Show Notes
EP82: UNCOMMON with Isaac Lee, Marine Aviator (Ret.) and Author of “Hangar 4”
About the Guest
Isaac Lee is a former United States Marine Corps officer and aviator who served with distinction and achieved the rank of Captain. His military career was notably marked by deployments and combat experience in the Pacific, as well as engagements in high-risk environments globally. As a testament to his leadership and tactical expertise, he was promoted to Captain on September 1, 2001, just days before the tragic events of 9/11 which significantly altered the course of his service. He has authored a book titled Hangar 4, capturing his profound military experiences and offering insights into the personal transformations faced by many in service. His narrative delves deep into the ethos of a Marine aviator, examining themes of mental toughness and the realities of life before and after combat.
Summary
In an engaging exchange on the “Becoming UnDone” podcast, host Toby Brooks navigates the remarkable journey of Isaac Lee, from his early dreams of becoming a professional baseball player to his transformative years as a Marine Corps aviator. The conversation offers a riveting look into Isaac Lee’s life, unveiling the trials, tribulations, and triumphs that come with military service and leadership.
Isaac’s story begins in the sports fields of West Texas, where commitment and camaraderie were imbued in him through rigorous coaching. His path takes an unexpected turn as he embraces a newfound purpose in the Marine Corps, scaling the ranks as an esteemed aviator. The episode poignantly captures the moment known to every service member — when training and simulation give way to the stark reality of combat. Amidst personal and professional challenges, including introspectio
Key Takeaways
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Isaac Lee’s transition from aspiring athlete to a Marine Corps pilot illustrates the potency of self-belief and adaptability in facing odds.
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His candid reflection on the impact of 9/11 on military personnel underscores the profound shift from theoretical training to the tangibility of combat.
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The challenges of balancing the mental demands of military service with personal life reveal a common struggle among veterans.
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Isaac’s proactive approach to mental health and personal unpacking of experience underscores the importance of seeking help and self-awareness.
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The process of writing Hangar 4 served as a therapeutic and revelatory act, contributing to Isaac’s post-military life and the veteran community.
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Notable Quotes
- “The mental aspect of competition and athletics where if you are mentally dialed in, that you can really perform at the highest level possible for yourself.” – Isaac Lee on the lessons from his father and high school coach.
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“There are lots of things in life you can BS your way through. Combat is not one of them. When the bullets start flying and your friends start dying, you find out who you are pretty fast.” – Isaac Lee on the unforgiving nature of combat which reveals true character.
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“It either ends on your terms and your timeline, or eventually someone tells you, like, hey, thanks but we don’t need you anymore.” – Isaac Lee on deciding to retire from the Marine Corps on his own terms
Resources
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Lee’s new book, Hangar 4
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Social media handles:
| Timestamp | Summary |
|---|---|
| 0:00:00 | Isaac Lee’s first deployment and promotion to captain. |
| 0:00:23 | 9/11 and the realization that everything had changed. |
| 0:01:08 | Introduction to the podcast, Becoming UnDone. |
| 0:03:11 | Isaac’s childhood dream of being a professional baseball player. |
| 0:05:24 | Lessons learned from his father and high school coach. |
| 0:07:48 | The value of mental toughness instilled by his coach. |
| 0:09:12 | Transition from college to considering a military career. |
| 0:10:35 | Decision to become a pilot in the military. |
| 0:11:23 | Commitment to the Marine Corps aviation and officer candidate school. |
| 0:11:23 | Isaac’s determination to become a pilot in the military |
| 0:12:18 | Isaac’s conviction and belief in finding teamwork and camaraderie in the military |
| 0:13:37 | Isaac’s experience at officer candidate school and the competitive nature of becoming a marine aviator |
| 0:16:00 | Isaac’s reliance on mental toughness and grit to overcome challenges |
| 0:18:15 | Isaac’s excitement and surreal experience of checking into Miramar as a marine aviator |
| 0:20:20 | Isaac’s awareness of failure and the impending challenges he was about to face |
| 0:21:52 | Isaac’s realization of dealing with success and failure in a life and death manner |
| 0:22:24 | The progression from training to real-life situations in the military |
| 0:23:18 | Isaac’s first deployment and promotion to captain before 9/11. |
| 0:23:50 | 9/11 brings a sobering realization that everything has changed. |
| 0:24:50 | Combat deployments become real and not everyone survives. |
| 0:25:36 | The duality of being a warfighter and a normal person. |
| 0:28:27 | Isaac’s awareness of his changing self and the toll of combat. |
| 0:29:35 | No outlet for processing emotions during deployments. |
| 0:32:13 | Transitioning out of the Marine Corps after achieving career goals. |
| 0:33:38 | Isaac’s self-awareness leads to the decision to leave the military. |
| 0:35:44 | Transitioning out of the military and pursuing a career in business operations. |
| 0:37:02 | Finding personal fulfillment and continuously working on personal growth. |
| 0:38:32 | Reflecting on the last moments in the military and the challenges of transitioning. |
| 0:40:07 | Realizing the risk-taking nature of transitioning out of the military. |
| 0:42:35 | The idea of writing a memoir and the motivation behind it. |
| 0:44:31 | Recognizing the struggles faced by fellow veterans in transition and wanting to help. |
| 0:46:14 | The process of writing the memoir and its impact on mental health. |
| 0:46:47 | Getting the manuscript reviewed and finding a publisher. |
| 0:47:29 | The emotional toll of sorting through two decades of military experiences. |
| 0:47:29 | Isaac’s process of writing the book and its effect on his mental health |
| 0:48:19 | The value of authorship and honesty in Isaac’s book |
| 0:49:58 | Isaac’s advice to his younger self: stay the course and believe in yourself |
| 0:51:18 | Isaac’s hope for the book to help other veterans |
| 0:54:02 | The song that would play in the montage of Isaac’s life |
| 0:56:00 | What Isaac feels is left undone: helping fellow veterans |
| 0:57:24 | Upcoming episodes and guests on the podcast |
| 0:58:08 | Closing remarks and where to find the podcast |