Season Five--Episode Links

"Running on empty (running on)/

Running blind (running on)/

Running into the sun/

But I'm running behind."

--Lyrics to "Running on Empty" by Jackson Browne

Dr. William Fermo and his brother Dr. Jeremy Fermo are "all in" on delivering incredible running experiences to runners and communities in  Southeast Texas.

Since launching their "3 Bros Running Company" in 2022, the brothers have quickly become one of the most recognized and sought-after race organizers in the region.

In this episode of Down Trails of Victory podcast, Buck and Wanda Carole visit with the two Nederland High School graduates, and talk with them about numerous topics, including:

• Why they went "all in" on a business devoted to races;
• Key elements to their company's success;
• Their extraordinarily successful 5K events in Port Neches and Orange;
• "Destination races," and why they are important to the hosting community;
• Their prolific use of social media;
• Why running is good for everyone;
• Their plans for 2025--and beyond;
• and much, much, more!

The podcast brings up quite a few names from Southeast Texas and the running community, including John Walk, Allen Wrinkle, Glenn Johnson, Phil Brannan, Lauren Leigh, Meb Keflezighi, Desiree Linden, ...and more! 

Runners may always run behind the sun, but their dreams forever draw them forward in their pursuit of it...

Listen to these two runners' dreams...

Right here, on Down Trails of Victory podcast!

Do not wait until some deed of greatness you may do/

Do not wait to shed your light afar/

To the many duties ever near you now be true/

Brighten the corner where you are."

--Lyrics to "Brighten the Corner Where you Are"" by Charles Gabriel, Paul Mickelson, and Ina Duley Ogden

Memorial Day.

In this special episode, Down Trails of Victory podcast pays tribute to the 1.3 million military men and women who gave their lives defending the United States by telling the story of one of its heroes:  Colonel Bobby Gene Vinson of Nederland, Texas. 

Bobby Vinson's story takes on a further meaning because he was listed as "Missing in Action" during and after his service in Vietnam, a designation held by over 82,000 service men and women from World War II until the present.

Joining Buck and Brad in telling this incredible story is Bobby Vinson's son-in-law Dr. Mark Harper, Commander US Navy (Retired); and Bobby Vinson's friend and fellow fighter pilot Colonel William "Bill" Keith, US Air Force (Retired), who served with him in Vietnam.

The podcast will pay tribute to Colonel Vinson's school year accomplishments in Nederland; his achievements at West Point; his family; and his heroics as a fighter pilot in the Korean and Vietnam Wars. 

It will also call attention to the historic advocacy of his wife Joan Vinson, who from her courageous role as National Coordinator for the League of Families from 1969 - 1973 led to today's most visible symbol of American POWs and MIAs:  the POW/MIA flag.

Local names and military heroes mentioned in the podcast include Russ Devillier, Red Wilkerson, Walter "Buddy" Davis, I B Griffith, Vernon Butler, J L Redd, Percy Baker, William R Clark, Harry Doornbos, Edward Hughes, Harold Knowles, Henry Broussard, Lester Clotiaux, Martin Ener, George Jones, Kermit Carter, Louis Docken, R B Gregory, Charles Kenmedge, Paul Ritchie, Charles Rowland, Richard Roy, J D Savoy Jr, Louis H Smith, Kenneth Robert Speer, Clarence Peterson, Christopher Ancelet, James Pat Ferguson, James George Howard Jr, William Terrel McNair, John Carnul Myatt, Arvin Douglas Pennell, Anthony R Maddox, and Bruce Churan, among others.

Other names and military heroes mentioned in the podcast include Woodrow Wilson Parker, Chuck Vinson, Robbie Vinson, Vickie Vinson, Laura Vinson Harper, Red Blake, Doc Blanchard, Glenn Davis, Art Schroeder, Winfield "Skip" Scott, Charlie Gabriel, Michael Harper, and Michael Blassie, among others.

May God bless the heroes that we salute on Memorial Day.

"YOU ARE NOT FORGOTTEN."

Right here, on Down Trails of Victory podcast!

"Sooner or Later, Your Cousin's DNA is Going to Solve a Murder"

--New York Times headline, April 25, 2019

In 2025, that time is NOW rather than sooner or later.

Detective Tina Lewallan of the Beaumont Police Department, and Shera Lapoint, a forensic genealogist known as "The Gene Hunter," discuss their role in solving the 25-year old cold case murder of Beaumont teacher Mary Catherine Edwards.

In March 2024, Clayton Bernard Foreman was convicted of the murder by a Jefferson County jury. The case was solved by matching DNA evidence found at the scene, with DNA matches on genealogical family trees. 

The trial was widely covered by local media, and also was featured nationally on CBS's 48 Hours, ABC's 20/20, Texas Monthly, and Nancy Grace. It was the first high-profile case in Southeast Texas to reach a conviction using forensic genetic genealogy methods.

Detective Lewallan and Ms. Lapoint spearheaded the genealogical component of the investigation. Hear the story of their historic and remarkable journey on this case.

Names of people mentioned in the podcast include Detective Aaron Lewallan, Allison Edwards Brocato, Texas Ranger Brandon Bess, and Nancy Grace, among others.               

Tina Lewallan and Shera Lapoint re-trace their journey solving the 25-year old cold case, immersing themselves into DNA and family trees, in their pursuit of justice. 

Hear the incredible behind-the-scenes story.

Right here, on Down Trails of Victory podcast!

"The Best High School Football Rivalry in the NATION!"--Sports Illustrated, October 2024

"Mid County Madness," the term coined by sportswriter Tom Halliburton to describe the football rivalry between Port Neches-Groves and Nederland, can trace its origin back to 1925, when each of these schools started their respective football programs.

In commemoration of 100 years of PN-G and Nederland football, Dr. Jon Buck Ford and Judge Brad Burnett discuss this historic rivalry with three legendary sportswriters who covered the players, coaches, personalities, and games at various times throughout the years:  Burt Darden, Russ Devillier, and Tom Halliburton.

Names of people mentioned in the podcast include Luther "Red" Garner, C. O. Wilson, Jeff Bergeron, Doug Ethridge, Joe Heiling, Larry Neumann, Matt Burnett, Dr. Jeff Price, Joey Price, Darrell Royal, Steve Pate, Bill Yeoman, Cecil Green, Blake Green, Craig Guillory, Robert Giblin, Craig Harmon, Wilson Weber, David Findley, Andy Gilbert, Richey Ethridge, Herbie Atkins, Mike Havard, Kyle Aguillard, Ricky Matt, Neal Morgan, Pat Johnson,  Gene McCollum, Bum Phillips, Steve DeRouen, Don Clayton, Scott Rich, Jeff Joseph, Bobby August, Danny Malone, Dustin Long, Keith Waguespack, Roschon Johnson, Kevin Barbe, Micah Mosley, Aubrey Brisendine, Richard Bethea, Zach Byrd, Wade Phillips, Ladd Herzeg, Donna Halliburton, Genie Montie West, Dennis Walsh, Larry Walsh, Jimmy Singletary, Larry Wiley, Bob Osius, Damon West, Grayson West, Dick Oliver, and Cotton Speyer, among others. 

Also included in the podcast is a special tribute to three sportswriters who were a big part of this rivalry and Southeast Texas sports, but are no longer with us:  Bob West, John Devillier, and Larry Bodin.              

Hear these illustrious sportswriters celebrate Nederland and PN-G's 100-year rivalry, and also pay tribute to their distinguished deceased colleagues...

Right here, on Down Trails of Victory podcast!