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
Jul 6, 2026
Jul 6, 2026
1hr 4 min
🔥 FireSide Chat w/ the Crew! 🔥
Join AJ, Mark, Mike, Vick, Aaron, and Jess for another fun-filled FireSide Chat with the Crew!
Tonight, the Crew talks about how everyone spent their Independence Day celebrations before taking the conversation across the Atlantic to share stories and experiences from their time in different European countries. 🇺🇸🌍
As always, the conversation goes in a few unexpected directions, the stories get better as the night goes on, and there are plenty of laughs along the way.
Grab your favorite drink, pull up a chair, and hang out with the Crew for a relaxed night of stories, memories, friendly banter, and a whole lot of fun.
Preserving Voices. Protecting Legacies.
Jul 3, 2026
Jul 3, 2026
1hr 42 min
Tune in for Part 2 of our Independence Day Celebration, packed with powerful stories, great conversation, and live music! 🇺🇸
Join us as we visit with 101-year-old World War II Air Force veteran Robert Weber, hear from The Crew and SteveO about what America and 250 years of independence mean to them, and sit down with Dave Munson, founder of Saddleback Leather Co., whose company has generously supported The Lost Art Project by donating one of its incredible Flight Bags to our quarterly fundraising raffle.
We close out the celebration with a special musical performance by Marine veteran and San Antonio musician Lynnwood King. This episode brings together generations of service, sacrifice, patriotism, conversation, and music in celebration of America’s 250th Independence Day. 🇺🇸🎶
Preserving Voices. Protecting Legacies.
Jul 3, 2026
Jul 3, 2026
1hr 29 min
Tune in for Part 1 of our Independence Day Celebration, featuring a special performance by the Quantico Marine Band! 🇺🇸🎶
Watch as these talented Marine musicians take the stage aboard Marine Corps Base Quantico and deliver an incredible rock band performance for the Marines and families stationed there. It’s a celebration of service, family, freedom, and 250 years of American independence—Marine Corps style!
Turn it up, celebrate America, and enjoy the show! 🇺🇸🎸🥁
Jun 30, 2026
Jun 30, 2026
1hr 51 min
Tune in for Army veteran Jim Whaley as he shares the incredible story of his 20-year Army career as a helicopter pilot and instructor pilot. Spending much of his military career overseas, Jim's service became a family journey, with two of his three children born while stationed abroad.
Today, Jim continues his mission of service as the CEO of Mission Roll Call, a nonpartisan nonprofit organization dedicated to ensuring the voices of veterans and their families are heard by policymakers through nationwide surveys, advocacy, and research. Mission Roll Call works to identify the issues veterans care about most—from healthcare and mental health to housing and quality of life—and uses that data to drive meaningful change.
Don't miss this inspiring conversation as Jim reflects on his Army career, his transition from military service, and how he's continuing to make a difference for veterans across America through Mission Roll Call.
Jun 28, 2026
Jun 28, 2026
1hr 5 min
Join us tonight for another great FireSide Chat with AJ Cox, Mark O'Loughlin, Mike McNany, and Jess Kindelspire as they gather around to talk veterans, military history, current projects, and whatever conversations unfold along the way.
From preserving the stories of America's veterans to sharing laughs, insights, and behind-the-scenes updates from The Lost Art Project: Veterans' Voices, you never know where the discussion will lead. Grab your favorite drink, join the conversation in the comments, and spend the evening with friends who are passionate about honoring those who served.
Preserving Voices. Protecting Legacies.
Jun 25, 2026
Jun 25, 2026
1hr 1 min
Tune in tonight for another FireSide Chat with AJ and the Crew as we welcome our special guests from FOCUS Marines Foundation w/ Jennifer Jefferson, Brian Jaffe, and Nick Popaditch!
Founded by Marines for Marines, FOCUS Marines has been changing lives since 2010 through a unique seven-day program designed to help veterans navigate the challenges of transitioning from military to civilian life. The program provides practical tools, mentorship, and ongoing support to help veterans facing issues such as anxiety, depression, isolation, relationship struggles, and loss of purpose—all at no cost to participants. To date, more than 1,160 veterans have completed the program and found a renewed sense of direction and purpose.
Join us as we learn more about this incredible organization, hear how they're making a difference in the lives of veterans, and discuss the importance of veterans helping veterans.
🇺🇸 Preserving Voices. Protecting Legacies.
Don't miss this inspiring conversation!
focusmarines.org
Jun 24, 2026
Jun 24, 2026
46 min
Army Veteran Ronald Kelly joined the Army as a combat engineer, but once he arrived in Vietnam, he quickly learned that war rarely goes according to plan. Assigned to security missions and other duties far beyond his primary job, Ronald experienced firsthand the realities of life in a combat zone. The war became deeply personal when his best friend was killed, leaving a lasting impact that he carried long after returning home.
After his service, Ronald returned to Oklahoma, where he built a life beyond the battlefield while never forgetting the sacrifices made by those who served alongside him. In this powerful Veteran Story, Ronald reflects on duty, loss, resilience, and the lessons learned during one of America's most challenging conflicts.
Preserve Honor. Inspire Future Generations.The Lost Art Project: Veterans' Voices – Preserving history one veteran story at a time.
Jun 23, 2026
Jun 23, 2026
2hr 3 min
Tune in for Part 2 of our conversation with World War II Army Air Forces veteran Robert Weber. After returning home from the war, Robert reunited with his sweetheart and set out to build a life through hard work and determination. Through dedication and an entrepreneurial spirit, he earned enough money to purchase a farm, where he found creative and innovative ways to make a living and provide for his family.
Robert's story is a remarkable example of the resilience, resourcefulness, and work ethic that defined the Greatest Generation. This is an inspiring episode you won't want to miss.
Preserving history one veteran story at a time. 🇺🇸🎙️
Jun 21, 2026
Jun 21, 2026
1hr 14 min
🔥 FireSide Chat with the Crew – Tonight Live! 🔥
Join us tonight for another exciting FireSide Chat with the Crew as AJ Cox, Mark O'Loughlin, Aaron Davis, Mike McNany, and Jess Kindelspire come together for an evening of conversation, camaraderie, and plenty of laughs.
We'll be discussing current events affecting veterans, sharing stories and experiences, highlighting organizations making a difference in the veteran community, and covering a variety of topics that matter to those who have served. As always, the conversation is unscripted, interactive, and driven by the perspectives of our incredible panel.
Whether you're a veteran, active-duty service member, family member, or supporter, pull up a chair and join us by the fire for a great discussion.
Featuring:
AJ Cox
Mark O'Loughlin
Aaron Davis
Mike McNany
Jess Kindelspire
Preserving history one veteran story at a time. 🇺🇸🎙️🔥
Jun 19, 2026
Jun 19, 2026
1hr 29 min
Join us tonight as we welcome Steve Williams, host of the "Story Time with Stevo" Podcast, for an engaging conversation about storytelling, podcasting, life experiences, and the power of preserving personal histories.
At The Lost Art Project: Veterans' Voices, we believe that every story matters. Tonight, Steve will share his journey as a podcaster, the inspiration behind Story Time with Stevo, memorable moments from his show, and why authentic conversations continue to connect people from all walks of life.
As always, FireSide Chat w/ the Crew is a relaxed, interactive discussion where our audience can join the conversation, ask questions, and enjoy an evening of great stories and fellowship.
Grab your favorite beverage, pull up a chair by the virtual campfire, and join us for an evening of conversation with Steve Williams from Story Time with Stevo.
Preserving history one veteran story at a time.
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/