Today we are joined with Michael Franks. Michael joined the Army in 2005 on an 18X contract inbound to Special Forces. Injury changed his course where he then found himself with the historic 2nd Battalion, 327th Infantry (No Slack) of the 101st Airborne Division. Michael served in both Iraq and Afghanistan with No Slack and served during the events which were filmed for the documentary Hornet's Nest—specifically the Battle of Barawala Kalay Valley.  We highly recommend giving Hornet's Nest a watch if you haven't already seen it. We discuss Michael's experience and feelings during the Global War on Terror, and the meaning many of us learned then, and continue to search for. Since leaving active duty, Michael transitioned to the Army Reserves and for his "day-job," serves as a senior wealth advisor in the Cincinnati, OH area.

We are joined today with David Bellavia. Famed for his legendary valor and determination, Bellavia is the Iraq War's sole living Medal of Honor recipient for his actions on November 10, 2004 as a squad leader with 2nd Battalion, 2nd Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division (known as the 'Ramrods') during the Second Battle of Fallujah. Bellavia's best-selling book House to House: An Epic Memoir of War captures the brutal action and raw intensity of leading Third Platoon, Alpha Company, into a lethally choreographed kill zone: the booby-trapped, explosive-laden houses of Fallujah's militant insurgents where he single-handedly cleared a fortified enemy position that had pinned down a squad from his platoon. We discuss with David his reflections on the war experience and living life on the home front as both a combat veteran adjusting to the civilian world, but also the duty and role of being a living Medal of Honor recipient. His new book, Remember the Ramrods An Army of Brotherhood in War and Peace covers the journey of Bellavia’s platoon through fifteen years. A quintessential and timeless American tale, it is the story of how forty battle-hardened soldiers became ordinary citizens again; what they did during that time, and how November 10, 2004, rattled within them; and how their reunion brought them home at last. David is one of the most inspiring, motivating, and determined leader, Soldier, and author who rose to the call of action during the Global War on Terror. It was an absolute honor and pleasure. http://www.davidbellavia.com/ https://duty1st.com/

Today we are joined with Chuck Holton to discuss Ukraine. Chuck is a former Army Ranger with the 75th Ranger Regiment having served in Panama for Operation Just Cause. After leaving the military, Chuck has spent the last twenty years as an American war correspondent. He is also a published author, motivational speaker and has also been a freelance cameraman for Fox News, following Oliver North on his travels. Holton is currently a War Correspondent for Newsmax. We discuss with Chuck his experiences in Ukraine as he spent time there a few months ago and will be going back soon. Chuck has a depth of experience both personally and professionally in combat zones and has much insight to offer into the ongoing war.

Today we are joined with James Cosgrove. James is the curator of Project Past which explores American battlefields, museums, and little-known historic sites here in the United States. His page highlights many historic American landmarks such as Yorktown, the Battle of New Orleans, Gettysburg, the National WWII Museum, and many more. We discuss with James his love of American history, as well as the many takeaways he has from documenting these sites across America. While many of our War Stories conversations are typically about America’s involvement overseas, it’s nice to discuss older American battle sites as well here on the home front, which are the stories of America’s beginning. Project Past YouTube Page: https://www.youtube.com/c/ProjectPast1565 Support War Stories on Patreon!: https://www.patreon.com/warstoriespodcast Website: www.warstories.co Contact: preston@warstories.co

Today, we are again joined with Ian Richardson to discuss Ukraine. Ian is a Captain in the Army Reserve and formerly served as a Logistics Officer in Iraq in 2020. He is a published museum professional at the Patton Museum with nearly a decade of experience and a focus in 20th century warfare. Ian has spent the last several months continuing to research and study the ongoing war in Ukraine and recently has presented topics regarding the war and history of Ukraine/Russian to both basic training recruits as well as Army ROTC cadets. We discuss his take on the situation, with much background context surrounding the region as well as his thoughts about what the future has in store. Support the show and become a War Stories patron: https://www.patreon.com/warstoriespodcast  Website: https://www.warstories.co

We are joined again today with John Spencer to talk Ukraine. Spencer is an award-winning scholar, professor, author, combat veteran, and internationally recognized expert and advisor on urban warfare and other military related topics. Considered one of the world’s leading expert on urban warfare, he served as an advisor to the top four-star general and other senior leaders in the U.S. Army as part of strategic research groups from the Pentagon to the United States Military Academy. We discuss the ongoing Ukrainian/Russian war and how it fits historically and geopolitically with both the United States and the "free" world. This was a fascinating conversation as John offers many interesting perspectives and insights involving democracy, freedom, and the American spirit. Support the show and become a War Stories patron: https://www.patreon.com/warstoriespodcast  Website: https://www.warstories.co

Today we are joined with Artie Guerrero. Artie served in Vietnam so his younger brother didn't have to and was one of fourteen to be hand-selected into the newly formed Ranger LRRP unit assigned to the 1st Cavalry Division. As a LRRP Ranger, Artie was shot four times when three North Vietnamese companies ambushed Artie's 6-man recon team in April 1967. He is a recipient of the Silver Star, Bronze Star, Army Commendation Medal with "V" Device, and the Purple Heart.   Shortly after returning home from the war wounded, Artie was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. Since then, Artie has been a tireless advocate for veterans and those with disabilities, having pushed politicians to make meaningful legislation for nearly half a century. He has experienced history first-hand and we appreciate the opportunity to speak with such a distinguished person as Artie. https://www.opveteran.org/ O.P. VetFest VI at Old Settlers Park in Round Rock Texas is on October 22, 2022, from 1200-1700There will be Veteran Owned Businesses showcasing and selling their products, Veteran Service Organizations representing their services and Patriot Supporters of all types. There will be food vendors, cold beverages at "Roosters Roost", a raffle, and tons of door prizes!Opening ceremony starts promptly at 12:00 noon! Open to the public. An outdoor concert performed by Veteran musical acts that will augment the daytime event.Come out for a day of fellowship and fun with the Veteran community and learn about where to find the services you need, the volunteer opportunities you’re looking for, and the Veteran owned products that you want!This year we are honoring Vietnam Veterans of the H Co, 75th Infantry Airborne Rangers of the Long Range Recon Patrol (LRRP).O.P. Veteran is a 501(c)3 organization that eases Veteran emotional transition by helping to provide a post-military passion and purpose.This is a kid friendly event, located next to the Pavilion and park, Service Pets are welcome, and must be on a leash per Round Rock Parks rules. Special parking for handicap will be at the entrance of the event. Support War Stories on Patreon!: https://www.patreon.com/warstoriespodcast Website: www.warstories.co  Contact: preston@warstories.co

JD Huitt of the YouTube channel The History Underground joins us today. JD is a historian who has spent much of his personal time travelling to and documenting historical locations to provide the viewer a firsthand view of what these past battle sites look like today. We discuss with JD his recent trip to WWII’s Pacific Theater and the Marine and Japanese fight on these remote islands. JD spent time on Saipan, where he documented key locations of the Battle of Saipan—which has been referred to as the "Pacific D-Day" with the invasion fleet departing Pearl Harbor the day before the Normandy invasion on 5 June 1944. The History Underground: https://www.youtube.com/c/TheHistoryUnderground/featured Support the show and become a War Stories patron: https://www.patreon.com/warstoriespodcast  Website: https://www.warstories.co

We are joined today with Dave Berkenfield. Dave retired after spending 25 years in special operations having served as a Navy SEAL beginning in the 90’s and retiring only a couple years ago. Today, he serves in a leadership role on racing teams with Chip Ganassi Racing headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana. Having served on 20 combat deployments during his time as a SEAL, we discuss with Dave the impact on us veterans upon leaving the service, and the terrible infliction that is veteran suicide. Since his retirement, Dave has worked closely with the American Legion to develop the “Be the One” campaign. The American Legion is known as Veteran’s Strengthening America and developed the Be the One Campaign “to begin thinking, talking and acting to save just one life.” We appreciate Dave’s leadership and dedication in tackling such a complex, American issue. If you are feeling suicidal, thinking about hurting yourself, or are concerned that someone you know may be in danger of hurting himself or herself, call the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. It is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and is staffed by certified crisis response professionals. www.betheone.org Support the show and become a War Stories patron: https://www.patreon.com/warstoriespodcast  Website: https://www.warstories.co

We are joined in this episode today with Corey Jones. Corey is a Drill Sergeant at Ft. Benning, Georgia where he turns Army recruits into infantrymen and women. We discussed the challenges, rewards, and the impact drill sergeants make on their recruits as well as the method of instruction used in basic training today as compared to years past. It was nice to catch up with Corey as the three of us all served in the same infantry company in Afghanistan. We are proud to know people like Corey who continue to represent and lead the youth of America. It was a pleasure. Support the show and become a War Stories patron: https://www.patreon.com/warstoriespodcast  Website: https://www.warstories.co

Preston just completed his 2 weeks of Army Reserve Annual Training at Ft. McCoy, WI where he helped facilitate a reserve brigade's readiness training at the operational level.  He and Sayre discuss some of their key takeaways and thoughts. Support the show and become a War Stories patron: https://www.patreon.com/warstoriespodcast  Website: https://www.warstories.co

We are joined by Nick Laidlaw. Nick is a former Marine Infantryman, who from that experience, now has a passion to share the extremes of the human experience in warfare. His website, Battles and Beers shares stories of the men, women, and civilians who have gone willingly or unwillingly into harm’s way. Nick is also the author of What War Did to Us, Combat Through Their Eyes a collection of short vignettes spanning from 1914 to present. He has interviewed men from both sides of almost every major war since 1939. He has had nearly 200 conversations with men from 20+ different armies, including the Taliban. We enjoyed this conversation with a fellow GWOT veteran telling such human stories. Battles and Beers: https://battlesandbeers.org/ What War Did to Us, Combat Through Their Eyes: https://www.amazon.com/WHAT-WAR-DID-US-Through/dp/B09MC8NQ9D Support the show and become a War Stories patron: https://www.patreon.com/warstoriespodcast  Website: https://www.warstories.co

Mike Dowling is an Emmy nominated producer, author, and veteran advocate based in Los Angeles. Mike enlisted in the Marine Corps in 2001 and was in boot camp when 9/11 happened. Enlisting on an open contract, he was assigned to be a military policeman, became the distinguished honor graduate of his class, and would serve as a military working dog handler deploying with his Military Working Dog Rex to Iraq in 2004. They were attached to 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marines surviving the Triangle of Death and the First Battle of Fallujah. His book “Sergeant Rex: The Unbreakable Bond Between A Marine and His Military Working Dog” (Atria Books/2011) is a memoir of his service as a K9 handler. Since leaving the miliary, Mike shifted his career to film and media. He has been a military consultant on a wide range of productions for CBS, ABC, Animal Planet, and for Netflix working with Academy Award winning producers James Moll and Robert Zemeckis on the Medal of Honor docuseries (2018). Instagram: @miked0wling Mike Dowling’s website: https://www.officialmikedowling.com/ Sergeant Rex is available for purchase at: Amazon Barnes & Noble Google Audible iTunes Support the show and become a War Stories patron: https://www.patreon.com/warstoriespodcast  Website: https://www.warstories.co

Something that bothers me when I think about the last 20 years of war is that we, the United States, don’t have a solution to modern insurgency.  If we couldn't figure it out over 20 years in two countries, I wonder if the military isn't the correct tool for that job. Book referenced is Black Hearts by Jim Frederick https://www.amazon.com/Black-Hearts-Platoons-Descent-Triangle/dp/0307450767 Support the show and become a War Stories patron: https://www.patreon.com/warstoriespodcast Website: https://www.warstories.co

We are joined in this episode by Austin Knight. Austin serves in the active-duty Army as a Religious Affairs NCO where he’s currently assigned to the U.S. Army Airborne School. We spoke to Austin about a variety of topics ranging from what Airborne School is like today, the experience of jumping out of airplanes for a living, to his ultimate role which is to care for not just the spiritual welfare of Soldiers (from Private to General), but their moral and emotional well-being as well. Support the show and become a War Stories patron: https://www.patreon.com/warstoriespodcast Website: https://www.warstories.co

In this episode, we are joined by Steve Coll. Coll is a New Yorker staff writer and reports on issues of politics, intelligence, and national security in the United States and abroad. He has written about the education of Osama bin Laden, secret negotiations between India and Pakistan over Kashmir, and the hunt for the fugitive Taliban leader Mullah Mohammad Omar. He was the managing editor of the Washington Post from 1998 to 2005, having earlier been a feature writer, a foreign correspondent, and an editor there; in 1990, he shared a Pulitzer Prize with David Vise for a series of articles about the Securities and Exchange Commission. From 2007 to 2013, he was the president of the New America Foundation. Coll is the author of several books, including “Directorate S: The C.I.A. and America’s Secret Wars in Afghanistan and Pakistan”; “Private Empire: ExxonMobil and American Power”; “The Bin Ladens: An Arabian Family in the American Century,” which won the pen/John Kenneth Galbraith Award for Nonfiction; “On the Grand Trunk Road: A Journey Into South Asia”; “Ghost Wars: The Secret History of the C.I.A., Afghanistan, and Bin Laden, from the Soviet Invasion to September 10, 2001,” for which he received an Overseas Press Club Award and a Pulitzer Prize; “Eagle on the Street,” which was based on his reporting on the S.E.C.; “The Taking of Getty Oil”; and “The Deal of the Century: The Breakup of AT&T.” Coll has served as dean of the Graduate School of Journalism at Columbia University, where he continues to teach. Support the show and become a War Stories patron: https://www.patreon.com/warstoriespodcast Website: https://www.warstories.co

In this episode, we are joined by Phil Klay. Phil Clay is a GWOT veteran of the Iraq war, having served as a Marine Corps officer from 2005-2009. Phil’s works, both as a veteran and writer, have been published throughout The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, The Atlantic, The New Yorker, and the Brookings Institution's Brookings Essay series. His short story collection Redeployment won the 2014 National Book Award for Fiction and the National Book Critics' Circle John Leonard Prize for best debut work in any genre, and was selected as one of the 10 Best Books of 2014 by The New York Times. His nonfiction work won the George W. Hunt, S.J., Prize for Journalism, Arts & Letters in the category of Cultural & Historical Criticism in 2018. He currently teaches fiction at Fairfield University and his debut novel, Missionaries, was released in October 2020 with Penguin Press. https://www.philklay.com/ Support the show and become a War Stories patron: https://www.patreon.com/warstoriespodcast Website: https://www.warstories.co

Little shorter bit here where Preston and Sayre get into an article discussing media coverage of the war in Ukraine. FAIR.org article: https://fair.org/home/invasion-news-fits-on-front-page-more-when-an-enemy-does-the-invading/ Preston's video on the subject: https://youtu.be/YIBYYdQY3-4 Support the show and become a War Stories patron: https://www.patreon.com/warstoriespodcast Website: https://www.warstories.co

In this episode we are joined by Justin Roberts. Justin is a documentarian and former Army chaplain who served in Afghanistan with the 101st Airborne Division. Justin's documentary "No Greater Love" details the reality of war with firsthand footage and accounts of a harrowing 12-month deployment to Kunar Province, Afghanistan. While we discuss Justin's experiences in Afghanistan, he spoke to us while on the ground in Ukraine. We discuss what the current battle tempo is like, and how the war has evolved into an artillery-heavy war with little maneuver. Justin has an incredible perspective of war and the people affected. No Greater Love Support the show and become a War Stories patron: https://www.patreon.com/warstoriespodcast Website: https://www.warstories.co

In this episode we are joined by Bob Walker. Bob was an infantry officer during the Vietnam War with an incredible story and experience. Bob served as a platoon leader with the 9th Infantry Division, conducting air assaults and raids similar to how Ranger Regiment is used today. His military awards include: Distinguished Service Cross, Silver Star Medal (3rd Award), Distinguished Flying Cross, Soldier's Medal, Bronze Star Medal with "V" Device, Bronze Star Medal (4th Award), Air Medal with "V'' Device, Air Medal (6th Award), Army Commendation Medal with "V" Device, Army Commendation Medal (5th Award), Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Silver Star, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm, Vietnam Civil Actions Honor Medal, Army Overseas Ribbon (2nd Award), National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, and Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, and Ranger tab.  Bob was inducted into the Officer Candidate School Hall of Fame in 2020. Support the show and become a War Stories patron: https://www.patreon.com/warstoriespodcast Website: https://www.warstories.co