Veterans Archives: Preserving the Stories of our Nations Heroes

Embark on an intimate exploration of one veteran's compelling voyage from the snow-tipped landscapes of Wisconsin to the vast expanse of the sea. Jenna Carlton's narrative, etched with the hues of triumph and the shadows of adversity, unfolds in this episode, where she shares her evolution from a small-town rebel to a decorated US Navy veteran. Her accounts of life on a naval ship resonate with the harmony of friendship a...

Terrence McMillan's story is one that stitches together a tapestry of family, service, and personal growth. From his earliest memories within the walls of a military family to the disciplined ranks of the U.S. Marine Corps, his narrative captures the essence of a life dedicated to serving beyond self. Throughout the episode, Terrence's vivid recollections bring us closer to the intricate relationships and pivotal moments ...

When the conversation turned to the military in the Kraft family hot tub, young Nick Kraft could hardly have known it would pave the way for a character-defining career. Join us as Nick recounts his transformation from a Detroit teenager to a revered serviceman, taking us through the trials and triumphs that have shaped his life in and out of uniform. From his early days, shaped by a deep love for hockey and a complex family dynami...

From the coal mines and coke ovens of Uniontown, Pennsylvania, to the dynamic landscapes of military life, Sergeant Major George Butch Davis's story isn't just gripping—it's a profound reflection on the resilience required to serve. In our latest episode, we sit with Davis as he unravels his life's tapestry, colored by experiences that range from drill sergeant duties to midnight deployments. He narrates the per...

When you hang up your uniform for the last time after two decades of military service, you're not just retiring a piece of clothing; you're transitioning an entire way of life. That's something Joel Burkhart, a soon-to-be retired member of the Michigan Army National Guard, knows all too well. We're honored to have Joel share his intimate journey from a young farm boy inspired by his veteran grandfather, through ...

From the nostalgic streets of Plymouth, Michigan to the rigorous training grounds of Fort Leonard Wood, our latest guest, Chris Vedder – a former Michigan Army National Guard member turned Army ROTC instructor – escorts us through a life steeped in military tradition and personal growth. In a rich recounting that commences with childhood dreams kindled by war films and familial legacy, Chris's journey underscores a destiny see...

Imagine stepping into a time machine, not to explore the distant future, but to journey through the past of an extraordinary individual. Gary Dunn's tale of transformation from a Detroit teenager to a seasoned Marine unfolds before us, transporting listeners across pivotal moments in American history. Born in 1949 to a family with a rich military heritage, Gary's life was a whirlwind of football games, Catholic school dis...

Embark on an evocative trek through the life of Ray Rayl, whose roots in Michigan's soil were just the beginning of a journey that would take him across oceans and back. Our latest episode paints a portrait of a man whose adolescence was filled with the rigors of sports and study, and who made the consequential choice to join the US Marine Corps immediately following high school. His narrative unfolds, revealing the discipline...

From the modest roots of Clare, Michigan, to the esteemed ranks of the United States Marine Corps, Larry Gulick's story is one of dedication and transformative experiences. Our conversation with Larry, a 21-year veteran, journeys through his compelling life narrative, unraveling the threads from his small-town childhood, the driving forces behind his enlistment, to the profound moments that shaped his military tenure. Peering ...

Discover the extraordinary path of Ann Marie Colombo, whose story weaves through the tapestry of Detroit's working-class neighborhoods to the disciplined ranks of the United States Marine Corps. Ann Marie takes us on a nostalgic stroll through her formative years, influenced by a father whose bravery as a firefighter set the stage for her own legacy of service. As we chat, she unfolds the chapters of her life with a poise that...

Every life has its own unique cadence, a rhythm composed of trials, triumphs, and turning points. Master Sergeant Lon Richardson's melody is one of tradition and transformation—a symphony of service that echoes the legacy of his Navy veteran grandfather. Settle in as we trace Lon's journey from the tranquil shores of Lake Huron to the peaks of personal growth in Guantanamo Bay, threading through the memories of childhood,...

Ever faced a crossroads that completely rerouted the trajectory of your life? Major Ryan Reynolds shares his compelling narrative, where a high school athlete from Lennon, Michigan, becomes an esteemed military officer. Raised in a family where service ran deep, Ryan's candid conversation peels back the layers of his upbringing—the influence of a father employed at General Motors, a mother caring for others in a convalescent c...

As the first snowflakes of winter dust the Michigan landscape, we're reminded of the indomitable spirit of men like George Lantz. Born against this very backdrop in 1930, his life's story unfolds for us—a testament to resilience, hard work, and the bounties of nature. Step back in time with George's vivid recollections: from his youth on a family farm, with close calls amidst livestock and crops, to the youthful past...

Have you ever wondered what four decades of military service can teach a person about life, leadership, and overcoming adversity? Retired Lieutenant Colonel Greg Cooper, affectionately known as Coop, offers an enlightening perspective on these topics and so much more. With a story that spans from a tough upbringing in Lansing to the disciplined ranks of the U.S. Marine Corps and Army National Guard, Coop's journey is nothing s...

As the leaves of memory unfurl, today's conversation transports us to the heart of one man's life journey. My guest, Larry Vedder, a United States Army Reserve veteran and the man I'm proud to call my father, opens up about the tapestry of his early years, military service, and the profound influence of faith. Together, we walk through the streets of 1960s Detroit, where Larry's adolescence was framed by the spe...

When Keith Terstriep walked into our studio, ready to unfold the map of his life—from a modest childhood in Davenport, Iowa, to the battlefields overseas and back to civilian life—it was clear we were in for an extraordinary tale. His narrative, a blend of heartache and humor, resilience and transformation, promises to grip your heart and compel you to reflect on your journey through life's battlefields. The echoes of his laug...

As the oldest boy in a bustling family of six, Robert "Bob" Elliott's tale is one of mischief, leadership, and the seeds of service planted in the heartland of Central Illinois. Step back in time with us as Bob paints a vivid picture of a bygone era filled with outdoor adventures, school shenanigans, and the traditional family values that laid the groundwork for his future in the National Guard. His memories are a te...

Embark on a heartfelt odyssey with Russell Norcross, a retired United States Air Force veteran whose story reads like a mosaic of life lessons and adventures spanning continents. As he walks us through the rich tapestry of his experiences, from the high school baseball fields of Michigan to the historical sands of Baghdad, Russell shares the moments that defined him. His journey paints a vivid picture of the early days of computing...

When the echoes of military life reverberate through a family tree, it's impossible not to listen to the stories they tell. Our guest, Joe Gregory, is no stranger to this call, having been steeped in a military tradition stretching back to his father's service in the Korean War. Join us on a profound journey that stitches together duty, leadership, and personal sacrifice, as Joe takes us from his first steps into the barr...