Episode 78: The Gunner: Life of a USAF Aerial Gunner and flying on the AC130H Spectre Gunship and the HH-60G PAVEHAWK Part 1 - Anthony Dyer

In Part 1 of our conversation with USAF Tech Sgt. Anthony Dyer (Ret), host Bryan Morrison explores Anthony’s journey from growing up in the Appalachian Mountains to serving as an aerial gunner on the legendary AC-130H Spectre gunship. Anthony walks us through his early Air Force years as an F-15E weapons loader, the impact of 9/11, his transition to firefighting, and the demanding pipeline that led him into special operations aviation. He shares what it’s like to fire a 105 mm cannon from the sky, the pressure of close air support, his baptism of fire on his first combat mission, and how writing his memoir Moonchild helped him confront trauma and rebuild. A powerful, honest look at service, resilience, and life inside one of the most iconic aircraft in the world. American Veteran's Crisis Line (24/7 confidential crisis support):Dial 988 then press 1 ORText 838255To contact Anthony for speaking engagements etc, you can reach him at [email protected] To buy his book you can visit Barnes and Noble or Amazon at the following links (or simply Google "Moon Child Anthony Dyer for many options):https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/moon-child-anthony-dyer/1147103074https://www.amazon.ca/Moon-Child-Special-Missions-Aviator/dp/B0DZMXBHJ4