#142 Dale Stark - A-10 Warthog: One of the Most Feared Aircraft in History
Shawn Ryan Show
Key Insights
Why did Dale Stark move around so much during his childhood?
Dale's father would take a job where the job was, whether it be seasonal work or logging jobs. They moved frequently to follow employment opportunities.
What traumatic experiences did Dale Stark face during his skateboarding career?
Dale had a pro skater he admired turn himself in for murder, and he was also picked up by a judge for a Levi's commercial who later exposed himself and put on pornography in a hotel room with Dale.
How did Dale Stark's perspective on the world change after his traumatic experiences in California?
Dale started to feel that the world was a darker place and that there were creeps in the Hollywood scene. This made him act differently towards people and become more cautious.
Why did Dale Stark decide to join the military?
Dale had an uncle who served in the military and was a hero to him. He was also getting into trouble and needed direction. The military offered a structured path with opportunities for technical skills and education.
What was Dale Stark's first aircraft in the military?
Dale's first aircraft in the military was the C-17, where he served as a crew chief.
How did Dale Stark feel about flying the T-38 for the first time?
Dale felt devastated because the T-38 was a difficult aircraft to fly, and he was not able to keep up with the demands of the aircraft initially.
What significant change did Dale Stark notice in the A-10 aircraft during his time away?
When Dale returned to the A-10, he noticed that it had upgraded from the A model with steam gauges to the C model with digital multifunction displays and new avionics.
How did Dale Stark's experience with the MQ-9 Reaper compare to flying the A-10?
Dale found flying the MQ-9 Reaper to be less exciting and glamorous compared to the A-10. It felt like work without the adrenaline and physical presence of flying a fighter jet.
What was Dale Stark's first engagement with an enemy combatant in the MQ-9 Reaper?
Dale's first engagement was during a troops in contact situation in Afghanistan. He used a GBU-12 500-pound laser-guided bomb to neutralize an enemy position.
Why did Dale Stark decide to leave the military?
Dale decided to leave the military due to physical issues with his back and neck, the changing culture within the military, and a desire to spend more time with his family and pursue a different lifestyle.
What does Dale Stark think about the current state of the military and its culture?
Dale believes the military has shifted towards a more divisive and politically charged environment, which he finds disheartening and not in line with the nonpartisan, merit-based institution he served in.
What does Dale Stark think about homeschooling and its benefits?
Dale believes homeschooling allows for a more tailored and focused education, better socialization through community activities, and the opportunity to pass on life lessons and values directly to children.
Chapters
- Dale Stark grew up in a family that moved frequently, living in various states like Idaho, Washington, Oregon, and Southern California.
- He had a traumatic experience in his skateboarding career, which exposed him to the darker side of the Hollywood scene.
- His interest in the military was influenced by his uncle, a Vietnam veteran and helicopter pilot.
Shownotes Transcript
