Spec Ops Magazine

Spec Ops Magazine A special community for special breed of people.
(345)

Founded in 2010, Spec Ops Magazine brings readers the latest news in the world of military and law enforcement operations from all around the world.

Another rare set of photos of 24th STS Red Team CCT and Medal of Honor recipient John A. Chapman—quiet professional and ...
07/22/2025

Another rare set of photos of 24th STS Red Team CCT and Medal of Honor recipient John A. Chapman—quiet professional and true hero.

On this day in 2003, U.S. troops from the 101st Airborne Division and Task Force 20 killed Saddam Hussein’s sons Uday an...
07/22/2025

On this day in 2003, U.S. troops from the 101st Airborne Division and Task Force 20 killed Saddam Hussein’s sons Uday and Qusay in a fierce four-hour firefight in Mosul—after storming a villa based on an informant’s tip, soldiers faced heavy resistance and called in Apache helicopters; the deaths dealt a major blow to Saddam’s regime, sparking celebrations across Baghdad.

Sergeant Major Lee L. Vampola, a Delta Force operator in A Squadron, and a beloved husband, father, son, and friend, pas...
07/22/2025

Sergeant Major Lee L. Vampola, a Delta Force operator in A Squadron, and a beloved husband, father, son, and friend, passed away on February 15, 2024, in Vass, North Carolina. Born on February 2, 1985, in Omaha, Nebraska, he was the cherished son of Kenneth Vampola and Cherie Largent. Raised in Colorado Springs, Colorado, with his mother and stepfather Joel Fisher, Lee spent his youth exploring the mountains on camping trips with both of his fathers—memories that helped shape the man he became.

From a young age, Lee’s life was defined by bravery, selflessness, and quiet professionalism. He enlisted in the United States Army as an infantryman on March 2, 2004. After completing his training, he served with Bravo Company, 3rd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment at Fort Benning, Georgia, followed by a tour with the United Nations Command in South Korea in 2007. In 2008, he was assigned to the United States Army Special Operations Command, and in 2012, he completed Military Freefall School in Yuma, Arizona.

Returning to U.S. Special Operations Command in 2014, Lee was part of a small group of elite soldiers who planned and executed no-fail missions, coordinating with the Department of Defense and interagency partners in support of Joint Task Force operations worldwide. His service in Delta Force’s A Squadron placed him at the pinnacle of U.S. special operations, where he served with distinction, humility, and courage.

Outside of uniform, Lee was a devoted husband to Keri, and a proud, loving father and hero to their daughter Michaela. Known for his devilish grin, keen intellect, and deep empathy, he had a remarkable ability to make everyone around him feel seen, heard, and valued. He was a true friend, the kind of man others looked up to—both in life and on the battlefield.

Lee’s passing leaves a profound void in the lives of those who knew and loved him. He is survived by his wife, Keri, and daughter Michaela; parents Cherie Largent and Kenneth (Brenda) Vampola; grandmothers Bobbie Largent and Karen Vampola; brother Joseph (Katlin) Vampola; sisters Kathryn (Caleb) Vampola-Lusienski and Sarah (Jon) Bodlak; and his son Connor McPhilomy.

A warrior, leader, and man of unwavering integrity—Sergeant Major Lee Vampola’s legacy endures in the lives he touched, the missions he led, and the family and teammates who will carry his memory forward.

Delta Force and SBS operators moments before the assault on the Tora Bora cave complex began, 2001.A rare glimpse into t...
07/22/2025

Delta Force and SBS operators moments before the assault on the Tora Bora cave complex began, 2001.

A rare glimpse into the joint special operations effort at the height of the hunt for Bin Laden in eastern Afghanistan.

Staff Sergeant Brandon R. Pepper, a native of York, Pennsylvania, was killed in action on July 21, 2012, after sustainin...
07/21/2025

Staff Sergeant Brandon R. Pepper, a native of York, Pennsylvania, was killed in action on July 21, 2012, after sustaining wounds from enemy small arms fire during combat operations in Ghazni Province, Afghanistan, in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. He was 31 years old.

Pepper began his military career in January 2000, enlisting in the U.S. Army Reserves as an Intelligence Analyst. After completing his initial training at Fort Huachuca, Arizona, he was assigned to the 323rd Military Intelligence Battalion at Fort Meade, Maryland, and deployed in March 2003 in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

In 2008, he transitioned to Active Duty, completed Infantry training at Fort Benning, Georgia, and was assigned to the 101st Airborne Division as an Infantry squad leader.

In October 2009, he completed the Special Forces Assessment and Selection Course, and in 2011, graduated from the Special Forces Qualification Course. He was then assigned to Company B, 4th Battalion, 3rd Special Forces Group (Airborne) at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, serving as a Special Forces Communications Sergeant (18E). This was his second deployment in support of Overseas Contingency Operations.

Staff Sergeant Brandon Robert Pepper is remembered as a dedicated Green Beret, committed leader, and selfless warrior. He is survived by his spouse, three brothers, and parents. His service and sacrifice will never be forgotten.

Twice a Ranger team leader in Vietnam, Clemens E. Lemke—known as “The Mad German”—earned both the Bronze Star and Purple...
07/21/2025

Twice a Ranger team leader in Vietnam, Clemens E. Lemke—known as “The Mad German”—earned both the Bronze Star and Purple Heart. An Arctic Ranger in Alaska and Honor Graduate of his Ranger School class, he went on to serve as a Ranger Instructor and member of SF Detachment A in the Berlin Brigade.

He was one of only four men sent undercover into Tehran ahead of Operation Eagle Claw, later personally decorated by President Jimmy Carter for his role.

Assigned to the Intelligence Support Activity (ISA) in 1986 and detailed to the CIA in 1990, Lemke continued working with the Agency for approximately 20 years after retirement.

A career forged in combat, shadow ops, and unmatched dedication.

Master Sergeant Benjamin A. Stevenson, a highly decorated operator with CAG (Combat Applications Group), also known as D...
07/21/2025

Master Sergeant Benjamin A. Stevenson, a highly decorated operator with CAG (Combat Applications Group), also known as Delta Force, was killed in action on July 21, 2011, during a fierce combat engagement in the mountains of Paktika Province, Afghanistan. He was the sole U.S. fatality of a brutal two-day battle, in which over 80 enemy fighters were killed.

According to military officials, U.S. forces required multiple reinforcements during the extended firefight in southeast Afghanistan. The assault targeted an insurgent encampment under cover of darkness, comprised mainly of foreign fighters—Arabs and Chechens—brought in from Pakistan. Despite the scale of resistance, U.S. and Afghan troops inflicted devastating losses on the enemy.

Stevenson was a quiet professional and respected leader within the Army’s Special Mission Unit.

He enlisted in the U.S. Army in June 1993 as an infantryman, initially assigned to the 325th Infantry Battalion. After three years, he reclassified as an aircraft power plant repairer, serving with the 82nd Aviation Battalion and the 601st Aviation Support Battalion in Katterbach, Germany.

In 2000, Stevenson completed the Special Forces Qualification Course and was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne). With the 5th SFG, he deployed once to Afghanistan and three times to Iraq.

In May 2006, he was selected to join the Army’s elite Special Mission Unit, where he served until his death. While assigned to the Unit, Stevenson completed six more combat deployments, including two to Afghanistan.

Master Sergeant Benjamin A. Stevenson gave his life leading from the front—an elite warrior, mentor, and patriot. His legacy endures through the lives he protected and the teammates who carry his memory forward.

MSgt John Chapman, Air Force Combat Controller and Medal of Honor recipient, carried this holster during the Battle of T...
07/21/2025

MSgt John Chapman, Air Force Combat Controller and Medal of Honor recipient, carried this holster during the Battle of Takur Ghar, as part of Operation Anaconda. His heroic actions were captured on video—the only Medal of Honor action ever recorded on camera.

Also shown is equipment used by members of the Quick Reaction Force (QRF), including TSgt Jason Cunningham, a Pararescueman posthumously awarded the Air Force Cross for providing life-saving medical care to wounded Rangers while under fire.

CAG (Delta Force) operators in front of a Mi-17 helicopter aboard the MV Ocean Trader, off the coast of Somalia.A rare g...
07/20/2025

CAG (Delta Force) operators in front of a Mi-17 helicopter aboard the MV Ocean Trader, off the coast of Somalia.

A rare glimpse into maritime special operations at the edge of the world.

DEVGRU Gold Squadron dog handler John Douangdara and his Combat Assault Dog, Bart.Born December 29, 1984, in Sioux City,...
07/20/2025

DEVGRU Gold Squadron dog handler John Douangdara and his Combat Assault Dog, Bart.

Born December 29, 1984, in Sioux City, Iowa, Douangdara enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 2002 and served with distinction around the world—from Iraq to Italy—before joining Naval Special Warfare Development Group in 2008.

He and Bart were killed in action aboard CH-47 Chinook “Extortion 17” in Afghanistan on August 6, 2011.

Joe Kent — former Green Beret, Ranger, Task Force Operator, and Ground Branch operative.
07/20/2025

Joe Kent — former Green Beret, Ranger, Task Force Operator, and Ground Branch operative.

Cultural Support Team member Samantha Juan, embedded with DEVGRU in Afghanistan — bridging worlds on the front lines.
07/19/2025

Cultural Support Team member Samantha Juan, embedded with DEVGRU in Afghanistan — bridging worlds on the front lines.

Address

Dover, DE

Telephone

+16892789159

Website

https://combatoperators.com/

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Spec Ops Magazine posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Business

Send a message to Spec Ops Magazine:

Shortcuts

Share

Category