This is the VIC 4 VETS, Honored Veteran, during Veterans Month in America.

SUBMITTED BY:  Steve Shaw of the band Cottonwood Gunners

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Hello Vic and Ken,

I would like to submit a story about my great Uncle Charlie Payer. Charlie was my father's favorite uncle as a patient, wonderful uncle who would always take him fishing. Charlie quit high school, lied about his age and enlisted in the Army - Private First Class. He was seventeen when he was shipped to Europe and eventually the Ardennes region where he fought in the Battle fo the Bulge. 

Sadly when Charlie returned home he attempted suicide twice - he once threw himself off a Highway 44 overpass and he also attempted to kill himself with a shotgun that caved in the left side of his face. I only remember Charlie when I was a young boy and I was scared of him because he was a huge man and the injury to his face scared me. After he had passed away and my father told me the stories, I wish I had known. He was extremely quiet and humble and would never talk about the war. Obviously the things he experienced as a 17 year old had profound effects on him that he struggled with his whole life - although he quietly went about working at a factory until retirement and passing away at 68.

Sincerely Steve Shaw Cottonwood Gunners

PS: My band Cottonwood Gunners is committed to Veteran's causes and we often write songs honoring them. I have at least one relative who saw action in every war since World War 1. We host a benefit every year to raise money for veterans causes - last year it was for Got Your Six Service Dogs.I would love to send you more info and to offer our services at any time for vet's causes.
One quick look at our Facebook shows our commitment: 

And you are welcome to use any music for bumpers - this one about the Bootheel of Missouri and a veteran family:

Much appreciate your consideration. 

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This is today’s VIC 4 VETS, Honored Veteran, during Veterans Month in America on NewsTalkSTL.

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