Ep 103: The Fog of War and Humanity with Richard Acritelli and guest Eric Spinner on hmTv

Episode 103: The Fog of War and Humanity with Richard Acritelli and Guest Eric Spinner

In Episode 103 of The Fog of War and Humanity on hmTv, host Richard Acritelli welcomes educator, veteran, and community leader Eric Spinner for a heartfelt and powerful conversation spanning decades of service, craftsmanship, and remembrance.

From his early days in Brooklyn to a lifelong career in education and military service, Eric shares stories of hands-on learning, mechanical ingenuity, and the values that guided his journey. He reflects on his time in the National Guard during the Vietnam era, his role as an industrial arts teacher in New York City public schools, and his passionate involvement in veteran advocacy through the American Legion, Jewish War Veterans, and the Legion Riders.

Eric also speaks movingly about his pilgrimages to Normandy, walking the sands of Omaha Beach and honoring the courage and sacrifice of the Allied forces. His reflections on World War II, the preservation of history, and the ongoing fight against antisemitism are a stirring reminder of the importance of memory, service, and standing up for humanity.

This episode is a tribute to those who serve—in uniform, in classrooms, and in communities—and to the enduring lessons of the past that shape our collective future.

Transcript

Podcast Transcript: Episode 103 – The Fog of War and Humanity with Richard Acritelli and Guest Eric Spinner on hmTv

Richard Acritelli:
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 guest is Eric Spinner. He’s joining me to talk about his lifelong love of history, his experiences in education, military service, and his community work. Eric, let’s get started. Where did you grow up?

Eric Spinner:
Thanks for having me, Rich. I started out in Brooklyn, as many good New Yorkers do. I lived at 805 St. Mark’s Avenue—right at the corner of Bed-Stuy, Williamsburg, and Crown Heights. We were just a few blocks away from the Brooklyn Children’s Museum.

Rich:
How long were you there?

Eric:
Until I was about seven. My father grew up on Troy Avenue, right behind Kings County Hospital. My mom spent time in the Bronx and later moved to Queens.

Rich:
What were your interests growing up?

Eric:
I was the neighborhood fixer. I had the tools, and I’d take apart and fix everyone’s bikes. Eventually, that turned into working on cars. I guess you could say I was a bit of a motorhead.

Rich:
And that mechanical interest somehow led to teaching?

Eric:
Eventually, yes. But first, I graduated high school in 1961 from Valley Stream South after moving out to Long Island. I did kindergarten and first grade in Brooklyn, and then transferred to Brooklyn Avenue School in Valley Stream.

Rich:
Was the transition from Brooklyn to Long Island a big change?

Eric:
Yes. Valley Stream schools were about a year ahead of the New York City schools. So, when I moved, I was a bit behind. I struggled through school, made it through by the skin of my teeth. Both my parents were teachers, but I wasn’t exactly the model student. I was more into hands-on work—mechanical, electrical. I worked part-time at a gas station during high school.

Rich:
What was a defining early project for you?

Eric:
Around age nine, I inherited a Lionel 072 train set. I wasn’t happy with how the engine ran, so I took it apart completely and reassembled it—cleaned and lubricated every part. My grandmother watched and called me “golden hands.” That moment really stuck with me.

Rich:
So how did your career take off from there?

Eric:
I entered the aerospace industry as an electrical tech. In 1969, I took the exam to be a New York City industrial arts teacher and started teaching in 1970.

Rich:
Did you go back to school to do that?

Eric:
Yes. I had dropped out of college after one term, then later returned to study electrical technology. I worked in a machine shop, installed and serviced X-ray machines, and eventually earned enough credits to begin teaching.

Rich:
And during this time, you served in the National Guard?

Eric:
I joined on June 1, 1965—just days before I would’ve been drafted. Basic training was at Fort Gordon, Georgia, after reception at Fort Jackson. I was trained as a radar counter-artillery operator at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, and served with the 104th Artillery at Jamaica Armory on Long Island.

Rich:
Did you advance in rank?

Eric:
Yes. I reached Sergeant E5 and was offered E6 and eventually E7 if I stayed another year. But I opted to become what I jokingly called a “PFC”—a proud civilian.

Rich:
After your service, did you return to teaching?

Eric:
Not immediately. I returned to aerospace, working at Roadale Electronics and then PRD Electronics. I finally began teaching full-time in 1970 and stayed in the classroom for 23 and a half years, teaching everything from woodworking to video production.

Rich:
What did you enjoy most about teaching?

Eric:
Creating things with the students. Helping them understand the math and science behind building something. Watching them grasp those concepts and take pride in their work.

Rich:
You're involved in many veterans' organizations now. Tell us more.

Eric:
I’ve been active with the American Legion in Elmont for about 15 years. I joined as a fixer—couldn’t help myself—and became a trustee early on. The mission is to support veterans, build camaraderie, and advocate for benefits at the local and national level.

Rich:
What kind of outreach did you do?

Eric:
We ran events at St. Albans VA Hospital—bingo nights, clothing drives, donated canteen cards. It was about improving the lives of those who served.

Rich:
You also served as commander for the Jewish War Veterans in Merrick?

Eric:
Yes. I joined four years ago. We’ve been active against antisemitism, attending rallies and public events to advocate not just for Jews but for all groups facing hate. I stepped down after a year, and my friend Gary Glick took over. When he became State Commander, I stepped back in temporarily.

Rich:
Gary is involved in so much.

Eric:
Absolutely. He’s a connector—emails, texts, calls all day long. Very dedicated, much like Joe Cognitore at VFW Post 6249.

Rich:
You’ve also supported efforts honoring Holocaust remembrance and historical preservation?

Eric:
Yes, I’ve been involved with community efforts and worked with organizations like Operation Democracy, which connected Locust Valley and Sainte-Mère-Église in France after WWII. That relationship still continues today.

Rich:
You ride with the American Legion Riders too?

Eric:
Yes, even at 81, I’m still on two wheels—riding an ’06 Harley Electra Glide. We do escort rides for veterans, funerals, airport welcomes. It’s a great group and an incredible way to serve.

Rich:
And you’ve visited Normandy?

Eric:
Twice—2014 and 2019. Walking Omaha Beach during low tide, seeing what our soldiers faced, it brought me to tears. The cliffs, the distance from shore, it’s overwhelming. I met Susan Eisenhower during one of those trips. Hearing her recount her grandfather’s leadership made it even more profound.

Rich:
What would you say is the biggest takeaway from Normandy?

Eric:
That American troops saved humanity. This wasn’t about conquest—it was about stopping tyranny. It was about preserving freedom, and that sacrifice should never be forgotten.

Rich:
Eric, thank you for sharing your remarkable journey with us. Your story reminds us of the connection between service, memory, and humanity.

Eric:
Thank you, Rich. It’s been a pleasure being here, and I hope your audience continues to engage with these important conversations.

Rich:
Absolutely. We look forward to having you back again on The Fog of War and Humanity here on hmTv. Thanks for tuning in.