The Last of the Greatest, is a podcast produced by a team at The Gazette, where we dive into the experiences and memories of the remaining World War II veterans in Colorado Springs. In this series, you’ll hear from pilots, medics, marines, family members and how the war shaped their lives.
I worked as a photographer, interviewer, writer and producer for this series.
Earl Depner poses for a portrait in the library at Jackson Creek Senior Living in Monument, Colo. Depner served in both World War II and the Korean War in the Army Air Corps. He celebrated his 104th birthday on Friday, Nov. 12, 2021.
Marine veteran Arthur Whisennand poses for a portrait in the library at Jackson Creek Senior Living in Monument, Colo. Whisennand was 91 during the time of his interview for this podcast.
Douglas Palmer, 96, grew up in Colorado Springs with dreams of flying airplanes. His dream led him to flying B-26 bombers and participating in 68 missions out of England in World War II as an Army Air Corps Captain.
Cole Griego poses for a portrait in his home in Colorado Springs, Colo. Griego served as a Navy corps man medic during the Battle of Iwo Jima. He celebrated his 97th birthday in November, 2021.
Griego wrote about his experience during his time in the Navy and the 30 days he spend on the island of Iwo Jima.
Carol Cook poses for a portrait with a photo of her father, Don Baldwin, in his Army Air Corps uniform. Baldwin passed away in 1999 at age 76. She keeps his flight log and photos of him during his service in a case, in hopes of one day passing them down to the next generation of her family.
Bill Roche, 96, poses for a portrait in the World War II Aviation Museum in Colorado Springs, Colo. Bill survived nine missions – and two crash landings – as a B-17 waist gunner with the 452nd Bomb Group during his service in WWII. His Air Force career spanned 33 years and saw him retire with the rank of Colonel.
Bill Roche and JJ Inman in a hangar at the World War II Aviation Museum.
Johnny Junior "JJ" Inman, poses for a portrait at the World War II Aviation Museum. Inman retired from the Army Air Corps as a Lt. Col. He passed away on May 7, 2021, at the age of 98.