Veteran Story Hour: Voices of Valor, Presented by SALUTE of Virginia

Shenandoah Valley Story Network
  • 5.0 (6)
  • History
  • Updated Semiweekly

Veteran Story Hour is dedicated to preserving the stories and voices of the men and women who have served our nation. Recorded weekly in partnership with SALUTE of Virginia in Waynesboro, VA, this podcast is creating a living history, one veteran at a time. Through authentic, heartfelt conversations, veterans share their unique experiences, memories, lessons, and perspectives—capturing voices that future generations can cherish and learn from. Because every voice matters, every story counts, and history is best told by those who lived it.

  1. Williams, Doug [Army National Guard]

    May 22

    Williams, Doug [Army National Guard]

    A Waynesboro police officer. A late start in the Army National Guard. A deployment to Syria. And a life completely transformed by faith. On this episode of Voices of Valor, Zach Hale sits down with Doug Williams to talk about military service, leadership, law enforcement, family, and finding purpose in unexpected places. Doug shares stories from joining the Guard at 29, surviving Basic Training during COVID, deploying across Syria in small teams, and learning leadership the hard way — sometimes from soldiers younger than him. He also opens up about his walk with Christ, the regrets that shaped him, and why he believes service to others is the highest calling. There are laughs.There are powerful moments.And there are truths every veteran, first responder, and family member will understand. If you’ve ever wondered how military service changes a person — this episode answers that question. CONNECT & SUPPORT Support the Mission: Website: ⁠https://saluteofvirginia.org/⁠Donate to SALUTE of Virginia: ⁠https://subsplash.com/u/-5QRKRR/give⁠Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/share/167A3VpMJu/⁠Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/saluteofva/⁠Nominate a Veteran:Know a veteran with a story? Send us their name and a brief reason why at ⁠saluteofva@gmail.com⁠. We'll handle the rest.

    45 min
  2. Martin, Chris [Navy]

    Apr 6

    Martin, Chris [Navy]

    Christopher Martin was 17 when college became impossible. At 18, post-9/11, he chose submarines. Five years as a Sonar Technician on the USS Nebraska—seven patrols, listening to the ocean at 500 feet below the surface. The transition home landed him making $100 per glass break detector, then seven years delivering refrigerators. Through the DCMA Keystone Internship Program, Chris finally finds himself inspecting Navy navigation systems at Northrop Grumman, protecting the same submarines he served on, now going on 14 years. And he calls it all luck. Ladies and gentlemen, Christopher Martin: Sonar Technician, Nuclear Deterrence, and the Long Way Home. CONNECT & SUPPORT Support the Mission: Website: https://saluteofvirginia.org/Donate to SALUTE of Virginia: https://subsplash.com/u/-5QRKRR/giveFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/167A3VpMJu/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saluteofva/Nominate a Veteran:Know a veteran with a story? Send us their name and a brief reason why at saluteofva@gmail.com. We'll handle the rest. Veteran Employment Resources: DCMA Keystone Internship Program: https://www.dcma.mil (Careers/Internships)USA Jobs Federal Employment Portal: https://www.usajobs.govVirginia Department of Veterans Services: https://www.dvs.virginia.gov/

    1h 32m
  3. Patrick, Melissa [Army]

    Mar 30

    Patrick, Melissa [Army]

    Melissa Patrick spent 28 years in Army Intelligence — from being the first woman in an ROTC classroom at VMI in 1975, to earning master parachutist wings while afraid of heights, to leading NATO intelligence in Afghanistan. After retiring as a Colonel, her civilian work analyzing vehicle attacks led directly to the MRAP decision that saved American lives in Iraq and Afghanistan. Now she runs a VFW district and a charity bike ride that's raised nearly $300K for combat veterans. She almost didn't think she had a story. She was wrong. CONNECT & SUPPORT: 10th Annual Ride — September 12, 2026 (25th Anniversary of 9/11) Valley Veterans Ride for Heroes: https://valleyvetsrideforheroes.com/ Valley Veterans Ride for Heroes (Facebook): https://www.facebook.com/ValleyVeteransRideForHeroes Valley Veterans Ride for Heroes (Email): valleyveteransride@gmail.com Boulder Crest Foundation: https://bouldercrest.org/ Goal: $50,000 for combat veterans dealing with PTSD SALUTE of Virginia Website: https://saluteofvirginia.org/ Donate to SALUTE of Virginia: https://subsplash.com/u/-5QRKRR/give Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/167A3VpMJu/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saluteofva/ Nominate a veteran to be interviewed: saluteofva@gmail.comIf this episode moved you, please leave a rating and review — it helps other listeners find these stories. Support the podcast: https://www.patreon.com/15536490/join CREDITS:Hosted by John Fairbanks and Zach HaleA production of SALUTE of Virginia (501(c)(3))

    1h 4m
  4. Spotlight Preview: Tech For Troops - Richmond, Virginia

    Mar 15

    Spotlight Preview: Tech For Troops - Richmond, Virginia

    Most veterans face a digital and emotional divide that can feel impossible to bridge — but Tech for Troops is rewriting that story. Join John and Zach as they introduce Tech for Troops in this episode and discover how a Virginia-based nonprofit is transforming veteran lives through technology, community, and purpose. From refurbishing over 600 tons of e-waste to creating gaming bunkers that foster camaraderie and healing, Tech for Troops proves that giving veterans the tools and support they need isn’t just charity — it’s a lifeline. You'll hear how their innovative programs, like aiming for zero, tackle veteran suicide, unemployment, and homelessness head-on. We break down how donated computers are transformed into powerful community building blocks, offering not only access but hope. Plus, learn about upcoming local events like the "Vibe Training" class, designed to empower veterans with essential digital skills and confidence — all for just fifty bucks. This is workforce development that actually works, especially when paired with the unbreakable bonds of gaming and camaraderie. We explore the surprising therapeutic benefits of gaming for PTSD and anxiety, how online bunkers emulate the squad-based spirit of military missions, and how tech-enabled community networks are reconnecting veterans to purpose and belonging. If you’ve ever underestimated the power of virtual spaces or wondered how technology can heal wounds both seen and unseen, this episode is your eye-opener. Perfect for veterans, family members, veteran-supporters, and anyone committed to innovative solutions for mental health and community resilience. Tech for Troops isn’t just refurbishing computers — they’re restoring hope, one soldier at a time. Whether you're donating, volunteering, or seeking support, you'll find a blueprint for making a meaningful difference. Join us as we spotlight veterans helping veterans through tech, gaming, and shared purpose. Don’t miss this inspiring look at a movement that proves heroism isn’t just in combat — it’s in connection. CONNECT & SUPPORT: Tech for Troops: https://techfortroops.org/ Website: https://saluteofvirginia.org/ Donate to SALUTE of Virginia: https://subsplash.com/u/-5QRKRR/give Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/167A3VpMJu/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saluteofva/ Nominate a veteran to be interviewed: saluteofva@gmail.com If this episode moved you, please leave a rating and review — it helps other listeners find these stories. CREDITS: Hosted by John Fairbanks and Zach Hale A production of SALUTE of Virginia (501(c)(3))

    35 min
  5. Teixeira, Banita [Navy]

    Mar 5

    Teixeira, Banita [Navy]

    In this episode of Veteran Story Hour, we talk with Banita Teixeira, a United States Navy veteran who served from 1998–2007 during one of the most transformative periods in modern military history. Banita shares stories from - Joining the Navy at 18 Serving aboard the USS Kearsarge Life in naval aviation squadrons The impact of 9/11 on military operations Leadership as a noncommissioned officer Navigating military life as a mother The challenges of spouse co-location and deployments She also reflects on the difficult decision to leave the Navy to prioritize raising her daughters — and what it means today to watch one of them serve in the United States Marine Corps. This episode dives deep into military life, resilience, faith, leadership, and the legacy of service passed between generations. CONNECT & SUPPORT: Website: https://saluteofvirginia.org/ Donate to SALUTE of Virginia: https://subsplash.com/u/-5QRKRR/give Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/167A3VpMJu/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saluteofva/ Nominate a veteran to be interviewed: saluteofva@gmail.com If this episode moved you, please leave a rating and review — it helps other listeners find these stories. CREDITS: Hosted by John Fairbanks and Zach Hale A production of SALUTE of Virginia (501(c)(3))

    1h 15m
  6. Vest Hulse, Wanda [Army] - Lyndhurst, VA

    Feb 22

    Vest Hulse, Wanda [Army] - Lyndhurst, VA

    Wanda Vest Hulse: "Just Because I Did a Drafting Class" | Army Veteran She joined the Army because she scored high in mechanical and hated school. A recruiter pointed her toward Illustrator — MOS 81 Echo — and what followed is the single most fun military career we have ever recorded on this show. In this episode, Wanda shares the full arc — from a high school drafting class at Valley Career and Technical Center, to drawing Cold War war plans by hand with top secret clearance in the Netherlands, to pitching on an all-male Army softball team called the Beef Blood Brothers Plus One, to driving the General's Mercedes across Germany during Reforger exercises. Every door opened into something better. And when the military was done, all of it funneled into what she does now: teaching ninth graders how to build, break, and create in her technology and engineering classes at Waynesboro High School. KEY MOMENTS: - MOS 81 Echo: Army Illustrator — "The recruiter said it was close enough to engineering" - Holdover barracks in basic training — "They did my duty for me. I just showed up to formation." - Top secret clearance and Site R at Fort Ritchie, Maryland - Drawing Cold War contingency war plans by hand in the Netherlands - Pitching on the all-male softball team: the Beef Blood Brothers Plus One - Being the first Black person some Germans in a rural village had ever met - The engineering career, the four-year degree, and arguing with engineers who underestimated her - Landing the teaching job at Waynesboro High School — "They called me over a name and address" ABOUT OUR GUEST: Wanda Diane Vest Hulse served in the United States Army in the 1980s as an Illustrator (MOS 81 Echo), later reclassified as Graphic Documentation Specialist. She completed basic training at Fort Jackson, trained at Lowry Air Force Base, and was stationed at Fort Ritchie, Maryland (where she held top secret clearance and worked with Site R) and in Maastricht, the Netherlands, where she served with the Allied Reserve Corps of Four. She participated in Reforger 87 exercises across Germany. After service, Wanda earned an associate degree from Blue Ridge Community College and a bachelor's in Mechanical Engineering Design and Technology from Old Dominion University. She currently teaches technology and engineering at Waynesboro High School, where she is beloved by students and colleagues alike. WATCH THE FULL VIDEO: YouTube: https://youtu.be/uh6hob5Jh2I CONNECT & SUPPORT: Website: https://saluteofvirginia.org/ Donate to SALUTE of Virginia: https://subsplash.com/u/-5QRKRR/give Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/167A3VpMJu/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saluteofva/ Nominate a veteran to be interviewed: saluteofva@gmail.com If this episode moved you, please leave a rating and review — it helps other listeners find these stories. CREDITS: Hosted by John Fairbanks and Zach Hale A production of SALUTE of Virginia (501(c)(3))

    1h 6m
  7. LIVE Christmas Benefit Concert at The Foundry - Waynesboro, VA

    Feb 8

    LIVE Christmas Benefit Concert at The Foundry - Waynesboro, VA

    What if supporting veterans was less about words and more about meaningful action? At a time when many organizations spend heavily on marketing and salaries, one grassroots effort proves every dollar goes directly to those who need it most—no admin fees, no middlemen, just pure impact. In this special episode recorded live at Virginia’s Foundry during the annual Salute Christmas Benefit, you'll discover how community, tradition, and relentless passion come together to support our heroes. From a veteran-led hunting retreat in West Virginia to innovative wellness programs at James Madison University, these stories reveal a powerful truth: when people unite around shared purpose, real change happens. You'll hear from Jason Cotton, a 27-year Army veteran, who turned a simple idea into an annual bonding experience that builds brotherhood and sustains spirits. Empowerment 3 students and staff share how they’re creating accessible mental health support and mentorship programs that are free for veterans—because true support is about action, not just words. And it’s not just about the big, organized events. This episode captures the raw, emotional moments of veterans sharing stories of sacrifice, survival, and survival skills like processing their own meat—passing down traditions that sustain both body and soul. These grassroots efforts are shaping the future by remembering our roots, embracing the old ways, and blending them with new technologies and strategies for the next generation. Why does this matter? Because with society’s focus on digital innovation, these timeless skills and community bonds provide a vital balance—something AI or social media can’t replace. This episode challenges you to look beyond surface support, to see the real power of local action and volunteer-driven initiatives that respect our veterans’ sacrifices and help them thrive. Whether you're a veteran, a supporter, or someone who believes in community-led change, this episode will inspire you to act. It’s about knowing that your involvement—big or small—can make a difference that lasts generations. Join us to celebrate stories of resilience, brotherhood, and the transformative impact of giving back—because these are the veteran stories that truly matter. Perfect for supporters, veterans, and community-minded listeners ready to see real impact. Hit play and be part of something bigger. --- 🔗 Links & Resources SALUTE of Virginia – Veteran-led nonprofit supporting veterans across Virginia🌐 https://saluteofvirginia.org📱 Instagram / Facebook: @saluteofvirginia The Foundry at Basic City Beer Co. – Live recording location for the SALUTE Christmas Benefit📍 Waynesboro, VA🌐 https://basiccitybeer.com Empowerment³ (James Madison University) – Free wellness, mentorship & suicide-prevention programs for veterans🎓 James Madison University📧 Contact: empowerment3@jmu.edu🌐 https://www.jmu.edu/empowerment3/ Veterans Hunting Retreat (SALUTE of Virginia) – Annual retreat focused on connection & community🏔 Hosted at Lodestar Mountain Inn, West Virginia🌐 https://lodestarmountaininn.com --- Listen & Subscribe to Veteran Story Hour: Voices of Valor, Presented by SALUTE of Virginia, everywhere podcasts can be heard Every veteran has a story worth preserving—stories of courage, sacrifice, humor, and humanity. Veteran Story Hour captures these remarkable personal histories directly from the voices of the men and women who’ve served our nation. Recorded live each week at SALUTE of Virginia in Waynesboro, this podcast creates a living history, ensuring these powerful memories are preserved and shared for generations to come. Hosted by John Fairbanks of the Shenandoah Valley Story Network, join us as we honor those who served by listening, reflecting, and remembering. Because every veteran’s story deserves to be told—and every voice deserves to be heard.

    33 min
  8. Fiscus, Ricky [Army] - Indiana

    Jan 21

    Fiscus, Ricky [Army] - Indiana

    This Drill Sergeant Quit Drinking, Smoked since he was 10, and Once Led 60 Soldiers to a Football Game… Alone.” Meet Ricky Fiscus: former Cold War soldier, reluctant drill sergeant, Girl Scout leader (yep, really), and certified badass. In this episode, Ricky recounts how a few stray bullets from his side hustle as a drug mule’s driver rerouted him straight into the Army—where he’d end up yelling at recruits, dodging Russian shepherds on border patrol, and inventing the left-handed M16 brass deflector (no, seriously). There’s heartache. There’s hilarity. There’s a guy locked in an office because the MPs kept dragging him back. There’s a Girl Scout troop full of daughters from mothers who didn’t want to lead—and Ricky saying, “Fine, I’ll do it.” From lighting cigarettes at 10 to quitting drinking cold turkey after a heart attack, Ricky’s story isn’t just a veteran’s tale—it’s a survival guide told with gravel, grit, and the kind of wisdom you can’t get from a manual. It’s Veteran Story Hour with Ricky. Enjoy. --- Resources & Info: → Learn more about SALUTE of Virginia: https://saluteofvirginia.org/ → Contact: saluteofva@gmail.com | Find flyers and schedules at the Salute building --- Listen & Subscribe to Veteran Story Hour: Voices of Valor, Presented by SALUTE of Virginia, everywhere podcasts can be heard Every veteran has a story worth preserving—stories of courage, sacrifice, humor, and humanity. Veteran Story Hour captures these remarkable personal histories directly from the voices of the men and women who’ve served our nation. Recorded live each week at SALUTE of Virginia in Waynesboro, this podcast creates a living history, ensuring these powerful memories are preserved and shared for generations to come. Hosted by John Fairbanks of the Shenandoah Valley Story Network, join us as we honor those who served by listening, reflecting, and remembering. Because every veteran’s story deserves to be told—and every voice deserves to be heard.

    1h 2m
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Veteran Story Hour is dedicated to preserving the stories and voices of the men and women who have served our nation. Recorded weekly in partnership with SALUTE of Virginia in Waynesboro, VA, this podcast is creating a living history, one veteran at a time. Through authentic, heartfelt conversations, veterans share their unique experiences, memories, lessons, and perspectives—capturing voices that future generations can cherish and learn from. Because every voice matters, every story counts, and history is best told by those who lived it.

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