Regiment of the Cross | Catholic Faith-Based Veteran Podcast

Regiment of the Cross

A Catholic faith-based podcast sharing powerful stories of veterans, chaplains, and the deep connection between faith and service. Hosted by a retired U.S. Army officer, Regiment of the Cross explores real stories of courage, sacrifice, and belief—from the battlefield to pilgrimage sites around the world. Each episode highlights the lives of military chaplains, veterans, and ordinary men and women who encountered God in extraordinary circumstances. From Medal of Honor heroes like Father Emil Kapaun and Father Vincent Capodanno, to modern journeys like the Camino de Santiago and Lourdes, this podcast brings listeners into the heart of faith lived under fire. If you’re searching for a Catholic podcast, a faith-based podcast, or a religious podcast grounded in real experience—not theory—this show is for you. Whether you’re a veteran, a person of faith, or someone seeking meaning through stories of service and sacrifice, Regiment of the Cross offers inspiration, truth, and a deeper look at where faith and life meet.

  1. Jun 11

    From Grief to Grace: The Story of Angel Fire's Vietnam Veterans Memorial

    On May 22, 1968, 17 Marines were killed near Con Thien, South Vietnam. Among them was 1st Lt. Victor David Westphall, USMC. For most families, such a loss would remain a private burden. For Dr. Victor and Jeanne Westphall, grief became a mission. What began as a tribute to their son and the Marines who died beside him eventually became the Vietnam Veterans Memorial and Peace & Brotherhood Chapel in Angel Fire, New Mexico—a place dedicated to remembrance, reflection, healing, and hope. In this episode of Regiment of the Cross, I am joined by Walter Westphall, David's brother and co-founder of the Memorial, along with Chuck Hasford, a longtime friend of Dr. "Doc" Westphall and witness to the Memorial's growth over the past four decades. Together we discuss David's story, the battle near Con Thien, the vision that inspired the Memorial, the addition of the iconic UH-1 Huey helicopter, the annual Run for the Wall pilgrimage, and why veterans and families from across America continue to find healing in Angel Fire. This is more than the story of a memorial. It is a story of sacrifice, family, brotherhood, and the enduring power of hope. 🇺🇸 If you enjoy content honoring veterans, military history, faith, and service, please like, subscribe, and share. visit the memorial webpage https://www.vietnamveteransmemorial.org/ #VietnamWar #VietnamVeterans #USMC #MarineCorps #GoldStarFamily #AngelFire #Veterans #MilitaryHistory #RunForTheWall #Huey #UH1 #PeaceAndBrotherhood #NeverForget #RegimentOfTheCross

    56 min
  2. May 22

    Forgotten Soldiers | The Letter That Came Too Late

    In December 1944, a 19-year-old American soldier wrote home from France. He asked about family. Mentioned seeing Niagara Falls. Complained that France was “too wet and muddy.” And wished everyone a Merry Christmas. Days later, he was dead. PFC Eloy Aldaz Montes of Hondo, New Mexico was killed in action by artillery fire on January 5, 1945 while serving with the 70th Infantry Division, 275th Infantry Regiment, Company G. This is not just a World War II history episode. This is family history. Eloy was my grandmother Ola’s baby brother. My father, only about six years old at the time, remembered Eloy leaving—and remembered hearing he had been killed. More than 400,000 Americans died in World War II. Approximately 73,000 American service members still remain buried overseas in Europe. Eloy came home. But only after nearly four years. In September 1948, his body was returned to New Mexico, where full military honors were rendered at Santa Fe National Cemetery. Using Eloy’s final wartime letter, family memory, and a powerful newspaper tribute titled A Soldier’s Return, this episode remembers one forgotten young soldier—and the countless others whose stories are fading into history. If your family has a story like this, preserve it. Because remembrance is its own form of honor. #WWII #WorldWarII #GreatestGeneration #MilitaryHistory #WWIIHistory #GoldStarFamily #VeteranStories #ArmyHistory #ForgottenHeroes #NewMexicoHistory #AmericanHistory #Catholic #FaithAndService #RegimentOfTheCross

    12 min

About

A Catholic faith-based podcast sharing powerful stories of veterans, chaplains, and the deep connection between faith and service. Hosted by a retired U.S. Army officer, Regiment of the Cross explores real stories of courage, sacrifice, and belief—from the battlefield to pilgrimage sites around the world. Each episode highlights the lives of military chaplains, veterans, and ordinary men and women who encountered God in extraordinary circumstances. From Medal of Honor heroes like Father Emil Kapaun and Father Vincent Capodanno, to modern journeys like the Camino de Santiago and Lourdes, this podcast brings listeners into the heart of faith lived under fire. If you’re searching for a Catholic podcast, a faith-based podcast, or a religious podcast grounded in real experience—not theory—this show is for you. Whether you’re a veteran, a person of faith, or someone seeking meaning through stories of service and sacrifice, Regiment of the Cross offers inspiration, truth, and a deeper look at where faith and life meet.