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Vascular surgery at the VA Boston Healthcare System. A new study found that veterans exposed to Agent Orange might face higher odds of requiring coronary artery bypass graft surgery after coronary stent procedures, along with a greater overall burden of cardiovascular risk factors. VA photo

Episode 3248 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature a story about another Agent Orange warning. The featured story is titled: Agent Orange Exposure Linked to Higher Cardiovascular Risks for Veterans. It appeared on the U.S. Medicine website and was submitted by Mary Anne Dunkin.

Dunkin reported that a new retrospective study published in Military Medicine highlights a concerning link between exposure to Agent Orange and long-term cardiovascular outcomes among Vietnam-era veterans. Researchers analyzed data from more than 100,000 veterans who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), including nearly 20,000 with documented exposure to the herbicide. The findings revealed that exposed veterans carried a significantly higher burden of cardiometabolic risk factors, including obesity, hypertension, diabetes, and high cholesterol.

Most notably, veterans exposed to Agent Orange were more likely to require coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery following initial stent procedures. While the study did not establish a direct causal mechanism, it suggests that these patients may have more complex, multi-vessel coronary artery disease that does not respond as effectively to stenting alone. Toxic compounds in Agent Orange, particularly dioxins like TCDD, are believed to contribute to the development of atherosclerosis, which may explain these outcomes.

The research underscores the need for more cautious clinical management of exposed veterans. Recommendations include closer monitoring after PCI, possible short-term hospital observation, and earlier follow-up care. Patient education is also critical, as recognizing early signs of stent failure could improve outcomes. The study further emphasizes the importance of ongoing research into toxic exposures and cardiovascular disease, especially as expanded screening efforts under recent legislation may identify more affected veterans.

Listen to Episode 3248 and discover more about another Agent Orange warning.

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The USS Harvey C. Barnum Jr. arrives at the Black Falcon Pier on March 13, 2026 for a scheduled port visit.

U.S. Marine Corps Col. (Ret.) Harvey C. Barnum Jr., a Medal of Honor recipient, sits on the bridge of the future USS Harvey C. Barnum Jr. (DDG 124) during sea trials in July 2025. The ship is named in honor of Barnum, who received the Medal of Honor for valor during the Vietnam War.

Marine Corps Cpl. Patrick Iacunato and 1st Lt. Harvey C. “Barney” Barnum Jr. pose for a photo while serving in Vietnam.

Episode 3247 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature a story about the naming of a Navy destroyer to honor Marine COL Harvey Curtiss Barnum Jr. The featured story is titled: US Naval ship named after Cheshire native to be commissioned. It appeared on the New England Public Media website and was submitted by Jennifer Ahrens.

Ahrens reported that the story of Harvey Curtiss Barnum Jr. is a powerful reminder of the extraordinary character, humility, and enduring legacy of Vietnam veterans. A retired U.S. Marine Corps colonel and recipient of the Medal of Honor for his heroic actions on December 18, 1965, Barnum embodies the courage displayed by so many who served during the Vietnam War. Despite his individual recognition, Barnum consistently redirects praise toward the Marines he served alongside, reflecting the deep sense of brotherhood that defines Vietnam veterans.

When Barnum learned that an USS Harvey C. Barnum Jr. would be named in his honor, he was overwhelmed—not with pride for himself, but with emotion for the countless comrades who shared in the संघर्ष and sacrifice. His actions since retirement further highlight the greatness of his generation, as he continues to visit wounded service members at Walter Reed, offering encouragement drawn from a lifetime of service.

Barnum’s personal gesture of thanking every shipbuilder involved in constructing the destroyer speaks volumes about his humility and respect for others. Even as the ship’s commissioning approaches after years of delays, he insists the honor belongs to the team—not the individual.

This mindset captures what makes Vietnam veterans truly great. They carried immense burdens, faced unimaginable challenges, and returned home with quiet dignity. Barnum’s closing reflection—“I hope I haven’t done it yet”—reveals a lifelong commitment to service. It is this selflessness, resilience, and unwavering dedication that defines the greatness of all Vietnam veterans.

Listen to Episode 3247 and discover more about the naming of a Navy destroyer to honor Marine COL Harvey Curtiss Barnum Jr.

The commissioning ceremony will stream on the Defense Video Information Distribution Service.

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Douglas A-1 Skyraider

Episode 3246 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature a story about the Douglas A-1 Skyraiders of Vietnam. The featured story is titled: Boneyard Files: Douglas A-1 Skyraider – The Last Piston Powerhouse in the Desert. It appeared on the Vintage Aviation News website and was submitted by Kapil Kajal.

Kajal reported that the story of the Douglas A-1 Skyraider is one of remarkable engineering brilliance, battlefield endurance, and unmatched versatility. Emerging from U.S. Navy requirements during World War II, the Skyraider evolved from the BT2D-1 prototype into a powerful single-seat attack aircraft that outclassed its competitors. First flown in 1945 and entering service shortly after, it became a cornerstone of postwar naval aviation, with over 3,000 aircraft produced across multiple variants.

What set the Skyraider apart was its extraordinary adaptability. Originally designed as a dive and torpedo bomber, it was transformed into a multi-role platform capable of electronic warfare, early warning, search and rescue, and even nuclear delivery. Its rugged construction, long loiter time, and immense payload capacity made it indispensable in combat. In fact, it could carry more ordnance than its own empty weight—an astonishing feat that underscored its raw power.

The Skyraider proved its greatness in the Korean War, სადაც it earned acclaim as one of the most effective close air support aircraft ever built. Heavily armored and capable of delivering precise, devastating strikes, it became a lifeline for ground troops. Its legend only grew during the Vietnam War, where variants like the A-1H—nicknamed “Spad”—excelled in both attack and rescue escort missions.

Perhaps most inspiring were the acts of heroism it enabled, such as Bernard F. Fisher’s daring rescue under fire. By the time of its retirement, the Skyraider had proven itself not just a machine, but a symbol of resilience, versatility, and aerial supremacy—truly one of the greatest attack aircraft in history.

Listen to Episode 3246 and discover more about the Douglas A-1 Skyraiders of Vietnam.

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Window Rock

Speaker Crystalyne Curley called on Navajo community members to hold Vietnam veterans in prayer. (Photo/NNC)

Episode 3245 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature a story about how The Navajo Nation celebrated Vietnam Veterans day. The featured story is titled: 25th Navajo Nation Council honors Vietnam War Veterans Day. It appeared on the Navajo-Hopi Observer website.

It was reported that on March 29, National Vietnam War Veterans Day, the 25th Navajo Nation Council gathered to honor the extraordinary courage, sacrifice, and enduring legacy of Navajo Vietnam veterans—true warriors whose greatness continues to inspire generations. This day, marking the 1973 withdrawal of U.S. combat troops, stands as a long-overdue moment of recognition for those who served with honor during one of America’s most difficult conflicts.

At the Nahata Dziil community’s 2nd Annual Celebrating Our Vietnam Veterans Event, Speaker Crystalyne Curley and Council Delegates Arbin Mitchell and Dr. Andy Nez paid tribute not only to the veterans, but also to their families, who carried the heavy burden of uncertainty and fear back home. Unlike today’s service members, these veterans returned to a nation that often failed to welcome them. Yet, despite that painful reality, Navajo Vietnam veterans upheld a proud tradition of Diné military service—meeting adversity with resilience, dignity, and unwavering strength.

Their greatness is reflected in both their battlefield bravery and their cultural foundation. Grounded in tradition, faith, and community, these warriors endured unimaginable hardship while embodying honor and selflessness. Many gave their lives, and others remain missing, their absence still felt deeply across generations.

Through prayers, traditional songs, and continued advocacy—such as legislation strengthening veterans’ organizations—the Navajo Nation ensures these heroes are never forgotten. The Council’s message was clear and powerful: gratitude, respect, and remembrance must endure.

The legacy of Navajo Vietnam veterans is one of unmatched courage and spiritual strength—a testament to a people whose warriors answered the call and forever shaped history with honor.

Listen to Episode 3245 and discover more about How The Navajo Nation celebrated Vietnam Veterans day.

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Vietnam veteran Lee Alley, center, talks about his journey back to Vietnam during a panel about the PBS Documentary, “Home from the Vietnam War.” (Renee Jean, Cowboy State Daily)

National Museum of Military Vehicles owner Dan Starks speaks at the Vietnam Veterans Day event at the museum.

Episode 3244 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature Part 2 of a story about How Vietnam Veterans Day was celebrated in Wyoming. The featured story is titled: Decades Late, Vietnam Veterans Finally Get A Wyoming Welcome Home. It appeared on the Cowboy State Daily website and was submitted by Renée Jean.

Jean reported that Welcome Home Day in Dubois brought together veterans and civilians to honor the service and sacrifice of those who fought in the Vietnam War, highlighted by the powerful story of Lee Alley. Featured in the PBS documentary Home from the Vietnam War, Alley’s experience captured both the intensity of combat and the lifelong emotional toll it carries. Widely recognized as Wyoming’s most decorated veteran, Alley earned numerous medals for his extraordinary bravery during a 1967 battle at Fire Support Base Cudgel.

Facing overwhelming enemy forces, Alley ordered his men to retreat across a river while he remained behind alone, providing cover fire. Armed with weapons and grenades handed off by his fellow soldiers, he fought relentlessly, fully expecting to die in order to save his unit. Despite his heroic actions, Alley has never viewed himself as a hero, instead grappling with the harsh reality of what war forced him to become.

Decades later, the war continues to affect him through recurring nightmares and deep personal reflection. His return to Vietnam became a journey toward understanding and healing. In a profound moment, Alley met a former enemy soldier, and the two shared their mutual struggles with trauma. Their emotional exchange, culminating in forgiveness and a promise to move forward, lifted a burden Alley had carried for years.

The event also underscored a broader issue: many veterans continue to fight internal battles long after returning home. आयोजers emphasized the urgent need for support, connection, and recognition, reminding all in attendance that honoring veterans must go beyond words to meaningful action.

Listen to Episode 3244 and discover more about How Vietnam Veterans Day was celebrated in Wyoming.

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Richard C0y0te Parks Sr. is Senior State Ride Captain for the Patriot Guard Riders. He brought seven other veterans with him from Casper for Wyoming’s Welcome Home Day held at the National Museum of Military Vehicles in Dubois. (Renee Jean, Cowboy State Daily)

Episode 3243 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature a story about How Vietnam Veterans Day was celebrated in Wyoming. The featured story is titled: Decades Late, Vietnam Veterans Finally Get A Wyoming Welcome Home. It appeared on the Cowboy State Daily website and was submitted by Renée Jean.

Jean reported that The story of Richard “C0y0te” Parks, Sr. is a powerful reminder of both the ауыр sacrifices and the enduring strength of the Vietnam Veteran Generation. A combat veteran who still finds the Vietnam exhibit at the National Museum of Military Vehicles too real to face, Parks carries memories that never fade—memories shared by millions who served in one of America’s most challenging wars. His reaction to the museum’s immersive jungle display speaks volumes about the reality these young men endured, a reality so intense that even decades later, many cannot relive it.

Yet what makes this generation truly remarkable is not only what they faced overseas, but what they endured when they came home. Instead of gratitude, many were met with hostility, rejection, and painful misunderstanding. Parks’ struggles—years of emotional hardship, rejection from society, and reliance on alcohol to cope—reflect the experience of countless Vietnam veterans who returned to a country unprepared to receive them.

Despite this, they persevered. They rebuilt their lives, leaned on family, and continued to serve their communities. Events like Wyoming’s Welcome Home Day represent a long-overdue recognition of their courage, sacrifice, and resilience. With only a fraction of the 3.4 million who served still alive today, the urgency to honor them has never been greater.

The Vietnam Veteran Generation stands as one of the most resilient and unbreakable in American history—warriors who endured the unimaginable abroad and injustice at home, yet never lost their sense of duty, brotherhood, or love of country.

Listen to Episode 3243 and discover more about How Vietnam Veterans Day was celebrated in Wyoming.

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Vietnam Vet and Author, Steven Hyde

Episode 3242 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature a story about Vietnam Vet Steven Hyde and his new book Blood, Sweat and Mothballs. The featured story is titled: Marshalltown veteran Steven Hyde details journey from enlistment to Vietnam in ‘Blood Sweat and Mothballs’. It appeared on the Times-Republican website and was submitted by Robert Maharry.

Maharry reported that Steven Hyde’s story stands as a powerful testament to the courage, resilience, and enduring greatness of the Vietnam Veteran generation. Enlisting in the U.S. Army as a teenager in the mid-1960s with little understanding of the political forces at play, Hyde answered his country’s call with quiet determination. What followed was a remarkable military journey that spanned decades, beginning in the jungles of Vietnam where he served as a helicopter mechanic and endured the brutal realities of war.

During his 15-month deployment, Hyde survived three helicopter crashes—two caused by enemy fire—and was wounded twice, ultimately earning the Purple Heart. Despite injury, infection, and the ever-present danger of combat, he returned to duty time and again, embodying the grit and selflessness that defined so many who served in Vietnam. These young men, often barely out of high school, carried immense responsibility under unimaginable conditions, asking little in return.

Hyde’s memoir, Blood Sweat and Mothballs, captures not only the physical hardships of war but also the emotional journey of a soldier coming of age in a divided era. Unlike many veterans, he was spared the hostility that greeted others upon returning home, but he never forgot the struggles faced by his fellow servicemen.

His continued service—over 30 additional years, including deployment to Afghanistan—reflects a lifelong commitment to duty. Like countless Vietnam veterans, Hyde represents a generation that served honorably despite controversy at home. Their legacy is one of sacrifice, brotherhood, and unwavering dedication—an enduring reminder of what it means to serve something greater than oneself.

Listen to Episode 3242 and discover more about Vietnam Vet Steven Hyde and his new book Blood, Sweat and Mothballs.

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Vietnam Veteran Harold J. McDonald

Harold McDonald can be seen seated in the front row, first on the right

Episode 3241 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature a story about the remembrance of Vietnam Veterans Harold J. McDonald at Ashland, Ohio. The featured story is titled: “Once a Black Lion, Always a Black Lion”: Vietnam Veteran Doug Miller Remembers Fallen Comrade Harold McDonald. It appeared on the ACP News website and was submitted by Joe Lyons.

Lyons reported that Vietnam War veteran Doug Miller offers a deeply personal tribute to fallen comrade Harold McDonald as part of his ongoing “This Day in History” reflections. Marking April 2, 1970, Miller recalls the day McDonald, just 22 years old, was killed in action during a search-and-destroy mission in Tay Ninh Province near the Cambodian border—an area known for heavy combat during the war.

McDonald was serving with Alpha Company, 2nd Battalion, 7th Cavalry, 1st Air Cavalry Division at the time of his death, having been reassigned after the 1st Infantry Division redeployed to the United States. Before that transition, he had spent eight months alongside Miller in the 1st Platoon, Delta Company, 2nd Battalion, 28th Regiment—the famed “Black Lions.” In Miller’s memory, McDonald was far more than a fellow soldier; he was a trusted M-60 machine gunner and a dependable friend whose presence brought strength and confidence to those around him.

Miller reflects on a platoon photograph taken shortly before the unit’s departure from Vietnam, where McDonald sits in the front row—a lasting image of a young man whose life was cut tragically short. His reassignment in late February 1970 ultimately led him back into active combat, where he would lose his life just over a month later.

Through heartfelt words and vivid remembrance, Miller honors McDonald not only for his service, but for his character and camaraderie. His message is clear and enduring: those who served together are forever bound—“Once a Black Lion, always a Black Lion.”

Listen to Episode 3241 and discover more about the remembrance of Vietnam Veterans Harold J. McDonald at Ashland, Ohio.

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Stuart Cook, organizer of Sunday’s Vietnam Veterans Day at the City Hall courtyard, listens to Mayor Ken Tedford’s remarks.
Photo by Steve Ranson.

The American Legion ceremonial team listens to remarks at Sunday’s Vietnam Veterans Day Ceremony held at Fallon City, NV.

Episode 3240 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature a story about the Vietnam Veterans Day celebration at Fallon, NV. The featured story is titled: Music defined the Vietnam War. It appeared on the Nevada Appeal website and was submitted by Steve Ranson.

Ranson reported that The Vietnam War Remembrance ceremony held behind Fallon City Hall was a powerful tribute to one of America’s most resilient and often underappreciated generations—the Vietnam veterans. Surrounded by the unmistakable sounds of the 1960s and ’70s, including music from Creedence Clearwater Revival, Jimi Hendrix, and Steppenwolf, attendees were transported back to a time when young Americans answered the call to serve in a distant and dangerous land.

More than 100 people, many of them veterans, gathered to honor the sacrifices of the over 58,000 Americans who lost their lives. The ceremony highlighted not only the hardships of the war but the extraordinary courage, duty, and brotherhood that defined the Vietnam Veteran Generation. Speakers reflected on the significance of National Vietnam War Veterans Day, established to ensure these warriors receive the recognition they were long denied.

Despite facing hostility and disrespect upon returning home, these veterans endured with quiet strength. Stories like that of Ray Alcorn, who survived years as a prisoner of war, exemplify the unwavering bravery that defines this generation. Others, like Stuart Cook, shared personal memories of service, reminding all in attendance of the youth and resolve of those sent into harm’s way.

The ceremony served as both remembrance and redemption—an affirmation that the Vietnam Veteran Generation stands among the greatest in American history. Their sacrifices preserved freedom, their perseverance restored honor, and their legacy continues to inspire future generations to serve with courage and pride.

Listen to Episode 3240 and discover more about the Vietnam Veterans Day celebration at Fallon, NV.

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Chico the Gunfighter

Episode 3239 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature a story about F-4 Chico the Gunfighter performance during the Spring Offensive in South Vietnam. The featured story is titled: The story of Chico the Gunfighter, the Gun-Podded, Stormy Fast FAC F-4E Phantom II of the Vietnam War. It appeared on the Aviation Geek Club website and was submitted by Dario Leone.

Leone reported that the F-4 Phantom II emerged in 1958 as a carrier-based fleet defense interceptor for the U.S. Navy, entering service in 1961 before being adopted by the U.S. Air Force as the F-4C. Over time, it evolved into the highly capable F-4E variant, which incorporated improved engines, advanced avionics, and—most notably—an internal cannon that corrected earlier air-to-air combat limitations. By the Vietnam War, the Phantom had become one of the most versatile and heavily armed aircraft in the U.S. arsenal.

During the intense North Vietnamese offensives of spring 1972, a unique and innovative mission concept arose within the Da Nang-based 366th Tactical Fighter Wing. Under the leadership of James D. Pewitt, a single F-4E—nicknamed “Chico”—was configured as a free-roaming strike and reconnaissance aircraft operating near the DMZ. Officially designated under Fast FAC protocols, Chico was able to fly unescorted, rapidly engaging targets of opportunity such as troop movements, supply depots, and river traffic.

Its specialized loadout included SUU-23/A gun pods, Mk 20 Rockeye II cluster bombs, Sparrow missiles, and electronic countermeasures, making it exceptionally lethal against dynamic battlefield targets. This configuration allowed Chico to deliver devastating firepower with remarkable flexibility, outperforming more conventional bombing approaches.

Flown by a select group of only five pilots, Chico proved highly effective, particularly during a May 21, 1972 mission in the A Shau Valley, where Pewitt and his weapons systems officer earned Silver Star nominations for repeated strafing runs under heavy fire. Despite its success, Chico remained a one-of-a-kind innovation, discontinued when operational conditions changed.

Listen to Episode 3239 and discover more about F-4 Chico the Gunfighter performance during the Spring Offensive in South Vietnam.