Veterans Radio

FLAMETHROWER Bryan Mark Rigg’s latest non-fiction military history book Flamethrower documents Hershel “Woody” Williams’ Medal of Honor process. Dr. Rigg’s research brings into question the facts surrounding “Woody” Williams’ actions that earned him the Medal of Honor. Accomplished military historian, Bryan Mark Rigg, reconstructs Woody Williams’s remarkable story, from his youth on a dairy farm in West Virginia to his experiences as a Marine on Guadalcanal, on Guam and on Iwo Jima. Rigg tells Williams’ story vividly, and objectively, and places it in the context of the broader Pacific theater of World War II. Using never-before-seen documents and interviews, Rigg brings out new information about the Pacific War unknown until now. As he explores Woody’s life, Rigg enables the reader to better appreciate the brave Marines and their heroics. Moreover, Rigg explores the numerous problems with Woody and his narrative. As a result, this book also documents Woody’s controversial Medal of Honor process, one of the most controversial Medal of Honor stories to come out of World War II. For more information: Flamethrower | Bryan Mark Rigg

Jim Fausone, hosts this month’s VA Benefits program hour with the following guests: Brig Gen Carol Ann Fausone (ret) – Legal Help for VeteransRandy Walker, New Wayne County Michigan, Director of Veterans Services

VETERAN LENDING COUNCIL – NATIONWIDE SPECIAL FORCES TEAM Veterans Lending Council representative and Army Veteran, Eric Ensley, busts some myths about the VA Home Loan Program. He responds to a Congressional inquiry and Military.com article about the process saying the hold-up is not on VA but on the lenders, realtors, and public that just do not understand the program. Army Veteran turned real estate agent/realtor, Andrew Cummings, jumps in and shares his experience helping veterans use this benefit. Both Eric and Andrew talk with host Jim Fausone about how this benefit saves veterans money. WOMEN IN DEFENSE – THE ORGANIZATION Carrie Mead is the Immediate Past President of Women In Defense – Michigan Chapter. WID strengthens and influences the defense and national security industry by inspiring women, cultivating leadership, and growing professional relationships. Today, Carrie is the Acting Chief of Staff at Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall in Arlington, VA. She talks about her career path, civilian employment supporting the military, and opportunities for women. Carrie talks with host Jim Fausone about WID’s programming and events.

The National Veterans Business Development Council (NVBDC.org) is the nation's leading Veteran-Owned Business Certification firm for veterans. In that capacity, it has forged a Strategic Alliance Memorandum with the U.S. Small Business Administration. Keith King, Founder and CEO, talks about this important agreement with host Jim Fausone.

Veterans Lending Council representative and Army Veteran, Eric Ensley, busts some myths about the VA Home Loan Program. He responds to a Congressional inquiry and Military.com article about the process saying the hold-up is not on VA but on the lenders, realtors, and public that just do not understand the program. Army Veteran turned real estate agent/realtor, Andrew Cummings, jumps in and shares his experience helping veterans use this benefit. Both Eric and Andrew talk with host Jim Fausone about how this benefit saves veterans money.

Michael Harris is a Marine veteran who suffered a post-discharge spinal cord injury after a car accident. He found help with the Michigan Paralyzed Veterans of America (MPVA). MPVA is the state chapter of PVA and has served Michigan since 1961, "making a difference" in the lives of veterans, their families, and the public. MPVA is a leadership organization reaching out on behalf of 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. Harris talks with host Jim Fausone about MPVA programs, loan closet, and legislative focus.

MICHIGAN VET FEST THEN AND NOW Dr. Eric Fretz, program host, and Josh Parish J.D. talk about VCAT9 and the early days when VCAT9 coordinated the first two Vet Fests, how the event evolved, and how these events support veterans. Learn about the specifics of what will be available at the 2022 Vet Fest (all 3) and where to go for more information. Josh Parish is an Iraq War Army veteran and founder of Vet Life Today. Eric and Josh discuss Vet Life’s four initiatives to assist veterans in the State of Michigan. VET FEST EVENT INFORMATION Here are the links to the Eventbrite Registration Pages where you will find more details. Each event runs for four hours and is free to veterans and their families. Veteran Service Providers and Agencies provide information. There will be fun activities, raffles, giveaways and food for everyone! Registration is required for FREE entry to the events. Ann Arbor – Fowlerville – St. Helen

Caroline Haskins, a reporter for Business Insider, talks about the challenges ID.me is having for some veterans seeking benefits from VA. ID.me is a verification software that requires numerous steps and questions to confirm identification. It was started by an Army Ranger, but as it continues to scale up, problems are popping up. Caroline talks about complaints filed from older or infirm veterans who can't use the technology or face technology challenges. Reports of people not receiving their benefits is discussed by Haskins with host Jim Fausone.

SOCIAL MEDIA IMPACT ON TROOPS AND WARFARE RULES Major John Spencer (ret) US Army talks with us on social media impact on troops and urban warfare rules being rewritten by Russia in Ukraine. For more information: johnspenceronline.com JOIN 200K MEMBERS OF TEAM RWB Lt. Col. John Faunce (ret) US Army talks about Team Red White & Blue and its drive to be the premiere health and wellness organization for veterans and its modern event model of participation. For more information: about.teamrwb.org

Second LT. Grace VanArendonk recently graduated as a nurse from Western Michigan University, spending four years in the ROTC program. In 2022, she was the state's top-ROTC cadet. She talks about her decision to seek an ROTC scholarship, her experiences in the program, her background as a Korean adoptee, and her advice to girls and their moms about going the ROTC route. Grace talks about her expectations of Army experiences with host Jim Fausone.

Please share this music with your friends and family at the BBQ! Celebrating the music of the USA, Her Independence and Declaration of Our Unalienable Rights The music includes: Star Spangled Banner, God Bless The USA, This Land Is Your Land, God Bless America, America The Beautiful and more. Artists include: Charlie DanielsKate SmithWoody GuthrieSimon and GarfunkelRay CharlesToby KeithLee GreenwoodJohnny CashAretha FranklinThe Mommas and The PoppasNeil DiamondJimi HendrixNeil YoungKaren NewmanLady Gaga Send us the songs you would like to hear. Contact Us - Veterans Radio

Carrie Mead is the Immediate Past President of Women In Defense - Michigan Chapter. WID strengthens and influences the defense and national security industry by inspiring women, cultivating leadership, and growing professional relationships. Today, Carrie is the Acting Chief of Staff at Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall in Arlington, VA. She talks about her career path, civilian employment supporting the military, and opportunities for women. Carrie talks with host Jim Fausone about WID's programming and events.

David Corlew, Co-Founder of The Charlie Daniels Journey Home Project RETURN REHABILITATE REINTEGRATE The mission of The Charlie Daniels Journey Home Project is to help identify, support and implement the various needs of the men and women of America’s armed forces returning from service. We owe them an unpayable debt of gratitude. After many years of service, and for some, multiple deployments, the journey home can be a complex process based on the issues of being away from family, friends, and home. Health, both physical and mental, education, and employment are just a few of the many issues both returning vets and families are faced with. It is our passion to be a beacon of light to direct the veteran (and or family) in the best possible direction to facilitate these needs. HOME - NVBDC The NVBDC is the nation’s original third party authority for certification of veteran owned businesses of all sizes and the corporations wanting to engage them. Our guest today is KEITH KING – FOUNDER AND CEO, with some very important news about their affiliation with the Small Business Administration. BG, USAF(ret) Carol Ann Fausone, from Legal Help for Veterans, answers questions about your VA benefits.

John Faunce recently retired from the US Army after 20 years. He is now a staffer with Team Red White and Blue which focuses on events bringing together veterans and friends. Wellness and health are at the core of Team RWB and John is special events coordinator. It is free and easy to drop into Team RWB events by use of an app or online. John talks with host Jim Fausone on Team RWB mission to enrich the lives of veterans by connecting to their community through physical and social activity.

This week’s one hour radio broadcast with host Dale Throneberry is a collection of personal stories about our fathers who have served in the military. My Dad, William Clifton Throneberry, enlisted in the Coast Guard in 1943 at the age of 38. He didn’t want to be drafted because they had raised the draft age to 40. He was a Chief Petty Officer E-7. He was assigned to LST (Landing Ship Tank) 884 and sailed it from New Orleans through the Panama Canal to Hawaii and then on to Iwo Jima, in February 1945, where his LST unloaded troops and supplies shortly after the invasion. From Iwo Jima they went to Okinawa to participate in that landing when their ship was hit by a Kamakazi on April 8, 1945 and had to abandon ship when it caught fire. He and a number of other crew return to the ship to fight the fire and try to save the lives of the Marines trapped in the hull. They were unsuccessful and it haunted him the rest of his life. That was the end of the war for him. LST884 was towed back to Pearl Harbor and by the time it was repaired WW II was over. This was just one of many stories shared this week on Veterans Radio

Ayelet Sheffey, a Business Insider reporter graduated from American University in 2020 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism. She covers student-debt reform and related policies, along with federal spending surrounding legislation in Congress, like climate change and unemployment. She is based in Washington, D.C., and can be reached at [email protected]. She wrote about Veterans being misled into taking out student loans they don't need or want. She explains to host Jim Fausone the recent Federal Student Aid warnings to Veterans and the recent Biden Administration announcements delaying the student loan repayment date to August 31, 2022, and the "fresh start" of defaulted student loans for 8 million people.

LT. COL. JOHN FAUNCE Lt. Col. John Faunce (ret) US Army talks about West Point, his military career and last assignment at NATO where he assisted in exercising and training special operation forces in Ukraine. SR. MASTER SGT. KAT ANDERSON Today Sr. Master Sgt Kat Anderson USAF (ret) is an opinion writer for Political Insider and wrote about how the green military is nonsense, but in her career she was in Afghanistan accounting for boat loads of dollars being distributed to buy “good will”. Kathleen Anderson served over 20 years in the U.S. Air Force. At the end of 2021, she retired as a Sr. Master Sergeant and is now enjoying her second career as a political commentator/writer for ThePoliticalInsider.com. Kathleen graduated from George Washington University with a Graduate Degree in Political Management and attended the Veterans Program for Politics and Civic Engagement through Syracuse University. She talks to host Jim Fausone about President Biden’s declaration to make every vehicle and piece of equipment in the military green. She also recently wrote on topics such as the 2021 NDAA’s tackling of military sexual harassment, and the recent court-martialing of a major general, asking if it signals a change at the highest levels of leadership.

Lt. Col. John Faunce (ret) US Army talks about West Point, his military career and last assignment at NATO where he assisted in exercising and training special operation forces. John talks with host Jim Fausone about his family history of service, and how psychology influences leadership.

RAY TARABUSI – A COMBAT SOLDIER FROM THE GREATEST GENERATION Raymond attended Southeastern High School and graduated in 1943. Shortly thereafter, he was called for service with the army and was trained as a combat infantry soldier. He served with both the Second Indianhead Division and the famous Ninth Infantry Regiment. On June 6, 1944, the allies landed in Normandy, France on Omaha Beach. The second division landed on June 7, 1944, and Raymond went in on June 12, 1944. The month of June was very active, and he and his platoon were in constant contact with the Germans. In mid-July near Hill 192, the highest elevation in Normandy, the Ninth, the Thirty-Eight and the Twenty-Third Regiments attacked the position on the hill and after the second assault we took control of the hill and gained the advantage in that area. During this battle, Raymond was shot on July 31st and again wounded on August 3rd. Raymond remained one of the last men standing in his division. He was evacuated by a C-47 to Birmingham, England to recover. After his recovery, Raymond was sent back to the United States and discharged in December 1945. DR. REBECCA GRANT UPDATE ON RUSSIA/UKRAINE CONFLICT SHE’S BACK! This week Veterans Radio’s Host Dale Throneberry welcomes frequent program guest Dr. Rebecca Grant. Military Historian/Author/Commentator and President of IRIS Independent Research. Dr. Grant has written over 100 articles for Air Force Magazine and appears regularly on the Smithsonian Channel, Fox News, CNN, Veterans Radio and other media outlets talking about airpower and national security.

Richard Estep continues The Handy Answer Book series by answering the most interesting and asked questions about the Armed Forces. He covers history, equipment, personalities, and stories on each branch of service, including Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, Coast Guard, Space Force, and general information on special operations, ranks, etc. With over 500 questions answered, Estep discusses some of the book's most interesting questions and answers with host Jim Fausone. You won't read all 150,000 words in one sitting, but you will constantly go back to The Handy Armed Forces Answer Book for quick references and short answers.

Join Dale and his guests: Don Milne, Stories Behind the StarsJoe Reagan, Wreaths Across America Brian Hayes – Communications Director, Ann Arbor VA Healthcare SystemMichael G. Smith, Jr. – Director of Washtenaw County (MI) Department of Veteran AffairsBrig Gen Carol Ann Fausone (ret) – Legal Help for Veterans Music from Michael J. Martin, (Who Are The Names On The Wall) and Operation Song, (My Hero,My Soldier, My Son)

Kathleen Anderson served over 20 years in the U.S. Air Force. At the end of 2021, she retired as a Sr. Master Sergeant and is now enjoying her second career as a political commentator/writer for ThePoliticalInsider.com. Kathleen graduated from George Washington University with a Graduate Degree in Political Management and attended the Veterans Program for Politics and Civic Engagement through Syracuse University. She talks to host Jim Fausone about President Biden's declaration to make every vehicle and piece of equipment in the military green. She also recently wrote on topics such as the 2021 NDAA's tackling of military sexual harassment, and the recent court-martialing of a major general, asking if it signals a change at the highest levels of leadership.

Dr. Eric Fretz, a Faculty Lecturer at the University of Michigan, leads this panel in a conversation related to barriers for veterans in the pursuit of post secondary education. Ryan Pavel – CEO of Warrior Scholar ProgramR.J. Jenkins – Curriculum Designer at Columbia University Center for Veteran Transition and Integration Dr. Linda Euto – Associate Director | Research and Evaluation | Institute for Veterans and Military Families (IVMF) at Syracuse University DR. ERIC FRETZ – GUEST HOST ON VETERANS RADIO From www.umich.edu … Eric Fretz is a graduate of the University of Michigan and a faculty lecturer who creates and delivers classes across campus (Psychology, Innovate Blue Entrepreneurship, School of Education, College of Engineering Center for Entrepreneurship). In addition to classes from the 100 to 600 level, he also delivers academic readiness classes for Student Veterans at U-M and other institutions locally and nationwide. The Institute for Veterans and Military Families at Syracuse University published an article in 2020 stating “post-secondary education is the top resource needed by most veterans.” They also published interesting statistics in 2019 as follows: Students using GI Bill benefits are more likely to be enrolled full time, with 10% of students enrolling in certificate programs,27% enrolling in associate’s programs,43% enrolling in bachelor’s programs, and20% enrolling in graduate programs.

Robin Kelleher, President and CEO of Hope For The Warriors, believes those touched by military service can succeed at home by restoring their sense of self, family, and hope. Nationally, Hope For The Warriors provides comprehensive support programs for service members, veterans, and military families that are focused on transition, health and wellness, peer engagement, and connections to community resources. Robin talks with host Jim Fausone about the programs offered and ways you can help by going to www.hopeforthewarriors.org.

TERRY GOULD WRITES ABOUT FELLOW SOLDIERS AND PURPLE HEARTS Like the Afghan war today and the ten-year-war in Iraq, the Vietnam War tore at the bodies and souls of those who served, particularly the nearly 1,100 Americans who lost multiple limbs and returned home from Vietnam to face a different kind of battle: acceptance. In this riveting first novel, winner of the Military Writers Society of America 2010 Silver Medal Award, author T.L. Gould draws upon his experience recovering in a military hospital to create a plain truth, no-holds-barred narrative, stark in its simplicity, detail and humor. From dressing changes and morphine drips to off-site forays under a fence and into neighborhood bars and brothels, Gould chronicles the precipitous journey to recovery of the men of Ward 2B; how they learned to walk again,to love again, and to triumph over the most impossible odds. Home | Mend This Purple Heart (howcanyoumendthispurpleheart.com) “BETWEEN THE LINES” Dwight Jon Zimmerman is a frequent contributor and guest on Veterans Radio. He is an award-winning writer on a variety of subject, but mostly man of the unknown facts about America’s military history. His latest publication is a newsletter called “Between the Lines” and can be found here.

James Barber is the Off Duty editor for Military.com. James writes on topics like entertainment and the military. Barber talks with host Jim Fausone about the military movies set to premiere in 2022; the good and the bad. James is candid and interesting to speak with as always.

ROB O’NEILL, NAVY SEAL TEAM TWO, FOUR AND SIX Rob O’Neill and Dakota Meyer are two of the most decorated and recognized US service members: O’Neill killed the world’s most wanted man, Osama bin Laden, and Meyer is the first living Marine to receive the Medal of Honor since the Vietnam War. Combining the best of military memoirs and straight-talking self-help, “The Way Forward” alternates between O’Neill and Meyer’s perspectives, looking back with humor at even the darkest war stories, and sharing lessons they learned along the way. “The Way Forward” presents O’Neill and Meyer’s philosophy in combat and life. This isn’t a book about the glory of war and combat, but one about facing your enemies: Your thoughts, doubts, boredom and regrets. Gritty and down-to-earth, O’Neill tells their stories with candor and vulnerability to help readers handle stress, tackle their biggest obstacles, and exceed their expectations of themselves while keeping life’s battles in perspective with a sense of humor. Rob O’Neill discusses with host Jim Fausone the life lessons learned as a Navy Seal.For more information: www.robertjoneill.com Tom Clavin co-wrote “To The Uttermost Ends of the Earth” the epic hunt for the South’s most feared ship and greatest sea battle of the Civil War. Tom explains how the South built the Alabama and its 3-year reign of terror on merchant ships headed to the North. The Alabama sailed 75,000 miles and captured 66 ships. The naval history of both the North and the South is revealed. The two captains, Semmes and Winslow, are central figures and are discussed by Clavin.For more information: www.tomclavin.com

Rob O’Neill and Dakota Meyer are two of the most decorated and recognized US service members: O’Neill killed the world’s most wanted man, Osama bin Laden, and Meyer was the first living Marine to receive the Medal of Honor since the Vietnam War. But beyond their actions and courage in combat, O’Neill and Meyer also have much in common in civilian life: they are both sought-after public speakers, advocates for veterans, and share a non-PC sense of humor. Combining the best of military memoirs and straight-talking self-help, The Way Forward alternates between O’Neill and Meyer’s perspectives, looking back with humor at even the darkest war stories, and sharing lessons they learned along the way. The Way Forward presents O’Neill and Meyer’s philosophy in combat and life. This isn’t a book about the glory of war and combat, but one about facing your enemies, some who are flesh and blood and some that are not: Your thoughts. Your doubts. Your boredom and your regrets. From Rob’s dogged repetition at the free-throw line of his childhood basketball court to Dakota’s pursuit of EMT and firefighter credentials to aid accident victims, these two American heroes turn their experiences into valuable lessons for every reader. Gritty and down-to-earth, O’Neill and Meyer tell their stories with candor and vulnerability to help readers handle stress, tackle their biggest obstacles, and exceed their expectations of themselves while keeping life’s battles in perspective with a sense of humor. Rob O'Neill discusses with host Jim Fausone the life lessons learned as a Navy Seal.

Major General Gregg Martin, retired Army two star general, struggled during his 36 years of service with his own mental illness – bipolar disorder. He and his family suffered but persevered. Today he is proud of his Army Strong family. For more information: Stop the Stigma (generalgreggmartin.com)

Tom Clavin co-wrote "To The Uttermost Ends of the Earth", the epic hunt for the South's most feared ship and greatest sea battle of the Civil War. Tom talks about his co-author, Philip Keith, who passed away one month after the manuscript was turned in. Tom explains how the South built the Alabama and its 3-year reign of terror on merchant ships headed to the North. The Alabama sailed 75,000 miles and captured 66 ships. The naval history of both the North and the South is revealed. The two captains, Semmes and Winslow, are central figures and are discussed by Clavin with host Jim Fausone.

VETERAN LENDING COUNCIL – NATIONWIDE SPECIAL FORCES TEAM Michael Fischer and Eric Ensley have developed a “special forces team” around the country that is focused on providing realtors, brokers and ultimately veterans with up-to-date knowledge of the wealth preserving and building benefit of a VA Home Loan. (20+) Veteran Lending Council | Facebook Michael Fischer and Eric Ensley, Veteran Lending CouncilExpert Benefits Panel from Legal Help for Veterans, Carol Ann Fausone and Washtenaw County Veterans Service Office, Executive Director Michael Smith.

Sarah Babyak, LPCC talks about what anxiety is and how to recognize it. She discusses how important it is for veterans and friends to recognize anxiety and the need for help is critical. Babyak talks about what one can experience and some treatments that are available with host Jim Fausone.

AGAINST ALL ODDS, A TRUE STORY OF COURAGEOUS ACTIONS DURING WWII. As the Allies raced to defeat Hitler, four men, all in the same unit, earned medal after medal for battlefield heroism. Maurice “Footsie” Britt, a former professional football player, became the very first American to receive every award for valor in a single war. Michael Daly was a West Point dropout who risked his neck over and over to keep his men alive. Keith Ware would one day become the first and only draftee in history to attain the rank of general before serving in Vietnam. In WWII, Ware owed his life to the finest soldier he ever commanded, a baby-faced Texan named Audie Murphy. In the campaign to liberate Europe, each would gain the ultimate accolade, the Congressional Medal of Honor. Once the guns fell silent, these four exceptional warriors would discover just how heavy the Medal of Honor could be—and how great the expectations associated with it. Having survived against all odds, who among them would finally find peace? Amazon link for more information Bancroft Capital is a certified Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) ) specializing in Institutional Brokerage and Capital Markets services. Bancroft is founded upon a commitment to service – service to our clients, service to our country, service to our veterans and first responders who have sacrificed on our behalf. To read about Cal D. Quinn, Naval Academy graduate and CEO and founder of Bancroft Capital, click here.

The Veteran Lending Council is a community dedicated to educating lenders, brokers, real estate agents, and veterans about the VA Home Loan program. Michael Fischer and Eric Ensley talk with host Jim Fausone about the basics of the program, its advantages, and some of the myths.

Host Jim Fausone Interviews: Sgt Lonnie Gaudet, Inspiring Story of RecoveryJames Barber, Off Duty Editor at Military.com Lonnie Gaudet joined the Army in 2009. Within a month of landing in Afghanistan Lonnie was in his first IED explosion that resulted in brain trauma. The second IED explosion, six months later, resulted in the loss of his right leg. Lonnie talks about recovery, sports, family, and friends on the road to recovery since his discharge in August 2012. He offers some advice for those suffering from post-traumatic stress and depression. He finds his clarity within his solid family unit, and by recognizing when he is angry without cause. James Barber is the Off Duty editor for Military.com and writes at the intersection of entertainment and the military. James talks about movies in 2022, Chinese movies that smack of propaganda and how the Ukraine war seems ripe for the movies. To the left, you see a recent movie by Barber. Click here for the full review.

Cauldon Quinn, a US Naval Academy grad, talks about service, capitalism, and helping veterans gain entry into the institutional brokerage and capital markets services. Cal discusses his service, and why he started Bancroft Capital. He explains his philosophy of exposing and training veterans to be competitive in the financial markets. Quinn also explains the value of being a certified veteran-owned business by NVBDC.org with host Jim Fausone.

OVER 1,000 SONGS TO DATE The program started with weekly sessions at the VA Medical Center in Murfreesboro, TN under the supervision of a music therapist. Groups of as many as 8 veterans would tell stories about their military service and professional songwriters would transform them into song. The format gradually evolved from writing group songs to focusing on the individual veterans or service members and their experiences. Operation Song soon began sponsoring weekend retreats around the Southeast in Ft. Benning, GA, Chattanooga, TN, Little Rock, AR, Pensacola, FL, and as far away as New York City, NY. To date, Operation Song has written over 1,000 songs with veterans of WWII to those currently serving. There has never been, nor will there ever be, a charge to any veteran or family member for our services. It is our honor to serve those who have served. For More Information: www.OperationSong.org

Dale Throneberry, CW2 Helicopter Pilot in Vietnam in 1969, hosts this month’s VA Benefits program hour with the following guests: Michael G. Smith, Jr. – Director of Washtenaw County (MI) Department of Veteran AffairsBrian Hayes – Communications Director, VA Ann Arbor Healthcare SystemBrig Gen Carol Ann Fausone (ret) – Legal Help for Veterans Our monthly benefits program is live on the last Sunday of the month. Please contact us if you have any questions about what benefits you may be entitled to. We are here to answer your questions. You can contact me direct at [email protected]

Angie Morgan joined the U.S. Marine Corps after ROTC at the University of Michigan. She served and went back to graduate school for her MBA. As a veteran, mother, and wife of a Marine officer, she has learned lessons about leadership and risk-taking. She and fellow USMC officer Courtney Lynch have written Leading from the Front, Spark, and Bet On You. The latest book, out in 2022, is about How to Win with Risk. Angie and Courtney are business consultants on leadership. Angie talks about leadership by behavior with host Jim Fausone.

Dr. Eric Fretz, Chair of VCAT9, explains the VA’s national effort to engage local communities in every state with veterans. This program is known as CVEB – Community Veteran Engagement Board. Here is a link to a VA map that will allow you to find your state’s CVEB / VCAT organization. Eric and the VCAT9 volunteers are honored to have the support of USA Hockey Arena through the years. The special events that are planned for each of the 3 days are highlighted by the hockey tournament, recognition of veterans and military personnel, family fun (magician and entertainment), and food and fellowship with veterans, active duty military and supporting agencies and organizations offering resources to the military.

Navy vet Abe Kamarck wants to remake America’s iconic condiments using foods that are rooted in tradition, heritage, and most importantly, the ground. He tosses the sugar overboard and makes healthy ketchup and BBQ sauces. He discusses the 6-year voyage to get True Made Foods into stores across the nation with host Jim Fausone.

Host Jim Fausone Interviews: Matthew Griffin, Combat Flip FlopsAbe Kamarck, True Made Foods Combat Flip Flops started when Army veteran Matthew Griffin noticed the safest areas in third worlds are where small businesses thrived. He wanted a business that could also do social good, such as educating girls in Afghanistan. He talks about his military career as an Army Ranger, what led him to starting Combat Flip Flops and the pull out of Afghanistan with host Jim Fausone. For More Information: combatflipflops.com Navy veteran Abe Karmarck wants to remake America’s iconic condiments using foods that are rooted in tradition, heritage, and most importantly, the ground. He tosses the sugar overboard and makes healthy ketchup and BBQ sauces. He discusses the 6 year voyage to get True Made Foods into stores across the nation. For More Information: www.truemadefoods.com

Bill Nelson spent 30 years at HBO. Before that, he joined the Army with a buddy and only Bill returned home from Vietnam. Bill talks about the National Veteran Business Development Council, lessons learned in the Army, and the importance of veteran-owned businesses with host Jim Fausone.BIll is on the NVBDC.org advisory board.

Dr. Rebecca Grant, a well-known military analyst with up-to-the-minute assessment of the Russian-Ukraine warMarc Liebman, author and speaker, share his latest novel “Big Mother 40” 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. Since founding IRIS Independent Research, she has specialized in research for government and aerospace industry clients ranging from analysis of military campaigns to projects on major technology acqusition such as the B-21 bomber. Marc Liebman is an experienced pilot and writer whose career as a Naval Officer and Naval Aviator, business executive, consultant and entrepreneur helped him fulfill his dream of becoming a novelist. In the novels, Marc creates stories with rich, interesting characters and puts them in the proper historical and operational context. His books are memorable, exciting and fun to read. For more information on this prolific writer and his books go to https://marcliebman.com/author/

Phil Klay, a Marine, noted author, and commentator, is the host of the PBS special AMERICAN VETERAN. A four-part documentary series tracing the veteran experience across the arc of American history and exploring the present-day divide between civilian and veteran communities. From the citizen-soldiers returning from the Revolution to today’s warrior class, it is a deeply moving story, illuminating the veteran experience and drawing civilian viewers into an unfamiliar culture. Phil talks about his reason for joining up, MOS, time in Iraq, his book "Redeployment" and novel "Missionaries" with host Jim Fausone.

VA BENEFITS EXPERTS ON DECK This is our monthly program on the VA and your benefits. Join our guests: Brig. Gen. Carol Ann Fausone (ret), Legal Help for VeteransMichael G. Smith, Jr., Director of Washtenaw County (MI) Dept. of Veteran AffairsVA Homeless Programs VA Homeless ProgramsDisability ClaimsRetroactive CompensationPensionHousing / MortgageEducationInsurance

Combat Flip Flops started when Army veteran Matthew Griffin noticed the safest areas in third worlds are where small businesses thrived. He wanted a business that could also do social good, such as educating girls in Afghanistan. He talks about his military career as an Army Ranger, what led him to starting Combat Flip Flops and the pull out of Afghanistan with host Jim Fausone.

Today's program with host Dale Throneberry has 3 guests: Susan Combs, Pancakes for RogerEric Fretz, R9VCAT AdvisorBill Nelson, Vietnam Veteran and Advisory Board Member of National Veterans Business Development Council (NVBDC) In Pancakes for Roger: A Mentorship Guide to Slaying Dragons — a series of quick, straightforward snapshots delivered with no fluff and a whole lot of heart — Susan L. Combs offers lessons from her father, Roger, and others so that you can lean on them, too, as you set out to slay your own dragons. Here’s a little more info from www.pancakesforroger.com. BILL NELSON, NVBDC ADVISORY BOARD MEMBER Mr. Nelson is a Vietnam combat veteran, having served with the US Army’s 101st Airborne Division. Bill Nelson is the chairman and CEO of Eleven Bravo Enterprises, and was the chairman and CEO for HBO. The NVBDC is the nation’s leading third party authority for certification of veteran owned businesses of all sizes and the corporations wanting to engage them.For more information: www.nvbdc.org Eric Fretz, Navy Veteran, Veterans Radio Contributor and Board Member talks about how his group is helping veterans.The Region 9 Veterans Community Action Team (R9VCAT) connects area support, services, resources and programs to veterans and their families. (20+) Region 9 Veterans Community Action Team | Facebook

Today, the Armed Forces Benefit Association (AFBA) continues to honor its mission, in war and peace, for those who serve this great nation, including our military, emergency first responders, government employees and contractors, and their families. They continue promoting members’ welfare through death benefits and other member benefits. AFBA is proud to serve nearly 650,000 members and has paid nearly $2 billion in death benefits since inception. AFBA death benefits are funded by life insurance underwritten by 5Star Life Insurance Company (“5Star Life”). 4 Star General Larry O. Spencer (ret.) USAF is now the President of AFBA and discusses its mission and products with host Jim Fausone.

Gen. Larry Spencer, USAF (Ret.) was born and raised on the Horseshoe—a tough inner-city street in southeast Washington, D.C. Both parents lived in the rural south under Jim Crow and “separate but equal” laws. Spencer’s father was a career Army soldier who lost his left hand during the Korean War, suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder, and worked two jobs. His mother completed tenth grade, had no driver’s license, and was left alone during the week to raise their six children. In 1990 he took command of a squadron that won accolades and awards for their performance during Operation Desert Shield/Storm. Spencer went on to serve at the White House, and then successfully commanded a Group and a Wing before being assigned as the chief financial officer (comptroller) for Air Combat Command, the largest command in the Air Force. During that assignment, Spencer was promoted to brigadier general and was tasked to set up a new Directorate at Air Force Materiel Command. Spencer later returned to the Pentagon where he led Air Force Budget. He ultimately became the Air Force’s thirty-seventh vice chief of staff, making him one of only nine African Americans promoted to four stars. For Col. Spencer’s full biography and to order Dark Horse: www.usni.org/press/books/dark-horse Read on to learn about Col. Spencer’s latest challenge, as President of the Armed Forces Benefit Association (AFBA). FOR MORE INFORMATION: www.afba.com