Brian Shul - From Butterflies to Blackbirds
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- Опубликовано: 28 сен 2015
- Brian Shul uses photos and stories as a vehicle to tell an inspired story of hope, overcoming obstacles and daring to dream. From lying near death in the jungles of Southeast Asia to flying the world’s fastest jet, Brian shares his amazing journey in an unforgettable presentation that not only reveals fascinating details of piloting the SR-71, but a meaningful message on life’s opportunities as well.
Born in Quantico, VA in 1948, Brian graduated East Carolina University in 1970 with a degree in History and Anthropology. Flying close air support missions in Viet Nam, he flew 212 missions before his aircraft was shot down. Severely burned in the crash he was given little chance of survival. He spent one year in hospitals, endured 15 reconstructive surgeries and after countless hours of physical therapy, Brian surprised his doctors and returned to flying jets. In addition, he flew the A-7D, and was in the first A-10 squadron, becoming an airshow demonstration pilot. Brian also taught at the Air Force’s TOPGUN School and culminated his Air Force career with selection to fly the world’s premier spy plane, the SR-71. This was a remarkable accomplishment considering that it required an astronaut physical to qualify for the plane that routinely flew above 95% of the earth’s atmosphere. Only 93 Air Force pilots in history ever flew the SR-71, still the fastest plane ever built. Brian flew the Blackbird for 4 years and was the pilot who provided key photos of Libyan terrorist camps to President Reagan during the Libyan Crisis in 1986 when he became the only SR-71 pilot ever to fly 3 missions in 3 consecutive days.
Brian retired from the Air Force in 1990, and pursued his writing interests. He wrote a book about flying the SR-71 and illustrated it with his own photography. It earned him the Aviation Book of the Year honors from the Smithsonian. He has written four other aviation books, for which he did all the flying, writing, and photography. He is the only man in America to have flown extensively with both the Air Force Thunderbirds and Navy Blue Angels in the making of those books. His Sled Driver book on the SR-71 is today the single most popular book on that plane worldwide.
Brian’s remarkable comeback story has inspired audiences nationwide. He is a recipient of the National Spirit of Freedom Award, the prestigious Silver Eagle Award, and last summer was inducted into the Air Force Legends Hall of Fame. He finished his flying career with 5000 hours, having flown the T-28A/B/C, AT-28D, A-7D, A-10, F-5B, F-100, F-15, and SR-71. Brian is the owner of Gallery One in Marysville, California where his nationally acclaimed nature photography is on display. 
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Lived on Beale AFB when the Black Bird was assigned there, I was a kid then and started school at Lone Tree then went to the new middle school Far West . I had a classmate, his father was a Blackbird pilot, think his father was a Major, did you ever know a Major Cavata . My father was in SAC , a fire control tech on a B 52 . Loved the Black Bird, it was a beautiful aircraft, 64 now and I'll never forget it. Thanks for your service Sir , and your post was great and your humor is awesome, don't worry you won't wake up with fire and smoke, around you, when your time comes, Godspeed sir.🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
We lost Brian Shul this year. Rest in peace Brian. You served well and faithfully and earned your peace.
So sorry to hear of his passing. A great loss to humanity. His journey from pathos to the sublime is wonderfully uplifting and inspiring to the soul. Igniting hope and self-belief where none previously existed is miraculous on its own. Forever grateful to Brian Shul for sharing the story of his life so wonderfully lived. RIP
So sorry to find out Brian's passing. I come back to this video for lesson's in life, there is more to achieve. Thank you Brian Shul. We will miss you.
This is one of those videos you end up watching every few years again and again because it inspires you each time . Thanks Brian !
Just met him at Reno air races. He must have spent 20 minutes talking to my son and myself as if he knew us forever. Wonderful person. Got him to autographed his new book so it will be on display in my hanger.
I have watched this video of Brian Shul more times than I can remember, he does such a fantastic performance in this video he deserves an Oscar, the Humor is beyond reproach. I get the same feelings of awe this time as i did the first time. I hope everyone watching this gets the same enjoyment. Thanks so much for sharing this video and keeping it available for those who haven't watched it yet, and thank you for allowing me to comment on how much I appreciate it. For what it's worth, I've subbed, left a thumbs up, and a tap on the bell.
I could listen to Brian for days. I am so sad he is no longer with us. RIP mate!
This man is one of the greatest speakers I’ve ever heard and most inspirational person I’ve ever seen
Much much respect for you and everyone involved in the blackbird! Thank you so much for your dedication and sacrifice for our great nation! We are free because of people like you! Semper Fi brother! I know your not a Marine, but you can be on my team anyday!
There is an SR-71A in our museum about 1 mi. from me that I've seen 5-6 times now. Each time I stand and look at it I get chills. One of the greatest pieces of aerospace technology ever created. Thank God Kelly Johnson worked for us and gave us the men like Brian who flew them. Almost impossible to comprehend being able to move at over 3,000 ft per second.
I had the pleasure of meeting Brian at the Cleveland National Airshow in 1978. I was a senior in high school and Brian was flying the baddest aircraft at the show that day. The A-10 Warthog. While I never got to realize my dream of being a military pilot, I will remember Brian's grace that day answering a thousand questions from me. Thank you Brian. Salute.
As a 12 year old growing up here in NZ, I thought at the time our A4-Skyhawks the RNZAF were flying at the time were the bees knees. That all changed one day when I first laid eyes on a picture of the SR-71 in a book. Man I was mesmerised by it's sleek black shape and jaw-dropping speed. I wanted to fly one, but instantly following that thought, realised it would not be possible in this life time. The SR-71, in my book, will always be 'that' aircraft that holds a magical wonder and presence never to be repeated. A truly historical achievement! Your presentation Brian was exceptionally entertaining and thoroughly enjoyed.
Thank you Brian and all of our vets,God bless each and every one
Utmost respect for Brian, but let's not forget our special forces ("put it down or we'll shoot it down") who are often put in the most difficult situations imaginable and never get to share the limelight. I thank and salute you all for your service and dedication.
As an USAF instructor, I watched this man speak several times. He is a very talented and inspirational speaker. He spoke on medical care and being on the other side of the medical team. SHCS 1984-1991
Just an absolute amazing aircraft, the SR-71 was...!!! The head on picture, is always the best view of this aircraft!
Thanks for sharing Brian, very impressive story you told and how you told. I love the SR 71; just a beauty even after the decades. A true masterpiece.
This guy is seriously a hero and the definition of what a TRUE PATRIOT it is in the USA! No politics in his message. Simply love for flight, love for his country and a love for his brothers in arms. Truly remarkable.
Brian Shul was a national treasure and his passing was heartbreaking. I dont even know how many times I’ve watched his videos but Im inspired every time I do. God bless you Major, rest in peace.
Can listen to this again & again. Again. Yet again. 💓
I'm a veteran and I was on the verge of suicide. Just for today I decided to live. Thanks for keeping us safe. Your story makes me want to try one to live one more day
YOU MADE THE RIGHT DECISION.....BUSTING INTO ETERNITY UN INVITED WOULD GIVE YOU AN ETERNAL NIGHTMARE FULL OF IMPOSSIBLE REGRET....
Glad you are here James.
John 3:16
James Liebherr Hey buddy hope ur ok
Thank you for your service and endurance my friend. Wishing you all the best, and keeping you in my prayers... You are a valued, loved and unique soul. Please don't deprive the world of that gift.
Thank you Brian Shul, for your sharing story and God Bless You.....BTW. Thank you for your SERVED...
Incredible story about him changing his view point to wanting to live again and even more so that he was able to return to flying status and fly the SR-71. Truly inspirational!
REST IN PEACE Brian Shul. Thank you for your service and your memories.
this guy is a great story teller and the fact that those are real stories makes it even better
Stopped here and was thinking I’ll watch a couple of minutes of this but ended up watching all of it twice, this guy is awesome and a stand up comedian, could listen to his stories for hours !!!!
The best motivational talk I have ever listened to. Kudos to Brian Shul.
Every once in a while you come across a real warrior-hero. I salute you sir.
Major Shul, you are a hero,God bless you for your service sir!
This man is a national treasure.
Thank you so very, very much Mr. Shul!!!
What a great video! Incredible story with a Mission... Attitude is EVERYTHING! Great Inspirational Speaker with Passion! Never get tired of watching and listening to Videos like this... Brian's life story Gives me inspiration to get off my Ass and try again when things go wrong; Love this guys get up and GO! America needs more people like this living, breathing, and breeding here.
Truly inspiring! I’ve got no reason to complain about my little aches and pains. Brian is not only a great pilot, but a great speaker!
Absolutely love hearing this man's lectures & speeches. Awesome adventures...
This is 1 event I wish I had been at . This guy not only is not only interesting, his just a naturally funny guy. Incredible photos!
I have watched his presentation a few times and it never fails to give a laugh and a chill down my spine.
Brian tells an awesome story, one that is backed up with knowledge and achievment.
Well done sir.
RIP Brian - thanks for the great ride-along.
A 23 year NSW guy here, that retired from a TBI I received courtesy of the Taliban and an IED, I LOVED hearing this life story.
Blessings my friend
Guys like him are the reason I did a career in the navy and 50 years in aviation. They are few and far between . We need more like him.
21 Years later I can still picture a Blackbird taking off from Milldenhall England Banking Left off the runway into that London Fog. I was a 12 year old walking home from school. The path home took me past the the runways. The image of the beautiful silhouette will forever be burned into my mind.
I worked at Wright Patterson air Force Base for a while, and we were sworn to secrecy on the Black Bird. I'm here to tell you the best kept secret of all, concerning the SR 71. The damn thing is a Space Ship. You almost need a pressure suit just to stand next to it. Coolest Space Ship I ever saw.
I listen to this every night while working, to remind myself to make the most of the time we have left. It puts things into perspective for me.
Such an Amazing Aircraft, truely thought and built from the ground up, the engineers should get a medal for such an amazing
almost other worldly Aircraft
Thinking of you today at Beale AFB in CA. Thankyou for loving me Shuly. ✈️♥️ See you at Arlington. 🦘
What a military career Brian had. Brian and I had a very nice talk years ago at Boeing Field in Seattle. RIP
I love Brian Shul. Rest in peace brother.
As an Air Force veteran (‘77 to ‘87), stationed at Luke AFB with the 26th Air Defense Squadron, I got to watch the Blackbird take off out of Beale AFB (on radar). I watched the Blackbirds fly down the coast, make a huge arch to turn around and head north along the coast of California. The radar “data trail” for most commercial plans was about 1/2” long on the radar screen, but the Blackbird was just over 2” on the screen. It was so much fun to watch!
Simply the best 52 minutes 39 seconds on the Internet.
What an absolute gent! 1 of 96 legends!
A true American hero and patriotic man IMO!
Glad to hear that he gives presentations. He's a natural at storytelling!!
Never gets old. Always good for a pick me up 😎
Brian Shul a hero!! And the Blackbird a hero!!!
What a great message of his life above ground for our safety, at times I felt like I was there and can see what he did. Blessed by his strength and will he found to want to live.
If Brian Shul gave up, we would never know and others listening may not be alive from his message.
Such an amazing Pilot. I had the honor of meeting him at Boeing field. Very friendly person.
My favorite Sr 71 video. Brian is an awesome and funny guy
Brother, you have led an adventurous life!
Was stationed in Okinawa in 71 at the Seebee base about a mile or so from the end of the runway. And one day one of the other mechanics told me to go stand outside the shop and watch for that big black bird takeoff, and when I heard them punch the throttles and took of over us and the steel on the roof just rattled and about 10 seconds after takeoff there was just to red dot going thru the clouds! WOW Also got to see one on final approach a sight the I will always remember as long as I live! A big tip of the hat to Brian!!!!!!
That is the most gorgeous dreamiest machine I've ever seen. Everyone who had a hand in its project must have been so proud.
Freaking awesome, awesome, awesome, as a black army aviator to see the joy of this crew brings tears to my eyes. Understanding the challenges of this crew is history in dedication
Amazing!! As a retired Air Force SNCO, I thank you for all you’ve done. You are my hero!
I still have Brian Shul’s two photography books on the SR71 that I purchased at the museum of flight in Seattle years ago. I don’t remember the occasion except that it was an air show, or a museum show about the SR71, but Mr Shul had a booth set up there and he was selling his books. I bought one of each, both signed by him.
My hat is off to you, Brian! I've been honored to associate/be friends with many of America's heroes . . . you are certainly in their ranks!
Hey Brian, I watched because you met my best friend Eric the photographer. He met you and your dad while he was Doing infrared photography in Fl. He spoke extremely highly of you and how humble you are.
I am glad I watched this, Eric was right!
WOW!! BREATHTAKING PICTURES!! HOLY HELL!! GORGEOUS!
Sir from one to another thank you for your service to our country.
I also spent almost a year in a burn ward my whole chest right down to the ribs 2of mine are part stainless steel as well as my upper left leg front and back hip to knee. But my military career was a lot slower than yours
15 tango crew chief on another black aircraft but mine was a black hawk
Thank you for your service for our country, Brian. I admire you.
What a fantastic speaker. I kept thinking I’ll watch something else but, just couldn’t leave. Fantastic speaker and thank you for your service.
Watching this video was one of the most enjoyable hours I have ever spent. I especially liked his common man appreciation of fear and fun in such a high stakes game of cat and mouse. (4/21/20)
One of my favorite stories about flying, the speed check! It's not possible to not be inspired by you! You have such crazy cool stories! I look forward to any projects you have! Damn, I can't get over all the cool shit you were part of of.
Rest Easy Brian. You deserve it. I wish you Godspeed on your new journey. You will be missed
Brilliant presentation, expert talker, funny, informative - could listen all day!
If you liked that, you'll like this ruclips.net/video/7KbUNzi58wM/видео.html
you all probably dont care at all but does anyone know of a method to get back into an Instagram account??
I was dumb lost my login password. I would appreciate any tips you can give me!
@Steven Grayson instablaster =)
@Wilson Stetson thanks for your reply. I got to the site thru google and im in the hacking process atm.
Seems to take a while so I will get back to you later with my results.
@Wilson Stetson it did the trick and I finally got access to my account again. I am so happy!
Thanks so much, you saved my ass :D
This was what America could do without having to rely on the lowest bidder !!
Thanks to EVERYONE involved is this aircrafts history !!
I will never tire of listening to you speak of your life experiences, Bravo.
SR-71 story... I was stationed at Offutt AFB in Nebraska in the mid-80's and many of us enlisted folk were tasked with parade duty for a SAC change of command ceremony. We were told the Blackbird would do a fly-by at a precise time during the band performance. We're all at attention and the song goes on, ends, and no Blackbird. A few minutes later the Blackbird makes a low, slow pass and hits the burners and is just gone! Come to find out, the reason the Blackbird was a little late was they did an accidental fly-by of the Millard commuter airport about 15 miles away, thinking it was Offutt! They must have had quite a rush at that dinky little airport! Google SR71 Millard Airport :)
His photos are absolutely incredible.
Started off watching stories about this awesome machine...& then stumbled across this guy. Wow.... Attitude IS everything... Thank you. Good watch. Cheers
Just an aircraft enthusiast, with a particular interest in the SR-71, but this was a brilliant video, shame it took me so long to find it & well done that man....
Mr. Shul, YOU are a National Treasure!
oh my, what a story....thank you. Best hour i've spent in years.
how many navy pilots flew the sr-71
Me too good hour well spent
I was getting ready to write the same comment. Best spent hour in many hours.
Oh its true. Its damn true!
The SR was an amazing aircraft. I was a tanker crew chief at Beale in the late 70s early 80s. I was visiting a friend up in housing one night I heard the SR takeoff and looked up and it was directly over me with afterburners glowing. It was beautiful I wish I would have had a camera. Whenever I was on a refueling flight I was right there next to the boomer watching the SR take on fuel. In March of 81 I got to take a ride in a T38 as a reward for being Wing Airman of the Month it was pretty close to the best day of my life. The pilot let me take the stick and take a few rolls. Beale was a great base I was stationed 12 miles from home.
I believe this is the best RUclips video I have ever watched. Thank you.
Sad he passed away. Was still a young man. FABULOUS ATTITUDE I salute you Sir !💓
I was captivated by his hospital view point. I got badly burnt last year when I had a lithium ion batter explode on me and burnt both of my legs badly. The first treatment I received in my week long stay in ICU I was thinking there is no way I can make it through at least 7 days or more of this. Then I remembered what one of my Marine leaders had told me one day. If you get hurt, get on your feet as soon as you can, if you can't go to the physical therapy room and lift what weight you can. Make yourself well physical as much as you can. Daily work on a positive attitude that you will heal and be back in the fight. He was a bronze star awardee and had 3 purple hearts as a Vietnam vet. So I took his advice. My doctors were amazed that I refused to stay in my bed in the ICU. On my last day they said they had never seen someone with my drive to move even if it was painful. They said I never complained, never screamed in pain and agony during the treatments, and overall they said I was the best patient they ever had. Trust me daily pain will drive you to heal so you don't have to experience that pain anymore. Faith also got me through it.
I'm watching this almost 3 1/2 years late. Sir, thank you for the inspiration.
What a privilege to photograph this stuff
You make me laugh and smile and I don’t feel like laughing and smiling. Thank you Brian.
I have now seen this numerous times.... Very inspiring!!! What a great speaker Brian Shul is!!! The 'LA speed story' is classic!!! Great video!!!
My husband and I were stationed at Beale AFB at the same time as the SR 71. What an amazing thrill just to see those pilots walking around in their own special flight suits. Many times only at base air shows. You could get a good view from a reasonable
distant with the cockpit draped in black always no pictures anytime !!! remember that was almost 40 years ago. Paul, my husband flew B-52 at that time, just the opposite in speed but very much needed in the Vietnam Combat. We were blessed with all the missions he flew to come back safe. Beale AFB was a phenomenal experience and we were lucky to had been there. D.Greene Malkin
be there. Thanks for that speech. What a inspiration
I worked in 456th A&E (armament and electronics, later called avionics) at Beale in 1968-9. B-52Gs, KCs, T-38s. But everybody on the flightline stopped what they were doing to watch when an SR taxied out for take-off or landed. Night take-offs were pretty spectacular and I saw plenty on swing shift. Also it was routine, as you know, to see SR's doing touch and go's and flying laps low around the base. Then I was sent PCS to Kadena but with 18th AMS (fighters, etc.) and the Habu was only ever visible a minute before takeoff and after landing under the extra security. They even stopped traffic around the base perimeter at the ends of the runway for a Habu take-off. I was always fascinated with this aircraft and have only recently learned way more than I ever knew about it due to its retired status and people like Brian Shul telling their stories.
Q
I served at Beale AFB from jan 1965 till Aug 1666. Was the second person and first enlisted person in the 4200 SRW. We got the first SR-71 in Jan 1966.
@@NorCalProf1 I was an A1C, then "Buck Sgt" assigned to the 966th Airborne Early Warning and Control Squadron (AEW&C) on McCoy AFB south of Orlando, FL in 1969-1971 as a AEW&C radar maintenance troop on the EC-121 Warning Star (Lockheed Super Constellation) Aircraft. McCoy AFB (now Orlando International Airport) was a SAC (Strategic Air Command) base with B-52 and KC-135 aircraft assigned. We were a tenant organization. There were two aircraft hangers on the base; one SAC, the other ADC (Aerospace Defense Command), which was "our" hanger. When one of your "Black Birds" would fly into our world, the birds were hangered in our space. We "young troops" were allowed to walk around and ogle the planes. They were magnificent! And the story I want to tell is that when your bird was ready to depart our station, they would roll out of our hanger, out to the taxi way and roll to the end of our 14,500 foot runway, lock brakes, run-up engines, light the burners and down the runway she would go. First of all, we radar troops were suppose to never fire our search and height finder radars through the antennas when testing on the ground. Our search radar had a calibrated 250 mile range. Our height finder radar had a calibrated 160 mile range. The antennas were slaved together and could sweep (turn 360 degrees) at 22 revolutions per minute. "On occasion," we would paint your bird as she was rolling down the runway to launch. IF and when we could "see" you once, and once again as she's climbing out, we could never "find" you again. How sweet it was... WE KNEW what speed was...
@@cna430 Interesting story...once that Blackbird pointed its nose up look close because it is gone. My last 6 months in the USAF (1971-72) were in 552nd AEW&C at McClellan AFB in Sacramento, EC-121s, and I made several long term friends from the ratech crowd, who talked just like you in your story. Wonder if you attended any of the reunions of connie crews and personnel? I was at Las Vegas and San Diego supporting my friends who went. Did not work on the connies much myself...I was aircraft radio maintenance and was sent to Korat TDY on F-4s just before separation.
I was a part of the Decommissioning Ceremony at Lackland AFB in May 1990 - in basic training. It was cool! I'm glad to be a part of that!
Well my first click was because it said SR-71, I was not disappointed. I will now click on anything which says Brian Shul, obviously a talented pilot and a brilliant speaker. This is without doubt one on the best presentations I have ever watched.
Speechless. Thank you for being an inspiration to us all.
Possibly the best video I have ever watched. God bless and thank you for your service sir.
Thank you for your service & for sharing your journey in rising above daunting struggles, Brian. Your story resonates with me so deeply; when you have been on the brink of death, simply living is such a gift and grace from God. God bless you! Alicia
Thank you sir Mr. Brian Shul for your heroic grand services to your country and free world, You are and your life is inspirational.
OK
Thanks Brian. I could not go to bed. Seen the SR71 at Mildenhall 1985-89 and have lots of Kodachrome slides as I got in early for the airshow at 7am and was taking shots everywhere, Imagine that now, thank you overseas visitors .
"The cockpit; your basic '57 Chevy, nothing cosmic" - LOL
Brian Shul is a legend. Great speaker . What a guy .
It is the most wonderful story I've ever heard when it comes to flying I love it you can't ask for more passion than what this man went through I salute you sir
One of my most memorable sights during my years as a CH53 Marine crew chief was while doing touch and go's at Kadena AB, we touched down and noticed a Blackbird taxing for takeoff. So instead of just lifting off and clearing the runway my pilots and I had a great desire to take a good look at the aircraft, so we taxied all the way down that runway just to get a look at that beautiful bird as they waited at the hold short bar for us to roll by. I will never forget that day.
Mr. Shul, you are an amazing and very inspirational man. I absolutely love learning about the SR 71, and hearing your story is humbling. I definitely would like to meet you one day, and visit in person. I tried hard to get into military flight (maybe not hard enough), but I was denied due to 20/40 vision in my right eye. Of the SR 71 pilots I've watched, you are my favorite. God had a grand plan for you.