The Real ResQ Podcast

In this episode of The Real ResQ Podcast — the sixth of seven episodes highlighting the rescue efforts during the Kerr County, Texas Floods of July 4th, 2025 — host Jason Quinn sits down with United States Coast Guard pilots Ian Hopper and Blair Ogujiofor, along with a separate interview featuring Flight Mechanic Seth Reeves. Together, they reflect on their roles during the Kerrville flood response and the realities of high-stakes helicopter rescue operations.We also gain meaningful background on each of them, adding depth to who they are beyond the uniform. Hopper, who is from Houston, Texas, has a strong personal connection to the state that predates the Kerrville response. He had spent time vacationing near the Guadalupe River, giving him an intuitive understanding of the region long before the disaster unfolded.Ogujiofor, an American Nigerian, from Houston, Texas, shares her connection to the Igbo culture, proudly describing traditions such as the Ike Ji and Iri Ji festivals. Celebrations rooted in community, gratitude, and resilience.For Reeves, the connection to disaster response runs even deeper. As a young boy, he was inside Charity Hospital in New Orleans only days before Hurricane Katrina struck. His grandmother stayed behind during the storm, and Seth vividly remembers watching U.S. Coast Guard helicopters land on the hospital roof—a moment that would unknowingly shape his future.Across both conversations, they share firsthand accounts from the cockpit and the cabin—walking listeners through the rescue, the rapidly evolving challenges of the Kerrville incident, and the critical decisions made in dynamic, high-risk environments. The discussion highlights the importance of teamwork, preparation, communication, and adaptability, while also addressing the personal sacrifices that come with serving in the Coast Guard.Throughout the episode, Jason and his guests speak candidly about the emotional toll of rescue work, the importance of understanding operational limits, and the need for measured, calculated decision-making when lives are on the line. They also reflect on the vital role of family and community support, and how those connections help crews process and recover after intense missions.The actions taken by these crews during the Kerrville floods earned widespread recognition within the Coast Guard and the broader rescue community, highlighting their professionalism, skill, and unwavering commitment to service under extreme conditions.This episode offers an honest, inside look at the courage, dedication, and humanity behind Coast Guard rescue operations—capturing both the heroism in the air and the personal reflections that follow once the rotors stop turning.Enjoy.This episode is powered by Vertical HeliCASTS.Thank you for sponsoring this episode of The Real ResQ: Airbus, Axnes, Breeze-Eastern, ReadyBAR and The Real ResQ Store.Follow The Real ResQ on Facebook and Instagram and listen on Vertical HeliCASTS.

In this episode of The Real ResQ Podcast — the fifth of seven episodes highlighting the rescue efforts during the Kerr County, Texas Floods of July 4th, 2025 — host Jason Quinn sits down with two members of the Star Flight crew in Austin, Texas, recorded right from the heart of their operations. Pilot Ryan Kelly and Flight Nurse Katie WhiteThey share their firsthand experiences in helicopter emergency response, recounting daring hoists, life-saving missions, and the intense challenges of responding in high-pressure, rapidly changing environments.Through their stories, they highlight the critical collaboration between agencies during large-scale disasters and shed light on the often overlooked medical rescue calls that played a major role during the flood response. With advanced life support capabilities onboard, the Star Flight team proved to be an invaluable asset—treating patients in the field, stabilizing critical injuries, and bridging the gap when ground resources were overwhelmed.This episode offers a gripping look at the skill, coordination, and compassion that define Texas emergency aviation—both in the dramatic hoist missions and in the quieter medical moments that save lives just as profoundly.Enjoy!This episode is powered by Vertical HeliCASTS.Thank you for sponsoring this episode of The Real ResQ: Onboard Systems Hoist and Winch, PAG and The Real ResQ Store.Follow The Real ResQ on Facebook and Instagram and listen on Vertical HeliCASTS.

In this episode of The Real ResQ Podcast — the fourth of seven episodes highlighting the rescue efforts during the Kerr County, Texas Floods of July 4th, 2025 — host Jason Quinn joins six members of the Texas Department of Public Safety Aircraft Operations Division: Dustin Gardner, Rob Dorman, Tyason Chow, Dustin Ponce, Eric Herrera, and Brandon Palmer.Together, this diverse and highly skilled Texas DPS team shares firsthand stories from the world of helicopter emergency response. From their very first real rescues to the recent Kerr County flood operations, the crew offers an inside look at the training, challenges, and defining moments that shaped them into one of Texas’ premier aviation rescue units. They discuss the evolution of their rescue program, the importance of collaboration, and the emotional realities faced during high-stakes missions. Throughout the conversation, they emphasize the need for continuous learning, preparedness, and adaptability in the face of unpredictable emergencies.Enjoy!This episode is powered by Vertical HeliCASTS.Thank you for sponsoring this episode of The Real ResQ: Airbus, Onboard Systems Hoist and Winch, Metro Aviation and The Real ResQ Store.Follow The Real ResQ on Facebook and Instagram and listen on Vertical HeliCASTS.

In this episode of The Real ResQ Podcast — the third of seven episodes highlighting the rescue efforts during the Kerr County, Texas Floods of July 4th, 2025 — host Jason Quinn sits down with seasoned helicopter search and rescue technicians Bryan Winchell and Cliff Patrick from Texas Task Force One.Winchell and Patrick share their firsthand accounts of the extreme challenges faced during the Kerrville flood response. They walk through the intricacies of coordinating a multi-agency effort, the adrenaline-filled moments of helping survivors from rapidly rising waters, and the unexpected technical difficulties that tested their skill and composure.Both rescuers reflect on the intense training that prepared them for these high-stakes missions and the deep camaraderie that fuels their team. From the initial callout to the final rescue, they take us inside the emotional highs and lows of a mission where every second mattered.This is an inspiring, eye-opening conversation that underscores the power of teamwork, preparation, and resilience in the face of disaster.Enjoy!This episode is powered by Vertical HeliCASTS.Thank you for sponsoring this episode of The Real ResQ: Axnes, Breeze-Eastern, ReadyBAR and The Real ResQ Store.Follow The Real ResQ on Facebook and Instagram and listen on Vertical HeliCASTS.

In this episode of The Real ResQ Podcast — the second of seven episodes highlighting the rescue efforts during the Kerr County, Texas Floods of July 4th, 2025 — host Jason Quinn dives into the world of emergency response coordination with DJ Walker, a seasoned rescue captain out of Austin, Texas.Walker shares his experiences managing the Joint Air Ground Coordination Team, offering a rare inside look at what it takes to synchronize air and ground assets during large-scale rescue operations across Texas. From directing multiple aircraft in dynamic, high-stakes environments to supporting ground crews as conditions change by the minute, his stories reveal the true complexity—and necessity—of precision coordination.We will get an in-depth look at major rescue events, including the unforgettable Camp Mystic evacuation, where teamwork, communication, and adaptability were key to moving large groups of people to safety. Walker also emphasizes the importance of building strong relationships before disaster strikes, highlighting how trust and familiarity between agencies can make or break a mission.This episode is a powerful testament to the resilience, collaboration, and commitment of those who work behind the scenes to save lives when chaos unfolds. Enjoy!This episode is powered by Vertical HeliCASTS.Thank you for sponsoring this episode of The Real ResQ: Breeze-Eastern, PAG, ReadyBAR and The Real ResQ Store.Follow The Real ResQ on Facebook and Instagram and listen on Vertical HeliCASTS.Learn more about Walker's company, Origin Rigging at originrigging.com