Thompson, Tom [Vietnam - Army & Air Force]

In this episode of Veteran Story Hour, Zach Hale sits down with Tom Thompson, a Vietnam veteran, Air Force medic, and lifelong witness to the human cost of war.Tom begins with his early military service in the Army before joining the Air Force in search of real medical work. That path eventually took him to Vietnam, where he served at Bien Hoa and became part of a generation asked to carry out impossible duties under impossible circumstances. He recalls the explosion at Bien Hoa Air Base, medevac missions, treating Vietnamese civilians and children, working with leprosy and battlefield trauma, and the haunting moments that have stayed with him for the rest of his life.A central part of Tom’s story is his connection to William H. Pitsenbarger, the Air Force pararescueman who gave his life while helping save wounded soldiers and who was later awarded the Medal of Honor. Tom reflects on Pitsenbarger’s courage, the decades-long fight to see his actions properly recognized, and the importance of keeping his memory alive.This conversation also addresses PTSD, survivor guilt, the burden carried by medics, and the quiet work veterans continue to do for one another long after their service ends. Tom speaks with honesty about the memories that return, the wounds that remain, and the people who helped him keep going.This is a difficult but important episode, one rooted in service, sacrifice, memory, and the responsibility to listen.CONNECT & SUPPORTSupport the Mission:Website: ⁠⁠https://saluteofvirginia.org/⁠⁠Donate to SALUTE of Virginia: ⁠⁠https://subsplash.com/u/-5QRKRR/give⁠⁠Facebook: ⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/share/167A3VpMJu/⁠⁠Instagram: ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/saluteofva/⁠⁠Nominate a Veteran:Know a veteran with a story? Send us their name and a brief reason why at ⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠. We'll handle the rest.