The Lost Art Project: Veterans’ Voices

🔥 #735 FireSide Chat w/ Dr. Adena Shaviva Blickstein of Family Mastery Academy & the Crew | 15 Sep 2026 🔥 What happens when we stop asking, “What’s wrong with you?” and start looking at what may be putting a person or family out of balance? On this episode of The Lost Art Project: Veterans’ Voices, AJ is joined by Dr. Adena Shaviva Blickstein of Family Mastery Academy, along with crew members Jess Kindelspire and Mike McNany, for a powerful conversation about mental health, parenting, veterans, family relationships, and the difference between nurturing and coddling. Dr. Adena shares her approach to helping individuals and families better understand one another, while the conversation explores stress, communication, emotional vulnerability, parenting, and the challenges veterans can face when bringing a military mindset back into their family lives. The discussion also gets personal as the crew talks about how veterans express love, the emotional walls that can remain long after military service, fathers connecting with their children, relationships between veterans and their spouses, and why asking for help should be viewed as strength rather than weakness. 🎙️ Featuring: Dr. Adena Shaviva Blickstein – Special Guest, Family Mastery Academy AJ Cox – Host Jess Kindelspire – Crew Mike McNany – Crew This conversation goes well beyond mental health. It’s about family, connection, communication, vulnerability, parenting, and learning how to bring the person behind the uniform home. 🎧 Listen. Share. Start the conversation. 🇺🇸 The Lost Art Project: Veterans’ Voices Preserving Voices. Protecting Legacies. Collect • Preserve • Educate • Inspire #TheLostArtProject #VeteransVoices #FireSideChat #FamilyMasteryAcademy #VeteranMentalHealth #MilitaryFamilies #MentalHealth #Parenting #Veterans #VeteranCommunity #PreservingVoices #ProtectingLegacies

#734 Veteran Story — Robert J. Saunders | U.S. Navy Veteran | 9 Sep 2026 On this episode of The Lost Art Project: Veterans’ Voices, Historical Archivist Dee Galvin sits down with U.S. Navy Veteran Robert “Rob” J. Saunders to preserve the story of his military service and the life he built after leaving the Navy. Growing up in Ohio, Rob lived an active childhood and became heavily involved in Scouting, earning the rank of Eagle Scout at just 15 years old. After deciding college wasn't the right path for him at the time, he chose military service as an opportunity to gain training, experience, and potentially build a career. Rob entered the U.S. Navy in 1974, completing boot camp at Great Lakes, where an unexpected part of his experience was being selected for the Blue Jackets Choir. He originally enlisted under the Navy's nuclear power program and began electronics technician training before ultimately transitioning to the Operations Specialist rating, working with radar and radio navigation. His service took him aboard the USS Sylvania (AFS-2), homeported in Norfolk, Virginia, while the ship underwent overhaul in Newport News. Although Rob originally expected a six-year Navy career, circumstances surrounding his training resulted in an honorable discharge after approximately a year and seven or eight months of service. But Rob's story certainly didn't end with the Navy. He shares his transition back into civilian life, becoming an Emergency Medical Technician, working for private ambulance companies and serving on a fire department before moving into machining and eventually building a long career in quality control and quality management. That career ultimately took him around the world—including Japan, South Korea, China, and India—and eventually brought him to California. Throughout the conversation, Rob reflects on the lasting lessons he carried from military service: organization, preparation, punctuality, adaptability, and the importance of doing your research before signing on the dotted line. His advice to anyone considering military service is especially valuable: understand the job you're choosing, ask detailed questions, know the benefits available to you, and think about how the skills you gain will serve you when your military career eventually ends. And in Dee's rapid-fire questions, we learn a little more about Rob—including why he'd choose General George S. Patton as the military leader he'd want to be for a day and why a monkey might best describe part of his Navy experience. 🎙️ Historical Archivist: Dee Galvin 🇺🇸 Veteran: Robert J. Saunders ⚓ Branch: United States Navy 📅 Episode Date: 9 September 2026 🎧 Episode: #734 The Lost Art Project: Veterans’ Voices Collect • Preserve • Educate • Inspire Preserving Voices. Protecting Legacies.

#733 Christopher Campbell — Marine Veteran In this Veteran Story, Andrew “AJ” Cox sits down with Christopher Campbell, a Marine veteran, Oklahoma native, physical therapist, Marine Corps League member, and the first Historical Archivist for The Lost Art Project: Veterans’ Voices. Christopher grew up in Durant, Oklahoma, and initially had his sights set on college rather than military service. But after watching several friends choose the Marine Corps—and after college life began taking him in a different direction—he found himself back in a Marine recruiter’s office. What followed became a defining part of his life. Christopher shares the realities of Marine Corps boot camp, Marine Combat Training, and becoming a mechanic at Camp Johnson, North Carolina. He went on to serve roughly 12 years in the Marine Corps Reserve, taking on responsibilities that included maintenance administration, quality control, and serving as a lead mechanic. He talks openly about the pride he took in mastering his craft, the leaders who shaped him, and the brotherhood that developed inside his unit. He also discusses a complicated feeling many veterans understand—the question of whether their service “measured up” because they never deployed. Christopher explains how that weighed on him, especially after 9/11, and how family considerations ultimately influenced his decision to leave the Marine Corps. Later, determined to serve again, Christopher joined the Army National Guard, continuing a military journey that crossed service cultures and gave him an entirely new perspective. After military service, Christopher used the GI Bill to continue his education and became a practicing physical therapist. Years later, reconnecting with Marines through the Marine Corps League helped restore something he had been missing—the camaraderie, purpose, and sense of belonging that came with being part of a unit. Today, he serves as Junior Vice Commandant with his Marine Corps League detachment in Tulsa. That desire to continue serving veterans eventually led Christopher to The Lost Art Project, where he became our first Historical Archivist, helping preserve the stories of those who served so their experiences are not lost to time. Throughout the conversation, Christopher reflects on leadership, service, family, identity, brotherhood, and the lasting influence the Marine Corps has had on nearly every part of his life. When asked about his proudest military moment, Christopher points to receiving a Meritorious Mast alongside the Marines he served with—a moment that confirmed to him that their reserve unit had measured up. On the episode: 🎙️ Christopher Campbell — Marine Veteran / Historical Archivist 🎙️ Andrew “AJ” Cox — Host, The Lost Art Project: Veterans’ Voices The Lost Art Project: Veterans’ Voices Collect • Preserve • Educate • Inspire Preserving Voices. Protecting Legacies.

#732 FireSide Chat w/ the Crew — Brotherhood & Sisterhood After the Uniform | 6 Sep 2026 What happens to the brotherhood and sisterhood of military service when the uniform comes off? In this episode of FireSide Chat w/ the Crew, AJ and the crew have a candid conversation about one of the most difficult—and deeply personal—parts of leaving military service: finding connection, identity, friendship, and purpose on the other side. The crew shares very different experiences with transition. They discuss staying connected to former units and military communities, deliberately creating some separation after retirement, finding new purpose through work and service, and realizing that there is no single roadmap for life after the military. The conversation also digs into whether veterans sometimes romanticize the brotherhood and sisterhood they remember, why civilian friendships can feel different, and why some veterans immediately seek out organizations such as the Marine Corps League, VFW, American Legion, and other veteran communities while others initially want nothing to do with their military past. One point becomes clear throughout the discussion: leaving active duty doesn't erase the person military service helped shape. The challenge is figuring out where that part of your identity belongs in the next chapter of your life. The crew also talks about employment after service, translating military experience into the civilian workforce, education, leadership, friendships, and the importance of finding a new sense of purpose rather than trying to recreate exactly what existed while serving. For veterans still searching for that connection, the message is simple: the transition is different for everyone. Give yourself room to change, find the people and organizations that give you purpose, and don't be afraid to reconnect with the brothers and sisters who understand where you've been. On the episode: Andrew “AJ” Cox — Host Vick Ney — FireSide Chat Crew Mike McNany — FireSide Chat Crew Mark O’Loughlin — FireSide Chat Crew And as always, the episode closes with an important reminder: check on the people you served with. If you're struggling, reach out. If you're doing well, reach back and make sure your brothers and sisters are doing well too. The Lost Art Project: Veterans’ Voices Collect • Preserve • Educate • Inspire Preserving Voices. Protecting Legacies.        

#731 FireSide Chat w/ the Crew — 3 Sep 2026 Sometimes the best conversations are the ones that don’t go according to plan. Tonight’s FireSide Chat was originally scheduled to feature Trunnis Goggins of the 4Ps Podcast, but a delayed flight kept Trunnis from joining us. We heard from him during the show, and we’ll be getting him rescheduled for a future FireSide Chat. Instead, AJ Cox, Mike McNany, and Mark O’Loughlin did what the FireSide Chat crew does best—sat down, talked, laughed, and let the conversation go wherever it needed to go. The crew talked about everything from the heat in Georgia and the price of gas in California to life aboard ship and what Marines actually do during long deployments at sea. Mark shared his experience from more than four years of sea time, including the constant training, physical fitness, weapons maintenance, cross-training, and the challenge of keeping Marines engaged during extended time aboard ship. The conversation also turned toward life after the military, including work-life balance, continuing your education, using the GI Bill, making yourself more marketable in the civilian workforce, and continuing to grow after taking off the uniform. AJ also previewed some things coming up on The Lost Art Project, including the next FireSide Chat discussion on brotherhood and sisterhood after military service and the upcoming Jarhead Jabber Q&A. And, as always, there was plenty of good-natured trash talk and laughter mixed in along the way. Mike closed the evening with a simple but powerful thought on teamwork: “None of us is as smart as all of us.” That pretty well summed up the night. We all have strengths and weaknesses, and whether we’re serving in uniform or navigating life afterward, we’re better when we have good people around us. On the show: 🎙️ Andrew “AJ” Cox — Host 🎙️ Mike McNany — FireSide Chat Crew 🎙️ Mark O’Loughlin — FireSide Chat Crew The Lost Art Project: Veterans’ Voices Collect • Preserve • Educate • Inspire Preserving Voices. Protecting Legacies.

🎙️ EPISODE #730 — KAREN OAKES | U.S. MARINE CORPS VETERAN In this episode of The Lost Art Project: Veterans’ Voices, host Andrew “AJ” Cox sits down with Marine Corps Veteran Karen Oakes for a candid story about service, perseverance, difficult chapters after the uniform, and the lasting impact of becoming a Marine. Karen was born in San Diego and later grew up in the small community of Anacortes, Washington. With a father who had served as a Marine, she ultimately chose the Marine Corps herself and enlisted in 1986. Six months after first approaching her recruiter—after recovering from ankle surgery—she shipped off to recruit training at Parris Island. After earning the Eagle, Globe and Anchor, Karen entered the communications field and trained at Twenty-Nine Palms before receiving orders to Okinawa. Her service came during a period when women in the Marine Corps were continuing to break barriers and establish themselves in traditionally male-dominated environments. Karen speaks openly about some of the treatment she experienced as a female Marine, the challenges she encountered overseas and later at MCAS El Toro, and the toll those experiences took on her. Eventually she was moved to the squadron headquarters, where she worked directly in support of the command. By the end of her active-duty service, the Marine Corps was trying hard to keep her. Opportunities including embassy duty and Marine One were discussed, but Karen ultimately chose to leave active duty and return to Washington. Her story did not become easier after taking off the uniform. Karen continued serving through the Reserve and National Guard while building a civilian life and raising a family. She shares an extremely personal account of spending seventeen years in an abusive and controlling marriage, eventually reaching the point where law enforcement became involved and she fought her way through divorce and a new beginning. Years later, Karen reconnected with her high school sweetheart—a Navy Veteran—and today they have been married for more than eleven years. Karen now owns Peninsula Signatures, a mobile notary business serving her Western Washington community. She also continues the Veteran-helping-Veteran mentality: if a Veteran in her area needs something notarized, she offers to do it free of charge. When asked about her proudest military accomplishment, Karen’s answer was simple: 🇺🇸 Earning her Eagle, Globe and Anchor. And knowing everything she knows today, would she still become a Marine? “Abso-frickin-lutely.” Karen’s story is one of a generation of female Marines who served during a changing era of the Corps. They endured challenges, pushed through barriers, and helped pave the way for the Marines who followed them. 🎙️ Host: Andrew “AJ” Cox 🇺🇸 Guest: Karen Oakes — U.S. Marine Corps Veteran 📍 Business: Peninsula Signatures — Mobile Notary Services The Lost Art Project: Veterans’ Voices Preserving Voices. Protecting Legacies. #VeteransVoices #MarineCorps #USMC #WomenMarines #MarineVeteran #VeteranStories #MilitaryHistory #Veterans #SemperFi #TheLostArtProject

FireSide Chat w/ the Crew — Episode 729 What Does Service Look Like After the Uniform? Tonight’s FireSide Chat w/ the Crew tackled a question that hits home for a lot of Veterans: Does your service really end when the uniform comes off? Joining the discussion were Andrew “AJ” Cox, Chris Campbell, Jess Kindelspire, and Vick Ney. The Crew talked about how military service becomes part of who we are and how that desire to serve often follows us long after active duty. Service after the military can look completely different—it may mean mentoring the next generation, serving your community, raising a family, joining a Veteran organization, teaching, volunteering, preserving history, or simply being there for another Veteran. The conversation explored finding a new mission and sense of purpose, how that mission changes depending on where you are in life, and why Veterans can continue making a difference without trying to recreate their time in uniform. The Crew also discussed Veteran organizations, preserving history, connecting generations of Veterans, leadership, embracing new ideas, and the importance of organizations continuing to evolve rather than becoming stagnant. As always, there were plenty of laughs, stories, rabbit holes, and the completely unscripted conversation that makes FireSide Chat w/ the Crew what it is. The uniform may come off. The mission may change. But the opportunity to serve never really goes away. 🔥 FireSide Chat w/ the Crew 🎙️ Episode 729 📅 30 August 2026 Featuring: Andrew “AJ” Cox Chris Campbell Jess Kindelspire Vick Ney The Lost Art Project: Veterans’ Voices Preserving Voices. Protecting Legacies. #VeteransVoices #FireSideChat #Veterans #Military #LifeAfterService #VeteranCommunity #Purpose #TheLostArtProject

🎙️ EPISODE #728 — FIRESIDE CHAT W/ THE CREW & SPECIAL GUEST DR. CHARLES RUSSO What happens when technology makes information easier to access—but people stop doing the hard work of thinking for themselves? Dr. Charles M. Russo, retired U.S. Navy Intelligence Specialist, former federal intelligence analyst, educator, author, and speaker, returned to the FireSide Chat for a wide-ranging conversation with host Andrew “AJ” Cox and Crew member Mark O’Loughlin. The discussion quickly moved beyond Charles’ military and intelligence background and into something affecting nearly every part of society: critical thinking. Charles discusses his philosophy of “precision and curiosity”—the need to think carefully, remain curious, ask better questions, challenge assumptions, and actually investigate information rather than simply accepting what appears on a screen. The conversation explores the growing influence of artificial intelligence, including both its tremendous potential and the danger of what Charles describes as “cognitive surrender”—allowing technology to replace human judgment instead of using it as a tool to strengthen our work. AJ, Charles, and Mark also dig into education, reading, leadership, intelligence analysis, social media, misinformation, analytical integrity, and the importance of getting back to the fundamentals. Mark sums up much of the conversation with a simple principle: “brilliance in the basics.” Charles also discusses his continued writing and research, including several books currently moving toward publication. His work examines critical thinking, philosophy, intelligence analysis, analytical integrity, leadership, and the importance of keeping political ideology separate from professional intelligence analysis. For young service members and future leaders, his advice is refreshingly simple: read. Read books. Take notes. Write down your thoughts. Question what you are being told. Develop your own perspective. The technology will continue to change, but the ability to think, reason, communicate, and make sound decisions remains essential. This episode is much more than a conversation about intelligence. It is a discussion about how we think—and what happens when we stop. 🎙️ Participants: • Andrew “AJ” Cox — Host/Founder, The Lost Art Project: Veterans’ Voices • Dr. Charles M. Russo — Special Guest, U.S. Navy Veteran, former federal intelligence analyst, educator & author • Mark O’Loughlin — FireSide Chat Crew 🇺🇸 The Lost Art Project: Veterans’ Voices Preserving Voices. Protecting Legacies. #VeteransVoices #FireSideChat #USNavy #CriticalThinking #ArtificialIntelligence #Leadership #Intelligence #Veterans #Military #VeteranStories

🇺🇸 VETERAN STORY — TED SOSNICKI | U.S. NAVY VETERAN 🇺🇸 Some Veteran stories are about where someone served. Others show just how far a lifetime of service can take one person. In this episode of The Lost Art Project: Veterans’ Voices, Historical Archivist Dee Galvin sits down with U.S. Navy Veteran Ted Sosnicki for Part One of an incredible story spanning two decades of Naval service, extensive technical training, deployments around the world, Desert Shield and Desert Storm, and friendships that lasted long after the uniform came off. For Dee, this interview is also deeply personal. Ted was the best friend of Dee’s late husband, Dana Bruce Galvin, a Marine whose memory continues to inspire Dee’s work as a Historical Archivist. Throughout their conversation, stories of Dana provide a powerful reminder that some of the greatest things Veterans carry away from their service are the friendships and bonds forged along the way. Ted grew up in Arizona in a military family with an early fascination for ships, aircraft and military history. When it came time to choose his own path, the decision ultimately came down to the Marine Corps or Navy. A coin flip helped settle it — and the Navy won. Ted entered Navy boot camp in San Diego in 1980 and began what became an unusually diverse career. His training included numerous aircraft platforms as well as shipboard firefighting, damage control, aircrew, special warfare, military training instructor duties, CBR/special weapons training and much more. His assignments and deployments took him around the world aboard numerous ships and to locations throughout Japan, the Philippines, Korea, Australia, the Middle East, Europe, Puerto Rico, Guam, Guantanamo Bay and beyond. He also served in Saudi Arabia during Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm. Ted’s knowledge and experience became so extensive that when he reached 20 years and submitted his retirement paperwork, he recalls the Navy taking months to decide whether it was willing to let him go. And there is much more to his story. This episode concludes with Ted and Dee realizing that nearly two hours isn't enough. Part Two will continue Ted's story, including more about life after service, family, friendship and the experiences that followed his Navy career. 🎙️ Guest: Ted Sosnicki — U.S. Navy Veteran 🎙️ Historical Archivist/Interviewer: Dee Galvin — The Lost Art Project: Veterans’ Voices ❤️ In Memory of: Dana Bruce Galvin Every Veteran carries a piece of our nation's history. Our mission is to make sure those stories aren't lost when the storyteller is gone. The Lost Art Project: Veterans’ Voices Preserving Voices. Protecting Legacies.

🎙️ Veteran Story: Michael “Mikey” Brehm — U.S. Navy Veteran What begins as a conversation between two military musicians who have not seen one another in nearly a decade becomes an honest, funny, and deeply personal look at service, family, ambition, burnout, and knowing when life is calling you in a new direction. Texas native Michael Brehm grew up playing sports and music before discovering jazz trumpet and earning a bachelor’s degree in jazz studies from Texas State University. After performing aboard cruise ships, meeting his wife, Jamie, and temporarily settling in Canada, Michael began searching for a stable way to continue pursuing music while building a future for his family. That search eventually led him to the U.S. Navy Music Program. Michael shares his experiences at Navy boot camp, attending the Armed Forces School of Music, serving with Navy Band Northwest, advancing quickly to E-5, and learning that military musicians do far more than perform. Through ceremonies, public events, and personal interactions, he discovered how music can represent service, honor sacrifice, and reach people in ways words sometimes cannot. One of his proudest moments came during boot camp graduation, when he performed a trumpet solo in “America the Beautiful.” Afterward, an intimidating instructor stopped him to explain how deeply the performance had affected him. For Michael, that moment revealed the true purpose behind wearing the uniform and making music in service to others. His journey also included leadership responsibilities, family pressures, injuries, professional frustration, counseling, and the difficult lesson that constantly saying “yes” can eventually lead to burnout. Through the Navy’s Career Intermission Program and the GI Bill, Michael earned a master’s degree in jazz performance from the New England Conservatory before returning to service at Navy Band Northeast in Newport. When Jamie received an opportunity to pursue her dream career, Michael chose family and a new future over another enlistment. Now living in Connecticut with their four children, he is preparing to pursue an MBA and help build the next chapter of their family’s life. Throughout the episode, Michael reflects honestly on both the good and difficult parts of military service, the leaders who shaped him, unforgettable performances, embarrassing moments, and the lasting benefits of taking life as it comes. His words of wisdom are simple but powerful: Fear regret more than risk. The things you are most afraid to pursue may be the very things you should run toward. Episode Participants 🎙️ Andrew “AJ” Cox — Host, Founder and Executive Director of The Lost Art Project: Veterans’ Voices; retired U.S. Marine Corps Master Gunnery Sergeant and military musician 🎺 Michael “Mikey” Brehm — Guest; U.S. Navy veteran, trumpet player, military musician, husband, father, and graduate of the New England Conservatory Every veteran’s experience is part of our shared history. By recording these stories in the veteran’s own words, we preserve not only where they served, but who they became because of that service. 🌐 thelostartprojectveteransvoices.org Preserving Voices. Protecting Legacies.

Episode #725 — Kasey Slaton | U.S. Air Force Veteran For more than 21 years, Kasey Slaton called the United States Air Force home. What began as a 19-year-old becoming the first person in her immediate family to join the military grew into a career that took her around the world, built lifelong friendships, and ultimately shaped the woman, wife, mother, and veteran she is today. Kasey's journey even began with an unexpected twist—arriving at basic training a day late and finding herself assigned to a band flight, despite never having played an instrument! Handed a pair of cymbals and told they always needed a cymbal player, she embraced the experience and discovered an early lesson that would follow her throughout her career: sometimes the unexpected opportunities become the most memorable. Kasey went on to become an Air Force medic, training at Sheppard Air Force Base before completing hands-on hospital training at Offutt AFB. Her career would eventually take her to Randolph AFB, a deployment to Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, Kunsan Air Base in Korea, Ramstein Air Base in Germany, Turkey, Alaska, and beyond. Throughout the conversation, Kasey shares what it was like serving as a woman in the Air Force, the strong female leadership and sisterhood she experienced, balancing military service with motherhood, and the relationships that have lasted long after leaving uniform. After joining in May 2004, Kasey completed her Air Force career on September 30, 2025, with more than 21 years of service. She also talks candidly about how strange it felt to suddenly become a civilian after decades of military structure and how programs such as SkillBridge and the Seven Eagle Group helped prepare her for that transition. One of the most meaningful moments comes when Kasey leaves a message directly to her children—Kenzie, Maddox, Jack, Eliana, and Asher—creating exactly the kind of family history The Lost Art Project was created to preserve. This episode isn't simply about where Kasey served. It's about the people, experiences, family, camaraderie, service, and memories collected over more than two decades in uniform. 🎙️ The Lost Art Project: Veterans' Voices 🇺🇸 Episode #725 — Kasey Slaton, U.S. Air Force Veteran 🌐 thelostartprojectveteransvoices.org Preserving Voices. Protecting Legacies.  

🔥 FireSide Chat w/ the Crew — Episode #724 What happens when you put a group of Veterans together, give them an open microphone, and let the conversation go wherever it needs to go? You get a FireSide Chat. Episode #724 of The Lost Art Project: Veterans’ Voices brought the crew back together for an evening filled with humor, military memories, leadership lessons, changing warfare, AI, drones, and a serious discussion about whether joining the military is still a good decision for today's young men and women. The night began on a personal note as the crew celebrated Jess Kindelspire's birthday. Jess reflected on a surprise party that brought friends together from across the country and shared how humbled he was by the people who had traveled to celebrate with him. From there, the conversation moved through the kind of stories only Veterans can tell—from weather and cigars to memories from deployments and military life—before turning toward leadership and today's military. When a viewer asked what the crew thought about a young person joining the Army today, the answer sparked one of the strongest conversations of the evening. The crew discussed the importance of small-unit leadership, trusting NCOs, giving junior leaders responsibility, developing the people beneath you, and how good leaders create an environment where their people can rise to the occasion. The discussion then turned toward the changing battlefield. AI, drones and new technologies may change the tools of warfare, but the crew agreed that the fundamentals remain: leadership, initiative, decision-making, adaptability and brilliance in the basics. Technology changes. People still matter. The evening wrapped up with Words of Wisdom, Mark's Humdinger, a book recommendation from Jess, and the crew's reminder that history shows Americans have faced difficult and divided times before—and found ways to overcome them. 🎙️ Host: AJ Cox — Founder/Executive Director, U.S. Marine Corps Veteran 🔥 Crew: Jess Kindelspire, Mike McNany, Mark O'Loughlin & Vick Ney — Veterans bringing their experience, humor and leadership perspectives to the conversation. These conversations are exactly why Veterans' voices matter. Beyond the battles and deployments are decades of experience, leadership, mistakes, friendships, lessons learned and wisdom worth passing to the next generation. The Lost Art Project: Veterans’ Voices Collect. Preserve. Educate. Inspire. Preserving Voices. Protecting Legacies.  

🔥 FireSide Chat w/ the Crew — Supporting Today’s Service Members The FireSide Chat crew is back together for another unscripted evening filled with military camaraderie, serious conversation, personal updates, history, sports, and the kind of humor that only veterans can truly appreciate. AJ welcomes Jim Russell back following their first opportunity to meet in person at the Marine Corps League National Convention. Jim—the crew’s ALS warrior—demonstrates his new communication device and reminds everyone that an ALS diagnosis does not erase a person’s voice, humor, determination, or ability to make a difference. The crew also discusses upcoming Marine Corps League events in the Knoxville area, including the Marine Corps Mud Run on September 12. The most important discussion of the evening centers on the sailors serving aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln and the criticism directed toward today’s service members by some within the veteran community. Jess challenges veterans to stop the generational hazing and recognize the realities facing those currently serving through long deployments, continuous operations, limited port calls, family separation, and changing threats. The crew agrees that veterans must remember an important truth: once we leave the military, we become alumni. Our experience still matters, but our responsibility should be to mentor, encourage, and advocate—not publicly tear down the generation that followed us. The conversation asks veterans to break the cycle. If today’s service members are struggling, they do not need to hear, “That’s what you signed up for.” They need the veteran community to listen, understand, and stand beside them. Of course, it would not be a FireSide Chat without plenty of laughter. The crew also covers artificial intelligence, runaway robots, unusual sports ideas, football rivalries, Florida drivers, military travel stories, extreme desert heat, and the questionable decisions that somehow make perfect sense when veterans are together. Jess closes his historical segment by recommending John Keegan’s Intelligence in War, explaining that technology and battlefields may change, but sound intelligence must always shape operations—not be altered to support a predetermined plan. The crew’s final words of wisdom offer two powerful reminders: “The world breaks everyone, and afterward, many are strong at the broken places.” — Ernest Hemingway “You only fail when you do not try in the first place.” Episode Participants 🎙️ Andrew “AJ” Cox — Host; Founder and Executive Director of The Lost Art Project: Veterans’ Voices 🔥 Aaron Davis — FireSide Chat crew member; veteran advocate and contributor 📚 Jess Kindelspire — FireSide Chat crew member; historical and military affairs contributor 💪 James “Jim” Russell — FireSide Chat crew member, veteran advocate, and ALS warrior This episode is a reminder that service does not end when the uniform comes off. Veterans still have a responsibility to support those serving today, check on the people beside them, and use their experience to strengthen—not divide—the military community. 🌐 thelostartprojectveteransvoices.org Preserving Voices. Protecting Legacies.  

James Pennington | U.S. Army Veteran What begins as the story of a young man from rural northwest Alabama becomes an incredible journey of service, medicine, faith, leadership, and caring for America’s warriors in some of their most difficult moments. In this episode of The Lost Art Project: Veterans’ Voices, AJ sits down with Army veteran James Pennington to preserve a military story spanning decades. James grew up with military service already woven into his family. His grandfather served during World War II in the Pacific, and his father served during Vietnam. In 1984, James followed that tradition, entering the Army shortly after high school. Originally hoping to become an 11B Infantryman with Airborne and Ranger options, the needs of the Army changed his direction. James became a medic, completed Airborne School, and served with the 82nd Airborne Division. He later transitioned into the National Guard, but another calling was beginning to take shape. James remembered something his father had taught him years earlier: when you need help, go see the chaplain. That lesson eventually helped lead James from caring for soldiers physically as a medic to caring for them spiritually and emotionally as an Army Chaplain. His story takes listeners through service in the post-9/11 era, deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan, ministry in combat, work at Walter Reed, and the enormous responsibility of supporting service members carrying the physical and emotional consequences of war. James also shares one of the most solemn responsibilities of his career—serving in mortuary affairs in Afghanistan, praying over fallen Americans, reading scripture, and helping ensure they were treated with dignity before their final journey home. This conversation goes far beyond military assignments. It explores what it means to be present when someone is hurting, the burden carried by those who care for others, the realities of combat, and the importance of preserving these experiences. James closes with a message that fits the mission of this project perfectly: Veterans—tell your stories. And for those who haven't served—listen, and make the effort to understand. 🎙️ Guest: James Pennington — U.S. Army Veteran 🎙️ Host: AJ Cox — The Lost Art Project: Veterans’ Voices Every Veteran carries a piece of history. By preserving these firsthand accounts, we ensure those experiences remain available for families, educators, historians, researchers, and future generations. Preserving Voices. Protecting Legacies.

🇺🇸 EPISODE #721 — GARY CORBETT | U.S. MARINE CORPS VETERAN “If you're enjoying it, do it. Don't think about the numbers. They're just numbers.” On this episode of The Lost Art Project: Veterans’ Voices, AJ Cox sits down with 92-year-old Marine Veteran Gary Corbett—and what follows is nearly a century of stories packed into one unforgettable conversation. Born in Detroit in 1934, Gary survived being struck by a car at four years old, suffering two broken legs and reportedly being told he might never walk again. That little boy went on to do a whole lot more than walk. Gary joined the United States Marine Corps during the Korean War, completing boot camp at MCRD San Diego before entering Marine aviation. He trained in air traffic control and served with Marine Air Control Squadrons, eventually deploying to Korea. During one stormy night in Korea, Gary and two other enlisted Marines received a call from an Air Force aircraft desperately low on fuel. With the duty officer nowhere to be found, they helped guide the aircraft toward a nearby runway—even though they weren't technically authorized to do it. The next day, they found themselves standing in front of the commanding officer. That is only one story from a Marine Corps journey that took Gary from Korea to California, Hawaii, Japan and Arizona. He was stationed in Hawaii when it became the 50th state, survived a hurricane at sea while traveling to Japan, and later became one of the first Marines assigned to Yuma after the Corps took over the base. There, Gary helped train Marines transitioning from the infantry into aviation as ground control intercept controllers. After leaving the Marine Corps as a Sergeant, Gary carried those skills into civilian life and eventually became an FAA air traffic controller, later moving into management before retiring in 1994. But retirement certainly didn't slow him down. 🏍️ Gary's lifelong love of motorcycles led to more than 200,000 miles on two wheels. He rode through all 48 contiguous states, stopping at a Harley-Davidson dealership in each one. He later rode from Florida to Alaska, crossed the Arctic Circle, and returned home after a 44-day adventure. Even a serious motorcycle accident that left him with a broken neck, ribs and thumbs couldn't keep him down. Gary also continues serving veterans through the Marine Corps League and Patriot Guard Riders, standing flag lines, participating in funeral honors and supporting fellow veterans. At 92 years old, he's still active in the Marine Corps League, still attending reunions, still driving, still exercising—and still enjoying life. His outlook says it best: “They told us in boot camp we could do anything, and I believe that.” 🎙️ Host: AJ Cox 🇺🇸 Guest: Gary Corbett — U.S. Marine Corps Veteran 🎧 Episode #721 From Korea to the FAA, motorcycles to the Marine Corps League, Gary Corbett reminds us that a Veteran Story doesn't end when the uniform comes off. 🌐 TheLostArtProjectVeteransVoices.org More than just a podcast. A living digital history. 🇺🇸 Preserving Voices. Protecting Legacies.

🇺🇸 EPISODE #720 — JOHN UNVACCINATED | U.S. AIR FORCE VETERAN This is a Veteran Story unlike any we’ve shared before. On this episode of The Lost Art Project: Veterans’ Voices, AJ Cox sits down with U.S. Air Force Veteran John Unvaccinated to preserve a story of military service, caring for America’s fallen, personal conviction, and a decision that put his military career on the line. Growing up in Flint, Michigan, John eventually found his way to military service. He initially joined the Navy with hopes of pursuing the SEAL pipeline, but after an injury changed those plans, his journey ultimately led him to the United States Air Force. John entered the Services career field and found a mission he considered deeply honorable: mortuary affairs. His service took him to Dover Port Mortuary, where he worked with America’s fallen service members. It was difficult work that gave John a unique perspective on service, sacrifice, death, and the responsibility of caring for those who gave their lives. Then came COVID-19. As the military moved from encouraging vaccination to mandating it, John found himself increasingly conflicted. He ultimately decided he would not receive the COVID-19 vaccine, knowing that decision could end his military career. What followed was a long and contentious battle with Air Force leadership. John discusses his refusal, his attempt to seek an exemption, disciplinary action, being kept away from his normal duties, his eventual separation, and the legal proceedings that followed. He also shares one of the most unusual parts of his story: He legally changed his last name to “Unvaccinated.” John eventually fought his case before a military board—and was allowed to return to service. Whether you agree or disagree with his decision, this episode isn't about telling you what to think. It is about preserving what one Airman experienced, why he made the decisions he made, and allowing him to tell that story in his own words. That's what Veterans’ Voices is here to do. 🎙️ Host: AJ Cox 🇺🇸 Guest: John Unvaccinated — U.S. Air Force Veteran 🎧 Episode #720 Every veteran has a story. Every story is a piece of history. 🌐 TheLostArtProjectVeteransVoices.org More than just a podcast. A living digital history. 🇺🇸 Preserving Voices. Protecting Legacies.

🎙️ JARHEAD JABBER #12.5 — THE OFFICIAL PODCAST OF THE MARINE CORPS LEAGUE Fresh off the Marine Corps League National Convention in Indianapolis, the Jarhead Jabber crew is back—and this episode brings together some major voices from across the League to talk about leadership, service, the Military Order of the Devil Dogs, veteran advocacy, and where the organization goes from here. Joining AJ Cox, Carlos Garcia, and Ericka Hedlin is newly elected Marine Corps League National Commandant Russ Miller, who lays out his vision for putting the “service” back into Veteran Service Organization. Russ discusses reaching Marines transitioning from active duty, strengthening communication across the League, supporting veterans as they return to civilian communities, and introducing more Marines to what the Marine Corps League can offer. 🐾 Chief Devil Dog Joe DeAngelo joins the conversation with an update from the Military Order of the Devil Dogs. Joe talks about a Supreme Growl that saw approximately 300 Dogs attend and 111 advance to Pedigree Devil Dog. He also shares major news about Operation Chowhound, which is expanding its mission to help provide service dogs to veterans. The Dogs also celebrated raising $110,000 for Riley Children’s Hospital and supporting Indy Humane. 🇺🇸 Philip Du, leading the Marine Corps League’s Veteran Service Officer effort, gives an update on the tremendous work being done by the League’s VSOs. At the National Convention claims clinic, the team assisted scores of veterans with VA claims and benefits. Philip shares the powerful example of one veteran whose disability rating increased from 50% to 90% within days after receiving assistance at the clinic. This episode captures exactly what Jarhead Jabber is about: Marines talking to Marines, sharing information, giving each other a hard time, and—most importantly—finding better ways to serve veterans and their families. There’s plenty of Devil Dog trash talk, discussion about next year in Buffalo, some good laughs at Carlos and AJ’s expense, and a serious look at the future of the Marine Corps League. AJ Cox — Host Carlos Garcia — Co-Host Ericka Hedlin — Co-Host Russ Miller — National Commandant, Marine Corps League Joe DeAngelo — Chief Devil Dog, Military Order of the Devil Dogs Philip Du — Marine Corps League Veteran Service Officer leadership Special recognition also goes to Stephanie Abbott, who was unable to join the episode, with the crew wishing her a speedy recovery. 🇺🇸 Jarhead Jabber — The Official Podcast of the Marine Corps League Once a Marine, Always a Marine. Semper Fidelis! 🌐 thelostartprojectveteransvoices.org Preserving Voices. Protecting Legacies. 🎙️ ON THIS EPISODE

🔥 FireSide Chat w/ the Crew — Episode #719 Fresh off the Marine Corps League National Convention in Indianapolis, the crew is back around the virtual fire for another night of stories, laughs, veteran camaraderie, and a look at where The Lost Art Project: Veterans’ Voices is headed next. AJ and Jess recap the convention and the journey home, including Jess’s back-road adventure through the Midwest. Vick talks about getting back into the school year, his work in music education, and—of course—brings another cigar to the conversation for a full review. A major part of this episode takes viewers behind the scenes of the growing Veterans’ Voices Digital Archive. AJ demonstrates how researchers can search veterans, people, episodes, topics, and transcripts and then dig deeper into individual Veteran Research Records. The crew explores how service history, archived appearances, transcript evidence, citations, and source material can be connected to create a research resource for educators, historians, students, military leaders, veterans, and families. The live demonstration also does exactly what a developing research archive should do—it exposes areas that can be improved. The crew discovers that recurring FireSide Chat appearances are not always reflected correctly in individual episode counts, leading to a discussion about making those records more complete and accurate. The conversation moves from the archive to road trips, the Marine Corps League, school, cigars, puppies, upcoming projects, veteran humor, and plenty of the usual crew banter. The episode wraps up with a discussion of Malcolm Gladwell’s Outliers, including the 10,000-hour concept and the many factors that can contribute to success. Andrew “AJ” Cox — Host Founder & Executive Director, The Lost Art Project: Veterans’ Voices | Retired U.S. Marine Corps Master Gunnery Sergeant Jess Kindelspire — FireSide Chat Crew Veteran and recurring member of the FireSide Chat crew Vick Ney — FireSide Chat Crew President, The Lost Art Project: Veterans’ Voices | Retired U.S. Marine Corps Master Sergeant | Music Educator 📅 August 16, 2026 🎙️ Episode #719 The Lost Art Project: Veterans’ Voices is more than a podcast. We are building a searchable digital oral-history archive designed to preserve veterans’ experiences while making those stories discoverable, researchable, and citable for generations to come. Preserving Voices. Protecting Legacies.

🔥 FIRESIDE CHAT W/ THE CREW — THE LOST ART PROJECT: VETERANS’ VOICES Pull up a chair—the crew is back! Tonight on FireSide Chat w/ the Crew, we get together for another unscripted conversation where you never really know where things are going to go—and that's exactly the point. FireSide Chat isn't a formal interview. It's veterans and friends sitting down together, talking about military service, life after the uniform, current events in the veteran community, old stories, lessons learned, and whatever else happens to come up. There will be opinions. There will be stories. There will definitely be some laughs. And there's a pretty good chance someone will take the conversation completely off the rails before the night is over. But underneath all of it is something important—camaraderie. These are the kinds of conversations veterans have been having for generations. In barracks, squad bays, motor pools, flight lines, ships, smoke pits, VFWs, Marine Corps League Detachments, and around kitchen tables. FireSide Chat gives us a chance to preserve some of that too. Because military history isn't only battles, dates, units, and decorations. It's also the friendships, humor, personalities, experiences, and conversations shared by the people who wore the uniform. So grab your favorite drink, jump into the comments, and join the conversation. 🔥 FireSide Chat w/ the Crew 🎙️ Hosted by AJ Cox and the FireSide Chat Crew Mark O'Loughlin, Mike McNany, Jess Kindelspire, and Chris Campbell 🇺🇸 The Lost Art Project: Veterans’ Voices We're more than just a podcast. We're building a living digital history—one conversation at a time. 🌐 TheLostArtProjectVeteransVoices.org Preserving Voices. Protecting Legacies.

🇺🇸 EPISODE #717 — DONNA CHAMBERS | U.S. AIR FORCE VETERAN “It didn’t happen to me. It happened for me.” On this episode of The Lost Art Project: Veterans’ Voices, Historical Archivist Dee Galvin sits down with United States Air Force Veteran Donna Chambers for a story about determination, leadership, breaking barriers, and refusing to allow someone else to decide what you are capable of accomplishing. Donna grew up on a small dairy farm in rural Pennsylvania, where hard work wasn't something you talked about—it was simply part of life. Her grandfather gave her a lesson that would follow her for the rest of her life: Whatever she dreamed of becoming, she could become. There was only one person who could stop her. Herself. 🇺🇸 Coming from a family with a long history of military service, Donna eventually decided it was her turn to serve. She chose the United States Air Force. But Donna wasn't looking for a traditional job. She had already worked as a secretary before entering the military and knew she wanted something that would get her outside and challenge her. So she chose aircraft maintenance. 🔧 And that put her on a path few women had traveled before. Donna was among the early groups of women entering the aircraft-maintenance field during the 1970s. She graduated from technical training as an Honor Graduate, but arriving at her first duty station quickly taught her that graduating at the top of the class and being accepted as a mechanic were two very different things. When the new Airmen were assigned trainers, the shop chief reached Donna and openly admitted he didn't know what to do with her. She was eventually assigned to one of the least experienced people in the shop. Instead of quitting, Donna started studying. During lunch. After everyone else went home. Whenever she could. A Quality Assurance member noticed what she was doing and finally asked her a simple question: Was she serious about becoming a mechanic? She was. He offered to teach her. And Donna took it from there. That determination would become a recurring theme throughout an extraordinary Air Force career. ✈️ Her assignments took her from Dover Air Force Base, supporting the massive C-5 Galaxy, to Keflavik, Iceland, where the mission included supporting fighter aircraft intercepting Soviet aircraft approaching U.S. territory. She later served at Homestead Air Force Base in Florida and Zaragoza, Spain, where she continued advancing as both a technician and leader. Eventually, Donna found herself responsible for approximately 120 predominantly male Airmen as a flight chief. The young farm girl from Pennsylvania who entered a career field where some weren't sure a woman belonged had become the person responsible for leading the shop. And she wasn't finished. ⭐ Donna eventually achieved the highest enlisted rank in the United States Air Force: CHIEF MASTER SERGEANT — E-9. It became one of the proudest moments of her military career. And there was another piece that made the accomplishment historic: Donna Chambers became the first woman in her career field to reach Chief Master Sergeant. For Donna, reaching E-9 went all the way back to that little girl sitting with her grandfather. When she enlisted, she says she didn't enlist for four years. In her mind, she enlisted for twenty. She intended to make the Air Force a career, give it everything she had, and see just how far she could go. She reached the top. ❤️ But the Air Force gave Donna something else as well. It eventually brought Jim Chambers into her life—himself an Air Force veteran whose Veteran Story was recently preserved by Historical Archivist Dee Galvin. Jim joins Donna toward the end of this episode, allowing us to preserve another piece of their story together. Their shared philosophy today says a great deal about how Donna has approached both military service and life: “It didn’t happen to me. It happened for me.” Challenges will come. Things won't always go according to plan. People may underestimate you. Doors may not immediately open. But Donna believes there is something to learn from what happens to us—and with the right mindset, even difficult experiences can become opportunities to grow. This isn't simply the story of an Air Force career. It's the story of a woman who entered a field where women were still proving they belonged, refused to accept lowered expectations, became a leader, and ultimately reached the highest enlisted rank in the United States Air Force. 🎙️ Historical Archivist / Interviewer: Dee Galvin Marine Spouse The Lost Art Project: Veterans’ Voices 🇺🇸 Veteran: Donna Chambers United States Air Force Veteran Chief Master Sergeant (E-9) 🎧 Episode #717 Special appearance by fellow Air Force Veteran Jim Chambers, whose own Veteran Story was recently preserved as part of the Veterans’ Voices archive. This is why we preserve these stories. Not simply to document where someone served, but to preserve who they were, what they overcame, who they became, and the lessons they want future generations to remember. 🌐 TheLostArtProjectVeteransVoices.org 🇺🇸 The Lost Art Project: Veterans’ Voices More than just a podcast. A living digital history. Preserving Voices. Protecting Legacies.

⚓ Veteran Story — Tony D’Agostino | United States Navy Veteran Sometimes joining the military gives you a job. Sometimes it gives you an entirely different life. On this episode of The Lost Art Project: Veterans’ Voices, AJ Cox sits down with United States Navy Veteran Tony D’Agostino for a remarkable journey that begins with a young man looking for a way out and develops into a career of aviation, anti-submarine warfare, leadership, education, and service aboard some of the Navy’s most recognizable platforms. Growing up around Camden, New Jersey, Tony admits that neither he nor his childhood friend were particularly prepared for college or certain about what came next. With the Vietnam War winding down, the two originally planned to enter the Navy together through the buddy program. Tony ultimately went alone. That decision changed his life. ⚓ Tony enlisted in the Navy and entered the world of anti-submarine warfare aviation, training as an aircrewman and search-and-rescue swimmer aboard the H-3 helicopter. After training, he qualified with Helicopter Anti-Submarine Warfare Squadron TEN (HS-10) before joining HS-4, the Black Knights, operating from the aircraft carrier USS Ranger. From San Diego to the Western Pacific, Tony began seeing a world far beyond the one he had known growing up. But that was only the beginning. Tony eventually reenlisted and began thinking about something bigger: Becoming a Naval Officer. What followed was a transformation from enlisted Sailor and helicopter aircrewman to commissioned officer—and ultimately a Surface Warfare Officer operating aboard aircraft carriers. Throughout the conversation, Tony takes us inside a Navy career that included anti-submarine warfare, oceanographic operations, leadership assignments, carrier operations, and a full deployment to the Arabian Gulf, including navigating an aircraft carrier through the Strait of Hormuz. One particularly fascinating chapter involves the USS John F. Kennedy, where Tony pushed himself to earn his Surface Warfare qualification at a pace that even surprised those around him. The normal process could take roughly 18 months. Tony completed it in about six months. His explanation is simple: when he decides to accomplish something, it becomes his focus. But beneath the ships, helicopters, qualifications, deployments, and accomplishments is the real heart of this Veteran Story: The Navy changed Tony D’Agostino’s life. It gave a young man from New Jersey opportunities he never imagined, exposed him to people who challenged and mentored him, provided an education, and eventually placed him in positions where he could lead and influence others. Tony also shares the people behind the uniform—the friendships, mentors, family experiences, losses, and unexpected relationships that stayed with him long after individual assignments ended. This is exactly why these conversations matter. Military history isn't only found in official reports or lists of ships and deployments. It's found in the Sailor who flew from the back of a helicopter searching for submarines. The rescue swimmer prepared to go into the water when someone needed him. The enlisted Sailor who decided he wanted more. The officer standing watch aboard an aircraft carrier. And the veteran who can look back decades later and say: The Navy changed my life. 🎙️ Host: AJ Cox Founder & Executive Director The Lost Art Project: Veterans’ Voices ⚓ Guest: Tony D’Agostino United States Navy Veteran 🎧 Episode #716 Join us as we preserve another veteran's story—not simply where he served, but how that service shaped the man he became. 🌐 TheLostArtProjectVeteransVoices.org 🇺🇸 The Lost Art Project: Veterans’ Voices More than just a podcast. A living digital history. Preserving Voices. Protecting Legacies.

⚓ Veteran Story — Dr. Trunnis Goggins II | United States Navy Veteran What happens when military service doesn't just change what you do—but completely changes the direction of your life? On this episode of The Lost Art Project: Veterans’ Voices, AJ Cox sits down with Navy veteran Dr. Trunnis Goggins II for a conversation about service, education, transition, purpose, and what it means to take the lessons learned in uniform and continue putting them to work long after leaving the military. Growing up in Buffalo, New York, Trunnis didn't follow the traditional path of graduating high school and immediately joining the military. He entered later in life after realizing he needed direction—and what he found in the United States Navy would ultimately change his future. Trunnis served approximately 13 years between active duty and the Navy Reserve, including time as a Navy recruiter and Recruiter in Charge as a Petty Officer Second Class. But one of the most powerful moments in his story came from a Navy Chief who challenged him with some words he didn't particularly want to hear. Trunnis had the opportunity to receive an education through his military benefits—and wasn't taking advantage of it. That challenge lit a fire. At 33 years old, Trunnis enrolled in college. Within two years, he earned his bachelor's degree. Two years later, his master's degree. And within nine years of beginning that journey, he had earned his Ph.D. in Strategic Planning. The first person he called after earning his doctorate? The Chief who challenged him to go back to school. His story didn't stop there. Dr. Goggins went on to become a college professor, author, educator, and advocate, taking what he learned through his own experiences and using it to help others find direction in their lives. During the conversation, Trunnis and AJ dig into something many veterans understand all too well: the transition from military service back into civilian life. Even with an advanced education, a home, and a job waiting for him, Trunnis remembers leaving active duty and feeling lost. The structure was gone. The uniform was gone. And the sense of identity and purpose that came with military service suddenly looked very different. That experience became part of the inspiration behind his work. 📚 Trunnis discusses his book The Four P's of You, built around four principles: Purpose. Planning. Passion. Persistence. He also talks about his work documenting the experiences of veterans transitioning from military to civilian life and using those lessons as a resource for others preparing to make that same journey. Today, that mission has expanded even further. Dr. Goggins works with veterans, Veterans Treatment Court programs, and correctional institutions, teaching principles designed to help people rebuild structure, establish purpose, and successfully transition into the next chapter of their lives. This episode is about much more than one man's Navy career. It's about what happens when someone challenges you to become better. It's about education. It's about transition. It's about finding purpose when the identity you've known suddenly changes. And it's about taking the opportunities military service provides and using them to continue serving others. 🎙️ Host: AJ Cox Founder & Executive Director The Lost Art Project: Veterans’ Voices ⚓ Guest: Dr. Trunnis Goggins II United States Navy Veteran | Educator | Author Every veteran's journey is different—and sometimes the most important part of the story is what they build because of their service. 🌐 TheLostArtProjectVeteransVoices.org 🇺🇸 The Lost Art Project: Veterans’ Voices More than just a podcast. A living digital history. Preserving Voices. Protecting Legacies.

🔥 FireSide Chat w/ the Crew — The Lost Art Project: Veterans’ Voices Sometimes the best conversations are the ones you can’t script. On this episode of FireSide Chat w/ the Crew, AJ, Mike, and Aaron get together for another wide-open conversation about military service, life after the uniform, veterans, history, and whatever else finds its way to the table. FireSide Chat has become an important part of The Lost Art Project: Veterans’ Voices because it captures something different from our traditional one-on-one Veteran Stories. These conversations preserve the camaraderie, humor, opinions, memories, and experiences that happen when veterans simply sit down together and talk. There’s no polished script and no predetermined path. Just veterans and friends having the kinds of conversations that have taken place in squad bays, barracks, motor pools, smoke pits, ready rooms, and around kitchen tables for generations. 🎙️ Hosted by AJ Cox Founder & Executive Director The Lost Art Project: Veterans’ Voices 🔥 Featuring members of the FireSide Chat Crew Every conversation is another piece of history. With more than 700 episodes preserved, The Lost Art Project continues building a living digital history where veterans’ experiences aren't reduced to dates, battles, and statistics—but preserved through the voices of the people who actually lived them. We’re more than just a podcast. We’re preserving the conversations, personalities, experiences, and stories that might otherwise disappear with time. 🌐 TheLostArtProjectVeteransVoices.org 🇺🇸 The Lost Art Project: Veterans’ Voices Preserving Voices. Protecting Legacies.

🔥 FireSide Chat with the Crew featuring Special Guest Anna Redmond of Braav AllCoin! 🔥 Tonight at 7:00 PM Central | 8:00 PM Eastern Join us for another engaging FireSide Chat with the Crew as we welcome Anna Redmond from Braav AllCoin for an evening of authentic conversation, fresh ideas, and a look at how emerging technology can help preserve the stories that matter most. Braav AllCoin has become an important supporter of The Lost Art Project: Veterans' Voices, and tonight we'll explore how innovation, community partnerships, and a shared commitment to preserving history can work together to create something that will benefit veterans, families, researchers, and future generations. As always, nothing is scripted. We'll cover a wide range of topics—from veteran issues and current events to leadership, entrepreneurship, technology, military experiences, and the challenges and opportunities facing today's veteran community. Expect thoughtful discussion, plenty of laughs, and the kind of honest conversation that has made FireSide Chat a favorite among our viewers. Whether you're a veteran, active-duty service member, family member, historian, podcaster, or simply someone who enjoys meaningful conversations, pull up a chair around the virtual campfire and be part of the discussion. We'd love to hear your questions and comments live throughout the show. Learn more about our mission at: www.thelostartprojectveteransvoices.org Preserving Voices. Protecting Legacies.

🇺🇸 NEW EPISODE | Carlo Orino | U.S. Air Force Veteran 🇺🇸 Every veteran's journey is different, and Carlo Orino's story is a powerful reminder that our paths in life can change with one decision. Interviewed by Historical Archivist Dee Galvin, Carlo shares his incredible journey from a self-described troubled teenager to a distinguished career in the United States Air Force. He reflects on growing up in a military family, the lessons learned from his father's Navy service, and the moment he looked in the mirror and realized it was time to change the direction of his life. Throughout this conversation, Carlo discusses his Air Force career, deployments to Kuwait and Iraq during Operation New Dawn, his experiences as a firearms instructor, leadership, family life, and the importance of becoming the kind of mentor and instructor who leaves a lasting impact on others. His story is one of perseverance, growth, service, and finding purpose through military service. This episode is another example of why preserving these first-hand accounts is so important. Every veteran's voice adds another piece to our nation's history, ensuring future generations can learn directly from those who lived it. 🎙️ Guest: Carlo Orino – U.S. Air Force Veteran 🎤 Interviewer: Historical Archivist Dee Galvin Watch now and help us continue our mission of preserving the voices of America's veterans. 🌐 www.thelostartprojectveteransvoices.org Preserving Voices. Protecting Legacies.

In this episode of The Lost Art Project: Veterans' Voices, Historical Archivist Dee Galvin sits down with U.S. Air Force veteran Jim Chambers for an engaging conversation spanning nearly eight decades of life, service, leadership, and reflection. Jim begins by sharing memories of growing up in a large family with limited means, explaining how those early experiences shaped his work ethic, humility, and appreciation for the opportunities that would later come through military service. From there, he walks listeners through his decision to join the Air Force, his career progression, and the leadership lessons that would influence both his time in uniform and his life after retirement. Throughout the conversation, Jim offers thoughtful insight into military education, the importance of developing leaders, and how service members continue to carry the values they learned long after they hang up the uniform. As a Vietnam-era veteran, he also reflects on the bonds shared by those who served, the significance of honoring their sacrifices, and why preserving these stories for future generations is so important. More than a military history interview, this episode is a conversation about resilience, family, lifelong learning, and leaving a legacy worth remembering. Join Historical Archivist Dee Galvin as she preserves another remarkable veteran's story—one voice, one life, and one legacy at a time. The Lost Art Project: Veterans' Voices Preserving Voices. Protecting Legacies.

🔥 FireSide Chat with the Crew – Tonight at 7 PM Central! 🔥 Join us tonight for another FireSide Chat with the Crew as we gather around for an evening of great conversation, shared experiences, and plenty of laughs. Whether you're a veteran, currently serving, a family member, or simply someone who enjoys hearing authentic stories and discussions, there's always a seat by the fire. Each week we dive into topics that matter to the military and veteran community—from leadership and military history to current events, transition after service, and the everyday moments that connect us all. No scripts, no agendas—just honest conversation from people who have lived it. As always, we welcome your comments and questions throughout the show. Your participation helps shape the conversation, making every FireSide Chat a little different from the last. So grab your favorite drink, pull up a chair, and spend your Sunday evening with the crew. Because every veteran has a story... and every conversation helps preserve another piece of history. The Lost Art Project: Veterans' Voices Preserving Voices! Protecting Legacies!

🔥 FireSide Chat with the Crew | Featuring Erik Monarca of Chat 62 Podcast 🔥 This week's FireSide Chat, we welcomed Erik Monarca, co-host of the Chat 62 Podcast, for an engaging conversation about military service, the power of storytelling, and the importance of preserving veterans' experiences for future generations. What started as a discussion between two veteran-focused podcasts quickly became a deeper conversation about the shared mission of ensuring that the stories of those who served are never forgotten. Erik shared the vision behind Chat 62, how the show has grown beyond its original roots, and why giving veterans a platform to tell their stories continues to make such a lasting impact. The crew also explored the future of veteran history preservation, including the growth of the Veterans' Voices Archive Network, the development of a searchable research database, and how podcasters, historians, museums, and researchers can work together to build one of the largest collaborative archives of veteran oral histories anywhere. Along the way, there were plenty of laughs, stories from military life, and the kind of candid conversation that has become the hallmark of FireSide Chat. If you believe every veteran's story deserves to be preserved, this is an episode you won't want to miss. Join AJ Cox, Mike, and Jess as they sit down with Erik Monarca of Chat 62 Podcast for a conversation about brotherhood, podcasting, preserving history, and ensuring that every veteran's voice has a place in history—because in the end... Your Story Matters.

In Part 2 of our conversation with U.S. Navy veteran Charles Russo, we dive even deeper into an extraordinary career that took him from military service to the front lines of counterterrorism and forensic intelligence. Charles shares what it was like working with the FBI's Terrorist Explosive Device Analytical Center (TEDAC), where improvised explosive devices recovered from battlefields in Iraq, Afghanistan, and around the world were analyzed to help identify bomb makers, uncover terrorist networks, and prevent future attacks. Charles offers a fascinating look behind the scenes at the painstaking investigative work that most people never see—the collaboration between the military, intelligence agencies, law enforcement, and international partners to protect lives. He also explains the extensive training required to work in this highly specialized field, from electronics and forensic science to intelligence analysis, and reflects on the responsibility that comes with examining devices that caused devastating loss on the battlefield. The conversation doesn't stop there. Charles discusses his transition from federal service into higher education, his passion for research, publishing, and mentoring the next generation, and how his experiences continue to shape the students he teaches today. His story is one of lifelong learning, service, and an unwavering commitment to making a difference long after leaving active duty. Whether you're interested in military history, intelligence operations, national security, or simply hearing the remarkable journey of someone who has dedicated his life to serving others, this is an episode you won't want to miss. Every veteran has a story. Every story deserves to be preserved.

What does it mean to dedicate a lifetime to serving your country—both in and out of uniform? In Episode 707 of The Lost Art Project: Veterans' Voices, we sit down with Dr. Charles Russo, a U.S. Navy veteran whose career of service extended far beyond his time in uniform. From his experiences during the Cold War era to a distinguished career supporting the nation's intelligence and law enforcement communities, Dr. Russo shares an incredible journey built on integrity, professionalism, and a commitment to protecting the United States. His story offers a unique perspective on military service, leadership, intelligence, public service, and the lessons learned from decades spent working behind the scenes in some of our nation's most critical organizations. Join us as Dr. Russo reflects on the people, experiences, and decisions that shaped his life, while reminding us that some of the most important contributions to our nation's history happen far from the spotlight. Every veteran has a story worth preserving. Every story deserves to be remembered.

🔥 FireSide Chat w/ the Crew is LIVE! 🔥 Grab a seat around the virtual campfire and join the crew for another evening of great conversation, plenty of laughs, and honest discussions about military life, current events, veteran issues, and whatever else comes up along the way. No scripts. No filters. Just veterans and friends sharing stories, experiences, and perspectives in a relaxed atmosphere where everyone is welcome. Whether you’re a veteran, currently serving, a family member, or simply someone who enjoys hearing authentic conversations, we’d love to have you join us.  Help us continue our mission of Preserving Voices. Protecting Legacies. 🌐 www.TheLostArtProjectVeteransVoices.org #TheLostArtProject #VeteransVoices #FireSideChat #Veterans #Military #USMC #Army #Navy #AirForce #SpaceForce #CoastGuard #NationalGuard #History #OralHistory #MilitaryHistory #Podcast #LiveShow

🔥 FireSide Chat is back, and this one is packed with great conversation! Join AJ as he welcomes back Matt Okuhara, Iraq War veteran and author of Basra and Back: The Memoir of an Infantryman in the Iraq War. Matt returns to share more of his experiences from combat, the lessons that have stayed with him long after deployment, and the journey that inspired him to write his powerful memoir. We’ll also dive into current events, military topics, veteran life, and whatever else comes up around the virtual campfire. Whether you’ve served, know someone who has, or simply enjoy hearing authentic conversations and preserving veterans’ stories, you won’t want to miss this episode. 📖 Featured Book: Basra and Back: The Memoir of an Infantryman in the Iraq War by Matt Okuhara 🎙️ Featuring: AJ and special guest Matt Okuhara Preserving Voices. Protecting Legacies. 

Interviewed by Historical Archivist Dee Galvin For the first time on The Lost Art Project: Veterans' Voices, one of our Historical Archivists takes the lead behind the microphone. Dee Galvin sits down with Marine Corps combat veteran Tony Johnson for an authentic conversation that captures a lifetime of service, sacrifice, and perseverance. Tony shares how growing up in San Antonio, Texas, and learning the value of hard work from his father helped shape the man who would eventually earn the title of United States Marine. Throughout his career, he served in demanding assignments, trained on heavy weapons systems, prepared for Drill Instructor School before being redirected to combat operations in Iraq, and reflects on the realities of deployment, combat, leadership, and the bonds forged through military service. The conversation doesn't stop when the uniform comes off. Tony also speaks openly about life after retirement, living with PTSD, and how he now uses his own experiences to help fellow veterans through peer support and group therapy. His message is one of resilience, healing, and continuing to serve long after active duty has ended. This episode also marks an important milestone for The Lost Art Project as Historical Archivist Dee Galvin conducts her very first preservation interview, helping fulfill our mission of ensuring every veteran's story is professionally recorded and preserved for future generations. Because every veteran has a story. Every story deserves to be remembered. Preserving Voices. Protecting Legacies.

Growing up in a Marine Corps family in New Orleans, Beau Higgins was surrounded by stories of service long before he ever wore the uniform himself. After attending the University of Virginia and searching for direction during his senior year, a chance conversation with a Marine Corps recruiter changed the course of his life. What began as a plan to serve a single enlistment turned into a remarkable 25-year Marine Corps career. In this episode, Beau shares the lessons he learned as a Marine officer, the transition from The Basic School into the Fleet Marine Force, and the leadership experiences that shaped him throughout his career. He also reflects on multiple combat and operational deployments to Iraq, Afghanistan, Bosnia, and Somalia, offering a candid look at the realities of serving in some of the world's most challenging environments and the lasting impressions those experiences left on him. From stories of growing up with Marine Corps traditions to leading Marines across the globe, Beau's journey is one of service, leadership, humility, and a deep appreciation for those who wore the uniform beside him. Don't miss this outstanding conversation as we preserve another piece of our nation's military history—one veteran's story at a time. Preserving Voices. Protecting Legacies. 🇺🇸

In the final installment of his remarkable story, 101-year-old WWII Air Force veteran Robert Weber reflects on the lessons learned from a lifetime of service, hard work, self-discipline, and family. He shares timeless advice for future generations, discusses the importance of financial responsibility and perseverance, and looks back on the accomplishments that have meant the most to him—including 76 years of marriage and five generations of family. Join us as we conclude this unforgettable conversation with a member of America's Greatest Generation whose wisdom is as inspiring as his service.    

Join AJ and Jess for another live evening of laughs, stories, and conversations you won't find anywhere else. From military memories and updates on The Lost Art Project: Veterans' Voices. We also share exciting progress on our growing Veterans' Voices Research Portal, the new searchable archive that is making hundreds of veteran stories easier than ever to discover, while discussing the future of preserving military history one conversation at a time. Whether you're a veteran, currently serving, a military family member, or simply someone who enjoys good conversation and great company, pull up a chair and join us around the virtual campfire.

🔥 Tonight we celebrate an incredible milestone—Episode #700 of The Lost Art Project: Veterans' Voices! Join AJ, Jess, and Mark around the fire as they reflect on the journey to 700 episodes, share behind-the-scenes stories, favorite memories, and discuss what's next for the archive. More than 350 veterans have trusted us with preserving their stories, and this milestone belongs to every guest, listener, supporter, and volunteer who has made this mission possible. Grab a seat around the fire and help us celebrate 700 episodes of preserving voices and protecting legacies. We'll see you tonight! 🇺🇸🔥

Growing up in Gloucester, England, Matt Okuhara never imagined his military journey would take him from the British Army Reserve to deployment in Iraq, commissioning as an officer, and eventually working in the United Kingdom's Civil Nuclear Constabulary. In this episode, Matt shares what it's like to serve in the British military, explains the similarities and differences between the U.S. and British armed forces, and reflects on the leadership lessons he learned through combat, military service, and his transition into law enforcement. Don't miss this fascinating international perspective on service, leadership, and life after the military. Basra and Back: The Memoir of an Unlikely Infantryman in the Iraq War https://www.amazon.com/dp/1036129659?lv=shuf&channelId=500&plpRedirect=mhFallback  

In Part 2 of his story, General James "Jim" Lukeman reflects on the leadership lessons that shaped his remarkable 40-year Marine Corps career. From deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan to serving alongside legendary Marine leaders like Generals James Mattis and James Conway, Jim shares stories of command, combat, and the importance of leading with humility and respect. He also offers timeless advice for the next generation of leaders and reflects on a lifetime of service to the Marine Corps. Don't miss the conclusion of this outstanding conversation with one of the Corps' most respected leaders.

Growing up as the son of a Marine who would retire as a Lieutenant General, Jim Lukeman experienced the Marine Corps long before he ever earned the title himself. After graduating from the University of Notre Dame and commissioning in 1980, what was supposed to be a four-year commitment turned into an incredible 40-year career. In Part 1, Jim shares stories from his childhood, ROTC, becoming a Marine officer, and his early assignments—including serving in Europe during Operation Desert Storm. Join us as we begin the remarkable journey of one of the Marine Corps' most respected leaders.  

🔥 FireSide Chat with the Crew! 🔥 Join AJ, Mark, Vick, Jess, and Stevo for another night around the FireSide! The crew gets together for good conversation, plenty of laughs, stories, opinions, and probably a little friendly trash talking along the way. There’s no script and no telling where the conversation will go—that’s what makes the FireSide Chat what it is. Just veterans and friends getting together, talking about life, current events, military memories, and whatever else comes up. Grab a drink, pull up a chair, and join AJ, Mark, Vick, Jess, and Stevo for another great night with the crew! 🇺🇸 Preserving Voices. Protecting Legacies.

🇺🇸 Marine Veteran Jamar Jackson joined the Marine Corps during the Desert Storm era, looking for something more than the daily grind of working hard in Oakland. He wanted to build a better future for himself and stay away from the things that could have easily taken his life in a different direction. During his time in the Marine Corps, Jamar was fortunate to have incredible mentors and leaders who taught him lessons that would stay with him for life—the importance of saving, investing, taking calculated risks, and having the courage to try something new. Jamar took those lessons, combined them with the drive and determination he gained in the Marine Corps, and built an incredible story of success in the civilian world. As an entrepreneur, he explored opportunities ranging from real estate investments to computers before eventually finding his niche in the financial markets and becoming a successful stock market trader. But Jamar’s story isn’t only about personal success. Today, he is using what he has learned to help fellow veterans discover greater financial freedom. Through his nonprofit work and trading platform, he provides veterans interested in the stock market with an opportunity to watch and learn from trading in real time. He has also taken his commitment to serving veterans into the world of technology, developing an AI-powered app designed to provide veterans with additional guidance and support as they navigate the VA benefits process. From the streets of Oakland, to the Marine Corps, to entrepreneurship, investing, technology, and giving back to the veteran community—Jamar Jackson’s journey is a story of mentorship, determination, adaptability, and success. 🎙️ Don’t miss this incredible story of a Marine who took the lessons he learned in uniform and turned them into a mission to help others build a better future. Preserving Voices. Protecting Legacies.

🔥 FireSide Chat w/ the Crew! 🔥 Join AJ, Mark, Mike, Vick, Aaron, and Jess for another fun-filled FireSide Chat with the Crew! Tonight, the Crew talks about how everyone spent their Independence Day celebrations before taking the conversation across the Atlantic to share stories and experiences from their time in different European countries. 🇺🇸🌍 As always, the conversation goes in a few unexpected directions, the stories get better as the night goes on, and there are plenty of laughs along the way. Grab your favorite drink, pull up a chair, and hang out with the Crew for a relaxed night of stories, memories, friendly banter, and a whole lot of fun. Preserving Voices. Protecting Legacies.

Tune in for Part 2 of our Independence Day Celebration, packed with powerful stories, great conversation, and live music! 🇺🇸 Join us as we visit with 101-year-old World War II Air Force veteran Robert Weber, hear from The Crew and SteveO about what America and 250 years of independence mean to them, and sit down with Dave Munson, founder of Saddleback Leather Co., whose company has generously supported The Lost Art Project by donating one of its incredible Flight Bags to our quarterly fundraising raffle. We close out the celebration with a special musical performance by Marine veteran and San Antonio musician Lynnwood King. This episode brings together generations of service, sacrifice, patriotism, conversation, and music in celebration of America’s 250th Independence Day. 🇺🇸🎶 Preserving Voices. Protecting Legacies.

Tune in for Part 1 of our Independence Day Celebration, featuring a special performance by the Quantico Marine Band! 🇺🇸🎶 Watch as these talented Marine musicians take the stage aboard Marine Corps Base Quantico and deliver an incredible rock band performance for the Marines and families stationed there. It’s a celebration of service, family, freedom, and 250 years of American independence—Marine Corps style! Turn it up, celebrate America, and enjoy the show! 🇺🇸🎸🥁

Tune in for Army veteran Jim Whaley as he shares the incredible story of his 20-year Army career as a helicopter pilot and instructor pilot. Spending much of his military career overseas, Jim's service became a family journey, with two of his three children born while stationed abroad. Today, Jim continues his mission of service as the CEO of Mission Roll Call, a nonpartisan nonprofit organization dedicated to ensuring the voices of veterans and their families are heard by policymakers through nationwide surveys, advocacy, and research. Mission Roll Call works to identify the issues veterans care about most—from healthcare and mental health to housing and quality of life—and uses that data to drive meaningful change. Don't miss this inspiring conversation as Jim reflects on his Army career, his transition from military service, and how he's continuing to make a difference for veterans across America through Mission Roll Call.

Join us tonight for another great FireSide Chat with AJ Cox, Mark O'Loughlin, Mike McNany, and Jess Kindelspire as they gather around to talk veterans, military history, current projects, and whatever conversations unfold along the way. From preserving the stories of America's veterans to sharing laughs, insights, and behind-the-scenes updates from The Lost Art Project: Veterans' Voices, you never know where the discussion will lead. Grab your favorite drink, join the conversation in the comments, and spend the evening with friends who are passionate about honoring those who served.   Preserving Voices. Protecting Legacies.

Tune in tonight for another FireSide Chat with AJ and the Crew as we welcome our special guests from FOCUS Marines Foundation w/ Jennifer Jefferson, Brian Jaffe, and Nick Popaditch! Founded by Marines for Marines, FOCUS Marines has been changing lives since 2010 through a unique seven-day program designed to help veterans navigate the challenges of transitioning from military to civilian life. The program provides practical tools, mentorship, and ongoing support to help veterans facing issues such as anxiety, depression, isolation, relationship struggles, and loss of purpose—all at no cost to participants. To date, more than 1,160 veterans have completed the program and found a renewed sense of direction and purpose. Join us as we learn more about this incredible organization, hear how they're making a difference in the lives of veterans, and discuss the importance of veterans helping veterans. 🇺🇸 Preserving Voices. Protecting Legacies. Don't miss this inspiring conversation!   focusmarines.org

Army Veteran Ronald Kelly joined the Army as a combat engineer, but once he arrived in Vietnam, he quickly learned that war rarely goes according to plan. Assigned to security missions and other duties far beyond his primary job, Ronald experienced firsthand the realities of life in a combat zone. The war became deeply personal when his best friend was killed, leaving a lasting impact that he carried long after returning home. After his service, Ronald returned to Oklahoma, where he built a life beyond the battlefield while never forgetting the sacrifices made by those who served alongside him. In this powerful Veteran Story, Ronald reflects on duty, loss, resilience, and the lessons learned during one of America's most challenging conflicts. Preserve Honor. Inspire Future Generations. The Lost Art Project: Veterans' Voices – Preserving history one veteran story at a time.

Tune in for Part 2 of our conversation with World War II Army Air Forces veteran Robert Weber. After returning home from the war, Robert reunited with his sweetheart and set out to build a life through hard work and determination. Through dedication and an entrepreneurial spirit, he earned enough money to purchase a farm, where he found creative and innovative ways to make a living and provide for his family. Robert's story is a remarkable example of the resilience, resourcefulness, and work ethic that defined the Greatest Generation. This is an inspiring episode you won't want to miss. Preserving history one veteran story at a time. 🇺🇸🎙️