There Are Some Fates Worse Than Death: Mike Drowley at TEDxScottAFB

Lieutenant Colonel Mike Drowley "Johnny Bravo" is Commander, 66th Weapons Squadron. He is a US Air Force Weapons School graduate and command A-10 pilot with multiple combat tours. Prior to his current position he was the Commander of Cadet Squadron 15 at the US Air Force Academy.
In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized.* (*Subject to certain rules and regulations)

[@Owlbatrosss]

How can you tell if someone is a pilot? They will tell you. Several times.

[@darkangels3000]

I encounter the same situation with people who have attended Harvard.

[@TheMrN4R3K]

darkangels3000 don't forget the vegans

[@larhouser]

Fingers crossed I never meet a Harvard educated, vegan pilot in a polite social situation.

[@georgemorley1029]

Q - What's the difference a pilot and God? A - God doesn't think he's a pilot.

[@thenedoriiistewardofrondog6965]

Larry Houser perhaps you have. Maybe there were so many different things they just had to tell you about that they couldn't choose any.

[@rainyday3492]

If you hear the guns of the A10, it means you weren’t the target......

[@ctsteve1967]

Or the A10 Missed

[@cuttymaximus]

Close is good for blowing your eardrums up. Won’t hear the gun. As for the poor souls in a different position, best believe they got next

[@daroldbannister7496]

If you hear the gunshot smile, you haven't been hit.

[@savagenovelist2983]

It was practically a Mantra in the KGB I hear. If you hear my gun, the goal wasn’t to kill you. If you feel the cut of my knife, I don’t want to kill you. Hear my voice? You’re a goner.

[@whysoenvious]

Bruh best comment

[@marshallcalvert6176]

I owe my life to an A10 pilot. We were being overrun and they came on station and we are still here today thanks to their ability to put close air support directly on target. He even broke rega and stopped the 9 line count because he could hear the extreme situation in the radio. He said stop just tell me where they are. Mark your targets. Semper Fi

[@wickeddominata8025]

What a feeling that must be, having an A10 pilot ask, "Just tell me where you are?".

[@danielescobar7618]

Man please tell me what a 9 line? semper fi glad you're here

[@alexmyers7967]

@@danielescobar7618 medical evacuation card. Not good times.

[@danielescobar7618]

@@alexmyers7967 OH I got you. God bless man hope you're well.

[@freedomplaza8523]

@@alexmyers7967 9-Lines are used for a bunch of stuff, including CAS and MEDEVAC. Most likely they were going through the CAS (Close Air Support) 9-line.

[@heathfitzgerald363]

As a former F-16 pilot I can say I have the utmost respect for the A-10 pilots. I've flown above and beside many of them and I've seen first hand those guys are crazy.

[@pyencdocde5716]

Man, I would give absolutely anything to be a fighter pilot, but man I can't even find the motivation to take care of myself, plus I really hate school

[@heathfitzgerald363]

@@pyencdocde5716 if its something you really wanted you could find the motivation. i never really liked school but i was still good at it. Lots of training before you get to do the fun part though.

[@pyencdocde5716]

@@heathfitzgerald363 Yeah I've really been trying ways to replace what I do now, basically remove current distractions but I don't really even know what to do instead. See I didn't like school and was bad at it, I don't mind the training if I made it that far then I don't care I'm taking it all the way. Also a quick question, does being prior enlisted reduce or outright not enable you to be a pilot? Not enlisted but I am contemplating it

[@heathfitzgerald363]

@@pyencdocde5716 only officers can be pilots. But if your being an enlisted then you can somehow get into an officer training school. But even after all of that your still not going to be guarunteed a spot in a fighter

[@pyencdocde5716]

@@heathfitzgerald363 I know just becoming an officer is competitive, but the thing is, the only way I see myself being able to pay off college (assuming I get it lol) in order to go to OCS or ROTC is enlisting first, a video by Hasard Lee said being prior enlisted is not recommended

[@cupofmozzarella]

A-10: let me sing you the song of my people: BRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRT

[@Rangerman69420]

@@captiveexile2670 No get tf out of here with your bullishit politics.

[@reeblesnarfle5443]

Lovely tune....😖

[@heraclitus6100]

I scrolled down to find this comment. I'm glad I found it so I didn't have to write it myself.

[@MajorCaliber]

(*Bill Murray voice ON*) "Happy *BRRRRR-R-R-R-RT* Day, to yooooou... ya knucklehead, go on, get outta here... " :D

[@jennlynn8173]

Lmao

[@RileyGoss]

The A-10 isn't even a plane, it's a gun with wings.

[@baffled4life]

Best description of an A-10.

[@KingSardius]

I like a gun with wings :)

[@VirginiaRican]

It's a SCHTOOKA

[@jacobmatelot7862]

Les Brown damb right 😂

[@juliamiklas4028]

Riley Goss the only thing that the Iraqis were told was not to shot the slow moving pig

[@epauletshark3793]

"You can always tell a gunner from his hands and vacant stare, you can always tell a bombardier from his manner debonair, you can always tell a navigator from his pencils books and such, you can always tell a pilot, but you sure can't tell him much." -Wendell B. Terry WW2 B-17 pilot.

[@myronwilson3161]

A beai

[@myronwilson3161]

A beautiful weapon

[@REALLYREALLYRED]

That was very good my friend. That's a gem from a obvious veteran.

[@joebedard8040]

@@REALLYREALLYRED i

[@billwilson5341]

@Colin Costello: No disrespect but punctuation please.

[@danielm5324]

“[my] hair looks amazing.” That’s such a pilot thing to say. 😂 Coming from a Marine that spent half his career in the infantry, we love these guys, even if we give them a hard time in good fun.

[@valmacclinchy]

Resect for all of you!

[@TheJimprez]

The only people I ever lacked respect for, were the logs losers that would get the day off for excessive heat, while we would be drilling section attacks outside in full gear. They would all bring beach chairs and coolers filled with beers and watch us... While laughing at us and jeering us on. The funny thing is that they always asked to know which bar we'd head to at night. Just so they could know which one NOT to go to... After a few drinks, some of us would have looked for payback... Cooks and Medaids though... I LOVED THEM.

[@ronaldmcdonald9147]

I'm a Marine grunt officer. My TBS roommate became an F/A 18 pilot (fighter/attack jet). This AF attack pilot reminded me why I could not have cut it as a pilot. No lack of intelligence on my part, no lack of situational awareness quality. What I lacked was that crazy-fast mental processing, and lightning fast reflexes that those pilots need and use when they go up and in to the fight. Mistakes up there are rarely forgiving. Much respect.

[@llo7816]

Yeah, u usually end up dead if u make a mistake.

[@jetjock8079]

Ronald McDonald Don’t sell yourself short, you have to be able to think fast at the drive through window, my best to Mayor McCheese

[@usn83001]

Ronald McDonald Thank you Sir. From a guy that Signed the Jet out as being Safe-For-Flight, with trusting acceptance from those 'Pilots'.

[@047Kenny]

Ronald McDonald my dad did 4 years in the 70’s and the only death he remembers was a suicide on his ship and a miscalculation a pilot had that led to his crash

[@davidwalker9491]

Respected mam please. Like

[@yafuker6046]

This is the guy you WANT to call "sir".

[@Daddy_Crayon]

It wouldn't feel right if i didn't-

[@davecrupel2817]

o7

[@yafuker6046]

@@davecrupel2817 Huh?

[@Sarcastrophus]

@@yafuker6046 thats the (incorrect) rank designation. O for Officers; a Lieutenant Colonel is an O5. An O7 is a Brigadier General

[@sadcoffee9863]

@@Sarcastrophus no o7 is a salute.

[@nick2316]

A-10’s are our closest things to dragons

[@fartpluswetone8077]

Except you'd never get to hear the awesome gunfire because you'd already be full of holes.

[@shiitakestick]

fartpluswetone well then all the better to hear you with , my dear. o

[@tinnyle2719]

No dragon can take a A-10 in a 1v1

[@drpepper694]

Dragons are our closest things to a-10s

[@shiitakestick]

Dragons are fanciful dreams , A-10s are living nightmares .

[@Bob-fz7pd]

"Someone is trying to hurt my friends." It comes down to that.

[@GinaWelsh]

Bob Because to think about more than that is not what the military are taught. Otherwise they’d never do the things they do.

[@TealJosh]

@RyanORourkelol sure about that?

[@TealJosh]

@RyanORourkelol have you seen the lindybeige video on that quite specific topic. I saw it ages ago and thought the same you do. Then I actually looked into it and turns out it was mostly misguided. The general who created the report this misbelief bases on turned out to be complete lie.

[@geesegoose6174]

It really is that simple..

[@vinsondong879]

If you hear the guns of the A10, it means you weren’t the target......

[@TELEVISIBLE]

he looks like a classic hollywood movie star

[@tyronebiggums4351]

@billy vandory you dropped out of middle school

[@duuurs]

Most US pilots do. You have to be an almost perfect physical and mental specimen of a human to qualify. Usually comes with good looks and the ability to be presentable.

[@gluckmac]

Audie Murphy

[@igolfjtweetler4097]

John Gavin Spartacus

[@duuurs]

@billy vandory just because you could never come anywhere close to this personal conviction and commitment, dont knock someone who achieved their goals. I know your mom's basement is smelly. We all know. It's okay.

[@MichaelPowers1960]

As a former Crew Chief (F4's, yeah it was a while ago), I applaud Lt. Col. Drowley's dedication to duty, his empathy, and obvious intellect. The world could use more like him.

[@Kay_213_]

What type of F4 was it? F4E?

[@Poncho_wl]

Thank you for your service 👍

[@BFZERO]

Salute from a random german soldier, Sir.

[@Poncho_wl]

@@BFZERO Hans get ze luger

[@BFZERO]

@@Poncho_wl not funny tho

[@terencejay8845]

In general reply to other comments: Not all pilots brag. My brother, a low-level attack Instructor at a UK RAF base, had a Sunday afternoon BBQ for fellow pilots, base officers, and a group of visiting, wide-eyed University air-cadet students. All in civvies. Naturally, the students were so excited to be in a social situation with the people they wanted to emulate. One chap was working the BBQ, with a student asking if he was at the base, and other questions. The officer explained he was on a course getting up to speed on the Hawk aircraft. He quietly answered numerous questions on the Hawk and its capabilities. What he didn't mention was that he was Red One, the leader of the RAF 'Red Arrows' Display Team.

[@joro5748]

"Getting up to speed on the Hawk". There's the measure of an understatement for anyone!

[@stephenames5290]

A-10 pilot, you are a guardian angel for those of us who have been on the ground. You carry a big stick and walk softly. Thank you for watching over us.

[@necromancer8978]

If the A-10 is the Hand of God. Then the 30mm gun on the A-10 is his middle finger

[@Kay_213_]

BBBRRRRTTT RVROOOOOM

[@briesonahtone4053]

I'm sure the actual hand of God is much more effective

[@Devoutoutdoorsman]

@@briesonahtone4053 If u ever see one. In action im sure youll change your mind

[@Poncho_wl]

You are what we call a genius

[@reeblesnarfle5443]

We used to call it death from above....

[@theamazingfreak]

Lieutenant Colonel Mike Drowley wow, thank you. I am a maintainer in the RAAF. I have been in service for 28 years now. I have met and worked with some very rude and arrogant pilots. You Sir, seem to be cut from better stock. I thoroughly enjoyed your warries. (Australian talk - war stories). Thanks. I would be happy to be your groundie any day.

[@MayimHastings]

He has that calming, big brother vibe that makes everything seem stable and possible. A leader to trust. Respect to this amazing hero! ❤️

[@primus7776]

I have no military experience. This is, nonetheless, a entire privilege to view. Thank You.

[@TREVASLARK]

I second your thought.

[@jlglover4592]

Same. And absolutely accurate. Thanks to the 1% who serve.

[@oxide9679]

If you like this video, check out CW Lemoine on KZbin. He’s a former Air Force F-16 pilot, a former Navy F-A-18 pilot, and an author. He has quite the KZbin channel

[@alfazedz1791]

That is good storytelling when a guy is sharing his own past experience and you're on the edge of your seat, wondering if he'll survive.

[@tylerritenour3930]

That's how I feel as a AH64 Pilot. We do a lot of missions with the A-10 guys overhead in our stack. Love these guys.

[@jeffploetner]

How do helicopters compare for close air support?

[@Darthybuddy]

@@jeffploetner more stable, less range. more rockets and missiles instead of bombs. generally range is the biggest difference though. Edit: i mean flight range, not weapon range.

[@WarrenPostma]

Hogs and Apaches; The winning combination. Go team Hogs + Apache.

[@mattsmotivation]

I’m grateful to have met and worked with this man as my commander.

[@seatato4468]

Everyone makes fun of the airforce until they need that plane then they're the most loved

[@hongobongo8069]

its all love man even if we pour milk down your pants the USAF is the eye in the sky that you pray to when theres nobody else and god's line is busy

[@janebeatty9472]

SeaTato Yep. The one who controls the skies, controls the battle.

[@chrisangus7078]

And it the same the world over .in the uk the marines figth the navay till a soldier turn up the the navay and the marines will abuse the soldiers the RAF just the spolit brat of the armed forces but anyone else pick on them then they answer to their 3 big sibling

[@jake5830]

I love all the branches, they all have their own important jobs. Even the coast guard......

[@bagelbob3979]

yeah they always make fun there most spoiled but they always need air surrport

[@JasonWester]

As a career Infantryman that began my career in 9/2001, I can never thank the pilots that provided us cover more. The A-10 was a savior in 3/2003. Whenever we left the wire throughout my 3 years in Iraq, if we had "birds on station" for that patrol, we were all very much relieved. When ever we had a TIC (Troops in Contact), we could always count on Army air support or Navy/Air Force fixed wing fast movers providing immediate assistance. Since my first firefight, I have always vowed that any pilot that I've met will never pay for a drink. As a Paratrooper, the C-130 and C-17 pilots have to pay 50%, those rides were rough!

[@theruggedscholar1544]

Jason Wester C-17 and C-130 pilots have to pay 50%...! I am choking from laughter! Do not blame the pilots; blame the aircraft...! That C-130 was a B÷TCH!

[@765respect]

I love the drone of C-130s!

[@thedude6712]

But there's no better aircraft to be shot down in than a Herc. :P

[@silentfades]

much respect and thank you for your service

[@terminaltom1662]

not as rough as the landings

[@kamikazeyamamoto4545]

Mike, when you get out of serving in the USAF, I urge you to run for Congress and serve the public. America needs more Patriots in government. You, Sir, are a great American and thank you for your service. (salute)

[@pastorbill7374]

Kamikaze Yamamoto Outstanding

[@clydeosborne622]

Agreed.

[@bethphillips5997]

I'll vote for him

[@aflaz171]

Then starts the corruption.

[@ulalaFrugilega]

Great comment that gets weird in connection with your profile.

[@oxide9679]

Former Army infantry here. The story he tells is a prime example of why we called the A-10s the “Angels on our Shoulders” Those flyboys have saved so many lives.

[@kilianfirebolt]

as well as killed just how you look at it

[@totallyanonymousbish9599]

Probably killed more than saved. Terrorists.

[@davekisor1486]

As a Naval Veteran Aviation Electrician with experience on the A-4F & A-7B/E, I've known my share of attack pilots. In an A-7 squadron, we went to Davis Monthan so our pilots could play with A-10 drivers. They told us about the "Warthog Wheel," where three A-10s formed a wheel which had a 7 barrelled 30MM cannon pointed at you at all times. Our pilots were all Vietnam Veterans and graduates of the Navy Fighter Weapo0ns School and they were very impressed with your airplanes.

[@popcornthemagictalkingcat7996]

Im not an American, Im not a soldier but I really liked his story and personal thoughts about his mission.

[@Kay_213_]

Just in case you thought, he’s not a soldier. He’s an airman. You probably weren’t talking about him though.

[@buckplug2423]

@@Kay_213_ he probably said soldier since in a lot of non-US countries a "soldier" is basically any military employee, and the specified terms such as an infantryman, a pilot or a sailor are used when describing "soldiers".

[@BFZERO]

@@buckplug2423 Salute from a random german (real if you care) soldier, Sir.

[@buckplug2423]

@@BFZERO thanks, can't salute back since I haven't earned my beret yet. I was talking about Poland since that's the military I know about, but don't you guys have different names for certain unit members, like Jaegers, Schutzen, Soldaten? Or is everyone a Soldat?

[@jefftheriault7260]

Pro as it's possible to be.

[@joehnunya]

His hair is perfect. Thank you Warthog drivers. Semper Fi

[@networth8754]

Always great to see that there are still some real men out there. Thank you for your service Mike.

[@jamesdey4560]

Thank you sir, for your service,and leadership. SFC Dey,U S A Retired

[@Megalodon64]

Yeah he flew the BRRRRRRRT!

[@Chris-pr7qo]

BRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRT!

[@cowetareserve]

BRRRRRRRRRRRRRT

[@KvS1x3]

Megalodon64 BRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRT

[@gabrielgonzalez1993]

BRRRT

[@Brandon-hn5xy]

BRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRT

[@BoDiddly]

As a Marine Corps Dessert Storm Veteran, my hats-off to the A10 and Cobra pilots! They were the grunts in the air to us Artillery (155 Howitzers, 1st Bn, 11th Marine Regiment, 1st Mar Div, 1st MEF).

[@accuratealloys]

Bo Diddly Semper Fi

[@Poncho_wl]

I think you are the first Marine Ive heard to give respect in the USAF

[@BFZERO]

Salute and Semper Fi from a random german soldier, Sir.

[@knutdergroe9757]

Bo Diddly, SEMPER FI from a Desert Shield and Desert Storm MARINE.

[@patrickkobolt3069]

Desert Storm vet here...agree 100% with your statement on A-10 and Cobras...I'd like to add in those Apaches and Tornadoes who operated in my area. There were moments I think I could have touched a Tornado as it passed over me.

[@raquelcurtis2044]

“Empathy is the greatest skill I have” ...BEST way EVERYONE should think in this world! ❤️

[@PhonePhone-ym2zx]

I don't think so. Why were you so far from home? Practice " emphaty" at home and without guns. Killings and emphaty don't go together in any sentence ever.

[@billwilson5341]

@@PhonePhone-ym2zx: Raquel Curtis is correct. She obviously lives in the real world. Not sure where you are and really don't care to know.

[@dr.skulhamr3220]

The A-10 and those who fly her have my utmost respect. To my mind, it's the most versatile weapon in our arsenal. My hat's off to the teams.

[@gaz0463]

For any boots on the ground that are taking incoming, accurate fire the pilot and his A10 is your very best friend. You feel your situation go from hopeless with death knocking on your door to utter relief and that everything is now ok. This pilot, who is sat on his automatic cannon with wings and jet engines, has just handed you your get out of jail free card and rescinded your death sentence! That feeling that you feel at that very moment will be with you for the rest of your life. @The One Who Knocks - The people that fly the A10 can tell me they’re a pilot as many times as they want!

[@jeffploetner]

How do helicopters compare for close air support?

[@Hayhayitsmaay]

I saw this in a video my bf showed me of him in combat. I was awestruck. watching the usaf show up and save those marines wearing body cameras with the Taliban trying to kill them had my heart in my throat.

[@mikey92362]

@@jeffploetner helicopters can't be on station as long and can't come to the rescue nearly as fast. A-10 can get there fast enough to save the day.

[@kinderfett5259]

The a-10 is everything but accurate

[@gaz0463]

@@kinderfett5259 it’s more than accurate enough to get the job done

[@mariataveras9803]

The A-10 is literally a flying tank.

[@TealJosh]

Half blind, underpowered and slow flying tank. I still love that imperfect machine. Nothing beats the brrrt.

[@splazoplaza2987]

Did they retrofit the Abrams M-1 with wings?

[@kindnessfirst9670]

Empathy is a great skill in ANY thing involving living things.

[@H.Liddell]

I want to double like your comment for your name as well 🙂

[@kindnessfirst9670]

@SuperVHSchannel Actually you have that exactly backwards. They lack empathy.

[@jupitercyclops6521]

Rmpathy is a liability in today's world.

[@kindnessfirst9670]

@@jupitercyclops6521 Only in a person that doesn't want any healthy interpersonal relationships. They are impossible without it.

[@jupitercyclops6521]

@@kindnessfirst9670 something. I mean in the business world or judicial system or government. Thats why so many are psychopaths. They lie with a straight face & couldn't care less who's lives they destroy or end for their own personal gain. Empathy & honesty hold a person back imo. (Damn this empathy)

[@abbieamavi]

*he's like the Ultimate Dad in a way, caring for all the troops. But then the military does try to get everyone to protect each other like a family. I've met some fighter pilots before and they were the kindest and humblest people, real genuine humans.*

[@wowzabd4322]

Veni Vidi Amavi he’s my dad

[@mouija1450]

Dude is a f**king boss.

[@evanflredondo]

Where I'm at, he's everybody's boss. 😂

[@erichoppe606]

As a prior Infantry grunt who served only in peace time years, my experience with A-10's was limited to Ft Irwin desert training. These planes are a ground pounder's greatest savior. I will always buy a beer for a warthog pilot.

[@stevensanchez512]

Thank you for your service at Ft. Irwin, it meant alot to our country

[@specag31]

They drink vodka martinis, high octane!

[@ricardoz5686]

I started reading the book "Leaders Eat Last" just a few days ago. It started out with this story, so I am just in absolute amazement that this video came up on autoplay. I'm truly amazed.

[@arym1108]

Ricardo Z that’s called synchronicity. It’s truly an amazing phenomena when you are aware of it.

[@pagansquaddie]

Leaders eat last is an ancient Greek warrior thing. If you had enough land and money, you joined the hippies, the cavalry. The captain would delegate everything, but always be last to the cauldron. You make sure your warriors are full before you are key discipline.

[@twistedhippie7608]

The Army humbly requests more of these pilots and less of the other ones.

[@joecascade5105]

like the navy Saudi pilot?

[@xiuossebens4195]

Thank You Lieutenant Colonel Mike Drowley for You and your Men's service for this country. May GOD Bless and Keep each and every one of Ya'll. W K Brown

[@dinorahtdeleon3014]

Thank you for your service Mike Drowley,

[@LemmunJuse]

Totally awesome. This guy is someone I'd look to as an example of excellent and wide leadership.

[@BigMoney23223]

His hair really does look amazing

[@zyadcarr]

What a great speech, thank you for your service, Lt. Col. Drowley

[@robertcoram7306]

Colonel: You are the best of who we are as a people. Thank you for your service.

[@Freight_Train]

The clarity and directness with his speech patterns is amazing. It's easy to see the intellect that drives this man and makes him a good pilot.

[@stevegeorge5322]

Wow Mike!!! I'm so very proud of you!!! It makes an old man feel good to know that we're still cranking out some real Heros!!! Thank You for Your Service!!!

[@josea.4491]

People think that the A - 10 is a horrendous aircraft that has no use whatsoever. However, I think it is fairly unique. Not your typical attack aircraft, and has saved countless troop lives when it flies. Thank you sir for serving!

[@mikkelsgulliksen8289]

Joseasdfg i think it’s sick

[@keegansponholz9260]

Joseasdfg I have literally never heard anyone who dislikes the A-10 there's no other aircraft in the world that can do it's job as well as it does.

[@SidestickPilot]

Joseasdfg anybody with any aviation knowledge knows the A-10 is one of the most effective aircraft in history. It’s by far the best CAS in U.S history.

[@tpfaff]

It is cool yes, but It is currently serving as a COIN aircraft. It has never served its actual designed purpose. It is like using a big expensive tank for troop transport. You can do the same thing with any other aircraft fielded by US (i.e f-16,f-18,f35, b9, ...). In fact a10's are the minority in CAS missions. It has no purpose. F35 holds more munitions then the A10 with a greater loiter time. People see that it works as a COIN aircraft and think that Is what it should be doing. A10 is actually extremely expensive and they are old so their maintenance is extremely expensive. We can send a prop plane to perform the current A10's job with the same effectiveness for 10x cost. In fact that Is the USAF's plan even though they can continue to risk other aircraft that are overqualified for the job like the A10 or aircraft that do that job better like the f35.

[@SCYTHE2525]

Who told you that? It's proven to be on the most well rounded and effective ground attack aircraft ever. Tough as nails, a gun that's top of class and effective performance wise? This plane should be kept around for at least another ten years.

[@russellbeverly94]

Thank you Sir for your courage, character, and service to this country. You are everything that I miss about the United States Air Force. Awesome! Respectfully, Russell Pernell Beverly U.S. Air Force Combat Veteran 1984- 1991

[@vwd3781]

Thank you for your service. Thank you for letting me see some of the inside of what you dealt with.

[@tflwulf69]

I have watched this talk so many times, it really does teach so many things. 1) Most fly boys do care about the guys on the ground 2) they do weigh the odds 3) they care about everyone under their command. I love this talk, he puts his military to the side and talks his human. He talks about his ups and his downs and why, I love it.

[@Beaches_south_of_L.A.]

This guy was cool, an excellent speaker and it would seem a very effective leader. He is the exact opposite of a sociopath.

[@derangedgaming3781]

All leaders are sociopaths, not all sociopaths are leaders.

[@reeblesnarfle5443]

You mean current politicos?

[@damiendeecee]

"I've got so much empathy” is what a sociopath would say.

[@RedMichaud]

Damien Cruickshan

[@raceanadreamcargrameater6227]

Lol

[@kaneo3243]

You're the kind of an American that has always made America great. Look forward to your quality of citizens taking the mantle of leadership of this country. I salute you, soldier!

[@smurfpoppin4470]

Fester Blats he kills so others don't have to.

[@tomd3098]

Hey, Kane O, I *pleerght* sorry, just vomited a little.

[@combativeThinker]

Fester Blats He does it so you don't have to.

[@savagenovelist2983]

Fester Blats He doesn’t kill just to kill, he’s killing people who have committed their lives to terrorizing other for their own benefit. Which is worse: One man dead, or millions? We are facing people who are willing to Nuke NYC and Bomb Boston. Do they really deserve the life they’ve been given?

[@hongobongo8069]

@Fester Blats You cannot be as simpleminded and nuanced as that, can you? I've got horror stories about these 'people' that our soldiers ... remove from this world. They (Insurgents/Terrorists/Islamic Radicals) are not people. If you think about these monsters as human beings, then you're already in the wrong conversation, asking the wrong questions with the wrong answer in mind.

[@tonybartlett2852]

The true definition of a real soldier! Thanks for your service!

[@virtualcolditz]

Wow, a night weather letdown. That is one brave honcho. I fly at night, and the thing you don't do as a civilian leisure pilot is to go below your minimum safe altitude, especially down through cloud. But these guys...just wow. Ok I know they are trained for it, but still. Amazing.

[@victorfield4607]

It's great (for a non combatant) to hear how the air support backs up the ground forces. Hard to put all the pieces together, so interesting to hear it from someone who has had to do it. Thank you LT-Col Drowley.

[@sgwilsonmd]

You learned what every Marine Officer and NCO knows from day one. You serve. Every Marine in the fight, every member of the team. Well done, sir. And thank you.

[@carolehammonds6968]

Thank you for sharing what you've gone through. Though I've not had alot of family members serve and don't know anyone personally, I have always had so much respect for anyone, male/female who have sacrificed their lives, for me! God Bless You and may all of your missions be successful!

[@robertsutphen2333]

Fine young man....with wisdom and guts. Thankyou 🇺🇸!

[@scentlessscents699]

Love him. Tough, confident and a sense of humor.

[@davidbrackin7927]

Thank you sir for your service, and god bless!

[@Mike-pp8or]

As a combat Marine thank you sir with all my heart. You probably saved some of my Marines lives.

[@laynn104]

Thank you Lt. Mike Drowley.

[@reddevilparatrooper]

Thank you Sir! As an Infantryman you have my respect!

[@ame01]

One of, if not, the most, incredibly powerful speeches I’ve ever heard. Thank you.

[@jamestieman1591]

Thank you for your service and unwavering support

[@513sr20]

he is one of the most outstanding gentleman i have worked for in my career.

[@Ircar47]

Wow! How humble.RESPECT.

[@bvogel8999]

Leadership at its finest Thank you sir!!

[@danstephensen9032]

Thx SO MUCH for Valiantly Serving this Grateful Nation. I lost 2 Uncles as Pilots. 1 in WWII and an RF4D PILOT in Vietnam. The Ultimate sacrifice. MONT (B-26) & MARK STEPHENSEN~Riverton, UT. 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸👍

[@txlonghrons93]

Great piece on leadership and teamwork.

[@JJ-np1ig]

What a great guy and a good talk. Thanks from an old 11b c.o.

[@gforceforever]

I am most proud to call you brother. You deserve every accolade, pin, and raise available to you. You are why I joined, and why "Fly, Fight, Win!" means so much!

[@magustacrae]

Mike,. Great talk. Thank you for sharing a very valid perspective to so many. I'm sure you have inspired many 👊

[@Topherelius]

Amen Brother! We are everything and everyone we help or come into contact with. Regardless of rank, job code, or specific service.

[@Thanato26]

They have radios, they do well coordinates attacks. And even have attempted Company sized attacks. He is a an angel of death, but this angel flys on our shoulders. I am a Canadian Soldier. I have been in a 'Troops in Contact' situation. The biggest moral booster was an Apache flying overhead on over watch. ~Thanato

[@petrkovolich7309]

WTF are you talking about!

[@FriedrichHerschel]

He was talking about that the enemy (be it iraqi soldiers or taliban) aren't dump, they also use equipment like radio to coordinate their attacks (with up to company strength, thats roughly 150 men), not just 2 lone guys like it might be portrayed in some movies or something. And he talks about that he liked having air support nearby, espacially in a combat situation, and he's glad that he's the one having that support, not the enemy.

[@alexl7989]

But... our military does not have Apaches, so you wouldn't be receiving support from one of them unless you were working with America, or performing some sort of NATO mission

[@tbateman9902]

Hes an A-10 pilot ....why are you talking about an Apache?

[@jmanthunderbolt]

apaches are paperweights

[@dukeshaver199]

What an incredible talk. That seriously moved and changed me as a person. God bless you sir.

[@InTehFace1]

Real Heroes. I shed a tear listening to your story for our brothers in arms. Thank you for your service

[@seanchareau6195]

This officer has it right. He would be deserving of a salute.

[@sugarfreshh7991]

Such a powerful story. Thanks for sharing 🇺🇸 ❤️ God bless our brave troops

[@verticle2612]

I was a Scout Pilot in a Kiowa Warrior… TIC (Troops In Contact) are words that change your life forever. I loved what I did. The best and worst days of my life.

[@markjolyn94]

Thank you for your service and all you do. And you are all those people as many of us our or were. We are all brother's and sister's no matter the branch we have served in

[@tfoen7678]

Nothing beats the sound like a flying tank charging into the battle with the guns burping. Thank you for saving U.S.

[@TheOnlySaneAmerican]

What did he save? lol

[@pele220]

one thing does beat that sound , a flying gunship firing away at targets on the ground you haven't seen true air to ground support until you've seen an AC130 gunship firing precisely at enemy targets

[@pele220]

@edgard Wiresner Actually from his name you cant tell if he is American , Korean etc' Why do you think he is american ?

[@keithj6251]

@billy vandory yeah like the British Empire wasn't built and operated in a similar way by similar thinking people.

[@ingriddubbel8468]

Can you be more pretentious? You sound like a tween.

[@robertreynolds9228]

Well spoken articulate man.

[@Artinthefamily]

Thank you for your service Sir.

[@jerrykline9687]

Thank You for your wisdom and sharing your life’s stories. God bless you....

[@fubarmofo6969]

Exactly why we always thanked our angels in the sky who came to our rescue when we were in need! God bless the eagles above

[@parsia1363]

Unbelievable for us civilians to even try to understand the sacrifice and bravery that our military personnel dedicate to defending the people, freedom and the values of this great nation. Thank you for your service and thank for opening a window to your world, absolutely incredible and inspiring. The most humble hero that I've ever seen.

[@davidhollenshead4892]

Actually you can "understand the sacrifice and bravery that our military personnel dedicate to defending the people", all you need do is take the time to listen to our Veterans...

[@oleglezhnyak9491]

Helow I'm not a haker or anything to army or to seals or to anyone or to maf I'm just oleg livin a life in USA and I'm not sure if my women herting or who I was with wath he was going to do or wat loung time ego and I do not want aleksander gat hurt or anything he was in prison its do not means they can do anything they want with it he had just a year left and bnb voice eraund is it peaple playd with me or I'm not inderstanding somthing

[@chrisbusenkell]

thanks for your time and your service sir

[@PatriotCoinRings]

God Bless you and your service! Nothing better when taking heavy fire than to hear an A10 shredding through the enemy threat. Thank you for your service!

[@mountainnewsnow1832]

My daughter has been in the Air Force few months now. God bless you all

[@jamesburns2232]

She will soon become an A-10 pilot.

[@TankGunner84]

That’s the best damn ted talk I’ve ever seen!!

[@mindylentz2584]

Thank you for your service!!!!

[@NPCSN]

A10 pilot... My friend, I love you. I'll never know of you were the one, but thank you.

[@tammyburgess6154]

Thank you Sir for your service.