Frontlines to Headlines: The Battle Beyond Combat with Jariko Denman & Jenna Bakken

By Andy Stumpf

Cleared Hot

07/08/23·2h 14m

Jariko Denman was born in Washington DC and raised as a military brat. He enlisted in the US Army in 1997, embarking on a path that led him all over the world. After joining the prestigious 75th Ranger Regiment, he served for 15 years, with combat deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan on 15 different occasions. From the role of a Weapons Squad Leader to that of a Rifle Platoon Sergeant and a Ranger Company First Sergeant, Jariko amassed an impressive 54 months of combat experience as part of a Joint Special Operations Task Force. After retiring in 2017, he continued to contribute to the world in unique ways, advising on major motion pictures, national ad campaigns, and television series, while also lending his voice as a freelance journalist in conflict-ridden regions like Afghanistan and Ukraine. Currently, he enriches the team at Black Rifle Coffee as a Content Producer and calls Salt Lake City, Utah, his home.

Jenna Bakken is a combat veteran who earned her stripes on the battlefield of Afghanistan. As a female serving in a male-dominated MOS, her journey was one of extraordinary strength and resilience. Her experiences include being involved in a grueling 3.5-hour firefight and enduring multiple injuries while serving her country. Jenna's journey of recovery has been an inspiration to many, and her dedication to empowering others shines through as she uses her story to uplift and guide others facing their own trials.

Jariko and Jenna open up about their experiences as combat veterans, discussing the unique challenges they faced in the military, the intensity of their experiences on the frontlines, and the process of healing and recovery. Their stories are a testament to the indomitable spirit of the human soul and the immense strength that lies within.

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