Today we are joined with Michael Franks. Michael joined the Army in 2005 on an 18X contract inbound to Special Forces. Injury changed his course where he then found himself with the historic 2nd Battalion, 327th Infantry (No Slack) of the 101st Airborne Division.

Michael served in both Iraq and Afghanistan with No Slack and served during the events which were filmed for the documentary Hornet's Nest—specifically the Battle of Barawala Kalay Valley.  We highly recommend giving Hornet's Nest a watch if you haven't already seen it.

We discuss Michael's experience and feelings during the Global War on Terror, and the meaning many of us learned then, and continue to search for.

Since leaving active duty, Michael transitioned to the Army Reserves and for his "day-job," serves as a senior wealth advisor in the Cincinnati, OH area.

We are joined today with David Bellavia. Famed for his legendary valor and determination, Bellavia is the Iraq War's sole living Medal of Honor recipient for his actions on November 10, 2004 as a squad leader with 2nd Battalion, 2nd Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division (known as the 'Ramrods') during the Second Battle of Fallujah.

Bellavia's best-selling book House to House: An Epic Memoir of War captures the brutal action and raw intensity of leading Third Platoon, Alpha Company, into a lethally choreographed kill zone: the booby-trapped, explosive-laden houses of Fallujah's militant insurgents where he single-handedly cleared a fortified enemy position that had pinned down a squad from his platoon.

We discuss with David his reflections on the war experience and living life on the home front as both a combat veteran adjusting to the civilian world, but also the duty and role of being a living Medal of Honor recipient.

His new book, Remember the Ramrods An Army of Brotherhood in War and Peace covers the journey of Bellavia’s platoon through fifteen years. A quintessential and timeless American tale, it is the story of how forty battle-hardened soldiers became ordinary citizens again; what they did during that time, and how November 10, 2004, rattled within them; and how their reunion brought them home at last.

David is one of the most inspiring, motivating, and determined leader, Soldier, and author who rose to the call of action during the Global War on Terror. It was an absolute honor and pleasure.

http://www.davidbellavia.com/

https://duty1st.com/

Today we are joined with Chuck Holton to discuss Ukraine. Chuck is a former Army Ranger with the 75th Ranger Regiment having served in Panama for Operation Just Cause. After leaving the military, Chuck has spent the last twenty years as an American war correspondent. He is also a published author, motivational speaker and has also been a freelance cameraman for Fox News, following Oliver North on his travels. Holton is currently a War Correspondent for Newsmax.

We discuss with Chuck his experiences in Ukraine as he spent time there a few months ago and will be going back soon. Chuck has a depth of experience both personally and professionally in combat zones and has much insight to offer into the ongoing war.

Today we are joined with James Cosgrove. James is the curator of Project Past which explores American battlefields, museums, and little-known historic sites here in the United States. His page highlights many historic American landmarks such as Yorktown, the Battle of New Orleans, Gettysburg, the National WWII Museum, and many more.

We discuss with James his love of American history, as well as the many takeaways he has from documenting these sites across America. While many of our War Stories conversations are typically about America’s involvement overseas, it’s nice to discuss older American battle sites as well here on the home front, which are the stories of America’s beginning.

Project Past YouTube Page:

https://www.youtube.com/c/ProjectPast1565

Support War Stories on Patreon!: https://www.patreon.com/warstoriespodcast

Website: www.warstories.co

Contact: [email protected]

Today, we are again joined with Ian Richardson to discuss Ukraine. Ian is a Captain in the Army Reserve and formerly served as a Logistics Officer in Iraq in 2020. He is a published museum professional at the Patton Museum with nearly a decade of experience and a focus in 20th century warfare.

Ian has spent the last several months continuing to research and study the ongoing war in Ukraine and recently has presented topics regarding the war and history of Ukraine/Russian to both basic training recruits as well as Army ROTC cadets. We discuss his take on the situation, with much background context surrounding the region as well as his thoughts about what the future has in store.

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Website: https://www.warstories.co

We are joined again today with John Spencer to talk Ukraine. Spencer is an award-winning scholar, professor, author, combat veteran, and internationally recognized expert and advisor on urban warfare and other military related topics. Considered one of the world’s leading expert on urban warfare, he served as an advisor to the top four-star general and other senior leaders in the U.S. Army as part of strategic research groups from the Pentagon to the United States Military Academy.

We discuss the ongoing Ukrainian/Russian war and how it fits historically and geopolitically with both the United States and the "free" world. This was a fascinating conversation as John offers many interesting perspectives and insights involving democracy, freedom, and the American spirit.

Support the show and become a War Stories patron: https://www.patreon.com/warstoriespodcast 

Website: https://www.warstories.co

Today we are joined with Artie Guerrero. Artie served in Vietnam so his younger brother didn't have to and was one of fourteen to be hand-selected into the newly formed Ranger LRRP unit assigned to the 1st Cavalry Division. As a LRRP Ranger, Artie was shot four times when three North Vietnamese companies ambushed Artie's 6-man recon team in April 1967. He is a recipient of the Silver Star, Bronze Star, Army Commendation Medal with "V" Device, and the Purple Heart.  

Shortly after returning home from the war wounded, Artie was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. Since then, Artie has been a tireless advocate for veterans and those with disabilities, having pushed politicians to make meaningful legislation for nearly half a century. He has experienced history first-hand and we appreciate the opportunity to speak with such a distinguished person as Artie.

https://www.opveteran.org/

Support War Stories on Patreon!: https://www.patreon.com/warstoriespodcast

Website: www.warstories.co 

Contact: [email protected]

JD Huitt of the YouTube channel The History Underground joins us today. JD is a historian who has spent much of his personal time travelling to and documenting historical locations to provide the viewer a firsthand view of what these past battle sites look like today.

We discuss with JD his recent trip to WWII’s Pacific Theater and the Marine and Japanese fight on these remote islands. JD spent time on Saipan, where he documented key locations of the Battle of Saipan—which has been referred to as the "Pacific D-Day" with the invasion fleet departing Pearl Harbor the day before the Normandy invasion on 5 June 1944.

The History Underground: https://www.youtube.com/c/TheHistoryUnderground/featured

Support the show and become a War Stories patron: https://www.patreon.com/warstoriespodcast 

Website: https://www.warstories.co

We are joined today with Dave Berkenfield. Dave retired after spending 25 years in special operations having served as a Navy SEAL beginning in the 90’s and retiring only a couple years ago. Today, he serves in a leadership role on racing teams with Chip Ganassi Racing headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Having served on 20 combat deployments during his time as a SEAL, we discuss with Dave the impact on us veterans upon leaving the service, and the terrible infliction that is veteran suicide. Since his retirement, Dave has worked closely with the American Legion to develop the “Be the One” campaign. The American Legion is known as Veteran’s Strengthening America and developed the Be the One Campaign “to begin thinking, talking and acting to save just one life.” We appreciate Dave’s leadership and dedication in tackling such a complex, American issue.

If you are feeling suicidal, thinking about hurting yourself, or are concerned that someone you know may be in danger of hurting himself or herself, call the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. It is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and is staffed by certified crisis response professionals.

www.betheone.org

Support the show and become a War Stories patron: https://www.patreon.com/warstoriespodcast 

Website: https://www.warstories.co

We are joined in this episode today with Corey Jones. Corey is a Drill Sergeant at Ft. Benning, Georgia where he turns Army recruits into infantrymen and women. We discussed the challenges, rewards, and the impact drill sergeants make on their recruits as well as the method of instruction used in basic training today as compared to years past.

It was nice to catch up with Corey as the three of us all served in the same infantry company in Afghanistan. We are proud to know people like Corey who continue to represent and lead the youth of America. It was a pleasure.

Support the show and become a War Stories patron: https://www.patreon.com/warstoriespodcast 

Website: https://www.warstories.co