A man who experienced violent deadly combat and the intense racial tensions of the 60's army talks about it, and about what it made him think and do. It's shocking (to most of us, I guess) to hear this kind, thoughtful man talk so matter of factly about killing people so violently and messily. As in many honest war stories, you hear about awful situations where it's hard to imagine what you would do -- but you have to do something. Not that it's cool in tone -- Schiebler gets quite emotional at times. You also hear about how his work with black soldiers affected him. It is a moving, well paced story. It's a lot to sit down with headphones and listen to, but I think on the air it will work. I'm trying to get some funding to run it on Armistice Day (or Veteran's Day, whatever they're calling it). If that doesn't work I'll get it on the air on Memorial Day.

I loved finding this. I know Mr. Schiebler and when i was listening to this I could see his facial expressions, when he laughed and cried. He has such a positive outlook on life. He has been through a lot of difficult situations but he won't let that get him down. The MS might be taking over his body but not his heart and spirit.
I love this man very much and am very lucky to have met him. He always has a smile for us. Thank you for bringing his story to us.
Now I have more things that I would love to talk to him about

I have just discovered this site and listened to Bill Schiebler's story. I write my words to you through tears. I admit I was first drawn to the story because Bill is a voice from my past. We were teen-age friends who met at Music Camp at the University of Wisconsin in the 50s, long before Viet Nam and his incredible story became reality. These tapes are so immediate for me. Suddenly, I am catapulted back in time; I am with my friend as he eloquently recounts his lessons and searing pain. I feel a deep emotion that I can barely voice. Although my reaction is obviously personal, I think all listeners would find the series to be truly a gift. There is much within Bill's experience for us all. Thank you for bringing his story to our listening ears and hearts.
Julie Adams Church -

On a very soggy Wednesday afternoon, my husband and I left to do an errand. Bill Schiebler's program came on WHRV about the Spiritual Lessons of Combat. Neither of us would turn the program off to get out of the car. We sat in silence as the rain pounded the windshield. My husband Rich was a former Naval Aviator with VA-36, the Roadrunners, who flew off the decks of the aircraft carrier Intrepid during l968 during the Viet Nam War. Though he and his buddies did not endure the harrowing, personal enemy encounters the ground troops did, he and his squadron mates were nevertheless deeply affected by the experience. They all returned to silence or indifference at best and being reviled and spit upon at worst.

Over 30 years passed before their squadron attempted a reunion. The planning committee scheduled activities for every possible slot of time. Stories were shared in between what was planned. By the end of the weekend, they had begun to welcome each other home, remembering those who had died. Two POWs told their stories. They hugged as brothers and scheduled a second reunion. The second reunion had far fewer planned events. The third one had only informal sharing stories and sharing meals. Today, as we stared through the rainy windshield, captivated by Bill Schiebler's stories, I cried with Bill, but did not check to see if my husband had also been moved to tears. Finally Rich spoke: "I wonder if we will ever heal from that war," he said. "It is bittersweet to see how these troops now are welcomed home."

I think it must take two or three times over perhaps several decades for the welcome home to sink in. Maybe that part happens when stories are shared. We can hope that, as Bill Schiebler has discovered, that having listeners to stop long enough to hear and care and be moved is a step in that healing for each person involved in wars.
To offer one's self in service for others requires courage before, during and, as we are learning, after the act. Thank you for giving the two of us this program to share-- even though it delayed our errands. The skies wept with us and we found something more meaningful in that time slot other than what we had planned.
A quiet and heartfelt thank you! Pat Holden, Chesapeake, VA

The fact that Schiebler is alive today is indeed a "miracle". One of four men still alive from his original unit of 186, 4 purple hearts, wounded 10 times

This piece is a slam dunk for Veterans Day programming. Schiebler treats the material with amazing sensitivity and tenderness. I particularly admire the way he is able to take these stories from combat and use them as testement of why people should among other things love their fellow man, forgive ones enemies and respect all races. My only suggestion would be to make the whole thing a bit more sound rich. Particularly with the live tape of Schiebler coming under friendly fire!!! What an surreal audio nugget...it should have rolled much longer.

Bill Schiebler's tales of his days as a young officer in Vietnam is war storytelling of the first order: deeply personal, graphic in detail, and highly compelling. His stories are presented in a very matter-of-fact manner, with some "soundtrack" music added on occasion and for pacing. Perfect for for Veteran's Day. The added dimension of the Schiebler's spirituality makes for a satisfying listen.

The show is broken up into 3 sections, and aired as a whole, might be overwhelming, especially given the moments when Schiebler gets emotional, which happens a few times, sometimes in close proximity. It's not that the moments aren't moving, but they may dampen their overall effect iveness, like eating something sweet and the next sweet thing you taste soon after doesn't have as the same effect.

This program, good as a whole, could be aired over a few days or spaced out between day parts, so listeners will have something to look foward to, especially Schiebler's POV of a young white officer dealing with race relations, encounters with the enemy in the battlefields of Vietnam, and facing spiritually challenging situations with a reassuring sense of humanity a rare grace under fire.