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Cold War

Joe Dwigans 2011-10-14 17.59.24 copy

LCDR Joe Dwigans, U.S. Navy – From an Iowa Dairy Farm to Flying Navy Helldivers

The naval aviator training pipeline is grueling. It takes months of study to learn the basics of flying. It takes strength of body and mind to withstand the physical and mental strains of landing a plane on the pitching deck of an aircraft carrier at sea. Most of all, it takes courage, to launch from a ship in the middle of the ocean in search of a target with the hope of accomplishing the mission and returning home safely. Few have what it takes to even try to meet naval aviation’s high standards and even fewer succeed. At the height of World War II, with the naval war against Japan raging in the Pacific, Lieutenant Commander Joe Dwigans, U.S. Navy (Retired), raised his hand and said I can do it. This is his story.

A37 Student - Featured Image

Episode 28 – Colonel Hank Hoffman, U.S. Air Force

Welcome to Episode 28 of the Voices to Veterans podcast. This episode features the story of Colonel, Hank Hoffman, U.S. Air Force (Retired). Hank’s Air Force career can only be described as extraordinary. A 1963 graduate of the Air Force Academy, he began his career by flying B-52 nuclear deterrence missions, including circling over the […]

12-year-old Robert Burgess in his high school band uniform

Episode 27 – Private First Class Robert F. Burgess, U.S. Army

Welcome to Episode 27 of the Voices to Veterans podcast. This episode features the story of Private First Class Robert F. Burgess, U.S. Army. Bob Burgess has always been someone who’s lived life on his own terms. From enlisting in the Army rather than waiting to be drafted, to experiencing all that living in post-war […]

Thomas Lucken - Featured Image

Sergeant Thomas Lucken, U.S. Army – Knocking on the Cold War’s Door

It’s easy to take for granted the freedoms we have because we live in a country isolated from its adversaries by two vast oceans. As a result, most of us live our lives unconcerned with the possibility of an invading foreign army. Many U.S. allies do not enjoy the same luxury, as they find themselves bordered by authoritarian regimes ready to cross their borders at the first sign of weakness. The U.S. has supported its allies since the end of World War II by sending forces to stand with them against would-be aggressors. Sergeant Thomas Lucken, U.S. Army, was one of those soldiers called to hold the line during the Cold War by spending over thirteen years overseas in South Korea and Germany as a Cavalry Scout. This is his story.

Woman in the WACs

Episode 20 – Private First Class Sue (Van Meter) Hodge, U.S. Army

Welcome to Episode 20 of the Voices to Veterans podcast. This episode features the story of Private First Class Sue (Van Meter) Hodge, U.S. Army.As a kid growing up in Oklahoma, Sue watched her older brothers serve in the Army and the Air Force and wanted desperately to join the military, too. She didn’t know, […]

Tech Sergeant Susie Goebel, U.S. Air Force

Episode 14 – Tech Sergeant Susie Goebel, U.S. Air Force (Retired)

Welcome to Episode 14 of the Voices to Veterans podcast. This episode features the story of Tech Sergeant Susie Goebel, U.S. Air Force (Retired). Susie joined the Air Force in 1980, following in her father’s footsteps. She went to boot camp just four years after women were able to enlist on the same basis as […]

Petty Officer Gene Walker in his VFW Uniform

ETN3 Eugene Walker, U.S. Navy – Right Place, Right Time

Some people have a knack for telling stories. When you listen, you can’t help but share in their excitement as they reveal an unexpected outcome or describe an event that made a difference in their lives or the lives of other people. Petty Officer Third Class Eugene Walker, U.S. Navy, has the storytelling gift.

Petty Officer Jim McCune standing by an F-14 aboard USS KITTY HAWK

Episode 12 – Petty Officer Third Class Jim McCune, U.S. Navy

Welcome to Episode 12 of the Voices to Veterans podcast. This episode features the story of Petty Officer Third Class Jim McCune, U.S. Navy.Jim McCune served aboard the aircraft career USS KITTY HAWK doing one of the most dangerous jobs in the world – launching and recovering the ship’s aircraft during flight operations at sea.As […]

Alice Gallop West

Sergeant Alice Gallop West, U.S. Army – Service to Others Comes First

For Sergeant Alice Gallop West, service to country and community did not end with her time in the Army—it began there. From working with the families of deployed soldiers, to giving victims and witnesses of crimes a voice in the military criminal justice system, Alice has worked tirelessly to help people and communities heal. At […]

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