We asked people to participate in Real American Stories and were astonished by the responses. From people we stopped on the sidewalk to household names eager to tell their uniquely American stories, we invite you to watch selections that moved us.

 
A Family Legacy – NEW

A Family Legacy – NEW

Through hard work and perseverance, Mila Apostol created the little store that could.

Global Soap Project NEW

Global Soap Project NEW

A refugee survivor, Derreck Kayongo is saving the world, one bar of soap at a time.

Tasty Pastry – NEW

Tasty Pastry – NEW

A harrowing escape from Iran, a fight for freedom, and the little bakery that could.

Kwame James – NEW

Kwame James – NEW

He went toe-to-toe with the shoe bomber and became a hero in the sky.

Spread the Magic – NEW

Spread the Magic – NEW

A cancer survivor, Chad Juros performs miracles through the gift of magic!

Rachel Grusse – NEW

Rachel Grusse – NEW

A bi-lateral amputee, Rachel leads her teammates with a truly inspiring attitude.

Melinda Doolittle – NEW

Melinda Doolittle – NEW

This American Idol finalist defied all the odds on her way to stardom.

Rick’s Picks – NEW

Rick’s Picks – NEW

Pushing the limits of pickling by bringing lots of taste to the traditional mason jar.

Robledo Family Winery – NEW

Robledo Family Winery – NEW

Reynaldo Robledo turned a $12  job into a million dollar operation.

New Haven Pizza Wars – NEW

New Haven Pizza Wars – NEW

New Haven’s battle over brick oven supremacy.

The Sphinx Org. – NEW

The Sphinx Org. – NEW

Aaron Dworkin brings classical music to the inner city, and opens up a world of possibilities.

Back On My Feet – NEW

Back On My Feet – NEW

Anne Mahlum starts a running program that helps homeless men reclaim their lives.

Hyde/Model Rugby – NEW

Hyde/Model Rugby – NEW

A DC inner city school teaches rugby to a school for the deaf and the results are loud and clear.

Hyde/Model Rugby – (CC)

Hyde/Model Rugby – (CC)

A DC inner city school teaches rugby to a school for the deaf and the results are loud and clear.

Project Healing Waters – NEW

Project Healing Waters – NEW

Bringing wounded vets fly-fishing to heal their mind and soul.

Operation Proper Exit – NEW

Operation Proper Exit – NEW

Taking wounded vets back to Iraq to provide emotional closure.

Tova Friedman – NEW

Tova Friedman – NEW

A Holocaust survivor, she was one of five children that survived from her town.

Dogfish Head

Dogfish Head

Owner, Sam Calagione overcame adversity to create, a bigger, bolder American beer.

Pat’s and Geno’s

Pat’s and Geno’s

Can it get any more American than steak, onions and cheese whiz on a homemade bun?

The Phillie Phanatic

The Phillie Phanatic

This lovable mascot of the Philadelphia Phillies brings imagination to life.

Chris Gardner

Chris Gardner

He talks about his journey from homelessness to financial freedom.

Air Guitar

Air Guitar

Some call air guitar part perf. art, pro wrestling and rock’n’roll. Whatever it is, it sure is fun.

Fireworks by Grucci

Fireworks by Grucci

A family’s unbelievable story of courage, love and perseverance.

Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest

Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest

This July 4th patriotic pig out is rooted in love of country.

Tom Clarke

Tom Clarke

He talks about seeing the last two 9/11 survivors being pulled from the wreckage.

James Martinez

James Martinez

An Iraq War veteran, James talks about surviving a suicide attack and serving our country.

Giuliana Rancic

Giuliana Rancic

She talks about coming over from Italy as a child and the chances America has given her.

Gary Szabo

Gary Szabo

A firefighter who helped with the rescue efforts at the WTC after the 9/11 attacks.

Ken Krimstein

Ken Krimstein

He took his son to his first day of Kindergarten in NYC on 9/11.

Tara Deckard

Tara Deckard

She’s following in grandfather’s footsteps, paying it forward, and living up to her good name.

Teuta Dedvukaj

Teuta Dedvukaj

Her parents left Albania so she could grow up with the freedom to live out her “American Dream.”

Wayne Hosmer

Wayne Hosmer

An Iraqi veteran, he talks about the price of freedom.

Jillynn Rasmussen

Jillynn Rasmussen

A 1st grade teacher talks about teaching the Pledge of Allegiance to her students.

Mathew Knowles

Mathew Knowles

The father of entertainer Beyonce, he talks of the importance of reaching for your dreams.

Gidgett Lovingood

Gidgett Lovingood

She raised nine children and talks about overcoming adversity and following your dreams.

Fred & Tina Sayers

Fred & Tina Sayers

As devoted parents, they provided a safe and loving environment for over 40 foster babies.

Rachel Castaneda

Rachel Castaneda

She shares her ancestors’ sacrifices and struggles for the freedoms we enjoy in America.

Joe Dannenbaum IV

Joe Dannenbaum IV

Inspired by wounded soldiers, he’s in med school training to become a doctor in the U.S. Army.

Leeza Gibbons

Leeza Gibbons

Like her mother, she teaches her children that in America, anything is possible.

Military Wives

Military Wives

Julie Smith & Joyce Hogan have served our nation through their husbands’ military service.

Ken & Guen Williams

Ken & Guen Williams

They adpoted two children from Russia and share how the experience changed their lives.

Charles Ward

Charles Ward

Vietnam Vet who talks about how service changed his life and his feeling for this country.

Val Lofgreen

Val Lofgreen

He looks back and remembers what NYC was like on the day they buried JFK.

David Tyree

David Tyree

He compares football to unity and talks about the importance of America coming together.

CEO Jack Welch

CEO Jack Welch

Chairman and CEO of GE from 1981-2001, he talks about following your dreams.

Fran Drescher

Fran Drescher

She’s a 3rd generation American who talks of fulfilling the dreams of our founding fathers.

Anthony Lassiter

Anthony Lassiter

A Vietnam Vet, Anthony talks about surviving a vicious attack, and the costs of freedom.

Peter & Dea Bauer

Peter & Dea Bauer

The couple talks about raising their kids and the freedoms we cherish in this country.

Alp Gurpinar

Alp Gurpinar

He emigrated from Turkey to go to college and follow his dreams.

Launa Costley

Launa Costley

A teacher who credits her ancestors for giving us the freedoms we share in this country.

Jimmie Sue Blose

Jimmie Sue Blose

She remembers the Oklahoma City bombing and how Americans stand together.

Thais Prado

Thais Prado

A Cuban American who talks about how her father risked his life to bring his family here.

Walter & Janet Loy

Walter & Janet Loy

Married for 52 years, they talk about growing up and raising a family in a small town.

Oleg Haskel

Oleg Haskel

He’s a Russian immigrant who talks about coming to America and achieving his dreams.

Andria Mellon

Andria Mellon

She talks about her ancestors’ hard work and sacrifice emigrating here from Greece.

George Padavil

George Padavil

He emigrated from India and talks about the opportunities America has given him.

Utkarsh Sata

Utkarsh Sata

He came from India to become an engineer and is currently applying for U.S. citizenship.

Stella Kozanecki

Stella Kozanecki

Her family has celebrated a family reunion every year for the past 70 years.

Montgomery Gentry

Montgomery Gentry

The award winning country music group talks about performing for the troops in Iraq.

16 Responses to “Anthony Lassiter”

  1. Ron Pfafflin said:

    Anthony
    Coincidence or not. While watching this several times on the Fox News Extra I always saw the name of one of my high school classmates, Clarence Washington, which appears on the Wall during your presentation. I know he never came back from Vietnam and was there about the same time as you were there. He was the only one in my high school class that died in the Vietmam War. I often give thanks for his sacrifice so the rest of us could live in a free country. Hats off to you and Clarence.. Ron Pfafflin/Clark Field/Phillippines

  2. John Voracek said:

    Shalom Brother Grunt … ” Welcome Home ”
    See you story during breaks on fox-news here in Jerusalem Israel. Have seen it at least 20 times + each time I want to stand at attention during your talk and a memory Tear is Always shed.
    The sight of those Fat UH-34 choppers landing and you holding that m-14 brings back all sorts of memories. Good + Bad. From looks of your uniform I’d say you were in the Army. As a Former Marine / Nam Vet 65-66 it doesnt matter what uniform your wearing. ” You’ve been there, Done that ” Thats what matters. Lost my Plt. Sgt. in Jan of 66/ Chu Lai – RVN. Sgt Joseph Jackson. Like you he was a Blood who had a Family. NEVER a Day I dont think about him.
    So PROUD of you and your story. PLEASE have your wife give you a ” Welcome Home Hug” for me.
    Shalom + Semper Fi Brother Grunt.. G-d Bless ya…!
    John Voracek , Jerusalem, Israel dddgrunt@cheerful.com

  3. Bill Scott said:

    Like you Anthony, it has only been recently that I have publically acknowledged that I was a Vietnam vet and also served during the same period of time as you. You are so right in stating that freedom does not come cheap. I t has a special meaning to those who have fought for it that the protected shall never know.

  4. CHARLIE,MONTOYA said:

    ,TO ALL THOSE PAST PRESENT & WILL BE FUTURE SOLDIER,S & CIVILIANS , WARROIR,S WHO WILL BE IN REMEMBERANCE FOR ALWAYS AND WHO MAKE UP FOR THOSE WHO ARE UNGRATEFULL FOR FOR THIER ARRIGANCE, CONTINUE TO SERVE HONORABLE, SEMPER FI w / STRENGHT & HONOR,

  5. gena said:

    Anthony,
    It honors me to thank you for your service. My husband is a former Marine and VietNam vet. He was there earlier than you and was at Khe Sanh, he’s taught me to really respect the guys who served then and the ones who serve today.

    God bless you and your family.

  6. Mark Brouse said:

    Anthony
    Although the word can not repay you for your service to thic country. I want to thank you for your service. As a Former Marine, I know what it means to have served. You are a true american and like all my fellow brothers of arms, the nation needs to remember all the brave soles who have given their lives for this country. I thank you again and may your days be filled with joy and happiness. Semper Fi my friend.

  7. Mary Lou Tyson said:

    Thank You so much,again I’m Humbled.

  8. Billie Slaughter said:

    God bless you, Anthony. My brother was career Air Force (joined with my dad’s permission at age 17) — he was in Korea, Vietnaam, and Bosnia. He died of cancer just a few years after giving 27 years to the military. My husband was in the military hospital in El Paso, Texas from severe injuries in WWII. He was a fabulous fellow — a genuine Texas Aggie! He, too, is gone now. I am proud of them. I am proud of you! I know your family is proud of you and thisd nation owes you a great debt of honor and respect. Again, God bless you.

  9. Tim Porter said:

    Anthony, Thank you for your service and your sacrifice. As a fellow Vietnam Veteran who served with the 1st Infantry Division, I understand the tragedy of combat and I want you to know that your actions in 1968 were heroic. I consider you to by my friend and I would love to meet you and buy you dinner.

    For you especially, those turbulent times must have presented you with conflicted feelings. I want you to know that you are a true American Hero. God bless you my friend.

    Tim Porter
    Irmo, SC
    Career Maryland Police Officer

  10. Pat Dunne said:

    Thankyou ,
    That just doesn’t seem enough.

  11. Beth said:

    Thank you for servicing our country in a time when our military wasn’t given the respect they deserved. I visited the Vietnam Veteran Memorial last weekend and it was overwhelming to see all the names on the wall. I am so glad that there is finally a tribute to those that fought and died in Vietnam. God bless you and your family.

  12. WhatsHerName said:

    Thank you…

  13. Barbara said:

    Becaue of your courage and strength we can all enjoy the freedoms so many of us take for granted. Thank you for serving our Country. May God Bless each and everyone of you. xoxoxo

  14. Walt Meczywor said:

    Anthony,
    Far all you did thank you. I can’t imagine what it was like to fight abroad with all the social unrest during the 60’s. I’m a retired vet and can only say that your service was and still is appreciated by so many, especially those of us who served and will always be “A Band Of Brothers”…

    Thank you

  15. Justin said:

    Very Proud Dad!!

  16. Ann said:

    Thank you for this website. America is a great nation and these people prove that point.

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