Veterans Archives: Preserving the Stories of our Nations Heroes

Send us Fan Mail As the warm glow of a Michigan sunset at the Concord horizon, Damien takes a seat at our podcast table, bringing with him the rich aroma of his family's farming heritage and the crisp discipline of military service. Our latest episode molds the two worlds together, offering listeners a chance to step into the boots of a man whose life chapters are penned with the ink of tradi...

Send us Fan Mail Join us as we share the remarkable journey of George Valoras, whose life story is a testament to the resilience and ambition that define the American dream. As the son of Greek immigrants, George lays bare the roots of his family's success in Indianapolis, from his father's humble beginnings as a flower cart peddler to becoming an adored business owner. We traverse the l...

Send us Fan Mail Picture a Michigan farm, the unyielding discipline of early morning chores, and the shaping of character in the heartland of America. This is where the story of retired First Sergeant Joe Sauer begins, a narrative arc stretching from these humble beginnings to the rugged terrains of Africa. In his company, we traverse the landscape of a life devoted to the service, threaded with t...

Send us Fan Mail As the sun rose on Fred Koski's youth in the shadow of World War II, his life's path seemed destined to intertwine with military service. Brighton, Michigan’s own son paints a stirring tableau of a young man's journey from Belleville's track fields to the disciplined ranks of the Marine Corps. Fred's narrative, woven with tales of family influence, vividly...

Send us Fan Mail As the sun set on a quaint town in Owosso, the memories of Dan Hetfield, a man molded by craftsmanship and the crucible of Vietnam, came to life in our latest episode. Born in the throes of post-war America, Dan's story is a tapestry woven with the threads of a complex family, youthful adventures, and a destiny irrevocably altered by the draft. His journey from spirited schoo...

Send us Fan Mail Stepping off the familiar streets of Muncie, Indiana, and into the boots of a U.S. Army soldier, Austin Crouch's tale is one of transformation and resilience, a narrative that stretches from the simplicity of a small-town baseball diamond to the complexities of life in Afghanistan's combat zones. As we sit down for an intimate conversation, Austin peels back the layers o...

Send us Fan Mail Embark on an emotional voyage with Brian Brooks, a heartland hero whose life story is as American as it gets. From the chill of the hockey rink in Jackson, Michigan, to the disciplined ranks of the U.S. Army, Brian's candid narrative will grasp your heart. His story is more than a uniform; it’s about the fabric of a life woven with determination, family bonds, and the pivotal...

Send us Fan Mail From the humble streets of Lansing, Michigan to the dense jungles of Vietnam, Rich Vsetula's life is a tapestry of courage, ingenuity, and the enduring human spirit. Picture a young boy, crafting a makeshift motorcycle, embodying the tenacity that would later define his years in the U.S. Army. Rich's memories—be they of building bonds in the blast of Fort Knox training o...

Send us Fan Mail From the sun-baked streets of San Antonio to the expansive seas, Joshua Angelica's story is an American tapestry woven with the threads of dedication and service. As a former member of the United States Coast Guard, Joshua's narrative is a poignant testament to the transformative power of military life. Step into a world where childhood adventures fuse with the rigors of...

Send us Fan Mail When former Military Police Officer Eric Thibodeau reflects on a life that's taken him from the competitive fields of Macomb County to the front lines of military service, you can't help but be drawn into his world. We sit down with Eric as he weaves tales of childhood rivalries, the challenging path to joining the Army Reserve, and a love story that withstands the trial...

Send us Fan Mail Unearth the remarkable story of Dr. William Gilchrist Anderson, a man whose lineage traces back to the shackles of slavery. As the son of parents just a generation removed from chains, we uncover a tale of persistence, education, and military service. This episode brings to forefront the inspiring saga of his family's relentless pursuit of knowledge and how this deep-rooted c...

Send us Fan Mail Join us as we journey with Sandra Karanovic, a resilient woman who defied expectations to serve in the United States Air Force. From a strict upbringing to grueling basic training, Sandra’s tale is a testament to human strength and resilience. She doesn’t shy away from sharing her hardships - from shouldering physical challenges to enduring the demanding life of a military medic....

Send us Fan Mail Ready to embark on a journey? We promise, it's like no other. Set course with us as we navigate the deep and inviting waters of Drake Smith's life. From his small-town origins in Selene, Michigan, to the vast oceanic expanses aboard the USS Indiana, Drake's voyage is a testament to his resilience and a beacon for those daring to take the helm of their own journey. W...

Send us Fan Mail Celebrate with us as we honor the birthday of our special guest, former US Navy member, Paul Buckholz. We uncover Paul's fascinating journey from his childhood in Ann Arbor, Michigan, through his early days of enlistment, to his role as an aerographer's mate in the Navy. In the first part of our chat, Paul's sense of adventure takes us through his basic training, hi...

Send us Fan Mail What does it truly mean to live a life of service and dedication? Prepare to embark on a captivating journey with our guest, Michael Galoucis, a retired US Army veteran, as he generously unfolds the tapestry of his life - from his childhood days in Quincy, Massachusetts to his memorable stint in the military. Tag along with us as we navigate Michael's diverse heritage, high s...

Send us Fan Mail Imagine standing in the midst of a war zone, shouldering the responsibility of 18 soldiers and numerous police stations, all while nursing a severe foot injury. That's where we find our guest for this episode, Jonathan DeBoe, a former member of the United States Army and the Michigan Army National Guard. Jonathan takes us through his journey, starting from his family roots in...

Send us Fan Mail Have you ever wondered what it's like to stare history in the face? Imagine sitting down with a Pearl Harbor survivor, retired Consumers Energy employee, and centenarian, Herb Elfring. As we traverse the timeline of his life, we journey from the Great Depression in South Dakota and Montana, through his educational voyage to San Diego, and dive headfirst into the heart-wrenchi...

Send us Fan Mail Have you ever wondered what it's like to serve in the US Navy? Our guest this episode, Nathan Moran, shares his personal account of life in the military, and the challenges he faced while stationed off the coast of Japan on a minesweeper. Nathan takes us through his childhood in Michigan, his call to service after the 9/11 attacks, and the camaraderie he found with his brothe...

Send us Fan Mail Are you ready for an invigorating journey? With us today is Gary Rossi, a retired Navy SEAL with countless riveting stories from his military career. From his youth in California to his time at the Naval Academy and his deployment in Vietnam, Gary's journey is one of determination, resilience, and growth. His experiences span from intense training at Fort Benning and Underwat...