AC-130 Spectre Gunner Anthony Dyer: Firing the 105 to Save Green Berets — And Life After Combat

What is it like to hear the words “clear to engage”… and fire a 105mm howitzer from the sky?

In this episode of The Ryan Files, former AC-130 Spectre gunner Anthony Dyer shares what it was like to provide close air support for Green Berets and Special Operations forces in Afghanistan and against ISIS.

With nearly 2,000 flight hours on the gunship, Anthony describes:

• The adrenaline of first contact
• Hearing RPG fire below
• Firing the 105mm cannon in combat
• The responsibility of protecting men pinned down
• What it feels like to take a life — and why

But this conversation goes deeper than combat.

We explore what happens when the engines shut down.
When the uniform comes off.
When identity, purpose, and mission suddenly disappear.

Anthony opens up about PTSD, alcohol, faith, fatherhood, legacy, and the long road of redefining purpose after war.

This is not just a war story.

It’s a story about relevance.
Redemption.
And learning how to turn it off.

📚 Anthony Dyer’s Book:
Moonchild: The Roots and Wings of a U.S. Air Force Combat Special Missions Aviator
Available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

🔒 Want the Aftermath episode?
We go deeper into identity, faith, and what didn’t make the main cut.
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📺 Watch the full video version:
youtube.com/@theryanfiles

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theryanfiles.com

🎧 Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and everywhere you listen.

Veteran stories matter.
Purpose matters.
Identity matters.

You folks are awesome. Be amazing, be positive, and stay curious out there, my friends — and I’ll see you next time, right here on The Ryan Files.