Episode 86 retired Army Apache and Customs and Border Protection Air Interdiction Pilot Dan Flores

Interview with Dan Flores, retired United States Army, Customs and Border Protection and EMS pilot.

Years of Service: 1985-2022

Daniel Flores is a lifelong Texan. He enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1985, attending Infantry training at Ft. Benning Ga. He then served in the 4th Infantry Division in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

After his active-duty time he then served in the Texas Army National Guard’s special operations unit; Company G. 143rd Infantry LRRP (Long Range Reconnaissance Patrol).
In 1990 Mr. Flores went to Army flight school to become an Apache helicopter pilot with 7th Squadron 6th Cavalry Regiment, based in Conroe Texas.

In 2006 he was deployed as the attack asset for the 10th Mountain Division. He was in the infamous Korengal Valley and numerous outposts in the Hindu Kush mountains and along the Pakistani border.

He wrote a #1 bestselling book telling of his experience flying the Apache helicopter in combat and was instrumental in the success of the movie "Apache Warrior" as a Co-Executive producer.

The title of his book is “South of Heaven, My Year in Afghanistan”.
From his book the film “Above the Best” was made. The film uses actual footage taken from his Apache helicopter in combat.

He received the “The Air Medal” and “Bronze Star” and retired after 26+ years in the Army.
He also flew airplanes and helicopters for 21 years, for U.S. Customs and Border Protection, as an Air Interdiction Agent before retiring in July 2020. He has been deployed to the U.S./Mexico border and South America on numerous occasions for operations against the Drug Trafficking Cartels and the illegal immigrant surge.

He currently flies Helicopters as an EMS pilot, in the Houston area.

00:00 Introduction to Reasons We Serve
04:23 Special Operations and Training
13:58 Basic Training Experiences
21:09 Path to Becoming a Pilot
40:34 Laser Missile Guidance
41:01 Apache's 30mm Explosive Rounds
41:44 Apache's Advanced Fire Control
42:12 Tow Missile Replacement
42:59 Apache's Rocket Arsenal
44:31 Helicopter Safety vs. Fixed-Wing Aircraft
45:02 Understanding Autorotation
48:26 Helicopter Crash Experience
53:09 Crash Aftermath and Rescue
01:05:05 Crash Investigation and Findings
01:07:04 Walking Back to the Hangar
01:10:19 Medical Attention and Recovery
01:11:43 Tagaw Valley Rescue Mission
01:16:39 Ambush in the Village
01:17:04 Rocket Run Mishap
01:17:36 Engaging the Enemy
01:18:13 Convoy in Danger
01:20:36 Navigating the Village
01:21:13 Rooftop Threats
01:23:01 Motorcycle Explosion
01:25:07 Unexpected Targets
01:28:47 Colonel Rose's Story
01:34:17 Joining Customs
01:35:01 Pipeline Job
01:40:29 Customs Air Interdiction
01:52:07 Border Patrol Operations
01:52:47 Nogales and the Border Wall
01:53:16 Challenges in Texas Border Security
01:54:58 Trump's Impact on Border Control
01:56:08 Falfurrias: Little Vegas of Mexico
02:00:25 Operation Halcyon: Drug Interception
02:02:13 Ninja Turtles and Host Nation Riders
02:03:51 Nighttime Drug Interceptions
02:04:58 Challenges in Air Surveillance
02:08:05 Transition to EMS Helicopter Pilot
02:14:31 First EMS Mission: High Energy MVA
02:20:58 Navigating Through Storms
02:26:17 Reflecting on a Life of Service
02:27:17 Conclusion and Final Thoughts