S2 Ep. 3 | Steve Fry: Fighter Pilot, Mayor, and Master of the Range

Written By Elliott Coker
S2 Ep. 3 | Steve Fry: Fighter Pilot, Mayor, and Master of the Range
Sidewalk Chalk Studios

S2 Ep. 3 | Steve Fry: Fighter Pilot, Mayor, and Master of the Range

Aides to Scouting Podcast — Hosted by Walker & Elliott

In this episode, we sit down with a true modern-day Renaissance Man: Steve Fry. Steve’s life is a masterclass in the Scouting motto "Be Prepared." From the cockpit of a Marine Corps attack jet to 33 years as a Delta Air Lines Captain, Steve has lived at the intersection of high stakes and high discipline.

But his service doesn't stop in the air. Steve has served his community as a firefighter, the Mayor of Williamson, GA, and now as a premier coach in the world of shooting sports. We discuss how the "safety culture" of aviation translates to the range and why shooting sports—from archery to clay targets—is the ultimate classroom for youth character and focus.

In this conversation, we cover:

  • The Pilot’s Perspective: Lessons in discipline from Marine aviation and Delta Air Lines.

  • Service at Scale: Balancing roles as a Mayor, Firefighter, and Coach.

  • The "Safety First" Mindset: Why shooting sports teach responsibility better than almost any other activity.

  • Coaching the Future: Steve’s involvement with NASP, ATA, and more.

🎯 Shooting Sports Resources Mentioned: 🔗 GAPPS Sports: https://gappsports.com/ 🔗 NSSA-NSCA: https://mynssa.nssa-nsca.org/ 🔗 NASP Tournaments: https://www.naspschools.org/nasp-tournaments/ 🔗 Centershot: https://centershot.org/ 🔗 Amateur Trapshooting Assoc: https://shootata.com/

🎧 Listen and Watch Aides to Scouting: • Show Website: https://www.sidewalkchalkstudios.com/aidestoscouting • Walker Chandler’s Site: https://walkerchandler.com/ • Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/aides-to-scouting/id1849273100 • Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/62wfjOw3n5CM170IvYPqIi • Linktree: https://linktr.ee/aidestoscouting

📸 Produced by Sidewalk Chalk Studios

Elliott Coker

Elliott Coker: Co-Host & Producer

Elliott Coker is an Eagle Scout, media producer, and lifelong resident of the region southeast of Atlanta, Georgia. As the co-host of the Aides to Scouting podcast alongside Walker Chandler, Elliott helps pull back the curtain on the Scouting movement. Through his interviews with national Scouting executives, museum curators, and trail experts, he explores the logistics of leadership, the preservation of Scouting history, and the future of the organization.

A Lifelong Scout

Scouting has been a foundational thread in Elliott’s life. He spent the vast majority of his childhood deeply involved in the program, culminating in earning his Eagle Scout rank in December of 2015. His dedication to outdoor leadership and education continues to this day; he and his partner recently completed their Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills (IOLS) training to further hone their trail expertise.

Creative Roots & Sidewalk Chalk Studios

Beyond the campsite, Elliott is a creative powerhouse with a deep love for music—whether he is strumming a guitar, playing the drums, or singing. After graduating from high school in May 2016 and subsequently working in a family-owned business, his journey eventually led him to the world of digital media and audio production.

In 2023, Elliott and the light of his life, Melody, launched Sidewalk Chalk Studios. Operating with the professional motto "We Make You Stand Out," the studio serves as the official production home for the Aides to Scouting podcast. Whether he is behind the microphone or managing the technical side of the studio, Elliott blends his audio-visual expertise with his commitment to preserving and sharing the stories that shape the Scouting community.

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S2 Ep. 2 Zeb Chandler: From LA DJ to Lawyer & Hidden Camping