This Veteran’s Day show features two combat Veterans from two different generations sharing their perspectives: GWOT Veteran Dr. Josh Appel and Vietnam Veteran Dale Dye.
Dr. Josh Appel served thirteen years as an Air Force Combat Search and Rescue Pararescueman followed by another thirteen years as a flight surgeon. He was a crewmember on the storied “Lone Survivor” rescue that pulled Navy SEAL Marcus Luttrell out of a cliffside village in Afghanistan. He currently serves as Chief of Emergency Medicine at the Southern Arizona VA Healthcare System.
One of the factors that attracted Josh to working at the VA Hospital was the idea of continuing his service in the spirit of the pararescue motto “That Others May Live.” He says he really cherishes every opportunity to interact with the older generations of Veterans as part of his daily duties.
Josh says his generation benefited from greater awareness of the poor treatment Vietnam-era Veterans faced after the war. He is glad to see them finally receiving the recognition they deserve.
Dale Dye served twenty years in the Marine Corps and saw combat in Vietnam. He was awarded a Bronze Star w/ Valor device and three Purple Heart Medals. Dale founded “Warriors Inc.” to help bring more realism to war films. He has been involved both behind and in front of the camera on more than 150 film, television and video game projects.
We discuss some of the commonalities and differences between Veterans of the Vietnam and GWOT generations and the myth that somehow combat Veterans are “damaged goods”.
He learned from his own experience that the ugly remnants of war can rot a Veteran from within. He encourages other Veterans to get it out. “Write about it, talk to others about it. Get it out”
Many years ago, Dale decided his response to someone thanking him for his service would be “You’re welcome because you are worth it.”
TAKEAWAY: “Your service marks you as selfless. As someone who understands that there is something in life larger and more important than yourself. THAT marks you as a great American!”
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