Some stories are too important to forget.

In this episode of Coasting, we sit down with architect Jessica Wise and retired Air Force Colonel Buddy Styers to explore the story behind the new Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Myrtle Beach — and why it matters so deeply to this community.

For Colonel Styers, this isn’t just history. It’s personal.

He shares memories of growing up here in Myrtle Beach — playing baseball with friends who would later go off to Vietnam… and never come home.

Those stories are part of what makes this memorial different.

We also talk about how a space like this is designed — not just as a structure, but as a place for reflection, connection, and remembrance. From the symbolism behind its elements to the voices that helped shape it, this is a project built with intention.

Because remembering isn’t just about the past… it’s about making sure those stories are never forgotten.

Short Version (Spotify / Apple)

Some stories are too important to forget.

In this episode of Coasting, architect Jessica Wise and retired Colonel Buddy Styers share the story behind the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Myrtle Beach — and why it’s a deeply personal tribute to those who never came home.

👉 Recorded live on the Tea Patio of the Franklin G. Burroughs – Simeon B. Chapin Art Museum in Myrtle Beach, SC.

Chapters:

00:00 - Episode Preview

00:19 - Intro

00:30 - On this Episode

01:28 - Welcome to Coasting

01:51 - Atlantic Beach Bike Week

03:50 - Military Appreciation Week

04:28 - Veteran Owned Restaurants

10:22 - Lateral Hazard

11:28 - Meet the Guests

13:49 - Old Myrtle Beach Air Force Base

14:55 - Community Relationships

15:57 - Base Closure

17:16 - Fallen Soldiers

20:45 - When the Base Closed

23:38 - Developing The Market Common

26:52 - Base Markers

29:30 - Including Memories in the Design

31:29 - Sharing Stories

32:21 - Building the Memorial

33:24 - The Design

40:15 - Welcome Home

42:48 - Emotions

44:30 - Thank you

45:47 - War Bird Park not Finished

46:28 - A Lasting Impression

47:14 - Why We Should Remember

48:44 - Personal Importance

51:17 - Volunteer to Help

53:23 - Message to the Community

53:54 - The Area Today

55:09 - Episode 14 Preview

55:27 - Closing Credits

Important Links:

Real Estate Website : ⁠http://www.bytheseashorerealty.com/ ⁠

Myrtle Beach Art Museum: ⁠http://www.myrtlebeachartmuseum.org/ ⁠

Veterans Cafe and Museum : https://vwhrc.org

Liberty Brew Coffee: http://www.libertybrewcoffee.com

Cherry Grove Cookie Co: https://cherrygrovecookieco.com

Warbird Park : https://warbirdpark.com/

Podcast Website : ⁠http://www.coastingpodcast.com