What was it really like serving on the front lines of the Cold War... and preparing for a war everyone hoped would never come?

This week on the FAFO Podcast, we're joined by Captain Michael "Mak" Makatura, former U.S. Air Force officer, intelligence officer, and author of The Fightin' Tenth: Cold War to Desert Storm.

Mak takes us behind the scenes of one of the Air Force's legendary fighter squadrons stationed at Hahn Air Base, Germany, where young men and women trained every day knowing World War III could begin with little warning. From the intense culture of the F-16 Viper community to the realities of military leadership, Desert Storm, squadron life, and lifelong brotherhood, this is a conversation every history buff, aviation enthusiast, and patriot will appreciate.

✈️ Life inside an elite F-16 fighter squadron

The final years of the Cold War

Operation Desert Storm

Fighter pilot culture, traditions, and call signs

Leadership under pressure

Brotherhood that lasts a lifetime

What patriotism means today

If you've ever wondered what military life is really like beyond Hollywood, this episode delivers an honest, humorous, and deeply personal look at the people behind the uniforms.

Order Michael Makatura's book:

https://www.michaelmakatura.com/

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Where common sense meets controlled chaos.

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Just real conversations with real people who have incredible stories to tell.

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