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  2. Episode 7: Zac Rhyner - Physical Therapist (Sports Doctor) & War Hero

Episode 7: Zac Rhyner - Physical Therapist (Sports Doctor) & War Hero

Apr 7, 2020

Zac Rhyner in his 2nd life career is currently Pursuing a Doctorate degree in Physical Therapy at the Duke University School of Medicine.  In his first career, Zac was and is a war hero and retiree from the United States Air Force.

Zac completed a total of 6 deployments, 5 to Afghanistan and 1 to Iraq.  He was awarded the Air Force Cross which is the second-highest military award that can be presented to a member of the United States Air Force.  He was the first living and second-ever combat controller to receive the Air Force Cross. Zac was also awarded three Purple Hearts. The Purple Heart is a U.S. military declaration awarded in the name of the president to those wounded or killed while serving with the U.S. military.  Zac also received the Bronze Star and the Air Force Commendation with Valor Awards both in recognition for heroism. The valor part of it relates to heroism in a combat zone.

Zac was born, raised, and attended schools in Medford, Wisconsin, population 4400. He is a middle of five children, four boys and one girl.  Each child is 2 years apart. Zac was an avid sports jock competing on the high school football, swim, wrestling, and track teams. He is crazy about the Green Bay Packers!  

Inspired by his grandfather who fought in the World War 2 Pacific Theater along with his uncle who fought in the Vietnam War and a Purple Heart recipient as well, Zac joined the U.S. Air Force in 2004 enlisting in Special Operations as a combat controller.  He graduated basic training earning the Top Graduate award outpacing over 800 recruits.  

Zac is married to his wife Jillian.  Zac and Jillian are proud parents of two very energetic, adorable boys.  Zac and Jillian are pregnant and anticipating the arrival of a baby girl.  Lambo is the four-legged pride of their family. In 2016, the Rhyners moved into Twelve Oaks. 

In This Episode:

  • [02:25] Welcome Zac Rhyner a war hero and doctorate student as well as the 6th “P” in the pod[cast]. 
  • [03:03] Zac was awarded the Air Force Cross which is the second-highest military award that can be presented to a member of the United States Air Force.  
  • [04:02] Zac was born and raised in Medford, Wisconsin.  
  • [04:43] Zac joined the Air Force in 2004 enlisting in Special Operations as a combat controller.  
  • [05:45] In 2016 the Rhyners moved into 12 Oaks.  
  • [07:08] What was it like growing up in Medford, Wisconsin? 
  • [07:51] What were some early values you learned and how have they impacted you today?
  • [09:21] Why did you choose Special Operations as a combat controller in the Air Force?
  • [11:45] The CCT’s motto is “First There.”  
  • [12:32] After graduation you went through 2 ½ years of some additional training.  What was that training and what was the outcome for you regarding your military progression?
  • [15:15] Shortly after the humanitarian assistance work you were selected and assessed for a new undertaking.  What was that and how did it significantly impact and change your life?
  • [17:25] When and why did you decide to take this long, but rewarding journey to achieve a doctorate in physical therapy?  
  • [19:53] Zac was very grateful that Duke was ranked #7 in the nation for best PT programs and he was able to get a position there.  
  • [20:50] Zac feels that the military gave to him as much as he gave to them.  It always taught him to do his best no matter what the circumstances were.  
  • [23:25] How and where did you and Jillian meet?
  • [25:31] What is it like hanging out with your boys?
  • [27:26] Where did you guys live before 12 Oaks?
  • [27:49] Why did you choose to live in 12 Oaks? 
  • [30:49] Zac shares about his experience with Helping a Hero. 
  • [31:51] What is Zac most proud of?
  • [32:02] Would Zac redo anything? 
  • [32:42] When all is said and done, what will Zac be known for?
  • [33:26] Which actor would play Zac Rhyner in a movie?
  • [34:05] What would be a surprise that most people wouldn’t know about you? 

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