Veterans Chronicles

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.

Michael Gilpin had an interest aviation at a young age but had never pursued flying. He joined the Army with an option to pursue Officer Candidate School near the end of his college years. Even as he became an officer and started training, he was still in the infantry.

But soon he would switch to pilot training - specifically helicopter pilot training. He deployed to Vietnam in 1971 as a Huey pilot bringing Air Cavalry personnel in and out of combat.

In this edition of Veterans Chronicles, Col. Gilpin shares his first thoughts of Vietnam and offers more detail on the missions he was part of. He also focuses on two particular missions: one where his Huey crashed and another where he and his team were tasked with helping to rescue American personnel held prisoner by the enemy.

Later, Gilpin tells us about  the solemn duty he had to meet the remains of a childhood friend and bring them home. And he tells us about the powerful encounter he had in an airport while on that assignment.

Plus, he recalls his return to Vietnam decades later and both the positive and negative experiences that came with that trip.