Hey everyone, welcome to this week’s episode where we’re diving into the Second Battle of Fallujah, fought from November seven to December twenty three, two thousand four, in Iraq’s Al Anbar Province. Picture this: over twelve thousand coalition troops, led by folks like Lieutenant General John F. Sattler, clashing with three thousand insurgents under Abu Musab al-Zarqawi in a city of three hundred thousand turned war zone. It’s the bloodiest fight of the Iraq War, a six-week urban slugfest that smashed insurgent control but left Fallujah in ruins. I’ll walk you through the chaos, from the opening artillery barrage to the gritty house-to-house battles that defined it.

In this episode, you’ll hear about standout moments like Staff Sergeant David Bellavia’s “Hell House” heroics, earning him a Medal of Honor in two thousand nineteen, and how tech like drones reshaped the fight. The coalition won, no doubt—three thousand insurgents down, one hundred ten coalition lives lost—but the cost in civilian lives and a wrecked city sparks debate: tactical triumph or strategic stumble? I’ll break down the aftermath, from Iraq’s shaky first elections in January two thousand five to the insurgency’s stubborn rebound. Stick around for a story of courage, chaos, and lessons that still echo in today’s wars—it’s a wild ride you won’t want to miss!

In this episode of Trackpads Military Newsletter, I take you on a deep dive into the legendary SR-71 Blackbird—the fastest jet ever built. From its origins as a Cold War intelligence asset to its cutting-edge design and record-breaking speeds, this episode explores what made the Blackbird such an engineering marvel. You’ll hear about its ability to outrun surface-to-air missiles, its titanium construction sourced from the very adversaries it spied on, and the incredible reconnaissance technology that allowed it to capture high-resolution images from 85,000 feet.

Beyond the technical specs, I’ll break down the challenges of operating the SR-71, from its high-maintenance demands to the political debates that eventually led to its retirement. We’ll also discuss the aircraft’s lasting impact on modern aviation, its presence in museums and pop culture, and why it remains one of the most admired aircraft in history. Whether you're in traffic or on the go, tune in to hear the full story of this iconic aircraft and why it still captures the imagination of aviation enthusiasts today.

The largest naval battle in history wasn’t just a clash of warships—it was a battle that shaped the future of the Pacific. The Battle of Leyte Gulf was the Imperial Japanese Navy’s last, desperate attempt to halt the American advance and defend the Philippines. Over four days, fleets clashed in a chaotic struggle that saw massive battleship duels, relentless airstrikes, and the first large-scale use of kamikaze attacks. By the end, Japan’s navy was shattered, and the tide of World War Two had turned irreversibly in the Allies’ favor.

This episode is a special audio edition—a narrated version of my full article on Leyte Gulf, designed for those who prefer to listen on the go. Whether you're commuting, working out, or just want to absorb history through storytelling, this episode delivers the full depth of the battle, from its strategic stakes to the heroic last stands that defined it. Every maneuver, every decision, and every moment of courage is brought to life, so you can experience this monumental battle as if you were there.

So plug in your headphones and dive in. You’ll hear about the four major engagements that made up Leyte Gulf, the critical mistakes that shaped its outcome, and the incredible bravery of the men who fought in this historic battle. This is history told in full detail—so sit back, press play, and let’s explore Leyte Gulf together.