Show Notes
Have a message for Veterans Radio? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode! What happens after the war ends – and how do we honor those who never made it home? In this episode, civilian war correspondent Joe Galloway shares the powerful stories behind They Were Soldiers, highlighting Vietnam veterans who returned home and continued serving their communities in extraordinary ways. Then, webmaster Michael Patterson takes us through the history, meaning, and sacred traditions of Arlington National Cemetery, one of America’s most revered memorial sites. IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL DISCOVER: ✓ How Vietnam veterans transformed hardship into lives of service and leadership ✓ The untold personal stories behind the book They Were Soldiers ✓ Why Arlington National Cemetery remains one of America’s most powerful symbols of service ✓ The history and meaning behind iconic sites like the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier Joseph L. Galloway was an acclaimed American war correspondent, author, and military historian best known for his fearless reporting during the Vietnam War and for authoring/co-authoring the bestselling books: They Were Soldiers; We Were Soldiers Once… and Young; and We Are Soldiers Still. As one of the few civilians awarded the Bronze Star Medal for valor in combat, Galloway earned national recognition for his frontline coverage and deep respect for the men and women who served in the military. Throughout his distinguished journalism career with United Press International and Knight Ridder, he became a trusted voice on war, leadership, and the lasting impact of combat on veterans and their families.
Michael Patterson is the founder and webmaster of ArlingtonCemetery.com, a respected online resource dedicated to preserving the history, traditions, and stories connected to Arlington National Cemetery. Through his extensive research and passion for honoring America’s fallen heroes, Patterson has created a valuable educational platform visited by veterans, families, historians, and visitors from around the world. His work helps ensure that the sacrifices, valor, and legacy of those laid to rest at Arlington continue to be remembered and shared with future generations.
More from Veterans Radio
Have a message for Veterans Radio? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode! Conrad Begaye, Army Ranger, received the Silver Star making the Rangers and his Navajo nation proud. This story highlights the heritage and courage of Native American soldiers.
Have a message for Veterans Radio? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode! Army combat veteran and ordained chaplain JP Kotsko discusses the need to included trauma-informed care into military medic training. This helps with the question "Am I going to be OK?". JP talks to host Jim Fausone about his service in the West Virgina National Guard and lessons learned about using psychological first aid skills.
Have a message for Veterans Radio? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode! This week on Veterans Radio, host Shelly Rood takes you to the NHRA Great Lakes Nationals at U.S. 131 Motorsports Park in Martin, Michigan, then sits down with Army veteran Dawn Klein for a candid conversation about what it means to be hardcore and at ease. Shelly recaps a rainout, a return trip, and a record-setting Monday. She shares the comeback stories, signing a military tribute car through SCAG Racing’s Simply the Brave program, and the permission slip she took home: give yourself permission to work on the foundation before you chase the next level. IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL DISCOVER ✓ What it was like to witness a historic 346.95 MPH NHRA drag racing run and the inspiring comeback stories behind the competition ✓ How the lessons of preparation, perseverance, and resilience on the racetrack can apply to everyday life ✓ What Army veteran Dawn Klein experienced transporting tanks, munitions, and essential supplies throughout Germany during her 27 years of military service ✓ How Dawn overcame expectations and challenges as a woman in the Army, and why humor, faith, and recognition remain important to her life after service Dawn Klein U.S. Army (Ret.) - Transportation Soldier Dawn Klein served on and off for 27 years as a transportation soldier, hauling tanks, munitions, and blood throughout Germany. Dawn shares what it was like to challenge expectations as a woman in the military, take pride in her responsibilities, and navigate life after service. Through humor, faith, and determination, she offers a candid perspective on resilience, finding purpose, and making sure women veterans receive the recognition they deserve. Shelly Rood Host - Hardcore & At Ease Shelly C. Rood served across 16 years as a U.S. Army Reserves Intelligence Officer — Captain, Company Commander, and S2 — leading covert briefings overseas and overseeing security programs for nearly 4,000 soldiers. A Distinguished Military Graduate of Western Michigan University and a third-generation Detroit business owner, she brought that same standard of leadership into the private sector. She is the founder of a training and leadership development company, Mission Ambition, LLC, creator of the Others Over Self® leadership mindset, and the architect of Be At Ease, Woman Veteran™, a peer support program serving military women since 2019. She is host of Hardcore and At Ease, and author of Mission Wildflower 🌻. Today she leads a team of veterans who continue to serve beyond the uniform.
Have a message for Veterans Radio? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode! The WWII Battle of Wake Island in December 1941 caught the American military by surprise. The men on the island and in the fight came from all across the nation. There were a number of Utah residents involved in that battle. This interview tells that story, which is both tragic and heroic.
Have a message for Veterans Radio? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode! U.S Air Force Veteran and historian, Joseph Neussendorfer, writes about how military engineering impacted early America but still impacts us today. His article was published in the Engineering Society of Detroit Fall 2026 magazine. This article was converted into a AI discussion of key points.