Episode 105: Steve Russell - From Capturing Saddam Hussein to Continuing to Serve Through JAARS​

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Podcasts ​ Steve Russell Saddam Hussein capture Task Force 122 Military leadership Congressional service Veteran advocacy Iraq War Public service Military transition Leadership principles

In this episode of Veteran Led, John S. Berry sits down with Steve Russell, the Army battalion commander who led Task Force 1-22 Infantry in the historic capture of Saddam Hussein. Russell shares the details of tracking Saddam through his network of trusted families and the ultimate successful raid in December 2003.​

Beyond his military service, Russell discusses his continued dedication to public service as an Oklahoma State Senator and U.S. Congressman, where he championed veteran causes including the Uniform Spouse Protection Act reform. His journey from battlefield commander to manufacturer and elected official demonstrates the lasting impact of military leadership principles in civilian life.​

Today, Russell serves with JAARS (Jungle Aviation and Relay Service), where he applies his military logistics and leadership experience to support humanitarian missions in remote jungle locations worldwide. Using aircraft, boats, and four-wheel drive vehicles, JAARS reduces barriers and serves communities across the Amazon, Congolese, and Melanesian rainforests.​

Explore Resources from the Episode:​
JAARS​ - https://www.jaars.org/
We Got Him!: A Memoir of the Hunt and Capture of Saddam Hussein​ - https://a.co/d/496OJyA

0:00 - Initial capture moment of Saddam Hussein​
0:16 - Introduction of Steve Russell​
2:15 - Beginning of Tikrit occupation​
5:10 - Strategy to track Saddam's inner circle​
10:27 - Discovery of hiding location​
11:16 - Mohammed al-Musslit's role​
13:08 - Actual capture moment​
15:11 - Aftermath of Saddam's capture and transport​
18:14 - Information about Steve's book "We Got Him!"​
19:24 - Discussion of JAARS mission work​
21:02 - Oklahoma legislative work for veterans​
28:01 - Formation of Vets for Victory​
29:52 - National tours and White House meetings​
30:45 - Formation of Concerned Veterans for America​
31:41 - Transition into state politics​
32:41 - Two Rivers Arms Company creation​
33:35 - Congressional service experience​
34:36 - Warriors Caucus formation​
35:10 - Veteran representation in Congress​
45:30 - JAARS mission and veteran involvement​
48:33 - After Action Review​

#VeteranLed #SteveRussell #SaddamHussein #MilitaryLeadership #VeteranSuccess #PublicService #Congress #JAARS

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