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For more than 50 years, Dr. Bur Schilling’s family did not fully know the heroic actions of his brother, U.S. Marine Corps veteran Dean Shilling.

In this episode of Our Veterans, Our Stories, Bur shares the emotional story of growing up with Dean, losing him during the Vietnam War at just 19 years old, and discovering decades later that Dean had been awarded one of the military’s highest honors for bravery.

During a patrol in Vietnam, Dean reportedly drew enemy fire onto himself so the rest of his unit could escape. His family would not fully learn the details of his heroism until a box containing his medals and a letter describing his actions was rediscovered years later.

This powerful conversation explores:
• What it means to be part of a Gold Star family
• Grief, healing, and military sacrifice
• The lasting impact of Vietnam
• Why continuing to tell these stories matters

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📍 Hancock County Veterans Service Office

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In this episode of Our Veterans, Our Stories, we sit down with Rick Opperman, a United States Army veteran who served as a Military Police officer with the 82nd Airborne Division from 1971 to 1974.

Rick shares how his decision to join the military was shaped by personal challenges at home, and how that decision led to growth, discipline, and a lifetime of lessons.

He reflects on his experiences in basic training, jump school, and serving at Fort Bragg, along with life after the military and the importance of creating a different path for the next generation.

This is a powerful conversation about purpose, resilience, and the lasting impact of military service.

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In this episode of Our Veterans, Our Stories, we feature Brian and Lara Beltz, two Navy veterans from Hancock County whose military experiences shaped not only their futures, but the life and business they built together.

Lara shares her journey into the Navy, her work as a corpsman, and her time serving in Sicily, where she worked in a high stress medical environment that left a lasting impact. She also opens up about the challenges of transitioning back to civilian life, the loss of purpose many veterans experience, and the importance of finally seeking support through the VA.

Brian reflects on why he chose the Navy, the practical skills he gained through military service, and how those lessons carried directly into the trades and eventually business ownership.

Together, they talk about discipline, perseverance, mentoring young people, hiring veterans, and why connecting with the Hancock County Veterans Service Office matters.

This episode is an honest and thoughtful conversation about what service gives you, what it costs, and how veterans continue to lead long after the uniform comes off.

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In this episode of Our Veterans, Our Stories, we sit down with Andy Sterling, a United States Army veteran who served over 20 years in the Army Reserves.

Andy shares his experience across four combat deployments, including serving as a combat engineer during Operation Iraqi Freedom and later transitioning into intelligence work supporting Special Operations.

He also discusses the realities of balancing military service with family life, the challenges of multiple deployments, and the transition out of the military.

This episode highlights the importance of mental health, financial literacy, and continued service to the veteran community.

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In this episode of Our Veterans, Our Stories, we sit down with Kyle Russell, a United States Army veteran who served as an infantryman and deployed to Iraq in 2018.

Kyle shares his journey from enlisting at 17 to serving in high-risk environments overseas, including his experiences with quick reaction force missions, convoy operations, and combat conditions.

He also speaks candidly about the challenges of returning home, navigating injuries, and finding purpose after military service.

This episode offers an honest look at modern military service and the realities veterans face both during and after their time in uniform.

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In this episode, we sit down with retired Master Sergeant (MSG) Leesha Dixson, who shares her unexpected journey into the Army—starting with a missed job opportunity at a chicken restaurant that led her to the recruiting office across the street.

Leesha reflects on being part of the Women’s Army Corps (WAC) in the 1970s, just before women were fully integrated into the regular Army. Her candid stories highlight the challenges and humor of being among the first women stationed in male-dominated spaces and the pride of following in her Vietnam veteran brother’s footsteps.

From scaling a 30-foot utility pole to finding camaraderie and purpose, MSG Dixson’s story is one of resilience, laughter, and trailblazing service.

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📍 Brought to you by the Hancock County Veterans Service Office – Serving those who served.
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🎖 From a Military Family to Veteran of the Year: Kim Williams' Story 🎖

In this episode of Our Veterans, Our Stories, we sit down with Kim Williams, a proud Army veteran and dedicated advocate for fellow service members. Growing up in a military family, Kim knew from a young age that she wanted to serve her country. Inspired by her grandfather’s stories, she pursued a career as a truck driver in the Army and carried on her family’s legacy of service.

Today, Kim is deeply involved in the veteran community, serving as a Veteran Service Commissioner, an officer with AMVETS Post 21, and an active Patriot Guard Rider. Her commitment to honoring and supporting veterans earned her the title of Veteran of the Year.

📢 Listen now and hear Kim’s incredible journey of service, perseverance, and advocacy.

💙 Show your support for veterans! Like, subscribe, and listen wherever you podcast.

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🎙 Episode 3:

At 98 years old, Laurence "Sliv" Lauer carries with him the memories of one of World War II’s most pivotal battles—Iwo Jima. Drafted into the United States Marine Corps at just 18, Sliv found himself in the third or fourth wave of Marines landing on the beaches of Iwo Jima, where he witnessed firsthand the horrors of war.

In this episode, Sliv recounts:
🔹 The grueling battle of Iwo Jima & witnessing the iconic flag raising
🔹 The moment he was wounded in action—with a bullet passing through his address book, money, and canteen before hitting him
🔹 Life after war—his transition home, a career as a mechanic, and his love for golf
🔹 His message to younger generations about service, sacrifice, and the future of American democracy

Sliv’s story is a living piece of history—a reminder of the courage and resilience of the Greatest Generation. Listen now and help keep these stories alive.