“When you interact with historical documents, it’s like having a conversation with the past and nobody else can have that conversation for you.”

This week on Story Behind the Stone, we speak with Zita Ballinger Fletcher, a military historian and author whose work spans World War II research, defense journalism, and cultural preservation. Zita shares how her deep dive into archives and original sources is reshaping our understanding of history and why those lessons matter today.

In this episode:

- Learn how language and translation shape historical narratives
- Hear about her work with the German War Graves Commission and a challenging search for fallen policemen in Berlin
- Explore how FPV drones are changing the future of warfare—and what history can teach us about adapting to new threats

Learn more: https://zitasteele.com/
Listen on Apple, Spotify, and Wreaths Across America Radio.

“Glasnevin is of course famous in this country for having the burials of so many people who shaped Irish history.”

This week on Story Behind the Stone, we speak with Ultan Moran, historian and tour guide at Glasnevin Cemetery in Dublin, Ireland's National Cemetery. Ultan shares powerful stories of Irish lives that shaped, and were shaped by, North American history.

In this episode:
- Discover how a Dublin-born soldier became a hero of the American Civil War
- Learn how Frederick Douglass was inspired by Irish abolitionist Daniel O’Connell
- Explore the legacy of Irish-born veterans of the Canadian Expeditionary Force and how their memory is preserved today

"Veterans are constantly faced with problems. You're constantly having to solve them. You almost don't know how to walk by a problem, and not solve it."

This week on Story Behind the Stone, we're joined by Kristin Sargent, founder of Sargent Initiatives. We explore Kristin’s transition from the US Army’s air defense artillery to her work at the intersection of technology and national security, helping companies navigate the complexities of the defense sector. 

In this episode:

Discover Kristin’s journey from serving as a unit Information Assurance Officer to leading modernization efforts at Booz Allen Hamilton and Amazon Web Services. 

Learn about the core challenges entrepreneurs face when entering the government system, including identifying essential requirements and managing corporate resources efficiently. 

Hear Kristin’s "Measured Restraint" philosophy for business growth and why she believes the defense sector is an "endurance sport" that requires patience and C-suite commitment. 

Explore the unique value veterans bring to the tech industry, fueled by a desire to solve archaic processes and a commitment to the "Mission, Men, Me" hierarchy of service. 

Learn more: Sargent Initiatives and the Defense Entrepreneurs Forum 

Listen on Wreaths Across America Radio on Friday December 19: https://wreathsacrossamerica.org/

"I think more importantly for my fellow veterans is just remember the promise that you made to never leave anyone behind."

This week on Story Behind the Stone, we speak with Stuart Smith, who has dedicated 33 years to serving his fellow veterans. We explore Stuart's military service, his transition to civilian life, and his commitment to supporting veteran-owned businesses through organizations like the National Veteran Small Business Coalition (NVSBC) and the National Association of Veteran Owned Businesses (NaVOBA).

In this episode:

- Discover Stuart's personal journey from joining the Army as a "last option" to transitioning successfully into human resources and organizational development

- Learn about the work of the National Veteran Small Business Coalition (NVSBC) and the National Association of Veteran Owned Businesses (NaVOBA) in helping veteran small businesses thrive in government contracting and commercial supplier diversity spaces

- Hear why Stuart is honored to MC the Wreaths Across America laying at the Cape Canaveral National Cemetery and what that day means for the community

Learn more: National Veteran Small Business Coalition and National Association of Veteran Owned Businesses

Listen on Apple, Spotify, and Wreaths Across America Radio

"We all live in the world created by the First World War."

This week on Story Behind the Stone, we speak with Attila Szalay-Berzeviczy, author of In the Centennial Footsteps of the Great War. Attila shares how a personal journey to Sarajevo evolved into a global project documenting the centenary of World War I.

In this episode:
- Discover why the First World War remains the most transformative period of the last 200 years
- Learn how Attila navigated war zones and military restrictions to capture rare commemorative moments
- Explore the untold stories of frontier theaters that shaped the outcome of the war

Learn more: https://www.facebook.com/InTheCentennialFootstepsOfTheGreatWar
Listen on Apple, Spotify, and Wreaths Across America Radio

"Every soldier’s story deserves to be remembered."

This week on Story Behind the Stone, we speak with Courtney Trollinger, Vice President of Development at the Army Historical Foundation, the organization behind the National Museum of the United States Army. Courtney shares how the Foundation is safeguarding Army history and inspiring future generations through immersive exhibits.

In this episode:
- Discover why the Army was the last branch to have a national museum and how that changed in 2020
- Explore the museum’s awe-inspiring galleries, including World War I artifacts and the Soldier Stories exhibit
- Learn about upcoming projects like the Call to Arms exhibit, the Nisei Traveling Exhibit, and plans for a memorial garden on the museum campus

Learn more: https://www.armyhistory.org

"She deserved better, that she hadn’t joined the military. Me and my husband had both chosen to serve our country, but she hadn’t made that choice yet."

This week on Story Behind the Stone, we speak with Louise Fetigan, founder of Little Troopers in the United Kingdom. Louise shares how her personal journey as a military parent led to the creation of a national charity supporting children with parents in the British Armed Forces.

In this episode:
- Learn how Little Troopers supports over 25,000 children annually through therapy, school programs, and family reconnection camps
- Hear how the new Little Troopers Clubs are creating continuity for children who move schools frequently
- Discover how Christmas Smiles boxes bring joy to families separated by deployment during the holidays

Learn more: littletroopers.net

“No matter how you choose to commemorate or how you choose to remember people, just make sure you say their names.”

This week on Story Behind the Stone, we speak with Dr. Megan Wang, Historian and Academic Access Manager at the Royal Air Force Museum. Megan shares her passion for commemoration and the stories behind war graves in Britain and beyond.

In this episode:
- Understand the unique challenges of commemorating war dead buried far from the battlefield
- Hear how original grave markers reveal unexpected stories of respect between enemies
- Explore the future of commemoration and how museums connect new generations to military history

Learn more: https://www.rafmuseum.org.uk

"Remembrance unites us and brings us together."

This week on Story Behind the Stone, we speak with Philippa Rawlinson, Managing Director of the National Memorial Arboretum in the UK. Philippa shares how the Arboretum fosters connection through nature and storytelling, and why remembrance is more important than ever in today’s world.

In this episode:
- Learn how a memorial to the Desert Rats helped Philippa connect with her grandfather’s legacy
- Discover how the Arboretum engages 25,000 young people annually through immersive education
- Hear how the Arboretum is evolving with new memorials, including tributes to parliamentarians and Muslim soldiers of the World Wars

Learn more: https://www.nma.org.uk
Listen on Apple, Spotify, and Wreaths Across America Radio

"Every day is different. Every day is exciting. And one of the things that drives me the most is this feeling of the overwhelming amount of stories that there are to be told at Arlington.”

New this week is our episode featuring Dr. Allison S. Finkelstein with U.S. Army National Military Cemeteries Arlington National Cemetery where we learn about the incredible scale, scope, and deep meaning of this historic American landmark.

*Undertold Stories of Women in WWI: The "Hello Girls" and "reconstruction aides" 

*Unconventional Memorials: Learn about Arlington's beautiful, living memorials, including Arlington's memorial trees, part of their Level 3 Memorial Arboretum.

*America's 250th Anniversary in 2026: The cemetery's plans to highlight graves and sites connected to Anniversary.