Veterans Chronicles

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  Sgt. Floyd Moreland, USMC, Vietnam 16.09.2026 23dk

  Floyd Moreland grew up in Illinois in a family with a very distinguished service record. He joined the U.S. Marine Corps when he was 21-years-old because he "wanted to fight with the best." Moreland hated Marine Corps boot camp but enjoyed advanced infantry training. He later pursued USMC Sea School and deployed from the aircraft carrier USS Yorktown during his first deployment in Vietnam.In this edition of Veterans Chronicles, Moreland walks us through an early assignment at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, just a few years after the Cuban Missile Crisis. He then takes on those Marine Detachment missions from the Yorktown and tells us what patrols in the jungles of Vietnam were like. And he shares his favorite part of that deployment - serving as part of the honor guard for actress and singer Ann-Margret when she came as part of a USO show.Then, Moreland describes his second tour, in which he saw a lot of combat near the DMZ - places like Con Thien, Cam Lo, "The Rockpile," and Dong Ha. He also details what it was like being surrounded by the enemy at Con Thien for 30 days.Finally, Moreland explains why he turned down a third tour of duty, the pain of being demonized in his own country, and why he would serve all over again.
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  Gen. Richard Myers, USAF, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, 9/11 09.09.2026 35dk

  In September 2001, U.S. Air Force General Richard Myers was Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. President George W. Bush had recently nominated him to be the next chairman. On the morning of September 11, 2001, Gen. Myers was on Capitol Hill meeting with a key senator when news came that an airplane had hit the World Trade Center. Moments later, after Al Qaeda terrorists flew a second plane into the towers, Myers and the rest of the world knew we were under attack.In this edition of Veterans Chronicles, Gen. Myers walks us through his day on 9/11, including his reaction to seeing the smoke pouring out of the Pentagon as he returned from Capitol Hill, the debate over whether to shoot down a civilian airliner if it was deemed a threat to lives on the ground, and event at the Pentagon after Pres. Bush's speech that evening.Gen. Myers also takes us inside the national security meetings the day after 9/11 and the following weekend at Camp David and the hasty effort to assemble a military response to the Al Qaeda terrorist attacks.Finally, Myers shares why he's so proud of the initial U.S. military response and what he hopes Americans think about as we mark 25 years since that horrific day.
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  Sal Cassano, FDNY Commissioner, 9/11 Terrorist Attacks 02.09.2026 35dk

  Sal Cassano was born in New York City. He served in the U.S. Army and did a tour in Vietnam from 1966-1967, But even while he was serving overseas, plans were already in motion for him to become a New York City firefighter when he came home. In late 1969, Cassano joined the FDNY. By September 11, 2001, he was an assistant chief of operations overseeing Manhattan. He would finish his career as FDNY commissioner.In this edition of Veterans Chronicles, Cassano tells us about his service in Vietnam and becoming a firefighter. He also reveals how he first heard about the Al Qaeda terrorist attacks and why he knew instinctively after the first plane hit the World Trade Center that it was an act of terrorism.Cassano also explains the grisly scene when arriving at the World Trade Center and the flurry of orders he was given when the South Tower came down. He also talks about going to the hospital, immediately returning to work, and finally rejoining his family after almost 48 hours away.Later, Cassano details the challenges at Ground Zero and the sobering task of hiring many new firefighters after losing 343 in the World Trade Center. He also describes what President George W. Bush's visit to Ground Zero meant to the FDNY and what he hopes Americans will reflect upon 25 years after the 9/11 terrorist attacks.
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  Michael Hingson, 9/11 Survivor, World Trade Center 26.08.2026 36dk

  Michael Hingson was hosting a training session in his offices on the 78th floor of the World Trade Center's North Tower on the morning of September 11, 2001. As he reached for some paper, Hingson felt and heard a muffled explosion and the tower bent drastically before snapping back into place.Of course, it was American Airlines Flight 11 crashing into the tower - the first of four planes hijacked by Al Qaeda terrorists as part of the worst terrorist attack in U.S. history.Hingson was born blind but knew every inch of his office and the North Tower. Soon he, his guide dog, a colleague, and everyone else in their office began the long descent to the ground floor.In this edition of Veterans Chronicles, Hingson explains why he was so meticulously prepared for an emergency, how he quickly got a clue abut the cause of the explosion as soon as he entered the stairwell, and what it was like going down 78 floors with countless other people as the firefighters started to make their way up the stairs.Hingson also shares escaping from the World Trade Center only to discover the South Tower was also on fire and what it was like getting caught in the dust storms from both towers collapsing to the ground near him.Finally, Hingson details the fantastic performance of his guide dog, Roselle, that day and how his experience and Roselle's actions actually led to a career change as an author and public speaker.
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  TSgt Caster Salemi, U.S. Army, World War II, Luzon, New Guinea 19.08.2026 25dk

  Caster Salemi was 19 years old when Japan attacked the U.S. at Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. He tried to enlist in the U.S. Navy but was rejected. After working in a facility producing Norden bombsights, he was finally drafted into the U.S. Army. While training in Paris, Texas, Salemi was assigned to the 251st Field Artillery Battalion in a communications role. He was part of a unit firing 105mm howitzers.In this edition of Veterans Chronicles, Salemi tells about arriving in New Guinea, which brought high temperatures, high humidity, and tropical diseases. Salemi then talks about his service in Luzon, Philippines, starting in January 1945 and  describes the "constant combat" against the Japanese, including one battle that lasted two months straight. He also recalls how relentless the Japanese were and how cruel they could be. He also shares how the Japanese disrupted his artillery communications efforts.Finally, Salemi details the end of the war and how one of those tropical diseases sent him home earlier than expected - and right through a typhoon.
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  MSG Paul Evans, U.S. Army, Afghanistan, Gulf War 12.08.2026 35dk

  Paul Evans joined the U.S. Navy as a young adult but after three years on ships he left the service. A short time later, he enlisted in the U.S. Army. Before long, he was pursuing Army Special Forces. His job as a Green Beret would take him to the Gulf War and later to Afghanistan as one of the renowned "Horse Soldiers" just weeks after 9/11.In this edition of Veterans Chronicles, Evans tells us what valuable lessons he learned during the Gulf War that he put to good use in later conflicts. he also explains how Operational Detachment Alpha 595 (ODA 595) was going to be dismantled until the 9/11 attacks. Then their experience and skills became extremely valuable.Evans also shares how their assignment in theater changed twice before they were tasked with helping General Abdul Rashid Dostum push the Taliban out of Mazar-i-Sharif, how ODA 595 was split up to help their new Afghan allies be as effective as possible, and how they called in devastating U.S. airpower against the enemy.He also takes us inside the fighting leading up to Mazar-i-Sharif and how the Taliban fled, with one notable exception.Don't miss this inside look at some of the first U.S. action following the worst terrorist attacks in U.S. history.
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  H.J. Burley Smith, U.S. Merchant Marine, Korea, USS Meredith Victory Evacuation 05.08.2026 35dk

  H.J. Burley Smith was 12 years old when Japan attacked Pearl Harbor and the U.S. entered World War II. He followed the far closely, especially as his father served in the U.S. Merchant Marine.Smith graduated from high school in 1946 and eventually decided to enter the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy on Long Island. By the time his years as a cadet and in training were complete, the Korean War was breaking out on the other side of the world. He was assigned to the USS Meredith Victory, which would soon be on its way to war.In this edition of Veterans Chronicles, Smith explains how much responsibility brand new junior third mates like him were given in navigating ships. He also shares the harrowing story of being the last ship in a convoy headed for the Inchon Landing during a fierce typhoon that nearly knocked him into the sea.However, the USS Meredith Victory is best known for conducting the largest single-ship humanitarian evacuation in history - at Hungnam in North Korea in December 1950 after Chinese forces flooded across the border and temporarily forced the U.S. to retreat.Smith, who is the last surviving crew member of the Meredith Victory, describes how the evacuation took place with the Chinese just a mile or two way, the very difficult conditions on board, and how more than 14,000 Koreans were eventually brought to safety and freedom.
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  1LT Leonard Ganz, U.S. Army, Vietnam, Silver Star 29.07.2026 35dk

  Leonard Ganz knew he was going to be drafted, so he studied all of the branches and enlisted in the U.S. Army. After basic and other training, he pursued Officer Candidate School. By the time he deployed to Vietnam in the summer of 1969, Ganz was also part of Military Assistance Command, which was designed to work with and support our South Vietnamese allies. In this edition of Veterans Chronicles, Ganz explains Military Assistance Command and what it was like for a California kid to arrive in the heat and humidity of Vietnam. He also shares what type of training he did to prepare for his responsibilities and what the relationship with his Vietnamese officer was like.Ganz also takes us inside two of the toughest days he spent in Vietnam. He tells us about the saddest day of his deployment when a young Vietnamese soldier died in his arms waiting for an evacuation.He also details Thanksgiving Day 1969. From refusing orders to dire warnings and from leeches to receiving a medal, Ganz walks us through the events of that harrowing day. He also describes the pain of returning to an ungrateful nation.
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  Floyd Brantley, U.S. Navy, USAF, World War II, Korea 22.07.2026 31dk

  Floyd Brantley was born in Texas in 1925. He was 16 years old when the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. Unlike many Americans, Brantley knew exactly where Pearl Harbor was. His brother was already serving in the U.S. Navy and had served there. A year later, Brantley received devastating news: his brother, Charles, had been killed in the waters off Guadalcanal. Not long after that, Brantley was ordered into service, became a Navy corpsman, and was deployed to the South Pacific, not far from Guadalcanal.In this edition of Veterans Chronicles, Brantley tells us the story of how his brother was killed and how he spent years trying to find out more about what happened that day and how respected his brother was.Brantley also takes us inside the fleet hospital where he worked in the Russell Islands. He explains his role there and the types of injuries he treated. Plus, he shares fascinating stories of dealing with a Japanese prisoner/patient and a teenage native from the island.Later, Brantley tells us just how abruptly the Navy left the Russell Islands once Japan surrendered and how he got a painful early ticket home. He also shares his service from Korea and Vietnam, and the unique way he switched from the Navy to the U.S. Air Force.
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  SGT Vince Makela, U.S. Army Green Beret, Afghanistan 'Horse Soldiers' 15.07.2026 35dk

  Vince Makela enlisted in the U.S. Army while he was still in high school. After basic training, he specialized in communications and dreamed of flight school. When that dream didn't come true, Makela set his sights on another impressive goal - becoming a Green Beret.Several years later, he found himself in one of the first American units to set foot in Afghanistan after the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Operational Detachment Alpha (ODA) 595 not only achieved amazing results, but the men also became widely known as the "Horse Soldiers."In this edition of Veterans Chronicles, Makela takes us from basic training to a very meaningful early deployment to Korea. He also walks us through selection and qualifying for U.S. Army Special Forces and his vivid memories of 9/11.From there, Makela explains how ODA 595 was quickly ordered to prepare for deployment and draw up plans for its operation in Afghanistan. You'll also hear how no one in the unit was expecting to become a horse soldier and how they adapted rather quickly to the mission.Finally, Makela tells about the part of that mission that he still considers the highlight of his military career.
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  LCDR Kaj Larsen, U.S. Navy, SEAL Training, War on Terrorism 08.07.2026 34dk

  Kaj Larsen did not follow the typical route to becoming a U.S. Navy SEAL. He was admitted to the U.S. Naval Academy but left after two years to focus on playing water polo at the collegiate level. A few years later he enlisted in the Navy and immediately tried to get a slot in Basic Underwater Demolition SEAL (BUD/s) training in Coronado, California. Those billets are not usually given to men who left Annapolis but Larsen managed to snag one after his lifeguarding skills made headlines. In this edition of Veterans Chronicles, Larsen explains his path to becoming a SEAL officer in more detail, his thoughts upon arriving at Coronado, and how the incredible intensity of the training started during the first hour of the very first day. Larsen also details the agony of "Hell Week," his most difficult moments during BUD/s, and what the seemingly ruthless instructors are trying to achieve through their relentless demands. Larsen also tells us what it was like being in the middle of this training when the 9/11 terrorist attacks struck the U.S.Finally, Larsen reveals what his first combat experience was like and how SEAL gear and tactics have evolved since his time in combat as a result of new technologies and adapting to the tactics of our enemies. 
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  Col. Allison Black, U.S. Air Force, Afghanistan, 'The Angel of Death' 01.07.2026 35dk

  Allison Black surprised her family by deciding to enlist in the U.S. Air Force after high school. She did it to be part of a mission bigger than herself. After basic training, Black spent the next several years as a Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape - or SERE - instructor, teaching service members what to do if shot down, stuck behind enemy lines, or captured. After several years of that she became an officer in Air Force special operations and served as a navigator aboard an AC-130H gunship. Shortly after 9/11, she and her crew were deployed to Afghanistan.In this edition of Veterans Chronicles, Col. Black describes her life in SERE training, making the shift to special operations and the AC-130, what 9/11 was like for her, entering combat in Afghanistan, and how a famed Afghan ally ended up dubbing her "The Angel of Death."Retiring in 2024, Black also reflects on the lessons she learned in 32 years of service and what she hopes others learned from her.
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  SSgt. Rudy Meekins, USMC. Korea, Chosin Reservoir 24.06.2026 34dk

  Rudy Meekins grew up in the Outer Banks of North Carolina. Most young men from that area joined the U.S. Merchant Marine or the U.S. Coast Guard. However, Rudy initially opted for the Army National Guard but then enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps in September 1949. He endured boot camp at Parris Island and was eventually assigned to a 105mm howitzer team.In this edition of Veterans Chronicles, Meekins tells us how he heard the news that North Korea invaded South Korea in June 1950 and how he was on his way to the Pacific by August. He also describes landing at Inchon and how bad weather played a big role in his experience there.Meekins also shares what it was like to face the surprise Chinese invasion of Korea in November, the brutal cold of Chosin Reservoir, andendless waves of Chinese soldiers attacking them while the Marines were completely surrounded.Finally, Meekins reveals how he was severely wounded and how he made a an amazing recovery.
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  COL Michael Gilpin, U.S. Army, Vietnam 17.06.2026 34dk

  Michael Gilpin had an interest aviation at a young age but had never pursued flying. He joined the Army with an option to pursue Officer Candidate School near the end of his college years. Even as he became an officer and started training, he was still in the infantry.But soon he would switch to pilot training - specifically helicopter pilot training. He deployed to Vietnam in 1971 as a Huey pilot bringing Air Cavalry personnel in and out of combat.In this edition of Veterans Chronicles, Col. Gilpin shares his first thoughts of Vietnam and offers more detail on the missions he was part of. He also focuses on two particular missions: one where his Huey crashed and another where he and his team were tasked with helping to rescue American personnel held prisoner by the enemy.Later, Gilpin tells us about  the solemn duty he had to meet the remains of a childhood friend and bring them home. And he tells us about the powerful encounter he had in an airport while on that assignment.Plus, he recalls his return to Vietnam decades later and both the positive and negative experiences that came with that trip.
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  Lt. Col. Derek Jones, U.S. Air Force 10.06.2026 34dk

  Derek Jones was following in his father's footsteps when he pursued military service after high school. His father had been a prominent and highly respected musical leader in both the U.S. Air Force and the U.S. Marine Corps. Derek chose Air Force ROTC at Samford University in pursuit of becoming a fighter pilot. He succeeded and became an elite, Top Gun-winning pilot in the F-111. When that plane was shelved by the military, Jones started flying F-16's. But two decades into his Air Force career, Jones felt a new calling - the ministry.In this edition of Veterans Chronicles, Jones takes us through the triumphs and tears of pilot training, choosing the F-111, an air show manuever in Europe that nearly landed him in very hot water, and a particularly rough mission over Iraq.Jones also explains how his faith became far more serious while in the Air Force and what eventually led him away from the cockpit and towards the pulpit. He also explains the work he does now to defend religious liberty inside and outside of the military.
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  Cpl. Esteban Valenzuela, USMC, Vietnam 27.05.2026 35dk

  Esteban Valenzuela was a talented high school football player and could have continued playing in college. Instead, he joined the U.S. Marine Corps in 1966, while he was still in high school. Several months later, he was in Vietnam on a tour lasting well over a year and took part of some of the intense fighting connected with the enemy's Tet Offensive in early 1968.In this edition of Veterans Chronicles, Valenzuela takes us into Marine Corps boot camp and how he saw the benefits of that and other training once he was in Vietnam. You'll also hear how he rose in rank and responsibility during his time in Vietnam.But Valenzuela also describes the heat of intense combat during the Tet Offensive, how losses mounted even though the U.S. successfully repelled the attacks, how Valenzuela lost one of his best friends, and how he responded in that moment.Valenzuela also explains how a return to Vietnam in 2025 helped to heal some very old wounds.
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  MAJ James Taylor, U.S. Army, Vietnam, Medal of Honor 20.05.2026 30dk

  James Taylor enlisted in the Army in 1956. Several years later, he successfully completed Officer Candidate School (OCS) and was commissioned as an Army officer. By 1967, he served as executive officer inside a squadron in the 1st Armored Cavalry that was headed to Vietnam. Later that year, his love and concern for his men under heavy enemy fire led to actions that would lead to him receiving the Medal of Honor.In this edition of Veterans Chronicles, Taylor shares the life-changing lesson on leadership he learned from his high school football coach, why he joined the Army, and how he made it a priority to turn his unit into a close-knit team.Taylor also takes us to November 1967 and his actions that are credited with saving many lives during a vicious enemy attack, how he kept going despite being injured, and the selfless prayer he prayed while tending to the wounded.You'll also hear Taylor's memories about receiving the Medal of Honor in 1968 and how his time with that team in Vietnam still deeply impacts him today.
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  COL Richard Coachys, U.S. Army, Vietnam 13.05.2026 35dk

  Richard Coachys went to Indiana University on a football scholarship but also joined the Army ROTC on campus. After commissioning, he expected his early training to be followed by a deployment to Germany. But those plans were disrupted by the Vietnam War, and the young officer was soon leading his platoon on patrols and into combat.In this edition of Veterans Chronicles, Coachys tells us about his training, his first thoughts upon arriving in Vietnam, and what those early patrols were like. He also takes us into the most intense combat from his time in Vietnam, leading his men under fire, and being wounded by multiple enemy rounds.Coachys also shares very personal stories about families devastated by losing children in the war and what it was like for him to visit the Vietnam Veterans War Memorial in Washington for the first time this year.
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  Lt Col Robert Jeffrey, USAF, Vietnam, POW Part 2 06.05.2026 33dk

  In our previous episode, we learned how U.S. Air Force pilot Robert Jefffrey was shot down over North Vietnam during his first mission of the war. He suffered burns and spinal injuries as the plane was hit and he ejected. Jeffrey was captured as soon as he parachuted to the ground. After that, he was interrogated, nearly executed, and repeatedly tortured. Today, we hear more of Col. Jeffrey's story, from prison life to his first breaths of freedom after more than seven years of captivity.In this edition of Veterans Chronicles, Col. Jeffrey tells us about being moved out of Hoa Lo prison, also known as the Hanoi Hilton, to other facilities, namely "The Zoo," and Son Tay. He also explains the enemy used food rations to try to turn the Americans against one another and how the prisoners refused to let that tactic work.Jeffrey also takes us into the many moments of hope for freedom only to have them dashed in disappointment, But he also walks us through the developments when he finally was freed in February 1973. And you'll hear about Jeffrey's return trip to Vietnam decades later and the question he still needs answered.
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  Lt Col Robert Jeffrey, USAF, Vietnam, POW Part 1 29.04.2026 35dk

  Robert Jeffrey became fascinated with aviation at a young age after his father got a pilot's license. By the time he was preparing to graduate high school, Jeffrey knew he wanted to be a pilot and that he wanted to fly in the U.S. Air Force. He joined in 1960 and excelled in pilot training. By 1965, he was flying the F-4 earlier than most of his peers. Late that year, he deployed to Thailand to fly missions over North Vietnam. On December 20, 1965, Jeffrey flew his first mission. It would also be his last mission.In this edition of Veterans Chronicles, Col. Jeffrey takes us into that fateful mission, the circumstances that led to him being hit by enemy anti-aircraft fire, having his plane explode, and being forced to eject.Jeffrey also recounts being captured, interrogated, threatened with execution, and tortured by the enemy. You'll also learn what Jeffrey did when he could not take the pain of torture any longer. And he  describes the importance of making contact with the other POW's held in the infamous Hoa Lo prison, known now as the Hanoi Hilton.Don't miss Part 1 of this powerful story.