Author and Vietnam veteran Bob Orkand discusses what he calls the “tragic failure” of the M16 rifle in Vietnam, a story captured in his book, Misfire. The M16 rifle in the Vietnam War was marred by a series of critical problems that severely undermined its effectiveness and tarnished its reputation among soldiers. Initially introduced

We turn our attention to the Eighth Air Force’s little brother, the Ninth Air Force which, among other things, played a crucial role in supporting the D-Day landings on the beaches of Normandy. Thomas Hughes, author of Overlord: General Pete Quesada and the Triumph of Tactical Air Power in World War II and our

The VBC celebrates Women’s History Month with writer, filmmaker and VBC member Daria Sommers hosting a conversation with three remarkable veterans and leaders. Retired USAF Colonel Lorry Fenner, Director of Government Relations for the Service Women’s Action Network will talk about her 26-year career in the Air Force, the history of women in military

EPISODE 7: Colin Heaton and Marilyn Walton on "Masters of the Air" Historian and technical advisor on the TV series "Masters of the Air", Colin Heaton returns to the program to talk about the WWII POW experience in Europe. Joining him is fellow technical advisor, Marilyn Walton, an expert on the treatment and lives

Army linguist Ian Fritz joins us to talk about his experiences providing “threat warning” aboard Air Force Special Operations Command gunships in Afghanistan. His role involved listening to Taliban communications to discern their plans and provide intelligence. Despite the grim nature of his job, eavesdropping on enemy conversations involved both the absurd and the

EPISODE 6: Steve Snyder and Lucy Luckadoo on "Masters of the Air" Steve Snyder is author of Shot Down: The True Story of Pilot Howard Snyder and the Crew of the B-17 Susan Ruth, a poignant and meticulously researched account that delves into the untold stories of the B-17 Flying Fortress Susan Ruth and