"It’s impossible to overemphasize the support that many escapers and evaders had."

This week on Story Behind the Stone, we speak with Allan Hunn of Escape and Evasion Research and Tours. Allan shares how his work uncovers the routes taken by Allied servicemen crossing the Pyrenees during the Second World War and how retracing those paths helps families connect with acts of courage, sacrifice, and humanity.

In this episode:
- Learn how Allied aircrew and soldiers escaped occupied Europe through the Pyrenees with the help of local civilians
- Hear how meticulous research and on the ground exploration bring escape and evasion stories to life
- Discover how walking these routes provides families with understanding, connection, and closure

This week, we speak with Jim Landon of ATCO Frontec, a former British Army officer whose career has spanned global operations, disaster response, veteran advocacy, and major international partnerships through the Invictus Games.

Jim shares how service shaped his leadership, the values that carried him into his work at ATCO Frontec, and why veterans bring powerful skills into civilian organizations.

In this episode:
- Explore the impact of ATCO's Invictus Games involvement and how it is transforming veteran employment and awareness
- Understand why remembrance, defence readiness, and cultural understanding matter more now than ever
- Learn how Jim’s 28 years in the British Army shaped his approach to leadership and teamwork

Learn more: https://frontec.atco.com/en-ca.html
Listen on Apple, Spotify, and Wreaths Across America Radio.

“When you interact with historical documents, it’s like having a conversation with the past and nobody else can have that conversation for you.”

This week on Story Behind the Stone, we speak with Zita Ballinger Fletcher, a military historian and author whose work spans World War II research, defense journalism, and cultural preservation. Zita shares how her deep dive into archives and original sources is reshaping our understanding of history and why those lessons matter today.

In this episode:

- Learn how language and translation shape historical narratives
- Hear about her work with the German War Graves Commission and a challenging search for fallen policemen in Berlin
- Explore how FPV drones are changing the future of warfare—and what history can teach us about adapting to new threats

Learn more: https://zitasteele.com/
Listen on Apple, Spotify, and Wreaths Across America Radio.

“Glasnevin is of course famous in this country for having the burials of so many people who shaped Irish history.”

This week on Story Behind the Stone, we speak with Ultan Moran, historian and tour guide at Glasnevin Cemetery in Dublin, Ireland's National Cemetery. Ultan shares powerful stories of Irish lives that shaped, and were shaped by, North American history.

In this episode:
- Discover how a Dublin-born soldier became a hero of the American Civil War
- Learn how Frederick Douglass was inspired by Irish abolitionist Daniel O’Connell
- Explore the legacy of Irish-born veterans of the Canadian Expeditionary Force and how their memory is preserved today

"Veterans are constantly faced with problems. You're constantly having to solve them. You almost don't know how to walk by a problem, and not solve it."

This week on Story Behind the Stone, we're joined by Kristin Sargent, founder of Sargent Initiatives. We explore Kristin’s transition from the US Army’s air defense artillery to her work at the intersection of technology and national security, helping companies navigate the complexities of the defense sector.

In this episode:

Discover Kristin’s journey from serving as a unit Information Assurance Officer to leading modernization efforts at Booz Allen Hamilton and Amazon Web Services.

Learn about the core challenges entrepreneurs face when entering the government system, including identifying essential requirements and managing corporate resources efficiently.

Hear Kristin’s "Measured Restraint" philosophy for business growth and why she believes the defense sector is an "endurance sport" that requires patience and C-suite commitment.

Explore the unique value veterans bring to the tech industry, fueled by a desire to solve archaic processes and a commitment to the "Mission, Men, Me" hierarchy of service.

Learn more: Sargent Initiatives and the Defense Entrepreneurs Forum

Listen on Wreaths Across America Radio on Friday December 19: https://wreathsacrossamerica.org/

"I think more importantly for my fellow veterans is just remember the promise that you made to never leave anyone behind."

This week on Story Behind the Stone, we speak with Stuart Smith, who has dedicated 33 years to serving his fellow veterans. We explore Stuart's military service, his transition to civilian life, and his commitment to supporting veteran-owned businesses through organizations like the National Veteran Small Business Coalition (NVSBC) and the National Association of Veteran Owned Businesses (NaVOBA).

In this episode:

- Discover Stuart's personal journey from joining the Army as a "last option" to transitioning successfully into human resources and organizational development

- Learn about the work of the National Veteran Small Business Coalition (NVSBC) and the National Association of Veteran Owned Businesses (NaVOBA) in helping veteran small businesses thrive in government contracting and commercial supplier diversity spaces

- Hear why Stuart is honored to MC the Wreaths Across America laying at the Cape Canaveral National Cemetery and what that day means for the community

Learn more: National Veteran Small Business Coalition and National Association of Veteran Owned Businesses

Listen on Apple, Spotify, and Wreaths Across America Radio

"We all live in the world created by the First World War."

This week on Story Behind the Stone, we speak with Attila Szalay-Berzeviczy, author of In the Centennial Footsteps of the Great War. Attila shares how a personal journey to Sarajevo evolved into a global project documenting the centenary of World War I.

In this episode:
- Discover why the First World War remains the most transformative period of the last 200 years
- Learn how Attila navigated war zones and military restrictions to capture rare commemorative moments
- Explore the untold stories of frontier theaters that shaped the outcome of the war

Learn more: https://www.facebook.com/InTheCentennialFootstepsOfTheGreatWar
Listen on Apple, Spotify, and Wreaths Across America Radio

"Every soldier’s story deserves to be remembered."

This week on Story Behind the Stone, we speak with Courtney Trollinger, Vice President of Development at the Army Historical Foundation, the organization behind the National Museum of the United States Army. Courtney shares how the Foundation is safeguarding Army history and inspiring future generations through immersive exhibits.

In this episode:
- Discover why the Army was the last branch to have a national museum and how that changed in 2020
- Explore the museum’s awe-inspiring galleries, including World War I artifacts and the Soldier Stories exhibit
- Learn about upcoming projects like the Call to Arms exhibit, the Nisei Traveling Exhibit, and plans for a memorial garden on the museum campus

Learn more: https://www.armyhistory.org