In this special episode of Living History with Alex, we sit down with two U.S. Marine veterans: Mike Peseta, a Purple Heart recipient who served 1967–1969 during the Vietnam War, and Sgt. Elio Dominguez, who served 1989–1996.

Mike and Elio share what pushed them to join the Marine Corps, what boot camp really feels like (mentally and physically), and the mindset it takes to make it through. Mike also opens up about Vietnam—what it was like arriving in-country, the brotherhood of Marines, and the moment he was wounded and later received the Purple Heart. Elio talks about staying extra time in boot camp due to a medical hold, and how resilience became part of his identity as a Marine.

🌟 Topics Covered:

• Why they joined the Marine Corps (family influence, personal motivation)

• Boot camp reality: “they break you down and build you back up”

• Vietnam era training vs. today, and being pushed through during wartime

• Mike’s Vietnam experience and the brotherhood of Marines

• Purple Heart story: the day Mike was wounded in combat

• Coming home, memories that stay, and honoring those who didn’t

If you enjoy real veteran stories and personal history, like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes of Living History with Alex.

📩 Know a veteran who should be featured? Reach out and let us know.

🔔 Stay tuned for more Living History with Alex.