Podcasts about veterans radio

Join us this week for a discussion on US foreign affairs, military conflicts, weapons, and air power, with national security analyst Dr. Rebecca Grant and host Dale Throneberry. This is our tenth year hosting Dr. Grant and she remains one of our most popular guests! Dr. Rebecca Grant is a national security analyst based in Washington, DC. She earned her PhD in International Relations from the London School of Economics at age 25 then worked for RAND and on the staff of the Secretary of the Air Force and Chief of Staff of the Air Force. Dr. Grant is Vice president and Senior Fellow at the Lexington Institute researching military and tech/artificial intelligence topics. In today's program we look at the Iran attack on Israel and Israel's response. Ukraine, Israel and Hamas, Russia's threat to Europe's security, China, Iran and Russia meetings, and much more.

Join us for a discussion with three of our board members on their experiences as women in the military, serving in operational and technical roles, the transition to civilian life, and more. Kate Melcher, US Army, 2005-2020 Dr. Christine Cook, Army National Guard & US Army Reserves, 1986-2016 Lydia Pinkham, US Coast Guard, 2011-2017 ILLUMINATE – ADVOCATE – EDUCATE Our mission since 2003 has been to advocate for the veteran and provide education for veterans and their families along with illuminating the extraordinary actions of ordinary people who have gained and preserved the freedom all Americans enjoy—and the ultimate price that is often paid. Veterans Radio includes our listener's stories and experiences, not only while in the service, but afterwards as well. Interviews with guest speakers and authors are a weekly feature Veterans Radio is a production of Veterans Radio America, Inc. a 501(3) non-profit corporation. EIN # 84-2746681

Claire Dahl, a retired Ann Arbor history teacher, talks with Dale about Rosie the Riveter and the notable women who entered World War II. Claire was recently featured in an article by Cynthia Furlong Reynolds in the Ann Arbor Observer. Read the full article from the Ann Arbor Observer here.  Dale also speaks with Larry St. Antoine, board member for Camp Liberty Michigan, about the camp's history and all they are doing to help veterans. Camp Liberty is a nonprofit that helps provide inclusive outdoor recreation programs to service members and their families.  Learn more about Camp Liberty here. 

Allison Jaslow, CEO of IAVA, talks about Iraq and Afghanistan veterans, the 2023 IAVA member survey, issues for women veterans, and the need for more emphasis on military recruiting.   Learn more about the IAVA here.    President of the Michigan Air & Space Forces Association, Brig. Gen. Doug “Odie” Slocum (ret) , discusses his career and mission of the Michigan AFA.  Learn more about the Michigan AFA here. 

Documentary photographer and photojournalist and writer Jenn Tuero (J. T.) Blatty graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point in 2000 and served six years as an active-duty U.S. Army officer, deploying with the first troops into Afghanistan following 9/11 and again into Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom.  Since early 2018, she has been documenting the conflict in eastern Ukraine while simultaneously creating photographic/audio archive of the 2014 volunteer soldiers of the Donbas (exhibited in Chicago and NYC in 2019-2020, March 2022 in Kyiv postponed due to the full-scale invasion), the revolutionaries who self-deployed during the original Russian invasion and saved Ukraine's independence. A 2021-2022 Ukraine Fulbright alum, Blatty continues her photojournalistic work in Ukraine and recently completed writing Snapshots Sent Home: From Afghanistan, Iraq, Ukraine (publication Feb 20 2024), a military memoir that speaks of her journey in Ukraine, the volunteers, and a universal bond between combat veterans around the world. jtblatty.com

Welcome to Veterans Radio. This week are experts are Carol Ann Fausone, Retired USAF BG, Veterans Service Officer from Legal Help for Veterans and Brian Hayes, Director of Communications Health System Specialist/Public Relations, LTC Charles S. Kettles VA Medical Center, VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System. These are just a few of the topics we talked about in today's episode of Veterans Radio. Help for older Veterans is available through the VA. Elderly Veterans - Veterans (va.gov)  What assistance are you entitled to? We talk about Incarcerated Veterans. What benefits are they eligible for through the VA. Incarcerated Veterans - Veterans (va.gov) How can the VA help Homeless Veterans. Homeless Veterans - Veterans (va.gov)

Host Dale Throneberry speaks with author William Yeske about his book, “Damn the Valley,” a first-hand account from an airborne unit engaged in some of the toughest fighting in Afghanistan. Look for his book on Amazon. “DAMN THE VALLEY” was a phrase regularly uttered by the men that spent any amount of time in the Arghandab River Valley during the deployment of 2 Fury to Afghanistan in 2009–2010. The valley has claimed bodies from the troops of Alexander the Great, the British Empire, and more recently, the Russian Army. Operating in the valley was like nothing the men could have envisaged, they called it the “meat grinder.” It was a deployment that the media didn't talk about, and the government doesn't acknowledge. Three of the company were KIA, more than a dozen suffered life-changing injuries, and half the company had Purple Hearts—not many modern-day deployments have a 52% casualty rate.  Since their return, many of the survivors have struggled to move on with their lives, and the unit has been declared at “extraordinary risk” by the Department of Veteran Affairs. No one who entered that region was left unscathed.  Dale then speaks with Scott Lopez, NVBDC member, veteran, and business owner. Scott Lopez is the CEO and Founder of Zepol Productions Inc., (ZPI) which he founded in 2009. Scott brings over 25 years of channel experience, both creating distribution specific brands and selling multiple service and hardware lines through the channel, and is proud of his Veteran and Latino American heritage, as a NVBDC-certified, service-disabled and veteran-owned small business (from nvbdc.org). Learn more about NVBDC.

Marine Gy Sgt Tweila Rochell-Cauthen discusses her military experiences and the role of National Association of Black Military Women (NABMW), which is advocating for the service academies to boost the number of minorities admitted so that the number of black officers increases. NABMW filed with the US Supreme Court supporting military academies using race as a factor in admissions for the purpose of increasing black officers. She talks to host Jim Fausone about the value of military service and the benefits of diversity. Then Jill Newmark discusses 14 Black surgeons who served with the Union Army during the Civil War. She explores their struggles to get trained in surgery, prejudice in society and the military, struggles as Black officers, and overcoming obstacles. Newmark talks with host Jim Fausone about their desire to practice medicine, the status of commission and contract officers, racial inequities, and post-war struggles. Her book is “Without Concealment, Without Compromise: The Courageous Lives of Black Civil War Surgeons.”

Host Dale Throneberry speaks with Hope Hodge Seck, author of “Prepping for the Next Fight” appearing in the February 2024 issue of Military Officer, a publication of the Military Officers Association of America. Seck is an award-winning investigative reporter covering the military and national defense, and is the former managing editor of Military.com. What all the branches of the military are doing to prepare for the next fight.   Dale also talks with Vietnam-era USMC Veteran Bill Graham, contributor for The VVA Veteran, a publication of Vietnam Veterans of America. Bill recently wrote “Speak Out! The Case for Universal National Service” regarding an alternative to selective service. Read Bill's full article on The VVA Veteran online The VVA Veteran, a publication of Vietnam Veterans of America

GET ANSWERS FROM OUR EXPERT PANEL! Dale Throneberry – Founder and Host of Veterans RadioBrig. Gen. Carol Ann Fausone (ret) – Legal Help for VeteransBrian Hayes – Director of Communications, VA Ann Arbor Healthcare SystemDavid Saims – Director, Washtenaw County Veterans Service Dept., MACVC Trustee Missed this month's program? Tune in the last Sunday of the month for our Benefits Program. Send your questions to dale@veteransradio.org

Dr. Rebecca Grant is a national security analyst and the President of IRIS Independent Research. IRIS is a small, woman-owned business that specializes in defense and aerospace research and consulting. Initially, Rebecca began her professional career with RAND in Santa Monica, California. Likewise, she also worked at Pentagon for three years as the Air Staff on the Secretary of the Air Force and Chief of Staff of the Air Force. Apart from that, Rebecca is a guest speaker on airpower and technology at different venues from active-duty Air Force units to Wall Street investors. She has also lectured at the USAF's Air University and for the air forces of the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Italy, Turkey, and Australia. On top of that, Rebecca has made television appearances as an expert on national security for FOX News, CNN, MSNBC, Fox Business, and OANN. She has also written over 100 articles for Air Force Magazine. Topics discussed include: China and their place in today's world, the war in Ukraine, North Korea, Israel's war in Gaza, Iran and the Middle East. And Much Much More...

Where have our heroes gone? What it takes to be a hero, why war heroes matter, and why Americans should never forget our heroes. Join host Gary Lillie from this 2007 interiew. Our guest is, self-proclaimed hero expert and author, Gary W. Toyn. He is the author of The Quiet Hero: The Untold Medal of Honor Story of George E. Wahlen at the Battle of Iwo Jima. Does the media reject America's war heroes? Why don't school children learn about America's war heroes? Why don't we hear more about the heroes of Iraq and Afghanistan? What can we do/

What do Bob Hope, Marilyn Monroe and Toby Keith have in common? They have all performed on a USO tour. Since World War II the USO has been sending entertainers around the world to entertain our troops. But the USO is much more than that. Listen to this Veterans Radio program from December 22, 2012 with our guest USO Senior Vice President and Air Force Veteran John Hanson. Host Dale Throneberry talked with John about the history of the USO and how it has changed over the years.

Keith King, Founder and CEO of the National Veterans Business Development Council (NVBDC), talks about their 2023 highlights! He explains the benefits that 2000+ certified veteran-owned businesses have received and the value of its 175 NVBDC corporate members. King highlights the $4.3 Billion that is spent by corporations in the Billion Dollar Roundtable with veteran-owned businesses with host Jim Fausone. Veterans Radio encourages you to check out NVBDC.org.

Join host Jim Fausone for this week's program! Chris Cauley, recently appointed Executive Director of the John Dingell Detroit VA Medical Center, talks about his background, commitment to veterans health care, the challenges at Detroit VAMC and what his team is doing to improve customer service and access to outstanding health care for veterans. He talks to host Jim about the current top three issues he is addressing. Army Veteran Richard (ChubZ) Werabelski was medically discharged after an RPG explosion in Afghanistan resulted in a TBI & PTSD. The transition back to civilian life was hard. He had to deal with the VA, being unable to work in his prior career, a house fire and insurance battle, bankruptcy, COVID, and other hurdles. ChubZ talks to host Jim Fausone about how giving back during COVID by cooking meals for first responders led to being an entrepreneur and having a BBQ food business at fairs, festivals and catering. 

HOMELESS VETERANS IN DETROIT Veterans are two to three times more likely to experience homelessness than the general population. But hope is on the horizon in the Motor City. Detroit has reduced veteran homelessness by nearly 50% since 2020 — almost five times the national average reduction of 11% in the same time period — and by 70% since 2017. The city is working to reach “functional zero” — when the community can house the number of veterans routinely entering homelessness within one month — thereby ending veteran homelessness completely. Several factors are helping Detroit make significant progress:  Diandra Gourlay, Vice President of Social Services at Volunteers of America Michigan, talks to our host Dale Throneberry about the specifics of the program in Detroit that aims to eliminate homelessness for our veterans. For more information: functional zero HOMES FOR OUR TROOPS USA – “BUILDING HOMES AND REBUILDING LIVES” Mission – TO BUILD AND DONATE SPECIALLY ADAPTED CUSTOM HOMES NATIONWIDE FOR SEVERELY INJURED POST-9/11 VETERANS, TO ENABLE THEM TO REBUILD THEIR LIVES. President and CEO Tom Landwermeyer of Homes for Our Troops is our guest. To donate, volunteer, and learn more about this non-profit organization – hfotusa.org

DON FROGMANN – FORMER NAVY SEAL Mann's impressive military biography includes being a decorated combat veteran; Corpsman; SEAL Special Operations Technician; jungle survival, desert survival, and arctic survival instructor; small arms weapons instructor, foreign weapons instructor, armed and unarmed defense tactics, advanced hand-to-hand combat instructor; and Survival, Evade, Resistance and Escape Instructor; in addition to other credentials. Mann is the author of 22 books including the New York Times Best Selling autobiography Inside SEAL Team SIX: My Life and Missions with America's Elite Warriors. When Osama bin Laden was assassinated, the entire world was fascinated by the men who had completed the seemingly impossible mission that had dogged the U.S. government for over a decade. SEAL Team SIX became synonymous with heroism, duty, and justice. Only a handful of the elite men who make up the SEALs, the U.S. Navy's best and bravest, survive the legendary and grueling selection process that leads to SEAL Team SIX, a group so classified it technically does not even exist. There are no better warriors on earth. NAVY VETERAN PERRAULT – HONOR GUARD FOR JFK Gary Lillie's interview with Navy veteran George Perrault. George was part of the honor guard after President Kennedy's assassination who stood over his casket in the Capital Rotunda. More information on www.usfrogmann.com

THE CHUCK MAWHINNEY STORY The Marine Corps' deadliest sniper is Chuck Mawhinney with 103 confirmed kills during the Vietnam War. His story went untold for decades, with many books claiming Carlos Hathcock had the most kills at 93. Jim Lindsay, an author and Oregon rancher, befriended Mawhinney as both were hard-working, beer-drinking men in Oregon. Lindsay decided to help get Chuck's story out in a way befitting a man at peace with his role in Nam. Chuck viewed his job as keeping other Marines safe; he was great it. Lindsay tells the story to host Jim Fausone and writes it in “The Sniper” published by St. Martins Press. Available as an audiobook, ebook and in print. CAMP LEJEUNE CLAIMS OVERWHELM DOD  The second interview is about a Camp LeJeune water contamination policy guidance put out by the Navy to try to settle the 100,000+ cases. Attorney Catherine Groll, a litigation partner with the Mike Cox Law Firm, talks about the Camp LeJeune Justice Act, the administrative claims process, and the Department of Defense & Navy's new “Public Guidance on Elective Option for CLJA Claims”. The DoD created a matrix so veterans exposed to the Camp Lejeune contaminated water could evaluate whether settling and avoiding litigation is the better route. Groll talks to host Jim Fausone about the inherent problems in the Elective Option and the traps for the unwary veteran. DoD dangles up to $550,000 in front of Marine veterans to start settling the 100,000+ claims that have already been filed.

This week's one hour radio broadcast is hosted by Dale Throneberry. Dale welcomes Dawn and Wendall Pelham to tell their son's military service story. This will begin with a beautiful song “Larger Than Life” written by Dawn and Wendall and Operation Song artist Steve Williams.  ARMY SPC JOHN ALEXANDER PELHAM November 9, 1991 – February 12, 2014 In February 7, 2014 John's last Facebook post was, “I can't wait to play racquetball again.” On February 12th, just five days later US Army Specialist John Alexander Pelham was killed from small arms fire in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in the Kapisa Province of Afghanistan.  He was 22 years old.  Dr. Rebecca Grant, one of our most popular guests over the years, will enlighten us on the political and military events of today. You may have seen her on national news broadcasts but she shines brightest when speaking to the Veterans Radio audience!

RESIDENTIAL HEALTH CARE RESIDENTIAL HEALTH CARE GROUP provides home health care, palliative care and hospice care to veterans. Residential would love to hear from you! They have provided these phone numbers for direct access to their Michigan offices for home health care and hospice care. Home Health Main Line: 866-902-4000 Hospice Main Line: 866-902-5854 If you would like to preview their service information and learn more about their organization, Residential recommends these online resources. Residential Healthcare Group | Care Where You Are We Honor Veterans – Residential Healthcare Group More VETERANS BENEFITS Episodes

“IKE IN LOVE AND WAR” BY RICHARD STRINER Ike in Love and War shows the hidden sacrifices that made Eisenhower remarkable. It probes the mission that was driving him: the quest to reconcile his skill as a fighter with his mother's pacifism, which led him to become the greatest peacekeeper of his age. More than other biographies, this one explores the man's emotions. It puts the long-standing dispute about his romance with Kay Summersby in a new perspective: tragedy. Here is the story of a unique American, the passion and brilliance he kept concealed, the ambition that propelled him, the sacrifices that wore down his health, and the sheer self-mastery that made it all look easy. It never was. His achievements are timely as Americans face unprecedented dangers. This is the story of the world Ike made, the things he achieved, and the surprises that may still be in store for us as we strive to understand his life in full. For more information – www.richardstriner.com

Since meeting Michael J. Martin, by way of Gary Lillie, in 2004, Martin was a frequent guest on Veterans Radio. He was one of those “old fashioned tried and true ol' troubadours” with ballad-folk songs that came out of the Vietnam War experience. Michael J. Martin lived the music he wrote and sang. His music had some miles on it. He and his partner, Tim “Doc” Holiday, both Vietnam Veterans, started writing and recording their music back in late 70s and early 80s. They led marches from Texas to Washington to make people and the government aware of what was happening to a whole generation of Vietnam Veterans. They are both gone now, but their music is still inspiring veterans of all ages. It's as powerful as it is emotional. It's letting the veterans and their families know that “They Are Not Alone”. Here is the playlist from this program: 1. United We Stand 2. Suitcase Full of Secrets 3. Take a Ride on the Moon 4. I Ain't here alone 5. I Am With My Friends 6. VA Scuffle 7. The Soldier Boy and The Nurse 8. That Could Have been Me 9. When Your Daddy Comes Home 10. Last Firebase 11. The Three of Us 12. Who Are The Names On The Wall Some of their music has been remastered and can be acquired by contacting Michael's daughter Andy Martin. You can contact Andy at 615-692-4103.

HOW THE 2004 MILITARY ACTION UNFOLDED FOR STAFF SGT. BELLAVIA IN FALLUJAH Staff Sgt. David G. Bellavia was a squad leader in support of Operation Phantom Fury in Fallujah, Iraq. Their mission on the night of November 10, 2004, was to clear a block of 12 buildings, where it was thought six or more insurgents had taken shelter. A Bradley Fighting Vehicle was supposed to provide fire support, but a malfunction on its 25mm cannon meant the platoon would have to kill or capture the anti-Iraqi forces (AIF) without it. WHO CONTROLS THE 450,000 NATIONAL GUARDSMEN? Governor Abbott, Texas Governor, has sued the Biden Administration over the ability to punish guardsmen that did not want to take the COVID Vaccine. It set up a legal challenge about who controls the National Guard when not federalized. Law professor Jason Mazzone at the University of Illinois – Urbana-Champaign, discusses the case and the legal issues involved. This requires a discussion of the Constitution and Militia Clause.

This week's one hour radio program is hosted by Dale Throneberry. Dale welcomes George Brown Jr and George Brown Sr to tell their military service stories. This will begin with a beautiful story “Love, Dad” from George Brown Jr and Operation Song artist Josh Grider. https://22e2b9.p3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Love-Dad-Op-Song.m4a Residential Health Care Group is a new guest on Veterans Radio. Learn about this organization in a spotlight segment each week of October. Dale will close with music that says it all – “God Bless America”.

Join us for our monthly benefits program. Our guests include: Veterans Radio's Carol Ann Fausone, Nurse and Retired Air Force Brig.General from Legal Help for Veterans and Sandie Wilson, Retired Army Nurse from the Vietnam Veterans of America. Sandie has recently returned from the VVA National Convention where she received the VVA Commendation Medal, The VVA's highest award for outstanding, exemplary service to Veterans and the community. She was also reelected as a National Director At-Large. And she is the Chair of the Agent Orange and Toxic Exposures Committee.

GET ANSWERS FROM OUR EXPERT PANEL Dale Throneberry – Founder and Host of Veterans RadioBrig. Gen. Carol Ann Fausone (ret) – Legal Help for VeteransDavid Saims – Director MACVC TrusteeBrian Hayes – Communications Director, Ann Arbor VA Healthcare Systems

MILITARY ANALYSIS, KOREAN WAR PROJECT FUNDING AND WAR HORSES FOR VETERANS Dr. Rebecca Grant,  Frequent guest on national news programs as well as Veterans Radio, provides fact-based global military analysis Ted Barker, consultant to the DOD regarding the military personnel and actions in the Korean War Patrick Benson, co-founder of War Horses for Veterans and Coordinator for the War Horse Challenge in Las Vegas August 26 Dr. Grant is a Military Historian/Author/Commentator and President of IRIS Independent Research. She is a regular guest on Fox Business with Charles Payne and several other news channels to inform citizens of the facts related to global military status. THE KOREAN WAR PROJECT NEEDS OUR HELP Hal and Ted Barker have been administrators of the www.koreanwar.org website since January of 1994. They began their quest for information in the late 70s when looking for more information about the Silver Star awarded to their father, Major Edward Lee Barker. Their personal quest quickly grew into a deeper interest, perhaps obsession, for all the military knowledge they could gather that related to the Korean War. WAR HORSES FOR VETERANS – WAR HORSE CHALLENGE IN LAS VEGAS AUGUST 26 For more information: www.whfv.org

COL. PARIS D. DAVIS GETS HIS DUE – MEDAL OF HONOR In 1965 Paris D. Davis was a Captain, Commander, Detachment A-321, 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne), 1st Special Forces, distinguished himself by acts of gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty while serving as an advisor to the 883d Regional Force Company, Army of the Republic of Vietnam, during combat operations against an armed enemy in the vicinity of Bong Son, Republic of Vietnam, on June 17-18, 1965. Neil Thorne, a nationally known research historian, and Jim Moriarty, legal veteran advocate, tell us how Captain Davis, now ranked as Col. Davis, military service records to appeal for the honor were “LOST” 3 times before finally being filed and approved to receive the Medal of Honor.  FALLEN AND WOUNDED SOLDIERS FUND ARE YOU A MICHIGAN-BASED SOLDIER WHO IS EXPERIENCING FINANCIAL HARDSHIP BECAUSE OF INJURIES SUSTAINED IN THE IRAQ OR AFGHANISTAN CAMPAIGNS? If so, the FWSF wants to help you. Contact FWSF today at 1-800-FWSF-729 or email FWSF here. Chris Cornelius, Founder and board member, and Rob Grimaldi, President, from the Fallen and Wounded  Soldiers Fund, are veterans helping veterans in need. The mission of the Fallen and Wounded Soldiers Fund™ (FWSF) is to support Michigan-based soldiers who serve and protect our country. They are a non-profit, non-partisan 501(c) (3) organization. Our members do not receive any financial compensation for their efforts. The FWSF is an all-volunteer effort, supporting our armed forces. They are honored to help injured soldiers pay their living expenses, and provide assistance to the families of the fallen. For more information: www.fwsf.org

Veterans Radio welcomes Kirk Lanam, Veterans Service Dogs Organization, a non-profit organization that provides free service dogs and training. Our second segment includes Zach Harrison and Jessee Lee, with their Operation Song titled “THAT KID AGAIN”, and Chris Couture with “TATOOS and SCARS”.   The dog and the training are provided to the Veteran for FREE. There are no fees to participate in the program. The Veteran is merely responsible for the care and maintenance of the dog. For more information on Veteran Service Dogs Organization: vsdo.us OPERATION SONG FEATURING GREEN BERET ZACH HARRISON AND JESSEE LEE Operation Song® empowers veterans, active-duty military members, and their families to tell their stories through the process of songwriting. Those served need no musical or writing skills, only a willingness to share their stories and, with the help of professional songwriters, transform them into song. For More Information about Operation Song Zach was attending a Warriors Heart Retreat in February of 2023 when he was offered the opportunity to share his story with Operation Song artist Jessee Lee and photographer Chris Couture. This was an awesome experience for Zach and he appreciated the opportunity to participate in the retreat. In 2020 Veterans Radio interviewed Tom Spooner, Co-Founder of Warriors Heart. Here is that interview.

Veterans Radio has provided a platform for well over 100 veterans and organizations to share stories and veteran centric services and events EACH YEAR for 20 YEARS! That works out to 1,000 EPISODES which are archived and searchable on our website by military branch, conflict, guest and company/organization name, music/good reads, etc. Join Jim and Dale as they look back at some of their favorite Veterans Radio's episodes. Live interviews with many of our friends and supporters.

Join Host Dale Throneberry and his guests for this week's Veterans Radio.  Guests include: Carol Ann Fausone: BG-USAF(ret) from Legal Help For Veterans Laura Blakemore: Wastenaw County(MI) Veterans service Officer Brian Hayes: Public Relations Director, Charles S. Kettles VA Medical Center, Ann Arbor, Michigan  

LEASHES OF VALOR LAUNCHED IN 2017 Retired Marine Capt. Jason Haag is the founder and CEO of Leashes of Valor, a national nonprofit that provides service dogs at no cost to wounded and disabled veterans. Haag served three combat deployments during the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, where he was wounded. The VA ultimately diagnosed Jason with post-traumatic stress and multiple traumatic brain injuries, It wasn't until he met his own service dog, Axel, in 2012, that he began to get better. The German shepherd saved his life, and inspired Jason to found his own service dog nonprofit in 2017. The best way to get in touch is by visiting our website www.leashesofvalor.org  Veterans interested in learning more about getting a service dog can email warrior@leashesofvalor.org to reach our warrior coordinator. MARC LEEPSON – AUTHOR AND WRITER Marc's Facebook profile states “Senior Writer, Arts Editor and Columnist, The VVA Veteran at Vietnam Veterans of America”. Marc has been on Veterans Radio several times in the past and will surely inspire you to read a book or two that will reveal astonishing insights into our American History. Marc Leepson's Website DWIGHT ZIMMERMAN, WRITER AND LONG STANDING MEMBER OF MILITARY WRITERS SOCIETY OF AMERICA Dwight Jon Zimmerman is a frequent contributor and guest on Veterans Radio. He is an award-winning writer on a variety of subjects, but mostly of the unknown facts about America's military history.Dwight's latest publication is a newsletter called “Between the Lines” 

NAVY CROSS RECIPIENT CAPTAIN ROYCE WILLIAMS Navy Captain Royce Williams is a retired US Naval Aviator. He is known for his solo dogfight with seven Soviet pilots during the Korean War, which, according to The San Diego Union-Tribune, has been called “one of the greatest feats in aviation history” by military experts. Royce recalls the mission and the dogfight with Soviet MIGs and the need to keep things confidential so as to not draw the Soviets into the Korean War. After 70 years, he received the Navy Cross from the Secretary of the Navy for his efforts. The 97-year-old veteran talks about lessons learned. Army Veteran Mark Aldrich is 100% VA disability rated but has continuing problems with pain in his neck and back. His VA internist suggested he try the acupuncture clinic to see if it would help. Aldrich is now an advocate for Veteran acupuncture therapy. Dr. Kishor Patel is an internist with the VA at the Ann Arbor Medical Center. He has trained in acupuncture since 2016 and now teaches other medical professionals about Battle Field Acupuncture (BFA). Dr. Patel is a certified medical acupuncturist and discusses its benefits for pain relief and healing. Its value for mental health, stress relief, anxiety, and substance abuse are discussed.

TALONS OUT HONOR FLIGHT Honor Flight Network recognizes American veterans for their sacrifices and achievements by flying them to Washington, D.C. to see THEIR memorial at no cost. Joining us is Tyler Horton from Talons Out Honor Flight and Army veteran Brian Graef who recently went on one of their Honor Flights. Top priority is given to World War II, Korean War, Vietnam Era and terminally ill veterans. Talons Out Honor Flight BG Carol Ann Fausone (ret) from Legal Help For Veterans. And a replay of Gary Lillie( afounder of Veterans Radio killed in 2011) talking with Michael Patterson about Arlington National Cemetary. For more information on Arlington go to Arlingtoncemetary.mil Music includes Michael J Martin's "Who Are The Names On The Wall" and Trace Adkins' "Arlington".

DON BENTLEY, ARMY APACHE HELICOPTER PILOT AND AUTHOR FORGOTTEN WAR A brotherhood born in battle is endangered by a deadly secret in the latest astonishing thriller from the New York Times bestselling author of Tom Clancy Zero Hour and Hostile Intent. As a team, Matt Drake and his partner, Frodo, have watched each other's backs through some very dark days. But one thing they've never doubted was their commitment to each other…until now. Frodo has been accused of a war crime ten years after leaving Afghanistan. Matt is determined to prove his friend innocent, but what will he do when he finds that his closest friend has secrets he won't share? The Full Story from Don Bentley KATHLEEN J. ANDERSON, USAF (RET) AND LEAD POLITICAL COMMENTATOR AT POLITICAL INSIDER Kathleen, aka Kat, provides her personal life summary: USAF Retired, Bronze Star recipient, outspoken veteran advocate. Hot mess mom to two monsters and wife to equal parts Saint and Artist husband. Writer, lifelong conservative, lover of all things American History. Ealier this month she wrote an opinion piece about the education of our youth in America. It was titled “Only 13% of 8th Graders Are Proficient in American History – We're Seeing the Results.” If you want to connect with Kat she can be found on the website of Political Insider as well as her personal Twitter feed.

MILITARY MOMS – HOW DO THEY DO IT? Join host, Jim Fausone with this week's Veterans Radio. Jim talks with Staff Sgt Katrina Farley, US Army, 18 years of service and a mother of 3, and Lt Col Michelle Ruehl, USAF Reserves, 20 years of service and a mother of 2, will each talk about their military career and the advantages and challenges of being a mom in the military.

VA BENEFITS EXPERT PANEL Our LIVE monthly VA Benefits hour is scheduled for the last Sunday of every month.  In April we have the following on our panel (left to right, top to bottom): Mike Cox from the Mike Cox Law Firm talking about the contaminated water at  Camp Lejeune and what your options are if you were stationed there from 1953-1983. Carol Ann Fausone, Legal Help for Veterans Dale Throneberry, Founder and Host of Veterans Radio Brian Hayes, Ann Arbor VA Healthcare System We ended tody's program with an updated version of Lee Greenwood's "God Bless The USA" in collaboration with the United States Air Force Band, Singing Sargeants and Home Free. See it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Japc8M8RQw

This week on Veterans Radio join host, Dale Throneberry, and his guests authors Bob Woolsey and Mark Benvenuto as we take a humorous look at their outrageous antics while attempting to serve our country. We all knew guys like these when we served. Many provided the comic relief we needed. We loved them then and we still do. BOB WOOLSEY – “THE GENERAL'S BRIEFER” A hilarious story based on the two year military experience of Bob Woolsey at the Pentagon. After ROTC, a Fulbright Grant to Germany, and law school, Bob finally enters the Army at the height of the Vietnam War. He is a klutz who, with a little brains, makes it through Basic Infantry Training, and is lucky enough to be assigned as an Oral Briefing Officer to the General Staff. His only duty is to announce the ultra–Top Secret world news every morning, from the hush–hush “Black Book.” He takes us through his personal hell at Fort Benning to his eventual triumph as the favorite newscaster to the Chief of Army Intelligence.  MARK BENVENUTO – “TWISTED TALES FROM VMI” Mark Benvenuto takes a humorous irreverent  look back at his four years at The Virginia Military Institute. “The West Point of the South” From the preface:” A word or two of caution, dear reader: This is a compilation of stories of times at VMI, a little college in Lexington, Virginia with a big foot print. Plenty of folks have written some memoir of their college years, but this is probably very different precisely because VMI is very different from most other schools. That can be a source of great pride or eternal puzzlement, depending on you point of view, and how sober you are when discussing it”

Dr. Rebecca Grant,  Frequent guest on national news programs as well as Veterans Radio, provides fact-based global military analysis . These are some of the topics covered this week with Dr. Rebecca Grant: 1. Leaked Documents 2. War in Ukraine 3. Russia and China Alliance? 4.North Korea 5. India 6. The Phillipines 7. Military Hardware

CAPTAIN JOHN L. KAUL (RET) – NAVY MAN FOR 26 YEARS Captain John L. Kaul (ret) served as a full time Catholic chaplain in the Navy for 26 years. He spent time with the Marines, Admirals and other chaplains of all faiths. Fr. Kaul was born in Wyandotte and attended Sacred Heart Seminary, Detroit, and St. John's Provincial Seminary, Plymouth Township. He also attended Mercy College in Detroit. NAVY CAPTAIN DALE WHITE (RET) – COMBAT ACTION RIBBON AND BRONZE STAR RECIPIENT Reverend White's approach to being a chaplain was a missionary who brings the church's perspective and assurances of God's grace to military personnel. “We have a unique way of presenting God to an audience of 18-to-22-year-olds,” he said. “We bring them God, many of them for the first time.” He did not expect the troops to come to him but for him to bring God to them. Thank you Rev. White for your service in the military and your continued service with your church! You can find more information on Home of Heroes website BEYOND BELIEF: TRUE STORIES OF MILITARY CHAPLAINS Even more amazing is the fact that each of these stories is TRUE! The scene illustrated on the cover was chosen as a fitting example of what kind of stories we wanted to write for this book, and is a vivid and historically accurate depiction of a World War II event that in which four Army chaplains, each from different faiths, bonded based on what they had in common, to become close friends. The four gave their lives in the North Atlantic when their troop ship was sunk, going so far as to give their lifejackets to other men who had none. They became enshrined as “The Four Immortal Chaplains,” whose story is inspiring for decades.  

In 2016, the USS Detroit commander was on Veterans Radio talking about the new LCS ships and what great promise the design held.  Now in 2023, the Navy is scrapping most of the LCS fleet because of lack of effectiveness and maintenance costs.   Bryan Clark, Senior Fellow at the Hudson Institute, talks to host Jim Fausone about the problems the LCS have and the costly boondoogle this platform became.  Clark gives his insight to the Chinese naval forces and what the US Navy is doing to counter the Chinese buildup.  

TIM KOTULAK AND WHY HE SERVES WITH TEAM RUBICON  Navy veteran talks about his mental health challenges, life after service, and finding a better life that includes voluntering with Team Rubicon. Tim Kotulak deployed with Team Rubicon to Florida after Hurricane Ian and talks about the work and experience with host Jim Fausone. If Tim's story has inspired you to inquire about serving with Team Rubicon, you can find more information in the link below. Team Rubicon | Built to Serve BRYAN CLARK – CENTER FOR DEFENSE CONCEPTS AND TECHNOLOGY Bryan Clark of the Hudson Institute reveals US Navy ship planning and procurement issues including the failed LCS platform and building to address the rise of China's navy. THE LCS FLEET'S SHORT LIFE In 2016 the USS Detroit commander was on Veterans Radio talking about the new LCS ships and what great promise the design held. Now in 2023, the Navy is scrapping most of the LCS fleet because of lack of effectiveness and maintenance costs. Bryan Clark , Senior Fellow at the Hudson Institute talks to host Jim Fausone about the problems the LCS have and the costly boondoogle this platform became. Clark also provides insight to the Chinese naval forces and what the US Navy is doing to counter the Chinese buildup. More Information from the Hudson Institute 

David Kent – Nashville SongwriterDave Bray USA – Rock ‘n Roll Patriot, Songwriter and PerformerNick Wilson, Chief Revenue Officer, Legion Logistics The Operation Song Alumni Group has been meeting for their spring '23 songwriting sessions and the fruit of their most recent session (February 3, 2023) is a song titled “Welcome Home From Vietnam”. This song was a group write, along with the very accomplished Nashville songwriter, David Kent. David has been writing in Nashville for more than 25 years and for Operation Song for more than eight years.  www.OperationSong.org The theme for “Welcome Home from Vietnam” was a suggestion from one of the alumni members (an Iraqi War Vet) to honor our Vietnam Veterans for the upcoming March 29th commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the official ending of that war. LEGION LOGISTICS – A CERTIFIED VETERAN-OWNED BUSINESS Nick Wilson, Chief Revenue Officer , for Legion Logistics talks with host Jim Fausone about the company, its veteran owner and why NVBDC certification as a veteran owned business was so important to Legion and the power of NVBDC networking. From Legion Logistics website:  For more information about CERTIFICATION with NVBDC Dave Bray USA  at the  National Law Enforcement Officer Hall of Fame (nationalleohalloffame.com)

 VETERANS BENEFITS HOUR Our expert panel can help you with your VA Benefits: Brian Hayes, Ann Arbor VA Healthcare SystemBrig. Gen. Carol Ann Fausone (ret) – Legal Help for VeteransDavid Saims, Acting Director of the Washtenaw County, Michigan Veterans Service Office

MIKE SARRAILLE REFLECTS ON MILITARY YEARS AND MOVING ON TO CIVILIAN LIFE During his 20-year career, he served as a Recon Marine, Scout-Sniper, and retired a U.S. Navy SEAL Officer. Much of his career was in the Special Operations community, including the elite Joint Special Operations Command. Along with careers in the military and business, Mike co-authored the best-selling book, The Talent War: How Special Operations and Great Organizations Win on Talent, and enjoys a partnership with Men's Journal as columnist and host of The Everyday Warrior series and podcast. MIKE'S LATEST BOOK “EVERYDAY WARRIOR”As an Everyday Warrior, you'll learn to transform setbacks into valuable lessons, turn small victories into remarkable achievements, and embrace the freedom of knowing that success isn't the destination—it's simply part of the journey.Link to Review and Purchase on Amazon Senator Gary Peters:THE PACT ACT FOR VETERANS AND THEIR SURVIVORSThe PACT Act will deliver VA health care and benefits to all generations of toxic-exposed veterans — and their survivors — for the first time in our nation's history.Here is a great article on the PACT Act that includes Kevin Hensley, Air Force veteran and PACT Act advocate. For more information about Senator Peters

STAFF SGT. DAVID BELLAVIA, A RELUCTANT MEDAL OF HONOR RECIPIENT Bellavia was awarded the Medal of Honor for actions while serving as a squad leader with the 1st Infantry Division in support of Operation Phantom Fury in Fallujah, Iraq when a squad from his platoon became trapped by intense enemy fire. President Donald J. Trump presented the Medal of Honor during a ceremony at the White House in Washington, D.C., June 25, 2019. “FOR THE HEROES” HONORS VETERANS AND FIRST RESPONDERS Musician Jason M. Jones who wrote “For The Heroes” talks with host Jim Fausone about National Veterans Business Development Council (NVBDC) and his song honoring veterans and first responders. NVBDC aired the song at one of its national programs and it was so well received NVBDC insisted that we share it with the Veterans Radio audience. You can find Jason's music with a web search on his name and “For The Heroes”. Here are a few direct links. LinkedIn Twitter Apple Music MPVA ADVOCACY AND THE AUTO ACT Michigan Paralyzed Veterans of America (MPVA) has served Michigan since 1961, “making a difference” in the lives of veterans, their families, and the public. We are a leadership organization reaching out on behalf of our members (veterans with spinal cord injury or disorders), associate members, and all people with disabilities to provide the highest possible quality of life in Michigan. For more information about the MPVA organization

VETERANS BENEFITS HOUR Our guests: Brian Hayes, Ann Arbor VA Healthcare SystemBrig. Gen. Carol Ann Fausone (ret) – Legal Help for Veterans Update on the PACT ACT and how it affects your benefits. Who is covered, Caregiver Benefits, New Presumptive Disabilities  

REAL STORIES FROM MASH UNIT IN SOUTH VIETNAM Reuel Long's experiences as an MD in the emergency rooms of Flint, Michigan, prepared him for only some of what he would see in a mobile army surgical hospital – MASH. Antiwar sentiment among the doctors in basic training at Fort Sam Houston set the tone for his tour as a general medical officer. In March 1971, the 27th MASH played a critical role treating survivors of the deadliest attack on any firebase during the Vietnam War. Long's vivid memoir recalls the casualties he cared for during the war, including one he crossed paths with 44 years later – who in his own words describes his rehabilitation from the loss of his legs and his protesting the war from a wheelchair.  An addendum gives an insider's account of the U.S. military's failure to remedy a fatal design flaw in the M16 rifle, which caused an unknown number of American casualties. MASH Doctor in Vietnam: A Memoir of the War and After: Long M.D., Reuel S.: 9781476690483: Amazon.com: Books

Dr. Rebecca Grant,  Frequent guest on national news programs as well as Veterans Radio, provides fact-based global military analysis. Dr. Grant is a Military Historian/Author/Commentator and President of IRIS Independent Research. She is a regular guest on Fox Business with Charles Payne and several other news channels to inform citizens of the facts related to global military status. Dr. Grant covers the Russia Ukraine conflict and many other areas of interest around the world – including China.  Ted Barker, co-founder of the Korean War Project, regarding the military personnel and actions in the Korean War. Hal and Ted Barker have been administrators of the www.koreanwar.org website since 1995. They began their quest for information in the late 70s when looking for more information about the Silver Star awarded to their father, Major Edward Lee Barker. Their personal quest quickly grew into a deeper interest, perhaps obsession, for all the military knowledge they could gather that related to the Korean War.  

Our guests this week include; Dr. Ken Hartman, Former Army Officer, Founder of Our Community Salutes Ben Kesling, Marine Iraq, Author, Wall Street Journalist Jason M Jones, Music Artist Our Community Salutes was started in 2009 by Dr. Ken Hartman to acknowledge high school kids that were enlisting in the military and support that family decision. This grassroots effort coordinated by OCS holds events around the country to give the enlistees their own “signing day.” It can be as simple as a presentation and pizza or an elaborate affair with speakers. Visit www.ourcommunitysalutes.org to learn more about this organization.  FIELD BUTCHERY SKILLS AND ETHICAL FORAGING FOR SURVIVAL OF TROOPS Wall Street Journal reporter Ben Kesling talks about a program started in 2014 to teach cooks field butchery skills and ethical foraging.  What happens when the supply lines do not exist for hot meals, MREs don't cut it and the troops need to live off the land? Kesling looked into the reasons for the courses taught and the ethics of field butchery and ethical living off the land with host Jim Fausone. You can follow Ben on the WSJ website, LinkedIn, Twitter and Instagram. Musician Jason M. Jones who wrote “For Everyday Heroes” talks with host Jim Fausone about National Veterans Business Deveopment Council (NVBDC) and his song honoring veterans and first responders.  NVBDC used the song at one of its national programs and it was so well received NVBDC is sharing it with the Veterans Radio audience.