At the beginning of April 2024, I was interviewed by Michael Croen, Host and Managing Editor of Echoes of the Vietnam War, the Official Podcast of VVMF, Founders of the Wall. Today, he informed me that the edited version is now live. Please take a listen if you can spare the time.
About Echoes of the Vietnam War:
Even after 50 years, the impact of the Vietnam War echoes across generations. Hear stories of service and sacrifice from people who are affected — veterans, their families, and others who add perspective to those experiences. Brought to you by the nonprofit that built the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, “The Wall,” in Washington, D.C.
EPISODE 73: SUMMARY
In 1970-71, John Podlaski spent twelve months in Vietnam — seven with the Wolfhounds of the 25th Infantry Division, and five with the Screaming Eagles of the 101st Airborne Division. John never dreamed that he’d become a writer, but his first novel, Cherries, led to five more books and a hugely popular website (cherrieswriter.com) that is a community chest of first-person stories, information, and imagery from the Vietnam War.
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CherriesWriter - Vietnam War website 
painful to make.. painful to listen to…
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I was in Vietnam. 1st Cav, out building LZ’s… 55 of them.. I was in the war and the fighting and it surrounded me. I starting writing about Nam soon after I got home.. 50 years ago..stories, events, people, and it has helped me to cope, desensitize, lessen the pain of the betrayal of my country, and I’m good. So many guys aren’t. I talk with them. Some guys never came home. Im lucky. I found a way to let the past, stay in the past and not destroy my present and future. I heard some of the podcast. Been there, Steve Richey
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John, I have been a fan of Echoes since Michael Croan’s first podcast. He interviewed me a year ago (Episode #48 – Humping the Boonies).
Listening to your excellent narrative brought back so many memories. I noticed how many similar experiences we share: wait-minute-vines, intense heat, sleepless nights, cold cokes and being scared to death.
I know I too have many of my men on The Wall, but like you, I only knew their nicknames.
My RTO was always within arms reach. He followed me to the front when the point man called me forward, was always there to call in a medevac, and humped the heaviest load. He, my medic and platoon sergeant were the most important men in my platoon.
I modeled my book website after yours and only hope it will be as robust as yours.
As we walk in the boots of our Korean and WWII brothers, we must continue to tell our stories and those who can no longer speak for themselves as our stories and sacrifices are in danger of being forgotten.
Thank you for your excellent podcast and for your commitment to our brothers.
Robin Bartlett, A 1/5 Cav (Airmobile), ‘68-‘69
Author, “ Vietnam Combat: Firefights and Writing History” www. RobinBartlettAuthor.com,
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Thanks, Robin. I’ll have to listen to your podcast so I can compare. I also spent some time on your website…most impressive! Good luck with your book and website and thanks for those articles that you submitted for publication on this website. Take care, sir!
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Hi, JP,
I took the time to listen to the Echoes Podcast featuring you and your story.
Congratulations! the podcast is very informative and your voice came over excellently.
It reminded me of reading Cherries, which I thought is an outstanding book, and it awoke deep emotions within me.
You can be thankful that Jan was one hundred percent supportive. I believe that has made your journey after returning to the States easier. She had your back.
All the best for your future.
Shalom shalom,
Pat
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