Just a Farm Kid: Story of a Vietnam War Chinook Crew Chief turned Aviation Safety Leader | BTD Ep. 07

In this episode of Beyond the Dispatch, we sit down with Ralph, the author of Just a Farm Kid, as he shares his remarkable journey from a childhood of abandonment to a fulfilling career in aviation. Abandoned by his mother and raised on his strict, impoverished grandfather's farm, Ralph often felt like "unclaimed baggage left at the airport," spinning around the carousel, waiting to be claimed. But instead of being defined by bitterness, Ralph changed his narrative and proved that even unclaimed baggage still had worth.

Ralph takes us through his military service in Vietnam as a Chinook helicopter crew chief with the 147th Assault Support Helicopter Company in Vung Tau, where he faced life-threatening missions and challenges. After returning from the war, he built a career through grit, persistence, and kindness, ultimately managing the flight department of a Fortune 500 company.

In this heartfelt conversation, Ralph reflects on his fragmented family, the importance of staying true to oneself, and the value of kindness and resilience in overcoming life’s obstacles. Tune in to hear how his early struggles shaped his career and led to a life of profound impact in aviation safety.