MSgt Bernie Oder, USAF, Grenada, Panama, Desert Storm

What this episode covers

Bernie Oder joined the U.S. Air Force in 1972 when his number came up among the final names in the military draft. While serving as a supply clerk in the Philippines, Oder became friends with service members in special operations and decided to pursue that for his own career. After rigorous training in many disciplines, Oder was soon part of Air Force special operations.In this edition of "Veterans Chronicles," Master Sgt. Oder takes us through his role in planning and executing Operation Urgent Fury in Grenada and how that mission led to special operations coming under one roof at U.S. Special Operations Command. He also takes through his significant role in plotting and carrying out the seizure of Rio Hato airfield during Operation Just Cause in Panama in December 1989, how his team adjusted when things did not go according to plan, and the importance of that operation to the success of the overall mission.Finally, Oder takes us through his role in the build up to Operation Desert Storm and U.S. involvement in Bosnia.

Share this episode

Similar Episodes

Choices

Mar 20, 2026 ·76m

The Weight of Nothing

Jan 30, 2026 ·241m

The Eye of the Beholder

Jan 25, 2026 ·239m

The Heart At The End of The World

Jan 16, 2026 ·223m

In Their Name

Dec 26, 2025 ·115m

Play Your Hand

Dec 19, 2025 ·225m

Similar Podcasts

The Victor Marx Podcast Victor Marx Welcome to the Victor Marx Podcast with humanitarian, speaker, renowned martial arts expert, and child/youth advocate Victor Marx. Known as high-risk missionaries because of their work in sensitive areas, Victor and Eileen serve veterans and military personnel, women and children in the Middle East who have encountered debilitating trauma, and promote healthy, Christ-filled marriages and families. This is the podcast that tackles hard truths, stories of redemption and the latest from the frontlines. Check out VictorMarx.com for more ways to stay connected, hear incredible stories and follow Victor and Eileen's ventures. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. The History of China Podcast Ibnul Jaif Farabi / Light Knot Studios What does the world's oldest continuous civilization, with over 3,000 years of recorded history, have to teach us about power, philosophy, innovation, and human nature? "The History of China Podcast" delivers the epic saga of China in accessible, daily chapters, transforming a vast and complex past into a compelling narrative you can absorb in just minutes a day.This show chronicles the full sweep of China's story, from the mythical Xia Dynasty to the rise of the modern superpower. We explore the dazzling heights of Tang poetry and Song technology, the brutal calculus of Legalist statecraft, and the quiet wisdom of Daoist sages. Each episode focuses on a pivotal event, a transformative figure, or a defining idea—whether it's the construction of the Great Wall, the mind of Empress Wu, or the invention of paper money—weaving them into the grand tapestry of the dynastic cycle. The tone is authoritative yet vividly human, making emperors, poets, and peasants alike feel immediate and real. Fall of Rome Podcast Ibnul Jaif Farabi / Light Knot Studios What does the collapse of history's greatest superpower tell us about our own world? Was it barbarian invasions, economic decay, religious change, or a fatal cocktail of systemic failures? "Fall of Rome Podcast" delivers a compelling, daily narrative that dissects the epic unraveling of the Western Roman Empire, moving beyond simple myths to explore the complex, human-driven causes of one of history's most pivotal transformations.This show chronicles the dramatic centuries from the crisis of the third century to the final eclipse of imperial power in the West. Each concise episode tackles a specific event, theme, or figure: from the reforms of Diocletian and Constantine's conversion, to the Gothic migrations, the sacks of Rome, and the rise of barbarian kingdoms. We examine military decay, bureaucratic bloating, economic collapse, and the profound cultural shift from paganism to Christianity, weaving political drama with social and economic realities.Listeners will gain a nuanced, co The Stickbow Chronicles- Traditional Bowhunting Podcast Rob Patuto, Blake Hunter A podcast about much more than just traditional Bowhunting. We get to meet, and speak with a lot of amazing individuals. Join us as we introduce you to these characters and share knowledge and hunting stories along the way.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is this episode of Veterans Chronicles?

This episode is 32 minutes long.

When was this Veterans Chronicles episode published?

This episode was published on May 31, 2023.

What is this episode about?

Bernie Oder joined the U.S. Air Force in 1972 when his number came up among the final names in the military draft. While serving as a supply clerk in the Philippines, Oder became friends with service members in special operations and decided to...

Is there a transcript available for this episode?

Yes, a full transcript is available for this episode. You can read the complete transcript on the episode page.

Can I download this Veterans Chronicles episode?

Yes, you can download this episode by clicking the download button on the episode player, or subscribe to the podcast in your preferred podcast app for automatic downloads.