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This week on SOFREP Radio we’re excited to welcome our guest, Col. Michael Leonard (ret.), US Air Force pilot and author of the new book
An American Combat Bird Dog Pilot: From the Battlefield of Vietnam and Beyond.
In this exclusive interview with Leonard, we get a first hand account of his adventures, from his days before the military right on through to his years as an executive working for companies like the Ford Aerospace and Communications Corporation and Lockheed-Martin.
Of note is Leonard’s recounting of close calls as a O-1 Bird Dog pilot in Vietnam. As a Forward Air Control, or FAC, Leonard was often the only link between ground forces and friendly artillery fire. In his little fixed-wing plane, Leonard had to circle over hot battlezones, dodging enemy anti-air and small arms fire while calling in coordinates on enemy locations.
Photo by John Bordner/Gazette Packet
Jim Henson, seated center, holds his Living Legends portrait presented to him during a walk-by parade in his honor following his diagnosis of lung cancer in late September. With Henson are members of the Departmental Progressive Club and the Living Legends board of directors. Photo by Janet Barnett/Gazette Packet
A sign presented to Jim Henson memorializing his trademark phrase “too blessed to be stressed.”
Jim Henson was a man-about-town, known for his dapper dressing, infectious smile and engaging personality. But most notably he was known for the five words he uttered each time he greeted friends and strangers alike. To anyone who asked, Henson was always “too blessed to be stressed.”