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Podcast Episode Description – Ordinary Heroes, Ep. 38
Title: Major Fred R. Nielsen – A Legacy of Service and Sacrifice

In this powerful and deeply moving episode of Ordinary Heroes on hmTv, host Bernie Furshpan sits down with Major Fred R. Nielsen, a decorated U.S. Marine Corps veteran whose life has been shaped by service, sacrifice, and an unwavering commitment to others.

From volunteering to serve in the Vietnam War to extending his deployment in an effort to protect his younger brother, Fred shares stories that reveal the true meaning of duty, honor, and brotherhood. He opens up about the loss of his brother in combat, the emotional weight of serving as a body escort, and how that grief reshaped his perspective on life.

Now retired, Major Nielsen continues to serve his community—mentoring youth, advocating for veterans, and honoring history through ceremony and education. He discusses the importance of empowering veterans with dignity, not charity, and his belief that every veteran represents living history.

This episode is a tribute to those who serve and a reminder of the human spirit’s resilience. Don't miss this heartfelt conversation with one of Glen Cove’s most respected leaders and a true American hero.

Ordinary Heroes is a podcast from hmTv at the Holocaust Memorial and Tolerance Center.

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