Preserving Valor

Preserving Valor

A living chronicle of veteran narratives, capturing their journeys for posterity - a tribute to their service, a treasure for their families, and a testament to our nation's resilience. Host Jay Vissers shares the narratives of real veterans. Why they entered the service, what they did, and what impact it had on them. Listen to hear about the real experiences of veterans, the good, the bad, and sometimes, the hilarious.

Episodes

May 3, 2024 26 mins

This is a podcast episode about a Navy veteran named Peter Ragnar and his time serving on the USS Jason. We'll hear about his experiences in places like Japan and the Philippines, as well as the challenges he faced after leaving the military. Learn more at PreservingValor.com.


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Welcome aboard, history buffs and adventure seekers, to our first season featuring a Navy veteran! Today, we meet Peter, a Navy veteran whose journey began not on the high seas, but with childhood ship models and a love for Star Trek.

In this first episode, we follow the story of Peter's transformation. 1976 America. A young Peter, fueled by family legacy and a thirst for the unknown, finds himself drawn to the Navy – not as a ...

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April 19, 2024 5 mins

Dipping back into history, Jay gives a brief history of Joshua L. Chamberlain, who served his country and state honorably during and after the American Civil War, while also granting respect to his enemies.

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March 15, 2024 19 mins

After having completed his combat tour, Wesley spent some time bouncing around the United States doing different odd jobs for the Army. Eventually, after the war ended, he returned home and met his future wife, got his degree, and had a successful career.

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Wesley flew a harrowing 35 combat missions over Nazi-controlled Europe in 1944. As the radio operator in a B-17, he was responsible for communications, positioning information, dispensing chaff, and more.


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February 23, 2024 23 mins

Wesley arrives in England is assigned to Hell's Angels at Molesworth. He flies his first mission on July 6, 1944.

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February 20, 2024 21 mins

Wesley L., a WWII veteran, shares his experience training to become a radio operator in a B-17. He eventually served in the European theater of war and flew more than 35 missions.

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February 2, 2024 22 mins

In the final episode of his series, Stanley shares his experiences dealing with the harsh weather and close confines of the base in Thule, Greenland. Once back in the States, he was fortunate to have an air-conditioned space available as he reacclimated to the heat.

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January 26, 2024 24 mins

Stanley, concerned he would be caught up in the draft, volunteered for the Air Force in 1958. Little did he know he would end up being sent to Thule, Greenland, a base near the North Pole that served during the Cold War to protect the US from the Soviet Union.

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January 12, 2024 27 mins

After recovering from his wound, Brian was assigned to a post in West Germany, where he served until being caught in a RIF. After leaving the Army, however, Brian continued serving by joining the National Guard.

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January 5, 2024 21 mins

Brian was wounded in Vietnam, and spent time in hospitals in three countries during his convalescence. He also suffered some psychological impacts that he continues to struggle with.

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December 29, 2023 27 mins

Brian shares some of his more lighthearted experiences from his time in Vietnam.

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December 29, 2023 25 mins

Brian goes to Officer Candidate School, meets Rusty Calley, and starts telling us about his experiences in Vietnam.

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December 22, 2023 27 mins

Brian Vissers served in the US Army overseas in Vietnam and West Germany. In this episode, he tells us about enlisting and basic training.

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October 8, 2023 28 mins

Joe tells us about the end of the war in Europe, returning to the states, and his eventual return to the civilian workforce. He reflects on his time in the service and his experience of American society.


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September 22, 2023 26 mins

About the experience and impact of serving on RAF Rackheath, England, during WWII.

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September 8, 2023 20 mins

Before shipping out to Europe, Joe gets an emergency furlough to go home for his grandmother's funeral, and dodges the military police to make it to Michigan's Upper Peninsula.

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August 25, 2023 17 mins

The story of Joe Enrietti, World War II tail gunner in a B-24 Liberator. In this, the first episode, Joe answers the call to the U.S. Army Air Force, starts his training, and tragically loses his first crew to an in-flight accident.

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