Today I had the pleasure of chopping it up with Ben Wallick. Ben joined the Navy in 2001 and was in boot camp during 9/11. He went through BUDS SEAL Training class 242. Upon completion of BUDS, he was assigned to SEAL TEAM 2, where he earned the nickname, Vanilla Gorilla. He served as Lead Breacher and Team Leader. Ben served 3 combat tours in Iraq while on Team 2. He detached from Team 2 in 2009 where he spent his last year on active duty at, Naval Special Warfare Training Detachment assault cell, teaching all East Coast Seal Teams, CQC tactics. Ben was active for 10 years and after leaving active duty spent 2 years in the SEAL Reserve unit for 2 years, SEAL TEAM 18.
Since leaving the SEAL Teams, Ben was an active PEORIA ILLINOIS FIREFIGHTER/PARAMEDIC for close to 10 years, where he worked in various Engine companies in the city of Peoria. While in the fire academy, Ben set the record for the combat challenge, beating his own brothers time.
Ben has also worked various overseas contract agencies. He was a GRS agent in high risk details, providing personal security for CIA field agents in combat environments in the Middle East. He worked overseas as an APASS operator, aboard container vessels, in international waters, in high threat areas conducting anti piracy operations.
He started his security company, VANILLA GORILLA SECURITY, a few years ago, and trains local ILLINOIS SWAT Teams CQC. He also trains civilians in firearms and house clearance scenarios.
Ben is a gentleman and all around good dude and great family man.
Everything he does has been to provide for his family, to keep them happy, healthy and safe. And he has done an excellent job doing just that!
It was great to catch up with BEN, We had a lot of laughs during the interview and I think you will too. I recommend the corkscrew story. You will not be disappointed. We could have shared stories for hours, so maybe another time. Thank you BEN for choppin’ it up on The Kitchen Table and thank you for your service! 🫡
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