G.I. Joe Dragonfly Vintage Toy Review with a *REAL* American Hero

[@AnalogToys]

I never expected a KZbin video about a vintage toy to bring a tear to my eye but this one did. Thank you for your video. Mr Mock, I am a British veteran who's life was saved in Iraq by a brave American Blackhawk pilot and today I salute you just as I salute him every day of my life. Thank you for your sacrifice.

[@retroblasting]

Analog - as a British vet, you will forever be in RB's heart. Huge salute to your service! - Michael

[@doodoobrother2445]

Amen

[@Joe-rx7ht]

We used to trade MREs with the British Army, the Australians and the Italian Army, when I was in Iraq 2003-2004. They had wine in their rations. 😄

[@TheDevilinThePaleMoonlight]

im not a toy collector but im subscibed to both analog toys and RB simply cause i like u guys. That said Tony,I don't wanna bring back up a traumatic experience for u so feel free to refuse, I will not be offended in any way but could u maybe elaborate on the circumstances of that particular situation? While lacking ANY personal experience with war myself and with it's many complexities and tragedies, I think its important for normies (such as myself) to hear from actual soldiers and their stories buy as previously stated I'd totally understand if u don't wanna talk about this particular experience. Either way thanks fornr service Tony.

[@josemontano7767]

I could listen to this guy all day with all his war stories

[@JR-yf1ri]

As a Soldier currently on active duty (and an avid collector), a sincere thanks for the 22 push-up challenge!

[@retroblasting]

Stay safe, JR.

[@BubblesTheBard]

J R sending positive vibes your way J R and thanks for your service

[@batangbatugan]

Melinda's dad is the real American hero, thank you for sharing your knowledge and stories, sir! Who knew you can learn a lot of history from a toy review. =)

[@SniffHeinkel]

Agreed. He should be on more videos.

[@remyjaxx7252]

instablaster...

[@adamhuskey6790]

As a disabled war veteran myself... I would like to thank you for what is my favorite video of yours to date!!!! Thank you so much for sharing your story and thank Mr. Mock for his service what an awesome piece of history!!

[@retroblasting]

Thank you for your service as well! - Michael

[@BubblesTheBard]

Adam Huskey Thank you for your service

[@adamhuskey6790]

It was my pleasure and honor sir!

[@askbam]

As much as I loved the toy review component. The real-world narrative provided by Melinda's father was just so powerful. Thank you so much for sharing his story.

[@MajBaggs]

Best. Episode. Ever!! I could listen to Chief's stories all day. I'm sure Melinda knows just how special her daddy is.

[@thessalian]

I do! And thanks for your kind words. I've been asking Dad to share his war memories for a couple years now each time we visit, and it's been very illuminating. He has many, many great stories.

[@MajBaggs]

And I greatly appreciated the opportunity to hear some of them. And please tell him Thanks for me. We all owe him one.

[@sgf129]

well, I can honestly say I will never look at the dragonfly the same way ever again.

[@williamlydon2554]

A museum near my home has an AH-1 on display, this video has been very useful in teaching my friends about it, whenever we go.

[@DestructZero]

I would like to thank Mr. Mock for his service to our country during the Vietnam War.

[@redbengal2864]

Damn. Good read by Melinda to close it. Well done, gang.

[@retroblasting]

Thanks Red.

[@BubblesTheBard]

Im not a Veteran but you're basically the best for this. I have family vets going back all the way to WW2

[@retroblasting]

Thanks metal. I just hope I can contribute a little to those who deserve our love and gratitude.

[@BubblesTheBard]

RetroBlasting I agree 100%. And please extend my thanks to Mr. Mock for his service as well.

[@retroblasting]

Will do!

[@warbunny13203]

CycloneMetal thank you for supporting, just as nessicary as serving🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@sgzartan]

As the son of a veteran of two wars, I have an even greater respect for Retroblasting for making this video.

[@nathantaisto6930]

Thank you RB and Mr Mock for sharing and for your service. I too am a veteran. I fought in both Iraq and Afghanistan as a 50 cal gunner and IED Hunter, not a day goes by that i don't think about it. Which is why I have turned back to my 80's toy collecting, for hope that joy can be remembered. Thanks for your toy passion and quality videos.

[@retroblasting]

Thanks for your service, Paula!

[@racerx600rr]

Very nicely done Mr. French. As a currently deployed pilot myself, and avid Star Wars collector, I found this to be an excellent thank you to the men who came before me. Very well done indeed.

[@retroblasting]

Stay safe out there. - Michael

[@EDFCentral]

God Bless you Mr. Mock. This country owes you and all others in service a huge debt of gratitude.

[@ArtistAnnex]

Awesome review... hats off to Mr. Mock for his wonderful in-depth accounts of real world mission details and brave & selfless service to our country. Keep the wonderful videos coming... Yo Joe!

[@scottjohnson388]

Michael has a strong vocabulary and natural delivery that I enjoy.

[@SteelbeastsCavalry]

Wow... A Warrant Officer 5. This man is my god.

[@TheRealNightmare9]

Without a doubt my favorite toy review to date... Well done... And thank you, Chief Warrant Officer Mock for both your service and stories of your missions.

[@archermalmo-j.hester6699]

Outstanding video. Thank you for sharing Mr. Mock's stories with us. I've always loved the dragonfly and hearing a first person account of someone that actually flew one is great. Thank you for your service Mr. Mock. Thank you retroblasting!

[@daggysretroadventure4936]

Best one yet! Thanks for sharing Melinda's dads stories on here.

[@totalrobot]

Best KZbin video ive watched in a while. Thank you to all the AH-1 Cobra pilots and navigators who served this awesome country.

[@justingentry4580]

Amazing video. Whether serious or comedic, ya'll put out the best videos. Every time my 6 year old son sees someone in uniform no matter where we are he runs up and shakes their hand and says thank you for serving our country. It is well deserved.

[@retroblasting]

That's parenting done right. - Michael

[@MarkDemeo]

I always love it when you do G I JOE videos,as that was my favorite toy line and cartoon as a kid. It was great to hear some insight and stories about the operation and use of the real world helicopter. A big thanks to Melinda's dad for lending his time to this review.

[@JosephProductions]

Great video guys! Very good video. Been here since 2014 my friends dad friend sent Hasbro back in the 80's a sketch of the military jeep (vamp). And that got chosen for a toy. Boy it would be cool if collectors heard about it.

[@reccesam7799]

As a former ground cavalry scout and veteran, thank you for this video. My sincerest thank you to your father in-law's service. Very well done.

[@Jedi3671]

Very excellent video! Well done Retroblasting! My father fought in Vietnam in 1968-69, he was a Sargent in the Army, he passed in 2011, he was very proud to serve his country! Thank you for bringing awareness to this issue with our vets!

[@johnbirkenmaier6641]

Excellent video as always! My father is a veteran and I'm always proud of him for his service to our country. It was always cool to see how well GI Joe always seemed to deliver real world combat vehicles to us kids. I can still remember to this day my 6 Skystrikers on my shelf in my room all loaded and ready to battle COBRA. You have made a very special video here, and kudos to Retroblasting for taking the time to salute all the men and women in uniform who go above and beyond for all of us. A special thanks to Mr. Mock for his service as a real Dragonfly pilot, and look forward to seeing many more vids! God bless!

[@retroblasting]

Thanks so much John. We should all be so thankful as yourself. - Michael

[@woofan25]

Great video! I always thought the pilot flew in the back, so I'm happy to be corrected 👍

[@retroblasting]

Yeah it was cool to know the pilot could choose which seat.

[@keithhomesley1946]

This is a great interview. Brought a tear to my eye at the end.

[@PhillyLS1]

Wow. Thank you for this. As a Vet myself it's nice to hear about the experience from more mature Veterans that served prior to my own. The nostalgia overload from this toy (I owned) is just a bonus. Tell that man thank you for his service. He's a hero even though he'd never admit it.

[@kcsundriestoysandcomicseba3142]

All my respect to your father Melinda.Hearing him speak about his service made me cry.I know how hard it is to make decisions about life or death and I am proud of him.He is a great man, great citizen and great father.Thanks to him for serving our country!

[@nicholighkun]

Fantastic episode.

[@investigator76]

Nice video! I really dig when you all go the extra mile like this (read as always) to give a back ground for the subject of these videos. Please give a heart felt "thank you" and salute to Melinda's father for both sharing his experiences and fir his service. This is a debt that mere words couldn't begin to repay, but will always carry the respect of this kid from the 80's!

[@cassiusdx]

Hasbro should have kept the link with the real world military vehicles. How cool would it have been to have F15s, F16s, F18s, Apaches, M1 Abrams tanks, even Soviet gear like MiG-29s, Su-27s, Mi-24 helicopters, T-72 tanks etc. instead of the space age brightly coloured rubbish that it turned to in the late 1980s. Were there licensing issues for these I wonder or were Hasbro free to make toys like the Skystriker without permission ? Great interview btw, really interesting.

[@maxbrandt6]

Cassius, I was wondering that the other day, sometimes my mind jumps back to happier times when the workday drags on. I too thought it would have been rather cool to see a G.I.JOE F-15 Eagle (with ace pilot) and an M113 APC (with driver) instead of the Joe's going into battle in a canvas cover truck! As for Cobra, I remember seeing them use Mirage fighter jets in the comics, why no toy of that I'll never know. Cobra MiG-29s and Su-30s sounds about right, as well. Then it turned into a sci-fi thing and they lost me.

[@DavidLLambertmobile]

The marvel comics said part of the GI joe unit mission statement was to T&E new or prototype weapons/vehicles.

[@kentallard8852]

There were enough differences in the toys to avoid copyright issues, they carefully market research what they produce and responded to what kids want. If you think it got weird around 1986 remember it kept going til 1994 - 8 more years of profitable sales.

[@kentallard8852]

There was a M113 sort of apc towards the end but it transformed into a weird battle station, and there was a marine amphibious assault vehicle too with two gigantic missiles on top.

[@jimtilley1158]

That was a missed opportunity. We had October Guard , There should have been russian vehicles. Sure would have been better than Star Brigade and other nightmare teams I shall not name.

[@artpercy5944]

Thank you Most interesting episode Ever!!! I could listen to Mr. Mock All day Thank you For your Service!!!

[@retroblasting]

You're welcome, Art!

[@rsmith7575]

That just made your channel my favorite KZbin channel. Great video!

[@nvmbrsdoom5]

What an amazing episode this was, RetroBlasting continues to be not only informative but also a first class act. Cheers!

[@ForgeMaciejewski]

Quality video. Thank you for your service Mr. Mock. Yo Joe!!!

[@CUfan712510jd12340987]

Awesome video RetroBlasting!

[@aaronjordan2770]

YO JOE! Wonder how many ARAH fans had fathers, uncles that served in Vietnam? I had both! Great Video

[@fuse557]

Still one of the best videos you have ever done!

[@MakillaGorilla3]

Awesome interview! I think it's awesome Melinda's dad was willing to tell us more about the Cobra. So great seeing some GI Joe love.

[@Joe-rx7ht]

That was a great interview. Thank you for that. I grew up in the 80’s marveling at the hardware and mystique of the Vietnam jungle war era. Not realizing how I would one day end up in the deserts of the Middle East, several times. It was painful and scary at the same time, and I still remember my unit’s desert campaigns in Iraq, vividly to this day. I look back to the innocence of my childhood thanks to videos like yours, when I’m feeling nostalgic and long for a time of peace and endless fun, and play while building my GI Joe Army. Thank you, again. I almost teared up. But I will blame the onions. 🇺🇸

[@novax-ig9yt]

Excellent video, and it has a bit of a Band of Brothers quality to it. Thank you to Mr. Mock for his service. He is truly a remarkable person. And thank you to Retroblasting for bringing his life story to us all.

[@samanthaadams619]

This is a truly well done video. A huge thanks to all veterans for their service. I like that not only was there a review, but also the interview with Melinda's father. Please pass my thanks for his service on!

[@isntthatprime7466]

Loved the episode. Mr. Mock, thank you for your service. Michael, thank you for the intro. The idea of basing the Joe vehicles of real military vehicle is one of the things I love most about G.I. Joe. Hoorah!

[@trekjedi]

Wow. Just wow. Awesome video. Would be cool to see other real life insights on other GI Joe gear. Well done!

[@retroblasting]

I've got some ideas along those lines...

[@rogerclarke1398]

Avid fan of Retroblasting here. But veterans issues are especially important for me. Thanks for your participation in the 22 pushup challenge, and a big salute to CW5 Mock from one veteran to another. Thanks!

[@retroblasting]

I had first heard of it last Veterans Day.

[@rogerclarke1398]

www.22kill.com/22-honor-pushups/ activeheroes.org/22pushups/ Not sure how long, but it's a real thing.

[@OldDirtyCollector]

Wow! This might be my favorite episode of yours! I can listen to him tell stories all day! Such a great video! Be sure to tell him thank you for his service!

[@joshualoynes7408]

As per usual a very well thought out and constructed video from Retroblasting, there is only so many times you can say keep up the good work and it can get to the point where it feels more like spam than support 😂😂 but seriously you guys have raised the bar so high for making toy vids that I can not find a channel that matches you! So honestly keep up the good work and keep making these vids cause for lots they are 10-20 minutes of escapism. Well done guys!

[@retroblasting]

Thanks so much!

[@leomad0000]

Awesome video. G.I. Joe was an important part of my childhood. Although war's no pretty thing, there IS real evil in the world that has to be fought. It's nice to think how many of us grew up imagining battles between an army of good guys and an army of evil-doers. Regardless of what our politics are now, I think all of us who enjoyed GI Joe share that common moral clarity that can also be found in great stories like TLOTR and the original SW films. Thank you, Retroblasting, for helping keep the good spirits of our childhoods alive.

[@retroblasting]

WELL SAID

[@matthewdonavan7913]

Thank you for your courage and service CW5 Mock. Fantastic tribute RB! My father and two uncles all served in Vietnam between1967-1971. Thankfully they all came home where many did not. Any time I have a hard day at work or something stressful or challenging to overcome, I think about the privilege I have to get up everyday, have a job and do the things I want to begin with. So much is owed to those serving and those who have served. Suggested reading Michael (if you haven't already!) - Chickenhawk by Robert Mason or Fighter Pilot by Robin Olds.Regards.

[@mathiasmorqubus]

Thanks you guys,this is one of your best videos ever!Just to hear him recount his story is,priceless.

[@silverbackgamer8128]

Great video. Also, I'm glad to see all the comments in support of our women and men in the service. As a 80's GI Joe collector I enjoy the stories of the real life inspiration for the toy line.

[@tlaloc92]

Very deep and emotional work. Always nice to remember that behind those toys, there's real people often in a bad position. Good job RB

[@PhiladelphiaBaseballHistory]

This video was awesome! Thank you so much for the chance to hear from an actual veteran helicopter pilot. Really puts things into perspective. Please tell Melinda’s dad that your viewers thank him for his service!

[@task_force_figures_games]

This gentleman is a hero!! Respect!!....oh yeah. The dragonfly is one of my favorites as well.

[@JediDB]

VERY COOL, a awesome video. Melinda, your dad is a great hero and a cool guy, I feel honored to have been able to hear his history with such a awesome copter. Well done.

[@odaichi17]

best video yet. and that's saying something.

[@JamesKenobi1138]

Awesome video, a great tribute to Armed Forces pilots, especially those who fought in Vietnam. My dad flew Huey's in Vietnam in 1969, he's been going to the VHPA conventions for about 20 years, I'm going to show him this video, I'm curious if he knows Melinda's dad.

[@retroblasting]

Let us know! :)

[@mbm1021]

This was an amazing video and the testimonial from Mr. Mock was totally unexpected but an incredible primary source. His experience and what he saw certainly make this one of the most unique toy videos that I’ve ever seen not only on this channel but any channel dedicated to toy enthusiasts. Reminds me of talking to my own day about his experiences while in the Navy off the coast of Vietnam back in 1966-1967. Thanks so much for this video. This has to be on of my favorites I’ve seen on this channel.

[@merlintolstyk8055]

This was a change of pace from your usual videos and really a wonderful watch. Thanks for sharing a portion of his story with us.

[@rebelscum75]

May be your most informative video yet. I could watch Mr. Mock talk for hours. Great job.

[@Sano1970]

Love it! Great to get some insight and memories from Melinda's dad no less! Wonderful man! Tell him thanks for taking the time!

[@retroblasting]

Will do, Tom!

[@papishow]

Incredible story.

[@Skankhunt-bl1tl]

Amazing interview totally awesome! Thank that man for his service! Thank you a true American hero!!

[@jagger35]

Wow! great episode, and fasicating information from Mr. Mock. Thank you to all our vets who give their all every day.

[@memoriesofmychildhood7297]

My dad is a Vietnam veteran.Keep helping veterans.

[@bradbruhn9586]

What great insight from Mr. Mack!!! It really added to this review. Mr. Mack, thank you so much for your service to us. Yiu are a Real American Hero. God bless all those who fought for our freedom🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@guitardudeguy3139]

Absolutely fantastic. A well deserved salute to the Cobra pilot veteran! Without men like him this country would have no pride. It's great to see a veteran who can talk about thier experience in the field. I know several who cannot and still have a deep remorse and depression from being there and in the heat of battle. Please help all of our veterans, they don't get the respect they deserve or the medical treatment they deserve. My Uncle, Father and older brother have all served and we are fortunate to have them here with us. Go Joe. These are the true American Heroes. Let's treat them as such.

[@jeditempletoys6073]

Wow! This was so good! Thank you for the fantastic reporting on a real hero.

[@JoseFlores-xc7wu]

Veterans r the best and then u add toys best episode ever keep going guy love the channel

[@dakotaranger]

Excellent review of the toy, and appreciated the interview of the Cobra pilot. Great video. Thank God for such men

[@barbatoskun1663]

The Interview with her dad is fascinating. I would watch it if you did something more with him and his stories.

[@retroblasting]

We have almost a full two hours of material with him. So if people are interested, I can run the full raw interview at some point.

[@marcothommen2484]

@@retroblasting Please, do!!!

[@AbbieOates]

@@retroblasting Please do, it’s quite engaging and educational.

[@theatlasproductions1]

What a treat to hear some real stories from a true gentleman.

[@anthonywhitehead5576]

Another great video Michael and Melinda. Very very nice. Thank you for promoting the awareness of military suicide it is a sad reality. And thank you to Melinda dad for everything he did in the military to protect us here in the USA. Mr. Mock is the real American hero.

[@victoriansword]

This is a really special video. It is amazing to hear first-hand accounts of the Cobra in action in Vietnam.

[@timothybarr6815]

Came here to watch a video about the one toy I never had, got surprised with a video of awesomeness, thank you sir for you service ...it’s a testament to the aircraft and the men who flew them so successfully that they are still in use today...and loved by infantrymen every where

[@mikesmith2718]

Great video and a great toy thanks to all that have served and melindas dad reliving his Vietnam days was great to hear about

[@jedipoodoo]

Great video, and especially enjoyed listening to the informative interview from Melinda's father. Much respect to you as always for your videos, and to him for taking the time to share his knowledge.

[@jayfkncool4258]

Excellent video guys ,by the way one of the guys that helps me in my business is also a navy veteran that was in nam, and this guys are amazing , they don't make them like this anymore , once again thanks and keep up the good work.

[@lordjs9726]

Very nice that several of the toys are based on their real life counterparts. Also truly interesting to hear Melinda's dad talk about his experiences as a military pilot.

[@ryanstahl5239]

Excellent interview. Thank you for your service!

[@ryansargent661]

I really enjoyed this video. Thank you for honoring the real world legacy of our fighting men in a toy review

[@BenKurth]

Wow. That was a powerful interview. Thanks for sharing!

[@Anoneeemouse]

I only recently discovered your channel but this was a great episode and please thank that man for his service if it crosses your mind.

[@HectorMartinez-si2xy]

Wow! Great episode! my full respect to Melinda father ! in my case two of uncle are veteran from WWII and Korea . both war hero! Excellent episode ! And thanks all the veteran from past, present and future wars for the sacrifice and services!

[@WishItWas1984]

I would like a MOC Windell Mock figure please. One of the best videos ever. Thank You Mr. Mock for sharing and for your service. Thank you to all of the vets and current military for what you do. No one should ever have to experience this, but when it must be done, I'm proud that we have men and women willing to sacrifice. Here's to the day that war is relegated only to the toys and cartoons of fantasy and play.

[@MrRe-pg7fj]

Awesome video I like how you guys give a lot of history during Vietnam and the copter it self

[@Homeschoolsw6]

Thanks RetroBlasting. As a G.I. Joe fan and a military history buff (esp. Vietnam) this vid was great.

[@brycevo]

This is such a great episode. Thank you

[@CosmoShidan]

Thanks for sharing. I had an uncle who served 3 tours in 'Nam and was the sole survivor of his squad and like most vets, ended up with PTSD, though lived through it to be 80. He passed away last year in the Philippines.

[@Diles46]

bruh... dont mean to gush... but I love your channel. Thanks for doing what you do and putting these videos out to cement how awesome our time really was.

[@retroblasting]

Thanks so much, man.

[@ChukFlanagan]

i cant express the level of respect i have for that man. God bless our armed service men and women. The way he speaks of the engagements with an enemy really made me think differently of war. bravery . service for others . i really learned something i didn't know that i did not know. thank you

[@AnalogToys]

I'm very interested to know who conducted the interview with Mr Mock, was it Melinda or Michael?

[@retroblasting]

+Analog Toys both of us did. I was merely his eye line for the camera setup.

[@christopherreed8865]

Outstanding...enough said! Thank you Mr. Mock for your service.

[@ginoames]

Bravo! One of my fave toys as a kid. I still have my very worn Dragonfly. As a vet myself I really enjoy hearing from Melinda's father.

[@WrenB111]

20 year old kid flying combat missions!! What are 20 year old's doing now, lol. Thanks to your dad, Melinda, and I'm really glad you guys did the interview with him.