Aaron Kendle: Navy SEAL To CEO, Overcoming A Freak Accident Amputation, Norseman Xtreme Triathlon

Team Never Quit

Building a Bridge Between Two Worlds with Aaron Kendle
In this riveting episode, we dive deep into the extraordinary journey of Aaron Kendle, who dedicated 16 years to the Navy SEALs, completing six deployments. Kendle began his career as a medic, advanced to become a sniper, and eventually served as a sky-diving instructor for the West Coast SEALs in San Diego. Transitioning from military to civilian life, Kendle embraced a new mission as the CEO of the SEAL Future Fund (SFF), an organization devoted to helping fellow SEALs transition into civilian life and careers, with the creation of tailored resumes, professional coaching, and networking opportunities.
Despite a devastating accident that required hand amputation and the discovery and treatment of his life-threatening aortic aneurysm, Aaron proves firsthand that perspective, attitude and determination go a long way in life. Tune in to hear Aaron Kendle’s full story and gain valuable insights on leadership, resilience, and the power of community in supporting life transitions.
In this episode you will hear:
• Q: So what was it that made you want to become a Navy SEAL?
A: I started thinking about it before I graduated. 9-11 is what shifted my path. (7:37)
• I still going to the VFW. I still love talking to those older guys. It’s a different mindset. (11:14)
• I heard my name going to Gold Team. As the classes get smaller and smaller, the guys get tighter. (44:33)
• We were living in Morgan’s house. Every Wednesday, if we were all together, we would go to Outback Steakhouse and get Chocolate Thunder. (50:48)
• Aaron speaks about “Extortion,” when 30 servicemen were killed when a Chinook helicopter was shot down in Afghanistan. (57:25)
• 2 days later when everything opened up, I remember calling my dad on a sat phone, saying “Hey, it’s me. I’m alive. I’d love to stay and chat, but there’s a bunch of stuff going on.” (61:59)
• The older guys that did 20-30 years. Those are the guys trying to figure out what’s the next step? (81:13)
• Aaron tells the most ridiculous and compelling story of an accident that resulted in having his hand amputated, and the subsequent hilarious events that followed. (82:12)
• “You have an Aortic aneurism. Your Aorta is way oversized.” (98:09)
During Covid I’m out there skateboarding. Made this turn, hit a wet patch, and landed directly on my nub. (103:35)
• I had a seizure. Out of nowhere. (104:18)
If I don’t have a goal for something, then I’m not doing anything. (109:16)
• Starting running is the worst feeling of all time. To stand there and then begin to run is terrible. (110:13)
• I think I owe it to people. 1 - I’m not dead. If I can go out there and suffer a little bit to help motivate people, and make ‘em better than I am, that’s our goal. (123:23)
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