The Lost Art Project: Veterans’ Voices

You served your country, wore the uniform, and eventually returned to civilian life. But does being a veteran ever truly end?

In this episode of The Lost Art Project: Veterans' Voices, AJ Cox is joined by Mike McNany, Jess Kindelspire, and Victor “Vick” Ney for an entertaining and thought-provoking conversation about what it means to be a veteran in today's world.

With Veterans Day approaching, the crew takes a deeper look at military identity, the transition into civilian life, and how our experiences in uniform continue shaping who we are long after our service ends.

One of the biggest questions of the evening: Is being a veteran something you did, or is it something you will always be?

The conversation explores the pride many veterans carry, the humility that often prevents them from recognizing their own accomplishments, and why so many believe their experiences aren't important enough to share.

AJ discusses how frequently he encounters veterans who say they "didn't do anything special" when asked to record their stories. But as the crew points out, military history isn't limited to combat, deployments, or decorations. Every person who served experienced something that future generations can learn from.

The discussion also examines the differences between active-duty service members and veterans, the traditions that connect generations, and the meaning behind the familiar phrase "Once a Marine, Always a Marine."

Another major focus is the transition from military to civilian life. Leaving the military means more than changing careers or taking off a uniform. For many, it involves rebuilding routines, adjusting to a different culture, finding new purpose, and learning how to reconnect with family and community.

The crew shares personal perspectives on those challenges, the importance of patience, and why camaraderie and support from fellow veterans remain valuable years after leaving the service.

The conversation also touches on navigating VA benefits, understanding available resources, and the importance of veterans helping other veterans.

🇺🇸 What does being a veteran mean today?

And naturally, the crew doesn't stay serious the entire time!

From Mike's ankle injury and the story behind it to military memories, everyday frustrations, veteran organizations, and the unexpected tangents that make these conversations entertaining, there's plenty of laughter mixed with meaningful discussion.

Andrew “AJ” Cox — Host, MGySgt, USMC (Ret.)

A special thank-you to everyone who joined the live broadcast and contributed their experiences, opinions, and humor!

What does being a veteran mean to YOU?

Is your military service still a major part of your identity? Was transitioning to civilian life difficult? Or have your experiences and perspective changed over the years?

Share your thoughts in the comments and help keep the conversation going!

The Lost Art Project is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving veterans' firsthand experiences through long-form oral histories, FireSide Chats, and historical archiving.

Our mission is to ensure that the experiences, lessons, memories, and legacies of those who served are never forgotten.

🎙️ Are you a veteran willing to share your story?

🇺🇸 Interested in becoming a Historical Archivist?

🌐 https://www.thelostartprojectveteransvoices.org

Preserving Voices. Protecting Legacies.

Is respect something we should automatically give others, or is it something that must be earned? And once respect is lost, can it ever truly be restored?

In this episode of The Lost Art Project: Veterans' Voices, AJ Cox sits down with Mike McNany and Jess Kindelspire for another entertaining, unscripted FireSide Chat that explores respect, leadership, accountability, and the way we treat one another.

What begins as a discussion about common courtesy quickly develops into a deeper conversation about how respect influences our everyday interactions. From holding doors and greeting strangers to dealing with difficult people and navigating social media, the crew examines whether society has forgotten the importance of simply treating others with kindness.

Drawing on their military experiences, AJ, Mike, and Jess explore the differences between respecting someone's authority and genuinely respecting them as a person. They share personal examples of leadership, discipline, getting chewed out, and learning when raising your voice helps—or makes matters worse.

The conversation also examines the importance of knowing the people you lead, recognizing when someone needs encouragement instead of criticism, and understanding that fear and intimidation aren't substitutes for effective leadership.

🇺🇸 Is respect earned, given, or both?

And, as always, the crew manages to wander into some hilarious territory along the way! From AJ's custom hat and family hat collections to military memories, driving habits, and the now-unforgettable phrase “danger donkeys,” there's no shortage of laughter mixed into the serious conversation.

Andrew “AJ” Cox — Host, MGySgt, USMC (Ret.)

Mike McNany

Jess Kindelspire

A special thanks to everyone who joined the live chat, including Jim Russell and the viewers who contributed their thoughts and humor throughout the evening.

Do you believe respect should be earned, or should everyone receive a basic level of respect until they give you a reason otherwise?

And what does someone have to do to earn back your respect once they've lost it?

Share your thoughts in the comments!

The Lost Art Project is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to preserving veterans' firsthand experiences through long-form oral histories, FireSide Chats, and historical archiving.

Our mission is to ensure the stories, experiences, lessons, and legacies of those who served are preserved for future generations.

Know a veteran who should share their story?

Interested in becoming a Historical Archivist?

🌐 https://www.thelostartprojectveteransvoices.org

Preserving Voices. Protecting Legacies.

25 October 2026 | The Lost Art Project: Veterans’ Voices

How much history is hidden in the stories veterans tell? And what happens when the people who remember the lessons behind those stories are no longer around to explain them?

In this episode of FireSide Chat, host Andrew “AJ” Cox joins Aaron Davis, Mike McNany, Jess Kindelspire, and Vick Ney for an evening of military memories, overseas adventures, good-natured trash talking, and serious reflections on leadership and lessons learned.

Aaron shares a story from Rota, Spain, while deployed with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit. An attempt to help junior Marines return to the ship becomes a confusing liberty deadline, a confrontation with senior leadership, and a private explanation that puts the whole encounter in a different light.

Jess brings memories from amphibious deployments, foreign ports, and shipboard life. From Australia and the Middle East to Japan, his stories capture the unpredictable combination of close quarters, colorful personalities, and questionable decisions that make military experiences unforgettable.

AJ and Vick revisit their trip to France, where an unavailable interpreter leaves them navigating conversations with limited French. An early-morning cigar purchase and a memorable restaurant encounter become reminders that military travel produces stories far beyond the official itinerary.

The crew also explores the Lance Corporal Underground and how stories change as they travel. Jess recalls a damaged weapon barrel turning into a rumor that a crew member had died—an example of how quickly a real event can become something entirely different.

But beneath the laughter are difficult memories.

The conversation turns to training accidents, equipment failures, fatigue, and the consequences of overlooked warning signs. The crew reflects on incidents involving armored vehicles, aircraft, and live-fire ranges, discussing how quickly an ordinary training day can become life-changing.

A central theme emerges: remembering why the rules exist.

As experienced service members move on, the stories behind safety requirements can disappear. Training that once followed a painful lesson may begin to seem unnecessary when nobody remembers what prompted it.

Leadership becomes another major part of the discussion. Aaron and Jess recall leaders who chose to teach after mistakes rather than immediately end careers. Vick describes raising concerns after a range incident, leading to a conversation about accountability, speaking up, and whether leaders are willing to hear uncomfortable information.

Drawing on his experience supporting military training as a contractor, Jess discusses resistance to adapting training for emerging threats, including improvised explosive devices. The crew considers the cost of refusing constructive criticism and treating important information as something to hold onto rather than share.

Throughout the episode, humor and hard-earned experience come together around a shared understanding: military stories preserve more than entertainment. They carry lessons about responsibility, judgment, leadership, and taking care of one another.

Words of Wisdom from the episode:

Jess recommends The White Donkey, discussing its portrayal of military experience and PTSD and his connection to its original crowdfunding effort.

Vick shares: “In the land of the blind, the one-eyed man is king,” prompting a few variations from the crew.

AJ encourages veterans to ask for help when they need it and check on the people they served with.

The crew adds one final piece of familiar advice: “Change your socks.”

Host:

Andrew “AJ” Cox — United States Marine Corps Master Gunnery Sergeant (Ret.) | Founder & Executive Director, The Lost Art Project

FireSide Chat Crew:

Aaron Davis

Mike McNany

Jess Kindelspire

Vick Ney

If you’re struggling, please reach out. Crisis support is available by calling 988.

And if you’re doing well, take a moment to check on someone you served with. Sometimes a simple conversation can make all the difference.

The Lost Art Project: Veterans’ Voices

Preserving Voices. Protecting Legacies.

Collect • Preserve • Educate • Inspire

🌐 www.thelostartprojectveteransvoices.org

▶️ YouTube: @TheLostArtProject

#751 FireSide Chat w/ the Crew & Special Guest David Brent Eaton | Faith, Music & Creativity

Description:

On the show:

Date: October 22, 2026

#FireSideChat #TheLostArtProject #VeteransVoices #MarineCorps #FaithAndMusic #VeteranStories

Join Historical Archivist Dee Galvin for a conversation with Marine veteran Don Johnston. Don shares how a family legacy of military service influenced his decision to become a Marine and takes us through his path as an officer—from his training and early interest in aviation to serving as a Data Systems Officer at Marine Corps Logistics Base Barstow.

Don also talks about remaining in the Reserve after leaving active duty, receiving a recall notice during Desert Storm, and transitioning to civilian work in healthcare technology. Along the way, he reflects on military service, family, and the challenges of leaving active duty.

On the show: Don Johnston, Marine veteran; Dee Galvin, Historical Archivist

🌐 Learn more about The Lost Art Project: thelostartprojectveteransvoices.org

Subscribe and share your thoughts: What part of Don’s story stood out to you?

#VeteranStory #MarineVeteran #MarineCorps #MilitaryService #Veterans #TheLostArtProject

#15 Jarhead Jabber — October 2026

Episode #15 of Jarhead Jabber, the Official Marine Corps League Podcast, features conversation about the Marine Corps League, the Military Order of the Devil Dogs, and resources for veterans. Carlos Garcia was away for this episode.

Meet this episode’s cast:

AJ Cox — Host, bringing the conversation together and keeping the focus on Marines, veterans, and the League.

Mike — Shares information about the Military Order of the Devil Dogs and its Woof-O-Gram publication.

Erica — Shares her work with the National Newsletter Committee and offers guidance for Marine Corps League newsletters.

TikTok Matty Wack — Brings jokes and humor to the conversation.

Special guest: Jeff Newton of National VA Loans discusses the VA home loan process and answers questions, including about assumable loans and VA construction and renovation loans.

📅 Monday, October 19

Are veteran organizations ready to connect with and serve the next generation? In this FireSide Chat, AJ Cox and the crew talk about why younger veterans may not feel drawn to traditional organizations—and what those groups can do to change that.

The conversation looks at how organizations such as the VFW, Elks, and Eagles once brought people together and served their communities. The crew discusses adapting to generational changes, working across organizations, embracing new technology, and giving younger people meaningful ways to contribute and lead. The challenge is to invite the next generation in and listen to what they need, rather than writing them off as disengaged.

On the show: AJ Cox, Mike, Jess, and Erwin

📅 Recorded October 18, 2026

What do you think veteran organizations should change to better connect with younger veterans? Share your thoughts in the comments.

#Veterans #VeteranOrganizations #VeteranCommunity #FireSideChat #TheLostArtProject

🎙️ EPISODE #748 — FireSide Chat w/ Jeff Newton & the Crew | 15 October 2026

🇺🇸 VA HOME LOANS: UNDERSTANDING THE BENEFITS YOU'VE EARNED! 🏡

Did you know that VA home loan benefits may offer veterans more opportunities than simply purchasing an existing home? What about building a new house, purchasing land, renovating a property, or refinancing your current mortgage?

In this episode of The Lost Art Project, host Andrew "AJ" Cox and the Crew welcome Jeff Newton, founder of National VA Loans, for an informative, entertaining, and eye-opening conversation about VA home loan benefits and the opportunities many veterans may not realize are available to them.

Jeff has worked in the mortgage industry since 2002. Inspired by conversations with his brother Josh, a 21-year U.S. Air Force veteran, Jeff recognized that many veterans were not receiving the information they needed to fully understand their earned home loan benefits. That realization helped shape his mission of educating and assisting veterans through National VA Loans.

Throughout the conversation, Jeff breaks down several important aspects of VA home financing, including:

🏠 VA Home Purchases — Understanding the VA home loan benefit and how veterans can use it to purchase a home.

🔨 VA Construction Loans — Exploring the possibility of purchasing land and building a new home through a one-time-close construction loan.

🛠️ VA Renovation Loans — How certain financing options may allow eligible borrowers to purchase and improve an existing property.

💰 Refinancing and Financial Decisions — Understanding available options and making informed decisions about homeownership.

📋 The VA Loan Process — Qualifications, appraisals, contractors, and why working with knowledgeable professionals matters.

🇺🇸 Veteran Education — Why understanding earned benefits is just as important as having access to them.

Of course, it wouldn't be FireSide Chat without plenty of laughs, friendly banter, and a few conversations that take unexpected turns! From the frustrations of homeownership and changing weather to the housing market, financial history, and movie recommendations, the Crew keeps the conversation entertaining while Jeff delivers valuable information.

📚 WORDS OF WISDOM

The episode concludes with our traditional Words of Wisdom segment, including a book recommendation for The Big Short, a reminder about protecting your personal peace, and Jeff's message encouraging veterans to understand and make informed use of the benefits they've earned through service.

🎙️ ON THIS EPISODE:

Andrew "AJ" Cox — Host, Founder & Executive Director of The Lost Art Project; USMC Master Gunnery Sergeant (Ret.)

Jeff Newton — Special Guest, Founder of National VA Loans

Mike — FireSide Chat Crew

Jess — FireSide Chat Crew

🔗 CONNECT WITH OUR SPECIAL GUEST

National VA Loans

🌐 Website: https://www.nationalvaloans.com

📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/nationalvaloans

📞 Phone: 855-956-4040

🇺🇸 ABOUT THE LOST ART PROJECT

The Lost Art Project is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to collecting, preserving, and sharing the firsthand experiences of our nation's veterans. Through Veteran Stories, FireSide Chats, and historical archiving, we work to ensure these voices and experiences remain accessible to future generations.

🌐 https://www.thelostartprojectveteransvoices.org

📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheLostArtProject

❤️ SUPPORT THE MISSION

Your support helps us continue recording, preserving, and archiving the stories of those who served.

Preserving Voices. Protecting Legacies.

Collect • Preserve • Educate • Inspire

#TheLostArtProject #VeteransVoices #FireSideChat #JeffNewton #NationalVALoans #VALoans #VeteransBenefits #VeteranHomeownership #MilitaryVeterans #MarineCorps #VeteranStories #PreservingHistory

🔥 #747 FireSide Chat w/ the Crew — Leadership: Military Lessons That Still Work Today

The uniform comes off, but the leadership lessons—and the friendships—stay with us.

Join Andrew “AJ” Cox, Vick Ney, and Jess Kindelspire for an honest, often hilarious conversation about carrying military experience into civilian life. From workplace disagreements to accepting uncomfortable feedback, the Crew explores what happens when direct military communication meets a world with different expectations.

Vick shares a real challenge from his work as a music educator, opening a discussion about boundaries, tone, and the difference between what we intend and what someone else hears. Can you stand your ground while recognizing that your approach needs a “rudder adjustment”? And does being an effective leader require being liked?

The conversation also examines the friendships veterans build through service, why those connections can feel harder to find afterward, and the value of people who care enough to tell you when you’re getting something wrong.

Of course, it wouldn’t be a FireSide Chat without a few detours! Football banter leads into military rugby memories and honoring fallen teammates. Old computer games spark a conversation about teaching history honestly, while military movies, questionable uniforms, and exaggerated service claims bring plenty of laughs.

AJ and Vick also share their experiences with tinnitus and hearing loss, reflecting on habits they wish they had changed earlier. The evening closes with Words of Wisdom about taking action, embracing uncertainty, and getting out of your own head—and a reminder to check on the people you served beside.

🎙️ ON THIS EPISODE

Andrew “AJ” Cox — Founder / Executive Director / Host

Vick Ney — FireSide Chat Crew / President, The Lost Art Project

Jess Kindelspire — FireSide Chat Crew

🤝 Thank you to our sponsors and supporters:

🇺🇸 Every Veteran Has a Story. Every Story Is a Piece of History.

The Lost Art Project: Veterans’ Voices preserves veterans’ lived experiences through recorded conversations, oral histories, and historical archiving.

🌐 Learn more:

❤️ Become a monthly supporter:

📺 Join our live FireSide Chats Sundays and Thursdays at 7 PM Central / 8 PM Eastern on YouTube @TheLostArtProject.

Preserving Voices. Protecting Legacies.

8 October 2026 | The Lost Art Project: Veterans’ Voices

How safe are you in today's digital world? And how much information about you is already available to someone who wants to use it against you?

In this episode of FireSide Chat, host Andrew “AJ” Cox and the crew welcome Douglas Kaluhiokalani, a United States Air Force veteran and cybersecurity professional with approximately 17 years of experience, for an eye-opening conversation about cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, digital warfare, online scams, and the threats hiding in everyday technology.

Douglas shares his journey from being a young computer enthusiast to serving in Air Force special operations and eventually working in defensive and offensive cybersecurity. Drawing on his experience supporting cybersecurity exercises involving Army Cyber Command and NATO, he explains how modern warfare has evolved far beyond traditional weapons and battlefields.

The conversation explores how military communications, satellite technology, digital footprints, and artificial intelligence are changing the way military operations are conducted. The crew discusses how quickly technology advances, the difficulties of keeping military systems current, and the risks that arise when organizations depend on technology they don't fully understand.

But the discussion doesn't stop with national security.

Douglas brings cybersecurity down to a personal level, explaining how easily criminals can gather publicly available information, create convincing phishing emails, impersonate trusted individuals, and use artificial intelligence to make scams increasingly believable.

From compromised social media accounts and identity theft to outdated routers, smart televisions, weak passwords, and suspicious text messages, the crew explores the vulnerabilities that ordinary people encounter every day.

One particularly interesting discussion centers on how artificial intelligence can collect publicly available information about someone and help identify the types of scams that person might be most likely to believe. It's a powerful reminder that the information we share online can sometimes be used against us.

Throughout the conversation, AJ, Mike, Jess, and Douglas mix serious discussions with the humor, military stories, and good-natured trash talking that make FireSide Chat what it is. There are plenty of laughs about outdated military computers, Marines breaking equipment, technology frustrations, and even a few technical difficulties during the show itself.

The crew also discusses the importance of maintaining mental health in an increasingly connected world. Douglas explains why people working in high-stress environments need to recognize their limits, step away from technology, and make time to recover mentally.

As the episode moves toward its conclusion, Douglas shares cybersecurity resources, including the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3), where individuals can learn more about online safety and report suspected cybercrime.

And, as always, the crew closes with their Words of Wisdom, reflections on life, and a reminder that looking out for one another remains just as important today as it was during military service.

Words of Wisdom from the episode:

Jess shares a recommendation for a World War II history book.

Mike reminds everyone not to save their kindest words for someone's funeral—say them while they can still hear them.

Douglas recommends Sandworm by Andy Greenberg and The Upside of Stress by Kelly McGonigal, emphasizing the importance of understanding both cybersecurity threats and how to manage stress.

Host:

Andrew “AJ” Cox — United States Marine Corps Master Gunnery Sergeant (Ret.) | Founder & Executive Director, The Lost Art Project

Special Guest:

Douglas Kaluhiokalani — United States Air Force Veteran | Cybersecurity Professional

FireSide Chat Crew:

Mike McNany — United States Marine Corps Veteran

Jess Kindelspire — FireSide Chat Crew

If you're struggling, please reach out. The Veterans Crisis Line is available by dialing 988 and pressing 1, texting 838255, or visiting VeteransCrisisLine.net.

And if you're doing well, take a moment to check on someone you served with. Sometimes a simple conversation can make all the difference.

The Lost Art Project: Veterans’ Voices

Preserving Voices. Protecting Legacies.

Collect • Preserve • Educate • Inspire

🌐 www.thelostartprojectveteransvoices.org

▶️ YouTube: @TheLostArtProject