"Knife Fight in a Phone Booth": Lt. Col. Dan Rooney Warns of Pilot Risks in Iran

In this episode of the Brian Kilmeade Show, host Brian Kilmeade welcomes Lieutenant Colonel Dan Rooney, a decorated F-16 pilot, founder of Folds of Honor, and Republican candidate for Oklahoma's first congressional district. Rooney provides a firsthand account of the intense operational tempo of U.S. Air Force missions over Iran, emphasizing the growing vulnerability of non-stealth aircraft like the F-15E to heat-seeking shoulder-fired missiles supplied by Russia and China. He frames the current conflict as a 'knife fight in a phone booth'—low-altitude, high-risk engagements where even a single successful missile strike can be devastating. Rooney argues that the U.S. military's effectiveness stems from President Trump’s strategic investments and leadership, contrasting it with what he calls the disastrous decision to cut military funding under previous administrations. He transitions into his political ambitions, explaining that his lifelong commitment to service—evidenced by his military career, veteran advocacy, and personal sacrifices—compels him to run for Congress to ensure combat veterans have a voice in Washington. He highlights Oklahoma’s five military bases and the lack of veteran representation in Congress as key motivators. Rooney also humorously acknowledges the challenges of balancing a congressional career with his passion for golf, joking about playing with President Trump on the course. The episode closes with Kilmeade endorsing Rooney, calling him one of the greatest Americans he’s met.