Joseph "M9" Markusfeld | The Philosophy of What The Hell

Joseph "M9" Markusfeld | The Philosophy of What The Hell

Author: Mt. Carmel Veterans Service Center March 27, 2025 Duration: 1:17:46

Have you ever had a moment in life when you had nothing else to lose and just said "what the hell, let's do it?" This is the motto of Retired Lieutenant Colonel Joseph “M9” Markusfeld is a now a commercial pilot and former Special Operations Aircraft Commander. A US Air Force Academy Graduate Class of 1998, M9 was assigned to as a KC-135RT pilot at McConnell Air Force Base Kansas where he quickly qualified as a Special Operations Air Refueling Pilot and became one of the first aircrew deployed in response to 9/11. He would fly combat missions in the opening night of OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM and later as a Special Operations Aircraft Commander in the opening night of OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM. In 2007, during deployment he partnered with the Iraqi Air Force at Forward Operating Base Warrior, Iraq to stand-up the first ever Pilot Training Squadron in a combat zone. Following his return he was selected to stand-up Air Education Training Command’s Special Missions/Irregular Warfare Branch as the first Chief of Special Missions/Irregular Warfare Standardization and Evaluation. He would spend the next five years deploying to Iraq, Afghanistan, Africa, and Ukraine embedding with our coalition partners to develop and sustain their nascent Air Forces.

 


The Vantage Point, presented by the Mt. Carmel Veterans Service Center, moves beyond the familiar narratives of military service to explore the rich, complex lives veterans lead long after their uniform comes off. This podcast is a space for conversation where the unique perspective forged by service meets the broader human experience. Episodes delve into the cultural touchstones, philosophical questions, and personal passions that define a life, from the books and films that resonate deeply to the ongoing education and hobbies that provide purpose. We talk about reintegration, family, and navigating civilian society, but we do so through the lens of lived experience and thoughtful dialogue. The goal is not just to share stories but to connect them to universal themes of resilience, curiosity, and community. By giving voice to veterans in all their diversity, The Vantage Point aims to foster understanding and highlight the multifaceted contributions of military families to the fabric of our culture. You'll hear honest discussions that are sometimes challenging, often uplifting, and always grounded in the distinct vantage point earned through service. Tune in for a podcast that honors the past while actively engaging with the present, exploring the leisure, learning, and philosophical threads that weave together a meaningful life after duty.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 52

The Vantage Point
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