Podcasts about United States Armed Forces

In episode 142, Val dives deep into the complexities of inheriting retirement accounts, specifically comparing the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) and Inherited IRAs when the beneficiary is not a spouse. If you've recently inherited a retirement account—or you're planning your estate—this episode is essential listening. https://www.fedsmith.com/2025/07/23/tsp-inheritance-vs-inherited-ira-rules-for-non-spouse-beneficiaries/ Don’t miss this episode if you’re looking to secure your financial future as a federal employee. Make sure to subscribe to The Federal Retirement Show for more episodes and leave us a review! Have questions about retirement planning or other financial topics? Connect with Val and the topic could be featured in future episodes! Don't forget to leave a review and share this podcast with anyone looking to boost their financial knowledge. --- Listen to Previous Episodes: https://federalretirementshow.com/podcasts/ Subscribe to the show’s YouTube channel:www.youtube.com/@americanbenefitsexchange --- Connect with Val:Phone --- (512) 582-6050Email --- vmajewski@thinkabx.comAmerican Benefits Exchange --- thinkabx.comFederal Retirement Show --- federalretirementshow.com/podcastsLinkedIn --- https://www.linkedin.com/company/american-benefits-exchange/ --- About American Benefits Exchange: American Benefits Exchange focuses on providing solid financial solutions to Federal, postal, and state employees as well as members of the United States Armed Forces and small businesses. American Benefits Exchange brings years of experience and knowledge to support these niche markets. American Benefits Exchange, along with its provider companies, truly understands the needs of civil service employees. A portfolio of products is available to address important financial issues such as planning for retirement, FEGLI Option B replacement, Thrift Savings Plan Rollovers, and Pension Maximization.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In episode 141 of The Federal Retirement Show, Val dives into the Voluntary Early Retirement Authority—better known as VERA—and what it means for federal employees weighing their retirement options. You could be a seasoned civil servant considering early retirement or a mid-career federal employee planning for the future, but understanding the true impact of VERA is critical. Don’t miss this episode if you’re looking to secure your financial future as a federal employee. Make sure to subscribe to The Federal Retirement Show for more episodes and leave us a review! Have questions about retirement planning or other financial topics? Connect with Val and the topic could be featured in future episodes! Don't forget to leave a review and share this podcast with anyone looking to boost their financial knowledge. --- Listen to Previous Episodes: https://federalretirementshow.com/podcasts/ Subscribe to the show’s YouTube channel:www.youtube.com/@americanbenefitsexchange --- Connect with Val:Phone --- (512) 582-6050Email --- vmajewski@thinkabx.comAmerican Benefits Exchange --- thinkabx.comFederal Retirement Show --- federalretirementshow.com/podcastsLinkedIn --- https://www.linkedin.com/company/american-benefits-exchange/ --- About American Benefits Exchange: American Benefits Exchange focuses on providing solid financial solutions to Federal, postal, and state employees as well as members of the United States Armed Forces and small businesses. American Benefits Exchange brings years of experience and knowledge to support these niche markets. American Benefits Exchange, along with its provider companies, truly understands the needs of civil service employees. A portfolio of products is available to address important financial issues such as planning for retirement, FEGLI Option B replacement, Thrift Savings Plan Rollovers, and Pension Maximization. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Last time we spoke about the fall of Wewak. In June 1945, Allied forces, led by General George Stevens, intensified their campaign to capture the strategic town of Wewak in New Guinea. After years of grueling combat, they relentlessly pressed against entrenched Japanese defenses, including the remnants of General Mano's 41st Division. The Australians achieved critical victories by securing vital supply routes and establishing new airfields, facilitating their advance. By May 8, after intense fighting, Australian troops effectively seized Wewak Point, eliminating entrenched Japanese soldiers in bunkers and caves. Despite suffering casualties, the Australians distinguished themselves through bravery and tactical ingenuity. Ultimately, the successful capture of Wewak marked a pivotal moment in the Pacific campaign, showcasing the determination and spirit of the Allies as they pushed towards victory in the Pacific Theater, bringing an end to a crucial chapter of the war. This episode is Operation Downfall Welcome to the Pacific War Podcast Week by Week, I am your dutiful host Craig Watson. But, before we start I want to also remind you this podcast is only made possible through the efforts of Kings and Generals over at Youtube. Perhaps you want to learn more about world war two? Kings and Generals have an assortment of episodes on world war two and much more  so go give them a look over on Youtube. So please subscribe to Kings and Generals over at Youtube and to continue helping us produce this content please check out www.patreon.com/kingsandgenerals. If you are still hungry for some more history related content, over on my channel, the Pacific War Channel you can find a few videos all the way from the Opium Wars of the 1800's until the end of the Pacific War in 1945.  After the fall of Okinawa, the Allies were mopping up campaigns across the Asia-Pacific and planning for what was assumed to be the most cataclysmic battle yet, the invasion of the Japanese home islands. First we are going to travel back to Luzon. By mid-June, General Krueger's 6th Army had successfully captured all key objectives in northern Luzon, southern Luzon, and the area east of Manila, which serves as the capital of the Philippines. Although General Yokoyama's poorly equipped 41st Army had been rapidly scattered and forced into hiding, General Yamashita's Shobu Group still retained enough strength to continue its resistance in northern Luzon. The Shobu Group was primarily gathering its units in a desperate last-stand position along the rugged valley of the Asin River, an area known for its difficult terrain. Interestingly, General Krueger underestimated Yamashita's strategic intentions, still expecting him to make his final stand in the Cagayan Valley, located in the northern part of Luzon. With this assumption, Krueger believed that if General Beigthler's 37th Division could maintain its rapid advance towards Aparri, situated at the northern tip of Luzon, they might be able to conclude the Luzon Campaign in a pivotal stroke. However, intelligence indicated that units of the Shobu Group were retreating into the Cordillera Central mountain range, a formidable natural barrier, located between Routes 4 and 11. In response, Krueger ordered the 1st Corps to exert strong pressure on this mountainous region from the north, south, and west. To implement this strategy, General Swift directed the 6th, 25th, and 33rd Divisions to clear the supply route between Baguio and Aritao, ultimately sealing off Yamashita's last-stand position from the south. Meanwhile, Colonel Volckmann's guerrilla forces were instructed to advance east from Cervantes to capture the crucial junction of Routes 4 and 11 at Sabangan. Recognizing the importance of controlling key roadways, the 63rd Regiment was tasked with pushing up Route 4 to seize the strategic location of Kiangan. In the south, the 130th Regiment began probing southeast towards Pigkian, while the 20th Regiment continued to apply pressure on the remnants of the now-battered 2nd Tank Division. Ultimately, General Iwanaka's weakened forces narrowly avoided entrapment along the Bambang-Pingkian road, retreating northward via treacherous mountain trails and river valleys. They reached the Tubliao area just as early July arrived, illustrating the persistent and relentless nature of this campaign. Looking northward from Cervantes, Volckmann's guerrilla fighters launched attacks toward both Mankayan and Sabangan. By the end of June, their efforts had pressured the beleaguered 19th Division to hastily withdraw from Bontoc, a significant town located in central Luzon, and Sabangan. However, General Ozaki's forces maintained a formidable defensive position at the Lepanto Mine, an area known for its mineral wealth and strategic significance. On June 16, the 63rd Regiment began its advance up Route 4, which runs north through the central highlands toward Kiangan, a town that was critical for controlling the region. By the evening of the following day, American forces had successfully breached the defensive line established by the 105th Division at the Rayambugan Farm School, a local educational institution that was repurposed for military use during the conflict. Continuing their push, the 63rd Regiment encountered the main defenses of General Tsuda on June 19 along Route 4. However, over five days of fierce fighting, utilizing only one battalion for the attack, gained little ground for the Americans. Recognizing the need for greater force, they reinforced their assault on June 24. By June 26, the 63rd began to break through towards Hucab, a small settlement, and by June 29, they had overcome the last organized resistance in the area. Meanwhile, the 37th Division also made significant advances. Resuming its drive up Route 5 on June 17, the 148th Regiment successfully pushed forward to Naguilian, a town that marks a key waypoint on this route. Two days later, the front-line troops reached Bangag, yet here they encountered increased resistance. They were now facing elements of Major-General Yuguchi Shuntaro's 80th Brigade, which was attempting to move south along Route 5. In a series of running engagements from June 19 to 23, the 37th Division inflicted heavy casualties, killing over 600 Japanese soldiers and capturing nearly 285 more in the challenging fifteen-mile stretch between Bangag and Balasig. The remnants of the Yuguchi Force were ultimately forced to retreat eastward into the rugged and uncharted wilderness of the Sierra Madre mountain range, illustrating the intense and chaotic nature of the conflict. General Krueger deemed it essential to execute an airborne operation over the northern Cagayan Valley to ensure the success of the 37th Division's advance. It's possible that Krueger's motivation also stemmed from a desire to secure northern Luzon before the 8th Army took control of operations, which was scheduled for July 1. Despite contrary reports from various sources, including the United States Armed Forces in the Philippines Northern Luzon, 1st Corps, the 37th Division, and ALAMO scout teams, Krueger concluded that Japanese forces in the Cagayan Valley were retreating "in wild disorder on Highway 5 towards Aparri." It's worth noting that, in actuality, the general movement of Japanese troops had been southward for weeks, and no Japanese unit intended to take refuge in Aparri, a flatland area surrounded by mountains that made it a poor defensive position. Based on his assessment of the situation, Krueger decided that in order to achieve the complete destruction of the fleeing enemy forces, he would launch a vertical envelopment of airborne troops to close any escape routes and prevent the Japanese from evading capture in Aparri. Consequently, on June 21, Krueger ordered a battalion combat team from the 511th Parachute Infantry of the 11th Airborne Division to parachute near Aparri on June 23. However, on June 21, the Connolly Task Force entered Aparri without facing any opposition. By the evening of June 22, elements of the Task Force had advanced ten miles south along Route 5, managing to secure the Camalaniugan Airstrip, a crucial airfield integral to the logistics of both sides. Despite the successes of the reinforced Connolly Task Force, Krueger did not change his mind about the desirability and necessity for the airdrop. Instead, he concluded that the "seizure of Aparri without opposition by elements of the Connolly Task Force on 21 June 1945, together with the almost unopposed advance of the 37th Division, indicated clearly that the time had come for mounting the airborne troops to block the enemy's retreat in the Cagayan Valley." It is not clear just what retreat Krueger expected to block. On the morning of June 23, the paratroopers dropped into Camalaniugan unchallenged and immediately began their advance southward to make contact with the 37th Division. That same day, the 129th Regiment took over the offensive, heading north towards Tuguegarao, a significant town in the region. Tuguegarao fell without resistance by June 25. By nightfall, forward elements of the 129th had pushed ten miles beyond Tuguegarao, reaching the town of Iguig. The following day, June 26, the forces made contact with the paratroopers at the Paret River, further solidifying their position. By the close of June, Japanese resistance in the Cagayan Valley had subsided, and General Yamashita's Shobu Group, still capable of fighting, found itself encircled in a last-stand area that would become known as the Kiangan Pocket, named by the Filipino-American forces engaged in its reduction. As the campaign progressed, the last elements of the 25th and 33rd Divisions were relieved. General Gill's 32nd Division took over control of the Baguio-Ambuclao sector, while the bulk of General Hurdis' 6th Division assembled at Hucab. This marked a significant transition as it signaled the conclusion of operations for Krueger's 6th Army and Swift's 1st Corps. The command would soon shift to General Eichelberger's 8th Army and General Griswold's 14th Corps, who would carry out further operations throughout Luzon. General Griswold's plans called for relentless pressure to be maintained against the Shobu Group, which was concentrated in an area known as the Kiangan Pocket. In line with this strategy, Volckmann's guerrilla fighters continued their assaults towards key locations such as Mankayan, Sabangan, and Bontoc. The 126th and 127th Regiments advanced north along Route 11 and into the Agno Valley, engaging mixed forces from the 58th Independent Mixed Brigade and the 19th Division. Simultaneously, the 20th and 63rd Regiments were preparing to renew their attack against the 105th Division located at Kiangan, as the advance led by General Hurdis had been halted by torrential rains that had severely damaged roads and bridges. Meanwhile, the 1st Regiment made its own push northward along Route 4 towards Banaue, a town famous for its rice terraces and mountainous landscape. On July 9, Volckmann's 15th Regiment finally secured Sabangan. The following day, the 11th Regiment captured Bontoc while the 66th Regiment began to break through the defenses set up by General Ozaki in the Lepanto Mines-Mankayan area. By July 12, Kiangan fell to the 63rd Regiment; however, they soon faced even heavier rains, which compelled General Hurdis to halt his advance once again. On July 20, the 1st Regiment reached Banaue. The next day, they made contact with elements of the guerrilla 11th Regiment at Polis Pass before turning east along Route 389. Here, they aimed to engage a concentration of around 2,500 Japanese soldiers from the 103rd Division and the 4th Air Division. Back in the west, Mankayan also fell on July 20. Five days later, elements of the 15th and 66th Regiments made contact at the junction where Routes 11 and 393 intersect. The 19th Division was withdrawing into the upper Agno Valley to establish defensive positions, blocking the northern, western, and southern approaches to Toccucan, a small but strategically important area. The 15th and 121st Regiments began their assaults toward Toccucan, but they soon encountered remnants of the 19th Division, who proved to be still capable of effective resistance. At the same time, the 66th Regiment moved south along Route 11 to establish contact with troops from the 32nd Division, pressing the offensive forward. Looking east on July 24, the 20th Regiment took over positions at Kiangan and began an advance towards Kiangkiang and the Asin River. However, the Americans encountered greater resistance than anticipated along this route, making only a meager gain of three miles by August 15. At the same time, other units were dispatched south towards Tubliao to block the retreat of General Iwanaka's remaining forces. On July 29, elements of the 66th and 127th Regiments finally established contact near Gambang. They then shifted east into the Agno Valley, close to Buguias, and initiated a southward drive to link up with the 126th Regiment, which they successfully met on August 8. By August 15, Volckmann's guerrillas found themselves four miles short of Toccucan from the northwest and a mile and a half short from the west. In the eastern front, elements of the 1st and 11th Regiments advanced south from Banaue along Route 390, reaching a point about five miles south of Banaue by August 9. That same day, they also cleared Route 389 to the east, securing additional pathways for movement. Additionally, during this time, the 37th Division conducted vigorous patrols east of the Cagayan River, pushing enemy troops deeper into the Sierra Madre mountains. Unfortunately, this relentless pressure resulted in an estimated 1,000 Japanese casualties by August 15. Throughout a month and a half of grueling fighting in steep, treacherous terrain and under miserable weather conditions, the Filipino-American forces struggled to project any significant strength into the Asin Valley. They suffered approximately 1,650 casualties in total. In contrast, the 8th Army estimated that Japanese casualties during the same period reached around 13,500, with many killed or succumbing to starvation and disease. This marked the effective conclusion of the Luzon Campaign, a campaign that would soon be overshadowed by Japan's surrender. General Yamashita estimated in June that he had sufficient supplies to sustain his forces until mid-September. Given the scale of effort the 8th Army was willing to dedicate to the campaign between July 1 and August 15, it seems likely that Yamashita would have met this deadline. When food supplies were depleted, Yamashita planned for his most effective remaining troops to attempt a breakout from the Asin Valley into the mountains of far northwestern Luzon, where he hoped to find more provisions. Those not involved in the breakout were to conduct banzai attacks along all fronts to cover the retreat of the main forces. Yamashita anticipated that whether or not the breakout succeeded, it would signal the complete disintegration of his forces. He even planned to commit hara-kiri amidst the chaos of battle. As a result, the end of the war arrived about a month before Yamashita was prepared to officially acknowledge his defeat. By any measure, the Shobu Group accomplished the delaying mission that Yamashita had envisioned. Throughout the 6th Army's control of operations on Luzon, the maximum commitment of major ground forces against the Shobu Group included four reinforced U.S. Army infantry divisions, one separate regiment combat team, an armored group, Volckmann's , and the Buena Vista Regiment. When hostilities ceased on August 15, the Shobu Group was still "entertaining" three reinforced divisions: the 6th, 32nd, and 37th. Additionally, it had a significantly strengthened, the Buena Vista Regiment, and various other guerrilla units. After the war concluded, approximately 50,500 Japanese troops emerged from the mountains of northern Luzon, with nearly 40,000 of these coming from the Asin Valley's last-stand area. Ultimately, the war ended with about a third of the Shobu Group's peak strength still alive and capable of conducting organized and determined delaying operations. It is clear that, over the seven and a half months since January 9, the Shobu Group executed a remarkably effective delaying action. Despite the circumstances, the 14th Area Army had achieved its objective of tying down as many Allied forces as possible in Luzon. This diversion was critical, as it allowed the Japanese Empire valuable time to fortify its defenses in the Home Islands.  Reflecting back to January, General Prince Higashikuni Naruhiko's General Defense Command was operating with a modest force for the land and air defense of Honshu, Shikoku, Kyushu, and the Izu Islands. The primary focus had been on building naval and air power for Operation Sho-Go. In Kyushu and southwestern Honshu, the Western District Army, led by Lieutenant-General Yokoyama Isamu, consisted of only the 86th Division and the 12th Air Division. Meanwhile, the Central District Army, commanded by Lieutenant-General Kawabe Masakazu in central Honshu and Shikoku, had the 44th and 73rd Divisions supported by the 11th Air Division. To the northeast, in Honshu and the Izu Islands, General Fujie Keisuke's Eastern District Army maintained the 72nd Division, along with both the 1st and 3rd Imperial Guards Divisions, the 66th and 67th Independent Mixed Brigades, and the 10th Air Division. Additionally, Lieutenant-General Uemura Toshimichi's 36th Army was positioned as a mobile reserve in the Kanto and Shizuoka area, comprised of the 81st and 93rd Divisions, along with the 4th Tank Division. Further north, Lieutenant-General Higuchi Kiichiro's 5th Area Army had deployed the 7th and 77th Divisions, the 1st Air Division, and the 12th Air Fleet stationed in Hokkaido. It also maintained a mixed brigade at Karafuto. Lieutenant-General Terakura Shozo commanded the 27th Army in the Kuril Islands, which included the 42nd and 91st Divisions, along with the 43rd and 69th Independent Mixed Brigades, and the 3rd and 4th Amphibious Brigades, as well as the Chishima 1st Brigade and Naval Base Force. The air situation was equally dire; Japan had only around 550 aircraft available for offensive operations and a total of about 770 aircraft and 1,200 anti-aircraft guns designated for defensive roles. As preparations for Operation Ten-Go unfolded, the air and ground units in Japan underwent significant reorganization in February. This restructuring led to the formation of several military commands, including Admiral Ugaki's 5th Air Fleet based in Kyushu, Vice-Admiral Maeda Minoru's 10th Air Fleet in Kanto, Lieutenant-General Yoshimoto Teiichi's 11th Area Army in northeast Honshu, derived from the now-defunct 27th Army, and additional area armies such as Fujie's 12th in east-central Honshu, Lieutenant-General Okada Tasuku's 13th in west-central Honshu, Kawabe's 15th in western Honshu and Shikoku, and Yokoyama's 16th in Kyushu. The reorganization of high-level military headquarters was not the sole initiative at this time. The Japanese Empire also approved a large-scale mobilization plan that called for the deployment of 42 divisions, 18 independent mixed brigades, and six tank brigades, amounting to approximately 1.5 million personnel. Following the fall of Iwo Jima and Okinawa, and with intelligence indicating that the Soviet Union was redeploying troops from the European theater to the Far East, Japan began preparing for the defense of its homeland. This preparation involved activating the 1st and 2nd General Armies to replace the General Defense Command and implementing Operation Ketsu-Go. The strategy for Operation Ketsu-Go outlined that the Imperial Japanese Army would strive to defeat American forces while their invasion fleet remained at sea. The plan aimed to deliver a decisive blow against the American naval forces by first destroying as many aircraft carriers as possible, utilizing the special attack units from both the Air Force and Navy. As the amphibious forces approached the range of homeland airbases, the entire air combat strength would be deployed for continuous day and night assaults against these ships. The focus of these air operations was to disrupt American landing plans, targeting primarily troop and equipment transports. Should any American forces successfully land, these would be swiftly assaulted by the IJA to secure a decisive victory. The primary objective of the ground operation was to eliminate the American landing force right on the beach. Operation Ketsu-Go was designed as a comprehensive joint defense effort, mobilizing the full capabilities of the Army, Navy, and Air Force. The Navy's essential role was to protect the coasts by attacking invasion fleets using combined surface, submarine, and air forces. The Air General Army would closely coordinate with the Navy to locate and destroy American transports at sea. If the invasion forces succeeded in landing, the local Area Army would take command of all naval ground forces in its assigned territory and would exercise operational control over air units in support of the ground operations. A key component of the Ketsu-Go operational planning involved reinforcing sectors under attack by units transferred from other regions. Given that U.S. air raids had already severely impacted the transportation network, plans were made for troop movements to be conducted on foot. If the battle at the beach held no promise of a successful outcome, the conflict would inevitably shift to fighting inland. To prepare for this, interior resistance was planned. Guard units and Civilian Defense Corps personnel, along with elements of field forces serving as a nucleus, would be utilized as resistance troops. Their mission would involve attriting American forces through guerrilla warfare, espionage, deception, disruption of supply areas, and blockades as enemy landing forces advanced inland. This operation divided Japanese territory into seven zones, where air and naval special attack forces were directed to eliminate invading forces at sea and to establish an aggressive coastal defense. Field Marshal Sugiyama Hashime's 1st General Army established its headquarters in Tokyo, assuming control over the 11th, 12th, and 13th Area Armies. Meanwhile, Field Marshal Hata Shunroku's 2nd General Army set up its headquarters in Hiroshima, overseeing the 15th and 16th Area Armies. Additionally, to provide a cohesive command structure for all Army air units participating in the campaign, an Air General Army headquarters was formed under Kawabe. On the naval front, Admiral Toyoda took command of the General Navy Command, granting him supreme operational authority over all Navy surface and air forces. In the coming months, the Japanese continued to prepare for the anticipated invasion by mobilizing new units and diverting existing forces from Manchuria and other regions. By August, Yoshimoto's 11th Area Army had been reinforced to include seven infantry divisions and two infantry brigades. The 12th Area Army, now under General Tanaka Shizuichi, was significantly larger, comprising 20 infantry divisions, two tank divisions, eight infantry brigades, three tank brigades, three artillery brigades, and one anti-aircraft brigade. Okada's 13th Area Army was organized with six infantry divisions, three infantry brigades, one tank brigade, one artillery brigade, and one anti-aircraft brigade. The 15th Area Army, under the command of Lieutenant-General Uchiyama Eitaro, was formed with eight infantry divisions, three infantry brigades, one artillery brigade, one anti-aircraft brigade, and two tank regiments. Yokoyama's 16th Area Army included a substantial force of 15 infantry divisions, eight infantry brigades, three tank brigades, three artillery brigades, and one anti-aircraft brigade. Additionally, Higuchi's 5th Area Army consisted of six infantry divisions and two infantry brigades. In tandem with these ground preparations, Lieutenant-General Sugawara Michio's 6th Air Army and Ugaki's 5th Air Fleet were assigned the critical role of launching a powerful air counterattack against the American invasion fleet, targeting carriers, gunnery ships, and transport vessels. In conjunction with elements from the 1st Air Army, 5th Air Army, 3rd Air Fleet, and 10th Air Fleet, the Japanese strategy focused on executing strikes against US carriers. For this task, 330 IJNAF aircraft were specifically assigned. An additional 250 aircraft from both the IJAAF and IJNAF were designated to target gunnery ships, while transports would be subjected to round-the-clock suicide attacks over a span of 10 days. Various aircraft types,including trainers, transports, float planes, bombers, and obsolete fighters, would be used in kamikaze missions. The air assaults on the transports would also incorporate all available aircraft not assigned to other operational duties. Although Japanese fighters had limited effectiveness against B-29 raids, they were expected to inflict damage on the invasion fleet. It was essential, however, that IJAAF and IJNAF fighters first establish air superiority over the targeted areas. Achieving this goal was a questionable assumption, especially given the formidable strength of US air power. By the end of June, nearly 8,000 aircraft, predominantly kamikazes, had been assembled for what was expected to be a decisive battle, with an estimated additional 2,500 planes likely to be produced by the end of September. To enhance their efforts, Kaiten suicide midget submarines and various special attack units were also designated to target any invading fleet, underscoring the significance of suicide attacks in Japanese military strategy. The hope was that these suicide, or tokko, units would inflict a 30 to 50 percent loss on the invading forces. However, as of June 30, only 1,235 surface special-attack boats and 324 underwater types had been produced, significantly hampering Japan's preparations for the impending decisive battle. In preparation for the seizure of Japan's industrial heart through an amphibious invasion, General MacArthur was laying the groundwork for a significant military operation. On April 3, the Joint Chiefs of Staff designated him as the Commander in Chief of the United States Army Forces in the Pacific. This appointment granted him administrative control over all Army resources in the Pacific, with the exceptions of the 20th Air Force, the Alaskan Command, and the Southeast Pacific forces. Additionally, all naval resources in the Pacific, except those in the Southeast Pacific Area, were placed under Admiral Nimitz's control, making them available for major operations against Japan. With the conclusion of the war in Europe, plans were proposed to redeploy 10 infantry divisions, 5 armored divisions, and 72 air groups to the Pacific. Consequently, the total forces in the Pacific were set to increase from approximately 1.4 million Army troops as of June 30 to nearly 2,439,400 by December 31. On June 2, the 20th Air Force was reorganized into the U.S. Army Strategic Air Force under General Carl Spaatz. This command would oversee the newly formed 20th Air Force led by Lieutenant-General Nathan Twinning, which had been reorganized from the 21st Bomber Command, and Lieutenant-General James Doolittle's 8th Air Force, which was restructured from the 20th Bomber Command and slated for deployment in the Ryukyus. Simultaneously, MacArthur was developing plans for Operation Downfall, the ambitious strategy for invading Japan. This operation envisaged a massive offensive against the islands of Kyushu and Honshu, utilizing all available combined resources from the Army, Navy, and Air Forces. The invasion plan consisted of two key operations: Operation Olympic and Operation Coronet. The American plan for the invasion of Kyushu focused on seizing only the southern part of the island, delineated by a line extending from Tsuno on the east coast to Sendai on the west. The 3,000 square miles included within this boundary were considered sufficient to provide the necessary air bases for short-range support in the final operations planned against the industrial centers of Honshu. Within the selected southern region for invasion, known as the "Olympic" plan, there were four lowland areas identified as suitable for the development of major airfields. The first area extended from Kagoshima, located on the western shore of Kagoshima Bay, through a narrow corridor to the Kushikino plain along the East China Sea. The second area ran northward from Shibushi on Ariake Bay, traversing a winding valley to Miyakonojo. The third area began at Kanoya, situated east of Kagoshima Bay, and followed the coastline of Ariake Bay. The fourth and largest area was located north of Miyazaki on the east coast. Four months after American troops first landed on Kyushu, the next decisive amphibious operation against Japan was set to be launched. Code-named Coronet, this invasion targeted the Kanto Plain area of Honshu and was scheduled for March 1, 1945. The operation was tasked to two armies: the First and the Eighth, assigned to conduct a major assault against the heartland of Japan. Their immediate objective was to destroy all opposition and secure the Tokyo-Yokohama area. General MacArthur would personally command the landing forces and oversee ground operations on the mainland. Accompanying him would be the advance echelon of his General Headquarters, which would operate as the Army Group Headquarters in the field. The initial landings would involve 10 reinforced infantry divisions, 3 marine divisions, and 2 armored divisions. These forces, launched from the Philippines and Central Pacific bases, would be continuously protected by the ships and aircraft of the Pacific Fleet, alongside land-based air support. Thirty days after the initial assault, each army was set to be reinforced by a corps of 3 additional divisions. Five days following this reinforcement, an airborne division and an AFPAC Reserve Corps consisting of another 3 divisions would be made available. In total, these 25 divisions were tasked with seizing the Kanto Plain, including the general areas of Tokyo and Yokohama, and carrying out any further operations necessary to overcome Japanese resistance. The strategic reserve for the entire operation would comprise a corps of 3 divisions located in the Philippines, along with sufficient reinforcements from the United States, allowing for the deployment of 4 divisions per month. For Operation Olympic, General Krueger's 6th Army was appointed to lead the effort, employing a total of 14 divisions that were already positioned in the Pacific. Meanwhile, the 1st and 8th Armies were designated to conduct Operation Coronet, comprising a total of 25 divisions primarily sourced from the redeployment of troops and equipment from the European theater. Eichelberger's 8th Army planned to land on Sagami Bay and subsequently fan out to secure the western shores of Tokyo Bay, reaching as far north as Yokohama. Concurrently, General Courtney Hodges' 1st Army was set to land at the Kujukuri beaches, with the objective of pushing west and south to clear the eastern shores of both Tokyo and Sagami Bays. To mitigate the risks associated with landing on the heavily fortified and well-garrisoned islands of Japan, a comprehensive campaign of air-sea blockade and bombardment was advocated.  The 20th Air Force, launching from bases in the Marianas and the Ryukyus, aimed to cripple Japan's industrial capacity by ruthlessly attacking factories and transportation systems. This steady assault from the massive B-29 bombers was expected to severely diminish Japan's ability to sustain its large military organization and effectively distribute its remaining power. Simultaneously, carrier task forces would conduct repeated raids on crucial coastal areas, targeting enemy naval and air forces, disrupting shore and sea communications, and supporting long-range bombers in their strikes against strategic objectives. The Far East Air Force, also based in the Ryukyus, would focus on selected targets intended to dismantle Japan's air capabilities both in the homeland and in nearby regions of North China and Korea. By intercepting shipping and shattering communication lines, the Far East Air Force aimed to complete the isolation of southern Kyushu, preparing it for an amphibious assault. As the target date approached, it was planned that these air raids would intensify, culminating in an all-out effort from X-10 to X-Day. In the final ten days before the landing phase, the combined bombing power of all available planes, both land-based and carrier-based, would be unleashed in a massive assault. The objectives included reducing enemy defenses, destroying remaining air forces, isolating the target area, and facilitating preliminary minesweeping and naval bombardment operations. The fortifications within the designated landing areas would be overwhelmed by tons of explosives, while naval vessels and engineering units worked to eliminate underwater mines and barriers. With such concentrated power backing them, it was anticipated that the amphibious forces would be able to execute their assault landings with minimal losses. This strategy aimed to minimize casualties, further diminish Japan's air capabilities, and cut off reinforcements from Asia. There was even a possibility that such measures could compel Japan to surrender, thus eliminating the need for a significant landing on the Home Islands. In a notable first, Admiral Spruance's 5th Fleet and Admiral Halsey's 3rd Fleet were to operate simultaneously. Admiral Spruance's fleet would focus on the landing operations, while Admiral Halsey's fleet would provide strategic support through raids on Honshu and Hokkaido. On July 28, the 16 fast carriers of Admiral McCain's Task Force 38 and the four British carriers of Admiral Rawlings' Task Force 37 commenced operations to weaken the air, naval, and shipping capabilities of the Home Islands. By mid-August, Vice-Admiral John Towers was assigned command of a reinforced Task Force 38, tasked with executing a series of strikes against Japan east of the 135th meridian, while General Kenney's Ryukyus-based Far Eastern Air Forces targeted objectives to the west. Additionally, Rawlings' Task Force 37, enhanced to nine carriers, launched diversionary strikes against Hong Kong and Canton. Starting on October 18, the 3rd Fleet began aggressive operations against aircraft, airfields, and shipping in Kyushu, Shikoku, and Honshu to isolate the assault area for the upcoming Kyushu invasion. Six days later, the Fast Carrier Task Force was divided into Task Force 38 and Task Force 58. Task Force 38 retained 12 fast carriers specifically for strikes against Japan. The pre-invasion air strikes, surface bombardments, and minesweeping operations in the Kyushu landing zones commenced, steadily increasing in intensity as they approached X-Day on November 1. The ten fast carriers of Vice-Admiral Frederick Sherman's Task Force 58 would provide direct support for the Kyushu landings, which were to be conducted by Admiral Turner's Task Force 40, consisting of 800 warships and 1,500 transports. In this effort, three Fire Support groups, each accompanied by an escort carrier group, would launch preemptive assaults on the designated Olympic landing zones.  Off southeastern Kyushu's Ariake Bay, Rear Admiral Richard Connolly's 3rd Fire Support Group (TG 41.3), comprising 6 old battleships, 6 cruisers, 13 destroyers, and 34 support craft, was tasked with eliminating coastal batteries at Toi Misaka, Hi Saki, and Ariake Bay. Additionally, they would target seaplane bases and suicide boat/submarine pens at Oshima, Odatsu, Biro Jima, and Sakida, followed by softening defenses at the XI Corps landing beaches. Meanwhile, approximately 30 miles north along Kyushu's southeastern coast, Rear Admiral Ingolf Kiland's 7th Fire Support Group (TG 41.7), consisting of 3 old battleships, 8 cruisers, 11 destroyers, and 35 support craft, would bombard coastal batteries, suicide-boat nests, and seaplane bases located at Tozaki Hana, Hososhima, and Miyazaki. This group would also destroy rail junctions at Tsumo Jogasaki and Tsuno to disrupt reinforcements heading south, before finally shelling the I Corps invasion beaches near Miyazaki. Off southwestern Kyushu, Rear Admiral Giraud Wright's 5th Fire Support Group (TG 41.5), with 4 old battleships, 10 cruisers, 14 destroyers, and 74 support craft, was set to hammer fortifications within the Koshiki Retto and at the beaches between Kaminokawa and Kushikino. Their mission included knocking out Noma Misaki and Hashimi Saki coastal batteries, the Akune seaplane base, and Kushikino's airfield, while also cutting the Akune–Kushikino road and rail lines. Ultimately, they would provide heavy fire support for the V Amphibious Corps landing beaches. Meanwhile, General Krueger planned to first secure Kagoshima and Ariake Bays as crucial ports of entry. Following that, the objective was to push inland as far as the Tsuno-Sendai line to block mountain defiles and prevent any enemy reinforcements from the north. As a preliminary operation, on October 28, the reinforced 40th Division, now under Brigadier-General Donald Myers, was assigned to seize positions in the Koshiki Island group opposite Sendai. The objective was to establish emergency naval and seaplane bases on these islands while also clearing the sea routes to the coastal invasion area of Kushikino. The 40th Division was also tasked with making preliminary landings on the four islands of Tanega, Make, Take, and Lo off the southern tip of Kyushu, with the goal of safeguarding the passage of friendly shipping through the strategic Osumi Strait. On November 1, General Krueger's three main corps were set to conduct simultaneous assault landings in the designated objective areas. Major-General Harry Schmidt's 5th Amphibious Corps would land near Kushikino, drive eastward to secure the western shore of Kagoshima Bay, and then turn north to block the movement of enemy reinforcements from upper Kyushu. Meanwhile, General Hall's 11th Corps was to land at Ariake Bay, capture Kanoya, advance to the eastern shore of Kagoshima Bay, and then move northwestward to Miyakonojo. Following this, Swift's 1st Corps would assault Miyazaki on the east coast, subsequently moving southwest to occupy Miyakonojo and clear the northern shore of Kagoshima Bay, thereby protecting the northeast flank. Additionally, Major-General Charles Ryder's 9th Corps, initially held in reserve, was selected to execute a diversionary feint off the island of Shikoku while the other three assault corps advanced on the actual landing beaches. Finally, Krueger kept the 77th Division and the 11th Airborne Division in Area Reserve, prepared to follow up the invasion forces. Should these units prove insufficient to fulfill their assigned tasks, a buildup from units earmarked for Coronet would be initiated at a rate of three divisions per month. On the other side, the Japanese anticipated that Kyushu would be the next target and identified the same beaches selected for Operation Olympic as the most likely landing sites. In response, Generals Hata and Yokoyama concentrated the formidable 57th Army under Lieutenant-General Nishihara Kanji around the areas of Ariake Bay and Miyazaki. Meanwhile, Lieutenant-General Nakazawa Mitsuo commanded the 40th Army, which was positioned in the Ijuin-Kagoshima sector to the west. Hata's mobile reserves were stationed near Mount Kurishima, consisting of at least five divisions and several independent brigades, prepared to swiftly engage enemy forces before they could establish secure beachheads. Although Yokoyama and Hata did not anticipate an invasion in northern and central Kyushu, they had many units distributed throughout the region. The Japanese government prioritized defensive preparations for Kyushu over those for Honshu, hoping that a fierce defense of Kyushu would deter American forces from attempting a similar operation on Honshu. I would like to take this time to remind you all that this podcast is only made possible through the efforts of Kings and Generals over at Youtube. Please go subscribe to Kings and Generals over at Youtube and to continue helping us produce this content please check out www.patreon.com/kingsandgenerals. If you are still hungry after that, give my personal channel a look over at The Pacific War Channel at Youtube, it would mean a lot to me. General Krueger's forces tackled Japan's Shobu Group in Luzon, while preparing for Operation Downfall, the invasion of Japan itself. Despite tough terrain, American forces made significant gains, encircling the Japanese. Meanwhile, Japan readied for defense, mobilizing troops and launching air counterattacks. As the Allies pressed forward, the impending invasion loomed, with strategies developed to land on Kyushu and Honshu. Ultimately, intense battles shaped the eve of an operation that would determine the war's fate and change history forever.

On episode 139 Val explains the top 10 mistakes made by Federal Employees when planning for retirement. Don’t miss this episode if you’re looking to secure your financial future as a federal employee. Make sure to subscribe to The Federal Retirement Show for more episodes and leave us a review! Have questions about retirement planning or other financial topics? Connect with Val and the topic could be featured in future episodes! Don't forget to leave a review and share this podcast with anyone looking to boost their financial knowledge. --- Listen to Previous Episodes: https://federalretirementshow.com/podcasts/ Subscribe to the show’s YouTube channel:www.youtube.com/@americanbenefitsexchange --- Connect with Val:Phone --- (512) 582-6050Email --- vmajewski@thinkabx.comAmerican Benefits Exchange --- thinkabx.comFederal Retirement Show --- federalretirementshow.com/podcastsLinkedIn --- https://www.linkedin.com/company/american-benefits-exchange/ --- About American Benefits Exchange:American Benefits Exchange focuses on providing solid financial solutions to Federal, postal, and state employees as well as members of the United States Armed Forces and small businesses. American Benefits Exchange brings years of experience and knowledge to support these niche markets. American Benefits Exchange, along with its provider companies, truly understands the needs of civil service employees. A portfolio of products is available to address important financial issues such as planning for retirement, FEGLI Option B replacement, Thrift Savings Plan Rollovers, and Pension Maximization. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On episode 138 of The Federal Retirement Show, Val answers sought out questions asked frequently by federal employees including, submitting early retirement paperwork, buying back military time after 12 years, FEGLI Option B alternatives, and a lump sum option for retirement! Don’t miss this episode if you’re looking to secure your financial future as a federal employee. Make sure to subscribe to The Federal Retirement Show for more episodes and leave us a review! Have questions about retirement planning or other financial topics? Connect with Val and the topic could be featured in future episodes! Don't forget to leave a review and share this podcast with anyone looking to boost their financial knowledge. --- Listen to Previous Episodes: https://federalretirementshow.com/podcasts/ Subscribe to the show’s YouTube channel:www.youtube.com/@americanbenefitsexchange --- Connect with Val:Phone --- (512) 582-6050Email --- vmajewski@thinkabx.comAmerican Benefits Exchange --- thinkabx.comFederal Retirement Show --- federalretirementshow.com/podcastsLinkedin --- https://www.linkedin.com/company/american-benefits-exchange/ --- About American Benefits Exchange:American Benefits Exchange focuses on providing solid financial solutions to Federal, postal, and state employees as well as members of the United States Armed Forces and small businesses. American Benefits Exchange brings years of experience and knowledge to support these niche markets. American Benefits Exchange, along with its provider companies, truly understands the needs of civil service employees. A portfolio of products is available to address important financial issues such as planning for retirement, FEGLI Option B replacement, Thrift Savings Plan Rollovers, and Pension Maximization.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On episode 137 of The Federal Retirement Show, Val takes a deeper look into the world of retirement tax planning—because keeping more of your money matters just as much as saving it. He discussed what will be taxed and whether your FERS contributions, TSP Roth, and Roth IRA will be eligible to be taxed once you retire. Don’t miss this episode if you’re looking to secure your financial future as a federal employee. Make sure to subscribe to The Federal Retirement Show for more episodes and leave us a review! Have questions about retirement planning or other financial topics? Connect with Val and the topic could be featured in future episodes! Don't forget to leave a review and share this podcast with anyone looking to boost their financial knowledge. --- Listen to Previous Episodes: https://federalretirementshow.com/podcasts/ Subscribe to the show’s YouTube channel:www.youtube.com/@americanbenefitsexchange --- Connect with Val:Phone --- (512) 582-6050Email --- vmajewski@thinkabx.comAmerican Benefits Exchange --- thinkabx.comFederal Retirement Show --- federalretirementshow.com/podcastsLinkedin --- https://www.linkedin.com/company/american-benefits-exchange/ --- About American Benefits Exchange:American Benefits Exchange focuses on providing solid financial solutions to Federal, postal, and state employees as well as members of the United States Armed Forces and small businesses. American Benefits Exchange brings years of experience and knowledge to support these niche markets. American Benefits Exchange, along with its provider companies, truly understands the needs of civil service employees. A portfolio of products is available to address important financial issues such as planning for retirement, FEGLI Option B replacement, Thrift Savings Plan Rollovers, and Pension Maximization.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Are you willing to do the right thing even if others disagree with you? Are you willing to do the right thing when the risks are high and there's no guarantee that enemy fire won't come back at you? WELCOME TO PODCAST 57. OUR SUBJECT IS: DOING THE RIGHT THING EVEN WHEN OTHERS DISAGREE.  This past weekend, it was reported and recorded that President Donald J. Trump commanded the United States Armed Forces to execute their plan called Operation Midnight Hammer, the bombing of Iran's nuclear sites, where they have threatened to use nuclear weapons against Israel, America, and the world. For more than twenty-five years, former U.S. Presidents, including President Trump, have stated that Iran cannot possess a nuclear weapon. When it was reported that Iran was close to developing nuclear weapons, the President was in the crucible of decision-making.  Knowing that criticism and disagreement from others would happen, President Trump decided to execute the plan, Operation Midnight Hammer. I will not tell you again what you have heard or read in media outlets. The entire operation had no flaws and, to the best of the military's knowledge today, was a complete success. 

On the inaugural episode of The Veteran & The Voice, Brett and Matt discuss the ceasefire in the Middle East, the power of the United States Armed Forces, some Buffalo Bills chatter, and more!

In episode 136 of The Federal Retirement Show, Val explains the newest budge legislation update affecting the retirement of federal employees. Val discusses the intricate details within the new legislation, eliminated provisions, and the next steps you should take to secure your retirement around the parameters of this new legislation. Don’t miss this episode if you’re looking to secure your financial future as a federal employee. Make sure to subscribe to The Federal Retirement Show for more episodes and leave us a review! Have questions about retirement planning or other financial topics? Connect with Val and the topic could be featured in future episodes! Don't forget to leave a review and share this podcast with anyone looking to boost their financial knowledge. --- Listen to Previous Episodes: https://federalretirementshow.com/podcasts/ Subscribe to the show’s YouTube channel:www.youtube.com/@americanbenefitsexchange --- Connect with Val:Phone --- (512) 582-6050Email --- vmajewski@thinkabx.comAmerican Benefits Exchange --- thinkabx.comFederal Retirement Show --- federalretirementshow.com/podcastsLinkedin --- https://www.linkedin.com/company/american-benefits-exchange/ --- About American Benefits Exchange: American Benefits Exchange focuses on providing solid financial solutions to Federal, postal, and state employees as well as members of the United States Armed Forces and small businesses. American Benefits Exchange brings years of experience and knowledge to support these niche markets. American Benefits Exchange, along with its provider companies, truly understands the needs of civil service employees. A portfolio of products is available to address important financial issues such as planning for retirement, FEGLI Option B replacement, Thrift Savings Plan Rollovers, and Pension Maximization.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In episode 135 of The Federal Retirement Show, Val breaks down two essential pillars of retirement income for federal employees: Social Security and the FERS Supplement. Regardless of your situation - mid-career or approaching retirement - understanding how these benefits work—and how they fit together—is key to planning your financial future. Don’t miss this episode if you’re looking to secure your financial future as a federal employee. Make sure to subscribe to The Federal Retirement Show for more episodes and leave us a review! Have questions about retirement planning or other financial topics? Connect with Val and the topic could be featured in future episodes! Don't forget to leave a review and share this podcast with anyone looking to boost their financial knowledge. --- Listen to Previous Episodes: https://federalretirementshow.com/podcasts/ Subscribe to the show’s YouTube channel:www.youtube.com/@americanbenefitsexchange --- Connect with Val:Phone --- (512) 582-6050Email --- vmajewski@thinkabx.comAmerican Benefits Exchange --- thinkabx.comFederal Retirement Show --- federalretirementshow.com/podcastsLinkedin --- https://www.linkedin.com/company/american-benefits-exchange/ --- About American Benefits Exchange: American Benefits Exchange focuses on providing solid financial solutions to Federal, postal, and state employees as well as members of the United States Armed Forces and small businesses. American Benefits Exchange brings years of experience and knowledge to support these niche markets. American Benefits Exchange, along with its provider companies, truly understands the needs of civil service employees. A portfolio of products is available to address important financial issues such as planning for retirement, FEGLI Option B replacement, Thrift Savings Plan Rollovers, and Pension Maximization.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Are you a federal employee or retiree enrolled in FEHB and shocked by your Medicare Part B premium? You’re not alone—and you might be paying more than you should. In this episode, Val breaks down the key factors that determine your Medicare Part B premiums, including how your income, TSP withdrawals, and federal pension are used to calculate IRMAA (Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount). https://www.fedsmith.com/2025/05/21/lower-your-medicare-part-b-premium-with-one-form/ Don’t miss this episode if you’re looking to secure your financial future as a federal employee. Make sure to subscribe to The Federal Retirement Show for more episodes and leave us a review! Have questions about retirement planning or other financial topics? Connect with Val and the topic could be featured in future episodes! Don't forget to leave a review and share this podcast with anyone looking to boost their financial knowledge. --- Listen to Previous Episodes: https://federalretirementshow.com/podcasts/ Subscribe to the show’s YouTube channel:www.youtube.com/@americanbenefitsexchange --- Connect with Val:Phone --- (512) 582-6050Email --- vmajewski@thinkabx.comAmerican Benefits Exchange --- thinkabx.comFederal Retirement Show --- federalretirementshow.com/podcastsLinkedin --- https://www.linkedin.com/company/american-benefits-exchange/ --- About American Benefits Exchange: American Benefits Exchange focuses on providing solid financial solutions to Federal, postal, and state employees as well as members of the United States Armed Forces and small businesses. American Benefits Exchange brings years of experience and knowledge to support these niche markets. American Benefits Exchange, along with its provider companies, truly understands the needs of civil service employees. A portfolio of products is available to address important financial issues such as planning for retirement, FEGLI Option B replacement, Thrift Savings Plan Rollovers, and Pension Maximization. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Join the Veterans Breakfast Club for a special Memorial Day virtual event on Monday, May 26, 2025, at 7:00pm ET. This live, online conversation invites veterans, families, and friends to gather in an open, heartfelt space to honor and remember those who have fallen in service to our nation.  Memorial Day is a time of national reflection and remembrance—a day dedicated to honoring the men and women of the United States Armed Forces who made the ultimate sacrifice. Originally known as Decoration Day, the holiday began in the aftermath of the Civil War and has grown into a solemn tradition observed across the country with parades, ceremonies, and personal acts of remembrance. At the Veterans Breakfast Club, where our mission is to create communities of listening around veterans and their stories, we see Memorial Day as a powerful opportunity to ensure that the stories of the fallen continue to be shared and remembered. Our Memorial Day livestream will not be a formal ceremony but a casual, interactive conversation. We invite veterans to speak from the heart about their own experiences, to share memories of comrades who never made it home, and to pay tribute to those who gave their lives in service. Family members, friends, and civilians are also encouraged to participate, whether by sharing a remembrance or simply listening in respect and reflection. We expect the conversation to be deeply moving, as participants express personal stories of sacrifice and loss. By hosting the event in the evening—after parades and public commemorations have ended—we aim to create a quiet, meaningful space for community connection and shared remembrance. Memorial Day is about more than ceremonies; it's about keeping alive the legacies of the fallen through the stories we tell. We're grateful to UPMC for Life  for sponsoring this event!

He was called son. He was called grandson. He was called nephew. He was called cousin, and he was called brother. But he was never called husband. He was never called daddy, and he was never called grandpa because he never came home. I hope when I'm finished telling you his story, you might consider calling him hero. Hi Neighbor, This episode was recorded as we prepare to celebrate Memorial Day in the United States. The federal holiday for honoring and mourning the U.S. military personnel who have died while serving in the United States Armed Forces. In this episode, I share the story of my hero, Uncle Lloyd. A hero I only knew from a picture on a wall. Hope and Healing are on the way. Your Neighbor,⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣ Tim P.S. You're not alone in this journey. If you haven't joined our private community, consider this an invitation. It's a safe space to share your struggles and triumphs with fellow adoptive parents who truly understand what you're going through. Listen to today's episode and share it with fellow adoptive parents. These conversations foster strength and understanding in our community. Be the anchor others may need right now.

It's Monday, Let's raise a glass to the beginning of another week. It's time to unscrew, uncork or saber a bottle and let's begin Exploring the Wine Glass!  Happy Memorial Day. Originally known as Decoration Day is a federal holiday here in the United States dedicated to honoring and mourning the U.S. military personnel who died while serving in the United States Armed Forces. If you are in Paso Robles today, please come by the Dracaena Wines' tasting room. Active and veteran military will receive two complimentary tastings with a single bottle purchase PLUS 20% off all wine purchases. Today's episode is a re-release of my interview with an amazing non-profit called Honor Flight Central Coast, who raise money so they can honor all of America's veterans by taking them to Washington D.C. on their “Tour of Honor.” It's a wonderful cause, please check them out.  While you are listening, it would be so incredible if you could take one minute to subscribe, rate and review. It takes only a few seconds of your time but means so much to the show. The next best way to support Exploring the Wine Glass is to tell your friends. If you enjoy the podcast, your wine loving friends will too. Finally, don't forget to head to the website, Exploring the Wine Glass.com to read the blog, and sign up for the newsletter so you can keep up with all the happenings.  Slainte!  Find out more about Honor Flight Central Coast Music: WINE by Kēvens Official Video Follow me on Instagram!   Follow me on Twitter! Subscribe to my YouTube channel SIGN UP FOR EXPLORING THE WINE GLASS NEWSLETTER SUBSCRIBE ON iTUNES STITCHER | iTUNES | GOOGLE PLAY | SPOTIFY | PODBEAN | AUDIBLE | BOOMPLAY Even ask your smart speaker to play Exploring the Wine Glass GIVE US A RATING AND REVIEW Thoughts or comments? Contact Lori at exploringthewineglass@gmail.com. Please support our sponsor Dracaena Wines - Our Wines + Your Moments + Great Memories Use code 'Explore' at checkout to receive 10% off your first order GET SPECIAL OFFERS FOR DRACAENA WINES

As we approach Memorial Day, I'm sitting with a lot of mixed emotions — and I imagine many of you are too.Memorial Day has long been a solemn and important day of remembrance. It's a time to honor the courage and sacrifice of those who served and died in the United States Armed Forces. That service, that commitment, is deserving of our deepest respect. I want to make that absolutely clear.But alongside that respect comes a frustration — a frustration with the political system that sometimes uses patriotism as a shield, rather than a compass. It's tough to reconcile honoring the people who gave everything for this country while watching political leaders chip away at the values and freedoms those service members believed they were protecting.This year also marks five years since the death of George Floyd — a moment that shook the nation and sparked a wave of calls for justice, equity, and understanding. We saw real momentum. We saw conversations that had long been buried come to the forefront. Businesses, schools, and even the government began to take Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) seriously. For the first time in a long time, there seemed to be a collective acknowledgment of the systemic challenges facing people of color in this country.But five years later, that progress feels fragile. Across the country, DEI initiatives are being rolled back. DEI officers are being let go. Books are being banned. Honest conversations about race and equity are being silenced in the name of political convenience.So what are we left with?We're left with a day that reminds us of sacrifice. A day that asks us to reflect. But also a day that challenges us to be better — to build a country where the values we honor aren't just symbolic, but truly lived out.I believe in the importance of DEI — not just as a political stance, but as a framework for understanding. DEI helps us recognize bias. It helps us hire fairly. It helps us support communities that have long been overlooked or outright harmed. And at its best, DEI invites us to learn — to listen — to grow. That shouldn't be controversial.On this episode, I invite you to reflect with me. Let's talk about the tension between honoring our past and being honest about our present. Let's remember those who served with dignity. Let's hold space for people of color still fighting to be seen and heard. And let's ask the tough questions about where we go from here.I'd love to hear your thoughts. Whether you agree, disagree, or fall somewhere in between — let's have that conversation. Drop a comment below, or reach out to me directly.If you appreciate honest conversations like this one, please consider supporting the podcast. We cover everything from pop culture to sports, current events to deeper issues like this. Your support helps keep these conversations going.Subscribe, share with a friend, and check out our other episodes. Thanks for listening — and take care of each other out there.

Memorial Day is a federal holiday for mourning and honoring U.S. military personnel who have died while serving in the United States Armed Forces.  The first observance of Memorial Day occurred on May 30, 1868, and was then known as Decoration Day.  Prior to this first national observance, many communities had begun the practice of laying flowers at the graves of soldiers killed during the Civil War; Mary Ann Williams is credited with the idea of laying flowers on the graves of Confederate and Union soldier alike.  It was not until 1971 that Memorial Day became a recognized federal holiday, was moved to the last Monday of May each year, and was held to respect fallen soldiers of all American wars, not just the Civil War.

We continue our in-depth discussion on the complex situation in South Africa. As we explore these pressing global issues, we also take a moment to shift our focus to a solemn and meaningful occasion here at home: Memorial Day.We honor and remember the brave men and women of the United States Armed Forces who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation. Memorial Day is more than a long weekend—it's a time for reflection, gratitude, and unity. It's a day to recognize those who gave their lives to protect the freedoms we enjoy and often take for granted.Freedom Marketplace: https://freedommarketplace.net The Stack: https://www.toddhuffshow.com/stack-of-stuff Email: todd@toddhuffshow.comPhone: 317.210.2830Follow us on…Instagram: @toddhuffshowFacebook: The Todd Huff ShowTwitter: @toddhuffshowLinkedIn: The Todd Huff ShowTikTok: @toddhuffshowSupport Our Partners:https://www.toddhuffshow.com/partners Links:https://www.mypillow.com/todd Promo Code: TODDhttps://mystore.com/toddhttps://soltea.com - Promo Code TODD for $29.95 off your first orderEaston University - https://www.eastonuniversity.comRed, White, & Brand – TEXT 317-210-2830 for more information. 

We continue our in-depth discussion on the complex situation in South Africa. As we explore these pressing global issues, we also take a moment to shift our focus to a solemn and meaningful occasion here at home: Memorial Day.We honor and remember the brave men and women of the United States Armed Forces who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation. Memorial Day is more than a long weekend—it's a time for reflection, gratitude, and unity. It's a day to recognize those who gave their lives to protect the freedoms we enjoy and often take for granted.Freedom Marketplace: https://freedommarketplace.net The Stack: https://www.toddhuffshow.com/stack-of-stuff Email: todd@toddhuffshow.comPhone: 317.210.2830Follow us on…Instagram: @toddhuffshowFacebook: The Todd Huff ShowTwitter: @toddhuffshowLinkedIn: The Todd Huff ShowTikTok: @toddhuffshowSupport Our Partners:https://www.toddhuffshow.com/partners Links:https://www.mypillow.com/todd Promo Code: TODDhttps://mystore.com/toddhttps://soltea.com - Promo Code TODD for $29.95 off your first orderEaston University - https://www.eastonuniversity.comRed, White, & Brand – TEXT 317-210-2830 for more information. 

Despite the fact that so many of them make it look easy, the daily lives of senior U.S. military leaders can be incredibly demanding. Laura Weimer examined how senior leaders manage their well-being (or, at times, struggle to do so) amidst these demanding careers, and she's in the studio with host JP Clark to share her discoveries. Drawing from her research, Weimer highlighted the unique pressures of senior roles, including frequent relocations, intense scrutiny, and the weight of consequential decisions. She also discussed the inevitable challenges of mid-life, such as caring for aging parents and navigating evolving family dynamics, which compound work-related stress. Weimer's key takeaway? Developing a strong sense of identity, meaning, and purpose is essential for fostering resilience and sustaining leadership effectiveness. I don't know if necessarily it's the Army's job to help us figure out our identity. I do think it would be valuable for the Army to acknowledge the value of those conversations and maybe even prompt those conversations. Links to resources referenced by Laura in the episode: Joe Byerly, “Learning to Live a Halfway Interesting Life,” From the Green Notebook (March 19, 2025) https://fromthegreennotebook.com/2025/03/19/learning-to-live-a-halfway-interesting-life/  Briana Barker Caza, Lakshmi Ramarajan, Erin Reid, and Stephanie Creary. "How to Make Room in Your Work Life for the Rest of Your Self." Harvard Business Review (May 30, 2018), https://hbr.org/2018/05/how-to-make-room-in-your-work-life-for-the-rest-of-your-self Cal Newport, “The Most Important Piece of Career Advice You Probably Never Heard,” Cal Newport, May 21, 2008, https://calnewport.com/the-most-important-piece-of-career-advice-you-probably-never-heard/ Nick Craig and Scott A. Snook. 2014. “From Purpose to Impact.” Harvard Business Review, May. https://hbr.org/2014/05/from-purpose-to-impact. Arthur C. Brooks, From Strength to Strength: Finding Success, Happiness, and Deep Purpose in the Second Half of Life (Penguin, 2022). Simon Sinek, "The Cure for Loneliness with U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy," A Bit of Optimism Podcast, 7 January 2025. https://open.spotify.com/episode/6wnHgVpkuX0i4CdCEHSFkg?si=c58cf2607d274eb7 This is restricted access (academic): Herminia Ibarra, “Provisional Selves: Experimenting with Image and Identity in Professional Adaptation.” Administrative Science Quarterly 44 (4) (1999): 764–91. https://doi.org/10.2307/2667055. Laura Weimer is an Active Duty Army lieutenant colonel (Military Police) and a graduate of the AY25 Resident course at the U.S. Army War College. She most recently commanded the Headquarters Battalion of the 1st Armored Division at Fort Bliss, TX, and will be returning to Texas in June to serve in U.S. Army Futures Command (soon to be Transformation and Training Command). She taught Military Leadership and Intro to Sociology at West Point from 2013-2016 and holds a Ph.D. In Management from Harvard University, an M.A. in Sociology from Duke University, and a B.S. In Chemistry/Life Sciences from West Point. Her research and writing is focused on leader identity, development, and personal well-being. The views expressed in this presentation are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect those of the U.S. Army War College, U.S. Army, or Department of Defense. Photo Description: Then Lieutenant General (Ret.) Dan Caine, USAF, when he appeared before the 1 April, 2025 Senate Confirmation Committee. Caine was nominated and later confirmed as the 22nd Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. The Chairman is the highest-ranking and most senior military officer in the United States Armed Forces and the principal military advisor to the President, the National Security Council, the Homeland Security Council, and the Secretary of Defense. Photo Credit: Screen capture from CSPAN video of 1 April, 2025 Senate Confirmation Hearing.

In episode 131 of the Federal Retirement Show, Val goes into the latest budget legislation proposals that could significantly impact federal employees and retirees. From raising FERS contributions and eliminating the FERS supplement, to shifting to a “High-5” pension calculation and introducing at-will employment measures. Val also explores proposed filing fees for MSPB claims and efforts to protect FEHB benefits amid ongoing fiscal negotiations. Don’t miss this episode if you’re looking to secure your financial future as a federal employee. Make sure to subscribe to The Federal Retirement Show for more episodes and leave us a review! Have questions about retirement planning or other financial topics? Connect with Val and the topic could be featured in future episodes! Don't forget to leave a review and share this podcast with anyone looking to boost their financial knowledge. --- Listen to Previous Episodes: https://federalretirementshow.com/podcasts/ Subscribe to the show’s YouTube channel:www.youtube.com/@americanbenefitsexchange --- Connect with Val:Phone --- (512) 582-6050Email --- vmajewski@thinkabx.comAmerican Benefits Exchange --- thinkabx.comFederal Retirement Show --- federalretirementshow.com/podcastsLinkedin --- https://www.linkedin.com/company/american-benefits-exchange/ --- About American Benefits Exchange:American Benefits Exchange focuses on providing solid financial solutions to Federal, postal, and state employees as well as members of the United States Armed Forces and small businesses. American Benefits Exchange brings years of experience and knowledge to support these niche markets. American Benefits Exchange, along with its provider companies, truly understands the needs of civil service employees. A portfolio of products is available to address important financial issues such as planning for retirement, FEGLI Option B replacement, Thrift Savings Plan Rollovers, and Pension Maximization.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Turning 65? Nearing retirement? This episode breaks down some of the most common—and confusing—questions federal employees and retirees face as they approach this milestone. In episode 133 of The Federal Retirement Show, Val covers - Age-Based Reductions to Social Security –Taxing Social Security, FEHB vs. Medicare, TSP Withdrawals – Learn how to avoid unnecessary taxes and steer clear of the 10% early withdrawal penalty, Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) – What they are, when they start, and how to plan for them. If you're a federal employee or retiree looking for clarity on retirement finances, this episode gives you the straight answers you need—without the jargon. Don’t miss this episode if you’re looking to secure your financial future as a federal employee. Make sure to subscribe to The Federal Retirement Show for more episodes and leave us a review! Have questions about retirement planning or other financial topics? Connect with Val and the topic could be featured in future episodes! Don't forget to leave a review and share this podcast with anyone looking to boost their financial knowledge. --- Listen to Previous Episodes: https://federalretirementshow.com/podcasts/ Subscribe to the show’s YouTube channel:www.youtube.com/@americanbenefitsexchange --- Connect with Val:Phone --- (512) 582-6050Email --- vmajewski@thinkabx.comAmerican Benefits Exchange --- thinkabx.comFederal Retirement Show --- federalretirementshow.com/podcastsLinkedin --- https://www.linkedin.com/company/american-benefits-exchange/ --- About American Benefits Exchange:American Benefits Exchange focuses on providing solid financial solutions to Federal, postal, and state employees as well as members of the United States Armed Forces and small businesses. American Benefits Exchange brings years of experience and knowledge to support these niche markets. American Benefits Exchange, along with its provider companies, truly understands the needs of civil service employees. A portfolio of products is available to address important financial issues such as planning for retirement, FEGLI Option B replacement, Thrift Savings Plan Rollovers, and Pension Maximization. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In episode 132 of The Federal Retirement Show, Val explores supplemental income options like that can help bridge the gap between what you have and what you need. Most importantly, he answers a critical question: Why do so many people fail to secure the retirement they dream of? Spoiler: It’s not just about saving — it’s about planning. Don’t miss this episode if you’re looking to secure your financial future as a federal employee. Make sure to subscribe to The Federal Retirement Show for more episodes and leave us a review! Have questions about retirement planning or other financial topics? Connect with Val and the topic could be featured in future episodes! Don't forget to leave a review and share this podcast with anyone looking to boost their financial knowledge. --- Listen to Previous Episodes: https://federalretirementshow.com/podcasts/ Subscribe to the show’s YouTube channel:www.youtube.com/@americanbenefitsexchange --- Connect with Val:Phone --- (512) 582-6050Email --- vmajewski@thinkabx.comAmerican Benefits Exchange --- thinkabx.comFederal Retirement Show --- federalretirementshow.com/podcastsLinkedin --- https://www.linkedin.com/company/american-benefits-exchange/ --- About American Benefits Exchange:American Benefits Exchange focuses on providing solid financial solutions to Federal, postal, and state employees as well as members of the United States Armed Forces and small businesses. American Benefits Exchange brings years of experience and knowledge to support these niche markets. American Benefits Exchange, along with its provider companies, truly understands the needs of civil service employees. A portfolio of products is available to address important financial issues such as planning for retirement, FEGLI Option B replacement, Thrift Savings Plan Rollovers, and Pension Maximization.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In episode 130 of the Federal Retirement Show, Val dives into a topic that often flies under the radar but can have a major impact on your federal retirement: Discontinued Service Time. Whether you're a seasoned federal worker or just starting your career in government service, understanding how prior federal service—especially service that was interrupted or ended—can affect your retirement benefits is crucial. Don’t miss this episode if you’re looking to secure your financial future as a federal employee. Make sure to subscribe to The Federal Retirement Show for more episodes and leave us a review! Have questions about retirement planning or other financial topics? Connect with Val and the topic could be featured in future episodes! Don't forget to leave a review and share this podcast with anyone looking to boost their financial knowledge. --- Listen to Previous Episodes: https://federalretirementshow.com/podcasts/ Subscribe to the show’s YouTube channel:www.youtube.com/@americanbenefitsexchange --- Connect with Val:Phone --- (512) 582-6050Email --- vmajewski@thinkabx.comAmerican Benefits Exchange --- thinkabx.comFederal Retirement Show --- federalretirementshow.com/podcastsLinkedin --- https://www.linkedin.com/company/american-benefits-exchange/ --- About American Benefits Exchange:American Benefits Exchange focuses on providing solid financial solutions to Federal, postal, and state employees as well as members of the United States Armed Forces and small businesses. American Benefits Exchange brings years of experience and knowledge to support these niche markets. American Benefits Exchange, along with its provider companies, truly understands the needs of civil service employees. A portfolio of products is available to address important financial issues such as planning for retirement, FEGLI Option B replacement, Thrift Savings Plan Rollovers, and Pension Maximization.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

United States Representative and California 31st District Congressman Gil Cisneros discusses his passion for public education, growing up in Southern California, his philanthropic efforts with the Gilbert & Jacki Cisneros Foundation and George Washington University's Cisneros Hispanic Leadership Institute, his years in the United States Armed Forces, returning to Washington D.C. as an elected official, and why he never leaves a Dodger game early.

In episode 129 of the Federal Retirement Show, Val explores the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) and explains why market volatility is a risky game for retirees. While TSP is a powerful retirement tool for federal employees and members of the military, not all investment strategies are created equal—especially when you're no longer bringing in a paycheck. Don’t miss this episode if you’re looking to secure your financial future as a federal employee. Make sure to subscribe to The Federal Retirement Show for more episodes and leave us a review! Have questions about retirement planning or other financial topics? Connect with Val and the topic could be featured in future episodes! Don't forget to leave a review and share this podcast with anyone looking to boost their financial knowledge. --- Listen to Previous Episodes: https://federalretirementshow.com/podcasts/ Subscribe to the show’s YouTube channel:www.youtube.com/@americanbenefitsexchange --- Connect with Val:Phone --- (512) 582-6050Email --- vmajewski@thinkabx.comAmerican Benefits Exchange --- thinkabx.comFederal Retirement Show --- federalretirementshow.com/podcastsLinkedin --- https://www.linkedin.com/company/american-benefits-exchange/ --- About American Benefits Exchange:American Benefits Exchange focuses on providing solid financial solutions to Federal, postal, and state employees as well as members of the United States Armed Forces and small businesses. American Benefits Exchange brings years of experience and knowledge to support these niche markets. American Benefits Exchange, along with its provider companies, truly understands the needs of civil service employees. A portfolio of products is available to address important financial issues such as planning for retirement, FEGLI Option B replacement, Thrift Savings Plan Rollovers, and Pension Maximization. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Val dives into an often overlooked but important topic: the impact of death while actively employed as a federal worker. Val explains what happens to the benefits, salary, and retirement plans of a federal employee after their passing and discusses the policies and procedures that guide these situations, including survivor benefits, how life insurance works within federal employment, and the steps that families and loved ones must take in these difficult times. Don’t miss this episode if you’re looking to secure your financial future as a federal employee. Make sure to subscribe to The Federal Retirement Show for more episodes and leave us a review! Have questions about retirement planning or other financial topics? Connect with Val and the topic could be featured in future episodes! Don't forget to leave a review and share this podcast with anyone looking to boost their financial knowledge. --- Listen to Previous Episodes: https://federalretirementshow.com/podcasts/ Subscribe to the show’s YouTube channel:www.youtube.com/@americanbenefitsexchange --- Connect with Val:Phone --- (512) 582-6050Email --- vmajewski@thinkabx.comAmerican Benefits Exchange --- thinkabx.comFederal Retirement Show --- federalretirementshow.com/podcastsLinkedin --- https://www.linkedin.com/company/american-benefits-exchange/ --- About American Benefits Exchange:American Benefits Exchange focuses on providing solid financial solutions to Federal, postal, and state employees as well as members of the United States Armed Forces and small businesses. American Benefits Exchange brings years of experience and knowledge to support these niche markets. American Benefits Exchange, along with its provider companies, truly understands the needs of civil service employees. A portfolio of products is available to address important financial issues such as planning for retirement, FEGLI Option B replacement, Thrift Savings Plan Rollovers, and Pension Maximization. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Val dives into a crucial topic for federal employees — what happens to your Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) loan when you separate from service? Whether you're retiring, resigning, or transitioning to a new job, dealing with an outstanding TSP loan is an important step in your financial planning. We break down your options, the consequences of inaction, and the best strategies for managing your loan balance. Don’t miss this episode if you’re looking to secure your financial future as a federal employee. Make sure to subscribe to The Federal Retirement Show for more episodes and leave us a review! Have questions about retirement planning or other financial topics? Connect with Val and the topic could be featured in future episodes! Don't forget to leave a review and share this podcast with anyone looking to boost their financial knowledge. --- Listen to Previous Episodes: https://federalretirementshow.com/podcasts/ Subscribe to the show’s YouTube channel:www.youtube.com/@americanbenefitsexchange --- Connect with Val:Phone --- (512) 582-6050Email --- vmajewski@thinkabx.comAmerican Benefits Exchange --- thinkabx.comFederal Retirement Show --- federalretirementshow.com/podcastsLinkedin --- https://www.linkedin.com/company/american-benefits-exchange/ --- About American Benefits Exchange:American Benefits Exchange focuses on providing solid financial solutions to Federal, postal, and state employees as well as members of the United States Armed Forces and small businesses. American Benefits Exchange brings years of experience and knowledge to support these niche markets. American Benefits Exchange, along with its provider companies, truly understands the needs of civil service employees. A portfolio of products is available to address important financial issues such as planning for retirement, FEGLI Option B replacement, Thrift Savings Plan Rollovers, and Pension Maximization. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Office of Strategic Services (OSS) was an intelligence agency of the United States during World War II. The OSS was formed as an agency of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS)[3] to coordinate espionage activities behind enemy lines for all branches of the United States Armed Forces. Other OSS functions included the use of propaganda, subversion, and post-war planning.

Val dives deep into the intricacies of special groups retirement benefits within the federal government. From law enforcement officers to air traffic controllers, certain federal employees enjoy unique retirement packages designed to account for the physically demanding nature and high-risk environments of their jobs. We break down the different special groups, the eligibility requirements, and how their retirement benefits differ from traditional federal employee retirement plans. Don’t miss this episode if you’re looking to secure your financial future as a federal employee. Make sure to subscribe to The Federal Retirement Show for more episodes and leave us a review! Have questions about retirement planning or other financial topics? Connect with Val and the topic could be featured in future episodes! Don't forget to leave a review and share this podcast with anyone looking to boost their financial knowledge. --- Listen to Previous Episodes: https://federalretirementshow.com/podcasts/ Subscribe to the show’s YouTube channel:www.youtube.com/@americanbenefitsexchange --- Connect with Val:Phone --- (512) 582-6050Email --- vmajewski@thinkabx.comAmerican Benefits Exchange --- thinkabx.comFederal Retirement Show --- federalretirementshow.com/podcastsLinkedin --- https://www.linkedin.com/company/american-benefits-exchange/ --- About American Benefits Exchange:American Benefits Exchange focuses on providing solid financial solutions to Federal, postal, and state employees as well as members of the United States Armed Forces and small businesses. American Benefits Exchange brings years of experience and knowledge to support these niche markets. American Benefits Exchange, along with its provider companies, truly understands the needs of civil service employees. A portfolio of products is available to address important financial issues such as planning for retirement, FEGLI Option B replacement, Thrift Savings Plan Rollovers, and Pension Maximization.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Val takes a deep dive into the crucial topic of debt elimination tailored specifically for government employees. He breaks down actionable strategies for paying off debt, and building a secure financial future in retirement. Don’t miss this episode if you’re looking to secure your financial future as a federal employee. Make sure to subscribe to The Federal Retirement Show for more episodes and leave us a review! Have questions about retirement planning or other financial topics? Connect with Val and the topic could be featured in future episodes! Don't forget to leave a review and share this podcast with anyone looking to boost their financial knowledge. --- Listen to Previous Episodes: https://federalretirementshow.com/podcasts/ Subscribe to the show’s YouTube channel:www.youtube.com/@americanbenefitsexchange --- Connect with Val:Phone --- (512) 582-6050Email --- vmajewski@thinkabx.comAmerican Benefits Exchange --- thinkabx.comFederal Retirement Show --- federalretirementshow.com/podcastsLinkedin --- https://www.linkedin.com/company/american-benefits-exchange/ --- About American Benefits Exchange:American Benefits Exchange focuses on providing solid financial solutions to Federal, postal, and state employees as well as members of the United States Armed Forces and small businesses. American Benefits Exchange brings years of experience and knowledge to support these niche markets. American Benefits Exchange, along with its provider companies, truly understands the needs of civil service employees. A portfolio of products is available to address important financial issues such as planning for retirement, FEGLI Option B replacement, Thrift Savings Plan Rollovers, and Pension Maximization.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Episode 124 of The Federal Retirement Show – Val dives into the ins and outs of federal employee retirement options, focusing on Deferred, Early, and Postponed retirement plans. Val breaks down: Deferred Retirement: What happens if you leave federal service before meeting the full eligibility requirements and how to keep your retirement benefits intact. Early Retirement: The pros and cons of retiring earlier than the standard retirement age, including the rules and adjustments to your benefits. Postponed Retirement: How delaying your retirement can affect your pension and what you need to consider if you decide to keep working past your original retirement date. Don’t miss this episode if you’re looking to secure your financial future as a federal employee. Make sure to subscribe to The Federal Retirement Show for more episodes and leave us a review! Have questions about retirement planning or other financial topics? Connect with Val and the topic could be featured in future episodes! Don't forget to leave a review and share this podcast with anyone looking to boost their financial knowledge. --- Listen to Previous Episodes: https://federalretirementshow.com/podcasts/ Subscribe to the show’s YouTube channel:www.youtube.com/@americanbenefitsexchange --- Connect with Val:Phone --- (512) 582-6050Email --- vmajewski@thinkabx.comAmerican Benefits Exchange --- thinkabx.comFederal Retirement Show --- federalretirementshow.com/podcastsLinkedin --- https://www.linkedin.com/company/american-benefits-exchange/ --- About American Benefits Exchange:American Benefits Exchange focuses on providing solid financial solutions to Federal, postal, and state employees as well as members of the United States Armed Forces and small businesses. American Benefits Exchange brings years of experience and knowledge to support these niche markets. American Benefits Exchange, along with its provider companies, truly understands the needs of civil service employees. A portfolio of products is available to address important financial issues such as planning for retirement, FEGLI Option B replacement, Thrift Savings Plan Rollovers, and Pension Maximization.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It is an honor and a privilege to introduce my next two guests, James Patterson and Tim Malloy. James Patterson is one of the most successful authors of all time, having sold over 425 million books. He is perhaps best known for his Alex Cross series, which has been adapted into films such as Kiss the Girls and Along Came a Spider. In addition to his fiction, Patterson has collaborated on New York Times bestsellers with notable figures, including Bill Clinton, Dolly Parton, and Viola Davis. Recently, he has ventured into nonfiction and co-authored Filthy Rich alongside Tim Malloy, which explores the life of convicted pedophile Jeffrey Epstein. Tim Malloy is a seven-time Emmy Award winner and a veteran reporter with extensive experience in local and network television. He has worked as an investigative reporter, documentary filmmaker, and author. Malloy and Patterson are friends and neighbors in Palm Beach and have collaborated on various projects, including a documentary that highlights underserved communities in Florida. They both appeared in the Netflix documentary based on their bestselling book, Filthy Rich. Their latest collaboration, American Heroes, pays tribute to some of the greatest heroes in the United States Armed Forces. American Heroes emphasizes the courage, bravery, character, and patriotism of recipients of the three most significant military awards: The Medal of Honor, The Silver Star, and the Distinguished Service Cross. In this episode, Patterson, Malloy, and I discuss their incredible book American Heroes, their past collaborations on Filthy Rich, how they began their careers, and why these inspirational stories about real American heroes are vital for us to hear.Patterson and Malloy are not only brilliant but also hilarious. It was a joy and privilege to sit down with them both. I am very excited for you to listen!

Episode 123 of The Federal Retirement Show – Val is diving into the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) – the retirement savings plan designed specifically for federal employees and uniformed services members. Val wants you to understand the core elements of the TSP, from contribution limits and investment options to the benefits of employer matching and the importance of diversifying your portfolio! Don’t miss this episode if you’re looking to secure your financial future as a federal employee. Make sure to subscribe to The Federal Retirement Show for more episodes and leave us a review! Have questions about retirement planning or other financial topics? Connect with Val and the topic could be featured in future episodes! Don't forget to leave a review and share this podcast with anyone looking to boost their financial knowledge. --- Listen to Previous Episodes: https://federalretirementshow.com/podcasts/ Subscribe to the show’s YouTube channel:www.youtube.com/@americanbenefitsexchange --- Listen to Previous Episodes: https://federalretirementshow.com/podcasts/ Subscribe to the show’s YouTube channel:www.youtube.com/@americanbenefitsexchange --- Connect with Val:Phone --- (512) 582-6050Email --- vmajewski@thinkabx.comAmerican Benefits Exchange --- thinkabx.comFederal Retirement Show --- federalretirementshow.com/podcastsLinkedin --- https://www.linkedin.com/company/american-benefits-exchange/ --- About American Benefits Exchange:American Benefits Exchange focuses on providing solid financial solutions to Federal, postal, and state employees as well as members of the United States Armed Forces and small businesses. American Benefits Exchange brings years of experience and knowledge to support these niche markets. American Benefits Exchange, along with its provider companies, truly understands the needs of civil service employees. A portfolio of products is available to address important financial issues such as planning for retirement, FEGLI Option B replacement, Thrift Savings Plan Rollovers, and Pension Maximization.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Episode 122 of The Federal Retirement Show – Val wants to simplify the Federal Employees Group Life Insurance (FEGLI) program—a key benefit for federal employees. Val covers what is FEGLI and give a clear breakdown of the FEGLI program and its purpose, as well as different coverage options, eligibility, and enrollment, and some key considerations. Don’t miss this episode if you’re looking to secure your financial future as a federal employee. Make sure to subscribe to The Federal Retirement Show for more episodes and leave us a review! Have questions about retirement planning or other financial topics? Connect with Val and the topic could be featured in future episodes! Don't forget to leave a review and share this podcast with anyone looking to boost their financial knowledge. --- Listen to Previous Episodes: https://federalretirementshow.com/podcasts/ Subscribe to the show’s YouTube channel:www.youtube.com/@americanbenefitsexchange --- Listen to Previous Episodes: https://federalretirementshow.com/podcasts/ Subscribe to the show’s YouTube channel:www.youtube.com/@americanbenefitsexchange --- Connect with Val:Phone --- (512) 582-6050Email --- vmajewski@thinkabx.comAmerican Benefits Exchange --- thinkabx.comFederal Retirement Show --- federalretirementshow.com/podcastsLinkedin --- https://www.linkedin.com/company/american-benefits-exchange/ --- About American Benefits Exchange:American Benefits Exchange focuses on providing solid financial solutions to Federal, postal, and state employees as well as members of the United States Armed Forces and small businesses. American Benefits Exchange brings years of experience and knowledge to support these niche markets. American Benefits Exchange, along with its provider companies, truly understands the needs of civil service employees. A portfolio of products is available to address important financial issues such as planning for retirement, FEGLI Option B replacement, Thrift Savings Plan Rollovers, and Pension Maximization.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In episode 121 of The Federal Retirement Show, Val stresses the importance of going back to the fundamentals pertaining to your retirement. He breaks down key concepts like the FERS and CSRS systems, TSP, and the nuances of your pension, and you’ll learn how to navigate the often-complex world of federal benefits, along with tips on making the most of your retirement planning. Don’t miss this episode if you’re looking to secure your financial future as a federal employee. Make sure to subscribe to The Federal Retirement Show for more episodes and leave us a review! Have questions about retirement planning or other financial topics? Connect with Val and the topic could be featured in future episodes! Don't forget to leave a review and share this podcast with anyone looking to boost their financial knowledge. --- Listen to Previous Episodes: https://federalretirementshow.com/podcasts/ Subscribe to the show’s YouTube channel:www.youtube.com/@americanbenefitsexchange --- Listen to Previous Episodes: https://federalretirementshow.com/podcasts/ Subscribe to the show’s YouTube channel:www.youtube.com/@americanbenefitsexchange --- Connect with Val:Phone --- (512) 582-6050Email --- vmajewski@thinkabx.comAmerican Benefits Exchange --- thinkabx.comFederal Retirement Show --- federalretirementshow.com/podcastsLinkedin --- https://www.linkedin.com/company/american-benefits-exchange/ --- About American Benefits Exchange:American Benefits Exchange focuses on providing solid financial solutions to Federal, postal, and state employees as well as members of the United States Armed Forces and small businesses. American Benefits Exchange brings years of experience and knowledge to support these niche markets. American Benefits Exchange, along with its provider companies, truly understands the needs of civil service employees. A portfolio of products is available to address important financial issues such as planning for retirement, FEGLI Option B replacement, Thrift Savings Plan Rollovers, and Pension Maximization.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Survivor benefits are a critical part of any financial planning strategy, but what happens when traditional options aren't the right fit? In episode 120 of The Federal Retirement Show, Val explores alternative solutions, from life insurance policies to trusts, and discuss how each can be tailored to provide peace of mind for families. Whether you’re planning for the unexpected or just looking to strengthen your financial safety net, this episode will help you better understand the options that go beyond the basics. Don’t miss this episode if you’re looking to secure your financial future as a federal employee. Make sure to subscribe to The Federal Retirement Show for more episodes and leave us a review! Have questions about retirement planning or other financial topics? Connect with Val and the topic could be featured in future episodes! Don't forget to leave a review and share this podcast with anyone looking to boost their financial knowledge. --- Listen to Previous Episodes: https://federalretirementshow.com/podcasts/ Subscribe to the show’s YouTube channel:www.youtube.com/@americanbenefitsexchange --- Connect with Val:Phone --- (512) 582-6050Email --- vmajewski@thinkabx.comAmerican Benefits Exchange --- thinkabx.comFederal Retirement Show --- federalretirementshow.com/podcastsLinkedin --- https://www.linkedin.com/company/american-benefits-exchange/ --- About American Benefits Exchange:American Benefits Exchange focuses on providing solid financial solutions to Federal, postal, and state employees as well as members of the United States Armed Forces and small businesses. American Benefits Exchange brings years of experience and knowledge to support these niche markets. American Benefits Exchange, along with its provider companies, truly understands the needs of civil service employees. A portfolio of products is available to address important financial issues such as planning for retirement, FEGLI Option B replacement, Thrift Savings Plan Rollovers, and Pension Maximization. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rogers for America with Lt. Steve Rogers – What the public may not be aware of is the Biden administration went to great lengths to indoctrinate all members of the United States Armed Forces into accepting DEI policies and the Woke agenda as their primary mission, thus replacing the warrior ethos. The American people did not notice what was going on with our military. But our enemies noticed...

USPS Employees – Are you tired of working for the Federal Government? Are you interested in an early retirement? On episode 119 of The Federal Retirement Show, Val breaks down the buyout offer and how this recent development is a significant turning point for many long-time postal workers. Val takes you through the intricate details of the buyout program, its potential impact on the workforce, and what it means for the future of postal services across the nation. Don’t miss this episode if you’re looking to secure your financial future as a federal employee. Make sure to subscribe to The Federal Retirement Show for more episodes and leave us a review! Have questions about retirement planning or other financial topics? Connect with Val and the topic could be featured in future episodes! Don't forget to leave a review and share this podcast with anyone looking to boost their financial knowledge. --- Listen to Previous Episodes: https://federalretirementshow.com/podcasts/ Subscribe to the show’s YouTube channel:www.youtube.com/@americanbenefitsexchange --- Connect with Val:Phone --- (512) 582-6050Email --- vmajewski@thinkabx.comAmerican Benefits Exchange --- thinkabx.comFederal Retirement Show --- federalretirementshow.com/podcastsLinkedin --- https://www.linkedin.com/company/american-benefits-exchange/ --- About American Benefits Exchange:American Benefits Exchange focuses on providing solid financial solutions to Federal, postal, and state employees as well as members of the United States Armed Forces and small businesses. American Benefits Exchange brings years of experience and knowledge to support these niche markets. American Benefits Exchange, along with its provider companies, truly understands the needs of civil service employees. A portfolio of products is available to address important financial issues such as planning for retirement, FEGLI Option B replacement, Thrift Savings Plan Rollovers, and Pension Maximization. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We are celebrating the safe return of three female hostages held in captivity by Hamas. They are Romi Gonen, 24, Emily Damari, 28, and Doron Steinbrecher, 31.In this episode, I've dug into The MirYam Institute archives to bring you two unique briefings we facilitated, both made by the family members of hostages whose loved ones are yet to return home. I've done so in order to share the ongoing anguish of too many hostage family members, who despite the scenes of happiness we all saw on this day, still do not know the fate of their loved ones. The first features Galia David, mother of Evyatar David. Evyatar was 23 years of age when he was abducted into Gaza. Because of his age and gender, he is cynically deemed to be a "man of age" by Hamas, a category of hostage that will only be released during the very final stages of this deal. In this episode of the show, his mother Galia is recorded addressing herself to the congregation of Park Avenue Synagogue in Manhattan, New York, on January 7th, 2024, flanked by her son Ilay David. The second features Itzhar Lifshitz. Both of Itzhars' aged parents, Oded and Yocheved, were kidnapped by Hamas. Yocheved was released by Hamas during the previous hostage release deal. His father, Oded, remains in Hamas captivity and is expected to be released during the first, 42 day long phase, of the hostage release deal due to his age, having been kidnaped at the age of 83. Izhar joined the MirYam Institute's Israel Strategy and Policy tour, 2024 - a tour of The Nazi Death camps that we facilitate for cadets and future officers of the United States Armed Forces. In this conversation, recorded in May, 2024, in Warsaw, Poland, Itzhar shares his thoughts on the fate of his father, before taking questions from the cadets.Support the showThe MirYam Institute. Israel's Future in Israel's Hands.Subscribe to our podcast: https://podfollow.com/1493910771Follow The MirYam Institute X: https://bit.ly/3jkeUyxFollow Benjamin Anthony X: https://bit.ly/3hZeOe9Like Benjamin Anthony Facebook: https://bit.ly/333Ct93Like The MirYam Institute Facebook: https://bit.ly/2SarHI3Follow Benjamin Anthony Instagram: https://bit.ly/30m6uPGFollow The MirYam Institute Instagram: https://bit.ly/3l5fvED

It's important to know what you're getting into, but in many of life's decisions there's a hard truth of that not being completely possible. Like when joining the United States Armed Forces for instance. No amount of literature or film based on the Army, Navy, Air Force, Space Force, Marine Corps or Coast Guard, can truly prepare one for all that such a career may throw at you. Or into. Or out of.   Sources: Bearing Drift by Peter Eident The Sinking of the USCGC Cuyahoga | PropTalk  Deadliest American Disasters and Large Loss of Life Events 1978 — Oct 20, USCG Cutter Cuyahoga hit/sunk by freighter Santa Cruz II ~Smith Point, MD-11 – Deadliest American Disasters and Large-Loss-of-Life Events  Casualty Report ADA076437.pdf    Please tell others about Marooned. Without you and your friends and neighbors listening, Jack and Aaron are likely to end up on a remote beach...marooned.  

Welcome to part two of a deep dive into federal employee retirement! In episode 118, Val addresses the most common misconceptions surrounding retirement benefits for federal workers. He also tackles the frequently asked questions and shed light on the complex details that can often be confusing or overlooked. From understanding the intricacies of Bonus and Overtime Pay included in High-3, how to change your survivor benefits election at any point in retirement, when you should take Social Security, and more! Don’t miss this episode if you’re looking to secure your financial future as a federal employee. Make sure to subscribe to The Federal Retirement Show for more episodes and leave us a review! Have questions about retirement planning or other financial topics? Connect with Val and the topic could be featured in future episodes! Don't forget to leave a review and share this podcast with anyone looking to boost their financial knowledge. Listen to Previous Episodes: https://federalretirementshow.com/podcasts/ Subscribe to the show’s YouTube channel:www.youtube.com/@americanbenefitsexchange Connect with Val:Phone --- (512) 582-6050Email --- vmajewski@thinkabx.comAmerican Benefits Exchange --- thinkabx.comFederal Retirement Show --- federalretirementshow.com/podcastsLinkedin --- https://www.linkedin.com/company/american-benefits-exchange/ About American Benefits Exchange:American Benefits Exchange focuses on providing solid financial solutions to Federal, postal, and state employees as well as members of the United States Armed Forces and small businesses. American Benefits Exchange brings years of experience and knowledge to support these niche markets. American Benefits Exchange, along with its provider companies, truly understands the needs of civil service employees. A portfolio of products is available to address important financial issues such as planning for retirement, FEGLI Option B replacement, Thrift Savings Plan Rollovers, and Pension Maximization.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As we enter the new year, federal employees are facing a range of significant changes that could impact their benefits. In episode 117 of The Federal Retirement Show, Val goes into significant detail about the key updates federal workers need to be aware of for 2025. From adjustments in retirement plans, healthcare options, and pay scales to shifts in remote work policies and new workplace regulations, Val breaks down the most important changes you need to know to navigate the year ahead. Don’t miss this episode if you’re looking to secure your financial future as a federal employee. Make sure to subscribe to The Federal Retirement Show for more episodes and leave us a review! Have questions about retirement planning or other financial topics? Connect with Val and the topic could be featured in future episodes! Don't forget to leave a review and share this podcast with anyone looking to boost their financial knowledge. Listen to Previous Episodes: https://federalretirementshow.com/podcasts/ Subscribe to the show’s YouTube channel:www.youtube.com/@americanbenefitsexchange Connect with Val:Phone --- (512) 582-6050Email --- vmajewski@thinkabx.comAmerican Benefits Exchange --- thinkabx.comFederal Retirement Show --- federalretirementshow.com/podcastsLinkedin --- https://www.linkedin.com/company/american-benefits-exchange/ About American Benefits Exchange:American Benefits Exchange focuses on providing solid financial solutions to Federal, postal, and state employees as well as members of the United States Armed Forces and small businesses. American Benefits Exchange brings years of experience and knowledge to support these niche markets. American Benefits Exchange, along with its provider companies, truly understands the needs of civil service employees. A portfolio of products is available to address important financial issues such as planning for retirement, FEGLI Option B replacement, Thrift Savings Plan Rollovers, and Pension Maximization.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In episode 116 of The Federal Retirement Show, Val sifts through the critical topic of Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) for Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) participants. He breaks down the question of when federal employees and retirees need to start taking RMDs from their TSP accounts. Whether you're approaching retirement or already there, this episode provides essential information to help you navigate the complexities of TSP withdrawals and stay compliant with IRS regulations12. Don’t miss this episode if you’re looking to secure your financial future as a federal employee. Make sure to subscribe to The Federal Retirement Show for more episodes and leave us a review! Have questions about retirement planning or other financial topics? Connect with Val and the topic could be featured in future episodes! Don't forget to leave a review and share this podcast with anyone looking to boost their financial knowledge. Listen to Previous Episodes: https://federalretirementshow.com/podcasts/ Subscribe to the show’s YouTube channel:www.youtube.com/@americanbenefitsexchange Connect with Val:Phone --- (512) 582-6050Email --- vmajewski@thinkabx.comAmerican Benefits Exchange --- thinkabx.comFederal Retirement Show --- federalretirementshow.com/podcastsLinkedin --- https://www.linkedin.com/company/american-benefits-exchange/ About American Benefits Exchange:American Benefits Exchange focuses on providing solid financial solutions to Federal, postal, and state employees as well as members of the United States Armed Forces and small businesses. American Benefits Exchange brings years of experience and knowledge to support these niche markets. American Benefits Exchange, along with its provider companies, truly understands the needs of civil service employees. A portfolio of products is available to address important financial issues such as planning for retirement, FEGLI Option B replacement, Thrift Savings Plan Rollovers, and Pension Maximization.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Are you prepared for the unexpected twists and turns of life? In this episode of The Federal Retirement Show, Val tackles the often-overlooked topic of Long-Term Care Insurance, the importance of proper estate planning and retirement savings strategies. Listen to Previous Episodes: https://federalretirementshow.com/podcasts/ Subscribe to the show's YouTube channel:www.youtube.com/@americanbenefitsexchange Connect with Val:Phone  (512) 582-6050Email vmajewski@thinkabx.comAmerican Benefits Exchange: thinkabx.comFederal Retirement Show: federalretirementshow.com/podcastsLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/american-benefits-exchange/ About American Benefits Exchange:American Benefits Exchange focuses on providing solid financial solutions to Federal, postal, and state employees as well as members of the United States Armed Forces and small businesses. American Benefits Exchange brings years of experience and knowledge to support these niche markets. American Benefits Exchange, along with its provider companies, truly understands the needs of civil service employees. A portfolio of products is available to address important financial issues such as planning for retirement, FEGLI Option B replacement, Thrift Savings Plan Rollovers, and Pension Maximization.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Millennial Debt Domination, Katie highlights financial and housing strategies for veterans.  Veterans Day honors military veterans of the United States Armed Forces and it is celebrated on November 11 each year. Veterans have served our country, however many veterans have found themselves facing a plethora of financial difficulties. Many veterans have even found themselves facing housing difficulties. On this episode, Katie is joined by Bruce Buckley and David Ramirez.  Bruce is the Chief Executive Officer at Soldier On and David is the home and credit education program manager at solider On. Soldier oOn is a nationally recognized nonprofit organization that partners with the Department of Veterans Affairs and other agencies to provide veterans with shelter and support in an environment that offers dignity, integrity, and hope. Soldier On's ultimate goal is to provide formerly homeless veterans with permanent, supportive, sustainable housing. Bruce, David, and Katie discuss, PTSD, homelessness affecting veterans, predatory lending, and much more.  https://wesoldieron.org/ https://creditsmart.freddiemac.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/CreditSmart_Military_Booklet.pdf

The Vietnam War was a polarizing and traumatic event in American history. Should we stand strong against the spread of Communism or should we allow others to chart their own course? While many Americans signed up to serve in the United States Armed Forces, other Americans marched in the streets to protest the war.

On today's Bible Answer Man broadcast (11/11/24), Hank reminds listeners that today is a special day; today is Veterans Day. A day in which Americans honor those who have served in the United States Armed Forces. Today was not always known as Veterans Day, it originated in 1919 as Armistice Day, a day commemorating “the war to end all wars”—or so it was thought by President Woodrow Wilson. Armistice Day was formally changed to Veterans Day in 1954—and for good reason. World War I was not “the war to end all wars.” World War II followed closely on its heels, and the twentieth century would become the bloodiest in human history. We have come to realize that the very notion of world peace—the idea behind Armistice Day—will never be realized until the Prince of Peace returns to the planet. Only then will world peace be inaugurated. In the meantime, we rightly celebrate Veterans Day. For there will always be veterans, just as there will always be wars. Which begs the question that Hank wants to address on today's broadcast: under what conditions is war justified?

The Posse Comitus Act, passed by Congress in 1878, bans the United States Armed Forces from being used to enforce domestic policies. Meaning the government can't deploy the army to suppress protesters or otherwise act as police within the U.S. borders. Except that the Defense Department recently issued a directive that conflicts directly with the Posse Comitus Act and states that the military can and will be deployed domestically to crush internal dissent   Jimmy and Americans' Comedian Kurt Metzger discuss all the problems inherent in using the military as an internal police force.   Plus segments on Biden sending hundreds of millions of dollars MORE to Ukraine, corrupt dieticians lying about how artificially colored cereals like Froot Loops are perfectly healthy, late President Gerald Ford predicting Kamala Harris and online commentator Candace Owens lighting into Piers Morgan over COVID.   Also featuring Stef Zamorano and Mike MacRae. Plus a phone call from Barack Obama and Mitt Romney!

Today Is Memorial Day. Honoring and mourning the U.S. military personnel who died while serving in the United States Armed Forces.  Somber reminder of the sacrifices of all that served to protect us. Never forget. This segment of Inch High Private Eye promises to be a doozy when I relay what happens when you find out your own mama is using your teenage pics, some revealing, to catfish dudes on the Interwebs?!?  I can't make this stuff up.  Real life is more dramatic than anything I could make up and Inch High was shopping from a grill at Elder's Ace Hardware. Surface...The writers seemed to half way show up for episode 9 of #STDiscovery. The tech and applied science was out of this world! Literally.  It just seems that there are more stories to tell from #discovery because this is the prequel that got pushed forward to the future. I think the progenitors technology was co-opted by the Iconians which they could use for more adventures past, present, and future. VPR is on fumes.  Did Diddy Do It? Yep. but as of January 1, 2023, a new California law known as Assembly Bill 2777 (AB 2777) or the Sexual Abuse And Cover-Up Accountability Act may just give Cassie more justice or another settlement. Leslie Jones is still recapping All Stars which is good because I think this season of all stars as they compete to get the largest amount of money donated to their charities and #GottMik is slaying!! I have 1- vote. Entertainers do not speak for me. I base my opinions on actual facts gleaned from books,  newspapers and not what is trending or going viral on social media. Withholding endorsements punishes society causes politicians to pander and kiss morning show asses instead of actually doing work to better society. If politicians would focus on being about the work like student loan forgiveness, keeping government out of our uterus, border issues, pandemic responsiveness, environmental issues. instead of giving lip service, sound bites, and catch phrases. We have people like Amber Rose using their platform for attention and infamy in support of another former reality star who is loyal only to power and money. The other guy cares nothing about society, democracy, or anything passed his bank balance. Also, she using Trump so she can support her own transphobia and although he is a dangerous despot, he still is trending on social media and she wants to ride the wave.   And I've also decided that I'm gonna do four-week increments and I'm taking June off. Well mostly, I may have something new and fresh for Juneteenth. Subscribe monthly on Anchor.fm  Patreon ,  Podbean, or  Deezer! Become a Melanated Nerd on Podbean or Patron by clicking https://linktr.ee/tnfroisreading to subscribe and listen to all Premium content

Operation Eagle Claw was a failed operation by the United States Armed Forces ordered by U.S. President Jimmy Carter to attempt the rescue of 52 embassy staff held captive at the Embassy of the United States, Tehran on 24 April 1980. The operation, one of Delta Force's first,[1] encountered many obstacles and failures and was subsequently aborted. Eight helicopters were sent to the first staging area called Desert One, but only five arrived in operational condition.[2] One had encountered hydraulic problems, another was caught in a sand storm, and the third showed signs of a cracked rotor blade. During the operational planning, it was decided that the mission would be aborted if fewer than six helicopters remained operational upon arrival at the Desert One site, despite only four being absolutely necessary.[2] In a move that is still discussed in military circles, the field commanders advised President Carter to abort the mission, which he did.[3]