Dr. John G. Blitch (LTC USA RET) is a retired cognitive scientist and former DARPA Program Manager with a career spanning nuclear weapons delivery, Special Forces, and artificially intelligent robotics. In addition to his many military deployments, Colonel Blitch’s field experience includes a multitude of disaster response activities—most notably in the aftermath of the Oklahoma City bombing (1995), World Trade Center attacks (2001), and Hurricane Katrina (2005). Holding a doctorate and multiple master's degrees in cognitive science and engineering, he has taught at the U.S. Air Force Academy and led pioneering research programs in robotics and human-machine teaming. Dr. Blitch’s work has taken him from war zones and classified laboratories to rubble piles, ski slopes, and mysterious mountain bike trails. Along his journey, he has accumulated a wealth of personal and professional experience that has compelled him to confront uncomfortable truths about artificial intelligence, hidden trauma, and institutional silence. Known for his unconventional thinking and sharp skepticism—often turned inward—he now dedicates his voice to advocating for truth, accountability, and above all, forgiveness in the face of unthinkable terror.