Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Vietnam War veteran Terry Cain, a Bergholz native, reflects on his time serving with the U.S. Army’s 101st Airborne Division and his experiences returning to civilian life as Veterans Day approaches. Thomas Clapper

Episode 3405 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature a story about USMC Vietnam Vet Bernie Burrack’s service to his country. The featured story is titled: Burrack spent year in Vietnam fighting war.  It appeared on the News Media website and was submitted by Lynn Zaffrann

Zaffrann reported that the story of Bernie Burrack, a United States Marine Corps Vietnam veteran from Shawano, Wisconsin, is another powerful reminder of the courage, dedication, and greatness of the Vietnam Veteran Generation. His military service, experiences in Vietnam, and lifelong commitment to public service represent the very best of the men and women who answered America’s call to duty.

Burrack enlisted in the United States Marine Corps on July 30, 1969, and arrived in Vietnam on February 8, 1970. He was assigned to 7th Engineer Battalion, Charlie Company, where he worked in headquarters platoon driving a dump truck and helping build roads. His first days in Vietnam were anything but peaceful. Mortar attacks near battalion headquarters at Dog Patch, outside Da Nang, and a deadly grenade incident on Hill 37 quickly introduced him to the dangers of the Vietnam War.

After serving with Charlie Company, Burrack transferred to 1st Medical Battalion, where he performed hospital security duties until returning home in February 1971. Like many Vietnam veterans, coming home was not an easy experience. He initially wanted little involvement with military organizations, but that changed when he joined Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 206 in Shawano in 2005.

There, he discovered something important: the friendship, understanding, and brotherhood that only fellow Vietnam veterans can truly share.

Burrack’s service to America continued long after his Marine Corps career. He joined the Shawano Police Department in 1975, serving for 28 years. He helped establish its K-9 program, worked alongside his dog Marco for nearly 10 years, and served as a firearms instructor for approximately 23 years.

His story represents the extraordinary character of America’s Vietnam veterans. They served in difficult circumstances, faced dangers most Americans will never understand, returned home, and continued serving their communities.

Bernie Burrack is a shining example of the courage, sacrifice, dedication, and greatness of all our Vietnam veterans. They are patriots, heroes, and a generation of Americans deserving of our everlasting respect and gratitude.

Listen to episode 3405 and discover more about USMC Vietnam Vet Bernie Burrack’s service to his country.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Vietnam War veteran Terry Cain, a Bergholz native, reflects on his time serving with the U.S. Army’s 101st Airborne Division and his experiences returning to civilian life as Veterans Day approaches. Thomas Clapper

Episode 3404 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature a story about Vietnam Vet Terry Cain’s service to his country. The featured story is titled: Vietnam veteran Terry Cain reflects on service, life after war.  It appeared on the Your Ohio News and was submitted by Thomas Clapper.

Clapper reported that when Terry Cain, a proud American and Vietnam War veteran, looks back on his military service, he considers himself fortunate. But his story is an important reminder of the courage, sacrifice, and greatness of an entire generation of Vietnam Veterans.

A native of Bergholz, Ohio, Terry was just 19 years old when he arrived in Vietnam in 1968. He served with the legendary 101st Airborne Division, performing essential duties at Landing Zone Sally. From transporting food, water, and supplies to serving as an armed convoy escort and night baker, Terry helped keep American soldiers supplied and supported during a dangerous time in our nation’s history.

His 13 months in Vietnam brought exhausting shifts, sleepless nights, uncertainty, and the constant awareness of combat dangers. Although he was not directly involved in major battles such as Hamburger Hill, he witnessed the realities of war and understood the sacrifices made by those fighting in the jungle.

After returning home, Terry faced the difficult transition many Vietnam veterans experienced. He remembers the lack of recognition and understanding that greeted some returning servicemen. For years, he kept his military experiences to himself and put away his Army cap.

Today, Terry proudly acknowledges his service and encourages younger generations to recognize, respect, and talk with America’s veterans.

His message is simple: Never forget the men and women who answered our nation’s call.

All Vietnam Veterans deserve our gratitude, respect, and recognition. They were an extraordinary generation of American heroes, and their service and sacrifices must never be forgotten.

Listen to episode 3404 and discover more about Vietnam Vet Terry Cain’s service to his country.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Vietnam Vet Dan Cheney at home in th4 Keys

Episode 3403 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature a story about Vietnam Vet Dan Cheney’s service to his country. The featured story is titled: Local Vietnam veteran Dan Cheney survived fireball explosion in combat.  It appeared on the Keys News website.

It was reported that the story of Dan Cheney is a powerful example of the courage, determination, and greatness of our Vietnam Veterans. At just 19 years old, Dan answered America’s call to duty, enlisting in the U.S. Army in 1968. After completing basic training at Fort Bragg and advanced individual training at Fort Leonard Wood, he deployed to Vietnam with the legendary 101st Airborne Division, 326th Engineer Battalion, serving near Hue at Camp Eagle and Phú Bài.

During the Vietnam War, Dan survived a terrifying fireball explosion that left him with second- and third-degree burns. After medical evacuation to Japan, his courage and commitment brought him back to Vietnam to complete his tour of duty. He later served in Germany with the 237th Engineer Company before receiving an Honorable Discharge as a Specialist Five (SP5) in 1974.

Dan’s service didn’t end with his military career. He built an extraordinary career in satellite communications and electronic engineering, supporting government agencies, INTELSAT, and MARISAT. His work took him across six continents and around the world 11 times, constructing essential satellite earth stations. In the Florida Keys, he supported military operations at Naval Air Station Key West, Boca Chica, Truman Annex, and the Tethered Aerostat Radar System (TARS) site in Cudjoe Key. He retired in 2016 after working with the famous Fat Albert radar balloon.

Dan also dedicated years to fellow veterans as Judge Advocate for VFW Post 3911. After a 50-year journey, he finally secured his VA disability rating for injuries sustained during the Vietnam War, crediting the Monroe County Office of Veterans Affairs and Key West VA Medical Clinic.

Dan Cheney represents the greatness of the Vietnam Veteran generation. His story reminds us that courage, sacrifice, patriotism, and service do not end when a soldier comes home. We salute Dan and ALL our Vietnam Veterans, whose dedication and sacrifices deserve lasting recognition, honor, and respect.

Listen to episode 3403 and discover more about Vietnam Vet Dan Cheney’s service to his country.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

F-4 and two F-103’s

Episode 3402 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature a story about what happened when two F-102’s were ordered to shoot down an F-4 over North Vietnam. The featured story is titled: USAF ATC recalls directing 2 F-102s to shoot down fully laden F-4 flying towards China after crew ejected.  It appeared on the Aviation Geek Club website and was submitted by Dario Leone.

Leone reported that During the Vietnam War, American military aviators faced extraordinary dangers, and their courage, skill, and dedication helped define the greatness of an entire generation of Vietnam Veterans. One remarkable story from the skies over Southeast Asia involved an F-4 Phantom fighter jet that continued flying after its crew had successfully ejected.

Ejection seats became one of the most important lifesaving innovations in military aviation. Before their introduction, pilots had to manually remove their aircraft canopies and bail out, often under extremely dangerous conditions. Modern ejection seats use explosive charges and guiding rails to propel aircrews safely away from damaged aircraft, giving pilots and navigators a fighting chance to survive.

But one incident during the Vietnam War demonstrated that ejecting from an aircraft did not necessarily mean the danger was over.

Former U.S. Air Force controller Marc Santacroce, who directed American strike aircraft during the war, recalled an extraordinary encounter involving a battle-damaged F-4 Phantom. The aircraft could not release its bombs or lower its landing gear. After consulting headquarters, the decision was made to have the crew eject and allow the fighter to run out of fuel over the Gulf of Tonkin.

The crew successfully ejected, but the fully armed, unmanned F-4 continued flying! Even more alarming, the Phantom turned northeast toward Hainan Island, China, raising fears that it could enter Chinese airspace and potentially trigger an international military crisis.

Santacroce scrambled two American F-102 Delta Dagger interceptors from Da Nang with orders to destroy the runaway fighter before it crossed into Chinese territory.

The interceptors raced toward the unmanned Phantom with afterburners blazing. Fortunately, the F-4 ran out of fuel and crashed into the Gulf of Tonkin before the F-102s could engage it.

The greatest news was that the F-4 crew survived and was successfully rescued.

This incredible Vietnam War aviation story reminds us of the dangers American military pilots faced every day. We must never forget the courage, professionalism, sacrifice, and greatness of ALL our Vietnam Veterans, including the pilots, navigators, aircrews, controllers, and rescue personnel who served our country.

Vietnam Veterans are an extraordinary generation of American heroes whose service and sacrifices deserve everlasting respect!

Listen to episode 3402 and discover more about what happened when two F-102’s were ordered to shoot down an F-4 over North Vietnam.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Jim Kerney, conscientious objector 1st Cav Div medevac crewman in Vietnam.

Episode 3401 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature a story about conscientious objectors service in Vietnam. The featured story is titled: ‘Tell my parents I love them’ | A Vietnam War medic’s chilling audio recording as his helicopter came under fire. It appeared on the Yahoo News  website and was submitted by Bob Garcia-Buckalew.

Garcia-Buckalew reported that in 1971, during the Vietnam War, U.S. Army combat medic Jim Kerney of Columbus, Texas, found himself aboard an air ambulance helicopter flying into the dangerous jungles of Vietnam to rescue wounded American soldiers. Carrying a tape recorder, Jim unknowingly documented one of the most frightening moments of his life.

As enemy machine-gun fire erupted, Jim was struck by three bullets. His cassette recording captured the terrifying moments, including his emotional words: “I might live, I might not. If I don’t, tell my parents I love them.” Remarkably, Jim survived and eventually returned home after spending several months recovering in the hospital.

Jim’s story highlights the extraordinary courage of Vietnam War combat medics, men who risked their lives every day to save their fellow soldiers. Many served as conscientious objectors, classified as 1-A-O, meaning they opposed carrying weapons on moral grounds but still believed deeply in their duty to serve America. These unarmed heroes demonstrated incredible bravery, compassion, and dedication under enemy fire.

Jim later co-authored Duty to Serve, Duty to Conscience, sharing a unique perspective rarely told in Vietnam War history: the experiences of an unarmed combat medic.

His service was recently recognized through Honor Flight Austin, which brought him and other Vietnam veteran medics to Washington, D.C., to visit the memorials honoring America’s military heroes. Jim was given the solemn honor of helping place a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

This powerful story reminds us that Vietnam Veterans are among America’s greatest generation of warriors. Whether carrying rifles, flying helicopters, or saving lives without weapons, these brave Americans answered their country’s call. Their courage, sacrifice, patriotism, and devotion to their fellow soldiers deserve our everlasting gratitude, respect, and recognition.

Listen to episode 3401 and discover more about the conscientious objectors service in Vietnam.

Recommended Reading

Buy Now

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Phan Văn Giang & Pete Hegseth at the ASEAN Defense Ministers’ Meeting-Plus in the Philippines.

Episode 3400 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature a story about how the US and Vietnam are cooperating in the search for MIA’s. The featured story is titled: Hegseth gifts Vietnamese counterpart declassified reports that could lead to discovery of hundreds of remains. It appeared on the Washington Examiner  website and was submitted by Mike Brest.

Brest reported that the mission to honor our Vietnam Veterans and bring missing American service members home continues as War Secretary Pete Hegseth strengthens cooperation with Vietnam to account for those who never returned from war. In a significant step toward reconciliation, Hegseth presented Vietnamese Defense Minister Phan Văn Giang with a declassified, four-part after-action report concerning the Battle of Dak To. The historical documents may help Vietnam locate the remains of approximately 440 missing Vietnamese soldiers.

During their meeting at the ASEAN Defense Ministers’ Meeting-Plus in the Philippines, the two defense leaders also exchanged information concerning missing service members. Vietnam provided evidence relating to the remains of missing-in-action American soldiers, reinforcing the shared commitment to honoring the fallen, supporting military families, and resolving Vietnam War POW/MIA cases.

Since 1973, more than 1,000 Americans killed during the Vietnam War have been identified and returned to their families for burial with full military honors. However, more than 1,500 American service members remain unaccounted for from the conflict. The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) continues its worldwide mission to locate, identify, and bring home the remains of America’s fallen heroes.

The department recently reported identifying 250 previously unaccounted-for service members from earlier conflicts during fiscal year 2026, surpassing the previous record of 231 identifications in fiscal year 2025.

These efforts represent far more than historical investigations. They reflect America’s enduring promise that no fallen service member will be forgotten and that families deserve answers, recognition, and closure.

Our Vietnam Veteran generation demonstrated extraordinary courage, sacrifice, dedication, and patriotism during one of America’s most challenging wars. Their service deserves lasting respect, and the continued search for missing personnel honors the sacrifices of all who served in Vietnam.

As the United States and Vietnam deepen their defense cooperation, the mission remains clear: Remember our Vietnam Veterans, honor our fallen heroes, account for our missing-in-action soldiers, and preserve their legacy for future generations. Their courage and sacrifice will never be forgotten.

Listen to episode 3400 and discover more about how the US and Vietnam are cooperating in the search for MIA’s.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Ms. Do Thi Hang (left) at a program honoring Agent Orange victims who have shown resilience in overcoming adversity. Photo: Hieu Nguyen.

Expressing gratitude to individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions and provided practical support to victims of Agent Orange/dioxin. Photo: Hieu Nguyen.

Episode 3399 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature a story about the suffering of the Vietnamese people tday. The featured story is titled: Healing the wounds of war, a true expression of gratitude. It appeared on the It’s Vietnam  website and was submitted by Hà Nội Mới.

Hà Nội Mới reported that more than half a century after the Vietnam War, its painful legacy continues to affect millions of lives. This powerful story honors the courage of Vietnam Veterans, remembers the victims of Agent Orange and dioxin exposure, and highlights the enduring responsibility to care for those whose sacrifices and suffering must never be forgotten.

Since August 10, 1961, when chemical defoliation operations began in Vietnam, approximately 4.8 million Vietnamese people have reportedly been exposed to Agent Orange. Generations of families continue to face devastating consequences. Among them is veteran Do Duc Dieu, who lost 12 of his 15 children. His surviving daughters also suffer from Agent Orange’s effects. Yet his daughter, Do Thi Hang, demonstrates extraordinary resilience by creating handmade greeting cards and pursuing her dream of singing and earning an independent living.

Her story reminds us that the human spirit can rise above unimaginable adversity.

The Vietnam Association of Victims of Agent Orange/Dioxin has mobilized more than 5.1 trillion Vietnamese dong in assistance, helping build or renovate over 15,000 homes, distribute more than six million gifts, support thousands of victims, and provide vocational training to over 53,000 people.

Meanwhile, Vietnam’s 500-day campaign to locate, recover, and identify fallen soldiers seeks to bring long-awaited answers to families still waiting for their loved ones.

For Americans, especially our Vietnam Veteran generation, these stories underscore the importance of remembering the human cost of war. Our veterans deserve recognition for their courage, sacrifice, and service, while all victims of war deserve compassion, dignity, and support.

Honoring Vietnam Veterans means remembering the fallen, supporting surviving comrades, and caring for families still affected by the consequences of war. Their legacy must never be forgotten.

Watch and share this important story about Vietnam War history, Agent Orange victims, Vietnam Veterans, military sacrifice, POWs and missing soldiers, veterans’ remembrance, and the enduring power of courage, compassion, and humanity.

Listen to episode 3399 and discover more about the suffering of the Vietnamese people.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

F-111

Episode 3398 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature a story about the F-111  and its role in the Vietnam War. The featured story is titled: F-111 Aardvark: Vietnam and Gulf War Sensation. It appeared on the National Interest website and was submitted by Sebastien Roblin.

Roblin reported that the General Dynamics F-111 Aardvark was one of the most revolutionary military aircraft of the Vietnam War era, combining supersonic speed, advanced radar technology, and precision low-altitude bombing capabilities. Developed during the 1960s, the F-111 was designed to penetrate enemy air defenses and strike critical targets under challenging conditions. Its remarkable combat history also reflects the courage, dedication, and extraordinary achievements of our great Vietnam Veterans.

The F-111 emerged from a controversial effort to satisfy both U.S. Air Force and Navy requirements. Although the Navy’s carrier-based version was eventually canceled, the Air Force continued developing the aircraft. Its innovative variable-geometry swing wings allowed the Aardvark to achieve high speeds while maintaining the lift necessary for shorter takeoffs and landings. Powerful turbofan engines, a two-person crew capsule, and sophisticated terrain-following radar made the aircraft particularly effective during nighttime missions and in poor weather.

The F-111’s early experience in Vietnam was troubled. Six F-111As arrived in 1968, but three aircraft were lost in crashes linked to defective wing stabilizers. The aircraft was withdrawn while engineers corrected the problem.

By 1972, the F-111 Aardvark proved its combat effectiveness during Operation Linebacker. Flying at extremely low altitudes beneath North Vietnamese radar coverage, these aircraft attacked airfields and air-defense installations, helping prepare the way for incoming B-52 bombers. Their ability to operate at night and in difficult weather reduced the need for fighter escorts and aerial refueling. F-111s flew approximately 4,000 combat missions during the Vietnam War, with six aircraft lost in combat, demonstrating the platform’s effectiveness.

In May 1975, F-111s also participated in the operation involving the captured American merchant ship SS Mayaguez, marking another chapter in their Southeast Asian service.

Approximately 563 F-111 aircraft were built, including improved tactical models and the FB-111 strategic bomber.

The story of the F-111 reminds us that military technology alone does not determine success. Behind every mission stood courageous aircrews, ground crews, maintainers, and support personnel. We honor all our Vietnam Veterans for their sacrifice, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to duty. Their service deserves lasting recognition in American military history.

Listen to episode 3398 and discover more about the F-111  and its role in the Vietnam War.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

KC-135 towing an F-111

B-52 refueling.

Episode 3397 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature a story about the KC-135 role in the Vietnam War. The featured story is titled: KC-135 navigator recalls his Stratotanker towing damaged F-111 Fighter through the skies of North Vietnam back to Thailand. It appeared on the Aviation Geek Club website and was submitted by Dario Leone.

Leone reported that The KC-135 Stratotanker was one of the most important aircraft supporting American military operations during the Vietnam War. Developed by The Boeing Company, the aircraft extended the range of U.S. bombers and fighter-bombers, allowing American aircrews to strike enemy targets and return safely to base. Its remarkable service represents the courage, ingenuity, and dedication of the Vietnam Veteran generation.

Based on Boeing’s Model 367-80 design, the KC-135 first entered Air Force service in the 1950s. Originally designed to refuel Strategic Air Command bombers, the U.S. Air Force aerial refueling tanker became indispensable during the Vietnam conflict, supporting combat aircraft across Southeast Asia.

One extraordinary mission involved a damaged F-111 Aardvark fighter-bomber over North Vietnam. After the fighter crew transmitted a desperate Mayday call reporting a missile strike, retired Maj. Jim Hickman and his KC-135 crew immediately responded. They located the stricken aircraft and began transferring fuel. When they discovered fuel spilling from the damaged fighter, the tanker crew used a technique called locking the toggles, allowing the KC-135 to tow the F-111 through the skies toward Thailand while continuing to provide fuel. The fighter eventually disconnected and glided to a safe landing, saving the lives of its two crew members and potentially preventing their capture as prisoners of war.

The KC-135 Stratotanker also played a vital role in supporting B-52 Stratofortress bombers flying grueling 16-hour missions from Guam. Without aerial refueling, these strategic bombers could not have completed many of their missions against enemy supply lines, weapons arsenals, and military resources.

Retired Maj. Wendell Skinner emphasized that B-52 crews depended on KC-135 tankers to reach their targets and return home safely.

These remarkable missions highlight the teamwork, sacrifice, and professionalism of the American servicemen who served during the Vietnam War. From tanker crews and bomber pilots to fighter aircrews and ground forces, our Vietnam Veterans demonstrated extraordinary courage and commitment to one another. Their stories deserve recognition, respect, and preservation for future generations.

Listen to episode 3397 and discover more about the KC-135 role in the Vietnam War.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Submitted photo Pictured is Norman Teigen, right, beside his brigade chaplain, Lt. Col. (Chaplain) Reginald Huebner, and the chaplain’s beloved Jeep outside their office at Long Binh Base, Vietnam.

Episode 3396 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature a story about a Vietnam War chaplain assistant’s story. The featured story is titled: Vietnam War – Norman Teigen – Working with Chaplain Huebner in Vietnam. It appeared on the Independent website and was submitted by Bill Palmer.

Palmer reported that Vietnam Veteran Norman Teigen served his country during the Vietnam War as a chaplain assistant with the 1st Aviation Brigade at Long Binh Post, Vietnam. His story highlights the dedication, compassion, and quiet courage of the men and women who served during one of America’s most challenging conflicts.

Raised on the Bethany College campus in Mankato, Minnesota, Teigen graduated from Mankato State College in 1964 and became an English teacher at Marshall High School. When his draft notice arrived in 1968, he enlisted in the United States Army, eventually deploying to Vietnam in October 1970.

There, he supported Lieutenant Colonel Reginald Huebner, brigade chaplain to the 1st Aviation Brigade. Chaplain Huebner provided religious services, confidential counseling, spiritual guidance, and support for soldiers facing the emotional pressures of war. Teigen helped manage the chaplain’s office, prepare Protestant services, and assist with administrative duties.

His responsibilities also included maintaining the chaplain’s Jeep. Despite having little mechanical knowledge, Teigen learned to repair punctured inner tubes, keeping the vehicle operational despite shortages of tires and supplies.

One of Teigen’s most memorable experiences involved flying with Chaplain Huebner aboard UH-1 Huey helicopters to Army units throughout Vietnam. From the air, he witnessed bomb craters left by B-52 strikes, flattened forests, and tracks marking earlier battles. Although he never encountered the enemy in combat, a visit to Pleiku brought him near enemy soldiers performing civilian drainage work.

Another unforgettable experience came during a visit to an Army field hospital. Teigen remembered a wounded, delirious American soldier calling for his mother while an Army nurse comforted him. The heartbreaking scene deepened his appreciation for the courage and compassion of military medical personnel.

Teigen also performed additional barracks duties and made relief trips to a nearby orphanage, demonstrating that service extended beyond military assignments.

Norman Teigen’s Vietnam War story reminds us that greatness takes many forms. Our Vietnam veterans served as combat soldiers, helicopter crews, chaplains, medical personnel, and support specialists. Every role mattered. Their sacrifices, humanity, and dedication deserve lasting respect and recognition. We honor all our Vietnam veterans and the proud generation that answered America’s call to duty.

.Listen to episode 3396 and discover more about a Vietnam War chaplain assistant’s story.