USC to Skies: Top Gun Vibes, Pilot Lt. Colonel Chad Cunningham (MARINES) Super Stallions CH-53E

Send us Fan MailToday on the Buckle Up Podcast, we’re joined by my good friend from college, Lieutenant Colonel Chad Cunningham of the United States Marine Corps.Chad is a helicopter pilot who flies the CH-53E Super Stallion—one of the most powerful helicopters in the U.S. military. With four overseas deployments under his belt, Chad has served in Japan, Korea, Afghanistan, and North Africa, and has also traveled extensively through Spain, Morocco, and Europe.I hadn’t spoken to Chad in a couple of years, but when I called him about helping a family friend and my nephew explore military options to fund college, he didn’t hesitate. Within 40 minutes, he was on his way home and ready to join the podcast. That’s who Chad is—always ready to answer the call.Chad shares how he went from college to the cockpit, what it takes to become a Marine officer and pilot, and what it meant to fly over our alma mater, the University of South Carolina—an unforgettable career moment.We even touch on his leadership style, his travels, and how—let’s be honest—he’s basically Viper from Top Gun at this point (not his call sign, but close).This is just the first flight with Chad. He’ll be back for more—because there’s so much more to tell.6.3 Million Views Social media platformsInstagram: @Brandonrushh   (500k FOLLOWING)Instagram: @buckleuppodcast , @buckleuppodcastuniverseIMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm3614628/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0Demo Reelhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xMkCCem3X7o&t=4sBLUE BLOODS OFFICER DENOON RECURRING 3 SEASONhttps://youtu.be/QhWcwcez-1cFBI airdate 2/4/2025https://youtu.be/5qnt0WZqpKo?si=rLHCg-hoxdCOgmTXhttps://youtu.be/xyNI1qSl-hgPower Book II: Ghosthttps://youtu.be/ibj55jnjU88?si=KmVzu5LtGLXRdT90BETTY WHITE STRIPPER BRANDON RUSHhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jHx9cwJXOn0Criminal Mindshttps://youtu.be/xfyEMUS-laE?si=ZUlgvGJmJRY0D7beBLUE BLOODS RECURRING SEASON 10 Season 11 Stillhttps://youtu.be/dGkABX2fwcgAdditional Reel 2021https://youtu.be/e3jm39cjN14Recent Criminal Minds recurhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6JPNN23bS6chttps://youtu.be/bOTRP0y2ausBLUE BLOODS RECUR- REELhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6aGiGkvi6Tc&feature=youtu.behttps://youtu.be/NKaUKnnDEEoOzark Season 4 Recurringhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6_RFvvXGaQkSTUNTSSTUNTS https://youtu.be/en0KH1nBz8Mhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VGdeXnEyQboSupport the show“We didn’t know it all— we learned with love, led with kindness, and earned our way to the top.”