Veterans Radio

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 Wounded Warrior Project's VP of Operations, Lt. Col. Tracy Farrell, US Army (ret) talks about her service, Wounded Warrior Project and the recent "Womens Warriors Report." Farrell discusses the data collection from 5000 women warriors, the key findings and recommendations. She also talks about would women warriors join up again with host Jim Fausone.

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.

The recently appointed CEO 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 Fausone about the current top three issues he is addressing.

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!

Dwight Stirling, PhD and retired military lawyer and prosecutor has focused on the unfairness of the Feres Doctrine for his professional career. It stops military members from suing on a wide range of injuries such as medical malpractice and sexual assault. Stirling discusses with host Jim Fausone the creation of the doctrine and the need for the US Supreme Court or the Congress to eliminate or create exceptions to this legal doctrine.

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

Today, recruiters are struggling to bring enough Zoomers into the armed services. Mismatched fundamental ideals, divergent beliefs about the workplace, and other sociocultural influences have contributed to the United States military scrambling to get a grasp on how to appeal to Gen Z. A Marine and MBA, Matthew Weiss, discusses his thoughts on the recruiting mismatch. Through the use of personal life stories and macro analysis, this book explains why military recruiting in the United States is at an all-time low in order to suggest ways that American society and its leaders can fix this issue. We must rebuild the value proposition of military service by demonstrating the benefits of the world’s greatest physical social network. Weiss talks with host Jim Fausone about recruiting today.

“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

Joseph Craig, Director of AUSA 's Book Program, explains the mission, orgin and future of graphic novels focusing on Army Medal of Honor recipients. These novels are professionally done and vibrant in digital format or in print. Joe talks about the goals of reaching a wider audience with these stories to host Jim Fausone.

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.

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 as it hopes to start settling the over 100,000 claims that have already been filed.

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.

Commander Bruce A. Wright, USN (ret) started in a small high school, with a single parent, and no economic means to get a higher education. He did not give up and made it to the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. When his military career was finished, he was faced with poor health conditions and had to fight the VA system to get the care and benefits he earned. He talks with host Jim Fausone about not giving up until things are right.

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”.

Keith Mear, owner of Commercial Diving & Marine Services, Inc talks about this time in the Marine Corp, how he got interested in diving and the benefits of being a certified veteran owned business. Mear talks about the NVBDC.org certification process with host Jim Fausone.

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.

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.

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 entrepeneur and having a BBQ food business at fairs, festivals and catering.

A HALL OF HONOR HONOR AND EDUCATE The Michigan Military and Veterans Hall of Honor seeks to not only honor Michigan military veterans, but to also educate our citizens about military service as a basic and honorable duty of citizenship–to stir patriotic spirit, a sense of civic duty, and a sense of honor that calls people to arms. WHY A HALL OF HONOR? Honor is a core military virtue that, unlike fame, implies true worth, genuine virtue, and real achievement – valorous and meritorious. As a Hall of Honor, we seek to recognize and honor military veterans, with due attention to their true military and civic virtue and achievement. Come Celebrate Veterans Radio's 20th Anniversary at our Second Radio on the River Celebration. 30 September 2023. You don’t want to miss out on this event! Speakers are top notch and you will be mingling with the kind of folks you really want to know as a friend – a Veterans Radio Friend! Oh, and for those who can not attend, go ahead and click on the ticket button and buy a ticket for a veteran or just donate a comfortable amount to show support for our weekly commitment to the veteran community across the land of the free and the home of the brave – the USA! Radio on the River Tickets and Donations

The CLLSociety.org provides support and education for veterans and others with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL). Bruce Wright, a Vietnam Veteran, has CLL from his days of exposure to Agent Orange. Wright is a patient advocate and educator with the CLL Society. CLL is a condition that impacts the white blood cells. Bruce talks to host Jim Fausone about CLL and the education and advocacy that veterans need when living with CLL.

Military Writers Society of America Join our guests Gary Zelinski and John Cathcart SAVING HISTORY ONE STORY AT A TIME Who we are We are a nationwide association of authors, poets, and artists drawn together by the common bond of military service. Most of our members are active-duty military, retirees, or military veterans. A few are lifelong civilians who have chosen to honor our military through their writings or their art. Our only core principle is a love of the men and women who defend this nation and a deeply personal understanding of their sacrifice and dedication. Jonathan Bernstein, Curator of Arms & Armor At the National Museum of the Marine Corps. Jonathan Bernstein is the Curator of Arms & Armor Collection at the National Museum of the Marine Corps. The Museum is located on Semper Fidelis Way in Triangle, VA. Jon came aboard as the Arms & Armor Curator in August 2020 after helming the US Army Air Defense Artillery Museum for the eight years prior. With a museum career that spans three decades, he has worked in nearly every type of historical museum and done everything from paper conservation to costumed interpreter to aircraft and vehicle restoration to Supervisory Curator. He has written six books and a number of articles on military and aviation history, the majority focusing on the applications of tactical airpower in the European Theater during World War 2. His latest book, (and his third on the P-47 Thunderbolt), “Duel: P-47 vs German Light and Medium Flak” was released in October 2021.

Board members Col. Valde Garcia (ret.) U.S. Army; Capt. Paul J. Ryan (ret.) U.S. Navy Reserves; and Lt. Bill MacDhubain (ret.) USCG talks about the Michigan Military and Veterans Hall of Honor Class of 2023 inductees. These inspirational servicemen and women include Astronaut Roger Chaffee, MG Bill Henderson, Capt. Bob Arvin, MSG Jarion Halbison-Gibbs, Essie Woods, Congressman Jack Bergman, and more. The inductees have received Silver Stars, Distinguished Service Crosses, Purple Hearts, and Congressional Gold Medals. These are ordinary people doing extraordinary things in service and in civilian life. The Board members talk to host Jim Fausone.

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

Fallen and Wounded Soldiers Fund board members, Chris Cornelius and Roberrt Grimaldi talk about the purpose and mission of FWSF. This organization started in 2006 and helps over 400 Michigan veterans each year. Chris and Rob talk with host Jim Fausone about the need, success stories, sponsors and volunteers.

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

The Texas Governor who 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. Mazzone talks with host Jim Fausone about these issues.

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

Dr. Beth Asch, Senior Economist at the Rand Corporation, focuses on labor economics and defense manpower. She has testified on the military recruiting woes and analyzed data on waivers given to recruits and how they perform. She discusses all of this with host Jim Fausone.

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.

Author and historian Tom McMillan talks about the huge flag that flew over Fort McHenry in the War of 1812 with the British. It was the flag that Francis Scott Key saw through the night that inspired the national anthem, "Star Spangled Banner." McMillan researched the family that took the flag home and kept it safe for 90 years before donating it to the Smithsonian. The little twists and turns of history are uncovered and explained by McMillan who talks to host Jim Fausone.

Army retired Master Sgt Darrel Nash, historian/author speaks about his passion for keeping the history alive of the Buffalo Soldiers. He explains to host Jim Fausone the start of these regiments, their successes and how that history is being kept alive.

Ian A. O’Connor is a retired USAF colonel and a recognized expert in the field of national security management. This background serves him well as the foundation for his thriller and suspense novels, which is what he devotes his time to now. Ian is about to release The Pegasus Directive, which focuses on who really killed President John F. Kennedy and all the fiendish machinations behind the assassination. The book is fiction, but full of historical accuracy. Ian is also the co-author of SCRAPPY: A Memoir of a Fighter Pilot in Korea and Vietnam. And his thriller, The Twilight of the Day, was awarded a bronze medal by the Military Writers Society of America. Copies of both of these are in the US Naval Academy and US Air Force Academy libraries. 2023 THUNDER OVER MICHIGAN Kevin Walsh,CEO of the Yankee Air Museum, fills us in on all there is to know about​​​ the 25th Yankee Air Museum event known as Thunder Over Michigan will be held on Saturday and Sunday, August 12 and 13th. There are 2 shows each day – a morning and an afternoon show. Here is the link to register for entrance. TICKETS for 2023 THUNDER OVER MICHIGAN

There are 15 million Americans that can claim to be Military Brats. Many have moved multiple times during their childhood while parents served. Brats Without Borders is a group that connects, explains and recognizes this unique group of American kids and how it impacts adulthood. Donna Musil, writer/filmaker/lawyer/brat, talks to host Jim Fausone about the experience of growing up a military brat. Musil's film BRATS: Our Journey Home has been shown all over the world.

On September 29, 2006, Michael Monsoor and three SEAL snipers watched vigilantly for enemy activity from their rooftop post in Ar Ramadi, Iraq. When a grenade thrown from insurgents bounced off Michael’s chest, he could have escaped. Instead, he threw himself onto the live grenade, shielding his fellow soldiers from the immediate explosion. Michael died thirty minutes later, having made the ultimate sacrifice. As George Monsoor (Michael’s father) and Rose Rea show us in Defend Us in Battle, Michael had prepared for this selfless act all his life–a life that inspires us to have a similar generosity of heart. In addition to the Medal of Honor, Michael received a Silver Star, a Bronze Star Medal, and the Purple Heart for his years serving his country. But his greatest legacy is in the hearts of those he inspired to live, and even die, for the sake of brotherly love. IKE SAYS EVERY 18 YEAR OLD SHOULD SERVE IN THE MILITARY US Air Force veteran Isaiah “Ike” McKinnon joined the Detroit police department in 1965 where he worked until 1984. He later rejoined the force as chief of police from 1993 to 1998. Ike, from a large African American family, talks about his experiences in the military and the powerful lessons he learned in Vietnam. He concludes by saying that all 18 year olds should serve in the military.

The War Horse investigative reporter Sonner Kehrt discusses an article and research she did on VA's response to the aging veteran population. Sonner's work was inspired by her Dad's conditions. He served in the US Navy during Vietnam and has dementia. Sonner talks with host Jim Fausone about going to the US Coast Guard Academy, serving in the polar ice pack, and what she found, as well as her feelings about the VA's handling of the older veteran population.

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.

Keith King, CEO of National Veterans Business Development Council, (NVBDC) talks about a 2022 economic survey of spend by companies in the Billion Dollar Roundtable with certified veteran owned business. He discusses with host Jim Fausone the eye-popping spend of $3.3 BILLION.

This week’s one hour radio broadcast begins as host Dale Throneberry welcomes Josh and Kerry Brenneman, with their Operation Song titled “THIS LIFE”. Our second guest is Navy man Trae Zipperer, founder of By Memorial Day, a non-profit organization that promotes restoration of veteran headstones in cemeteries. OPERATION SONG FEATURING THE BRENNEMAN FAMILY 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. Listen here: Jamie and Pete from Operation Song performs "This Life" (wsmv.com) For More Information about Operation Song BY MEMORIAL DAY WITH NAVY MAN TRAE ZIPPERER THE MISSION: Promote perpetual care for all veteran headstones Trae’s website and YouTube channel have the full story on the protocol, as provided by the National Cemetery Association, for cleaning headstones and videos to show volunteers how to remove the lichens and dirt or grime from a veterans headstone. For more information on By Memorial Day

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. Both Moms talk with host Jim Fausone about the challenges and benefits of being a military mom.

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

Amy Forsythe has a 30+ yr military career in the active duty Marines and Naval Reserves. She has served as a combat photographer and a public affairs officer. She has had five tours in Afghanistan and Iraq. She used her storytelling and photographic skills to produce "Heroes Live Here: A tribute to Camp Pendleton Marines Since 9/11." Amy discusses the reasons for the book and her career with host Jim Fausone.

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 [email protected] 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”

In 2022, Jennifer-Ruth Green decided to run for Congress from Indiana. She had never run for political office. She talks about why she ran, how she did it, building a team, staying on mission and coping with "dirty politics" and the release of her USAF medical records with host Jim Fausone.

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.

Stephanie Gattas enlisted in the Navy at 18. Her eight years of service left her with many new skills, but also the pain and guilt of MST. She founded The Pink Berets, a non-profit organization, in 2015 to provide support through holistic programs for survivors. She explains to host Jim Fausone how thousands of people have been helped by The Pink Berets.org and how to reach out and help.

LEN LOMELL, THE LAST SURVIVOR OF THE ASSAULT ON POINTE-DU-HOC. D-Day Hero Len Lomell from Toms River, NJ D-Day, 6 June 1944, was the largest invasion in the history of the world. Pointe-Du-Hoc was a nearly 100-meter high cliff, with perpendicular sides jutting out into the English Channel. You won’t believe the story of this incredible example of American ingenuity as we learn how this small group of Rangers was finally able to accomplish their mission despite all the SNAFUs. Join us as we talk with Len Lomell, the last survivor of the assault on Pointe-Du-Hoc. Len was a Toms River, NJ man. After the war he married and had 3 daughters while building a successful law practice. He passed away in 2011 at the age of 91. Here is a wonderful review of Leonard’s life, provided by NJ.com. www.nj.com/news/2011/03/leonard_lomell_d-day_hero_from Operation Song: Kristi Alderson, Navy AT3 on F/A 18s, with Songwriter Jenn Franklin talk about their collaboration in writing "RISE" https://www.operationsong.org/ Keith King, Army18th Brigade (218th and 630th MP companies) and Founder of NVBDC discuses what's happening at the National Veterans Business Development Council. HOME - NVBDC

Dwight Mears is a researcher, military awards writer, retired Army Major, lawyer and librarian. He recently published a proposal on how the military could re-evaluate the Medals of Honor issued after Wounded Knee in 1890 as the Lakota Nation has advocated and various members of Congress have supported in "Remove the Stain" proposed legislation for years. Mears explains to host Jim Fausone that panel of historians could review in context and make recommendations.

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".

Lt. Col. Jennifer-Ruth Green graduated from the USAF Academy, learned to fly and used her skills to focus on STEM for underrepresented communties. She talks about her journey from JROTC to the Academy and operations in Iraq and then joining the Indiana Air National Guard with host Jim Fausone.