Veterans Radio

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.

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

There is a lot of paperwork that goes into getting someone awarded the Medal of Honor. In Paris Davis's case, it involved lost MOH packages, racism and over a 50-year wait. Neil Thorne, a national historical and military researcher and Jim Moriarty, a lawyer and Marine, were part of the team that helped advance the case for Paris Davis. Thorne and Moriarty were the MOH sherpas carrying the load uphill to get to the mountain top. They explain to host Jim Fausone the behind-the-scene challenges, obstacles and lucky breaks that led to this much deserved award.

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

Bill Currence graduated from West Point in 1993. After his Army career, he has had a dynamic business career and is now consulting helping other businesses succeed. He talks about the value of membership in the National Business Development Council (NVBDC) with host Jim Fausone.

CHILDREN OF FALLEN PATRIOTS FOUNDATION Children of Fallen Patriots just celebrated its 20th anniversary and over that time has supported over 3000 children who have lost a parent in the line of duty. We honor the fallen by supporting their children and give them a bright future. We help them get all the VA funding they are entitled to, other private funding, and then fund the rest. We have provided almost $70 million in scholarships. Jeanette McMahon | Development Officer Colonel, U.S. Army, Retired Widow of LTC Mike McMahon Mom of 3 Scholarship Recipients For more information on Children of Fallen Patriots Foundation BILL CURRENCE, CORNERSTONE CONSULTING, A CERTIFIED VETERAN OWNED BUSINESS Currence is an Army Veteran who is passionate about OpEx, FIT and CCO’s impact on our customer’s sustainability in business and their communities. Bill is also a champion for National Veterans Business Development Council. NVBDC certifies veteran owned businesses (VOB). NVBDC certification enables VOBs to bid on government and corporate projects that require this certification. This is an $80 billion dollar market. For more information on Cornerstone Consulting Operation Song® empowers veterans, active-duty military members, and their families to tell their stories through the process of songwriting. With the help of professional songwriters, the veteran’s personal story is transformed into song.This month we are featuring songwriter Tom McElvain and retired police officer Kristian Lorusso collboration on "Lifeline".

Dr. Ike McKinnon talks about his start in life and how service in the USAF molded him and gave him a world view. Ike explains to host Jim Fausone how that world view and the values instilled by his family guided him in police work, in being Chief of Police in Detroit and its Deputy Mayor.

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

Jim Dempsey served for over 28 years. Upon retirement, he got involved in helping veterans with disability claims at the DAV; became chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Michigan Veteran Trust Fund; served as Commander of the DAV for the Department of Michigan and has supported adaptive skiing and golf for veterans. He talks about all this and more with host Jim Fausone.

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

Educator and successful businesswoman, Erica Robertson, discusses life on Detroit's mean streets and opportunities created by the Navy for her with host Jim Fausone.

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

Randall Liberty served for 24 years in the Army, Army National Guard, and Reserves, ultimately retiring as a Command Sgt. Major. His overseas assignments include Korea, Iraq, and Italy. Randall experienced some of the all-too-common transitional issues. However, he has a civilian career that spans the different sectors of law enforcement, 16 years as a Sheriff, four years as a prison warden, and now serves as Commissioner of the State of Maine Department of Corrections. Randall talks to host Jim Fausone about veterans and the legal system, as well as the need to give those incarcerated a second chance at redemption.

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.