Video Stories of fellow Comrades VFW 9601

World War I ended on November 11, 1918, with the signing of the Armistice. Originally called Armistice Day, it was renamed Veterans Day in 1938 to honor all who served. The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, established in 1921, symbolizes national gratitude, while the Honor Flight Network helps aging veterans visit memorials. Today, Veterans Day continues to recognize their bravery and sacrifice. – John McPartland, COL, USA, (RET)

William Yale shares a powerful encounter with Ronnie, a Vietnam War Navy veteran who served aboard the USS Oriskany during a tragic explosion. Ronnie’s story of sacrifice, survival, and faith highlights the strength of those who served. Yale invites him to a VFW meeting, recognizing the importance of honoring these unsung heroes. His message is clear: take time to listen, appreciate, and give them the praise.

William Yale recalls a harrowing night in Phu Bai, Vietnam, in 1972, when incoming fire forced him and his best friend to react under extreme fear. As explosions raged on the airfield, his friend’s bravery reminded him of their duty—to wake the others and get them to safety. That night changed Yale’s life, proving that courage isn’t the absence of fear but the ability to act despite it. – William Yale

Jake Dalton recounts his harrowing experience during Operation Varsity, the last and largest airborne assault of World War II. After surviving the brutal Battle of the Bulge, his unit prepared for a dangerous parachute drop into Germany on March 24, 1945. Facing relentless anti-aircraft fire, Dalton landed in hostile territory, witnessing the loss of his lieutenant and the devastation around him. The battle resulted in over 1,000 casualties on its first day, leaving unforgettable memories of survival and sacrifice. – Jake Dalton

William Yale shares his deeply personal experience in Vietnam, where the daily threat of death led him to a profound transformation. Initially consumed by fear, a conversation with a chaplain reshaped his outlook, pushing him to embrace his duty despite believing he would not return home. Over time, he found unexpected joy in the smallest things and realized he was being guided by a force greater than himself. Even decades later, he still feels like he’s living on borrowed time but remains grateful for every day. – William Yale

During World War I, a wealthy lieutenant gifted bronze medallions to his squadron. When one young pilot was captured and escaped behind enemy lines, his medallion saved him from execution by the French, who mistook him for a spy. This led to the tradition of carrying challenge coins, with members required to produce them when asked—or buy a drink if they couldn’t. The tradition lives on, honoring camaraderie among service members. – Michael Emerson

This vivid tribute to sailor bars captures the nostalgia of a bygone era, where Navy men found camaraderie, stories, and a taste of freedom between deployments. These watering holes were more than just places to drink—they were homes away from home, where traditions, laughter, and hard-earned wisdom were shared among shipmates. As times change, these legendary bars fade, but the memories of those who lived the life remain forever. – Anonymous Sailor

William Yale reflects on the deep emotions of seeing his name engraved on a memorial, a powerful reminder of survival and sacrifice. He wrestles with the presence of fallen comrades, the weight of living a good life in their honor, and the lingering question of why he made it when so many did not. In accepting that all are bound to return home someday, he finds solace in faith and the enduring bond of brotherhood. – William Yale

World War I ended on November 11, 1918, with the signing of the Armistice. Originally called Armistice Day, it was renamed Veterans Day in 1938 to honor all who served. The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, established in 1921, symbolizes national gratitude, while the Honor Flight Network helps aging veterans visit memorials. Today, Veterans Day continues to recognize their bravery and sacrifice. – John McPartland, COL, USA, (RET)

William Yale shares a powerful encounter with Ronnie, a Vietnam War Navy veteran who served aboard the USS Oriskany during a tragic explosion. Ronnie’s story of sacrifice, survival, and faith highlights the strength of those who served. Yale invites him to a VFW meeting, recognizing the importance of honoring these unsung heroes. His message is clear: take time to listen, appreciate, and give them the praise.

William Yale recalls a harrowing night in Phu Bai, Vietnam, in 1972, when incoming fire forced him and his best friend to react under extreme fear. As explosions raged on the airfield, his friend’s bravery reminded him of their duty—to wake the others and get them to safety. That night changed Yale’s life, proving that courage isn’t the absence of fear but the ability to act despite it. – William Yale

Jake Dalton recounts his harrowing experience during Operation Varsity, the last and largest airborne assault of World War II. After surviving the brutal Battle of the Bulge, his unit prepared for a dangerous parachute drop into Germany on March 24, 1945. Facing relentless anti-aircraft fire, Dalton landed in hostile territory, witnessing the loss of his lieutenant and the devastation around him. The battle resulted in over 1,000 casualties on its first day, leaving unforgettable memories of survival and sacrifice. – Jake Dalton

William Yale shares his deeply personal experience in Vietnam, where the daily threat of death led him to a profound transformation. Initially consumed by fear, a conversation with a chaplain reshaped his outlook, pushing him to embrace his duty despite believing he would not return home. Over time, he found unexpected joy in the smallest things and realized he was being guided by a force greater than himself. Even decades later, he still feels like he’s living on borrowed time but remains grateful for every day. – William Yale

During World War I, a wealthy lieutenant gifted bronze medallions to his squadron. When one young pilot was captured and escaped behind enemy lines, his medallion saved him from execution by the French, who mistook him for a spy. This led to the tradition of carrying challenge coins, with members required to produce them when asked—or buy a drink if they couldn’t. The tradition lives on, honoring camaraderie among service members. – Michael Emerson

This vivid tribute to sailor bars captures the nostalgia of a bygone era, where Navy men found camaraderie, stories, and a taste of freedom between deployments. These watering holes were more than just places to drink—they were homes away from home, where traditions, laughter, and hard-earned wisdom were shared among shipmates. As times change, these legendary bars fade, but the memories of those who lived the life remain forever. – Anonymous Sailor

William Yale reflects on the deep emotions of seeing his name engraved on a memorial, a powerful reminder of survival and sacrifice. He wrestles with the presence of fallen comrades, the weight of living a good life in their honor, and the lingering question of why he made it when so many did not. In accepting that all are bound to return home someday, he finds solace in faith and the enduring bond of brotherhood. – William Yale