Some stories wait a lifetime to be told. The Vietnam War may have ended fifty years ago, but for many who lived through it, including Ashland's own Greg Gorrell, the echoes never stopped. It takes rare courage to turn those echoes into words, to revisit the pain, and to offer hope through the telling. That's exactly what Greg has done. In this special Veterans Day episode of the Ashland Connected podcast, host Amy Daubenspeck, President of Ashland Area Chamber of Commerce sits down with Vietnam veteran and author Greg Gorrell to share his remarkable journey. Greg served in the Mekong Delta in 1967 and recently released his book, Vietnam Survival: There and Home, a deeply personal account of faith, loss, and redemption. Together, they explore his experiences in combat, the struggles of returning home to an unwelcoming nation, and the powerful impact his story is having on veterans and families across Ohio. Greg’s reflections carry the weight of history, memories of search-and-destroy missions, sleepless nights under monsoon rains, and the heartbreak of losing brothers in arms. Yet what stands out most is his compassion for others: the widows who never heard their husbands’ stories, the families who found closure through his book, and the students who may now learn from his firsthand lessons. He speaks not only for himself but for the millions who served, suffered, and still search for peace. As Greg now tells audiences everywhere, “welcome home” are the words Vietnam veterans waited decades to hear. His courage to speak helps others find the strength to do the same, and ensures that the lessons of sacrifice, faith, and healing will never be forgotten. Takeaways -True courage often begins when the silence ends. -Vietnam’s daily reality was fear, uncertainty, and survival in the Mekong Delta. -Coming home to protest instead of gratitude left invisible scars. -Many veterans stayed silent for decades, carrying their memories alone. -Greg's book has inspired families to open old letters and talk about the past. -Each story shared helps preserve history and bring healing. -Speaking to students connects a generation that never knew the war to those who lived it. -“Welcome home” remains the most powerful phrase a Vietnam veteran can hear. -Healing happens when stories are told before it’s too late. Helpful Links: Order Books by mail at Greg Gorrell, 1531 Arrow Drive, Ashland, Ohio, 44805. Call 419-651-9953 to order by phone Buy on Amazon: https://a.co/d/d2NDh5Q The Ashland Connected Podcast is sponsored by the Bill Harris Dealerships in Ashland, your distinctively different dealer, and the Chevy Network
