Veterans Archives: Preserving the Stories of our Nations Heroes

Send us Fan Mail Imagine finding love amidst the backdrop of Michigan State University's Engagement Rock, where a marriage proposal turns into an unforgettable story of love and recovery. This episode brings you into the world of Chuck Schroeder, a remarkable man with a captivating life story. Chuck's journey, from serving in the United States Army during the Vietnam War to his impactful...

Send us Fan Mail Can a love for the water shape a life of service and adventure? Join us as we uncover the extraordinary journey of Donald Kettlewell, whose childhood escapades in the woods of Michigan evolved into a distinguished career in the United States Navy. Growing up in a large family with eight siblings, Donald shares how early challenges, like supporting a diabetic mother, prepared him f...

Send us Fan Mail Imagine hearing the stories of our nation's veterans directly from the source, offering not only a glimpse into history but also a profound understanding of resilience and healing. Join us with Bill Krieger, the visionary founder of Veterans Archives, as he takes us on a journey inspired by his grandfather's storytelling legacy and his own military experiences. Bill pass...

Send us Fan Mail What does it mean to serve and sacrifice? Robert Brite, a veteran with a remarkable story, takes us through his life journey, revealing the profound experiences that shaped him. From his unique upbringing on Long Island under the care of an adoptive father who welcomed children from diverse backgrounds, to his formative years in the JROTC program, Robert's path was always lea...

Send us Fan Mail What if your journey from a small Appalachian town to the military and beyond could illuminate the resilience and adaptability of the human spirit? In our latest episode, we welcome Dave, also known as Bailey Harvey, who takes us through his extraordinary life story. From the rural landscapes of Hazard, Kentucky, to the suburban streets of Garden City, Michigan, Dave recounts the...

Send us Fan Mail What if your life's journey took you from a small town in the Netherlands to serving in the Michigan Army National Guard? Meet Rhea Pruett, whose incredible story of resilience and transformation unfolds in this episode. Born in Bagafeen, Friesland, Rhea opens up about her family's immigration to the United States, navigating the challenges of settling in West Michigan&a...

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Send us Fan Mail Vicki Cain's story is one of resilience, courage, and unyielding optimism. Born in Big Rapids, Michigan, Vicki takes us on an enlightening journey from her childhood filled with outdoor adventures on Drummond Island to her trailblazing military career. She shares vivid memories of her upbringing in a small, supportive community and the life-defining decision to join the Army,...

Send us Fan Mail What does it mean to grow up in a railroad town and transition to a life in the Navy right after high school? Join us for a special conversation with Robert "Bob" Shrader, a United States Navy veteran whose life journey is both remarkable and heartwarming. Bob shares vivid memories from his childhood in Lincoln Park, where train rides with his father, a railroad engineer...

Send us Fan Mail Frederick Bloye joins us for a captivating journey through a life filled with unexpected turns and heartwarming moments. Frederick's story begins in the quiet town of Grimsby, Ontario, where family bonds were shaped under the strong, watchful eye of his father, Big Jack. From the bustling streets of Detroit where the family flower business thrived, to joining the Air Force in...

Send us Fan Mail What happens when life takes you from challenging beginnings to serving in the military, facing personal upheavals, and ultimately finding peace in civilian life? Join us as we sit down with Dane Songer, a United States Navy veteran and former Michigan Army National Guard member, whose story is a testament to resilience and the power of personal growth. From a childhood marked by...

Send us Fan Mail Have you ever wondered how childhood experiences shape our decisions later in life? Brandyn Mickus, a former member of the Michigan Army National Guard, takes us on a nostalgic journey through his idyllic upbringing in Michigan, where his nurturing mother and resourceful father instilled values that led him to military service. Growing up in the adventurous 90s, Brandyn reminisces...

Send us Fan Mail Papa Pete, also known as Peter Cenzer, invites us into his world, sharing a lifetime of stories that weave together his Polish heritage, military service, and family achievements. From his nostalgic upbringing in Detroit as a middle child to his unexpected career path after attempting pre-med studies, Pete's life is a testament to resilience and adaptability. This episode cap...

Send us Fan Mail From carefree childhood adventures in a bustling Catholic neighborhood to the rigorous halls of Navy submarine training, Dave Dunkel's life is a captivating symphony of resilience and legacy. In our latest episode, we sit down with Dave, a Lansing native, who takes us on a nostalgic journey through time. With vivid tales of kickball games and neighborhood camaraderie contrast...

Send us Fan Mail Imagine growing up in Verdonville, West Virginia, during the Great Depression, facing personal adversities like losing a mother at a tender age and being raised by an unkind sister. That’s exactly the childhood story of Marvin Morehouse, our guest for this episode. As a United States Navy veteran and a nonagenarian poet, Marvin takes us on an unforgettable journey through his life...

Send us Fan Mail What if your childhood memories were shaped by the rich cultural tapestry of a vibrant Polish community in Michigan? Join us as Dick Spiegel shares his remarkable journey from growing up in Hamtramck, surrounded by the warmth of family and Polish traditions, to navigating the formative years at Catholic schools. Dick's stories transport us to a world where sauerkraut and neck...

Send us Fan Mail What if you could relive the pivotal moments of a life dedicated to service, love, and family through the eyes of a U.S. veteran? Join us on a heartfelt journey with Carl Joss, as he recounts his story from humble beginnings in Mishawaka, Indiana, through his service in the U.S. Army, to a rich family life with his beloved wife, Shirley. Carl paints vibrant pictures of his early y...

Send us Fan Mail What if the story of a man could encapsulate the resilience, adaptability, and warmth of an era now past? Ray Brown's journey does just that, painting a vivid picture of life through the Great Depression, military service, and the evolution of family life. Raised in Royal Oak, Michigan, Ray shares poignant memories of his mother's unwavering strength as she raised five c...

Send us Fan Mail What if you were born into a world where discipline, bravery, and resilience were a way of life? Join us as we explore the extraordinary life of Jason Hindmarsh, whose journey from a childhood on Grand Forks Air Force Base to a fulfilling civilian career is both heartwarming and inspiring. Jason, a former member of the United States Air Force, shares vivid tales of growing up in a...

Send us Fan Mail Discover the extraordinary life of John Roberts, a U.S. Army veteran whose journey spans from rural Indiana to the tumultuous jungles of Vietnam. Born in Franklin, Indiana, John grew up surrounded by the beauty of the outdoors and the warmth of family. Despite academic hurdles, his determination led him to graduate in 1970 and enlist in the Army. Listen as John recounts his transf...

Send us Fan Mail Ever wondered how a bustling household of seven navigates life's thrilling adventures? Join us as we sit down with Joe Dormady, who takes us on a nostalgic journey back to his childhood in Ithaca, New York, where he grew up with five boisterous brothers. Joe paints a vivid picture of his nurturing father, a local railroad engineer, and shares heartwarming stories of brotherly...

Send us Fan Mail Ever wondered how a journey from a small Illinois town leads to Vietnam and back, touching countless lives along the way? Our guest, John Book, shares his remarkable story of resilience, faith, and love. Born in Carbondale, Illinois, John takes us back to his early years spent between Florida and Illinois, driven by his father's Army service. From childhood memories on his gr...

Send us Fan Mail Have you ever wondered how family heritage can shape one's destiny? In our latest episode, we're joined by Robert Magdowski, a former United States Navy Seabee, who takes us on a heartfelt journey through his family's rich military history. From gripping tales of World War I and II to the Korean War, Robert recounts the stories of his father and uncles, whose braver...

Send us Fan Mail What if you could hear firsthand what it was like to experience the Cold War from the front lines? Join us as Alan Hatfield, a dedicated veteran, recounts his incredible journey from his childhood in Perry, Michigan to his military service overseas. Alan paints a vivid picture of his formative years filled with family camping trips, high school activities, and lifelong friendships...

Send us Fan Mail What was it like growing up in a post-war Detroit neighborhood filled with girls and having an athletic father who was always on the move? Join us as we unravel Ken Verfele's vivid childhood memories and the journey that shaped his early life. From facing academic struggles to briefly playing football at Finney High School, to meeting the love of his life, Olivia, Ken's...