By Joshua Smith
Veterans Day is a time to recognize the men and women who have served in the United States Armed Forces. It is also a good time to listen.
Military service is not one single story. It can mean combat, long separations from family, friendships that last a lifetime, difficult transitions home, new careers, community service, and memories that can stay with someone for decades.
This week, we are sharing specific podcast episodes and audio stories that let veterans speak for themselves.
1. “Stories from Vermont Vietnam War Veterans” — Vermont Edition
Two Vermont veterans, Perry Melvin and Maureen Dwyer, share their experiences serving during the Vietnam War and returning home afterward. The episode also discusses Vermont’s Vets Town Hall gatherings, where veterans are invited to tell their own stories. (Vermont Public)
2. “An American Life: The Story of Vaughn Hood, Barber and Vietnam War Veteran” — Rumble Strip
Vermont’s Erica Heilman tells the story of St. Johnsbury barber Vaughn Hood, who was drafted into the Vietnam War as a young man. This is a powerful local story, though listeners should know it contains frank descriptions of war. (Vermont Public)
3. “When the World Is Exploding Around You” — StoryCorps
A Veterans Day episode about friendships forged during military service, including veterans who reconnect years after one saved the other’s life in Afghanistan. (StoryCorps)
4. “You’re My Memory” — StoryCorps
Marine veteran Matthew Perry suffered multiple traumatic brain injuries in Iraq. This episode follows his effort to hold onto his identity and the role his wife played in helping him find purpose afterward. (StoryCorps)
5. “Too Much Hurt” — StoryCorps
Three stories from men who served in Vietnam, including veterans whose responsibilities during the war are rarely discussed and the challenges some faced after returning home. (StoryCorps)
6. “Reaching for Gold with Brad Snyder” — Veterans You Should Know
Navy veteran Brad Snyder talks about losing his sight after stepping on an explosive device in Afghanistan and the life he built afterward, including becoming a Paralympic athlete. (Apple Podcasts)
7. “Kari: A Big, Wonderful, Dysfunctional Family” — VA Presents: My Life, My Story
A Navy veteran talks about going from working as a cook aboard a destroyer to serving as a counselor on an aircraft carrier. The VA’s My Life, My Story series is built around preserving veterans’ own life stories. (Apple Podcasts)
8. “Transition Out of the Military Is Harder Than People Admit” — Welcome Home
Army veteran Jonathan Tennis discusses the loss of routine, purpose, and community that can come when military service ends, along with the importance of finding new ways to serve. (Apple Podcasts)
9. “Journey of Citizenship Through the Military” — Green Mountain Guard Podcast
A particularly good Vermont selection. Diego Bonilla, a Vermont National Guard helicopter and aviation mechanic, talks about becoming a United States citizen through his military service. (Apple Podcasts)
10. “A Salute to Veterans” — After Action
Hosted by Air Force combat veteran Stacy Pearsall, this Vermont Public/PBS special brings together stories about Vietnam, women in military service, sacrifice, healing, and life after the uniform. (video.vermontpublic.org)
Veterans Day is not only about remembering wars. It is about recognizing people. Each veteran carries a different story, and one of the simplest ways we can honor that service is to make room to hear those stories.
If there is a veteran in your family or community, this might also be a good week to ask a question and listen to the answer. The Library of Congress Veterans History Project even preserves first-person accounts so future generations can hear directly from the people who served. (Apple Podcasts)
New to podcasts? Open Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart, Amazon Music, or another podcast app on your phone. Search for the episode or podcast name and press play. If you find a show you enjoy, tap “follow” or “subscribe” so future episodes are easy to find.