His father was missing. Then his search for answers began | The Excerpt

On the Tuesday, September 15, 2026, episode of The Excerpt podcast: Author and USA TODAY National Enterprise Editor Jeremy Redmon joins Dana Taylor to discuss his memoir, “Tell the Kids I Love Them,” and his search to understand his father’s Vietnam War service, love for his family and death by suicide.

Hit play on the player below to hear the podcast and follow along with the transcript beneath it. This transcript was automatically generated, and then edited for clarity in its current form. There may be some differences between the audio and the text.

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Before we get started, a word of caution. This conversation includes a discussion of suicide and suicidal ideation. If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org.

I love you so much, sweetheart, and I want to be back with you again. I'm getting a bad attitude over here, I tell you, because I just… And I hate this place. I want to leave so bad. I'm sure glad I got this leave coming up soon. I need it and I…

Original source: https://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/