Best Vietnam Veteran Memoirs Podcasts (2025)

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Episode 3062 – Aussie Vietnam Vet Richard Norden was awarded the Victoria Cross after a 57 year delay 11:59

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3h ago11:59

11:59

Episode 3062 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature a story about Private Richard Norden, a courageous Australian soldier who served in the Vietnam War, has been posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross for Australia — the nation’s highest military … Continue reading →By Podcast Episodes – Vietnam Veteran News

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Episode 3061 – The Vietnamese Diaspora in Germany 16:55

1d ago16:55

16:55

Episode 3061 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature a story about the Vietnamese Diaspora in Germany. The featured story is titled: ‘We are all Vietnamese and came to Germany to build a better life’ and it appeared in … Continue reading →By Podcast Episodes – Vietnam Veteran News

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Episode 112: 1965-07-13 | The Long Way Home 6:53

2d ago6:53

6:53

In this episode of Dearest Suzie, Bill writes from Quang Ngai on July 13, 1965, reflecting on the grind of daily missions and the long shadow of homecoming. He’s finally received mail and it comes as a massive relief. He’s been worried about Suzie's health and the boys and he’s already thinking ahead to a real vacation together. He still has no off…

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Episode 3060 – Biological Warfare in the Vietnam War – Part 7 10:55

3d ago10:55

10:55

Episode 3060 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature Part 1 of a report about the the U.S. Biological warfare used in the Vietnam War. The report is titled: Review and Analysis: Fate of Agent Orange and Agent Purple, … Continue reading →By Podcast Episodes – Vietnam Veteran News

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Episode 3059 – Biological Warfare in the Vietnam War – Part 6 15:15

4d ago15:15

15:15

Episode 3059 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature Part 1 of a report about the the U.S. Biological warfare used in the Vietnam War. The report is titled: Review and Analysis: Fate of Agent Orange and Agent Purple, … Continue reading →By Podcast Episodes – Vietnam Veteran News

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Episode 3058 – Biological Warfare in the Vietnam War – Part 5 9:44

5d ago9:44

9:44

Episode 3056 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature Part 1 of a report about the the U.S. Biological warfare used in the Vietnam War. The report is titled: Review and Analysis: Fate of Agent Orange and Agent Purple, … Continue reading →By Podcast Episodes – Vietnam Veteran News

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Episode 3057 – Biological Warfare in the Vietnam War – Part 4 18:16

6d ago18:16

18:16

Episode 3056 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature Part 1 of a report about the the U.S. Biological warfare used in the Vietnam War. The report is titled: Review and Analysis: Fate of Agent Orange and Agent Purple, … Continue reading →By Podcast Episodes – Vietnam Veteran News

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Episode 3056 – Biological Warfare in the Vietnam War – Part 3 14:06

7d ago14:06

14:06

Episode 3056 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature Part 1 of a report about the the U.S. Biological warfare used in the Vietnam War. The report is titled: Review and Analysis: Fate of Agent Orange and Agent Purple, … Continue reading →By Podcast Episodes – Vietnam Veteran News

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Episode 111: 1965-07-08 | Little Games 7:00

7d ago7:00

7:00

In this episode of Dearest Suzie, Bill writes from Quang Ngai on July 8, 1965. He’s recently been relocated and is settling in for what he assumes will be a 30-day extension. Still no mail has arrived, and the heat is nearly unbearable, so intense he nearly collapsed from heat exhaustion. But despite all that, this letter carries a more playful ton…

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Episode 3055 – Biological Warfare in the Vietnam War – Part 2 15:18

8d ago15:18

15:18

Episode 3055 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature Part 1 of a report about the the U.S. Biological warfare used in the Vietnam War. The report is titled: Review and Analysis: Fate of Agent Orange and Agent Purple, … Continue reading →By Podcast Episodes – Vietnam Veteran News

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Shooting an Elephant in Vietnam: Full Piece 17:29

8d ago17:29

17:29

In this extended episode of Dearest Suzie, we take a deep dive into one of the most unsettling intersections of memory, military routine, and moral reckoning. Sparked by a real Stars and Stripes article from August 1965 and shaped by Popi’s letters and postwar reflections, “Shooting an Elephant in Vietnam” uses fiction to get closer to a kind of tr…

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Episode 110: 1965-07-06 | Thirty-Six Hours and Counting 6:42

9d ago6:42

6:42

In this episode of Dearest Suzie, Bill writes on July 6, 1965, after completing a brutal 36-hour stretch of non-stop duty. He’s exhausted, running on fumes, and facing a major disappointment, what should have been a return to Vinh Long has turned into another 30-day extension. Instead of heading home, he’s being sent to Quang Ngai, an even more rem…

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Episode 3054 – Biological Warfare in the Vietnam War – Part 1 14:21

10d ago14:21

14:21

Episode 3054 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature Part 1 of a report about the the U.S. Biological warfare used in the Vietnam War. The report is titled: Review and Analysis: Fate of Agent Orange and Agent Purple, … Continue reading →By Podcast Episodes – Vietnam Veteran News

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All Episodes, June 1965 1:21:41

12d ago1:21:41

1:21:41

In this special episode of Dearest Suzie, we turn the page to June 1965—a month that captures the emotional, physical, and moral exhaustion of war. From routine missions to the haunting fallout of Agent Orange and battlefield guilt, June gives us one of the most layered portraits of Popi yet. It’s the month he leaves Vinh Long for Da Nang, starts c…

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Episode 3053 – The Service of Vietnam Vet Ken Lyons of Richfield, Ohio 8:22

13d ago8:22

8:22

Episode 3053 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature a story about the service of Vietnam Vet Ken Lyons of Richfield, Ohio. The featured story appeared on the Script Type Publishing Website and was titled: Local Veteran models a … Continue reading →By Podcast Episodes – Vietnam Veteran News

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Episode 109: 1965-07-02 | War At Home In Middle Georgia 12:22

13d ago12:22

12:22

In this episode of Dearest Suzie, Bill writes on July 2, 1965, sharing a short note from Da Nang. He’s still flying missions from dawn until dark, suffering through the relentless heat, and counting the days until he returns to Vinh Long. He mentions a surprise Viet Cong bombing on the airfield and notes that their unit still hasn’t received new or…

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Episode 3052 – South Dakota dedicates bridge to remember fallen Vietnam Veteran Fred D. Larson 9:21

14d ago9:21

9:21

Episode 3052 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature a story about the bridge dedication in South Dakota honoring fallen Vietnam Veteran Fred D. Larson. The featured story appeared on KXLG of Pollock, South Dakota. It was submitted by … Continue reading →By Podcast Episodes – Vietnam Veteran News

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Episode 3051 – The Traveling Wall appeared in Caro, Michigan 10:01

15d ago10:01

10:01

Episode 3051 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature a story about the appearance of the Traveling Vietnam War memorial that brings healing, memories for Michigan veterans. The featured story comes from Central Michigan University’s WCMU and is titled … Continue reading →By Podcast Episodes – Vietnam Veteran News

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Episode 108: 1965-06-30 | His Shoes 15:32

15d ago15:32

15:32

In this episode of Dearest Suzie, Bill writes to Suzie on June 30, 1965, from Da Nang, exhausted from a grueling work schedule that has him flying from dawn until after dark. Though short and weary, his letter offers updates on family finances and hints at a possible return to Vinh Long by early July. What stands out most, however, is the contrast …

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Episode 107: 1965-06-27 | The USO: A Home Away From Home 9:15

18d ago9:15

9:15

In this episode of Dearest Suzie, Bill writes from Da Nang on June 27, 1965, using stationery supplied by the USO, which prompts a reflection on the organization’s unique role in the Vietnam War and beyond. While waiting on maintenance and new orders, he shares his appreciation for the Da Nang USO center, describing it as a welcome break from the i…

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Episode 106: 1965-06-24 | Oral History Hiccups 8:05

21d ago8:05

8:05

In this episode of Dearest Suzie, Popi writes from Da Nang on June 24, 1965, after a long, grueling week of missions, including the evacuation of a town and a terrifying mortar attack while refueling. Exhausted but still counting down the days, he mentions finally catching some rest and responds to Suzie’s letter, all while quietly processing the l…

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Episode 105: 1965-06-16 | Flying Sick in Da Nang 6:36

29d ago6:36

6:36

In this episode of Dearest Suzie, Popi writes from Da Nang after completing his move north, catching Suzie up on mail, family updates, and a growing sense of fatigue, both physical and emotional. He’s sick with his first cold since arriving in Vietnam but continues flying missions daily due to a shortage of pilots. The letter is full of little dome…

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Episode 104: 1965-06-11 | Shooting an Elephant in Vietnam Pt. 3 8:41

1M ago8:41

8:41

In this episode of Dearest Suzie, Popi writes from Da Nang on June 11, 1965, sharing that he’s finally made the move north after his sudden orders. He’s relieved to see familiar faces and to settle—at least for now—into slightly better quarters with hot water and decent food. But even this small reprieve is colored by uncertainty: mail delivery is …

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Episode 103: 1965-06-07 | Shooting an Elephant in Vietnam Pt. 2 9:45

1M ago9:45

9:45

In this episode of Dearest Suzie, Popi writes on June 7, 1965, with a heart heavy from homesickness. He had called home that morning, only to be met with the sweet but painful plea from his son Brian: “Please come home.” It hit him hard. But there’s no time to dwell—orders came in suddenly: pack up, move out. By tomorrow he’d be heading to Da Nang …

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Episode 102: 1965-06-05 | Shooting an Elephant in Vietnam Pt. 1 5:17

1M ago5:17

5:17

In this episode of Dearest Suzie, Popi writes on June 5, 1965, from a moment of anticipation—he’s about to go on R&R in Saigon. But even that, he discovers, comes with its own tangle of logistics and disappointment. He’s learned that the free seven-day leave he’d hoped to take in Nha Trang isn’t available unless he leaves the country. Rather than b…

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Episode 101: 1965-06-04 | In Search of a Vietnam Hero 18:26

1M ago18:26

18:26

In this episode of Dearest Suzie, Popi’s June 4, 1965, letter is a short but telling glimpse into a week of steady missions and routine hardships. He’s worn out after long days, reflecting on the slow grind of war and the small comforts of home, a letter from Suzie, an update on car payments, and those custom shirts he finally managed to send out. …

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Episode 100: 1965-06-02 | Inheriting More Than Letters 9:14

1M ago9:14

9:14

In this episode of Dearest Suzie, Popi writes on June 2, 1965, sounding exhausted after another nine-hour day in the air. His letter is short but full of those familiar, loving updates, details about paying off a used car, finally mailing the shirts he had made for Suzie and the boys, and worrying whether they’ll fit. Yet beneath Popi’s routine wor…

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All Episodes, May 1965 1:50:22

1M ago1:50:22

1:50:22

In this special episode of Dearest Suzie, we look back on the letters from May 1965—a month marked by long flights, uneventful operations, administrative headaches, and the persistent strain of being far from home. Popi writes often about mail, money, and military logistics: insurance policies, bank balances, and the arrival of his 13th Air Medal. …

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Episode 099: 1965-05-31 | The Parachuting Monkey 6:52

2M ago6:52

6:52

In this episode of Dearest Suzie, Popi writes on May 31, 1965, during a stretch of unusually quiet days. It’s Memorial Day, and though officially off-duty, the men are restless—itching for something to do. With no missions on the schedule, they head to the range just to kill time. Popi is still waiting on the custom shirts he had made for Suzie and…

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Episode 098: 1965-05-29 | Knights of the Air 6:48

2M ago6:48

6:48

In this episode of Dearest Suzie, Popi writes on May 29, 1965, from a moment of rare quiet. There’s no mission that day, just rest and reflection—and a bit of flair. The letter comes on what he jokingly calls “sexy paper,” printed with silhouettes of a Huey helicopter and a white knight chess piece. These symbols represent Popi’s unit: the 114th Av…

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Episode 097: 1965-05-28 | When You’ve Seen One 6:52

2M ago6:52

6:52

In this episode of Dearest Suzie, Popi writes with a tone that feels heavier, wearier. He opens with warmth, thanking Suzie for pictures of the kids and slipping in a flirtatious remark he quickly retracts. But the letter shifts quickly. He’s just learned that Ed Piper—a man Suzie knew—was killed in a mid-air collision at Quinhon. Popi doesn’t dwel…

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Episode 096: 1965-05-25 | It Won’t Be Long Now 6:09

2M ago6:09

6:09

In this episode of Dearest Suzie, Popi writes on May 25 with a rare sense of warmth and optimism—thanks, in part, to receiving two letters from Suzie in a single day. He mentions that his brother Jim, a Marine, is being sent to the Dominican Republic for a conflict unfolding at the same time as Vietnam acting as part of the wider Cold War logic tha…

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Fish, Pharmaceuticals, & Phil | All Episodes 35:11

2M ago35:11

35:11

In this personal narrative episode of Dearest Suzie, we step away from the war letters and into a birthday dinner in suburban Florida—a setting that slowly reveals a decades-spanning story of intergenerational trauma, systemic failure, and the quiet desperation that leads ordinary people to seek help from extraordinary places. What begins as a quie…

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Episode 095: 1965-05-22 | A White Knight, Not the Snake 7:03

2M ago7:03

7:03

In this episode of Dearest Suzie, Popi writes about a surreal mission supporting South Vietnamese troops on a disputed island off the coast of Ha Tien. While the island was claimed by both Vietnam and Cambodia, the mission itself felt more like a break than a battle. Back at base, his thoughts turn to home: a surprise gift for Billy, who hasn’t mis…

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Episode 3050 – Last two American troops lost in Vietnam honored at Worth, ILL 10:45

2M ago10:45

10:45

Episode 3050 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature a story about how the good people of Worth, Illinois honored the service of all American veterans with emphasis on Corporal Charles McMahon and Lance Corporal Darwin Lee Judge, the … Continue reading →By Podcast Episodes – Vietnam Veteran News

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Episode 3049 – Mississippi road dedicated to fallen Vietnam Vet LCpl Mac Hamburger 7:39

2M ago7:39

7:39

Episode 3049 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature a story about the dedication of a road in Mississippi to honor the memory of Vietnam Vet Marine LCpl Mac Hamburger. The featured story appeared on the Mississippi DOT website … Continue reading →By Podcast Episodes – Vietnam Veteran News

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Episode 094: 1965-05-20 | Fish, Pharmaceuticals, & Phil, Finale 8:22

2M ago8:22

8:22

In this episode of Dearest Suzie, Popi writes from Vinh Long on May 20 after a rare slow day, sharing simple pleasures and family pride. He compliments Billy’s school paper, jokes about toddler haircuts, and eagerly awaits new photos from home. With little news from the field beyond a trip to the range and an upcoming U.S.O. show, Popi admits there…

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Episode 3048 – How the DAV helped Blue Water Navy Vietnam Vet Edward Nachel get VA help 11:50

2M ago11:50

11:50

Episode 3048 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature a story about how Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veteran Edward Nachel was able to get help from the VA with help from the DAV. The featured story appeared on the … Continue reading →By Podcast Episodes – Vietnam Veteran News

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Episode 093: 1965-05-18 | A Quagmire on the Horizon 5:51

2M ago5:51

5:51

In this episode of Dearest Suzie, Popi writes on May 18, sharing a quiet day in Vinh Long marked by a short operation and a long-awaited letter from home. His tone is warm and affectionate, filled with light updates about insurance policies, family visits, and his role as an instrument instructor. Though officially recognized by the Army as an airc…

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Episode 3047 – Vietnam Vet Bill Curwick helped close down Chu Lai base 10:15

2M ago10:15

10:15

Episode 3047 – Vietnam Vet Bill Curwick helped close down Chu Lai baseListen to Episode 3047 and discover more about Vietnam Vet Bill Curwick of Marshall, MN. He served with D Company, 26th Engineer Battalion, the Americal Division at Chu … Continue reading →By Podcast Episodes – Vietnam Veteran News

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Episode 092: 1965-05-17 | Fish, Pharmaceuticals, & Phil Pt. 5 9:21

2M ago9:21

9:21

In this episode of Dearest Suzie, Popi writes on a much-needed break after several intense flying days. He’s still receiving letters from home and sends updates about camera gear, anniversary gifts, and the lack of desire to ever extend his tour in Vietnam—"not for all the tea in China," as he puts it. Between updates about taxes, slide projectors,…

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Episode 3046 -How Marine COL Gerrry Berry ended the Vietnam War 8:51

2M ago8:51

8:51

Episode 3046 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature a story about retired Marine COL Gerry Berry explaining how he ended the Vietnam War. The featured story appeared on WHO Channel 13 in Des Moines and was titled: Iowa … Continue reading →By Podcast Episodes – Vietnam Veteran News

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Episode 091: 1965-05-15 | Popi’s Souvenir Rifle 10:48

2M ago10:48

10:48

In this episode of Dearest Suzie, Popi writes on a rare day off, reflecting on a grueling two-day operation that left over 200 Viet Cong reported dead. It’s May 15, 1965, and though the battle is over, the war lingers—in photographs, memories, and a souvenir rifle he brings back from the field. Popi casually mentions photographing the aftermath and…

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Episode 3045 -Vietnam Dustoff Pilot receives Gold Medal Award 18:40

2M ago18:40

18:40

Episode 3045 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature a story about Bobby Barret, the Vietnam Dustoff pilot who received the Congressional Gold Medal honor. The featured story appeared in the Monroe Journal of Mississippi and was titled: Former … Continue reading →By Podcast Episodes – Vietnam Veteran News

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Episode 3044 -The Story of San Jose’s Vietnamese Community 12:51

2M ago12:51

12:51

Episode 3044 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature a story about the vibrant Vietnamese community of San Jose. This episode is inspired the contributions to this podcast by a good friend, Andy Pham. The featured story appeared on … Continue reading →By Podcast Episodes – Vietnam Veteran News

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Episode 090: 1965-05-13 | Fish, Pharmaceuticals, & Phil Pt. 4 9:53

2M ago9:53

9:53

In this episode of Dearest Suzie, Popi writes after an exhausting day—17 hours of flying, including a major operation that left 125 Viet Cong reported killed and one American wounded. It’s May 13, 1965, and his fatigue seeps into every word of the letter. Despite being overwhelmed, he takes time to connect: recounting a chance meeting with Captain …

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Episode 3043 -Vietnam Vet Linwood Riddick recently graduated from college 8:07

2M ago8:07

8:07

Episode 3043 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature a story about Vietnam Veteran Linwood Riddick who recently graduated from college as he celebrated his 80th birthday. The featured story appeared on NPR radio and was titled: He graduated … Continue reading →By Podcast Episodes – Vietnam Veteran News

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Episode 089: 1965-05-11 | Fish, Pharmaceuticals, & Phil Pt. 3 9:23

2M ago9:23

9:23

In this episode of Dearest Suzie, Popi writes from an unusually quiet night in Vinh Long. It’s May 11, 1965, and for once, he’s alone on base. While the rest of his unit is off at Ben Hoa responding to an attack that left five Americans dead, Popi remains behind after a supply run to Saigon, teaching new pilots and preparing for a farewell party. T…

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Episode 3042 – Oregon National Guardsmen help search for MIA remains in Quang Tri 8:05

2M ago8:05

8:05

Episode 3042 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature a story about the Oregon National Guard Soldiers Who go on a Recovery Mission for Missing Vietnam War Service Member In a powerful display of dedication and national pride, Oregon … Continue reading →By Podcast Episodes – Vietnam Veteran News

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An Interview with Suzie 1:02:32

2M ago1:02:32

1:02:32

In this special episode of Dearest Suzie, we step away from the battlefield and into the memory, voice, and wisdom of the woman who saved the letters. Recorded over Zoom, this episode features a heartfelt conversation with my grandmother, Susan “Mema” Lowie, about her life before, during, and after the Vietnam War. It’s a deeply personal portrait o…