In this episode, Thad and Tyler chat with Joey Johnson, an aviation professional with an inspiring and deeply personal story. Joey grew up in rural Louisiana, inspired by his uncle, a crop duster pilot, to pursue a career in aviation. He started flying with American Eagle and eventually became an FAA Designated Examiner and an American Airlines captain. Beyond his remarkable aviation career, Joey is a father and a man of many talents, from beekeeping to playing musical instruments.

However, the most important part of Joey's story is the Ashton Johnson Memorial Cloud Dancer Scholarship, which he founded to honor his middle son, Ashton, who tragically took his own life in October 2021. Joey reflects on the grief he experienced and how the scholarship became his purpose, providing financial support to veterans transitioning into aviation careers by bridging the gap in funding for their private pilot license training.

Links

Ashton JohnsonMemorial CloudDancer ScholarshipAshton Johnson Memorial CloudDancer Scholarship Donations

Veteran To Aviation Charity| Veteran-Run Non-ProfitOrganization | RTAG

Get your tickets for the Black Tie and Boots Gala on October 12th at the River RanchStockyards in Fort Worth, TX

Follow Cloud Dancer Scholarship on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Facebook for updates and opportunities to help

Chapters

00:00 Navigating Grief and Loss

02:42 A Journey Through Aviation

09:51 The Impact of 9/11 on Pilots

16:56 The Struggles of Commuting Pilots

23:03 Mental Health in Aviation

30:44 Ashton's Journey to the Army

39:45 Ashton's Military Experience

52:42 The Impact of Purpose and Loss

01:04:09 Creating the Cloud Dancer Scholarship Foundation

01:18:40 Finding Purpose in Grief

01:30:18 Navigating the Scholarship Process

01:40:44 The Gala and Future Aspirations

Keywords

aviation, mental health, airline pilots, Joey Johnson, Ashton Johnson, Wingman Program, aviation career, challenges, family, military, military transition, mental health, aviation scholarships, veteran support, Ashton Johnson, Suicide awareness, Cloud Dancer Scholarship, community impact, legacy, grief, purpose

In this episode of Alone and Unafraid, Thad and Tyler sit down with Benjamin Lee, a former Air Force EOD technician turned founder of Solar Security Net, a nonprofit aimed at reducing energy costs for disadvantaged communities by leveraging solar energy. Benjamin shares his journey from military service and combat deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan to battling addiction, confronting the loss of purpose after leaving the Air Force, and ultimately finding a new mission. He discusses the complexities of military life, including the psychological challenges faced by EOD technicians, and how those experiences led him to develop Solar Security Net. The conversation dives into the power of community, personal resilience, and how clean energy can be a force for positive change.

Links

Home - Solar Security Net

Go fund Me for Solar Security Net

Key Takeaways

1. Resilience and Recovery: Benjamin’s story is a testament to confronting trauma head-on, tackling addiction, and regaining purpose by serving others.

2. Solar Security Net: The nonprofit seeks to alleviate the energy burden for low-income families by constructing utility-scale solar farms, funded through corporate tax offsets.

3. Combat and Mental Health Benjamin shares firsthand insights into the psychological toll of being an EOD tech and the struggles veterans face when transitioning to civilian life.

4. Community Focused Solution: Solar Security Net is designed to build infrastructure that benefits communities, providing free or reduced-cost energy while fostering local partnerships.

5. Purpose Through Service: Benjamin emphasizes that true fulfillment comes from living a life of service to others, a lesson he's carried from his military career into his nonprofit work.

Chapters

03:01 From Military to Nonprofit: A New Mission

05:51 Understanding EOD: The Unsung Heroes

08:45 The Evolution of IED Tactics in Iraq and Afghanistan

12:06 The Psychological Toll of War

14:55 Finding Purpose in the Aftermath

17:48 The Birth of Solar Security Net

21:08 Building a Sustainable Future

24:00 Community Impact and Energy Independence

26:51 Overcoming Addiction and Finding Clarity

30:09 The Role of Service in Personal Growth

33:04 Advice for Those Struggling with Purpose

36:03 The Importance of Community and Connection

39:00 Final Thoughts and Call to Action

Keywords:

Solar energy, renewable energy, nonprofit organization, military transition, energy independence, community solar, EOD technician, Iraq, Afghanistan, addiction recovery, purpose after military, green energy, disadvantaged communities, personal resilience, combat PTSD, sustainability.

In this special Wing It Wednesday episode, Thad and Tyler take a break from the heavier topics to reflect on their personal experiences surrounding September 11th and the events that followed. After the intensity of the last episode, this conversation acts as a palate cleanser of sorts, providing a mix of deep reflection and lighthearted banter. They recall where they were on 9/11, how it changed their lives, and the global shifts they witnessed—from the DC sniper to the invasion of Iraq and the stop-loss policy. The two hosts also open up about their own military challenges, from extended deployments to unexpected personal hurdles, offering a raw, unfiltered look at the realities of military life during this era. The conversation takes a turn toward conspiracy theories, including speculation about an inside job on 9/11, before reminding listeners of the importance of moving forward while honoring past sacrifices. Wrapping up on a lighter note, Thad and Tyler dive into fun discussions about Bigfoot, Stonehenge, and teasing future podcast episodes, providing a refreshing balance of humor and reflection.

Links Check out Flow State Endurance's team fundraising page for Guardian Revival

Chapters

00:00 Introduction

01:15 The Impact of September 11th

05:06 Military Experiences and the Wars

10:16 Confusion and Uncertainty

19:02 Personal Stories and Emotions

32:16 The Challenges of Military Life and the Impact on Families

33:10 The Controversial Stop-Loss Policy and its Effects on Soldiers

36:02 The Existence and Influence of the Military-Industrial Complex

43:12 Different Perspectives on Conspiracy Theories about September 11th

01:01:30 Preview: A Retired EOD Tech's Nonprofit Solar Energy Company

Keywords

September 11th, memories, experiences, impact, invasion of Iraq, DC sniper, stop-loss policy, military, September 11th, deployments, pregnancies, stop-loss, conspiracy theories, moving on, Bigfoot, Stonehenge