Canadian Afghanistan veterans sometimes tell Dr. Andrew Burtch they were there but did nothing remarkable. He offers a way to hear what that modest account leaves out, and discover experiences that never reached the official record.

After a friendly fire incident wounded thirty Canadians, people had to move casualties over a mountainside. Andrew recounts a detail about that evacuation that still astonishes him. What looks like a brief entry in military history was lived second by second.

Years later, some veterans are ready to let their families into those experiences. Others look back with different feelings about what the mission achieved. The Canadian War Museum’s The Long War brings those voices together, leaving room for pride, doubt and accounts that do not neatly agree.

Topics: Afghanistan veterans, oral history, casualty evacuation, military families, The Long War

GUEST: Dr. Andrew Burtch | https://www.warmuseum.ca/dod/podcasts/the-long-war

RUNDOWN: Dr. Andrew Burtch | Post-1945 Historian, Canadian War Museum | Canadian Afghanistan veterans | Dr. Andrew Burtch explains how The Long War uses veteran interviews to preserve experiences beyond official records, including a rapid casualty evacuation, while allowing differing perspectives on the mission’s legacy.

Originally aired on 2026-10-01

Canadian Afghanistan veterans sometimes tell Dr. Andrew Burtch they were there but did nothing remarkable. He offers a way to hear what that modest account leaves out, and discover experiences that never reached the official record.
After a friendly fire incident wounded thirty Canadians, people had to move casualties over a mountainside. Andrew recounts a detail about that evacuation that still astonishes him. What looks like a brief entry in military history was lived second by second.
Years later, some veterans are ready to let their families into those experiences. Others look back with different feelings about what the mission achieved. The Canadian War Museum&rsquo;s The Long War brings those voices together, leaving room for pride, doubt and accounts that do not neatly agree.
Topics: Afghanistan veterans, oral history, casualty evacuation, military families, The Long War
GUEST: Dr. Andrew Burtch |<a href="https://www.warmuseum.ca/dod/podcasts/the-long-war"> https://www.warmuseum.ca/dod/podcasts/the-long-war</a>
RUNDOWN: Dr. Andrew Burtch | Post-1945 Historian, Canadian War Museum | Canadian Afghanistan veterans | Dr. Andrew Burtch explains how The Long War uses veteran interviews to preserve experiences beyond official records, including a rapid casualty evacuation, while allowing differing perspectives on the mission&rsquo;s legacy.
Originally aired on&nbsp;2026-10-01

Shane Hewitt & The Nightshift is your late-night companion for real talk, bold ideas, and unfiltered conversations that matter. Hosted by Canadian radio veteran Shane Hewitt, each episode dives into the headlines, human stories, and hidden truths shaping our world—always with curiosity, compassion, and a sharp edge.

From politics and pop culture to mental health, technology, and everyday life, this podcast is where night owls, deep thinkers, and curious minds come to connect. Featuring expert guests, passionate callers, and Shane’s signature style—thoughtful, fearless, and refreshingly real.

If you crave meaningful dialogue, smart perspectives, and late-night radio energy in podcast form, subscribe now and join The Nightshift.

Shane Hewitt &amp; The Nightshift is your late-night companion for real talk, bold ideas, and unfiltered conversations that matter. Hosted by Canadian radio veteran Shane Hewitt, each episode dives into the headlines, human stories, and hidden truths shaping our world&mdash;always with curiosity, compassion, and a sharp edge.
From politics and pop culture to mental health, technology, and everyday life, this podcast is where night owls, deep thinkers, and curious minds come to connect. Featuring expert guests, passionate callers, and Shane&rsquo;s signature style&mdash;thoughtful, fearless, and refreshingly real.
If you crave meaningful dialogue, smart perspectives, and late-night radio energy in podcast form, subscribe now and join The Nightshift.

Shane Hewitt and The Nightshift

Shane Hewitt is known for his engaging and relatable on-air personality, which captivates listeners. His ability to blend insightful commentary with humour and empathy creates a genuine connection with listeners.  Shane Hewitt and the Night Shift provides relatable content, informative discussions and expert insights – along with a balance of anecdotes and entertainment.

Shane Hewitt is known for his engaging and relatable on-air personality, which captivates listeners. His ability to blend insightful commentary with humour and empathy creates a genuine connection with listeners.  Shane Hewitt and the Night Shift provides relatable content, informative discussions and expert insights – along with a balance of anecdotes and entertainment.