From a small-town kid in Paris, Tennessee, to a decorated Brigadier General in the United States Air Force, Dave “Trashman” Hicks has led an extraordinary life. In this episode of Micro Journeys, host Daniel Marrujo sits down with Dave to explore his path—from his time at the Air Force Academy and flying the legendary A-10 Warthog, to combat missions in Afghanistan and Iraq, to strategic war gaming at the Pentagon. Along the way, Dave shares candid stories about leadership, adaptability, and the moments that defined his service.

The conversation dives into his call sign’s unusual origin, the evolution of Air Force technology, the art and skill behind precision flying without GPS, and the controlled chaos of close air support missions. Dave also lifts the curtain on high-stakes war games, offering insight into how the U.S. military anticipates future conflicts and adapts strategy.

Now retired from the Air Force, Dave has transitioned to flying in the private sector while continuing to work on bridging the gap between emerging technologies and operational needs. His story is a masterclass in leadership, decision-making under pressure, and staying ahead in a rapidly changing world.

What You’ll Discover in This Episode:

[01:07] How a rural Tennessee upbringing and a high school guidance counselor set Dave on course for the Air Force Academy.

[04:31] The golf tournament antics that earned him the call sign “Trashman.”

[11:58] Navigating combat missions before GPS—relying on landmarks, maps, and quick decision-making.

[17:17] A 25-minute firefight in Afghanistan that tested every skill and left a lasting impact.

[29:24] Inside the Pentagon: leading strategic war games and planning for potential 2030s conflicts.

[39:29] How technology transformed the A-10 from a manual aircraft into a precision strike platform.

Let’s Connect:

• Daniel Marrujo
• Dave Hicks
• TSS Website

Learn more about TSS: https://tss.llc/micro-journeys-podcast/

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