In this episode, our hosts Mike Nelson and Steve Willett interview Ralph Wettig, a PBR Squadron veteran who served in Vietnam and the Philippines! They discuss his rigorous but memorable training, some of the unique aspects of the two countries he served in, and a few surprising experiences! You won't want to miss this episode; give it a listen!

A GLENS FALLS TODAY PRODUCTION

NOTE: The opinions reflected in this podcast are not indicative of the views of Saratoga Business Report, SaratogaBride.com LLC, Saratoga TODAY, Glens Falls TODAY, or Spa City Digital.

00:06 - Introductions

01:11 - Skipping the Draft… And Heading Straight to Vietnam!

03:19 - SERE Training: Basic, Cornerstone Survival!

04:34 - Are Snakes Really That Tasty?..

05:08 - Grenades… Are Not So Easy to Throw!

05:57 - Solution: The Thumper!

06:15 - PoW Training?! Don’t Get Caught!

11:25 - Brothels & Bars, Oh My!

13:19 - PBR Squadron: Check Those Waterways!

15:21 - Unfriendly Fire: Don’t Push!

18:52 - The Tet Fib: There Was No Overrun!

21:38 - Sticky Fingers (Not the Album!)

23:54 - Endless Beauty… Trapped in War

25:44 - A Dismal Return Home

29:53 - Just Tuggin’ Around

35:15 - Back You Go: To Subic Bay

36:24 - DON’T Do the Mess-Around!

39:33 - My Buddy the Bandit

40:56 - What Makes a Good Beer? Mike’s Ready to Give it a Try!

44:14 - Filipinos: Great People, Great Culture!

45:25 - A Surprising Breakup

49:37 - The Inside Job

51:38 - Paying for It

52:32 - Government Spending: Skewed Priorities

54:42 - Closing Remarks