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Playlist: 'Angels & Mentors'

Compiled By: StoryCorps

Scout Derek Connell (C) talks with his Scoutmasters Richard (L) and Claudia. <a href="http://www.prx.org/pieces/44739-derek-connell-richard-and-claudia-coleman">Listen here</a>. Credit:
Scout Derek Connell (C) talks with his Scoutmasters Richard (L) and Claudia. Listen here.

Stories about those people who really matter in our lives.

StoryCorps Griot: Diane Kenney and Linda Kenney Miller

From StoryCorps | 01:31

Linda Kenney Miller (R) and her sister Diane Kenney (L) remember their grandfather, Dr. John A. Kenney, who founded the first hospital for African Americans in Newark, NJ.

Millerl_small In the 1920s, Dr. John A. Kenney left Tuskegee, Alabama after receiving death threats from the Ku Klux Klan. He moved to Newark, New Jersey, and helped found the city's first hospital for African-Americans.

Here, his granddaughters Linda Kenney Miller and her sister Diane Kenney remember their grandfather, and his dedication to the hospital.

StoryCorps: Lee Mottern and Linda Eldredge

From StoryCorps | 01:44

Lee Mottern tells his girlfriend, Linda Eldredge, a story about his Uncle Abe.

Mottern_small As children, Lee Mottern and his cousin would visit his Uncle Abraham and Aunt Hatti during the summer. 

Here, Lee tells his girlfriend, Linda Eldredge, one of his childhood memories of that time.

StoryCorps: George Lengel

From StoryCorps | Part of the StoryCorps series | 02:31

George Lengel remembers growing up in the company town of Roebling, NJ.

Lengel_small George Lengel was born in Roebling, NJ, where his entire family made steel wire at the John A. Roebling's Sons Company.

Here, Lengel remembers growing up in Roebling and the influence his father had on his future.

StoryCorps Historias: Noe Rueda and Alex Fernandez

From StoryCorps | Part of the StoryCorps series | 02:30

19-year-old Noe Rueda (R) talks to his high school economics teacher, Alex Fernandez (L), about growing up poor in Chicago.

Rueda_small 19-year-old Noe Rueda grew up the eldest of four siblings on Chicago’s West Side.

Here he tells his high school economics teacher, Alex Fernandez, how he started his own business at the age of eight to help his single mother get by.

StoryCorps: Steven and Jennifer Wells

From StoryCorps | Part of the StoryCorps series | 02:20

Steven Wells tells his daughter, Jennifer, how it felt to become a dad.

Wells_small Steven Wells came to StoryCorps in Macon, Geogia with his daughter, Jennifer.

Here Steven tells Jennifer how he felt about fatherhood.

StoryCorps Griot: William Anthony Cobb

From StoryCorps | Part of the StoryCorps series | 05:08

William Anthony Cobb tells his mother, Mary, about the influence she had on him. William Anthony also talks with his sister, Valerie Foster, about their mother.

Cobb1_small William Anthony Cobb came to StoryCorps with his mother, Mary Cobb, and told her about the influence she had on him.

A few months after their interview, Mary passed away of pancreatic cancer at the age of 67. William Anthony then returned to StoryCorps with his sister, Valerie Foster, to remember their mother.

StoryCorps Griot: Mary Johnson

From StoryCorps | 03:03

Mary Johnson speaks with Oshea Israel, who killed her son in 1993.

Johnsonm_small Mary Johnson's son, Laramiun, was shot and killed by Oshea Israel in 1993. Israel served 17 years in prison.

Here, Mary talks with her son's killer.

StoryCorps NTI: John Byrne and Samantha Liebman

From StoryCorps | Part of the StoryCorps series | 01:50

Teacher John Byrne talks with his former student, Samantha Liebman, about coming out to his students.

Byrne_small Early in his teaching career, John Byrne was very strict, because he feared his students would find out he was gay.

Here, Byrne tells one of his former students, Samantha Liebman, how he eventually came out to his 10th-grade class.

StoryCorps: Bob and Aimee Gerold

From StoryCorps | Part of the StoryCorps series | 01:50

Aimee Gerold speaks with her father, Bob, about her adoption from China.

Gerold_small After finding out that they could not conceive children, Bob Gerold and his wife Alice decided to adopt a child from China. They were matched with a baby girl named Aimee.

Here, Aimee talks to her father, Bob, about her adoption.

StoryCorps: Betsy Brooks and John Grecsek

From StoryCorps | Part of the StoryCorps series | 02:17

Betsy Brooks tells her boyfriend, John Grecsek, about her father.

Brooks_small Growing up, Betsy Brooks had a turbulent relationship with her father, Charles. He was a military man and ruled his household with a firm hand. Years later, when he was diagnosed with Alzheimer's, their relationship took a turn.

Here, Brooks tells her boyfriend, John Grecsek, about her relationship with her father.

StoryCorps: Julian Walker and Julia Walker Jewell

From StoryCorps | Part of the StoryCorps series | 03:06

75-year-old Julian Walker tells his daughter, Julia Walker Jewell, about an accident his father had as a young boy.

Walker_small Julian Walker's father, Robert Walker, grew up in a small farming town in North Carolina. At the age of 5, Robert was severely injured in a farming accident.

Here, Walker tells his daughter, Julia Walker Jewell, one of his lasting memories of his father.  

StoryCorps: Father Michael Duffy

From StoryCorps | 04:02

Father Michael Duffy remembers his friend, Father Mychal Judge, the first official victim of the September 11, 2001 attacks on the World Trade Center.

Duffy_small Father Michael Duffy talks about how he came to give the homily at the funeral of his friend, Father Mychal Judge, the first official victim of the September 11, 2001 attacks on the World Trade Center.

StoryCorps: Paul Crowley and Anthony Bravo Esparza

From StoryCorps | Part of the StoryCorps series | 01:50

Paul Crowley talks with his friend and fellow veteran Anthony Bravo Esparza, who calls himself "Dreamer," about the free haircuts he gives in a VA Hospital parking lot.

Esparza_small

Many veterans seek out the West Los Angeles Veterans Affairs Hospital in hopes of feeling better. Thanks to Anthony Bravo Esparza — known to his friends as “Dreamer” — those veterans often end up looking better, too.

Since the 1970s, Dreamer, a veteran himself, has been giving free haircuts to vets.

He can be found in a red, white, and blue painted trailer parked at the VA, where he averages about 200 haircuts a month.

Last year, Paul Crowley showed up looking for a trim. Today, he’s Dreamer’s assistant.

At StoryCorps, the pair sat down to speak about their friendship.

StoryCorps: Happy Dodson and Taz Roman

From StoryCorps | Part of the StoryCorps series | 01:38

Happy Dodson and Taz Roman, members of Bikers Against Child Abuse, talk about their work.

Roman_small

If you saw Happy Dodson and Taz Roman roaring down the street on their motorcycles, you might be surprised by where they’re going.

Happy and Taz are members of an international group called Bikers Against Child Abuse.

Social workers, cops, and others refer children who have been abused to the bikers, who have to pass a federal background check. When they don’t feel safe, the kids can call Happy, Taz and their biker friends who come straight to the child’s house.

StoryCorps: Rowan Allen and Bryan Lindsay

From StoryCorps | Part of the StoryCorps series | 02:32

Paramedic Rowan Allen talks to Bryan Lindsay about the day he saved his life.

Allenr_small

In the summer of 1991, Bryan Lindsay was riding his bike on a Brooklyn street when he was hit by a van and almost killed.

He was seven years old at the time.

Rowan Allen was the paramedic on the scene, and recently the two men sat down at StoryCorps to remember that day.

StoryCorps: Thomas Weller

From StoryCorps | Part of the StoryCorps series | 01:51

Thomas Weller remembers how he got started helping strangers in need.

Weller_small

Thomas Weller has spent the last 50 years helping strangers who break down on the highway.

At StoryCorps he remembered the night, as a teenager in Illinois, that he discovered his calling.

StoryCorps: Thompson Williams and Kiamichi-tet Williams

From StoryCorps | Part of the StoryCorps series | 02:09

Thompson Williams talks about his father's legacy with his son, Kiamichi-tet Williams.

Sc_williamsthnpr_small

Thompson Williams grew up in Oklahoma as one of eight children. His father, Melford Williams, was a tribal leader of the Caddo Nation and a World War II veteran who had a big impact on Thompson’s life.

At StoryCorps, Thompson’s son, Kiamichi-tet, sat down with his dad to learn more about his grandfather.

StoryCorps: Antero Garcia and Roger Alvarez

From StoryCorps | Part of the StoryCorps series | 02:00

Antero Garcia (R) talks to his former student Roger Alvarez (L) who dropped out...

Garciaa_small

Antero Garcia (R) taught Roger Alvarez (L) in his 9th grade English class at Manual Arts High School in Los Angeles.

That year, the school’s graduation rate was just 42 percent, and Roger was one of the students who didn’t make it through his senior year.

Roger dropped out in 2007 and hadn’t seen his former teacher until the two of them sat down together at StoryCorps.

When they recorded this interview, Roger was working the night shift at a loading dock, and he said he hopes to get his GED one day. Antero Garcia is now an Assistant Professor of English at Colorado State University. 

StoryCorps: Kai Leigh Harriott and Aja David

From StoryCorps | Part of the StoryCorps series | 02:20

Aja David and her younger sister, Kai Leigh Harriott, remember the night Kai was hit...

Harriott_small

Fourteen-year-old Kai Leigh Harriott is paralyzed from the chest down, the result of a stray bullet that hit her when she was three.

She was sitting outside on her porch in Dorchester, Massachusetts with her older sister Aja David, who was babysitting at the time.

The family is still dealing with the aftermath of the shooting a decade later.

StoryCorps: Rita Fischer and Jay Fischer

From StoryCorps | Part of the StoryCorps series | 02:29

Rita Fischer (90) and Jay Fischer (65) recall the moment that Jay came out as gay.

Fischer_small

90-year-old Rita Fischer and her son Jay interviewed each another at a StoryCorps booth in New York City.

They recalled a conversation they had back in the 1980s, when Jay first told Rita he was gay.

Warning: This clip features senior citizens dropping ‘f’ bombs.

Rita Fischer has walked in New York’s AIDS Walk since 1986. She has raised more than $800,000 in that time. 

StoryCorps: Kenny Thompson, Gary Barber and Dakota Gibson

From StoryCorps | Part of the StoryCorps series | 02:12

Kenny Thompson, a volunteer mentor, tells students Gary Barber and Dakota Gibson about discovering that...

Thompson_small

Some students in the Spring Branch Independent School District in Texas dreaded lunchtime. The school cafeteria meant humiliation because their parents couldn’t afford a hot lunch.

The alternative for these kids was a cold cheese sandwich. Anyone seen leaving the lunch line with that on their plate was marked as being poor.

But that changed when school volunteer Kenny Thompson saw it happen. Kenny recently told that story to kids he works with, 13-year-old Gary Barber and 15-year-old Dakota Gibson.

Thanks to Kenny’s efforts, two school districts in Houston have changed their lunch policy. Now all kids receive the same lunch, whether or not they can afford it. 

StoryCorps: Michelle Dynes and Anne Purfield

From StoryCorps | Part of the StoryCorps series | 02:09

Epidemiologists Anne Purfield (L) and Michelle Dynes (R) talk about responding to the Ebola outbreak...

Dynes_small

Anne Purfield (L) and Michelle Dynes (R) are epidemiologists at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

They both volunteered to spend several weeks in Sierra Leone, responding to the Ebola outbreak there.

When they returned to the U.S., they came to StoryCorps to talk about what they saw.

StoryCorps: Tina Vasquez and Sonia Vasquez

From StoryCorps | Part of the StoryCorps series | 01:59

Tina Vasquez tells her mother, Sonia Vasquez, about what it was like to grow up...

Vasquez_small

Tina Vasquez grew up just outside of New York City in the 1990s.

Her mother, Sonia, raised her with little help, and money was often tight for their family.

At StoryCorps, Sonia told Tina about how she’d take on several jobs to pay the bills.

StoryCorps: Phil Mortillaro and Philip Mortillaro Jr.

From StoryCorps | Part of the StoryCorps series | 02:16

Phil and Philip Mortillaro, a father-and-son locksmith team, talk about the family business.

Mortillaro_small

For Phil Mortillaro, locksmithing was a summer job that turned into a lifelong passion. He started in the trade shortly after he left school in the 8th grade.

All five of his children grew up in his shop in Greenwich Village, but it was his youngest son, Philip, who has followed in his father’s footsteps.

Father and son sat down for a conversation at StoryCorps.

StoryCorps: Darius Clark Monroe and David Ned

From StoryCorps | Part of the StoryCorps series | 02:41

Seventeen years after Darius Clark Monroe robbed a bank at gunpoint, he came to StoryCorps...

Monroe_small

In 1997, Darius Clark Monroe (L) was a high school honor student who had never been in serious trouble.

But soon after his 16th birthday, he robbed a bank in Stafford, Texas at gunpoint with two of his friends.

Seventeen years later, he sat down at StoryCorps with David Ned, a customer who was in the bank during the robbery.

David and Darius became acquainted while Darius was a film student making a documentary about the robbery called Evolution of a Criminal.

 

StoryCorps: Ron Riveira and Jason Deitch

From StoryCorps | Part of the StoryCorps series | 03:58

Hospice nurse and Retired Navy Corpsman Ron Riveira tells his friend, retired Army Medic Jason...

Riveira_small

Ron Riveira is a hospice nurse in California.

He’s also a veteran who served as a Navy corpsman and medic for the Marines during the 1990s.

While deployed overseas, he crossed paths with Jason Deitch, who was an Army medic. They reconnected years later back in the States, and recently had a conversation for StoryCorps.

Here, Ron remembers his grandmother and grandfather -- a Korean War vet -- who helped raise him.

StoryCorps: Max Voelz and Mary Dague

From StoryCorps | Part of the StoryCorps series | 01:59

Retired Army Sgt 1st Class Max Voelz first recorded in 2011 to remember his wife...

Dague_small

Retired Army Sgt 1st Class Max Voelz first recorded in 2011 to remember his wife, Staff Sgt Kim Voelz. They met on Valentine’s Day, while training to work in Explosive Ordinance Disposal–the Army’s elite bomb squad.

Both Max and Kim were sent to Iraq in 2003. One night, Max called in the location of an explosive and Kim was sent to disarm it. She did not survive the mission.

Around the time Max recorded his first interview, he turned to another bomb tech, Sgt Mary Dague, for support. Mary lost both of her arms in Iraq.

She talked Max through his lowest points, but they didn’t meet face to face until years later, when they recorded for StoryCorps.

StoryCorps: Maurice Rowland and Miguel Alvarez

From StoryCorps | Part of the StoryCorps series | 01:35

Miguel Alvarez (L) and Maurice Rowland (R) remember caring for residents at an assisted living home, where they were a janitor and a cook, when it closed suddenly, leaving many elderly residents abandoned.

Rowland_small

In 2013, Maurice Rowland (R) was working as a cook at Valley Springs Manor, an assisted living home for elderly residents in California. He got his friend Miguel Alvarez (L) a job there as a janitor last fall.

But in October of that year the company that managed the home suddenly shut it down, leaving many of the elderly residents with nowhere to go.

The staff stopped being paid so they all left, except for Maurice and Miguel.

At StoryCorps they remembered caring for abandoned residents until the fire department and sheriff took over three days later.

The incident led to legislation in California known as the Residential Care for the Elderly Reform Act of 2014. 

StoryCorps: Ruth Coker Burks and Paul Wineland

From StoryCorps | Part of the StoryCorps series | 03:51

Ruth Coker Burks tells her friend Paul Wineland about caring for AIDS patients during the...

Burks_small

Ruth Coker Burks was in her early 20s and raising a small child when the AIDS epidemic hit Arkansas, her home state.

Although she had no formal medical training, Ruth took it upon herself to care for AIDS patients who were abandoned by their families and medical professionals who feared the disease.

Ruth estimates that she has cared for nearly 1000 people since the 1980s. One of those people was Paul Wineland’s partner.

At StoryCorps Ruth told Paul about how she got started after visiting a friend at a hospital where one of the state’s early AIDS patient was dying.

Listen to Ruth’s interview with Jim Harwood, the father of another AIDS patient she cared for during this time.

StoryCorps: Sean Fitzpatrick and John Gately

From StoryCorps | Part of the StoryCorps series | 02:27

Sean Fitzpatrick and Officer John Gately remember the day back in 2003 when Sean came to school with a gun.

Fitzpatricknpr_small

Eleven years ago, Sean Fitzpatrick was a high school junior in Spokane, Washington.

He had developed paranoid schizophrenia and was hearing voices -- but he didn’t tell anyone.

One morning, Sean went to school with a gun and a plan -- to barricade himself in a classroom, pretend he had hostages, and force police to kill him.

Sean’s plan didn’t work -- but at the end of the standoff he was shot in the face and still has difficulty speaking.

John Gately of the Spokane Police Department was the officer assigned to negotiate with Sean.

They recently sat down at StoryCorps to remember that day in 2003. Sean now works to educate law enforcement on handling encounters with people in the midst of a mental health crisis.

StoryCorps: Lucille Horn and Barbara Horn

From StoryCorps | Part of the StoryCorps series | 01:52

Lucille Horn, 95, tells her daughter, Barbara, about the baby incubator exhibit at Coney Island that saved her life.

Hornnpr_small

For decades, Brooklyn’s Coney Island was known for sideshows featuring tattooed ladies, sword swallowers, and Dr. Martin Couney’s incubator babies.

Dr. Couney pioneered the use of incubators to keep premature infants alive in the late 1800s. But the medical establishment initially rejected the practice. So, each summer for 40 years, Dr. Couney funded his work by setting up an exhibition of the babies and charging the public admission.

Parents didn’t have to pay for the medical care, and many children survived who would have never had a chance otherwise.

Ninety-five-year-old Lucille Horn was one of them. Here, she tells her daughter, Barbara, about spending the summer of 1920 in an incubator on Coney Island.

StoryCorps: Wilson Matthews and Jeanne Yeatman

From StoryCorps | Part of the StoryCorps series | 02:08

Flight nurses Wilson Matthews and Jeanne Yeatman talk about their work aboard emergency response helicopters and their attempts to save a child who was severely injured in a bicycle accident.

Matthewsnpr_small

For more than a decade, Wilson Matthews and Jeanne Yeatman worked together as flight nurses, caring for patients being transported to hospitals on emergency response helicopters.

They came to StoryCorps to talk about their most memorable flight, which took place in 2001.

Wilson and Jeanne were called in to save a 13-year-old named Stephen Wright, who had been severely injured in a bike accident.

To learn more about Stephen Wright, visit his family’s memorial website, Help for Those Who Grieve. 

StoryCorps: Roberto Olivera and Debra Olivera

From StoryCorps | Part of the StoryCorps series | 02:33

Roberto Olivera tells his wife, Debra, about growing up with an abusive stepfather and how his mother helped him escape.

Oliveranpr_small

Roberto Olivera grew up in the 1960s just outside of Los Angeles, California.

As a teenager, he worked multiple jobs to support his family, but would come home to a physically and verbally abusive stepfather.

At StoryCorps, Roberto tells his wife, Debra, about how his mother helped him escape.

StoryCorps: Tyra Treadway and Ardyn Treadway

From StoryCorps | Part of the StoryCorps series | 01:06

Tyra Treadway and her daughter, Ardyn, remember their husband and father, Dr. James Kent Treadway, a beloved pediatrician in New Orleans. Dr. Treadway committed suicide three months after Hurricane Katrina.

Treadway_small

Dr. James Kent Treadway was a beloved pediatrician in New Orleans for nearly 30 years.

Children loved him for his eccentric costumes and his ability to make even the most nervous patients laugh.

But after Hurricane Katrina, hearing his patients’ grief took a toll on him. Two months after the storm, he committed suicide.

At StoryCorps, his wife, Tyra Treadway, and his daughter, Ardyn, remember him.

StoryCorps: Adam Graff and Jackie Graff

From StoryCorps | Part of the StoryCorps series | 01:53

Adam Graff, a member of New Orleans' all-volunteer, mental health crisis unit, speaks with his wife, Jacqueline, about the surge in patients after Hurricane Katrina.

Graff_small

Adam Graff is a member of New Orleans’ all-volunteer, mental health crisis unit.

The group works with the New Orleans Police Department and is often described as a SWAT team for mental illness and suicide crisis situations.

After Hurricane Katrina, Adam and his colleagues helped residents cope.

At StoryCorps, he sat down with his wife, Jacqueline, to talk about his work.

StoryCorps: Paul Nilsen and Tom Graziano

From StoryCorps | Part of the StoryCorps series | 02:26

Tom Graziano remembers how his son’s elementary school principal and the community responded when they learned that his son was HIV positive.

Grazianonpr_small

In the early 1980s, Tom Graziano and his wife adopted an almost 2-year-old boy named John. As a child, he was constantly sick, but doctors where never able to determine why.

In 1986, when John was in the second grade at Central Elementary School in Wilmette, Illinois, his parents discovered the reason for his health problems—John was HIV positive having contracted the disease from his biological mother.

At StoryCorps, Tom sat down with John’s elementary school principal, Paul Nilsen, to discuss the reaction of other students attending the school and among members of their suburban Chicago community to John during the AIDS epidemic in America.

John died in May 1989, just days shy of his 10th birthday.

StoryCorps: Chloe Longfellow

From StoryCorps | Part of the StoryCorps series | 02:22

Chloe Longfellow came to StoryCorps to remember some of the life lessons she learned as a kid, while spending time in her grandmother’s kitchen.

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With her mother away, Chloe spent a great deal of time at her grandparents’ home becoming especially close with her grandmother, Doris Louise Rolison.

Despite living in the Arizona desert, Doris, who died in May, 1988, at the age of 67, maintained a lush garden of herbs and vegetables. Chloe would help harvest the food to make dishes from recipes found in one of her grandmother’s treasured cookbooks.

At StoryCorps, Chloe remembers the happy memories and life lessons taught to her by her grandmother, many of which took place while cooking in Doris’ kitchen.

StoryCorps: François Clemmons and Karl Lindholm

From StoryCorps | Part of the StoryCorps series | 02:51

François Clemmons played Officer Clemmons on "Mister Rogers' Neighborhood." He came to StoryCorps to discuss the role and his life.

Clemmonsnpr_small

In February 1968, the children’s television program “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood” debuted nationally.
 
Besides its eponymous creator, the show also featured a cast of characters from Mister Rogers’ make--believe world (King Friday XIII, Daniel Striped Tiger, and Bob Dog), and his “real” world (Mr. and Mrs. McFeely, Lady Aberlin, and Handyman Negri).
 
François Clemmons was cast in the “real” world as Officer Clemmons.
 
Fred Rogers met François in 1968 after hearing him sing in a Pittsburgh--area church they both attended. He was so impressed with his voice that he asked him to join the show. At the time, François was a graduate student working on getting his singing career going and was reluctant to accept Fred’s offer. But after realizing he would get paid to appear on the show—enabling him to afford his rent—François accepted, becoming the first African American actor to have a recurring role on a children’s television series.
 
For 25 years François appeared on the show while maintaining a separate career as a professional singer. In 1973, his performance with the Cleveland Orchestra earned him a Grammy Award and his love of spiritual music later led him to found the Harlem Spiritual Ensemble. He also spent 16 years as an artist--in--residence at Middlebury College in Vermont until his retirement in 2013.
 
François came to StoryCorps with his friend, Karl Lindholm (pictured together above), to discuss how he became the friendly singing Officer Clemmons, and his relationship with the man known to children as Mister Rogers.

StoryCorps: Tom Houck and Angelo Fuster

From StoryCorps | Part of the StoryCorps series | 02:27

Tom Houck shares memories of dropping out of high school in 1965 to fight for civil rights, and becoming Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s personal driver.

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In 1965, Tom Houck was a high school senior when he decided to drop out of school and join the fight for civil rights.

Leaving Jacksonville, Florida, and heading to Selma, Alabama, Tom, 19, eventually met Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and quickly volunteered to work for Dr. King’s Atlanta-based Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC).

Soon after his arrival in Atlanta, Tom was invited to the King home for lunch and Dr. King’s wife—Coretta—asked him to become the family’s driver.

Tom, who has continued to spend his life fighting for civil rights, came to StoryCorps with his friend, Angelo Fuster (pictured below left), to share memories of his time with the King family.   

StoryCorps: Vito de la Cruz and Maria Sefchick-Del Paso

From StoryCorps | Part of the StoryCorps series | 02:58

Civil rights lawyer Vito de la Cruz grew up in a family of migrant farmworkers. He describes his childhood and the loving aunt who raised him.

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Vito de la Cruz’s parents were already separated when he was born, and when he was 6 months old, his father left him in the care of his 19-year-old aunt, Iris de la Cruz, a woman he called Nena.

Vito’s extended family traveled the migrant trail, finding work on farms across the United States. At 5 years old, Vito joined them in the fields. He remembers the excitement of traveling in the summers with his aunts, uncles, and grandmother from tomato fields in South Texas, to cherry orchards in Ohio, and sugar beet farms in North Dakota. During the days, they worked side-by-side, and in the evenings, they gathered together for dinner.

But their family’s migrant lifestyle was not easy; it was “equal parts hardship and poverty.” When he was 13, Border Patrol agents raided the farm where Vito and his family were working and rounded up undocumented workers. Witnessing workers’ fear of law enforcement struck a “profound chord in his being” and changed the course of his life.

Vito had always excelled in school, with Nena’s encouragement. She, herself, was the first person in the de la Cruz family to graduate high school, and she later went on to college. Following Nena’s example, Vito left South Texas for Yale University and then went on to attend law school at the University of California, Berkeley.

After law school, Vito began volunteering with the United Farm Workers union and focused the early part of his legal career on immigrant and farmworker rights. Years later, he became a federal public defender in Nevada before moving to Bellevue, Washington, where he continues to practice civil rights law.

Vito came to StoryCorps with his wife, Maria Sefchick-Del Paso, to remember how his childhood and his loving Nena shaped his future.

Vito’s story is one of 53 work stories featured in our new book, Callings: The Purpose and Passion of Worknow available in bookstores.

StoryCorps: Ed Roy and Mary Johnson-Roy

From StoryCorps | Part of the StoryCorps series | 02:00

Mary Johnson-Roy first came to StoryCorps in 2011 to talk about her bond with the young man who killed her son. Years later, she married a man who lives with a similar tragedy. StoryCorps brings an update to her story.

Roynpr_small Mary Johnson-Roy first came to StoryCorps in 2011 to talk about her bond with the young man who killed her son. Years later, she married a man who lives with a similar tragedy. StoryCorps brings an update to her story.

StoryCorps: Anthony "Tony Bees" Planakis

From StoryCorps | 01:56

When bee season in New York City begins in early spring, that means retired police detective (and unofficial NYPD beekeeper) Anthony “Tony Bees” Planakis gets busy tending to his hives and rescuing swarms.

Tony Bees didn’t always love bees. In fact, it took a long time for his beekeeper father to convince him of their beauty. Ultimately, Tony became enamored with honey bees and even has a tattoo dedicated to his affection for them. He says it’s in his blood; he’s a fourth generation beekeeper whose family hails from Crete.

At StoryCorps, Anthony talked about what drew him to working with bees, and what he’s learned from them.

Tony retired from the NYPD in 2014. He now works as a private consultant and contractor removing hives and swarms all over the New York City region.

Planakisdiptych_small When bee season in New York City begins in early spring, that means retired police detective (and unofficial NYPD beekeeper) Anthony “Tony Bees” Planakis gets busy tending to his hives and rescuing swarms. Tony Bees didn’t always love bees. In fact, it took a long time for his beekeeper father to convince him of their beauty. Ultimately, Tony became enamored with honey bees and even has a tattoo dedicated to his affection for them. He says it’s in his blood; he’s a fourth generation beekeeper whose family hails from Crete. At StoryCorps, Anthony talked about what drew him to working with bees, and what he’s learned from them. Tony retired from the NYPD in 2014. He now works as a private consultant and contractor removing hives and swarms all over the New York City region.

StoryCorps: Darrow Brown and Juan Calvo

From StoryCorps | 02:52

Now, a conversation that reminds us how being a father can be about much more than biology.

In 2007, after volunteering to care for infants born to drug-addicted mothers in Baltimore, Juan Calvo knew he wanted to do more. So he and his husband, Darrow Brown, became foster dads. At StoryCorps, they remember the moment they met their first child and talk about the heartbreak and joy of being foster parents.

Two years later, they adopted their, son, Lucas, who is now 7 years old. They continue to open their home to foster children.

Calvonpr_small Now, a conversation that reminds us how being a father can be about much more than biology. In 2007, after volunteering to care for infants born to drug-addicted mothers in Baltimore, Juan Calvo knew he wanted to do more. So he and his husband, Darrow Brown, became foster dads. At StoryCorps, they remember the moment they met their first child and talk about the heartbreak and joy of being foster parents. Two years later, they adopted their, son, Lucas, who is now 7 years old. They continue to open their home to foster children.

StoryCorps: Darrow Brown and Juan Calvo

From StoryCorps | 02:52

Now, a conversation that reminds us how being a father can be about much more than biology.

In 2007, after volunteering to care for infants born to drug-addicted mothers in Baltimore, Juan Calvo knew he wanted to do more. So he and his husband, Darrow Brown, became foster dads. At StoryCorps, they remember the moment they met their first child and talk about the heartbreak and joy of being foster parents.

Two years later, they adopted their, son, Lucas, who is now 7 years old. They continue to open their home to foster children.

Calvonpr_small Now, a conversation that reminds us how being a father can be about much more than biology. In 2007, after volunteering to care for infants born to drug-addicted mothers in Baltimore, Juan Calvo knew he wanted to do more. So he and his husband, Darrow Brown, became foster dads. At StoryCorps, they remember the moment they met their first child and talk about the heartbreak and joy of being foster parents. Two years later, they adopted their, son, Lucas, who is now 7 years old. They continue to open their home to foster children.

StoryCorps: Darrow Brown and Juan Calvo

From StoryCorps | 02:52

Now, a conversation that reminds us how being a father can be about much more than biology.

In 2007, after volunteering to care for infants born to drug-addicted mothers in Baltimore, Juan Calvo knew he wanted to do more. So he and his husband, Darrow Brown, became foster dads. At StoryCorps, they remember the moment they met their first child and talk about the heartbreak and joy of being foster parents.

Two years later, they adopted their, son, Lucas, who is now 7 years old. They continue to open their home to foster children.

Calvonpr_small Now, a conversation that reminds us how being a father can be about much more than biology. In 2007, after volunteering to care for infants born to drug-addicted mothers in Baltimore, Juan Calvo knew he wanted to do more. So he and his husband, Darrow Brown, became foster dads. At StoryCorps, they remember the moment they met their first child and talk about the heartbreak and joy of being foster parents. Two years later, they adopted their, son, Lucas, who is now 7 years old. They continue to open their home to foster children.

StoryCorps: Darrow Brown and Juan Calvo

From StoryCorps | 02:52

Now, a conversation that reminds us how being a father can be about much more than biology.

In 2007, after volunteering to care for infants born to drug-addicted mothers in Baltimore, Juan Calvo knew he wanted to do more. So he and his husband, Darrow Brown, became foster dads. At StoryCorps, they remember the moment they met their first child and talk about the heartbreak and joy of being foster parents.

Two years later, they adopted their, son, Lucas, who is now 7 years old. They continue to open their home to foster children.

Calvonpr_small Now, a conversation that reminds us how being a father can be about much more than biology. In 2007, after volunteering to care for infants born to drug-addicted mothers in Baltimore, Juan Calvo knew he wanted to do more. So he and his husband, Darrow Brown, became foster dads. At StoryCorps, they remember the moment they met their first child and talk about the heartbreak and joy of being foster parents. Two years later, they adopted their, son, Lucas, who is now 7 years old. They continue to open their home to foster children.

StoryCorps: Five Mualimm-ak and Omar Mualimmak

From StoryCorps | 02:52

StoryCorps gives people the chance to sit down together and have a conversation they’ve never had before. Five Mualimm-ak did just that with his son, Omar, who was five years old when his father was first incarcerated.

By the time Mr. Mualimm-ak was finished serving his sentence for weapons charges, he had been in prison for nearly a dozen years, many of those spent in solitary confinement. When he was released in 2012, Omar was a senior in high school. The two have had difficulty connecting since then. They came to StoryCorps together to talk about their relationship for the first time.

Mualimm-aksquare_small StoryCorps gives people the chance to sit down together and have a conversation they’ve never had before. Five Mualimm-ak did just that with his son, Omar, who was five years old when his father was first incarcerated. By the time Mr. Mualimm-ak was finished serving his sentence for weapons charges, he had been in prison for nearly a dozen years, many of those spent in solitary confinement. When he was released in 2012, Omar was a senior in high school. The two have had difficulty connecting since then. They came to StoryCorps together to talk about their relationship for the first time.

StoryCorps: Father Noel Hickie and Marcia Hilton

From StoryCorps | 02:07

Father Noel Hickie was working as a hospital chaplain when he met Marcia Hilton, a bereavement counselor, at a hospital in Eugene, Oregon. For 25 years, they often worked together on the hospice team, helping patients and their families through illness and death.

But when they first started, neither was sure if they were cut out for the work.

Marcia retired in 2013, Father Noel in 2015.

Hickiesquare_small Father Noel Hickie was working as a hospital chaplain when he met Marcia Hilton, a bereavement counselor, at a hospital in Eugene, Oregon. For 25 years, they often worked together on the hospice team, helping patients and their families through illness and death. But when they first started, neither was sure if they were cut out for the work. Marcia retired in 2013, Father Noel in 2015.

StoryCorps: Wally Funk and Mary Holsenbeck

From StoryCorps | 02:32

When Wally Funk was 8 years old, she jumped off the roof of her barn while wearing a Superman cape, hoping to fly. That desire never left her, and as an adult she became a pilot and flight instructor. But for Wally, the ultimate destination was always outer space.

She almost got the chance to go in 1961. That year, she was part of a group of female pilots who took part in tests to determine if women were fit for space travel. The project was run by the same doctor who developed tests for NASA astronauts.

The women, who became known as the Mercury 13, passed many of the same tests as the men, but never got to go to space. More than half a century later, Wally Funk hasn’t given up.

She was interviewed in Dallas by one of her flight students, Mary Holsenbeck.

Wally bought a ticket for Richard Branson’s Virgin Galactic and hopes to be onboard its maiden voyage into space.

Funksquare-1_small When Wally Funk was 8 years old, she jumped off the roof of her barn while wearing a Superman cape, hoping to fly. That desire never left her, and as an adult she became a pilot and flight instructor. But for Wally, the ultimate destination was always outer space. She almost got the chance to go in 1961. That year, she was part of a group of female pilots who took part in tests to determine if women were fit for space travel. The project was run by the same doctor who developed tests for NASA astronauts. The women, who became known as the Mercury 13, passed many of the same tests as the men, but never got to go to space. More than half a century later, Wally Funk hasn’t given up. She was interviewed in Dallas by one of her flight students, Mary Holsenbeck. Wally bought a ticket for Richard Branson’s Virgin Galactic and hopes to be onboard its maiden voyage into space.

StoryCorps: Johnny Holmes and Christian Picciolini

From StoryCorps | 02:19

In the 1990s, Johnny Holmes was head of security at a high school in Blue Island, Illinois, located just outside of Chicago, where he met Christian Picciolini, a teenage student who was the leader of a local neo-Nazi group.

Christian was involved for eight years before he renounced the movement’s racist principles. Today, he devotes himself to helping others leave hate groups.

He credits Johnny with being the person who helped turn him around; they came to StoryCorps to remember how it happened.

Christian founded EXIT Solutions, a global organization of former extremists with a mission to help people to leave hateful and violent ideologies.

Johnny now serves on his local school board.

Editor’s note: This story contains a quote where a racial slur is used.

Holmessquare_small In the 1990s, Johnny Holmes was head of security at a high school in Blue Island, Illinois, located just outside of Chicago, where he met Christian Picciolini, a teenage student who was the leader of a local neo-Nazi group. Christian was involved for eight years before he renounced the movement’s racist principles. Today, he devotes himself to helping others leave hate groups. He credits Johnny with being the person who helped turn him around; they came to StoryCorps to remember how it happened. Christian founded EXIT Solutions, a global organization of former extremists with a mission to help people to leave hateful and violent ideologies. Johnny now serves on his local school board. Editor’s note: This story contains a quote where a racial slur is used.

StoryCorps Griot: Gregory Bess and April Gibson

From StoryCorps | Part of the StoryCorps series | 02:10

33-year-old April Gibson talks to her teenage son, Gregory Bess, about how she felt when he was born.

Gibsonasquare_small 33-year-old April Gibson talks to her teenage son, Gregory Bess, about how she felt when he was born.

StoryCorps Griot: Sharon Brangman and Jenna Lester

From StoryCorps | Part of the StoryCorps series | 02:20

Dr. Jenna Lester talks to her mother, Dr. Sharon Brangman, about growing up in a family of black women who have dedicated their lives to medicine.

Brangmansquare_small Dr. Jenna Lester talks to her mother, Dr. Sharon Brangman, about growing up in a family of black women who have dedicated their lives to medicine.

StoryCorps: Joanna Wright and Tara Cummings

From StoryCorps | Part of the StoryCorps series | 01:59

Joanna Wright and her friend Tara Cummings talk about surviving years of abuse at a religious reform school in Louisiana.

Wrightjsquare_small Joanna Wright and her friend Tara Cummings talk about surviving years of abuse at a religious reform school in Louisiana.

StoryCorps: Ed Cage and Nicole Paris

From StoryCorps | 02:44

Ed Cage and Nicole Paris are a father-daughter beatboxing duo. At StoryCorps, they talk about how it all began.

Cagenpr_small Ed Cage and Nicole Paris are a father-daughter beatboxing duo. At StoryCorps, they talk about how it all began.

StoryCorps: Abraham Guzman and John Torres Jr.

From StoryCorps | Part of the StoryCorps series | 02:28

John Torres Jr. talks to his friend, Abraham Guzman, about his dad’s career as a wrestler, and his legacy in and outside of the ring.

Torressquare_small John Torres Jr. talks to his friend, Abraham Guzman, about his dad’s career as a wrestler, and his legacy in and outside of the ring.

StoryCorps: Adam Roseman and Rick Rosenthal

From StoryCorps | Part of the StoryCorps series | 02:20

This is a story about Santa Rick Rosenthal of Atlanta, Georgia -- who also happens to be Jewish (Modern Orthodox, to be precise).

Rosenthal_square_small This is a story about Santa Rick Rosenthal of Atlanta, Georgia -- who also happens to be Jewish (Modern Orthodox, to be precise).

StoryCorps: Flip Cuddy and Christine Cuddy

From StoryCorps | Part of the StoryCorps series | 02:23

Flip and Christine Cuddy remember their mother, Susan Ahn Cuddy, a Navy gunnery officer who served in World War II.

Cuddy_square_small Flip and Christine Cuddy remember their mother, Susan Ahn Cuddy, a Navy gunnery officer who served in World War II.

StoryCorps: Caroline Dezan and Maria Rivas

From StoryCorps | Part of the StoryCorps series | 02:05

Maria Rivas cared for her ailing mother over the last six years of her life, but she remembers her as anything but fragile while talking to social worker Caroline Dezan at a hospice center in Fresno, California.

Rivas_square_small Maria Rivas cared for her ailing mother over the last six years of her life, but she remembers her as anything but fragile while talking to social worker Caroline Dezan at a hospice center in Fresno, California.

StoryCorps: Karama Neal and Judge Olly Neal

From StoryCorps | Part of the StoryCorps series | 02:32

Judge Olly Neal tells his daughter how discovering African American author Frank Yerby's books in his school library turned him around academically.

Neal_square_small Judge Olly Neal tells his daughter how discovering African American author Frank Yerby's books in his school library turned him around academically.

StoryCorps: Willie Ito and Vince Ito

From StoryCorps | Part of the StoryCorps series | 03:15

Willie Ito tells his son, Vince Ito, about his dreams of becoming an animator.

Storycorps_logov1_cmyk_small Willie Ito tells his son, Vince Ito, about his dreams of becoming an animator.

StoryCorps: Romario Vassell and Guy Bryant

From StoryCorps | Part of the StoryCorps series | 02:55

Guy Bryant talks to his foster son, Romario Vassell, about what it means to be a foster parent to more than 50 kids.

Bryant_square_small Guy Bryant talks to his foster son, Romario Vassell, about what it means to be a foster parent to more than 50 kids.

StoryCorps: Lebronze and Arguster Davis

From StoryCorps | Part of the StoryCorps series | 03:01

Lebronze and Arguster Davis grew up on their family’s farm in Wetumpka, Alabama. As two of 17 siblings, they had little time for anything outside of school and work.

Davis_square_small Lebronze and Arguster Davis grew up on their family’s farm in Wetumpka, Alabama. As two of 17 siblings, they had little time for anything outside of school and work.

StoryCorps: Josh Weiner and Sylvia Grosvold

From StoryCorps | Part of the StoryCorps series | 02:43

Sylvia Grosvold was 5 and half years old when she lost her mother to suicide. A decade later, she came to StoryCorps with her dad Josh Weiner to talk about that day.

Grosvold_square_small Sylvia Grosvold was 5 and half years old when she lost her mother to suicide. A decade later, she came to StoryCorps with her dad Josh Weiner to talk about that day.

StoryCorps: Edward Kibblewhite and Jessica Kibblewhite

From StoryCorps | Part of the StoryCorps series | 02:40

Jessica Kibblewhite seeks advice from her dad, Edward Kibblewhite, on whether to start a family.

Kibblewhite_square_small Jessica Kibblewhite seeks advice from her dad, Edward Kibblewhite, on whether to start a family.

StoryCorps: Paige Macklin and Russell King

From StoryCorps | 02:59

Russell King sat down with his music teacher Paige Macklin, to tell her about a choice she made, and how it changed his life.

King_square_small Russell King sat down with his music teacher Paige Macklin, to tell her about a choice she made, and how it changed his life.

StoryCorps Griot: John Lewis and Valerie Jackson

From StoryCorps | 02:59

John Lewis remembers how Dr. King’s words inspired him to join the Civil Rights Movement.

Lewissquare_small John Lewis remembers how Dr. King’s words inspired him to join the Civil Rights Movement.

StoryCorps Griot: Jerry Morrison and Joey Jefferson

From StoryCorps | 02:34

NASA Engineer Joey Jefferson talks with his six-year-old nephew, Jerry Morrison, about their shared passion for space.

Morrison_sq_small NASA Engineer Joey Jefferson talks with his six-year-old nephew, Jerry Morrison, about their shared passion for space.

StoryCorps: Kate Quarfordt and Kevin Craw

From StoryCorps | 03:04

Kate Quarfordt and her dad Kevin Craw remember the night that an impromptu singing performance helped Kate embrace the unexpected.

Quarfordtsquare_small Kate Quarfordt and her dad Kevin Craw remember the night that an impromptu singing performance helped Kate embrace the unexpected.

StoryCorps: Ruth Owens and James Taylor

From StoryCorps | 02:07

Ruth Owens tells her grandson, James Taylor, about the four decades she worked as a nurse in rural Tennessee.

Owens_square_small Ruth Owens tells her grandson, James Taylor, about the four decades she worked as a nurse in rural Tennessee.

StoryCorps OutLoud: Chloe Longfellow

From StoryCorps | Part of the StoryCorps series | 02:37

Chloe Longfellow came to StoryCorps to remember some of the life lessons she learned as a kid, while spending time in her grandmother’s kitchen.

Longfellowsquare_small Chloe Longfellow came to StoryCorps to remember some of the life lessons she learned as a kid, while spending time in her grandmother’s kitchen.

StoryCorps: Lillian Bloodworth and John Bloodworth

From StoryCorps | Part of the StoryCorps series | 01:54

Lillian Bloodworth speaks with her husband, John Bloodworth, about why she spent nearly half her life donating blood.

Bloodworthextrasquare_small Lillian Bloodworth speaks with her husband, John Bloodworth, about why she spent nearly half her life donating blood.

StoryCorps Griot: Evette Jourdain and Craig Boddie

From StoryCorps | Part of the StoryCorps series | 02:35

Palm Beach, Florida Mail Carriers Evette Jourdain and Craig Boddie talk about how the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted their daily lives--at work, and at home.

Jourdainsquarev02_small Palm Beach, Florida Mail Carriers Evette Jourdain and Craig Boddie talk about how the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted their daily lives--at work, and at home.

StoryCorps: Cole Phillips and Rugenia Keefe

From StoryCorps | Part of the StoryCorps series | 02:31

Cole Phillips lost his vision just months before starting high school. As a freshman, he met paraprofessional Rugenia Keefe -- or Miss. Ru -- who attended class with him for the next four years. Shortly before graduating, Cole interviewed Ms. Ru using StoryCorps Connect.

Keefesquare2_small Cole Phillips lost his vision just months before starting high school. As a freshman, he met paraprofessional Rugenia Keefe -- or Miss. Ru -- who attended class with him for the next four years. Shortly before graduating, Cole interviewed Ms. Ru using StoryCorps Connect.

StoryCorps: Peter Bianco and Joe Bianco

From StoryCorps | Part of the StoryCorps series | 03:04

Joe Bianco speaks with his son Peter Bianco about working together and carrying on the family business of tool sharpening in Brooklyn, NY.

Bianco_square2_small Joe Bianco speaks with his son Peter Bianco about working together and carrying on the family business of tool sharpening in Brooklyn, NY.

StoryCorps: Emma Pelosi and Debra Fisher

From StoryCorps | Part of the StoryCorps series | 02:24

Debra Fisher, an occupational therapist in the New York City Public School System, speaks with her friend Emma Pelosi, a special education teacher, about reopening in the middle of a pandemic.

Fishersquare_small Debra Fisher, an occupational therapist in the New York City Public School System, speaks with her friend Emma Pelosi, a special education teacher, about reopening in the middle of a pandemic.

StoryCorps: Rosella Pearl Liscum and Marlene Watson

From StoryCorps | Part of the StoryCorps series | 03:13

93-year-old Rosella Pearl Liscum tells her daughter, Marlene Watson, about some of the most important friendships in her life and the lessons she learned along the way.

Liscumsquare_small 93-year-old Rosella Pearl Liscum tells her daughter, Marlene Watson, about some of the most important friendships in her life and the lessons she learned along the way.

StoryCorps: Ngoc Nguyen and Christopher Myers

From StoryCorps | Part of the StoryCorps series | 02:55

Ngoc Nguyen came to StoryCorps with her GED instructor Chris Myers to talk about her childhood and the impact his teaching has had on her.

Nguyensquare_small Ngoc Nguyen came to StoryCorps with her GED instructor Chris Myers to talk about her childhood and the impact his teaching has had on her.

StoryCorps Historias: Jessica Valdivia and Jorge Valdivia

From StoryCorps | Part of the StoryCorps series | 02:40

Jorge and Jessica Valdivia remember their brother, Mauricio, who passed away from COVID-19.

Valdiviasquare_small Jorge and Jessica Valdivia remember their brother, Mauricio, who passed away from COVID-19.

StoryCorps American Pathways and Griot: Rich Jean, Abigail Jean, and Hasina Islam

From StoryCorps | Part of the StoryCorps series | 03:12

Abigail Jean and her father, Rich Jean, thank their local librarian, Hasina Islam, for encouraging Abigail’s love of reading.

Islamsquare_small Abigail Jean and her father, Rich Jean, thank their local librarian, Hasina Islam, for encouraging Abigail’s love of reading.

StoryCorps Griot: Jade Rone and Stacia Parker

From StoryCorps | Part of the StoryCorps series | 02:23

Jade Rone talks to her foster mother, Stacia Parker, about the early days of their relationship and the journey that brought them closer together.

Ronesquare_small Jade Rone talks to her foster mother, Stacia Parker, about the early days of their relationship and the journey that brought them closer together.

StoryCorps Griot: Dr. Charlene Drew Jarvis and Ernest Jarvis

From StoryCorps | Part of the StoryCorps series | 02:55

In the 1940s, Dr. Charles Drew was a surgeon and blood scientist, and today he is known as the “Father of Blood Banks.” His daughter, Dr. Charlene Drew Jarvis, came to StoryCorps with her son, Ernest Jarvis, to remember him and his work.

Jarvissquare_small In the 1940s, Dr. Charles Drew was a surgeon and blood scientist, and today he is known as the “Father of Blood Banks.” His daughter, Dr. Charlene Drew Jarvis, came to StoryCorps with her son, Ernest Jarvis, to remember him and his work.

StoryCorps Griot and Military Voices Initiative: Alvy Powell and Yvonne Powell

From StoryCorps | Part of the StoryCorps series | 03:24

Master Sgt. Alvy Powell Jr. talks with his sister, Yvonne Powell, about being the oldest enlisted soldier in the Army, and the role Yvonne played in his decorated career in music.

Powellsquare_small Master Sgt. Alvy Powell Jr. talks with his sister, Yvonne Powell, about being the oldest enlisted soldier in the Army, and the role Yvonne played in his decorated career in music.

StoryCorps Griot: Rev. Farrell Duncombe and Howard Robinson

From StoryCorps | Part of the StoryCorps series | 03:15

Rev. Farrell Duncombe talks about growing up in Montgomery, AL, and the role models who shaped him, including his Sunday school teacher, Rosa Parks.

Duncombesquare_small Rev. Farrell Duncombe talks about growing up in Montgomery, AL, and the role models who shaped him, including his Sunday school teacher, Rosa Parks.

StoryCorps Griot: Libby Stroik

From StoryCorps | Part of the StoryCorps series | 02:29

Libby Stroik talks about finding a kindred spirit in her grandfather, Harry Golomski, and about her treasured memories of their quiet mornings in rural Wisconsin.

Stroiksquare_small Libby Stroik talks about finding a kindred spirit in her grandfather, Harry Golomski, and about her treasured memories of their quiet mornings in rural Wisconsin.

StoryCorps: Jason Thomas and Jason Christian Thomas

From StoryCorps | Part of the StoryCorps series | 03:26

For the 20th anniversary of 9/11, Former Marine Sergeant Jason Thomas opens up to his youngest son, Jason Christian Thomas, about the search and rescue efforts he did at Ground Zero.

Thomassquare_small For the 20th anniversary of 9/11, Former Marine Sergeant Jason Thomas opens up to his youngest son, Jason Christian Thomas, about the search and rescue efforts he did at Ground Zero.

StoryCorps Griot: Marc Lawson and Karen Lawson

From StoryCorps | Part of the StoryCorps series | 02:42

Anderson and Karen Lawson remember their father, engineer, Gerald Lawson and how his pioneering spirit influenced their childhood in 1970’s Silicon Valley.

Lawsonsquare_small Anderson and Karen Lawson remember their father, engineer, Gerald Lawson and how his pioneering spirit influenced their childhood in 1970’s Silicon Valley.

StoryCorps Griot: Myeshia Oates and Derek Bart

From StoryCorps | Part of the StoryCorps series | 03:17

Nearly 30 years after surviving a house fire as a kid, Myeshia Oates reunites with the Los Angeles County firefighter who saved her life, Derek Bart.

Bartsquare_small Nearly 30 years after surviving a house fire as a kid, Myeshia Oates reunites with the Los Angeles County firefighter who saved her life, Derek Bart.

StoryCorps Military Voices Initiative: La'Shanda Holmes and Jeanine Menze

From StoryCorps | Part of the StoryCorps series | 02:25

Lieutenant Commander La’Shanda Holmes talks to her mentor, Commander Jeanine Menze, about being the first two Black female pilots in the United States Coast Guard.

Menzesquare_small Lieutenant Commander La’Shanda Holmes talks to her mentor, Commander Jeanine Menze, about being the first two Black female pilots in the United States Coast Guard.

StoryCorps: Gina Olaya and Kellen Quinton

From StoryCorps | Part of the StoryCorps series | 02:29

Gina Olaya and Kellen Quinton remember their family member, Wilma Mankiller, and talk about how she made history when she became the first woman Chief of the Cherokee Nation.

Olayasquare_small Gina Olaya and Kellen Quinton remember their family member, Wilma Mankiller, and talk about how she made history when she became the first woman Chief of the Cherokee Nation.

StoryCorps: Grete Bergman and Sarah Whalen-Lunn

From StoryCorps | Part of the StoryCorps series | 02:06

Grete Bergman came to StoryCorps with her friend, Sarah Whalen, to talk about their experiences giving and receiving traditional Native markings.

Whalensquare_small Grete Bergman came to StoryCorps with her friend, Sarah Whalen, to talk about their experiences giving and receiving traditional Native markings.

StoryCorps Griot: Alexander Landau and Nina Askew

From StoryCorps | Part of the StoryCorps series | 02:51

Alexander Landau spoke with his friend, Nina Askew, about the support they’ve given each other after both experienced violent arrests from Colorado Police.

Landausqaure_small Alexander Landau spoke with his friend, Nina Askew, about the support they’ve given each other after both experienced violent arrests from Colorado Police.

StoryCorps: DeFord Update

From StoryCorps | Part of the StoryCorps series | 02:36

Carolyn DeFord shares how she carries her mother’s disappearance and the stories that give her comfort and hope in her healing journey.

Defordupdatesquare_small Carolyn DeFord shares how she carries her mother’s disappearance and the stories that give her comfort and hope in her healing journey.

StoryCorps: Suzanne and Jesus Valle

From StoryCorps | Part of the StoryCorps series | 02:52

Jesus and Suzanne Valle reflect on their decision to take in children from families struggling with opioid addiction.

Vallesquare_small Jesus and Suzanne Valle reflect on their decision to take in children from families struggling with opioid addiction.

StoryCorps Griot: Rowan Allen and Dorothy Salmon-Lindsay

From StoryCorps | Part of the StoryCorps series | 01:59

Dorothy Salmon-Lindsay speaks with Rowan Allen, the EMT who saved her son’s life and inspired her to become a nurse.

Lindsaysquare_small Dorothy Salmon-Lindsay speaks with Rowan Allen, the EMT who saved her son’s life and inspired her to become a nurse.

StoryCorps Griot: Necothia Bowens-Robinson and Temica Hunt

From StoryCorps | Part of the StoryCorps series | 02:54

Temica Hunt came to StoryCorps with her mother, Neocothia Bowens-Robinson, to talk about their family’s multi-generation love of roller skating.

Bowenssquare_small Temica Hunt came to StoryCorps with her mother, Neocothia Bowens-Robinson, to talk about their family’s multi-generation love of roller skating.

StoryCorps Historias: Luis Paulino and Angel Gonzalez

From StoryCorps | Part of the StoryCorps series | 02:37

Luis Paulino and Angel Gonzalez talk about their shared experiences coming to the US from the Dominican Republic, and overcoming their challenges together.

Paulinosquare_small Luis Paulino and Angel Gonzalez talk about their shared experiences coming to the US from the Dominican Republic, and overcoming their challenges together.

StoryCorps Griot: Raynita Snipes Johnson and Gene Robinson

From StoryCorps | Part of the StoryCorps series | 02:23

Raynita Snipes Johnson remembers her great-uncle, US Army veteran Maceo Snipes, a Black man lynched for voting in 1946.

Johnsonsquare_small Raynita Snipes Johnson remembers her great-uncle, US Army veteran Maceo Snipes, a Black man lynched for voting in 1946.

StoryCorps: Phillip Lazowski and Ruth Lazowski

From StoryCorps | Part of the StoryCorps series | 02:59

Rabbi Philip Lazowski tells his wife Ruth about the stranger who saved him from the Nazis as a young boy, and how this fateful encounter would mark his entire life.

Lazowskisquare_small Rabbi Philip Lazowski tells his wife Ruth about the stranger who saved him from the Nazis as a young boy, and how this fateful encounter would mark his entire life.

StoryCorps Griot: Ghuan Featherstone and Jordan Humphreys

From StoryCorps | Part of the StoryCorps series | 02:43

Ghuan Featherstone came to StoryCorps with his mentee Jordan Humphreys to talk about their shared love of horses and horseback riding.

Featherstonesquare_small Ghuan Featherstone came to StoryCorps with his mentee Jordan Humphreys to talk about their shared love of horses and horseback riding.

StoryCorps: Vincent Mosemann and Kat Valentino

From StoryCorps | Part of the StoryCorps series | 02:31

Vincent Mosemann and Kat Valentino reflect on their time living in their vehicles and what brought them together.

Mosemannsquare_small Vincent Mosemann and Kat Valentino reflect on their time living in their vehicles and what brought them together.

StoryCorps Griot: Mary Othella Burnette and Debora Hamilton Palmer

From StoryCorps | Part of the StoryCorps series | 02:37

Mary Othella Burnette tells her daughter, Debora Hamilton Palmer, about “Granny Hayden,” a second-generation midwife in Black Appalachia.

Burnettesquare_small Mary Othella Burnette tells her daughter, Debora Hamilton Palmer, about “Granny Hayden,” a second-generation midwife in Black Appalachia.

StoryCorps Griot: Harold Lucas, Jr., D'Lorah Butts-Lucas, and Darryll Lucas

From StoryCorps | Part of the StoryCorps series | 03:07

Harold Lucas, Jr. sits down with his daughter, D’Lorah Butts-Lucas, to remember seeing Jackie Robinson train to become the first Black player in Major League baseball.

Lucassquare_small Harold Lucas, Jr. sits down with his daughter, D’Lorah Butts-Lucas, to remember seeing Jackie Robinson train to become the first Black player in Major League baseball.

StoryCorps Griot: Christina Rogers and Vester Acoff

From StoryCorps | Part of the StoryCorps series | 02:20

Christina Rogers and Vester Acoff sat down to remember the death of their sister, Latasha Harlins, whose killing over 30 years ago was one of the catalysts for the 1992 Los Angeles Riots.

Rogerssquare_small Christina Rogers and Vester Acoff sat down to remember the death of their sister, Latasha Harlins, whose killing over 30 years ago was one of the catalysts for the 1992 Los Angeles Riots.

StoryCorps: Natalie Young and David Young

From StoryCorps | Part of the StoryCorps series | 03:00

Natalie and David Young remember abortion provider Dr. George Tiller, who was killed three years after they sought his help in Wichita, Kansas.

Young_square_small Natalie and David Young remember abortion provider Dr. George Tiller, who was killed three years after they sought his help in Wichita, Kansas.

StoryCorps Griot: Fred Gilliam and Jerry Harris

From StoryCorps | Part of the StoryCorps series | 02:20

Fred Gilliam and Jerry Harris remember their mentor, Dr. Vivien Thomas, a surgical researcher who developed groundbreaking medical techniques.

Gilliamsquare_small Fred Gilliam and Jerry Harris remember their mentor, Dr. Vivien Thomas, a surgical researcher who developed groundbreaking medical techniques.

StoryCorps: Robert Carolla and Margaret Carolla

From StoryCorps | Part of the StoryCorps series | 02:41

Dr. Robert Carolla remembers a small gesture from his brother’s doctor and the lasting impact it had on his career.

Carollasquare_small Dr. Robert Carolla remembers a small gesture from his brother’s doctor and the lasting impact it had on his career.

StoryCorps: Jeffrey Perri and Tony Perri

From StoryCorps | Part of the StoryCorps series | 02:04

Tony Perri speaks with his grandson, Jeffrey Perri, about being an older gay man and the closeness of their relationship.

Perrisquare_small Tony Perri speaks with his grandson, Jeffrey Perri, about being an older gay man and the closeness of their relationship.

StoryCorps MVI: Loretta Berning

From StoryCorps | Part of the StoryCorps series | 02:50

Loretta Berning’s father, Major Harold Martin, was an Air Force pilot during World War II. Loretta came to StoryCorps to remember her father and a cherished item he brought back from the war.

Berningsquare_small Loretta Berning’s father, Major Harold Martin, was an Air Force pilot during World War II. Loretta came to StoryCorps to remember her father and a cherished item he brought back from the war.

StoryCorps: Jason Von Stein and Jim Von Stein

From StoryCorps | Part of the StoryCorps series | 03:27

Jim Von Stein talks with his son, Jason, about his love of songwriting, and the 8,000 songs that almost nobody has ever heard.

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Jim Von Stein (Jim VS):  My mom used to listen to, uh, people like Elvis and Patsy Cline, which really that touched my heart, for those lyrics. 

And my dad, he barely played on a guitar. He played three chords, and I think one of ‘em was wrong. But every once in a while, when he’d drink, he’d get that guitar out and play, you know?

Of course, when I wanted to get a guitar my dad said, ‘You’re not going to have that noise maker around here’? 

But that made me become a lyricist for sure, because that was the only way I could connect to music, you know? It was through lyrics… still telling stories. 

But, you know, you gotta have heart strings. And that’s why I write songs. I try to write not just about me or my life but everybody’s life.

Jason Von Stein (Jason VS): You worked at the shipyard for many years and they would send you out to San Francisco. And you really missed us.

I remember you came back and you wrote this song, ‘Always Missing You’.

 

[ALWAYS MISSING YOU]

 

And then we did a recording of that for Mom. I guess I was five…

When you were writing those songs, those were number one hits. 

Jason VS: When did you first realize you were sick, Dad? 

Jim VS: Well, they told me I had severe emphysema. There was a doctor and she came in and she said, ‘Here’s a picture of your lung.’ And they were coal black. 

They told me, you know, that I had an expiration date.

It’s like you’re going underwater, and you’re trying to catch your breath. That’s what it feels like all the time.

But I’m still breathing. That’s what matters. 

Jim VS: I remember you asked me, uh, what, uh, were my regrets… Did I have any…. And I told you I regretted that I didn’t go out and play my music. 

You stopped everything you were doing, and learned songs of mine. You learned every one of them. And I didn’t realize it until you started playing ‘em.

Why did you decide to do it? I mean… 

Jason VS: Because your songs deserve to be heard. You can’t spend your entire life devoting yourself to something. And then nobody hears that? That’s not ok.

Jim VS: You know, you got so much time in your hourglass and it’s how you use it. And that’s up to you. 

Long after I’m dead and gone, and people forgot who I was… the song has its own life. 

And you are the voice for my songs.