So There I Was

Disco joins us to share tales from his thrilling experiences—from his days at OCS to piloting the AV-8B Harrier during the Gulf War and teaching both students and instructors in the Harrier Fleet Replacement Squadron (FRS). With his vivid storytelling, sharp wit, and infectious humor, Disco’s narratives will leave you clutching your sides in laughter. His legendary pranks, executed fearlessly on anyone, are just as memorable. If he hadn’t succeeded in aviation, Disco undoubtedly had a promising career in stand-up comedy, with all the makings of a star.

In this riotous saga, a quartet of RePete, Fig, Sticks, and the impossibly chill pilot Ice (who's cooler than a yeti's icebox) - embark on a whirlwind of sky-high shenanigans. Ice, a maestro of the skies, has tamed both SH-60 helicopters and UH-1s in realms chillier than a snowman's handshake—yep, Antarctica. He unveils tales of aerial school antics, including how to auto-rotate and that jaw-dropping moment when SH-60 float bags decided to throw a surprise party mid-air. Ice's adventures span the globe, from a raucous initiation in Rota, Spain, that likely bent a few international rules, to onboard frolics that make pirate life seem downright orderly. Ever heard of the Great Potato Count during the Gulf War? That's Ice's unique take on military strategy. He reveals some of the hilariously bizarre tradition of pilot call signs and pranks that would give sitcom writers a run for their money, alongside stunts that laugh in the face of physics. Venturing into Antarctica wasn't just flying; it was a blend of sorcery and survival, especially mastering the "Happy Camper School," which was anything but a walk in the park. And for what was almost the grand "finale," Ice shares how he once tamed a helicopter with no tail rotor authority, and describes the Antarctic version of slinging 'livestock' - hence "Fins on Pigs.” Buckle up for a hilariously turbulent journey that showcases the uproarious, untold tales of aviation bravado in the wintry wilds. As for comebackyoga.org, it's a beacon of zen for veterans, turning downward dogs into upward spirits with yoga mats as magic carpets. Who knew bending could be so mending?

We’re thrilled to have Beef join us to share his incredible journey. From his formative days at Annapolis, where his roommate ‘Swede’ (featured in episode 115) introduced him to his sister, to his passion for motocross racing, and his impressive flying career with the S-3 and the Hornet. We’ll also dive into his experience as the Commanding Officer of the Blue Angels. This motivational speaker has some fantastic stories to tell. Enjoy! Threshhold Braking Officer & A Gentleman! Boss & Crew Chief

Episode 101 of our show, "Fun in the Mach Loop," promises a whirlwind of tales with our guest, "Sniper," affectionately also known as "Divot," a seasoned F-15 Strike Eagle pilot whose exploits in the skies are as thrilling as they are enlightening. From the nail-biting tension of being shadowed by French Mirages without diplomatic clearance to a dramatic engine failure over the North Sea, Sniper's stories transport listeners into the cockpit of one of the most formidable fighters in the air. Dive into the Mach Loop, a notorious training area, where Sniper's mastery of the Strike Eagle comes to life amidst the breathtaking landscapes of the UK. This episode isn't just about the adrenaline of low-level flying; it's a peek into the camaraderie that defines military aviation, the strategic nuances of international airspace, and the profound respect between the different branches of the military. Whether it's giving a Marine a ride in Italy and discovering the stark contrasts in their living conditions or cheekily navigating international tensions, Sniper's tales are a tribute to the skill, bravery, and humor that define the life of a fighter pilot. Strap in for "Fun in the Mach Loop" – it's going to be an unforgettable flight! Screenshot Screenshot

This is an incredible week as our guest “Rosie” recalls his experiences growing up on a Kansas farm during the “Dust Bowl” years in the 1930s and going from austere beginnings to enlisting in the Army Air Corps on his 18th birthday. Not wanting to be an infantryman, Rosie passed the tests necessary and convinced the medics to let him fly when it looked like they might ground him. After training, he describes a brief respite home before going by train to the East Coast and boarding a ship for Italy; recounting an experience in Chicago that remained with him for the rest of the war. He opens the show with a tease of one of his missions, which he was certain would be his last. Only a few months earlier he had been a Kansas farm boy and now he found himself occupying the nose-gunner’s turret on a B-17 Liberator. Ride along with us as we hear how he and his other very young crew members—boys, really—raised their hands together and became men, flying in a Liberator to defeat the greatest threat to the freedom of mankind in the 20th century.Riveting, funny, poignant—Rosie brings it all and lays it in our laps. It’s no wonder he is part of that “Greatest Generation.” In the first photo below:Back Row: PFC Edwin Rossillon (nose gunner), Corporal Albert Turk (armament), Corporal Bert Silliman, PFC Bill Rude (tail gunner), Corporal Eugene Karpi (flight engineer), PFG Jim Cox (ball turret gunner) Front Row: Flight Officer Jim Nixon (airplane commander), 2nd Lt. Joe Lawson (navigator), Flight Officer Otto Doville (copilot), Flight Officer Gilce Richardson (bombardier)