Interviewed by:

Colby Gavin

"...I think there are better ways to bring things to resolution,
rather than using brutal force, shooting each other."
~ Peter Saltonstall

Peter Saltonstall's Story:

Peter Saltonstall is a US Vietnam War veteran who was drafted into the military in 1966. While he was first drafted into the Marines, he got help from his uncle, Senator Saltonstall, and was able to switch into the Air Force. When he arrived at basic training, he was told he was going to become a cook, but ended up a helicopter door-gunner in Vietnam. His job was to shoot the enemy from above in a helicopter.

He described the experience as "harrowing," as he had multiple close-encounters with the enemy and near-death experiences. He was even shot in the back of the leg once. He survived Vietnam for eleven months and sixteen days, and spent most of his time fighting there. When he came back, he spent time recovering physically and mentally.

After his service ended, he began working in finance business. Now, toward the end of his career, he he is the CEO of the non-profit organization, NORD, the National Organization for Rare Disorders. With NORD, he spends time in Washington DC advocating for patients of rare diseases and their rights.