In this episode of Living History with Alex, we sit down with Robert “OV” Oyarvide, a retired U.S. Air Force jet mechanic whose career spanned the Cold War, Desert Storm, and multiple deployments across Europe and the Middle East.

From maintaining F-111s, F-5 aggressors, U-2s, A-10s, and F-16s to training pilots during the Soviet threat, OV shares an inside look at the aircraft, missions, and dangers faced by the crews who kept America’s fighters in the air.

🌟 Topics Covered:
✈️ Volunteering for Desert Storm and serving at King Khalid Military City
🔥 Experiencing Scud, rocket, and mortar attacks on the ground
🛠️ Working as a jet mechanic on some of the Air Force’s most iconic aircraft
🎯 Training NATO and U.S. pilots to fight Soviet-style tactics during the Cold War
🇮🇶 Multiple tours supporting operations in Iraq near Baghdad
🤝 The unique bond between crew chiefs and their pilots
💡 Career lessons, discipline, and advice for the next generation

This is more than the story of a mechanic — it’s the story of a man who kept fighters battle-ready, trained future leaders, and served through decades of global conflict.

If you enjoy real stories of sacrifice, aviation, and service, make sure to like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes of Living History with Alex.

🔔 Don’t forget to turn on notifications so you never miss an episode!

In this episode of Living History with Alex, we sit down with Colonel Tom Oatmeyer, a U.S. Air Force veteran whose 30-year career took him from the skies over Vietnam to the rebuilding of Homestead Air Force Base after Hurricane Andrew.

From flying F-4 Phantoms over Southeast Asia to piloting F-16 Fighting Falcons during the 1980s and ’90s, Oatmeyer’s story is one of dedication, resilience, and a lifetime in the cockpit. He reflects on his combat missions, his survival of personal loss, his leadership during historic moments, and the legacy of service passed down through generations of his family.

🌟 Topics Covered:

✈️ Flying the F-4 Phantom during the Vietnam War

🛩️ Transitioning to the F-16 and 25 years in the cockpit

🔥 Losing everything in a fire and finding meaning beyond material things

🏠 Rebuilding Homestead Air Force Base after Hurricane Andrew

🦅 Bringing Strategic Air Command into Air Combat Command

👨‍👩‍👧 Family, faith, and the next generation of pilots

💡 Life lessons on leadership, service, and embracing challenges

This isn’t just the story of a pilot — it’s the story of a man who made history across three decades of service, both in the air and on the ground.

If you enjoy stories of courage, aviation, and legacy, make sure to like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes of Living History with Alex.

🔔 Don’t forget to turn on notifications so you never miss an episode!

In this episode of Living History with Alex, we sit down with Jim Loretta, a U.S. Army veteran who served during the Vietnam War.

Born in Mexico to American parents, Jim shares his journey from college to the draft, his time with the 20th Engineer Group in the Mekong Delta, and the challenges of serving during one of the most divisive times in American history. From surviving a helicopter crash to witnessing the Vietnamization process and the difficult return home, his story captures both courage and heartbreak.

🌟 Topics Covered:
🇺🇸 Joining the U.S. Army during the Vietnam draft era
🪖 Serving with the 20th Engineer Group in the Mekong Delta
🚁 Surviving a helicopter crash near Saigon
🎖️ Artifacts from his service — medals, patches, and uniforms
💬 Reflections on the political tensions and public protests of the era
💡 His advice to future generations about service, freedom, and unity

This is more than a war story—it’s a testament to sacrifice, resilience, and the lasting cost of freedom.

If you enjoy stories of history, service, and patriotism, make sure to like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes of Living History with Alex.

🔔 Don’t forget to turn on notifications so you never miss an episode!

In this episode of Living History with Alex, we sit down with Mr. José Carbia, philosophy teacher and history club leader at Archimedean Academy.

Born and raised in Miami, José shares how his father—a respected principal and educator—inspired his passion for teaching, philosophy, and the Socratic method. Through his journey, we explore the timeless relevance of ethics, Socrates’ legacy, and the curiosity that drives young minds to question the world around them.

🌟 Topics Covered:
🏫 Growing up in Miami and following in his father’s educational footsteps
💭 How the Paideia teaching method inspired his approach to philosophy
📚 The influence of Socrates and the foundations of ethical thought
👨‍🏫 Life as a philosophy teacher at Archimedean Academy
⚖️ Reflections on ethics, behavior, and what makes a good life
🏺 Insights into the realities of the ancient world and its lessons for today

This is more than a discussion about philosophy—it’s a story about mentorship, legacy, and the power of education to shape lives.

If you enjoy stories of wisdom, education, and history, make sure to like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes of Living History with Alex.

🔔 Don’t forget to turn on notifications so you never miss an episode!

In this heartfelt segment of Living History with Alex, we sit down with a proud veteran who shares timeless advice about education, heritage, and identity.

He reminds us to never forget where we come from, to cherish our family roots, and to honor the wisdom of older generations. Drawing from his experience in the military and law enforcement, he emphasizes the power of education, the value of remembering your heritage, and offers candid reflections on the different branches of service—especially the enduring pride of the Marines.

🌟 Topics Covered:
📚 The importance of education and continuous learning
🌿 Embracing your cultural and family heritage
👴 Listening to the wisdom and stories of older generations
🇺🇸 Reflections on the Marine Corps’ pride and identity
💡 Advice for young people considering military service after college

This episode goes beyond history—it’s about legacy, identity, and personal growth.

If you enjoy real stories of service, heritage, and inspiration, make sure to like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes of Living History with Alex.

In this episode of Living History with Alex, we sit down with Tom Visney, a retired Marine whose career spanned the Cold War, embassy duty in Latin America, the Army National Guard, and deployments to Bosnia.

From joining the Marine Corps at just 18, to serving as a tank crewman, embassy guard in Nicaragua and Argentina, and later as a counterintelligence interrogator, Tom’s journey is one of resilience, patriotism, and lifelong dedication to service. He shares powerful memories of Hurricane Andrew relief missions, training with Korean Marines, and supporting peacekeeping operations in Bosnia.

🌟 Topics Covered:
🎖️ Enlisting in the Marine Corps during the post-Vietnam era of the 1970s
🪖 Life as a tank crewman and Marine embassy guard in Nicaragua and Argentina
🌍 Transitioning into counterintelligence thanks to his Spanish skills
🌀 Serving with the Florida Army National Guard during Hurricane Andrew and other disasters
🕊️ Peacekeeping missions in Bosnia during the Global War on Terror
🙏 Deep reflections on patriotism, Memorial Day, and honoring veterans
💡 Advice to young people about the opportunities and benefits of military service

This is more than a military career—it’s the story of a man shaped by discipline, duty, and love for his country.

If you enjoy real stories of history, service, and inspiration, make sure to like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes of Living History with Alex.

🔔 Don’t forget to turn on notifications so you never miss an episode!

📍 Why it’s the Miami-Dade Military Museum—and where to find it

⚓ Service timeline: Reserve (1981–84) → Active Duty (~’98/’99) → GWOT recall → Honorable discharge (2012)

🗞️ A decade as Navy Public Affairs in Miami and what “service” looks like at home

🏗️ How the museum was rescued: $1 federal sale, $3M move, GOB 2005 funding, moved in 2010, opened Veterans Day 2023

🧱 Record feat: largest building ever moved in Miami-Dade (and largest moved in one piece in Florida)

📜 Family at Gettysburg: Isaac M. Atwood (38th NC) leaves Winder Hospital June 15, 1863, rejoins his unit, later captured at Petersburg, paroled June 21, 1865; plus a Union ancestor in Kentucky cavalry

This is more than a military story—it’s about memory, community, and the grit it takes to build a museum (literally) from the ground up.

If you enjoy real stories of history, service, and mentorship, like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes of Living History with Alex.

🔔 Don’t forget to turn on notifications so you never miss an episode!

In this episode of Living History with Alex, we sit down with Chief Richard Tedlow — a retired Navy hospital corpsman and Chief Medical Officer for the Naval Sea Cadets at the Miami Military Museum.

From growing up in 1950s Miami to serving 26 years as a Navy corpsman and 50 years as a pediatric nurse, Chief Tedlow shares his inspiring journey of medicine, service, and mentorship.

🌟 Topics Covered:
⚓ Growing up in Miami during the Cold War era and the Cuban Missile Crisis
🏥 Training and serving as a Navy hospital corpsman across naval hospitals in the U.S.
👶 How his military medical training shaped 50 years of pediatric nursing
🎗️ Caring for Vietnam veterans and children with chronic illnesses at special camps
📚 Becoming a docent at the Miami Military Museum and mentoring Naval Sea Cadets
💡 Life lessons on commitment, courage, and finding joy in your work

This is more than a military story—it’s a life dedicated to service, children’s health, and inspiring the next generation.

If you enjoy real stories of history, service, and mentorship, make sure to like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes of Living History with Alex.

🔔 Don’t forget to turn on notifications so you never miss an episode!