Ramirez, Fidel - Cleveland, OH

Born as the twelfth child in a family left fatherless, Fidel Ramirez grew up in the alleys and asphalt of inner-city Cleveland, where survival was the only curriculum. Before he turned sixteen, he'd witnessed death, joined gangs, run paper routes, and been locked up — but he never stopped trying to find a way out.

In this gripping conversation, Ramirez walks us through a life shaped by circumstance, shadowed by trauma, and redeemed by a relentless spirit. From juvenile detention to an honor camp in Ohio, from the jungles of Vietnam to a face-off with the FBI, his story isn’t just about war or crime or punishment — it’s about resilience, hard-earned wisdom, and a second chance that came not from luck, but from grit.

This episode captures the voice of a man who once considered robbing a bank — and instead walked into a legal aid office and began a seven-year fight to reclaim his name and benefits. It’s a story about justice. About America. And about what it really takes to change a life.

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Every veteran has a story worth preserving—stories of courage, sacrifice, humor, and humanity. Veteran Story Hour captures these remarkable personal histories directly from the voices of the men and women who’ve served our nation.

Recorded live each week at SALUTE of Virginia in Waynesboro, this podcast creates a living history, ensuring these powerful memories are preserved and shared for generations to come.

Hosted by John Fairbanks of the Shenandoah Valley Story Network, join us as we honor those who served by listening, reflecting, and remembering.

Because every veteran’s story deserves to be told—and every voice deserves to be heard.