The Lost Art Project: Veterans’ Voices
Mission
The Lost Art Project: Veterans’ Voices is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to recording, preserving, and archiving first-person oral histories from U.S. military veterans across generations. These long-form interviews capture leadership, combat experiences, and personal reflections that rarely appear in official records.
New episodes Daily - Monday thru Friday
Live recordings on Sundays & Thursdays @ 7 PM Central Time
(Facebook, X, YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, LinkedIn)
About the Project
The Lost Art Project: Veterans’ Voices is an independent oral-history initiative dedicated to preserving first-person accounts of U.S. military service, leadership, and veteran life. Through long-form conversations, the project captures unfiltered testimony from service members and veterans across ranks, roles, and generations.
Unlike traditional history podcasts that interpret past events, this project creates primary historical sources by recording lived experience in real time — before memory fades and before stories are lost. With more than 580 recorded episodes, the collection represents one of the most extensive independently produced oral-history archives focused on modern American military and veteran culture.
Episodes are publicly available and preserved to ensure long-term access by families, researchers, educators, and historians. All recordings from The Lost Art Project: Veterans’ Voices, including FireSide Chats, Veteran Stories, and Jarhead Jabber, are being archived with the Marine Corps History Division, ensuring permanent historical preservation.
This work serves not only as a record of individual service, but as documentation of evolving leadership philosophy, unit culture, transition experiences, and the broader social impact of military service in the 21st century. The project exists to ensure these voices are not summarized, edited out, or forgotten — but preserved as they were lived and spoken.
Nonprofit Status
The Lost Art Project: Veterans’ Voices is officially recognized as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
This designation confirms that the project operates exclusively for educational and historical preservation purposes. Contributions are tax-deductible as allowed by law, and all funding directly supports the recording, production, and long-term archiving of veteran oral histories.
Becoming a nonprofit strengthens the project’s sustainability, transparency, and ability to preserve veteran stories at scale.
Two Segments. One Mission.🔥 Segment One: FireSide Chat
The FireSide Chat is a relaxed, conversation-style segment focused on current veteran topics and community impact. These episodes often explore:
• Issues affecting veterans today
• Leadership, resilience, and mindset
• Life after military service
• The importance of community and accountability
A key component of the FireSide Chat is highlighting veteran-owned businesses and organizations. This segment provides exposure to entrepreneurs, nonprofits, and initiatives making a difference within the veteran community and beyond.
🎖 Segment Two: Veteran Stories
Veteran Stories is a one-on-one interview format dedicated entirely to the individual. These episodes walk through the veteran’s life journey, including:
• Background and upbringing
• Decision to serve
• Military experiences and defining moments
• Challenges faced during and after service
• Lessons learned and advice for others
Each story is unique, personal, and preserved in the veteran’s own words.
The goal is simple: capture the story before it’s lost.
Mission
The Lost Art Project: Veterans’ Voices is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to recording, preserving, and archiving first-person oral histories from U.S. military veterans across generations. These long-form interviews capture leadership, combat experiences, and personal reflections that rarely appear in official records.
What We Do
• Record long-form oral history interviews with veterans
• Publish consistently to ensure continuity and reach
• Archive interviews for long-term historical access
• Preserve stories for families, researchers, educators, and future generations
Operational Discipline
• 5 episodes per week, year-round
• 3 Veteran Oral History Interviews
• 2 FireSide Chats (historical context & veteran engagement)
• 580+ episodes recorded to date
• 260 episodes produced annually
Annual Impact
• 156 veteran oral histories preserved each year
• Primary-source historical records created
• Formal archival preservation efforts
Financial Stewardship
Annual operating budget: $75,000
Cost per preserved veteran story: ~$480
Cost per episode overall: ~$288
Donor Impact
$500 preserves one veteran’s story
$1,500 preserves three veteran stories
$6,000 preserves one month of oral histories
$25,000 preserves 50+ veteran stories
Episodes
Feb 4, 2026
Feb 4, 2026
32 min
This episode is a difficult one for me. I had hoped to redo this interview with Jerry Fink, but I never got that chance before he passed away. While the audio isn’t perfect what matters most is that Jerry’s voice and story were preserved.
Jerry Fink, a native of Blackgum, Oklahoma, joined the U.S. Army and served as a Pharmacy Technician. In this episode, he shares growing up in a small Oklahoma town, his decision to serve, and his experiences in uniform and after.
This is Jerry’s veteran story—and it deserves to be heard.
Thank you for listening.
Feb 3, 2026
Feb 3, 2026
2 hr 4 min
🎙️ Tune in as Shieldmaiden tells her veteran story—raw, real, and powerful.From a brutal childhood that led to running away and being kidnapped, to surviving and finding purpose.After being rescued by SWAT, she made a decision that would define her life: serve.She joined the Marine Corps, where she excelled, then went on to become a police officer, working elite roles including SWAT and Sniper.This isn’t just a story—it’s resilience, grit, and refusing to quit.Don’t miss this episode.
TIKTOK handle: shield maiden.990678
SoundCloud: Shieldmaiden
Feb 1, 2026
Feb 1, 2026
1 hr 52 min
🎙️ Tune in with AJ and the Crew for a no-filter conversation.They dig into the hard veteran issues, tell it like it is, and still find time to shoot the shit and laugh along the way.This is real talk—don’t miss today’s episode.Like it. Share it.
Jan 29, 2026
Jan 29, 2026
1 hr 11 min
Tune in for an impactful conversation with the Crew and special guest Tom Smith as we tackle critical veteran issues, including veteran suicide, age-related risk factors, and ways to better engage younger generations. Honest dialogue, real solutions, and the kind of conversation that only happens among those who’ve lived it.
Jan 29, 2026
Jan 29, 2026
1 hr 32 min
Tune in for a fun filled episode. Drew Cox joins AJ Cox for the telling of his story. Drew, like AJ, is a Marine Musician and had his fair share of ceremonies over his career. With a deployment to Afghanistan right before he got out of the Corps he moved on to get a Masters in Music and continue teaching at the collegiate level. Don't miss his unique story.
Jan 28, 2026
Jan 28, 2026
1 hr 57 min
Tune in for Navy veteran and social media influencer, Erik Barden as he shares his veteran story. Having a somewhat troubled past he decided joining the Navy would be best for him to grow up a little. Little did he know that he would indeed do some growing up. As a Corpsman assigned to a Marine Infantry unit he was deployed to Ramadi Iraq at the height of the "Wild West". His time in combat was riddled with the atrocities of war which impacted him as he continued life after his time in the Navy. This is a no holds barred discussion that everyone should see.
Jan 27, 2026
Jan 27, 2026
2 hr 10 min
Tune in for the conclusion of Army Veteran Robin DeLeon as he continues telling his very unique story. He shows that if you care about your subordinates and strive to take care of the individuals that the mission will succeed and usually go beyond just a success. Be sure to tune in for this episode and if you missed part 1 go back and take a look. An amazing story for an amazing soldier.
Jan 25, 2026
Jan 25, 2026
1 hr 25 min
Tune in for an informative discussion with special guest Jim Ulinski and things you need to know for when you expire and your family / friends need to continue on in life. If you need some guidance or would like to see Jim's checklist be sure to reach out to him at ulinski705@gmail.com
This is a must see episode.
Jan 22, 2026
Jan 22, 2026
1 hr 38 min
Tune in for some incredible conversations with AJ, Mike, Jess, and Jim of the crew. If this doesn't motivate you I don't know what will. Be sure to tune in and have a fun time with the crew.
Jan 22, 2026
Jan 22, 2026
1 hr 23 min
Tune in for Alton "Doc" Coleman's veteran story. Coming from a military family where his father was in the Army he understood the military lifestyle and after not doing as well as he needed in college decided to join the Navy to be a Corpsman. Eventually, he found him self becoming an FMF Corpsman serving with Marines. From San Diego to Okinawa Doc learned the ropes of being a Corpsman. After service he spent time as a sheriff and eventually working in sales. His days of service are not over as he serves within the Marine Corps League doing incredible things for his city and state veterans community.
YOUR STORY WILL LIVE ON FOR GENERATIONS TO COME!!!
AJ Has been working with Marine Corps History Division to get all the veteran stories archived in Marine Corps Base Quantico, VA. The Marine Corps History Division keeps records, photos, videos etc. on behalf of the Marine Corps. This means that when you record your story on this podcast, AJ will ensure that it is sent to Marine Corps History Division where your individual story of service and sacrifice will become a part of Marine Corps History.
Don't worry, If you are in a different branch of service AJ will be forwarding your story along to them as well.
AJ hopes this inspires more podcasters to work with historical organizations like the Marine Corps History Division to document and preserve our stories for generations to come. You are now a part of history and when family, generations from now, want to hear about your service they can contact Marine Corps History Division to get a copy of your individual story and hear from you personally about your military service.
EVERY VETERAN DESERVES THEIR STORY TO BE TOLD, RECORDED, AND ARCHIVED.
Don't miss the opportunity to get your individual story recorded and archived at one of the greatest historical organizations, The Marine Corps History Division.
SCHEDULE YOUR RECORDING!!!
https://calendly.com/thelostartwithandrewcox/the-lost-art-with-andrew-cox-podcast-recording
About Andrew Cox
Andrew Cox is a retired United States Marine, musician, and leadership communicator whose career bridges elite military service and civilian impact.
Andrew’s foundation began in music. Raised playing drums in church and school, his talent earned him a scholarship to Oklahoma State University. While studying music, he recognized that his path was not traditional education—but performance, leadership, and service.
That realization led Andrew to audition for the Marine Music Program, where he was selected as a drummer and began a global career performing at the highest levels of diplomacy, ceremony, and military tradition. Over nearly three decades, he served as both a musician and Drum Major, leading Marine bands across the United States, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. His performances included ceremonies for U.S. presidents, members of Congress, heads of state, ambassadors, and senior military leaders worldwide.
Andrew’s service extended far beyond the stage. During a deployment to Iraq, his band was reassigned as a heavy weapons security platoon responsible for protecting the commanding general—demonstrating adaptability under pressure and mission-first leadership. Later, he stepped away from music entirely to serve as a Marine Corps Drill Instructor, Senior Drill Instructor, and Staff Non-Commissioned Officer in Charge of Water Survival Training. In this role, Andrew was formally recognized for exceptional leadership and for saving a recruit’s life during a medical emergency.
Returning to music leadership, Andrew served as Drum Major with multiple Marine Division Bands, leading performances at historic and symbolic locations, including Belleau Wood, and ceremonial events in London for international leaders and Queen Elizabeth II. He concluded his Marine Corps career as the Senior Enlisted Leader at the School of Music, mentoring and developing future leaders for both the Marine Corps and U.S. Navy.
Today, Andrew applies the lessons of military leadership—discipline, teamwork, accountability, and resilience—to civilian life. He is the creator and host of a veteran-focused podcast dedicated to preserving service stories and leadership lessons, the author of The Lost Art of Fishing Stories, and an advocate for bridging the gap between military experience and civilian understanding.
Above all, Andrew believes leadership is not about rank or title—it is about service, responsibility, and leaving people better than you found them. He lives this mission alongside his wife, Karleen, and their two daughters, Madison and Tayla.
VETERAN ORGANIZATIONS / NON-PROFITS THAT HELPS YOU THE VETERAN
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Organization |
Website |
Description |
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AHERO USA |
Healing via outdoor activities |
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Warriors Heart |
PTSD & addiction treatment with equine therapy |
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Wings of Valor Lodge |
Free pheasant hunts for disabled vets |
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Wings of Freedom |
Free pheasant hunts for veterans & first responders |
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Freedom Hunters |
Outdoor adventures for veterans & families |
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Invisible Wounds Project – Hunt 4 Healing |
Fundraising bird hunt for veterans/family mental health |
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The Legacy Hero Hunt |
Paid hunt days with camaraderie for veterans |
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Warriors Never Give Up |
Faith-based outdoor adventures for healing veterans |
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American Corporate Partners (ACP) |
Mentorship for veterans/spouses |
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Hire Heroes USA |
Free job search assistance |
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Farmer Veteran Coalition |
Agriculture careers support & grants |
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Heroic Hearts Project |
Psychedelic-assisted therapy for PTSD |
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K9s for Warriors |
Service dogs for veterans with PTSD/TBI |
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Boot Campaign |
Wellness programs & support for veterans |
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The Mission Continues |
Veteran civic service projects |
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Swords to Plowshares |
Support for homeless veterans in SF Bay Area |
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Brothers In Arms Foundation |
Support for wounded veterans in Florida |
FOR DEPARTING ACTIVE DUTY
DO FIRST
Sign up for mentorship through America’s Corporate Partners (ACP)
https://www.acp-usa.org/mentoring-program/veteran-application
Sign up for a 1-year free LinkedIn Premium subscription for military veterans
https://www.linkedin.com/military
DO SECOND
Sign up for any or all of the following:
Veterati - MENTORS, INFORMATIONAL INTERVIEWS, & CAREER CONNECTIONS
You can never have too many mentors. Even if you sign up for ACP, still sign up and search for
people in the line of work you’d like to get into, set up informational interviews, or even find
connections for work. Less stressful than reaching out to people on LinkedIn since Veterati
uses an open scheduling tool; veterans, military spouses, and even some civilians whom
support the veteran community waiting to speak to you about your questions.
Act Now Education - FREE EDUCATION & CERTS
Provides guidance and tools in areas such as career planning, business development, job
opportunities, certifications, and apprenticeship. Orientations every Saturday at 1300 EST.
Onward2Opportunity (O2O) - FREE EDUCATION & CERTS
With a singular focus on advancing the post-service lives of military veterans and their families,
this program, via Syracuse University and JP Morgan Chase, offers free career training,
entrepreneurship resources, and community support services.
https://ivmf.syracuse.edu/programs/career-training/learning-pathways/
Hiring our Heroes - FREE EDUCATION/CERTS, FELLOWSHIP/SKILLBRIDGE, & CAREER
CONNECTORS
HoH provides access to multiple opportunities for transitioning service members, veterans, and
milspouses. Veterans and Milspouses can gain access to paid fellowship opportunities, which
functions like Skillbridge with different requirements.
https://www.hiringourheroes.org/
https://www.hiringourheroes.org/career-services/cc-general-intake/
(Career Connector for hot jobs with partnered companies)
https://www.hiringourheroes.org/career-services/fellowships/
(Skillbridge/Fellowship Opportunities)
FourBlock - CAREER READINESS
12 week curriculum in partnership with Columbia University to support you in developing your
professional skills and building meaningful relationships with the right people who can open
pathways to the best career options for you. Partnered with top companies like PwC, Deloitte,
Verizon, USAA, Wells Fargo, and many more. While no paid fellowships are available, 84% of
cohort members successfully secure an internship or full-time position at the company or
industry of their choice and remain there for more than a year, with an average starting base
salary of $100,272 [based on FA21, SP22, SU22 follow-up data].
50Strong - EMPLOYER NETWORKING
Provides virtual networking events directly with recruiters from top-rated, military-friendly
employers specifically looking to hire military veterans and spouses. Unlike most virtual
employer events, these are on-camera events where you have the opportunity to directly speak
with, and connect with, recruiters to identify potential opportunities and fit.
Salesforce Trailhead Military - FREE SALESFORCE CERTS & CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
Trailhead Military is a self-paced training program that focuses on credentials and certifications
for critical Salesforce roles like admin or developer. This program is available to all active duty
personnel, reserve, guard, veterans, and military spouses. Through this online community, we
connect members to free training, classes, and career opportunities within the Salesforce
ecosystem.
https://veterans.my.site.com/s/
HireHeroes USA - MULTIPLE SERVICES
HHUSA provides a platform with access to resume writing assistance, mock interviews, career
coaching, mentoring, a job board with vetted listings, and more.
https://www.hireheroesusa.org/
Vets2Industry - NETWORKING AND RESOURCES
Free resource library for active, guard, reserve, veteran, military-spouse, dependent children,
Blue-Star & Gold-Star Families, and caregivers. Monthly networking event to connect directly
with other veterans and military families, as well as recruiters from military-friendly employers
https://vets2industry.org/
Candorful - FREE INTERVIEW PREP
Candorful provides 3 free mock interviews with real people to help you get actual interview
practice. You can complete more than 3 interviews, they just kindly ask for a donation if you
value their services.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Hilton Honors Military Program - FREE HOTEL FOR INTERVIEWS
Partnered with the National Association of State Workforce Agencies, and available in 31
states, Hilton offers 100,000 hotel points to transitioning service members, veterans, and other
eligible personnel to attend job interviews, job training, or pre-employment testing.
https://www.naswa.org/partnerships/hilton-honors
Recruit Military - RECRUITING COMPANY
Military-to-civilian recruiting company that connects military veterans, transitioning military
service members, and their spouses with employment opportunities.
Corporate Gray - CAREER CONNECTOR
Their Military-to-Civilian Transition Guide leads transitioning service member through each step
of the military-to-civilian career transition process, from self-assessment to resume writing to
networking to salary negotiation.
https://www.corporategray.com/welcome
Coalition to Salute Americas Heroes - EMERGENCY FINANCIAL AID AND EMPLOYMENT
Nonprofit dedicated to providing aid and assistance to wounded veterans and families of
Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Iraqi Freedom, and Operation New Dawn.
Skillsyncer - RESUME EDITING TOOL
Grades your resume against a job description to help improve your ATS matching
PLEASE REFER TO THE
FOLLOWING LINK FOR NEARLY 500 DIFFERENT ORGANIZATIONS PROVIDING
VETERAN RESOURCES:
https://vets2industry.org/resource-library/