Shawn Ryan Show Episode #142 Summary: Dale Stark - A-10 Warthog: One of the Most Feared Aircraft in History
Release Date: November 4, 2024
Guest: Dale Stark, Retired United States Air Force A-10 Pilot
Host: Shawn Ryan
Introduction and Background
In this episode of the Shawn Ryan Show, Shawn Ryan interviews Dale Stark, a retired Lieutenant Colonel and former A-10 Warthog pilot with a distinguished military career spanning nearly 22 years. Dale shares his journey from a childhood filled with frequent relocations to his experiences in the Air Force, culminating in his current life as a rancher and father. The conversation delves deep into the challenges and triumphs of military life, combat missions, personal trauma, and the transition to civilian life.
Childhood and Early Life
Dale Stark was born in a small timber town on the Oregon coast and spent his youth moving frequently, living in 18 houses by the age of 18 across Idaho, Washington, Oregon, and Southern California. His father was deeply involved in the ranching industry, working as a horse trainer and saddle maker, which exposed Dale to ranch life from an early age.
Dale Stark [02:45]: "I grew up around ranches a lot. My dad was a horse trainer, a horseshoer, a saddle maker."
Living in an army tent near Cascade, Idaho, Dale fondly recalls building survival forts with his brother and engaging in outdoor activities like fishing and making snares for rabbits. These early experiences fostered a deep connection with nature and resilience.
Dale Stark [07:17]: "I look back on it now as the best time of my life."
Military Enlistment and Early Career
Struggling academically and grappling with anxiety in his late teens, Dale found direction through wrestling at Southwestern Oregon Community College, where he secured a tuition scholarship. Encouraged by his uncle, Arthur Stark, a Vietnam veteran and Chinook pilot, Dale enlisted in the Air Force in December 1999 as a C-17 Crew Chief.
Dale Stark [43:35]: "I had an uncle, Arthur Stark, who served two tours in Vietnam. He was a warrant officer and a Chinook pilot."
His disciplined upbringing and athletic background made the transition to military life smoother. Dale excelled in Basic Military Training (BMT), becoming an honor graduate, and proceeded to technical school at Shepherd Air Force Base in Wichita Falls, Texas.
Flight Training and Becoming an A-10 Pilot
Dale's ambition to become a pilot intensified after witnessing the events of September 11, 2001. Determined to contribute effectively to the war effort, he pursued pilot training with a focus on the A-10 Warthog, a ground-attack aircraft renowned for its durability and firepower.
Dale Stark [62:34]: "As soon as I got to my unit, I did great in BMT, did great in tech school, and started thinking about becoming a pilot."
Flight training was rigorous, with Dale navigating the challenges of advanced aircraft like the T-38 Talon. Despite initial struggles and high attrition rates, his perseverance paid off, and he earned a waiver to fly the A-10.
Dale Stark [74:47]: "I did everything that was required for the application and got accepted for an ROTC scholarship."
Deployments and Combat Experiences
Dale's deployment to Afghanistan in 2006 marked the beginning of his combat missions as an A-10 pilot. Flying missions in hostile environments, he played a crucial role in providing close air support to ground troops, neutralizing enemy threats, and ensuring the safety of American forces.
Dale Stark [148:00]: "We can't have the infantry survive without air support."
He recounts specific missions where his actions directly contributed to saving lives, such as destroying enemy machine gun positions and suppressing hostile fire during troop engagements. These experiences, while professionally rewarding, also exposed Dale to the harsh realities of modern warfare and its psychological toll.
Dale Stark [155:37]: "You see some dark shit... it's not something completely uncommon. But it's the reality of war."
Personal Trauma and Overcoming Challenges
Dale opens up about traumatic experiences outside of combat, including sexual trauma during his teenage years. These revelations highlight the often-overlooked personal battles faced by service members.
Dale Stark [21:12]: "I almost killed him... it was my first solo in the T-38."
He emphasizes the importance of seeking support and breaking the stigma around discussing such trauma, advocating for open communication and resilience.
Dale Stark [24:19]: "No matter what happened, just talk to somebody about it. Don't hold it in."
Transition to Post-Military Life
After retiring from the Air Force, Dale embraced a new chapter as a rancher, dedicating his time to transforming an old dairy farm into a functional cattle ranch. This transition provided him with therapeutic solace, reconnecting with nature and focusing on family life.
Dale Stark [264:02]: "It's amazing. Reconnecting with nature, being outside every day... it's a chance to take each day and maximize it for what's important to me."
He started homeschooling his two daughters, blending traditional homeschooling with real-world experiences like farming and animal husbandry, fostering a holistic and hands-on education.
Dale Stark [270:58]: "Homeschool nowadays looks a lot more... it's like merging homeschool and traditional school... it's on your own terms."
Personal Life and Homesteading
Dale and his wife, Amanda, whom he has known since fourth grade, have built a strong and supportive partnership. Together, they navigate the challenges of ranching and homeschooling, prioritizing their family's well-being and maintaining a balanced lifestyle.
Dale Stark [275:10]: "Being married is amazing... we work as a good team."
Their ranching life involves producing 80-90% of their own food, focusing on Angus grass-fed beef, and maintaining a substantial garden, allowing them to live a largely self-sufficient lifestyle while still staying connected to community resources.
Dale Stark [266:56]: "We have a huge garden, but just for personal use. We got a greenhouse too."
Reflections on Warfare and Military Policies
Throughout the interview, Dale critically examines modern warfare and military policies, expressing frustration with governmental decisions and the evolving nature of conflict. He highlights the shift from traditional combat roles to remote operations, drawing parallels with drone warfare and the perceived loss of personal connection in combat missions.
Dale Stark [189:39]: "It's like, what do we want to do? It's about the guy on the ground."
He also voices concerns over political agendas influencing military operations and the long-term impacts of foreign interventions, questioning the effectiveness and ethical considerations of prolonged military engagements.
Dale Stark [257:54]: "Look at Iraq now... Are we better off without Saddam?... It's a complete debacle."
Closing Thoughts
Dale Stark's story is one of resilience, dedication, and a relentless pursuit of purpose amidst personal and professional challenges. His transition from a decorated A-10 pilot to a dedicated rancher and father underscores the multifaceted lives of veterans and the profound impact of military service on personal identity and family dynamics.
Dale Stark [281:05]: "It's about spending time with them and teach them the things that you've learned in your life."
Shawn Ryan concludes the episode by expressing gratitude for Dale's openness and the invaluable insights he provided into the life of an A-10 pilot, the realities of combat, and the journey towards healing and self-fulfillment after military service.
Notable Quotes:
- Shawn Ryan [02:31]: "Am I missing anything?"
- Dale Stark [07:17]: "I look back on it now as the best time of my life."
- Dale Stark [21:11]: "I almost killed him... it was my first solo in the T-38."
- Dale Stark [24:19]: "No matter what happened, just talk to somebody about it. Don't hold it in."
- Dale Stark [275:10]: "Being married is amazing... we work as a good team."
This comprehensive summary encapsulates Dale Stark's multifaceted experiences, offering listeners a profound understanding of his journey through military service, personal struggles, and the pursuit of peace in civilian life.