After a recap of my 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb - going up 2200 stairs alongside first responders and others in memory of the firefighters that died in the September 11 attacks - we talk another very pivotal event for our nation: the Vietnam War and special events this week and beyond in Columbus GA on the heels of the 50th anniversary of the fall of Saigon.

(7:55) But first, military historian and Columbus State University professor Dr. Dave Kieran talked with me about his fitness habits outside the classroom and away from the studies of history. He's run 4 full Ironmans and 24 full marathons. Why does he and his wife get up 5am most mornings to exercise? What are his favorite races so far? And this history junkie also has found running through a big city is the best way to see it.

(24:03) Dr. Kieran's passion for teaching and military and history was prompted, in part, by one of the greatest track coaches of all-time, also his HS english teacher Hal Croft in PA, who was also a highly decorated Vietnam War veteran. He shares stories about this demanding mentor and also how that conflict resonates with his generation too.

(35:35) This professor and author of several books - like "Signature Wounds" about soldiers mental health amidst Middle East wars - also describes how history gives us an important perspective.

(45:18) With April 2025 marking 50 years since the end of the Vietnam War, his school CSU is hosting 6 free events over the next 8 months to help deepen the understanding of that war's impact, starting with a lecture from an expert on Thursday evening September 11: https://events.columbusstate.edu/#events/tag/Hallock.

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