His Army Air Corps grandfather received his pilot license from Orville Wright and knew aviation legends like Charles Lindbergh and Amelia Earhart. His father served in the Air Force and in Korea. And third generation pilot Al Palmer flew fighter jets in the Air Force--including the famed F-4 "Wild Weasel" missions during the Vietnam War--then later…

What makes a military leader truly exceptional? Brigadier General Robert F. Titus, known as "Earthquake," exemplifies the qualities of a remarkable military warfighting career, and in this episode of STARRS & Stripes, we pay tribute to his remarkable legacy. Host CDR Al Palmer, USN ret, who served under Gen. Titus, talks with Bill Scott, retired ed…

Joined by Lt Col (Ret) Joshua Cadice, a former KC-135 and U-2 Dragon Lady Pilot, we talked about the intricacies of aerial refueling, the difficulties of flying an aircraft on the edge of the atmosphere, and what the future of the Air Force looks like in terms of AI and ISR with a near peer adversary. Be sure to subscribe so you don't miss the next…

Join STARRS & Stripes podcast with host CDR Al Palmer, US Navy ret, for an inspiring conversation with leaders of the Calvert Task Group: Naval Academy graduates Captain Tom Burbage, US Navy ret, and Lieutenant Commander Bruce Davey, US Navy ret, as they all share their remarkable journeys shaped by deep-rooted family legacies in military service. …

STARRS & Stripes host CDR Al Palmer, USN ret interviews retired Army Special Forces Major Drew Dix, Medal of Honor recipient and a member of the STARRS advisory board. They cover his journey from enlisting in the Army at 17 to his experiences as a Special Forces soldier in Vietnam. Major Dix’s narrative highlights the significance of camaraderie, t…

Joined by Col Peter Lee, a F-35A Lightning II & former F-15C Eagle Pilot, we talked about the integration of the F-35 with our allies, the vast differences in mission sets, an officer's role as a political strategist in D.C., and more. Be sure to subscribe so you don't miss the next episode! *Views expressed are not endorsed by the U.S. Department …

Ever wonder what it takes to fly one of the Navy's most iconic jets? Join STARRS & Stripes podcast with host CDR Al Palmer, USN ret, for an in-depth conversation with retired Navy Commander Dave "Bio" Baranek, as he shares his fascinating journey from a young aviation enthusiast inspired by air shows, to becoming a seasoned F-14 Radar Intercept Off…

Joined by Captain Samuel "RaZZ" Larson, the commander of the F-22 Raptor Demo Team, we talked about the future of the aircraft, what it brings to the joint fight, what it means to be a pilot of the F-22 Demo Team, and how it feels to burn in the open blue sky. Be sure to subscribe so you don't miss the next episode! *Views expressed are not endorse…

What does it take to rise from a private to a Major General in the U.S. Army? Major General Joe Arbuckle, US Army ret, joins STARRS & Stripes podcast host CDR Al Palmer, US Navy ret, to share his military journey, influenced by his father’s service and his decision to volunteer during the Vietnam War. He talks about his early training, his role as …

Is the U.S. military compromising its unity and readiness for the sake of progressive ideologies? Join STARRS & Stripes host Commander Al Palmer, USN ret, as he talks with Lt General Rod Bishop, USAF ret, about the controversial inclusion of Critical Race Theory (CRT) and Diversity, Equity, Inclusion (DEI) initiatives within our armed forces. They …

Meet STARRS Chairman of the Board Lt. General Rod Bishop, USAF ret, USAFA '74, interviewed by STARRS & Stripes Host CDR Al Palmer (USN ret). Gen. Bishop talks about his time at the Air Force Academy as a young cadet and his Air Force career which led him to leading many different commands in USAF, including the 3rd Air Force in Europe. General Bish…

STARRS & STRIPES Interviews: Meet STARRS President and CEO Col. Ron Scott, PhD, USAF ret, USAFA '73 -- his experiences as a cadet at the US Air Force Academy, lessons from his Air Force military career and thoughts on the military today. Have you ever wondered how a chance encounter can alter the course of your life? Join me, CDR Alan Palmer (USN r…

Are our military forces less prepared today than they were after World War II? Join us as Commander Al Palmer, USN ret, and Colonel Ron Scott, PhD, USAF ret, USAFA '73, the President & CEO of STARRS (Stand Together Against Racism and Radicalization in the Services) confront this disturbing question. We uncover the findings from the Commission on th…

Joined by Maj Tyler "Slasher" Clark, Thunderbird 3, we discussed what it is like being a member of the Thunderbirds, the hardest maneuver in the demonstration, the value the Thunderbirds bring to the Air Force, the differences between the Thunderbirds and Blue Angels, and more. Be sure to subscribe so you don't miss the next episode!*Views expresse…

Joined by Lt Col Matthew "Goon" Spitler, an F-15C turned F-22 pilot, we discussed why an F-22 shot down the Chinese "spy" balloon, AI in BFM, the differences between the Eagle and the Raptor, and more. Be sure to subscribe so you don't miss the next episode!*Views expressed are not endorsed by the U.S. Department of Defense or its components.*…

Joined by Lt Col Adam Otten, a RQ-4 Global Hawk pilot, we discussed how the RQ-4 is flown, the differences in mission sets between different RPAs, the future of RPAs, and more. Be sure to subscribe so you don't miss the next episode!*Views expressed are not endorsed by the U.S. Department of Defense or its components.*…

Joined by Maj Mark "Mack" Griffin, a CV-22 Osprey pilot, we discussed the Osprey's evolving role in combat, how it mixes being a helicopter with being a plane, how the CV-22 would be used in a near-peer conflict, and more. Be sure to subscribe so you don't miss the next episode!*Views expressed are not endorsed by the U.S. Department of Defense or …

Joined by Lt Col Przemek "Fridge" Strekowski, an HH-60 and MH-60 pilot, we discussed his role in the Kabul, Afghanistan evacuation, lessons learned about officership during an exchange with the Navy, the adaptability of the rescue community, and more. Be sure to subscribe so you don't miss the next episode!*Views expressed are not endorsed by the U…

Today on the show, we are joined by Col Joshua "Hustler" Egan, a test pilot who has flown over 40 different aircraft. We discussed his experiences flying in the Air Force, how radar and stealth technology impact warfare, the impacts of the test community, and more. Be sure to subscribe so you don't miss the next episode! Auto GCAS Video: https://ww…

Today on the show, we are joined by Maj Mark "Rage" Favinger, a B-52H Stratofortress pilot. We discussed his experiences flying in the Air Force, what is was like flying the one of the oldest aircraft in the Air Force, how the military executes nuclear deterrence, what the future holds for the B-52, and more. Be sure to subscribe so you don't miss …

Today on the show, we are joined by MSgt William Shaffell, our first enlisted guest, who has served in the Air Force as an Airborne Korean Linguist and in the Signals Intelligence community. We discussed his experiences in the Air Force, how the enlisted and officer corps interact and work together, what the future holds for the Signals Intelligenc…

Today on the show, we are joined by Capt Jacob Riley, a C-5M pilot who is also involved in the Soaring program at USAFA in the TG-16A glider. We discussed his experiences flying in the Air Force, what is was like flying the largest aircraft in the Air Force, what the future holds for the C-5, and more. Be sure to follow so you don't miss the next e…

Today on the show, we are joined by Lt Col Eric "Mako" Scott, a F-15E pilot who also flew the A-29B. We discussed his experiences flying in the Air Force, what is was like to eject from an aircraft, how the F-15EX will be used in the future fight, and more. Be sure to follow so you don't miss the next episode!*Views expressed are not endorsed by th…

Today on the show, we are joined by Lt Col Kristen Heiserman, an U-28A Draco pilot and former MQ-1B Predator pilot. We discussed her experiences flying in the Air Force, how the Air Force utilizes ISR platforms, and more. Be sure to follow so you don't miss the next episode!*Views expressed are not endorsed by the U.S. Department of Defense or its …

Today on the show, we are joined by Lt Gen Richard Clark, the Superintendent of the Air Force Academy and also a former EC-135 and B-1 bomber pilot. We discussed his experiences flying in the Air Force, how the Air Force is preparing for the future fight, and more. Be sure to follow so you don't miss the next episode!*Views expressed are not endors…

Today on the show, we are joined by Maj Parker Huge, a MC-12W Liberty and RC-135 Rivet Joint Pilot. We discussed his background, how ISR platforms have been used in the Middle East and will be used in the future fight, his experiences helping troops on the ground in the MC-12W, where the Air Force is going in regards to ISR platforms, and more. Be …

Today on the show, we are joined by Maj Dominic "VooDoo" Collins, a F-16 Pilot. We discussed his background, the differences between the F-16 compared to fifth gen fighters, his experiences employing the F-16 on deployment, where the Air Force is going in regards to fighters, and more. Be sure to subscribe so you don't miss the next episode!*Views …

Today on the show, we are joined by Maj Isaiah "Knots" Harp, a F-35 Test Pilot. We discussed his background, the differences between the F-22 and F-35, his experiences as a test pilot, where the Air Force is going in regards to fighters, and more. Be sure to subscribe so you don't miss the next episode!*Views expressed are not endorsed by the U.S. …

Today on the show, we are joined by Lt Col (Ret) Art Elser, a Vietnam Veteran who flew a variety of aircraft. We discussed his background, his time in Vietnam, his Silver Star mission, how the Academy was as a member of the first graduating class, and more. Be sure to subscribe so you don't miss the next episode!*Views expressed are not endorsed by…

Today on the show, we are joined by Col David Buchanan, a KC-10 Extender pilot. He is currently the Department Head of the English Department at the U.S. Air Force Academy. We discussed his background, the role the KC-10 plays in the Air Force, the relationship between his military career and English, and more. Be sure to subscribe so you don't mis…

Today on the show, we are joined by Maj Micah "SLAP" Morris, a MQ-9 Reaper drone pilot. He is currently the Air Officer Commanding of Cadet Squadron 17 at the U.S. Air Force Academy. We discussed his background, the role the MQ-9 plays in the Air Force, his transition from being a Weapons System Officer to a drone pilot, and more. Be sure to subscr…

Today on the show, we are joined by Lt Col (Ret) Kyle Stewart, a former C-17 pilot. He retired from the military this past March and now flies for Delta. We discussed his background, the role the C-17 plays in the Air Force, flying evacuation missions in Operation Allies Refuge, and more. Be sure to subscribe so you don't miss the next episode! *Vi…

Today on the show, we are joined by Lt Col Tyler "Matrix" Robarge, a F-22 test pilot. He is currently an instructor in the Department of Aeronautics at the United States Air Force Academy. We discussed his background, the role the F-22 plays in the Air Force, the future of fighters, and his deployment and duty stations as an F-16 pilot. Be sure to …

Today on the show, we are joined by Maj PJ Hussey, a HH-60G Pave Hawk pilot and current instructor in the History Department at the United States Air Force Academy. We discussed his background, the role the Pave Hawk plays in combat search and rescue, and the differences between different helicopter platforms across the services. Be sure to subscri…

Today on the show, we are joined by Maj LK "Amp" Waters, a C-130J pilot and Air Officer Commanding of CS-39 at the United States Air Force Academy. We discussed her background, the Air Force Weapons School, and how C-130s are being kept up to date. Be sure to subscribe so you do not miss the next episode! *Views expressed are not endorsed by the U.…

Today on the show, we are joined by Col Beth Makros, a B-2 Spirit pilot and Chief Learning Officer at the United States Air Force Academy. We discussed her background, what it is like being the 5th woman ever to fly the B-2, and how strategic bombers like the B-2 would be leveraged in conflict. Be sure to subscribe so you do not miss the next episo…

Today on the show, we are joined by Lt Col Ryan Rutter, an A-10 Warthog pilot and current Air Officer Commanding of Cadet Squadron 9 at the United States Air Force Academy. We discussed his background, the role the A-10 plays in the Air Force, and what a military without the A-10 will look like. Be sure to subscribe so you do not miss the next epis…

Today on the show, we are joined by Col Matt Dietz, a F-15E Strike Eagle pilot and current Head of the History Department at the United States Air Force Academy. We discussed his background, the role the F-15E plays in the Air Force, and what the future fight looks like. Be sure to subscribe so you do not miss the next episode!*Views expressed are …