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(L-R) Mike Belkin, Curt Reilly, President GLVFA [Photo by Sarah Nachin]

Episode 3170 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature a story about 25^th Division Vietnam Vet Mike Belkin. The featured story is titled: Vietnam War Veteran and Bronze Star Winner Addresses Glen Lakes Veterans & Friends. It appeared on the Hernando Sun website and was submitted by Sarah J. Nachin

Nachin reported that The Glen Lakes Veterans and Friends Association (GLVFA) continues its tradition of honoring service and community through its monthly meetings at Glen Lakes Country Club, where guest speakers address topics meaningful to veterans. The December meeting was especially powerful, featuring Mike Belkin, a Vietnam War veteran and Bronze Star recipient whose life reflects the enduring greatness of the Vietnam Veteran Generation.

Belkin enlisted in the U.S. Army at just 19 years old and served with the 25th Infantry Division during one of the most dangerous periods of the war, including the Tet Offensive. Like so many Vietnam veterans, he faced unimaginable challenges with courage, humility, and resolve. His Bronze Star stands as recognition not only of individual valor, but of a generation that answered the nation’s call without hesitation and served honorably, often without the recognition they deserved upon returning home.

A defining influence during his service was a fellow soldier who mentored him and shared his faith, leaving Belkin with words that shaped his life: to do the right thing for God and country. That message guided Belkin through decades of public service after the war—as a Suffolk County police detective, a probation officer, and a Child Protective Services worker.

Even in retirement, his commitment has never wavered. Through veteran organizations, civic groups, the Citrus County Honor Guard, and his recent election as Florida State Committeeman, Belkin exemplifies the lifelong service ethic of Vietnam veterans. His presentation reminded all in attendance that the Vietnam Veteran Generation is defined by sacrifice, resilience, and a quiet, lasting devotion to others—values that continue to strengthen communities across America.

Listen to Episode 3170 and discover more about 25^th Division Vietnam Vet Mike Belkin.

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Jim Fredrick, author of Opening Weekend.

Episode 3169 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature an interview with movie marketing expert Jim Fredrick and his career work and Andy Pham, a good friend of this podcast.

In a world where movie marketers are the stars of the story, Opening Weekend: An Insider’s Look at Marketing Hollywood’s Hits and Flops recounts Jim Fredrick’s journey through the realm of movie marketing. Fredrick offers readers exclusive access to behind-the-scenes anecdotes and firsthand accounts of working with studio executives and navigating relationships with famous movie stars and directors.

After starting his career in 1983 as a trailer editor and producer at famed advertising boutique Intralink, Jim Fredrick went on to serve as president of marketing at Castle Rock Entertainment; senior vice president of creative advertising at Warner Bros.; and executive vice president of marketing at Sony Screen Gems. In 2011, he founded his own company, Jim Fredrick Motion Picture Marketing.

Across a span of thirty-five years, Fredrick’s roles as a trailer maker and studio executive allowed him to craft advertising campaigns for a range of movies, from such iconic cinematic gems as The Shawshank Redemption to the widely beloved Harry Potter franchise, to commercial failures like The Adventures of Pluto Nash and Fired Up! Opening Weekend explores the intricacies of the lesser-known business of film distribution and marketing, unraveling the complex mechanisms through which movies are sold to discriminating audiences. Replete with triumphs, setbacks, and the relentless spirit that drives the creation and promotion of cinematic masterpieces, Opening Weekend promises an enthralling glimpse into the previously untold world of Hollywood movies.

“Opening Weekend is for anyone who ever wondered how they were convinced to see a terrible movie. Jim takes us behind the curtain revealing the inspiration, desperation, and pure fun of marketing movies. Insightful and full of juicy details—if you love movies, you must read Opening Weekend.“

– Barbara Glazer, film marketing executive

Listen to Episode 3169 and discover more about movie marketing executive Jim Fredrick and his work.

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Arnett in Vietnam in 1967. In 1966, he was inches away from an American colonel who was shot to death by a North Vietnamese sniper. Arnett won a Pulitzer Prize for his reporting from the war-torn country.
AP Corporate Archives/AP Photo

Episode 3168 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature a story about the renowned Vietnam War correspondent Peter Arnett. The featured story is titled: Peter Arnett, Journalist Who Braved the World’s War Zones, Dies. It appeared on the AARP website.

It was reported that Peter Arnett, the Pulitzer Prize–winning war correspondent whose career spanned more than four decades of front-line reporting, has died at age 91. Known for his fearless presence in some of the world’s most dangerous conflicts, Arnett brought eyewitness accounts of war to global audiences, from Vietnam to the Middle East. He died in Newport Beach, California, surrounded by family, after battling prostate cancer.

Arnett rose to prominence as an Associated Press reporter during the Vietnam War, where his reporting from 1962 through the fall of Saigon in 1975 earned him the 1966 Pulitzer Prize for international reporting. His work combined vivid storytelling with close proximity to combat, and he often reflected on how narrowly he escaped death while covering battles alongside U.S. troops. Mentored by veteran journalists in AP’s Saigon bureau, Arnett developed survival instincts that sustained him throughout his career.

Though respected within journalism circles for years, Arnett became a household name during the 1991 Gulf War when he stayed in Baghdad as missiles struck the city, delivering calm, live reports for CNN while most Western journalists had evacuated. His broadcasts defined a new era of real-time war coverage on cable news.

Arnett later left the AP to join CNN and continued reporting from conflict zones, securing controversial interviews with figures such as Saddam Hussein and Osama bin Laden. His career was also marked by disputes and dismissals, including high-profile exits from CNN and NBC, yet he repeatedly returned to reporting for international outlets.

Born in New Zealand in 1934, Arnett discovered journalism early and pursued it across Asia before joining the AP. In later years, he taught journalism in China and retired to Southern California. He is remembered as a courageous reporter, influential mentor, and enduring figure in war journalism.

Listen to Episode 3168 and discover more about the renowned Vietnam War correspondent Peter Arnett.

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The Wall That Heals

The Wall That Heals

Episode 3167 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature a story about the appearance of The Wall That Heals in Ohio next year. The featured story is titled: Replica of Vietnam Memorial Wall Visiting St. Clairsville Next Year. It appeared on the The Intelligencer, Wheeling News-Register website.

It was reported that Belmont County, Ohio will have the profound honor of hosting The Wall That Heals from Oct. 1–4, 2026, at the Belmont County Fairgrounds in St. Clairsville. This three-quarter scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, accompanied by a mobile education center, will be open 24 hours a day and free to the public, offering a powerful space for remembrance, reflection, and gratitude.

The Wall That Heals stands as a tribute to the more than 3 million Americans who served during the Vietnam War and bears the names of the 58,281 men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice. More than a memorial, it represents the extraordinary courage, resilience, and quiet heroism of the Vietnam Veteran Generation—Americans who answered the call to serve during one of the nation’s most challenging eras and often returned home without the recognition they deserved.

As visitors walk along the 375-foot Wall, which rises above them toward its apex, they experience the emotional weight of service and sacrifice firsthand. The opportunity to locate names, create rubbings, and reflect brings personal meaning to history. The mobile education center deepens this experience through digital displays, local “Hometown Heroes,” and stories of veterans honored through the In Memory program, ensuring that both those lost in war and those who carried its burdens home are never forgotten.

Transported nationwide through partnerships and generous sponsors, The Wall That Heals continues a mission begun in 1996—to educate, heal, and honor. Its presence in Belmont County affirms the enduring greatness of the Vietnam Veteran Generation and ensures their legacy of service, sacrifice, and strength will be remembered for generations to come.

Listen to Episode 3167 and discover more about the appearance of The Wall That Heals in Ohio next year.

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Dr. Harley Kelley today.

Episode 3166 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature a story about Vietnam Vet and Army Doctor Dr. Harley Kelley. The featured story is titled: Veteran Army surgeon served in Vietnam, Persian Gulf and tried to get another tour at 61. It appeared in the Century Oregon Daily News War Stories Section and was submitted by Jarod Gatley

Gatley reported that Retired U.S. Army surgeon Harley Kelley’s account highlights the extraordinary service and commitment of Army doctors during the Vietnam War and beyond. After graduating from the University of Oregon Medical School in 1959 and completing five years of surgical training, Kelley was quickly commissioned as an Army captain when the military called on physicians to meet wartime needs. Like many doctors of his generation, he answered without hesitation, even as the Vietnam War intensified and the demand for skilled medical professionals grew urgent.

Before deployment, Kelley trained at Fort Sam Houston, where Army doctors were introduced to jungle medicine and the realities of combat conditions. Once in Vietnam, he served at a large 400-bed hospital near Saigon during the 1968 Tet Offensive, a period marked by relentless casualties. Army doctors worked under extreme pressure, often around the clock, delivering lifesaving care amid chaos and uncertainty. Though issued sidearms for protection, their primary mission remained healing, not fighting—a testament to their courage and professionalism.

Kelley’s service continued in Danang, where experienced Army medical staff were relied upon to stabilize and treat wounded soldiers. His story reflects the broader excellence of Army doctors in Vietnam, who combined advanced medical skill with compassion under fire. After Vietnam, Kelley remained dedicated to military medicine, serving in Germany and later during the Persian Gulf War. His lifelong commitment underscores how Army doctors provided not only medical expertise but also hope and recovery for countless wounded soldiers, exemplifying outstanding service in some of the most challenging conditions imaginable.

Listen to Episode 3166 and discover more about Vietnam Vet and Army Doctor Dr. Harley Kelley.

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Bao Ninh

Episode 3165 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature a story about the controversial Vietnamese book The Sorrow of War. The featured story is titled: Acclaimed novel The Sorrow Of War sells out in Vietnam after viral controversy.. It appeared on the Straits Times website.

It was reported that Bao Ninh’s novel The Sorrow of War has surged back into the spotlight in Vietnam after being officially honored as one of the country’s 50 greatest works of literature and art since reunification. While the recognition was intended to celebrate its enduring significance, it reignited long-running controversy among conservative figures who argue that the novel’s raw portrayal of wartime suffering undermines the heroism of Vietnam’s victory. Social media debates quickly erupted, with critics calling for the honor to be revoked and supporters defending the book’s literary value.

Rather than dampening interest, the backlash has driven a dramatic spike in demand. Bookstores in Hanoi rapidly sold out, surprising both sellers and young readers who discovered the novel through online discussions. First published in 1987 under the title The Destiny of Love, the book is narrated by a North Vietnamese soldier haunted by trauma, loss and moral ambiguity, reflecting Bao Ninh’s own wartime experiences. Its candid depictions sharply contrast with traditional war literature that foregrounds sacrifice and valor, a tension that has fueled debate for decades.

Veterans and former officials have accused the novel of distorting history, while literary critics counter that fiction should explore emotional truth rather than function as propaganda. Younger readers, many born long after the war, have embraced the novel for its insight into human nature and memory. As controversy spread, publishers struggled to keep up with orders, prompting new reprints. Nearly forty years after its release, The Sorrow of War remains a powerful, divisive work whose honesty continues to resonate at home and abroad.

Listen to Episode 3165 and discover more about the controversial Vietnamese book The Sorrow of War.

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Episode 3164 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature a story about MSD and how it effects Vietnam Veteran. The featured story is titled: Agent Orange Linked To Rare Bone Marrow Cancers. It appeared on the U.S. News website and was submitted by Dennis Thompson. He is a HealthDay Reporter.

Thompson reported that a major new study has found a clear link between exposure to the Vietnam War–era defoliant Agent Orange and a heightened risk of myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), a rare and slowly developing bone marrow cancer. Presented at an American Society of Hematology meeting, the research shows that veterans exposed to Agent Orange not only face a greater likelihood of developing MDS, but also tend to be diagnosed at younger ages and with more aggressive forms of the disease.

Lead researcher Dr. Mikkael Sekeres of the University of Miami explained that the study fills a long-standing gap: although Agent Orange has previously been tied to blood cancers such as lymphoma, multiple myeloma, and leukemia, no definitive connection to MDS had been established due to a lack of comprehensive data. The new analysis drew from a federally funded registry that tracked patients with suspected or confirmed MDS between 2016 and 2024. Among 2,115 participants, 130 reported Agent Orange exposure.

Those exposed were more likely to carry harmful genetic mutations linked to high-risk MDS, reflecting patterns typically seen in cases caused by toxic exposures. Researchers noted that Agent Orange may accelerate the decades-long sequence of genetic changes that culminate in MDS, allowing the first mutation to occur earlier in life. While overall survival did not differ significantly, exposed patients had double the risk of disease progression after diagnosis.

The study also highlighted racial disparities: Black veterans were more than twice as likely as white veterans to encounter the toxin. Researchers hope the findings will aid veterans seeking coverage for MDS treatment and plan to validate the results using national veteran databases.

Listen to Episode 3164 and discover more about MSD and how it effects Vietnam Veteran.

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United States Air Force B-52 bombing crews at Andersen Air Base in Guam being briefed on the U.S.’s final major aerial bombing campaign in North Vietnam, Operation Linebacker II. (Wikimedia Commons)

Episode 3163 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature a story about Operation Linebacker II. The featured story is titled: Operation Linebacker II: The Bombing Campaign That Forced North Vietnam to the Peace Table in 1973. It appeared on the Military.com website and was submitted by Allen Frazier. He is a U.S. Army veteran and military journalist based in Wyoming who covers military history, current events, and world affairs for Military.com.

Frazier reported that In December 1972, peace talks between the United States and North Vietnam collapsed when Hanoi’s negotiators walked out of the Paris negotiations. In response, President Richard Nixon launched Operation Linebacker II, an intense eleven-day B-52 bombing campaign against Hanoi and Haiphong. Despite international condemnation and heavy civilian casualties, the offensive quickly pressured North Vietnam back to the negotiating table, leading to the Paris Peace Accords signed on January 27, 1973.

The accords ended direct American combat involvement and secured the return of U.S. prisoners of war, but allowed North Vietnamese troops to remain in South Vietnam—an issue that had derailed earlier negotiations. The settlement resembled the draft agreement reached in October 1972 that South Vietnamese President Nguyen Van Thieu had rejected. Though Nixon privately promised to defend South Vietnam if the North violated the pact, Watergate soon crippled his authority, and Congress later blocked renewed U.S. military action.

The bombing campaign capped years of air operations that had failed to break Hanoi’s resolve. Rolling Thunder (1965–68) inflicted massive damage but was constrained by political limits. Linebacker I (May–Oct. 1972) removed many restrictions and helped stall North Vietnam’s Easter Offensive, setting conditions for renewed negotiations. Yet none of these campaigns altered the fundamental political reality: North Vietnam remained determined to reunify the country under communist rule.

Both sides violated the Paris Peace Accords almost immediately, and full-scale war resumed. With U.S. support withdrawn and aid sharply reduced, South Vietnam collapsed under North Vietnam’s final 1975 offensive. Linebacker II achieved its narrow coercive aim—bringing Hanoi back to talks—but could not secure a lasting peace.

Listen to Episode 3163 and discover more about Operation Linebacker II.

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Robert McNamara at fwork

Episode 3162 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature a story McNamra’s war in Vietnam. The featured story is titled: War lessons from Robert McNamara. It appeared on the Real Clear Defense website and was submitted by Robert Wihtol.

Wihtol reported that Robert McNamara, long regarded as one of the brightest figures of his generation, built a remarkable career that spanned business, government, and global development. After excelling at Harvard Business School and briefly teaching there, he rose swiftly through Ford Motor Company to become its chief executive. His meteoric ascent culminated in his appointment as U.S. secretary of defense by President John F. Kennedy at age forty-four, a role he continued under Lyndon Johnson. Yet his central role in escalating the Vietnam War ultimately overshadowed his earlier achievements and defined his legacy.

As defense secretary from 1961 to 1968, McNamara oversaw the massive buildup of U.S. forces in Vietnam, even after intelligence indicated the war was unwinnable. His devotion to loyalty—and his characteristic reliance on data and operational efficiency—kept him committed to a strategy he no longer believed in. The war’s eventual toll, including more than 60,000 American deaths and millions of Vietnamese casualties, weighed heavily on him for the rest of his life.

In McNamara at War, Philip and William Taubman use newly revealed documents and interviews to present a more nuanced portrait of this controversial figure. They trace his lifelong obsession with quantification, from his World War II work optimizing bombing operations to his later efforts at the World Bank, where he applied similar metrics to poverty reduction. The authors also explore the political and personal pressures McNamara faced, as well as the lessons he drew from Vietnam, the Cuban Missile Crisis, and the nuclear age—lessons about humility, limits of force, and the imperative of clear exit strategies that remain strikingly relevant today.

Listen to Episode 3162 and discover more about McNamra’s war in Vietnam.

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Episode 3161 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature a story about the three Illinois veterans who went on an Honor Flight. The featured story is titled: ‘A Memory I Will Remember Forever’: Lemont Veterans Marvel At Honor Flight Experience. It appeared on the Patch website and was submitted by Andrea Earnest.

Earnest reported that Honor Flight Chicago’s final journey of 2025—its 126th flight—carried three Lemont veterans to Washington, D.C., offering them a long-awaited day of honor and reflection. While the program recognizes service members from World War II and Korea, this year overwhelmingly celebrated the extraordinary Vietnam Veteran generation, honoring 748 Vietnam Veterans whose courage and perseverance continue to shape the nation’s understanding of service.

Among the Lemont participants was 90-year-old Cold War Army veteran Anthony Trekas, who traveled with his daughter and praised the flawless coordination of the day. But it was Vietnam Veteran Mark Liset, who served in-country from 1970 to 1972, and Navy veteran Glen Missaggia, who served during the Vietnam era, who embodied the quiet strength and dignity of their generation. Both men were moved by the outpouring of gratitude—something Vietnam Veterans were too often denied upon returning home decades earlier.

The day in Washington brought these veterans to the WWII Memorial, the Korean War Veterans Memorial, and—most poignantly—the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. They witnessed the solemn Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, a moment Trekas said left him in awe. All three men were especially struck by the police escort that shut down the highway for their arrival, a symbolic gesture of long-overdue respect.

The emotional pinnacle came with their return to Chicago: bagpipers, salutes, flags, mail call, and hundreds of cheering supporters. For these veterans—especially the Vietnam generation who once faced hostility instead of gratitude—the reception was profoundly healing. As Missaggia put it, the memory will last forever, honoring a generation whose service and sacrifice will never again go unrecognized.

Listen to Episode 3161 and discover more about the three Illinois veterans who went on an Honor Flight.