Why I Serve Jake Owens

At just 18 years old, Charlie was sent to land on Omaha Beach, just days after the D-Day invasion. Listen to his story and his experience, as he recalls his time in the service after coming from a small farm town in Illinois.

PSA: This podcast episode was made with the safety and health of Mr. Powers as a priority in the midst of COVID-19. He was brave enough to fight the Nazis, and was brave enough to invite me in to his home to make this episode happen. Enjoy.

Mr. Hartley Served in WWII as a Combat Engineer after getting drafted straight out of high school at 17 years old. Listen to his story here, along with his experiences with going to Japan just after the atomic bombs were dropped in order to help build infrastructure. Furthermore, Charles talks about his life after service, including the journey to become his own boss after a bad experience working at a factory. This experience then drove Mr. Hartley to open a bike shop in Hinsdale, Illinois where he spent the rest of his career.

A very special guest on the show. Christ Dangles served in WWII in the Navy on the USS Birmingham until he was discharged for disability after an attack. He has some great stories of both during and after the war. Christ is 95 and speaks to schools in the Chicago area about the war, and he invited me to his home and was showing me some incredible pictures of himself and what he did as a sailor. Enjoy.

Felix Owens was in the Reserves around the time of the Vietnam War. Listen to his story growing up and serving in the Army in the Vietnam era. Enjoy.

Interviewing Esteban Lopez. Esteban served in the United States Army.

Interviewing Vietnam veteran Rich Jesswein. Rich served in the United States Navy.