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The project recently traveled to Kalispell where a number of veterans from different branches of service shared their stories.

Episode 3268 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature a story about the recent Veteran History Project event in Kalispell, MT. The featured story is titled: Flathead veterans share service stories for Veterans History Project. It appeared on Channel 8 KPAX and was submitted by Sean Wells.

Wells reported that The Veterans History Project, part of the Library of Congress American Folklife Center, continues its important mission of preserving the firsthand stories of America’s veterans. Collecting oral histories, memoirs, photographs, letters, diaries, and artwork from veterans of every conflict since World War I, the project ensures these experiences will never be forgotten. During a recent stop in Kalispell, Montana, veterans from multiple branches of service shared deeply personal accounts of sacrifice, duty, and patriotism.

Among them was Vietnam veteran John Wise, a Native American descended from the Pawnee and Ute tribes. Wise reflected on the urgency of preserving the stories of Vietnam veterans as thousands pass away each day. He spoke proudly about serving his country while honoring his Native American heritage, emphasizing that Native Americans have long answered the call to serve at exceptionally high rates. Veterans History Project liaison specialist Andrew Hubert explained that Native American veterans remain underrepresented in the archive, making efforts like these even more meaningful.

The project also highlighted the experiences of modern veterans like Blake Thompson, who served on five Middle East deployments. Thompson acknowledged how difficult sharing military experiences can be, but stressed the importance of helping civilians better understand the realities veterans face. Through these collected stories, the Veterans History Project creates a lasting educational resource that honors courage, preserves history, and ensures future generations understand the sacrifices made by America’s veterans.

Listen to Episode 3268 and discover more about the recent Veteran History Project event in Kalispell, MT.

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Vietnam Vet Cheryl Person

Episode 3267 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature a story about the lone female Vietnam Vet on the latest Midwest Honor Flight. The featured story is titled: Female veteran on Honor Flight remembers Vietnam. It appeared on KELO- TV and was submitted by Sydney Hoier.

Hoier reported that Cheryl Person represents the courage, compassion, and quiet strength of the remarkable women who served during the Vietnam War. As an Army nurse stationed at the 24th Evacuation Hospital in Long Binh, Vietnam, she served during some of the war’s most difficult years. Her hospital became one of the busiest in the country because other medical facilities were shutting down, leaving her unit with the only neurosurgeons and burn center available. Day after day, Cheryl and her fellow nurses worked tirelessly to save wounded soldiers, often under exhausting and heartbreaking conditions.

Female Vietnam veterans like Cheryl displayed extraordinary bravery that often went unnoticed for decades. These women were not on the front lines carrying rifles, but they fought their own battle in operating rooms, emergency wards, and recovery units where lives hung in the balance every minute. Their compassion, skill, and sacrifice helped countless young Americans survive the horrors of war.

Even many years later, Cheryl still treasures the friendships formed with the nurses she served beside, proof of the deep bonds created through service and sacrifice. Though hesitant at first to participate in an Honor Flight to Washington, D.C., she ultimately made the journey in memory of her late husband, also a Vietnam veteran, whose encouragement inspired her to go.

During the trip, Cheryl especially appreciated the Vietnam Women’s Memorial, a powerful tribute to the heroic women of Vietnam. Her story reminds Americans that female Vietnam veterans were among the greatest of that generation — courageous patriots whose dedication, resilience, and humanity deserve lasting honor and gratitude.

Listen to Episode 3267 and discover more about the lone female Vietnam Vet on the latest Midwest Honor Flight.

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Episode 3266 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature a story about Ron and Don Mosbaugh’s identical twin humor. The featured story is titled: IDENTICAL TWIN PHENOMENAS.- Part II.

Identical twins Don and Ron Mosbaugh spent their lives astonishing friends, doctors, military officers, and teammates with their uncanny similarities and unforgettable twin pranks. Both men experienced nearly identical medical histories, including heart attacks requiring three stents in the exact same locations just weeks apart, gallbladder removals only one week apart, and multiple surgeries for diverticulitis. Even doctors were amazed when the brothers ended up in ambulances on the same day and underwent surgery at nearly the same time.

Their twin bond created unforgettable moments during their distinguished Navy careers as Hospital Corpsmen and later Command Master Chiefs in the United States Navy Reserve. During a 1968 training assignment at Naval Hospital Charleston, a young Navy Ensign accused Ron of falsely wearing highly decorated Vietnam combat ribbons, including the Silver Star, Bronze Star with Combat “V,” and Purple Hearts. After angrily escorting Ron to personnel records, the embarrassed ensign discovered every medal was legitimate. The next day, he mistakenly confronted Don, believing he was catching Ron in another lie because Don wore fewer ribbons. Only after checking Don’s records did the ensign realize the brothers were identical twins, leading to laughter and a memorable friendship.

The twins also delighted in fooling their commanding officers. In one famous prank, Ron impersonated Don before a trip with a Navy captain, causing the furious officer to believe Don had ignored direct orders about his uniform. Moments later, Don appeared fully dressed in Navy blues, leaving the stunned captain speechless when he realized he had been tricked by identical twins.

Beyond the military, the Mosbaugh brothers excelled in athletics, starring in football, basketball, and track while earning college scholarships and all-state honors. Their remarkable lives combined patriotism, humor, athletic excellence, and the unbreakable bond only identical twins can share.

Listen to Episode 3266 and discover more about Ron and Don Mosbaugh’s identical twin humor.

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Episode 3265 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature Don Mosbaugh’s story about his Vietnam Vet brother Ron Mosbaugh. The featured story is titled: IDENTICAL TWIN PHENOMENAS..

Identical twins Don and Ron Mosbaugh lived extraordinary parallel lives through military service, sacrifice, and an uncanny bond that still amazes those who hear their story. Raised in a family of five boys, all of whom entered the military, the twins joined the Navy Reserve as teenagers and eventually rose from E-1 recruits to HMCM Master Chief Corpsmen, becoming the only twin Master Chiefs in the history of the Department of the Navy. Their identical appearance and matching uniforms often caused confusion and hilarious encounters throughout their 31-year careers.

In 1965, both brothers began at Oak Knoll Naval Hospital in California, where Don worked with severely wounded Vietnam veterans in burn and amputee wards. The emotional toll of treating young soldiers forever shaped his outlook. Ron, meanwhile, served as head corpsman for legendary Fleet Admiral Chester W. Nimitz during the admiral’s final years.

After field medical training at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Ron deployed to Vietnam while Don was unexpectedly rerouted to Okinawa under the Sullivan Act, which prevented brothers from serving in the same combat zone simultaneously. Don later became an instructor teaching Marines combat first aid and survival training, unknowingly exposing troops to Agent Orange while being told it was harmless.

The most remarkable part of their story came during the war when Don suddenly felt intense pain and fear in his right arm while teaching in Okinawa. Weeks later, Ron confirmed he had suffered a shrapnel wound in that exact arm at the exact same time during combat near Da Nang. The incident convinced both brothers that their lifelong telepathic connection was real, making their story one of the most fascinating twin phenomena connected to the Vietnam War era.

Listen to Episode 3265 and discover more about Don Mosbaugh’s story about his Vietnam Vet brother Ron Mosbaugh.

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Vietnam Vet Arthur Lee Mann enjoying life in RockPort, Texas. [Photo by: Michelle Hofmann, KRIS 6 News]

Episode 3264 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature a story about Vietnam Vet Arthur Lee Mann’s heroic story. The featured story is titled: Rockport veteran breaks silence on Vietnam ambush that earned Silver Star. It appeared on the KRIS Channel 6 website and was submitted by Michelle Hofmann.

Hofman reported that Arthur Lee Mann’s story stands as a powerful reflection of the Vietnam veteran generation—men who carried extraordinary courage, endured unimaginable hardship, and returned home with quiet dignity. Born into poverty in Illinois, Mann enlisted in the Navy in 1963, a decision that would take him far from home and into the heart of the Vietnam War. Like so many of his generation, he did not seek glory—he simply answered the call to serve.

On May 8, 1968, while serving with the Mobile Riverine Force along the Song Ba Lai River, Mann’s patrol boat was ambushed by a heavily armed Viet Cong force. The attack was devastating, leaving the vessel crippled and the crew wounded. Despite being thrown across the boat and injured by shrapnel, Mann refused to give in. He rallied his fellow sailors, helped restore control of the boat, and, in an act of remarkable bravery, ran through intense enemy fire to rescue his gravely wounded captain. Even after administering aid, he returned to the fight, helping suppress enemy forces until rescue arrived—despite being wounded again.

For his valor, Mann received the Silver Star and three Purple Hearts. Yet like many Vietnam veterans, his return home was marked not by honor, but by hostility and indifference. Still, this generation endured, building lives, careers, and families while carrying the weight of their experiences.

Mann’s humility and resilience embody the greatness of Vietnam veterans—a generation defined not just by bravery in war, but by perseverance, sacrifice, and an enduring commitment to service and peace.

Listen to Episode 3264 and discover more about Vietnam Vet Arthur Lee Mann’s heroic story.

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A member of the CIA helps get evacuees into a helicopter on 29th April 1975 | Public Domain

Episode 3263 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature a story about another look at the Vietnam War by UK writers. The featured story is titled: The fall of Saigon: How the Vietnam War came to a dramatic end. It appeared on the Sky News website.

It was reported that from a distinctly British perspective, the Vietnam War is often viewed as a cautionary tale of superpower overreach and the difficulty of extricating oneself from a failing სამხედრო intervention. The conflict, which lasted over a decade, pitted communist North Vietnam—led by Ho Chi Minh—against US-backed South Vietnam. What began as a strategic effort by the United States to contain communism gradually evolved into a deeply controversial and ultimately unsuccessful campaign.

Following the 1954 Geneva Conference, Vietnam was divided into two ideological states. The United States, wary of the so-called “domino effect,” supported South Vietnam to prevent the spread of communism across Asia. However, despite heavy bombing campaigns and growing troop deployments throughout the 1960s, early optimism gave way to disillusionment—particularly after the 1968 Tet Offensive exposed the resilience of communist forces.

British observers often emphasize the widening gap between official American assurances and the stark reality reported by journalists on the ground. As domestic opposition to the war intensified in the US, President Richard Nixon pursued “Vietnamisation,” aiming to shift combat responsibility to South Vietnamese forces while withdrawing American troops.

Despite a 1973 peace agreement, fighting resumed, culminating in the سقوط of Saigon in April 1975. The dramatic helicopter evacuations during Operation Frequent Wind symbolised a hurried and chaotic نهاية to US involvement. The city, now known as Ho Chi Minh City, stands as a lasting reminder of the war’s profound geopolitical and human consequences.

Listen to Episode 3263 and discover more about another look at the Vietnam War by UK writers.

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Veterans and military service members take part in the first day of a five-day, 100-mile hike across the Dallas area on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, in support of their brothers and sisters in arms who are suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder. Semper Fi & America’s Fund was holding its seventh annual PTSD Century Hike. (Photo courtesy of Semper Fi & America’s Fund)

Episode 3262 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature a story about the 100 mile hike in Dallas to fight PTSD. The featured story is titled: Veterans embark on 100-mile hike to bring hope, support to those suffering from PTSD. It appeared on the News Channel 9 ABC in Chattanooga and was submitted by Cory Smith.

Smith reported that a determined group of veterans and active-duty service members undertook a five-day, 100-mile hike across the Dallas area to support fellow warriors battling post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The event, known as the seventh annual PTSD Century Hike, is organized by Semper Fi & America’s Fund and serves both as a fundraiser and a powerful platform to raise awareness about the invisible wounds of war.

Participants like former Army Ranger John Filipkowski shared deeply personal struggles with PTSD, describing daily battles with depression and the importance of staying mentally active. After 23 years of service and 11 combat deployments, Filipkowski suffered severe injuries in 2007 when an improvised explosive device threw him from a vehicle, leaving him with a traumatic brain injury. Despite ongoing challenges such as memory issues and nightmares, he credits the organization with helping him rebuild his life and regain purpose.

Retired Army trauma nurse Nekita Hunter also emphasized the value of physical activity, explaining how sports and events like the hike provide a healthy, medication-free outlet for managing mental health. Both veterans highlighted the sense of community and connection fostered by the program, which brings together individuals facing similar struggles.

For Filipkowski, the hike represents more than endurance—it’s a mission. By sharing his story and reaching out to others on a difficult path, he hopes to inspire fellow veterans to seek help and transform their challenges into strengths, just as he continues to do.

Listen to Episode 3262 and discover more about the 100 mile hike in Dallas to fight PTSD.

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Episode 3261 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature a story titled: 38th Annual All Veterans Reunion. The story appeared on the Happening Next website.

It was reported that the 38th Annual All Veterans Reunion, hosted by Veterans Memorial Reunion Inc. (VMRI), is set to take place at Wickham Park, welcoming veterans, first responders, active duty service members, and the general public for a week of remembrance, camaraderie, and community engagement. This long-standing event continues the proud tradition established over 36 years by the Vietnam Veterans of Brevard (VVB), honoring those who have served and sacrificed.

The reunion will feature free admission, parking, and live concerts, making it an accessible and family-friendly event. Highlights include a vibrant “Veterans Village” with an expanded vendor marketplace, a variety of food options, and impressive static displays. A key centerpiece of the reunion is the Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall, alongside the “Some Gave All – The Moving Tribute,” both of which will be escorted from the Eastern Florida State College Cocoa campus to Wickham Park on May 3rd and displayed طوال the week.

Scheduled activities will run from May 7th through May 10th, with varying daily hours and a closing ceremony on Sunday afternoon. An opening ceremony is planned for May 4th, though the time is yet to be announced. Organizers encourage attendees to stay updated as details may change.

The event also emphasizes awareness of online scams, advising participants to avoid engaging with unauthorized vendor solicitations. Overall, the reunion promises a meaningful blend of tribute, entertainment, and community connection, honoring the legacy and sacrifices of veterans while bringing people together in appreciation and respect.

Listen to Episode 3261 and discover more about the 38th Annual All Veterans Reunion at Melbourne, FL

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Ron Mosbaugh

Episode 3259 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature combat experience in Vietnam with

This powerful firsthand account captures the brutal transformation of a young American thrust into the chaos of the Vietnam War. Arriving in 1966 as a naïve nineteen-year-old, the narrator is rapidly stripped of innocence by the harsh realities of combat. What follows is not just a story of battle, but a lifelong testament to the extraordinary courage and sacrifice of Vietnam veterans.

During a harrowing mission near Da Nang, his Marine unit walks into a deadly Vietcong ambush in a graveyard at Vinh Hoa. Amid point-blank gunfire, explosions, and hand-to-hand combat, he risks his life repeatedly as a corpsman, running through open rice paddies under heavy fire to reach wounded Marines. Despite exhaustion, terror, and dwindling supplies, he continues treating the injured, embodying selflessness under unimaginable pressure.

In one surreal moment, he locks eyes with a Vietcong soldier who could kill him instantly. Instead, a silent understanding passes between them, and the enemy spares his life. This encounter reveals the shared humanity even between enemies and becomes one of the most profound memories of his service.

The emotional toll of that day—and many others—never fades. For over fifty years, he has endured PTSD, reliving the trauma through relentless nightmares. Yet through it all, his faith in God and belief in divine protection sustain him.

This story underscores the greatness of Vietnam veterans—ordinary young men who performed extraordinary acts of bravery, compassion, and sacrifice. They faced unimaginable horrors, yet upheld duty, brotherhood, and love for one another in the darkest of circumstances.

Listen to Episode 3260 and discover more about the combat experience in Vietnam with Ron Mosbaugh’s story Nightmares in the Rice Paddy

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Episode 3259 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature Andy Pham interviewing Professor Pamela McElwee about the damage done to the environment of Vietnam during the War and the steps being taken to repair the damage.

The Bible presents stewardship as a sacred duty: humans are caretakers of God’s creation – Earth, called to manage it wisely, protect it, and remain accountable for how they treat it.

“Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful.”  1 Corinthians 4:2 → Reinforces accountability in stewardship.

When the Vietnam War ended on April 30, 1975, it left behind a landscape scarred with environmental damage. Vast stretches of coastal mangroves, once housing rich stocks of fish and birds, lay in ruins. Forests that had boasted hundreds of species were reduced to dried-out fragments, overgrown with invasive grasses. The term “ecocide” had been coined in the late 1960s to describe.

Pamela McElwee is an associate professor in the Department of Human Ecology at Rutgers. She received her Ph.D. in Forestry & Environmental Studies and Anthropology at Yale.

Read her article that appeared in the Conversation:

50 years later, Vietnam’s environment still bears the scars of war – and signals a dark future for Gaza and Ukraine

Andy Pham met Professor McElwee at the recent American Association of Geographers meeting at San Francisco. 

Listen to Episode 3259 and discover more about Professor McElwee’s findings about the damage done to the environment of Vietnam during the American Vietnam War.

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