Veterans Radio

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

Attorney Mike Cox, a Marine, talks about Congressional action creating new limited rights to be compensated for drinking contaminated water at Camp LeJeune. Host Jim Fausone discusses the changes and deadlines with former Michigan Attorney General Mike Cox.

WARBIRDS OF GLORY MUSEUM Saving history by restoring WWII B-25 Sandbar Mitchell. Also mentoring youth while restoring the B-25 to flying condition. I will fly cross county to honor our veterans and those who fought for our freedom. For more Warbirds of Glory Museum infomation FEATURING THE SONG AND THE STORY OF DOMINIC SANSONE Listen to More Productions of Operation Song Doug Bradley: WHAT HAVE WE LEARNED? A COMPILATION OF OPINIONS A chorus of voices in Who’ll Stop the Rain—famous and anonymous, female and male, veteran and non-veteran, American and Vietnamese—suggests new possibilities for understanding the legacy of Vietnam and, ultimately, for bringing the men and women who served their country in that controversial war home for good. More Information from Doug Bradley

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. Aldrich and Patel discuss with host Jim Fausone the VA's acupuncture and Whole Health models.

In March we have the following on our panel: Host: Jim Fausone Carol Ann Fausone, Legal Help for Veterans Dale Throneberry, Founder and Host of Veterans Radio Brian Hayes, Ann Arbor VA Healthcare System Cheryl Allen, Ann Arbor VA Women’s Clinic Use this site to find the available health services and resources you have earned as a woman Veteran. Women Veterans Health Care Home (va.gov) 855-829-6636

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 and life with host Jim Fausone.

COL. CHRISTINE COOK, US ARMY WAR COLLEGE – “REMARKABLE” WOMEN’S ARMY CORPS HISTORY DURING THE COLD WAR. Over 150,000 American women served in the Women’s Army Corps (WAC) during World War 11. Members of the WAC were the first women other than nurses to serve within the ranks of the United States Army. Both the Army and the American public initially had difficulty accepting the concept of women in uniform. However, political and military leaders, faced with fighting a two-front war and supplying men and materiel for that war while continuing to send lend-lease material to the Allies, realized that women could supply the additional resources so desperately needed in the military and industrial sectors. Given the opportunity to make a major contribution to the national war effort, women seized it. By the end of the war their contributions would be widely heralded. Professor Cook holds a Ph.D. in History from Wayne State University, MA in Women and Gender Studies from Eastern Michigan University, and BA in English Literature from Princeton University. Her research and U.S. Army War College News Archives scholarship works to fill the gap in historical knowledge of women in the military. OTHERS OVER SELF – THE 2023 LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE From Shelly Rood “What’s great about this event is that we are lifting up military women by putting them on the stage as leadership experts, while also fulfilling the need for ongoing peer support within the military women community. Our event is geared towards all businesses professionals- military and civilian – seeking professional development.” Click here for all the details on the 2023 Leadership Conference for Women

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

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

Nick Wilson, Chief Revenue Officer for Legion Logistics, talks with host Jim Fausone about the company, its veteran owner and why NVBDC certification as a veteran owned business was so important to Legion and the power of NVBDC networking.

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

Matt Amidon, Director of Veterans and Military Families at the George W Bush Institute in Texas, talks about policy recommendations for electeds in State Houses and Federal Government. These 8 policy recommendations are straight forward and important. These would help veterans and their families. He talks with host Jim Fausone about how the average person can help get these ideas to their elected officials.

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

Navy veteran talks about his mental health challenges, life after service, and finding a better life that includes voluntering with Team Rubicon. Tim Kotulak deployed with Team Rubicon to Florida after Hurricane Ian and talks about the work and experience with host Jim Fausone.

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

Marty Strong spent 21 yrs in the Navy and then focused on being a business leader and author. He has written "Be Nimble" and now "Be Visionary: Strategic Leadership in the Age of Optimization." It is a business leadership book that demonstrates to existing and aspiring leaders the positive impact of applying flexibility, creativity and decisiveness to achieve results - even in uncertain times. Marty talks with Jim Fausone about leaving Nebraska, joining the Seals, his role in a Navy strategy and tactics group and how he became a published fiction and non fiction author.

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

In January 2023 President Biden signed the AUTO for Veterans Act which changes the rules for 100% service disabled veterans and how much and how often they can obtain a VA grant to assist with adaptive vehicles. Michael Harris, President of Michigan Paralyzed Veterans of America discusses the new law with host Jim Fausone.

STORIES OF SERVICE IN MUSIC AND PROSE – ARMY AND COAST GUARD Dale Throneberry hosts our guests: George Meldrum – Vietnam Infantryman, 1968-1972Chuck Jones – Nashville Songwriter and PerformerCapt. Steven J. Craig (ret) – Coast Guard Reserves, author I was playing drums and doing vocals in a blues band when I was drafted in May of 1968. That was before the lottery and I was surprised one day at the mailbox with the letter ordering me to report to the induction center. I have no pictures of me or James O’Banion, the “buddy” for which this song was inspired. There was a very low point in my life where I didn’t want to think about the war and I got rid of everything; including every picture I had. After serving a little less than 4 years I briefly returned to performing music. However, that ended when I had to sell my drums to support a move to Salem, Oregon. 50 years later I started playing and performing again and currently perform locally doing a wide variety of music. “ALL PRESENT AND ACCOUNTED FOR” It was late November—one of the coldest periods to be on a ship near Alaska. The Coast Guard Cutter Jarvis had run aground during a severe storm and was taking on water. The engine room flooded, disabling the engines. Mountainous seas and gale force winds pounded the Jarvis, and to make matters worse, the ship was floating toward a rocky coastline that would surely destroy it and probably kill most, if not all, of the men. The ship’s captain ordered an emergency message be sent to the Seventeenth Coast Guard District Office in Juneau requesting Coast Guard assistance. But there were no Coast Guard assets near enough to provide immediate help. At 7:04 p.m., for one of the few times in Coast Guard history, a MAYDAY call for help would come from a Coast Guard vessel.

Dr. James Peake served in the Army for 38 years. He retired as a Lt. General in 2004. He was the Army Sugeon General. President GW Bush appointed him as Secretary of VA and he served as such in 2008 & 09. He is now Senior Vice President with CGI Group an international IT and business process consulting group. Dr. Peake is involved in CGI efforts to encourage veterans to consider IT careers with CGI. He talks about challenges at VA and recruiting efforts with host Jim Fausone.

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

NVBDC.org brings a LA artist to our attention that wrote a tribute for veterans and first responders. Jason M Jones talks about the military service of his brothers and sister and the inspiration for his song For the Heroes with host Jim Fausone.

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

The Iraq War’s only living Medal of Honor recipient tells the story behind one of the Iraq War’s legendary acts of valor; the men he fought with and the healing of reunion. In 2004, David Bellavia’s U.S. Army unit, an infantry bat­talion known as the Ramrods—2nd Battalion, 2nd Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division—fought and helped win the Battle of Fallujah, the bloodiest episode of the Iraq War. On November 10, 2004, Bellavia single-handedly cleared a forti­fied enemy position that had pinned down a squad from his platoon. Fourteen years later, Bellavia got a call from the pres­ident of the United States: he had been awarded a Medal of Honor for his actions in Fallujah and would receive America’s highest award for bravery in combat during a ceremony at the White House. Bellavia was a reluctant recipient and talks with host Jim Fausone about reuniting with the guys, behind the scenes of the Medal of Honor ceremony and his interactions with President Donald J. Trump.

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

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. 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. Rose talks with host Jim Fausone about Michael, his family, his faith, and his sacrifice.

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

Wall Street Journal reporter Ben Kesling talks about a program started in 2014 to teach cooks field butchery skills and ethical foraging. What happens when the supply lines do not exist for hot meals, MREs don't cut it and the troops need to live off the land? Kesling looked into the reasons for, the courses taught and the ethics being talked about field butchery and ethical living off the land with host Jim Fausone.

Happy New Year from all of us at Veterans Radio! One of our favorite programs from 2022. How Can You Mend This Purple Heart. 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. Click here for more information “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. Dwight’s latest publication is a newsletter called “Between the Lines” and can be found here.

Caroline Walsh enlisted in the USCG and experienced good duty and bad. She became an intel analyst for the USCG and then for the CIA. Having now moved on to a PhD progam in leadership she has written a book "Fairly Smooth Operator" reflecting on that service. She candidly discusses the sexual harassment and poor leadership in the USCG and offers some changes that could be implemented. Caroline talks to Jim Fausone about the good, the bad and the ugly aspects of service for a young college educated, athletic, woman.

OPERATION SONG PRODUCES ALBUM FOR GOLD STAR FAMILIES Bob Regan, Mike Byer and Terry Gould of Operation Song, a non-profit, fully volunteer music production organization tells the stories of military veterans through song. Archived broadcast from April 2022. https://www.operationsong.org/

Former Marine and State of Michigan Attorney General, Mike Cox talks about the Camp LeJeune Justice Act; that claims against the government must be filed by August 2024; how it won't reduce your VA Disability Claim, how it allows family members to make a claim, and much more. Attorney Cox discusses his family's service in the Army, Marines and Navy with host Jim Fausone.

RICK DUNGEY, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, CHRISTMAS SPIRIT FOUNDATION Christmas Spirit Foundation is a 501c3 charitable organization that has supported TREES FOR TROOPS for 18 years. Trees for Troops is a partnership with FedEx Freight.They have provided almost 300,000 free Christmas trees to the men and women of our armed forces since the program began in 2005. To support the foundation click here MARC LEEPSON – ARMY VETERAN AND AUTHOR OF 9 BOOKS Marc graduated from George Washington University in 1967. After serving in the U.S. Army from 1967-69, including a year in the Vietnam War. 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 12/22/12 USO Show. 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. Our guest is guest USO Senior Vice President and Air Force Veteran John Hanson. We’ll be taking a look at the history of the USO and how it has changed over the years. uso.org

The George W. Bush Institute's Veteran Leadership Program discussed by Matt Amidon with host Jim Fausone. This free executive leadership program brings together 50 scholars each year creating a network of civilian and military leaders. The 2023 application window is open until January 18, 2023. See www.bushcenter.org/standto

CAROLINE WALSH – US COAST GUARD Caroline Walsh enlisted in the USCG and experienced good duty and bad. She became an intel analysit for the USCG and then for the CIA. Having now moved on to a PhD progam in leadership she has written a book “Fairly Smooth Operator” reflecting on that service. She candidly discusses the sexual harassment and poor leadership in the USCG and offers some changes that could be implemented. Caroline talks to Jim Fausone about the good , the bad and the ugly aspects of service for a young college-educated, athletic woman. Caroline’s book “Fairly Smooth Operator” can be purchased on Amazon. 2023 GEORGE W. BUSH VETERAN LEADERSHIP PROGRAM The George W. Bush Institute’s Veteran Leadership Program is discussed by Matt Amidon with host Jim Fausone.This free executive leadership program brings together 50 scholars each year creating a network of civilian and military leaders. ATTORNEY MIKE COX ON CAMP LEJEUNE JUSTICE ACT AND MILITARY SERVICE Former Marine and State of Michigan Attorney General, Mike Cox talks about the Camp LeJeune Justice Act; that claims against the government must be filed by August 2024; how it wont reduce your VA disability claim, how it allows family members to make a claim and much more. The 2023 application window is open until January 18, 2023. See www.bushcenter.org/standto

John Slemp is a professional commercial photographer who specializes in aviation. He started taking pictures of WWII bomber jackets. These A2 Summer Leather Jackets took on the life of canvas for artists in WWII. Each jacket and its art tell a unique story. John started this project in 2014; now, a fantastic book is being published in 2022 about the jackets, art, and some of the boys that wore them. Slemp's website for the project is www.WWIIBomberBoys.com. He talks about the project with host Jim Fausone.

VETERAN STUDENTS PITCH BUSINESS PLANS AT WASHTENAW COMMUNITY COLLEGE Come out to see who wins at the Veteran Business Pitch & Showcase night! Participants who have completed the 3-month MVE-Lab program will be pitching their business concepts for cash prizes and holding a showcase. Support participants by voting for your favorite display in the Student Center before the event! This event is free and open to the public. BOB WOODRUFF FOUNDATION- Guest David Woodruff HOW IT ALL BEGAN Bob was reporting on the transfer of power between U.S. and Iraqi security forces for ABC’s “World News Tonight,” Jan. 29, 2006, when he sustained his life-threatening traumatic brain injury. Thanks to the quick actions of brave soldiers, medics, and military medical professionals, Bob’s life was saved. Within a few days, he was brought to the Naval Hospital at Bethesda, Md. As Bob recovered, the experience inspired their family to do one thing: Ensure that our nation’s impacted veterans, service members, and their families have access to the highest level of support and resources they deserve, for as long as they need it. NAVY PILOT STROUD THANKS HIS “GOOD CO-PILOT” Son – I’d already kissed you goodbye! The Admiral of the Task Force Veterans Radio heard about Navy man Richard Stroud while interviewing Operation Song earlier this year. While perusing their awesome collection of works we ran across Richard Stroud’s song titled “Good Co-Pilot”. You can listen to his song here on the Operation Song website. The song was written by Steve Williams and Richard Stroud and directed by Amanda Byer.

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 www.ourcommunitysalutes.org to learn more. Ken talks to host Jim Fausone about OCS and its future and the need to support recruitment efforts by the military.

While you were all enjoying your Thanksgiving meal on Thursday, did you take time to pause and say a prayer for our all volunteer military? Did you wonder what they were doing while you were celebrating your freedom with your family and friends? One of the greatest traditions in the United States Military is to try and serve a hot Thanksgiving dinner complete with turkey, stuffing, gravy, cranberry sauce and pumpkin pie to every active duty serviceman and woman serving around the world. Do you remember those dinners? Where were you serving? Did you help prepare those dinners or deliver them? Let us know what is was like for you at Thanksgiving or Christmas while you were on active duty. Go here and leave us your story. Contact Us - Veterans Radio

After serving 32 years, Tim Horvath retired as a USAF Chief Master Sergeant. He completed a career in local law enforcement while in the National Guard with multiple overseas deployments. Tim then had the shock of a lifetime being diagnosed in 2022 with male breast cancer. He explains the discovery, surgery and radiation treatments to host Jim Fausone.

This week’s one hour radio broadcast includes host Jim Fausone and his guests: US Rep Elissa Slotkin, fomer CIA specialist with 3 tours in Iraq John Slemp, Armor Officer, US Army – Photographer/Author US REPRESENTATIVE ELISSA SLOTKIN – FORMER CIA ANALYST IN IRAQ Rep. Elissa Slotkin (Mi-08) is on the House Committees for Veterans Affairs, Homeland Security, and Armed Services. She is a former CIA Analyst with three tours in Iraq where she met her husband, an Army officer flying Apaches, now retired. Rep. Slotkin talks about the lessons learned from Agent Orange exposure, PACT Act efforts, and the slow but building efforts in Congress to recognize that veterans had exposure to PFAS-type chemicals, known as “forever chemicals.” She is candid and direct with host Jim Fausone. You will learn about the status of the Vet PFAS Act but also how veterans should lobby Congress to get things done. JOHN SLEMP – ARMY ARMOR OFFICER AND AWARD WINNING PHOTOGRAPHER Born in Japan, award-winning photographer John Slemp was a world traveler before he was a teen. After attending college on an academic scholarship, he served in the US Army stationed in Germany, and out of curiosity spent many hours visiting well-known museums throughout Europe. Fast forward twenty-plus years, and his extensive photography experience allows him to create a wide variety of images including environmental still life, portraits, and lifestyle images. Light, shape, and composition are the tools used to create images for a wide variety of editorial, corporate, and advertising clients worldwide. WWII BOMBER BOYS AND THEIR STORIES OF MILITARY SERVICE For more information and to purchase his latest photo book click here – www.wwiibomberboys.com

Col. Matthew Amidon is the Director of Veterans and Military Families at the George W. Bush Institute. In 2022, he wrote about the services missing their recruiting goals by big margins and that every veteran has an obligation to help out. He discusses this issue with host Jim Fausone.

JOIN DALE THRONEBERRY AND JIM FAUSONE AS THEY LOOK BACK OVER THE LAST 19 YEARS OF VETERANS RADIO BROADCASTING!

A Navy veteran with 20 years of construction industry experience, John Piekarski and friends bought assets to start Ally Construction Services. The At-Risk Construction Management services company was started in 2017 in Pennsylvania. He talks about National Veterans Business Development Council (NVBDC.org), growing the business, hiring veterans and JROTC with host Jim Fausone.

Guests on this week's Veterans Radio Art Fishman, Jewish War Veteran and Michigan Veteran of the Year Kate Melcher, Executive Director, Fisher House Michigan From the Jewishnews.com website … Art served in both the Army Air Corp and Navy. Included among his tours of duty during WWII, Fireman First Class Arthur Fishman participated in the Yangtze River Patrol mine sweeping mission in the Port of Shanghai aboard the destroyer USS Robinson. He was awarded the Bronze Star for his efforts. Of his role during WWII, Art deflects any attention directed at himself; instead, he pays homage to those who paid the ultimate price. As he said to the hundreds of people in attendance at The Michigan WWII Legacy Memorial groundbreaking in April: “Remember the heroes that are not here. They are the ones we dedicate this day to.” For the full article – www.thejewishnews.com

Marine and Wall Street Journal reporter Ben Kesling tells the story of the war in Afghanistan through the eyes of the men of Bravo Company of the 82nd Airborne Division. By the time they made it home, three soldiers were KIA, two dozen lost limbs, and half of the company was awarded the Purple Heart. Ten years later, Ben catches up with the men to unravel the impact of the war on their lives. He talks to host Jim Fausone about the purposes and messages packed into this unique look at a warrior company.

Dale Throneberry, hosts this month’s VA Benefits program hour with the following guests: John Griffith, State Commander, VFW of MichiganBrig Gen Carol Ann Fausone (ret) – Legal Help for Veterans The VFW traces its roots back to 1899 when veterans of the Spanish-American War (1898) and the Philippine Insurrection (1899-1902) founded local organizations to secure rights and benefits for their service: Many arrived home wounded or sick. There was no medical care or veterans' pension for them,and they were left to care for themselves! In their misery, some of these veterans banded together and formed organizations with what would become known as the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States. After chapters were formed in Ohio, Colorado and Pennsylvania, the movement quickly gained momentum. By 1915, membership grew to 5,000; by 1936, membership was almost 200,000. Since then, the VFW's voice had been instrumental in establishing the Veterans Administration, creating a GI bill for the 20th century, the development of the national cemetery system and the fight for compensation for Vietnam vets exposed to Agent Orange and for veterans diagnosed with Gulf War Syndrome. Besides helping fund the creation of the Vietnam, Korean War, World War II and Women in Military Service memorials, the VFW in 2005 became the first veterans' organization to contribute to building the new Disabled Veterans for Life Memorial, which opened in November 2010. Annually, the nearly 2 million members of the VFW and its Auxiliaries contribute more than 8.6 million hours of volunteerism in the community, including participation in Make A Difference Day and National Volunteer Week..

Rep. Elissa Slotkin (Mi-08) is on the House Committees for Veterans Affairs, Homeland Security, and Armed Services. She is a former CIA Analyst with three tours in Iraq where she met her husband, an Army officer flying Apaches, now retired. Rep. Slotkin talks about the lessons learned from Agent Orange exposure, PACT Act efforts, and the slow but building efforts in Congress to recognize that veterans had exposure to PFAS-type chemicals, known as "forever chemicals." She is candid and direct with host Jim Fausone. You will learn about the status of the Vet PFAS Act but also how veterans should lobby Congress to get things done.

THE NIGHT BEFORE TET It was almost 2100hrs on 30 January 1968, the night before the “Tet Offensive” when Wendell Skinner’s helicopter crashed in Vietnam attempting to extract a Special Forces Long Range Patrol Team that had come in contact with a large force of Viet Cong and NVA. From Wendell’s Facebook page, he noted “this is my chopper day after shot down near Bear Cat. Team from Co. F. 51st Inf Airborne LRRP’s was who we were picking up, night extraction.” The Landing Zone was a burned out area in the jungle that was covered with ashes. As the helicopter made its approach the ashes flew up around the aircraft blinding the pilot and he made a hard landing resulting in the pilot being thrown through the windshield still strapped in his seat almost tearing his arm off. The co-pilot and door gunner were thrown against the dash and suffered broken bones. Skinner was thrown under the Huey as it rolled over and started to burn. Thinking Skinner was dead another Huey picked up the wounded crew and the SF Team and left the area leaving Skinner. Major Earl Carlson, CO of the 195th Assault Helicopter Company was awakened shortly after midnight and told of the crash and the loss of Skinner. Carlson was outraged. ”You don’t leave a soldier, dead or alive, behind.” He had never lost a man under his command. He gathered a crew together and went to find Skinner. “I was just doing what a commanding officer is supposed to do.”

U.S. Navy Capt. Paul J. Ryan (ret.) is Vice Chair of the Michigan Military and Veteran Hall of Honor. Ryan discusses the Hall, its nomination process, and 3 of the 6 inductees into the Hall in November 2022 with host Jim Fausone.