The Lost Art Project: Veterans’ Voices

Interviewed by Historical Archivist Dee Galvin
For the first time on The Lost Art Project: Veterans' Voices, one of our Historical Archivists takes the lead behind the microphone. Dee Galvin sits down with Marine Corps combat veteran Tony Johnson for an authentic conversation that captures a lifetime of service, sacrifice, and perseverance.
Tony shares how growing up in San Antonio, Texas, and learning the value of hard work from his father helped shape the man who would eventually earn the title of United States Marine. Throughout his career, he served in demanding assignments, trained on heavy weapons systems, prepared for Drill Instructor School before being redirected to combat operations in Iraq, and reflects on the realities of deployment, combat, leadership, and the bonds forged through military service.
The conversation doesn't stop when the uniform comes off. Tony also speaks openly about life after retirement, living with PTSD, and how he now uses his own experiences to help fellow veterans through peer support and group therapy. His message is one of resilience, healing, and continuing to serve long after active duty has ended.
This episode also marks an important milestone for The Lost Art Project as Historical Archivist Dee Galvin conducts her very first preservation interview, helping fulfill our mission of ensuring every veteran's story is professionally recorded and preserved for future generations.
Because every veteran has a story. Every story deserves to be remembered.
Preserving Voices. Protecting Legacies.

Growing up in a Marine Corps family in New Orleans, Beau Higgins was surrounded by stories of service long before he ever wore the uniform himself. After attending the University of Virginia and searching for direction during his senior year, a chance conversation with a Marine Corps recruiter changed the course of his life. What began as a plan to serve a single enlistment turned into a remarkable 25-year Marine Corps career.
In this episode, Beau shares the lessons he learned as a Marine officer, the transition from The Basic School into the Fleet Marine Force, and the leadership experiences that shaped him throughout his career. He also reflects on multiple combat and operational deployments to Iraq, Afghanistan, Bosnia, and Somalia, offering a candid look at the realities of serving in some of the world's most challenging environments and the lasting impressions those experiences left on him.
From stories of growing up with Marine Corps traditions to leading Marines across the globe, Beau's journey is one of service, leadership, humility, and a deep appreciation for those who wore the uniform beside him. Don't miss this outstanding conversation as we preserve another piece of our nation's military history—one veteran's story at a time.
Preserving Voices. Protecting Legacies. 🇺🇸

In the final installment of his remarkable story, 101-year-old WWII Air Force veteran Robert Weber reflects on the lessons learned from a lifetime of service, hard work, self-discipline, and family. He shares timeless advice for future generations, discusses the importance of financial responsibility and perseverance, and looks back on the accomplishments that have meant the most to him—including 76 years of marriage and five generations of family. Join us as we conclude this unforgettable conversation with a member of America's Greatest Generation whose wisdom is as inspiring as his service.
 
 

Join AJ and Jess for another live evening of laughs, stories, and conversations you won't find anywhere else. From military memories and updates on The Lost Art Project: Veterans' Voices.
We also share exciting progress on our growing Veterans' Voices Research Portal, the new searchable archive that is making hundreds of veteran stories easier than ever to discover, while discussing the future of preserving military history one conversation at a time.
Whether you're a veteran, currently serving, a military family member, or simply someone who enjoys good conversation and great company, pull up a chair and join us around the virtual campfire.

🔥 Tonight we celebrate an incredible milestone—Episode #700 of The Lost Art Project: Veterans' Voices! Join AJ, Jess, and Mark around the fire as they reflect on the journey to 700 episodes, share behind-the-scenes stories, favorite memories, and discuss what's next for the archive. More than 350 veterans have trusted us with preserving their stories, and this milestone belongs to every guest, listener, supporter, and volunteer who has made this mission possible. Grab a seat around the fire and help us celebrate 700 episodes of preserving voices and protecting legacies. We'll see you tonight! 🇺🇸🔥

Growing up in Gloucester, England, Matt Okuhara never imagined his military journey would take him from the British Army Reserve to deployment in Iraq, commissioning as an officer, and eventually working in the United Kingdom's Civil Nuclear Constabulary. In this episode, Matt shares what it's like to serve in the British military, explains the similarities and differences between the U.S. and British armed forces, and reflects on the leadership lessons he learned through combat, military service, and his transition into law enforcement. Don't miss this fascinating international perspective on service, leadership, and life after the military.
Basra and Back: The Memoir of an Unlikely Infantryman in the Iraq War
https://www.amazon.com/dp/1036129659?lv=shuf&channelId=500&plpRedirect=mhFallback
 

In Part 2 of his story, General James "Jim" Lukeman reflects on the leadership lessons that shaped his remarkable 40-year Marine Corps career. From deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan to serving alongside legendary Marine leaders like Generals James Mattis and James Conway, Jim shares stories of command, combat, and the importance of leading with humility and respect. He also offers timeless advice for the next generation of leaders and reflects on a lifetime of service to the Marine Corps. Don't miss the conclusion of this outstanding conversation with one of the Corps' most respected leaders.

Growing up as the son of a Marine who would retire as a Lieutenant General, Jim Lukeman experienced the Marine Corps long before he ever earned the title himself. After graduating from the University of Notre Dame and commissioning in 1980, what was supposed to be a four-year commitment turned into an incredible 40-year career.
In Part 1, Jim shares stories from his childhood, ROTC, becoming a Marine officer, and his early assignments—including serving in Europe during Operation Desert Storm. Join us as we begin the remarkable journey of one of the Marine Corps' most respected leaders.
 

🔥 FireSide Chat with the Crew! 🔥
Join AJ, Mark, Vick, Jess, and Stevo for another night around the FireSide! The crew gets together for good conversation, plenty of laughs, stories, opinions, and probably a little friendly trash talking along the way.
There’s no script and no telling where the conversation will go—that’s what makes the FireSide Chat what it is. Just veterans and friends getting together, talking about life, current events, military memories, and whatever else comes up.
Grab a drink, pull up a chair, and join AJ, Mark, Vick, Jess, and Stevo for another great night with the crew!
🇺🇸 Preserving Voices. Protecting Legacies.

🇺🇸 Marine Veteran Jamar Jackson joined the Marine Corps during the Desert Storm era, looking for something more than the daily grind of working hard in Oakland. He wanted to build a better future for himself and stay away from the things that could have easily taken his life in a different direction.
During his time in the Marine Corps, Jamar was fortunate to have incredible mentors and leaders who taught him lessons that would stay with him for life—the importance of saving, investing, taking calculated risks, and having the courage to try something new.
Jamar took those lessons, combined them with the drive and determination he gained in the Marine Corps, and built an incredible story of success in the civilian world. As an entrepreneur, he explored opportunities ranging from real estate investments to computers before eventually finding his niche in the financial markets and becoming a successful stock market trader.
But Jamar’s story isn’t only about personal success. Today, he is using what he has learned to help fellow veterans discover greater financial freedom. Through his nonprofit work and trading platform, he provides veterans interested in the stock market with an opportunity to watch and learn from trading in real time.
He has also taken his commitment to serving veterans into the world of technology, developing an AI-powered app designed to provide veterans with additional guidance and support as they navigate the VA benefits process.
From the streets of Oakland, to the Marine Corps, to entrepreneurship, investing, technology, and giving back to the veteran community—Jamar Jackson’s journey is a story of mentorship, determination, adaptability, and success.
🎙️ Don’t miss this incredible story of a Marine who took the lessons he learned in uniform and turned them into a mission to help others build a better future.
Preserving Voices. Protecting Legacies.