Two brothers — an Air Force instructor pilot and an Army engineer — will battle it out in the NBC series "The Titan Games," which features people from across America competing in endurance-based mental and physical challenges.
Air Force Capt. Noah Palicia, stationed in Yokota, Japan, and his older brother, Army Lt. Col. Eric Palicia, stationed in Wiesbaden, Germany, have a very special person to thank.
"After winning the [Defense Department] Alpha Warrior Interservice Battle for the second year in a row, my wife posted a message on 'The Titan Games' Instagram, saying that they should choose the Palicia brothers for season 2," Noah Palicia said. "I received a phone call at 2 a.m. from the casting director, asking if I would like to submit an audition tape and try out for the show. After making the tape, I was invited to the combined tryout and found out my brother and I made the show."
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The Palicias participated in the tryout Jan. 9-14 in Los Angeles, and they found out they made the show a week later. They traveled to Atlanta for the filming of the series.
"It was an experience I will never forget," Noah Palicia said. "Not only was I able to compete with some of the best athletes in the world on a larger stage than I have ever competed on, but I also was able to enjoy the whole experience with my brother. I pushed myself to new limits, had a ton of fun, and, most importantly, bonded with my older brother doing something we both enjoy most — competition!"
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"It was so much more than a competition though," he continued. "Definitely a TV show first and a competition second. Never again do I wish to compete with makeup caked on my face and then have to answer hours of interview questions pre and post competition."
Now comes the interesting part — family, friends and comrades get to see them on TV.
"'I'm thrilled … and a little terrified!' I said from the moment that my brother and I were informed we were going to be on 'The Titan Games.' I just don't want to become a meme!" Noah Palicia said with a laugh. "I would be surprised and disappointed if my fellow aircrew didn't give me a hard time for some silly things I was either told to say on camera or let slip out of my mouth. My non-aircrew co-workers, family and friends will be impressed with my determination and be thrilled to see a friendly face on the big screen."
Six other service members and veterans are also competing in the series. "The Titan Games" airs Monday nights.