Stories about Kevin

Episode 15 - 1st LT M.G.H

In today's episode, we explore the extraordinary wartime odyssey of 1st Lt. M.G.H., a B-24 pilot serving with the renowned 307th Bomb Group during World War II. Through a poignant letter written to his brother, M.G.H. vividly recounts a pivotal mission over the Philippines in 1944. The narrative unfolds with gripping detail as M.G.H. describes the treacherous aerial combat his crew faced against Japanese fighters. Despite their B-24 sustaining severe damage, including critical hits to its control surfaces, M.G.H. and his crew displayed remarkable courage and skill in fending off enemy attacks for an agonizing eleven minutes.
The most astonishing moment came when M.G.H. managed to land their heavily damaged bomber using the autopilot—a feat unprecedented at the time and a testament to his piloting expertise under extreme duress. This achievement earned praise and recognition within the Air Force, highlighting M.G.H.'s resourcefulness and determination amidst adversity.
Beyond the battlefield, M.G.H. offers glimpses of daily life on base, from engaging in unconventional fishing expeditions with native islanders to forging lifelong friendships with fellow servicemen. His post-war reflections paint a vivid picture of camaraderie, resilience, and the enduring human spirit amidst the trials of war.
Returning home a decorated veteran, M.G.H. married his sweetheart and embarked on a fulfilling career as a steel estimator for an engineering firm. While he never piloted an aircraft again, his passion for aviation and his wartime experiences remained an indelible part of his life story.
M.G.H.'s legacy extends through his family—four children, including three sons and a daughter, grandchildren, and great-granddaughters—who continue to cherish his memory. His enduring kindness, unwavering courage, and love for family resonate through the generations, leaving an inspiring legacy of service and sacrifice.
Join us as we honor 1st Lt. M.G.H.'s remarkable journey from the skies of World War II to a life enriched by love, family, and the enduring spirit of a true American hero.

Episode 14

In this episode we have a few awesome stories!
In our first story a Female Helicopter Pilot saves the day after a catastrophic Engine Malfunction
Then a US Marine maliciously complies while testing an experimental Weapons System!
How a road in an Australian Army Training Base got it's nickname
And finally, how some studious Marines find a way to sneak in some contraband chow

Episode 13

This episode features three longer stories, starting with Pilgorepax's tale about his great-great-grandfather from Ontario, Canada. His ancestor was pulled out of a Montana state prison in 1916 for accessory to murder and enlisted in the 113th Lethbridge Highlander battalion in Alberta. Despite numerous challenges, including injury and frequent infractions, he served bravely in WWI. After recovering from his injuries in England, he married and settled back in Ontario, leading a stable life post-war. Pilgorepax is working on a book about his ancestor’s life, aiming to honor his legacy.
The second story by Sharlin648 revolves around a humorous and chaotic training exercise in the British Army. The narrator was attached to an Engineering Workshop in an Air Defence Regiment and served as the 2IC’s driver. During a TESEX exercise, they had to attack a battery at night, leading to a series of comical misadventures involving getting lost with a satnav and a dramatic encounter with a Challenger II MBT. The story highlights the unpredictable and often amusing nature of military exercises.
The final story, "16 Days in Gaza," by Every_Comfort_3129, details a harrowing experience during the 2014 Gaza conflict. The narrator, a young private first class in a squad leader course, describes intense training and the anticipation of crossing into Gaza. The story captures the chaos and fear of urban combat, the loss of comrades, and the resilience required to endure such a demanding environment. Despite the extreme conditions, the narrator reflects on the surreal nature of war and the impact it had on him and his fellow soldiers.
But please, send your own stories into us at storiesaboutkevinpodcast@gmail.com

Episode 12

We’re back! After a long hiatus, sharing military anecdotes from various listeners.
We just want to advise too that this episode needs a trigger warning, as it does involve a death.
The first story is from Duck Force One, recounting an incident where a tiny Indian conscript driving an XO's car in a convoy was hit by another car, leading to a humorous moment when 90 soldiers rushed to the scene.
Snipars 0202 shares his experience in Finnish bootcamp, where he dealt with an irresponsible team member who caused a fire and later slept on duty. The incident led to a stressful interrogation but ended with a comedic weapon inspection moment.
Typhoon_Delta tells about a field training exercise where he fell asleep during observation duty. Recon soldiers passed by without noticing him, teaching him a lesson about staying awake in the field.
Artysupport7757 describes a tragic mishap during an artillery exercise that resulted in the death of an infantry officer due to a misfired phosphorus round. The incident led to significant changes in their unit and the end of 81mm mortar use.
Cooked Parasite shares a light-hearted story from his service in the Swedish Armed Forces. During a cold and windy training session, his team had a humorous conversation about food while hanging high up in a tower, creating a memorable bonding moment.
Average_Guy54 recounts his harrowing gas mask training experience. After several failed attempts to seal his mask and multiple exposures to CS gas, it was discovered that his canister was empty, leading to a final successful attempt with a borrowed mask.
Remember to submit your stories at storiesaboutkevin@gmail.com

Episode 11

Welcome to the latest episode of the Stories About Kevin podcast, where we deliver a thrilling mix of tales that range from military mishaps to heartwarming wartime connections. In this episode, we start with a soldier's accidental blunder during a live-fire exercise, adding a humorous twist to the intensity of military life.
We then transport you to the tumultuous times of Iraq in 2003, where a satellite communications technician experiences a life-changing encounter with a Patriot Missile System. This story showcases the unexpected twists of fate that can occur in the midst of war.
Switching gears, we recount the remarkable journey of a World War II ball-turret gunner and the enduring gratitude of a small French town, underscoring the lasting impact of wartime camaraderie.
We also explore the comical side of military terminology and forgetfulness, highlighting the moments of humor that can arise in the armed forces.
And of course, no episode is complete without a Kevin—meet the soldier who defies expectations in amusing ways.
Join us for a brief but captivating dive into these intriguing stories on the Stories About Kevin podcast.
So send your stories into storiesaboutkevinpodcast@gmail.com and you can find out more about the 458th Bombardment Group at https://458bg.com/

Episode 10 -The Disappearance of Peter Mims

Welcome to the latest episode of "Stories about Kevin." In this installment, we embark on a captivating journey into the enigmatic disappearance of Peter Mims, a dedicated sailor aboard the USS Shiloh. Join us as we navigate the murky waters of this perplexing case that left both the crew and Navy officials baffled.
On a routine mission in the Philippine Sea, Peter Mims vanished without a trace, triggering an extensive search and rescue operation by the U.S. Navy's 7th Fleet. But what could compel a highly regarded sailor to conceal himself within the bowels of his own ship? We delve into the theories, the investigation, and the intriguing questions surrounding this eerie maritime enigma.
Before we dive into the heart of the story, we explore the history of the USS Shiloh, a Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser with a rich operational legacy. From its pivotal role in Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm to its participation in international exercises and humanitarian missions, the USS Shiloh embodies the dedication and professionalism of its crew.
The United States Seventh Fleet, often referred to as C7F, plays a pivotal role in modern naval operations across the Indo-Pacific region. Discover its storied history, from World War II to present-day challenges, and its role in shaping contemporary security dynamics.
As we unravel the mystery of Peter Mims' disappearance, we examine the factors that may have contributed to his decision to go into hiding within the USS Shiloh. From personal struggles and fear of consequences to the complex psychology of isolation at sea, his story sheds light on the unique challenges faced by sailors.
The discovery of Peter Mims within the storeroom of the USS Shiloh brought relief, astonishment, and concern among the crew. It also prompted a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding his disappearance, revealing a stark contrast between his professional excellence and personal struggles.
Join us as we explore the complexities of this captivating story and its valuable lessons about the mental and emotional challenges faced by those in military service. Remember, if you ever need help, there are support services available.
If you have your own stories to share or episode suggestions, please reach out to us at storiesaboutkevinpodcast@gmail.com.
Tune in for a thought-provoking episode that delves deep into the unexplained and reminds us of the importance of reaching out and seeking help when needed.

Episode 9

In todays episode, we have a couple of stories:
Our first story is about a soldier who had anger issues and got involved in a violent altercation after a night of heavy drinking. The soldier nearly stabbed another soldier and then had to face, and live to regret, the decision.
Our second tale is a poignant story from a deployment to Balad Airfield during the Iraq War. The narrator describes a heartbreaking incident where a commanding officer, mistook a family for insurgents and opened fire, resulting in the deaths of four innocent civilians. The sender carries the weight of not intervening or speaking up, even though they were a junior enlisted member at the time.
This story revolves around a time when a military camp faced a shortage of food rations, leading the soldiers to take matters into their own hands. They encountered a cow crossing the road and decided to claim it for their own use, along with some chickens. The soldiers then organized a feast around a bonfire, cooking and sharing the meat.
In this story, set in 1989 while the sender was in the Navy, they describe how they were issued uncomfortable flight deck boots. When the boots wore out within a few months due to their demanding duties, the supply clerk refused to issue new boots, citing a six-month policy. The narrator had to resort to creative solutions like wire and duct tape to repair the boots. Eventually, they caught the attention of their squadron's commanding officer, leading to a resolution of the issue. It was later revealed that the supply clerk had been involved in unethical practices.
These stories cover a range of experiences, from humorous and lighthearted incidents to tragic and morally challenging situations within the military. Thank you for sharing them, and if you have any specific questions or further details about any of the stories, please feel free to ask.
Otherwise, send your stories into storiesaboutkevinpodcast@gmail.com and we’ll see you next week!

Episode 8 - DVA Data Breach

In this episode, we discuss a pressing issue surrounding data breaches involving the Australian Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA), the University of South Australia, and the DVA MATES Program. Our aim is to inform you, our audience, about these breaches and the steps you can take to safeguard your privacy and request information.
We believe it's crucial for all of us to exercise our right to submit Freedom of Information Requests to the Department of Veterans Affairs. This enables us to gain access to information about our files and cases, in most cases, within 30 days of submission.
Here are the key points we address in this episode:
We delve into the data breaches, which involve the monthly forwarding of personal details and medical history by DVA to a university in South Australia.
We share our concern over the privacy commissioner's disagreement with DVA regarding the handling of private information.
We highlight the six-year struggle of a veteran who fought to stop DVA from sharing personal information without obtaining consent.
We express our concerns about potential implications and issues arising from data sharing with non-clinical researchers.
We report that DVA suspended the program after a complaint was filed with the University of South Australia's human ethics committee.
We underscore our concerns regarding the security of the data set that DVA shared with the university.
We provide you with clear instructions on how to opt out of the program and request the deletion of your information.
We share contact details for ethics committees at both the University of South Australia and DVA.
We encourage you to file complaints with the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner if your requests are met with refusal.
We want you to be aware that signing a claim form or using a DVA card did not imply consent for data sharing, and we believe this is a breach of your privacy.
Post about the Breach on Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/AustralianMilitary/comments/167tpwg/more_info_on_dvaunisa_breach/
Veterans’ MATES Program Official Page at DVA: https://www.dva.gov.au/get-support/providers/health-programs-and-services-our-clients/medicines/veterans-mates
Veterans’ MATES Official Site: https://www.veteransmates.net.au/
FOIA Overview: https://www.dva.gov.au/about-us/overview/reporting/freedom-information
D8601 – FOI Application Form: https://www.dva.gov.au/about-us/dva-forms/information-access-application-form
Office of the Australian Information Commissioner: https://www.oaic.gov.au/
Opt-Out by emailing privacy.enquiries@dva.gov.au
You can ask uni SA to delete information they have received by emailing mates.comments@unisa.edu.au 
Ethics Committees are: humanethics@unisa.edu.au and DVA ethics committee ddva.hrec@defence.gov.au
You can also ask Uni SA to tell you who they shared your data with at mates.comments@unisa.edu.au and tell them to advise those universities that they must destroy any of the data they have received without consent.
DVA Privacy Breach Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/281742451252436 

Episode 7

In this episode of Stories about Kevin, we have the following stories:
Finnish Army Shenanigans: The first story is from the child of a Finnish Army soldier who recounts a hilarious incident involving their dad. While on duty officer shift, their father discovered two drunk individuals playing with a shot put ball in the barracks' basement, leading to a comical encounter with some unexpected guests.
Australian Soldier's Misadventures: The second story takes us to Afghanistan in 2011, where an Australian soldier is responsible for crucial encryption equipment during a deployment. After a series of mishaps, including the loss of this vital equipment and an incident involving a missing pistol, the soldier's actions have serious consequences for both him and his unit.
Canadian Army Reserve First Day: The third story shares a humorous experience from the Canadian Army Reserve. On the narrator's first day, they were mistaken for a homeless person on the way to training due to their outdated, mismatched uniform. It's a comical introduction to their reserve service.
WWII Medics' Destiny: The fourth story takes us back to WWII, following the journey of the narrator's great-grandfather, a medic stationed in Singapore. He narrowly avoided staying in Singapore, which ultimately fell to Japanese forces. His life afterward was marked by a carefree attitude and a strong belief in destiny.
1980s Army Adventures: The fifth story is set in the US Army in the 1980s and revolves around the senders experiences with a demanding commander. It includes a PT test, an incorrect weigh-in situation, and a humorous incident involving pizza during a tape measurement session.
Cyclone Preparations: The final story centers on cyclone preparations in Darwin, Australia. Soldiers are tasked with securing the compound, which leads to a series of comical missteps, including concerns about fencing and the physics of cyclone winds.
Thankyou for listening, and please, continue to send your stories to storiesaboutkevinpodcast@gmail.com for future episodes.

Episode 6

Hey there, welcome back! I'm really excited to switch things up a bit for this episode and try out a new podcast format. Before we dive in, I want to give a big shoutout to everyone who enjoyed our last couple of episodes. Your support means a lot.
Over the past few weeks, we've received some amazing stories in our inbox, and I want to encourage you all to keep sending more to storiesaboutkevinpodcast@gmail.com
It's fantastic to see the engagement growing!
We have some varied stories today, one from the Federation Guard, one from a Medic, and some more Truckie Stories!
Shifting gears to a more serious note, I stumbled upon a touching story from the Australian War Memorial's collection. It's about Dick Turner, who joined the army at a young age and eventually became a pilot during World War II and the Korean War. His journey is a mix of courage, fear, and growth, with anecdotes that reveal the complexities of wartime experiences.
Before we wrap up, I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to the Australian War Memorial for sharing some incredible resources with me. And I want to remind you all to keep those stories coming – submit them to storiesaboutkevinpodcast@gmail.com
I promise to read each and every one, though I might not get a chance to respond to all of them.
As we head back to our regular weekly schedule, I'm looking forward to featuring more listener stories and digging into historical anecdotes. Stay tuned for more exciting content in the episodes to come!
Todays history story was obtained from: https://anzacportal.dva.gov.au/stories/australians-wartime/nice-easy-shoot-korea
The War Memorial Provided me with the following great link https://www.awm.gov.au/advanced-search?query=humour&library=true