Listen to 'War Stories' podcast from Des Moines Storytellers Project
Mackenzie RyanI once heard a four-star general say that the difference between a regular story and a war story is how they start.
A typical story might begin, "Once upon a time ..."
While a war story starts with, "Oh s---, there I was ..."
Six military members and veterans from Iowa recently took the Des Moines Storytellers stage.
They didn't share speeches or talking points — instead, they shared true, first-person stories about their military service.
Their stories cross generations, from serving in Vietnam to Afghanistan, from arriving at basic training to connecting with older veterans.
They also explore the range of emotions and events wearing a U.S. military uniform can bring.
Regardless of their rank, branch or experiences, there's a uniting thread woven through their service.
"War Stories" is now available on the Des Moines Storytellers' podcast, which can be found for free on iTunes and Stitcher.
Stories will also air on Mediacom's statewide channel, MC22, throughout the month.
Brian Lenz:45 years later, opening up about being a Vietnam veteran
Lenz, a retired Air Force fuels officer, was on the last flight out of Vietnam in 1973. He hasn’t spoken about his deployment since.
About Brian: Brian Lenz is a retired Air Force lieutenant colonel who became an environmental scientist. He jokingly says he polluted the environment and then had to clean it up. He and his wife enjoy entertaining, spoiling their dog, and supporting local restaurants — but apparently not enough to keep them all open.
Jodi Marti: Crossing cultures in Afghanistan
Maj. Jodi Marti joined the Iowa Army National Guard — and led the first female engagement team in Afghanistan.
About Jodi: Jodi Marti is a major in the Iowa Army National Guard. She was born and raised in Adair and still has family there. She loves to travel and has been to four different continents and more than 15 countries. She currently lives in Knoxville with her husband, youngest son, two Irish wolfhounds and a stray dog from Kosovo.
Miranda Pleggenkuhle:Sisters, soldiers, stronger
Joining the Iowa National Guard to pay for college, 1st Lt. Miranda Pleggenkuhle’s perspective is transformed when her younger sister joins, too.
About Miranda: Miranda Pleggenkuhle is originally from Fredericksburg in northeast Iowa. She works full time on Camp Dodge as a training officer, and serves in the Iowa Army National Guard along with her four younger sisters.
Sara Maniscalco Robinson: How I came to share veteran stories
Joining the military is family tradition. But it wasn’t until 1st Sgt. Sara Maniscalco Robinson volunteered for a military museum that she realized her calling.
About Sara: Sara Maniscalco Robinson is a first sergeant, a wife, a mom, a sister, a daughter and a veteran. She is also the founder of The Iowa Veterans’ Perspective. Her mission is to raise awareness about veteran specific issues in our community. She works with local students to records and preserve our nations history through the eyes and stories of our military veterans.
James Suong:From refuge to soldier
Before immigrating to America, he spent some of his youth in a Cambodian child labor camp. Here’s why Staff Sgt. James Suong decided to serve.
About James: James Suong serves as a staff sergeant in the Iowa National Guard’s 671st Troop Command. Before immigrating to America, he spent some of his youth in a Cambodian child labor camp. He joined the Guard in 1996 to protect others from the horrific things he saw there. He lives in Des Moines with his wife, Khem, and has a son and daughter.
Larry Wohlgemuth:Boot camp shenanigans
He signed on the dotted line, but Larry Wohlgemuth had no idea what he was to come. An honorably discharged airman 1st class reflects on his time in boot camp.
About Larry: Larry Wohlgemuth has been a student, an athlete, a husband, a father, a salesman and a manager. As his finale, he uses his wordsmithing skills as a purveyor of hope. Failing that, he’s good for a few laughs.
Season Tickets
Season tickets, which start at $60, are on sale now at DesMoinesRegister.com/Storytellers, by phone at 1-800-745-3000 or at the Hoyt Sherman Place box office, 1501 Woodland Ave., Des Moines.
All shows will start at 7 p.m. on Tuesdays, and there will be only one show per evening. Your ticket will include a reserved seat, so no more having to save seats or rushing around to arrive early.
Tickets for individual shows will be available starting at 10 a.m. Dec. 13.
The 2019 themes:
- Love in the Modern World: The messy world of dating, marriage and "singledom" (Feb. 12)
- My Great Adventure: Wanderlust, taking a leap and getting away (April 23)
- On Second Thought: Ideas reconsidered and lessons learned (June 18)
- My First Time: The awkward enlightenment of coming of age (Aug. 20)
- True Tall Tales: Stories so bizarre and mysterious they have to be true (Oct. 29)
- Holiday Spectacular: Family, faith and reasons we gather at the end of the year (Dec. 17)
Become a teller
The Des Moines Storytellers Project strongly believes that everyone HAS a story and everyone CAN tell it. None of the storytellers who take our stage are professionals. They are your neighbors, friends or co-workers, and they are coached to tell by Register journalists.
Want to tell your story at one of our upcoming Storytellers Project events? Read our guidelines and submit a story by clicking "Speak" at DesMoinesRegister.com/Storytellers.
Contact storytelling@dmreg.com for more information.
Visit the Storytellers store
Embrace local storytelling with our new notebooks, mugs and apparel, available online in different colors. Order at ShopDMRegister.com/Storytellers.
Hear past storytellers
WATCH: Mediacom rebroadcasts stories from the most recent show on MC22 periodically; check local listings for times.
LISTEN: Check out the Des Moines Storytellers podcast, which is available on iTunes and Stitcher.
ONLINE: Videos from this and other Storytellers events can be found at DesMoinesRegister.com/Storytellers under "Watch & Listen."