Our Veterans, Our Stories is a podcast dedicated to preserving the voices of Hancock County’s veterans. Through first-hand accounts, pivotal moments, and personal anecdotes, we bring you some of the untold stories shared within the Hancock County Veterans Service Office. Whether you’re a history buff, a veteran, or simply someone who values the sacrifices made for our country, this podcast offers a unique, unfiltered look at the experiences of those who served. Tune in to hear the powerful narratives of courage, resilience, and brotherhood—because every veteran’s story deserves to be heard.
Dean Shilling: A Gold Star Brother Shares the Story of a Local Marine Hero
Have questions about this episode? For more than 50 years, Dr. Bur Schilling’s family did not fully know the heroic actions of his brother, U.S. Marine Corps veteran Dean Shilling. In this episode of Our Veterans, Our Stories, Bur shares the emotional story of growing up with Dean, losing him during the Vietnam War at just 19 years old, and discovering decades later that Dean had been awarded one of the military’s highest honors for bravery. During a patrol in Vietnam, Dean reportedly drew en...
15 Apr 2026
Rick Opperman: From Doubt to Discipline, An Army Story
Have questions about this episode? In this episode of Our Veterans, Our Stories, we sit down with Rick Opperman, a United States Army veteran who served as a Military Police officer with the 82nd Airborne Division from 1971 to 1974. Rick shares how his decision to join the military was shaped by personal challenges at home, and how that decision led to growth, discipline, and a lifetime of lessons. He reflects on his experiences in basic training, jump school, and serving at Fort Bragg, along...
7 Mar 2026
From the Navy to Building a Life and Business Together: Brian and Lara Beltz’s Story
Have questions about this episode? In this episode of Our Veterans, Our Stories, we feature Brian and Lara Beltz, two Navy veterans from Hancock County whose military experiences shaped not only their futures, but the life and business they built together. Lara shares her journey into the Navy, her work as a corpsman, and her time serving in Sicily, where she worked in a high stress medical environment that left a lasting impact. She also opens up about the challenges of transitioning back to...
2 Jun 2025
Andy Sterling: Four Deployments and Life After the Army
Have questions about this episode? In this episode of Our Veterans, Our Stories, we sit down with Andy Sterling, a United States Army veteran who served over 20 years in the Army Reserves. Andy shares his experience across four combat deployments, including serving as a combat engineer during Operation Iraqi Freedom and later transitioning into intelligence work supporting Special Operations. He also discusses the realities of balancing military service with family life, the challenges of mul...
1 May 2025
Kyle Russell: From Iraq Deployment to Life After the Army
Have questions about this episode? In this episode of Our Veterans, Our Stories, we sit down with Kyle Russell, a United States Army veteran who served as an infantryman and deployed to Iraq in 2018. Kyle shares his journey from enlisting at 17 to serving in high-risk environments overseas, including his experiences with quick reaction force missions, convoy operations, and combat conditions. He also speaks candidly about the challenges of returning home, navigating injuries, and finding purp...
4 Apr 2025
MSG Leesha Dixson: From WAC to Warrior
Have questions about this episode? In this episode, we sit down with retired Master Sergeant (MSG) Leesha Dixson, who shares her unexpected journey into the Army—starting with a missed job opportunity at a chicken restaurant that led her to the recruiting office across the street. Leesha reflects on being part of the Women’s Army Corps (WAC) in the 1970s, just before women were fully integrated into the regular Army. Her candid stories highlight the challenges and humor of being among the fi...
27 Mar 2025
Kim Williams: A Legacy of Service and Advocacy
Have questions about this episode? 🎖 From a Military Family to Veteran of the Year: Kim Williams' Story 🎖 In this episode of Our Veterans, Our Stories, we sit down with Kim Williams, a proud Army veteran and dedicated advocate for fellow service members. Growing up in a military family, Kim knew from a young age that she wanted to serve her country. Inspired by her grandfather’s stories, she pursued a career as a truck driver in the Army and carried on her family’s legacy of service. Today, K...
27 Mar 2025
Laurence 'Sliv' Lauer: A Marine’s Fight at Iwo Jima & the Legacy of WWII
Have questions about this episode? 🎙 Episode 3: At 98 years old, Laurence "Sliv" Lauer carries with him the memories of one of World War II’s most pivotal battles—Iwo Jima. Drafted into the United States Marine Corps at just 18, Sliv found himself in the third or fourth wave of Marines landing on the beaches of Iwo Jima, where he witnessed firsthand the horrors of war. In this episode, Sliv recounts: 🔹 The grueling battle of Iwo Jima & witnessing the iconic flag raising 🔹 The momen...
26 Mar 2025
Col. Sue Ann Sandusky: A Legacy of Service, Leadership & Resilience
Have questions about this episode? In this episode of Our Veterans, Our Stories, we welcome Col. (Ret.) Sue Ann Sandusky, a 37-year Army veteran whose career took her across the world—from elite marksmanship competitions to serving as a Defense Attaché in Africa and leading at West Point. Col. Sandusky shares: 🔹 How she went from Findlay High School to winning World Championship gold medals in marksmanship 🔹 Her time leading military diplomacy efforts in Liberia and Bosnia 🔹 The chall...
25 Feb 2025
From Marine to Mentor: Roger Neff’s Legacy of Service
Have questions about this episode? In our debut episode of Our Veterans, Our Stories, we sit down with Roger Neff, a proud United States Marine Corps Veteran and 2021 Ohio Veterans Hall of Fame Inductee. Roger’s impact on Northwest Ohio is nothing short of extraordinary. From forming the Findlay-Hancock County Military Affairs Committee to coordinating an annual Armed Forces Day program for 27 years, his leadership has left an indelible mark on the veteran community. A lifelong advocate for v...
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
YouTube views
2,230
Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025
Podcast Authority Score: 23 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
19
Social presence
0
YouTube
68
Engagement
0
Host of Our Veterans, Our Stories?
Claim your podcast to manage its listing and keep your show details accurate.
Pod Engine is an independent podcast discovery and analytics service and is not affiliated with or endorsed by this podcast. Artwork and show content belong to their owners. Full legal notice.
Explore this show Podcast research with Pod Engine
