The Moth Radio Hour: Hope and Glory – Detailed Summary

Release Date: November 13, 2018

Introduction

In the episode titled "Hope and Glory," hosted by Meg Bowles, The Moth Radio Hour delves into compelling narratives from individuals connected to various branches of the U.S. armed forces. The stories span diverse experiences from the front lines to personal struggles back home, offering profound insights into courage, resilience, and the human spirit.

1. Jill Morgenthaler: Breaking Barriers in the Military

Location: Cincinnati, Ohio
Stage: Anderson Theater Memorial Hall
Theme: Intrepid

Summary:

Jill Morgenthaler opens her story by recounting her upbringing as the daughter of a career Marine, aspiring to follow in her father's footsteps during a time when women in the military were confined to roles like secretaries and nurses. In 1969, her father tasked her with managing her younger siblings as he was deployed to Vietnam, instilling in her the military code of "leaving no one behind."

Determined to serve, Jill became one of the first women to receive a four-year Army ROTC scholarship at Penn State University. During her junior year, she, along with fellow cadet Carol, attended an experimental boot camp at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, where 83 women were integrated into a male-dominated environment of 50,000 men. Jill vividly describes the hostility and sexism they faced, including derogatory name-calling and physical intimidation.

A pivotal moment occurred when Jill was coerced into participating in a beauty contest as a token of the army's experiment to include women. Faced with degrading treatment, Jill reached her breaking point on stage, culminating in her defiant gesture of flipping off 5,000 men and fleeing the stage. This act of rebellion marked a turning point, earning her unwavering support from her male counterparts and solidifying her resolve.

Notable Quotes:

• [02:17] Jill Morgenthaler: “I was not thrilled my brother could be such a pest.”
• [09:16] Jill Morgenthaler: “Ms. Foxhole, 1975. I was disgusted. Right. Really?”
• [13:02] Jill Morgenthaler: “I was disgusted. Right. Really? And he looked at me and said, Morgenthaler, you're in it.”

Conclusion:

Jill concludes her narrative by reflecting on her 30-year military career, including her role in the international coverage of Saddam Hussein's trial in Iraq. She emphasizes the invaluable lesson of never leaving anyone behind, underscoring the bond forged through shared adversity.

2. Dylan Park: A Soldier's Bonds in Iraq and Beyond

Location: Traverse City, Michigan
Stage: Local Community Event

Summary:

Dylan Park shares his journey as a member of a U.S. Air Force Special Operations Security Forces squadron deployed to Kirkuk, Iraq. Initially motivated by the promise of adventure and financial incentives, Dylan's perspective shifts as he confronts the harsh realities of war. His primary duty involved patrolling urban areas and managing suicide bomb threats, a task fraught with danger and emotional strain.

Amidst the chaos, Dylan forms a deep bond with a teenage Iraqi boy named Brahim, who becomes a surrogate brother figure. Brahim's maturity and resilience provide Dylan with a sense of purpose and connection, contrasting sharply with the loss of his younger brother, Rory, back home. The narrative takes a poignant turn when, years later, Dylan unexpectedly reunites with Brahim in Phoenix, Arizona. Their emotional reunion serves as a beacon of hope for Dylan, illustrating the enduring impact of human connections forged in conflict.

Notable Quotes:

• [18:17] Dylan Park: “Working those suicide gates was like playing this sick lottery, this Iraqi roulette that you didn't want to win.”
• [31:16] Dylan Park: “I think that that day on the side of the road in Arizona was my glimmer of hope. I lost one brother, and I got another one back.”

Conclusion:

Dylan's story underscores the profound personal relationships that develop in war zones and the lasting effects of such experiences on soldiers' lives. His reunion with Brahim highlights themes of redemption, the search for meaning, and the sustaining power of hope amidst tragedy.

3. Franny Civitano: Navigating Loss and Family in Wartime

Location: New York City, New York
Stage: Music Hall of Williamsburg, Brooklyn

Summary:

Franny Civitano recounts the emotional upheaval that ensued after her brother enlisted in the army on his 18th birthday, shortly after their father's death. With a fragmented family structure, Franny and her mother grapple with the absence and risks associated with military deployment. Franny describes the pervasive loneliness and anxiety that come with having a loved one in a warzone, contrasting her mother's proactive engagement with the situation against her own attempts to shield herself from constant worry.

A critical moment in Franny's narrative occurs when her mother receives a distressing alert about an attack on her brother's base, leading to a flurry of emotions and a deep sense of vulnerability. An invitation to Fort Campbell for a meeting intended to support soldiers' families becomes a catalyst for Franny and her mother to reconnect beyond their roles as daughter and mother. In Nashville, they share a transformative experience, gaining mutual understanding and healing through shared grief and support.

Notable Quotes:

• [32:36] Franny Civitano: “I was angry that I wasn't scared and upset before she called.”
• [34:08] Franny Civitano: “All she wanted at the end of every day was to be able to say, he's fine, your brother is fine.”

Conclusion:

Franny's story highlights the intricate dynamics of family relationships during times of military deployment. Her journey reflects the struggle to balance personal autonomy with familial obligations and the path to emotional reconciliation and resilience.

4. Jerry Neal: Courage and Survival During World War II

Location: Kansas City, Missouri
Stage: Hometown Community Event

Summary:

Jerry Neal transports listeners back to World War II, narrating his experiences as a B24 pilot in the 8th Air Force’s 490th Bomb Group. Growing up during the economic hardships of the 1930s, Jerry speaks of his grandfather's unwavering commitment to helping others, a value that shaped his own character. Enlisting in the Air Force Pilot Training, Jerry recounts the camaraderie among his crew and the grueling missions they undertook over Europe.

A defining moment in Jerry's military career was his participation in D-Day. On June 6, 1944, as his squadron prepared for a critical bombing mission, Jerry grapples with homesickness and fear. Despite these emotions, he exhibits immense bravery, leading his crew through adverse conditions. During one mission, mechanical failures force Jerry to bail from his damaged aircraft, leading to a harrowing crash landing in the English Channel. Surviving alongside two crewmates, Jerry reflects on the loss of six close friends and the profound impact of that experience on his life.

Notable Quotes:

• [39:36] Jerry Neal: “It's a lot of ships. I thought, well, you know, I could just walk across the water and never get my feet wet.”
• [53:26] Jerry Neal: “We have defining moments and that was one of them. I thought I was raised in a fine family, a moral family, but not spiritual. But now I'm spiritual.”

Conclusion:

Jerry's narrative serves as a testament to the valor and resilience of World War II pilots. His survival of a near-fatal crash and the subsequent loss of his comrades underscore the immense sacrifices made during the war, while his reflections highlight a personal transformation from moral fortitude to spiritual awakening.

Closing Remarks

The "Hope and Glory" episode of The Moth Radio Hour masterfully weaves together individual stories that collectively paint a vivid portrait of military life and its far-reaching implications. From breaking gender barriers to forging unexpected bonds and enduring personal loss, each storyteller imparts valuable lessons on hope, leadership, and the enduring human spirit. These narratives not only honor the experiences of those who serve but also offer listeners a deeper understanding of the complexities and triumphs that accompany military service.

Notable Themes:

• Courage and Resilience: Each story emphasizes the remarkable strength individuals exhibit in the face of adversity.

• Human Connections: The bonds formed between soldiers and civilians, as well as within families, underscore the importance of relationships during tumultuous times.

• Personal Growth: Experiences in the military serve as catalysts for profound personal transformation and leadership development.

Further Engagement:

Listeners interested in exploring these stories in more depth or viewing accompanying photographs can visit The Moth’s website at themoth.org.