Millions of people have watched Sam Eckholm’s videos—not for spectacle, but for understanding. From inside fighter jets to cargo aircraft and operational units around the world, Eckholm has built a platform that explains military life to audiences far beyond the installation gates. The former Air Force officer says that his work has never been about views or virality. It is about service—and about telling stories that too often remain unseen.
Service Roots
Eckholm did not set out to become one of the most recognizable storytellers in the military media space. His path began at the Air Force Academy, where service—not storytelling—defined the mission. Entering the Academy in 2014, he followed in his father’s footsteps, a graduate himself, drawn to a career grounded in purpose rather than convention.
After graduating in 2018, Eckholm was commissioned as an Air Force officer and selected as a public affairs officer—a role that would quietly shape everything that followed.
Sam’s dad, Seth, commissioning him into the USAF. Photo Credit: ANNE ECKHOLM
Finding a Voice
At the time, Eckholm said he had only a limited understanding of the field of public affairs. What he did understand was its proximity to storytelling.
“It was the closest thing that was gonna get me working with cameras, working with media, telling the Air Force’s story,” he said.
His first assignment placed him with the F-22 Raptor Demonstration Team, traveling to more than 60 air shows worldwide over two years. There, he managed social media, coordinated press access and helped shape how one of the Air Force’s most advanced aircraft was presented to the public.
“That assignment was crucial for me,” Eckholm said. “It taught me my storytelling style, my understanding of social media and how to showcase what the military does in a way the public can understand.”
Posing after Sam’s High Flight to 70,000 feet in the U-2 Spy Plane, Beale AFB, CA. Photo Credit: SAM MARTINEZ
Global Missions
After that tour, Eckholm was reassigned to Scott Air Force Base in Illinois, home of Air Mobility Command. The subject matter shifted from fighter jets to cargo aircraft, tankers and global logistics—essential missions, yet rarely visible.
“We’re not talking sleek fighter jets,” he said. “We’re talking about heavy cargo planes and tankers.”
The challenge, however, remained the same: translating complex operations for audiences who rarely see them up close.
Career Choice
As his five-year active-duty commitment neared its end, Eckholm faced a decision familiar to many officers. In his free time, he had begun experimenting with short-form video—explaining Air Force career fields, breaking down daily life and offering behind-the-scenes access.
“I was just experimenting,” he said. “Trying to learn what it was like to be on camera, to put myself out there publicly.”
The videos gained traction, but balancing content creation with leadership responsibilities became increasingly difficult.
“I didn’t want to look like I was lacking in my office with my Airmen,” he said. “But I also knew my impact as a storyteller and creator would be greater if I could do it full time.”
After conversations with mentors and leadership, Eckholm separated from active duty in May 2023.
Team SE Media, Sam with Chance Saechao(L), Head of Production and Peter Nguyen DP & Editor. Photo Credit: SWAYNE MARTIN
Different Service
Eckholm does not describe that decision as leaving service.
“I feel like I’m serving now even more than I was when I was in,” he said. “It’s just service in a different way.”
He relocated to San Francisco, launched SE Media and built a small team to support higher production quality and more ambitious storytelling. At the time, his audience was under 100,000 followers. He believed the model could scale.
Measured Growth
The growth that followed was rapid. Between mid-2024 and mid-2025, Eckholm’s YouTube audience grew by more than 100%. He surpassed 1.5 million subscribers on YouTube and more than 3 million followers across platforms, averaging tens of millions of monthly views. Collectively, his content has exceeded one billion views.
“Numbers are cool,” he said. “But when you think about how niche this space is—military—to reach that many people is what’s exciting.”
Real Impact
That reach has translated into tangible outcomes. Eckholm partnered with Air Force Recruiting in 2024 on a yearlong video series, renewed the following year and expanded to include the Space Force.
“I love seeing comments saying, ‘I watched your video last year, and now I’m in basic training,’” he said.
Families use the videos to understand better what their loved ones do in uniform. Veterans reconnect with their own experiences.
“That’s our favorite,” he said. “Veterans saying, ‘I flew that aircraft,’ or ‘I remember that mission.’”
To emphasize this impact, Eckholm was named on the Forbes 30 under 30 list this year. A recognition that goes beyond views, targeting real-world impact and those who are making it possible.
Flying backseat in an F-15D with the 173rd Fighter Wing, Kingsley Field, OR. Photo Credit: SAM ECKHOLM
Quiet Role
Despite his visibility, Eckholm is intentional about keeping himself out of the spotlight. “Our videos are not about me,” he said. “They’re about letting the missions and the service members shine.”
He sees himself as a translator—guiding viewers through unfamiliar environments while allowing trained professionals to take center stage.
Next Chapter
As of January 15, 2026, Eckholm formally rebranded his channel as Access Granted, reflecting the trust military units place in his team.
“Everything we do is built on reputation and access,” he said.
This shift signals a move toward longer-form, documentary-style storytelling as digital platforms continue to blur the line between traditional television and digital platforms.
Enduring Purpose
At 29, Eckholm avoids rigid long-term plans. His focus is on expanding capacity while protecting the identity that built his audience.
“No matter what we expand into,” he said, “we’re keeping the beating heart of this business.”
For transitioning veterans, his story offers reassurance that service and purpose do not end with the uniform.
“That’s my role,” Eckholm said. “Helping people understand what this is really like.”
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