Ep 75: The Fog of War and Humanity with Richard Acritelli and guest Martin Viera P1 on hmTv

Episode 75: The Fog of War and Humanity with Richard Acritelli and guest Lt. Colonel Marty Vieira (Part 1)

In this compelling first installment of a two-part conversation, host Richard Acritelli sits down with Lieutenant Colonel Marty Vieira, a decorated combat rescue officer from the 106th Rescue Wing of the New York Air National Guard. From his humble beginnings in Rocky Point, Long Island, to a distinguished military career marked by resilience, discipline, and service, Lt. Col. Vieira shares the remarkable journey that shaped his life.

Listeners will hear how a high school lifeguard job sparked his passion for saving lives, how teaching middle school science informed his leadership style, and how the tragic events of 9/11 ignited his calling to serve in uniform—at the age of 32. With candid reflections on grueling training, overcoming setbacks, and navigating the demanding pararescue pipeline, Vieira offers a powerful look at the grit, heart, and humanity behind military service.

This episode is a testament to perseverance, purpose, and the strength of the human spirit—and sets the stage for an equally inspiring Part 2.

Tune in now to The Fog of War and Humanity on hmTv.

Transcript

Episode 75: The Fog of War and Humanity with Richard Acritelli and guest Lt. Colonel Marty Vieira (Part 1)

Hello and thank you for joining me today. I'm your host Rich Acritelli, and on today’s episode of The Fog of War and Humanity here on hmTv, my special guest is Lieutenant Colonel Marty Vieira. He’s joining me for a powerful conversation about his decades of service with the 106th Rescue Wing of the New York Air National Guard in Westhampton Beach—his experiences as a combat rescue officer, a teacher, a lifeguard, and a leader.

Rich: Marty, it's a real pleasure to have you with us today. Let’s start from the beginning. Can you tell us where you grew up and what your interests were as a young man?

Marty: Thank you, Rich. It’s an honor to be here. I grew up in Rocky Point, Long Island, and went to Rocky Point High School. Growing up, I loved soccer, basketball, and golf. I switched from soccer to cross-country to get in shape for basketball, and that decision turned out to be more influential than I realized.

Rich: Interesting. Was there a moment early on that sparked your interest in service or helping others?

Marty: Definitely. I had a teacher, Tim Delaney, who was also a lifeguard. He mentored me, and in 1986, I became an ocean lifeguard. That’s where my passion for saving lives really began.

Rich: What lessons did you take from that early experience?

Marty: Teamwork, for sure. The boss back then, Joe Douly, was a former military man. He ran a tight ship. At 16, I learned discipline, chain of command, and the importance of earning respect. You started as a gopher—go for this, go for that. But that’s where leadership starts too.

Rich: Did that experience as a lifeguard help prepare you for the military?

Marty: Absolutely. The structure, the need to act under pressure, the responsibility of saving lives—it all built a solid foundation. Plus, I had to become a strong swimmer, which would be critical later in my career.

Rich: What beaches did you work at?

Marty: Suffolk County Parks—Smith Point, Cupsogue, and Stillwater. I started at Smith Point, but now I work mostly at Cupsogue since it’s close to the base in Riverhead. I actually drove past the 106th Rescue Wing for years before realizing what it was.

Rich: You eventually became a teacher as well. Were there any other major influences?

Marty: My father. He was the principal at Longwood High School. Teaching was always in the family. He nudged me in that direction, and I followed.

Rich: What was it like getting in trouble at school when your dad was a principal?

Marty: [Laughs] I got kicked out of class once. My dad actually defended me—brought the teacher and principal in. He always had my back.

Rich: After high school, where did you go?

Marty: I went to Manhattan College. Pursued education and science, stayed an extra year to broaden my qualifications. Later, I began teaching in 1994 in Port Jefferson, then in Brooklyn, and finally in Howell Township, New Jersey.

Rich: Did you enjoy teaching right away?

Marty: It took time. I didn’t align with the initial team’s style, so I found my own way. I focused on connecting with the students, using every situation as a teachable moment.

Rich: Were you able to talk to your dad about your teaching?

Marty: Sadly, he passed away in 1994, two months before retiring. But I feel his presence and guidance all the time.

Rich: How long did you teach?

Marty: Ten years. I miss the interactions, the chance to shape future generations. It wasn’t just about the subject—it was about life lessons.

Rich: Any memorable projects?

Marty: One stands out: a genetics unit using real-life data from Chile’s dictatorship under Pinochet. The students tried to reunite children with biological families using DNA data. It was powerful and relevant.

Rich: Then 9/11 happened. What was your response?

Marty: I was already in the process of joining the military. After 9/11, I was more determined than ever. It lit a fire in me—I wanted to help.

Rich: Why the Air Force?

Marty: I discovered the role of a pararescueman—saving lives under extreme conditions, anywhere, anytime. It inspired me. I joined the Guard at Westhampton and never looked back.

Rich: You were 32 when you went to basic training?

Marty: Yes, the “old guy” there. I got the nickname “Nutty Professor.” One PJ told my wife I wouldn’t make it because of my age, but I proved him wrong.

Rich: Where did you go after Lackland?

Marty: Stayed at Lackland for the 10-week indoctrination course—very intense. Everyone talks about "seeing the wizard"—passing out in the pool. I did, and got back in. That moment told me I had what it takes.

Rich: Did your lifeguard experience help?

Marty: 100%. Staying calm under water, dealing with big waves—it all came in handy. I could relate those experiences to others in training, even though I was technically junior in rank.

Rich: Where next?

Marty: Army Combat Diver School in Key West, Florida. Challenging stuff. I even fell 20 feet from a rope once—but got up and kept going.

Rich: After Key West?

Marty: Fort Benning for Static Line School. Got recycled once for being “too positive” during parachute landing falls. But I bounced back. I’ve now completed about 700 jumps.

Rich: From Benning?

Marty: Fairchild Air Force Base for SERE training—survival, evasion, resistance, and escape. You eat whatever’s available. I remember eating rabbit. Not bad when you’re hungry.

Rich: Then?

Marty: Yuma, Arizona for freefall school. 18 jumps, great weather. Then Kirtland AFB for an eight-month paramedic course—intense and science-heavy. I actually failed the cardiology section and had to retrain and return.

Rich: That must’ve been tough.

Marty: It was, but I learned how to take the test. I wasn’t the top student, but I made it through with teamwork and grit.

Rich: What came after that?

Marty: Final 10-week culmination course at Kirtland—putting everything together in realistic mission scenarios. It was demanding and rewarding.

Rich: And you loved it all?

Marty: Every part. That’s why I stayed. So many skills, so many challenges. It was too good to walk away from.

Rich: We’ll continue this powerful conversation in Part 2. Lieutenant Colonel Marty Vieira—thank you for sharing your journey with us. We look forward to continuing this story on the next episode of The Fog of War and Humanity on hmTv.