Belmont Library Helps Journalist Preserve Grandfather's Marine Corps History

BELMONT, CA — Belmont Library's makerspace helped investigative journalist Ashly McGlone turn her grandfather's 30-year Marine Corps career into the nine-episode podcast "Reconnaissance Man." San Mateo County Libraries provided free recording equipment and staff assistance for the project.

McGlone connected with senior librarian David Vargas in December 2025, and the pair recorded episodes over the next three months. "It never dawned on me that the local library could be an option for this project until then. I searched and called around and learned about the Belmont Library podcast space and was thrilled," said McGlone.

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The series follows James Lyle Steele's career as a Force Recon Marine, including service during the Vietnam War, Cuban Missile Crisis and Dominican Civil War. "It felt like I was sitting front row, soaking up all the details of her grandfather's battles, family life and tours as a Marine," said Vargas, who helped record each episode.

McGlone used microphones, filters, headphones, amplifiers and recording and editing software at no cost. "The expertise of library staff was key to getting the quality narration recording I needed to finish the project. David Vargas demystified the process and helped make this project possible," said McGlone.

"These types of military veteran stories are worth capturing and sharing before they are lost, and they hold valuable insights still useful today. Modern technology with some expert assistance from your local library makes such projects easier than ever," said McGlone. She later partnered with Combat Story and the Marine Reconnaissance Foundation on a video series.

The first three episodes are available on YouTube, Apple Podcasts and Spotify, including the first episode on YouTube. The library is at 1110 Alameda de las Pulgas, and most makerspace equipment requires a reserved time slot. Readers can email belmont@smcl.org or ask about makerspace access through the library system's contact form.

Source: ""Reconnaissance Man" Podcast Created in Our Makerspace Preserves U.S. Marine Corps History" (smcl.org)