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On this episode of Our American Stories, John Defoore went to war at nineteen. He returned, raised a family, and lived through more change than most people see in two lifetimes. When he sat down with us at 103, he looked back on what had stayed with him. Some memories had softened with age, while others hadn’t moved at all. When he passed away in 2024 at 105, he left behind a story about time, memory, and what it means to live with history.

Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate) 

On this episode of Our American Stories, John Defoore went to war at nineteen. He returned, raised a family, and lived through more change than most people see in two lifetimes. When he sat down with us at 103, he looked back on what had stayed with him. Some memories had softened with age, while others hadn&rsquo;t moved at all. When he passed away in 2024 at 105, he left behind a story about time, memory, and what it means to live with history.
Support the show (<a href="https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)">https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)</a>&nbsp;

Our American Stories tells stories that aren’t being told. Positive stories about generosity and courage, resilience and redemption, faith and love. Stories about the past and present. And stories about ordinary Americans who do extraordinary things each and every day. Stories from our listeners about their lives. And their history. In that pursuit, we hope we’ll be a place where listeners can refresh their spirit, and be inspired by our stories.

Our American Stories

Our American Stories tells stories that aren’t being told. Positive stories about generosity and courage, resilience and redemption, faith and love. Stories about the past and present. And stories about ordinary Americans who do extraordinary things each and every day. Stories from our listeners about their lives. And their history. In that pursuit, we hope we’ll be a place where listeners can refresh their spirit and be inspired by our stories.

Our American Stories tells stories that aren&rsquo;t being told. Positive stories about generosity and courage, resilience and redemption, faith and love. Stories about the past and present. And stories about ordinary Americans who do extraordinary things each and every day. Stories from our listeners about their lives. And their history. In that pursuit, we hope we&rsquo;ll be a place where listeners can refresh their spirit and be inspired by our stories.

Remembering John Defoore, a WWII Veteran Who Lived to 105

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/a9624afc-cc02-4fdb-ad21-b333014f59aa/transcript

On this episode of Our American Stories, Wally Soplata shares the story of his father, Walter, a union carpenter who quietly saved rare World War II aircraft by storing them in his own backyard. With little money but endless determination, Walter rescued fighters, bombers, and even jet aircraft that were destined for scrap.

From hauling planes across state lines with a bus, to preserving a B-25 bomber that would later fly again, this is a story that could only happen in America. Wally is the author of The B-25 in the Backyard, the book that chronicles his father’s remarkable mission to save history.

Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)

On this episode of Our American Stories, Wally Soplata shares the story of his father, Walter, a union carpenter who quietly saved rare World War II aircraft by storing them in his own backyard. With little money but endless determination, Walter rescued fighters, bombers, and even jet aircraft that were destined for scrap. From hauling planes across state lines with a bus, to preserving a B-25 bomber that would later fly again, this is a story that could only happen in America. Wally is the author of&nbsp;<a href="https://nam04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FB-25-Backyard-Historic-Airplane-Sanctuary%2Fdp%2F1476680663%2Fref%3Dsr_1_1%3Fadgrpid%3D187232410238%26dib%3DeyJ2IjoiMSJ9.zVMI9F2rs21BzIw7wf5JF5gBn_rHYEJf9aRF5hYK0rbLkHsluBmL-Z7tm9XWU9AX.Mozt8EwqDPiybaCFuQUE8pd1IxFu9KJ0OeB6AaiRN7s%26dib_tag%3Dse%26hvadid%3D779546479617%26hvdev%3Dc%26hvexpln%3D0%26hvlocphy%3D9013748%26hvnetw%3Dg%26hvocijid%3D17607414835011507505--%26hvqmt%3De%26hvrand%3D17607414835011507505%26hvtargid%3Dkwd-2011192627837%26hydadcr%3D8980_13875652_2323119%26keywords%3Db-25%2Bin%2Bthe%2Bbackyard%26mcid%3Dfb5907e64eb532acabe43ba0a7bedc00%26qid%3D1770069818%26sr%3D8-1&amp;data=05%7C02%7CUraelBlackshear%40iheartmedia.com%7C9b9c55164e484e844d5508de62a7c792%7C122a527e5b714eba878d9810b495b9e3%7C0%7C0%7C639056669924897250%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=6lVZHZcIZvb43Um3nxjXkc4fFhZFDJgPMoBSbsbZiTA%3D&amp;reserved=0" data-auth="NotApplicable" data-linkindex="4">The B-25 in the Backyard</a>, the book that chronicles his father&rsquo;s remarkable mission to save history.
Support the show (<a href="https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)">https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)</a>

The Man Who Collected WWII Warplanes in His Backyard

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/d306cbf5-b010-454e-b0ed-b3e6015e9c73/transcript

On this episode of Our American Stories, teacher and World War II history buff Anne Claire shares the story of how Bremerton became a vital center of America’s wartime buildup. Home to the Bremerton Naval Yard, the town transformed almost overnight as the nation prepared for global conflict.

After Pearl Harbor, damaged battleships from the Pacific Fleet were rushed to Bremerton, where workers labored around the clock to repair and return them to combat. The story of Bremerton is a powerful example of how small towns and civilian workers helped turn the United States into the Arsenal of Democracy during World War II.

Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)

On this episode of Our American Stories, teacher and World War II history buff Anne Claire shares the story of how Bremerton became a vital center of America&rsquo;s wartime buildup. Home to the Bremerton Naval Yard, the town transformed almost overnight as the nation prepared for global conflict. After Pearl Harbor, damaged battleships from the Pacific Fleet were rushed to Bremerton, where workers labored around the clock to repair and return them to combat. The story of Bremerton is a powerful example of how small towns and civilian workers helped turn the United States into the Arsenal of Democracy during World War II.
Support the show (<a href="https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)">https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)</a>

How a Small Washington Town Helped Win World War II

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/bd23a9c0-f83b-440f-ba68-b3e6015e9c73/transcript

On this episode of Our American Stories, Christina Dent shares how becoming a foster mother in Jackson, Mississippi challenged everything she believed about addiction, crime, and motherhood. Growing up amid violence and uncertainty, she once saw being tough on crime as the only path to safer communities.

That worldview changed when a newborn entered her home and she later met his mother, a woman battling addiction but deeply devoted to her child. Through their encounters, Christina came to see addiction not as a moral failing, but as a complex human crisis with consequences for families and children alike. It’s a story about foster care, compassion, and how one relationship can change a life.

Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)

On this episode of Our American Stories, Christina Dent shares how becoming a foster mother in Jackson, Mississippi challenged everything she believed about addiction, crime, and motherhood. Growing up amid violence and uncertainty, she once saw being tough on crime as the only path to safer communities. That worldview changed when a newborn entered her home and she later met his mother, a woman battling addiction but deeply devoted to her child. Through their encounters, Christina came to see addiction not as a moral failing, but as a complex human crisis with consequences for families and children alike. It&rsquo;s a story about foster care, compassion, and how one relationship can change a life.
Support the show (<a href="https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)">https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)</a>

Meeting the Mother of My Foster Child Changed My Life

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/8d1713c5-2b26-4261-b08a-b3e6015e9c73/transcript

Remembering John Defoore, a WWII Veteran Who Lived to 105

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