Todd Neikirk

Todd Neikirk is a New Jersey-based politics, entertainment and history writer. His work has been featured in psfk.com, foxsports.com, politicususa.com and hillreporter.com. He enjoys sports, politics, comic books, and anything that has to do with history.

When he is not sitting in front of a laptop, Todd enjoys soaking up everything the Jersey Shore has to offer with his wife, two sons and American Foxhound, Wally.

Articles by Todd Neikirk:

Six Famous Comedians Who Served in the US Military

Bob Newhart + George Carlin

The very best stand-up comedians connect with the audience by talking about their experiences and finding humor in both the mundane and dangerous. As such,…

The Real-Life Inspiration for Top Gun’s ‘Viper’ Made a Cameo in the Movie

Tom Skerritt as Mike "Viper" Metcalf in 'Top Gun'

Top Gun debuted in theaters in May 1986, and moviegoers had never seen anything like it. The film was sleek and cool, and portrayed the…

The History of Chechnya’s Fierce Fighting Force

Chechen fighters walking together

In February 2022, Russian President Vladimir Putin sent the country’s Army to invade Ukraine. He believed he could make quick work of the invasion, but…

Whitey Bulger: Air Force Service Member Turned Organized Crime Boss

Whitey Bulger in a bathrobe + Whitey Bulger mugshot

The 1900s was the century of mobsters in America, and few are more well-known than James “Whitey” Bulger. The leader of the notorious Winter Hill…

The History of Fragging in the US Military

US soldiers crossing a stream

Leading a group of soldiers during wartime is a massive responsibility, and the decisions made can often mean the difference between life and death for…

The Germans Had High Hopes for the Goliath Tracked Mine

US Navy sailors standing around captured Goliath tracked mines

It’s common today for bombings to be done via drone. This is an effective strategy for a number of reasons. The aerial vehicles don’t need…

The True Story Behind the Events of ‘Charlie Wilson’s War’

Julia Roberts and Tom Hanks as Joanne Herring and Charlie Wilson in 'Charlie Wilson's War' + Charlie Wilson smiling

Charlie Wilson’s War premiered in 2007. The film boasted such A-list talent as Tom Hanks and Julia Roberts, and was a critical success, earning five…

The Five Greatest Fighter Aircraft Ever Flown By the US Military

F-15E Strike Eagle in flight + F-86 Sabre in flight + Belly of an F-4E Phantom II in flight + F/A-18E/F Super Hornet in flight + F-22 Raptor in flight

Over the course of history, world powers have worked relentlessly to build the best fighter aircraft. American manufacturers, such as McDonnell Douglas, Lockheed Martin and…

Five of the Most Realistic Representations of War in Hollywood

Willem Dafoe as Sgt. Elias in 'Platoon' + James D'Arcy and Kenneth Branagh as Col. Winnant and Cmdr. Bolton in 'Dunkirk'

War films have always seen a high degree of popularity, even while undergoing dramatic changes over the decades. In the early days of cinema –…

Seven Little-Known Facts Fans Need to Know About ‘Apocalypse Now’

Martin Sheen as Capt. Benjamin L. Willard in 'Apocalypse Now' + Robert Duvall at Lt. Col. William Kilgore in 'Apocalypse Now' + Sam Bottoms as Lance B. Johnson in 'Apocalypse Now'

When it was released in 1979, Apocalypse Now was unlike any war movie the public had ever seen, forever changing the genre. The film, written by…

Historic Deception and Camouflage Techniques Used By Militaries

Dummy tank on display

Deception and military subterfuge have been used throughout history. The aim is to give armies the upper hand by tricking the enemy. The practice dates…

Did a Deep Sleep Cause Hitler to Lose the Second World War?

US Troops arrive at Normandy Beach on D-Day

Adolf Hitler spent his whole adult life attempting to take control of Europe, and once he took power in the Rhine, he turned his sights…