The podcast “Buffalo Soldiers” has been captivating audiences since its debut in 2005. Hosted by the award-winning journalist and author, David Isay, the podcast follows the stories of a group of African American veterans who served in the Vietnam War. Season 15 of the podcast, which aired in 2020, was especially powerful as it explored the experiences of these veterans and their families.
In this season, Isay focused on the stories of three veterans: Johnnie Johnson, Robert E. Lee, and James McBride. Through interviews with these men and their families, Isay was able to paint a vivid picture of the struggles they faced both during and after their service in Vietnam. Johnson, for example, spoke about how he had to deal with racism from his fellow soldiers and how he felt like an outsider in his own unit. Lee discussed his struggles with PTSD and how it affected his family life. McBride talked about his experiences as a medic in Vietnam and how he was able to help his fellow soldiers.
The podcast also explored the impact of the Vietnam War on the African American community. Isay interviewed family members of the veterans, as well as other members of the community, to get a better understanding of how the war affected them. He spoke to people who had lost loved ones in the war and those who had been left behind to deal with the aftermath. Through these conversations, Isay was able to show how the war had a lasting impact on the African American community.
Overall, Season 15 of “Buffalo Soldiers” was an incredibly powerful exploration of the experiences of African American veterans and their families. Through thoughtful interviews and conversations with those affected by the war, Isay was able to tell their stories in a way that was both informative and emotionally resonant. It is a must-listen for anyone interested in learning more about the Vietnam War and its effects on African Americans.