Some stories don’t come easy. Especially those learned from days of war. They’re buried beneath years of silence, painful memories, and misunderstood history. But when someone has the courage to tell theirs, we would do well to listen. If we don’t, we risk forgetting what matters most and repeating the mistakes we swore we’d never make again.

In this episode of Purpose Under Pressure, host Bryan Lefelhoc, founder of Bryan Media Strategies, sits down with Greg Gorrell—Vietnam War combat veteran, author, and Ashland, Ohio native—to share the story behind his book Vietnam Survival There and Home.

Greg served in the Mekong Delta in 1967 and returned to a country unprepared to understand or honor what he had endured. Decades later, he breaks his silence not just for himself, but for the thousands of veterans who never had the chance—or never found the words.

The conversation weaves through combat, homecoming, heartbreak, and redemption. Greg opens up about the emotional scars of war, the failures of strategy and support, and the overwhelming need for our nation to remember.

Through his book, he's helping families understand what their loved ones went through, especially the many veterans who never spoke of it. And he's urging others to share their stories while there's still time.

This is more than a veteran's memoir. It's a call to action. A challenge to listen, to learn, and to pass these truths on to the next generation so we don’t repeat the tragedies of the past. Whether you're a veteran, a family member, an educator, or simply someone who cares, this episode will stay with you.

Key Takeaways:

-Greg served as an infantry combat soldier in Vietnam in 1967 during major troop build-ups.

-Upon returning home, he—like many veterans—faced rejection, misunderstanding, and silence.

-His book aims to give voice to his story and help others understand the cost of war.

-Vietnam veterans are dying at a rapid rate; their stories must be told now.

-The war's lack of strategic clarity and political interference led to devastating loss.

-Greg returned to Vietnam with his sons to find healing and honor fallen comrades.

-Proceeds from his book go to local veterans’ initiatives and events.

-The Veterans Appreciation Event in Ashland celebrates all veterans and welcomes families.

-Saying "Welcome home" to a Vietnam veteran can have profound meaning.

-We must listen to our elders and veterans—before it's too late.

Purpose Under Pressure is brought to you in partnership with Sandler by the Ruby Group, serving sales professionals and sales organizations nationwide from their locations in Akron and Columbus, Ohio, in upstate New York, and in Jacksonville, Florida

——————-

Helpful Links:

Greg Gorrell: [email protected]

Buy the Book: https://www.amazon.com/Vietnam-Survival-There-Home-Story-Gorrell/dp/B0FGVLCJ1H

Ashland Veterans Appreciation Day Event: https://www.acvad.org/

Sandler by the Ruby Group: https://go.sandler.com/therubygroup/

Bryan Lefelhoc, Owner, Bryan Media Strategies: https://www.bryanmediastrategies.com/