hmTv at HMTC Podcasts Ep 68: The Fog of War and Humanity with Richard Acritelli and guest Frank Asselta on hmTv
In Episode 68 of The Fog of War and Humanity, host Rich Acritelli sits down with Vietnam combat medic Frank Asselta to trace his journey from a small‑town Long Island childhood through the crucible of Southeast Asia’s fiercest battles. Frank recounts being drafted in 1965, his cold‑weather training at Fort Dix, and the reality‑shattering field medicine he improvised on the front lines—serving two back‑to‑back tours with a reconnaissance platoon under fire. He reflects on the toll of PTSD and his choice to forego traditional counseling, then pivots to life after service: earning a marine‑science degree, building a career in public works, and today channeling his experience into community healing. Tune in to hear how a reluctant warrior became a peacetime advocate—organizing Rocky Point’s annual 5K run to fund PTSD support for fellow veterans—and discover the humanity that persists even in the fog of war.