Preserving Veteran Stories with Lt. Col. David Kelly
Thu Jan 29 2026
In this episode, retired Marine Lieutenant Colonel David E. Kelly shares a powerful behind-the-scenes look at modern warfare through the stories of the Marines he interviewed in Iraq. Drawing from his work with the Marine Corps Field History Unit, Kelly explains why preserving firsthand accounts of service members matters. From Fallujah to Husaybah, this conversation explores brotherhood, leadership under pressure, and the unseen emotional weight service members carry long after deployment.
Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
David Kelly’s unique role in documenting Marines’ storiesThe importance of preserving war stories for military and civilian audiencesThe weight of leadership carried by young Marines in high-stakes environmentsThe deep bond of brotherhood formed in combat and its lasting impactPost-deployment stress and the challenge of returning to everyday life0:00 – Intro
4:32 – David’s books
5:38 – The Marine Corps Field History Unit
7:36 – First Fights in Fallujah
11:44 – Post-deployment stress & life after war
16:46 – Final thoughts
David Kelly
Learn more about David HERE
EPISODE LINKS
Hell in the Streets of Husaybah:
https://www.amazon.com/Hell-Streets-Husaybah-Battalion-Marines/dp/1636241506
First Fights in Fallujah:
https://www.amazon.com/First-Fights-Fallujah-Operation-Vigilant/dp/1636243185
Eight-Wheeled Warriors and Grunts:
https://www.amazon.com/Eight-Wheeled-Warriors-Grunts-Infantry-Operations/dp/1636244920
EPISODE RESOURCES
Need immediate help? Contact the Veterans Crisis Line via phone, text or online chat. Dial 988 then Press 1 or text 838255 or use the online chat at https://bit.ly/3OunXzg
Voice & Vision: https://bit.ly/3miwFoy
CompeerCORPS: https://bit.ly/3GgKryU
Information on how to apply for VA Healthcare Benefits from anywhere in the USA: https://bit.ly/40PtrrN or call 877-222-8387 (M-F 8am-8pm EST)
To apply for veteran’s benefits and find resources in Pennsylvania veterans need to contact their County Office of Veterans Affairs as listed in this document: https://bit.ly/3m8PBWS
View more about PA’s resources for veterans: https://bit.ly/416cf0Q
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In this episode, retired Marine Lieutenant Colonel David E. Kelly shares a powerful behind-the-scenes look at modern warfare through the stories of the Marines he interviewed in Iraq. Drawing from his work with the Marine Corps Field History Unit, Kelly explains why preserving firsthand accounts of service members matters. From Fallujah to Husaybah, this conversation explores brotherhood, leadership under pressure, and the unseen emotional weight service members carry long after deployment. Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: David Kelly’s unique role in documenting Marines’ storiesThe importance of preserving war stories for military and civilian audiencesThe weight of leadership carried by young Marines in high-stakes environmentsThe deep bond of brotherhood formed in combat and its lasting impactPost-deployment stress and the challenge of returning to everyday life0:00 – Intro 4:32 – David’s books 5:38 – The Marine Corps Field History Unit 7:36 – First Fights in Fallujah 11:44 – Post-deployment stress & life after war 16:46 – Final thoughts David Kelly Learn more about David HERE EPISODE LINKS Hell in the Streets of Husaybah: https://www.amazon.com/Hell-Streets-Husaybah-Battalion-Marines/dp/1636241506 First Fights in Fallujah: https://www.amazon.com/First-Fights-Fallujah-Operation-Vigilant/dp/1636243185 Eight-Wheeled Warriors and Grunts: https://www.amazon.com/Eight-Wheeled-Warriors-Grunts-Infantry-Operations/dp/1636244920 EPISODE RESOURCES Need immediate help? Contact the Veterans Crisis Line via phone, text or online chat. Dial 988 then Press 1 or text 838255 or use the online chat at https://bit.ly/3OunXzg Voice & Vision: https://bit.ly/3miwFoy CompeerCORPS: https://bit.ly/3GgKryU Information on how to apply for VA Healthcare Benefits from anywhere in the USA: https://bit.ly/40PtrrN or call 877-222-8387 (M-F 8am-8pm EST) To apply for veteran’s benefits and find resources in Pennsylvania veterans need to contact their County Office of Veterans Affairs as listed in this document: https://bit.ly/3m8PBWS View more about PA’s resources for veterans: https://bit.ly/416cf0Q