How "Killer Chick" Got Her Battle-Damaged A-10 Home

Col. Kim "KC" Campbell, USAF (Ret.) talks about her path to becoming an A-10 Warthog pilot and her fateful mission over Baghdad in April of 2003 when her airplane was hit by enemy ground fire.
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[@user-lj8qs1pq2g]

Ma'am we met on the ramp at the Jab on 7 April when you brought a burning A-10 back to the base You are a BEAST with the IRON fist! What a fantastic experience and the site of the totaled A/C doing a front gear high (wheelie) down the entire runway, awesome. You later that day hand delivered my missle fire report to my office in the MSA at PGM. I am always amazed when I think about that day, Thank you for your fantastic service and being a super role model for our up- and- coming super troopers Ret. USAF Msgt. Hart

[@parfittdignum6458]

what Rank are you when you qualify from T38

[@etchersplace]

I think I was standing next to you when they were taking her picture... (get a hold of me, we're planning an Ammo camp out up north!), I haven't seen you since coming back from MA 😘

[@thersbugb7362]

Your probably like a Bug like me in the grand picture

[@paulmontgomery5558]

Oppooo of ooo opo or I it u ǔ

[@timothygoodrich3966]

I met her husband, Col. Campbell when my group inprocessed to Kandahar in 2014. He introduced himself as the AF Commander there and joked “you’ve never heard of me but you’ve probably heard about my wife.” I’m pretty sure there was more than a touch of pride in that statement.

[@rexw2203]

Yeah, "the Other Col. Campbell" (I seem to remember his first name being Scott but the memory is fading quickly) is also one of those pilots that I liked to have come out to my jet. Another professional individual with a level head and a positive attitude no matter what was happening. (especially if my jet had decided to be difficult that day).

[@glennborrageiro6257]

I just love when husbands give their wives PROPS.Only really confident men with no hang ups can do this.

[@Wpns175]

Oh yea, Col "Stumpy". He was great. I worked with him A LOT in my hey day as a weapons loader/Expeditor. He/she are both awesome.

[@docmorrell]

He’s married to a certified badass and proud of it.

[@TheGecko213]

You may not have heard of me but you have have heard about my wife ...... Oprah Winfrey j/k 🙃

[@rickproctor9621]

Badass pilot doesn’t begin to describe this young lady. As a troop on the ground in 2004 in Iraq, thank you so much. The A-10 is truly the Infantryman’s Angel.

[@oligultonn]

Never been in any army but this lady is truly a badass.

[@TheSpinkels]

Or their devil, given its atrocious number of friendly fire incidents on account of having virtually no targeting systems.

[@churblefurbles]

@@oligultonn gloating over surviving against heavily degraded opponents, these are resources wasted on low avaliability pilots.

[@mostevil1082]

​@@TheSpinkels It's been doing the job a long time and is used by a lot of part time US ANG units responsible for many of those incidents. Newest of it's ~20 or so updates have systems as good as anything up to the F-35. Don't take too much guidence from a slurring pig on the internet. It's not the A-10A anymore, the airframe and systems are very good at what it does.

[@alaska49girl]

I bet there is nothing like that sound coming in from your perspective. Thank you so much for your service.

[@davidbee8178]

SUCH modesty, intelligence, bravery and skill . . . her family has SO much to be proud of!! Congratulations KC on a great career!!

[@dunexapa1016]

George Bush lied to the soldiers he commanded. Thousands of innocent people were killed including thousands of innocent children. Thousands more American soldiers have committed suicide than died in battle in Iraq or Afghanistan. A human being cannot kill innocent people without suffering afterward. The Iraqi soldiers were protecting their loved ones and their homes and their country from an unjust invasion. They were the honorable soldiers.

[@frankzydzik5568]

❤

[@dgossman]

My father-in-law was a key design engineer with the AF who was the structures engineer for the A10. One of the things he insisted upon was making sure that the fly by wire system was usable by a pilot with a woman's upper body strength, even though women were not allowed to fly fighters back in the 70's. After he had a stroke late in life we became aware of Col Campbell's story and made contact with her. She was gracious enough to send a signed picture of her with an A10 for my father-in-law. He has since passed but I really appreciate her reaching out to him the way she did.

[@gregledbetter5942]

Wow, amen

[@geoffreymarks8502]

One Brave Lady Xx

[@Snaproll47518]

You mean fly by cable. The A-10 has manual reversion tabs in case of hydraulic systems loss.

[@motorsport32cw]

Wow thats amazing mate. Your father in law sounded like a very smart guy. Old school common sence. What a great aircraft.

[@echohunter4199]

The truly incredible thing about the A-10 was the engineering that went into the design that was done by men who had flown aircraft in CAS (Close Air Support) roles during one conflict or another since the 40’s. In the 70’s, having triple redundancies on critical systems was revolutionary as was designing in things like what your father in law did. The A-10 was a reflection of the strength of our country as a whole which allowed the A-10 pilots to do their job safely which was to save lives of lowly Infantrymen like myself who fought in two wars with A-10’s only a radio call away.

[@rexw2203]

As an F-15/A-10 Crewchief for 22 years I've met some great individuals. Col Campbell is definitely one of them as she's one of the most down-to-earth and level headed pilots I've had the privilege to work with. Col. Campbell displayed great airmanship under pressure. I retired as a Dragon there at DM and look back on those years fondly. Great to see the USAF represented IN PERSON on one of my favorite channels! Thanks Ward!

[@vniesky]

She's impressive

[@Tet68]

Thank you for serving our country.

[@Nico_83]

Incredible lady and badass pilot. 💪

[@kim-kc-campbell]

Thanks Rex! I look back on those years fondly too! Some great memories!

[@SlowrideSteve]

Just out of curiosity, did you know Justin Quigly @ DM? Big cowboy, old truck. He was a maintainer. Wife was a ho....

[@X-CaliRep-X]

I was stationed at Moody AFB and was actually deployed with Col. Campbell when her A-10 got lit up. I worked support on all aircraft and seeing her A-10 in person, was kind of in awe because of how much damage it had taken. Almost instantly, her exploits were swirling around base and it actually boosted morale. Never met her personally but seeing her A-10 it was just insane. While I had the pleasure of working with F-16's and C-130's, the A-10 was by far my favorite.

[@gmc911er]

What an amazing experience for you

[@chriscaldwell4903]

I, spent my first assignment at Moody plane patch from 75 to 79, old f4 Phantoms , was in Air Cargo and Mob. Ops. Then, later on My Eldest Son Retired out as a Master Sergeant at Moody in AGE. Thank ya'll for your service

[@AFMarksman]

KC is an amazing woman, mother, wife, airman, and leader! We need more like her!

[@vivek27789]

True... Very True

[@js7711]

KC is a legend! I had the privilege of having Col Campbell as an instructor at the Air Force Academy when her husband was serving as the deputy Commandant. I remember her bringing a piece of that plane to class, and hearing her story never gets old. She is an extremely humble individual and a hero of mine, so much so that I asked her to commission me! She agreed and I had the great honor of having this icon swear me in as a second lieutenant. She and her husband are both badasses!

[@kim-kc-campbell]

The honor was mine! And you owe me an update of what you're up to these days! :)

[@jimmyzmyname7854]

Very cool to have Her commission You

[@michaelpipkin9942]

That is freakin cool.

[@avnsteve1]

CLASSIC example of the idiom "never stop flying the aircraft!" or similarly "fly it ALL the way home or to the scene of the crash, whichever comes first!" It's easy to lose sight of priorities in emergencies with master caution panels lit up like a Xmas tree. KC's presence of mind in that emergency is commendable.

[@scotthill1600]

@@kim-kc-campbell very inspirational story, thank you for your service. Sends a strong message to the women of the world as well. Hope you & your family the best in life.

[@nopenotme6369]

My crash recovery supervisor, team and I were trying to shoo everyone away from the aircraft after we dragged the airframe off the runway and parked it under the sun shade, the flares weren’t safetied yet and it was still dripping jp8 and 5606. I was standing just off to Col. Campbell right, out of the frame with her next to the battle damage, I imagine she was still collecting her thoughts and explaining what happened to a multitude of gawkers. Ward I do like your interviews keep up the excellence.

[@JohnTBlock]

@nope not me - any idea what hit her ship, that day? Knowing the Warthog's rep, it was more than small arms, I assume?

[@nopenotme6369]

At the time I couldn’t tell. AAA shell burst or SAM warhead shrapnel. 🤷. It was torn pretty good.

[@rexw2203]

@@nopenotme6369 Just my guess was that a MANPAD hit her. (SA-7 or SA-14) Those generally don't have large warheads but do have proximity fuses that will detonate if it gets within lethality range. Also judging from where it hit the aircraft, near the rear of the engine nacelle. Or a really lucky shot from a prox-fused AAA gun round.

[@ElvenJustice]

OK then You probably know - WTF effect did her last attack on the enemy under that bridge have? IDK why it's not mentioned in the interview. Interview: "she attacked the bridge, insufficient effect, told to attack from opposite direction, flew around, attacked from opposite direction, took heavy damage and flew home, thanks be to God" but no mention of how effective her last attack was. If there were fighters overhead protecting/watching her back, THEY should have seen what effect her last attack had on the enemy under the bridge, the Americans on the other side of the river should be the perfect eyes on the ground to tell us what happened. I mean no disrespect, this is a great story and I'm very proud of her but she risked her life trying to attack some specific bad guys and it's also important to note whether she was successful in THAT part of the mission. I think it's a major thing to be missing from this otherwise amazing interview.

[@rexw2203]

@@ElvenJustice What is your point here? What does the "effect on target" category have to do with the individual we're talking to here on this interview. Did you have people you know anywhere near the target area at the time? It's not relevant to the narration of the story from the perspective we're tuning in to hear from. As a content creator, staying focused on the issue at hand, which in this case is the individual in the A-10 that just got hit with an SA-7 Grail! If you want the US infantry's or US Marines perspective on the same incident there are some good books about that out now. To Col Campbell the "Effect on Target" was definitely a long way away from what she was worried about at that particular time!

[@Swimdeep]

Thanks so much Mooch for the great interview with KC. As a female maintainer, it’s really encouraging to hear from a female fight pilot. - F-16 Crew Chief (Ret.)

[@greenwoodfireresponse]

Could I ask what was the most risky part when it comes to maintaining the F-16?

[@Swimdeep]

@@greenwoodfireresponse It’s all kinda dangerous. I started out in Phase Inspection so the aircraft is in a hangar, but many things can still go wrong. Like the time someone had a screwdriver in their pocket (a no-no), and it got caught on an ejection seat safety pin and deployed the seat inside of the hangar. Anytime an aircraft is running, extra care and attention is necessary; intakes and exhausts are dangerous. For me personally, the most dangerous part is the wing-I slipped on an icy wing, fell off, and blew out my knee. It’s my service-connected disability.

[@thisnameisnotfake517]

You are cool person

[@kevino.7348]

What a credit to the Air Force, the AF Academy, and the USA. Smart, skilled, well spoken, focused, humble.

[@Dichi-Sota]

Lol, that's cause they're probably retired C.I.A officials with deep cover Background. They could learn a thing or 2 from Mossad. Shalom

[@leonmiller4774]

And good looking to boot thankfully never falling into enemy hands

[@LSH988]

A great representative of our country.

[@e.conboy4286]

@@LSH988: She is a PATRIOT!

[@On-Our-Radar-24News]

I've said it many times when asked that the A-10 saved my butt many times both in Iraq and Afghanistan. I've seen first hand what these pilots are capable of and the fear they strike in our enemies. I was on the ground in Iraq in 2003 for the initial push and our task force was engaged by a heavy enemy force of IRG near the outskirts of Baghdad. Our FAC called in air support initially to our Army Apache squadron that was assigned to us but there was a 2 ship A-10 closer and they offered to respond. The amount of damage they were able to inflict on the enemy was devastating. The psychological effect on the enemy was overwhelming. I remember watching from cover some 500 meters away from the contact point, which sounds far enough away but really isnt, the 30MM rounds impacting the enemies entrenched positions with catastrophic effect. It only took 2 passes for the A-10 to eliminate the threat and disperse the remaining enemy force. A total sense of pride and endurance came over me as I realized the true power and respect close air support is. It filled all of us with the necessary resolve to push forward in a very kinetic environment knowing these pilots had our back. I watched in later deployments that sometimes just the mear presence of the A-10 swooping overhead was enough to disperse the enemy and kill their will to fight. I will never forget these pilots for saving all of our lives and for reducing the level of casualties and wounded we no doubt would have sustained without their help.

[@CPTdrawer22]

*Matt -* "If only..." is as much help as a pipedream, but if only A-10s (and pilots like "KC"!) were available in "Indian Country" outside of the Republic of Vietnam (RVN), they would have complemented the VNAF A1E Skyraiders ("Spads") quite well. As it was, those VNAF cowboys could bring 20mm cannon fire on targets 20m (Yes, 20 *meters*) from our beleaguered SF Recon Teams. Like the VNAF H-34 lift ship (1-.30cal machinegun in the starboard door was all the armament the H-34s had.) crews, they apparently didn't know the meaning of fear. On initial insertions, VNAF H-34s were our "close air support" with that machinegun! A couple of A-10s to back them up would have been most welcome. *De Oppresso Liber*

[@K3Flyguy]

mat very well said, and thank you for your service!

[@On-Our-Radar-24News]

@@K3Flyguy Your welcome, Michael! It was my honor and privilege to serve. 🇺🇸

[@andreweppink4498]

And the USAF Brass wants to get rid of Hawg's! Crazy. And not just from an economic viewpoint.

[@charlesn787]

why are you in Iraq in the first place and calling Iraqi defenders "enemy"? The American invaders are the enemy of humanity.

[@TheCoyote808]

Friend of mine is a USAF ground based TAC. He would constantly mention how every time he heard mumblings about A-10 retirement he would just say, nope, not today. He used to say that F-16s were good for a single pass. F-15Es could hang for a bit but were always way too fast. But A-10s and their pilots were always there and never seemed to go away, regardless of how bad things seemed to get on the ground.

[@brianwright9514]

Reminds me of the song, Warthog, by Dick Jonas "... When I roll in for my 27th pass." 😂

[@scotcoon1186]

I remember years ago seeing video from an f16 that ingested a goose during the takeoff climb. Someone said there's a base where they call it the million dollar lawn dart because of geese.

[@GrumpyAustralian]

The problem is that senior Air Force officers are fixated on fast jets to resolve all military problems!

[@kellywalker8407]

@@scotcoon1186 there was a comedian who said the heck with building a wall on the Mexican border,,, we need to build a net between us and Canada to keep out the damn geese. Pretty funny.

[@danl.909]

@@kellywalker8407 Too late! The g-d things are established all over America, and they don’t leave! Ever! I live in Lower Alabama, and Canada geese fly over my house at sunrise and sunset every day. They are so local they honk "Sweet Home Alabama" as they go by.

[@youngjakey1]

Theres something so captivating when someone is completely knowledgeable in their (air)craft. Indescribably awesome.

[@cbgb0514]

My father was the lead engineer of the control systems on the A10 for Fairchild Republic. The control stick(that "KC" has and everything it did was my dads design. The redundant systems and the integrity of the pilot "bathtub" and how the controls were able to work without losing the integrity of the tub was his designs as well. To know these planes have outlasted the people who designed them is a testament to the product that was built. I have so many story's of things dad built with nothing on hand. Col. Campbell's story is one I have heard, and I know there are so many others. Brrrrrrrrrappppp

[@musicbykenny8218]

I was a Marine Sergeant Aviation Ordnanceman. I may have been Q/A, at the time. She may not remember, but I saw her at the end of the runway in Al Jaber in Kuwait. I was like, is that a female A-10 pilot!? She was probably like, what the hell is he staring at? Lol. She was waiting to get clearance to enter the runway. Fully loaded. I must have had the biggest smile, cause that motivated the heck out of me. I gave her a salute and then a thumbs up with a whoop-whoop in the air. She gave a salute and a smile that lit up the runway. I was like, yeah. Let's kick some ass! She gave a fist pump. Man, we were so motivated. I will never forget that day. I always wondered who that pilot was and what her combat experience was. I'm glad she made it back safely. Oorahh!

[@james_t_kirk]

And yet, you still lost the war, sending over 5,000 US servicemen to their deaths.

[@loveliberals-pb9yq]

@@james_t_kirk The war was lostbin DC. by surrender. You are correct, it was over 5000.

[@james_t_kirk]

@@loveliberals-pb9yq Saying the war was lost by the DC politicians is akin to saying the war was lost "by the enlisted troops--but not by the officers" or the war was lost "by the US Marines--but not by the US Army" or the war was lost by "the US Air Force--but not by the armored brigades". The war - any war on either side--is a team effort. If the US loses a war, everybody who fought in it, planned it, or advised it are all LOSERS. Thus, any American who fought in the Korean War, the Vietnam War, the Iraq War, or the Afghan War --inside or outside of Washington DC--ARE ALL LOSERS. As losers, they all need to keep their traps shut.

[@kman7183]

@@james_t_kirk Moron she did'nt lose shit. D.C. did..........

[@M.J.R.]

@@james_t_kirk& where were u at that time?

[@chrismueller297]

I was there when you landed that piece of swiss cheese and was so honored to be there on the base for your historic and such a courageous landing. Just seeing you bring that wounded bird in was a feat in itself and then hearing the debrief was even more incredible. It was an honor to server with you on the same base and during the same time. The A-10, will always be a workhorse of the Air Force and should keep flying until the last one is used in combat. KC, you are a respected pilot in the Air Force and you will go down in history for bringing that A-10 from your mission now and forever. God Speed in all you do and the best to you all!!!!

[@ElvenJustice]

OK so a few guys in here that were there with her and I'm proud of you guys as well, especially the guys who watched her back on that long run home. Please answer one question that they never touched in the interview: How effective was her last attack on the enemies under that bridge?

[@johnfitbyfaithnet]

I appreciate your service to our nation

[@rudiekeyser2495]

True words my friend, Brr she said and it is final. What a woman. Have a good one. Cheers Cape Town 🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦

[@RichDoes..]

Anyone else think KC is also the most attractive air force pilot they ever saw? ... asking for a friend!

[@ElvenJustice]

@@RichDoes.. EH, She's up there in the hottest few I'll give her that.

[@Ostenjager]

I was in 74th LRSD in 2005 in Afghanistan, part of the 173rd Airborne Brigade. My team was attached to a SF team which went into the Washir Mountains to find, surveil, and eliminate a training camp. It was a female A-10 pilot who dropped the ordinance that leveled the place after we pinpointed it and gathered our intelligence. We did other patrols in RC South throughout that year into Sangin and Qal'eh Gaz which were supported by A-10s. Myself and my buddies will forever appreciate everything the A-10 community has done for us.

[@dunexapa1016]

George W. Bush ordered American soldiers to *PREEMPTIVELY* invade Iraq and kill innocent people based on a lie. No official investigation has ever *PROVED* if the total collapse and destruction of the World Trade Center One and Two buildings was, or was not, caused by a controlled demolition. Do you care that no official investigation even attempted to prove what caused the *MURDER* of thousands of innocent people on the day of 9-11-91? Do you even care that thousands of innocent Iraqi children were murdered and maimed by American soldiers? What do you care about?:You think this woman pilot is a hero? Or the common Iraqi soldiers defending his loved ones and his home and his country? American military leaders will not even protect American women and children now. The American military now assists sexual perverts to gain access to children and the current Commander in Chief is senile.

[@Karina_Engr]

Thank you ma'am for you service. Female AF (avionics aircraft maintnenace) enlisted veteran, now AF contractor here. ❤🤝

[@dunexapa1016]

@@Karina_Engr , Does not matter to you that Iraq was invaded based on a lie and thousands of innocent children killed? What does matter to you? Do you own a vehicle? Does that matter to you?

[@TFT-bp8zk]

@@dunexapa1016 WTF is wrong with you, seriously? Seek counselling.

[@DonnieDarko727]

​@@dunexapa1016 all wars are based on lies

[@mjconrad51]

Enormous respect for all A-10mPilots - they truly live to support the grunts on the ground. Thank you Colonel. M. j. Conrad, Colonel, USMC(Ret)

[@dennisross3477]

As an Infantrymen A10 pilots are legends. As a father of a little girl who is 9 years old I have shown her videos about this women and now she wants to be a pilot because of her story. She is a great role model for our young daughters.

[@jamesburns2232]

There is no reason why someone, regardless of gender, can become a pilot. Aircraft are designed to fly and are designed by human factor engineers to be as easy as possible to fly. 👩‍✈👨‍✈🐒🐵

[@kim-kc-campbell]

I love this! Thanks for sharing!

[@stpfs9281]

@@kim-kc-campbell Thanks for being such a role model, even if you didn't intend so from nine years old! "Warthogs" with Titanium armour, astonishing specs, more capable than modern jets, yet someone wants it cancelled, apart from the troops on the ground.

[@alexanderbemar2637]

Americans as well!

[@gl2996]

Listening to this woman and seeing her relaxed but competent presence, what really stands out is the contrast between her and what our society otherwise holds up as female role models. It's stark. We need to see more women like this.

[@rogerringold616]

She is great. She is not average at all.

[@FallNorth]

She's very intelligent and professional, I'm extremely impressed. Does she have British ancestry please? She's 10x our last British PM :)

[@thanosperl5451]

We have a lot of women like this already. They are just ignored and minimized because of their gender.

[@edwardkrahn4692]

So hey fellas she is after all a military officer and a graduate from the Air Force Academy. Role models are usually the result of parenting and staying away from the damn TV and social media. We don't minimalize anyone in the military, after all if you combine all the people serving in every one of the branches of the military today it will only make up about 1% of the population. Try minimalizing a female officer in the Army and you just might find yourself in the front leaning rest.

[@Dev-In-Denver123]

Well she was militarized plus she was a fighter pilot. My dad is the same way. The demands of that career do something odd to your brain in terms of your demeanor. Wonder what kind of mother she is.

[@SM-vs4ro]

I served 27 years in the Air Force with over 20 years working the A-10 as a Jet Engine Mechanic. I got to work flight line, phase and in shop overhaul. I loved that plane. Nobody has anything like it.

[@mjc1389]

I had watched another longer form video from KC when she was still active duty recounting this mission in much greater detail. She told a story about another pilot who tried a manual reversion landing in a A 10 prior to hers and it ended up being fatal. She was well aware that attempting this type of landing was dangerous and she relayed that her and her flight lead had discussed ejecting once they got into Kuwait. She also talked about how her flight lead kept asking her how her plane was flying and had her check status on her gauges because he could see how damaged the plane was and couldn’t believe the engine wasn’t failing.

[@No1sonuk]

At the end of one such video, she said she was later told that an SF unit had heard an A-10 was hit and immediately set off to rescue the pilot.

[@Morthatron]

@@No1sonukpretty sure I saw the same one. Wasn’t just SF getting geared up to go out - pretty much anyone and anything that was anywhere near the city that was gearing up to go out and help - that’s how much the boots on the ground respected these pilots

[@ericbarker9127]

She's amazing. As an older infantry veteran. We used to make fun of anyone who wasn't a grunt. But when your in a bad situation and the call for close air support. We love the men and women in the air. Especially helicopters and A-10s. Thanks to all the pilots combat pilots out there.

[@usmcfrommt9790]

I completely agree! If it weren’t for all branches I wouldn’t be here.

[@CaseyinTexas]

You should listen to "The Fat Electrician." His description of all things military while sarcastic, are accurate.

[@alanmiller9681]

Great interview. She’s a true patriot and hero. How refreshing compared to the non binary entitled morons I see everyday.

[@alanmiller9681]

@@eddiecail-ka4lec561 Wonderful to hear that!

[@eddiecail-ka4lec561]

@@alanmiller9681 With social media around it becomes a small world. LOL. I was always a fan of the F4 even if was a bit ungainly. I remember dad saying it was a classic example of putting enough engines on a brick. And you can get anything to fly.

[@mprto68]

As an Army vet - seeing A10s overhead in Iraq was very comforting! The single best friend we had the Air Force

[@protennis365]

You mean, cheer force.

[@patrickmurphy3759]

Imagine what it would be like to be a local hearing military planes overhead and wondering if you are unlucky enough to live to close to a target.

[@danielrn133]

Agree. I was in Iraq X2 (OIF and OIR) and sometimes just seeing and hearing the air support was comforting knowing we are not out here alone.

[@ScottCyclops]

The A10 did a ton of blue on blue though.

[@danielrn133]

@@ScottCyclops Define "a ton". Because your comment doesn't mean a damn thing. Quantify and define or go away.

[@drverploegh]

KC... What an amazing lady! As a Linebacker survivor (Vietnam) in a B-52D, I've got nothing but respect for her background, experiences, intelligence, and skills. Never knew what the 30mm shells looked like...

[@ramal5708]

I've known a guy from Colorado who flew F-111 during both Linebacker raids , since they flew so low and fast that the SAMs wouldn't be that big of threat, but he also said that the guys who flew in the B-52s are the MVPs so to speak of the raid since they carry the brunt of the SAMs and also peppered by enemy radar emissions. I can't imagine how the B-52 guys have to see their buddies get shot down by the "flying telephone pole", the SA-2 SAMs. He also said in the F-111 there's that rule when flying over North Vietnam, you can only have one pass to drop you load, if not you die.

[@straubdavid9]

"Never knew what the 30mm shells looked like." Me neither .... I always envisioned them to be much smaller, given the number of rounds and the size of the aircraft.

[@lurking0death]

I am a former Army ranger recon patrol leader. I called in the A-10 many times. The fire power is awesome, of course. What is just as important is the fact that the pilots don't make mistakes about where they place that firepower. One of the saddest things in combat is to place ordinance on friendly troops. It is easy to do. But the A-10 folks take special pains to prevent this.

[@CorePathway]

Low and slow is the way to go! A-10s forever!

[@AniwayasSong]

My first two M.O.S.'s were vehicular maintenance. Basically, anything with wheels, I/we worked on. One of the things I did was 'Recovery,' where disabled/damaged vehicles in the field were brought back to be repaired. There were three occasions when we had to summon air support/cover, and two of those involved the A-10's. They *DISSOLVED* the threat(s), and we all returned to base unscathed! Nothing but respect for the A10 and their Pilots!

[@neuromanglers]

This female aviator/warrior is able to convey the stories without the big ego driving the message. She is so cool, anyone would be proud to know and work with her

[@ZLwh1ne]

I think you'd find most if not all combat pilots are mature enough to check their ego

[@swordmonkey6635]

Egos get fighter pilots killed. A lot of "alpha" personalities join to become fighter pilots, but the training and mental conditioning soon brings the ego down to foundational confidence in your machine and training. A cocky fighter pilot has a choice: put the ego on a chain or "write checks your ego can't cash" as they say.

[@tyler9043]

I was on the ground that day in Baghdad with my Marines when Col Campbell among others joined the fight with us. We all fought bravely that day and so manymore to come. This fight continued well into the night and pushed us extremely hard. The fight across the river was almost an impossible and arduous task to say the least. I seen the two A-10s drop in under the weather and start making strikes among others, but did not witness the Colonels A-10 take a hit. I do thank God she was not killed or injured. She is a true American hero in my eyes, as many that served are. We, my Marines greatly appreciated Col Campbell and the other A-10 Pilots assistance that day. I thank all of the strike forces that assisted us that day also and throughout this War. Sadly I did not bring home all my boys from this war. I say boys and not Marines because they all were just young men when we started this engagement in to this war, but will become men/Marines very quickly as their eyes were opened to the horrible sight of war, as my own were. To all of my Marines I so proudly commanded in the Iraqi Freedom war, I take such pride in having the pleasure to serve the Corps and command these now men. I and my Marines are truly indebted to Col Campbell and so many others for their service, dedication and willingness to sacrifice themselves protect us while we had boots on the ground. God bless all of us and keep us safe.

[@kim-kc-campbell]

As we are all indebted to you for your actions. Thank you. I have so much respect for our ground troops -- truly heroic in my eyes.

[@tombot007]

KC, I live in central NC and was saddened to see the Flying Tigers move from Pope. You are a credit to them and a great example to others…men and women. God bless you and your beautiful family and thank you for your families service. 🇺🇸

[@e.conboy4286]

Tyler: just want to tell you that I’m so grateful for you and your men who served our country so selflessly and courageously in such dangerous circumstances. You are true patriots and to this senior (86+ y/o) each man and woman whose life was on the line is a hero and I thank you. May God bless you. 🇺🇸

[@Russophile30]

I feel bad for you.

[@lgd1974]

The A-10: affectionately known as 'The Grunt in the Sky' by soldiers whose lives are saved. A-10 pilots care about one thing, the guys on the ground.

[@mattfleming86]

What an amazing human being. It is rare to find someone with that much grit who is also so humble.

[@ulf5738]

Great video 😀

[@funksoldier01]

You nailed it. Amazing for sure. Can’t think of a better word to describe KC.

[@seltonk5136]

Woman of the year behind Chewbacca Mom and Bruce Jennar

[@givemelibertyorgivemedeath001]

Amazing indeed, invading a sorveign country and shoot!ng at people who are defending their land. Amazing indeed.

[@mattfleming86]

@@givemelibertyorgivemedeath001 I thought both both of those wars were a bad idea. Especially Iraq. Soldiers don't choose their battles. Soldiers don't do foreign policy. Soldiers aren't elected officials. She was amazingly brave and 10x the human you will ever be, troll.

[@JoeyCarb]

As a Marine infantryman, the A-10 forever holds a special place in my heart. We certainly appreciated the pilots who were bored with the Army missions and came over to play with varsity.

[@pacificcoastpiper3949]

Cute.

[@michaelbeard2577]

I was an Army infantryman and before her time, the best way to describe the difference between A-10s and all other air assets is, I would ask my FAC " What do you have coming?", he would respond with F-16/F-15 or anything besides the A-10, I would tell my guys to dig in deeper and pray. If the FAC told me A-10s I would tell my guys prepare for the show. Much like the scene in the movie " Flight Of The Intruder " when the A-1s ( Sandy ) were performing CAS during the SAR mission near the end of the film. The parameters for Danger Close were different for the A-10 then all other air support besides rotary wing. No aircraft in the U.S. inventory can do the same job as well as the A-10. The A-10 and those that fly the plane are total BEASTS with the pilots having testicles/boobs of Titanium ( no impropriety meant ).

[@ryateo1]

and for my speaking from a branch that actually has SOF, i genuinely love crayon eating Pilots coming in for close air support. (No hate.... All love!!)

[@peterrose5373]

@@pacificcoastpiper3949 That's the best contribution to the conversation you could come up with?

[@omally]

Do the channel a favor and :-1: and report the comment spammers

[@Breitman123]

What a cool lady. I’m deeply impressed by her. What an incredible story.

[@LambdaZetaTeke]

I'm a 6'2, 250+ lb professional truck driver. I've had a power steering failure on my rig. Highway speed is barely controllable but taking an exit literally had me hanging off the side a the wheel in order to turn the truck around the 180° turn at 20 mph. As a former Signal Corps officer, I already had great respect for you and your accomplishments, ma'am! After hearing you're description of manual reversion my level of respect rose considerably!

[@dawnanngallagher8495]

I don’t understand much of what you said but it’s nice to hear a man give credit and respect to a woman. I’m glad you and your truck came out okay.

[@andysmith5220]

We guarded her A-10 there during that time. I was AF security forces. I was there the day she landed that aircraft. I was the flightline area supervisor. It was honestly an intense time our unit recorded the entire landing via the wisti camera. Too bad the air force kept it. It would be an amazing video to see again

[@adotintheshark4848]

A-10 is a great aircraft all around. It does its job well and can fly even when it looks like a block of swiss cheese. And I don't blame her for not wanting to eject. She might have been captured and those glorified cave men would have abused her horribly if not killed her.

[@ahpdebeer]

@@adotintheshark4848 Indeed, those guys have ZERO respect for females and I think they would've used the opportunity to make a proper example of her to proof some sort of point to the US, just look at the horrific scenes we saw a week or two ago because that brave woman removed her hijab and got tortured and killed by the "MORALITY" police.

[@rsprockets7846]

@@adotintheshark4848 BEEN DOWN THE JERSEY SHORE ABOUT 30 YRS AGO SAW A A10 ZOOM DOWN TO THE DECK OFF SHORE THEN PULLED UP 200 FT WITH SUCH PRECISION,, OUT OF MCGUIRE AND THINK PILOT WAS SHOWBOATING FOR HIS FAMILY

[@Flow-.-]

@@rsprockets7846 Born and raised in New Jersey, A-10 and Osprey got to be the coolest aircraft I've seen cruising down the shore

[@masondegaulle5731]

@@adotintheshark4848 Given the A-10's rep, I'm right there with her on her call to limp it. Better to maybe make it or chew granite than be tortured in various ways and die anyway.

[@sunhawk61]

One more thing Ward....how did she win the day? She worked the problem. She did not focus on what she didn't have. She focused on what she had left and her desire to survive and fight on. This is what the American combat veteran does.

[@canukus]

Excellent comment.

[@philgiglio7922]

improvise adapt overcome

[@petermcgill1315]

Or any other combat veteran…

[@mad9039]

“Now is no time to think of what you do not have. Think of what you can do with what there is.” Ernest Hemingway, "The Old man And The Sea".

[@GlamorganManor]

Good overall life philosophy.

[@glennroberts3069]

My squadron picked up the pilot that ejected in an A-10 close to Baghdad. The boys even brought his ejection seat back stateside. I said it wasn’t a rescue it was more of a taxi ride. He landed by an Army Bradley. The Bradley driver said “ yo Air Force dude get in the back.” The Bradley transferred him to a Hummer. When our helos landed he came out carrying his chute and the guys grabbed his ejection seat!! That’s service!

[@denigong9708]

Yo air force dude.. That's good stuff right there

[@glennroberts3069]

@@denigong9708 yeah it was then and is now. Thank you!

[@user-gu3fb9xe2i]

KC is an amazing person no less a great pilot. Her life is above any thing written in Hollywood. Some of us from San Jose, CA know of her father, the 64th Mayor of San Jose - Mayor Chuck Reed. (Just a minor comment: I also served in the US Navy and my father started his Naval Career in WW-2 retiring 24 years later). I worked for the City Redevelopment Agency around the development of downtown where Mayor Reed focused. It’s great to see Chuck’s only child featured on your show. Thanks Mooch for introducing one of the Great Ones from the Capital of Silicon Valley - San Jose, California.

[@mclaurinisGODsSon2]

My hometown (Watsonville) is right next door, so I love hearing how this woman is from San Jose!

[@Icanbreakstuffnsometimesevenfi]

Ma’am…. Retired USAF here. I was stationed at Pope for 18 of my 22 years. Pope AFB (RIP)/Pope AAF April 2001-November 2018. Initially was a 2T2 with 3 APS (Red Hatters!) then cross trained came back to work on the “other side of the fence” 24 STS. Seems like I had a home address at camp Alpha for years. Did several “hit it and quit it” “rotations” during those years 2003-2013 (headed back right when that very sad, unfortunate 747 incident occurred). ANYWAYS…. I know I’ve been on comms with you before. Your vocab is a bit different during interviews lol. Blast from the past for sure. Thank you for putting it down right where the Dr ordered. Not sure when you ended up PCS’ing out of Ol No Hope…. But the weekend that both the 74th and 75th FS’s flew away…. I’ll just say that sucked. I immediately missed the sound of those GE turbofans…. At times I could even hear them from my house in Southern Pines. Then the 41st and 2nd AS’s flew away… God bless the 440th, they tried

[@MotoCocoTV]

your story should be told in every classroom nation wide

[@bassinwithbuck4955]

KC is an absolute stud. Huge respect for her and bad ass that you were able to tell her story on here. Ward you are documenting living history with these interviews. Please keep putting em out there!

[@marktisdale7935]

It was amazing to hear KC tell her story.

[@CPTdrawer22]

*Mark Tisdale -* It's amazing that "KC" is alive to tell her story! *De Oppresso Liber*

[@bon3y4rd]

Great video! I am an old Army vet. 11M, Bradley IFV (Gunner). There was nothing that made me happier than seeing and a hearing an A10 coming in on Republican Guard tanks in Desert Storm. By far the best aircraft ever built! The sound of that 30MM still gets me fired up to this day! I showed a friend a video of one firing and he said, "it sounds like a chainsaw running at full throttle". Yep!

[@theo9789]

She's inspirational Ward, well done. Thank you KC!

[@Pepperboy555]

As a former grunt on the ground there was nothing finer than the sound of an A10 overhead!

[@CAPSLOCKPUNDIT]

Outside of an F-4 Phantom, there is nothing more thrilling than the sound of an A-10. Inside of an F-4, you can't even hear them flying.

[@CPTdrawer22]

@@CAPSLOCKPUNDIT - On SF Recon in "Indian Country" outside of RVN, we shuddered at the thought of an F-4 coming for close air support - and thanked our lucky stars when a VNAF A-1E Skyraider ("Spad") came, as we could bring their fires to within 20m. F-4s might have been a little better than nothing, but no fast mover can in any way compare to Spads, which were the A-10s of that era. And the VNAF "air cowboys" had giant gonads, from H-34s to A-1Es! Only knew of one AH-1G Cobra pilot and gunner who had the guts to go where we were to help us get out of the kimchee, and they dumped their load to act as a lift ship for 2 Americans and 4 indig, 3 to a skid! *De Oppresso Liber*

[@azure6392]

Brrrrrrrrrrrt

[@Pepperboy555]

@@CPTdrawer22 Fantastic comment. Thanks for sharing!

[@CPTdrawer22]

@@Pepperboy555 *-* VNAF "cowboys" get all too little credit for the xlnt job they did. Those H-34's had only a starboard door opening, in which a single .30 caliber air-cooled machinegun was mounted; and the "slow-movers" (A1E's) didn't have wingmen or overhead watchdogs like Americans! BTW, the AH-1G AC and gunner were out of the 101st Airborne Division (Airmobile). You're quite welcome for the info. Happy to contribute. *De Oppresso Liber*

[@sylvesterpalermo937]

I recall another KZbin video with A10 pilots discussing their role as CAS. It would give you goosebumps to hear how personally these guys take their responsibility and caring for the grunts on the ground. Many of their runs were not over flat desert ground, instead they had to break through cloud cover down into mountain passes and valleys with only a small margin of safety for themselves but they were relentless to protect their fellow soldiers who depended on them. Col Campbell is clearly one of those. Great pilot, great lady.

[@karmas.busdriver]

I love her control of fear & how she talked about no way was she going to eject over the enemy she just lit up. Great situational awareness in some serious shit.

[@EtherealOde]

What a thrilling story. This woman may have helped support my husband during that time, I have no idea. But pilots like her are absolute heroes and are responsible for bringing many of our troops home. Thank you for her story. She is an inspiration for every woman who wants to make a difference in the world.

[@daleronsin4756]

My daughter is a Air Force pilot - best training possible and they walk the talk. Her motto “whatever it takes” is indicative of these professional officers💥❤️

[@ck2106]

Good job and congrats sir!

[@C4GIF]

Yes, and all over the world they kill people for the American induced regime changes. You should be proud of her even she is acting as a mass murderer!

[@ijustwanttogosailing8248]

“whatever it takes” or "end justifies the means" - you should be ashamed of your daughter picking Stalin's motto!

[@crunchTwist]

@@ijustwanttogosailing8248 those two statements have absolutely nothing to do with one another.

[@klubberzvonhatzenbuhl563]

@@ijustwanttogosailing8248 - Shoo!

[@esinohio]

My father was a FAC in Vietnam and when his OV-10 was hit by ground fire he said virtually the same thing, "I'm not ejecting over that jungle.". He managed to get it back to his base. Somewhere there is a Stars and Stripes article with my proud dad standing next to his OV-10 with several big holes in it.

[@johnthomas2485]

I read they were talking about bringing those back for the Army as close support.

[@reneefariasphoto40]

As a former U.S. Army combat medic... thank you for your service. It was always nice having A10s on station. Your units were a compliment to us on the ground. Thank you always.

[@hollynorris957]

Wow I’m honored to have seen this film! KC you are a true hero in every conceivable metric. You have accomplished so much and who knows how many young girls you have lit a fire in that yes you can do it to. You are the best part of the USA !!!

[@CraigBaumer]

Great interview!!! I was a A-10 Crew Chief for 30 years. The Hog is a great jet!! Got to meet Col. Campbell on a TDY once, very humble and respectful of us maintainers. Looking forward to more USAF content as its really interesting when you compare and contrast the different ways the USN and the USAF conducts business. Thanks again sir!

[@shootintheshtpodcast]

A young 19 year old PFC remembers you guys and some F-15s doing some epic sh*t to the Taliban back in the day. Nothing more calming then hearing from the Jtac that we had A-10s coming. Never got a danger close… I could still feel all the power at 900m away. Your friends in 2010 definitely got me and a few of my friends home safe. Thank you.

[@ronnyh3049]

Thank you for your service!🇺🇸👍🏻

[@denniscarroll3164]

Thanks for your service! God bless you 🙏🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@robamaral9089]

So proud of you KC. Great job Thanks!🇺🇸

[@livingadreamlife1428]

Total respect for KC, as well as the design engineers and workers who built the A10.

[@michaelkalbfleisch4492]

Manual Reversion is basically the control surfaces being unlocked from the hydraulic actuators and are free to move. The trim tabs move the flight control surfaces by creating a small amount of "lift" on the aileron or elevator which then moves the control surfaces. The early Boeing 707 and DC-8 flew this way as well as the KC-135. The 727 and C-141 used this system as a backup as well similar to the A-10.

[@robertbeirne9813]

Thanks, your comment is a great explanation of what, mechanically, happens.

[@SkyhawkSteve]

Interesting that aircraft as large as the DC-8 or C-141 could fly by cables! I used to work on A-4 Skyhawks, which also had cable backup operation. On the early A-4 models, the stick could extend to give the pilot a bit more leverage. It was a long way from the ease of flying something small and simple, apparently.

[@FarmerStatesman]

@@SkyhawkSteve you're totally correct. The Scooter's MTOW is ~ 50% of the Warthog's.

[@thomashelm6931]

Several thousand hours, as a Loadmaster on the C-141. I remember this feature, regarding the trim tab capabilities.

[@gerryjamesedwards1227]

When I first saw the photos of KC's A10 I couldn't believe it could fly at all. Hearing how she did it I'm even more amazed. Utmost respect to her.

[@philgiglio7922]

Surely an award was bestowed for that action DFC @ least... uniform ribbon looked like a silver star?

[@gerryjamesedwards1227]

@@philgiglio7922 I'd hope she got an award for that! If that wasn't distinguished flying I'd like to see what is.

[@mike03a3]

@@philgiglio7922 Col. Campbell was awarded the DFC

[@mikebaggott7802]

@@philgiglio7922, she was awarded a DFC.

[@TraditionalAnglican]

You should look at photos of B-17’s that made it back after bombing runs over Germany!

[@cathyb4796]

Colonel Campbell (Ret.) thank you for your sacrifice and service. You are indeed a very courageous pilot and an inspiration on many levels. ~~ Listening from the KC Missouri ((area))

[@martyfarrell9459]

What a Rock Star! Love this woman and her devotion to her job!

[@eddiejcarmichael]

As an old cold war tank commander, who had to park out in the open on Luneburger Hide training areain Germany in the 1980's so A10's could practice strafing me . Who had to turn all his lights on to give one lost A10 pilot a clue as to where I was, I take my hat off to this pilot. Thank you for your air cover.

[@larrylarry739]

What an incredible woman and pilot. Thank you, Col. Campbell, for your service.

[@dangurley3573]

Excellent episode and interview. Loved the CAS mission, so I have mad respect for KC and her story.

[@tedinstalease]

What a beautiful story and God bless this woman. She is a jewel as an American, a parent, as a human. My God, the story is incrediable.

[@wspad2136]

Such an amazing individual. Thank you Col Cambell. Thank you Commander Carroll for arranging the interview. From an old ABE - Cat crew USS Oriskany CVA-34

[@sunhawk61]

Great interview Ward. This was an excellent example of courage under fire and the the spirit of the American combat focus of never surrender and fight on -- she could have punched out, but chose to stay and battle on. Just because she disengaged from the sortie, her battle was not over, they had just begun. A fight for survival, where she had to call on her 2 most powerful weapons in her arsenal....her training and courage. She did it with perfection and no commendation or award can over shadow that. The lessons she learned with that flight, beginning to end and the knowledge she extends to others on battle management, will at some point save another American combat veteran and that is the greatest achievement of any combat veteran. The American combat veteran, the greatest the world has ever known.

[@philgiglio7922]

there's never been anything like the American volunteer soldier

[@LuvBorderCollies]

I know she's 111% on not wanting to bail out over Baghdad or Iraqi controlled territory. Islam treats women like goats on a nice day. So an enemy attacking them, shot down, and a woman plus an officer (they don't take orders from women and despise them) would in for the worst day of her life. So glad she made it and landed safely. This makes me wonder if she had bailed over Baghdad, if a rescue attempt would've been attempted. I have a feeling Blackhawk Down would've been a small event compared to Baghdad.

[@RedRocket4000]

@@LuvBorderCollies You're not wrong the toxic a lot tribal more than Islam version of the religion is just as you stated. That closer to the words of Mohammad women are still secondary but bad treatment forbidden. Back when Christians controlled Jerusalem a Muslim army under the great Saladin was reported near a tower that had a Noble Lady in it. The Crusader Army rushed out to rescue her without water or food and thus was defeated. The Noble Lady was then escorted by Muslims to Christian lands she was never in danger. Not so great for commoner men or women who were made slaves but treatment of women in Christian lands horrible with beatings actual praised and recommend for all husbands. And commoner men some form of serf they were not free men. Treatment under Muslim rules then considerably for slaves better than normal (not so much later in Africa in 1500-1800 take my Muslim slavers. The point good treatment of women is done by faithful Muslims in non radical areas where the extremists often attack them the greatest number of victims of Islamic Extremists are Muslims for practicing the faith correctly not the extremist version. Non extremist Muslims greatly outnumber the extremists but the extremists make the news.

[@94Whiskey]

Wow....just wow! An amazing interview of professionalism, airmanship, leadership....and most notable...the humility!!! As Marine Infantry during OIF2...the familiar sound of BBRRRRRTTTT during Phantom Fury in Fallujah Nov 2004 was very comforting! We Marines always talk shit about the Air Force but when shit hits the fan....BIG STICK comes through and saving our bacon!!!! I will always be grateful for such dedicated WARRIORS from the air! Thank u "KC"!!!! Semper Fi Ma'am!!!!

[@patrickbrinkmeier1858]

HE DP....what unit were you with during Phantom Fury. My Battalion was part of RCT 7

[@94Whiskey]

@@patrickbrinkmeier1858 ....1/23 B Co attached to Wolf Pack 3rd LAR

[@patrickbrinkmeier1858]

@@94Whiskey I was an 0331 with A Co, 1st Bn 8th Marines.

[@94Whiskey]

@@patrickbrinkmeier1858 ...Raaaaaaahhh!!!

[@Tbone1492]

She probably went over my head. God Bless this warriors. I absolutely adore her🙏🇺🇸

[@nelsonc6173]

KC is f'king badass!!! Thank you so much for this incredible story!!! For allowing Col Kim KC Campbell to share her truly INCREDIBLE CAREER!!!

[@themanironmask]

She's extremely well-articulated and smart. A fantastic guest and interview. An American hero!

[@cozysouth]

Profile Bud Anderson. He’s a true American hero. P51 Pilot, test pilot with an amazing AF career and one of the most gentle humble men I’ve ever met.

[@zublacus]

I live near Bud...his 100th birthday was at our local airport. He better hurry up.

[@gaetalton5119]

Thank you, Colonel Campbell for your courage, strength, resolve and superior professionalism in serving our great nation! God bless and continue to keep you thru out your life!

[@danmcelroy6584]

She is a total bad ass! 👍👍 Much respect!! Getting to fly the baddest plane on earth! Incredible and awesome story. And thank you for serving! Your a real Hero!! May God bless you and everyone that has ever served!

[@williamsanders2808]

As I used to be one of the soldiers on the ground, A BIG thank you to all the A-10 pilots out there. I loved having you guys over us in the air. And yes, I have had to call on you a few times. Love the sound of that 30mm Gatling. Brrrt! No more enemy attackers. Couple passes, and things got really quiet, and our convoy continued with few problems. Loved having that aircraft as a back-up, on both of my tours in Iraq. Many times, just a no-fire pass got the enemy to disperse. They knew the sound of the A-10, as well as we did. And they knew they were screwed if they stuck around.

[@gregledbetter5942]

Amen, thank you for your service

[@derflerp538]

I hope you're doing alright, man. I'm glad you had good back-up.

[@williamsanders2808]

@@derflerp538 Doing well. Many thanks to the Eyes in the Sky. And the A-10 pilots that came in to help us.

[@thomaspowell1832]

I have seen bad guys scatter and run just at the sound of this A/C. What a reputation.

[@Leland189]

What a wonderful pilot. The only bad thing about her career was that she didn’t end up with four stars on her shoulders. She served her career as a active participant in the mission rather than getting tickets punched. Thanks for your accomplished service to our country.

[@mjconrad51]

She is a Warrior, not to be confused with a General.

[@SirSmurfalot]

@@mjconrad51 Exactly what I came to say, a great fighter is not always the best coach. Completely different skillsets.

[@mp09096]

I remember sitting at my tent at the end of the runway watching this landing. Great job

[@KnawedOne]

Thank you Col Campbell for sharing your story. Have always loved the A10 Warthogs.

[@joetaylor486]

Outstanding. What a lady, an aviator and a warrior.

[@MM_in_Havasu]

This lady is a badass. From this USAF vet here('76-'80), thank you for serving, Col. Campbell! You are an example of excellent flying and courage under pressure, and great leadership in your career as a whole.

[@joeysartain6056]

Hello Kim, from Mississippi. So nice to hear you were at Columbus Air Force Base. CAFB is about 40 miles South of where I live and have been to Columbus several times. Always proud to see the pairs of air craft flying training.

[@williamhesprich9040]

I'm humbled by the courage of these fine people who make up our warriors. They all make a difference.

[@eddrohan4461]

I was in Public Affairs at Pope AFB (23rd Wing Flying Tigers at the time) when KC’s incredible mission took place. We worked closely with her when she redeployed as media from around the world wanted her story. She was a total professional. I lost track of her after leaving Pope but am happy she went on to a successful career. BTW, we were told her call sign, KC, stood for “Killer Chick.” Not very politically correct today, but still pretty accurate.

[@benpurcell4935]

From what I’ve heard especially about pilots and their call signs is that they rarely are flattering and sometimes slightly offensive.

[@IraqVet0608]

@@benpurcell4935 most nicknames in the military work that way

[@npickart]

That's badass.

[@bobbailey4954]

I was a navy aviator P-3B last name Bailey call sign Beatle

[@mikealbert3516]

As far as call signs go, she won the lottery.

[@mitchmozingo3660]

Thanks for running this interview! As a retired A-10 weapons loader, I can say with great certainty that there the was nothing more satisfying than watching our A-10s return "Winchester" after a combat mission!

[@nohaboy100]

Odd to see weapons loader

[@liverpoolscottish6430]

The A-10 is a piece of American engineering genius- I don't think that any aircraft has ever been built with a greater ability to absorb punishment, and still make it back to base. It's like George Foreman in his prime with wings, a 30mm Gatling gun, and a couple of engines fitted- a combination of immense hitting power, and ability to absorb heavy punishment without going down! As a Brit, I've been on the 'receiving end' of the A-10. Fortunately, it didn't involve the 30 mm cannon, or any live ammunition I'm pleased to say. I was on Ex on Salisbury Plain in 1990, my unit was engaged in FIBUA/OBUA training. A pair of USAF A-10's 'attacked' the urban complex and dropped CS gas on us in a simulated chemical attack- so we had to don full NBC kit and respirators. We then had to withdraw from the village and tab several miles on a HOT September day in full CEFO (36lb), with Bergens (70-80lb) I had the added 'delight' of carrying a 36lb 84mm Carl Gustav, in addition to an L1A1 SLR (10lb) and 200 rnds(20lb) of NAT0 7.62mm. I was hauling at least 172lb of kit all up in full NBC kit. It was a similar experience to being in a Turkish bath house! Thanks Yanks! lol What a terrific career KC had, all credit and respect to her- a high achiever and impressive individual. After contending with a crippled A-10 and successfully nursing it back to base, I think she merits the soubriquet, 'Cool Hand Campbell.' As we say in Britain, she's rather pleasing to the eye too! ;)

[@jonryan5339]

Hats off to you all for all you do and thank you for your service.

[@motomuso]

I am not Col. Campbell's grandad, father, or uncle; nor am I related in any way but I have to say that I am so dang proud of her. And, she chose the A-10, the plane that perhaps most embodies the concept of a guardian angel. Thanks for featuring Col. Kim "KC" Campbell, USAF (Ret.)

[@mat1500]

Agreed one of my flight instructors in Denver was the well-known Emily Howell for advanced ratings

[@JamieDodson]

As a former Army Grunt, I LOVE A-10 Fighter Pilots!

[@supercat380]

The A10 was one of the few military aircraft in which designers closely collaborated with pilots and maintenance engineers for final design layout. maintenance and flying characteristics. This facilitated ease of maintenance, access, turn-around, combat readiness and other advantages, apart from other ballistic advantages, such as self sealing tanks, protective seats etc.

[@crawford323]

I purchased the audio version of Col. Campbell's book and I have to say, it was delightful. Not only in what this person was able to achieve through dedication and dogged tenacity from an early age but every life's lesson she experienced and learned, she, though excellent writing skills teaches us why those life's lesions are important to our lives. This is a must read for everyone in your family whether they are female or not. This book is inspiring to us all. Cheering for America!

[@elizabethbottroff1218]

I instantly related to KC's decision to *refuse* to eject over that location. I had suffered a bad fall when at sea, with no witnesses. The situation was potentially fatal. I vividly remember, even decades later, saying outloud, "No. Mom is *NOT* going to get that phone call." I have found anecdotally that most who choose life deliberately in those moments, will suddenly find themselves mentally downloading and acting upon everything that they need to survive and get to safety and assistance. Everything around them starts to work with them as well. In her case, her wingman, an overflight of protective jets, and an airframe that held together, along with all of her training. In my case, I managed to avoid going into shock, etc, then a shipmate came out on deck and heard my call, when there was no reason for him to be out there. That started my rescue & recovery. Refuse to give up. Choose life, no matter how much it might hurt. The thoughts telling you to give in and to give up are not your friend. Reject them, and keep focused on making it through that minute, to the next one. You got this!

[@joeybobbie1]

That is Great advice. I have struggled trying to keep trying to keep going and not let my Disabilities get the best of. It’s hard sometimes when you hurt Constantly.

[@marine4lyfe85]

Did you fall overboard?

[@elizabethbottroff1218]

@@marine4lyfe85 No. Multiple stories down a ladder well, onto a deck, inside a bow thruster space, at sunset, in freezing temps. Injury, shock, and exposure.

[@rob9781]

Great advice for life in general, thank you for sharing !

[@ironmantooltime]

Wow, motivated 🙌😎

[@christopherhanna5754]

The highest level of aviation skill and discipline has been displayed by this officer. immeasurable respect for this exceptionally tough brave patriotic officer hero.

[@ElectricityTaster]

If I ever have a daughter and she wants to be an air force pilot, I'll tell her about Kim. Amazing woman and proof that it can be done.

[@WhiteFox011]

Kim, thank you for your service, and I am just one old school "91b"retired SFC that never got deployed. While it sounds exciting, I do not miss not being deployed. In the Infantry, we all signed the same piece of paper, just like everyone else. I would have of course gone if called, as I had the training. I am, glad that you were able to teach others from your experiences.

[@MikePasqqsaPekiM]

What a pilot! A true warrior and professional. Her character is evident even in this brief interview. Absolutely enjoyed every second of this episode. I’ll be looking for her book.

[@adrianspeeder]

She came and spoke to the Cadets last year at the Air Force Academy. Amazing story to hear about an amazing feat of airmanship.

[@hughobrien4139]

As a 12B trainee at Ft. LWood MO in 1990, I was sure thankful for the level of education and training our pilots have. Those A10s would be on top of us before we could hear them. Most of the time their guns were rattling off what seemed to be thousands of rounds a minute before we realized they were overhead. We knew their targets were miles down range from us, but the few times we could seem them diving into position it would stand the hair up on the back of your neck. 6 weeks into our training Iraq invaded Kuwait. Training took on a whole new meaning and everyone stepped it up. By the time we were finished many of us shipped right out to the M.E. I got to watch it all unfold on CNN. I would get excited every time any A10 was mentioned. Demonstratively explaining the level of fire power the A10 possessed to anyone willing to listen. My best friend fought with the 2nd Armored Division. He came home with nothing but high praise for A10 pilots. He stated many times over that those A10 pilots kept both his anxiety in check as well as his conscience and that with out them he would have fully understood what full combat was like, but because they were there, he knew their jobs were much safer. His son was born on the second day of the ground offensive. He got to go home and meet his family intact and in mostly high spirits. Wasn’t unscathed but most certainly appreciative of the pilots and their A-10.

[@gmc911er]

I was stationed in Columbus AFB, and yes it is an AETC training base for pilot officers. They have T1’s T38, etc for these pilots. It’s a great base to retire, there are no resources there which is a PL-4. What a great interview with KC!

[@usnavy-retired9800]

My eldest son just retired from the Navy after 22 years (like Father, like son, eh?) On the other hand, my youngest two sons were in the Army as Combat medics. My eldest, the only daughter, retired, as a Warrant Officer, after 30 years in the Coast Guard. The eldest of those two youngest sons spent two tours of duty in Afghanistan. He relates to me that the A-10 was absolutely loved by the ground troops and that they would have done anything to repay these pilots for their assistance. This woman epitomizes the elite caliber of personnel we have in the military service today. KC...Myself and my three sons and daughter, salute you and are grateful for your service. THANK YOU!!!

[@TheTacktishion]

As an 80 year old AF veteran, from the F-100 flight line, I found this interview very interesting. Good interview, All the right questions were asked, and answered.... I would be proud for her to fly my plane. The Air Force, then and now, gives young people a lot of responsibility, very quickly... Thanks for sharing this story....!

[@johnhutchison9782]

The F-100 was the first aircraft model I built as a young boy. Was supposed to be camo but I totally dug the aircraft as a Thunderbird so that's what I did! Thank you for your service, sir. 🙌

[@gilheuss7830]

As an almost 80 year old former Army infantry type I wish you guys had had the A-10 when we were in Vietnam. Your Air craft couldn't really slow down enough to give us close ground support. Most of my time it was Hueys and the guy hanging out the door with his MG. That round she was showing off would have been great.

[@cab1881]

There were 1100 women Air Force pilots in wwll. Hap Arnold was their leader. They flew every type of aircraft at that time and also did test piloting. They were also trainers of pilots and live targets for male pilot training. Male pilots were not live targets for training pilots. Jealous men working on their planes would actually sabotage their planes and cause them to crash. Women pilots were killed or injured. This is hush hush.

[@rudiekeyser2495]

KC is a amazing woman.

[@gerryj8839]

@@gilheuss7830 Welcome Home, Sir!

[@mauricerogerson5825]

WOW! Supergirl! Thank you, KC, for your exemplary service to our nation. You are indeed a ROCK STAR!

[@maryloutetreault1650]

Thanks so very much for telling your amazing military history, your quite an amazing women, a wonderfully gifted pilot and a credit to our country, thank you for your remarkable service.