Operation Insight

The Mid America Veterans Museum
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Every Veteran Has a Story, They Can Share It Here Brought to you by the Mid America Veterans Museum in O’Fallon, Missouri, this podcast facilitates stories of service and sacrifice as told by veterans. Marvel as military history is brought to life through firsthand accounts and insightful conversations. Operation Insight delivers compelling interviews with servicemembers both past and present, veteran advocates, and friends of our museum who remain dedicated to preserving the legacy of our heroes. Tune in as we explore stories of military life, the personal side of sacrifice, and how service continues beyond the battlefield. All are welcome, and all are invited to be inspired and carry the legacy forward! 🎖️Listen. Honor. Remember.🎖️

  1. 23 HRS AGO

    Specialist Phil Wight

    Join us on Operation Insight as we host Specialist Phil Wight of the U.S. Army!   While you're here, check out Phil's upcoming event: Boots & Bling! Enjoy a night of cars, casino games, fashion, and country music! This great event will take place on Wednesday, April 29th, from 6-10PM at the Piazza Messina in Cottleville, Missouri. Purchase your ticket at www.STLTopRides.com/Tickets   (00:00) Disclaimer (01:01) Opening Theme (01:30) Introduction (43:10) Bud Haedike (49:25) Gunner (54:52) The VA & Reaching Out for Help (1:09:09) Closing

    1hr 16min

  2. 29 MAR

    Staff Sergeant Tom Bommarito

    Join us on Operation Insight as we host Staff Sergeant Tom Bommarito of the U.S. Army!   (00:00) Disclaimer (01:01) Opening Theme (01:30) Introduction (38:21) Vietnam Preparation & Deployment (49:24) SFC Douglas ”Woody” Woodward (54:32) Two Purple Hearts & Mortar Fire (1:06:35) The Futility of War & Honoring the ”Unwritten Contract” (1:15:35) No Rest & No Recuperation (1:20:36) "Welcome Home" (1:28:32) "It Didn't Smell Like Anything, and That Was Good" (1:36:04) The American Veteran (1:43:41) Closing

    1hr 52min

  3. 15 MAR

    Sergeant First Class Sheldon Hartsfield

    Join us on Operation Insight as we host Sergeant First Class Sheldon Hartsfield of the U.S. Marine Corps & the Missouri National Guard!   Collins Horton and Tai Shan's Live Performance of "Just What We Do" as featured by Songs for Heroes: https://youtu.be/nxru5MHTBRk?si=5Y_w3LBluT8SN26t   (00:00) Disclaimer (01:01) Opening Theme (01:30) Introduction (42:52) Training for Anything & Extraction Ops (50:21) Attica! Attica! (53:32) Admiral Pugh & Career Advancement (1:03:06) Moving to St. Louis & Entering the Marine Corps Retirement Home (1:11:28) The Welcome Home & Reconciling the Past (1:19:37) Uncle Jack (1:23:26) The Cost of War & Honoring Veterans (1:32:22) "Last Promise Kept" (1:36:04) Closing

    1hr 40min

  4. 1 MAR

    Captain Mike Lavin

    Join us on Operation Insight as we host Captain Mike Lavin of the U.S. Army!   (00:00) Disclaimer (01:01) Opening Theme (01:30) Introduction (35:40) Once a Scout, Always a Scout (38:52) Vietnam & the 515th Transportation Company (1:07:47) Part II (1:12:16) "Born on the Fourth of July" & PTSD (1:18:48) The Westminster Seven & Returing to 'Nam (1:24:45) The Veteran Experience (1:34:04) Mike's Dog Tags (1:43:27) Closing

    1hr 46min

  5. 15 FEB

    Sergeant Brandon Eichholz - Sky Soldier Dog Training

    Join us on Operation Insight as we welcome Sergeant Brandon Eichholz of the U.S. Army, founder and owner of Sky Soldier Dog Training!   (00:00) Disclaimer (01:01) Opening Theme (01:31) Introduction (49:41) 173rd Airborne Brigade & the Sky Soldiers (1:18:34) Part II (1:27:15) COVID (1:37:49) Sky Soldier Dog Training (1:44:21) Closing

    1hr 53min

  6. 8 FEB ·  BONUS

    The Freedom 13: Salute Our Troops Gala Night (Advertisement)

    Operation Insight is proud to support The Freedom 13 organization and its upcoming Salute Our Troops Gala Night! WHAT: This special event includes a full-plated dinner, entertainment, a keynote address by former Green Beret veteran Adam Smith, and an unforgettable night! WHEN: Friday, February 27th (two days after Jared's birthday) from 6-11 PM WHERE: The Foundry Art Centre in St. Charles, Missouri Tickets are on sale NOW, and sponsorship opportunities are available at www.TheFreedom13.org Support this organization's mission and help provide veterans and first responders with the care and attention they deserve!

    2 min

  7. 1 FEB

    Sergeant Sif Sifford

    Join us on Operation Insight as we host Sergeant William "Sif" Sifford of the U.S. Army!   "You have the spirit that will make this country the greatest the sun has ever shone upon." When Harry S. Truman said those words, he spoke from experience. Raised on a humble Missouri farm and born with poor vision, not much was expected of Harry's future. Yet, the farmboy from Independence would go on to serve in World War I and win favor as an effective leader and officer. Several decades later, Harry would have the massive responsibility and weight of the U.S. Presidency thrust upon him. He offered that inspirational quote to the organizers of a brand-new veterans club created to assist and support fellow veterans. Less than three years after a summit held in Kansas City led to the formation of The American Veterans of World War II, President Truman solidified his support for the group by granting it a federal charter. Thus, AMVETS was born merely two years after the end of World War II. A year later, President Truman issued an Executive Order abolishing segregation in the nation's Armed Forces. Later, Truman would cite AMVET's "color-blind" policy as inspiration for his decision. This proud legacy continues today, especially in Missouri, which boasts one of the most active branches of the entire AMVETS organization.   Another Missourian doing great things not only for AMVETS, but for his city, his state, and his country is William "Sif" Sifford. A Gulf War veteran and Purple Heart recipient, Sif dedicates much of his time helping others and serving his community. When Sif was younger, he didn't see much opportunity for himself outside of joining the military, and his parents agreed. Soon, it became clear how fitting a choice that was. Sif flourished in the Army and took on extra responsibility with ease. After the injury (for which he was awarded the Purple Heart) forced an early exit, Sif found other avenues through which to serve. Much of his civilian career was dedicated to the Missouri Department of Corrections, meeting people where they were, and that mission continues today! In fact, that is what being an AMVETS Rider is all about. Every year, Sif and his fellow riders participate in the famed Run for the Wall, the largest and longest organized cross-country motorcycle event in the world. Their journey takes them through the crossroads of America that sometimes seem forgotten, but those communities come to life when the riders arrive. This entire endeavor helps to remind folks of our heroes who were killed or wounded in action, those who are still missing in action, and those who suffered as prisoners of war. Sergeant Sifford is one of many veterans who ride for those who can't and someone who remembers those history tried to forget.   (00:00) Disclaimer (01:01) Opening Theme (01:31) Introduction (42:18) Family (51:19) Part II (1:07:56) AMVETS & Run for the Wall (1:18:35) Vietnam Veterans Memorial & The Wall That Heals (1:24:09) Closing

    1hr 32min

  8. 18 JAN

    First Lieutenant Repps Hudson

    Join us on Operation Insight as we host First Lieutenant Repps Hudson of the U.S. Army!   “In order to write about life, first you must live it.” Ernest Hemingway knew that from experience, one could say, life experience. While others drew inspiration from silence and solitude, Hemingway dwelt in the catastrophic and chaotic pulse of the front lines, literally. His swashbuckling ways began as a volunteer Red Cross ambulance driver during World War I. It wasn’t long before he was wounded by mortar fire whilst carrying a wounded soldier to safety. Later, during the Spanish Civil War, he braved the shelling of Madrid to report on the struggle against fascism. It was World War II, however, that truly cemented his status as a legendary—if reckless—figure of the battlefield. Hemingway’s daring acts during the Allied Forces' advance deep into Nazi territory could eclipse the cinematic nature of his own novels. Whether it was documenting the first waves of the D-Day invasion, personally aiding the French Resistance in the pursuit to liberate Paris, or earning the Bronze Star for his exemplary service as a wartime correspondent, Hemingway sought adventure. One might say he sought the story.   First Lieutenant Repps Hudson of Carrollton, Missouri, was much the same way: “I wanted to have the adventure. I wanted to have something to talk about. It never occurred to me to do anything less than that.” 1LT Hudson was born to a World War I veteran who, as a product of the nineteenth century, was stoic and taciturn, whereas Repps loved dialogue, discussion, and storytelling. A divide between father and son would develop and complicate their relationship. Soon, Repps took comfort in the works of Ayn Rand and Romantic Realism literature, which fueled Repps’ desire to become the hero of his own epic. Vietnam would soon present Repps with that opportunity. Ultimately, no article or novel could prepare 1LT Hudson for what he would experience during the war and even after. Please enjoy the story of Repps Hudson as told by the man himself!   (00:00) Disclaimer (01:01) Introduction (39:49) Feeling Terrified & Ten Feet Tall in Vietnam (47:54) Soldiers Lost & Forgiveness Found (56:37) The Futility & Tragedy of War (1:06:57) Going Back (1:17:38) The Wall (1:31:28) Veterans History Project & Reflections of a Soldier (1:37:45) Closing

    1hr 45min
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About

Every Veteran Has a Story, They Can Share It Here Brought to you by the Mid America Veterans Museum in O’Fallon, Missouri, this podcast facilitates stories of service and sacrifice as told by veterans. Marvel as military history is brought to life through firsthand accounts and insightful conversations. Operation Insight delivers compelling interviews with servicemembers both past and present, veteran advocates, and friends of our museum who remain dedicated to preserving the legacy of our heroes. Tune in as we explore stories of military life, the personal side of sacrifice, and how service continues beyond the battlefield. All are welcome, and all are invited to be inspired and carry the legacy forward! 🎖️Listen. Honor. Remember.🎖️

Information

  • Creator
    The Mid America Veterans Museum
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    78
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    Copyright © Mid America Veterans Museum 2022. All Rights Reserved.
  • Show Website
    Operation Insight