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The Fog of War and Humanity
Host: Richard Acritelli | Guest: Keith Bittner

Before the war, there was a neighborhood. A ballfield. A group of kids just trying to enjoy summer.

In Part 1 of this compelling two-part conversation, Richard Acritelli sits down with Navy veteran Keith Bittner to trace the journey from a Long Island childhood to the early days of military service during the Vietnam War era. From sandlot baseball in Brentwood to boot camp at Great Lakes and deployment across the Pacific, Bittner shares a candid and relatable account of how an ordinary young man stepped into extraordinary circumstances.

This episode captures the transition from innocence to responsibility, highlighting the discipline, uncertainty, and unexpected moments that shape a service member’s path. Along the way, listeners gain a vivid look at life aboard a Navy ship, the culture of military service, and the powerful emotions tied to places like Pearl Harbor.

It’s a story of beginnings, of preparation, and of the quiet moments before history fully unfolds.

Part 2 continues the journey into active deployment and wartime experience.

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