In this special episode of Cleard, we sit down with Senator Edwin "Jake" Garn — a decorated pilot, former U.S. Senator, and the first sitting member of Congress to fly in space. Widely regarded as the godfather of Utah aviation, Garn shares stories from his remarkable life, including his early days as a Navy pilot, his time flying reconnaissance missions with the Utah Air National Guard, and his historic flight aboard the Space Shuttle Discovery in 1985.
Joined by his son Jeff Garn, this intimate conversation offers a rare glimpse into the legacy of a man whose contributions to aviation, public service, and space exploration left an indelible mark on Utah and the nation. With humor, humility, and clarity, Garn reflects on the values that shaped his journey — from flying F-4 Phantoms over the Pacific to championing aerospace policy in Washington.
