The Movies Don’t Show This Side of War | Col. Nick Nichols #506 | The Way I Heard It

This week’s podcast guest spent nearly 30 years flying fighter jets for the United States Air Force, including seven combat tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. He's been shot at, he's shot back, and he's got some stories that will make your hair stand up.

But the story that really stuck with me happened over Afghanistan, where Nick was flying an F-16 while a group of American soldiers on the ground were taking fire. Nick was the only fighter pilot in the area who could help, but there was a problem. He couldn't see who was shooting at them. What happened next, and what Nick heard over his radio that day, is something he's been carrying with him ever since.

Colonel Nick Nichols is now the president of @foldsofhonorfoundation an extraordinary organization that's awarded hundreds of millions of dollars in scholarships to the families of fallen and disabled military members and first responders. Nick knows something about those families—he was 15 when his own father, a decorated fighter pilot, died unexpectedly.

Nick and I share a belief that a meaningful career doesn't have to begin with a four-year degree, and that learning a skill that's in demand can provide more than a good living. It can provide a sense of purpose, especially for veterans transitioning back to civilian life. This year, Folds of Honor stepped up to support my foundation’s Work Ethic Scholarship Program, and we're looking forward to doing more together. Because at a time when millions of skilled jobs are going unfilled, there's a tremendous opportunity to help more people find their place in the workforce, including those who've already given so much in service to our country.

And somehow, all of this happened because John Rich wrote a Christmas song in a bathroom. Not the usual way to meet a decorated fighter pilot, but I’ve learned not to question these things. Especially when they lead to conversations like this one.

Learn more about Folds Of Honor here: https://bit.ly/FoldsofHonorScholarships

P.S. There's still time to apply for a ya work ethic scholarship. The deadline is October 31. Apply now:
https://bit.ly/ApplyForAWorkEthicScholarship

#podcast #military #america

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𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐬𝐩𝐚𝐧 𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧:
00:00 Our Pal John Rich
03:39 What Is Folds of Honor?
07:43 Nick’s New Fight
17:17 Why We Connected
20:30 Changing the Trades Narrative
28:41 What Top Gun Gets Wrong
34:53 The Part of Being a Fighter Pilot Nobody Sees
54:50 What Happens When Veterans Come Home?
59:29 What Does 100 Combat Missions Feel Like?
01:09:26 The Mission He Cannot Forget
01:22:32 What Happens When You Leave the Air Force?
01:27:26 The Best War Movie
01:29:44 The Black Horse Forge
01:31:34 Who Takes Care of the Families Left Behind?