Veterans Breakfast Club

“Semper Paratus”: Conversation with Coast Guard Veterans

The Veterans Breakfast Club proudly celebrates the U.S. Coast Guard’s 235th birthday with a special 90-minute livestream event on Monday, August 4 at 7:00pm ET. Join us as we talk with Coast Guard veterans about what makes their service so distinct—and so essential to the nation’s security and safety.

Founded on August 4, 1790, the Coast Guard is the oldest continuous seagoing service in the United States. Unlike other branches, the USCG has a dual mission: military operations during wartime and law enforcement, search and rescue, and maritime safety during peacetime. It is the only military branch that operates under the Department of Homeland Security (except during wartime, when it may transfer to the Department of the Navy).

What sets the Coast Guard apart?

Maritime law enforcement: The Coast Guard has the authority to board, search, seize, and arrest vessels suspected of violating federal law.

Search and rescue operations: From hurricanes to sinking ships, the Coast Guard is the first call in times of maritime crisis.

Icebreaking and navigation aid: Coasties operate in Arctic and Great Lakes regions to maintain critical shipping lanes and place navigational buoys.

Drug and migrant interdiction: They play a front-line role in combating illegal trafficking on the high seas.

In this special birthday celebration, we’ll hear from Coast Guard veterans who served aboard cutters, on coastal patrol, in aviation, and at isolated duty stations. They’ll share stories of adventure, service, and resilience—from intercepting narco-subs in the Caribbean to medevac missions in the Bering Sea.

We’ll explore what it means to be “Always Ready”—Semper Paratus—and why Coast Guard veterans are proud to serve in a branch that blends military rigor with humanitarian urgency.

Help us mark this important anniversary by honoring the stories of those who serve in America’s maritime guardian force.

#USCoastGuard #CoastGuardBirthday #SemperParatus #VeteransBreakfastClub #VBCLive #MaritimeService #SearchAndRescue #MilitaryVeterans #CoastGuardStories

We’re grateful to UPMC for Life for sponsoring this event!

Fr. Emil Kapaun: Chaplain, Hero, Saint

Join the Veterans Breakfast Club on the 250th birthday of the U.S. Army Chaplain Corps, Monday, July 28, at 7:00pm ET for a special livestream conversation about the extraordinary life and enduring legacy of Father Emil Kapaun, U.S. Army chaplain, Medal of Honor recipient, and Servant of God now on the path to sainthood.

Our guest will be Ray Kapaun, Father Emil’s devoted nephew and family spokesperson, who has spent decades gathering stories, preserving memories, and promoting his uncle’s legacy of faith, sacrifice, and service. With deep personal insight and moving anecdotes, Ray will share not just what made his uncle a great chaplain, but what made him a saintly man—and why his story still resonates powerfully today.

Born in 1916 in the farming community of Pilsen, Kansas, Emil Kapaun grew up working on farm equipment and studying for the priesthood. He was ordained in 1940 and joined the U.S. Army Chaplain Corps during World War II, serving in the Burma-India Theater. But it was in Korea, during the early months of the Korean War, that Father Kapaun’s heroic ministry made him a legend among soldiers and prisoners of war alike.

Assigned to the 1st Cavalry Division, Kapaun was known for celebrating Mass from the hood of a jeep, riding his bike from unit to unit under fire, and fearlessly ministering to troops in foxholes. During the Battle of Unsan in November 1950, he repeatedly braved enemy fire to rescue the wounded. When given the opportunity to evacuate, he refused—choosing instead to stay behind with the injured and surrender alongside them.

He was marched to Pyoktong Prison Camp in North Korea, where he spent the last seven months of his life tending to sick and starving fellow POWs. He stole food, built fires in secret, offered prayers, washed clothes, and lifted spirits—risking severe punishment each time. Fellow prisoners credit him with saving hundreds of lives through simple acts of compassion, courage, and faith. He died in captivity on May 23, 1951.

For his heroism, Father Kapaun was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor in 2013. His military decorations also include the Distinguished Service Cross, Bronze Star with “V” Device, and the Legion of Merit, among many others.

In the Catholic Church, Father Kapaun is now known as Venerable Emil Kapaun, a title bestowed by Pope Francis in 2021. This designation—the second step in the four-step canonization process—acknowledges that Father Kapaun offered his life in an act of heroic charity. The Diocese of Wichita continues to investigate reported miracles attributed to his intercession, the next step toward beatification and eventual sainthood.

Ray Kapaun, who will join us for this VBC Live program, was just a boy when he began hearing stories about his uncle. Over the years, he’s met and stayed close with the soldiers who knew Father Emil in life, including the few remaining POWs who spent time in that North Korean prison camp. His efforts helped bring his uncle’s remains home in 2021—70 years after his death—and laid to rest at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Wichita.

Ray sees Father Kapaun as more than a war hero or Catholic martyr. He sees him as a model of human compassion—someone who looked past creed, rank, or politics to serve people simply because they needed help.

“He just always put everybody else ahead of his own needs,” Ray says. “He gives hope… He saw the soul in people.”

This livestream will be a heartfelt exploration of that legacy. It’s a story of service beyond self, faith under fire, and the power of simple kindness in the darkest of places.

We’re grateful to UPMC for Life and Tobacco Free Adagio Health for sponsoring this event!

Jeopardy! Veterans Breakfast Club Edition

Do you know how many belt loops are on Marine Dress Blues? Or what the Air Force equivalent of the Navy Seabees is called? How about the command used to remove an individual from formation—but not end it?

Then step up and play VBC Jeopardy!, our 90-minute live and interactive trivia night where everyone can be a contestant, and the only requirement is a love for learning and laughter. Join us Monday, July 21 at 7:00pm ET for a special Veterans Breakfast Club livestream hosted on YouTube.

This Jeopardy-style game is unlike any other. There’s no buzzer, no formal sign-up—just hop into the chat and type your answer when a clue appears on the screen. Whether you’re a seasoned vet, a military spouse, a trivia junkie, or just someone who loves good fun with great people, this game is for you.

We play two rounds of Jeopardy with clues based on the military experience, culture, and history. Everyone in our Zoom room can raise their hand and answer a question.

We’ll be testing your knowledge across categories like Military Slang, Branch Traditions, Famous Battles, Rank & Insignia, and more. Expect real questions like:

“THIS FAMOUS STRATEGIC BOMBING CAMPAIGN LASTED FROM 1965-1968.”

“IN THE COAST GUARD, EVERY SHIP LONGER THAN 65 FEET IS CALLED THIS.”

“THE NUMBER OF NAVY ADMIRALS TO BECOME U.S. PRESIDENT.”

If you’ve joined a Veterans Breakfast Club event before, you know it’s about connection, camaraderie, and celebrating the service of those who’ve worn the uniform. VBC Jeopardy! adds a twist of fun and competition to that mix—with a whole lot of trivia you didn’t know you knew.

No registration, no pressure—just bring your best guesses.

#VBCLive #MilitaryTrivia #VeteransJeopardy #MilitaryHistory #VeteransBreakfastClub #JeopardyNight #MilitaryFun #LiveTrivia

We’re grateful to UPMC for Life for sponsoring this event!

Wayne Vansant: Drawing War

The Veterans Breakfast Club proudly presents a special 90-minute livestream with Wayne Vansant, Navy veteran and renowned illustrator of some of the most historically accurate war comics ever published. The event goes live on Monday, July 14 at 7:00pm ET, and will be hosted on our VBC Online Events platform.

Wayne Vansant is best known for his groundbreaking work on The ‘Nam—Marvel Comics’ landmark series that brought the Vietnam War to life through the eyes of the soldiers who fought it. Launched in 1986 and developed by Vietnam veterans and journalists, The ‘Nam stood apart for its realistic, month-by-month portrayal of a single soldier’s tour of duty. Vansant took over the art after issue #13 and helped turn the book into a cult classic, praised for its authenticity, visual storytelling, and deep respect for those who served.

Wayne brings a unique perspective to his art. He served as a radioman in the U.S. Navy from 1970 to 1973 during the Vietnam War, and that firsthand experience has shaped his entire career. Unlike most comic book creators, Vansant insists on historical accuracy—studying uniforms, weapons, terrain, and tactics in painstaking detail to ensure his depictions are as true to life as possible.

In addition to The ‘Nam, Vansant has created graphic novels and illustrated histories such as Normandy, Gettysburg, The Vietnam War: A Graphic History, Katusha, Bombing Nazi Germany, and The Red Baron. His work is celebrated for blending action with education, making military history accessible and compelling for all readers.

As this profile on War Is Boring explains, Vansant sees his comics not as entertainment alone, but as a form of remembrance and a visual archive for future generations.

Whether you’re a fan of military history, comics, or just want to hear from a veteran who’s spent a lifetime documenting war in ink and color, you won’t want to miss this conversation.

#WayneVansant #TheNam #VietnamWar #MilitaryComics #VeteransBreakfastClub #WarArt #GraphicHistory #VietnamVeteran #VBCOnline

We’re grateful to UPMC for Life  for sponsoring this event!

Veterans Open Conversation

Join the Veterans Breakfast Club for an open and wide-ranging virtual conversation on Monday, June 9, 2025, at 7:00pm ET. This online event, part of our ongoing VBC Open Conversation series, invites veterans from all eras of service—as well as families, friends, and supporters—to come together and share stories, memories, and insights about the military experience, past and present. The program will be held on Zoom and streamed live to Facebook and YouTube.

VBC Open Conversations are exactly what they sound like: unscripted, interactive gatherings where the agenda is shaped by those who attend. There are no formal presentations or set topics—just real people sharing real experiences. Whether it’s swapping boot camp stories, discussing combat tours, reflecting on the transition to civilian life, or exploring current issues facing today’s military and veteran communities, these conversations cover it all.

We believe every veteran has a story to tell and wisdom to share. This event is a chance to listen, learn, and connect with others who understand the unique bonds and challenges of military service. If you have something on your mind—whether a personal memory, a question, or a topic you think deserves attention—we encourage you to bring it to the conversation. Veterans are also invited to email Todd DePastino at todd@veteransbreakfastclub.org with any specific topics or issues they’d like to discuss.

The Veterans Breakfast Club’s mission is to create communities of listening around veterans and their stories, and our Open Conversations are one of the most dynamic ways we do that. These sessions are often wide-ranging, emotional, funny, and thought-provoking, providing a welcoming space where everyone’s voice is valued.

This event is free and open to all. Whether you have something to share or simply want to listen and learn, we welcome you to be part of the conversation!

We’re grateful to UPMC for Life  for sponsoring this event!

Military Contractors: A Force in the Shadows

For the first time in our Veterans Breakfast Club history, we’re shining a spotlight on an essential but often invisible force in America’s recent wars: military contractors. Join us for this important livestream conversation with Ron Farina, Marine Corps Vietnam veteran and author of Out of the Shadows, and a panel of former contractors who served alongside U.S. forces in Iraq, Afghanistan, and other combat zones under Department of Defense contracts.

We also welcome Rob Kugler, a Marine Corps veteran, whose brother, Mike, served as a military contractor and was killed in Iraq in 2007. This profound loss propelled Rob into a mission of healing and storytelling. In his memoir, A Dog Named Beautiful, Rob chronicles his cross-country journey with his three-legged chocolate lab, Bella. This heartfelt narrative captures the essence of love, loss, and the road to recovery. Through his travels, Rob found solace and a renewed purpose, connecting with countless individuals and sharing stories that underscore the human cost of war.

Also joining us are Traci Protzenko and Colette Protzenko Sparks, sisters of Paul Protzenko, who was killed in action on July 9, 2011 in Panjshir, Afghanistan during Operation Enduring Freedom. Paul dedicated his life to the service of his country and its people. He proudly served in the Army’s 82nd Airborne stationed overseas in Vicenza, Italy, retiring with the rank of Sergeant. Upon receiving an honorable discharge, he spent the next 21 years as a State Trooper. He earned the Life Saving Medal twice during his tenure. Immediately upon retirement from the State Police in 2009, he left for Afghanistan to become part of a Police Mentoring Team that trained the Afghan National Police Force. Paul was stationed for the better part of 2 years in the Panjshir Province of Afghanistan. During this time, he was instrumental in bringing the first Crime Scene Investigation Class to the Afghan National Police Force. This innovative class was well received and written up in the Army magazine, “Stars and Stripes.” Paul was killed on July 9, 2011 on the way to the Darah Police Station by an Afghan National Directorate of Security.

This growing reliance on civilian contractors raises fundamental questions:

Are contractors part of the military profession?

Do they share the same code of conduct, sense of duty, and social obligation?

How do they view their roles—and how do traditional military personnel view them?

Research shows that many contractors come from law enforcement or prior military backgrounds, but often operate with different motivations, typically driven more by economic incentives than by the vocational calling traditionally associated with military service. Their training and operational directives are frequently dictated by government contracts, but they exist outside the chain of command and military legal structure. This “securitized management of violence” blurs the line between soldier and mercenary—and challenges long-held notions of military professionalism.

Despite their integral role, contractors often return home to no welcome, no resources, and no community. They lack access to VA services, often receive no formal recognition, and are largely absent from public memory. As Ron Farina emphasizes in his work, these “invisible warriors” bear many of the same wounds as veterans—PTSD, moral injury, survivor’s guilt—but without the support structure uniformed veterans rely on.

This program will feature the voices of those contractors. They’ll speak about their motivations, missions, relationships with military personnel, and the personal struggles they’ve faced in service and upon returning home. We’ll also discuss the broader ethical, legal, and economic implications of America’s unprecedented reliance on private military firms—some of which now rival the defense budgets of small nations.

Let’s give voice to those who served without a uniform but with no less courage, commitment, and consequence.

We’re grateful to UPMC for Life  for sponsoring this event!

75th Anniversary of the Korean War

Seventy-five years ago, on June 25, 1950, North Korean forces launched a surprise invasion across the 38th parallel into South Korea, setting off a brutal and complex conflict that would last three years, claim millions of lives, and shape the Cold War. The Korean War—often called the “Forgotten War”—began with tanks rolling into Seoul at dawn and ended with a hard-fought armistice that still holds today.

To mark this important anniversary, the Veterans Breakfast Club is honored to host a special livestream conversation with Ryan Walkowski, military history researcher and author of the forthcoming Combat in Korea: Eighteen Veterans Remember the War. Joining Ryan will be several Korean War veterans he interviewed for the book—men who fought in the harsh winters and rugged mountains of the Korean Peninsula and who carry vivid memories of that distant, often overlooked war.

Walkowski, whose grandfather served in Korea, has traveled the country collecting stories from veterans of all branches. His mission is simple: to make sure these stories are heard and remembered. The result is a remarkable oral history project that captures the grit, sacrifice, and humanity of those who served in Korea between 1950 and 1953.

This VBC program will bring those voices to life. You’ll hear firsthand accounts of combat, survival, and camaraderie from veterans who were there—at the Pusan Perimeter, Inchon, Chosin Reservoir, and the 38th Parallel. You’ll also hear from Walkowski about why he took on this project and how these veterans’ stories shed new light on a war that deserves far more attention.

As always, we invite viewers to participate, ask questions, and share reflections as we remember the war that began 75 years ago and the veterans who lived it.

We’re grateful to UPMC for Life  for sponsoring this event!

Surviving Afghanistan with former Army Counterintelligence Agent Jeremy D. Baker

Join us as we welcome Jeremy D. Baker, former Army counterintelligence agent, Afghanistan combat veteran and author of the novel The Guilty Sleep, a thriller that draws on Jeremy’s personal experiences as a combat veteran struggling to overcome PTSD.

In 2000, after acing his Army entrance exam, 20-year-old college dropout Jeremy was told by his recruiter that he could pick any specialty he wanted. He chose counterintelligence because he thought it sounded cool. A year later, in the wake of 9/11, that choice proved fateful.

As a soldier with the 202nd Military Intelligence Battalion, he was sent to Afghanistan in the first wave of US troops tasked with finding Osama Bin Laden, destroying al-Qaeda, and ousting the Taliban.

Operating in and around Kandahar, he was the CI assigned to the 19th Special Forces Group of Green Berets, a number of whom were older and had served tours in Vietnam. Little did Jeremy know the extent to which his time in Afghanistan would stay with him and shape his life.

With Jeremy as our guide, we’ll learn what ‘counterintelligence’ looked like early on in Afghanistan, what it was like working with Green Berets who’d served in Vietnam, the combat situations they encountered and how our 2021 withdrawal from Afghanistan affected him.

Jeremy will also share his experiences overcoming PTSD, utilizing the CERT method, how writing helped him heal and why the fall of Afghanistan moved him to write The Guilty Sleep, the fictional story of Afghanistan veteran Dexter Grant who is broke, reeling from PTSD, and on the verge of divorce when he’s approached by his old Army buddies to help rescue their former interpreter, the man who once saved Dex’s life.

Lee Childs described The Guilty Sleep as being “shot-thru with hard-won authenticity and deep humanity” and USMC veteran of Iraq and Afghanistan Elliot Ackerman praised it as cutting “sharp and deep.”

The Guilty Sleep (Diversion Books) is available online at all major booksellers. To find out more about Jeremy’s work, go to jeremydbaker.com.

We’re grateful to UPMC for Life  for sponsoring this event!

Celebrating Women Veterans Day

Tonight we mark Women Veterans Day, which is observed annually on June 12 to commemorate the signing of the Women’s Armed Services Integration Act into law by President Truman in 1948. This act allowed women to serve permanently in the regular armed forces. 

To help us honor this anniversary, we invite playwright Ash Singer, whose recent documentary theater play, ​In Their Footsteps brings to life the true stories of five American women—two military officers and three civilian volunteers—who served during the Vietnam War. Joining Ash will be Ann Kelsey, whose story is dramatized in the play, along with other women featured.

Developed from in-depth oral histories, the script captures their poignant, humorous, and harrowing experiences, shedding light on the often-overlooked contributions of women in wartime. ​The performance immerses audiences in the personal narratives of Ann Kelsey, Judy Jenkins Gaudino, Doris “Lucki” Allen, Jeanne “Sam” Christie, and Lily Adams. Through innovative staging and modular set pieces that transform into various wartime settings—such as bunkers, rooftops, and military vehicles—the play delves into themes of service, resilience, and the psychological toll of war, including issues like sexual harassment and PTSD. ​

Since its initial workshop in New York City in 2017, In Their Footsteps has had an impressive run:​

2018: Featured in the East to Edinburgh Festival at 59E59 Theaters in NYC and the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in Scotland.

2019: Performed at the BorderLight International Fringe Festival in Cleveland, Ohio, and at the Women’s Overseas Service League annual conference in San Antonio, Texas.

2020–2021: Adapted into a Zoom production and a radio play in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, expanding its reach to schools and veteran organizations.

2021: Presented at the OnStage! Festival in Milan and Rome, Italy.​

The production is set to return in Fall 2025 with a new run at the Bronx Music Hall, offering an even more immersive experience. Plans are also underway for a 2025–26 tour of New York City schools and a multi-city U.S. tour, aiming to engage diverse audiences through performances, discussions, and educational workshops. ​

In 2020, IVP collaborated with WLIW-FM to produce a radio adaptation of In Their Footsteps, which premiered on NPR station 88.3 WLIW-FM Long Island. This adaptation, titled “Revisiting ‘In Their Footsteps’ in Honor of Dr. ‘Lucki’ Allen,” earned a 2025 Gracie Award for Excellence in Radio Programming. The Gracie Awards, presented by the Alliance for Women in Media Foundation, honor exemplary programming created by, for, and about women.The radio play features authentic soundscapes and the voices of the original women, providing listeners with an intimate and powerful portrayal of their experiences. It serves as a testament to the enduring impact of these women’s stories and the importance of preserving their legacy through various media. ​

For more information or to listen to the radio play, visit WLIW-FM’s website.

We’re grateful to UPMC for Life  for sponsoring this event!

Veterans Open Conversation

Join the Veterans Breakfast Club for an open and wide-ranging virtual conversation on Monday, June 9, 2025, at 7:00pm ET. This online event, part of our ongoing VBC Open Conversation series, invites veterans from all eras of service—as well as families, friends, and supporters—to come together and share stories, memories, and insights about the military experience, past and present.

VBC Open Conversations are exactly what they sound like: unscripted, interactive gatherings where the agenda is shaped by those who attend. There are no formal presentations or set topics—just real people sharing real experiences. Whether it’s swapping boot camp stories, discussing combat tours, reflecting on the transition to civilian life, or exploring current issues facing today’s military and veteran communities, these conversations cover it all.

One of our storytellers on June 9 will be USAF veteran John JC Miller, whom we’ve invited on to share a unique story from Southeast Asia in the 1970s.

John entered the U.S. Air Force Academy in June 1965 and graduated in June 1969. John’s military career was wide-ranging and reflective of the changing cultural and institutional dynamics of the era. He first served 18 months in Manpower (AFSC 7464, management engineering), followed by 10 months in an Information Office role (AFSC 7921), and then 30 months in the Race Relations field (AFSC 7364), where he helped pioneer programs aimed at improving understanding and cohesion among service members.

His final duty station was at U-Tapao Royal Thai Navy Airfield in Thailand, a major B-52 bomber base during the Vietnam War. There, from 1973 to 1974, John spent 489 days working with flight crews under intense stress and frequent interpersonal conflict. Despite the challenges, he found the experience deeply rewarding. The human relations courses he facilitated earned a 97% effectiveness rating, with participants reporting meaningful improvements in cross-cultural understanding and morale.

After separating from the Air Force, John took a prolonged break from traditional employment, allowing time to process the profound impacts of his service.

We believe every veteran has a story to tell and wisdom to share. This event is a chance to listen, learn, and connect with others who understand the unique bonds and challenges of military service. If you have something on your mind—whether a personal memory, a question, or a topic you think deserves attention—we encourage you to bring it to the conversation. Veterans are also invited to email Todd DePastino at todd@veteransbreakfastclub.org with any specific topics or issues they’d like to discuss.

The Veterans Breakfast Club’s mission is to create communities of listening around veterans and their stories, and our Open Conversations are one of the most dynamic ways we do that. These sessions are often wide-ranging, emotional, funny, and thought-provoking, providing a welcoming space where everyone’s voice is valued.

We’re grateful to UPMC for Life  for sponsoring this event!