Air Force Trailblazer, Sandra OrtegaThe word “ebullient” comes to mind when I think of Dr. Sandra Ortega, an Air Force veteran who joined our VBC Happy Hour for the first time back in May. Sandy’s high-spirited approach to life no doubt saw her through the trials of serving as the first direct-commissioned Black woman officer
Colonel Kenneth G. Carlson graduated the U.S. Military Academy at West Point in 1966, launching a twenty-six year career in the Army. Among his honors are two Legions of Merit, two Bronze Stars (one for Valor), and a Purple Heart. The story below is selected from his interview with the West Point Center for
South-facing elevation of the memorial (The National Desert Storm and Desert Shield Memorial) Written by Todd DePastino Ground broke this summer for a National Desert Storm and Desert Shield Memorial in Washington, DC, just off the National Mall. The moment was twelve years in the making, preceded by agonizing labors of design, site
Written by Jim Roberts Vietnam veteran Jim Roberts poses the question: “What exactly is there to be happy about in being a veteran?” The words “Happy Veterans Day” always cause me to flinch. I shake my head in wonder. “What exactly is there to be happy about in being a veteran?” Todd and I
Survivor of the Bataan Death March RemembersAnyone who has joined us on VBC Happy Hour knows Henry Schoepke, our much-loved teenager from Wisconsin. Henry is an avid student of history, a supporter of veterans, and an autograph collector. One of his many projects is to write thank you notes to 500 World War II veterans.
Michael P. Mauer served as an Army photojournalist during Operation Desert Storm, and was awarded the Joint Service Commendation Medal for Meritorious Service by Gen. H. Norman Schwarzkopf for his actions during the war. He’s won numerous awards for his writing since, most recently the 2022 Veterans of Foreign Wars National Publications Contest for best
