will john speak to my group?

It’s possible. Travel expenses + speaker’s fee.

What topics does he speak on?

American history, aging, generational culture, critical-thinking + patriotism… and of course, John bases it all on the many ‘war stories’ and life anecdotes from the “old guys” that have framed his work.

Where are john’s “educator’s kits” available?

The website of The Distinguished Flying Cross Society. Look for the “Teachers & Educator’s” tab.

Will he interview my (insert relative)?

It’s possible. Be advised, many of his interviews have taken years to accomplish and highly involved.

Will john ghost-write…?

It’s possible. The process requires a terrific relationship forged, bonded and secured before the first words get typed. Nevertheless, John knows of no greater honor than to be included in another’s legacy.

are john’s art prints for sale?

Yes. You can see John’s suite here (link to come).

How much does he charge (writing, drawing, filming)?

John’s compensation is commensurate with professional artists and producers. Exceptions have been made for particular charities, causes or organizations.

WHERE ARE OLD GUYS AND THEIR AIRPLANES Films stored?

Two places - the VIMEO site and the Military Tales YouTube Channel.

Who has john interviewed?

As of June 2023, approximately 175 combat aircrew and veterans from WWII, Korean War, Cold War, Vietnam War and Gulf War. John considers all to be important and cannot name particular favorite. However, some ‘names’ - Medal of Honor recipients Joe Foss and Leo Thorsness; North Vietnamese fighter pilots Gen Nguyen Duc Soat, Van Bay, Gen Le Hai, LtCol Phung Van Quang, Col Pham Pho Thai, Col Tu De and Nguyen Hong My; many of the pilots of the WWII 352nd Fighter Group; many of the pilots of the WWII 311th Fighter Group; CDR Royce Williams; Vietnam War helicopter pilots Robert Mason, Hugh Mills, Pat Owen and Bruce Huffman; POWs Chris Morgan, Morrie Magnusson, Jerry Brown, Bruce Olmstead, Charlie Plumb, Dick Francis, “Gene” Smith, Robert Certain, George (GAR) Rose; Finnish WWII ace “Kossi” Karhila; RAF Spitfire Mk.14 ace John Wilkinson; U-2 pilot Stan Rauch, Gemini/Apollo Astronaut Jim McDivitt; Tuskegee Airman BG Charles McGee; Doolittle Raider “Dick” Cole; Guadalcanal and Chosen USMC pilot Sam Folsom, SANDY pilot Rich Hall; Bob Pardo; WASP Bee Haydu; Wade Hubbard (Possibly) “last guy shot down in Vietnam"; Presidential candidate and WWII bomber pilot Sen George McGovern; WWII and Korean War ace Walker “Bud” Mahurin; Enola Gay Bomb Electronics Officer Morris Jeppson; … and not a week goes by where he doesn’t remember Don Bryan, Punchy Powell, Hank Snow, Earl Ashworth, Bill Creech or JD “Jerry” Collinsworth. Same with BG Russ McCarthy. Don’t get John started on Crawford “Shock” Shockley and Dean Failor, LBII Nav Ron Bartlett, NVAF pilot Col. Lê Thanh Đạo… but my fav just may be (click here) Red James. Most of these interviews are on John’s blog, too.

Recognize that WWII ace Clarence “Bud” Anderson challenged John to do ‘all this’ in the year 2000 and remains the spiritual godfather of John’s work.

What are John’s political/social/cultural beliefs?

John is a proud, grateful American that enjoys listening to others, including those from other cultures and perspectives even when he may not agree. After all, great stories often begin with a bit of opposition… אֶהְיֶה אֲשֶׁר אֶהְיֶה‎

when will his book be done?

John has written one successful book on three-war hero Hank Snow. However, his compilation of interviews is in progress.

Who has john worked with?

PBS, Boeing, USAF, the Minuteman Missile National Historic Site, the Commemorative Air Force, The Distinguished Flying Cross Society, The River Rats, Sanford Health System, The South Dakota Community Foundation, The Center for Western Studies, The Preddy Memorial Foundation, The 352nd Fighter Group Association, The National Naval Aviation Museum, RAF Conningsby, The Imperial War Museum, The South Dakota Department of Transportation - Aeronautics, The Ellsworth AFB Development Authority/BH Military Advisory Coalition, The South Dakota Historical Society, XEROX, The South Dakota Air & Space Foundation, Air Force Armament Museum, The American Flight Museum, The Strategic Air Command and Aerospace Museum, Dakota Territory Museum, Moody County Historical Society, South Dakota Department of Education, Flying Legends, The Experimental Aviation Association, Ellsworth AFB, Minot AFB, Vandenberg AFB, the Mighty 8th Air Force Museum, I Love A Hangar, the 390th Memorial Museum, Blue Skies of Texas, The National Museum of the Pacific War, The Kansas City Chiefs…

Did John mollison serve in the vietnam war?

Yes. But no. There are two John Mollisons. One is the writer/drawer/filmmaker, the other is the USAF veteran, warrior and champion of Boys Town in Omaha, NE. The two “John Mollisons” are two brothers of ‘different mothers’ (so to speak). They do get email/phone calls intended for each other, too and think it’s good fun.

What is the coolest airplane ever made?

The Westland Whirlwind (of 1941). Consider it yourself. :)