Ep 76: The Fog of War and Humanity with Richard Acritelli and guest Martin Viera P2 on hmTv

Episode 76: The Fog of War and Humanity with Richard Acritelli and Lt. Colonel Marty Vieira (Part 2)

In this gripping continuation of The Fog of War and Humanity, host Richard Acritelli sits down with Lieutenant Colonel Marty Vieira of the 106th Rescue Wing to explore the high-stakes world of combat rescue and the human spirit behind the mission.

From surviving grueling training in his 30s to leading life-saving operations in Iraq, Afghanistan, Africa, and the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, Vieira shares powerful insights into what it means to serve. He recounts one of the most extraordinary missions of his career—parachuting into stormy seas 1,500 miles offshore to rescue sailors from a burning cargo ship—demonstrating unmatched courage, medical expertise, and team coordination under extreme pressure.

Now commander of the 103rd Rescue Squadron, Vieira reflects on the lessons learned from warzones to humanitarian efforts, emphasizing the values of discipline, leadership, and service.

This episode is a masterclass in resilience, sacrifice, and the unwavering commitment of the U.S. Air Force’s elite rescue teams. Tune in to hear what it truly means to leave no one behind.

Transcript

Episode 76: The Fog of War and Humanity with Richard Acritelli and guest Lt. Colonel Marty Vieira (Part 2)

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 on hmTv, we’re continuing our powerful conversation with Lieutenant Colonel Marty Vieira, a seasoned combat rescue officer from the 106th Rescue Wing of the New York Air National Guard, based in Westhampton Beach.

Last episode, we covered his rigorous training and transition into military life. Today, we pick up with the physical and mental challenges he faced training at age 32, often alongside younger recruits. Despite being older, Vieira credits his background in triathlons and endurance events for helping him stay ahead of the physical demands. With greater life experience under his belt, he navigated the daily grind with determination.

After graduation in 2005, Vieira returned to the unit and began mission-ready upgrade training. A year later, with his beret and boots ceremony behind him—a moment filled with family pride—he prepared for the realities of war. In 2008, he deployed to Iraq, operating out of Balad in the southern part of the country, where he cut his teeth in combat leadership. In 2012, he deployed to Afghanistan, now with more experience and holding the rank of captain. His responsibilities included leading combat search and rescue missions—coordinating air-ground movements and ensuring his pararescue jumpers (PJs) had what they needed to save lives under fire.

The missions were intense. He recalled a specific IED attack where he and his team had to land, navigate hostile terrain, and extract wounded soldiers trapped in a Humvee. As a combat rescue officer, Vieira stayed on the ground, coordinating with aircraft, providing cover, and managing extraction logistics—while his PJs stabilized and evacuated the injured.

He also served in Africa, stationed in Djibouti near the Red Sea. The base, though small, was strategically vital and constantly growing. He described limited off-base interaction but emphasized the base’s role in regional security and humanitarian efforts.

One of the most incredible missions of his career came in 2017. A container ship exploded in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean—1,500 miles from land. With lives hanging in the balance, Vieira and his team jumped into 12-foot seas in the dark, deployed a Zodiac boat, and spent 36 hours aboard the ship stabilizing four injured sailors. Despite losing two, they saved the remaining men, later evacuating them to Lisbon via helicopter from the Azores. The Portuguese medical team praised their work as extraordinary.

Throughout the mission, communication was key, with radios, chem lights, and precise coordination under high stress. The C-130 that dropped them had to leave due to low fuel, leaving the team isolated and dependent on their training and teamwork.

Lt. Col. Vieira reflected on this mission as the defining one of his career—a testament to rigorous training, resilience, and the mission-first mindset of the PJs. The trauma response and medical training paid off in life-saving ways, reinforcing why the grueling preparation was worth it.

Today, Vieira serves as the commander of the 103rd Rescue Squadron, overseeing training, equipment, and readiness for his entire unit. With a wealth of experience in combat, humanitarian rescue, and leadership, he mentors the next generation with wisdom and humility.

Rich Acritelli closed the episode thanking Lt. Col. Vieira for his service and leadership, calling him a true example of courage and humanity under pressure.

Stay tuned for more incredible stories on The Fog of War and Humanity on hmTv.