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The Afterburn Podcast is focused on bringing people together through stories.  Learning from those that have walked “the path.”

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THE MISSION

The Afterburn Podcast’s mission is to capture and preserve the rich history of military operations through powerful and in-depth interviews with incredible pilots, special operators, experts, and veterans. Whether you’re a history buff, an aviation enthusiast, or someone intrigued by military operations, our episodes offer a unique glimpse into the past and present of high-stakes military operations with the pilots and operators who have served in elite military units across the globe.  Their firsthand accounts highlight the courage, innovation, and leadership in dynamic and high-consequence scenarios.

Join us as we explore the fascinating world of military aviation and special operations, discussing everything from historic aircraft and pivotal missions to the personal growth and resilience of those who serve. Subscribe today to be part of a journey that honors the legacy of military service through storytelling. Whether you’re interested in aviation history, military tactics, or preserving the stories of veterans, The Afterburn Podcast is your ultimate destination for deep dives into military aviation and combat operations.

– John “Rain” Waters

youtube logo iconOUR LATEST YOUTUBE EPISODES

OUR LATEST
YOUTUBE EPISODES

THESE VIDEOS COVER A WIDE VARIETY OF TOPICS SUCH AS TACTICS, EQUIPMENT, MILITARY DYNAMICS, MILITARY FAMILY LIFE AND MORE.

In this episode of the Afterburn Podcast, host John “Rain” Waters sits down with Vincent “Jell-O” Aiello, former Navy fighter pilot and host of the @FighterPilotPodcast for a deep dive into the highs and hardships of naval aviation. From his first spark of inspiration at an airshow to flying over 700 successful carrier landings, Jell-O shares a candid and compelling journey through the world of military flight. 

They discuss the grit required to survive flight school, the evolution of airmanship and training, and the life-changing experience of attending Top Gun. Jell-O recounts intense moments from deployments aboard the USS George Washington and John F. Kennedy, reflects on the emotional toll of military service, and gives insight into his time flying as an adversary pilot in the F-16. He also opens up about his book, Through the Yellow Visor, and how storytelling plays a crucial role in honoring those who serve. This episode is rich with wisdom on perseverance, mentorship, and what it truly means to be a fighter pilot.

Through the Yellow Visor: https://amzn.to/4jaAfc6

Get a signed copy: https://www.fighterpilotpodcast.com/product-page/through-the-yellow-visor

🔸Join this channel to get access to perks:
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🔺 Grab our free newsletter for insights into aviation, defense, and geopolitics - https://bit.ly/AfterburnNewsletter 🔺

🇺🇸 Support Veterans in Their Time of Need or Apply for Help: http://gunsgarin.com/rain 🇺🇸
---
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Scrub Your Info from Data Brokers & Protect Yourself | https://aura.com/afterburn 
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Launch your aviation career: https://bogidope.com/?bd=rain

Recorded on Riverside.fm https://www.riverside.fm/?via=afterburn
----
✈️  Afterburn Podcast Links ✈️
Support The Afterburn Podcast for on Patreon and gain early access and AD Free episodes. Plus access to “There I was…” stories. https://www.patreon.com/theafterburnpodcast 
Website – https://www.theafterburnpodcast.com 
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/rainwaters27/?hl=enS
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/afterburnpodcast/
X - https://x.com/AfterburnPod 1:17:43

In this episode of the Afterburn Podcast, host John “Rain” Waters sits down with Vincent “Jell-O” Aiello, former Navy fighter pilot and host of the @FighterPilotPodcast for a deep dive into the highs and hardships of naval aviation. From his first spark of inspiration at an airshow to flying over 700 successful carrier landings, Jell-O shares a candid and compelling journey through the world of military flight.

They discuss the grit required to survive flight school, the evolution of airmanship and training, and the life-changing experience of attending Top Gun. Jell-O recounts intense moments from deployments aboard the USS George Washington and John F. Kennedy, reflects on the emotional toll of military service, and gives insight into his time flying as an adversary pilot in the F-16. He also opens up about his book, Through the Yellow Visor, and how storytelling plays a crucial role in honoring those who serve. This episode is rich with wisdom on perseverance, mentorship, and what it truly means to be a fighter pilot.

Through the Yellow Visor: https://amzn.to/4jaAfc6

Get a signed copy: https://www.fighterpilotpodcast.com/product-page/through-the-yellow-visor

🔸Join this channel to get access to perks:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8gLFapmHedK1TvsStG5Cuw/join🔸

🔺 Grab our free newsletter for insights into aviation, defense, and geopolitics - https://bit.ly/AfterburnNewsletter 🔺

🇺🇸 Support Veterans in Their Time of Need or Apply for Help: http://gunsgarin.com/rain 🇺🇸
---
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Scrub Your Info from Data Brokers & Protect Yourself | https://aura.com/afterburn
14-day free trial

Launch your aviation career: https://bogidope.com/?bd=rain

Recorded on Riverside.fm https://www.riverside.fm/?via=afterburn
----
✈️ Afterburn Podcast Links ✈️
Support The Afterburn Podcast for on Patreon and gain early access and AD Free episodes. Plus access to “There I was…” stories. https://www.patreon.com/theafterburnpodcast
Website – https://www.theafterburnpodcast.com
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/rainwaters27/?hl=enS
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/afterburnpodcast/
X - https://x.com/AfterburnPod

YouTube Video UExZT0laTDU1Mjh3R3RTeGZ0T21PV3NmSEZhX2Q3QzlldC5ENjg3MEUyQ0IzODMzQThB

F-18 Journey Through TopGun and Beyond | Ep 135 Vincent "Jell-O" Aiello

June 6, 2025 7:30 pm

In this episode of the Afterburn Podcast, John “Rain” Waters is joined by Vince “Snapper” Sherer, a veteran A-10 pilot with 4,500 flight hours and 299 combat missions. Snapper breaks down his path from the Air Force Academy to deployments across Afghanistan flying the A-10A and A-10C, including time in the MC-12. He details the evolution of close air support, the integration of targeting pods, and the challenges of executing time-sensitive strikes in complex environments. Snapper also shares how personal events—including his brother’s career-ending accident and a high-casualty strike on a high-value target—shaped his approach to combat and leadership. The discussion covers training, weapons employment, A-10 capabilities, and the operational realities of supporting ground forces across multiple conflicts.

Snapper IG: https://www.instagram.com/snapperland/
Snapper YT: https://www.youtube.com/@UCUJ7iscuyXRk2P4JKwpfJUg 

🔸Join this channel to get access to perks:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8gLFapmHedK1TvsStG5Cuw/join🔸

🔺 Grab our free newsletter for insights into aviation, defense, and geopolitics - https://bit.ly/AfterburnNewsletter 🔺

🇺🇸 Support Veterans in Their Time of Need or Apply for Help: http://gunsgarin.com/rain 🇺🇸
---
🎙️ Sponsor Links🎙️
Scrub Your Info from Data Brokers & Protect Yourself | https://aura.com/afterburn 
14-day free trial 

Launch your aviation career: https://bogidope.com/?bd=rain

Recorded on Riverside.fm https://www.riverside.fm/?via=afterburn
----
✈️  Afterburn Podcast Links ✈️
Support The Afterburn Podcast for on Patreon and gain early access and AD Free episodes. Plus access to “There I was…” stories. https://www.patreon.com/theafterburnpodcast 
Website – https://www.theafterburnpodcast.com 
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/rainwaters27/?hl=enS
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/afterburnpodcast/
X - https://x.com/AfterburnPod 1:33:44

In this episode of the Afterburn Podcast, John “Rain” Waters is joined by Vince “Snapper” Sherer, a veteran A-10 pilot with 4,500 flight hours and 299 combat missions. Snapper breaks down his path from the Air Force Academy to deployments across Afghanistan flying the A-10A and A-10C, including time in the MC-12. He details the evolution of close air support, the integration of targeting pods, and the challenges of executing time-sensitive strikes in complex environments. Snapper also shares how personal events—including his brother’s career-ending accident and a high-casualty strike on a high-value target—shaped his approach to combat and leadership. The discussion covers training, weapons employment, A-10 capabilities, and the operational realities of supporting ground forces across multiple conflicts.

Snapper IG: https://www.instagram.com/snapperland/
Snapper YT: https://www.youtube.com/@UCUJ7iscuyXRk2P4JKwpfJUg

🔸Join this channel to get access to perks:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8gLFapmHedK1TvsStG5Cuw/join🔸

🔺 Grab our free newsletter for insights into aviation, defense, and geopolitics - https://bit.ly/AfterburnNewsletter 🔺

🇺🇸 Support Veterans in Their Time of Need or Apply for Help: http://gunsgarin.com/rain 🇺🇸
---
🎙️ Sponsor Links🎙️
Scrub Your Info from Data Brokers & Protect Yourself | https://aura.com/afterburn
14-day free trial

Launch your aviation career: https://bogidope.com/?bd=rain

Recorded on Riverside.fm https://www.riverside.fm/?via=afterburn
----
✈️ Afterburn Podcast Links ✈️
Support The Afterburn Podcast for on Patreon and gain early access and AD Free episodes. Plus access to “There I was…” stories. https://www.patreon.com/theafterburnpodcast
Website – https://www.theafterburnpodcast.com
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/rainwaters27/?hl=enS
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/afterburnpodcast/
X - https://x.com/AfterburnPod

YouTube Video UExZT0laTDU1Mjh3R3RTeGZ0T21PV3NmSEZhX2Q3QzlldC41MzJFNEYxODEyNzA0QUUx

My 20+ Year Career as an A-10 Pilot Taught Me THIS | ep 134 #fighterpilot

May 23, 2025 7:45 pm

In Episode 133, John “Rain” Waters sits down with F-16 pilot Trent “Teddy” Meisel for a gripping and emotional conversation.  Teddy walks us through his journey from small-town Oklahoma to the cockpit of the Viper, including a traumatic ejection over South Korea that nearly cost him his life. "Teddy" is also the founder of @4th_GenHuntingCo 

This episode dives into the moment-by-moment chaos of that day in May 2023, when a systems failure during a combat exercise forced him to make the ultimate call—pulling the ejection handle. Teddy reflects on what went wrong, how his training kicked in, and what it’s like to come back from an ejection both physically and mentally.

Rain and Teddy also discuss the realities of Total Force Integration, life in a Guard unit, and the camaraderie forged through the crucible of flying fighters. Plus, hear how Teddy founded 4th Gen Hunting Co. and how the outdoors became part of his recovery journey.
This is more than a story of survival—it’s a deep dive into resilience, pilot culture, and the unforgiving nature of modern air combat.

4th GenHuntingCo: https://www.4thgenhuntingco.com/

🔸Join this channel to get access to perks:
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🔺 Grab our free newsletter for insights into aviation, defense, and geopolitics - https://bit.ly/AfterburnNewsletter 🔺

🇺🇸 Support Veterans in Their Time of Need or Apply for Help: http://gunsgarin.com/rain 🇺🇸
---
🎙️ Sponsor Links🎙️
Scrub Your Info from Data Brokers & Protect Yourself | https://aura.com/afterburn 
14-day free trial 

Launch your aviation career: https://bogidope.com/?bd=rain

Recorded on Riverside.fm https://www.riverside.fm/?via=afterburn
----
✈️  Afterburn Podcast Links ✈️
Support The Afterburn Podcast for on Patreon and gain early access and AD Free episodes. Plus access to “There I was…” stories. https://www.patreon.com/theafterburnpodcast 
Website – https://www.theafterburnpodcast.com 
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/rainwaters27/?hl=enS
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/afterburnpodcast/
X - https://x.com/AfterburnPod

00:00 – Teddy Meisel: From Oklahoma Roots to the Fighter Pilot Dream
02:53 – Becoming an F-16 Pilot: Academy Ambitions and Air Force Entry
06:05 – Medical Waivers, Hearing Loss, and the Long Road to the Cockpit
09:09 – Guard vs. Active Duty: Navigating Total Force Integration
12:01 – Inside UPT: Pilot Training Struggles, Strategies, and Realities
14:53 – Post-Training Path: Viper Assignment Surprises and Career Choices
21:23 – Rolling the Dice: Assignment Drops and Unexpected Orders
22:15 – Debunking Pilot Myths and Earning Respect in the F-16
24:28 – Living and Flying in Korea: Fighter Pilot Life at Kunsan and Osan
26:36 – Squadron Brotherhood: Social Life and Camaraderie Overseas
28:11 – Brush with Death: A Near-Fatal Icy Drive En Route to Interview
31:01 – The Incident: May 2023 Ejection Over Korea
35:07 – From Takeoff to Trouble: The Start of a Critical Sortie
39:12 – Spatial Disorientation and System Failures in Flight
43:49 – Ejecting to Survive: Split-Second Decisions at 3,000 Feet
47:37 – Impact and Survival: Crashing into a Rice Paddy in South Korea
50:03 – Aftermath of Ejection: Recovery, Rescue, and Reflection
57:46 – From Trauma to Purpose: Healing Through Hunting and Telling the Story 1:17:10

In Episode 133, John “Rain” Waters sits down with F-16 pilot Trent “Teddy” Meisel for a gripping and emotional conversation. Teddy walks us through his journey from small-town Oklahoma to the cockpit of the Viper, including a traumatic ejection over South Korea that nearly cost him his life. "Teddy" is also the founder of @4th_GenHuntingCo

This episode dives into the moment-by-moment chaos of that day in May 2023, when a systems failure during a combat exercise forced him to make the ultimate call—pulling the ejection handle. Teddy reflects on what went wrong, how his training kicked in, and what it’s like to come back from an ejection both physically and mentally.

Rain and Teddy also discuss the realities of Total Force Integration, life in a Guard unit, and the camaraderie forged through the crucible of flying fighters. Plus, hear how Teddy founded 4th Gen Hunting Co. and how the outdoors became part of his recovery journey.
This is more than a story of survival—it’s a deep dive into resilience, pilot culture, and the unforgiving nature of modern air combat.

4th GenHuntingCo: https://www.4thgenhuntingco.com/

🔸Join this channel to get access to perks:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8gLFapmHedK1TvsStG5Cuw/join🔸

🔺 Grab our free newsletter for insights into aviation, defense, and geopolitics - https://bit.ly/AfterburnNewsletter 🔺

🇺🇸 Support Veterans in Their Time of Need or Apply for Help: http://gunsgarin.com/rain 🇺🇸
---
🎙️ Sponsor Links🎙️
Scrub Your Info from Data Brokers & Protect Yourself | https://aura.com/afterburn
14-day free trial

Launch your aviation career: https://bogidope.com/?bd=rain

Recorded on Riverside.fm https://www.riverside.fm/?via=afterburn
----
✈️ Afterburn Podcast Links ✈️
Support The Afterburn Podcast for on Patreon and gain early access and AD Free episodes. Plus access to “There I was…” stories. https://www.patreon.com/theafterburnpodcast
Website – https://www.theafterburnpodcast.com
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/rainwaters27/?hl=enS
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/afterburnpodcast/
X - https://x.com/AfterburnPod

00:00 – Teddy Meisel: From Oklahoma Roots to the Fighter Pilot Dream
02:53 – Becoming an F-16 Pilot: Academy Ambitions and Air Force Entry
06:05 – Medical Waivers, Hearing Loss, and the Long Road to the Cockpit
09:09 – Guard vs. Active Duty: Navigating Total Force Integration
12:01 – Inside UPT: Pilot Training Struggles, Strategies, and Realities
14:53 – Post-Training Path: Viper Assignment Surprises and Career Choices
21:23 – Rolling the Dice: Assignment Drops and Unexpected Orders
22:15 – Debunking Pilot Myths and Earning Respect in the F-16
24:28 – Living and Flying in Korea: Fighter Pilot Life at Kunsan and Osan
26:36 – Squadron Brotherhood: Social Life and Camaraderie Overseas
28:11 – Brush with Death: A Near-Fatal Icy Drive En Route to Interview
31:01 – The Incident: May 2023 Ejection Over Korea
35:07 – From Takeoff to Trouble: The Start of a Critical Sortie
39:12 – Spatial Disorientation and System Failures in Flight
43:49 – Ejecting to Survive: Split-Second Decisions at 3,000 Feet
47:37 – Impact and Survival: Crashing into a Rice Paddy in South Korea
50:03 – Aftermath of Ejection: Recovery, Rescue, and Reflection
57:46 – From Trauma to Purpose: Healing Through Hunting and Telling the Story

YouTube Video UExZT0laTDU1Mjh3R3RTeGZ0T21PV3NmSEZhX2Q3QzlldC5EODkyNDMzRkJBNkQ2NkMz

Trent “Teddy” Meisel | F-16 Fighter Pilot Podcast Interview | Ep 133 #fighterpilot

April 27, 2025 1:15 pm

In this episode, Captain Troels “TEO” Vang joins The Afterburn Podcast host, John “Rain” Waters. As one of the most experienced F-16 pilots in the Royal Danish Air Force, TEO offers an in-depth look into the life of a European Viper driver with more than two decades of combat aviation experience.

From missions over Libya, Iraq, Syria, and the Baltics to leading Denmark’s F-16 solo display team across Europe, TEO shares powerful insights into tactical flying, military leadership, and the future of fighter aviation. He and Rain discuss the cultural and structural contrasts between the U.S. and Danish Air Forces, and how Denmark’s 37-hour workweek model may be the secret to long-term pilot retention.

TEO also unpacks the evolution of the Danish demo jet—including the iconic “Dannebrog” paint scheme honoring the world’s oldest national flag and the F-16’s 50th anniversary.

Whether he’s intercepting Russian aircraft or wowing crowds at international airshows, Captain TEO exemplifies the mindset and mission of the fighter pilot brotherhood.
Subscribe for more veteran stories, tactical airpower insight, and global combat aviation perspectives.

🔸Join this channel to get access to perks:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8gLFapmHedK1TvsStG5Cuw/join🔸

🔺 Grab our free newsletter for insights into aviation, defense, and geopolitics - https://bit.ly/AfterburnNewsletter 🔺

🇺🇸 Support Veterans in Their Time of Need or Apply for Help: http://gunsgarin.com/rain 🇺🇸
---
🎙️ Sponsor Links🎙️
Scrub Your Info from Data Brokers & Protect Yourself | https://aura.com/afterburn 
14-day free trial 

Launch your aviation career: https://bogidope.com/?bd=rain

Recorded on Riverside.fm https://www.riverside.fm/?via=afterburn
----
✈️  Afterburn Podcast Links ✈️
Support The Afterburn Podcast for on Patreon and gain early access and AD Free episodes. Plus access to “There I was…” stories. https://www.patreon.com/theafterburnpodcast 
Website – https://www.theafterburnpodcast.com 
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/rainwaters27/?hl=enS
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/afterburnpodcast/
X - https://x.com/AfterburnPod 1:3:45

In this episode, Captain Troels “TEO” Vang joins The Afterburn Podcast host, John “Rain” Waters. As one of the most experienced F-16 pilots in the Royal Danish Air Force, TEO offers an in-depth look into the life of a European Viper driver with more than two decades of combat aviation experience.

From missions over Libya, Iraq, Syria, and the Baltics to leading Denmark’s F-16 solo display team across Europe, TEO shares powerful insights into tactical flying, military leadership, and the future of fighter aviation. He and Rain discuss the cultural and structural contrasts between the U.S. and Danish Air Forces, and how Denmark’s 37-hour workweek model may be the secret to long-term pilot retention.

TEO also unpacks the evolution of the Danish demo jet—including the iconic “Dannebrog” paint scheme honoring the world’s oldest national flag and the F-16’s 50th anniversary.

Whether he’s intercepting Russian aircraft or wowing crowds at international airshows, Captain TEO exemplifies the mindset and mission of the fighter pilot brotherhood.
Subscribe for more veteran stories, tactical airpower insight, and global combat aviation perspectives.

🔸Join this channel to get access to perks:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8gLFapmHedK1TvsStG5Cuw/join🔸

🔺 Grab our free newsletter for insights into aviation, defense, and geopolitics - https://bit.ly/AfterburnNewsletter 🔺

🇺🇸 Support Veterans in Their Time of Need or Apply for Help: http://gunsgarin.com/rain 🇺🇸
---
🎙️ Sponsor Links🎙️
Scrub Your Info from Data Brokers & Protect Yourself | https://aura.com/afterburn
14-day free trial

Launch your aviation career: https://bogidope.com/?bd=rain

Recorded on Riverside.fm https://www.riverside.fm/?via=afterburn
----
✈️ Afterburn Podcast Links ✈️
Support The Afterburn Podcast for on Patreon and gain early access and AD Free episodes. Plus access to “There I was…” stories. https://www.patreon.com/theafterburnpodcast
Website – https://www.theafterburnpodcast.com
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/rainwaters27/?hl=enS
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/afterburnpodcast/
X - https://x.com/AfterburnPod

YouTube Video UExZT0laTDU1Mjh3R3RTeGZ0T21PV3NmSEZhX2Q3QzlldC5BRUVCN0E0MzEwQzAwNjMy

Denmark's F-16 Demo Pilot | Troels "TEO" Vang

April 18, 2025 8:15 pm

Part IV in @AfterburnPodcast Supression of Enemy Air Defenses (SEAD) series with Operation Iraqi Freedom.  Mike “Flash” McVay welcomes a seasoned fighter pilot Sham “Vandal” Mann and Wild Weasel veteran to break down the evolution of the Suppression of Enemy Air Defenses mission in the Viper community. From crafting airplanes out of bobby pins as a toddler to executing real-world SEAD missions over Baghdad, this guest’s career spans decades of pivotal moments in combat aviation. Listeners will hear how a single incentive flight in an F-16 transformed a lifelong dream of flying Eagles into a passion for the Viper’s multi-role capabilities.

The guest shares his formative years at Nellis as a maintenance officer during the transition from F-4G to F-16CJ in the Weasel role, offering a rare behind-the-scenes look at how the mission set developed. He discusses deployments supporting Operations Northern Watch and Southern Watch, including a gripping account of being in Turkey when 9/11 occurred and the political complications that followed. As the conversation shifts to Operation Iraqi Freedom, he recalls leading night SEAD sorties over Baghdad, vividly describing the chaos, coordination, and execution of real-time missions under fire.

This episode is a masterclass in SEAD tactics, pilot training philosophy, and the high-stakes decision-making required in modern air combat. Tune in for unparalleled insight into the mindset of a fighter pilot operating at the tip of the spear.

🔸Join this channel to get access to perks:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8gLFapmHedK1TvsStG5Cuw/join🔸

🔺 Grab our free newsletter for insights into aviation, defense, and geopolitics - https://bit.ly/AfterburnNewsletter 🔺

🇺🇸 Support Veterans in Their Time of Need or Apply for Help: http://gunsgarin.com/rain 🇺🇸
---
🎙️ Sponsor Links🎙️
Scrub Your Info from Data Brokers & Protect Yourself | https://aura.com/afterburn 
14-day free trial 

Launch your aviation career: https://bogidope.com/?bd=rain

Recorded on Riverside.fm https://www.riverside.fm/?via=afterburn
----
✈️  Afterburn Podcast Links ✈️
Support The Afterburn Podcast for on Patreon and gain early access and AD Free episodes. Plus access to “There I was…” stories. https://www.patreon.com/theafterburnpodcast 
Website – https://www.theafterburnpodcast.com 
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/rainwaters27/?hl=enS
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/afterburnpodcast/
X - https://x.com/AfterburnPod

00:00 Introduction to the Weasel Legacy
03:13 Vandal's Military Journey and Passion for Aviation
06:10 Choosing the F-16: A Fighter Pilot's Journey
09:01 The Evolution of Weasel Tactics and Technology
12:12 The Road to Operation Iraqi Freedom
15:03 The Build-Up to Iraq: Political Context and Military Readiness
17:53 The Experience of Northern and Southern Watch Missions
20:48 Preparing for Combat: The Final Days Before OIF
24:12 The Absurdity of Military Protocols Before War
27:09 The Night Before the Invasion: Tensions and Expectations
44:22 The Calm Before the Storm
52:33 Night One: Shock and Awe
01:10:05 Evolving Tactics in Combat
01:20:17 The Weasel Legacy and Modern Warfare
01:28:52 Desert Storm Insights and Tactical Evolution
01:36:04 The Art of Killing a SAM
01:54:20 The Spirit and Culture of Being a Weasel 2:13:33

Part IV in @AfterburnPodcast Supression of Enemy Air Defenses (SEAD) series with Operation Iraqi Freedom. Mike “Flash” McVay welcomes a seasoned fighter pilot Sham “Vandal” Mann and Wild Weasel veteran to break down the evolution of the Suppression of Enemy Air Defenses mission in the Viper community. From crafting airplanes out of bobby pins as a toddler to executing real-world SEAD missions over Baghdad, this guest’s career spans decades of pivotal moments in combat aviation. Listeners will hear how a single incentive flight in an F-16 transformed a lifelong dream of flying Eagles into a passion for the Viper’s multi-role capabilities.

The guest shares his formative years at Nellis as a maintenance officer during the transition from F-4G to F-16CJ in the Weasel role, offering a rare behind-the-scenes look at how the mission set developed. He discusses deployments supporting Operations Northern Watch and Southern Watch, including a gripping account of being in Turkey when 9/11 occurred and the political complications that followed. As the conversation shifts to Operation Iraqi Freedom, he recalls leading night SEAD sorties over Baghdad, vividly describing the chaos, coordination, and execution of real-time missions under fire.

This episode is a masterclass in SEAD tactics, pilot training philosophy, and the high-stakes decision-making required in modern air combat. Tune in for unparalleled insight into the mindset of a fighter pilot operating at the tip of the spear.

🔸Join this channel to get access to perks:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8gLFapmHedK1TvsStG5Cuw/join🔸

🔺 Grab our free newsletter for insights into aviation, defense, and geopolitics - https://bit.ly/AfterburnNewsletter 🔺

🇺🇸 Support Veterans in Their Time of Need or Apply for Help: http://gunsgarin.com/rain 🇺🇸
---
🎙️ Sponsor Links🎙️
Scrub Your Info from Data Brokers & Protect Yourself | https://aura.com/afterburn
14-day free trial

Launch your aviation career: https://bogidope.com/?bd=rain

Recorded on Riverside.fm https://www.riverside.fm/?via=afterburn
----
✈️ Afterburn Podcast Links ✈️
Support The Afterburn Podcast for on Patreon and gain early access and AD Free episodes. Plus access to “There I was…” stories. https://www.patreon.com/theafterburnpodcast
Website – https://www.theafterburnpodcast.com
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/rainwaters27/?hl=enS
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/afterburnpodcast/
X - https://x.com/AfterburnPod

00:00 Introduction to the Weasel Legacy
03:13 Vandal's Military Journey and Passion for Aviation
06:10 Choosing the F-16: A Fighter Pilot's Journey
09:01 The Evolution of Weasel Tactics and Technology
12:12 The Road to Operation Iraqi Freedom
15:03 The Build-Up to Iraq: Political Context and Military Readiness
17:53 The Experience of Northern and Southern Watch Missions
20:48 Preparing for Combat: The Final Days Before OIF
24:12 The Absurdity of Military Protocols Before War
27:09 The Night Before the Invasion: Tensions and Expectations
44:22 The Calm Before the Storm
52:33 Night One: Shock and Awe
01:10:05 Evolving Tactics in Combat
01:20:17 The Weasel Legacy and Modern Warfare
01:28:52 Desert Storm Insights and Tactical Evolution
01:36:04 The Art of Killing a SAM
01:54:20 The Spirit and Culture of Being a Weasel

YouTube Video UExZT0laTDU1Mjh3R3RTeGZ0T21PV3NmSEZhX2Q3QzlldC4wQTI4OEZFRUE0Q0Q3ODQw

Operation Iraqi Freedom F 16 Wild Weasel FIghter Pilot Podcast

April 4, 2025 6:30 pm

In this episode of the Afterburn Podcast, host John “Rain” Waters sits down with Vincent “Jell-O” Aiello, former Navy fighter pilot and host of the @FighterPilotPodcast for a deep dive into the highs and hardships of naval aviation. From his first spark of inspiration at an airshow to flying over 700 successful carrier landings, Jell-O shares a candid and compelling journey through the world of military flight. 

They discuss the grit required to survive flight school, the evolution of airmanship and training, and the life-changing experience of attending Top Gun. Jell-O recounts intense moments from deployments aboard the USS George Washington and John F. Kennedy, reflects on the emotional toll of military service, and gives insight into his time flying as an adversary pilot in the F-16. He also opens up about his book, Through the Yellow Visor, and how storytelling plays a crucial role in honoring those who serve. This episode is rich with wisdom on perseverance, mentorship, and what it truly means to be a fighter pilot.

Through the Yellow Visor: https://amzn.to/4jaAfc6

Get a signed copy: https://www.fighterpilotpodcast.com/product-page/through-the-yellow-visor

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🇺🇸 Support Veterans in Their Time of Need or Apply for Help: http://gunsgarin.com/rain 🇺🇸
---
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Recorded on Riverside.fm https://www.riverside.fm/?via=afterburn
----
✈️  Afterburn Podcast Links ✈️
Support The Afterburn Podcast for on Patreon and gain early access and AD Free episodes. Plus access to “There I was…” stories. https://www.patreon.com/theafterburnpodcast 
Website – https://www.theafterburnpodcast.com 
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/rainwaters27/?hl=enS
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/afterburnpodcast/
X - https://x.com/AfterburnPod 1:17:43

In this episode of the Afterburn Podcast, host John “Rain” Waters sits down with Vincent “Jell-O” Aiello, former Navy fighter pilot and host of the @FighterPilotPodcast for a deep dive into the highs and hardships of naval aviation. From his first spark of inspiration at an airshow to flying over 700 successful carrier landings, Jell-O shares a candid and compelling journey through the world of military flight.

They discuss the grit required to survive flight school, the evolution of airmanship and training, and the life-changing experience of attending Top Gun. Jell-O recounts intense moments from deployments aboard the USS George Washington and John F. Kennedy, reflects on the emotional toll of military service, and gives insight into his time flying as an adversary pilot in the F-16. He also opens up about his book, Through the Yellow Visor, and how storytelling plays a crucial role in honoring those who serve. This episode is rich with wisdom on perseverance, mentorship, and what it truly means to be a fighter pilot.

Through the Yellow Visor: https://amzn.to/4jaAfc6

Get a signed copy: https://www.fighterpilotpodcast.com/product-page/through-the-yellow-visor

🔸Join this channel to get access to perks:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8gLFapmHedK1TvsStG5Cuw/join🔸

🔺 Grab our free newsletter for insights into aviation, defense, and geopolitics - https://bit.ly/AfterburnNewsletter 🔺

🇺🇸 Support Veterans in Their Time of Need or Apply for Help: http://gunsgarin.com/rain 🇺🇸
---
🎙️ Sponsor Links🎙️
Scrub Your Info from Data Brokers & Protect Yourself | https://aura.com/afterburn
14-day free trial

Launch your aviation career: https://bogidope.com/?bd=rain

Recorded on Riverside.fm https://www.riverside.fm/?via=afterburn
----
✈️ Afterburn Podcast Links ✈️
Support The Afterburn Podcast for on Patreon and gain early access and AD Free episodes. Plus access to “There I was…” stories. https://www.patreon.com/theafterburnpodcast
Website – https://www.theafterburnpodcast.com
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/rainwaters27/?hl=enS
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/afterburnpodcast/
X - https://x.com/AfterburnPod

YouTube Video UExZT0laTDU1Mjh3R3RTeGZ0T21PV3NmSEZhX2Q3QzlldC5ENjg3MEUyQ0IzODMzQThB

F-18 Journey Through TopGun and Beyond | Ep 135 Vincent "Jell-O" Aiello

June 6, 2025 7:30 pm

In this episode of the Afterburn Podcast, John “Rain” Waters is joined by Vince “Snapper” Sherer, a veteran A-10 pilot with 4,500 flight hours and 299 combat missions. Snapper breaks down his path from the Air Force Academy to deployments across Afghanistan flying the A-10A and A-10C, including time in the MC-12. He details the evolution of close air support, the integration of targeting pods, and the challenges of executing time-sensitive strikes in complex environments. Snapper also shares how personal events—including his brother’s career-ending accident and a high-casualty strike on a high-value target—shaped his approach to combat and leadership. The discussion covers training, weapons employment, A-10 capabilities, and the operational realities of supporting ground forces across multiple conflicts.

Snapper IG: https://www.instagram.com/snapperland/
Snapper YT: https://www.youtube.com/@UCUJ7iscuyXRk2P4JKwpfJUg 

🔸Join this channel to get access to perks:
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🔺 Grab our free newsletter for insights into aviation, defense, and geopolitics - https://bit.ly/AfterburnNewsletter 🔺

🇺🇸 Support Veterans in Their Time of Need or Apply for Help: http://gunsgarin.com/rain 🇺🇸
---
🎙️ Sponsor Links🎙️
Scrub Your Info from Data Brokers & Protect Yourself | https://aura.com/afterburn 
14-day free trial 

Launch your aviation career: https://bogidope.com/?bd=rain

Recorded on Riverside.fm https://www.riverside.fm/?via=afterburn
----
✈️  Afterburn Podcast Links ✈️
Support The Afterburn Podcast for on Patreon and gain early access and AD Free episodes. Plus access to “There I was…” stories. https://www.patreon.com/theafterburnpodcast 
Website – https://www.theafterburnpodcast.com 
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/rainwaters27/?hl=enS
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/afterburnpodcast/
X - https://x.com/AfterburnPod 1:33:44

In this episode of the Afterburn Podcast, John “Rain” Waters is joined by Vince “Snapper” Sherer, a veteran A-10 pilot with 4,500 flight hours and 299 combat missions. Snapper breaks down his path from the Air Force Academy to deployments across Afghanistan flying the A-10A and A-10C, including time in the MC-12. He details the evolution of close air support, the integration of targeting pods, and the challenges of executing time-sensitive strikes in complex environments. Snapper also shares how personal events—including his brother’s career-ending accident and a high-casualty strike on a high-value target—shaped his approach to combat and leadership. The discussion covers training, weapons employment, A-10 capabilities, and the operational realities of supporting ground forces across multiple conflicts.

Snapper IG: https://www.instagram.com/snapperland/
Snapper YT: https://www.youtube.com/@UCUJ7iscuyXRk2P4JKwpfJUg

🔸Join this channel to get access to perks:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8gLFapmHedK1TvsStG5Cuw/join🔸

🔺 Grab our free newsletter for insights into aviation, defense, and geopolitics - https://bit.ly/AfterburnNewsletter 🔺

🇺🇸 Support Veterans in Their Time of Need or Apply for Help: http://gunsgarin.com/rain 🇺🇸
---
🎙️ Sponsor Links🎙️
Scrub Your Info from Data Brokers & Protect Yourself | https://aura.com/afterburn
14-day free trial

Launch your aviation career: https://bogidope.com/?bd=rain

Recorded on Riverside.fm https://www.riverside.fm/?via=afterburn
----
✈️ Afterburn Podcast Links ✈️
Support The Afterburn Podcast for on Patreon and gain early access and AD Free episodes. Plus access to “There I was…” stories. https://www.patreon.com/theafterburnpodcast
Website – https://www.theafterburnpodcast.com
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/rainwaters27/?hl=enS
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/afterburnpodcast/
X - https://x.com/AfterburnPod

YouTube Video UExZT0laTDU1Mjh3R3RTeGZ0T21PV3NmSEZhX2Q3QzlldC41MzJFNEYxODEyNzA0QUUx

My 20+ Year Career as an A-10 Pilot Taught Me THIS | ep 134 #fighterpilot

May 23, 2025 7:45 pm

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