Episode 8: Catawba County Vietnam Veterans: In Their Own Words with Ric Vandett

Episode 8: Catawba County Vietnam Veterans: In Their Own Words with Ric Vandett

In this episode of the Historical Association of Catawba County Podcast, Catawba County Vietnam Veterans: In Their Own Words, Ric Vandett shares his journey from Brooklyn, New York, into the United States Air Force and eventually into Army service during the Vietnam War. Rick reflects on enlisting at 17, adapting to military life, being sent from weather training into Army duty, and serving in Vietnam with both the 1st Cavalry Division and the 1st Infantry Division. Through vivid memories, humor, and hard-earned perspective, he speaks about friendship, fear, survival, cultural encounters, and the lasting lessons he carried home from war. Thank you for supporting the Historical Association of Catawba County's efforts to protect our shared heritage. [https://www.catawbahistory.org/about-us/membership] Our mission is the preservation and interpretation of the stories, objects and places that document the rich heritage of Catawba County and its role in the development of the Western Piedmont of North Carolina. As an independent 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, the Association is funded primarily by individual donors. National foundations, periodic grant awards, and local municipalities also contribute to the daily financial operations of the Association. For over 80 years, the Historical Association of Catawba County has preserved the objects, stories, and places that matter most to Catawbans. We invite you to become a member of the HACC. #VietnamVeteran #VietnamWarHistory #VeteranStories #OralHistory #MilitaryHistory #CatawbaCountyHistory #LocalHistory #VeteransVoices #FreedomIsNotFree #HistoricalAssociationOfCatawbaCounty

Episode 7: Catawba County Vietnam Veterans: In Their Own Words with Ralph Stallings

In this episode of the Historical Association of Catawba County [https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&opi=89978449&url=https://www.catawbahistory.org/&ved=2ahUKEwj37rXss6KVAxWlD1kFHY-YFPoQFnoECA0QAQ&usg=AOvVaw3Q2gxb9hrKQFPBzprBD-bg] Podcast, Catawba County Vietnam Veterans: In Their Own Words, Ralph Stallings shares his story of being drafted into the U.S. Army in 1971 and serving in Vietnam at just 19 years old. Ralph reflects on basic training at Fort Jackson, radio school, and the shock of arriving in a war zone that looked far different from what he had imagined. He recalls serving alongside South Vietnamese forces, the confusion and danger of combat restrictions, the daily realities of survival, and the difficult transition back home. Told with honesty, humor, and vivid detail, Ralph’s story offers a personal look at service, uncertainty, and the lasting perspective that came from Vietnam Thank you for supporting the Historical Association of Catawba County's efforts to protect our shared heritage. [https://www.catawbahistory.org/about-us/membership]   Our mission is the preservation and interpretation of the stories, objects and places that document the rich heritage of Catawba County and its role in the development of the Western Piedmont of North Carolina. As an independent 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, the Association is funded primarily by individual donors. National foundations, periodic grant awards, and local municipalities also contribute to the daily financial operations of the Association. For over 80 years, the Historical Association of Catawba County has preserved the objects, stories, and places that matter most to Catawbans. We invite you to become a member of the HACC. #VietnamVeteran #VietnamWarHistory #VeteranStories #OralHistory #ArmyVeteran #USArmy #MilitaryHistory #CatawbaCountyHistory #LocalHistory #VeteransVoices #FreedomIsNotFree #HistoricalAssociationOfCatawbaCounty

Episode 6: Catawba County Vietnam Veterans: In Their Own Words with Max Hedrick Jr.

In this episode of the Historical Association of Catawba County Podcast, Catawba County Vietnam Veterans: In Their Own Words, Max Hedrick Jr. shares his story of being drafted into the U.S. Army in 1965 and serving as a military policeman in Vietnam. A Catawba County native, Max reflects on leaving home for the first time, basic training at Fort Gordon, and the realities of serving in and around Saigon and Nha Be. He recalls patrol duty, close calls on the water, time on river and gate security, and the friendships that helped carry him through his tour. Max’s story offers a vivid and personal look at service, resilience, and what it meant to return home after Vietnam. Thank you for supporting the Historical Association of Catawba County's efforts to protect our shared heritage. [https://www.catawbahistory.org/about-us/membership]   Our mission is the preservation and interpretation of the stories, objects and places that document the rich heritage of Catawba County and its role in the development of the Western Piedmont of North Carolina. As an independent 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, the Association is funded primarily by individual donors. National foundations, periodic grant awards, and local municipalities also contribute to the daily financial operations of the Association. For over 80 years, the Historical Association of Catawba County has preserved the objects, stories, and places that matter most to Catawbans. We invite you to become a member of the HACC. #VietnamVeteran #VietnamWarHistory #VeteranStories #OralHistory #ArmyVeteran #USArmy #MilitaryHistory #CatawbaCountyHistory #LocalHistory #VeteransVoices #FreedomIsNotFree #HistoricalAssociationOfCatawbaCounty

Episode 5: Catawba County Vietnam Veterans: In Their Own Words with James Ball

In this episode of the Historical Association of Catawba County Podcast, Director of Education Alyssa Ball sits down with her grandfather, Vietnam veteran Jim Ball, to preserve his story as part of the Vietnam Veterans Oral History Project. Jim reflects on growing up in Claremont, joining the United States Marine Corps, training at Parris Island, and serving in Vietnam as a helicopter crew chief and door gunner. He shares powerful memories of brotherhood, sacrifice, returning home, and adjusting to life after war. Through moments of humor, hardship, faith, and reflection, Jim offers an important reminder that freedom is not free and that the stories of those who served must never be forgotten. Thank you for supporting the Historical Association of Catawba County's efforts to protect our shared heritage. [https://www.catawbahistory.org/about-us/membership]   Our mission is the preservation and interpretation of the stories, objects and places that document the rich heritage of Catawba County and its role in the development of the Western Piedmont of North Carolina. As an independent 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, the Association is funded primarily by individual donors. National foundations, periodic grant awards, and local municipalities also contribute to the daily financial operations of the Association. For over 80 years, the Historical Association of Catawba County has preserved the objects, stories, and places that matter most to Catawbans. We invite you to become a member of the HACC. #VietnamVeteran #VietnamWarHistory #VeteranStories #OralHistory #MarineCorpsVeteran #USMarines #MilitaryHistory #CatawbaCountyHistory #LocalHistory #VeteransVoices #FreedomIsNotFree #HistoricalAssociationOfCatawbaCounty

Episode 4: Celebrating America 250: The Liberty Ball, Local History, and Preserving Catawba County’s Story

In this episode of the Historical Association of Catawba County [https://www.catawbahistory.org/home] podcast, Alyssa Ball and Susan Holbrook discuss the upcoming Liberty Ball, a special celebration honoring America’s 250th birthday and the shared Revolutionary history of Catawba and Lincoln Counties. They explore the importance of preservation, community investment, public history, and how events like the Liberty Ball help bring history to life through music, food, dancing, artifacts, awards, and hands-on storytelling. The conversation also highlights the Historical Association’s ongoing America 250 programming, the value of local partnerships, the importance of engaging younger generations, and the role preservation plays in shaping community identity for the future. The Liberty Ball takes place Saturday, June 27, with proceeds supporting both the Historical Association of Catawba County and the Lincoln County Historical Association. Purchase tickets here! [https://www.eventeny.com/events/ticket/?id=28534] Thank you for supporting the Historical Association of Catawba County's efforts to protect our shared heritage. [https://www.catawbahistory.org/about-us/membership]   Our mission is the preservation and interpretation of the stories, objects and places that document the rich heritage of Catawba County and its role in the development of the Western Piedmont of North Carolina. As an independent 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, the Association is funded primarily by individual donors. National foundations, periodic grant awards, and local municipalities also contribute to the daily financial operations of the Association. For over 80 years, the Historical Association of Catawba County has preserved the objects, stories, and places that matter most to Catawbans. We invite you to become a member of the HACC. #CatawbaHistory #HistoricalAssociationOfCatawbaCounty #America250 #LibertyBall #CatawbaCountyNC #LincolnCountyNC #LocalHistory #PublicHistory #HistoricPreservation #CommunityHistory #RevolutionaryWarHistory #NorthCarolinaHistory #CatawbaCountyEvents #PreservingHistory #TheMeshTV