Our historians are leaders in their field, authors, podcast hosts, documentary filmmakers and sought-after experts for articles, movies and TV shows.
But who are they really? To give you an inkling, we’ve modified the Proust Questionnaire for our historians. Popularized by Marcel Proust, this set of questions is said to reveal a person’s true nature.
Today, historian Erik Flint, Lt. Col (Retired) answers our Historians Proust Questionnaire. Erik specializes in the European and Pacific Theaters of Operation. In 2022, he retired as a lieutenant colonel after spending 35 years as both an enlisted United States Marine and U.S. Army officer. From 2015 to 2024, he worked for the U.S. Army Center of Military History as the Director of the Lewis Army Museum on board Joint Base Lewis-McChord in Washington State.
Erik is excited to be leading the Band of Brothers® Tour with Currahee Military Weekend, October 2 -18, 2025, as well as a couple of our D-Day to the Rhine tours.
Erik Flint Answers Our Historians Proust Questionnaire
What is your idea of perfect happiness on tour?
Engaging with genuinely curious and enthusiastic guests while learning more and becoming a better historian.
What is your greatest fear on tour?
Bored or frustrated guests resulting from failure to make a time/location due to an easily-addressed issue.
What do you consider the most overrated virtue of a historical figure?
Height
What is the quality you most like in a historical figure?
Humanity
Which words or phrases do you most overuse on tour?
“Carry on.” “Go forth and do glorious things.” “Is it nap time?”
When and where were you happiest when on tour?
When I’ve allowed myself to let go and just feel the impact of the ground where I’m standing. Beaches. Cemeteries. Drop Zones…. When I viscerally connect with history.
Which talent of a historical figure would you most like to have?
Decisiveness
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
Better goal-directed persistence. The ability to focus and maintain focus.
What do you consider your greatest achievement on tour?
Seeing the moment when guests connect with the history and stories that surround them. Being able to facilitate those moments.
If you were to die and come back as a historical figure, who would it be?
A more aware version of myself (I am a historical figure, aren’t I?)
In which period of history would you most like to live?
Four years in the future
What is your most treasured possession?
My daughter (not a “possession” I guess)
What is your most marked characteristic as an historian?
Curiosity and enthusiasm
What do you most value in your guests?
Curiosity and understanding
Who are your favorite writers?
Max Brooks. He’s the son of director Mel Brooks and author of “World War Z” and “The Harlem Hellfighters,” and a Fellow at the US Military Academy’s Modern War Institute.
Brian McAllister-Linn, the senior military historian at Texas A&M. He’s authored numerous works on the history of the United States Army and America in the pre-WWII Pacific.
Who is your hero of historical fiction?
Harry Flashman. He’s the author of George MacDonald Fraser’s fictional hero of Victorian Britain. A man who was everywhere and did everything. Also, a complete bastard.
Which historical figure do you most identify with?
Edmund Blackadder. Fictional but relatable. Captain Blackadder from the BBC series “Blackadder Goes Forth” is one of the most accurate portrayals of a soldier’s life on the front in WWI.
Who are your heroes in real life?
Chris Anderson (obviously).
GEN Xavier T. Brunson, COL (ret.). The greatest general officer I’ve ever personally known. Worked for and with GEN Bruson when he was the commanding general of the 7th Infantry Division and then US I Corps at Joint Base Lewis-McChord. My final assignment in the Army was as his command historian.
Steve Corbett COL (ret.). Former brigade commander, an amazing leader, personable, forthright, funny, and a pleasure to serve under. Retired infantry colonel who served all throughout the Cold War and early post-9/11 period. One of my greatest mentors. Also, a hell of a military historian.
What is your motto?
“Stupid stops here.”
