He's the real deal:
"Rhatigan, who piloted bombing missions over Afghanistan, pointed to a framed photo on the wall showing several planes on a flightline in southwest Asia representing the Air Force’s three missions: RC-135 and E-8 intelligence planes (global vigilance or “see it and hear it”); C-21 and C-130 cargo planes and a KC-135 refueling plane (global reach) and a sleek B-1 bomber (global power)."
"He has flown them all, including the B-1 bomber, on missions in Afghanistan, where he dropped bombs on enemy convoys. He has also flown C-12, C-141 and C-17 cargo planes."
Source: The Arkansas Leader
"In 2007, Rhatigan was deployed to Manas Air Force Base in Kyrgyzstan.
'I was the commander of combat there,' he said."
Source: ArkansasOnline.com
Inspirational folks!