EPISODE 78

Wisdom from 30 years in Special Operations:

CMSGT Davide Keaton

Nov 30, 2020 | Podcast

Cecil Burch

Retired Pararescue Chief Davide Keaton shares some war stories and insights from his long, honorable career. 

Chief Master Sergeant Keaton shares some war stories with us, including the time he won the Pitsenbarger Award after saving the lives of 5 women and children who were used as human shields by an enemy force in Afghanistan. Along the way he illustrates some lessons learned and leadership pointers that he picked up while leading some of America’s most elite operators throughout his 30 year career working in special operations as a PJ and reaching the highest enlisted rank in the United States Air Force. 

Article about Chief Keaton’s Pitsenbarger Award

“In the company of heroes:” Retirement announcement after 30 years of service

Like what we’re doing? Head over to Patreon and give us a buck for each new episode. You can also make a one-time contribution at GoFundMe. 

Intro music credit Bensound.com

CLICK BELOW TO SUBSCRIBE NOW ON YOUR FAVORITE PLAYER

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS! PLEASE GO CHECK THEM OUT

Recent Episodes

Guardians and Warriors: What type of Cop are you?

Guardians and Warriors: What type of Cop are you?

Let’s talk through common policing archetypes—Guardian, Warrior, Enforcer, Crime Fighter, Cynic, Power Seeker, and Pragmatist—not as fixed identities, but as adaptive responses to situational demands. The central argument is simple but challenging: effective policing requires the ability to shift modes deliberately. Leaders must know when to assert force, when to prioritize consent, and when to lean on others to stay grounded. This episode is a call for self-awareness, professional maturity, and dynamic leadership—not slogans, costumes, or rigid identities.

0 Comments