nightly. Drago lauds Rachel's emotional intelligence, appreciating how she can calm him when angry, and credits both this and their shared spirituality for the strength of their marriage.

Drago's Family and Children

Drago’s family life includes pride in his children's accomplishments and a commitment to their education.

Father of two Biological Children and two Stepchildren

Drago is a dedicated father to two biological children, ...