Fire Watch

Veterans Day is a holiday meant to honor those who have served in the United States Armed Forces. It is also a day that has historically served as a platform for those outside of the community to offer their thoughts on service – whether sincere or platitudinous. On this episode of Fire Watch, we speak to many veterans – ones with unique, distinguished or important backgrounds – and ask them their...

Ambrose Bierce was an American Civil War veteran. As a Union soldier Bierce fought in many battles, was wounded, and went on to become a pioneer in the horror genre, helping introduce the psychological thriller to the American story. American tradition is steeped in rich horror and veterans like Bierce who have taken their experiences in war and service and twisted them into terrifying tales for t...

These are the family members who were part of the Department of Veterans' Affairs caregiver program, a largely unsung army of thousands of friends, family members and guardians that quietly take care of veterans who cannot independently take care of themselves as a result of injury or illness incurred from their service.  Many have quit their jobs to work full time as a caregiver, sacrificing an o...

On the way out of the military, troops get a single document that has the power to get them a job and healthcare. It is constantly used by the Department of Veterans Affairs as reference for disability or benefits ratings. If a veteran wants to go to school, a university is going to ask for it. So why are some sailors being forced to wait and wait, facing extensive delays, for such a crucial proof...

Who are the women shaking up Army rules? Today, junior ranks are leading the charge to make change in the military. Not only for hair policy, but for women's reproductive health and in tackling the pervasive sexual assault issue that has been plaguing the military for decades. On this episode, we're going to talk to some of those soldiers who have spoken up and found ways to shape policies aimed a...

A year ago this week, U.S. forces were preparing to depart Afghanistan after 20 years of war. It wasn't the first time that American troops witnessed the end of decades of conflict, trying to assess what it was all for. Almost 50 years prior President Richard Nixon promised the next generation peace in the wake of Vietnam. Just as Vietnamese refugees clung to the skids of helicopters departing the...

The PACT Act had a years-long, tumultuous journey to getting signed into law this week. It is meant to provide expanded health care for veterans affected by burnpit toxins and other exposures incurred during their service. Veterans and their advocates camped outside of the Capitol for six days waiting for a moment that was years in the making and one that many of their friends and family – who die...

What happened at Red Hill? Last year, fuel tanks at the Navy facility spilled thousands of gallons of fuel into Hawaii's water supply – sickening and displacing thousands of families from the Joint Base Pearl Harbor–Hickam area. This is their story. Appearing in this episode: Families, Military Leaders, Drew Lawrence, Kristina Baehr, Rebecca Kheel, Patricia Kime, Congressman Kai Kahele

How is the military making space troops? Fire Watch looks at the military's newest service, how the Space Force is building its own identity in the long-established shadows of the other military branches and how Guardians are trained, from cradle to star amid a renewed 21st century competition in space. Appearing in this episode: CMSgt. Roger Towberman, Maria Pryde, Drew Lawrence, Thomas Novelly,...

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