Episode #117: Lessons with Flight Surgeon Dr. Jim “Pops” Stewart and The Candy Bomber Foundation

🎙️ Episode #117 – Lessons with Flight Surgeon Dr. Jim “Pops” Stewart What happens when a fighter pilot’s doctor flies the jet too? This episode will change the way you see aviation medicine forever. Welcome back to Lessons from the Cockpit. I’m Lt. Col. Mark Hasara, retired Air Force KC-135 pilot, Weapons Officer, and lifelong aviation nut. In Episode 117, I sit down with retired Air Force Colonel and Flight Surgeon Dr. Jim “Pops” Stewart—and his story is incredible. Pops caught the aviation bug early. But he didn’t just want to fly—he wanted to take care of the people who do. He began his career in the Army at Fort Benning, learning aviation medicine and flying rotary wing aircraft as a Flight Surgeon. Then he switched from green to blue and became an Air Force Flight Surgeon. He commanded a Flight Surgeon unit and flew in fast jets like the F-16 Viper out of Kunsan Air Base in South Korea. That means he didn’t just work in a clinic—he strapped in and felt what fighter pilots feel. Today, Pops continues to serve through the Gail Halvorsen Candy Bomber Foundation, carrying on the legacy of the Berlin Airlift’s Candy Bomber. It’s about inspiring hope, honoring service, and proving that small acts of kindness can change the world. Learn more, become a Candy Bomber Foundation member, or donate at https://www.thecandybomber.org. This episode is packed with leadership lessons, aviation history, and stories from inside the squadron. If you love fighter jets, air refueling, leadership, and the people behind the mission—hit follow and subscribe. Share this episode with someone who loves aviation as much as you do. 🛩️ Episode Sponsor – Wall Pilot Custom Aviation Art Wall Pilot creates high-detail vinyl aircraft profiles you can peel and stick on almost any flat surface. Choose from over 150 aircraft or design your own with custom markings and weapons. Perfect for your office, hangar, or squadron space. Visit https://www.wallpilot.com. 🎖️ Join the All Ranks Club on Patreon Get exclusive Q&As, virtual hangar talks, collector aircraft stickers, and early access to new content. Help keep Lessons from the Cockpit airborne at patreon.com/lessonsfromthecockpit. 💸 Support the Show Directly Venmo: Mark-Hasara Zelle: [email protected] Every contribution helps keep these stories flying. Follow me for more aviation content: YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok: @markhasara Thanks for flying with me. And remember… Nobody Kicks Ass Without Tanker Gas. NOBODY! #aviation #avgeek #military #airforce #army #navy #usmc #pilot #pilotlife #flight #flying #fly #aircraft #airplane #plane #jet #airport #photo #photography #video #videoviral #viralvideos#lessonsfromthecockpit #podcast #show #takeoff #drone