![riddle school 3 a10 riddle school 3 a10](https://dmn-dallas-news-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/U0SCJ_7FEeXMVsed_JaUPo2uxrw=/1660x934/smart/filters:no_upscale()/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/dmn/AVO2VKTAAZGTVGD3QGSGNQ5HQY.jpg)
Other highlights that come to mind are: strafing enemy positions in Afghanistan’s Tagab Valley at dusk with Todd “Riddler” Riddle eliminating an entire force of Taliban “Red Unit” fighters at night with Brad “Roadie” Jones in 2018 a crazy 8-plus hour night mission in 2003 with Terry “Goof” Gostomski, the details of which I will leave out. If I were absolutely forced to pick, I would call it a tie between eliminating 23 Iraqi tanks on February 25th, 1991, during Desert Storm flying with Eric “Fish” Salomonson, and the mission in Afghanistan’s Kunar Valley in 2014 when I was able to use every skill I ever learned as an A-10 pilot to help extract Jaguar 20 from an intense Troops-in-Contact situation when they were nearly surrounded by Taliban. “I’ve been luck enough to deploy quite a bit over my career, there’s no way I could pick just one highlight. You are always guaranteed to learn something new flying with him.” Karl has so many tricks up his sleeve that I’m just trying to hang on and absorb everything I can. “He is one of the best fighter pilots in the Combat Air Force and to be able to say I flew with the longest flying A-10 pilot in the world is something I’ll remember forever. “Flying with a guy like Karl is simply an honor and the magnitude of this milestone isn’t lost on me” said Mackey. Dylan’s parents were both able to attend today and it was great to see them again.” It was pretty special to fly my 7,000th hour with his son, Dylan, today. “Jimmy Mac” Mackey, was an A-10 pilot within our wing whom I’ve flown with many times over the years. “Dylan is not only our youngest pilot, but he has a deep legacy within our wing as well. What did Marks do to celebrate his 7000th hour? “I wanted to fly with the youngest guy in the squadron, which happened to be Lieutenant Dylan Mackey” said Marks. “Let’s just say I am glad he is on our side.” Michael Leonas, 442d Operations Group commander. “Karl has over 1150 combat hours, with so many memorable mission from Desert Storm I, Desert Storm II, and from Afghanistan” said Col. “No words can describe the caliber of leader and fighter pilot we have in our squadron.” Ryan Hodges, 303rd Fighter Squadron commander, as he presented Marks’ 7000-hour plaque. 358 combat sorties in the A-10…just incredible” said Lt. If you stick around on a Friday afternoon, you may even hear a war story or two.” He is an outstanding attack pilot he loves to fly, and his knowledge is an invaluable resource for the squadron. “He has been leading the Air Force in this platform for a long time. Mike Schultz, 442d Fighter Wing Commander. “Karl achieved 7,000 hours in a single aircraft type – what an incredible feat!” said Brig. The technology has changed over time and our adversaries’ threats have also changed. “Even after 32 years, it hasn’t gotten old. He is well-known for destroying 23 Iraqi tanks in a trio of missions. Marks’ story spans over three decades, beginning during the Cold War. Marks’ resume boasts thirteen combat deployments in multiple theaters of operations, and he said that the best part of his job is being able to “mentor and fly with the next generation of fighter pilots.” 1, 2021, as he became the only pilot to reach 7,000 hours in the A-10C Thunderbolt II in addition to becoming one of the highest-time fighter pilots in the U.S. John “Karl” Marks, an Air Force Reserve pilot assigned to the 442d Fighter Wing made history Sept.