Veterans Chronicles

Floyd Brantley was born in Texas in 1925. He was 16 years old when the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. Unlike many Americans, Brantley knew exactly where Pearl Harbor was. His brother was already serving in the U.S. Navy and had served there. A year later, Brantley received devastating news: his brother, Charles, had been killed in the waters off Guadalcanal. 

Not long after that, Brantley was ordered into service, became a Navy corpsman, and was deployed to the South Pacific, not far from Guadalcanal.

In this edition of Veterans Chronicles, Brantley tells us the story of how his brother was killed and how he spent years trying to find out more about what happened that day and how respected his brother was.

Brantley also takes us inside the fleet hospital where he worked in the Russell Islands. He explains his role there and the types of injuries he treated. Plus, he shares fascinating stories of dealing with a Japanese prisoner/patient and a teenage native from the island.

Later, Brantley tells us just how abruptly the Navy left the Russell Islands once Japan surrendered and how he got a painful early ticket home. He also shares his service from Korea and Vietnam, and the unique way he switched from the Navy to the U.S. Air Force.

Vince Makela enlisted in the U.S. Army while he was still in high school. After basic training, he specialized in communications and dreamed of flight school. When that dream didn't come true, Makela set his sights on another impressive goal - becoming a Green Beret.

Several years later, he found himself in one of the first American units to set foot in Afghanistan after the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Operational Detachment Alpha (ODA) 595 not only achieved amazing results, but the men also became widely known as the "Horse Soldiers."

In this edition of Veterans Chronicles, Makela takes us from basic training to a very meaningful early deployment to Korea. He also walks us through selection and qualifying for U.S. Army Special Forces and his vivid memories of 9/11.

From there, Makela explains how ODA 595 was quickly ordered to prepare for deployment and draw up plans for its operation in Afghanistan. You'll also hear how no one in the unit was expecting to become a horse soldier and how they adapted rather quickly to the mission.

Finally, Makela tells about the part of that mission that he still considers the highlight of his military career.

Kaj Larsen did not follow the typical route to becoming a U.S. Navy SEAL. He was admitted to the U.S. Naval Academy but left after two years to focus on playing water polo at the collegiate level. A few years later he enlisted in the Navy and immediately tried to get a slot in Basic Underwater Demolition SEAL (BUD/s) training in Coronado, California. Those billets are not usually given to men who left Annapolis but Larsen managed to snag one after his lifeguarding skills made headlines. 

In this edition of Veterans Chronicles, Larsen explains his path to becoming a SEAL officer in more detail, his thoughts upon arriving at Coronado, and how the incredible intensity of the training started during the first hour of the very first day. 

Larsen also details the agony of "Hell Week," his most difficult moments during BUD/s, and what the seemingly ruthless instructors are trying to achieve through their relentless demands. Larsen also tells us what it was like being in the middle of this training when the 9/11 terrorist attacks struck the U.S.

Finally, Larsen reveals what his first combat experience was like and how SEAL gear and tactics have evolved since his time in combat as a result of new technologies and adapting to the tactics of our enemies.

Allison Black surprised her family by deciding to enlist in the U.S. Air Force after high school. She did it to be part of a mission bigger than herself. After basic training, Black spent the next several years as a Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape - or SERE - instructor, teaching service members what to do if shot down, stuck behind enemy lines, or captured. 

After several years of that she became an officer in Air Force special operations and served as a navigator aboard an AC-130H gunship. Shortly after 9/11, she and her crew were deployed to Afghanistan.

In this edition of Veterans Chronicles, Col. Black describes her life in SERE training, making the shift to special operations and the AC-130, what 9/11 was like for her, entering combat in Afghanistan, and how a famed Afghan ally ended up dubbing her "The Angel of Death."

Retiring in 2024, Black also reflects on the lessons she learned in 32 years of service and what she hopes others learned from her.

Rudy Meekins grew up in the Outer Banks of North Carolina. Most young men from that area joined the U.S. Merchant Marine or the U.S. Coast Guard. However, Rudy initially opted for the Army National Guard but then enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps in September 1949. He endured boot camp at Parris Island and was eventually assigned to a 105mm howitzer team.

In this edition of Veterans Chronicles, Meekins tells us how he heard the news that North Korea invaded South Korea in June 1950 and how he was on his way to the Pacific by August. He also describes landing at Inchon and how bad weather played a big role in his experience there.

Meekins also shares what it was like to face the surprise Chinese invasion of Korea in November, the brutal cold of Chosin Reservoir, andendless waves of Chinese soldiers attacking them while the Marines were completely surrounded.

Finally, Meekins reveals how he was severely wounded and how he made a an amazing recovery.