Episode #109 – From MiG-21s to the A-10 Hawg: The Incredible Journey of Major Joszph “Boarat” Jonas

Lessons From The Cockpit

🎙️ EPISODE 109 – From MiG-21 to A-10 Hawg: The Incredible Journey of Lt Col Joszph “Boarat” Jonas Welcome back to Lessons from the Cockpit, the show that brings you stories and lessons learned from aviators who've been there, done that, and brought the jet home. I’m Mark Hasara—KC-135 instructor pilot, Air Force Weapons School grad, author of Tanker Pilot, and your host for Episode 109. This one’s going to hit you right between the afterburners. ✈️ From Opposing Forces to Brothers-in-Arms My guest is Cliff Wilson, an Air Force C-141 Starlifter driver and UPT instructor in both the T-37 Tweet and T-6 Texan II. Cliff has a powerful lesson on facing failure head-on—and how his faith changed his perspective and helped him turn setbacks into comebacks. But here's where the story really takes off! Cliff tells us about his friend—Lt Col József “Boarat” Jonas, a Hungarian-born pilot who trained to fight against us in a MiG-21 Fishbed during the Cold War. And now? He flies the A-10 Warthog for the United States Air Force! Let that sink in. This guy served as a US Army CH-47 Chinook Crew Chief in Iraq, then fought his way through the system to earn his USAF pilot wings. Despite every door being slammed in his face, a few bold leaders gave him the shot at Air Force Silver Wings on his chest. Now he’s tearing it up in the Hawg. Lt Col Jonas has many titles now... including A-10 Instructor Pilot of the Year! This is a story of redemption, grit, and brotherhood—the kind of story that reminds you why we do what we do. 🛫 Fuel the Fight – Join the All Ranks Club on Patreon Want to hear more stories like this? Help us keep the Lessons from the Cockpit show in the air. Join the All Ranks Club on Patreon and get mission-ready extras: 🎧 Private Zoom calls—talk tactics, leadership, or your favorite aircraft 🍻 Virtual Bar Nights with aircrew and fans ❓ Group Q&As—ask me anything about aviation, war stories, or life on the flight line ✈️ A 10-pack of exclusive 7-inch aircraft vinyl stickers... dishwasher safe! 🪙 Early access to our All Ranks Challenge Coin design team 🎯 Join here ➡️ Patreon – All Ranks Club 🎁 Or gift a membership ➡️ Give the Gift of Flight 🎨 Wall Pilot – Aviation Art You Can Stick Anywhere Take your favorite jet from the ramp to the wall. Wall Pilot prints stunning, highly detailed vinyl art of legendary aircraft—from P-51 Mustangs to F-22 Raptors—on peel-and-stick vinyl, 4 to 8 feet long. Use them in your office, hangar, classroom, or man cave. Over 158 ready-to-print profiles Custom orders with your name on the canopy rail available Dishwasher-safe aircraft sticker packs included with Patreon support 🛒 Shop now ➡️ WallPilot.com/shop ✍️ Custom jet? ➡️ Design Your Dream Aircraft Every order helps support the podcast. 💸 Want to Drop Fuel in the Tank? Contribute directly to the show via Venmo: 💰 Venmo – @Mark-Hasara Whether it’s $5 or $50, every bit helps keep the flight deck manned and the gear turning. 📱 Follow Me on Social Media YouTube – @markhasara 📸 Instagram – @markhasara 🎵 TikTok – @markhasara 🟦 Facebook – Mark Hasara Subscribe. Like. Share. Help us grow the formation. This episode proves one thing: It doesn’t matter where you start—it matters who’s willing to fight beside you. Until next time… Nobody Kicks Ass Without Tanker Gas... NOBODY!