Veterans Radio

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.

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.