The Know Their Story Podcast

Sergeant Tracey Cooper-Harris

Sergeant Cooper-Harris served with the US Army from 1991-2003 as an Animal Care NCO. In her service, she deployed to Kyrgyzstan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom as the only person in her unit in charge of Military Working Dogs. She also played rugby for the US Combined Services Women's Team as well as at Clemson University. 

Her post service work for veterans is so extensive that no matter how much we name here, it would not begin to cover her accomplishments. To highlight that work, Sergeant Cooper-Harris is a member of the Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA) where she has participated in their Storm the Hill Events talking to members of Congress about veteran issues such as high veteran unemployment, timely VA benefits, and veteran suicide. She has worked with the Wounded Warrior Project, worked for the VA helping veterans obtain benefits, successfully sued the Federal Government to secure benefits for same sex spouses of veterans and was featured in the documentary SURVIVING HOME.

Sergeant Cooper-Harris talks with us about her own struggles returning home from war and leaving the military and why it is so important that all veterans apply for and receive all of the benefits that they have earned in service to their country. Please enjoy this incredible episode. 

Lieutenant Colonel(R) Chris Lozano

LTC Lozano served for 26 years with the US Marine Corps. He was almost ready to retire in the early part of September of 2001. But 9/11 made him to decide to pack his bags one more time. One more time that lasted for 2.5 years and saw one deployment to Afghanistan and two to Iraq. Chris talks candidly about picking up the pieces of his career and family after being gone that long, his regrets and how music helped him to get through it. He also talks about the effect the lockdown in having on veterans, and what we can do to help them. 

Lieutenant RB Alexander

Lieutenant Alexander served in the Vietnam War from 1968-1969. While he may have ended up as the Blues Platoon Leader with Apache Troop 1/9, he had a long, circuitous (sometimes humorous) route to the position. RB talks about the power of talking about your experiences and exorcising dark thoughts that stay with you for decades.  

Sergeant James Andersen

Sgt. Andersen served in Vietnam from 1971-1972 with both the 192nd and 120th Assault Helicopter Companies. He began his tour in maintenance, moved over to serve as a door gunner and then moved up to Crew Chief on the H Model Hueys.

Sgt. Andersen talks about what sticks with him most from his time in Vietnam, both the good and the bad, as well as his excitement to attend his first reunion later this year.

The Ochoa Family

We could not be more excited for this week's episode as it is the culmination of an idea we have been working on for over a year. We had the great honor of sitting down with Vietnam veteran, Sergeant Charlie Ochoa, and his active duty niece and nephew, Lieutenant Colonel Oscar Ochoa and Colonel Michelle Flores.

We had a round table discussion on transitioning out of the military and the vast fountain of knowledge and experience that Charlie, as a Vietnam veteran, is able to share with today's veterans learning how to return to civilian life.

Sgt. Ed Beal

Sergeant Beal was a witness to history during his two tours of duty in Vietnam. He fought in the Tet Offensive, was the second Army soldier to walk in Khe Sahn after fighting to help break the siege, and also fought at Dak To. During his second tour, he served a LRRP Ranger with Hotel Company as well as a point man for the Apache Blues in the 1st of the 9th Air Cavalry.

Sergeant Beal talks about his experience being spit on when he came home, integrating back with his friends and family, as well as transitioning back to civilian life. He also has some heartfelt advice for veterans about the benefits of talking to others about your experiences.

Warrant Officer Glen Senkowski

Glen Senkowski served as a Lift Ship Commander during the Vietnam War from 1969-1970. He speaks with us about being in combat on his very mission, the pain of putting your friends in body bags, and the peace that came with finding out his parents really did want to hear his stories but never knew how to ask.

 

*Name mentioned in episode, We Were Young Podcast, changed after recording

Specialist 4 Paul McCord

Paul McCord served with Apache Troop 1/9 in the Vietnam War as a Radio Telephone Operator (RTO). He spoke with us about the feelings he had about facing combat for the first time as well as the healing power of attending reunions... no matter what point it is you decide to attend your first one.

 

*Name mentioned in episode, We Were Young Podcast, changed after filming

Sgt. James Braun

Sgt. Braun served in the Vietnam War from 1969-1970. He was a Radio/Telephone Operator (RTO) with Apache Troop 1/9. He talks with us about being drafted, remembering your friends on Memorial Day, and his advice for other veterans returning home from war.

 

*Episode name mentioned in podcast, We Were Young Podcast, changed after date of filming.

Duane and Mary Bloor

On this week's episode, we talk with Duane and Mary Bloor. Duane is a Vietnam veteran, serving with Apache Troop 1/9 1969-1970, and Mary has been by his side since they were in high school. They have some incredible advice on how family members can help soldiers return home from war as well as Duane's incredibly detailed description of what flashbacks are like. Mary also shares what it is like to see your fiancée on the CBS Evening News in the middle of a firefight in Vietnam that day. Do not miss out.

 

*Name mentioned in episode, We Were Young Podcast, changed since episode was recorded.

Specialist 5 Richard ”Doc” Del Valle

For this first ever episode, we spoke with Richard Del Valle about his time as combat medic attached to Apache Troop 1/9 during the Vietnam War. More importantly, we discussed what it was like to come home from war and try to reintegrate back into society. He has some great advice for today's troops who are going through that now.

 

*The name of the podcast in the recording, We Were Young Podcast, was changed to our current name at a later date.