Veterans Radio

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.

NATIONAL VIETNAM WAR MUSEUM Edward T. Luttenberger, Communications Director – The National Vietnam War Museum Located in Weatherford, Texas In 2020 there were 3 additions to the wall and in 2021 there were two additions, bringing the total number of names on The Wall to 58,281. There were also two service members who were repatriated in 2020 and those service members had their status symbols changed on The Wall. The number of Americans still listed as missing and unaccounted for from the Vietnam War stands at 1,584. Name additions and status changes are usually done annually in May. However, the engraving was postponed to the fall this year due to the Covid-19 pandemic. These service members will be officially welcomed home at the next in-person ceremony at The Wall. For more information: www.nationalvnwarmuseum.org CPT THOMAS P. STEMPKY Army pilot who served in Vietnam as a Gunship Platoon Leader with the 189th Assault Helicopter Company Thomas Stempky was raised in Cheboygan, MI, and was drafted while attending North Central Michigan University. He was one of 26 men drafted from Cheboygan County in January 1966. Captain Stempky became a Gunship Platoon Leader in the 189th Assault Helicopter Company. While serving in that role, he was awarded a Silver Star, Distinguished Flying Cross with 3 oak leaf clusters, Purple Heart, Bronze Star, and 26 Air Medals with “V” device. Tom was honorably discharged in 1974.

This week’s one hour radio broadcast includes host Jim Fausone and his guests: Captain Paul Ryan (ret) US Naval Reserves Brig. Gen. Ricardo Aponte, USAF (ret) Rear Admiral Will Rodriguez (ret) HISPANIC VETERANS LEADERSHIP ALLIANCE MISSION: OUR MILITARY LEADERS SHOULD MIRROR THE FACE OF AMERICA, REFLECTING THE ENLISTED TROOPS THEY LEAD AND THE PUBLIC THEY PROTECT. The Hispanic Veterans Leadership Alliance (HVLA) is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization of senior leaders, military and civilian, committed to overcoming the profound lack of Hispanic diversity and inclusion throughout the senior ranks of the DoD. Our mission is to advance the inclusion of Latinos across all leadership levels in the US Armed Forces, military and civilian. For more information: www.hvla.org A HALL OF HONOR US Navy Capt Paul J Ryan (ret) is vice chair of the Michigan Military and Veterans Hall of Honor. He discusses the 2022 class of inductees with host Jim Fausone. The inductees include a “Hello Girl” from WWI; an Army vet with 600 days of continuous combat and a Nisei in the most decorated unit in US military history. 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.

Col. Cesar "Rico" Rodrigues, Jr. (ret.) USAF served for 26 years. He splashed 3 MIGs and always gave 110%. He explains his background, service, and how his Hispanic heritage gives the unique 10% to his efforts. He has been described as a Hispanic overachiever and lives up to his reputation in service and post-service. He spends time with host Jim Fausone talking about the value of training at The Citadel.

U.S. Navy Capt. Paul J. Ryan (ret.) is Vice Chair of the Michigan Military and Veterans Hall of Honor. He discusses the 2022 class of inductees with host Jim Fausone. The inductees include a "Hello Girl" from WWI, an Army Veteran with 600 days of continuous combat, and a Nisei soldier in the most decorated unit in U.S. Military history.

This week’s program theme is Veterans Helping Veterans. Organizations founded by veterans for veterans. Guests include: William Crewe from Central Coast Veterans Helping Veterans Central Coast Veterans Helping Veterans – Home (ccvhv.org) Josh Flath Founder of 4the 22. 4the22 – Bringing Balance to Life Jon Lovald, COO of Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans MACV’s Mission is to End Veteran Homelessness in Minnesota (mac-v.org) Justin Corry, Corry Construction and Help for the Homefront

US Army LTC (ret.) Jim Reed, DNP discusses his military career in the field of medicine, the opportunities available, and being on an elite medical team supporting Special Mission Units in Counter-Terrorist Operations with host Jim Fausone. Reed was trained as a CRNA and deployed 9 times overseas and had over 1500 days in combat zones. Through his service, Reed earned the Legion of Merit, five Bronze Star Medals, two Air Medals, and many other awards and decorations.

Radio on the River was a gathering of Veteran Storytellers to raise funds for Veterans Radio America, Inc, a non-profit 401(c)3. Our guests included: Captain Thomas Stempky who became a Gunship Platoon Leader in the 189th Assault Helicopter Company in Vietnam 1968-69. While serving in that role, he was awarded a Silver Star, Distinguished Flying Cross with 3 oak leaf clusters, Purple Heart, Bronze Star, and 26 Air Medals with "V" device. Brian Gawne, CAPT, USN (retired) A combat veteran of six fleet tours in fighter aircraft, Brian served as Commanding Officer of the Navy’s first F-18F Super Hornet squadron. His staff experience includes consecutive tours in the Pentagon as a budget analyst and executive assistant in the Navy’s Programming Directorate (OPNAV N80), and division chief for the Director Navy Staff. He also served two years in Stavanger, Norway as a strategic plans officer assigned to NATO’s HQ North. He is a graduate of the US Naval Academy, holds a masters degree from the Naval War College, and has logged over 3500 flight hours in F-14 fighter aircraft as a Naval Flight Officer. Maj. Gen. William A. Henderson was born in Ann Arbor, Michigan. As a Marine pilot he flew 125 combat missions over South Vietnam, Laos and North Vietnam. From 1970-1974, he served as an F-4 check pilot and instructor. He left active duty and then joined the Michigan Air National Guard, flying F-100s and A-7s. He was named commander of the Michigan Air National Guard in 1992 and was promoted to major general in 1996. William Kerkstra, USMC deployed four times during the War on Terror, three to Iraq and one in Afghanistan.

The Leadership of Hispanic Veterans Leadership Alliance (HVLA) discusses with host Jim Fausone their progress in the last year, problems encountered and future plans. President of the HVLA, Brig. Gen. Ricardo Aponte, USAF (ret.), leads the discussion and Rear Admiral Will Rodriguez (ret.) talks about the progress, challenges, and Hispanic history on this episode.

DR. REBECCA GRANT COMMENTARY: GLOBAL MILITARY OPERATIONS SHE’S BACK! This week Veterans Radio’s host Dale Throneberry welcomes frequent program guest Dr. Rebecca Grant. Topics discussed include: Queen Elizabeth II's death and what's next for the UK, Ukraine and Russia, China and Taiwan, North Korea and more. Military Historian/Author/Commentator and President of IRIS Independent Research. She is also a regular guest on Fox Business with Charles Payne and Fox ‘n Friends to inform citizens of the facts related to global military status. It is Suicide Awareness Month. There are many excellent programs to recognize and address the issue. Wendy Hibbitts from https://www.22aday.org/ will join Dale to talk about their efforts to bring awareness to the community. Veterans Radio Fundraiser. Radio on the River Sunday 25 September 2022 Radio on the River (givebutter.com)

In June 1917, General John Pershing arrived in France to establish American forces in Europe. He immediately found himself unable to communicate with troops in the field. Pershing needed operators who could swiftly and accurately connect multiple calls, speak fluent French and English, remain steady under fire, and be utterly discreet, since the calls often conveyed classified information. At the time, nearly all well-trained American telephone operators were women—but women were not permitted to enlist, or even to vote in most states. Nevertheless, the U.S. Army Signal Corps promptly began recruiting them. More than 7,600 women responded, to aid the war effort by being Over There and near the front lines. This historical fiction is written by Jennifer Chiaverini, a New York Times best-selling author. She talks to host Jim Fausone about these heroic women of the WWI U.S. Army Signal Corps, their trials, successes, and discrimination.

This week’s radio broadcast includes host Jim Fausone and his guests: Captain Paul Ryan (ret) US Naval Reserves, Vice Chair of MI Military and Veterans Hall of HonorMajor Tom Schueman, Marine Corps, author of “Always Faithful” A HALL OF HONOR US Navy Capt Paul J Ryan (ret) is vice chair of the Michigan Military and Veterans Hall of Honor. He discusses the 2022 class of inductees with host Jim Fausone. The inductees include a “Hello Girl” from WWI; an Army vet with 600 days of continuous combat and a Nisei in the most decorated unit in US military history. 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. ALWAYS FAITHFUL In August of 2021, just days shy of the 20th anniversary of 9/11, America ended its longest war. The speed of the Afghanistan’s fall was so stunning that thousands of Afghan citizens who had helped American forces over the course of two decades—and had been promised visas in return—were suddenly stranded, in extreme, imminent danger. As the world watched the shocking scenes of desperation at the Kabul airport in the final two weeks of August, Maj. Tom Schueman fought—both behind the scenes and through a social media campaign—to get his friend and former Afghan interpreter, Zak, out of Afghanistan before he and his family were discovered by the Taliban. This book is available on Amazon.

"Always Faithful", tells the story of Marine Major Tom Schueman and his friend, Afghan interpreter Zainullah “Zak” Zaki, discussing their parallel lives, converging paths, and unbreakable bond in the face of overwhelming danger, culminating in Zak and his family’s harrowing escape from Kabul. Tom talks about joining the Marines and the bond that developed with Zak. He then discusses the failure to get interpreters and families - who supported the USA effort - out of Afghanistan, despite promises to do so. Tom talks with host Jim Fausone about the efforts to get Zak and his family to Texas where they had relatives.

Extraordinary Valor is the story of Special Forces Major John Duffy’s Medal of Honor gallantry at Firebase Charlie, and the heroism of South Vietnamese paratrooper, Major Lê Văn Mễ, who fought by his side. It is the true story of their battle to defend Charlie Hill, a key to holding Vietnam’s Central Highlands during North Vietnam’s 1972 Easter Offensive. John Joseph Duffy was born in New York City; Le Van Mễ in a small village outside the old imperial capital of Hue in South Vietnam. Living on opposite sides of the globe, they come together in the heat of war in Southeast Asia when Major Duffy is assigned as the American advisor to the elite South Vietnamese 11th Airborne Battalion where Mễ is second in command. The battalion receives the order to “Fight to the Death” on Charlie Hill. After two weeks of intense combat, hundreds lay dead and those still standing are out of food, water, and medical supplies. Their ammunition is nearly gone. Duffy and Mễ draw on their bond of friendship and trust to make a selfless two-man last stand against the final North Vietnamese human wave assault. Both are badly wounded, Duffy multiple times. Their heroic action allows 36 members of the 471-man battalion to escape and be rescued. The rest are killed, captured, or missing in action. William Reeder enlisted in the Army in 1965. He had two tours of duty in Vietnam flying OV-1 Mohawk reconnaissance airplanes and AH-1 Cobra attack helicopters. On his second combat tour, he was shot down and captured by the North Vietnamese, spending nearly a year as a prisoner of war. Through the Valley is his memoir of that experience. Deanne Bonner Simpson, counselor at Legal Help for Veterans, reviews the PACT ACT.

Michigan Army National Guard Veteran Brett Fennelly talks about life insurance, Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance (SGLI), Veterans' Group Life Insurance (VGLI), and the new VetLife programs offers to disabled veterans. Brett has a Farm Bureau agency in Ann Arbor, Michigan, and talks about stacking insurance products with host Jim Fausone.

WHAT’S THE PACT ACT AND HOW WILL IT AFFECT MY VA BENEFITS AND CARE? The PACT Act is perhaps the largest health care and benefit expansion in VA history. The full name of the law is The Sergeant First Class (SFC) Heath Robinson Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act. The PACT Act will bring these changes: Expands and extends eligibility for VA health care for Veterans with toxic exposures and Veterans of the Vietnam, Gulf War, and post-9/11 erasAdds more than 20 new presumptive conditions for burn pits and other toxic exposuresAdds more presumptive-exposure locations for Agent Orange and radiationRequires VA to provide a toxic exposure screening to every Veteran enrolled in VA health careHelps us improve research, staff education, and treatment related to toxic exposures If you’re a Veteran or survivor, you can file claims now to apply for PACT Act-related benefits. More details from the VA Freedom River. Meet the founders of Freedom River. Janna and Jeff Yeakey. From camping, activities and training facilities for veterans, their families and active service members of the U.S. military – Freedom River takes a complete community and outdoor recreation approach. To support Freedom River: www.freedomriverflows.org Veterans Connected These factors coupled with the demand to do hands-on serving projects, as a core group, we decided to “fix the problem in a Christian way,” and leave no Veteran behind.

U.S. Army Veteran Chris Videau talks about his service as an MP and Black Hawk helicopter pilot. Chris explains his exposure to burn pit contamination in Iraq and its impact on him. He explains to host Jim Fausone the idea for Sheets Laundry Club came from the desire to eliminate single-use plastics in the home, laundry, kitchen, and personal care aisles.

NEW BOOK TELLS THE UNTOLD TRUE STORY OF THE WORLD WAR II FROGMEN WHO GAVE RISE TO THE NAVY SEALS With echoes of Unbroken, the derring-do and bravado of The Right Stuff; and the battle-forged camaraderie of Band of Brothers, Into Enemy Waters by award-winning journalist Andrew Dubbins (Aug. 23, 2022, Diversion Books) details the origins and heroic missions of World War II’s elite unit of Navy frogmen, told through the eyes of one of its last living members, 95-year-old George Morgan. Morgan was just a wiry, 17-year-old lifeguard from New Jersey when he joined the Navy’s new combat demolition unit, tasked to blow up enemy coastal defenses ahead of landings by Allied forces. His first assignment: Omaha Beach on D-Day When he returned stateside, Morgan learned that his service was only beginning. Outfitted with swim trunks, a dive mask, and fins, he was sent to Hawaii and then deployed to the Pacific as a member of the pioneering Underwater Demolition Teams. GIs called them “half fish, half nuts.” Today, we call them Navy SEALs. Led by maverick Naval Reserve Officer Draper Kauffman, Morgan would spend the fierce final year of the war swimming up to enemy controlled beaches to gather intel and detonate underwater barriers. He’d have to master the sea, muster superhuman grit, and overcome the demons of Omaha Beach. Moving closer to Japan, the enemy’s island defenses were growing more elaborate and its soldiers more fanatical. From the black sand beaches of Iwo Jima, to the shark infested reefs of Okinawa, to the cold seas of Tokyo Bay, teenaged George Morgan was there before most, fighting for his life. And for all of us. For more information: AndrewDubbins.com.

US ARMY Major John Spencer (ret.) is the chair of Urban Warfare Studies at the Modern War Institute at West Point and a leading expert on Urban Warfare. In his new book, Connected Soldiers: Life, Leadership, and Social Connections in Modern War (July 1, 2022, Potomac Books), John delivers effective methods for building teams that overcome the distractions of home and the outside world, without reducing the benefits gained from connections to family and friends. His active-duty career spans more than 25 years and includes two combat deployments to Iraq as an Infantry Platoon Leader and Company Commander. He discusses being a military spouse and what he's learned from watching and traveling to Ukraine. John talks to host Jim Fausone about how social media has dissolved the barrier between home and the front line.

FROM BLACK HAWK HELICOPTER PILOT TO ENTREPRENEUR US Army veteran Chris Videau talks about his service as an MP and Black Hawk helicopter pilot. Chris explains his exposure to burn pit contamination in Iraq and its impact on him. Listen in as Chris explains where the idea for Sheets Laundry Club came from to eliminate single use plastics in the home laundry, kitchen and personal care. Order Sheets from Chris here: www.sheetslaundryclub.com ARMY NATIONAL GUARD AND COMBAT TO INSURANCE AGENCY OWNERSHIP Michigan Army National Guard veteran Brett Fennelly talks about life insurance, SGLI, VGLI and the new VetLife programs offered to disabled veterans. Brett has a Farm Bureau agency in Ann Arbor, Michigan and talks about stacking insurance products with host Jim Fausone. Looking for a fair deal? Comparative quote? Contact Brett at 734-944-0660

Rich Castagna joined the Marines and served in Afghanistan in 2009-10. He talks about an IED incident that killed his friend Lance Corporal Griffin, of Conneticut, and severly injured him. The heroics to save him and the 32 surgeries are precursors to his life now in federal law enforcement with a wonderful wife and three children. Rich, a MARSOC instructor, gives host Jim Fausone a look into MARSOC and the specialized training. Rich is known as the "luckiest unlucky guy" around.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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