Episode 000: Introduction | The Projector and Its Family

Welcome to Dearest Suzie, a podcast and photo series that brings to life the personal letters, diary entries, and photographs of U.S. Army helicopter pilot William “Bill” Lowie during his service in the Vietnam War. In this introductory episode, host Alexander Lowie—Bill’s grandson and an anthropologist—sets the stage for a journey through family history and wartime memories. With the 60th anniversary of the Vietnam War approaching, Alexander will share Bill’s experiences in a unique “on this day in history” format, pairing each diary entry or letter with a corresponding photograph. These materials offer a deeply personal glimpse into the war, with over 100 letters to his wife, Susan (“Suzie”), and more than 500 photos captured during his deployment. More than just a historical archive, Dearest Suzie is about discovery, reflection, and connection. Whether you’re interested in military history, personal stories, or exploring your own family’s past, this podcast encourages you to listen, learn, and share your own stories. Join us as we uncover Bill’s memories, one letter at a time. Tune in to hear how a seemingly simple slideshow unlocked layers of family history and what it means to inherit not just the memories we cherish, but the ones we hide away. This episode blends reflection, storytelling, and a deeper dive into how family narratives shape who we are. Highlights: -Memories from a special family trip to "Lowie Mountain" -Popi’s slideshow presentation and its lasting impact -Reflections on the untold struggles and challenges passed down through generations -The inheritance of family stories—both the cherished and the hidden Follow the show here: Youtube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1GwqPyO061k0iaQRKwfjoQ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/dearestsuziepodcast/ X https://x.com/DearestSuziePod Email Alex here: [email protected]