So There I Was

Join us on this exhilarating episode as we dive into the gripping tales of “Bātar,” a Marine Corps F-4 Phantom RIO who recounts his heart-pounding experiences in the skies over Vietnam. From navigating treetop-level ordnance runs while dodging streams of tracer fire to his journey from a mechanical engineering student at the University of Rochester to the cockpit of one of aviation’s most legendary aircraft, Bātar shares his unique perspective on life, combat, and the camaraderie of the Corps. With anecdotes that range from the humorous to the harrowing, this episode is a must-listen for military aviation enthusiasts and fans of thrilling stories alike. We also explore Bātar's reflections on the “Old Corps,” the evolution of aviation, and the challenges of his time. His memoirs, A Marine Remembers the F-4, offer a rare window into the life of a Marine RIO during one of the most turbulent periods in history. Buckle up for an unforgettable ride with Fig and RePete as we honor Bātar’s legacy and hear firsthand about his extraordinary life in the skies. Bātar kept notes and used letters home that his mother kept to reconstruct his memoir - which he graciously shares here! Nose Gear Shot! And Collapsed on Landing! Phantom RIO's Radar Dismount Ready Room with A.C. Chow Hall F-4 Memories: A RIO Remembers the F-4 window.option_df_2877 = {"outline":[],"autoEnableOutline":"false","autoEnableThumbnail":"false","overwritePDFOutline":"false","direction":"1","pageSize":"0","source":"https:\/\/sothereiwas.us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/F4-Memories.pdf","wpOptions":"true"}; if(window.DFLIP && window.DFLIP.parseBooks){window.DFLIP.parseBooks();}

Retired USAF Col. “KC” shared incredible moments from her journey as an A-10 pilot, showcasing bravery, determination, and grit. Some highlights include: The Lucky Rabbit’s Foot and a Baghdad Mission KC recounts a harrowing close air support mission over Baghdad in 2003. Battling poor visibility, she and her flight lead responded to a desperate call for help. Diving under the clouds, she targeted enemies beneath a bridge amid chaos. Her A-10 was hit by a surface-to-air missile, forcing her to fly in manual reversion. Despite the damage, she safely returned to base, demonstrating her skill, training, and the resilience of the Warthog. Why She Chose the A-10 KC explains her decision to fly the A-10, the “Warthog,” drawn to its low-level mission focus and dedication to ground troops. Her story highlights the critical role of close air support and her pride in helping soldiers return home safely. Reflections That Save Lives KC shares how lessons from Desert Storm veterans and her training shaped her actions during crises. These stories became a lifeline in her most challenging moments. KC’s vivid storytelling reveals what it means to serve with courage and commitment. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Kristine Legate)

Join us for part two with RobRoy! Hear about his Naval Academy days, life aboard a carrier, landing a C-2 Greyhound, his YouTube channel, FlyBuyer.com, and his final Navy tour. Don’t miss this engaging pilot-to-pilot conversation! default

Rob Roy’s path to becoming a Navy pilot started with inspiration from watching Top Gun as a child. Coming from a non-military background, he navigated the path to military aviation on his own, attending the U.S. Naval Academy and graduating in 2011. After completing Aviation Pre-flight Indoctrination in Pensacola, he trained in the T-34 and T-45, before Selecting C-2 Greyhounds, used for carrier onboard delivery. Rob’s journey included deployments, experiences in Corpus Christi, Texas, and roles that spanned from flying in high-stakes environments to assisting with logistics aboard carriers. One highlight of Rob’s career was flying missions to carriers and ensuring delivery of personnel and supplies, showcasing the essential and often overlooked logistical backbone of naval aviation. He tells the story of getting his parents onto a carrier in the Mediterranean, and going around his Squadron CO (Skipper) to do so; a rare and meaningful gesture that illustrated his resourcefulness and deep connection to his family’s contributions. His tenure also involved unique assignments, transitioning aspirations, and navigating challenges with commanding officers, illustrating both the rigor and fulfillment of a naval aviator’s career.