"Perseverance is the most important word in the dictionary—no matter what life throws at you, come back ready to fight." Episode Summary

In this episode of The Gun Experiment, we dive into the realities of military service, sacrifice, and the enduring battles faced after coming home. Joined by Anthony Dyer, retired United States Air Force combat special missions aviator and author of the memoir Moonchild, we explore the journey from a small town in North Carolina to flying combat missions supporting special operations around the globe. Anthony opens up about his personal experiences dealing with trauma, addiction, and the difficult transition back to civilian life, offering insight on resilience, roots, and finding purpose beyond the uniform. This episode is filled with personal stories, actionable advice, and inspiration for anyone seeking to overcome adversity.

Call to Action

Subscribe and leave us a comment on Apple or Spotify
Follow us on all of our social media: Instagram Youtube
Grab some cool TGE merch
Ask us anything at AskMikeandKeith@gmail.com
Be sure to support the sponsors of the show. They’re a big part of making the show possible.

Show Sponsors

HSM Ammunition – Premium, reliable ammo made with the end user in mind. Check them out at HSMAmmunition.com
Onsite Firearms Training (OFT LLC) – Real-world firearm training from expert instructors. Visit OFTLLC.us

Key Takeaways

Growing up in a small North Carolina community shaped values of honesty, hard work, and connection (05:01).
Anthony's family lineage stretches back to the Civil War and the Quaker martyr Mary Dyer, highlighting the power of personal history (06:35).
The importance of leaving self-doubt at the door—“we who step through these portals stand tall”—and learning to flip a mental switch during moments of adversity (13:13; 15:41).
Perseverance and repetition are keys to success in aviation and life, as seen in Anthony’s journey from a disastrous first training flight to supporting special forces worldwide (12:00; 12:41).
Military service’s true impact comes into focus through stories of supporting “super ninjas” (Special Operations Forces) and realizing the weight of those depending on you (15:41).
Anthony’s memoir, Moonchild, offers an honest look at service, trauma, recovery, and hope.

Guest Information

Anthony Dyer

Retired United States Air Force combat special missions aviator
Flew AC130 gunships on critical missions in Afghanistan, Iraq, and worldwide
Recipient of the Air Force’s Jolly Green Rescue Mission of the Year
Author of the memoir Moonchild, chronicling his service, challenges, addiction, and path to recovery
Proud North Carolina native with deep family roots and a passion for helping others

Keywords

Military service, combat aviator, special operations, Air Force, AC130 gunship, Moonchild Anthony Dyer, trauma recovery, military transition, resilience, perseverance, veteran memoir, gun podcast, firearms training, HSM Ammunition, Onsite Firearms Training, military sacrifice, mental health, post-military life, personal growth, North Carolina, special missions, podcast episode