So There I Was Chuck Newton and Pete Harmon

This week on "So There I Was," join hosts Fig & RePete and special guest Dan from the "Danger Close Podcast" as they embark on a thrilling exploration of a Marine Air Traffic Controller's life turned podcaster. Experience firsthand the intense challenges of boot camp and the critical responsibilities within an Air Traffic Control Tower where every decision is crucial.



In this special collaboration episode, we delve into the gripping realities of Air Traffic Control (ATC). Discover jaw-dropping stories, including an unprecedented verbal confrontation that's been kept secret until now. Ever wondered how a single word can flex as a noun, verb, adjective, gerund, participle, and exclamation? Tune in to learn how ATC professionals master the art of communication under pressure!



Plus, do you recall the Asiana Flight 777 incident at San Francisco Airport in 2013? Curious about what really happened in the control tower during that crisis? We've got an exclusive behind-the-scenes look just for our Patreon supporters. Visit our Patreon page at [https://sothereiwas.us/patreon] for an insider's view during a major airport emergency. Buckle up for a riveting journey into the world of air traffic control—it's going to be an unforgettable ride!

Join us on this week's episode where we sit down with Bill "The Weatherguy" Korbell, a man who’s forecasted everything from monsoons in Thailand to the less-than-perfect day for a presidential flight. Starting off his career in the sweltering heat of 1960s Thailand with the 8th Tactical Fighter Wing, Bill was the go-to meteorologist briefing for Operation Bolo, which aimed to outsmart the nimble NV MiG 21s that were giving our bombers a hard time.



But as winds do, they shifted unexpectedly, and a last-minute change in orders rerouted Bill's life straight to Washington D.C. There, among his high-flying duties, he briefed missions for none other than Air Force One.



Ever wondered how a small slip-up in weather forecasting could lead to an unforgettable podcast title? You’ll chuckle as Bill explains the mishap that inspired this week’s episode title: "It’s a Lot Like Yesterday."



Post-Air Force, Bill didn’t just hang up his barometer. No, he soared into the world of radio and TV, where he managed to snag a ride in the Goodyear Blimp, Air Force One and flew with the Blue Angels—talk about a career high!



Now, grab your aviator glasses and tune in. Bill’s about to share some sky-high tales and invaluable insights on aviation weather that might just save your next flight from being a washout. Buckle up—it’s going to be a thrilling ride with Bill, where every cloud has a silver lining!




US Space Force Logo



Turbulence



Bill & Sal in their Cirrus



LtCol Bill Korbel, USAF



1st Lt Korbel Thailand 1966



General Robin Olds USAF



I got to fly the Goodyear Blimp







Cirrus hit this metroliner



A Ride with The Blues

Join us this week for an engaging conversation with Isaac G. Lee, author of "Hangar 4." This groundbreaking book is the first to detail the Marine Corps' CH-53E "Super Stallion" operations during Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom.



Known by his call sign "Whisky," Lee provides a fascinating look at his illustrious career. His journey begins in Quantico’s dense forests and progresses to leading a CH-53 squadron. His experiences are detailed through personal journal entries.



Lee offers a unique insight into the challenges of flying the Marines' largest helicopter in support of combat missions. His stories combine sharp humor with steadfast professionalism.



For exclusive content, visit our Patreon page at https://sothereiwas.us/patreon. Enjoy a gripping story about a 'near-death' encounter involving a lucky mule! Your support helps us deliver special content exclusively for our patrons.




May 8, 2005, Two CH-53 from Marine Heavy Lift Squadron 465 sit on the flight line of Al Asad, Iraq as a fire from the base dump illuminates the sky. (USMC photo by Cpl. Alicia M. Garcia)















































U.S. Marine Maj. Isaac G. Lee, Operations Officer, Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 461 (HMH-461), transports a U.S. Army CH-47 Chinook for transport while piloting a CH-53 E Super Stallion during a Tactical Recovery of Aircraft and Personnel (TRAP), undisclosed location, Afghanistan, March 20, 2011. HMH-461 performs TRAP missions in order to retrieve U.S. Armed Forces equipment and conduct investigations in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. (U.S. Marine Corps Photo by Sgt. Ricardo A. Gomez/FOUO).

This week buckle up with Grease as he takes us on a high-flying journey through his storied aviation career. From zipping across skies in sleek Saber-Liners and Lear Jets to commanding the formidable B-1 Bomber and the elusive U-2, Grease has done it all.



He dives into the thrilling early days of the B-1 and reveals the sky-high challenges of piloting the U-2—like pre-breathing oxygen just to sidestep the bends and enduring nine-hour flights in a cockpit so tight, scratching your nose becomes a daydream.



With over 5000 flight hours and a staff tour under his belt, Grease's tales are nothing short of aerial adventures. Fasten your seatbelts—it’s going to be an exhilarating ride!

This week's guest, KK, hails from East Germany—back when the Berlin Wall was more than just a memory. Believe it or not, flying was nowhere on her radar until one fateful birthday in her 40s when she was gifted a sightseeing flight that quite literally propelled her into the skies. From the second that engine roared to life, KK was smitten. She wasn't just hooked—she was lassoed by the thrill of flight! Her newfound passion took flight, launching her through a whirlwind of background checks, mastering English, countless flight lessons, and even purchasing her very own aircraft. But why stop at just the sky? Dismissing the Atlantic as a mere puddle, KK embarked on a meticulous 20-month plan that led to a life-altering journey across the globe, which she brilliantly chronicles in her book: Halfway Around the World in 40 Days.



Buckle up and tune in as we dive into KK's exhilarating tale. And don’t forget to grab her book—it’s your ticket to experiencing an adventure that 99.9% of humanity will only dream about!




KK Taxiing in her Grumman Traveler named Pegasus























KK on the wing of Pegasus

Disco joins us to share tales from his thrilling experiences—from his days at OCS to piloting the AV-8B Harrier during the Gulf War and teaching both students and instructors in the Harrier Fleet Replacement Squadron (FRS). With his vivid storytelling, sharp wit, and infectious humor, Disco’s narratives will leave you clutching your sides in laughter. His legendary pranks, executed fearlessly on anyone, are just as memorable. If he hadn’t succeeded in aviation, Disco undoubtedly had a promising career in stand-up comedy, with all the makings of a star.