In this episode, we sit down with Russ Sahr to hear his story—from decades of serving as a pilot in the United States Air Force to building a family and beginning a journey that would eventually lead to adoption.
Russ shares about his 30-year flying career, including 24 years of active flying, where he piloted aircraft such as the T-38, T-33, F-4, C-130, and F-16. He reflects on his time serving in the Air Force, returning for a second stint, and finishing his final 17 years in the North Dakota Air National Guard, known as the “Happy Hooligans,” where he retired as a Colonel.
Beyond his military career, Russ opens up about family life—raising two of his own children and what those years taught him about leadership, responsibility, and love. Through that season, God was quietly shaping his heart for something more.
As the Lord continued to work in his life, Russ and his wife began stepping into a new calling—one that would lead them to adopt four children with special needs. What started as faithfulness in one season grew into a deeper surrender, as they trusted God with a bigger vision for their family than they had originally planned.
This episode captures the foundation of Russ’s story—the experiences, decisions, and moments where God was at work long before the full picture was clear.
Whether you’re reflecting on your own life journey or learning to trust God through different seasons, this conversation is a reminder that He is faithful in every chapter.
What You’ll Hear in This Episode:
- Russ’s 30-year career in the United States Air Force
- His experience flying aircraft including the T-38, T-33, F-4, C-130, and F-16
- His years in active duty and his final 17 years with the ND Air National Guard (“Happy Hooligans”)
- Lessons learned through leadership, discipline, and service
- His journey into marriage and raising two of his own children
- How God began shaping his heart toward adoption
- The early steps toward adopting four children with special needs