From Canal Tunnels to Navy Weeks: Stories of Service

In this episode, we sit down with Rear Admiral Eric Ver Hage, a Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania native whose Navy career began with an enlisted role in 1984 and led to his rise as a senior leader in the United States Navy. From his time as an electronics technician to graduating from the U.S. Naval Academy and earning a master’s degree in national security, RDML Ver Hage shares insights from decades of service.We also explore the impact of Navy Week in Harrisburg—why the city was chosen, how the Navy connects with inland communities, and the powerful outreach happening in schools, businesses, and local organizations. The conversation highlights community engagement, the economic and cultural benefits of the event, and the significance of USS Harrisburg in strengthening ties between the Navy and the region.Discover the history and hidden gem that is Union Canal Tunnel Park in Lebanon, Pennsylvania—home to the oldest existing water transportation tunnel in the United States. Operated entirely by dedicated volunteers, this 110-acre park preserves a remarkable piece of American infrastructure history dating back to 1827, when the Union Canal connected Harrisburg, Reading, and the port of Philadelphia.In this episode, we explore the canal’s legacy, the engineering feat of its 729-foot tunnel, and the park’s role today as both a historical site and a recreational destination. Learn about public tours, summer kayak experiences, and the passionate people—like local expert Ed Martel Jr.—who keep this history alive.