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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. -
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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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. -
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. -
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. -
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. -
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. -
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. -
Harvey C, "Barney" Barnum, Jr. arrived in Vietnam in late 1965 with 2nd Battalion, 12th Marines in the 3rd Infantry Division. In the final days of Operation Harvest Moon, Barnum served as a forward observer for H Company, 2nd Battalion, 9th Marines. On December 18, 1965, the company was ambushed by North Vietnamese forces. The company commander was mortally wounded and Barnum soon found himself commanding Marines he really didn't know.
In this edition of Veterans Chronicles, Barnum takes us through the beginning of the ambush and rescuing fallen company commander Captain Paul Gormley just moments before Gormley died in Barnum's arms.
Barnum also recounts his first decisions as new company commander, and how he risked his life to pinpoint enemy positions for American pilots. He also describes the difficult decisions he made and orders he gave to give his men the best chance for survival.
Finally, Barnum reveals how he learned he was recommended for the Medal of Honor and tells us about his medal ceremony. -
Luke Focer was not sure what he wanted to do after high school but after reading many books on the military and being impressed by a teacher who had served, Focer enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps in 2005. He would go on to serve two tours in Iraq and three in Afghanistan over the next 14 years. He also became a sniper and part of Marine Corps Special Operations (MARSOC).
In this edition of Veterans Chronicles, Focer takes us from Marine Corps boot camp at Parris Island to being an infantry point man for his squad in Iraq on his first deployment. He tells us about the patrols and security responsibilities he had there and reveals what he saw there that made him want to become a sniper.
Focer then shares how his first tour in Afghanistan convinced him to pursue special operations. He explains the conditions in Afghanistan that motivated him and what it took to qualify as a special operator.
Later, Focer details how he forged close bonds within his unit and with the Afghan special operations forces he partnered with. He also takes us inside some of his most intense combat in Afghanistan and his ongoing commitment to our Afghan allies who are now trying to build lives in the U.S. -
Roderick Pugh enlisted in the U.S. Army less than three months before the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Eighteen months later, he was partr of 1st Brigade 2-7 infantry from Ft. Stewart, leading the way into Iraq. He would serve two tours in Iraq, In between, he completed airborne school and became the first African American sniper in U.S. Army history.
In this edition of Veterans Chronicles, Pugh details combat during the invasion of Iraq, surviving sandstorms and enemy mortar fire, and how the A-10 Warthogs were a huge help in the march to Baghdad. He also describes the intense fighting around the Baghdad airport and the engagement that earned him the nickname "Black Rambo"
Pugh also tells us about airborne school and sniper training and explains the biggest reason why candidates fail to become snipers. He then takes us into his second deployment in Iraq with the 2-12 Cavalry out of Ft. Bliss. Pugh shares how his vehicle was hit by an IED and how he and others in his unit later dealt with enemies trying to plant IED's in the road. -
Jason Redman learned love of country and the importance of service at a young age. His grandfather was a decorated World War II veteran and his father served during the Vietnam War. Before finishing high school, Redman enlisted in the U.S. Navy with one goal in mind: becoming a U.S. Navy SEAL.
In this edition of Veterans Chronicles, Redman tells us about the unexpected health challenge he faced in boot camp before he could pursue his dream of becoming a SEAL. He then walks us through Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL (BUD/S) training, why so many give up during Hell Week, and another very difficult part of training where many candidates wash out.
Redman then takes us on his 2005 deployment to Afghanistan and explains how it got off to such a devastating start. He also explains how his mounting frustrations led to some poor decisions that could have proven very costly.
Then, Redman details his 2007 deployment to Iraq and describes the enemy ambush that badly wounded him. And he reflects upon the important life lessons he learned from his service and recovering from devastating wounds. -
Dick Ramsey's family had it tough lduring the Great Depression. He quit school when he was 15 years old and started working at the Brooklyn Navy Yard as a pipefitter. After the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, he started helping to build battleships. In 1943, Ramsey joined the U.S. Navy and was assigned as coxswain on the USS Nevada.
In this edition of Veterans Chronicles, Ramsey takes us through training to the Nevada's involvement in the D-Day landings in Normandy, Iwo Jima, and Okinawa. He also reveals several very close calls while in the Pacific and reveals the immense honor given to the USS Nevada and then quickly taken away.
Ramsey also shares how the Nevada survived the Japanese attack at Pearl Harbor long before he came aboard and how he and his shipmates stayed close for decades after the war. -
On August 26, 2021, an ISIS-K terrorist attack killed 13 American service members and wounded many others at Abbey Gate outside Kabul International Airport in Afghanistan. Scores of Afghan civilians were also killed and wounded. Nine of the American service members killed that day were U.S. Marines from G Company, 2nd Battalion, 1st Marines. Their company commander was then-Captain Geoffrey Ball.
In this edition of Veterans Chronicles, Major Ball takes us through the chaos the company found when it arrived in Afghanistan on August 19. He tells about the heroic efforts of his unit and many others to establish as much order as possible among the many thousands of people desperate to reach the airport and leave Afghanistan before U.S. forces withdrew.
Major Ball then walks us through the terrorist attack and the horrific toll it inflicted upon his company. He also shares what impact the explosion had on him and the details the amazing work of his company's Navy corpsman and other medics to save and stabilize those who were badly hurt.
Finally, Ball tells us, in detail, about the service members who made the ultimate sacrifice at Abbey Gate, who they were, and what he appreciated about each one of them. -
Mike Elmore was born in Illinois into a family with a legacy of military service. He joined the U.S. Army in 1987 with no immediate intention of pursuing special forces. But he loved the idea of a new challenge, passed selection and qualifying, and earned his Green Beret. By the time of the 9/11 Al Qaeda terrorist attacks, Elmore was part of Operational Detachment (ODA) 595, a group that would later become known as the Horse Soldiers.
In this edition of Veterans Chronicles, Elmore walks us through qualifying and explains why being mentally tough is just as important as physical toughness in Special Forces. He also explains how his ODA's training in the months leading up to 9/11 turned out to be perfect prepartion for the fight against the Taliban.
Elmore takes us up into the Afghan mountains, explains how he and others in his detachment worked alongside Afghan General Abdul Dostum and elements of the Northern Alliance, how he adjusted to the small horses needed to navigate the mountains, and what combat was like approaching Mazar-i-Sharif. He also explains the huge advantages of U.S. air power in their mission and some of the challenges involved in coordinating those air strikes. -
Bob Boeke was 16 years old when the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor in December 1941. Nearly two years later, he enlisted in the U.S. Army as part of a program to help get a college education and become an officer. But the program soon closed down. After basic training, Boeke was assigned to an intelligence and reconnaissance unit within the 86th Infantry Division.
In this edition of Veterans Chronicles, Boeke tells us about intelligence and reconnaissance training, finding and removing German mines on the Normandy beaches, dealing with German mortar fire on the way to the front, and what he experienced after getting to the front lines.
Boeke also shares how he and other recon soldiers scouted out whether the Germans had evacuated the villages they came to or whether they had retreated, how he got across the Rhine, and horrors he witnessed at Dachau. You'll also find out how Boeke ended up in the Pacific at the end of the war.
Finally, we'll learn how the 75th anniversary of D-Day helped to reunite Boeke with the girlfriend he had to leave in the 1940's and how they tied the knot all these years later. -
Michael "Rod" Rodriguez was born into a family with a rich legacy of military service. His father and grandfather both served during wartime. Rod decided he wanted to serve after watching what the U.S. military accomplished in Operation Desert Storm.
Within months of enlisting in 1992, he was off to Somalia. A couple of years later, Rodriguez decided to pursue Army Special Forces and then became a sniper and a medic. All of that prepared him well for three deployments in Afghanistan following the 9/11 terrorist attacks.
In this edition of Veterans Chronicles, Rodriguez tells us about his early deployments to Somalia and Haiti, what qualifying was like for Special Forces, and how he heard the news of 9/11.
Rodriguez also takes us to Afghanistan, as he shares the story of how he treated a young Afghan girl who was clearly being abused. He also shares what it was like treating the wounds of his fellow soldiers and how he was seriously injured by a series of explosions on his final deployment.
Finally, Rodriguez details how he finally decided to get treatment for his injuries and the important work he is doing today to honor those who served in the Global War on Terrorism. -
Steve Bleigh is the son and grandson of Army veterans. He joined the U.S. Army in 1986, fully expecting to be an infantryman throughout his service. When he returned to civilian life eighteen years later, Bleigh had spent 14 years in Army Special Forces and was a veteran of Afghanistan, Iraq, the Gulf War, and the conflict in Somalia.
In this edition of Veterans Chronicles, MSG Bleigh tells us about his service in the Gulf War with the 82nd Airborne Division and the lessons he learned there that helped the rest of his years in uniform. Then he talks about selection and qualifying for Special Forces, being deployed as a weapons sergeant in Somalia, how he responded when the mission in Somalia turned deadly, and training to be a medic after returning home.
Following the 9/11 Al Qaeda terrorist attacks, Bleigh and ODA 595 were among the first U.S. units to set foot in Afghanistan. Now often referred to as the Horse Soldiers, the unit teamed up with elements of the Northerrn Alliance to force the Taliban from power. Bleigh reflects on the toughest fighting in Afghanistan and being one of very few medics on the ground there.
Finally, he details his two tours in Iraq, including the initial invasion and the early, successful hunt for key enemy figures. He then describes a very different second tour, one marked by relentless enemy IED's and maddening rules of engagement. -
Dominick Critelli was born in Italy and came to the United States as a child. He was 20 years old when the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor and launched the U.S. into World War II. Critelli became an airplane mechanic as part of the U.S. Army's 95th infantry Division.
In this edition of Veterans Chronicles, Critelli tells us what the toughest part of basic training was for him and how his sergeant handled his complaint. He also shares what it was like arriving at Utah Beach not long after D-Day operations and the moment of engineering inspiration that took place that day and likely saved many lives.
Critelli then details his role at the Battle of the Bulge, including how he flew over American soldiers, who were surrounded by the Germans, and dropped ammunition, weapons, food, and other supplies to help them hold those positions.
Finally, Critelli, who is 104 years old, shares his secrets to longevity and his long love of playing the saxophone. He recently played the national anthem on his soprano sax at a National Hockey League game. -
Russell Sattazhan was 15 years old when the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor and forced the U.S. into World War II. in 1944, he was drafted and was placed in an infantry replacement unit. Replacements were needed so badly that training was cut short and Sattazhan's unit was sent to Europe and folded into the Army's 1st Infantry Division in January 1945. Two months later, Sattazhan's war would be over after suffering a severe wound from a German attack.
In this edition of Veterans Chronicles, Sattazhan tells us what it was like being rushed into combat, dealing with the brutal winter in early 1945 and pushing the Nazis further and further intoo Germany.
He also takes us to the day he was badly wounded in his right hand and part of his wrist after being hit by German fire, the unusual circumstances that helped to save his life, realizing that he needed an amputation, and his road to recovery. - Visa fler
