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Navy Reserve Captain Paul J. Ryan (ret) talks about the mission of the Hall of Honor and its inductee class of 2021. The ceremony will be on November 19, 2021, at the Michigan History Museum in Lansing. Paul discusses with host Jim Fausone some of the inductees including Catherine Farrell, Jeffrey Stitzel, and Thomas Hass. Every branch of service is recognized, from enlisted tour members to retiring Generals may earn a spot in the Hall.
AMERICAN VETERAN AMERICAN VETERAN is a new, four-part PBS series exploring the veteran experience. Created to help bridge the gap between those who have served and those who have not, the series features personal stories from an incredibly diverse group from all branches of the service covering multiple issues of life in the military. It premieres on Tuesdays, October 26-November 16. CHARIOTS IN THE SKY A Novel – US Assault Helicopter Pilots in Vietnam Captain Taylor St. James, along with his friends and comrades, as they fly harrowing combat missions, cover for each other, deal with bad weather, mechanical problems and human error during the later part of the Vietnam War. When not flying, they are harassed by rocket attacks and sappers in the wire. The Author Larry Freeland served in Vietnam with the 101st Airborne Division as an Infantry Officer and CH-47 helicopter pilot. He has been a banker, financial consultant, and College Instructor in Management and Leadership Development. He is now retired and living in North Georgia. He enjoys fundraising for Cystic Fibrosis, volunteering for Veterans events, driving his Corvette, and writing books. For more information: www.larryfreeland.com
Paul Ryan talks about the Michigan Military and Veterans Hall of Honor with host Jim Fausone. Their vision is to create a Hall of Honor for Michigan citizens who have distinguished themselves through military service and/or public service as a veteran of the Armed Forces of the United States. It seeks to recognize our most distinguished service members and veterans through a Hall of Honor induction while creating a means and location to educate future generations of Michigan’s military legacy. The November 19, 2021, ceremony in Lansing, Michigan will recognize people like President Gerald Ford, Maj. General Lucius Theus and Lt. Aleda Lutz.
This week’s host is Dale Throneberry. His guest is James Kitfield, author of “In the Company of Heroes”. IN THE COMPANY OF HEROES An award-winning military journalist tells the amazing stories of twenty-five soldiers who’ve earned the Medal of Honor, the nation’s highest military award. In the Company of Heroes features in-depth narrative profiles of the twenty-five post-9/11 Medal of Honor awardees who served in Afghanistan and Iraq. This book focuses on the stories of these extraordinary people, expressed in their own voices through one-on-one interviews, and in the case of posthumous awards, through interviews with their brothers in arms and their families.
Dr. Samuel Kalush graduated from medical school in 1966. He was interning at Milwaukee County General in 1966-67 when Uncle Sam came calling. After a month of learning to be a medical officer, he was sent to Vietnam as a battalion surgeon overseeing a squad of 7 medics. He recounts his experiences in multiple firefights and what he learned from those experiences. Dr. Kalush went on to have a distinguished career as a heart surgeon and cardiologist in Wisconsin, Michigan, and Florida. For his actions in those firefights he received the Bronze Star and Silver Star, quite unusual for a surgeon.
A HALL OF HONOR HONOR AND EDUCATE The Michigan Military and Veterans Hall of Honor seeks to not only honor Michigan military veterans, but to also educate our citizens about military service as a basic and honorable duty of citizenship–to stir patriotic spirit, a sense of civic duty, and a sense of honor that calls people to arms. WHY A HALL OF HONOR? Honor is a core military virtue that, unlike fame, implies true worth, genuine virtue, and real achievement – valorous and meritorious. As a Hall of Honor, we seek to recognize and honor military veterans, with due attention to their true military and civic virtue and achievement. 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.
Jeff King is the Operations and Certification Manager for NVBDC. The National Veteran Business Development Council (NVBDC) was established in 2013 to address the growing need to identify and certify both service disabled and veteran owned businesses (SD/VOBs) in the government and commercial (corporate) marketplace. The NVBDC administers a rigorous certification process designed to withstand the scrutiny of governmental and corporate entities seeking to utilize certified SD/VOBs. Jeff talks about the new programs at NVBDC, its working with other certifying organizations for Women, Hispanics, Minorities, etc. He talks with host Jim Fausone about growing up with a father active in the VVA and his own US Army service as a Bradley Gunner.
Michael J. Martin lived the music he wrote and sang. His music had some miles on it. He and his partner, Tim “Doc” Holiday, both Vietnam Veterans, started writing and recording their music back in late 70s and early 80s. They led marches from Texas to Washington to make people and the government aware of what was happening to a whole generation of Vietnam Veterans. They are both gone now, but their music is still inspiring veterans of all ages. It’s as powerful as it is emotional. It’s letting the veterans and their families know that “They Are Not Alone”. Some of their music has been remastered and can be acquired by contacting Michael’s daughter Andy Martin. You can contact Andy at andymartin23@rocketmail.com or you can text her at 615-692-4103.
Join our regular guests Brig. General (ret) Carol Ann Fausone from Legal Help For Veterans, Brian Hayes, Public Affairs Officer, VA Ann Arbor (MI) and Michael Smith, Washtenaw County (MI) Dept. of Veteran Affairs. They along with host Dale Throneberry will bring you up to date on what’s going on at the VA and answer your questions regarding any and all benefits you may be entitled to. An important note for all veterans => Keep your VA contact information (phone number, address, email address) and marital status updated in a timely fashion. This assures that you will receive notifications from the VA and enables the VA to administer to your needs.
The NOAA Corps is one of 8 US uniformed services. Its history goes back to 1807 as the civilian Coast Survey, and 1917 as the U.S. Coast and Geodetic Survey Corps. In 1965 its ancestor Environmental Science Services Administration Corps came about and finally in 1970 it was named the NOAA Corps. Lt Dustin Picard talks about the history/mission of the Corps, as well as its interesting and important work. The Corps has coordinated with the USCG, U.S. Navy, and other services at times. It supports the mission of NOAA and is today part of Homeland Security. Its missions involve ocean and coast survey work, fisheries compliance, ocean research, and weather aviation. Picard talks with former NOAA Corps officer Lt (j.g.) Jim Fausone.
Kaia Alderson’s historical fiction novel reveals the untold true story of the Six Triple Eight, the only all-Black battalion of the Women’s Army Corps who made the dangerous voyage to Europe to ensure American servicemen received word from their loved ones during World War II. Based on a true story of the 6888th Postal Battalion (the Six Triple Eight), Sisters in Arms explores the untold story of what life was like for the only all-Black, female U.S. battalion to be deployed overseas during World War II. Kaia discusses her research, the 6888th, and the Congressional Gold Medal with host Jim Fausone.
REBECCA GRANT, MILITARY ANALYST, IRIS RESEARCH Dr. Rebecca Grant is a national security analyst based in Washington, DC. She earned her PhD in International Relations from the London School of Economics at age 25 then worked for RAND and on the staff of the Secretary of the Air Force and Chief of Staff of the Air Force. Since founding IRIS Independent Research, she has specialized in research for government and aerospace industry clients ranging from analysis of military campaigns to projects on major technology acqusition such as the B-21 bomber. Dr. Grant has written over 100 articles for Air Force Magazine and appears regularly on the Smithsonian Channel, Fox News, CNN, Veterans Radio and other media outlets talking about airpower and national security. She has flown with the United States Air Force in the T-38, E-3 AWACS, B-52, F-16 Aggressors, F-15 in Exercise Cope North and in the B-2 Spirit bomber. Listen to our past programs with Dr. Rebecca Grant
Many service members do not receive the Purple Heart while in service. As they or family members look back years later, they often attempt to receive the Purple Heart. Nurse and veteran Carol Ann Fausone, a veterans advocate, discusses the regulations and requirements to qualify for the Purple Heart. The retired Brigadier General discusses some of her experience helping veterans look into qualifications, as well as working with the Awards and Decorations Branch at Fort Knox.
VOLLANO APPEALS A DSC TO BE UPGRADED TO MEDAL OF HONOR Someone has to promote a Medal of Honor review. William Vollano is that person for US Army Lt. Col. Charles Kettles (ret.) who received the Distinguished Service Cross (DSC) for his heroic action flying four choppers in to save 44 men in Vietnam in May 1967. Almost 50 years later, Bill Vollano recorded Charlie tell his story as part of the Veterans History Project for the Library of Congress. As a volunteer, Bill has recorded about 75 veteran stories. After hearing Charlie’s story, Bill decided that the DSC was insufficient recognition and began a 5 year journey to have Kettles package reviewed for ultimate upgrade to the MOH. “LEAVE NO MAN BEHIND” Author Tony Brooks gives a first-hand account of the daring recovery of Turbine 33and the subsequent search for the remaining compromised Navy SEAL recon team—one of whom was Marcus Luttrell, the lone survivor. The Rangers were up against lack of intel, treacherous terrain, violent weather, and an enemy that was raised to fight. Tony Brooks lived—and many of his fellow Rangers died—by the axiom, “Leave No Man Behind.” He is the first to tell the story other books and films have omitted, one of overcoming overwhelming odds to accomplish a mission: to bring every American soldier home.
Navy veteran Roger Yoder talks about his navy career and post-retirement passions. He has compiled the Ultimate Major League Baseball book on the Detroit Tigers. He discusses this with host Jim Fausone.
This week’s guests during our one hour radio broadcast with host Dale Throneberry: Michael Gier, Producer of “Healing the Heroes of 9-11” HEALING THE HEROES OF 9-11 Michael Gier, producer, shares the 5 personal reflections of heroes from September 11, 2001. “Healing the Heroes of 9-11” is directed/produced by Michael Gier and brought to you by 22Zero, a nonprofit organization that has helped thousands of military veterans and first responders struggling with PTS. The film features five 9-11 first responders as they discuss what they experienced and how it’s impacted their lives the last 20 years. Melissa Engle, Therapeia CounselingIt is Suicide Awareness Month. How appropriate given the approaching 20th anniversary of 9-11 and the current uneasy feelings of veterans, active duty, and the general public following the withdrawal of Allied support for the Afghanistan people, Americans, correspondents, and others at risk of Taliban terror.Jeff King, Operations and Compliance at NVBDC
In Breaking Ice and Breaking Glass, Vice Admiral Sandy Stosz USCG (ret) draws upon her forty years of extensive experience and wisdom to provide tools that will help leaders reach their goals and succeed at every level. Character-centered, proven leadership principles emerge from these engaging, personal stories that teach leaders how to find, and then become, an inspiring mentor; implement successful diversity, inclusion, and equity programs; successfully lead in a complex environment; and much more. Sandy talks about core values instilled by her grandparents; being quietly competent, prepared, persevering and Semper Paratus. The Admiral then talks with host Jim Fausone about the expanding and evolving missions of the USCG in the Persian Gulf, Arctic, and South China Sea.
Join host, Jim Fausone, and our regular guests Brig. General (ret) Carol Ann Fausone from Legal Help For Veterans, Brian Hayes, Public Affairs Officer, VA Ann Arbor (MI) and Michael Smith, Washtenaw County (MI) Dept. of Veteran Affairs. They along with host Jim Fausone will bring you up to date on what’s going on at the VA and answer your questions regarding any and all benefits you may be entitled to. Our guests on this program: Brig. Gen. Carol Ann Fausone (ret), Legal Help for VeteransMichael G. Smith, Jr., Director of Washtenaw County (MI) Dept. of Veteran AffairsBrian Hayes, Public Affairs Officer, VA Ann Arbor Michigan
Army Ranger Tony Brooks talks about why he joined, Ranger training and the reality of a recovery operation and secondary rescue efforts for Navy Seal Marcus Luttrell. On June 28, 2005, a four-man Navy SEAL reconnaissance team under Operation Red Wings was ambushed in northeastern Afghanistan.. A quick reaction force was dispatched. Turbine 33, carrying eight Navy SEALs and eight members of the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment, was struck by a rocket-propelled grenade―careening the dual rotor Chinook toward the rugged peak of Sawtalo Sar. The result was the single deadliest incident in Special Operations history at the time. Commanders called on the largest element of US Special Forces, the 75th Ranger Regiment. The rescue mission: Operation Red Wings II. Author Dr.Tony Brooks gives a first-hand account of the daring recovery of Turbine 33 and the subsequent search for the remaining compromised Navy SEAL recon team―one of whom was Marcus Luttrell, the lone survivor. The Rangers were up against lack of intel, treacherous terrain, violent weather, and an enemy that was raised to fight. Tony Brooks lived by the axiom, “Leave No Man Behind.” He is the first to tell the story other books and films have omitted, one of overcoming overwhelming odds to accomplish a mission: to bring every American soldier home. Tony talks with host Jim Fausone and paints a vivid picture of Army Ranger training and the strain of the mission.
Dale, UH1-H pilot in Vietnam, talks with author Colin P. Cahoon about his most recent book - Mended Wings. Follow the lives of ten Purple Heart reciepients as they relate the Vietnam War experience from their perspective as helicopter pilots. Huey slicks, Charlie model gunships, Loaches and Cobras are all here. Get to know the generation of men who fought with pride, determination, skill, and courage only to be shunned when they brought their battered bodies and haunting memories home. Their fathers and uncles were heralded as the “greatest generation.” Meet the forgotten generation.
There always needs to be someone who promotes an MOH review. William Vollano is that person for U.S. Army Lt. Col. Charles Kettles (ret.) who received the Distinguished Service Cross (DSC) for his heroic actions in May 1967 after flying four choppers in to save 44 men. Almost 50 years later, Bill recorded Charlie telling his story as part of the Veterans History Project for the Library of Congress. As a volunteer, Bill has recorded about 75 veteran stories. After hearing Charlie's story, Bill decided that the DSC was insufficient recognition and began a 5-year journey to have Kettles' package reviewed for an ultimate upgrade to the MOH. Bill talks to host Jim Fausone about the process and the importance of Congressional help.
“Beyond Belief” is a unique compilation of short stories by a team of authors and researchers. Herein you will find some of the most amazing stories ever told, each of them presented in an historically factual manner without hyperbole or literary license. 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 a Navy Corps on a submarine during a War Patrol, undertook an emergency appendectomy on a sailor, without benefit of medical tools or an operating room, to save his life. In these pages you will find thoroughly researched stories. These are the stories that will leave you shaking your head in disbelief, proving as one author once wrote, “Truth is not only stranger than fiction, but far more interesting.” To purchase this book: amazon.com
Lt. Col. John Lock, US Army (ret.) spent 18 years advancing the upgrade of Col. Ralph Puckett, US Army (ret.) to receive the Medal of Honor. John Lock was the MOH Sherpa for Puckett. Every MOH recipient has to have a sherpa, someone who carries the load and walks ahead on the trail. Lock talks about his militray career, Army Ranger Lt. Puckett's exploits in freezing cold Korea in November 1950, the 18-year jouney to upgrade Puckett's DSC to MOH and the White House ceremony in May 2021 when President Biden awarded the MOH. John has a lengthy and unique talk with host Jim Fausone.
Host Jim Fausone Interviews 3 guests: Rob Donovic, Army National Guard-Rob Donovic of the Michigan Army National Guard talks about his recent deployment as a Chinook door gunner from July 2020 to May 2021. The deployment had him in Kuwait, Iraq, Jordan, Syria and Saudi Arabia.Roger Yoder, 20 year Navy-Navy veteran Roger Yoder talks about his navy career and his post retirement passion including compiling the Ultimate Major League Baseball book on the Detroit Tigers. The book, titled Detroit Tigers-Michigan’s Favorite Sports TeamVice Admiral Sandy Stosz, 40 year US Coast Guard-VICE ADMIRAL STOSZ ON CORE VALUES In Breaking Ice and Breaking Glass, Vice Admiral Sandy Stosz USCG (ret) draws upon her forty years of extensive experience and wisdom to provide tools that will help leaders reach their goals and succeed at every level. Sandy talks about core values instilled by her grandparents; being quietly competent, prepared, persevering and Semper Paratus. To stay current with Vice Admiral Stosz you can follow her blog and media on her website at www.sandrastosz.com.
Rob Donovic talks about his recent deployment as a Chinook door gunner from July 2020 to May 2021. The deployment had him in Kuwait, Iraq, Jordan, Syria and Saudi Arabia. What is it like to be away for the holidays in this era of social media. He talks about the Chinook missions and keeping the family up to date with host Jim Fausone.
“The Last Thing We Ever Do” CD was produced by Warrior Songs, a Wisconsin non-profit helping veterans heal from the trauma of war through the creative arts. The album features 14 songs created by professional songwriters from the firsthand testimonials of Vietnam era veterans, brought to life by professional studio musicians. Copies of the CDs are made available to veterans and veteran non-profits free of charge. The songs on the album cover topics including the military draft, combat, survivor guilt, coping with returning to civilian life, and moral injury. Nineteen Vietnam era veterans gave testimonials, transformed into song by 21 songwriters and recorded by 81 studio musicians in 14 different studios across five states in two countries – USA and Vietnam. A total of 109 artists, including 17 Vietnamese nationals, joined forces to complete the project. The release party and concert at Turner Hall Ballroom includes a lineup with 10 of the 14 acts that wrote and recorded songs for the CD. Jason Moon, executive producer of the album, is an Iraq combat veteran and award-winning singer-songwriter. He experienced severe PTSD, but overcame it through his music after a long struggle, although still plagued by it at times. He founded Warrior Songs in 2011 as a way to help other veterans heal through music and other creative arts, and devotes his life to it.
For ten years now, Ken Moffett has been advancing the package for an upgrade to the Medal of Honor for Capt. Bill Albracht. His heroics in Vietnam at Fire Base Kate in 1969 have been the subject of a book "Abandoned in Hell" and a documentary "Escape from Fire Base Kate." Ken explains how he got started on this mission and the roadblocks he has encountered. Moffett explains the battle facts he has uncovered, the eyewitness testimony he has gathered, and the challenges of having the Army consider the upgrade. Host Jim Fausone calls the men who advance MOH packages "Sherpas" as they carry a load up a hill trying to guide the package to a successful upgrade. No easy task.
VA BENEFITS EXPERTS ON DECK This is our monthly program on the VA and your benefits. An important note for all veterans => Keep your VA contact information (phone number, address, email address) and marital status updated in a timely fashion. This assures that you will receive notifications from the VA and enables the VA to administer to your needs. Our guests on this program: Brig. Gen. Carol Ann Fausone (ret), Legal Help for VeteransMichael G. Smith, Jr., Director of Washtenaw County (MI) Dept. of Veteran AffairsBrian Hayes, Public Affairs Officer, VA Ann Arbor Michigan The winner of the US Wings Flight Jacket for July is George Vraneza, Navy Veterans from Boalsburg, PA. Congratulations, George. Don't forget to register for next month's drawing on our last program in August
Fred Schaible, Deputy Director of the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, talks about the work of the Michigan Veterans Facility Authority and the new 128 private residence rooms in a state-of-the-art Chesterfield Township facility. This serves veterans in SE Michigan and is part of a state and national effort to upgrade veteran homes. Fred explains the neighborhood layout and the services available in these new assisted living homes. He also explains admission criteria and what future homes may be coming to all states because of the new $500 million in funding that VA has available to invest in such projects. Host Jim Fausone asks about the national landscape for these homes, the regulation, and funding.
Dale Throneberry introduces a guest host, Dr. Eric Fretz, and his entrepreneurial champion guests as follows: Kristin Gapske, Director of Entrepreneurial Center at Washtenaw Community College. https://www.wccnet.edu/succeed/entrepreneurship-center/Matt Sherwood, VBOC for Michigan, Ohio, and Indiana. www.vetbizcentral.orgJulie Cowie, Michigan Veteran Entrepreneurs, Grand Valley State University www.gvsu.edu/mve Michael Hyacinthe, Michigan Veteran Entrepreneurs, Grand Valley State University Eric Fretz is a graduate of the University of Michigan and a faculty lecturer who creates and delivers classes across campus (Psychology, Innovate Blue Entrepreneurship, School of Education, College of Engineering Center for Entrepreneurship). In addition to classes from the 100 to 600 level, he also delivers academic readiness classes for Student Veterans at U-M and other institutions locally and nationwide.
