Disclaimer: This podcast contains themes of war and violence, and the use of adult language. Viewer discretion advised. If you are a veteran in crisis please call the Veteran Crisis Line by dialing 988 and pressing 1.

The inaugural episode of Beyond the Frontlines: Veterans in the Humanities is launched on November 11 in celebration of Veteran’s Day and coinciding with the release of the 14th volume of Proud to Be: Writing by American Warriors. In this episode, Nick talks with HC Palmer and George Pettigrew, veterans who both served with Nick supporting the Kansas City Veterans Write group.

HC is a retired Medical Doctor and poet, and was a Battalion Surgeon with the First Infantry Division during the American War in Vietnam.  His poetry has appeared in New Letters, Kansas Matters: Twenty-Fist-Century-Writers on the Sunflower State (University Press of Kansas), War, Literature And The Arts, and Verse Daily. His book of poems, Feet of the Messenger, was a finalist for the Balcones Poetry Prize.

George is a Navy veteran of the Vietnam era. He states during his enlistment his world view was broadened through the travels and experiences gained in service, leading to a greater appreciation of humanities and culture. Now he is a Certified Oral Storyteller specializing in the history of the Buffalo Soldiers and the contributions of African Americans in the Army. Currently George Chairs the Frontier Museum of the United States Army Foundation.