The Veterans News Hour, November 6, 2017
The Veterans News Hour with David Cory and Richard Hurley
Guest, Brian Wizard
Guest, Brian Wizard
![Brian Wizard](/sites/default/files/pastshowheadliners/guest-pics-3-22-16/oldmanwizard.jpg)
Brian Wizard’s life was perfect, until he went to war in Vietnam in 1968-69. During the war, Brian grew from boy to man, as he defined the frontline of the war in the door of the combat assault helicopter, Pollution IV. The all-volunteer smokeship of the 118th Assault Helicopter Company was always the first ship into the hostile landing zones, laying down a protective smoke screen for the landing troop carrying ‘slick’ helicopters to protect them from the enemy guns. You can read details in the stories "Permission to Kill," and "Smokeships Always Leading the Way," and see in the award-winning documentary, "Viet Nam: Then, Again, and Beyond” about the death-defying acts the crew of Pollution IV performed on a daily basis. This beyond the call of duty combat lifestyle influenced Brian’s life ever since.
After graduating from the School of Expressive Arts at Sonoma State University, yet unable to merge with the American culture, he emigrated to Australia, where he published his first novel "Permission to Kill." He lived in the deep north of Queensland, but hitchhiked up and down, over and around the county, hawking his novel for two editions. Brian did a good turn for the Australian Viet Nam Veterans.
The fly-by of Halley’s Comet brought Brian back to the U.S.A., where he moved way out in the way-out of the Inland Northwest. Isolated in a wilderness environment, Brian penned a dozen more novels, with more to come, as you can see on his website brianwizard.com. Over the years, Brian's creative zest has never dwindled, as it is his therapy to overcome the negative aspects of war. His books, and his amazing Viet Nam War and beyond documentary have won awards. Brian has created his own brand of art works be it sculptures, jewelry, or musical instruments.
With the advent of the internet, you have access to the Master Expressive Artist’s work via his website
The Veterans News Hour
![David C. Cory and Richard Hurley of Veterans News & Talk Radio David C. Cory and Richard Hurley of Veterans News & Talk Radio](/sites/default/files/bbsradiotalkshows/host-image-3-22-16/david-and-richard.gif)
News and talk show about military veterans issues, including VA benefits and all related topics.