Podcasts about instructor pilot

Col. (Ret.) Nicole Malachowski '96 shares her insights on leadership, resilience, resurgence, perseverance, advocacy, and how she continues to serve her country, even after her military career. ----more---- A SHOW NOTE:  There are two ways to learn from Col. Malachowski's leadership journey. If you're short on time, the audio version delivers the highlights of her stories in 40 minutes. Her leadership bites, takeaways, keys to leadership and transcript are below. The video version is 1:46:00 and is well worth the investment of your time. This version includes stories and details about the Colonel's journey she hasn't shared before. Click the "Play" button in the video above and settle in for a most enlightening conversation.    SUMMARY Col. (Ret.) Nicole Malachowski '96 is a trailblazer who has broken barriers in both military aviation and advocacy. She was one of the first women to fly combat fighter aircraft, accruing more than 2,300 flight hours in six different aircraft and serving in multiple high-stakes missions, including Operations Deliberate Forge and Iraqi Freedom. But her story doesn't end there. As the first woman to fly with the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, a White House Fellow, and a key advisor on military and veterans' issues, Nicole's career has been defined by leadership at the highest levels. After being medically retired due to a Tick-Borne Illness, she turned her focus to advocacy, leading efforts to improve care for the wounded, ill, and injured service members through the Air Force Wounded Warrior Program. Now a passionate advocate for Tick-Borne Disease research, Nicole serves on several national committees and advisory boards, including the Department of Defense's Congressionally Directed Medical Research Program.   NICOLE'S LEADERHIP BITES "Leadership is a journey." "The runway behind you is always unusable." "Don't think you have to be perfect to be a leader." "Believe those who believe in you." "Nobody wants to lead a scripted life." "Courage, compassion, and curiosity drive me today." "It's okay to admit when you make mistakes."   SHARE THIS EPISODE LINKEDIN  |  TWITTER  |  FACEBOOK   TAKEAWAYS Leadership is personal - It's about understanding what motivates and drives each individual on your team, and tailoring your approach accordingly. Believe in those who believe in you - Mentors like Mick Jaggers who supported and encouraged Nicole were pivotal in her development as a leader. Don't write yourself or others out of the script - As General Matthews told Nicole, "Nobody wants to lead a scripted life." Embrace opportunities to dream big and take risks. Radical acceptance is key - When Nicole's military career ended unexpectedly, learning to accept the situation allowed her to move forward and find new purpose. Personal values guide your path - Nicole's core values of courage, compassion and curiosity have been instrumental in navigating life's challenges and reinventing herself.   CHAPTERS 00:00  The Journey of Leadership 02:01  Colonel Malachowski's Early Life and Aspirations 06:01  Navigating the Air Force Academy 09:46  Leadership Lessons from Soaring 14:07  Overcoming Challenges in Pilot Training 17:50  Key Leadership Experiences in the Air Force 21:59  Becoming a Thunderbird Pilot 25:47  Transitioning to Civilian Life 30:02  Advocacy and New Beginnings 34:09  Personal Values and Resilience 37:54  Final Thoughts on Leadership   NICOLE'S KEYS TO LEADERSHIP SUCCESS Leadership is a journey that requires growth and learning. It's okay to admit mistakes and seek help. Resilience is key to overcoming challenges. Personal values guide decision-making and actions. Mentorship plays a crucial role in personal and professional development. Failure is often the price of entry for success. Authentic leadership is about understanding and connecting with people. The importance of representation in leadership roles. Transitioning to civilian life can be a new beginning. Embrace opportunities and seize the moment.   ABOUT NICOLE BIO Colonel Nicole Malachowski (USAF, Ret.) is a pioneering leader whose distinguished career spans combat aviation, military advocacy, and public service. As one of the first women to fly fighter jets, Nicole's journey included over 188 combat hours and multiple leadership roles, including F-15E Flight Commander, Instructor Pilot, and Flight Lead. She also made history as the first woman to fly with the USAF Thunderbirds. Throughout her career, Nicole demonstrated exceptional leadership, serving in high-level roles such as a White House Fellow and Executive Director of the ‘Joining Forces' program, where she advised the First Lady and Dr. Jill Biden on veterans' issues. After being medically retired due to a neurological Tick-Borne Illness, Nicole transitioned to a new mission: advocating for service members, veterans, and others impacted by chronic illnesses. She's a leader in the national Tick-Borne Disease community, serving on key advisory boards and government committees, and actively mentoring wounded veterans through the Air Force Wounded Warrior Program. Nicole is also a sought-after speaker, author, and consultant, sharing her experiences of overcoming adversity and breaking barriers to inspire the next generation of leaders. Her accomplishments include two master's degrees, induction into the Women in Aviation Pioneer Hall of Fame, and founding her own speaking and consulting firm. Today, Nicole continues to serve and lead, using her story to drive change and impact communities across the country.  - Adapted from Col. Malachowski's bio at nicholemalachowski.com   READ NICOLE'S FULL STORY HERE     CONNECT WITH NICOLE LINKEDIN  |  FACEBOOK  |  INSTAGRAM  |  NICOLE'S LINKTREE     ABOUT LONG BLUE LEADERSHIP Long Blue Leadership drops every two weeks on Tuesdays and is available on Apple Podcasts, TuneIn + Alexa, Spotify and all your favorite podcast platforms. Search @AirForceGrads on your favorite social channels for Long Blue Leadership news and updates!          ABRIDGED AUDIO TRANSCRIPT DOWNLOAD THE UNABRIDGED VIDEO TRANSCRIPT HERE  SPEAKERS GUEST:  Col. (Ret.) Nicole Malachowski '96  |  HOST:  Lt. Col. (Ret.) Naviere Walkewicz '99   SPEAKERS Naviere Walkewicz, Nicole Malachowski   Nicole Malachowski  00:11 You know, leadership is a journey. We're always put into positions that we're supposed to grow into. Don't think you have to be perfect to be a leader. It's okay to admit when you make mistakes, it's okay to ask for help, and it's okay to have failures, as long as you overcome them. And I like to remind folks at all levels of leadership, you know that the runway behind you is always unusable. All you ever have is the runway that's in front of you.   Naviere Walkewicz  00:34 My guest today is Colonel Retired Nicole Malachowski, USAFA class of '96. Her career has been nothing short of extraordinary. Colonel Malachowski is perhaps best known as the first woman to fly as a pilot with the Thunderbirds, a singular distinction that set her path to reaching even greater heights. However, what you might not know is that her journey took an unexpected turn when she faced a sudden life altering loss of her place in the Air Force. The challenges that followed were extreme and personal, but through them, Colonel malikowski demonstrated a resilience and strength that not only transformed her own life, but also empowered her to help others with their own struggles. In today's conversation, we'll dive deep into the personal and professional journey that led her to transition to civilian life, the lessons she learned from the hardships she faced along the way, and how she now advocates for others, sharing the wisdom she's gained from the tough battles she's fought and won. We'll also take a look back at her time at the academy, her experiences as a pilot and the leadership principles that have guided Colonel malikowski, she has become a powerful voice for resilience, perseverance and leadership, and I'm excited to hear her insights on all of these topics. Colonel Malachowski, may I call you Nicole?   Nicole Malachowski  02:34 Yes, please.   Naviere Walkewicz  02:34 Welcome to Long Blue Leadership, and thank you for being here.   Nicole Malachowski  02:37 Thank you for having me.   Naviere Walkewicz  02:38 It's a pleasure. It truly is. I think one of the things that's so exciting for our listeners is really getting to know you. And you know, I think there's no question about who you are in the media, I mean, all the things you've accomplished, but some things that are most special is when we just sit down and kind of get to know you behind the scenes.   Nicole Malachowski  02:53 Indeed, let's do it.   Naviere Walkewicz  02:54 So let's go back to even before the Academy. Where did you grow up? Where are you from? And what were you like as a little girl?   Nicole Malachowski  03:00 Sure, yeah. So I was actually born in central California, in a town called Santa Maria, and I was born, I consider very lucky, because I was born a woman in America, so there was a lot of opportunities, you know, afforded to me. Also very lucky to be born into a solid, you know, middle class family, you know, I was a kid who always had a roof over my head and food on the table, which makes it a lot easier, right, for you to seize opportunities and to be your best. And think it's important that we acknowledge that not everybody is born into that position. And so I was very, very lucky, I will tell you, I was definitely the loner, definitely an introvert. Always have been. A lot of people would be surprised by that, but I am a solid INFJ on the Myers Briggs, but as a young kid, just very quiet, kept to myself. I was very much a dreamer, very curious about things, so I loved to dive into books. I loved school. I was the kid that would take my lunch box, you know, out into the middle of the football field by myself and just stare up at the sky and the clouds moving by, and dream about things. I remember being in the Girl Scouts during junior high we moved down towards Southern California, where I learned about Civil Air Patrol, and then from there, in high school, we actually made a big move to Las Vegas, Nevada. I continued my time in Civil Air Patrol as a cadet, but also joined the Air Force Junior ROTC at my high school.   Naviere Walkewicz  04:16 I'm just drawn to this visual of you with your lunch box in the middle of the football field looking up at this guy. So were you dreaming about flying?   Nicole Malachowski  04:24 I was, you know, I went to an air show when I was five years old, and I remember seeing an f4 phantom fly by, and it flew by so low, and it was so loud, I had to cover my ears. And I remember, like, my chest rumbling, you know, the smell of jet fuel. And I remember thinking, man, like there's a person in there, like, I want to be, you know, that person. And I had come from a family that, you know, honored and respected military service. So both of my grandfathers were career military my father had been drafted into the army during Vietnam. So I knew that, like, you know, military service was honorable and noble and good. And when I discovered that that was a military plane. I remember as a kid putting one plus one is two. I'm like, wait, you can fly jets and serve in the military. That's what I'm going to be. And wow, that was around 1979 and that's right, there are no boundaries on things. So looking up at the sky, watching planes, and of course, in high school in particular, moving to Las Vegas, Nevada, because Nellis Air Force bases there. So, I mean, I would watch the red flag launches and watch how those jets fly. And of course, I would see the six ship of Thunderbirds flying by as a kid, thinking that was pretty cool. So to be honest, I set my sights on the Air Force Academy in elementary school.   Naviere Walkewicz  05:34 Oh, my goodness.   Nicole Malachowski  05:35 Yeah. So when I was five and decided to be a fighter pilot, you had decided, I mean, I was maniacally, maniacally focused. I did not have a backup plan. I am so lucky that things worked out because I have no idea what else I would have done, you know, with my career, but I remember in sixth grade, I wrote a letter to the Air Force Academy. They responded. The admissions office responded with a personalized letter letting me know I'm kind of young to apply now, but here's the application process. They sent me a whole bunch of Air Force Academy swag, and that was it sixth grade. I was going to the Air Force Academy, goodness, when you were actually old enough to apply. Now to the academy.   Naviere Walkewicz  06:13 Let's talk about that process. What was it like for you? Well, I mean, I think it was more exciting than anything else. I told you. I had stayed maniacally focused. I was very particular and organized about prioritizing how my application would look. So of course, I strove to have the good grades, and obviously stayed involved with the activities like Civil Air Patrol or participating in sports like running cross country and track, as well as doing, you know, community service type activities. So I was indeed focused on making sure that application looked good. I remember the thing I was probably the most nervous about were those interviews with your, you know, senators and your representatives, and wondering if I was going to be able to interview well. So I was, you know, putting my best foot forward. And I remember my senior year, it was approximately October, maybe coming up on November about this time, right? And I went to the mailbox to get the mail, and I had the application had already been in, right? Because everything was done before the fall, and I saw this giant envelope from the Air Force Academy. And I thought, No way, because it's only like October or November. And I started shaking, and I opened it right there at the mailbox. I had to go up the street. I opened it, and I feel bad because I think I littered like the envelope all over the street, but I remember opening it up, and the first line was, congratulations. You know, you've been accepted to the class of 1996 and I instantaneously just started crying and running as fast as I could back to my house.   Naviere Walkewicz  07:38 Had you been to the Academy prior to the acceptance?   Nicole Malachowski  07:41 No, never stood a foot on at all. And I remember when my parents came to drop me off for for Jacks Valley and everything basic training, when we came up over that hill, over Monument Hill, and you can see the chapel and the kind of imposing, you know, white buildings on a hill, I was like, Oh, wow, that's extraordinary. And I was really just excited. People ask, were you nervous that day? I was not, because I was just so happy that this, to me, was like the first step of the rest of my life. It was that first real step towards this goal of serving my country, you know, like people my family had, and getting to fly jets while I do it, how cool is that? I don't remember any highs or lows. I do remember I got my enjoyment becoming a cadet, you know, soaring instructor pilot.   Naviere Walkewicz  08:28 So let's talk about that. That is a, kind of a key leadership role as well.   Nicole Malachowski  08:32 Yes, that was my leadership role. So my senior year, I was the cadet soaring squadron commander. Oh, let's talk about Yes, yes. So obviously, between freshman, sophomore year, I signed up as soon as I could, you know, to take soaring, and when I discovered that you could actually apply to be a soaring instructor, and I remember that was a really like growth experience, because it's one thing to be able to fly a glider, it's another thing to be able to try to teach somebody how to do that. And I really, I I give a lot of credit to this, you know, sorry, instructor upgrade program teaching me the skills of, how do you communicate something technical? How do you communicate something hard, this idea that you need to be able to communicate it not just in one way, but two or three different ways, because each of your students is going to come at it with a different skill set or a different perspective or a different personality that responds to different type of teaching. So learning how to tailor your instruction and your care and your leadership to each individual was something I learned here, you know, as a sophomore, this idea that I would carry that on into my career as a leader and, you know, ultimately into being, you know, a fighter squadron commander. This tailored leadership actually started here, but soaring is what was my respite. Soaring is where I refilled that tank. It's one thing to be successful yourself. It's a whole different level to teach somebody else to be successful.   Naviere Walkewicz  09:55 So you knew you enjoyed Well, obviously you enjoyed the flying? And soaring, the leadership aspect, I think, was something that was new to you then. Or had you done that in Civil Air Patrol? Did you also have leadership there?   Nicole Malachowski  10:06 Yeah, I had leadership experience in Civil Air Patrol, but I think this was a different level. You know, my senior year becoming the cadet soaring squadron commander, it was really cool, because not only were you trying to take inputs from your peers and your colleagues on things we could improve or do differently, you know, valuing the other cadets opinions. But how do I translate that to leadership? How do I go now and talk to the real officers, the active duty officers in charge, and go, these are maybe resources we need, or things culturally, you know, that we need to change, and that was hard for me, you know, because I had never done that before. How do you advocate for your peers in a way that's understood, you know, by the active duty leadership. So that was really something that, again, would become important in my military career, because when you're put in a leadership role, you know, it's about, I think, advocating for the people who you are, you know, accountable for and responsible to, yes, and so how can you do that and do it in a way that it's received? Well, yes, you know, by the leadership above you,   Naviere Walkewicz  11:07 After you graduated from the Academy, you went on to pilot training.   Nicole Malachowski  11:11 I was slated to go early right after graduation, and I was a casual status Lieutenant flying gliders. Of course, went out for a jog and broke my ankle. So this would be my first kind of little, little detour. And I ended up, they offered me to go, to go to shepherd a lot later, or as soon as my ankle was healed, I could go to Columbus Air Force Base Mississippi right away. And I said, I gotta go, like, I cannot sit around and wait. I want to go to Columbus Air Force Base Mississippi. And everyone's like, what you're going to turn down, like, the chance of going to fighters to like, have to fight for it at Columbus. I like, I can't be stagnant. I need to go. So showed up at Columbus Air Force Base Mississippi, and again, really grateful for all of the flying experience that I had. I think that just those foundational procedures, you know, foundational knowledge, was vital to being a little more comfortable than other people that didn't have that experience. It was easy to be slightly ahead of the curve early on, but as I like to tell people, I fell flat on my face across the starting line my second check ride in pilot training, I failed. Now, pilot training at that time was about a year long. There were about 10 check rides, and at that time, failing one check ride, statistically, traditionally, would take you out of the running for graduating high enough to be a fighter pilot. This was devastating to me, and I remember even having fleeting moments that night of like, maybe I should just quit. Now this is, of course, the youth in me, right? I'm a 21 year old kid, and I'm just getting a little bit emotional about it, but if I can't be a fighter pilot and I just knock myself out of the running, I should quit. And I didn't call my parents because I didn't want to tell them I was too, like, embarrassed maybe, to say, like, hey, my dream that you all have supported is about to come to an end, because I messed up, and I made a really junior varsity mistake. And so I called my mentor, Sue Ross, and then she just let me talk, and she's like, are you done? And I'm done. And she goes, Well, are you going to do that again tomorrow? And I said, Sue, how am I supposed to get back in the jet tomorrow? How do I face my peers? I've been telling them I'm going to fly strike Eagles this whole time. Like this is so embarrassing. What if I fail again? What if I fail again tomorrow? And I remember, she talked me off the ledge, man, you know, and I came away. I came away with that conversation, realizing that indeed, I think I rarely believe failure is the price of entry for achieving something great, because if you have the right mindset, you come away with failures, I think a lot more committed, a lot more dedicated, a lot more focused, and I think a lot more humble, and all of those characteristics and traits are good things. You know, it worked out for me, and I did finish fourth in my class, and I had an extraordinary class. It was a time of great cultural change in the Air Force, because we were the first group of women to come through pilot training with the option of flying fighter aircraft.   Naviere Walkewicz  14:04 So talk about your time while you're in uniform. You had some key leadership positions. You were squadron commander. Can you share some of your stories with that and maybe even some high points and some lessons learned, where you as a leader felt that maybe, maybe it was a low point or a failure, but you grew from it?   Nicole Malachowski 14:20 Sure, sure. Yes. I mean, I had so many, you know, different fun assignments. You know, obviously when you're in your first fighter squadron, I got out at RAF Lake and Heath out there in England. I mean, what a rage right to be a lieutenant flying strike Eagles at 500 feet, 500 miles an hour, up Loch Ness, to live in the dream, you know, becoming in my second squadron, which was at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, becoming a, you know, flight lead and upgrading to instructor pilot. Very nervous to go into the instructor pilot upgrade. I went in very young. In fact, when I got to that squadron, the weapons officer said, hey, I want to put you in the instructor upgrade. And I was like, no. Away like I am not ready for that. I am not good enough for that. And I was new to the squadron. There were people technically older and more experienced than me. They were in the queue, and he wanted me to jump the queue, a guy by the name of Michael Jaggers, call sign, Mick, I'm still friends with him to this day, and I remember I avoided him. I avoided him like the plague because I did not want to upgrade to instructor. And I remember saying, Mick, I just am not sure I can do this. And he looked at me, and he said, it's not your job to get through it. It's not your job to get through it alone. It's my job. It's my job to ensure you have what it takes and what you need. It's my job to teach you to be a good instructor. So your success is going to be my success. I will not let you fail. What a glorious man, what a wonderful instructor. And the lesson learned here to people is this, believe those who believe in you. Believe those who believe in you.   Naviere Walkewicz  15:52 It's true, though it really is. And those people, I think sometimes your trajectory can change or just like, accelerate, because someone gave you a little bit of courage that you just needed that little piece.   Nicole Malachowski 16:03 And to learn as I gained experience and credibility how to replicate that and how to be that person for other people, right? Because it's about turning around. It really is about lifting up other people. Your success isn't your own. It's how can you help other people achieve the best of themselves? And that's what you know Mikey and Mick did for me. And of course, the rest, you know, being history, because then I had the credentials I needed to apply to be a Thunderbird. And then from the Thunderbirds, I could become a commander, yada yada, you know, but being an instructor pilot, again, in the F 15 e how extraordinary to teach a brand new pilot or WSO, not only to fly the aircraft, to how to employ it as a weapon system and then to turn around and go to war with them. There's no bigger honor. There's nothing, I think, more humbling than that.   Naviere Walkewicz  16:49 Can you share something that maybe you learned from the perspective of how to lead better?   Nicole Malachowski 16:55 So let's be honest, when you go into a fighter squadron, things are a little bit one note, right? I mean, we all are cut from a similar cloth. We all kind of have similar personality traits. You know, you don't want your fighter pilots any other way, putting the effort into understanding what drives and motivates individuals. So learning at that age how to put your arms around everybody that you're responsible for, not just the ones that maybe are easiest to lead, or maybe the ones you're the most comfortable, you know, interacting with as a leader is, how do I figure it out? You know, there were some guys that, if I were to call them on up to the front of the room, in front of the whole squadron, to compliment them on something they did, maybe a check right they had. Or this goes for my fighter squadron command as well. You know, they would love it, right? Because it it was how they were extrinsically motivated, and that's okay. There's nothing wrong with that. If that's what they need, and that's what you need to do to get the best of their strengths and best of their commitment go for it. And then were others that low? If I were to bring them in front of their peers to compliment them, they would shut down and never talk to me for the rest of the you know, their assignment. And so that's where I would take the time to write a handwritten note, maybe put it on the seat of their Humvee, or put it in their helmet, you know, in the fighter squadron. And then when they'd see me walking down the hallway, we give the knowing nod that they were acknowledged for their awesome, whatever it was, and we would move on.   Naviere Walkewicz  18:13 Yes. And so what I'm hearing, in a really, kind of summarizing way, is leadership is personal.   Nicole Malachowski 18:19 Very. it's all about people and it's about authenticity and connections.   Naviere Walkewicz  18:25 So speaking about personal and authenticity, I'd be remiss if we didn't talk about your journey to the Thunderbirds.   Nicole Malachowski  18:31 I knew this was gonna come.   Naviere Walkewicz  18:32 It's here, and so you know it is. It's a different time. There was no woman Thunderbird pilot before you.   Nicole Malachowski 18:40 I grew up in Las Vegas, Nevada, so the Thunderbirds were part of the backdrop. I knew that the Thunderbirds, you know, as a kid, were special and were considered, you know, elite. And kind of going back to my personality, I love being told that, you know, you can't do things. And the truth is, people laugh at this, but the truth is, when I applied to be a Thunderbird, I did it because the way my career was going, I wasn't ready to, I wasn't on timeline to go to ide yet or to go to ACSC, but I had, like, a weird year kind of gap, and I didn't they didn't really know what to do with me. I didn't know what to do with them, and my husband was going to be PCs in the Nellis. This is, like, a true story. Wow. I know people want me to say, well, I had this big, long dream when I was Thunderbird. Also thought about it was always in the background. Is something that, you know, wasn't, was an option. And I, you know, because of a lot of people who put a lot of effort into me, I was indeed qualified, you know, to get in there and to give it a try. But it wasn't something that was like an ultimate goal. I did not know they had not had a woman Thunderbird pilot when I applied, did not even occur to me. Remember, I had never known an Air Force without women fighter pilots in it. That's right, that's and we had all achieved the age where we had acquired the hours needed, and it just lined up with the timing. And I'm like, Well, that would be kind of fun and different to do. And. So I always tell people, you know, when you get those butterflies in your stomach that says, This could be something cool, something different, that is your cue to go do it. Don't worry about what anybody else is saying. And so, you know, I was able to put that application in. And in fact, I was I put that application in, and when I went and told everyone I was going to apply, generally speaking, people were really tickled and happy and happy and supportive. But as the days went by, people started to think about it. I heard, you know, it's too hard to be a Thunderbird, you probably won't get picked. I mean, statistically, no one gets picked to do that. They've never had a woman before. Are you sure you want to do that and this and that? And I remember the day I turned my application in. This was back when you still had hard copies, and you still had to mail them, okay, 2005 took it over to the group commander's Chief of Staff, slid it across the desk. I was super nervous, because the voice in my head was like, Nicole, other people become Thunderbird pilots, not you. That was the other people become Thunderbird pilots, not you. What are you doing? Why are you risking this? But I kept thinking, what's the worst that's going to happen? I don't get picked, like most people don't get picked, and I go back to flying strike Eagles with my community, which I love, like life is good, right? Either way, it's a win, win. So as I slid that application across the desk, said, I'm applying to be a Thunderbird. Here's my application. I remember the staff looked up to me and said, you know Nicole, It's hard to be a Thunderbird. You know Nicole, you probably won't get picked. And the exact words were, you know Nicole, they've never had a woman before, and the colonel can only stratify one person in that moment. Let's, I think there's leadership lessons here, because this person was not trying to be mean, right? What was coming out was, I think the unconscious bias all of us have to check ourselves on every day at all ages. I think what was coming out were the cultural paradigms of the Air Force at that time. And I think what was coming out, you know, were other people's expectations about what I should or shouldn't be doing. And in that moment, the truth is, I grabbed my application and I took it back, I went across to the officers club and grabbed a beer like any good fighter pilot would, and I remember thinking, thank God I didn't put myself out there. Thank God Nicole, you know, now I'm a 30 year old captain, so I'm still a young person, you know. Thank God you didn't risk failure. Who are you to think you could be a Thunderbird, silly girl, right? And in that moment, the weirdest thing happened. And I tell this story on stage, sometimes the door opened to the officers club, and in walk the Wing Commander, Brigadier General Mark Matthews, for whatever reason, comes over and starts talking to me. Now, this is weird, right? I'm a captain. He's a brigadier general. I don't know why he was talking to me, you know, like walking amongst the people that day, or, you know, just making small talk. And so I'm trying to hold my own talking to him a little bit nervous. It's a little you're probably still feeling a little bit down from totally down. And in that moment, over walks my squadron commander, a wonderful man by the name of Dan Debree. His call sign was, trash. Get it? Trash, debris. Trash. Walks over, super excited, very supportive of my application. And he's like, Hey, General, did you know Nicole's applying to be a Thunderbird now? Man, I mean, you could have slowed down time. I was like, ixnay on the underbird Fae like, this is terrible. Neither of these guys knew that I had removed my application. And Dan's standing there all proud. He's my squadron commander supporting me. A great man again. And Mark Matthews looks down at me, general Matthews, and he goes, that's great. How's your application going? And I'm like, I looked at him, and here's what happened. I said, you know, sir, it's hard to be thunder, but I probably won't get picked. They haven't had a woman, so I don't want to waste anybody's time.   Naviere Walkewicz  23:11 Oh, you said, I said it.   Nicole Malachowski  23:13 I said all of it. And this is kind of an embarrassing story to tell, but I'm just this is the truth, right? This is the vulnerable truth of how this happened. And and he looked down at me, and I will never forget this. And I hope folks listening who have big dreams and gnarly goals remember this. He looked down at me and he said, Nicole, actually. He said, Fifi. My call sign, Fifi. Nobody wants to lead a scripted life. And he walked away and left me in extraordinarily uncomfortable silence. And those words nobody wants to lead a scripted life have become my life's mantra. Every time I get the knot in my stomach that says that dreams too big or that idea is too innovative, don't rock the boat, I remember what he said, because those words, like they lifted the weight of the world off my shoulders, told me it was okay to dream big. It was okay to buck the status quo. It was okay to be different. He was telling me, it's okay to risk failure in pursuit of personal professional growth, and it's not so much. I think he's telling you and me to write ourselves into the script. What he was saying was, don't ever write yourself out of the script. And as leaders and teammates, don't you ever write anybody else or their wild ideas out of the script, either. And so nobody wants to lead a scripted life. And I, I hope what you're hearing in these stories, and maybe what I'm realizing just chatting with you, is these little turning points, these pivot moments where these really important people, the mark Matthews, you know, the Mikey whiteheads, the Mick Jaggers, the Sue Rosses, the Kim Jamesons, they all come at that right moment. You got to be open to that you know, and and how important your actions and your words are to making or breaking somebody else's journals.   Naviere Walkewicz  24:48 Yes, yeah, so you took that application back.   Nicole Malachowski 24:52 Sure did. Sure did. I did not get the number one stratification from the colonel, but I did from the general. And. So that worked out for me. When I really started thinking about, I think I was putting myself back in the kid in high school with her brown bag lunch out on the football field watching the Thunderbirds fly over that can tend to see that those six jets smoked behind in red, white and blue, screaming over your high school. You know, you wanted to be a fighter pilot. Since you're a kid, I'm staring up at them, thinking, there's people up there. You know, I want to be one of those people. This idea that there would be a little kid watching me as a Thunderbird pilot, and maybe someday go, maybe I could fulfill whatever my dream is. Maybe I could join the Air Force too, a little girl going, maybe I could be a fighter pilot someday. And I think the gravity and the weight of the mission of the Thunderbirds started to really impact me, because it had indeed impacted me as a kid, and the idea that I could be a part of that. And I think the other thing was, and maybe this sounds cheesy or trite, but it's not, you know, sitting at Al UD, drinking my one beer at three in the morning after I land from my night combat mission, sitting with all these great Americans from all over the country, from every different background, and thinking, I could go tell their story, and that's what Thunderbirds get to do. You get to represent the world's greatest Air Force and tell the stories of these airmen who are out there getting the job done, those tech piece those crew chiefs, you know, the folks that are working at the tower, the folks in the food hall, our medical professionals, the cyber the whole thing, right? And all of a sudden it got really exciting to me, like I could go out there with this team, with this mission, and we could represent our friends with the honor and the dignity and the respect that they deserve. And I think those two things kind of collided together, and I started getting really excited about excited about this Thunderbird thing. Ended up back at Lake and Heath painfully excruciating waiting for the vinyls. And when we got back from Iraq, they give you the kind of three weeks of downtime. My husband was a gracious man and took me on a Cruise of the Baltic Sea. We're sitting in our cabin in Oslo Norway, and the phone in the cabin rings. The phone in your cabin, phone in my cabin rings. It's about 10 o'clock at night, but full sun outside, because it's summertime in Norway. And immediately we looked at each other, and both of our heart we've talked about this, both our hearts sank, because why does a phone call come to military people on vacation? It's not never it's never good. Yeah, and I was a flight commander at the time. So was he we immediately thought something disastrous had happened, an aircraft accident, a death, you know, a car accident. And we let it ring another time, and he's like, You need to pick it up. And I picked it up. And I said, Hello. And they go, is this Captain malikowski? I said, Yes. And they go standby for the commander of Air Combat Command. Oh my gosh. And I looked at my husband, and I was like, What is going on? Well, I knew this was the consolation call. There was, I think, I think there was five or six of us who had made it to finals. Three people were getting good position. The other were not. And it is tradition that the commander of Air Combat Command calls all six, coach is very gracious and professionally courteous. And so I thought this was my consolation call. So I'm waiting, and it feels like an eternity, and all of a sudden I hear Stevie there, and I said, Yes. He goes, Ron keys which was General. Ron Keyes, Commander, Air Combat Command. I'm a young captain. I'm like, you've got to be kidding me. And I go, sir, how are you? He goes. We have a pretty amazing Air Force that we can find you in the middle of the Oslo Norway fjord, don't we? I said, Yes, sir, we do. He goes. Well, I know you're on vacation, so I want to keep it simple. I want to offer you a job. And I said, Yes, sir. He goes. How would you like to be Thunderbird number three? And I said, I stayed as professional as I could in my voice, but I was looking at my husband gesticulating, jumping up and down like you're not gonna believe I said, Sir, I would absolutely love that. He goes, Okay, great. You're the next Thunderbird number three. Look forward to watching you fly and get back to your vacation. And he hung up the phone. You know, the Thunderbirds are, at that time, 125 people from 25 different career fields who came together to make that mission happen. Wow, never been in a squadron with that many high performing, highly motivated people in my life. I am still dear friends with my crew chief, still friends with people on the team. It is such a crucible experience. It's a one off, you know. Well, fast forward. Finish up the Thunderbirds. I get a phone call. He goes, it's Viking blurling. I'm like, How the heck did this guy that I met once get my phone he goes, Hey, when I was an Air Force officer, a young fighter pilot, I did acse as a White House fellow, and I think you should be a White House fellow. I said, Well, what's the White House Fellowship? So he explains it to me, and I'm like, there is no way I will get picked as one of 12 to 15 people across the United States, across all career fields, including civilians, to be a White House fellow. Colin Powell was a White House fellow. I am not a White House fellow. This is ridiculous. So I entertained his conversation. He says, I want you to think about I'm gonna call you back tomorrow, same time. Boom. Phone rings. Viking borling, you're applying to be a White House fellow, no, sir. I'm not. Third day ping. Phone calls. You're applying to be a White House fellow. Anyways, I applied to be a White House fellow. Went through that whole process, semi finals, regional panel interviews, and then the finals, and was selected to be a White House fellow. I got assigned outside of the White House to the US, General Services, Administration, yes, like, it was exciting. And I was like, this is where the nuts and bolts happen? Well, the GSA also runs what's called the office of the president elect. Between election and inauguration, the incoming president and their team needs to have a place to get ready, like our current incoming administration is doing. It's a physical office building where they make decisions about cabinet secretaries, or they get their intelligence briefings and all of that. Guess who got put on the presidential transition support team to be up close and personal for the peaceful transition of power between George Bush and Barack Obama? Wow. The extraordinary part about the White House Fellowship was most of the fellows were civilian, and I had been nothing but military since I was 17 years old and showed up at the Air Force Academy. So to be able to look at leadership and teamwork and professionalism from a completely different lens, to see how people from the education field or from healthcare would solve a problem was fascinating. You know, we in the military can look to solve problems a very specific way, and a lot of us are a little bit very specific in how we do it. And so to learn how to look at problems and solve things in different ways was extraordinary.   Naviere Walkewicz  31:23 So your career trajectory is just really incredible. Because you've kind of talked about how you've been put in these places based off of circumstance, but then when you get there, it's all about, how do you make the most of it, seize the opportunity and see what's available.   Nicole Malachowski  31:38 A lot of times, you know, as human beings, we go, Well, I don't have this, or I can't do this right now, or not resource this way, man, find a way. Yeah, ask yourself the right question. What is it I can do right now with what I have?   Naviere Walkewicz  31:49 Well, that makes me feel like that's a really good lead into kind of what circumstantially happened to you, unexpectedly. Yes, so you're medically retired from the Air Force. Do you want to talk about how that happened?   Nicole Malachowski  32:00 And sure, sure, you know, the the greatest honor of my career was serving as the commander of the 3/33 fighter squadron. I enjoyed that, and I remember also during that time being physically fit, mentally fit, spiritually fit. And I remember feeling ill in the summer of 2012 like I had the flu, but within three months, I started having severe neurological problems, so things like word finding, slurring my words, inability to read write, inability to type, dropping things with my right hand, dragging my right leg, getting lost, driving home, and I remember going into a grocery store and having a complete panic attack because I didn't know what a grocery store was or why I was in there so very Alzheimer's dementia like symptoms. So in fact, what was happening was my brain was becoming inflamed with an infection. So over the next four years, my symptoms would wax and wane. They would come and go, they would change in severity. Obviously, I could no longer fly. I was grounded, but they said, Hey, you can stay in the Air Force. You just can't fly. And I said, that's great, because honestly, I just want to lead airmen. Lead airmen and be a part of a team. So, you know, there's a lot of details, you know, to this story, but my symptom list was like 63 symptoms long, covering every system in my body. And so they cast the net wide, and that's where tick borne illness came into it. And at that time, I was in a wheelchair. I couldn't talk. My husband was wheeling me around, and I remember when the doctor said, we come on in. We have the diagnosis. We know what's wrong with her. The doctor says she'll never fly again. And my husband said, Well, how long until she's better? And she goes, Well, treatment is going to take at least two years. And it was in that moment, it wasn't that I wasn't going to fly again, that hurt. But when they said two years, I knew that the military was going to medically retire me, I knew it was over, and I couldn't speak or say anything, and I was just devastated. I remember my goal was to be the commandant of the Air Force Academy. That was my dream. And all that just came crashing, you know, crashing down. And in that moment, so for nine months I couldn't walk, talk, read or write. I spent another year and a half in rehab, and during that time, obviously went through my medical evaluation board, but I was medically retired, I fought to stay in and then I realized my body wasn't gonna let me and once I accepted that it was over, you know, I was able to move forward so radical acceptance was a hard thing to come by. But the day of my retirement, December 29 2017 came, I was home alone because I was bedridden and house bound for two years. Um, was very hurtful. Remains hurtful. How my Air Force career ended. I love the Air Force based on all the stories that I told, but this moment is very painful for me. It still is. And, you know, I thought, well, what are you going to do about it? You know, you can't. Change that you were bit by tick, can't change that you have a brain injury. What are you going to do? Girl, you know, the fighter pilot in you is not going to quit. And that's when I decided, well, I'm going to, you know, I got to do something. And the phone rang, and the phone rang, and it was during this time, a gal by the name of Buff Bucha, retired colonel, had been in a helicopter accident broke her neck in Afghanistan. She said, Hey, how you doing? I said, I'm not good. She goes talk to me, and I remember for two hours just vomiting everything out to this person I didn't really know very well. Well, she was calling from the Air Force Wounded Warrior program, wow, and the Wounded Warrior program swooped in to save me, and I ended up becoming a trained ambassador and a trained mentor, which I still am to this day. I'm able to help other airmen who are being discharged, but I just want to give a shout out to the Air Force wind Warrior Program, psychologically and mental health wise, I don't know that I would have recovered, and that I would have recovered to the place that I am today without them. And so I want for the active duty, listening for people in the reserve and the guard. It is for you, yeah, it is for everyone, and it is literally a life saving program.   Naviere Walkewicz  32:45 Maybe talk about what you've been doing then since.   Nicole Malachowski  36:16 Yeah, I do leadership consulting and professional speaking, but predominantly, that helps pay the bills, and I enjoy it. Predominantly, I do patient advocacy work at the national level, so I'm on several government boards. I'm on several nonprofit panels. We've tripled them, and IH funding through the state and like TicK Act and things like that. I'm currently on a National Academies of Science Committee. Can't talk about that because our report will come out in the spring. I hope everyone will read it. But Lyme disease, I went from being a fighter pilot to being an expert on ticks and Lyme disease. Who knew the path to success is always going to be non linear.   Naviere Walkewicz  36:49 Yes, you also mentioned you have children. You have twins. Do so how is it talk about, like family life in this new kind of in the way that you're working now, right? You're not in uniform anymore. You're still pushing amazing things forward. You're consulting what's it like being a mom?   Naviere Walkewicz  37:06 Man, it's harder, it is harder to raise 14 year old twins than it is to get shot at  in combat, I will tell you that. So you know, the person that's been missing in this whole time we've been talking is the most important person in my life, which is my husband, Paul. So we will be married. We just, yeah, just had our anniversary. 23 years. I met him in my first fighter squadron in the late 90s. He's an F-15E WSO. So we met flying together. And my biggest cheerleader, my biggest supporter, the greatest human being on Earth, is my husband, Paul.   Naviere Walkewicz  37:38 I want to talk about this resurgence, because I feel like that is really important for some of our listeners. When they're, you know, they're thinking about you said you got to know who you are and what's important to you. And how did you get to that clarity?   Nicole Malachowski 37:52 You really need to be able to answer the question, what is it I value and why? And I'm talking about your personal values, the ones that you're going to wake up with every day and go, these are my values. And so I'll tell you what mine are. Mine are courage and compassion and curiosity, and I developed those as I went through this deep thinking and deep reinvention, when I lost my career and compassion, courage and curiosity are what drive me today.   Naviere Walkewicz  38:18 We'll ask for Nicole's thoughts on reinvention, resilience and leadership. But before we do that, I'd like to take a moment and thank all of you for listening to long blue leadership. The podcast publishes on Tuesdays in both video and audio, and is available on all your favorite podcast platforms. Watch or listen to all episodes of Long blue leadership and subscribe at longblue leadership.org so we have had an incredible journey together, and really where we'd like to go. One final thought on leadership, if you might, leave your listeners with something about leadership, and I can say just from being in this short amount of time with you, your your 3 Cs are coming out in spades, your compassion, your curiosity and your courage. So thank you.   Nicole Malachowski  39:01 Thank you. You know leadership is a journey. We're always put into positions that we're supposed to grow into. Don't think you have to be perfect to be a leader. It's okay to admit when you make mistakes, it's okay to ask for help, and it's okay to have failures, as long as you overcome them. And I like to remind folks at all levels of leadership, you know that the runway behind you is always unusable. All you ever have is the runway that's in front of you.   Naviere Walkewicz  39:25 Well said, well said, Thank you so much for being on long blue leadership.   Nicole Malachowski  39:29 Thank you for having me. And here's a shout out to the current cadets that are working hard up on the hill, yeah, wishing them best and hoping they take it one day at a time.   Naviere Walkewicz  39:36 Absolutely. And for our listeners, I mean, I think that it's, it's it's certainly one thing to say, you know, you get to meet these incredible leaders, but my ask of you is to share this with your networks, because it's great if you felt something and you've had an impact in your life, but imagine the magnitude you can have by sharing some of the stories of our leaders like Nicole today with your networks and the change we can make together. So until next time, thanks for being on. Long blue leadership, thank you for joining us for this edition of long blue leadership. The podcast drops every two weeks on Tuesdays and is available on all your favorite podcast apps. Send your comments and guest ideas to us at social media@usafa.org, and listen to past episodes at longblueleadership.org.   KEYWORDS leadership, resilience, resurgence, Air Force Academy, mentorship, aviation, women in military, pilot training, overcoming adversity, personal growth, fighter pilot, mentorship, leadership, Thunderbirds, women in military, self-doubt, White House Fellowship, WASP, Air Force, personal growth, diversity, WASP, Air Force, medical retirement, resilience, leadership, Lyme Disease, tick-borne illness, self-discovery, personal values, reinvention, advocacy         The Long Blue Line Podcast Network is presented by the U.S. Air Force Academy Association and Foundation    

-Rear Adm. John Meier (ret.) is a 1986 graduate of United States Naval Academy and was "winged" as a Naval Aviator in August 1988.-In his 37 years of Naval service, he achieved over 4,000 flight hours & 675 carrier landings, 6 separate command tours, and eventually ended his career with the title of ‘Commander Naval Air Force Atlantic', achieving the title of second highest ranking Naval Aviator in the U.S. Navy-In this role, he was responsible for 40,000+ personnel, six aircraft carriers, 2500+ aircraft and an ~$8 billion annual operating budget.-John's operational assignments include Electronic Attack Squadron-141 (VAQ-141), Carrier Air Wing Two (CVW-2), VAQ-128, and executive officer onboard USS Harry S. Truman (CVN-75), during which the command was recognized with the 2008, 2009 & 2010 Battle “E” and the 2009 Safety “S.” Command tours include VAQ-136, earning the Safety “S” and Battle “E” in 2004 as well as the 2005 Retention Excellence award; USS Gunston Hall (LSD-44), earning the 2011 Battle “E”;  and Precommissioning Unit Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78) earning the 2014 &2015 Retention Excellence awards.-His shore assignments include tours at VAQ-129, where he was recognized as Instructor Pilot of the Year in 1995; EA-6B placement officer at Navy Personnel Command; senior operations officer and emergency actions officer on the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff in the National Military Command Center; requirements officer for EA-18G at the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations (OPNAV) N88; assistant chief of staff force readiness officer at Commander, Naval Air Forces; assistant commander, Navy Personnel Command for Career Management (PERS-4); and commander, Navy Warfare Development Command.-Meier has participated in operations around the world since Desert Storm, lead Southern Partnership Station and built the crew and culture of USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78) as her first commanding officer.WATCH - O2X | Integrated: U.S. Navy's HSCWL https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ko0quvMM7csFirstNet Built with AT&T:http://www.firstnet.com/healthandwellnessBuilding Homes for Heroes:https://www.buildinghomesforheroes.org/Download the O2X Tactical Performance App:app.o2x.comLet us know what you think:Website - http://o2x.comIG - https://instagram.com/o2xhumanperformance?igshid=1kicimx55xt4f 

In this episode of The Women in the Arena Podcast, we are excited to introduce Major Danielle M. Park, an accomplished F-16 Instructor Pilot with the 179th Fighter Squadron, 148th Fighter Wing, Minnesota Air National Guard. Based in Duluth, Minnesota, Maj Park is not only a key NORAD Aerospace Control Alert Pilot, supporting the critical 24/7 homeland defense mission, but she also manages the Wing Orientation Flight Program and oversees the Squadron's recruiting efforts for both rated and unrated positions.Maj Park's journey began at the University of Minnesota Duluth, where she earned a Bachelor's degree in Mathematics in 2010 before receiving her commission through the Reserve Officer Training Corps. In this engaging conversation, Maj Park delves into the adventures of life in the Air Force, from building resilience during deployments to her unique experience of training Brie Larson for the Captain Marvel movie. She also opens up about personal topics such as navigating marriage while managing a demanding military career and her experiences as a dual military spouse. Join us to hear Maj Park's inspiring stories and gain insights into leadership, balancing personal and professional life, and embracing the dynamic challenges of a career in the Air Force. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Send us a Text Message.Join us for a powerful conversation with a Chief Warrant Officer 4 in Army Aviation, who's spent over two decades breaking barriers in the skies. As a featured speaker at EmpowHER, she reflects on what influenced her unexpected journey into aviation and the challenges she overcame, including failing a critical vision test. Hear her insights on why perseverance through difficulties often leads to the greatest rewards and how everyday interactions with others can offer valuable lessons in resilience and growth. Allison Moser has served in Army Aviation for over 24 years and has achieved the rank of Chief Warrant Officer 4. She has eagerly filled the roles of Instructor Pilot, Maintenance Test Pilot, Training Officer, Safety Officer, Armament Officer and Flight Operations Specialist among others. Her primary aircraft have been AH-64 Apache and UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters and her career has included deployments to Afghanistan, Iraq & Kosovo. She is currently an Instructor Pilot at the Eastern Army National Guard Aviation Training Site (EAATS) where she has the pleasure of interacting with and training Army aviators from all over the country on a daily basis. Allison appreciates the opportunity to serve and thoroughly enjoys encouraging others to persevere. Hear more from Allison about:What a Chief Warrant 4 Officer is and what it equates to.Her inspiration to serve in the military.How aviation was by accident, but she fell in love with it.Her first of many challenges involved a vision test.How she is stronger and better because of the adversity she faced.The lessons that you can learn everyday from the people around you.Focusing on what is important in life - the people.Connect with us!LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lesliemathisStreamline Website: https://www.streamlinemultifamily.comEmpowHER Website: https://empowhermultifamily.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/empowhermultifamily https://www.instagram.com/streamlinemultifamilySubscribe and leave a review for the Multifamily Streamlined Podcast here.Streamline Multifamily Group is your specialized consulting partner for multifamily operations, training, and more! We offer consultative support in project management, construction, development, renovations, auditing, and also organize industry events. Remember, no matter how well your property is doing, it could be doing better. Contact Leslie at LMathis@StreamlineMultifamily.com for more information. 

Former military special operations officer Jeff Niklaus joins the program to discuss his experiences in Afghanistan and Iraq. He shares his experience which inspired the Black Hawk down movie and the real life scenario they found themselves part of. He also explains his time as a special operations officer working to end the poppy production in Afghanistan. What really happened behind the scenes. Finally we discuss current operations and how you can identify them, develop situational awareness and be more able to protect you and your family. You can learn more about his products at https://www.complianttechnologies.net/   Links mentioned in the show: Sign up for the FREE Mind Control and 5th Generation Warfare series at https://BrightU.com Learn more about Leela's Quantum Tech at https://bit.ly/3iVOMsZ or at https://SarahWestall.com/shop MasterPiece: Remove Heavy Metals including Graphene Oxide and Plastics at https://masterpeacebyhcs.com/my-account/uap/?ref=11308   Consider subscribing: Follow on Twitter @Sarah_Westall Follow on my Substack at SarahWestall.Substack.com See Important Proven Solutions to Keep Your from getting sick even if you had the mRNA Shot - Dr. Nieusma MUSIC CREDITS: “In Epic World” by Valentina Gribanova, licensed for broad internet media use, including video and audio       See on Bastyon | Bitchute | Brighteon | Clouthub | Odysee | Rumble | Youtube | Tube.Freedom.Buzz     Jeffrey Niklaus Biography: Jeff Niklaus, the founder of Compliant Technologies, comes from a long military heritage with family serving all the way back to the Revolutionary War. He joined the Army in 1985 and, in 1987, became qualified in the UH-60 Blackhawk with his first assignment in the 101st Airborne Division at Fort Campbell, Kentucky. During his 20-year active duty career, Jeff deployed in support of Operation Gothic Serpent in Somalia, Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. He served as an Instructor Pilot, Instrument Flight Examiner, Standardization Officer and Liaison Officer to covered units in the Department of Defense.  Jeff retired in 2006 as a Chief Warrant Officer Four and went on to work as a contractor to the US Department of State in support of the Poppy Eradication Program in Afghanistan. He currently flies EMS helicopters in Kentucky. He holds college degrees in Forestry, Business Management and Aeronautics. Jeff remains committed to the vital protection of our sovereign nation and the safety of our dedicated men and women who work at all levels of public service, to include our military forces. Through Compliant Technologies, he aims to provide these individuals with effective, non-lethal weapons that will better enhance their abilities to achieve their tasks at hand. He and his team at Compliant Technologies look forward to serving you and suppling you with an atypical technology for an atypical world.  

Jahara "FRANKY" Matisek teaches in the Department of National Security Affairs (NSA) as a Military Professor at the U.S. Naval War College. Previously, he was an Associate Professor in the MSS Department, Senior Fellow at HDI, Fellowship Director for IWI, and T-53 Instructor Pilot. He holds a Ph.D. in Political Science from Northwestern University with a Graduate Certificate in African Studies. He has been published over 90 articles in peer-reviewed journals and other outlets and ---------- LINKS: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jahara-franky-matisek-phd-9294a9a/ https://usnwc.edu/Faculty-and-Departments/Directory/Jahara-Franky-Matisek https://mwi.westpoint.edu/staff/jahara-matisek/ https://www.rusi.org/people/matisek https://warroom.armywarcollege.edu/author/jahara-matisek/ https://irregularwarfare.org/team/jahara-matisek/ https://cepa.org/author/jahara-franky-matisek/ ---------- BOOKS: My book, Old and New Battlespaces, discusses the growing prominence of sociopolitical-information warfare (Lynne Rienner, 2022) https://www.rienner.com/title/Old_and_New_Battlespaces_Society_Military_Power_and_War My long-term book project, "Weak States, Strong Armies: Military Effectiveness in Africa?" (under revision) focuses on how bureaucratically weak African states become militarily effective through the creation of military enclaves. ---------- TRUSTED CHARITIES ON THE GROUND: Save Ukraine https://www.saveukraineua.org/ Superhumans - Hospital for war traumas https://superhumans.com/en/ UNBROKEN - Treatment. Prosthesis. Rehabilitation for Ukrainians in Ukraine https://unbroken.org.ua/ Come Back Alive https://savelife.in.ua/en/ Chefs For Ukraine - World Central Kitchen https://wck.org/relief/activation-chefs-for-ukraine UNITED24 - An initiative of President Zelenskyy https://u24.gov.ua/ Serhiy Prytula Charity Foundation https://prytulafoundation.org NGO “Herojam Slava” https://heroiamslava.org/ kharpp - Reconstruction project supporting communities in Kharkiv and Przemyśl https://kharpp.com/ NOR DOG Animal Rescue https://www.nor-dog.org/home/ ---------- PLATFORMS: Twitter: https://twitter.com/CurtainSilicon Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/siliconcurtain/ Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/4thRZj6NO7y93zG11JMtqm Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/finkjonathan/ Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtain ---------- Welcome to the Silicon Curtain podcast. Please like and subscribe if you like the content we produce. It will really help to increase the popularity of our content in YouTube's algorithm. Our material is now being made available on popular podcasting platforms as well, such as Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

One of only a handful of women to make it to the elite level of the Air Force Thunderbirds, Mace Curran is an experienced F-16 combat fighter pilot with 163 combat hours over Afghanistan in support of operations Resolute Support and Freedom's Sentinel. She has also served as an F-16 Instructor Pilot and Flight Commander at the Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base, Fort Worth, Texas. In 2022, she left active duty to found Upside Down Dreams and travels the country speaking to organizations on lessons of grit, perseverance, determination, and teamwork. Through keynotes, courses and workshops, she empowers individuals to shift their mindset to see their true potential. She defines what it is to be a modern Air Force officer for many outsiders, providing a valuable insight into the Air Force experience and showcasing the opportunities of an Air Force career. Listen to The Tony DUrso Show on VoiceAmerica Influencers Platform every Friday at 2pm Pacific or listen on Apple Podcasts or tonydurso.com/podcast.

One of only a handful of women to make it to the elite level of the Air Force Thunderbirds, Mace Curran is an experienced F-16 combat fighter pilot with 163 combat hours over Afghanistan in support of operations Resolute Support and Freedom's Sentinel. She has also served as an F-16 Instructor Pilot and Flight Commander at the Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base, Fort Worth, Texas. In 2022, she left active duty to found Upside Down Dreams and travels the country speaking to organizations on lessons of grit, perseverance, determination, and teamwork. Through keynotes, courses and workshops, she empowers individuals to shift their mindset to see their true potential. She defines what it is to be a modern Air Force officer for many outsiders, providing a valuable insight into the Air Force experience and showcasing the opportunities of an Air Force career. Listen to The Tony DUrso Show on VoiceAmerica Influencers Platform every Friday at 2pm Pacific or listen on Apple Podcasts or tonydurso.com/podcast.

Jack Stewart, Top Gun pilot and debut author, joins to talk his writing journey, and his brand new book, UNKNOWN RIDER. Jack Stewart grew up in Seattle, Washington and graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy before serving twenty-three years as a fighter pilot. During that time, he flew combat missions from three different aircraft carriers and deployed to Afghanistan as a member of an Air Force Tactical Air Control Party. His last deployment was with a joint special operations counter-terrorism task force in Africa. Find more about Jack here: jackstewartbooks.com Follow for more: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠jeffclarkofficial.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or... IG ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@⁠⁠officialJSClark⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠ FB ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@officialJSClark⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠ Twitter ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@officialJSClark⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠ Full Episodes at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube.com⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@jeffclarkofficial⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠ApplePodcasts.com/CourseofAction⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Spotify.com/Course of Action⁠

If you love strange, quirky and amazing planes…then the SUPER GUPPY is for you! It's NASA's one-of-a-kind widebody transport aircraft that can haul larger loads than even a C-5 Galaxy! Join Ray Heineman, Chief of Aircraft Operations and Instructor Pilot of the SUPER GUPPY, and Dave Elliott, Flight Engineer for the Super Guppy for a deep dive into this AMAZING AIRCRAFT. “SocialFlight Live!” is a live broadcast dedicated to supporting General Aviation pilots and enthusiasts during these challenging times. Register at SocialFlightLive.com to join the live broadcast every Tuesday evening at 8pm ET (be sure to join early because attendance is limited for the live broadcasts).

In this episode, Cadet McMahan and C/Willis discuss their experiences with the Capstones they participated in last summer. Capstones are base visits that allow cadets to experience and meet active duty AF personnel. These vary depending on the desired AFSC of each cadet. C/McMahan went to Sheppard AFB in Wichita Texas and C/Willis went to RAF Lakenheath, England. *IP stands for Instructor Pilot

​In this bonus Q&A interview with Matt, he shares:His proudest moment and biggest failure in his career so farA trend that he is following in Talent Development right nowThe biggest challenge he sees in Talent Development todayBooks that have made a big impact on his lifeOne piece of career advice he has for youMatt Gjertsen is the founder and Chief Learning Officer of Better Every Day Studios, a full service instructional design team that helps aerospace and defense companies with everything from training needs analysis to learning content creation and delivery.He began his career in the United States Air Force as an Instructor Pilot in the T-1 and KC-10 aircraft. When not in the air, Matt spent his time racing triathlons, completing Ironman Lake Tahoe in 2013.After 9 years of service, Matt left active duty to become the Manager of Training and Development for SpaceX. His team was responsible for new hire orientation, employee and leader development, as well as various aspects of technical training from Environmental Health and Safety compliance to production and engineering skills. After four and a half years at SpaceX, Matt moved on to join a technology start-up where he built a global operations onboarding program, sales training and various leader development programs.Today, while focusing on defense & aerospace, Matt works with businesses of all sizes to create custom learning content and facilitate impactful employee training designed to change behavior, improve performance and help leaders build organizations people love to be part of.Matt is also continuing his military service as a Reserve Officer supporting the U.S. Space Force while he lives with his wife and daughter in Los Angeles, CA.Connect with Andy Storch here:WebsiteLinkedInJoin us in the Talent Development Think Tank Community!Connect with Matt Gjersten:LinkedIn

In today's episode, I am joined by Matt Gjertsen, the founder and Chief Learning Officer at Better Everyday Studios. With his extensive experience as an instructor pilot in the United States Air Force and his time at SpaceX as the manager of Training and Development, Matt brings a wealth of knowledge to the table.In this episode, we delve into the fascinating world of behavior-based training programs. Matt shares insights into why these programs are more effective than traditional methods and how they can be tailored to meet the specific needs of aerospace and defense companies. We explore the importance of focusing on behaviors rather than results, as it allows for better quantification and measurement of training outcomes.You'll learn:How behavior change is more effective than traditional training methods that prioritize results.The importance of connecting talent development to company strategy and business priorities for optimal impact.Practical approaches to implementing behavior-based training, including mapping everything back to targeted behaviors for a streamlined and simplified training content.Insight into the experiences and lessons learned from Matt as a trainer in the Air Force and at SpaceX, as well as his recommendations for successful talent development practices.Matt Gjertsen is the founder and Chief Learning Officer of Better Every Day Studios, a full service instructional design team that helps aerospace and defense companies with everything from training needs analysis to learning content creation and delivery.He began his career in the United States Air Force as an Instructor Pilot in the T-1 and KC-10 aircraft. When not in the air, Matt spent his time racing triathlons, completing Ironman Lake Tahoe in 2013.After 9 years of service, Matt left active duty to become the Manager of Training and Development for SpaceX. His team was responsible for new hire orientation, employee and leader development, as well as various aspects of technical training from Environmental Health and Safety compliance to production and engineering skills. After four and a half years at SpaceX, Matt moved on to join a technology start-up where he built a global operations onboarding program, sales training and various leader development programs.Today, while focusing on defense & aerospace, Matt works with businesses of all sizes to create custom learning content and facilitate impactful employee training designed to change behavior, improve performance and help leaders build organizations people love to be part of.Matt is also continuing his military service as a Reserve Officer supporting the U.S. Space Force while he lives with his wife and daughter in Los Angeles, CA.Connect with Andy Storch here:WebsiteLinkedInJoin us in the Talent Development Think Tank Community!Connect with Matt Gjersten:LinkedIn

Join us on this episode as we delve into the captivating journey of Colonel Dennis Daley, a retired Air Force F-16 instructor pilot with over 1,000 sorties and combat experiences. From growing up on a farm in Illinois to soaring the skies in F-16s and even transitioning to a career as a Delta pilot, Colonel Daley's story is one of determination, passion for aviation, and the importance of a strong team. Discover how he learned to fly, navigated the complexities of military aviation, and managed a successful career with the support of his dedicated team. Colonel Daley's experiences, from solo flights to combat missions, provide valuable insights into the world of aviation and leadership. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/aviatorzone/support

Alex "AP" Pelbath and Courtney "Voodoo" Vidt join in for a live discussion and Q&A to share their thoughts and experiences during the withdrawal from Afghanistan. "AP" served as the Air Mission Commander for the final mission out of Afghanistan. "Voodoo" is a C-17 Instructor Pilot and Weapons Officer who flew numerous evacuation missions during August 2021. Newsletter - ⁠https://bit.ly/AfterburnNewsletter⁠

Chris Hallinan - Director of IoT Sales, Author, Speaker, Instructor, Pilot, Army Veteran - talks about his career as a hardware and software developer, and his promotion of the Open Source ecosystem.He is an accomplished author, speaker and instructor - 3 books, including the popular embedded Linux book "Embedded Linux Primer".He is a Private Pilot and currently owns, flies & maintains a 1964 Beechcraft Bonanza.He is an accomplished guitar player and long-time HAM radio operator.Winning Business Radio is broadcast live Mondays at 4PM ET.Winning Business TV Show is viewed on Talk 4 TV (www.talk4tv.com).Winning Business Radio Show is broadcast on W4CY Radio (www.w4cy.com) part of Talk 4 Radio (www.talk4radio.com) on the Talk 4 Media Network (www.talk4media.com). Winning Business Radio Podcast is also available on Talk 4 Podcasting (www.talk4podcasting.com), iHeartRadio, Amazon Music, Pandora, Spotify, Audible, and over 100 other podcast outlets.

Donations are always open!https://app.redcircle.com/shows/63e27b72-d402-4c1c-afa6-902f0e45279a/sponsorOn this episode Drago waters, a repeat guest on the KSP, joins us. He is an F-16 Weapons officer who doesn't take no sh#t from anyone and calls it like he sees it. Also joining us is Rowdy Little who used to fly F-16s and now fly's the T-38 in Introduction to Fighter Fundamentals (IFF). Rowdy is a highly decorated instructor with my Instructor Pilot of the Class awards than anyone else I know.We talk about life at Holloman AFB, the struggles Air National Guard currently faces, and how important fitness is to flying fighters. We also talk about the importance of being an honest broker of your capabilities.Rowdy breaks down what Fighter Bomber Fundamentals (FBF) is and why it is a huge challenge for the current IPs and probably future students.Thank you everyone for your feedback and please keep it coming!info@kodiakshack.comalso get your hats athttps://www.kodiakshack.com/shopSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/kodiak-shack-podcast/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

https://slasrpodcast.com/   SLASRPodcast@gmail.com   Welcome to the Sounds Like a Search and Rescue Podcast! Also known as SLASR. Join an experienced search and rescue volunteer and his friend as they discuss all things related to hiking and search and rescue in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. This week we are joined by Chief Warrant Officer 3 Luke Koladish. Luke is an Instructor Pilot and the Aviation Safety Officer for the NHANG. He is one of the people who is flying on the Blackhawk helicopter when missions are activated that require air support. We are excited to learn about his career and talk about the operations behind air missions in New Hampshire. Plus a recap of Emily's Hike, Stomp has a new piece of gear to review, Tornado hits New Hampshire, recent hikes on Garfield, Cannon, Algonquin Ridge and Pleasant Mountain in Maine, and search and rescue news This weeks Higher Summit Forecast About the New Hampshire Army National Guard https://nharmyguardrecruiting.com/    Window Cling Order Form https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScAWSpyB3_6IbQF84DaSkJ1KdlUzQkY6DDNM2S-8axYK98NyQ/viewform    Topics Higher Summits Forecast Emily's Hike Recap Tornado in NH Bears in a Zoo are freaking everyone out Mummified Campers in Colorado National Parks Creeper in Colorado Joshua Tree Gear Talk Cheesey Netflix hiking movie Recent Hikes Jaime and Luke on Welch Dickey + Mushroom talk Guest of the Week - Luke and Jaime (53 - minute mark)   Show Notes Apple Podcast link for 5 star reviews SLASR Merchandise SLASR LinkTree Chinese Sun Bears are freaking everyone out by standing around looking human Update on partially mummified bodies found in Colorado Best Times to Visit US National Parks - Color coded Predator assaulting women in Colorado hiking trails Fires threaten iconic Joshua Trees Motorola Defy - HikingGuy Ultimate Direction Backpacks Happiness for Beginners - Netflix Hiker extracted from Mt. Lafayette 10 Essentials Links https://www.nps.gov/articles/10essentials.htm  https://americanhiking.org/resources/10essentials/ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ten_Essentials  https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/ten-essentials.html  https://www.outdoors.org/resources/amc-outdoors/outdoor-resources/the-10-essentials-what-to-pack-for-a-backcountry-hike/  https://www.mountaineers.org/blog/what-are-the-ten-essentials    Sponsors and Partners Mount Washington Higher Summits Forecast Vaucluse - Sweat less. Explore more. – Vaucluse Gear Alzheimer's Association - 48 Peaks Seek The Peak Website 

Courtney "Voodoo" Vidt is a C-17 Instructor Pilot and Weapons officer. "Voodoo" and her crew were integral in the massive effort to evacuate U.S. personnel and our allies out of Afghanistan in August of 2021. We talked in-depth about her experiences during those missions. Join  @AfterburnPodcast  for a live chat about the missions and the evacuation out of Afghanistan. The date and venue is still in the works. To stay up-to-date and not miss out join our newsletter: https://bit.ly/AfterburnNewsletter Afterburn Podcast Sponsors Launch Your Aviation Career - BogiDope: https://bit.ly/BogiDope Secure Your Digital Identity - Aura: https://aura.com/afterburn E3 Aviation Association: https://bit.ly/E3Aviation  

In this episode of Pilot's Paradise Podcast, we venture into the captivating aviation journey of Beau Miller, an Air Tanker Pilot in the CalFire S-2T Air Tanker, residing in Pocatello, Idaho. Beau's aviation career spans across various esteemed roles, including serving as an F-16 combat pilot and a U-2/T-38 Instructor Pilot in the United States Air Force. From flying U-2s in the USAF to combating wildfires from the skies, Beau shares his inspiring stories and practical advice tailored to Idaho aviation enthusiasts and pilots. Join us as we explore Beau's aviation journey through the skies of Pilot's Paradise.Please visit our website http://pilotsparadisepodcast.com/ to submit comments, suggestions, and recommendations for guests on the podcast.This episode was produced by Kanecast.

Learn more about Michael Wenderoth, Executive Coach: www.changwenderoth.comSHOW NOTES:What can leaders learn from pilots? Tenille Cromwell, chief pilot, shares four lessons from the cockpit that will make you a more effective leader. We look at how pilots communicate, work with their teams and navigate storms to complete their missions safely. Tenille, who flew her first solo flight at 17, draws from deep experience leading airborne customer support and her time in the US Navy as mission commander and instructor. She holds a BS from the University of Southern California (USC), an MBA from Georgia Southern University, and completed executive education at Harvard's Kennedy School and Stanford's Graduate School of Business.Her grandpa, the lightbulb moment and “Mom and Dad, college is on me.. I joined the Navy”The job of a Chief Pilot, the job of a pilotLesson #1: Communication“CRM” and depersonalizing, conciseness and tailoring to the audienceTwo giant jets, 100 feet apart – Tone and how you say itLesson #2: Co-pilots and Diversity of ThoughtHer military background vs that of her co-pilot: “a rich fabric of decision making”TrustFlying into Bozeman, “I can't see the runway”Huddles to discuss the Brief (“Exec Summary”)“No, it's not all Kumbaya”: A time for collaboration vs a time to make a decisionScenario planning, pre-mortems and debriefs to avoid error45,000 feet and losing pressure is “not a time for conversation, we need to descend now”Lesson #3: Navigating Thunderstorms and the 4 routesLesson #4: Surrounding yourself with a good team“I really couldn't do this without these people”The role of recognition and her Christmas tradition When bringing stragglers along is gross mis-prioritization“It's not all glory being a chief pilot”The importance of overcommunication – “Just because you think it doesn't mean other people know it” - why it helps in the cockpit to include your copilot in your internal thought processWomen in aviation, with India as an outlier?The physical demand is not the challenge, but managing the time away is“Start them early” – experience and exposureYou can't have it all but you can sure try“You don't always need to find a mentor that looks like you” and other advice for young womenGuys have the same challenges that women do - "No need to belittle yourself to fit in"Her favorite plane to fly (quite the savvy response…)BIO AND LINKS:Tenille Cromwell is Chief Pilot for an elite private aircraft manufacturer. She flies the G150, G350, G450, and G550, manages 17 pilots and seven aircraft that are continuously operating around the world to meet customer needs. She started her aviation career in the US Navy, where she served as Instructor Pilot and Mission Commander in the E-6B (TACAMO), and as Instructor Pilot in the T-1 (Hawker 400) for future military aviators. Tenille holds a BS in Business from the University of Southern California, an MBA from Georgia Southern University, and earned executive education certificates in Public Leadership from Harvard's Kennedy School, and in Corporate Innovation from Stanford's Graduate School of Business (LEAD). When not completing missions that add to her 7000+ flight hours, she lives in Savannah, Georgia with her husband, and three children.Tenille on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tenille-cromwell-0b079718b/JFK's 1962 Clip: “We choose to go to the Moon” - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iQV9CAJWlVYFlights, by by the numbers: https://www.spikeaerospace.com/air-traffic-around-the-globe-over-24-hours/How safe is it to fly? https://simpleflying.com/how-safe-is-flying/Malcolm Gladwell's book Outliers: https://www.amazon.com/Outliers-Story-Success-Malcolm-Gladwell/dp/0316017930Scenario planning to avoid error (and the strong case for pre-mortems): https://hbr.org/2007/09/performing-a-project-premortemStats on women in aviation: https://www.livemint.com/news/india/at-15-india-has-most-number-of-female-pilots-in-the-world-11679622535369.htmlTime to become a pilot? The upcoming shortage is real: https://edition.cnn.com/2023/04/19/business/pilot-shortage-retirement-tsunami/index.html Michael's Book, Get Promoted: https://changwenderoth.com/#tve-jump-180481ecea3

This week in the studio my guest has 35 years of service to the United States, 17 of those years were spent in Army Special Operations as a Combat and Instructor Pilot. He has logged more than 6700 flying hours and is certified to fly no less than 3 different models of airframes. He has taken part in Operation Desert Shield/Storm and was a major factor in the Global War on Terror with such missions as inserting the Horse Soldiers after 9/11, The Battle of Takur Gar where he was shot down, and numerous other operations delivering Rangers, Delta, Navy SEALS, and many more warriors safely into and out of violent combat zones. He is also a highly decorated soldier who has been awarded the Legion of Merit, 2 Distinguished Flying Crosses, 3 Bronze Stars, and 10 Air Medals included one with a “V” for Valor. This week is a conversation about the possibility of living out all your dreams but still being haunted by the nightmares that you never thought were possible, and then picking yourself up and discovering what truly makes you happy in your life and the love ones that surround you. This guest has written one of the most amazing biographies that I have ever read, that puts on display every emotion, up or down, right or wrong, and being truly candid in every in every sense of the word. Please welcome Alan C. Mack…….

In Episodes 9 & 10 we had the honor to speak with retired United States Air Force Colonel Scott "SOUP" Campbell, a Wing Commander and fighter pilot who graciously shared his experiences and perspective on flying the incredible A-10 Warthog.At the end of that 2-part chat, we agreed to do another episode where we'd discuss in detail the newest variant of the Warthog, and that is the A-10C.In planning that follow on episode, Colonel Campbell recommended that I speak with an active duty pilot that he once commanded, because as SOUP said, he's one of the most talented A-10 pilot's that he knows.That person is U.S. Air Force Major Ridge "KELSO" Flick, who is our guest for this episode of Go Bold.Maj. Flick graduated from the U.S. Air Force Academy, after which he did pilot training to become a fighter pilot.Today Maj. Flick is an A-10C Warthog pilot who has flown combat missions over Iraq, Syria and Afghanistan. He is a graduate of the U.S. Air Force Weapons School, and at the time of our chat he was a Weapons Instructor Pilot at the Air Force's Weapons School at Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada.For those who don't know, being a Weapons School Instructor Pilot is the equivalent of being a University Professor who teaches PhD students -- collectively these folks are pilots who are among the elite in the United States Air Force.The U.S. Air Force Weapons School trains tactical experts and leaders to control and exploit air, space and cyber on behalf of the joint force. The weapons school mantra is: "humble, approachable and credible". These folks form a band of trusted advisors and problem-solvers that lead the Department of the Air Force and enables it to integrate its combat power seamlessly alongside those of other military services. Maj. Flick embodies the tenets of the Weapons School mantra, and he graciously shares his time with us to describe his experiences of training, leadership, and in flying the mighty A-10C Warthog.The A-10C configuration incorporates modern avionics which enable the use of precision weaponry.As Maj. Flick says, the A-10C is a "1st Gen fighter with Gen 4++ avionics".Maj. Flick describes how the A-10C systems - like the moving map, helmet mounted sight, and targeting pod - provide enhanced situational awareness and functionality which makes the A-10C incredibly effective as a Close Air Support and attack aircraft.You'll hear first-hand perspective on flying the A-10 and what its like to shoot its amazing GAU-8 30mm cannon. You'll also hear about the A-10 syllabus at the Weapons School.It's a great conversation from one of the best in the business, so we thank Maj. Flick for his time and insight.Be sure to listen to our next episode where Maj. Flick shares some of his experiences of flying the A-10C in combat!The A-10 community says ATTACK, and we echo that with GO BOLD!

Ep 162 - Jeff Fletcher - Warning, may talk about paramotors - ClearPropTV Paramotor Podcast Tonights show is all about #Paramotor Tonights guest, Jeff Fletcher 8 years as Air Force T-37 Instructor Pilot. 6 as U-2 Instructor/Interview Pilot. Over 20 years with Southwest Airlines. Current CFI, MEI, and USPPA FL and WL Instructor with FAA tandem exemption. SIV attendee. http://www.DesertAviators.com https://www.paramotorarkansas.com/account/register get a free account and you might find a free gift in your mail box

Today, we'll detail the history behind the Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals, what they do, and their perspective on streamlining the educational processes of the aerospace industry with the OBAP Chairman of the Board, Joel Webley. Listen in to know more about their purpose!     WHAT YOU'LL LEARN FROM THIS EPISODE  The reason for OBAP's (Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals) existence How OBAP develops and support work force in the aerospace industry OBAP programs to promote aerospace to youth Career opportunities from  the aerospace industry Benefits of OBAP conferences The importance of allyship in your life journey     RESOURCES/LINKS MENTIONED Duncan Aviation Luke Weathers Jr. Flight Academy FedEx Delta Airlines UPS SkyWest Airlines     ABOUT JOEL WEBLEY Hailing from Grand Rapids Michigan, Joel Webley is a FedEx 757 Captain, and Instructor Pilot with the New Hampshire Air National Guard. A graduate of Western Michigan University College of Aviation, Joel started his career first as a Certified Flight Instructor, next as an Officer and Pilot in the USAF, and later a Captain and Business Leader with the General Electric Corporate Flight Department. As a true ‘success story' of OBAP initiatives, Joel initially began his relationship with OBAP in 1999 as a high school student attending an affiliated summer program. There he first interacted with OBAP members and was inspired to work with other community programs targeted towards promoting diversity within the aviation industry as his career burgeoned. Almost 20 years later, Joel brings to the OBAP leadership, years of aviation experience as a pilot, as well as strong business skills sharpened while working within a Fortune 100 corporation as Process Improvement Leader. Joel joined the OBAP Board of Directors in January 2019 and currently serves as Board Chair. During his time with the board, he has served as Chair for the Professional Skills Development Program Subcommittee, Chair for the 2019 Convention Professional Development Committee, Corporate Luncheon Committee, and Member of the 2019 Convention Committee. His current focus is on helping develop new strategies to keep OBAP effective in its mission despite challenges presented by a changing industry. Joel holds an M.S. in Project Management from Boston University. He currently resides in the greater Memphis area with his wife Julia and their two sons.     CONNECT WITH JOEL Website: Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals     CONNECT WITH US  Are you ready to take your relationship to the next level? Don't wait until it's too late. Use the promo code “PODCAST” and save 10% on all our services. Check us out at www.spitfireelite.com!   If you want to recommend someone to guest on the show, email Nik at podcast@spitfireelite.com, and if you need a professional pilot resume, go to www.spitfireelite.com/podcast/ for FREE templates!      SPONSOR If you're a professional pilot looking for a great financial planning partner for your retirement, tax, and investment, go to  www.tpope.ceterainvestors.com/contact or call 704-717-8900 ext 120 to schedule a consultation appointment with Timothy P. Pope, CFP®

For the first time in three years, the U.S. Navy Blue Angels have a new flight leader. Cmdr. Alexander Armatas officially took command of the Naval Flight Exhibition Team on November 13, 2022, at a ceremony at the National Naval Aviation Museum in Pensacola, Florida. He replaced Captain Brian Kesselring, who led the Team during its 75th anniversary and the transition to the F/A-18 Super Hornet. In this interview, Boss Armatas discusses his priorities and focus as the new commanding officer and flight leader for the Blue Angels, including getting to know each member of the Team, mastering the 45 minute air show demonstration, and ensuring his fitness and nutrition are optimized for high intensity flying and a rigorous schedule. With winter training in El Centro, California just weeks away, Boss Armatas also provides insight into the current flying syllabus and milestones the Team are focused on achieving, including flying the first Delta Formation for the 2023 Blue Angels. A native of Skaneateles, New York, Boss Armatas cites flyovers by a formation of F-16 Falcons from the New York National Guard and exposure to cargo operations at the Syracuse International Airport as early influences that sparked his passion for aviation. He also attended a number of airshows in London, Ontario, Canada during his informative years where he witnessed the Blue Angels perform for the first time. Graduating from the United States Naval Academy in 2002 with a degree in aerospace engineering, Boss Armatas earned his Wings of Gold in June of 2005 at Naval Air Station (NAS) Meridian, Mississippi. Initially assigned to NAS Lemoore, California, he served in a variety of different roles as part of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 115, the “Eagles” and deployed three times on board the USS Ronald Reagan (CVN-76) in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom. In 2009, Boss Armatas graduated from the world famous TOPGUN course at NAS Fallon, Nevada before joining VFA-122 the “Flying Eagles” where he was named the 2010 VFA-122  Instructor Pilot of the Year. Transferring to VFA-14 the “Tophatters”, Boss Armatas supported Operation Enduring Freedom in 2013 aboard the USS John C Stennis (CVN-74). Following this tour, he reported to NAS Oceana in Virginia Beach, Virginia to serve as the Department Head for FVA-143 the “Pukin' Dogs” and deployed aboard the USS Harry S Truman (CVN-75) in support of Operation Inherent Resolve. After  serving as a Strike Fighter Placement Officer for the Navy Personnel Command (NPC) in Millington, Tennessee in 2017, Boss Armatas reported to VFA-105 the “Gunslingers” where he served as both Executive Officer and Commanding Officer during his tenure and deployed twice aboard the USS Dwight D Eisenhower (CVN-69) in support of Operation Freedom's Sentinel. With the encouragement of former Blue Angels pilot, John Hiltz, Boss Armatas submitted his application for the Blue Angels after accumulating more that 4,100 flight hours and 911 carrier-arrested landing. He was announced as the Commanding Officer of the Blue Angels in April of 2022 and officially joined the team in August. 2023 Blue Angels Team1. CDR Alexander Armatas2. LCDR Chris Kapuschansky3. LT Amanda Lee4. LT Scott Goossens5. LCDR Julius Bratton6. LCDR Griffin Stangel7. LCDR Thomas Zimmerman8. LCDR Brian VaughtXO CRD Jon FayM1 CAPT Jackson Streiff, USMCM2 MAJ Joshua Soltan, USMCM3 CAPT Samuel Petko, USMCMO LT Henry CedenoAssistant MO LCDR Gregory JonesFlight Surgeon LT Philippe WarrenSO LT Paul KrugerSupport the show

Today we have with us an exceptional leader who has led high-performing teams in the military and in the business world. Our speaker today is Patrick Houlahan. Patrick has had a 27-year career as a fighter pilot in the Marine Corps and is the Founder and CEO of Strategic Leadership Consultants, leading numerous teams and organizations to success in the business world. MILITARY CAREER BACKGROUND: Patrick graduated from The Citadel in 1992 and was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps. He was stationed in San Diego, CA serving as a fighter pilot flying the F/A-18 Hornet and deployed twice to the Western Pacific. Patrick graduated from the United States Navy Post Graduate Fighter Weapons School, “Top Gun,” and served as an instructor pilot. In 2003, Patrick was selected as the Instructor Pilot of the Year. After leaving active duty in 2004, Patrick flew the A-10 Warthog with the United States Air Force Reserves and joined the Marine Corps Reserves in 2006. After returning to the Marine Corps, he established the first Reserve Training Unit and continued to serve as an Instructor Pilot. As a reservist, Patrick deployed to Al Assad, Iraq, and again to the Western Pacific. Patrick has trained over 500 replacement aircrew, accumulated over 2800 hours of flight time, and rose to the rank of Colonel. He is a graduate of the United States Marine Corps Amphibious Warfare School, the United States Marine Corps Command and Staff College, and earned his Master of Strategic Studies as a Distinguished Graduate of the United States Army War College. Patrick has served in a variety of roles in the Marine Corps including as a Supply Officer, Maintenance Officer, Operations Officer, and Unit Officer in Charge. CONSULTING CAREER: In 2004, after Patrick left active duty and joined Afterburner Inc. Patrick quickly rose to become an Executive Consultant and Director of Seminars. In 2006 was selected as San Diego's MPI (Meeting Professionals International) Speaker of the Year. During his 13-year career at Afterburner, Patrick led over 450 keynotes, workshops, and consulting engagements with today's leading corporations such as Verizon, ExxonMobil, Medtronic, DOW, VMware, and H&R Block to name a few. Patrick has also worked as the account manager for Southern California for Kratos Public Safety and Security, as the Director of Business Development for Citadel Defense Company, and as the Organizational Development Executive (ODE) for Brooks International. As an ODE, Patrick worked with numerous executive leadership teams and was responsible for gaining consensus and alignment in support of the CEO's imperative. Throughout his career, Patrick recognized that the organizations that succeeded in any endeavor possessed great leaders. Those that did not, failed. Recognizing the need for leadership training, Patrick founded Strategic Leadership Consultants in 2019 to help organizations build inspired, compassionate, mission-driven Leaders. Highlights Patrick's experience graduating from the United States Navy Postgraduate Fighter Weapon School What separates the United States Navy Postgraduate Fighter Weapon School from other schools What led Patrick to join the military and become a fighter pilot Flying planes to consulting: the process What are the common areas of growth and challenges How things such as employee and department issues factor into leadership How does good or bad leadership play into the ability to get the appropriate people in the door What leaders today are lacking What is Patrick's coping mechanism? Example of an inspired leader How a good leader communicates What are the four things that can help you become a better leader What it means to level up Episode Resources Connect with Galen M. Hair https://insuranceclaimhq.com hair@hairshunnarah.com www.levelupclaim.com Connect with Patrick Houlahan https://strategicleadershipconsulting.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-houlahan-mss-csm-b0682368 https://www.facebook.com/patrick.houlahan.31 

In honor of Veterans Day this Friday, we have an exceptional episode to share with our listeners! Tessa, Michael, and Laura spoke with JP Sniffen and Charlan (Charlie) Poirson about their unique experiences as veterans and corporate sector employees. JP Sniffen began his professional career as an Infantry Officer in the US Marine Corps and is a 3rd generation Marine. After active duty, JP transitioned to military talent recruitment before moving into the corporate sector and has been with Korn Ferry in veteran talent solutions since 2022.Charlie Poirson is an Air Force officer and pilot and served as an Instructor Pilot and Flight Examiner at the United States Air Force Academy. During her 32 years in active duty, she conducted military transport, humanitarian relief, and airdrop missions worldwide, flying the C-141B Starlifter. At Korn Ferry, Charlie provides leadership and expertise for the military senior officer division of Professional Search in North America.We want to thank Charlie and JP for their service and sacrifice and appreciate their honesty in this special episode.Thank you to all our veterans this Veterans Day!To stay connected and continue the conversation, be sure to follow us on LinkedIn.And don't forget to check out our previous episodes for more tips and strategies to boost your workplace happiness. You can find them on your favorite podcast platform or on our website.If you have any questions, comments, or topic suggestions for future episodes, please reach out to us. We'd love to hear from you!Stay inspired, stay motivated, and stay happy at work!

In honor of Veterans Day this Friday, we have a very special episode to share with our listeners! Tessa, Michael, and Laura spoke with JP Sniffen and Charlan (Charlie) Poirson about their unique experiences as both veterans and employees in the corporate sector. JP Sniffen began his professional career as an Infantry Officer in the US Marine Corps, and is a 3rd generation Marine. After active duty, JP transitioned to military talent recruitment before moving into the corporate sector, and has been with Korn Ferry in veteran talent solutions since 2022. Charlie Poirson is an Air Force officer and pilot and served as an Instructor Pilot and Flight Examiner at the United States Air Force Academy. During her 32 years in active duty, she conducted military transport, humanitarian relief, and airdrop missions around the world, flying the C-141B Starlifter. At Korn Ferry, Charlie provides leadership and expertise for the military senior officer division of Professional Search in North America. We'd like to thank both Charlie and JP for their service and sacrifice, and appreciate their candor in this special episode. Thank you to all our veterans this Veterans Day!

If you haven't already voted for your candidate of choice via absentee ballot or at the polls for early voting, please, GO VOTE! Let your voice be heard. The opportunity / right to vote was denied for women and other minorities for so long. This is an opportunity to impact the future of our government. If you choose not to vote, you are also choosing not to complain about who is in office. Mentioned heard in this episode: US Air Force Brigadier General Robert S. Spalding III (http://linkedin.com/in/rspalding) was the U.S. Senior Defense Official and Defense Attaché to China, Beijing and from May 2017 to January 2018, Senior Director for Strategic Planning, National Security Council, White House, Washington D.C. While at the National Security Council, Spalding notably wrote a memo calling for nationalizing the development of 5G wireless network. James D. “Murph” Murphy is a former F-15 Instructor Pilot in the US Air Force. He is the Founder and Chairman of Afterburner.(https://www.afterburner.com/jim-murph-murphy/). Annette Whittenberger (https://tactical16.com/annette-whittenberger-author) | (https://summit.richabadami.com/annette-whittenberger) Jon Macaskill (https://macaskillconsulting.com/about-jon/)  #YouveGotMettle | #VeteransHelpingVeterans | #Elections2022 --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/mettle-of-honor/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/mettle-of-honor/support

Mike, aka "Snak Pak" is a current Chief Warrant Officer 2 and Instructor Pilot at the Aviation Center of Excellence at Ft. Rucker, Alabama. Mike shares with us his story of entering into aviation, experiences he has had, and ultimately how to approach an APART or any flight evaluation with the most preparedness and ease.Brought to you by Brotallion, LLCwww.brotallion.com@brotallion

Alan C. Mack joined the Army upon graduating High School. His desire to see the world as a US Army helicopter mechanic took him to the Republic of Korea, West Texas, and the Federal Republic of Germany before attending Warrant Officer flight school at Fort Rucker, Alabama. The nearly year-long flight school yielded a UH-1H, Huey, and CH-47D, Chinook, aircraft qualification before his first pilot assignment in Savannah, Georgia. He arrived in time to progress with his new unit as a copilot in Operation Desert Shield. Then, several months later, he flew combat missions in the lead aircraft penetrating deep into Iraq. Upon his return to the United States, he quickly achieved the status of Pilot-in-command and eventually assumed the coveted role of Night Vision Goggle Unit Trainer. The NVG UT position is a precursor to flying as an Instructor Pilot (IP). Another assignment to the Republic of Korea was in store for Alan before attending the CH-47 Instructor Pilot course at Fort Rucker, Alabama. The call to adventure was persuasive, drawing Alan into the special operations community as an MH-47 pilot, where he served for nearly 17 years at the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (TF-160th). He carried in the Horse Soldiers in 2001, Navy SEAL Neil Roberts fell from his helicopter when he was shot down during Operation Anaconda, he was the overall flight lead for Operation Earned Respect (the recovery of fallen from Operation Redwings, and the rescue of Marcus Luttrel), among many other missions. CW5 Alan C. Mack is a Master Aviator with more than 6700 hours of flight time, of which over 3200 hours were flown with Night Vision Goggles. Alan C. Mack's awards include • Legion of Merit • 2 Distinguished Flying Crosses • 3 Bronze Star Medals • 3 Meritorious Service Medals • 10 Air Medals; one with Valor device, Combat Action Badge, and the Army Broken Wing award.

We learn how to do Learning & Development in the organisations and sectors we work in but what is the experience like in the US Air Force and Elon Musk's SpaceX? In this episode, I speak with Matthew Gjertsen, who has done both and learned some important lessons about what really works.KEY TAKEAWAYS Good instructors and L&D professionals can identify the gaps and know how to fill them. If someone feels they are underpaid or not given the right tools to do the job L&D is not going to help. People learn to change the way they act by laying down new pathways in their brains. Changing and practising one aspect of behaviour is a highly effective way to move the ball forward. Use E-learning as a preparation for the next stage e.g., for on-the-job training. It is not the end game. If you use simulators build experiences that create an emotional reaction. How is explained in the episode? The more streamlined your learning is the better. Strip out anything that is not essential for that person´s job. Our brains are designed to learn things in context, so all learning needs to be contextual. Learning in the flow of work is an effective way to do that. BEST MOMENTS'It all comes down to behaviour… always ask what the behaviour is you are trying to change''You have to stack learning methods to really get the outcome. ''The best document is no document… only create something when it must be created. Even then, always be trying to get rid of it. 'ABOUT THE GUESTMatthew Gjertsen BioMatthew began his unique L&D career as a T-1 Instructor Pilot in the US Air Force and went on to become Training & Development Manager at SpaceX, where he was responsible for programs across the entire facility. Matthew is now owner of Better Every Day Studios and advisor to hearme.app.GUEST RESOURCESYou can follow and contact Matthew via:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewgjertsen/Website: https://www.bettereverydaystudios.comVALUABLE RESOURCESThe Learning And Development Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-learning-development-podcast/id1466927523 L&D Masterclass Series: https://360learning.com/blog/ABOUT THE HOSTDavid James David has been a People Development professional for more than 20 years, most notably as Director of Talent, Learning & OD for The Walt Disney Company across Europe, the Middle East & Africa. As well as being the Chief Learning Officer at 360Learning, David is a prominent writer and speaker on topics around modern and digital L&D. CONTACT METHOD  Twitter:  https://twitter.com/davidinlearning/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidjameslinkedin/  L&D Collective: https://360learning.com/the-l-and-d-collective/ Blog: https://360learning.com/blog/ L&D Masterclass Series: https://360learning.com/blog/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dan Hawkins from the Air Education and Training Command public affairs team spoke virtually with Capt. Ashley Bird, 33rd Flying Training Squadron executive officer at Vance Air Force Base, Oklahoma, about her journey to the military through ROTC at Purdue University, the path to becoming a pilot, the pros and cons of being a force generator instructor pilot, and her personal life being military married to military. Bird also talks about rated diversity improvement, which is the Air Force's focused, long-term effort to attract, recruit, develop, and retain a diverse rated leadership corps.

In today's episode, host John Laurito talks with former Commanding Officer of USS GERALD R. FORD turned Speaker, JJ Cumings, about leadership and what it has been like for him to lead a huge number of people serving in the Navy. He also talks about the importance of feedback and communication in an organization, whether big or small. Capt. Cummings grew up in Sharon, Massachusetts, graduated from Sharon High School in 1985, and earned a B.A. in physics from Bates College in 1990. In 1986, he enlisted in the Navy Reserves and served as a hospital corpsman attached to Alpha Company, 1st Battalion 25th Marines in Topsham, Maine, until 1991. He completed Aviation Officer Candidate School in November of 1991, earned his wings in October 1993, and completed Fleet Replacement training in the F-14A Tomcat in June 1995.Ashore, Capt. Cummings served as SURGRAD with the VT-19 “Attack Frogs” and as an F-14 Instructor Pilot with the VF-101 “Grim Reapers,” where he graduated from the Navy Fighter Weapons School (TOPGUN) as a Strike Fighter Tactics Instructor. Additionally, he served in the NATO Logistics Branch at HQ Strategic Allied Command Transformation and as Branch Head for Force Rotation in the Global Force Management Cell at US Joint Forces Command in Norfolk, Virginia. He was selected for training in the Navy's Nuclear Propulsion Program in 2010 and completed nuclear power training in December 2012. In 2016 at Commander Naval Forces, U.S. Pacific Fleet, he served as the Assistant Chief of Staff for aircraft carrier training, F-35C Air Ship Integration, and Foreign Military Training.Capt. Cummings served as the Executive Officer of USS NIMITZ (CVN 68) from May 2013 to May 2015 and as the Commanding Officer of USS ANCHORAGE (LPD 23) from September 2015 to December 2016.He has a Master of Science in Education from Old Dominion University and a Master of Arts in National Security and Strategic Studies from the Naval War College, where he graduated with Distinction as the President's Honor Graduate.Connect with JJ at:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/j-j-cummings-509919145/Show notes:[4:13] JJ's background story[7:10] Why does he think he got promoted and got the opportunities he did?[8:05] Where does his passion for leadership come from?[10:07] Did he ever feel like he won't be respected as a leader?[11:31] Was being a Commanding Officer his goal early on?[12:56] How did he deal with the challenge of leading a huge number of people?[17:20] On asking and receiving feedback[20:08] What's his perspective on communication as a leader?[25:23] Abusing power to make his people's lives better[28:00] What does leadership need to look like in times of crisis or emergency?[30:26] What went through his mind when he got shot while flying a plane over Afghanistan?[34:52] How important is a support system for any leader?[36:54] Get in touch with JJ[38:50] OutroGet a copy of Tomorrow's Leader on Amazon https://tinyurl.com/huseae9hText LEADER to 617-393-5383 to receive The Top 10 Things That The Best Leaders Are Doing Right NowFor questions, suggestions, or speaker inquiries, contact me at john@lauritogroup.com

Lieutenant Colonel "Sonny" Scott Duncan is an F35 pilot and instructor pilot with over 2800 flying hours and over 300 combat hours.He was also an instructor pilot at the Navy Fighter Weapons School ( A.K.A Top Gun), fully qualified in the F18 Hornet, the F18 Super Hornet, and the F16 Fighting Falcon.However, Scott is among hundreds of combat aviators currently being purged from our military. In early September 2021, he submitted a religious accommodation request for the COVID shot, which was denied in October 2021.In this week's episode, Matt interviews Scott to learn more about his background in the military and his thoughts on the Navy's current state of affairs. Tune in to learn why the COVID vaccine mandate policy is, in reality, a manifestation of a much larger ideology, the impending readiness crisis the military is facing, and Scott's advice to young service members.  Key Takeaways - Top gun instructor pilot on the chopping block (00:00)- Scott's journey as an F35 pilot and instructor pilot (01:50)- The problem with the current DoD vaccine mandate policy (09:13)- What happened after Scott filed his religious accommodation request (15:46)- The reason Scott refused to comply with the mandate (24:29)- Why the mandate is a manifestation of a larger ideology (35:17)- What the future looks like for Scott (41:22)- Scott's advice for young service members (50:10) Additional Resources- Connect with Matt- Learn more about the Irresistible RevolutionThis episode is brought to you by One Sunrise.If you've enjoyed this podcast, please share and follow it on your favorite platform.

CW4 Daniel T. Archer entered the Army in October of 2001 as an airframe electrician technician.  Following Basic Training, AIT and Enlisted Green Platoon, he was assigned to the Fco 1st BN 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne) .  In October of 2002, CW4 Archer was selected to attend Warrant Officer Candidate School and Army Initial Entry Rotorcraft Training at Fort Rucker Alabama.  CW4 selected Apache Longbows as his airframe of choice out of flight school.After Flight school CW4 Archer was assigned to Renegade Troop, 4/3 ACR.  In early 2005, CW4 deployed to Operation Iraqi Freedom and flew AH64Ds primarily over the Baghdad and Mosul areas of operation, culminating in 598 Combat flight hours in the AH64D. In 2006 CW4 Archer PCS'd to South Korea to serve as a company Instructor Pilot in the Longbow.  In 2008 he was assigned to the 204th MI BN as a C-12U pilot.In 2009 CW4 Archer Assessed and was selected for training at 4th BN 1st CIG. During his time in 2nd BN CW4 Archer held many jobs to include Company Standardization Pilot, BN Standardization Pilot and Senior Warrant Officer. CW4 Archer has accumulated over 6800 flight hours, 2500+combat flight hours, 1200+ imminent danger hours and has deployed overseas 27 times, 25 times with 1st CIG over the last 12 years in the organization. CW4 Archer holds 8 different type ratings and is an FAA Pilot Examiner Designee.CW4 Archer deployed in support of SOUTHCOM, CENTCOM, PACOM, EUCOM, and AFRICOM, participated in multiple Operations to include IRAQI FREEDOM, ENDURING FREEDOM, INHERIANT RESOLVE, and numerous classified contingency missions directed by the National Command Authority.Masada Tactical The premier self protection training company, combining Israeli tactics and American disciplines.Combat Iron Apparel

Season 2: Episode 3 of The DisruptiveAF Podcast learns from THE Wes “Rock” Reid, Chief of Innovation at Fighter Country Spark and F-16 Instructor Pilot. Rock, brings his words of wisdom from the tactical edge of Fighter Country as he shares the innovation challenges of Fighter Training as well as his recent experience from the recent Nellis Hackathon event. Subscribe now to never miss an episode on the edge of innovation with The DisruptiveAF Podcast! Connect with us! LinkedIn - linkedin.com/company/morpheusaf Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOxzCqwMHkyQyeDf8GGhgeA Apple Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-disruptiveaf-podcast/id1517079235 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/4DjjQ6JwZbEZ9dZDtv8ltn Amazon Music - https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/32d9da97-b7fd-4e21-a06e-7643ecef768c/the-disruptiveaf-podcast

Flying the YF-23 Advanced Tactical Fighter - Paul Metz (Part 1)Tip Jar: https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_...Discussion on Discord: https://discord.gg/9vJ3hPYFQh10PCT #27: Paul Metz, Part 1.00:00:00 Introduction   00:02:20 F-105 Instructor Pilot   00:04:20 Test Pilot School  00:07:54 Test Pilot School Challenges  00:08:52 Teamwork    00:11:41 Unknowns    00:14:41 F-105 Ejection   00:20:37 AN-2 Testing   00:21:20 Career Ambitions   00:22:22 Up or Out    00:27:38 Teaching at Pax River   00:31:21 70+ Different Types   00:39:42 Cycle Time of Knowledge  00:42:21 F-35 Thoughts   00:48:13 Joining Northrop   00:49:46 F-20 Tigershark   00:55:06 The Advanced Tactical Fighter   01:11:43 Lockheed's Win    01:19:19 High Angle of Attack Stability   01:22:41 Avionics    01:33:42 Thrust Vectoring   01:35:40 BFM or BVR?Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=GDJU6CM3GWZTN)

Lt. Col. (ret.) Waldo Waldman is a Hall of Fame leadership speaker and New York Times bestselling author of Never Fly Solo. After overcoming his massive claustrophobia and fear of heights, Waldo became a highly experienced and decorated combat veteran, with over 2,650 flight hours and 65 real-world combat missions. Today, Waldo shares tools and techniques to overcome obstacles, break performance barriers, and take charge during times of change. This episode will leave you ready to recommit yourself to excellence, to diligently prepare for every mission and collaborate with others through trust, mutual support, and courage. SHOW NOTES: Courage-monger: champion for those who want to take action in their lives when feeling debilitated by fear, doubt and uncertainty. Even terrified of heights and small spaces, Waldo knew he wanted to fly planes after visiting his dad at work as an airplane mechanic. Passion has to be greater than fear. Make your friends your mentors and your mentors your friends. Instead of being fearful of those that are better than him, Waldo chooses to befriend them and model after them. In spite of his fear of heights and claustrophobia, Waldo became Instructor Pilot of the Year out of 308 others. Responsibility trumps passion. When faced with adversity, distract yourself from yourself by focusing on the win and those who are depending on you. Ask with honor. Take with honor. "You can't coach the uncommitted." "Your comfort zone is your danger zone." LT. COL. WALDO WALDMAN'S LIVE INSPIRED 7 Q. What is the best book you've ever read? A. How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie. Q. What is a characteristic or trait that you possessed as a child that you wish you still exhibited today? A. Sense of silliness. Q. Your house is on fire, all living things and people are out. You have the opportunity to run in and grab one item. What would it be? A. My harddrive . Q. You are sitting on a bench overlooking a gorgeous beach. You have the opportunity to have a long conversation with anyone living or dead. Who would it be? A. My twin brother Q. What is the best advice you've ever received? A. Be careful with who you spend time with. Q. What advice would you give your 20-year-old self? A. You're on the right path. It's okay to take the road less traveled and face your fears. Q. It's been said that all great people can have their lives summed up in one sentence. How do you want yours to read? A. He gave people wings to fly.  

Join us on the Iron Edge Podcast for a great discussion with LTC Judd Douglas of the US Army. We break down some of the issues men face regarding leadership and service in the church as well as at home and in business. LTC Douglas enlisted in the U.S. Navy in July of 1996 as an Electronic Warfare Technician, later to become a U.S. Navy Diver with Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit Three out of Coronado California. His specific duties encompassed the Diving Supervisor and the primary Mammal Handler for “Ten”, an Atlantic bottlenose dolphin trained to locate underwater explosives. After his honorable discharge from the U.S. Navy, LTC Douglas pursued a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration from American Military University. In 2003 he attended Officer Candidate School where he was commissioned into the Arizona Army National Guard. In January of 2005 he became a distinguished honor graduate in his flight class and a rated Army Aviator; qualified in the AH-64D “Apache Longbow” and OH-58 A/C. Shortly thereafter he deployed as an Apache Pilot and Platoon Leader for D Company, 1-285th Attack Reconnaissance Battalion, to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. LTC Douglas transitioned to the UH-60 Blackhawk Maintenance Facility in 2009 where he became a Maintenance Test Pilot, an Instructor Pilot, and the Commander of Det 1, C Co., 5-159th Medical Evacuation Unit; eventually commanding the MEDEVAC on a combat deployment in the Helmand Province of Afghanistan. LTC Douglas is qualified in the AH-64D Apache, LUH-72A Lakota, OH-58A/C, and UH-60A/L Blackhawk; to include Maintenance Test Pilot and Instructor Pilot. Over the past 8 years LTC Douglas' assignments have consisted of Brigade Operations Officer, Supervisor of Instructor Pilots, Army Aviation Support Facility Commander, Aide-de-Camp to the Deputy Commander of NORTHCOM, and Battalion Commander. During this time he completed a Master's degree in Business Administration from Grand Canyon University, attended the Defense Support to Civil Authorities course at NORTHCOM/NORAD, finished his professional development studies at the Command and General Staff College, and is currently attending the Joint Combined Warfare School. LTC Douglas has lead at all levels from Platoon to Battalion; including multiple Company and Battalion Commands. His awards and badges include a Bronze Star, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Army Meritorious Service medal, Combat Action Badge, Senior Army Aviation Wings, and a U.S.Navy Second Class Dive Badge. LTC Douglas has been married to Tammie Douglas, his high-school sweetheart, for 22 years and has three children; Kaden (21), Payton (18) and Kole (14). Kaden Douglas is serving alongside his dad a Blackhawk Mechanic (15T) in the Arizona Army National Guard at the Western ARNG Aviation Training Site.

In this episode of Money Tales, our guest is John Foley. John is a former lead solo pilot of the Blue Angels. Being up in the sky, flying 18 inches apart from the next plane at 500 miles per hour requires intense communication and a deep understanding of what your role is. Also critical to this level of success is having trust in your team, and a commitment to continuous learning. As you'll hear, this is how John approaches all aspects of his life, including his personal finances. John is a former Sloan Fellow at Stanford's Graduate School of Business, entrepreneur, venture capitalist, leadership expert, speaker and Gratitude Guru. As a thought leader on high performance, John created the “Glad To Be Here” Mindset Methodology and the Diamond Performance Framework. As a Blue Angel, John consistently performed in an extreme, high-stakes environment, flying an F-18 at speeds of more than 500 miles per hour and in formations as close as 18 inches apart. To survive in those circumstances, he relied on a culture of high trust and leadership that turned inherently unforgiving flight into extraordinary experiences. His presentations inspire individuals, teams and organizations around the world to reach their highest potential while sustaining excellence under dynamic change. For decades, John has shared his exciting, rare journey with audiences around the world, becoming one of the most in-demand leadership and performance experts. John has spoken on 5 continents, 20 countries and over 1000 events working with some of the world's top organizations such as; Google, Intel, Cisco, Microsoft, HP, Mercedes Benz, BMW, IBM, Hitachi, Chevron, BP, Marriott, Hilton, Penske Racing, Alabama Football, LA Kings, Merrill Lynch, Morgan Stanley, Edward Jones, Fidelity, Mass Mutual, MetLife, Bank of America, Deloitte, IBM, Hershey, P&G, Philips, Etihad, America Hospital Association, Blue Cross and the Mayo Clinic. He has also been a featured speaker at NBA, MLB, MLS, NCAA, TedX, VC and CEO summits, Titan Summit, USNA Leadership Conference, Stanford Business School, University of Zurich, and Global Sports Summits. John keynote presentations, workshops and online curriculum support Individuals, Teams, Organizations with lessons in: High Performance, Leadership, Teamwork Trust, Beliefs, Accountability, Culture Glad To Be Here Mindset, Gratitude John graduated from the US Naval Academy with a BS in Mechanical Engineering and was a defensive back for the Midshipmen. He was chosen as “Top Ten Carrier Pilot” six times before becoming an F/A-18 Instructor Pilot. He holds three master's degrees: MA in National Security & Strategic Studies from the Naval War College, Stanford Master of Science in Management, as a Sloan fellow from Stanford Graduate School of Business and MA in International Policy Studies from Stanford University. John was also a Fellow at Stanford Center on International Conflict and Negotiation and was awarded an honorary PhD from UNAM, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México. As the founder of the Glad To Be Here Foundation, he and his wife Carol have donated over 1.9 million dollars to over 347 charities worldwide and sponsor children in 47 countries. Learn more about Money Tale$ > Subscribe to the podcast Recent episodes See all episodes > Form CRS Form ADV Terms of Use Privacy Rights and Policies

In this episode of Money Tales, our guest is John Foley. John is a former lead solo pilot of the Blue Angels. Being up in the sky, flying 18 inches apart from the next plane at 500 miles per hour requires intense communication and a deep understanding of what your role is. Also critical to this level of success is having trust in your team, and a commitment to continuous learning. As you'll hear, this is how John approaches all aspects of his life, including his personal finances. John is a former Sloan Fellow at Stanford's Graduate School of Business, entrepreneur, venture capitalist, leadership expert, speaker and Gratitude Guru. As a thought leader on high performance, John created the “Glad To Be Here” Mindset Methodology and the Diamond Performance Framework. As a Blue Angel, John consistently performed in an extreme, high-stakes environment, flying an F-18 at speeds of more than 500 miles per hour and in formations as close as 18 inches apart. To survive in those circumstances, he relied on a culture of high trust and leadership that turned inherently unforgiving flight into extraordinary experiences. His presentations inspire individuals, teams and organizations around the world to reach their highest potential while sustaining excellence under dynamic change. For decades, John has shared his exciting, rare journey with audiences around the world, becoming one of the most in-demand leadership and performance experts. John has spoken on 5 continents, 20 countries and over 1000 events working with some of the world's top organizations such as; Google, Intel, Cisco, Microsoft, HP, Mercedes Benz, BMW, IBM, Hitachi, Chevron, BP, Marriott, Hilton, Penske Racing, Alabama Football, LA Kings, Merrill Lynch, Morgan Stanley, Edward Jones, Fidelity, Mass Mutual, MetLife, Bank of America, Deloitte, IBM, Hershey, P&G, Philips, Etihad, America Hospital Association, Blue Cross and the Mayo Clinic. He has also been a featured speaker at NBA, MLB, MLS, NCAA, TedX, VC and CEO summits, Titan Summit, USNA Leadership Conference, Stanford Business School, University of Zurich, and Global Sports Summits. John keynote presentations, workshops and online curriculum support Individuals, Teams, Organizations with lessons in: High Performance, Leadership, Teamwork Trust, Beliefs, Accountability, Culture Glad To Be Here Mindset, Gratitude John graduated from the US Naval Academy with a BS in Mechanical Engineering and was a defensive back for the Midshipmen. He was chosen as “Top Ten Carrier Pilot” six times before becoming an F/A-18 Instructor Pilot. He holds three master's degrees: MA in National Security & Strategic Studies from the Naval War College, Stanford Master of Science in Management, as a Sloan fellow from Stanford Graduate School of Business and MA in International Policy Studies from Stanford University. John was also a Fellow at Stanford Center on International Conflict and Negotiation and was awarded an honorary PhD from UNAM, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México. As the founder of the Glad To Be Here Foundation, he and his wife Carol have donated over 1.9 million dollars to over 347 charities worldwide and sponsor children in 47 countries. See all episodes >

Join Logan as he talks with Captain Dan Deluce an Instructor Pilot with the Canadian Armed Forces.

On this podcast, Maj. Waters, of Air Force Recruiting Service Detachment 1, sits down with Maj. Mason “Flint” Locke. In this episode, they discuss his pathway to become an F-16 Instructor Pilot, his upbringing in rural Texas, his journey through Reserve Officer Training, his combat deployment, and his perspective as an F-16 instructor. The "Pathway to Wings" is Air Force Recruiting Service, Detachment. 1's official podcast. This podcast is designed for those looking to become Air Force aviators, and is hosted by Air Force aviators. This podcast strives to inform, influence, and inspire our future leaders by sharing real stories and experiences of what it's like to fly and the process it took to get there.

Career pilots Mario Escalante, Jesse Smith, and Julian Herman share stories from life out in the wild blue yonder and advice for those seeking careers in aviation.Support the show

General Joseph L. Lengyel serves as the 28th Chief of the National Guard Bureau and as a member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. In this capacity, he serves as a military adviser to the President, Secretary of Defense, National Security Council and is the Department of Defense’s official channel of communication to the Governors and State Adjutants General on all matters pertaining to the National Guard. He is responsible for ensuring that the more than 453,000 Army and Air National Guard personnel are accessible, capable and ready to protect the homeland and to provide combat ready resources to the Army and Air Force.Prior to his current assignment, General Lengyel served as the Vice Chief, National Guard Bureau.General Lengyel was commissioned in 1981 through the Reserve Officer Training Corps program at University of North Texas. He served in various operational and staff assignments, primarily as an F-16 Instructor Pilot and Weapons Officer. His experience in the F-16 includes tours in Air Combat Command, Pacific Air Forces, United States Air Forces in Europe and the Texas Air National Guard. He has commanded a fighter squadron, operations group, air expeditionary group and the Air National Guard Readiness Center. General Lengyel is a command pilot with more than 3,000 flying hours primarily in the F-16. Additionally, General Lengyel served as the Senior United States Defense Official; Chief, Office of Military Cooperation; and Defense Attaché, Cairo, United States Central Command, Cairo, Egypt.

Greg “Gravy” Coker is a legend from the elite 160th Night Stalkers, the Army's Special Operations Aviation Regiment (aka SOAR). He's a long-time Tier 1 Gun Pilot who flew AH-6 Little Birds, AH-64 Apaches, and AH-1 Cobras in multiple combat theaters, providing direct support for 1st Special Forces Operational Detachment-Delta aka Delta Force, 75th Ranger Regiment, and other Special Operators. Greg logged 7,400 hours in his career, including 1,500 hours of combat time across 11 deployments, and was in the first strike packages that went into Afghanistan and Iraq. Greg reached the pinnacle of the military aviation profession by serving as both a Flight Lead and Instructor Pilot in the most coveted and lethal rotary wing unit in the US military. He survived a combat shootdown while laying down cover for Special Operators in Iraq during the first daylight operation for 160th since Operation Gothic Serpent in 1993 (aka Blackhawk Down). Since leaving the military, Greg has written a memoir about these experiences and more titled “Death Waits in the Dark” and has a children's book coming out with his daughter called “V is for Veterans.” Show Notes 0:00 - Intro 2:25 - Watching the “Helicopter War” in Vietnam. 8:54 - A “very kind judge” changed Greg's life (this is a story Greg's never told publicly and well worth the listen!). 13:30 - Flight School Class 89-15 and selected guns (Cobras and then AH-64 Apaches). 15:38 - First assigned to 5/17 Cav in Korea flying Cobras and then moved to A Co, 1-101st Spectres. 20:50 - Seeing “little black helicopters” flying around Fort Campbell. 21:16 - Comparison between flying Cobras, Apaches, and Little Birds. 23:09 - The “Standard” of being on target plus or minus 30 seconds with a map, a compass, and a clock. This is an incredibly difficult standard in aviation terms. 24:56 - This section is for the aviation nerds (like myself) comparing speed, maneuverability, and build of different choppers. 27:02 - The selection process for aviation's Tier 1 element: 160th. 36:19 - First combat experience was 2001 in Afghanistan with the first boots on the ground and in contact within four minutes. 40:43 - Greg describes a classic AH-6 Gun engagement and what “target, torque, trim” means and why a grease pencil mark is important. 50:00 - The relationship between 160th pilots and Delta Operators and Rangers. 53:00 - Description of fighting at Haditha Dam in March 2003 supporting 3/75 Rangers. This involved continuous engagements for eight hours going through 11 loads of ammo. 1:05:18 - How to handle the torque of a GAU-19 (three barrel .50 cal gatling gun) on an aircraft. 1:06:40 - Living through a shootdown in broad daylight in Iraq covering Special Operators. 1:25:18 - Dealing with Imposter Syndrome despite being a legend in the community. 1:28:10 - How a long-time elite gun pilot can also have PTSD. 1:33:50 - What did Greg carry into combat for good luck (these are some good ones!). 1:35:28 - After all the gun fights, crashes, PTSD, and time away from home, would you do it all again? 1:36:01 - Greg and his daughter are working on a new book called V for Veteran for kids using military references to teach the alphabet. Also, Death Waits in the Dark will also be available soon on Audible (with Greg's own voice narrating it!).

-Hunter Barnhill is an O2X Resilience Specialist and a former U.S. Air Force Bomber Pilot-He's logged over 700 hours in the B-52H Stratofortress and over 600 hours in the T-6A Texan II-As a B-52H pilot, Hunter led his crew in accomplishing a variety of missions including nuclear deterrence, close air support, air-to-ground, direct attack, and counter-drug.-In 2015, he volunteered to be an Instructor Pilot and was tasked with producing the Air Force's next generation of highly skilled and capable pilots. -On Easter Sunday 2017, he suffered a seizure caused by a previously undetected brain tumor which required immediate surgery to remove. He was subsequently diagnosed with malignant brain cancer, thus cutting short his military aviation career.-The diagnosis led him to develop a deeper respect for resiliency and a new-found passion for teaching others how to implement the life-saving and life-enriching skills into their own lives-The skills and techniques he once used to teach undergraduate pilots now enables him to teach and instruct thousands in developing and building their own resilience. -Hes a husband, father, and patriotDownload the O2X Tactical Performance App:app.o2x.comLet us know what you think:Website: http://o2x.comIG: https://instagram.com/o2xhumanperformance?igshid=1kicimx55xt4f

Speaker Bio: Patrick "Lips" Houlahan Patrick had a distinguished 27 year career in the United States Marine Corps as an Active Duty and Reserve fighter pilot. He was stationed in San Diego, CA. and participated in four six-month deployments: three to the Western Pacific and one to Al Assad, Iraq. Patrick was recognized as the Instructor Pilot of the Year and graduated from the United States Navy Post Graduate Fighter Weapons School, “Top Gun.” During his military career, he trained over 500 replacement aircrew, graduated from the United States Marine Corps Command and Staff College, earned his Master of Strategic Studies as a Distinguished Graduate of the United States Army War College, and served in a variety of leadership roles. After leaving active duty in 2004, Patrick joined a management consulting company and quickly rose to become one of their top speakers. Over 13 years, Patrick delivered and conducted over 450 keynote presentations, training workshops, and consulting engagements with today's leading corporations such as Verizon, ExxonMobil, Medtronic, DOW, VMware and H&R Block to name a few. He became an Executive Consultant/Director of Seminars and in 2006 was selected as the San Diego's MPI (Meeting Professionals International) Speaker of the Year. Speaking Topics: Leadership Development Change Management Debriefing Executive Coaching Effective Planning Organizational Development

This is the Combat Story of JT Snow, a long time and quintessential AH-64 Apache gun pilot. JT is a Chief Warrant Officer 4 (Retired) who flew over 5,000 flight hours, including 2,000 hours in combat across four deployments: two to Iraq and two to Afghanistan. From the cockpit, he supported conventional and U.S. and coalition special operations forces during intense engagements, often pioneering new tactics and technologies to lethal effect. He finished his career as a Task Force (Battalion) Standardizations Pilot (SP) during two year-long combat deployments, where he was the Task Force's senior Pilot responsible for the standardization and execution of combat operations for all assigned to the Task Force, which included OH58D, CH47F, UH60L and AH64D aircraft. JT's children followed in his footsteps, including fighting from inside the cockpit as the next generation of aviator. Show Notes: 3:13 - Flight school and wanted guns and got Cobras and then went into A Model Apaches the very next day. 4:16 - Why JT chose gun ships? 6:43 - Gun choice between JT and Mark Beechum. 11:17 - What was the Apache mission from the beginning? 18:28 - When JT felt he was a part of the brotherhood. 26:05 - A description of what garrison life life is like in a flight unit. 28:23 - JT's experience on 9/11 and the fear of missing the war. 32:28 - Stanley Pebsworth and Not a Good Day to Die. 33:13 - How officers (commissioned and warrant) homestead in Aviation units. 34:07 - JT describes his deployment cycles: Iraq Oct 2003. 36:56 - JT describes being the BN SP when the unit received MTADS and advanced FLIR. 38:38 - Aviation as an inherently dangerous job. When did JT first realize that. 41:44 - JT being three steps ahead. How did you develop your ability to get ahead of the aircraft. 44:03 - By the 3rd deployment, JT was at the top of his game. 47:03 - Description of JT's first flight in combat. Took place in Samara as JT was the Company SP. 55:35 - JT describes what's going on in his mind after his first engagement. 56:47 - What was the toughest deployment and engagement. 58:37 - JT describes his experience in the cockpit during the worst engagement of his career. 59:43 - JT and co-pilot Adam Marik discussing what to do in the cockpit. 61:13 - “Adam, are you okay getting in between where the bad guys are and the Chinooks...” 1:01:58 - “Only time I've ever been scared in the cockpit.” 1:04:06 - Ground forces took an RPG to the face. 1:06:20 - F-15 popping flares without coordination at 700'. 1:09:39 - Recollection of a vehicle hit by an IED and what happened. 1:10:21 - The second deployment for JT to Afghanistan was with the Australian SAS doing a lot of deliberate operations. 1:16:52 - Any gear I had to have with me. Two good luck charms: a half broken Budweiser bottle opener; the other was a St. Michael card given to him by a Chaplain that JT's son took to Mosul. JT also carried a folded American flag on all four deployments that his son took with him. 1:18:24 - The next chapter of JT's life where JT steps out of the cockpit and then his son goes to the same war zone that JT fought in. 1:24 - Conversations between JT and his son before he deployed to get him prepared. 1:24:38 - Would you do it all again? 1:26:34 - JT critiquing himself over a mission in which JT and I responded to our base being under attack. 1:27:49 - Near mid-air collision. He almost lost me for a minute.

Vince “Snapper” Sherer is a retired Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt “Warthog” fighter pilot. Over a 20 year career, he flew 300 combat missions and logged 1,300 combat flight hours in the A-10 and MC-12 across four deployments to Afghanistan. Vince supported troops in contact at danger close range, at times without a wingman, over a decade of evolving combat and technological change. He's the personification of the A-10 pilot and gives an inside look at what combat felt like from the cockpit. Another great set of stories from Vince can be found here on Task and Purpose. 1:57 - Call sign “Snapper” comes from the Sensitive New Age Pilot moniker (Urban Dictionary link). 4:57 - The inspiration to fly came from time with a sibling and watching Top Gun. 7:02 - A key tragic and defining moment with a significant accident in the family. 10:32 - Flying for the Navy or Air Force? 12:22 - Competition and path to get from college into the aircraft you want. 22:17 - Stereotype of the “Hawg” (A-10) pilots, F-16s, F-15s, etc. 24:20 - Hardest part of his Air Force career at Sheppard AFB. 27:22 - First flight in the A-10. “The better your preparation, the less your anxiety.” 31:50 - T-38 second hardest aircraft to land in the Air Force (hardest is the U-2). 33:24 - How to do a checkride in a single-seat aircraft? 36:52 - First combat flight was September 2005 in Afghanistan in a Squadron led by now Senator Martha McSally. 40:40 - Normal weapons load in combat on an A-10. 42:49 - A standard engagement planning and execution. 51:22 - First engagement while supporting a convoy that hit an IED in southern Afghanistan in Winter 2005. 57:01 - Engagement in 2014 on fourth deployment supporting Wing Staff at Bagram AFB and flying with 303rd Fighter Squadron from Kansas City. 1:01:01 - Near fratricide incident in combat until something didn't feel right. 1:07:11 - Carrying an American flag on each flight. 1:09:34 - Being in a unit with the first female A-10 Fighter Squadron Commander who flew in combat (Martha McSally). 1:13:32 - Advice on when to start flying in your life. 1:15:21 - Would you do it again? 1:16:39 - A great story about an A-10, a photograph, and the “south end of an unneutered bulldog.” 1:19:51 - “I was so fired up that I got to go fly a jet again one more time.”

In this episode, I'm joined by Major Michelle Curran. Michelle has been in the air force for more than 10 years and is the Lead Solo Pilot in the US Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron. During Michelle's training and career as an Airforce Pilot, she rarely had other females around her and was often the only female in her classes.  I was so thrilled to have her on this show because when one of the first careers that came to mind when I first started this podcast was a fighter pilot. I just don't know how you can be more badass than that! Although the Airforce has made some great strides over the years, such as allowing women to fly combat aircraft in 1993, there are still very few women who do what she does. We discuss the foundations of building a good reputation, how you need to pick your battles, the role of a driven and goal-oriented mindset to thrive, and many more. Episode Highlights: How growing up in a rural area fostered her sense of adventure Her parents' support and guidance in her career The powerful first-time experience she had with jets as a child Why she didn't want to join the military as a teenager Why she chose the Air Force branch of the military Why she loves her F-16s Her day-to-day life as an Airforce Pilot How the pandemic affected her air shows and life in general How being athletic played a part in her training and career Sexist comments and how to deal with them Her advice for women who want to be in her field  About the guest: Michelle Curran is a Major in the United States Air Force, serving for about 10 years, and has logged over 1,300 flight hours. Already in her second season, she currently flies the No. 5 jet in the US Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron as the Lead Solo Pilot and has been a Thunderbird Pilot since September 2018.  In Afghanistan, she has more than 160 combat hours supporting the Operation Freedom's Sentinel and Operation Resolute Support. She was formerly a flight commander and an F-16 Instructor Pilot in Texas for three years since 2015. Prior to this, she was the Chief of Scheduling and F-16 Pilot in Japan from 2012-2015. She received her training as a student pilot from 2009 to 20011 in Columbus Mississippi and from 2011-2012 in Phoenix Arizona. In 2009, she obtained her Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice and Corrections from the University of St. Thomas and acquired her commission through Air Force ROTC. Michelle grew up in a small town in Wisconsin. In her downtime, she enjoys rock climbing, mountaineering, hiking, and being with her family. Connect with Michelle: Website US Airforce Thunderbirds LinkedIn @michelle-curran Facebook @macetbird6 Instagram @mace_tbird_5 Twitter @AFThunderbirds Youtube @afthunderbirds --- Did you enjoy today's episode? Please click here to leave a review for The 6%, with NancyMD. Be sure to subscribe on your favorite podcast app to get notified when a new episode comes out!  Do you know someone who might enjoy this episode? Share this episode to inspire and empower! Let's get social! Instagram @_nancymd Facebook @nancymdpdx Twitter @_nancymd LinkedIn @nancyyenshipleymd Website www.nancymd.com Subscribe to The 6%, with NancyMD ++ Apple Podcasts ++ Spotify ++ Google Podcasts

As one of only a handful of women who have earned the Distinguished Flying Cross, Melissa “SHOCK” May, a career Air Force F-16 pilot, was also in the first wave of women to fly fighter aircraft straight from Undergraduate Pilot Training.  Her Air Force career got its start because her outstanding abilities as a competitive swimmer. Melissa was recruited to swim on the US Air Force Academy (USAFA) Intercollegiate team, which ultimately culminated in her induction into the USAFA Athletic Hall of Fame. Until her junior year at USAFA, the Combat Exclusion Law was in effect and women were not allowed to fly Air Force fighter aircraft, so the plan of becoming a fighter pilot was not even on the table.   Upon graduation, she went on to pilot training in Del Rio, TX and she learned then that a fighter was a possibility, but she would have to finish high enough among her peers to earn one. Melissa graduated first in her class and earned the Distinguished Graduate Award, the Flying Training award and the Air Education and Training Commander’s Award. After pilot training she went on to fly the F-16 and her assignments included bases in Korea, Japan, Italy, and two assignments as an Instructor Pilot at the F-16 schoolhouse in Arizona. She also returned to the US Air Force Academy as a Commander of a Cadet Squadron.   Melissa earned her combat time in Iraq in Operations Southern Watch and Iraqi Freedom, and in Libya in Operations Unified Protector and Odyssey Dawn. Her Distinguished Flying Cross was awarded during a night mission over Baghdad where her flight of 4 was under heavy fire from anti-aircraft artillery and guided missiles. The weather was extremely poor and her flight was tasked to bomb missile sites that were actively targeting them. At her side that night was one of the youngest wingman in the squadron.  SHOCK was also a founding member of the Chick Fighter Pilot Association, a group she and a few fellow F-16 pilots started when they realized the importance of female friendship and mentorship in a male-dominated career.  SHOCK served in the Air Force for 20 years and upon retirement, she joined a major airline where she now flies Boeing 737’s based out of Denver. Her husband of 21 years, also a retired Air Force F-16 pilot, flies at a major airline as well.  They have two children and they are striving for a balance of work and maximum family time. If she’s not flying the friendly skies and bouncing around a new city or country, you can find her on the golf course, a hiking trail, mountain biking, or snowboarding in the winter. 

This week I interview an incredible veteran Dan Foulds. While Dan began his career in the Air Force in various capacities from loading bombs onto B-52 aircraft, to managing the Officer's Club at MacDill AFB, he made the transition to becoming a US Army Flight Warrant Officer. After his first assignment he was asked to join a newly forming unit at Hunter Army Airfield, in Savannah, Georgia, the 3rd Battalion, 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment Airborne in 1989. Dan remained with the 160th SOAR until his retirement in 1998, serving as a Flight Lead and Instructor Pilot in the MH-47D aircraft. Dan deployed in January 1991 to Saudi Arabia and flew combat missions during Desert Storm into Iraq. In April 1996, he deployed with 3/160th SOAR to assist in the evacuation of noncombatants from the U.S. Embassy in Monrovia, Liberia. The operation lasted just 10 days, during which the Night Stalkers assisted in evacuating more than 2,000 noncombatants with no losses to the regiment. After retiring from the Army, Dan flew EMS helicopters as a line pilot, training captain, aviation base manager, and travelling relief pilot for 17 years. These days you can find Dan captaining boats in the Savannah area and teaching others to do the same. ------------------------------------------------ Also available on Apple Podcasts, Anchor.fm, Castbox, Spotify and Google Podcasts. Just search for Thriving on Mission. Additional Links from the show: https://facebook.com/coachscorner https://www.savannahboater.com https://www.verticalmag.com/author/danielf/ https://www.nsa160.com/3/160-soara-savannah/ ----------------------------------------------- https://thrivingonmission.com

What does flying a fighter jet and entrepreneurship have in common?  We sit down with Sean Lipkin, an F-15 Instructor Pilot and Entrepreneur. We discuss the lessons he's learned training fighter pilots and his experiences in business.--Please support on Patreon @norlundYour help goes a really long ways Follow on Twitter @chris_norlundFollow on Instagram @norlundStay positive and thank you so much for listening

Custodio earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Puerto Rico and worked for various industries before landing a job in the accounting department of Prinair (Puerto Rico International Airlines). There she met Edwin Custodio, with whom she would eventually have two children. She later worked for the US Department of Defense (DoD) in Panama. With the support of her husband, she presented herself before Headquarters, Air Force Military Personnel Center (AFMPC) to apply for the United States Air Force Officer Training School. Upon admission, Custodio was accepted as a pilot candidate to become a United States Air Force pilot. She entered the Flight Screening Pilot Officer Training School in January 1980. After successful completion of Flight Screening she entered Officer Training School and was commissioned a Second Lieutenant. She qualified for Undergraduate Pilot Training (UPT) at Laughlin Air Force Base in Texas and graduated the following year, thus becoming the first Latina to complete the U.S. Air Force military pilot training. Her first military assignment was that of instructor pilot at Laughlin AFB. She was the first female to become a Northrop T-38 Talon (T-38) UPT flight instructor at that base. The T-38 Talon is the Air Force’s two-seat, supersonic jet trainer. On one occasion a bird struck the engine of her plane in bad weather while she was in flight. She was able to overcome the emergency and safely land her plane. Because of this she was recognized by the Air Force, and awarded the HQ AETC Aviation Safety Award for superior airmanship. Custodio was later assigned to Randolph Air Force Base where she was also the first female T-38 Instructor Pilot. During her career she also served as Pilot Instructor Training; T-41 Flight Screening – Operations Officer and Check Pilot. Custodio retired from the Air Force with the rank of lieutenant colonel in October 2003, after serving in the military for 23 years and 10 months. Her last assignment as an Air Force Reserve officer was that of accountability and readiness the Directorate of Personnel, HQ USAF. In June 1988, while she was serving in the US Air Force Reserve, she was hired by American Airlines as a commercial pilot. Custodio became one of the first Latina commercial airline captains. During her years with American, she flew various types of aircraft. She piloted the Boeing 727, Fokker 100, Boeing 757 and Boeing 767 to various countries in Europe, the Caribbean, Central America and South America. She also flew to Mexico, Canada and to various cities in the United States. Custodio retired from American Airlines in February 2008, with over 11,000 flight hours. Custodio retired from the military after 24 years of service and lives in San Antonio, Texas, with her husband. There she founded “Dragonfly Productions LLC,” a production company that creates personal film documentaries. In 1992, she founded the Ballet Folklorico Borikèn, the Puerto Rican folk ballet. Custodio is a Trustee of the Order of Daedalians Foundation, a Board Member and Treasurer for the Women in Aviation Alamo City Chapter and Board Member for the Dee Howard Foundation. Custodio also serves as vice president of the Hispanic Association of Aviation and Aerospace Professionals (HAAAP). These organizations inspire young students in the San Antonio and surrounding areas to seek civilian and military aviation careers. They hosts students to tour various airplanes and control towers and also speak to students in all grades to present career opportunities in aviation and aerospace.

"Flint" teaches America's newest pilot training graduates how to fly the mighty Viper.  He instructs students on the multi-role missions of the F-16. He is a graduate of Texas A&M University and has flown the F-16 in three operational assignments.  He has over 50 combat missions in support of Operation Inherent Resolve. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-afterburn-podcast/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Lt Col (ret.) Wendy Emminger is an Arizona native who is a 2003 graduate of the United States Air Force Academy, receiving a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology. She was a 4-year member of the USAFA Women’s Soccer team, team captain, MVP and 4-time member of the Mountain West Conference All-Academic team. She was even on the ballot for Academic All-American. She had the opportunity to continue her soccer career after the Academy by being a 6-time member of the All Armed Forces Women’s soccer team and even got to fly her team to the Military World Games in Brazil. Wendy attended Pilot training in Columbus, MS and received her first choice to fly the KC-10 at Travis AFB, CA. She attained the highest academic average in her class, missing only 2 out of 517 questions, earning her the Academic Achievement Award. She was also awarded the prestigious Air Force Association Award. During her time in the KC-10 she was an Instructor, Evaluator, Formal Training Unit (FTU) Instructor and Functional Check Flight (FCF) Pilot. She was Distinguished Graduate of both her Aircraft Commander and Instructor Pilot upgrade as well as Squadron Officer School.  She was named Group and Squadron Instructor Pilot of the year, Squadron Aircrew of the Year and commanded the Operation’s Group Team of the Year. She deployed 7 times in support of Operation Iraqi and Enduring Freedom flying over 170 combat missions and was named as the Expeditionary Operations Group Team of the Month three times. She was then selected for a special assignment to E-3A NATO AWACS Component in Geilenkirchen, Germany where she served as the Executive Officer to the Component Commander, a 2-star General, and led a multinational staff responsible for administration of an International Headquarter of 1900+ military and civilian personnel from 16 nations. It was in Geilenkirchen that she was selected as Field Grade Officer of the year and also found out about her selection to attend the German Joint Staff College in Hamburg, Germany as well as her early promotion to Lt Col (2 BPZ), putting her among the top 1% of her peers.  After attending a year of language training in Monterey, CA, Wendy moved to Hamburg to represent the US Air Force to 89 elite officers from 15 NATO/EU states. During her first year at the Academy she found out she was selected for Command of the KC-46 Formal Training Unit in Altus, OK. Unfortunately, she was never able to take command because she was blindsided by a case of severe depression that ultimately led to her being medically retired from the military. Wendy is currently studying to become a Parayoga Instructor and will be attending the prestigious Thunderbird University in Arizona to attain an Executive Master in Global Management this summer with the hopes of opening the Emminger Leadership and Wellness Institute in the future. Her goal is host corporate retreats and fuse the lessons of leadership and resiliency she’s learned through 30 years of participating in team sports, operating as a military aviator as well as suffering through a severe mental illness with the principles of Yoga to improve corporate culture, create sustainable, diverse teams and build more empathetic and resilient leaders.

Today’s Scripture reading comes from Luke 22:28, quoting from the NASB: “You are those who have stood by Me in My trials.” How well are you sensing what God desires of you? A reading of Luke 22:27-32 might lead you to respond that constancy is what the Lord wants of you. It is normal to tire of struggles. God knows we will be tried, but in our trials He yearns for us to keep at it and not give up. Evil forces are always gunning to take down a good team. Regardless of how impervious one might think he is, the occasion to fall exists. Christ commended the disciples for standing with Him in his trials. What a critical teaching point. This perseverance in the face of challenge would be required of them individually and as a team. The disciples had been with Jesus for three years, and little did they know they would be the leaders of the world’s Christianity movement. Not surprisingly, the responsibility to teach and train others most often falls to the one who has experienced the event. In our society a qualifying requirement of a leader is experience. Jesus flatly said to His disciples: You’ve been there, you have seen what I have been through, you have heard my explanations, and you saw me in my trials—you “have stood by Me.” In no uncertain terms, Jesus told the disciples they would be leaders who would sit in judgment in His kingdom. This kind of leadership and authority would come at a cost. For Peter and for many of us that cost would be testing, even the possibility of failure. Our response to trials will either strengthen or arrest us. The elect must not turn back but continue to serve and edify others. Keep at it; don’t give up. Be counted among those who “stood by Me in my trials.”   // Points to Ponder Over the next week, here are 3 points to ponder during your personal time of reflection or with a small group or mentor. First, will it be said that you “stood by” Him against the popular culture, in the midst of calls to compromise, and despite your natural intuition or desires? Second, how is your faith when the going gets tough? Know that the trial of your faith is to the praise, honor, and glory of Jesus Christ. Third, ask yourself: Am I still working at what I thought the Lord called me to or have I quietly moved on to other interests? What does Jesus want from you? That your faith not fail, that you keep turning to Him, and finally, that you lead by encouraging and strengthening others who face similar circumstances. Be encouraged, Jesus stands by you.   // Monthly Evaluation It’s time for a quick monthly evaluation. Point your browser to ocfusa.org/LDNpodcast or check out the show notes for a link to download the monthly reflection sheet. Use the reflection sheet to help gauge your habit of integrating faith and profession, and to help get you into the habit of keeping a written record of those times when the Holy Spirit speaks to you.   // About the Narrator Lt Col Kate Toms is a C-17 Instructor Pilot currently assigned to doctoral study in philosophy. She and her husband enjoy hospitality, outdoor adventure, and delighting in the cute antics of their young children.   // Purchase a Copy Call the OCF Home Office at 800-424-1984 to purchase a paperback copy of the book, or buy a Kindle version at Amazon.

Today’s Scripture reading comes from Mark 14:18, quoting from the ESV: “As they were reclining at the table and eating, Jesus said, ‘Truly I say to you that one of you will betray Me—one who is eating with Me.’” Why do you think Jesus raised the subject of his betrayal? Why did He tell the disciples someone would betray Him? Perhaps He simply needed to tell someone who cared. Jesus told his disciples. He said it not once but, according to Mark, approached the matter five times. The fifth time He poured His heart out to His Father. At Jesus’ comment, the disciples questioned their loyalty. To be loyal is to show allegiance and to demonstrate constant support. This fidelity defines the leader/follower relationship. Disloyalty hurts. At the Passover meal the disciples had the opportunity to examine their own constancy to Christ. As followers of Christ, it is prudent to examine our trustworthiness and to monitor that which could allure, even lull us into thoughtless words and deeds. Jesus’ loyalty was without question. He said, “…I will never leave you nor forsake you.” Loyalty is demonstrated in the workplace for many noble reasons: belief in the cause or product or allegiance to the institution. The follower of Christ must understand his or her own motives for following and serving. Rightly motivated, believers respond to God’s demonstrated love for us. Did you notice that the one who betrayed Him reclined at the table and was eating with Him? Judas was a recipient of fellowship, inclusion, identity, and belonging without comprehending that loyalty is a two-way street. Jesus paid the price of his commitment to us on the cross. Are we willing to pay the price of loyalty to Him? More aptly, why am I willing to pay the price of constancy to Christ?   // Points to Ponder Over the next week, here are 3 points to ponder during your personal time of reflection or with a small group or mentor. First, when you are tested, tempted, worn out, and perhaps overcommitted, how might your loyalty to Christ waver? Second, “There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves punishment, and the one who fears is not perfected in love.” How is your love relationship with Jesus? Third, what motivates your loyalty to Christ—the love relationship, the reward, or both?   // About the Narrator Lt Col Kate Toms is a C-17 Instructor Pilot currently assigned to doctoral study in philosophy. She and her husband enjoy hospitality, outdoor adventure, and delighting in the cute antics of their young children.   // Purchase a Copy Call the OCF Home Office at 800-424-1984 to purchase a paperback copy of the book, or buy a Kindle version at Amazon.

Christian Brechbuhl: "The thing I really love about the innovation space is the Airmen in it and people do amazing stuff like this all the time. If I had one message to people it's that you can do it too." Capt. Christian Brechbuhl is the Director of Innovation for Joint Base Charleston in S.C. and a C-17 Instructor Pilot. He's has attended multiple AFWERX events and is active in the Air Force Software development space. He is passionate about spending Airmen time on things only humans can do. During this episode, we discuss how Christian got involved in the Air Force's innovation ecosystem starting from building an application to solve a pain point all the way to leading an innovation cell. He shares his advice for others interested in working through problems and creating solutions in their organizations as well as the importance for self advocacy in your work. Resources Mentioned: - Airmen Coders: https://airmencoders.us/ - Palmetto Spark's COVID-19 Response: https://www.defense.gov/Explore/Features/Story/Article/2151701/innovation-team-at-charleston-tackles-covid-19-challenges/" If you enjoy the show, we'd love for you to review The DisruptiveAF Podcasts on Apple Podcasts! This helps us reach new people who would love to hear from our guests every week. Plus, we love to hear your thoughts on the show! For more about the podcast, visit https://www.afwerx.af.mil/podcast.html Follow AFWERX: Twitter: twitter.com/afwerx Instagram: instagram.com/afwerx Facebook: facebook.com/afwerx

Today’s Scripture reading comes from Philippians 4:19, quoting from the ESV: “And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” “He has been mighty good to me!” “God is good, all the time. All the time; God is good.” I have heard these phrases expressed, somewhat emotionally, at church testimony meetings and other places. These expressions are true and, most often, heartfelt. Paul’s statement in Philippians 4:19 seems a culmination of his gratefulness for the kindness shown him by the believers mentioned in Philippians 4:10-19. Additionally, Paul’s joyful comments give testimony of God’s faithfulness to meet his needs. Though Paul expressed heartfelt thanks for the gift, at the same time, he seems to stand the act of giving on it head: It is not that those who give satisfy needs, but it is God who uses generous givers to meet. Those who are generous toward God will find that He is generous toward them and will supply their every need in Christ Jesus. Expressed another way, giving is receiving. I am inspired by Paul’s obvious absence of anxiety as to whether God would give him what he needed. Paul was not concerned for material gifts; his greatest concern was the potential spiritual harvest to be reaped through their generosity. Yet, Paul makes a more far reaching statement: If you had any concerns about parting with your gifts, don’t. Instead, know as I know that, “God will supply every need of yours.” His comments clearly extended beyond concern for material needs. What leader is not concerned with maximizing his/her time use or hasn’t felt the insufficiency of time in a day to meet all requirements? And what about the challenge of needing fresh insight and perspective in confronting problems? “God will supply every need of yours” whether it is a financial concern, effective time management, or dealing with disgruntled people. Jesus is the resource for all our needs. As faithful followers, ours is to approach Him confidently for grace and help.   // Points to Ponder Over the next week, here are 3 points to ponder during your personal time of reflection or with a small group or mentor. First, in what areas of work, home, or community service do you especially need help? Second, how are you trusting God to meet all your needs, i.e., time management, wisdom, and resources? Third, how might those nearest you describe or affirm your unwavering belief that God will supply your every need?   // About the Narrator Lt Col Kate Toms is a C-17 Instructor Pilot currently assigned to doctoral study in philosophy. She and her husband enjoy hospitality, outdoor adventure, and delighting in the cute antics of their young children.   // Purchase a Copy Call the OCF Home Office at 800-424-1984 to purchase a paperback copy of the book, or buy a Kindle version at Amazon.

Today’s Scripture reading comes from Matthew 26:52-54, quoting from the NASB: “Then Jesus said to him, ‘Put your sword back into its place; for all those who take up the sword shall perish by the sword. Or do you think that I cannot appeal to My Father, and He will at once put at My disposal more than twelve legions of angels? How then will the Scriptures be fulfilled, which say that it must happen this way?’” Jesus wielded His influence—not his power—to accomplish the prophecies concerning Him. Man’s natural inclination is to think: He who carries the biggest stick wins. That wasn’t the case when Judas, who betrayed Jesus, arrived with the arresting party who would ultimately be responsible for Jesus’ crucifixion. Instead of condoning Peter’s protective gesture of striking the high priest’s servant, Jesus healed the injury Peter inflicted and told him to put away his weapon. Jesus could have commanded a greater force than Peter’s dagger. He could have responded to the arresting entourage with a show of His mighty power or through a simple appeal to his Father who would have put thousands of angels at the ready for Jesus’ use as He pleased. Instead He identified Himself as the one they sought. A good leader becomes self-evident by his actions. That is, one leads best when one’s actions reflect decisions arrived at through calm, calculated, inspired thought rather than reckless displays of power. Jesus did that. He told Peter to put away his sword. His command to Peter reveals that leaders who use overwhelming displays of power are not always effective at accomplishing the mission. Jesus’ mission was to ensure the prophecies concerning Him would be fulfilled. His leadership style was that of influence and not the use of “shock and awe.” Faith and leadership are therefore more appropriately modeled through keeping sight of how to achieve God’s purposes in and out of the workplace through godly influence, using softer tones, quieter approaches and direct resolve to see the mission through. Simply acting or reacting is not necessarily an effective leadership quality. Leading entails helping people see the bigger picture when “it must happen this way.”   //Points to Ponder   Over the next week, here are 3 points to ponder during your personal time of reflection or with a small group or mentor. Consider the following questions as a possible test of how effectively you are integrating your faith and leadership through influence in your workplace or place of service. First, how do you respond to inaccurate or injurious comments? Do you fire back with insults, or are you exercising servant-leader restraint? Second, how effectively do you take the spiritual high road when resolving conflicts? Third, when project goals are seemingly being thwarted, do you entertain the idea that God can also work through this opposition?   // About the Narrator Lt Col Kate Toms is a C-17 Instructor Pilot currently assigned to doctoral study in philosophy. She and her husband enjoy hospitality, outdoor adventure, and delighting in the cute antics of their young children.   // Purchase a Copy Call the OCF Home Office at 800-424-1984 to purchase a paperback copy of the book, or buy a Kindle version at Amazon.

Having the desire to fly fighter jets since seeing the movie “Top Gun,” Chandra Beckman became part of the elite group of women who have flown United States Air Force fighter jets.  Chandra started her AF career in ROTC in 1993, the same year the Department of Defense lifted the ban on women flying combat missions, which opened the door for women to fly fighter jets. She graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Mathematics from Arizona State University in 1998. After a delay due to an unexpected pregnancy, she attended USAF Pilot Training where she earned an assignment to fly the F-15C Eagle, and was the first woman to fly that aircraft as a mother. During her time flying the F-15C, Chandra supported the defense of the homeland through Operation NOBLE EAGLE and flew combat missions during the opening weeks of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM.  Following three years flying the F-15C, she was one of only 3 women assigned to fly the first stealth fighter aircraft, the F-117A Nighthawk. During her time flying that aircraft, she deployed in support of security operations to the Korean peninsula, coordinated with media groups to showcase the final F-117 RED FLAG, and mentored school children and Airmen of all ranks. Taking a break from flying, Chandra was stationed in the Republic of Korea where she was assigned to the Combined Air Operations Center. While there she developed and implemented the first Operations Center training program for new personnel and worked jobs in both offensive and defensive combat training roles. Chandra then went on to be an Instructor Pilot at the Euro-NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training Program. However, health challenges that had begun while she was stationed in the Republic of Korea finally grounded her from flying.  From 2009-2017, she earned a Master’s Degree in Aeronautical Science and held multiple jobs which included: Director of Staff for the 82 Training Wing, an organization with a permanent staff of over 3,000 people worldwide serving a student population of almost 80,000 annually; and Director of Operations for RED FLAG, the organization responsible for establishing the framework to train US and coalition nation members in the world’s most realistic air combat scenarios. Retired from active duty, Chandra enjoys having the freedom to travel the world with her husband and be available for her children whenever and wherever they need her to be. She is a member of the Veteran Advisory Team for the National Foundation for Integrative Medicine and looks forward to helping others in that capacity.

Today’s Scripture reading comes from Matthew 5:1-2, quoting from the NASB: “When Jesus saw the crowds, He went up on the mountain; and after He sat down, His disciples came to Him. He opened His mouth and began to teach them saying…” How do you behave in a crowd? How do you know what to do and what not to do? Does your Christ like behavior identify you as different, and do others find you approachable? Jesus’ demeanor generally drew others to Him. He was not prickly, rude, arrogant, or stingy with His wisdom. On the hillside where He delivered the beatitudes, Jesus in the presence of many and in the company of His disciples freely shared wisdom for living. For many who lead and influence others, the right words may not always seem self-evident. One may be tempted to play it safe by delivering some writer’s scripted lines or by taking the path of least resistance in the arenas of work or relationships. When it is not clear exactly what to say, we can safely rely on God’s Spirit for guidance. The presence of the Holy Spirit will aid in knowing how and what to speak. Jesus sat on a hillside and out came words for living, words relevant to each and every one who listened. Being fully God, Jesus could be expected to know what to speak to every man, but what about us mortals? As we set Christ apart in our hearts and make studying God’s word a priority, we too can know how to answer every man, whether in the board room, at a lunch table, in the workplace or on the golf course. Jesus also encountered individuals, including the solitary woman at the well. Likewise, many of our encounters occur one on one and are no less significant than large group interactions. They may, in fact, be more significant or impactful. The issue often boils down to speaking when the Spirit prompts! Knowing how to respond actually starts before the encounter. Time spent in reading, studying, meditating, and memorizing Scripture will extensively aid how the Spirit directs conversation. When we do not fully grasp all the parameters of the here and now, the Holy Spirit does and will give understanding at the right time. The disciples did not fully grasp all of Jesus’ teachings while in His presence. They grew in depth of understanding as they continued in the Scriptures and in the Spirit. How about you? Are you discerning God’s voice when you find yourself speaking to many, a few, or one on one? Just as Jesus spent much time in prayer and solitude with God, the basis of our responses may be proportional to the time we spend with God in study of the Scriptures.   // Points to Ponder Over the next week, here are 3 points to ponder during your personal time of reflection or with a small group or mentor. The Holy Spirit gives conversation discernment as we… First, spend time with God in study. Second, trust the Spirit for the response. Third, listen for His voice.   // About the Narrator Lt Col Kate Toms is a C-17 Instructor Pilot currently assigned to doctoral study in philosophy. She and her husband enjoy hospitality, outdoor adventure, and delighting in the cute antics of their young children.   // Purchase a Copy Call the OCF Home Office at 800-424-1984 to purchase a paperback copy of the book, or buy a Kindle version at Amazon.

After a stint in the Navy, Genesah was at a crossroads with where she wanted her career to go. A love of adventure got her into flying and with living in the lake and ocean state of Florida, she gained her float rating not too long after her CPL. After instructing for a while, a lucky break came her way when an interview style YouTube video for a flying magazine resulted in a job flying for the new kid on the block, Icon Aircraft. She is now the Chief Instructor at the company owning the seaplane industries most exciting new 2 seat aircraft.Complete a survey about On the Step to help it grow!https://forms.gle/rQ3bwFfJuVZqWN1P8Follow me on Instagram! https://www.instagram.com/thatmallardguy/

Rex’s 40 year professional career has spanned training positions as an Instructor Pilot in the U.S. Air Force, corporate trainer in the financial services field, and trusted performance consulting partner inside more than 50 companies in more than two dozen industries. Rex Conner is the author of "What if Common Sense Was Common Practice in Business?" He is the happily married husband of one, father of seven, and grandfather of 14+. Rex is also the Co-Founder and Lead Partner of Mager Consortium which is entrusted to publish and teach all of the world-renowned human performance and training tools and systems developed by Dr. Robert Mager. Learn more at https://magerconsortium.com/

Bob (The Chief) Hammett is a 72 year old retired navy/army veteran who shares some thrill seeking experiences during his duty on Mekong Delta in Vietnam and tour of duty in Japan, and how he's been able to retire on a tropical island in the Philippines enjoying a lifelong passion trading currencies and other markets. Join Bob in his excitement, describing how he's discovered futures trading as a way of funding his amazing lifestyle.

Tom Carlin started his aviation career as an Air Force navigator, flying KC-135 airborne refueling tanker aircraft. On his own, he obtained a Private Pilot certificate and bought an airplane.   Often, his commander needed tom’s assistance with air transportation issues that oould not be accommodated with Air Force aircraft, and he quickly became the “hero” of the unit. this visibility was instrumental in his getting an assignment to Undergraduate Pilot Training (UPT).   Following UPT, he remained as an Instructor Pilot, then became an Aircraft Commander in the C-141. He had numerous missions that involved air refueling and extended crew duty times, sometimes exceeding 24 hours.   Later, he flew the RC-135, again on extended missions.   After Air Force retirement, he started his airline career with a major airline, and purchased another airplane, this time a retired Air Force T-41 Mescalero trainer. It turns out this is the EXACT airplane your humble podcast host flew as a student pilot in Air Force UPT at Laughlin Air Force Base in 1967!

Juan Browne started his flying career as a teenager. He bought his first airplane when he was 15 years old, and has bought and sold dozens of airplanes since.   He earned his A&P license right after graduating high school, then attended college on a ROTC scholarship. After graduation, he was commissioned in the Air Force and attended Undergraduate Pilot Training (UPT) at Williams Air Force Base.   After UPT, Juan became a T-37 Instructor Pilot at Mather Air Force Base. His next assignment was flying the C-141, and he quickly rose to Aircraft Commander, flying all over the world, nonstop using air refueling.   He next flew C-130 aircraft with the Reno Air National Guard, and finally secured a job as an airline pilot.   Juan hosts the Blancolirio YouTube channel, with over 1000 videos uploaded.

Christina “Thumper” Hopper grew up in an Air Force family where both of her parents enlisted and served.  Her parents’ interracial marriage encountered harsh discrimination and Thumper experienced the demoralizing effects of racism on her first day of kindergarten. The shame and rejection she felt from this left a mark on her life that forever changed her.  She could have become bitter, depressed, and victimized, but instead through the wisdom, support and love of her parents, she developed a deep faith in God and the power of love, joy and purpose to overcome great obstacles.   When the opportunity to fly combat fighter aircraft opened for women, Thumper was in college.  She had never considered an aviation career and didn’t think it was an option for her, but her ROTC Commander encouraged her to apply for a pilot slot.  After having a vivid dream about flying, Thumper took a step of faith and applied to pilot training where she earned an assignment to the F-16 Fighting Falcon and blazed a historic trail for women in aviation. She was among the first generation of women in fighters, one of only two black female fighter pilots in the Air Force, the first black female fighter pilot in a major war and the first black female fighter instructor pilot.  She served in combat during Operation Iraqi Freedom and earned 4 Air Medals. Her story appeared in multiple media venues including the Harry Connick Jr. Show, 700 Club, and Good Housekeeping, Glamour, and Ebony magazines. She was also featured in Family Circle magazine as one of the Top 20 Most Influential Moms of 2018.   Sport also played a huge role in shaping Thumper’s life.  At a young age, she took up competitive swimming and developed a strong sense of self worth, drive and discipline through competition.  Her success in swimming enabled her to compete at the collegiate level and set the stage for her ongoing competitive endeavors. After having three children, Thumper took up long distance running and triathlon at age 34.  She completed the Boston marathon twice, conquered IRONMAN Kona and the half-IRONMAN World Championships, and she currently competes as part of the Air Force triathlon team.  Through sport, Thumper learned to do hard things, overcome adversity, and make “impossible” things possible.  Today, Thumper continues to inspire the next generation of fighter pilots as a Reserve T-38 Instructor Pilot.  She also flies for a major airline and raises three beautiful children with her husband Aaron, a retired Air Force F-16 pilot and airline pilot.  Doing hard things pervades every aspect of the Hoppers lives including their efforts to balance work, life, sport and giving back to the community.   She also volunteers for Sisters of the Skies.

CPT. David "Bender" Benes is an MC-130J Commando II pilot for AFSOC and a rated Instructor Pilot with over 1400 hours. Join us as he talks about his experiences coming up originally as a fighter pilot all the way through the F-22 program to his transition over to "heavies" in support of Special Operations Forces around the globe. Later in the episode, we discuss the complexities of military training for a future war with our current processes in place.Be sure to rate our show, share our IG with your friends, and leave us a comment!@thepilotsloungewww.pilotsloungepodcast.Presented By Brotallion@Brotallionwww.brotallion.com

In this week’s episode, we talk about what it looks like to make God a priority in our life and how He is able to work through us when we do. Jalen Whitener, and F-35 pilot trainer, tells us how he has done this throughout his military career and the impact it's made. Jalen made a decision many years ago that his life's priorities were going to be God, family, and country. By allowing God to come first in his life he has been able to mentor and train through his words and actions; showing his students the love of Christ without them even knowing it. Subscribe for more episodes each week! Click here for more information about our Made for Monday series and podcast. Follow us @ccvonline on Twitter & Instagram.

Ultimately, we’ve come to a point when we have lived at the limit of a good enough life in a broken society.We feel like I have reached the edge of the “minimum” life. People are searching for something more in every possible idea, belief, self-help book, television show, and celebrity spokespersons but we know only God can take us to the next stage in our lives.Jesus Triumphal Entry – Matthew 21When Jesus entered the city on Sunday, Palm Sunday, he was greeted by cheering crowds proclaiming Him king much to the dismay of the religious leaders, Pontius Pilot, and the 10th Roman Legion, who had taken up residence in the Antonia Fortress to control the enormous crowds that swelled the city during Passover. A time where the normal population of Jerusalem grew from 100,000 to over a million people in a matter of days. Jewish unrest was rampant during the time of Jesus with numerous radical rebellions and uprising occurring all throughout Palestine. The northern territory of Galilee, Jesus’s home, was a fountain of radical thought and revolutionary movements during this time, around 32 A.D. Jesus entering the city, on Passover, with a million frustrated Jews, and the crowds loudly proclaiming him King was more than volatileThe Jewish leaders would have been shocked and outraged at Jesus’s behavior at the temple, chasing out the money changers and the Romans were on high alert because of the events surrounding Jesus in the city.The Delegation Confronts Jesus – Matthew 21 and 22The Parable of the Wedding Feast – Matthew 22:1-14“And again Jesus spoke to them in parables, saying, 2 “The kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who gave a wedding feast for his son, 3 and sent his servants to call those who were invited to the wedding feast, but they would not come. 4 Again he sent other servants, saying, ‘Tell those who are invited, “See, I have prepared my dinner, my oxen and my fat calves have been slaughtered, and everything is ready. Come to the wedding feast.”’ 5 But they paid no attention and went off, one to his farm, another to his business, 6 while the rest seized his servants, treated them shamefully, and killed them. 7 The king was angry, and he sent his troops and destroyed those murderers and burned their city. 8 Then he said to his servants, ‘The wedding feast is ready, but those invited were not worthy. 9 Go therefore to the main roads and invite to the wedding feast as many as you find.’ 10 And those servants went out into the roads and gathered all whom they found, both bad and good. So the wedding hall was filled with guests. 11 “But when the king came in to look at the guests, he saw there a man who had no wedding garment. 12 And he said to him, ‘Friend, how did you get in here without a wedding garment?’ And he was speechless. 13 Then the king said to the attendants, ‘Bind him hand and foot and cast him into the outer darkness. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’ 14 For many are called, but few are chosen.”The warning in these two parables is if we do not continue to cultivate Christians in the correct way based on biblical truths, the Kingdom of God will be taken away from us and given to someone else. This is regardless of how big our church may be, how many members we have, how famous we are on tv, how many books we sell, or speaking engagements we book.We are all equal in the eyes of God and the Holy Spirit and we can just as easily grieve the Holy Spirit in ways potentially detrimental to our relationship with Christ, which we will go into more detail in later discussions.Just because we stand and say, “I believe” during a church service doesn’t insure we will inherit the Kingdom of God. It is so much more in the relationship, the way we live out our lives for Christ and being present in the Holy Spirit than it is just to say a couple words and join a bible study.Why is this important as we come to the next stage in life in partnership with the Holy Spirit? We’ve discussed “where” we are. Before we discuss “how” to get there, I believe it’s important we talk about “why” first. Why Now?Revelation 7:9 (ESV)A Great Multitude from Every Nation: “After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands,”There are 85 verses in the Bible stating Jesus will not return again until the Word of God has reach:a) All the peoplesb) The whole worldc) Every tribe and language and people and nationd) Every kneee) Every tongueWhat is a people group?“An ethno-linguistic group with a common self-identity that is shared by the various members. For strategic purposes it is the largest group within which the Gospel can spread without encountering barriers of understanding or acceptance.”11,757 people groups (7.6 billion people)How many are unreached?7.088 unreached people groups (4.5 billion people)“A people group is considered unreached (UPG) when there is no indigenous community of believing Christians able to engage this people group with church planting. Technically speaking, the percentage of evangelical Christians in this people group is less than 2 percent.”How many are unreached unengaged?3,159 unengaged unreached people groups (238 million people)“Unreached people groups are unengaged (UUPG) when there is no church planting strategy, consistent with evangelical faith and practice, under way. Gathering believers and planting churches are the keys to establishing an effective and multiplying presence among these people groups.”Table 71 – YWAM Group. 25 ministries bringing the gospel to the remaining tongues and people group of the World. Reaching every Unengaged Unreached People Group (UUPG). The goal is to establish a strong and viable church within each of the UPGs, so that the number of UPGs is reduced to zero. By 2020, Onestory.org, will be initiating such work in more than 5,500 UPGs (unreached people groups) by the year 2020. By 2025, all of the plans to reach the UUPG’s will be submitted by the teams we saw in the video. By 2026, all of the plans will be approved and will begin implementation. Again, we ask, why now?Because the minimum requirements for the second coming will have been met, completing the prophecy that before Christ will come again every tongue and people group will have heard the word of God.Now, let me be clear, I am not prophesying that I know when and where the second coming will take place. “But concerning that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father only.” – Matthew 24:36. What I am saying is boxes will all be checked, and the stage will be set for the second coming. God could choose not to come for another 500 years but the urgency remains the same.Matthew 25:14-3019 “After a long time their master returned from his trip and called them to give an account of how they had used his money.” We cannot know when but we know we have to be prepared to give an account. We can’t waste anytime in performing our duties now for when God comes again. The time is now. The urgency is now.Urgency and Immediacy just Like When John wrote the Book of Revelations“However, if we were to canvass the prophetic utterances of the Hebrew Bible and the phenomenon of prophecy within the New Testament and early Christian worship, we might instead arrive at the conclusion that, while prophecy could include a predictive element, it was primarily a declaration of God’s action in the present. In these cases, prophecy served as an announcement of God’s evaluation of the present actions of God’s people, diagnosing problems and calling for realignment with God’s values.” – https://blog.logos.com/2016/08/3-mistakes-people-make-reading-revelation/We will never know for certain if the book of Revelations actually comes true unless we are around for the events to occur or we are in heaven. What we can know for certain was the expressed urgency of the writing that mirrored the cultural context of where John was and the events that happened, precluding him to write the text with the assistance of the Holy Spirit.The sense of immediacy with which John writes made it sound like the events would occur within the current generation of peoples. However, when it did not occur because the prophecy of Revelations 7:9, which we previously discussed, had not come to pass, the Christians of the day made written copies of the manuscripts; in order to, disseminate them throughout the nations. This brings up a concept which we will talk more about in later sessions having to do with the two forms of God’s will we see in the Bible relating to The Hidden will of God and the Revealed Will of God.How do we get to the next stage in life in partnership with the Holy Spirit? Now that we’ve discussed the current cultural climate and why it’s important that we begin now, we can now discuss the how and introduce the ministry in our discussion on what we need to do.“There is the right way and then there is everything else which is inferior. Everything can be backed up and documented. You cannot do something that is new.” – Dave Berke,Dave is a retired U.S. Marine Corps officer, fighter pilot, ground combat leader. He was an F/A-18 pilot deployed twice from the USS John C Stennis in support of combat operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. He spent three years as an Instructor Pilot at TOPGUN where he served as the Training Officer, the senior staff pilot responsible for conduct of the TOPGUN course.We are at a pivotal moment in our world history where nearly every possible idea or iteration of an idea has already been developed or created. The same can be said about God’s word. The bible in its latest canon, is the living word of God and it is infallible. Therefore, every possible way of sharing God’s word has been conceived and performed. All of the moments in its rich history tie beautifully into the dynamics of our human history.History is commonly referred to as, God’s Story because after all, we were all created by God and I believe that all wisdom and understanding comes from Him, therefore it is His Story to us so that we may learn everything we need to know to be better men and better followers for His Kingdom.What do we have to believe?1. We believe God is the King above all kings2. We believe Jesus Christ is the Son of God3. We believe in the Holy Spirit, its power and its presence in us4. We believe in Jesus’ crucifixion on the cross5. We believe in the resurrection and that Jesus conquered death6. We believe in the Holy Spirits calling for us7. We believe He is coming back againWhat we have to avoid:We are always competing for money and market share. Enough! We aren’t competing and we are not separate. We are all part of one body of Christ. I would prefer not to use secular media as a quote for a scripture-based training program, however, in this case I found it quite fitting: “Winter is coming. We stand together or we all die” – Tyrion Lannister, Game of ThronesThe objective is to take back territory from the darkness not to squabble and fight amongst ourselves for donor bases. The sooner we all wake up to that the more equipped to tackle the real enemy we will be.We cannot be naïve to the enemy’s tacticsThree Questions:1. How do we improve the Kingdom?2. How do we improve the lives of others?3. How do we improve our own lives?When we can search for answer to these three foundational questions, we then begin to understand what is truly at stake.

The Power of True PatriotismAired Thursday, 20 June 2019, 3:00 PM EST / 12:00 PM PSTBetween prolonged war time, divisive politics and social controversy regarding the National Anthem, it’s hard to understand – much less embrace – the notion of true patriotism. Having been raised by a proud U.S. Marine, Jennifer is passionate about patriotism and equally frustrated by America’s political climate. Join her as she discusses the value and beauty of patriotism with Commander Doug Reinbold, who recently retired from active duty service after 21-years in the U.S. Navy. He’s currently in the Defense Industry in the Washington, DC area.Bio: CDR Doug “Rhino” Reinbold, USN (ret.)Commander Doug Reinbold, United States Navy (retired), was born and raised in Seymour, Indiana, and graduated from Purdue University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Aviation Technology. Upon selection and graduation from Officer Candidate School he was commissioned as a Naval Officer and was designated a Naval Aviator following completion of flight training. His first fleet service was in San Diego, California, piloting the SH-60B Seahawk helicopter and deploying twice to the Arabian Gulf on missions to conduct maritime interdiction operations. While completing his tour, his peers selected him as the squadron’s Pilot of the Year.He then received orders to Pensacola, Florida, to serve as a T-34C Instructor Pilot for U.S. Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, and international flight students. Obtaining all possible qualifications, he was selected as Instructor Pilot of the Year and chosen to be in the first class of instructors to fly the T-6A Texan II. After completion of this tour, he was ordered back to sea duty as a Catapult and Arresting Gear Officer (Shooter) aboard the USS CARL VINSON (CVN 70) nuclear aircraft carrier, deploying in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.His next fleet assignment was with the first-ever MH-60R Seahawk squadron, operating the Navy’s newest and most advanced combat helicopter. As Department Head, he served during the command’s maiden deployment embarked onboard the USS JOHN C. STENNIS (CVN 74) Carrier Strike Group, and he was named his squadron’s Officer of the Year upon completion of his orders.He was then nominated to attend the U.S. Naval War College in Newport, Rhode Island, graduating with a Master’s Degree in National Security and Strategic Studies. Subsequently he received orders to the Office of Naval Research where he was detailed to the Pentagon to serve as the Deputy for Operations for the Defense Science Board.His final assignment was as the MQ-8 (Fire Scout) Officer-in-Charge, directing the introduction and fleet integration of the Navy’s first operational unmanned aircraft system. During his career he has accumulated more than 3000 flight hours in 10 different aircraft and is a Commercial-rated Airplane and Helicopter pilot. His military awards and decorations include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, the Navy Commendation Medal, Navy Achievement Medal, as well as various unit, campaign, and individual ribbons.He recently retired from active duty after more than 21 years of honorable service. Presently he serves in the defense industry in the Washington, D.C. area where he and his wife are the proud, but exhausted, parents of two awesomely energetic daughters.

Keith Reeves wanted to be a pilot ever since he was a child, living on base at Kadena Air Base, Japan, and hearing the local F-4s and SR-71s taking off. When the family relocated to Selfridge Air Force Base he got the chance to get close to airplanes. A friend on base took him up for a flight in a General Aviation plane, and he was hooked. He attended the United States Air Force Academy, and flew with the Academy aero club. Before Undergraduate Pilot Training, he served as an engineer at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, then he attended pilot training at Laughlin Air Force Base. Kevin qualified for the T-38 track, then flew B-52's for 5 1/2 years, rising to the position of Instructor Pilot. While flying B-52s, he bought a Citabria, and kept it for 10 years. He applied to the B-2 program, and was accepted on his third attempt. He remained on the B-2 for the remainder of his flying career, stationed at Whiteman Air Force Base. In addition to the B-2, Keith was dual-qualified in the T-38. During Operation Iraqi Freedom, he flew a 37-hour flight. Keith now flies as a B737 first officer for a major legacy airline.

Jeff Nielsen, also known as “Capt. Jeff” is the host of the very successful "Airline Pilot Guy" Podcast. After seven years in the U.S. Air Force as a C-141B and T-37 Instructor Pilot, he was hired by a very large, international “legacy” airline (we refer to it as “Acme Air”). His 30 year airline career has included flight time in the B-727 (all seats), L-1011 (First Officer), and the “Mad Dog” MD-88/90 (Captain).I had a great time talking with Capt. Jeff. He has the calm demeanor and soothing voice you'd expect from a senior airline pilot. He has a wide breath of aviation knowledge and is the subject matter expert on being an airline pilot. In order, we talk about:Day in the life (minute 8:30)Difference between Air Force and civilian flying (minute 12:30)Routines-traveling (minute 18:45)Routines-flying: (minute 20:30)How flying in the airlines changed over the years (minute 24:45) The function of a flight engineer (minute 29:00)Future of the industry including automation (minute 41:30).  Advice for people getting into the airlines (minute 49:00)Common issues new airline pilots have (minute 51:00)His podcast--Airline Pilot Guy (minute 52:30)Make sure to subscribe so you don't miss an episode! Check out all the interviews at https://www.professionalsplaybook.comInstagram-- @justinfighterpilotFacebook--@justinfighterpilot

We are happy to re-cast a wonderful conversation we had with former NASA Astronaut, Col. Rick Searfoss back in 2016.  He joined us to talk about rockets, The Space Shuttle, and being an astronaut! Col. Rick Searfoss From his NASA Bio: PERSONAL DATA: Born June 5, 1956, in Mount Clemens, Michigan, but considers Portsmouth, New Hampshire, to be his hometown. Married; three children. He enjoys running, soccer, radio-controlled model aircraft, Scouting, backpacking, and classical music. EDUCATION: Graduated from Portsmouth Senior High School, Portsmouth, New Hampshire in 1974; received a bachelor of science degree in aeronautical engineering from the USAF Academy in 1978, and a master of science degree in aeronautics from the California Institute of Technology on a National Science Foundation Fellowship in 1979. USAF Squadron Officer School, Air Command and Staff College, and Air War College. ORGANIZATIONS: Association of Space Explorers, National Eagle Scout Association, Air Force Association, Academy of Model Aeronautics. SPECIAL HONORS: Awarded the Harmon, Fairchild, Price and Tober Awards (top overall, academic, engineering, and aeronautical engineering graduate), United States Air Force Academy Class of 1978. Air Force Aero Propulsion Laboratory Excellence in Turbine Engine Design award. USAF Squadron Officer's School Commandant's Trophy as top graduate. Distinguished graduate, USAF Fighter Weapons School. Named the Tactical Air Command F-111 Instructor Pilot of the Year, 1985. Selected for Outstanding Young Men of America, 1987. Recipient of the Air Force Commendation Medal, Air Force Meritorious Service Medal, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Defense Superior Service Medal, NASA Spaceflight Medal (3), NASA Exceptional Service Medal, NASA Outstanding Leadership Medal, and Air Force Distinguished Flying Cross. EXPERIENCE: Searfoss graduated in 1980 from Undergraduate Pilot Training at Williams Air Force Base, Arizona. From 1981-1984, he flew the F-111F operationally at RAF Lakenheath, England, followed by a tour at Mountain Home AFB, Idaho, where he was an F-111A instructor pilot and weapons officer until 1987. In 1988 he attended the U.S. Naval Test Pilot School, Patuxent River, Maryland, as a USAF exchange officer. He was a flight instructor at the U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School at Edwards AFB, California, when selected for the astronaut program. He has logged over 5,000 hours flying time in 56 different types of aircraft and over 939 hours in space. He also holds FAA Airline Transport Pilot, glider, and flight instructor ratings. NASA EXPERIENCE: Selected by NASA in January 1990, Searfoss became an astronaut in July 1991. Initially assigned to the Astronaut Office Mission Support Branch, Searfoss was part of a team responsible for crew ingress/strap-in prior to launch and crew egress after landing. He was subsequently assigned to flight software verification in the Shuttle Avionics Integration Laboratory (SAIL). Additionally, he served as the Astronaut Office representative for both flight crew procedures and Shuttle computer software development. He also served as the Astronaut Office Vehicle System and Operations Branch Chief, leading a team of several astronauts and support engineers working on Shuttle and International Space Station systems development, rendezvous and landing/rollout operations, and advanced projects initiatives. A veteran of three space flights, Searfoss has logged over 39 days in space. He served as pilot on STS-58 (October 18 to November 1, 1993) and STS-76 (March 22-31, 1996), and was the mission commander on STS-90 (April 17, to May 3, 1998). Searfoss retired from the Air Force and left NASA in 1998. For the next few years he worked in private industry and, more recently, was a research test pilot at NASAs Dryden Flight Research Center. In February 2003, Searfoss left Dryden to pursue private business interests.

We are happy to re-cast a wonderful conversation we had with former NASA Astronaut, Col. Rick Searfoss back in 2016.  He joined us to talk about rockets, The Space Shuttle, and being an astronaut! Col. Rick Searfoss[/caption] From his NASA Bio: PERSONAL DATA: Born June 5, 1956, in Mount Clemens, Michigan, but considers Portsmouth, New Hampshire, to be his hometown. Married; three children. He enjoys running, soccer, radio-controlled model aircraft, Scouting, backpacking, and classical music. EDUCATION: Graduated from Portsmouth Senior High School, Portsmouth, New Hampshire in 1974; received a bachelor of science degree in aeronautical engineering from the USAF Academy in 1978, and a master of science degree in aeronautics from the California Institute of Technology on a National Science Foundation Fellowship in 1979. USAF Squadron Officer School, Air Command and Staff College, and Air War College. ORGANIZATIONS: Association of Space Explorers, National Eagle Scout Association, Air Force Association, Academy of Model Aeronautics. SPECIAL HONORS: Awarded the Harmon, Fairchild, Price and Tober Awards (top overall, academic, engineering, and aeronautical engineering graduate), United States Air Force Academy Class of 1978. Air Force Aero Propulsion Laboratory Excellence in Turbine Engine Design award. USAF Squadron Officer's School Commandant's Trophy as top graduate. Distinguished graduate, USAF Fighter Weapons School. Named the Tactical Air Command F-111 Instructor Pilot of the Year, 1985. Selected for Outstanding Young Men of America, 1987. Recipient of the Air Force Commendation Medal, Air Force Meritorious Service Medal, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Defense Superior Service Medal, NASA Spaceflight Medal (3), NASA Exceptional Service Medal, NASA Outstanding Leadership Medal, and Air Force Distinguished Flying Cross. EXPERIENCE: Searfoss graduated in 1980 from Undergraduate Pilot Training at Williams Air Force Base, Arizona. From 1981-1984, he flew the F-111F operationally at RAF Lakenheath, England, followed by a tour at Mountain Home AFB, Idaho, where he was an F-111A instructor pilot and weapons officer until 1987. In 1988 he attended the U.S. Naval Test Pilot School, Patuxent River, Maryland, as a USAF exchange officer. He was a flight instructor at the U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School at Edwards AFB, California, when selected for the astronaut program. He has logged over 5,000 hours flying time in 56 different types of aircraft and over 939 hours in space. He also holds FAA Airline Transport Pilot, glider, and flight instructor ratings. NASA EXPERIENCE: Selected by NASA in January 1990, Searfoss became an astronaut in July 1991. Initially assigned to the Astronaut Office Mission Support Branch, Searfoss was part of a team responsible for crew ingress/strap-in prior to launch and crew egress after landing. He was subsequently assigned to flight software verification in the Shuttle Avionics Integration Laboratory (SAIL). Additionally, he served as the Astronaut Office representative for both flight crew procedures and Shuttle computer software development. He also served as the Astronaut Office Vehicle System and Operations Branch Chief, leading a team of several astronauts and support engineers working on Shuttle and International Space Station systems development, rendezvous and landing/rollout operations, and advanced projects initiatives. A veteran of three space flights, Searfoss has logged over 39 days in space. He served as pilot on STS-58 (October 18 to November 1, 1993) and STS-76 (March 22-31, 1996), and was the mission commander on STS-90 (April 17, to May 3, 1998). Searfoss retired from the Air Force and left NASA in 1998. For the next few years he worked in private industry and, more recently, was a research test pilot at NASAs Dryden Flight Research Center. In February 2003, Searfoss left Dryden to pursue private business interests. SPACE FLIGHT EXPERIENCE: Searfoss served as STS-58 pilot on the seven-person life science research mission aboard the Space Shuttle Columbia, launching from the Kennedy Space Center on October 18, 1993, and landing at Edwards Air Force Base on November 1, 1993. The crew performed neurovestibular, cardiovascular, cardiopulmonary, metabolic, and musculoskeletal medical experiments on themselves and 48 rats, expanding our knowledge of human and animal physiology both on earth and in space flight. In addition, the crew performed 16 engineering tests aboard the Orbiter Columbia and 20 Extended Duration Orbiter Medical Project experiments. The mission was accomplished in 225 orbits of the Earth. Launching March 22, 1996, Searfoss flew his second mission as pilot of STS-76 aboard the Space Shuttle Atlantis. During this 9-day mission the STS-76 crew performed the third docking of an American spacecraft with the Russian space station Mir. In support of a joint U.S./Russian program, the crew transported to Mir nearly two tons of water, food, supplies, and scientific equipment, as well as U.S. Astronaut Shannon Lucid to begin her six-month stay in space. STS-76 included the first ever spacewalk on a combined Space Shuttle-Space Station complex. The flight crew also conducted scientific investigations, including European Space Agency sponsored biology experiments, the Kidsat earth observations project, and several engineering flight tests. Completed in 145 orbits, STS-76 landed at Edwards Air Force Base, California, on March 31, 1996. Searfoss commanded a seven person crew on the STS-90 Neurolab mission which launched on April 17, 1998. During the 16-day Spacelab flight the crew served as both experiment subjects and operators for 26 individual life science experiments focusing on the effects of microgravity on the brain and nervous system. STS-90 was the last and most complex of the twenty-five Spacelab missions NASA has flown. Neurolab's scientific results will have broad applicability both in preparing for future long duration human space missions and in clinical applications on Earth. Completed in 256 orbits, STS-90 landed at Kennedy Space Center, Florida, on May 3, 1998. FEBRUARY 2003