VIC 4 VETS: Submit a vet so Vic and Ken can honor them

Every month is VIC FOR VETS month.

Every Wednesday, Vic and Ken will honor a veteran…living or dead. If you have anyone in your family or close circle who served that we can honor, please email their information to KEN at NEWSTALKSTL dot COM

NAME & RANK:

BRANCH & (optional) Battalion/Platoon:

DATE OF SERVICE:

ANY MEDALS OR AWARDS (optional):

MORE INFO: THIS is the storytelling part…anything that helps us tell their BRIEF story would be great.

Scroll down to see the full list of honorees

Thanks to the following friends for making Vic 4 Vets possible:

HONOR ROLL

06.25.2026

SUBMITTED BY: Mike Bongner

Good morning, Ken!

I would like you and Vic to honor Harry Hope but I’d like to know when you will do it so that I can alert Harry and his wife Terry in advance. They live at Friendship Village in Chesterfield. Shelly’s sister, Julie (my girlfriend) might be able to arrange for the radio to be on in a group lounge so that many others can listen.

UPDATE!

I just want to let you know that Julie arranged for the show to be broadcast in one of the common areas out at Friendship Village. We can expect a large gathering to listen to Harry’s commemoration.

I really appreciate you and Vic honoring our veterans, especially Harry.

Sincerely,

Mike Bongner

Here is Harry’s story:

Harry H. Hope is a U.S. Navy and Marine Corps Korean War veteran and one of the few survivors of the Battle of the Chosin Reservoir (Nov–Dec 1950)—one of the most brutal and famous engagements in U.S. military history. Survivors are referred to as “The Chosin Few”. (Note the spelling for reference.)

Harry Hope joined the U.S. Navy in 1947 and transferred to the U.S. Marine Corps in 1948
The battle took place in extreme cold (down to −40°F) and behind enemy lines for about 2½ weeks, outnumbered by tens of thousands of Chinese troops. Actual numbers are estimated at 30,000 UN troops vs. 120,000 Chinese.
Supplies ran dangerously low—food, ammunition, and equipment were scarce. Lubrication in their weapons froze, rendering them useless.
Harry loves to tell the story about the time a request for “Tootsie Rolls” was sent but misinterpreted. Tootsie Rolls was a code word for mortar rounds but the person receiving the message hadn’t been alerted to that. As a result, they literally dropped several thousand ACTUAL Tootsie Rolls. A second request was sent, but this time they requested the Tootsie Rolls that go BOOM!
The candy was still useful, as it didn’t freeze solid and helped provide energy. To this day, the manufacturer sends Harry Tootsie Rolls, wrapped in a special Flag Wrapper so that he can give them away while telling his story.
Harry suffered frostbite injuries that affect him today and will for the rest of his life.
There are only a few remaining survivors of that battle and they remain in touch with each other.
Harry earned 22 medals, ribbons, and citations, including:
Presidential Unit Citation
Korean Presidential Citation
Korean Service Medal
United Nations Service Medal
Harry continued to serve in the Air Force Reserve and the Missouri National Guard until finally retiring from military service in 1991.
Harry is the founder of the Greater St. Louis Honor Flight, helping veterans visit memorials in Washington, D.C.
Harry Hope represents of one of the most extreme combat experiences in U.S. history. His life spans frontline combat in subzero conditions, decades of continued military service, and major contributions to preserving veteran memory and honoring fellow servicemen.

06.24.2026

SUBMITTED BY: Mike Ellington a.k.a. “AllinMan”

_____________________________________________________________

Good morning, Vic and Ken.

Today I would like to present my older brother, Harry P. Ellington, as our Vic 4 Vets Honoree.

He was a member of the US Air Force. He attained the rank of Master Sergeant E-5. His job was an AP that’s Military for COP.

He was married and had three children. Since he was my older brother, he taught me how to Play Baseball, along with our Father, Who Had the same first name. His service time was from 1963 to 1967. I remember he told me the reason he joined the Air force, it was because JFK ask “what can you do for your county” Our immediate family cover all the services My Father WW2 Army Purple Heart, He “Boots” what we call Harry, Air Force, My younger Brother Ken The Marine Corp, and myself the Navy. He loved his God, his family, and his country. (He is with our God now) His favorite little ditty was the recruitment song they sang, “They took the blue from the skies. And a pretty girl’s eyes. And a touch of Old Glory’s hue, And gave it to the men/women who proudly wear. The U. S. Air Force Blue”

Happy 250th Birthday, America, and to all my active firefighters, Stay Dry!

Mike Ellington

Allinman

06.12.2026

SUBMITTED BY: Listener Bob
________________________________________________________________

Vic and Ken,
I’ve thoroughly enjoyed and deeply appreciate the fact that this has been a weekly event for quite a while, and that it’s now a daily occurrence during the month of June is just a phenomenal idea! Thank you both so much for that!

It’s very possible that I’ve missed any segment that may have mentioned the unsung heroes of so many U.S. Military Combat Operations, the K-9 Warrior. I’d like to take the opportunity to recognize the innumerable brave, intelligent, and Fearless members of the Armed Forces, which have served in every war since the American Revolution, in one form or another…as well as in other worldwide conflicts throughout human history.

The story of the Military Working Dog (MWD) in US Forces officially began on March 13, 1942. That’s when the U.S. Army launched its War Dog Program during World War II, though canines have served honorably for much longer than that…including Sgt Stubby, a stray Boston Terrier Mix who served in WWI – he served in 17 battles, alerting troops to incoming gas attacks before humans could detect them, comforting wounded soldiers, and even capturing a German spy by biting him and refusing to let go until soldiers could capture him.

Stories abound of our magnificent K9 companions serving honorably and selflessly in WWI and WWII, Korea, Vietnam, Iraq and Afghanistan (including the Belgian Malinois with nerves of steel, Cairo, who was part of SEAL Team 6’s historic mission to eliminate Osama bin Laden…and another Belgian Malinois, Conan – who played a critical role in the Delta Force raid that eliminated the ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, only two of the many, many canines who’ve served selflessly and honorably, even while mortally wounded in some cases.

The stories of these amazing K9 heroes remind us that courage and sacrifice aren’t limited to humans. For over a century, military working dogs have saved lives, detected danger, and provided unwavering loyalty to the soldiers they served alongside. Whether charging into battle, shielding their handlers, or using their sharp instincts to prevent catastrophe, these dogs have played a vital role in American military history.”

I get lost reading stories of them, there are so many. We as humans cannot possibly thank our deserving Canine Companions enough just for our interactions with them in our daily humdrum lives; their amazing contributions to human society in wartime is the well-earned and well-deserved stuff of legends.
Here are some of the other K9 Heroes featured on pawpularcompanions.biz:

Sgt. Stubby (WWI) – The Original War Dog
Chips (WWII) – The One-Dog Army
Smoky (WWII) – The Little Terrier That Could
Nemo A534 (Vietnam War) – The Dog Who Wouldn’t Back Down
Cairo (SEAL Team 6, Bin Laden Raid, 2011) – The Modern Legend
Lucca (USMC, Iraq & Afghanistan) – The Lifesaver
Rags (WWI) – The Messenger Dog
Rex (Iraq War) – The Marine’s Best Friend
Conan (Delta Force, ISIS Raid, 2019) – The Terrorist Hunter
Gander (WWII, Battle of Hong Kong) – The Ultimate Sacrifice
Honza (War on Terror, USMC) – The Explosives Expert
Layka (Afghanistan, U.S. Army Rangers) – The Indestructible Warrior

K9 Veterans Day is March 13th. You can read about many of the amazing K9 Veterans by going to: www.pawpularcompanions.biz and search “K9 Veterans”

If they’ve been covered already and I missed it, I apologize…if not, is it possible that Vic could do a segment honoring these wonderful warriors of ours?

Thank you both for the show in general, and especially for honoring our many veterans who’ve sacrificed so much in service to America, and God Bless America!

06.11.2026

SUBMITTED BY: Dr. Josh McConkey
________________________________________________________________

COLONEL JOSHUA M. “BLACKJACK” MCCONKEY
Physician, Commander, and Award-winning/Best-selling Author
Nominated for the 2025 Pulitzer Prize in Nonfiction

Col Joshua M. McConkey serves as the Emergency Preparedness Liaison Officer for the National Capital Region, coordinating emergency response and national security readiness with the Department of Defense, FEMA, and federal, state, and local partners. A combat-experienced Emergency Physician and former Duke University professor, he has served over two decades in uniform, including as a flight surgeon with more than 90 combat flight hours during Operation Iraqi Freedom—earning the Air Medal for lifesaving medical support. He previously commanded the 459th Aeromedical Staging Squadron, leading over 100 medical professionals in global patient movement and contingency operations. In addition to his military service, Col McConkey is the CEO of The Weight Behind the Spear Foundation and an award-winning author dedicated to developing resilient leaders and strengthening communities.

MAJOR AWARDS AND DECORATIONS

Legion of Merit
Meritorious Service Medal with two oak leaf clusters
Air Medal
Army Commendation Medal
Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with one oak leaf cluster
Combat Readiness Medal
Army Reserve Component Achievement Medal with two oak leaf clusters
National Defense Service Medal
Iraq Campaign Medal with one service star
Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal with one service star
Nuclear Deterrence Operations Service Medal

06.10.2026

SUBMITTED BY: Craig Harms

_____________________________________________________________

Maurice Kleyer

DATE OF SERVICE: 1969 (Vietnam)

Hi Vic and Ken,

I would love to submit my ex-father-in-law, Maurice Kleyer, to be featured on the Vic 4 Vets Honor Roll. Maurice is a lifelong resident of Waterloo, Illinois, and he is incredibly proud of his hometown. My love and admiration for this man knows no bounds, and I have truly never met anyone with more grit and determination.

A proud Navy Seabee, Maurice grew up working hard on a local dairy farm before answering the call to serve his country, working as an equipment operator in Vietnam in 1969. When he returned home, he dedicated himself to the community he loves, spending 36 years as a lineman with Monroe County Electric right there in Waterloo. Along the way, he raised two wonderful daughters Kimberly and Kristin with his high school sweetheart Jeanne.

Maurice is a fighter in every sense of the word. In 2017, he underwent a double lung transplant. His resilience since then has been nothing short of miraculous. In 2024, he was able to experience the Honor Flight—a deeply meaningful tribute for a man who has given so much.

Today, you can still find him living to serve and help others in the Waterloo community. When he isn’t tinkering in his workshop or maintaining his three-acre yard and massive, nearly one-acre garden, he is showing up for the people he loves. He is a fiercely proud grandfather who never misses his granddaughter Reagan’s sports games or choir performances.

Maurice embodies the very best of our local veterans: hard work, an unstoppable spirit, and a lifelong devotion to his family, his country, and his hometown. Thank you both for everything you do to honor guys like him.

Respectfully,

Craig Harms (CAH pilot)

06.09.2026

SUBMITTED BY: Frank S. Wright sent this via AmericanVeteransCenter.org

_____________________________________________________________

Frank S. Wright – Corporal, U.S. Marine Corps (Ret.)

United States Marine Corps, retired. I’m a hundred years old now — one of the last living Marine Raiders of World War II.

In January 1942, just weeks after the attack on Pearl Harbor, I quit high school in Arkansas and walked into the enlistment office.

I was sixteen — too young, too skinny, and too light to qualify. The sergeant told me to come back when I was heavier.

So I went home, ate all the bananas I could find, and stuffed five pounds’ worth into my pockets before stepping on that scale again.

I passed. I lied about my age. And I became a Marine.
After boot camp, I volunteered to join the 4th Marine Raiders, America’s first special operations unit.

They asked me why I wanted to join. I said, “Because I want to fight.”

Our commanding officer was James Roosevelt, the President’s son — a good man, the kind who never gave an order he wouldn’t do himself.

We were trained to land first, fight behind enemy lines, and take the beaches nobody else could reach.

From Guadalcanal to New Georgia, from the jungles of the Solomons to the black sand of Iwo Jima, we fought to free the Pacific.

On Guam, I was stabbed in the stomach during hand-to-hand combat.

On Iwo Jima, I was hit by machine-gun fire and knocked unconscious. Both times, my men thought I was gone. Somehow, I wasn’t.

When I came to, I saw the flag rising on Mount Suribachi. Every ship in the harbor sounded its horn. I had tears in my eyes then, and I still do when I think about it.

That flag meant freedom still lived.

There were dark days too…

On Guadalcanal, I caught malaria and ended up in a field hospital — but when my unit was preparing to move out, I couldn’t stand being left behind.

I slipped out and rejoined them. I’ll now admit, I was always a little rebellious.

When the war ended, I became a drill instructor, helping shape the next generation of Marines. I was in my twenties, carrying wounds inside and out.

For more than a decade, I didn’t share my stories. I kept them locked away, like many of my brothers did.

Over the years, I began to open up and share my story with friends, family, and others who wanted to know about the realities of the battlefield at the Pacific Front.

At my age, I don’t take many things for granted. But I still believe in this country — and what it stands for,

Thank you for remembering. Thank you for caring. And thank you for keeping faith with those who served.
Semper Fidelis,

Frank S. Wright
Corporal, U.S. Marine Corps (Ret.)
Veteran, 4th Marine Raiders | 21st Marines, 3rd Marine Division

P.S. When I was sixteen, I had to lie about my age to fight for my country. Now, at one hundred, I can tell you the truth as plain as I know it: freedom isn’t free.

06.05.2026

SUBMITTED BY: Christopher Slater

_____________________________________________________________

Good morning Ken,

Thank you to you and Vic for honoring our military members.

My veteran is Specialist (Corporal) David Bixler,

Specialist Bixler was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 320th Field Artillery, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division.

On September 30, 2010, Specialist Bixler was on patrol in heavily mined farmland in the Arghandab(AR-CON DOB) River Valley in Afghanistan. He was leading a team of three Afghan National Army Soldiers, when his unit was ambushed and heavy gunfire ensued.

When Bixler saw that one of the Afghan soldiers had veered toward uncleared ground, he ran after him and pushed him to safety. While doing so, Bixler stepped on an improvised explosive device. He suffered the loss of both legs, damage to his spinal cord, traumatic brain injury, and other serious injuries. For his heroic action, Bixler was awarded the Silver Star, as well as a Purple Heart for his wounds. Bixler was the 2011 USO Soldier of the Year.

Bixler was evacuated on or about October 1st, 2010, by an Illinois Air National Guard KC-135 tanker aircraft, configured for an aeromedical evacuation flight from Bagram Air Base, Afghanistan, to Ramstein Air Base, Germany (close to Landstuhl Military Hospital, Germany, Bixler’s destination).

Bixler survived his catastrophic wounds, and has since accepted a smart home from Tunnels to Towers (2016) and become successful in the computer industry, owning his own small business, specializing in 3D printed components.

American warrior.

Respectfully,.

Technical Sergeant Christopher Slater (retired)

United States Air Force/Illinois Air National Guard

06.04.2026

SUBMITTED BY: The honoree himself

_____________________________________________________________

Colonel (Ret) Michael R. Morrow Mayor, Grafton, Illinois

Mayor: Colonel (Ret) Michael R. Morrow is currently serving as the mayor of Grafton , Illinois. He was elected as mayor in May 2021.

Military Career: Mike began his military career in July 1971 and retired from active duty on 31 March 2004 after faithfully serving his country for over 32 years. He served in numerous stateside and overseas military posts and deployed to Desert Shield and Desert Storm. He was promoted to Colonel and served as the District Engineer of the St Louis District, in St Louis, Missouri. After 911 he was selected to serve as the CENTCOM Engineer and deployed to Afghanistan, Qatar, and Iraq.

Civilian Career: Mike retired from the Army in 2004 and started his own company, Morrow Group USA, Inc. which was an Illinois based Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business consulting firm designed and staffed to assist clients in strategic business development. On 1 March 2010 Mike joined Triumph Group as the president of Triumph Fabrications, which was a multi-state aerospace manufacturing company with two locations, one in Illinois and the other in South Carolina with a combined annual budget of over $25 million dollars.

National Memorial of Military Ascent: Mike is currently the President of the Board of Directors of the National Memorial of Military Ascent, a 501 (c) (3) Non-Profit dedicated to establishing a Military Campus and Memorial to honor our nation’s veterans in Grafton Illinois.

Education: Mike is a graduate of the Officer Candidate School, the Engineer Officer Basic and Advanced courses, Atomic Demolitions Munitions course, and the Airborne, Ranger and Recondo schools. He is a graduate of the Combined Arms Staff School, the Command and General Staff College and the Air War College. He received an Associated Degree in Mechanical Design Technology from Mott Community College, Michigan, a Bachelor of Arts in business from Columbia College, Missouri, and his Master of Science in Administration degree from Central Michigan University.

Awards: His military awards and decorations include the Joint Distinguished Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal, Joint Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal with six oak leaf clusters (6 OLC), Army Commendation Medal (1 OLC), Army Achievement Medal (2 OLC), Good Conduct, Humanitarian Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Medal, numerous Campaign and Service ribbons and the Parachutists and Ranger badges.

COL (Ret.) Michael R. Morrow President NMMA (National Memorial of Military Ascent

Mayor, Grafton

06.02.2026

I nominate Pete Nardie for consideration to be interviewed in a Vic 4 Vets segment on NewsTalk STL. I’ve known Pete since 1971. Pete is not only a good friend but he represents everything good in terms of American citizenship, military combat service and a 32 year career as a teacher.

Pete voluntarily served in the US Marine Corps. He completed a 13 month combat tour in the Vietnam War. Pete served in the highly innovative Combined Action Program. The program placed a Marine Platoon and a Navy Corpsman to live on their own in a Vietnamese rural village. That program called for an incredible individual commitment to serve in a concept not well known to the American public. During the day they provided much needed assistance to the local residents and by night performed ambush patrols or defensive positions keeping the residents safe.

Here’s a weblink from Southeast Missouri State known University (SEMO) that presents Pete’s answers to questions about his undergraduate experience and how SEMO effected his life. https://semo.edu/people-directory/donor-spotlights/pete-nardie

One of my favorite stories about Pete at SEMO was on close to his first day in school -he had already grown his hair and beard quite long after he was honorably discharged from the Marines. A school cafeteria employee took note of Pete’s appearance and asked for his student ID. She kept Pete’s ID and said he’d only get it back by meeting with the University President. Pete had that meeting and ended it with a great quote. Pete’s ensuing college career later enabled him to be elected as SEMO Student Government President.

Jim

06.01.2026

SUBMITTED BY: Tim Hixson
_____________________________________________________________

Hi Vic and Ken,

Thank you for doing this. This is a short story about my great grandfather, Matthew Hixson, who fought in the American Revolution. God bless.

Sincerely,
Tim Hixson
Name/Rank: Matthew Hixson, Private & Colonel, enlisted at Ringo’s Tavern, New Market, NJ Colony summer of 1775
Branch/Battalion: New Jersey Colonial Militia, later Continental Army, during the American Revolution
Date of Service: Served: summer 1775 until fall of 1778
Awards/Medals: None known.
Matthew Hixson was my great, great, great, great, great, great, great, great grandfather. He was born in 1757 in the town of New Market, Colony of New Jersey. He was one of three brothers who served during the American Revolution. During his 3 years of service he was stationed in and around various townships around New Jersey and New York primarily, serving as a private first in the NJ Militia and later the Continental Army. However, during his last posting in 1778 he held the rank of Colonel for 10 days before his final discharge, no idea why! He married my great (times 8!) grandmother Catherine Hogg in 1779 and eventually moved to Ohio and bought a farm north east of Cincinnati. While we don’t know what if any combat he might have seen as he apparently never talked about it during his life, we know from his own words how in 1832 he finally received notification of the promised veterans pension he, and his fellow soldiers were originally promised by the Continental Congress during the War and later the US government. He was 75 years at the time, and he still had to wait another year for it to arrive. In 1833 $100 from the US government was sent to a solicitor (lawyer) in his son’s name for 2 and a half years pension. When Matthew died in 1838 and his debts were paid and remaining estate split among his children, it was realized that he never actually saw a cent of any of that pension the few years he received it. So, for those veterans alive today still dealing with all the troubles in the VA, take heart…the guys who fought in our first war as a nation had to go through similar crap in their day.

Vic and Ken, love your show. Thanks to my grandfather, I’ve discovered I’ve got a little bit of New Jersey in me too! God bless!

05.27.2026

SUBMITTED BY:
The Soldiers Memorial Archives St. Louis, MO
Go To: https://mohistory.org/memorial to join and/or donate.

Henry J.J. Betz Jr.

Korean War Army Private

Company A, 19th Infantry Regiment, 24th Infantry Division

BORN: 10-12-1931

DIED: 7-16-1950

Killed in Action in South Korea;
Served as a light weapons infantryman;
Awarded the Bronze Star Medal and Purple Heart;
Parents were Henry J. J. Sr. and Helen Betz;
A brother, Marine Pvt 1-C Robert Joseph Betz, was also killed in Action in Korea; Another brother, Airman Edward J. Betz, served at Camp Kilmer, NJ;

Henry J.J. Betz Jr. lived at
Menard Street
LaSalle Park
St. Louis, MO

Buried in Saints Peter and Paul’s Catholic Cemetery;

05.20.2026

SUBMITTED BY:
The Soldiers Memorial Archives St. Louis, MO
Go To: https://mohistory.org/memorial to join and/or donate.

Robert John Klages
Vietnam, United States Marine Corp, 1st Lieutenant
Company B, 3rd AMTRAC Battalion, 1st Marine Division

BORN: 8-10-1943

DIED: 8-01-1967
former address: Russell Avenue

McKinley Heights

St. Louis, Missouri

Killed in Action from small arms fire in Quang Nam, South Vietnam;
Served as an assault amphibious vehicle officer;
Awarded the Silver Star;
Parents were Gregory A. and Helen Klages;
Buried in Resurrection Cemetery, Affton, MO.

05.13.2026

SUBMITTED BY:
The Soldiers Memorial Archives St. Louis, MO

Jerome Earle Moore
WWI Army First Lieutenant

356th Infantry, 89th Division

BORN: 08-03-1887

DIED: 10-02-1918

Killed in Action during the Battle of St. Mihiel, France;

Parents were William Pike and Catherine Lina Moore;

Married to Prudence Robertson Moore;

Lived on McPherson Avenue, St. Louis, MO

Employed as a lumberman prior to service;

member of Phi Alpha Delta Fraternity; his great-grandfather served in the War of 1812; Graduated with A. B. Degree from Missouri State University;

one brother, George H. Moore, was a United States Collector of Internal Revenue,

another brother, Captain William E. Moore, served in the war;

05.06.2026

Eddie Lee Pleasant
Born: 10-01-1947

Died: 03-03-1968

Army Specialist, 4th Grade
Troop C, 3rd Squadron, 4th Cavalry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division

Killed in Action from an artillery/rocket in Gia Dinh, South Vietnam;
Served as an armor intelligence specialist;
Married to Mrs. Gloria Pleasant;
Lived at
Laclede Avenue,
Central West End
St. Louis, MO
Buried in Woodlawn Cemetery, Campbell, Mo;

04.29.2026

SUBMITTED BY: Liz Mallen, Belleville IL

Rosemary Francis Scheer

Private, United States Army
430th Army Air Force Base Unit, Ephrata Army Air Corps Base, WA, Woman’s Air Corps
Born: 1922 Died: March 12, 1945

Died in an automobile accident in Spokane, WA;
Parents were Oscar C. and Katherine Sheer;
Member of Young Ladies’ Sodality,
St. Joseph’s Epheta Society,
St. Joseph’s Institute for the Deaf, and St. Joseph’s Hill Ladies’ Auxiliary and Western Catholic Union Branch 303;

Raised in East St. Louis, IL at 5524 Oriole Avenue, Walnut Park East

Buried in Calvary Cemetery.

04.22.2026

SUBMITTED BY: Listener Steven

Staff Sergeant Robert J Traxel

Staff Sergeant, The United States Army
70th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment, Missouri National Guard

Born: 04-29-1978 Died: 07-02-2012

Died in Guatemala during a training exercise, during take-off, a helicopter hit a tree which fell on Sgt. Traxel;
Served in Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom;
Served as a Broadcast Journalist;
Served in the Missouri National Guard, U.S. Naval Reserves, U.S. Marine Corps, and the U.S. Army;
Lived in Union, Missouri
Married to Mrs. Karen Chambers Traxel;
Father to Joshua, Noah, Jonah, and a step-daughter, Grace;
Parents were Jay Traxel and Anita Gardner.
Former Florissant Police Officer;
Member of Algabil-Freedom Masonic Lodge #636 Af & AM,
Moolah Shrine Temple, and the Metropolitan Press Club of St. Louis;
Buried in Midlawn Memorial Gardens, Union, MO.

Wayne Kaufman and Shelia Schneider In Studio

friends with Mark Sundlov and Robert Fulstone of The Soldiers Memorial
Military Museum
founder, The Kaufman Fund Helping Veterans
Wayne Kaufman was also inducted into the Missouri Veterans Hall of Fame in
2024.
Wayne Kaufman, Vice President of sales Home Remodeling, has been in the
home improvement industry since 1971, but you have to go farther back than that
to understand what really drives him.
A decorated Vietnam Veteran, Wayne served as a sergeant with distinction with
the 25th Infantry Division in the U.S. Army earning the Bronze Star and Bronze
Star with Oak Leaf Cluster for his bravery and leadership.
However, his contributions didn’t end when he left the battlefield. In 1990, he
founded The Kaufman Fund in memory of his late brother Ralph, an Air Force
Veteran and St. Louis area philanthropist.
About The Kaufman Fund
The Kaufman Fund Helping Veterans, a 501(c)3 non-profit supports St Louis
area Veterans with life’s basic necessities through food, shelter, clothing, medical
care and more. With Wayne’s leadership over the past 30+ years, The Kaufman
Fund has created 8 programs to help Veterans in need: Legal Referral Program,
Dental Referral Program, Mental Health Collaborative, Chiropractic Referral
Program, Food for Vets, Artist First for Veterans, tax preparation, and Trees for
Vets.
If you are a Veteran or know of a Veteran in need, The Kaufman Fund is a
resource to get you help. Go to https://www.thekaufmanfund.org/ for more
information. Or you can call: (314) 455-9415

04.15.2026

Jim Shelton

United States Army, Private,1st Class in the Korean War

Born: 10/5/1932 Killed: 10/13/1951

Killed in Action in North Korea; Served as a light weapons infantryman;
Father was James Harvey; Buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Hinds, MS

Jim grew up in St. Louis,
HOME: 4817 St. Louis Avenue, Kingsway East, St. Louis, MO

04.08.2026

SUBMITTED BY: Mark Sundlov and Robert Fulstone of The Soldiers Memorial Military Museum

Wayne Kaufman

Wayne Kaufman, Vice President of sales with Dalco Home Remodeling, has been in the home improvement industry since 1971, but you have to go farther back than that to understand what really drives him.
A decorated Vietnam Veteran, Wayne served as a sergeant with distinction with the 25th Infantry Division in the U.S. Army earning the Bronze Star and Bronze Star with Oak Leaf Cluster for his bravery and leadership.
However, his contributions didn’t end when he left the battlefield. In 1990, he founded The Kaufman Fund in memory of his late brother Ralph, an Air Force Veteran and St. Louis area philanthropist.

About The Kaufman Fund

The Kaufman Fund Helping Veterans, a 501(c)3 non-profit supports St Louis area Veterans with life’s basic necessities through food, shelter, clothing, medical care and more. With Wayne’s leadership over the past 30+ years, The Kaufman Fund has created 8 programs to help Veterans in need: Legal Referral Program, Dental Referral Program, Mental Health Collaborative, Chiropractic Referral Program, Food for Vets, Artist First for Veterans, tax preparation, and Trees for Vets.

If you are a Veteran or know of a Veteran in need, The Kaufman Fund is a resource to get you help. Go to https://www.thekaufmanfund.org/ for more information. Or you can call: (314) 455-9415

Wayne Kaufman was also inducted into the Missouri Veterans Hall of Fame in 2024.

04.01.2026

SUBMITTED BY: Michele Lee Scarlet-Ridenour
Corporal Michael Lee Scarlet aka (TWIGGY)
Corporal Michael Lee Scarlet aka (TWIGGY) served with honor in the U.S. Marine Corp. during the Vietnam War from 9/13/1967 til 9/12/1970. Mr. Scarlet’s duty was as a MARCORSEPMAN

{Lineman}.

On 2/1/1970 he was promoted to the rank of Corporal and was assigned to the S&H Company 3rd Battalion 1st Marine Division.

CPL Scarlet earned and was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal w/1 Bronze Star, the Vietnam Campaign Medal, the R.V.N. Cross of Gallantry w/Palm, a Combat Action Ribbon, the U.S.M.C. Good Conduct Medal, and a Rifle Marksmanship Badge

This was my father and he not only served 1 tour in Vietnam he served 2 so that his younger brother John who was also in service in the Army and was stationed in Germany did not have to fight in combat in Vietnam!!

My fathers letters to my grandparents are quite touching as he was just a young 17 year old at the beginning of his time in the Marines. Believe me he was a remarkable man. One that you would want on your side.

I will forever be so proud that this beloved man was my dad and he’s so very missed, what a true hero.

Dad passed in October 2020 due to Agent Orange that had caused Small cell lung cancer which spread to his brain.
Semper Fi Daddy
Always your girl

03.25.2026

SUBMITTED BY: Lisa Dinga / H.E.R.O.E.S. Care

Gerald “Jerry” Kalb (my dad) Army
and John Dinga (WWII)

Vic & Ken: Here is the information on my Dad and Father-in-law.

Gerald “Jerry” Kalb (my dad) Army
Served in the Korean War from 2052 – 2054 (Germany), Private – worked as border guard, cook & driver for General.
Had just married my mom, not knowing his draft number was coming up and was drafted a few weeks after the wedding.
Out in the field one night and stepped on a land mine. Stood there for what seemed liked forever thinking he was leaving a 17 year old widow. Finally gave it over to God and said it will be what it is supposed to be …. Fortunately it was a dud. I’m not sure what medals my Dad earned.

John Dinga (WWII) – Served almost six years Primarily in the South Pacific in Signal Equipment. Earned Philippine Liberation Ribbon with 1 bronze star; Atlantic Pacific Theatre Campaign Medal with 2 bronze stars & bronze arrowhead ; Victory Medal; Occupation Japan – America Defense Service Ribbon. Met a girl before drafted and they wrote letters the entire time (which I have) and married this girl, Gerry, when he separated from the Army.

Thanks for honoring my “dads”
Lisa Dinga

Director of Community Engagement

03.19.2026

SUBMITTED BY: Multiple News Sources

Pentagon identifies 6 soldiers killed

The U.S. Department of Defense identified six airmen who were killed when a KC-135 Stratotanker refueling aircraft crashed over western Iraq on March 12, 2026 during operations supporting the war with Iran. The crash happened after an incident involving another tanker aircraft; the cause is still under investigation. (AP News)

Mission:
They were flying a KC-135 aerial refueling mission when an incident involving another tanker led to a crash in friendly airspace over western Iraq. (The Washington Post)

Military Career Backgrounds

Maj. John A. “Alex” Klinner, 33

Home: Auburn, Alabama

Role: KC-135 pilot

Unit: 99th Air Refueling Squadron, part of the 6th Air Refueling Wing

Career details:

Recently promoted to Major in January 2026.

Four deployments since 2019.

Flew tanker missions supporting combat aircraft across multiple operations.

Known among fellow airmen as a mentor and leader.

Family: Married with three young children. (AP News)

Capt. Ariana G. Savino, 31

Home: Covington, Washington

Role: KC-135 pilot

Unit: 99th Air Refueling Squadron, 6th Air Refueling Wing

Career details:

Tanker pilot responsible for mid-air refueling of combat aircraft.

Served with the squadron operating out of Sumpter Smith Joint National Guard Base in Birmingham, Alabama.

Flew operational refueling missions in support of U.S. operations in the Middle East. (WRAL News)

Tech. Sgt. Ashley B. Pruitt, 34

Home: Bardstown, Kentucky

Role: Boom operator / enlisted aircrew

Unit: 99th Air Refueling Squadron, 6th Air Refueling Wing

Career details:

Assistant flight chief in her squadron.

Logged nearly 900 combat flight hours.

Responsible for controlling the refueling boom that transfers fuel to receiving aircraft.

Family: Mother of two. (AP News)

Capt. Seth R. Koval, 38

Home: Mooresville, Indiana

Role: KC-135 instructor pilot

Unit: 121st Air Refueling Wing (Ohio Air National Guard)

Career details:

Instructor pilot with more than 2,000 flight hours.

Trained new tanker pilots in aerial refueling procedures and mission operations.

Deployed multiple times supporting overseas operations. (AP News)

Capt. Curtis J. Angst, 30

Home: Wilmington, Ohio

Role: KC-135 pilot

Unit: 121st Air Refueling Wing, Ohio Air National Guard

Career details:

Also an aerospace engineer in addition to his pilot duties.

Logged about 880 flight hours in the KC-135.

Flew operational refueling missions supporting U.S. combat aircraft. (AP News)

Tech. Sgt. Tyler H. Simmons, 28

Home: Columbus, Ohio

Role: Boom operator / enlisted aircrew

Unit: 121st Air Refueling Wing (Ohio Air National Guard)

Career details:

Responsible for operating the refueling boom and managing fuel transfer to other aircraft during flight.

Part of the tanker crew responsible for complex mid-air refueling operations. (KVIA)

03.11.2026

Chief Warrant Officer 3 Robert M. Marzan

Age: 54
Hometown: Sacramento, California
Later residence: Recently purchased a home in Spotsylvania County, Virginia
Unit: U.S. Army Reserve – 103rd Sustainment Command (Expeditionary), based in Des Moines, Iowa
Rank: Chief Warrant Officer 3

Role and service

Marzan served as a warrant officer in the Army Reserve logistics structure, supporting operations that keep troops supplied with equipment, fuel, and food.

His unit, the 103rd Sustainment Command, specializes in supply and sustainment operations for deployed forces.

Death

Date: March 1, 2026

Location: Port of Shuaiba, Kuwait

Incident: An Iranian drone strike hit a U.S. command and logistics center.

Marzan was believed to have died at the scene, with identification later confirmed through military investigation.

Background

Grew up in Sacramento, California.

Local leaders and members of Congress publicly honored him, describing him as a dedicated serviceman whose loss deeply affected the community.

Major Jeffrey R. O’Brien Age: 45
Hometown: Waukee / Indianola area, Iowa (Des Moines suburbs)
Unit: U.S. Army Reserve – 103rd Sustainment Command (Expeditionary)
Rank: Major

Role and service

O’Brien served as a logistics officer in the Army Reserve, helping coordinate the supply chain supporting deployed U.S. forces.

His command is responsible for maintaining equipment, supplies, and operational logistics in overseas operations.

Death

Date: March 1, 2026

Location: Port of Shuaiba, Kuwait

Incident: The same Iranian drone attack on a tactical operations center that killed five other U.S. reservists.

Personal background

A father and respected officer from Iowa, remembered by colleagues and family for leadership and dedication.

Iowa officials ordered flags flown at half-staff to honor him and another soldier from the state killed in the strike.

Military Career

Branch: U.S. Army Reserve

Rank: Major

Unit: 103rd Sustainment Command (Expeditionary), Des Moines, Iowa

Commission and specialty

Commissioned: 2012

Branch specialty: Signal Corps officer (military communications systems).

Deployment history

2019 deployment: Kuwait.

Awards and decorations

O’Brien’s official decorations included:

Army Achievement Medal

Meritorious Unit Commendation

Army Superior Unit Award

Army Reserve Component Achievement Medal

National Defense Service Medal

Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal

Army Service Ribbon

Armed Forces Reserve Medal with “M” device

Role in the Reserve

As a field-grade Signal Corps officer, O’Brien would have overseen communications infrastructure, command-and-control networks, and information systems supporting logistics and sustainment units.

Sgt. Benjamin N. Pennington, 26

Pennington graduated in 2017 from Central Hardin High School, where he was enrolled in the automotive technology pathway, district spokesman John Wright told the AP. Former automotive tech instructor Tom Pitt, who taught Pennington in 2017 at Hardin County Early College and Career Center, called him “an American hero.”

“A lot of times as a teacher, you have students who are smart, you have students who are charismatic, who are likable, dare I say, enchanting,” said Pitt, who called Pennington Nate. “Rarely do you have students who are all of those. And Ben Pennington was all of those. He was basically the quintessential all-American.”

Photos on his and family members’ Facebook pages show that Pennington achieved the rank of Eagle Scout in August 2017. His Eagle project was the demolition of some old baseball dugouts in Glendale, said Darin Life, former committee chairman for Troop 221.

“If you look up Eagle Scout, his picture’s probably there,” said Life, who knew Pennington throughout his scouting career. “He loved his country. I would have expected nothing less of him than to lose his life protecting his country.”

A month after his Eagle ceremony, Pennington posted a photo of himself taking the oath of enlistment. He entered the service as a unit supply specialist and was assigned to the Space and Missile Command on June 10, 2025, the Army said in a release.

Joined the Army shortly after high school.

Entered service as a unit supply specialist and later served with Army Space and Missile Defense Command.
Awards included:

Army Commendation Medal

Army Achievement Medal

Army Good Conduct Medal

National Defense Service Medal

Global War on Terrorism Service Medal

Army Service Ribbon

03.04.2026

SUBMITTED BY: Fox News

Pentagon identifies four soldiers killed in March 1 drone strike during Kuwait military operation

All soldiers were assigned to 103rd Sustainment Command in Des Moines, Iowa

The Department of War on Monday identified four of the six U.S. Army Reserve soldiers killed in a March 1 drone attack in Kuwait while supporting Operation Epic Fury, and officials said the incident remains under investigation.

The soldiers were killed at the Port of Shuaiba during what officials described as an unmanned aircraft system attack. All were assigned to the 103rd Sustainment Command in Des Moines, Iowa, which provides logistical and operational support to U.S. forces overseas.

The fallen service members were identified as Capt. Cody Khork, 35, of Lakeland, Florida; Sgt. 1st Class Nicole Amor, 39, of White Bear Lake, Minnesota; Sgt. 1st Class Noah Tietjens, 42, of Bellevue, Nebraska; and Sgt. Declan Coady, 20, of Des Moines, Iowa. Two additional soldiers killed in the attack have not yet been publicly identified.

Lt. Gen. Robert Harter, chief of Army Reserve and commanding general of U.S. Army Reserve Command, said the loss is deeply felt across the force.

“We honor our fallen Heroes who served fearlessly and selflessly in defense of our nation,” Harter said. “Their sacrifice, and the sacrifices of their families, will never be forgotten.”

02.25.2026

SUBMITTED BY: President Trump

Buddy Taggart

Volunteered at age 17 to serve our great nation in World War II

Here is President Trump presenting Today’s Vic 4 Vets Honoree

02.18.2026

SUBMITTED BY: Chrissy Whitaker / Michel Funeral Home

Jack Nester

We are trying to get as many motorcycle riders as possible if you wouldn’t mind broadcasting this information on the radio.

Thank you!

Chrissy Whitaker

Michel Funeral Home

314-645-4241

February 20, 2026

10:15 Michel Funeral Home 5930 Southwest Ave. St. Louis MO 63139 for a funeral procession to Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery with a

11:30 Roadside Service

Jack Nester Served in the Korean War and received the National Defense Service Medal and The Good Conduct Medal.

Jack was a member of AMVETS Post 6

Jack was also an avid motorcycle rider.

Jack’s family is requesting a motorcycle escort to his final resting place.

02.11.2026

SUBMITTED BY: Listener Self Submission by Mark Goltz

Mark Goltz
Enlisted in the US Marine Corps in December of 1989, trained as a Field Radio Operator, assigned to 2nd Battalion, 10th Marines, 2nd Marine Division, Camp Lejeune, NC. Deployed to Saudi Arabia and Kuwait as part of Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm. Served on active duty until December of 1993, then transitioned to drilling reserve status until December of 1997.

Enlisted in the US Navy in June of 2000, serving first as an Electronics Technician, then converting to Master at Arms (Military Police). Served on active duty until June 2006, stationed on board the USS Harry S. Truman and Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. Transitioned to drilling reserve status until June of 2012.
Completed 5 overseas deployments, including 1 combat tour and 1 tour as a corrections specialist in the detention facility at Guantanamo Bay, and several training and humanitarian missions within the continental U.S.
Some awards and qualifications earned include Joint Service Commendation Medal, Navy Achievement Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, Combat Action Ribbon, Kuwait Liberation Medal, Global War on Terror Medal, Southwest Asia Service Medal and Navy Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialist qualification.

I continue to serve fellow Marines as an active member of the South St. Louis Marine Corps League detachment, which helps local Marines and their families who may be suffering from any number of issues. We support many local foundations, such as Jefferson Barracks Food Pantry, Missouri Veterans Endeavors, FOCUS Marines, and Scouting America. I have been active in the detachment for 5 years, serving in several officer roles, currently as the Senior Vice Commandant.

02.04.2026

SUBMITTED BY: Listener Gary Knight

CONNER, JAMES ORIN
SP4 U.S. ARMY (SP4 is called a Spec 4)
VIETNAM
DATE OF BIRTH: 08/18/1947
DATE OF DEATH: 07/20/2001
Jim Conner is someone I rode with while we were both officers on the St. Louis City Police Department in the 1970s. While I was in the Army Reserves, I did not serve in Vietnam.

James Orin “Jim” Conner was born August 18th, 1947, in St. Louis. He passed away on July 20th, 2001, at the age of 53. He is buried in Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery in St. Louis County. Before we joined the police department and before we met, Jim did two tours of duty in Vietnam.

Jim was awarded the following service medals and commendations. They were: 1 Silver Star, 2 Bronze Stars with “V” Device, several Army Commendation Medals, 39 Awards of the Air Medal, 2 with “V” Device (it is to be noted that a “V” Device is for valor), and 5 Purple Hearts, Combat Infantryman’s Badge, and Air Crew Wings.

He served as a light weapons infantryman in his first tour and as a helicopter crewman in his second tour on a small observation helicopter. He fought in the Ia Drang and A Shau Valleys campaigns.

His citation for the Silver Star Medal reads in part that when he was in combat, he was badly wounded when the helicopter that he was in crashed. He was ejected from the helicopter, and, under heavy enemy fire, he returned to the aircraft to pull the wounded pilot from the burning wreckage and held off the enemy until friendly forces could arrive.

James Conner is the most decorated member of the Armed Forces interred at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery for his unwavering acts of valor and service during the Vietnam War.

Following his service in the Army, Jim became a police officer on August 24th, 1970. Jim was a highly decorated police officer with the Saint Louis Metropolitan Police Department. Jim was awarded the following prestigious awards: The department’s highest award – the Medal of Valor on November 15, 1977, for unwavering heroism above and beyond the call of duty, the Meritorious Service Award on June 8, 1977, and two Chief’s Letters of Commendation on December 4, 1981, and April 13, 1984, for police work above the call of duty.

Officer Conner is the “Audie Murphy” of the Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery in Saint Louis.

I was not involved in an incident that occurred in the fall of 1976 at the Mansion House apartments in downtown St. Louis, however another officer I know was there. He told me how they had a man with a gun inside the Mansion House, he had the officers pinned down, and he was shooting at them. This officer, who told me the story, said how Jim Connor just “low crawled” past him, took a position, and when the man refused to surrender, Jim took aim and shot the subject. Then Jim just took out a cigarette and lit it. Like it was just another day at the office.

Officer Conner retired from the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department on April 6, 1992. He had completed 21 years of faithful and dedicated service to the Saint Louis Metropolitan Police Department

01.28.2026

SUBMITTED BY: Mike Franco, great-nephew of Paul Cascio

Paul J. Cascio, Jr.
Radio Operator B-17E “Flagship Texas No. VI / Strip-Straffer” 41-9207
Prisoner Of War (POW)

Wartime History
On May 14, 1942 he enlisted in the U.S. Army and joined the U.S. Army Air Force (USAAF) and was trained as a radio operator and sent overseas to the South West Pacific Area (SWPA). Assigned to the 43rd Bombardment Group (43rd BG) “Ken’s Men”, 65th Bombardment Squadron (65th BS) as a radio operator flying bombing missions in the South West Pacific Area (SWPA).

On June 1, 1943 at 10:10am took off from 7 Mile Drome near Port Moresby as radio operator aboard This B-17 was armed with bombs and intended to fly over both the northern and southern coasts.
2:10pm intercepted by a dozen A6M Zeros. This B-17 was quickly hit by gunfire that caused a fuel leak that ignited into a long flame that extended past the tail. Realizing the fire was out of control, the pilot ordered the crew to bail out as the wing was starting to disintegrate and began to angle downward in a dive.

Cascio delayed opening his parachute until he entered a cloud fearing he might be strafed by the Zeros. He descended safely and landed in trees with a Zero flying over him after he landed and hid for the rest of the day. Cascio walked to a local village where the Imperial Japanese Army (IJA) patrol emerged and captured him.
Prisoner Of War
As Prisoner Of War, he was taken aboard a boat to a nearby observation post.
On June 21, 1943 Cascio was tied and blindfolded and transported by boat to the Japanese Navy POW Camp at Rabaul operated by the Imperial Japanese Navy. Cascio became sick with malaria. On March 15, 1944 a group including Cascio was transported to work at the Ashio Copper Mine under the direction of the Imperial Japanese Army.
During early August 1945, an interpreter told the prisoners the U.S. had dropped two atomic bombs and if they dropped a third the Japanese had orders to kill all prisoners. On August 20, 1945 the POWs were no longer required to perform labor. On August 27, 1945 two U.S. planes overflew the camp and dropped supplies including cigarettes, soaps, magazines and other supplies. On August 29, 1945 there was another air drop with K rations, cigarettes, clothing and other items. On August 30, 1945 the air drop included a note saying it would not be long before they were liberated.
He was hospitalized in San Francisco then transported to Virgina. Finally, on October 27, 1945 he returned home. Soon afterwards, he married Wanda Eve Cascio.
Paul J. Cascio, Jr. passed away on January 29, 2006 at age 84. He is buried at Baltimore National Cemetery in Baltimore, MD at section P site 267.

01.21.2026

SUBMITTED BY: Allison Schottenhaml

Hi Vic & Ken,
I am listening everyday to you guys! It was our morning routine since Jerry worked 2nd shift he would get up just as the show was beginning!

After high-school Jerry attended 2 years of college and decided he wanted to join the Navy and see the World! In January 1981 he headed off to Navy boot camp in San Diego CA. He was assigned to the USS Wabash as a MM1 machinist mate 1st class & fireman. He was responsible for operating & maintaining ship propulsion, auxiliary & machinery.
On April 1, 1981 the Wabash set sail for a 8 month tour! First port stop was Pearl Harbor, then onto Guam, Subic Bay Phillippines, Singapore, the Arabian Sea of the coast of Iran, Diego Garcia, Perth Australia, Mauritius then back the same way to San Francisco.
On May 16, 1981 Jerry’s 21st birthday they crossed the International Date Line celebrated his birthday twice! As the Wabash steamed crossed the Date Line into the South China Sea they embarked on a wooden rickety boat carrying 150 Vietnamese refugees, mostly children. They brought all the refugees on board the Wabash provided them with medical care, clean clothes, food and comfort. Then they sank the refugee boat!
The Wabash was among the first Navy ships to rescue Vietnamese Refugees and was part of the first battle group sent to the Arabian Sea in support of hostages in Iran.
Jerry was awarded with a Humanitarian Service Award, Navy Expeditionary medal, National Defense Service medal & Navy “E” Ribbon an award given to sailors that win an annual Battle efficiency competition signifing excellence in reddines & performance.
After 3 years of service Jerry returned home he decided he wanted to be a machinist in the military aerospace industry, he said he felt that he could still contribute to the safety of our great country & still support his brothers in arms! Which he did with pride!
The weekend of December 19th Jerry was working security with the Washington Guard at a gun show under the command of Colonel Joe Adams when he starting feeling sick to his stomach. We celebrated Christmas at our home with our family! On December 28th I took him to the ER as he was getting worse though he had the flu. After MRI, CT scan and blood worked they found a tumor on his pancreas, spots on his liver & kidney they said it was cancer. At first they said with chemo 11-12 months, the 4 days later they said it was to aggressive he was to weak to take chemo then 3 days later after watching him decline daily in horrible pain they said a couple of weeks on the evening of 1/11/26 Jerry passed away and is no longer suffering! I am trying to wrap my brain around the fact that my soul mate for almost 39 years whom I never seen sick or in pain could get a stomach ache and be gone in 4 weeks! He was my hero & rock and will forever live on in my heart! Thank God I have a wonderful supportive family, my Washington Guard family & my NewsTalkSTL family who I could not get through this without! I would also like to thank Jessica Porcelli for her guidance through this she is an angel with her experience as a hospice nurse she has given me much peace in this process! Thanks to the Washington Guard as they say become a member and you are never alone and they have proven that! Thank you for my NewsTalkSTL family for everyones prayers & thoughts they mean so much & are greatly appreciated! Most of all thank you to my great family especially our grandchildren John & Lily Schottenhaml who was the pride & joy of Jerry’s life!

01.14.2026

SUBMITTED BY: Thomas Caldwell

Thomas E. Caldwell,
a repeat guest on our show, is the author of The Mouths of the Wicked, a first-person account of his unlawful prosecution following January 6 and his eventual vindication, which he and his wife Sharon credit to divine intervention. A devout Christian, humorist, artist, conservationist, farmer, and writer, Caldwell is a decorated retired U.S. Navy Lieutenant Commander who served nearly 20 years, primarily in Navy Intelligence. Commissioned via NROTC at the University of Louisville, he served overseas in a communist-insurgency zone, at the Defense Intelligence Agency and Navy Intelligence Command in Washington, D.C., as Commanding Officer of a 1,000-person Reserve Intelligence program in San Diego, Senior Intelligence Officer for Navy Air Wing 30 at Miramar (Top Gun), and later with the Aggressor Squadron teaching enemy air combat tactics. His career ended during the Clinton-era force drawdown. His awards include the Meritorious Service Medal, three Navy Commendation Medals, three Navy Achievement Medals, and the Humanitarian Service Medal—the first awarded to a Navy officer for actions in a Far East war zone. After service, he worked in radio broadcasting, co-founded a successful software company serving multiple federal agencies (including DOJ), and pursued creative writing. Tom and Sharon, married 26 years, live on his family farm in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley, where they practice conservation and country living.

12.17.2025

PFC Mikkie K. Blanchard,
The United States Army – Korean War
Jan. 1952 – Oct. 1953

Private First-Class Mikkie Blanchard was called in for a physical for the United States Army on December 17th, 1951. He was officially sworn in on January 31st, 1952, and reported to Camp San Luis in Obispo, CA. There, he completed basic training and an 8-week training course in a Signal Corp School. He was then shipped out to Korea. He was stationed at Headquarter Message Center with The 3rd Infantry and honorably discharged and returned home on October 30th, 1953. He didn’t talk too much about the war, but always said his trip over on the ship was all the traveling he wanted to do and was content to stay home with the love of his life and raise a family on their farm in Northeast Missouri.

12.03.2025

SUBMITTED BY: Family member

Wanda Sartain

Wanda Sartain began her military service at an early age. She joined the Job Corps in 1966 to 1967, and soon after, enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1968.

Wanda served honorably until 1971, achieving the rank of E-5, Second-Class Petty Officer.

In 1971, she married fellow Navy veteran James Perry Sartain, Jr. Together, they built a loving family, raising five children, four of whom proudly followed in their parents’ footsteps to serve in the military.

While raising her family, Wanda attended Community Colleges, earning three Associate of Arts degrees, exemplifying her dedication to education and personal growth.

Wanda worked in the transportation industry for over 30 years, driving school and charter buses. Her passion for mentoring youth also led to over two decades of service with the U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps, where she worked with pre-teens and teenagers ages 11 to 18, alongside fellow adult volunteers.

She and her husband, Perry, restored the mini USS Arizona Battleship model, used in the movie Tora, Tora, Tora. She continues to support the USS Arizona memorial to this day and believes in preserving our nation’s history.

11.26.2025

Victor Porcelli (Vic’s Dad)
S/Sgt. World War II
1944-1946

11.19.2025

SUBMITTED BY: @NativeAmerican_ on X

Code Talker Thomas H. BegayThomas H. Begay was born on November 26, 1926, in a traditional Navajo hogan in a remote area south of Gallup, New Mexico, near Chichiltah and is one of the two last surviving Code Talkers from WWII.

He grew up speaking only the Navajo language until age 13, when he was sent to an Indian boarding school in Fort Defiance, Arizona, where he learned English.

Inspired by the attack on Pearl Harbor, Begay enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps at age 16 in September 1943, though his age was considered flexible at the time.

Military Service Initially aspiring to become an aerial gunner, Begay was instead selected for the Navajo Code Talkers program due to his fluency in Navajo.

He completed specialized training and was assigned to the 5th Marine Division’s Signal Company, specifically the 27th Marine Regiment.

As one of approximately 400 Navajo Code Talkers, he helped develop and use an unbreakable code based on the Navajo language (Diné) to transmit secure messages during World War II.

He served in the Pacific theater, notably during the Battle of Iwo Jima in 1945, where he was sent as a replacement for a Code Talker killed in action.

On the first day of the battle, two Code Talkers were killed and three wounded; Begay transmitted hundreds of error-free messages, contributing to the Allies’ success by confounding Japanese codebreakers.

He was honorably discharged from the Marines in July 1946.

In 1947, Begay reenlisted in the U.S. Army as a communications specialist and paratrooper with the 7th Infantry Division.

He saw intense combat during the Korean War, including surviving the brutal Battle of the Chosin Reservoir in late 1950.

He left the military in 1953.

Post-War Life and Career After his military service, Begay worked for the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) for 40 years on the Navajo Nation reservation.

He began as an employment assistance officer, helping Navajos access jobs and education, and advanced to Agency Superintendent of the Chinle Agency, overseeing tribal trust programs.

Motivated by his own experiences, he encouraged others, stating, “If I can be a Code Talker, any Navajo can go out and be anything.”

Begay has remained active in the Navajo Code Talkers Association, traveling to speak publicly, and has written and performed songs in Navajo about World War II.

He resides in Window Rock, Arizona, and is described as a community leader and family man.

Honors and Legacy Begay’s military honors include the Presidential Unit Citation with three Bronze Stars, the Meritorious Unit Citation, and the Korean Service Medal with five Bronze Stars.

In 2001, he was awarded the Congressional Silver Medal for his service as a Navajo Code Talker.

In 2023, he served as the World War II Veteran Grand Marshal in the Phoenix Veterans Day Parade.

As of November 2025, at age 98 (turning 99), Begay is one of only two surviving Navajo Code Talkers, alongside Peter MacDonald.

His contributions symbolize Indigenous valor, resilience, and the pivotal role of Navajo Code Talkers in U.S. military history.

honoringamericasveterans.org

11.05.2025

SUBMITTED BY: Sue Goodman

Sgt Joseph Anton Wuestner
Dad was inducted into the Army on June 18th, 1941. He was released over 4 years later on November, 25th, 1945. He completed his basic training at Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri. He also trained in Louisiana. He then traveled to Hawaii and was transferred by ship to the battleground of New Guinea.

Joseph Anton Wuestner was a Rifleman in the Infantry and fought both in New Guinea and Luzon in The Philippines. In The Philippines, he mentioned (in one of his letters to Mom) that he had been in continuous fighting for over 100 days.

He witnessed horrific scenes and told Wayne that, in one battle, only he and another soldier survived.

He and his fellow soldiers dealt with torrential rains, heat, disease(often transmitted by mosquitos,) and sometimes lack of food. One time, he had only a can of tuna to share with the men in his squad. Dad spent a month in the hospital in The Philippines. We are not sure why he was hospitalized. We do know that he had malaria while he was overseas and also came home with shrapnel in his back. In one of his letters to Mom, he said that he was supposed to receive a Purple Heart for his wounds, but evidently paperwork from overseas became jumbled or lost and he never received this award.

When the war was over and Dad returned to the USA, he was in poor physical shape and spent several months recovering in a military hospital in Texas.

Sergeant Joseph A. Wuestner is Honored with a stone commemorating his service in World War II in Veterans Tribute Park in St. Charles, MO. This was a gift to Mom from her Grandchildren and her Great Grandchildren.

10.29.2025

SUBMITTED BY: TIMOTHY MAY

Johann Weilbacher
My Great, Great, Great Grandfather Johann Weilbacher, who served in the Civil War as a Union Solder from 8/1/1862 to 4/21/1864 (medical discharged). Hi rank was a Private in the Illinois 82nd Illinois Infantry Regiment Group “G”. While in active duty, his Regiment fought at the Battle of Gettysburg.

He was born on Born May, 1807 in Nassau, Germany, and emigrated to the United States in 1836 to Columbia, Illinois area. And became a United States Citizen on October 14, 1844, and died on Feb,15,1867. He is buried in Immaculate Conception Catholic Cemetery in Columbia, IL

10.22.2025

SUBMITTED BY: JOE RUSCH

Jim Mayer is a US Army veteran who served in Vietnam.

He will be inducted into the Missouri Veterans Hall of Fame on Friday, October 24th.

The ceremony will take place in the rotunda of the State Capitol in Jefferson City.

Just two months into his Army service in Vietnam, Jim was on patrol when he stepped on a land mine.

He ended up losing both of his legs below the knee.

April 25th, 1969, is the day that changed his life and, in turn, it has changed the lives of hundreds, if not

thousands, of other veterans with whom he came in contact. Every April 25th, Jim celebrates his

“Alive Day” with family and friends to note this turning point in his life.

The “Milkshake Man” was born in the early 1990s. He has had an impact on many veterans who have

suffered similar injuries. During visits to Walter Reed Hospital, Jim started bringing them McDonald’s

milkshakes to make them feel more at home and give them a feeling of comfort.

Jim worked at the VA from 1978 to 2007 and then moved to the Wounded Warrior Project as the

Director of Peer Mentoring from 2007 to 2016.

Jim was inducted into the Affton (MO) High School Hall of Fame in 2009. Jim was a member of the Affton H.S. class of 1964. https://afftoneducationfoundation.org/hall_of_fame

Below are links to various articles about Jim that highlight his story and service:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4EVQws0Gzy0

https://abcnews.go.com/WNT/PersonOfWeek/story?id=131829&page=1

Jim has worked with the Aleethia Foundation to help provide thousands of free steak dinners to injured veterans and their families as part of their recovery.

https://www.legion.org/information-center/news/troops/2013/october/ocw-among-wounded-warriors-dinner-sponsors

Jim’s service was immortalized in a Doonesbury comic strip.

10.15.2025

Elvis Spots:

A native of Kansas City who served as a U.S. Merchant Marine during World War II. He was killed in the South Pacific in 1944, and his remains were identified and returned to be buried in Missouri nearly 80 years later.

10.08.2025

SUBMITTED BY: Marcus Hart

WINFRED H. HART JR., WWII VETERAN

Vic & Ken,
Today, I would like to honor my Grandpa
WINFRED H. HART JR., WWII VETERAN

Proudly Served Our Country

Winfred H. Hart Jr. was born in Nace, Virginia (near Troutville) on May 1st, 1921.

He enlisted in January of 1942 at the age of 21 and attended basic training in Texas.

Mr. Hart trained to be a pilot but later became a radio operator for the bomber crew of a B-24 Liberator, which was part of the 8th Air Force, 466th Bomb Group, 785th Squadron, Crew number 545. During most of World War II, the 466th was stationed in Attlebridge, England, a point from where it could conduct bombing missions over most of Nazi occupied Europe.

Hart’s first mission was oil refinery targets in one of Germany’s largest port cities of Hamburg. Other missions included an airfield in Marne, France; a Junkers aircraft engine factory in Magdeburg, Germany; and railroad targets throughout Germany, which were supplying the German Army. Mr. Hart’s last mission on January 21st, 1945, was a railroad marshalling yard (freight staging yard) in Helbronn, Germany.

Hart says they were very fortunate that none of the crew was ever hurt. He remembers two close calls. While on his first mission over Hamburg, Germany, they lost the #3 engine from flak fire damage. Two P-51 Mustang fighters escorted them back to England, protecting them from enemy fighter aircraft. The other was a near midair collision with an allied aircraft over London while doing training exercises. He credits their pilot, John Gerrity, who was a tough, tall Irishman from Texas who knew how to handle the hard to fly B-24 aircraft.

After completing 27 missions, Mr. Hart was discharged in the spring of 1945. He was welcomed home by his family, which included his grandfather, who rented a farm from Magnus Brugh, near the original Brugh’s Mill in Troutville. His Father was a machinist for Norfolk & Western Railroad, and his mother was a Crawford from Craig County.

After returning home from the war, Mr. Hart worked to complete the high school credits required to attend VPI (VA Tech), where he would study Electrical Engineering. While attending school, he worked a short time for Eagle Rock Lime Company. Mr. Hart and his wife, Lois, both worked for Appalachian Power until retiring in 1982. Following retirement, they both enjoyed traveling, which included visits to New Zealand, the Caribbean, Russia, and many parts of Europe.

Grandpa passed in February of 2017.

10.01.2025

SUBMITTED BY: Buck Carter’s little girl – Allison Schottenhaml

Private first-class Buck Carter

Vic & Ken
Today I would like to honor my father
Private first class Buck Carter. Born February 3, 1917 in Sikeston Missouri. In 1943 my father was working on his families 700 acre farm outside Sikeston raising cotton , corn, wheat and cattle including driving truck to take crops to barges on the Mississippi river.

Everything we know about my father’s military history comes from his DD214 and military Personnel records we acquired after he passed away. As he would not really share much of his service.
We know on April 23, 1943 he signed up for the US Army at Jefferson Barracks.

Line 18 on dd214 Race there are 3 options white, negro or other! His is marked other he was part of the Cherokee Nation.

Line 30 military occupational specialty & number. Rifleman 745. I had to look that up and found this: Must be proficient in the use of such hand weapons as rifle, automatic rifle, carbine, pistol, rocket launcher, rifle grenade, hand grenade, flame thrower & bayonet. Must be proficient in the technique of hand to hand combat to destroy enemy Personnel & to assist advance against an enemy position. May perform supervisory duties to control, coordinate & tactical employment of a fire team.

Line 32 Battle & Campaigns, Normandy with arrowhead meaning part of D-day
Saint Lo-France, Rhineland-Germany

Line 33 Decorations & citations,
American Theater Ribbon, World War II Victory Metal, Presidential Unit Citation, Army Occupational Metal (more than 30 consecutive days in occupied territory), Good Conduct metal, Honorable Discharge Lapel Ribbon and Bronze Star.

Date of discharge December 21, 1946

After returning from the war my father decided to not return to farming since his 3 brothers were running the farm and he has experience driving a 1 1/2 ton truck he decided he wanted to be a long haul truck driver and see the country he fought for! After a few years of driving he became part owner of a very successful heavy hauling & rigging company in St. Louis and was able to retire when I was 9 years old and we moved to 150 acre ranch raising cattle and appaloosa horses.

Every summer when I was out of school we would load up our horses and hit the road camping and trail riding around the country mostly camping on Indian Reservations and visiting historical sites. He taught me to love this country and I believe those trips taught me more than all the history courses in school.

When I was 22 years old my father passed away suddenly from a brain aneurysm while out eating breakfast with my mom! That was the worse phone call of my life! I was a daddy’s girl and miss my father so much everyday but blessed to have spent so much quality time with him!

09.24.2025

Jack Jackson

Jack Jackson was born in Sullivan, Indiana and grew up on a small farm near Crown Point. He earned a Bachelor of Science Degree at Purdue University. Jack later went on to earn a Master’s Degree in Human Resource Management at Pepperdine University. After graduating from Purdue University, Jack worked for a brief period at General Motors.

However, Jack felt the call of his country and joined the United States Marine Corps, where he was commissioned as Second Lieutenant. Jack then went off to flight training to become a Marine Aviator. Jack’s tenacity and courage were quickly demonstrated as a combat aviator in Vietnam. Arriving in November 1968, Jack flew over 600 combat missions.

A highly decorated veteran, Jack is the recipient of four Distinguished Flying Crosses, 33 Air Medals, Navy Commendation Medal (with combat V), a host of campaign medals and, most recently, the Legion of Merit for Service to His Country.

Returning from Vietnam, Jack attended the United States Naval Test Pilot School, testing aircraft for the United States military. Subsequently, he was the aide-de-camp for a Two Star General.

He left active duty as a Marine Captain in 1977. Jack remained active in the service of his country by staying in the Marine Corps Reserves and achieved the rank of Colonel. He was called back to active duty for Desert Shield where he served as a Harrier Instructor Pilot.

Jack continued to play an important role in the defense of his country as a key person in the Boeing Company (previously McDonnell Douglas). Jack became a test pilot at Boeing Company in January 1978. He tested virtually every type of U.S. fighter aircraft as well as two Russian fighters, accumulating over 10,000 flight hours.

He is also the nation’s most experienced VSTOL pilot. In January 2004, he retired from his position as Chief Pilot-Production Test with Boeing Company where he was responsible for all production activities.

Jack is actively involved in his church where he is a deacon. He was the parliamentarian for the Second Congressional District Caucus in 1996 and 2008.

He is also a member of the following organizations:

V.F.W.; American Legion; National Aeronautical Association;
Association of Naval Aviation; Marine Corps League;
Vietnam Veterans;
National Association of Parliamentarians; and
The Society of Experimental Test Pilots.

Jack was also on the Boeing Management Club Board of Directors. He was the Chief Test Pilot for Production at the Boeing Company from 1996 until 2004. Jack was elected to the Missouri House of Representatives in 2002. He served as president of the largest freshman class in the history of the state of Missouri.

He was Chairman of the Veterans Committee, Chairman of the Joint Committee On Terrorism, Bioterrorism, and Homeland Security; and he was a member of the Appropriations – Public Safety and Corrections and Ways and Means Committees.

Jack has been married for 57 years to the former Arleen Henderlong. They have three children and eight grandchildren. Jack is the recipient of the National Aeronautic Association’s “Elder Statesman of Aviation for 2004” Award. He received the Aviation Week and Space Technology 1999 Laurels Award.

He also received the “Legislator of the Year Award” from the Missouri Department of Veterans of Foreign Wars in June 2003, 2005, and 2006 and the “Legislator of the Year Award” from the American Legion in 2004.

He received the 2006 Farm Bureau Friend of Agriculture Award. He also received the National Aide-de- Camp award from the National Commander of the National VFW. After leaving the legislature in 2006, Jack started his own small business of public speaking and an aircraft charter business.

09.17.2025

SUBMITTED BY: Fred Meyer

Morrie “Lefty” Martin,
Lefty was a dear family friend, and he was one of a few uncles that watched over my father, Harlen Meyer, when my Dad was a youth. He is a member of that exclusive club of professional baseball players who left the ball diamond to fight in WWII.
Morrie “Lefty” Martin was born 1922 and while not born in Washington he lived here for several years and married Leona Kleekamp. He is buried in St. Francis Borgia Cemetery.

Morrie was a professional baseball player for several well known teams (White Sox, Yankees, Cardinals, Dodgers, Athletics).

After just 2 seasons of baseball beginning in 1941 he entered the Army. During his time in the Army he participated in Operation Torch, Operation Overlord, Operation Cobra, and Battle of the Bulge.

He survived combat during World War II at Normandy Beach, the Battle of the Bulge, and Remagen Bridge. Lefty was a combat engineer in World War II, which meant that he was building things on the front lines that the enemy did not want built. Twice during the war he was hit by enemy fire. For his service in World War II, he was awarded two Purple Hearts, four battle stars, and an Oak Leaf Cluster. He was discharged from the army in 1945. In 1946 he returned to baseball and had a great career playing for a variety of teams. His career ended in April of 1961. He stayed and worked a variety of jobs in Washington. Later he went on to travel and do autograph signings and speeches.

Let me know Ken if you have not highlighted lefty, his wife is still alive (101 years old), I would let her know to listen in if you choose to highlight this extra-ordinary man.

Love your show with Vic!

Thanks, Fred Meyer

09.03.2025

SUBMITTED BY: Dave Stopher

Staff Sergeant Richard Stopher,
United States Marine Corps, End of Watch August 22, 2018.

Richard Dale Stopher entered service on December 30, 1959. After Boot Camp in San Diego, California, he began his schooling to become an Interpreter and Translator at The Presidio in Monterey, California.

Richard served in the 5th Marines proudly until his language skills in Mandarin and Cantonese were needed in the blossoming war in Vietnam.

Richard deployed on the 1st IT&T Interrogation & Translation detachment in 1964 to enter the war with 12 other Marines. He served his nation well for 16 months in Vietnam until his tour ended in late 1965. He served again as a Marine Drill instructor in San Diego before his eventual Honorable Discharge in 1967.

Richard is among the 300,000 Vietnam Veterans who survived the actual war in Vietnam, but have since succumbed to the effects of Agent Orange exposure. Richard passed quietly at home on August 18th, 2018, survived by his wife Evelyn, Daughter Rebecca, and son David.

He was laid to rest at Jefferson Barracks Military Cemetery with his fellow Brothers in Arms, awaiting the day that his wife will be interred with him.

09.02.2025

Petty Officer George “Curt” Davison (USN) and Cpl Tom Lacey

Cpl Tom Lacey
Tom grew up on Wheaton, IL and enlisted into the Army on July 15, 1943. After completing Basic at Camp Fannin, Tom volunteered and completed Radio School (FM SCR 300s) at Camp Maxey and was then assigned Company C, 99th Infantry Division. After arriving in Liverpool Oct 1944, Tom was deployed to the ETO 3 weeks later and was trucked to the Siegfried line near Krinkelt and then battled in the Hurtgen Forest Campaign. On Dec 16, 1944, Tom was awoken to heavy barrage at the start of the Battle of the Bulge. The 99th defensive positions were overrun by several German companies after a rolling barrage. While Tom was engaged in several small arms skirmishes, air to air combat raged overhead. Tom lived through relentless artillery barrages from both the enemy and US 105s and helped evacuate one of his buddie’s (Red Netter) who had been hit. The 99th withdrew to an advantageous strategic position on the Elsenborn Ridge. Tom spent the next 3-4 days along with Sgt Baker (C Co) within foxholes on this infamous ridge, defending their position from the onslaught of German forces. The 99th assisted with a counterattack led by Shermans in the 9th Armored. Tom and his comrades in the 99th were the 1st to cross the Rhine at the bridge at Remagen in March 1944 despite being shelled by devastating 88 mm artillery fire. Tom was discharged at Ft Lewis on Feb 2, 1946. Tom leaves us with the following pearls: There is little correlation between rank and leadership, basic training is effective, the GI was not only a good soldier, but a good innovator, medics were brave, well-trained and effective, the Red Ball Express was instrumental in US victory, never hate your enemy, everyone has something good to offer to the world, you never know where the next hero will come from and pray daily to your guardian angel.

Petty Officer George “Curt” Davison (USN)
PO Davison (99 years old) served as an Electrician’s Mate on the Destroyer Escort U.S.S. Rudderow that travelled to nearly 30 locations in the Pacific Theatre of Operations from 1943 to 1946. The USS Rudderow participated in submarine hunter-killer patrols, escort of resupply and troop reinforcement convoys and oversaw landings of landing crafts. Curt observed the suicide attacks on US ships by enemy pilots and the impact of a severe typhoon on his ship to the extent that the deck was under water. Curt’s ship also carried some of the soldiers who had survived the Battaan Death March after their release from prison camps. Curt was honorably discharged from the Navy in the summer of 1946. Curt believes that being in the Navy was an adventure and enabled him to see many places and become good friends with many sailors throughout the US. Curt recommends that no matter what your age, that you should stay active as he has been awarded thousands of medals and holds several state, five national and one world record as a Senior Olympian.

08.27.2025

SUBMITTED BY: Neal Westhoff

Charles H. Gnade, Pronounced-(Ga nade ee)

Vic and Ken,

There’s a man in our parish, his name is Charlie Gnade. He turned 101 yesterday, August 26. He fought in World War II under General Patton. He came into the area where the battle of the bulge was when that battle was over. He’s still pretty sharp.

Military Service: He served in the United States Army with the 90th Infantry Division during World War II.

Award Recognition: He is reported to have received the Silver Star, one of the U.S. military’s highest decorations for gallantry under fire, awarded under General Orders No. 571 (1945).
The Silver Star is awarded for “gallantry in action against an enemy of the United States,” marking Charles H. Gnade as someone who likely exhibited extraordinary bravery during combat.

Being tied to the 90th Infantry Division connects him to some of the most intense fighting in the European Theater—operations in Normandy, France, and into the heart of Germany.

At the age of 19, Charles was drafted into the Army and served 22 months un General George S. Patton. He was a private, first class in the 90th division of the 359th Texas/Oklahoma infantry of the Battle of The Bulge during WWII. He was awarded the Silver Star for single handed capture of prisoners. Grateful for the opportunity to serve his country, he says the world is much different now than when he enlisted. I was proud to serve my country during WWII but I did not go to war to see my country in such divide and turmoil as it is today. It makes me very sad. I didn’t go to war to fight for this he said. For the past 77 years, Gnade has been a member of American Legion in Old Monroe as well as a member of the VFW. In 2022, he was awarded the Unsung Hero Award from the Old Monroe American Legion. Among his top achievements in life, he says being a farmer and making his first communion as well as his married life count for some of his proudest life accomplishments. Charlie has been widowed two times, Marita Hoelting Gnade and second wife Dorothy (Dot) McGee Gnade.

08.20.2025

SUBMITTED BY: Robert Feeney

John Minton and John Michael Minton

Vic and Ken,

Thank you for telling the story of my great-great-grandfather’s story. My wife also has two direct ancestors on her father’s side who fought in the Civil War.

Here are the stories of John Minton, her great-great-great-great grandfather and John Micheal Minton, her great-great-great grandfather.

John Minton served in five wars spanning fifty years.

When John Minton was fifteen, he saw the militia of Liberty County formed to defend Georgia’s coast against the British landings in the war of 1812.

Twenty-year-old John Minton received the sword and epaulettes of a major in the United States Army in 1817 from the hands of General Andrew Jackson. He had fought gallantly in quelling marauding Creek Indians on the Georgia Frontier with General Jackson and the famous Indian fighter, David Crockett.

He was, in 1835, the only man in Liberty County, Georgia to volunteer aid to Texas in their struggle with Mexico.

Major Minton brought his wife and children to Roswell, Georgia in 1849, intending to spend the remainder of his years farming. At the onset of the War Between the States, John Minton at the age of 62 enlisted as a private in the Confederate Army, (Georgia 8th, Company E) as did three of his sons. During the First Battle of Manassas, Virginia in July 1861, he was wounded and discharged four months later by disability. He returned home to Roswell and died in 1871.

John Micheal Minton was one of three sons who joined the 21st Georgia Cavalry Battalion serving in the Companies B and D. His brothers James Dunwoody and Axson H served in the same unit and companies. The 21st served along the George coastline focusing on reconnaissance, skirmishes, and protecting Confederate supply lines. In February 1864, the 21st and 24th Georgia Cavalry Battalions were merged to become the Georgia 7th Cavalry Regiment. The brothers were part of Company E. The regiment was ordered to Virginia. At the Battle of Saint Mary’s Church near Charles City, Virginia, Axton was wounded and died four days later on 30 June 1864. John and James returned to Roswell after the war, raised families and died in 1888 and 1907, respectively.

08.06.2025

SUBMITTED BY: Christine Morabito

I am tremendously proud to submit my uncle, Naval Flight Officer, Raymond Vincent DeBlasio Jr.

Lieutenant Junior Grade, to be honored by Vic for Vets.

I was just 8 years old in 1971, when my family was notified of the tragic crash of his A-3 Skywarrior into the Gulf of Tonkin, off the Vietnam coast. The aircraft suffered mechanical failure and exploded on impact. According to one of his peers, the A-3 was nicknamed “the coffin” because of how difficult it was to get out of. Lieutenant Junior Grade DeBlasio, along with the pilot and another crewmember were listed as Reported Dead/Body Not Recovered.

Lieutenant Junior Grade DeBlasio was from West Hempstead, New York. He received military training in the Reserve Officers program at Fordham University and underwent flight training in Pensacola, Florida. He was serving his second tour in Vietnam and was awarded the Vietnam Service Metal, Air Metal and the National Defense Service Metal. He was only 24 when he died.

I remember my family being devastated, but it was never talked about. As a child, my uncle’s death was shrouded in mystery. I would often sneak into his former bedroom to marvel at the shrine that was built to honor him. My mother and her younger brother, Joseph, are now Lieutenant Junior Grade DeBlasio’s only surviving relatives. A[though the chances of recovering his remains are extremely unlikely, the Department of Defense continues to correspond with my family and offer their support. I’m told the Vietnamese Government is also assisting in the effort to recover the bodies of the 2300 Americans Missing in Action from the Vietnam War. I am comforted by the fact that he never had to endure the hostility others faced when returning from their service in Vietnam. Rest in peace Uncle Raymond.

07.30.2025

SUBMITTED BY: A Faithful listener

James A Ryan

Sergeant United States Marine Corps

Served: 8/91 to 8/97

Followed in his Dad’s and Uncle’s footsteps by becoming a Marine. He was involved in Operation Restore Hope, protecting convoys from rebels trying to steal the food from the starving Somalian people.

07.25.2025

SUBMITTED BY: A regular listener

_____________________________________________________________

Hi Vic and Ken!

I hope this veteran will fit nicely into you and Vic’s wonderful daily/soon-to-be-weekly tribute to veterans. I hope you can offer some acknowledgement of a local hometown hero from the past. As I stated before, I neither need nor desire recognition for offering his story – if you use it, can you just say a regular listener brought him to your attention?

I worked in Bridgeton, Mo for 16 years, which was where I met Bill Salfen. He was a close, longtime friend of the business owner, and was around quite frequently in all of my years working there, dying the same year I left the business in 2014. Bill showed me multiple official documents regarding his service time, his capture and imprisonment, and eventual release. I have no reason to question his words.

I spoke with Bill often about his WWII escapades as a B-24 Bomber Pilot who was shot down and captured by Nazis, then imprisoned at Stalag 1 as a POW.

There are a couple different articles I’ve found stating his age (either 20 or 21) at capture, but Bill personally told me he was 20 when he was shot down – according to him (as well as other sources I’ve seen over the years) he was the youngest bomber pilot (NOT Co-Pilot) in the US Army Air Forces at the time.

Regardless…he was just out of his teens, and Captaining (piloting) a US B-24 Bomber against an enemy force!

After his war experiences, Bill became very active in Food Search type programs, and had a specially insulated van he would collect groceries in to distribute to the homeless, and to the food banks in the St. Louis area.

In his own words, he told me that he did so because during his time in captivity, he found out all about real hunger, and knew firsthand the pain experienced from it.

Bill told me that he had wires holding his jaw together from a German soldier “knocking his face loose” with the buttstock of a rifle during his capture, and true to his nature (as I knew him, anyway) he also said that he didn’t blame the German soldier; “after all I (we, the US) was killing Germans and their families.”

Bill had visible scars all over both arms from German Shepard attacks he sustained during both his initial capture and his multiple escape attempts from Stalag 1. He told me he tried 3 times to escape, and was recaptured each time.

The tip of one of his fingers was missing up to past the nail where, he told me, they put it in a bench vise and tortured him by squeezing it, then releasing it, then squeezing the damaged fingertip again the next day and the next, until, as he told me, he finally talked and they pinched the damaged fingertip completely off. He was unashamed about talking, and he had nothing to be ashamed of, in my opinion.

I feel very honored to have met and known for years this man that I personally consider to be a true American Hero from WWII.

He is a 69 year Founding member and first Captain of VFW POST 5077, O’Fallon MO, a 33 year volunteer at Operation Food Search St. Louis MO and St. Mary’s Parish Bridgeton, MO, retired Teamster, union negotiator and 17 year subject of Wash U Memory and Aging Study. He donated his remains to that Study and to Washington University School of Medicine.

-“William “Bill” Sabastian Salfen was born 16-Sept 1922 in Dardenne, St. Charles County Missouri.

-His parents were Sebastian J “Boss” Salfen (1886–1961) and Josephine “Phinnie” Sattler (1893–1974).

-He had one brother, Harold. William attended St. Charles High School.

According to the Federal Census, the family lived on Main Street in O’Fallon in 1940.

-William Salfen joined the Army Air Corps in June 1942. In September 1942, Bill completed a 12-week Flight Training course at Missouri

University. “

-“On 27-Jun 1943, William arrived at Corsicana Field from the San Antonio Aviation Cadet Center.

-William Received his Army Air Corps Silver Wings and 2nd Lieutenant commission at Frederick Field in Oklahoma on 11-Jan 1944.

-William Salfen was assigned to the 44th Bomb Group, 506th Bomber Squadron (Heavy) of the 8th Air Force in England.

-They were the first 8th Air Force Bomb Group to be equipped with B-24 Liberators.

-On 7-Oct 1944, William Salfen’s plane was damaged, and the crew was forced to bailout.

The U.S. Army’s 44th Bomber Group Crash Report of the bombing states that his aircraft, #789, was last seen in vicinity of Kassel at 1224 hours. #1 and #2 engines had been knocked out by flak and it fell out of formation, under control. It was last heard from at approximately 1239 hours calling on VHF for fighter support.”

The following is a first-hand report from Lt. Donald B. Iden, the Co-Pilot:

“Our plane was nicknamed “LAKANOOKIE”, model B-24 (serial #42-50789), and it took flak which disrupted two of its engines.

The bombing raid was on a German tank factory. We had just closed the bomb bay doors after releasing bombs over Kassel when our plane took two bursts of flak. One hit the left wing and the other went into the tail section.

The hit in the wing took out the #1 and #2 engines, so that made it impossible to keep a heading without complete cross control of ailerons and rudders. Needless to say, loss of altitude was very rapid.

We rode it down to 1,500 feet, at which time we bailed out and soon were captured. After Salfen and I bailed out, the aircraft entered a flat spin, crashed and burned.

We were told that Robert Doherty’s parachute failed to open and the seven-surviving crew of nine were captured by the Nazis.”

William Salfen had been missing in action since 7-October 1944 and was a prisoner of war for 188 days.

The St. Charles Weekly Banner reported on 24-May 1945, William Salfen in Stalag Luft 1 was liberated by the Russians.

Thanks again to you and Vic for doing this for veterans!

07.14.2025

SUBMITTED BY: Kristen Sanders – Vic Head _____________________________________________________________

Hi Vic and Ken,
Peter Stanley Krakoviak (krak-oh-vee-ak) My Grandfather

Sept 1924 – Jan 1979 (he died when I was 16 months old so unfortunately I don’t remember him)

inducted to the Navy from Richmond, VA in March 1943 when he was 19yrs old and was honorably discharged in 1946.

He was a qualified Coxwain in amphibious landing craft & landing ships and it’s our understanding that he “drove” the landing craft onto Omaha Beach 5 times full of soldiers.

His discharge papers list service at:

-Naval Training Center in Bainbridge, MD

-United States Amphibious Training Base Solomons, MD

-USS Strive (AM-117) which was an Auk-class minesweeper acquired by the United States Navy for the dangerous task of removing mines from minefields laid in the water to prevent ships from passing.

-United States Amphibious Base Camp Bradford Norfolk, VA

-U.S. Naval Advanced Amphibious Base (USNAAB), Falmouth, England which was one of several US Naval Advance Bases established in the UK to support the Allied invasion of Europe.

-Stationed at Vicarage Barracks in Plymouth, England

received:

-The Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with three bronze stars

-Victory Medal for WW2

-European-African Campaign Medal with 1 star

Not much is actually known from his time in service since like many others he didn’t talk about it. Once he returned home to Richmond he married my grandmother, Sylvia, in 1951 and they were married until his death in 1979.

Thanks Ken & Vic for telling these stories of our American heroes. Please let me know when this will air so I can make sure I’m listening, although being a
Vic Head I’m a daily listener. Kristen Sanders

06.30.2025

SUBMITTED BY: Tim Hixson

Hi Vic and Ken,
Thank you for doing this. This is a short story about my great grandfather, Matthew Hixson, who fought in the American Revolution. God bless.
Sincerely,
Tim Hixson

Name/Rank: Matthew Hixson, Private & Colonel, enlisted at Ringo’s Tavern, New Market, NJ Colony summer of 1775
Branch/Battalion: New Jersey Colonial Militia, later Continental Army, during the American Revolution
Date of Service: Served: summer 1775 until fall of 1778
Awards/Medals: None known.

Matthew Hixson was my great, great, great, great, great, great, great, great grandfather. He was born in 1757 in the town of New Market, Colony of New Jersey. He was one of three brothers who served during the American Revolution. During his 3 years of service he was stationed in and around various townships around New Jersey and New York primarily, serving as a private first in the NJ Militia and later the Continental Army. However, during his last posting in 1778 he held the rank of Colonel for 10 days before his final discharge, no idea why! He married my great (times 8!) grandmother Catherine Hogg in 1779 and eventually moved to Ohio and bought a farm north east of Cincinnati. While we don’t know what if any combat he might have seen as he apparently never talked about it during his life, we know from his own words how in 1832 he finally received notification of the promised veterans pension him and his fellow soldiers were originally promised by the Continental Congress during the War and later the US government. He was 75 years at the time, and he still had to wait another year for it to arrive. In 1833 $100 from the US government was sent to a solicitor (lawyer) in his son’s name for 2 and a half years pension. When Matthew died in 1838 and his debts were paid and remaining estate split among his children, it was realized that he never actually saw a cent of any of that pension the few years he received it. So, for those veterans alive today still dealing with all the troubles in the VA, take heart…the guys who fought in our first war as a nation had to go through similar crap in their day.

Vic and Ken, love your show. Thanks to my grandfather, I’ve discovered I’ve got a little bit of New Jersey in me too! God bless!

06.27.2025

SUBMITTED BY: Christopher Slater

Good morning Ken,

Thank you to you and Vic for honoring our military members.

My veteran is Specialist (Corporal) David Bixler,

Specialist Bixler was assigned to the 1st Ballalion, 320th Field Artillery, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division.

On September 30, 2010, Specialist Bixler was on patrol in heavily mined farmland in the Arghandab(AR-CON DOB) River Valley in Afghanistan. He was leading a team of three Afghan National Army Soldiers, when his unit was ambushed and heavy gunfire ensued.

When Bixler saw that one of the Afghan soldiers had veered toward uncleared ground, he ran after him and pushed him to safety. While doing so, Bixler stepped on an improvised explosive device. He suffered the loss of both legs, damage to his spinal cord, traumatic brain injury, and other serious injuries. For his heroic action, Bixler was awarded the Silver Star, as well as a Purple Heart for his wounds. Bixler was the 2011 USO Soldier of the Year.

Bixler was evacuated on or about October 1st, 2010, by an Illinois Air National Guard KC-135 tanker aircraft, configured for an aeromedical evacuation flight from Bagram Air Base, Afghanistan, to Ramstein Air Base, Germany (close to Landstuhl Military Hospital, Germany, Bixler’s destination).

Bixler survived his catastrophic wounds, and has since accepted a smart home from Tunnels to Towers (2016) and become successful in the computer industry, owning his own small business, specializing in 3D printed components.

American warrior.

Respectfully,.

Technical Sergeant Christopher Slater (retired)

United States Air Force/Illinois Air National Guard

06.26.2025

SUBMITTED BY: Sandra D

Vic and Ken
Dad would be against me telling people what he did, because he didn’t have to go to combat. But he was prepared to be on a landing craft heading toward the shore of Japan. He always said he wasn’t afraid, which might be why they tested him to be a frogman. There was something in his makeup that did not register fear. I saw that over and over.

I think he got that job because he was a little knowledgeable about motors and equipment, having been on a farm. So if the motor of the landing craft went down, Pop could have worked on it. So think about this: Pop knew he might have to work on an engine on a landing craft off the shore of Japan while he was being shot at. He was okay with that. Because he knew he had to be.

Here is my submission:
Pop was drafted in the fall of 1944[, which was remarkable in itself. It meant that the US was so hungry for soldiers and sailors that even young farmers were being drafted and that women, old men, and kids were left to feed the country. But ]the US was ramping up to invade Japan.

Pop was assigned to the Navy. [After training at Great Lakes near Chicago, he was tested to become a frogman at Fort Pierce, Florida. Frogmen were the precursors to the Navy Seals. It bothered him to the day he died that he did not pass one test to go on to the next level. My guess is, as a frogman, he would have been used to swim to the shores of Japan and blow up obstacles to landing craft. Instead, ]In 1945, he trained to crew a landing craft to invade Japan. They were told that one half of them would die. They were also told that they would know their chances of survival based upon what “wave” they were in. He was 20 years old when he was told to contemplate dying.

We know how it ended, the atomic bomb meant that Pop never shipped out from Norfolk to the Pacific. Instead, in the spring of 1946, he was assigned to the engine room of the USS Missouri and sent all the way to Istanbul, Turkey. This was a way for President Truman to tell the Soviet Union to “back off.” My father loved that ship so much, that I think if they had told him he could have stayed on it, he would not have come back and married my mother whom he had known for her entire life. (And loved. I have the Valentine he gave her in the 1930s to prove it.)

My father never wanted to be recognized for his service because he did not go into combat. He knew people who did. He was incredibly loyal to family members who suffered alcoholism because of being in combat in the War and in Korea. But he was prepared to drive a landing craft with troops onto the shores of Japan. And, if he lived through doing it once, I have no doubt he would have backed that craft up and done it again. His entire life, he did whatever it took.

Thank you for recognizing Pop.

06.25.2025

SUBMITTED BY: Steve Shaw of the band Cottonwood Gunners

Hello Vic and Ken,

I would like to submit a story about my great Uncle Charlie Payer. Charlie was my father’s favorite uncle as a patient, wonderful uncle who would always take him fishing. Charlie quit high school, lied about his age and enlisted in the Army – Private First Class. He was seventeen when he was shipped to Europe and eventually the Ardennes region where he fought in the Battle fo the Bulge.

Sadly when Charlie returned home he attempted suicide twice – he once threw himself off a Highway 44 overpass and he also attempted to kill himself with a shotgun that caved in the left side of his face. I only remember Charlie when I was a young boy and I was scared of him because he was a huge man and the injury to his face scared me. After he had passed away and my father told me the stories, I wish I had known. He was extremely quiet and humble and would never talk about the war. Obviously the things he experienced as a 17 year old had profound effects on him that he struggled with his whole life – although he quietly went about working at a factory until retirement and passing away at 68.

Sincerely Steve Shaw Cottonwood Gunners

PS: My band Cottonwood Gunners is committed to Veteran’s causes and we often write songs honoring them. I have at least one relative who saw action in every war since World War 1. We host a benefit every year to raise money for veterans causes – last year it was for Got Your Six Service Dogs. I would love to send you more info and to offer our services at any time for vet’s causes.

Much appreciate your consideration.

06.24.2025

SUBMITTED BY: Mike Marfell from the Bluff City Outdoors Show

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Hey Mike Marfell here from the Bluff City Outdoors Show submitting this in behalf of my late Father 32 years in the Illinois Air National Guard.

Allen E Marfell was born July 20th, 1937 and passed August 12th 2019.

Allen joined the Air National Guard 183rd Tactical Fighter wing unit in 1955 at the age of 18 Allen served in this Unit based out of Springfield, Illinois for 31 years where he then retired as Master Sergeant on the flight line.

He had multiple deployments overseas including Great Britain, France and Italy. He was also active during the Cuban Missile Crisis.

He loved his service and made lifelong friendships. As his children we have great memories of seeing him in his uniform and feeling great pride in his service. Every summer he would spend a month in Wisconsin with his Unit and we would follow and vacation there. Also there were innumerable air shows we attended as a family sitting on the flight line and feeling tremendous pride that our father was part of this.

When he passed many years later in 2019 many fellow service members attended his funeral with military rites. Some of these men we had never met but they came to show their respect 20 some years after his retirement. They shared great stories of him and his service, one of our favorites of him driving a truck on the flight line with a cigar hanging out of his mouth. Serving their country together had built lifelong friendships and an unbreakable bond.

Two of Allen’s grandsons followed in his footsteps with military service. Tyler A Robinett served 11 years in the 82nd Airborne ending rank of Captain & Graduated Ranger School. Spencer Marfell currently serving in Idiana Army National Guard Airborn Infantry C Co 2-134 IN (ABN)

Rank – Specialist with 3 years served and a 1 year deployment to Kenya Africa.

06.23.2025

SUBMITTED BY: Peter (Andre) Brown

There are two Vets I would like to recognize via your Vic to Vets.

First: Vipot Lopitakwong (pronounced Vee-pot La-pit-a-wong), Lance Corporal, United States Marine Corps. Nov. 4th 1995 to June 1 2015. I met Vipot in boot camp in 2014 and he quickly became my best friend and bother in the Marine Corps. Unfortunately he was killed in a car crash in 2015 a few days before we were to meet up for some fishing in the Gulf down in Texas. I mess him very much. Rest in peace my friend!

Second: Corporal Jeffrey Lucey United States Marine Corps, a man I never met yet I is a touch stone when things get rough for me. A brother Marine Jeffrey was an Iraq war veteran. He served 5 months in country with the 6th Motor Transport Battalion. Unfortunately as is far to common, on June 22, 2004 Corporal Lucey took his own life at age 23. Tom Waits wrote and sang a song based on his letters and final note to his family. It is both a tribute and a haunting reminder of what our brave me and women go through to keep our Country free. Jeffrey Lucey, Corporal, United State Marine Corps, rest easy brother.

06.20.2025

SUBMITTED BY: Tim Bohnert

Vic and Ken, I think what you’re doing with the show this month is absolutely great.
My father, Arnold E Bohnert, Corporal, was in the Army during the Korean war. He was born in 28 went to Fort Leonard Wood for training and was sent to Germany for further training. The war ended before he was deployed to Korea. His best friend (they were the best man in each other‘s weddings) actually was involved in fighting in Korea. His name was Harold Hadler. I also had at least one uncle on my mothers’ side of the family that served an armed forces as well. His name was Irvin Moll.
I used to go to the Danforth Center about once a month for events years ago and received their newsletters for many years. It might’ve been June of last year. I don’t remember what month it was, but they were talking about celebrating pride month or some similar group for a month. I wrote back in an email, fairly nicely that indicated our veterans only get one day a year who fought and died for our country. And you’re promoting SINNING by celebrating an entire month? I also told them Senator Danforth is probably turning over in his grave now because of what they are doing.
For some reason, I did not get any more newsletters after that.
Keep up the good work.
Tim Bohnert

06.19.2025

SUBMITTED BY: Ron Klutho

I’d like to make a nomination for the Vic 4 Vets program (an awesome idea from you guys, by the way)

My hero cousin, US Marine Scott Sommerhof, who was one of 241 Marines killed in the Beirut attack on our base in 1983

NAME AND RANK: 1st Lt. William Scott Sommerhof (we called him Scott)

BRANCH AND PLATOON: Marines: First Battalion 8th (Battalion Landing Team)

DATES OF SERVICE: August 1980 – October 1983 (KIA)

AWARDS AND MEDALS:
Purple Heart,
Combat Action Ribbon,
Marine Corps Expeditionary Medal,
Navy Unit Commendation,
Navy Sea Service Deployment Ribbon,
United Nations Medal

Scott wanted to be a Marine all his life. He looked up to his relatives who had served in the armed forces, including our uncle Earl Sommerhof, a Green Beret who was killed in Vietnam. Scott’s parents were not crazy about him joining the Marines, but they understood how much it meant to him and supported him fully. Scott entered the Marines in 1980 and attained the rank of First Lieutenant, which was his rank when he was killed on October 23, 1983 when a Hezbollah-backed suicide bomber attacked our base in Beirut, Lebanon, killing 241 Marines. Scott’s parents had gotten a letter from him 2 days before the bombing, in which he said he was looking forward to seeing them at Christmas. Scott believed in the mission and never wavered in his patriotism and pride to be a Marine.

Tragically, Scott’s 21-year-old brother, Eric, was killed in a motorcycle accident during Scott’s deployment, in 1982.

I interviewed Scott’s other brother John and his mother Jo on the show I did at NewsTalk in 2023, Stories of New Americans, on the anniversary of the attack. I also interviewed Johnny Harper on that episode, who survived the attack and has worked to keep the memory of his brothers alive. Tim and Chris also interviewed him both in 2023 and 2024. (He would also be a great nominee for the Vic4Vets award)

06.18.2025

SUBMITTED BY: Janis Craig

Sergeant Major Harris – E9
my son is an Army veteran ,he is Sergeant Major Harris – E9 1989-2015 he served in desert Storm and Afghanistan OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM ,HE RECEIVED 3 bronze stars 3 MERITORIOUS SERVICE MEDALS RANGER AIRBORNE Wings EXPERT INFANTRY ,HE IS CURRENTLY LIVING THE GOOD LIFE IN ARKANSAS ,GIVING THIS MOM A REST I have 4uncles that were in the Army ( privates) they enlisted in WW2 !My grandmother was proud and sad because she had 4 sons in war at the same time ,names were Donald, Raymond, Kenneth and Robert MCracken ! 2 of the sons met up in Hawaii at the end of the war .All came home safely! Thanks for doing this Vic and Ken

06.17.2025

SUBMITTED BY: TIM CHILDS

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ARMY MASTER SGT. ERNEST R. KOUMA / SGT MAJOR TONY B. KOUMA

Vic and Ken,

I would like to share the names of two brothers who both enlisted in the military to fight for our freedom in the buildup to and after our declaration of war in World War ll. I never had the opportunity to meet Earnest but Tony was married to my 2nd cousin Mary Henehan. I had the pleasure of spending time with him and his family in California , while I was stationed at Camp Pendleton from 1983-1985. He was a great big man with just as big a heart. Earnest was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor and Tony earned the Navy Cross, which is one step below the Medal of Honor. Hearing Tony describe the details of what his brother went through, and after much prodding on my part, what he went through to earn their respective medals was chilling and awe inspiring at the same time. It was amazing to me, initially, that brothers would both earn such honors and neither posthumously. After spending time with him and his family I came to understand the type of character it takes to be these men. I know you plan to honor 1 veteran each day. I would appreciate it if you could take the time to mention them both at the same time so listeners can understand the level of courage, honor and devotion to country demonstrated by these two young men, brothers from 1 family.

If I may, I would like to also give a mention for Ashli Babbit.
Ashli Babbitt had a 12-year military career in the Air Force, primarily serving as an enlisted security forces controller. She enlisted after high school and served from 2004 to 2016, including deployments to Afghanistan and Iraq. During her active duty, she met her first husband, Staff Sargent Timothy McEntee. Babbitt also served in the Air National Guard, including a six-year stint with the Capital Guardians, a unit responsible for defending the Washington D.C. region. She reached the rank of Senior Airman. Thanks, Tim

________________________________________________________________

Sgt. Maj. Anthony B. Kouma (Retired)
was born in Dwight, NE, May 30, 1922. He enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1942.
His distinguished military career included service in WWII, Korea and Vietnam.
Among his many decorations, he was awarded the Navy Cross in 1944 for
extraordinary heroism. In 1951 he married Marjorie Dixon, mother of his nine
children. After her death, he retired and worked as a school bus driver to care for
their children. He was joined by his beloved wife Mary Henehan, who sadly
preceded him in death by a year. He passed away at his home in Encinitas on
Sept. 12, 2004. He will be remembered for his lively sense of humor and his
constant love of God, family, friends, country, and the U.S. Marine Corps. His
frequent letters often ended with a phrase he personified in life – Semper fidelis
(Always faithful.)
Navy Cross Citation:
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the
Navy Cross to Corporal Anthony B. Kouma (MCSN: 485555), United States
Marine Corps Reserve, for extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty while
serving with Headquarters and Service Battery, Third Battalion, Tenth Marines,
SECOND Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces on Saipan,
Marianas Islands, 7 July 1944. Investigating suspicious movement in the vicinity
of his Battery’s position, Corporal Kouma worked his way forward from his
foxhole and, discovering the enemy in force to his front, alerted the listening
posts and directed accurate and effective automatic fire against the Japanese.
Doggedly continuing his advance into the enemy lines under intense machine
gun and rifle fire, he located and destroyed two hostile machine guns which were
firing into his Battery. He then returned to his own area and, discovering that the
position was becoming untenable, efficiently directed the withdrawal of the men
and assisted in the evacuation of the wounded. His leadership, courageous
devotion to duty and gallant fighting spirit reflect the highest credit upon Corporal
Kouma and the United States Naval Service.

Medal of Honor Monday: Army Master Sgt.
Ernest R. Kouma
Army Master Sgt. Ernest R. Kouma was credited with killing an astonishing 250
enemy soldiers to protect retreating U.S. infantrymen during an hours-long battle
at the beginning of the Korean War. It’s no surprise that his efforts earned him
the Medal of Honor.
Kouma was born Nov. 23, 1919, in Dwight, Nebraska, and grew up on a family
farm. In 1940, as war was building in Europe, he decided to enlist in the Army.
Kouma served with the 9th Infantry Division during World War II. He fought his
way across Germany and helped relieve the people of Bastone, Belgium, after a
long siege during the famed Battle of the Bulge in the winter of 1944-45.
After the war, he served as part of the occupation force in South Korea and
Japan. But shortly after the Korean War began in the summer of 1950, Kouma
was again sent to the front lines as an M26 Pershing tank commander of
Company A, 72nd Tank Battalion, 2nd Infantry Division.
Kouma’s unit was part of the defensive perimeter around the port city of Pusan
along the Naktong River. Near midnight on Aug. 31, 1950, about 500 enemy
troops crossed the river and launched an attack against infantry units the tanks
were supporting.
The infantry units were ordered to withdraw, and Kouma’s armored unit was
tasked with covering them until another defensive position could be set up. But
the enemy’s assault was heavy, and it overran two tanks, destroyed another and
forced a fourth to withdraw.
That’s when Kouma realized his tank was the only one left to defend the fleeing
infantry units. His company desperately needed to hold their ground.
Kouma ordered his crew to fire on the attackers, fighting them off repeatedly
throughout the night. During one assault, insurgents surrounded Kouma’s tank,
so he jumped from the armored turret despite a hail of gunfire coming at him. He
made it to the .50-caliber machine gun mounted on the rear deck of the tank and
fired at point-blank range into the enemy. After the machine gun ran out of
ammunition, he shot his pistol and threw grenades to keep them off the tank.
For nine hours, Kouma’s tank unit battled the enemy nonstop at close range until
they were finally forced to move to safety, withdrawing through eight miles of
hostile territory. The whole journey, Kouma kept firing and was able to take out
three hostile machine gun positions.
During the retreat, Kouma injured numerous insurgents and killed an estimated
250 enemy soldiers. It was an intense display of heroics that allowed the infantry
to get to safety and reestablish their defensive positions.
Kouma was injured during the ordeal, but once he rejoined his company, he tried
to resupply the tank and get back to the battle. His superiors made him get
medical treatment, and his request to return to the front lines was again shot
down.
A few days later, Kouma returned to his unit. He was promoted to master
sergeant and evacuated back to the U.S.
His leadership, heroism and intense devotion to the mission first led to the
Distinguished Service Cross being awarded to him. That was quickly upgraded,
however, to the Medal of Honor. He was one of the first men to receive it for
actions taken in Korea and received it during a ceremony held by President Harry
S. Truman on May 10, 1951.
After the war, the distinguished soldier remained in the Army and served as a
recruiter, a tank gunnery instructor and a tank commander, but he never again
saw combat. He retired in 1971 after 31 years of service and went on to work as
a game warden at Fort Knox.
Kouma lived a quiet life in McDaniels, Kentucky, until his death on Dec. 19, 1993.
He is the only Medal of Honor recipient buried in Fort Knox Cemetery.
Kouma received many honors after leaving the service. The 194th Brigade
Dining Facility at Fort Benning, Georgia, is named in his honor. In 2016, just
outside of Fort Knox, officials in Radcliff, Kentucky, renamed a road Ernest R.
Kouma Boulevard in his memory.

06.16.2025

SUBMITTED BY: HOPKINS58

_____________________________________________________________

John Dominick Feeney

Born in Ireland in 1843, he immigrated with his parents and siblings to the US and settled in Houston County, Minnesota.

When the Civil War broke out, he was in New Orleans and was conscripted in the Confederate Army. He deserted and went upriver to Cairo, Illinois where he enlisted the Illionois 9th Infantry regiment. He was wounded in the battle of Fort Donaldson in Tennessee. In the hospital he contracted typhoid fever, and he lost his hearing.

He died in 1928 in North Dakota.

06.13.2025

SUBMITTED BY: Miss Laura _____________________________________________________________

Hi!
I’m submitting a Veteran for your show, my Uncle Richard.
Richard R. Bertoni
Third Battalion, Tenth Marines, Second Division
PFC
1941-1944Bronze Star, Combat “V” Medal, , Purple Heart, and many others.

My grandparents immigrated to America in 1921 from Genoa and Rapallo, Italy. In 1941 my uncle lied about his age and enlisted in the Marines. He was at Tarawa on the island of Saipan. He was shot seven times trying to carry out the radio operator after he was shot.

My Nonna and Nonno were sent a black edged telegram that Uncle Richard had died heroically in battle. My Nonna said “My son is not dead. If he was I’d know.” She enquired as to where he would be taken if he were wounded. They told her he would be in Hammond General Hospital in Modesto, California. The next day she got on the train and went there. When she got there she asked to see the men who were brought in that had no dog tags. She went down the row of beds of men who were unconscious and found him! She stayed with him until he was able to travel and brought him home. He met and married his wife and went on to have 6 children, even though one of his testicles was shot off! True story!

As soon as he was able he began volunteering at the VA hospital. As he got older he grew a wonderful curly, white beard and volunteered as Santa for many years. He even led the St. Patrick’s parade as lead leprechaun for years in Ypsilanti.

Whenever we were with Uncle Richard he would take one or more of us to St. Thomas church and ask us to pray with him when he lit a candle for all the boys that didn’t make it home, even the Japanese soldiers. He was loved by many and was generous with his time and money.

A funny story: we happened to be visiting during a heat wave. He decided we were all going to the public pool to cool off. When we got there he put on a fedora, put the towels in a violin case, lit a cigar and walked in. He loved to joke around and he never met a stranger.

I found him more than once on his back patio quietly crying. He would always say that he missed his buddies from the war and hoped he lived the miracle of life God gave him well.

Just thought Vic might like knowing about another Italian that was an incredible Marine. I’m the daughter of an Air force Captain, the sister to a Navy Master Chief, the mother of a Marine, and the mother of another son in the Army. I also recently found out I had a distant relative who fought for the Union in the Civil War from Missouri. I’ve lived in St. Louis for 8 years and I’ve enjoyed your show!

06.12.2025

SUBMITTED BY: Allison Schottenhaml
____________________________________________________________

I am a grateful patriot and thank God every day for every Veteran that has and will serve this great Nation!

I have many family members, friends and community members who have served in the military and every Veteran deserves to be honored I would like to honor the oldest known Veteran in my family history.

Lt. Nelson Williams my Great Great Grandfather born November 9, 1840 on the family farm in Grafton Illinois on September 8, 1862 he Mustered with the 97th Illinois Infantry Company K which served the Union Army during the American Civil War. Company K was instrumental in the Unions efforts to regain control of the Mississippi River and participated in key battles and campaigns including the siege of Vicksburg then moving down River retaking key positions along the way to retake Mobile Bay in the Bloody Battle of Fort Blakeley hours after General Lee’s surrender at Appomattox. Company K Mustered out July 1865 almost 3 years of Hell!

After the war Nelson returned to his family’s large farm in Grafton Illinois where he died August 24, 1927 at the age of 86 surrounded by a large family!

This is why I pledge alliance to one flag the American flag and to one Nation under God!

Thank you for honoring Real American Heroes who have shaped our great history and continue to inspire its future with their acts of valor, humanity, patriotism and sacrifices the American Soldiers!

06.11.2025

SUBMITTED BY: Kevin aka Ed Stoit

_____________________________________________________________

My Father

Master Sergeant Albert Nowak – US Army

Served at Fort Knox during the Korean Conflict

Trained on Tanks

Thankfully, he was kept Stateside by a 4-star general who made him his Assistant because my Dad knew how to type.

He was in a Tank during a training exercise when someone in his Tank was killed when it fired, and the recoil hit him.

My Dad opened up late in life that he was thankful that the General saved him, but emotionally, he was upset for years for those who did die in battle or training.

My Father in Law

Private First Class Jack Benson – US Army

He served in the Marshall Islands during Nuclear testing etc.

He lied about his age to join the Army.

Although he never attained a higher rank, he served.

I don’t know anything more about his service. He never told my wife or me much of anything.

06.10.2025

SUBMITTED BY: Barry M. Papke

_____________________________________________________________

1st) Bradley D. Foerstel (Deceased)

US Army Vietnam Veteran

Spec 4 (E-4)

Served from August 1969 to May 1971 (in Vietnam Jan. to Dec. 1970)

He was in the 1st US Army D Troop 8th Squadron 1st Cavalry

Medals and Awards

National Defense Service Medal

Army Commendation Medal

Air Medal

Vietnam Medal

Brad was a local guy lived in Affton after being discharged. He graduated from Bayless High School. He was a carpenter his whole life after the Army.

2nd) Eugene L. Konold (Deceased)

US Marine Corps

Major

Received his Commission as a 2nd Lt. in Feb. 1981 and served in the Infantry at Camp Lejeune as a Logistics Officer. He returned to St. Louis serving in the Reserves and ending his commission as a Casualty Officer during Desert Storm.

Medals and Awards

1st Lt. Navy Achievement

Navy Accommodation

Capt. Navy Achievement

National Defense Service Medal

3rd) Barry M. Papke (Currently Retired)

US Air Force Regular 4 years (Aug. 1971 to Aug. 1975)

Member of 218th Engineering Squadron – Missouri Air National Guard (MOANG) 17 1/2 years May 1980 to January 1998

Total service time 21 1/2 years.

Retired Rank of Master Sargent MSGT (E-7)

Medals and Awards

Meritorious Service Medal

National Defense Service Medal

Vietnam Medal

Missouri National Guard Commendation for serving during the Great Midwest Flood of 1993.

I entered the Air Force and was trained to be a Cartographer. That training landed me a job with the Defense Mapping Agency now known today as NGA (National Geo-Spatial Intelligence Agency) where I retired from.

I would also like to recognize my deceased father who was an Army World War II vet who was part of General MacArthur Occupation forces in Japan after the nuclear bombing.

06.09.2025

SUBMITTED BY: Grant Yeakey _____________________________________________________________

Jesse Ray Hughes and SGT Harry Allen
Tribute to SPC Jesse Ray Hughes and SGT Harry Allen

I would like to honor the memory of my mom’s cousin Specialist E-4 Jesse Ray Hughes. Jesse Ray Hughes, Born 19 December 1944, arrived in Vietnam 05 May 1965. He was KIA while on a search and destroy mission on 05 October 1965 when his unit was hit by Viet Cong machine gun fire. He was one of 8 young men killed in that battle. Jesse Ray was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star for his actions that day.

The words of Mr. Harry Allen

We were in 2nd Platoon, Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 503rd Infantry, 173rd Airborne Brigade. Jesse and I had come from Okinawa on May 5, 1965 to Vietnam. We were both about 14 months into an 18 month Okinawa deployment. They told us we were going TDY (temporary duty) for 90 days. At the end of our TDY period they told us we were PCS (permanent change of station) and would have to stay for a year. Jesse was killed on 5 October which was exactly 5 months into our year.

At the end of my year on 5 May 66, I extended for 90 days because I only had a little over 5 months left in the Army, and if I came back from an overseas assignment with less than 90 days left on my contract I would be discharged early. I ended up spending about 29 months overseas and was a Sergeant E-5 when discharged at 20 years and 9 months old. It was 3 months before I could vote or drink but I’d run an infantry squad of 10 men for a while.

Special thank you to Harry Allen who I reached out to a little over a year ago after

finding a tribute he had written about Jesse Ray on a fallen warrior website. He has become a very good friend, and I consider him a true American Hero.

06.06.2025

SUBMITTED BY: Chris Arps

Mellie Augustus Arps Jr

Mellie Augustus Arps Jr was Chris Arps great uncle. He passed away on July 23, 2010 at 85. He was a Buffalo soldier who served in Italy and Germany and was awarded two bronze stars. He advanced to the rank of corporal.

06.05.2025

SUBMITTED BY: Listener Michele Lee Scarlet-Ridenour, Rural mail carrier

Corporal Michael Lee Scarlet aka (TWIGGY)

served with honor in the U.S. Marine Corp. during the Vietnam War from 9/13/1967 til 9/12/1970.
Mr. Scarlet’s duty was as a {Lineman}.

On 2/1/1970 he was promoted to the rank of Corporal and was assigned to the S&H Company 3rd Battalion 1st Marine Division.

CPL Scarlet earned and was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal w/1 Bronze Star, the Vietnam Campaign Medal, the R.V.N. Cross of Gallantry w/Palm, a Combat Action Ribbon, the U.S.M.C. Good Conduct Medal, and a Rifle Marksmanship Badge

This was my father and he not only served 1 tour in Vietnam he served 2 so that his younger brother John who was also in service in the Army and was stationed in Germany did not have to fight in combat in Vietnam!!

My fathers letters to my grandparents are quite touching as he was just a young 17 year old at the beginning of his time in the Marines. Believe me he was a remarkable man. One that you would want on your side.

I will forever be so proud that this beloved man was my dad and he’s so very missed, what a true hero.

Dad passed in October 2020 due to Agent Orange that had caused Small cell lung cancer which spread to his brain.
Semper Fi Daddy
Always your girl

06.04.2025
SUBMITTED BY: LISTENER R-SAV
David Lee Wagner
Technical Sergeant
21ST TAC ALFT SQDN, 374TH TAC ALFT WING, 7TH AF
United States Air Force
Warner Robins, Georgia
June 28, 1940 to May 17, 1972

“During his service in the Vietnam War, Air Force Technical Sergeant Wagner was reported missing and ultimately declared dead on 17 May 1972. Recorded circumstances attributed to: Hostile Died While Missing, Air Loss Crash – Land, Fixed Wing – Crew. Incident location: South Vietnam, Kontum province.”

06.03.2025

Name Charles Anthony McGuirk

From St Louis, St Louis County, Missouri

Birth Date 1 August 1946

Casualty Date 19 July 1966

War Vietnam War

Service Branch Marine Corps

Rank Private First Class

Specialty Rifleman

Unit/Group 3rd Marine Division, 1st Battalion, 3rd Marines, C Company

Casualty Type Died through hostile action

Location South Vietnam, Quang Nam province
Purple Heart
★ Combat Action Ribbon

★ Marksmanship Badge

★ National Defense Service Medal

★ Vietnam Campaign Medal

★ Vietnam Service Medal

★ Marine Corps Presidential Unit Citation

★ Vietnam Gallantry Cross

During his service in the Vietnam War, Marine Corps Private First Class McGuirk experienced a traumatic event which ultimately resulted in loss of life on 19 July 1966.

Boat sank in the Ca De River 2k from the Nam O Bridge in Quang Nam Province during Operation Hastings sweeps. He left a wife Louise McGuirk

06.02.2025

Staff Sergeant Victor Porcelli from the US Army 787th Tank Battalion served during World War II