AFHF Holiday Podcast: THUNDERBIRDS and FAMILY

The First Predator (Behind the Scenes) with Gen. John Jumper and the "Father of the Predator," Snake Clark. PART II

PART II Join our host Matt Jolley as he explores the creation and employment of the General Atomics MQ-1 Predator in combat. Gen John Jumper and James "Snake" Clark, discuss the events that took place across the country to arm the unmanned reconnaissance drone and transform it into a lethal, stealthy, precise combat asset. Episode Cover Image: Rick Herter’s, Taking the Shot, depicts an MQ–1 Predator as it fires a Hellfire missile at a distant nighttime target.

The First Predator (Behind the Scenes) with Gen. John Jumper and the "Father of the Predator," Snake Clark. PART I

Join our host Matt Jolley as he explores the creation and employment of the General Atomics MQ-1 Predator in combat. Gen John Jumper and James "Snake" Clark, discuss the events that took place across the country to arm the unmanned reconnaissance drone and transform it into a lethal, stealthy, precise combat asset. Episode Cover Image: Rick Herter’s, Taking the Shot, depicts an MQ–1 Predator as it fires a Hellfire missile at a distant nighttime target.

AFHF Holiday Podcast: THUNDERBIRDS and FAMILY

IN OUR SEASON FINALE, MATT JOLLEY GOES BEHIND THE SCENES OF THE NEW NETFLIX DOCUMENTARY AIR FORCE ELITE: THUNDERBIRDS WITH DIRECTOR MATT WILCOX AND FORMER THUNDERBIRD COMMANDER COLONEL JUSTIN ELLIOTT. THE FILM REVEALS THE HUMAN SIDE OF THE THUNDERBIRDS—THE PURSUIT OF EXCELLENCE, THE PROGRESSION, AND THE VERY REAL HARDSHIPS BEHIND THE PRECISION YOU SEE IN THE SKY. THE TEAM’S MESSAGE IS RESONATING EVERYWHERE, FROM TWO SISTERS IN COLORADO TO PROFESSIONAL SPORTS ORGANIZATIONS. THE THUNDERBIRDS’ STORY IS MAKING AN IMPACT FAR BEYOND THE FLIGHT LINE. LISTEN NOW AND HEAR HOW IT ALL CAME TOGETHER. ENJOY THE PODCAST AND THEN HAVE A FAMILY NIGHT TO WATCH THE MOVIE. IT IS TERRIFIC!

Part III: The Birth of the Space Force with Stephen L. Kitay

Mr. Stephen L. Kitay, a member of the Senior Executive Service, is the Former Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Space Policy. In this role he is responsible for establishing policy and guidance to assure U.S. and allied warfighters the benefits of space capabilities and to help guide the Department’s strategy for addressing space-related issues. He also leads Departmental activities in international space cooperation. Prior to his current position, Mr. Kitay most recently served as a Professional Staff Member on the Strategic Forces Subcommittee of the House Armed Service Committee. In this position, he was responsible for advising the Chairman and members of the committee regarding oversight of national security space programs, policy, and budget within the Department of Defense. Mr. Kitay previously supported the committee on oversight of intelligence policy, programs, and budgets within the Department of Defense. Before joining the House Armed Services Committee, Mr. Kitay served as a government civilian in the Intelligence Community working on a variety of national intelligence programs, to include space systems at the National Reconnaissance Office.

PART II: The Origins of the US Space Force with Col. Jack Fischer

Join Matt Jolley and retired USAF Col. Jack David Fischer (born January 23, 1974) in their discussion of the birth of the Space Force. Jack is an American engineer, test pilot and a former NASA astronaut. Fischer was selected in June 2009 as a member of the NASA Astronaut Group 20 and qualified as an astronaut in 2011. He made his first spaceflight in April 2017, as a flight engineer for Expedition 51/52 on the International Space Station. Col. Fischer was an integral part of Taskforce "Tango" and the ground level creation of the Nation's youngest military service--the US Space Force.