A 7-foot-2 Avery County man and N.C. State legend was a member of the U.S. Olympic basketball team. Tommy Burleson got caught in the middle of a moment when terrorists were taking athletes to a bus and helicopter where they were taken to the airport and killed during a shootout.
Burleson vividly remembers a gun to his back and then his head as he could hear the whimpers of the Israeli athletes when they were shuffled out behind him as he faced a wall.
The event leaves him with nightmares to this very day. This summer, I spent some time with Burleson in his hometown where he told the story that he rarely shares in public.
About the Podcast
With the speed of the local news cycle, it's easy to forget that the politicians who represent us and the influencers in our communities are more than just a sound bite. North Carolina’s veteran reporter and anchor, Tim Boyum, loosens his signature bow tie to give listeners a glimpse behind the curtain, showing us who these power players really are and why they do what they do. Through Tim’s candid conversations on “Tying It Together,” his guests reveal their most fascinating life stories, passions, and help all of us get a better grasp on the issues affecting our communities.
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