Col John “JV” Venable USAF (ret) is a highly experienced defense expert, former combat fighter pilot and was also a commander of the US Air Force Thunderbirds demonstration team! More recently, his work with the Mitchell Institute of Aerospace Studies gives him a unique perspective on the current conflict in Iran and the challenges to America's Air Power. During his 25-year career in the Air Force, Col Venable served in three combat operations, flying more than 300 hours of combat time over Kuwait, Iraq, and Afghanistan. He served as Staff Officer for Nuclear Policy for Headquarters Air Northwest and as an Operations Officer of the Air Warrior Program, and was commander of the 379th Air Expeditionary Group. His last military assignment was as principal adviser and briefer to the Air Force’s Chief of Staff and Director of Operations on the Presi ...