Veterans Radio

Vice Admiral Kevin P. Green (ret.) talks about the fleet numbers, naval drones, partners as force multipliers, the 35-year building cycle, and other challenges facing the Navy today from budgets and defense industrial base. Green talks to host Jim Fausone about the good jobs in shipbuilding as well as the Navy.

(Previously Aired on 7/24/2018) Ryan Pitts served for 6 years in the US Army. During a firefight in 2008, Ryan was wounded but fought against overwhelming odds. He was awarded the MEdal of Honor in 2014. Today, he works in the defense industry and is an ambassador for the Cohen Veterans Network of 10 mental health clinics which provide free care to veterans, service members, and family members. Jim Fausone explores Pitts' service and checks in for an update on CVN.

A suicide bomber took the life of Senior Chief Petty Officer & Cryptologist, Shannon Kent (U.S. Navy), on her 5th overseas deployment in 2019. Now her husband and father of two, Green Beret Joe Kent (11 deployments), tells her story with Marty Skovlund Jr., Army Ranger & Editor of Task & Purpose. Shannon Kent was an incredible linguist, patriot, and mother. This story is inspiring and uplifting notwithstanding the tragic circumstances of Shannon's death in Syria on an intel mission. Joe and Marty talk to host Jim Fausone.

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.

(Previously Aired on 5/25/2020) This week’s broadcast is apropos for the Memorial Day weekend when we honor the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. military.Dale Throneberry will interview Joe Galloway, a civilian war correspondent. Galloway served four tours as a war correspondent in Vietnam and also covered the 1971 India-Pakistan War and half a dozen other combat operations.In Stilwel, Kansas there is a family run foundation that offers combat veterans equine therapy. War Horses for Veterans is the premier horsemanship, networking and personal growth program in the U.S. They are a Kansas City based nonprofit that brings combat veterans from across the country together in a safe and peaceful environment.

This week on Veterans Radio, our guests are Rev. Bob Bull (Vietnam Air Force Veteran, Peer Support Specialist, VVA 310 Service Officer, VCAT 9 QOL Chair) and Nicholas McBryan (US Army Medic. OEF/OIF Veteran). We’ll discuss suicide prevention and helping veterans in crisis. Please call into the program if you’d like to join the conversation: 734-822-1600 We’ll also be highlighting our NVBDC Veteran-Owned Busines of the Month! Julie Dyer is a Navy Veteran and owner of Express Yourself Promotional Products.

(Previously Aired on 1/16/2018) Florent Groberg's book, 8 Seconds of Courage, is the astonishing story of how he saved lives in Afghanistan by tackling a suicide bomber, becoming the first immigrant since the Vietnam War to receive the Congressional Medal of Honor for his heroism. Medal of Honor recipient Florent Groberg discusses his book with host Dale Throneberry.

Brigadier General (ret.) Doug "Odie" Slocum spent a combined 49 years in the U.S. Air Force & Army National Guard. He talks about his career as a military brat, ROTC, flying jets, and leading troops. He talks with host Jim Fausone about leadership, putting people first, and his new book, "Violent Positivity".

(Previously Aired on 10/15/2019) On November 21, 2010, U.S. Marine Lance Corporal Kyle Carpenter was posted atop a building in violent Helmand Province, Afghanistan, when an enemy grenade skittered toward Kyle and a fellow Marine. Without hesitation, Kyle jumped on the grenade and somehow lived, while severely injured, to speak about it. You Are Worth It is a story of rebirth. In 2014, Kyle was awarded the nation’s highest military decoration, the Medal of Honor, for his “singular act of courage” on that rooftop in Afghanistan, an action which had been reviewed exhaustively by the military. Kyle became the youngest living recipient of the award - and only the second living Marine so honored since Vietnam. You Are Worth It is a memoir about the war in Afghanistan and Kyle’s heroics, and it is also a manual for living. Organized around the credos that have guided Kyle’s life (from “Don’t Hide Your Scars” to “Call Your Mom”), the book encourages us to become our best selves in the time we’ve been given on Earth. Above all, it’s about finding purpose, regardless of the hurdles that may block our way. Kyle discusses his family, military service, his Marines, and overcoming his struggles by taking one small step at a time with host Jim Fausone.

As NATO reaches its 75th Anniversary, VADM Kevin P. Green (ret.) and Navy Captain Bruce Lemkin (ret.) discuss its value today. Host Jim Fausone asks if everyone is paying their fair share and if isolationism is in the future. These fellows of the American College of National Security Leaders give a broad and knowledgeable perspective of world threats and the value of NATO.

JENNA CARLTON – THE MILLENNIAL VETERANUS Navy Veteran and Author, Jenna Carlton, is also known on social media as The Millennial Veteran. She talks to host Jim Fausone about her time in the Navy, her transition to a government job, and a Task & Purpose opinion piece written on the current military recruiting crisis. Carlton contends younger veterans will not help until their transition, mental health, and physical health issues are all addressed by the Department of Defense and Veterans Affairs.To learn more about Jenna and read her latest articles for Task & Purpose, click here.Find The Millennial Veteran on InstagramLearn more about “The Veteran Workbook,” a journal published by Jenna to help veterans as they transition out of the military.KEVIN GREEN & BRUCE LEMKIN – THE CURRENT STATE OF NATOAs NATO approaches its 75th anniversary, Admiral (ret.) Kevin Green and Captain (ret.) Bruce Lemkin join Jim for a discussion on the value of NATO today. Is everyone paying their fair share? Is there a risk of isolationism in the future? These fellows of the American College of National Security Leaders (ACNSL) give a broad and knowledgeable perspective of world threats and the value of NATO.

Randee Howard is an Operations Associate for The War Horse. Originally from Chicago, she earned her B.A. in Urban Studies from Columbia University in 2021. She was the women's veterans representative for two academic years and volunteered as a non-fiction writing tutor to incarcerated women at Rikers Island. Before her enrollment, she served four years on active duty in the U.S. Navy as an Aviation Electrician on helicopters in San Diego. She deployed on USS Makin Island (LHD-8), an amphibious assault ship to Southeast Asia and the Middle East. Currently, she volunteers as Director of Policy for the Black Veterans Project. She talks about the Navy and the Black Veterans Writing Project with host Jim Fausone.

Join us for a discussion with three Veterans Radio board members on their experiences as women in the military, serving in operational and technical roles, the transition to civilian life, and more. Featuring: Kate Melcher, U.S. Army (2005-2020)Dr. Christine Cook, Army National Guard & U.S. Army Res. (1986-2016)Lydia Pinkham, U.S. Coast Guard (2011-2017)ILLUMINATE - ADVOCATE - EDUCATEOur 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 listeners' stories and experiences, not only while in the service, but afterward 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 # 83-2746681

Host Dale Throneberry and Carol Ann Fausone, (USAF Brig Gen ret), from Legal Help for Veterans answer your questions during our monthly Benefits Program.Topics on this program include: Upgrading your current rating. Reapplying for conditions now covered by the Pact Act. New ratings for gastrointestinal conditions.Contact Veterans Radio with your questions for our next Benefits Program on Sunday, May 5th at 5 PM eastern.

CAPTURED AND CONFINEDCaptured on November 2, 1950, by North Korean-Chinese Soldiers, Father Kapaun was confined at Prison Camp #5, Pyoktong, North Korea until his death, at the hands of his captors, on May 23, 1951. Granted the title of “Servant of God” by the Catholic Church Father Kapaun is the Most Decorated Chaplain in US military history.In April of 2013, President Obama awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor for Father Kapaun.THE MIRACLE OF FATHER KAPAUNJoin Veterans Radio Host Bob Gould and guests: Father John Hotze, Priest, and Judicial Vicar for the Catholic Diocese of Wichita, Roy Wenzl, national award-winning reporter for the Wichita Eagle and co-author of The Miracle of Father Kapaun, and William “Bill” Funchess, soldier and fellow POW who was there at Camp 5, all together to honor a great humanitarian.

Dr. James Patton Rogers is an expert in drone warfare. He discusses the evolution of drone warfare, the 1st and 2nd Drone Ages, and how we're moving into the 3rd Drone Age. Rogers discusses drone use from Ukraine to Africa with host Jim Fausone. Go read his recent book, "Precision: A History of American Warfare".

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.

Army Veteran Scott Lopez made people a lot of money in sales and finally said, "I'm going to work for myself". He took his years of experience in IT Sales for OEMs and entered the alternative OEM Distribution business. He says getting locally certified and using his Hispanic/Veteran status helped open doors. Scott talks about the benefits of a National Veterans Business Development Council (NVBDC.org) certification with host Jim Fausone.

Allan Lutes, President of Camp Liberty, Inc., explains the non-profit's programs in 2023 & 2024. Allan discusses new staffing opportunities at Camp in Brooklyn, Michigan. He talks candidly about their programming, fundraising, and volunteer challenges after pandemic shutdowns. Allan gives host Jim Fausone an update on Camp Liberty.

Allison Jaslow, CEO of Iraq & Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA), talks about 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.

Carrie Filipetti is the Executive Director of the Vandenberg Coalition. She and Hans Zeiger, Jack Miller Center, wrote about the need to teach civics to our youth so they can appreciate "why their country is worth defending". She explains teaching civics can help younger generations understand the value of freedom in the country and possibly be more inclined to serve the military. Carrie talks to host Jim Fausone about the Vandenberg Coalition and the Jack Miller Center.

Documentary photographer, 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 a 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

Leigh St. Julian Billeaud, of Lafayette Louisana, spent 6 years in the Navy and 6 more with the CIA. She talks about her experiences and coming back to St. Landry's Parish in Louisiana to find balance, start her family, and embark on a career in counseling. Leigh talks with host Jim Fausone about the value, benefits, and costs of therapy.

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)

Andrew Pettegree, of Scotland's University of St. Andrews, discusses his recent publication "The Book at War" with host Jim Fausone. They cover the printed word for encouraging a nation to go to and stay at war, the value of books to the troops, the rationale for book burning, and related topics in a thought provoking interview.

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.

Eden Stratton, a War Horse Journalist, wrote about the high representation of Black Women in the U.S. Army's Sergeant Major ranks. The culture these women built to support the promotion of enlisted black women is explored. Stratton talks with host Jim Fausone about the surprising statistics and the value of mentorship and connections.

NATIONAL ASSOC. OF BLACK MILITARY WOMEN WITH TWEILA ROCHELL-CAUTHENMarine 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.BLACK SURGEONS OF THE CIVIL WAR WITH AUTHOR JILL NEWMARKJill 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.”

Marine Gunnery Sergeant Tweila Rochell-Cauthen discusses her military experiences and the role of the 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 to use race as a factor in admissions to increase black officers. She talks to host Jim Fausone about the value of military service and the benefits of diversity.

PREPPING FOR THE NEXT FIGHT - AUTHOR HOPE HODGE SECKHost 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. "SPEAK OUT!" - USMC VETERAN BILL GRAHAMThen, Dale 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.

President of the Michigan Air & Space Forces Association, Doug "Odie" Slocum, discusses his career and mission of the Michigan AFA. The retired pilot & General talks about their pillars of Education, Advocacy, and Support for our Air & Space Forces. The newly established Ann Arbor location joins the Sterling Heights chapter of Michigan. All are welcome at AFA chapters to learn what's happening in the air and space defense of our country. Brigadier General (ret.) Slocum talks to host Jim Fausone about the events and purpose of joining AFA.

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 [email protected]

Navy Veteran Jenna Carlton, known on social media as The Millennial Veteran, talks to host Jim Fausone about her time in the Navy, her transition to a government job, and an opinion piece written for Task & Purpose on the current military recruiting crisis. Carlton contends younger veterans will not help until their transition, mental health, and physical health issues are all addressed by the Department of Defense and Veterans Affairs.

Lt. Commander Will Bowden, USCG (ret), talks about his time in the Coast Guard, law enforcement, pharmaceutical industry, and then his pivot to the cannabis industry. He grew up in Santa Cruz, California, and has lived in Naples, FL, and Wilmington, DE. He has seen the world with the Coast Guard and obtained an MBA, but is no farmer by upbringing. Grasshopper Farms has outdoor grow locations in Michigan, Colorado, and New Jersey. He ties all this together when talking to host Jim Fausone.Lt. Col. Tracy Farrell, US Army (ret.), is the VP of Program Operations and Partnerships at The Wounded Warrior Project. Tracy talks about her service, the Wounded Warrior Project, and recent “Women Warriors Report.” Farrell discusses the data collection from 5,000 women warriors, the key findings and recommendations. She also talks with host JimFausone about whether women warriors would join up again.

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."

Zero Day is a non-profit that helps veterans with counseling, housing, job skills, and outdoor therapy; showcasing the power of partnerships and volunteers. Two volunteers, Nate Cropsey and James Dentler, talk with host Jim Fausone about all the activities that Zero Day is involved with to help veterans.

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/

John Faunce talks about the creation and mission of Team RWB to connect today's veterans with activities like rucks and runs. He talks to host Jim Fausone about the future and the need for Team Red, White, and Blue.

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. OCS has grown over the years to offer a variety of support materials for these local programs. Visit Our Community Salutes website to learn more. Ken talks to host Jim Fausone about OCS and its future and the need to support recruitment efforts by the military.

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.

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. Jaslow discusses current issues with host Jim Fausone.

Dale Throneberry interviews the late Dr. Guy Stern (Jan 4, 1922 – Dec 7, 2023) in an episode that originally aired in February, 2021. Dr. Guy Stern was a World War II Ritchie Boy and recently served as director of the Harry and Wanda Zekelman International Institute of the Righteous at the Holocaust Memorial Center Zekelman Family Campus. For more information about the original interview, please visit the interview page. Host Jim Fausone also interviews the CEO and Founder of the NVBDC, Keith King, in another archived episode. The National Veterans Business Development Council is the original Veteran Owned Business Certification organization developed by Veterans, for Veterans. Nick Busse, Military Engagement Manager at Leaf Home™, today announced the recipients of its third consecutive stair lift giveaway for deserving veterans. The stair lift giveaway is just one element of Leaf Home's 360-degree approach to supporting veterans, which is an increasingly large focus for the company as it has grown. Leaf Home currently has over 184 veterans on staff. "Leaf Home has the unique ability to not only volunteer time and money, but also high-performance products like stair lifts that make a positive impact in veterans' lives," said Nick Busse, Head of Military and Veteran Recruiting at Leaf Home and a U.S. Army veteran. "Veterans deserve to be comfortable in their homes, especially in time for the holiday season. We're honored to do our small part in providing peace of mind to veterans in our communities."

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.

Michael DeMos runs two marketing businesses after a sales career and time in the Army. Mike explains how he received his college education via an ROTC scholarship and talks about his 5 years in the Army as a Chemical Officer. Mike gives candid advice about starting his own business and working to help small businesses grow their customer base. He talks to host Jim Fausone about lessons learned over a career in business.

Join host Dale Throneberry and his guests from Operation Song. Veterans Roger Blackwood and songwriter Wil Nance. How did their song "Was It Worth It" come about. Author Andrew Biggio discusses his book "The Rifle". An amazing collection of stories from World War II veterans and the connection with the M1 Garard Rifle. Meet some of the Veterans Author Andrew Biggio has encountered in a his years of working with the Greatest Generation.

Air Force veteran Crystal Wiggins is the program manager for the Columbia Center for Urban Agriculture's Veterans Urban Farm. She explains her background, the Veterans Farm which is in its fourth year growing all types of produce that gets donated to a VA hospital, student veterans, and homeless veterans. About 15,000 pounds are produced by volunteers helping out on less than one acre in production. Crystal talks to host Jim Fausone about the value of working the ground and the resulting end product that addresses food insecurity for many groups.

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

Lt. Commander Will Bowden , USCG (ret), talks about his time in the Coast Guard, law enforcement, pharmaceutical industry and then his pivot to the cannabis industry. He grew up in Santa Cruz, California and has lived in Naples, Florida and Wilmington, Delaware. He has seen the world with the Coast Guard and obtained an MBA, but is no farmer by upbringing. Grasshopper Farms has outdoor grow locations in Michigan, Colorado and New Jersey. He ties all this together when talking to host Jim Fausone.