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Artwork for Helicopter Heroes: The Extraordinary Stories of Courage and Resilience in Vietnam

Published September 22, 2023 · 37:38

Helicopter Heroes: The Extraordinary Stories of Courage and Resilience in Vietnam

Guest: Larry Freeland

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  • Business and career
  • Family and caregivers
  • Benefits and VA process
  • Service stories
  • Health and wellness

Show notes

Welcome to another episode of Helping The Brave podcast! In this episode, we are privileged to have the brave and inspirational Larry Freeland as our guest. Larry has a rich background that was heavily influenced by growing up on Air Force bases, particularly Strategic Air Command (SAC) bases. His father, a full colonel specializing in meteorology and Russian history, had interactions with General Lemay, the top figure in SAC.

Larry's own military experience comes from serving in Vietnam as a Chinook helicopter pilot with the 101st Airborne. He participated in a challenging operation supporting South Vietnamese troops along Route Nine. However, the operation was cut short due to intense battles with the North Vietnamese Army. Larry witnessed the bravery and sacrifice of his fellow soldiers and has dedicated his writing to honor their legacy.

One of Larry's notable works is the book series called "The Air Warrior," which follows three generations of men in an American family who serve in different wars. In the first two books, he explores the aftermath of World War I and the experiences of his protagonist, SIM McCormick, as a pilot in World War II and the Korean War. Larry is currently working on the third book, which will delve into the lives of Sam's three sons.

We also discuss the historical context of World War I, specifically the hardships faced by soldiers in the trenches, the long-term health effects they endured, and the social challenges they encountered during the Great Depression. Larry sheds light on the Bonus Army march on Washington and the involvement of World War I veterans in unionization efforts.

In addition to his books, Larry wrote a screenplay called "The Flying Pachyderms" and turned it into a successful book titled "Chariots in the Sky." This led to a contract for a trilogy called "The Legacy of Honor." The first book, "The Patriarch," has been well-received, and the second book is set to be released soon, generating positive reviews from Kirkus.

Join us as we uncover more captivating stories from Larry's military service, his writing journey, and his family's active military involvement. We also dive into the importance of networking, doing your job diligently, and leaving a lasting impression in professional settings. Tune in to this episode and be inspired by Larry Freeland's incredible tales of courage, resilience, and dedication to honoring our military heroes.

#BraveHeroes #MilitaryStories #WarriorLegacy #VeteransVoices #HeroicService #PowerOfHelicopters #HonoringTheFallen #MilitaryHistory #FamilyTraditions #RememberingOurVets #SupportingOurTroops #UnsungHeroes #ResilientWarriors #FromCombatToWriting #WarAndLiterature #LegacyOfHonor #ValorAndSacrifice #MilitaryBrotherhood #TheBraveAndTheBold #PodcastPower

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