Roots, Wings, and Sacrifice: A Conversation with USAF SSgt (Ret.) Anthony Dyer

Update: 2025-12-02

Description

🎧 Episode Summary

What does it take to fly head-first into danger so that others may live?

In this powerful episode, host Shawn Staerker sits down with Anthony Dyer—retired Special Missions Aviator, Jolly Green rescue team member, AC-130 gunship aerial gunner, and author of the upcoming book Moonchild.

Anthony shares the reality behind the job once known as “aerial gunner,” a role that evolved into the modern, multi-discipline Special Missions Aviator—part gunner, part flight engineer, part loadmaster, and all warrior. From more than 2,700 flight hours, 200+ combat missions, and being part of the 2018 Jolly Green Rescue Mission of the Year, Anthony brings listeners directly into the cockpit—and the chaos—of the combat search-and-rescue world.

But this episode goes deeper than missions. Anthony opens up about mental health, trauma, addiction, and the long road to healing after two decades of war. His book Moonchild was born from that recovery, written to help others who may be struggling in silence.

This conversation is about courage, humility, purpose, and the power of saying, “It’s okay not to be okay.”

A must-listen for anyone interested in military aviation, resilience, and the human side of service.

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🔑 Key Points

Anthony Dyer’s Aviation Journey

Began as an aerial gunner on the AC-130A Spectre gunship.

Transitioned into the expanded role of Special Missions Aviator—combining aerial gunner, flight engineer, and loadmaster duties.

Logged 2,700+ flight hours and 200+ combat missions across multiple platforms.

Flew with elite communities including the 16th Special Operations Squadron and the Jolly Green HH-60 rescue units.

Took part in a high-risk June 8, 2018 casualty evacuation in East Africa—saving five and losing one—an event that shaped him profoundly.

Became part of the 2018 Jolly Green Rescue Mission of the Year, one of the highest honors in combat rescue.

Lessons From the Jolly Green & Special Ops Community

“That others may live” isn’t a slogan—it’s a way of life.

Purpose, duty, and preparation are vital on missions where someone’s worst day becomes your call to action.

Mental toughness is built long before deployment through physical, mental, and spiritual readiness.

Humility and quiet professionalism define the rescue and gunship communities.

Inside Moonchild: Trauma, Honesty & Healing

Writing began as part of prolonged exposure therapy during recovery from trauma and alcohol dependency.

The process required reliving painful events—including combat losses and personal struggles.

The book emphasizes: “It’s okay not to be okay.”

Aims to help service members, veterans, and families seek help without shame.

Themes of “roots and wings”—Appalachian heritage versus the drive to serve something greater.

Advice for Future Service Members

Military aviation is demanding—but purpose, teamwork, and legacy make the sacrifice meaningful.

Fear is natural; courage is choosing to serve anyway.

Service is about something bigger than oneself—being the ride home or the way home for someone else.

Pride isn’t found in medals—it’s in being trusted with someone’s life.

🕒 Chapter Timestamps

0:00 – 0:44 | Introduction: What a Special Missions Aviator really does

0:45 – 2:50 | Three jobs in one: Gunner, Flight Engineer, Loadmaster

2:51 – 4:13 | Combat search-and-rescue: tracer fire, split-second decisions, and the 2018 mission

4:14 – 6:36 | Duty, preparation, and the mindset needed for high-stakes missions

6:37 – 7:45 | Pride, purpose, and a career built on elite platforms

7:46 – 9:27 | From trauma to authorship: How Moonchild was born

9:28 – 10:52 | “Roots and wings”—the message behind the book

10:53 – 11:41 | Addiction, honesty, and confronting the darkest moments

11:42 – end | What Anthony hopes every young service member and veteran hears