The Moth Radio Hour: Veterans Day 2016 — Iraq, Aircraft Carriers & Candy

Released on November 15, 2016

Host: Kathryn Burns

The Veterans Day 2016 episode of The Moth Radio Hour, titled "Iraq, Aircraft Carriers & Candy," is a poignant tribute to the men and women who serve in the armed forces. Through three compelling personal narratives, the episode delves into themes of courage, sacrifice, and resilience. Hosted by Kathryn Burns, the episode presents stories from Ted Hartley, Taniki Richard, and Abbas Mousa, each offering unique perspectives on military life and personal struggles.

1. Ted Hartley: Mastering the High-Stakes of Aircraft Carrier Landings

Timestamp: [02:33] – [18:10]

Ted Hartley opens the episode with a vivid recounting of his time as a future combat Marine training to land supersonic jets on aircraft carriers. His story is a blend of childhood memories, familial loss, and the rigorous demands of military training.

Key Moments:

• Childhood Bonding and Loss: Ted reminisces about joyful Sundays with his father, reading comics like Little Abner and Popeye. This idyllic memory is shattered when his father is taken away by mourners, signaling his death. Ted reflects, "Instinctly, it disappeared. It was that fear of disappearing him, me next." [09:45]

• Aspiration to Serve: Driven by the fear of losing loved ones, Ted aspires to join the Naval Academy, seeking strength and purpose. He describes his excitement about flying the Navy’s new F9F supersonic jet, conveying the exhilaration of ascending to supersonic speeds: "...you are climbing it faster than the speed of sound." [12:15]

• Training Challenges: The narrative intensifies as Ted discusses the demanding carrier qualification process. He shares the camaraderie and rivalry with fellow aviators, particularly focusing on McDonald, a perfect aviator whose quest for perfection leads to tragedy. Ted recounts, "McDonald was the perfect aviator, but his drive for perfection cost him his life." [16:50]

• Emotional Aftermath: Following McDonald’s fatal landing attempt, Ted grapples with guilt and self-doubt but ultimately overcomes his fears to continue flying. His perseverance is encapsulated in his reflection: "It’s carried me on through my whole life." [17:55]

Notable Quote:

"I think I could spend the rest of my life chasing what I had. And part of the challenge now is understanding that there will never be anything like that again." — Ted Hartley [20:05]

2. Taniki Richard: From Family Hustles to Marine Leadership

Timestamp: [19:01] – [35:27]

Taniki Richard shares her harrowing journey from a tumultuous family life to becoming a disciplined Marine Corps leader. Her story highlights the intersection of personal adversity and military discipline.

Key Moments:

• Early Responsibilities: Taniki describes her teenage years burdened with selling candy to support her drug-addicted parents and siblings. "We did that day in, day out till about 14. I went from 14 to 15 years old." [22:58]

• Family Conflict: Her attempt to escape the family hustle leads to a violent confrontation with her father. Taniki recounts, "I told him, 'I'm not hustling for you anymore,' and he slapped me. I fell to the ground and I started crying…" [29:30]

• Military Service as Redemption: Seeking to escape her past, Taniki joins the Marine Corps, finding structure and purpose. She reflects on how the Marines embodied honor, courage, and commitment, helping her rebuild her life: "Joining the Marine Corps was going to restore all the things that I felt like I lost in my childhood." [30:55]

• Leadership and Transformation: As a platoon leader, Taniki transforms from a passive rebel to a confident leader, commanding respect and fostering unity within her unit. Her commitment is evident when she states, "You can serve your country and serve your community in an honorable way." [31:22]

Notable Quote:

"What I didn't expect was what he said next, what he would make me do. He said, 'Your brother's waiting on you. Go over to the gas station and sell the candy.'" — Taniki Richard [26:14]

3. Abbas Mousa: Navigating Danger as a Translator in Iraq

Timestamp: [35:27] – [47:44]

Abbas Mousa recounts his perilous experiences as a translator for the U.S. Military in Iraq, detailing the constant threats and the emotional toll of his role. His narrative serves as a testament to the silent heroes who bridge cultural divides under life-threatening conditions.

Key Moments:

• Daily Dangers: Abbas vividly describes the chaos of Baghdad, including a traumatic car bomb explosion near a children's hospital. "I remember seeing a girl coming out from behind the smoke trying to run away..." [36:21]

• Migration and Adjustment: Fleeing from Baghdad to Kurdistan, Abbas faces cultural and linguistic challenges, particularly adapting to American accents. He humorously shares his struggles with understanding phrases like "water bottle" due to differing English dialects: "He was like, 'Come again? Say again.'" [43:50]

• Life-Threatening Encounter: Abbas narrates a terrifying incident where a bus driver attempts to kidnap him, forcing him to confront his deepest fears: "I was so afraid that he knew about me working for the US Military because then I'll be beheaded no matter what." [46:15]

• Resilience and New Beginnings: Despite the constant threats, Abbas rebuilds his life in the U.S., attaining citizenship and pursuing higher education. He emphasizes the sense of duty that drives him to continue serving, now within the Army National Guard: "Today I'm a sergeant in the Army National Guard because I can belong to an organization that can prepare me to defend my adopted country." [47:30]

Notable Quote:

"Being a translator, I would be translating paperwork, documents and meetings... It helped me, I learned a lot about the soldiers I worked with." — Abbas Mousa [39:12]

Closing Reflections and Tributes

In the episode's conclusion, Kathryn Burns shares personal reflections on her family's military history, underscoring the generational legacy of service. She honors fathers, mothers, and all veterans who have dedicated their lives to protecting the country, weaving her own family's narrative into the broader tapestry of military sacrifice.

Final Tribute:

Burns recounts a heartfelt family reunion after her father’s return from the Vietnam War, symbolizing the emotional reunions that accompany the end of service: "Every day she set me down in front of the picture and would point at it and say, 'Daddy, Daddy.' So a shout out to my father and all the fathers and mothers..." [51:03]

Notable Quote:

"Every time I see a post on Facebook from one of my soldier friends that I worked with in Iraq, I feel that I should be with them. I was afraid of losing my new, safe home America, like I lost Baghdad." — Abbas Mousa [49:57]

Conclusion

The Veterans Day 2016 episode of The Moth Radio Hour masterfully encapsulates the diverse experiences of military personnel. Through Ted Hartley’s gripping tales of naval aviation, Taniki Richard’s journey from familial adversity to Marine leadership, and Abbas Mousa’s courageous role as a translator in war-torn Iraq, listeners gain a profound appreciation for the sacrifices and resilience of veterans. The episode not only honors their service but also highlights the personal battles they face beyond the battlefield.

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