Veterans Chronicles

Host Gene Pell interviews two of the U.S. military's most distinguished women, retired Air Force Brigadier General Wilma Vaught and Air Force Major Nicole Malachowski. Both have broken barriers for women in the military, with Vaught one of the military's most highly decorated women, receiving the Defense and Air Force Distinguished Service Medals, the Air Force Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star, and the Vietnam Service Award with four stars. She is also the first woman to command a unit receiving the Joint Meritorious Unit Award. Meanwhile, Malachowski, a veteran of 26 combat missions in Iraq and Afghanistan, became the first woman in Air Force history to fly with the USAF Air Demonstration Squadron, better known as the Thunderbirds.

Profiles in Valor, the newest radio program from the American Veterans Center, features a short interview with a decorated service member of today's generation. In this episode, Mrs. Janet Manion tells the story of her son, Marine 1Lt. Travis Manion, who was killed while serving abroad during Operation Iraqi Freedom. Travis has been posthumously awarded the Silver Star for his valor in combat, and the Travis Manion Foundation is working to keep his legacy alive.

In this week's episode, Gene Pell speaks to retired Air Force Brigadier General R. Steve Ritchie, the only Air Force "ace" pilot of the Vietam War. One of the most decorated pilots of the war, Ritchie has been awarded the Air Force Cross, four Silver Stars, 10 Distinguished Flying Crosses, and 25 Air Medals. He became an "ace" on August 28, 1972, when he shot down his fifth enemy MiG-21 fighter.

Profiles in Valor, the newest radio program from the American Veterans Center, features a short interview with a decorated service member of today's generation. In this episode, host Tim Holbert interviews SFC William Tomlin III of the United States Army, a recipient of the Silver Star for actions in Afghanistan, when he led a counterattack against an enemy force nearly six times the size of his own.

Profiles in Valor, the newest radio program from the American Veterans Center, features a short interview with a decorated service member of today's generation. In this episode, host Tim Holbert interviews Major David Williams of the United States Army, a recipient of the Bronze Star for actions in Operation Iraqi Freedom. In addition to his work in Iraq as a planner, Williams planned and conducted the first Post Command Exercise in a former Soviet Republic while working along the armed forces of the Republic of Georgia.

This week's guest is Harley Reynolds, veteran of the 1st Infantry Division during World War II. Joining the Army prior to United States' entrance into the war, he would go on to serve throughout the European Theater, taking part in the invasions of North Africa and Sicily. Then, on the morning of June 6, 1944, he would be among the first Americans to set foot on Omaha Beach during the invasion of Normandy.

Profiles in Valor, the newest radio program from the American Veterans Center, features a short interview with a decorated service member of today's generation. In this episode, guest host Katy Dempsey interviews Lt. Col. Maria Kelly of the United States Army Reserve, a recipient of the Bronze Star Medal for actions in Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Sgt. Jason Arellano served with the United States Marine Corps during the initial invasion into Iraq in 2003, where they were welcomed by many grateful Iraqis who saw the Marines as liberators. When he returned for a second tour the following year, he found himself in a far different situation, in the middle of the toughest battle of Operation Iraqi Freedom - the Second Battle of Fallujah. Here, he would witness first-hand the brutality of the insurgents that controlled the city, barely escaping with his life.

In this episode, Gene Pell speaks to Major David Rozelle, author of the best-selling book "Back in Action," and a recipient of the Bronze Star with Valor and Purple Heart for actions in Operation Iraqi Freedom. Rozelle was seriously wounded by a land mine in Iraq, losing much of his right leg below the knee. He would be the first amputee to return to active duty in Iraq, and has worked extensively with wounded service members at Walter Reed Army Medical Center.

Profiles in Valor, the newest radio program from the American Veterans Center, features a short interview with a decorated service member of today's generation. In this episode, guest host Katy Dempsey interviews SSG Brian Hawthorne of the United States Army Reserve, a recipient of the Bronze Star Medal for actions in Operation Iraqi Freedom. He went on to co-found the George Washington University Veterans Organization and is the D.C. director of Student Veterans of America.

In this episode, Gene Pell speaks to famed war correspondent and author Joseph L. Galloway, co-author of the acclaimed best seller "We Were Soldiers Once...And Young." Galloway is the only civilian to be awarded the Bronze Star by the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War, for actions he took in saving the lives of wounded American soldiers during the battle at LZ X-Ray. Along with co-author Lt. Gen. Hal Moore, Galloway has written a follow-up to their original book, titled "WE ARE SOLDIERS STILL: A Journey Back to the Battlefields of Vietnam."

In this episode, Gene Pell is joined by two of America's most recognizable veterans of World War II, Lynn "Buck" Compton and Mickey Rooney. Best known for his portrayal in the book and miniseries "Band of Brothers," Buck Compton led 3rd Platoon of E Company in the 506th PIR of the 101st Airborne Division, and is the recipient of the Silver Star. He is the author of the recently published book, "Call of Duty," and is a retired lawyer and Federal judge. Following Buck, Gene speaks to stage and screen legend Mickey Rooney, who enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1944 and served throughout Europe. He was awarded the Bronze Star for his work in entertaining the troops along the front lines as part of a traveling jeep show.

Profiles in Valor, the newest radio program from the American Veterans Center, features a short interview with a decorated service member of today's generation. In this episode, host Tim Holbert interviews SPC David Hutchinson of the United States Army Reserve, a recipient of the Silver Star for actions in Operation Enduring Freedom. Hutchinson is only the fifth Army Reservist to receive this award.

A graduate of West Point, Allen B. Clark went on to serve as a Military Intelligence officer with the Fifth Special Forces group in Vietnam. On June 17, 1967, the Special Forces camp at Dak To came under enemy mortar attack, leaving Clark seriously wounded. Despite losing both of his legs, he would recover to be a successful public servant, and has spent the last 40 years helping others who have experienced similar injuries. Clark is the author of "Wounded Soldier, Healing Warrior," and has been decorated with the Silver Star and Purple Heart.

June 6, 1944: D-Day. Among the major targets of the Allied invasion forces were the large German guns based near Pointe du Hoc, which threatened the troops hitting Omaha and Utah beaches. The U.S. Army's 2nd Ranger Battalion was assigned the task of taking Pointe du Hoc, and disabling the German guns. This week, Veterans Chronicles profiles the story of Leonard Lomell, who found and destroyed the guns. Joining him is fellow Ranger Jack Kuhn.

This week, Gene Pell speaks to retired Marine Lt. Colonel Oliver North, author of the recently revised and updated "American Heroes", featuring the stories of our service members who have been fighting on the front lines of Iraq and Afghanistan. Also appearing on this week's program is one of those heroes of today - Army Captain Walter Bryan Jackson, recipient of the Distinguished Service Cross for heroism in Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Profiles in Valor, the newest radio program from the American Veterans Center, features a short interview with a decorated service member of today's generation. In this episode, host Tim Holbert interviews Major John Detro of the United States Army, a recipient of the Bronze Star with Valor for actions in Operation Iraqi Freedom.

This week, Gene Pell speaks to retired Marine Corps Colonel Dave E. Severance. After seeing combat as a platoon leader in the South Pacific during World War II, he was promoted to company commander of E Company, 2nd Battalion, 28th Marines. On February 23, 1945, men of E Company scaled Mt. Suribachi on Iwo Jima, taking the mountain and raising the American flags. The second flag raising was immortalized by Joe Rosenthal in the most famous photograph of World War II. Col. Severance went on to serve as a Marine Aviator in Korea, earning the Silver Star and Distinguished Flying Cross.

Profiles in Valor, the newest radio program from the American Veterans Center, features a short interview with a decorated service member of today's generation. In this episode, host Tim Holbert interviews Sgt. John A. Marra, Jr. of the United States Army Reserve, a recipient of the Bronze Star with Valor for actions in Operation Iraqi Freedom.

This week Gene Pell speaks to retired Air Force Colonel Jack Broughton, author of several books including the recently published "Rupert Red Two." Broughton flew in every Air Force fighter from the P-47 Thunderbolt to the F-106 Delta Dart, and is the recipient of the Air Force Cross - second only to the Medal of Honor - as well as four Distinguished Flying Crosses, and two Silver Stars.