TRAITMARKER MEDIA
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MOON CHILD
The Roots and Wings of a USAF Combat Special Missions Aviator
by Anthony Dyer
Mystical. Emotional. Transformative.
BORN IN THE RUGGED APPALACHIAN TOWN of Sylva, North Carolina, Anthony Dyer was raised in a world of untamed adventure, where resilience was a way of life. That same fearless spirit propelled him into the elite realm of Special Operations Aviation, where he spent over a decade as a USAF Combat Special Missions Aviator, flying into the world’s most volatile war zones. Tasked with executing high-risk missions under relentless pressure, Anthony’s career was defined by precision, courage, and sacrifice. But what happens when the mission ends?
In Moon Child, Anthony delivers a raw, unfiltered account of his life in combat—the triumphs, the burdens, and the unseen wounds that follow Warriors home. He shares the harrowing details of his most dangerous operations, including the 2018 Jolly Green Rescue Mission of the Year, where split-second decisions meant the difference between life and death. Yet, beyond the battlefield, Anthony faced a far deadlier enemy: the silent battles of addiction, trauma, and the search for purpose beyond war.
For those who have known war, for those who have battled addiction, and for those still finding their way—Moon Child is your story, too.
A Combat Recovery Memoir
ANTHONY DYER grew up in the heart of the Appalachian Mountains, where adventure and resilience were woven into his very being. That same spirit of fearlessness carried him into a life of service, leading to an extraordinary career in Special Operations Aviation as a USAF Combat Special Missions Aviator. Over the course of more than a decade, Anthony flew into some of the most dangerous and unpredictable environments on the planet, executing high-risk missions that demanded precision, courage, and an unbreakable will.
His exceptional skill and unwavering commitment to his team earned him numerous accolades, including the Air Force’s Jolly Green Rescue Mission of the Year award in 2018 for his role in a daring, life-saving operation. Throughout his career, he witnessed both the triumphs and the burdens of combat, experiencing firsthand the weight that warriors carry long after the missions end.
When he’s not writing or speaking on behalf of those who have walked a similar path, Anthony finds solace in fishing, basketball, and the simple joys of family life. Above all, he is a devoted father and husband, embracing the adventure of parenthood with the same passion and intensity that defined his military career. Now residing in New Mexico, the Land of Enchantment, Anthony continues his journey—one that is no longer defined by combat missions but by the pursuit of truth, healing, and the relentless drive to inspire others to live fearlessly.
