Diane Fears – The USS Gompers’ First Wave
Diane Fears describes her experience being among the first wave of women to be stationed on a U.S. Navy ship on the West Coast.
Ed Cowen – Me Looking at Him, Looking at Me
Ed Cowan describes his work with a Vietnamese construction battalion along Highway QL1 and in the DMZ in Vietnam.
Bill Wirth – One Tough Interview
Bill Wirth describes his experience being interviewed for the nuclear power program in 1962 by the renowned and colorful Admiral Hyman G. Rickover.
Bill Peterson – They Said: “Listen to Your Sergeant”
Bill Peterson, a former Army mess officer stationed at Fort Sheridan, Illinois, describes the difficult relationship he had with the military police on base after diligently following the advice he was given by the sergeants at Officer Candidate School.
Wileen Footman – Battle Buddy Before Self
Purple Heart recipient Wileen Footman shares her intense experience during a rocket attack in Afghanistan, highlighting the fear, confusion, and camaraderie among soldiers. Despite injuries, she emphasizes the strong bond with her battle buddy, Cheryl, and the support from fellow soldiers during the chaos.
Mary M. Jackson – Communicating Can Be a Bear
Retired Vice Admiral Mary M. Jackson reflects on the evolution of communication and how it has impacted her life, both positively and negatively.
Vanessa Thomas – She Served Without Question
Vanessa Thomas recounts her early life in England, moving to the U.S., and her choice to join the U.S. Navy, where she became a Torpedoman’s Mate. Currently, she is the State Women Veterans’ Coordinator at the Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs and advocates for women veterans’ issues.
Mose Floyd – Mentors Shaping Lives
Mose Floyd, a judge and retired Marine Corps officer, recounts the influence of parents and mentors in his life. He then talks about the importance of minority representation in the Marine Corps, being a leader, and his work with the Veterans Treatment Court.
Joseph Ruthenberg – Life on Marine One
Joseph Ruthenberg joined the Marines and became a pilot after learning the Army program was closed. He was assigned to the Presidential Helicopter Squadron, HMX-1, where he flew the H-3 helicopter and had interactions with President Reagan. He also recounts a story about traveling to Xi’an, China, with the squadron, where they had to reassemble […]