In Episode 2 of The Soldier’s Tale, Sgt. Major Harold Hofer, currently a faculty member at Hargrave Military Academy in Chatham, VA, tells us about getting drafted during the Vietnam era, and ultimately choosing to pursue a career in the US Marine Corps. He discusses the drill instructors who inspired him to take this course and some hard lessons he learned in combat, and tells the story of one wrong step in the mountains of Vietnam that could have changed his life. Sgt. Major Hofer also discusses what life in the military can instill in those who serve that can make them valuable assets to their communities, families, and employers upon returning to civilian life. Please enjoy Episode 2: Marine for Life.

Mat Vance, a veteran of the Iraq War and author of the book The Funny Side of War for the Sick and Demented joins us in our first episode to tell us stories about getting smoked in basic, donkey rides, soldier vs. civilian breakdancing competitions, and more of the lighter side of war he experienced. He also talks about some of the challenges of urban warfare, and offers advice to veterans and their loved ones about how to approach conversations of what life was like "over there." Please enjoy Episode 1 - "Charlie Mike".