What was it like to serve in combat during the Vietnam War—and find your way forward after returning home?

On the Elven Star Podcast, host Kevin Ferry speaks with Jerry Augustine, a Vietnam combat veteran who served as an M60 machine gunner with the 196th Light Infantry Brigade.

Jerry shares firsthand experiences of jungle combat, dangerous missions, the effects of Agent Orange, and the lasting emotional challenges of returning home with PTSD.

His story also reveals a remarkable journey of resilience. Through bodybuilding, competitive running, rowing, writing, and helping fellow veterans, Jerry found renewed purpose and continued challenging himself well into his 80s.

He also describes returning to Vietnam decades later and sharing his experiences through books and public presentations.

This is a powerful conversation about military service, the human cost of war, perseverance, and discovering purpose beyond adversity.

🎙️ Elven Star Podcast — Authentic People. Cool Conversations. Unexpected Ideas.

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0:00 Introduction to Jerry Augustine

1:08 Empire State Building Run-Up

3:37 Bodybuilding Roots and Combat Duty

5:24 Draft, Induction, and Basic Training

8:25 Winning Colonel's Orderly and Arriving in Vietnam

11:01 Combat Operations and Injuries

13:13 Bulking Up on Milk at Fort Drum

15:14 Near-Death Encounters and Surviving Point Duty

17:35 Personal Struggles and Coping in Combat

20:07 Returning Home and Winning Mr. New England

22:44 Father's Influence and Family History

25:21 Finding Healing Through Running

29:01 Revisiting Vietnam Decades Later

33:24 Writing His Life Story

36:04 Kayaking and World Championship Rowing

38:27 Issues with M16 Rifles and Agent Orange Exposure

42:09 Returning Soldiers' Reception and Community Service

44:48 Current Life and Closing Remarks

#VietnamWar #VietnamVeteran #ElvenStarPodcast