photos #photography #podcastclips #vietnam #vietnamwar #memoir #war #podcast #education #edutok #military #militaryhistory #ushistory #facts #onthisday #otd #fyp #saigon #aviation #aviationlovers #aviationhistory #facts #factsyoudidntknow #history #historytok #historytime #family #familyhistory #guerrillawarfare #cambodianborder #vietcong #helicopters #gunships #coldwar #soldiersstory #militarylife #popi #inheritthestories

27:12

We are here at eTail Palm Springs and seeing and hearing the latest and greatest in e-commerce and retail. Question: Do you need to choose between AI and human recommendations as a customer? Why not have both? After all, don’t each have their strengths? AI in the retail experience is all the rage these days, but today I’m talking with someone from a brand that has been incorporating AI-personalized experiences and shopping combined with expert human recommendations for over 14 years, and continues to innovate today. Today we’re going to talk about how AI-based personalization plus human creativity and input makes an amazing customer experience at Stitch Fix. To help me discuss this topic, I’d like to welcome Noah Zamansky, Vice President of Product and Client Experience at Stitch Fix. About Noah Zamansky Noah Zamansky serves as the Vice President of Product and Client Experience at Stitch Fix, where he leads cross-functional teams spanning Product, Design, Engineering, Algorithms, and Platform Development. A seasoned leader, Noah has a proven track record of shaping product vision and strategy, designing exceptional user experiences, and spearheading the launch of new business ventures. Before joining Stitch Fix, Noah held the role of Senior Director of Product Management at eBay, overseeing Fashion and Vertical Experiences. Resources Stitch Fix: https://www.stitchfix.com eTail Palm Springs: https://etailwest.wbresearch.com/ Connect with Greg on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregkihlstrom Listen to The Agile Brand without the ads. Learn more here: https://bit.ly/3ymf7hd Don't miss a thing: get the latest episodes, sign up for our newsletter and more: https://www.theagilebrand.show Check out The Agile Brand Guide website with articles, insights, and Martechipedia, the wiki for marketing technology: https://www.agilebrandguide.com The Agile Brand podcast is brought to you by TEKsystems. Learn more here: https://www.teksystems.com/versionnextnow The Agile Brand is produced by Missing Link—a Latina-owned strategy-driven, creatively fueled production co-op. From ideation to creation, they craft human connections through intelligent, engaging and informative content. https://www.missinglink.company…

Dearest Suzie « »
Episode 009: 1964-10-24 | Borderline Chaos

大约1年之前 5:28

MP3•单集首页

In this episode of Dearest Suzie, we explore a tense encounter near the Cambodian border on October 24, 1964. Bill Lowie’s diary recounts the assault on the Dan Phouc outpost, where Viet Cong forces approached through flooded rice fields and captured an American captain. Popi’s vivid entry captures the strategic vulnerability of these border areas and the dangers American forces faced, even from across the Cambodian line.

What’s Covered:

Strategic challenges at the Cambodian border.
Viet Cong's use of local geography for guerrilla tactics.
The vital role and vulnerability of U.S. gunships.
The emotional toll of the war, highlighted by the captured and later deceased American captain.
Diplomatic complexities of U.S.-Cambodian relations during the Vietnam War.

📷 Featured Photo: A sampan with two Vietnamese passengers, sparking questions about how often Popi encountered the Viet Cong in disguise.

🔔 If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe! I’ll be posting new episodes regularly, sharing letters and stories from exactly 60 years ago, as written by my grandfather.

Follow Dearest Suzie on social media:

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1GwqPyO061k0iaQRKwfjoQ
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dearestsuziepodcast/
X: https://x.com/DearestSuziePod
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dearestsuziepodcast

📧 Have a story to share or want to reach out? Email me at dearestsuziepodcast@gmail.com — I’d love to hear from you!

photos #photography #podcastclips #vietnam #vietnamwar #memoir #war #podcast #education #edutok #military #militaryhistory #ushistory #facts #onthisday #otd #fyp #saigon #aviation #aviationlovers #aviationhistory #facts #factsyoudidntknow #history #historytok #historytime #family #familyhistory #guerrillawarfare #cambodianborder #vietcong #helicopters #gunships #coldwar #soldiersstory #militarylife #popi #inheritthestories

67集单集

Episode 009: 1964-10-24 | Borderline Chaos

Dearest Suzie

published 大约1年之前

MP3•单集首页

What’s Covered:

Strategic challenges at the Cambodian border.
Viet Cong's use of local geography for guerrilla tactics.
The vital role and vulnerability of U.S. gunships.
The emotional toll of the war, highlighted by the captured and later deceased American captain.
Diplomatic complexities of U.S.-Cambodian relations during the Vietnam War.

📷 Featured Photo: A sampan with two Vietnamese passengers, sparking questions about how often Popi encountered the Viet Cong in disguise.

Follow Dearest Suzie on social media:

📧 Have a story to share or want to reach out? Email me at dearestsuziepodcast@gmail.com — I’d love to hear from you!

photos #photography #podcastclips #vietnam #vietnamwar #memoir #war #podcast #education #edutok #military #militaryhistory #ushistory #facts #onthisday #otd #fyp #saigon #aviation #aviationlovers #aviationhistory #facts #factsyoudidntknow #history #historytok #historytime #family #familyhistory #guerrillawarfare #cambodianborder #vietcong #helicopters #gunships #coldwar #soldiersstory #militarylife #popi #inheritthestories

67集单集

All episodes

1
Episode 060: 1965-03-11 | The Black Cloud Overhead 12:30

8 hours之前12:30

12:30

In this episode of Dearest Suzie, Popi writes to Suzie about the black cloud of bad luck that seems to be following him through one mishap after another — from wrecked helicopters to accidentally jettisoned rockets. What starts as a humorous letter full of self-deprecating stories reveals how quickly the war is forcing him to take on new responsibilities. After only two days in the Cobra platoon, Popi is already training to become a rocket man — flying some of the deadliest helicopters in Vietnam. Accompanied by an overhead shot of a three-sided military outpost dug into the ground, today's episode offers a glimpse into the unpredictable rhythm of war — where long stretches of boredom can turn to chaos in an instant. What’s Covered: Popi's growing reputation as a "jinx" among the platoon How quickly he was thrust into new roles as a rocket man and instrument instructor The challenges of learning to fire rockets from the heavily armed Huey "hog" A rare peek into Popi's sense of humor and self-reflection 📷 Featured Photo: Overhead view of a three-sided military outpost, showing the kinds of fortifications Popi would have seen from the air. 🔔 If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe! I’ll be posting new episodes regularly, sharing letters and stories from exactly 60 years ago, as written by my grandfather. Follow Dearest Suzie on social media: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1GwqPyO061k0iaQRKwfjoQ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dearestsuziepodcast/ X: https://x.com/DearestSuziePod TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dearestsuziepodcast 📧 Have a story to share or want to reach out? Email me at dearestsuziepodcast@gmail.com — I’d love to hear from you! VietnamWar #HueyHelicopter #HelicopterPilot #MilitaryHistory #InheritTheStories #WarLetters #VietnamHistory #FamilyHistory #HistoryPodcast #RocketMan…

1
Episode 059: 1965-03-09 | Damn Dirty Words 7:18

2天之前7:18

7:18

In this episode of Dearest Suzie, Popi writes one of his most personal letters yet—grappling with family tensions, money troubles, and the loneliness of separation. While training for combat half a world away, he's still trying to mediate disagreements between Suzie and his parents, all while worrying about whether his family has enough to get by. The letter gives us a rare window into the everyday burdens that followed soldiers to Vietnam—the struggles that didn't make it into history books but shaped their lives just the same. Accompanied by a photo of women in bright white dresses and conical hats carrying briefcases through town, today's episode highlights the quieter side of war—the unseen emotional labor of balancing family, finances, and distance while serving overseas. What’s Covered: The tension between duty to family at home and duty as a soldier abroad Financial struggles and the realities of supporting a family on military pay How soldiers remained wrapped up in domestic life even from thousands of miles away A humorous glimpse into Mema's famous sailor mouth—and how Popi tried to keep her in line 📷 Featured Photo: A group of women in bright white dresses and conical hats carrying briefcases through town—an everyday scene that caught Popi's eye and offered a rare glimpse into civilian life. 🔔 If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe! I’ll be posting new episodes regularly, sharing letters and stories from exactly 60 years ago, as written by my grandfather. Follow Dearest Suzie on social media: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1GwqPyO061k0iaQRKwfjoQ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dearestsuziepodcast/ X: https://x.com/DearestSuziePod TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dearestsuziepodcast 📧 Have a story to share or want to reach out? Email me at dearestsuziepodcast@gmail.com — I’d love to hear from you! VietnamWar #MilitaryLetters #FamilyHistory #HueyHelicopter #WarLetters #MilitaryHistory #Vietnam1965 #InheritTheStories #HistoryPodcast #AnthropologyOfWar…

1
Episode 058: 1965-03-07 | The Wrong Way Round 6:45

4天之前6:45

6:45

In this episode of Dearest Suzie, Popi writes as he begins settling into his new role in the Cobra platoon—training with machine guns and rockets, breaking the monotony with a U.S.O. show, and counting down the long stretch of days still ahead. But beneath the surface of his daily routines, the war itself was starting to shift. While Popi learned the weapons systems of his armed Huey, policymakers thousands of miles away were quietly questioning whether America’s entire approach to the war had been flawed from the start. Accompanied by a photo of Popi's point of view at the firing range—rockets streaking across the landscape and smoke rising from the ground, today's episode explores how the Vietnam War played out on two fronts: the action and boredom experienced by soldiers on the ground, and the unseen battle for control of the countryside playing out in the minds of U.S. strategists. What’s Covered: Popi’s early days training with the Cobra platoon The disconnect between military strategy and life on the ground The role of boredom and routine in soldiers' experiences of war How the war's blurred front lines made it difficult to tell friend from enemy 📷 Featured Photo: Popi's point of view at the range—firing rockets into the Vietnamese landscape, turning farmland into a training ground. 🔔 If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe! I’ll be posting new episodes regularly, sharing letters and stories from exactly 60 years ago, as written by my grandfather. Follow Dearest Suzie on social media: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1GwqPyO061k0iaQRKwfjoQ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dearestsuziepodcast/ X: https://x.com/DearestSuziePod TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dearestsuziepodcast 📧 Have a story to share or want to reach out? Email me at dearestsuziepodcast@gmail.com — I’d love to hear from you! VietnamWar #HueyHelicopter #CobraPlatoon #MilitaryHistory #WarLetters #FamilyHistory #InheritTheStories #AnthropologyOfWar #USOShow #Vietnam1965 #HistoryPodcast…

1
Episode 057: 1965-03-06 | Two Helicopters Down 6:04

5天之前6:04

6:04

In this episode of Dearest Suzie, Popi writes from the edge of exhaustion—reflecting on a terrible day for the Cobras. Two helicopters lost. Four men killed. Though he doesn't linger on the tragedy, the weight of it lingers between the lines. Even as he processes the loss of close friends, he holds fast to small routines—checking on the pet monkeys, asking after the boys, and reaching across the distance to keep life at home within reach. Accompanied by a photo of Charlie and Doll in their homemade cage, today's episode captures the quiet ways soldiers tried to carry on—finding small moments of care and connection in the midst of grief. What’s Covered: The dangers faced by helicopter crews in Vietnam Popi’s first direct encounter with loss in the armed platoon The emotional weight behind what’s left unsaid in his letters The role of animals and routine as small acts of resistance during wartime 📷 Featured Photo: Charlie and Doll, Popi's pet monkeys, confined to their cage—an image of care, companionship, and the small attempts to maintain normalcy in a chaotic world. 🔔 If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe! I’ll be posting new episodes regularly, sharing letters and stories from exactly 60 years ago, as written by my grandfather. Follow Dearest Suzie on social media: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1GwqPyO061k0iaQRKwfjoQ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dearestsuziepodcast/ X: https://x.com/DearestSuziePod TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dearestsuziepodcast 📧 Have a story to share or want to reach out? Email me at dearestsuziepodcast@gmail.com — I’d love to hear from you! VietnamWar #HueyHelicopter #CobraPlatoon #MilitaryHistory #WarLetters #FamilyHistory #InheritTheStories #AnthropologyOfWar #VietnamMonkeys #PhotosFromVietnam…

1
Episode 056: 1965-03-05 | Cobras and Cognac 10:10

6天之前10:10

10:10

In this episode of Dearest Suzie, Popi writes two letters from March 5, 1965, giving us two starkly different glimpses into life in Vietnam. The first letter finds him on O.D. duty—walking the perimeter at night, checking the guards, and navigating the uneasy trust between American and South Vietnamese forces. Later that day, he sits down to a formal dinner with high-ranking Vietnamese officers, struggling through lobster and lychee nuts in the name of diplomacy. Accompanied by a photo of an offensive position along a perimeter, today's episode highlights the uneasy balance between danger, duty, and moments of unexpected humor in the midst of war. What’s Covered: The tension of nighttime O.D. duty Popi’s first face-to-face encounter with the Viet Cong A surreal diplomatic dinner with South Vietnamese officers The role of food in wartime memory 📷 Featured Photo: An offensive position along a perimeter, fortified with sandbags and earthwork barriers — a reflection of the ever-present threat at the edges of the base. 🔔 If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe! I’ll be posting new episodes regularly, sharing letters and stories from exactly 60 years ago, as written by my grandfather. Follow Dearest Suzie on social media: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1GwqPyO061k0iaQRKwfjoQ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dearestsuziepodcast/ X: https://x.com/DearestSuziePod TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dearestsuziepodcast 📧Have a story to share or want to reach out? Email me at dearestsuziepodcast@gmail.com — I’d love to hear from you! VietnamWar #HueyHelicopter #ColdWarHistory #MilitaryHistory #InheritTheStories #FamilyHistory #WarLetters #PhotosFromVietnam #CobraPlatoon #AnthropologyOfWar…

1
Episode 055: 1965-03-03 | Flying Into Darkness 6:20

8天之前6:20

6:20

In this episode of Dearest Suzie, Bill writes home about receiving letters from family, sending a bracelet to his niece, and arranging to repair the family camera—a small task that connects him to home across thousands of miles. But tucked into the end of the letter is a casual mention of night patrol, a routine mission that carried extraordinary risks. Accompanied by a cockpit view from inside a Huey helicopter, today's episode explores the dangers of night missions and the psychological strain of flying through the darkness, where every shadow could hide the enemy. What’s Covered: The routine dangers of night patrol missions The psychological toll of night flying How small household matters connected soldiers to home The constant effort to stay present in family life from afar 📷 Featured Photo: A view from the cockpit, with the Vietnamese landscape in the distance and another helicopter flying alongside. 🔔 If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe! I’ll be posting new episodes regularly, sharing letters and stories from exactly 60 years ago, as written by my grandfather. Follow Dearest Suzie on social media: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1GwqPyO061k0iaQRKwfjoQ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dearestsuziepodcast/ X: https://x.com/DearestSuziePod TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dearestsuziepodcast 📧 Have a story to share or want to reach out? Email me at dearestsuziepodcast@gmail.com — I’d love to hear from you! VietnamWar #HueyHelicopter #MilitaryHistory #NightPatrol #InheritTheStories…

1
Episode 054: 1965-03-01 | Boredom Worse Than Fear 6:26

10天之前6:26

6:26

In this episode of Dearest Suzie, Bill Lowie writes to Suzie on March 1, 1965, sharing quiet days, family updates, and—almost as an afterthought—his decision to transfer to the armed platoon, trading troop transport missions for combat operations. Accompanied by a striking photo of a helicopter bearing the mark of the Cobras, today's episode explores Bill’s choice to put himself in greater danger, reflecting on what it reveals about fear, boredom, and agency in war. What’s Covered: Bill’s continued efforts to send jewelry and souvenirs home Reflections on family heirlooms and the sentimental weight they carry His voluntary transfer to the Cobras, flying armed helicopters The tension between fear, boredom, and the desire for control in combat 📷 Featured Photo: A helicopter in flight, marked with a cobra on the front and armed with rocket pods and machine guns. 🔔 If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe! I’ll be posting new episodes regularly, sharing letters and stories from exactly 60 years ago, as written by my grandfather. Follow Dearest Suzie on social media: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1GwqPyO061k0iaQRKwfjoQ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dearestsuziepodcast/ X: https://x.com/DearestSuziePod TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dearestsuziepodcast 📧 Have a story to share or want to reach out? Email me at dearestsuziepodcast@gmail.com — I’d love to hear from you! VietnamWar #1965Vietnam #BillLowieLetters #InheritTheStories #HueyHelicopter #MilitaryHistory #VietnamLetters #CombatStories #WarDiaries #HistoricalPodcast #Cobras #HelicopterPilots…

1
All Episodes, February 1965 1:19:35

11天之前1:19:35

1:19:35

In this special episode of Dearest Suzie, we look back on the February 1965 letters from Bill Lowie, a month marked by financial strain, family tensions, and the harsh realities of war. From poker losses and promotion party expenses to evacuating wounded civilians after a Viet Cong mortar attack, Bill’s words reveal the delicate balance between duty, personal responsibility, and the emotional toll of combat. Even in the midst of hardship, his letters remain tethered to home—filled with love, concern, and a longing for normalcy. Whether navigating money troubles, frustrations with family back home, or the heartbreak of seeing innocent lives shattered by war, Bill’s words bring us closer to his experience, 60 years later. 🔔 If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe! I’ll be posting new episodes regularly, sharing letters and stories from exactly 60 years ago, as written by my grandfather. Follow Dearest Suzie on social media: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1GwqPyO061k0iaQRKwfjoQ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dearestsuziepodcast/ X: https://x.com/DearestSuziePod TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dearestsuziepodcast 📧 Have a story to share or want to reach out? Email me at dearestsuziepodcast@gmail.com — I’d love to hear from you! VietnamWar #1965Vietnam #BillLowieLetters #InheritTheStories #HueyHelicopter #MilitaryHistory #VietnamLetters #CombatStories #WarDiaries #FebruaryRecap #HistoricalPodcast…

1
Episode 053: 1965-02-27 | Poker and Paychecks 6:46

12天之前6:46

6:46

In this episode of Dearest Suzie, Popi grapples with the financial strains of war, admitting to a poker loss and an obligatory promotion party expense that leaves him unable to send his paycheck home. His frustration is evident—not just with himself, but with a family dispute over a car that threatens to become another burden. But the weight of money troubles pales in comparison to the devastating scenes he witnesses firsthand. Tasked with evacuating civilians after a Viet Cong mortar attack, Popi describes an elderly man, wounded in both legs, forced to walk barefoot with only a young girl to help him. A small boy, about the size of his own son, suffers a grievous injury, bringing Popi to tears. In these moments, the war becomes deeply personal. What’s Covered: The financial pressures of military life and the role of poker and promotion parties A family conflict over a car that adds to Popi’s worries A harrowing account of evacuating wounded civilians after a mortar attack 📷 Featured Photo: A shot from Popi’s helicopter, showing ARVN soldiers evacuating civilians over a hill, carrying a wounded person on a makeshift stretcher. 🔔 If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe! I’ll be posting new episodes regularly, sharing letters and stories from exactly 60 years ago, as written by my grandfather. Follow Dearest Suzie on social media: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1GwqPyO061k0iaQRKwfjoQ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dearestsuziepodcast/ X: https://x.com/DearestSuziePod TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dearestsuziepodcast 📧 Have a story to share or want to reach out? Email me at dearestsuziepodcast@gmail.com — I’d love to hear from you! VietnamWar #HueyHelicopter #MilitaryHistory #WarLetters #InheritTheStories…

1
Episode 052: 1965-02-24 | Never A Dull Moment 5:19

15天之前5:19

5:19

In this episode of Dearest Suzie, Popi writes home about the long-awaited arrival of Suzie’s ring, his newly earned air medals, and the ever-present dangers surrounding his unit. He jokes about Suzie forgetting to congratulate him on making chief, but his letter also carries the weight of war—mentioning an outpost overrun just miles away. Accompanied by a photograph of soldiers gathered around a helicopter, today’s episode explores the duality of Popi’s life: the lighthearted teasing of a husband writing to his wife and the grim reality of constant danger in Vietnam. What’s Covered: The long journey of Suzie’s ring and family updates The dangers of daily life in Vietnam, including an outpost attack Popi’s earned but unawarded air medals A surprising post-war story: Popi’s international arrest and a family theory about the CIA 📷 Featured Photo: A group of soldiers standing around a helicopter, appearing to plan a mission. The setting suggests a base or airfield, capturing a moment of preparation before flight. 🔔 If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe! I’ll be posting new episodes regularly, sharing letters and stories from exactly 60 years ago, as written by my grandfather. Follow Dearest Suzie on social media: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1GwqPyO061k0iaQRKwfjoQ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dearestsuziepodcast/ X: https://x.com/DearestSuziePod TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dearestsuziepodcast 📧 Have a story to share or want to reach out? Email me at dearestsuziepodcast@gmail.com — I’d love to hear from you! VietnamWar #HueyHelicopter #MilitaryHistory #FamilyStories #InheritTheStories…

1
Episode 051: 1965-02-22 | Counting Days 7:20

17天之前7:20

7:20

In this episode of Dearest Suzie, Bill Lowie writes home about the growing pressures of war, from sleepless nights under mortar fire to a troop-lift mission that left two aircraft shot up. Amidst the tension, he finds small comforts in letters from home, a reminder of the life waiting for him beyond Vietnam. Accompanied by a blurred, dreamlike photo of an early morning troop lift, today’s episode is a reflection on inheritance—both tangible and intangible. As I prepare for my own wedding day, I consider the ways my grandfather’s experiences, personality, and struggles have shaped my own. What’s Covered: Bill’s reflections on home, family, and the gift he sent Suzie A dangerous troop-lift mission and the constant strain of war A personal reflection on inheritance, identity, and understanding the past 📷 Featured Photo: A hazy, early morning troop lift—muted colors, unclear faces, helicopters barely hovering in the air. One of my favorites. 🔔 If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe! I’ll be posting new episodes regularly, sharing letters and stories from exactly 60 years ago, as written by my grandfather. Follow Dearest Suzie on social media: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1GwqPyO061k0iaQRKwfjoQ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dearestsuziepodcast/ X: https://x.com/DearestSuziePod TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dearestsuziepodcast 📧 Have a story to share or want to reach out? Email me at dearestsuziepodcast@gmail.com — I’d love to hear from you! VietnamWar #HueyHelicopter #MilitaryHistory #WarLetters #FamilyLegacy #InheritTheStories…

1
Episode 050: 1965-02-20 | Escaping the Saigon Coup 9:28

19天之前9:28

9:28

In this episode of Dearest Suzie, Popi grapples with the aftermath of a helicopter crash that shakes his confidence as a pilot. Writing to Suzie, he admits, “I was so stunned for a while I couldn’t figure out what happened.” With over 1,100 flight hours under his belt, the incident forces him to question his abilities and step back from his Instructor Pilot role. Meanwhile, a routine trip to Saigon for a physical turns into a brush with political chaos as an attempted coup unfolds. Bill describes tanks and armed troops scattered across the airfield, blocking Vietnamese planes while letting Americans take off—just moments before the entire airport is shut down. His account captures both the unpredictability of war and the eerie sense of detachment that comes with living through constant upheaval. What’s Covered: The lingering effects of Bill’s helicopter crash on his confidence The February 1965 South Vietnamese coup and its broader implications A tense escape from Saigon just before the airfield shuts down The surreal contrast between danger and downtime in a warzone 📷 Featured Photo: The façade of Tan Son Nhut Airport, where Popi’s tense departure from Saigon took place. 🔔 If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe! I’ll be posting new episodes regularly, sharing letters and stories from exactly 60 years ago, as written by my grandfather. Follow Dearest Suzie on social media: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1GwqPyO061k0iaQRKwfjoQ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dearestsuziepodcast/ X: https://x.com/DearestSuziePod TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dearestsuziepodcast 📧 Have a story to share or want to reach out? Email me at dearestsuziepodcast@gmail.com — I’d love to hear from you! VietnamWar #HueyHelicopter #MilitaryHistory #WarDiaries #Saigon #InheritTheStories…

1
Episode 049: 1965-02-18 | Crash Landing 6:27

21天之前6:27

6:27

In this episode of Dearest Suzie, Popi writes about what he calls “the blackest day of my life.” While practicing autorotations—a critical emergency maneuver—his helicopter crashes, leaving him shaken and questioning his future as an Instructor Pilot. Though he and his platoon leader survive, the accident weighs heavily on him, not just as a dangerous moment but as a blow to his confidence and identity as a pilot. This letter stands apart from the rest. We’ve seen Bill write about exhaustion, stress, and even fear, but here, his words carry something deeper—self-doubt. He fears this crash may cost him his role as an instructor, and for the first time, his usual steady tone falters. His letter is brief, lacking his usual updates, as if he struggles to find the words. Most telling of all is his closing: “I love you very much and I need you especially right now.” It’s raw and vulnerable, showing just how deeply this moment affected him. What’s Covered: A training accident shakes Bill’s confidence as a pilot. The weight of self-doubt in a high-risk profession. How this moment marks a shift in his letters and outlook. 📷 Featured Photo: A crashed helicopter in a field, illustrating the kind of scene Bill might have faced that day. 🔔 If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe! I’ll be posting new episodes regularly, sharing letters and stories from exactly 60 years ago, as written by my grandfather. Follow Dearest Suzie on social media: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1GwqPyO061k0iaQRKwfjoQ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dearestsuziepodcast/ X: https://x.com/DearestSuziePod TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dearestsuziepodcast 📧 Have a story to share or want to reach out? Email me at dearestsuziepodcast@gmail.com — I’d love to hear from you! VietnamWar #HueyHelicopter #MilitaryAviation #HelicopterCrash #VietnamHistory #WarLetters #MilitaryHistory #InheritTheStories…

1
Episode 048: 1965-02-16 | The War In Print 5:48

23天之前5:48

5:48

In this episode of Dearest Suzie, Bill reflects on how the war is being portrayed back home, mentioning that his unit might be featured in the Orlando Sentinel and that an upcoming awards ceremony could be covered as well. He describes how their commanding officer made “a big production” out of their orders, complete with pictures and press coverage. While Bill’s letters often reveal the strain of isolation and the monotony of life on base, the version of the war presented in newspapers was far more polished—highlighting commendations and achievements rather than the daily hardships of soldiers on the ground. Bill also shares his growing frustration with being stuck on the compound for weeks, saying the walls are “closing in” on him. Even though town is no longer off-limits, he’s still too uneasy to go. His words capture the contrast between how the war felt to those living it and how it was packaged for those watching from home. Accompanied by a rare glimpse into the daily life of soldiers off the battlefield, today’s featured photo shows two Vietnamese women washing clothes outside a base, with sandbags stacked behind them and shirts drying on a line above. These women, hired to do laundry for the soldiers, represent the complex and often unseen interactions between troops and local civilians. Were they just trying to make a living, or were they passing information to the Viet Cong? The war’s uncertainties stretched beyond combat, shaping even the most routine moments of daily life. What’s Covered: The role of newspapers in shaping public perception of the Vietnam War Bill’s feelings of isolation and his reluctance to leave base The upcoming awards ceremony and media attention on his unit The blurred lines between civilian life and the war effort in Vietnam 📷 Featured Photo: Two Vietnamese women washing clothes on a patio outside a base, with sandbags stacked behind them and shirts drying on a line above. 🔔 If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe! I’ll be posting new episodes regularly, sharing letters and stories from exactly 60 years ago, as written by my grandfather. Follow Dearest Suzie on social media: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1GwqPyO061k0iaQRKwfjoQ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dearestsuziepodcast/ X: https://x.com/DearestSuziePod TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dearestsuziepodcast 📧 Have a story to share or want to reach out? Email me at dearestsuziepodcast@gmail.com — I’d love to hear from you! VietnamWar #HueyHelicopter #MilitaryHistory #WarLetters #InheritTheStories…

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Episode 047: 1965-02-14 | A Quiet Promotion 6:48

25天之前6:48