Episodes
On this Warrior Wednesday with Chad Ray, Navy veteran Viron Smith shares the story that took him from small-town Winfield, Louisiana to a life of service—and a career that literally put him in charge of saving lives. Viron talks about leaving college football behind, joining the Navy at 19, and reporting to an aircraft carrier—USS George Washington—as an undesignated fireman assigned to damage control, the Navy’s frontline firefighters and “keep-the-ship-alive” team. He recounts a jaw-dropping early-career moment: being selected (without volunteering) to ride a helicopter to a sinking civil...
On this post-Veterans Day edition of Warrior Wednesday with Chad Ray, Retired Master Sergeant Chris Ferguson shares the remarkable journey that took him from a Navy-brat childhood to two decades in the U.S. Air Force. After growing up on bases around the world, Chris joined from Houston, following a dream to work on aircraft and serve his country. From Hurlburt Field in Florida to Mildenhall in England, and later Misawa Air Base in Japan, he built a career in aviation maintenance and Special Operations Command that forged unbreakable bonds and lifelong friendships. In this conversation, Chr...
In this Veterans Day special edition of Warrior Wednesday, Chad Ray sits down with World War II veteran Franklin Jackson “Frank” Cosby Jr. — a true American original whose memories bring history to life. Born outside of Lewisville, Texas, Frank was drafted at just 18 years old and began a journey that took him from Fort Worth to Camp Hood, across the Pacific to Fort Ord, California, and under the Golden Gate Bridge on a troop ship bound for war. In vivid detail, he recalls the long voyage, the island stops, and his arrival in Japan as one of the first U.S. soldiers to land near Hiroshima af...
In this week’s Warrior Wednesday on The Raider, Chad Ray talks with Retired Air Force Technical Sergeant Steve Winegardner, whose 20-year career began with a leap of faith and led to a lifetime of service at Dyess Air Force Base. Originally from Des Moines, Iowa, Steve joined the Air Force from Dallas in 2000, following in his brother’s footsteps to become a B-1 engine mechanic. He shares how one decision changed everything—from his first day on the flight line to witnessing history on 9/11 and seeing the space shuttle Atlantis stop at Dyess before its final mission. Steve reflects on two d...
On this week’s Warrior Wednesday with Chad Ray on The Raider, meet Retired Air Force Master Sergeant Sal Garcia — a Jersey native whose career began with one unexpected ride to a recruiter’s office. From Newark, New Jersey, to Dover Air Force Base, Misawa, Japan, and finally Dyess AFB in Abilene, Sal’s 20-plus years in uniform took him around the world as a jet engine mechanic, flying crew chief, and later first sergeant guiding the next generation of airmen. He shares his early days turning wrenches on C-5s, snowy deployments to Japan, and lessons learned about leadership, resilience, and ...
we meet Retired Air Force Veteran Kristin Fane. Originally from Chicago, Kristen joined the Air Force right out of high school after receiving a simple postcard from a recruiter — a decision that led to a remarkable 20-year career, all spent right here at Dyess Air Force Base. As a jet engine mechanic, Kristin worked on B-1 bombers, supported depot-level maintenance at Tinker Air Force Base, and served in multiple additional roles including PT leader, security manager, and technical data officer. She shares insight into the meticulous work behind keeping aircraft flight-ready, explains what...
In this episode: Retired Army Staff Sergeant Mark Delgado, a native of Knox City, Texas, whose 24-year Army career spanned artillery, infantry, and combat engineering. Mark shares his journey from small-town beginnings to global service — from breaching minefields and operating heavy equipment to instructing soldiers on early GPS systems. He talks about deployments across the U.S. and Germany, his time as a recruiter in Abilene, and the lessons learned from a lifetime of service. The conversation turns candid as Mark reflects on discipline, leadership, the evolution of the military, and adv...
On this week’s Warrior Wednesday on Raider Mornings with Chad Ray, retired U.S. Air Force Master Sergeant Joshua Baker shares his incredible 24-year journey of service. From growing up in Martha’s Vineyard to joining the Air Force in search of career and travel, Josh takes us through assignments in California, Japan, England, and beyond. Hear his stories about working on legendary aircraft, the mentors who shaped his career, and the lessons he now passes on to the next generation. Plus, discover how his love of numbers and discipline carries into his life today.
This week on Warrior Wednesday, Chad Ray welcomes Navy veteran Marc Grivas — a Master Mason and proud American Legion member — for a powerful conversation about life at sea and lessons learned in service. From navigating 100-foot swells in the Atlantic to finding peace on glassy waters, Marc shares vivid stories and timeless wisdom. Tune in for an inspiring salute to resilience, faith, and the courage to overcome fear.
Drafted in the Vietnam era but already wearing Air Force blue, Air Force firefighter George Orosco takes you from a military family’s roots to life on the flightline—training, deployments, rescues, and the pride that never leaves. He explains how a San Antonio kid turned firefighting into a lifelong calling across stateside bases and overseas assignments, and why the skills you learn in uniform translate directly to civilian success. If you’re considering the military—or just love a powerful service story—press play on this Warrior Wednesday.
Air Force veteran Roy McClendon shares his journey from Pampa, Texas to serving as a B-52 crew chief during the Vietnam era. From Dyess Air Force Base to deployments in Guam and Thailand, Roy reflects on discipline, teamwork, and the lessons of military life.