Veterans Archives: Preserving the Stories of our Nations Heroes

Send us Fan Mail

In this deeply personal conversation, Susan McCain takes us on a journey through her life as a Michigan Army National Guard combat medic, special education teacher, and eventually, a proud advocate for women veterans. Born in Mount Clemens in 1962, Susan's path was shaped early by her brother Curtis who had Down syndrome—inspiring a lifelong dedication to working with special needs children.

At 23, Susan joined the National Guard primarily to fund her nursing education while keeping her teaching position. She vividly recounts basic training at Fort Dix where she became "X703" instead of Susan, and the moment she realized she was training to be a combat medic rather than a "medical specialist" as her recruiter had described. What's particularly striking is how Susan didn't identify as a veteran for decades after her service. "I never viewed myself as a veteran," she confesses. "I just did what I did because I did it."

Susan's personal life took a beautiful turn when her college algebra tutor (whom she initially wasn't attracted to) became her husband after sweeping her off her feet—literally—on the dance floor. Their story includes conscientious family planning around her military obligation, resulting in their son being born just months after her service ended. Her 35-year career working with special needs students mirrors her own journey through challenges, including serious health issues that forced her onto disability leave at age 47.

The conversation ultimately reveals how military service creates lasting ripples throughout one's entire life. For women veterans especially, who often struggle to have their service recognized, Susan's evolution from reluctance to embrace her veteran status to becoming an advocate for other women veterans demonstrates the power of community. As she powerfully reminds us: "It's okay to not be okay... And in those moments, we need somebody else to tell us that it's okay."

Support the show

www.veteransarchives.org

Send us Fan Mail

The remarkable century-long journey of Louis Tippit Jr. unfolds through vivid storytelling that transports listeners from the hardscrabble poverty of Depression-era Missouri to the Pacific battlefronts of World War II and beyond. Born in a cypress log house with no electricity in 1925, Louis shares how his early life was defined by grueling farm labor, picking cotton for mere pennies, and walking six miles daily to attend a three-room schoolhouse.

Louis's life took a dramatic turn when he joined the Navy Seabees at age 18 with two friends they nicknamed "The Arkansas Travelers." With disarming humility, he recounts how military service introduced him to modern conveniences most Americans now take for granted—his first experience with electric lights, his first pressurized shower, his first train ride. His wartime duties took him to Pearl Harbor, where he helped construct crucial warehouses for military supplies, and later to Saipan, where he witnessed history as the Enola Gay departed for its mission to Hiroshima.

What makes this conversation truly exceptional is how Louis connects personal experience to sweeping historical changes. From traversing the Panama Canal to supporting wounded soldiers returning from Iwo Jima, his memories provide intimate glimpses into pivotal moments of the 20th century. After returning home, Louis built a 31-year career as a millwright at Fisher Body/General Motors, passionate about the role unions played in creating worker protections and benefits. Now at 100 years old, having experienced 70+ combined years of marriage to two "good women," Louis reflects on a life spanning from log house poverty to recognition as part of America's Greatest Generation.

Join us for this extraordinary conversation that serves as both personal memoir and historical document—a living bridge connecting us to America's transformation through the eyes of someone who not only witnessed it but helped build it. Louis's story reminds us how far we've come and honors the resilience of those who paved the way through hard work, service, and unfailing optimism despite overwhelming challenges.

Support the show

www.veteransarchives.org

Send us Fan Mail

The winding path from military service to civilian success often reveals surprising connections. In this captivating conversation, Navy veteran Andy Usborne shares how his service aboard the USS Mobile transformed both the ship and his future career prospects.

Growing up as one of six brothers in rural New York, Andy was surrounded by family on all sides - his grandfather, aunts, uncles and cousins all lived down the same road. This tight-knit Italian-American community shaped his early years before he and a childhood friend decided to enlist in the Navy together to "see the world" in 1976. Little did Andy know that his assignment to a troubled amphibious cargo ship would become a turning point in his life.

When Andy reported to the USS Mobile, its reputation was so poor that other ships would take bets on whether it could make it under the Coronado Bay Bridge under its own power. Within a year, Andy and his shipmates transformed it into the squadron flagship, earning every Battle "E" efficiency award possible. More importantly, the technical skills he gained working with automated propulsion systems would perfectly prepare him for his civilian career.

After discharge, Andy leveraged his Navy training to secure a position at Long Beach Naval Shipyard, which led to a 35-year career with Honeywell in industrial automation. "The training I got in the Navy set me up perfectly for what I did at Honeywell," Andy explains. His willingness to make bold moves - relocating his family multiple times between California and New York before finally settling in Michigan - opened doors he never anticipated.

Today, Andy channels his energy into Veterans Connected, a nonprofit serving veterans who fall through the cracks of other support systems. Since 2019, they've provided nearly $750,000 in assistance, focused on preventing veteran suicide by removing key stressors. "We're the last stop," Andy says. "When all else fails, we'll take care of it."

If you've ever wondered how military experience translates to civilian success, or how one person can make a difference in the lives of fellow veterans, this episode offers powerful insights into both questions. Check out veteransconnected.org to learn more about Andy's current mission.

Support the show

www.veteransarchives.org

Send us Fan Mail

From the battlefields of Vietnam to the highways of Michigan, Bill Walton's story is a remarkable journey through service, sacrifice, and resilience. Born in Lansing in 1948, Bill's path took an unexpected turn when he was drafted into military service in 1967. As a radio operator stationed near the DMZ in northern Vietnam, he faced the brutal realities of combat that would shape his perspective for decades to come.

The conversation takes us through Bill's harrowing experiences, including a serious shrapnel wound sustained during an intense battle at Cam Duck Special Forces Camp. Despite injuries that should have sent him home, Bill completed his full tour – "twelve months, two weeks" as he precisely recalls. His matter-of-fact descriptions of 68 days without changing uniforms and encountering death for the first time at just 18 years old offer a sobering glimpse into the realities faced by thousands of young Americans during the Vietnam conflict.

Upon returning home to a less-than-welcoming reception, Bill channeled his experiences into a career dedicated to public service. His journey through the rigorous Michigan State Police Academy – which he describes as even more challenging than military training – led to assignments across the state, from Detroit's tough Redford Post to his final position in Alpena. Throughout his law enforcement career, Bill worked patrol and narcotics, facing life-threatening situations that tested the resilience he'd developed in Vietnam.

Beyond his professional life, Bill shares touching personal stories – meeting his wife Mary through a humorous blind date mix-up that led to a 45-year marriage, raising two daughters, and now enjoying his role as grandfather to seven grandchildren. His post-retirement years continued the theme of service as he worked as a bailiff, probation officer, and volunteer firefighter.

Bill's straightforward storytelling, occasionally punctuated with unexpected humor, reveals a man who faced extraordinary circumstances with remarkable fortitude. His journey reminds us of the profound impact military service has on those who serve and the quiet heroism of individuals who choose to protect others despite personal cost. Listen to this powerful conversation with a true American hero whose life embodies service above self.

Support the show

www.veteransarchives.org

Send us Fan Mail

From the quiet suburbs of St. Clair Shores, Michigan to the chaotic streets of Mogadishu, Kevin Justice's military journey spans over twenty years and four major conflicts that shaped modern American history. Kevin's story begins with his 1989 enlistment in the Army as a petroleum supply specialist, following in his father's military footsteps.

The conversation takes us through Kevin's evolution from a fresh recruit at Fort Leonard Wood to a combat veteran deployed to Desert Storm, Somalia, Bosnia, and Iraq. His vivid descriptions of Somalia are particularly gripping - "If you could find a place on this earth that was the rottenest place in the world, that was probably one of them." As a driver navigating Mogadishu's dangerous streets, Kevin faced daily threats while restrictive rules of engagement tied soldiers' hands from adequately protecting themselves.

What emerges through Kevin's story is how military service fundamentally rewires your thinking. "Everywhere I go - where's the exit? What will I do if this happens?" This heightened situational awareness becomes second nature, a permanent lens through which veterans view the world long after their service ends. His philosophy is powerfully simple: "Follow your instincts. It's your gut that's going to get you through life and hard times. If you second guess your gut, you're going to second guess your life."

After retiring as a drill sergeant in 2009, Kevin's transition to civilian life included work in corrections, education, and finally hospital security, where his military training continues to serve him well. His ability to handle challenging situations has earned him the respect of medical staff who know they can count on him in crisis situations.

Have you listened to a veteran's story lately? Their experiences offer valuable perspective on resilience, adaptability, and maintaining composure under pressure - lessons that transcend the battlefield and apply to everyday life.

Support the show

www.veteransarchives.org

Send us Fan Mail

From latchkey kid to combat veteran, Eric Corbett's extraordinary journey unfolds in this compelling conversation about service, struggle, and redemption.

Growing up in Florida during simpler times, Eric recalls drinking from garden hoses and wandering neighborhoods freely with friends - a childhood marked by independence that would later serve him well. After high school graduation and some legal troubles involving marijuana, Eric found himself at a crossroads that led him to Fort Benning and basic training in 2008.

What follows is a riveting account of military excellence and occasional rebellion. Eric quickly distinguished himself, competing for Soldier of the Year despite being a new recruit, while also finding himself in memorable predicaments - from smuggling apples during field exercises to evading MPs after a cab dispute. His deployment to Beji, Iraq in 2009 exposed him to the harsh realities of combat and the profound perspective it brings.

"You don't realize what you have until it's gone," Eric reflects, describing how witnessing life without running water, reliable electricity, or rule of law changed his outlook forever. His candid descriptions of transitioning between war and home life reveal the psychological whiplash many veterans experience.

The narrative takes a dramatic turn with Eric's account of the 2019 Baghdad Embassy attack while working as a contractor protecting US diplomats. "That's when it hit me. It's not a game," he recalls of the moment they were warned of incoming ballistic missiles.

Perhaps most powerful is Eric's recent transformation through sobriety. After years of alcohol-fueled adventures across multiple continents, he shares how giving up drinking in November 2023 has led to profound physical and spiritual growth. "There's been someone helping me, watching over me," he reflects, embracing a newfound spirituality.

Eric leaves us with hard-earned wisdom: "The decisions you make determine the outcome of your life. You control your own destiny." It's a powerful testament from someone who has truly lived on the edge and found his center.

Support the show

www.veteransarchives.org

Send us Fan Mail

What happens when a natural leader desperately tries to avoid the spotlight? Shirley Adams never wanted to stand out, but life had other plans. From being volunteered as platoon leader in Army basic training to becoming an HR executive decades later, leadership positions kept finding her despite her best efforts to remain invisible.

Born in Detroit in 1965 before moving to Orlando as a child, Shirley joined the Army in 1983 on the "buddy program" with her best friend when she discovered the Navy had a year-long waiting period for female recruits. What followed was a journey through military service as an Army cook in Germany, an unexpected pregnancy that led to an honorable discharge, and the beginning of civilian life as a young mother navigating the challenges of an unhealthy first marriage.

When Shirley took what she thought would be a temporary production job at Correct Craft boat manufacturing where her father worked, she couldn't have imagined it would become a 27-year career trajectory that would see her rise through purchasing into human resources and eventually senior leadership. Along the way, she began college at 39, earned her MBA at 47, and discovered her gift for organization during international mission trips.

Shirley's story is a powerful reminder of life's unexpected paths. Now working as an HR Director at a Presbyterian church after "retiring" at 50, she balances caring for grandchildren and supporting her husband through Alzheimer's while teaching as an adjunct professor. Her message resonates with clarity: "Don't operate out of fear. If you don't know something, learn it. Be a lifelong learner... It's never too late, and put yourself outside your comfort zone. You'll be so richly rewarded."

Join us for this compelling conversation about resilience, faith, reluctant leadership, and embracing the opportunities that arrive when we least expect them. Subscribe to hear more stories of ordinary people living extraordinary lives through service and purpose.

Support the show

www.veteransarchives.org

Send us Fan Mail

From Oklahoma oil fields to Vietnam and beyond, Billy Adams' life story captures the essence of service, resilience, and finding joy in life's journey.

Born in Drumright, Oklahoma in 1948, Billy grew up in Louisiana as the oldest boy among seven siblings. His early years were shaped by baseball, helping his father in the oil fields, and developing the work ethic that would serve him throughout life. When the draft came calling during the Vietnam War, Billy made the conscious choice to serve his country despite having opportunities to seek exemption due to his essential civilian work X-raying pipeline welds.

Billy's military journey took an unexpected turn when his 45-words-per-minute typing skills landed him a position as a company clerk at a post office near General Westmoreland's headquarters in Vietnam. This assignment came after a memorable first night in-country that included being blown off a latrine commode by a rocket attack – a baptism by fire that fortunately left him uninjured but certainly alert to his new surroundings.

After his military service, Billy returned to his roots in the oil industry before eventually moving to Florida and joining the Division of Forestry. It was in Florida where he met Shirley, his wife of over 30 years, forming a bond built on mutual respect and admiration. An avid runner in his younger days, Billy completed numerous road races, including a memorable marathon across the 26-mile bridge outside New Orleans – a feat he accomplished thanks to the encouragement of a fellow runner who refused to let him quit.

Now enjoying retirement and time with his grandchildren, Billy's message to future generations reflects the wisdom gained through his experiences: "Be calm, go with the flow, and accept what the good old United States will offer you." His story reminds us that through service, perseverance, and maintaining perspective, we can navigate life's challenges while appreciating its blessings.

Support the show

www.veteransarchives.org

Send us Fan Mail

From running a family farm at age 13 to saving lives under enemy fire in Vietnam, Jim Hock's journey exemplifies the resilience and quiet heroism of a generation. Born in Michigan in 1943 and adopted at age two, Jim's life took an unexpected turn when his draft notice arrived in 1966—just as he and his wife were settling into a new apartment, with boxes still unpacked.

Trained as a combat medic despite having studied business administration in college, Jim describes the heart-wrenching moment of saying goodbye to his wife before deploying: "I knew when I kissed her goodbye that I was never gonna see her again." This powerful certainty of his own death hangs over his entire Vietnam narrative, making his survival all the more poignant.

Jim's vivid recollections bring listeners into the chaos and courage of wartime medical service—from treating his first casualties under fire to rescuing soldiers from a burning ammunition dump. He shares bittersweet moments too: watching Bob Hope and Raquel Welch perform for the troops, receiving care packages from home, and the surreal instruction not to wear his uniform at the airport when returning home to avoid harassment from war protesters.

What makes Jim's story truly remarkable is how he transformed potential trauma into a full life after Vietnam. Returning to General Motors where he worked for 39 years, raising three children, and using his medical training to save lives in civilian settings—including once saving his own daughter from choking. Now celebrating 61 years of marriage, Jim leaves listeners with hard-earned wisdom: "Just feel lucky that you're in a country that you're free to do it. Follow your dreams. Don't give up."

Want to hear more stories of courage and resilience? Subscribe now and share this episode with someone who appreciates the sacrifices made by our veterans.

Support the show

www.veteransarchives.org

Send us Fan Mail

What does it mean to truly find your way home? For Mike Mikus, the journey began on a 27-acre Michigan farm where he taught himself to repair engines by age 10, continued through the Marine Corps where mentorship transformed his life, and ultimately led to creating a home filled with love, resilience and purpose.

Mike's story begins with childhood isolation that fostered self-reliance and mechanical aptitude. When a confrontation with his father led to enlistment in the Marines at 17, Mike found himself transformed by boot camp discipline and the guidance of Sergeant Kennedy, a mentor who helped him advance rapidly to sergeant while mastering helicopter hydraulics. Through three Mediterranean cruises on naval vessels and rare experiences like becoming a "Golden Shellback" when crossing the equator at 0-0 coordinates, Mike's military service shaped his character without sending him into direct combat.

The heart of Mike's narrative emerges in his return to civilian life, where meeting his wife led to a three-month courtship and decades-long marriage. Together they built a family of four children while repeatedly renovating homes, creating tight-knit neighborhood communities, and weathering life's challenges. Perhaps most powerful is their triumph over his wife's stage four cancer diagnosis—a battle they won against tremendous odds, reinforcing their belief in focusing on what truly matters.

Now in retirement, Mike embodies the wisdom he's gained: "Nobody on their deathbed ever said they wished they worked more." His dedication to veterans' ministry work, fishing trips with friends, and cherished time with children and grandchildren reflects a life built on service, resilience, and the understanding that home isn't just where you live—it's the legacy of love you create along the way.

Support the show

www.veteransarchives.org