Veterans Radio

Combat Flip Flops started when Army veteran Matthew Griffin noticed the safest areas in third worlds are where small businesses thrived. He wanted a business that could also do social good, such as educating girls in Afghanistan. He talks about his military career as an Army Ranger, what led him to starting Combat Flip Flops and the pull out of Afghanistan with host Jim Fausone.

Today's program with host Dale Throneberry has 3 guests: Susan Combs, Pancakes for RogerEric Fretz, R9VCAT AdvisorBill Nelson, Vietnam Veteran and Advisory Board Member of National Veterans Business Development Council (NVBDC) In Pancakes for Roger: A Mentorship Guide to Slaying Dragons — a series of quick, straightforward snapshots delivered with no fluff and a whole lot of heart — Susan L. Combs offers lessons from her father, Roger, and others so that you can lean on them, too, as you set out to slay your own dragons. Here’s a little more info from www.pancakesforroger.com.   BILL NELSON, NVBDC ADVISORY BOARD MEMBER Mr. Nelson is a Vietnam combat veteran, having served with the US Army’s 101st Airborne Division. Bill Nelson is the chairman and CEO of Eleven Bravo Enterprises, and was the chairman and CEO for HBO. The NVBDC is the nation’s leading third party authority for certification of veteran owned businesses of all sizes and the corporations wanting to engage them.For more information: www.nvbdc.o

Today, the Armed Forces Benefit Association (AFBA) continues to honor its mission, in war and peace, for those who serve this great nation, including our military, emergency first responders, government employees and contractors, and their families. They continue promoting members’ welfare through death benefits and other member benefits. AFBA is proud to serve nearly 650,000 members and has paid nearly $2 billion in death benefits since inception. AFBA death benefits are funded by life insurance underwritten by 5Star Life Insurance Company (“5Star Life”). 4 Star General Larry O. Spencer (ret.) USAF is now the President of AFBA and discusses its mission and products with host Jim Fausone.

Gen. Larry Spencer, USAF (Ret.) was born and raised on the Horseshoe—a tough inner-city street in southeast Washington, D.C. Both parents lived in the rural south under Jim Crow and “separate but equal” laws. Spencer’s father was a career Army soldier who lost his left hand during the Korean War, suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder, and worked two jobs. His mother completed tenth grade, had no driver’s license, and was left alone during the week to raise their six children. In 1990 he took command of a squadron that won accolades and awards for their performance during Operation Desert Shield/Storm. Spencer went on to serve at the White House, and then successfully commanded a Group and a Wing before being assigned as the chief financial officer (comptroller) for Air Combat Command, the largest command in the Air Force. During that assignment, Spencer was promoted to brigadier general and was tasked to set up a new Directorate at Air Force Materiel Command. Spencer later returned to the Pentagon whe

Gen. Larry O. Spencer, USAF (ret.), was born and raised in a tough inner-city street in southeast Washington D.C. Both parents lived in the rural south under Jim Crow and "separate but equal" laws. Spencer's father was a career Army soldier who lost his left hand during the Korean War and suffered from post-traumatic stress. Growing up Larry suffered from being overweight, having poor self-esteem, and a bleak outlook for the future. He experienced summers on his grandfather's tobacco farm, which shaped him as did inner-city sports and fights. Quite by chance, Spencer enlisted in the U.S. Air Force where he continued to struggle with the racial turmoil of the 1970s. He talks about how various NonCom's took him under their wing and mentored him with host Jim Fausone. He moved up the ranks in Financial Management to become a 4-Star General in the Pentagon. 

GHOST ARMY OF WWII  AWARDED CONGRESSIONAL GOLD MEDAL Host Dale Throneberry and guest: Rick Beyer, author and filmmaker  The existence of the Ghost Army was top secret for more than 50 years until it was declassified in 1996. That’s when the public first learned of the creative, daring techniques the Ghost Army employed to fool and distract the enemy about the strength and location of American troops, including the use of inflatable tanks, sound effects, radio trickery and impersonation. The Congressional Gold Medal is Congress’s utmost expression of national appreciation for distinguished achievements and contributions by individuals or institutions. Dating back to the American Revolution, The Congressional Gold Medal is the highest distinction Congress can bestow. There are just nine surviving Ghost Army veterans scattered throughout the U.S. https://www.ghostarmy.org/

The newly appointed Commandant of Cadets at the Citadel in Charleston, South Carolina, talks about its history and current activities. Col. Thomas Gordon (ret.) USMC is the new Commandant and is a graduate of the Citadel. He talks about his dream job at his alma mater with host Jim Fausone.

THIS WEEK’S PROGRAM Dale Throneberry, CW2 Helicopter Pilot in Vietnam in 1969, hosts this month’s VA Benefits program hour with the following guests: Matthew Raad, LMSW – Community Engagement & Partnership Coordinator, VA Ann Arbor Healthcare SystemBrian Hayes – Communications Director, VA Ann Arbor Healthcare SystemBrig Gen Carol Ann Fausone (ret) – Legal Help for VeteransMichael G. Smith, Jr. – Director of Washtenaw County (MI) Dept. of Veteran Affairs Matthew Raad discusses the initiatives to build partnerships within communities and counties to collaborate with the VA for services to the local veteran.  

Lonnie Gaudet joined the Army in 2009, within a month of landing in Afghanistan was in his first IED explosion that resulted in brain trauma. The second IED explosion, six months later, resulted in the loss of his right leg. Lonnie talks about recovery, sports, family, and friends on the road to recovery since his discharge in August 2012. He offers some advice for those suffering from post-traumatic stress and depression. The power of a solid family unit, and recognizing when he is angry without cause, is discussed with host Jim Fausone. 

Dr. Eric Fretz, a Faculty Lecturer at the University of Michigan, discusses the degree programs for Veteran Studies with: Jim Craig – University of Missouri – St. Louis, Veterans in Society; Veterans Studies AssociationErnest (Luke) McClees, PhD – Saint Leo University and Director, Military Affairs & ServicesTravis L. Martin, PhD – Author, Professor EKU, and Director, Kentucky Center for Veterans StudiesBruce Pencek, PhD – Professor, Virginia Tech, and Co-Founder VT Veterans in Society (ViS) initiative THE FUTURE OF VETERANS STUDIES This program is a follow up to the earlier one on Veteran Studies as a topic, journal, and association. In this episode we talk about: The Evolution of the Discipline of Veteran StudiesChallenges in creating and growing such academic programs (Majors, Minors, Certificates)Goals for the futureWill there be a PhD program in Veteran Studies in the future?

Marine Maxims is a collection of fifty principle-based leadership lessons that Col. Thomas J. Gordon (ret.) acquired commanding Marines over a career spanning three decades of service. Dealing with the complexities and challenges of the contemporary operating environment requires an internal moral compass fixed true. These maxims focus on developing inner citadels of character, moral courage, and the resilience to persevere in a contested domain where information is key. Its purpose is to provide future leaders with a professional development plan that will steel their resolve and enable them to lead with honor. We talk about Col. Gordon's career and leadership advice like "treat them like adults";  "don't be an ass" and "don't be in a hurry to make a bad decision." Tom discusses his lessons with host Jim Fausone. .

Join our guest Robin Hutton as we talk about her wonderful books about these award winning animals who served in the military. Sgt Reckless, the four-legged Marine braved minefields to deliver ammunition to her division on the firing sites. In one day alone, performing fifty-one trips up and down treacherous terrain, covering thirty-five miles, and rescuing wounded comrades-in-arms, Reckless demonstrated her devotion to the Marines who had become her herd. In War Animals: The Unsung Heroes of World War II you’ll meet: • Judy, the POW dog who helped her beloved human survive brutal Japanese prison camps • Cher Ami, the pigeon in WWI who nearly died delivering a message that saved American troops from death by friendly fire • Beauty, the “digging dog” who sniffed out Londoners buried in the wreckage of the Blitz—along with pets, including one goldfish still in its bowl! • Olga, the horse who braved shattering glass to do her duty in London bombings • Smoky, the Yorkshire terrier who did parachute jumps,

Keith King is a Vietnam-era Army Vet, and Founder and CEO at NVBDC, the nation's premier SD/VOB certification organization. He joins host Jim Fausone to discuss their exponential growth the last two years, as well as what veteran-owned businesses should expect in 2022. 

ETHICAL LEADERSHIP How can you improve your leadership skills? What ethical dilemmas will you face as a manager, and how do you confront them? What can you do to become a leader your people will respect and trust to lead them in a crisis? These are questions that so many business leaders ask themselves today. And they’re the very same questions that Brig. General Joseph Medina (Ret.) faced during his time in the United States Marine Corps and the business world.  Veterans, active-duty service members and their families are nearly 40% more likely to lose money to scams and fraud than the civilian population, according to a new AARP report. AARP surveyed the military community to learn about fake charities, bogus medical equipment claims, fraudulent records scams, and identity theft.  Troy Broussard, a senior advisor to AARP’s Veterans and Military Families Initiative, speaks with host Jim Fausone on things to watch out for and ways to protect yourself.

Military veterans are 40% more likely to be victims of scams than the civilian population. AARP surveyed the military community to learn about fake charities, bogus medical equipment claims; fraudulent help on government forms, and identity theft. Troy Broussard, a senior advisor to AARP's Veterans and Military Families Initiatives, speaks with host Jim Fausone on things to watch out for and ways to protect yourself.

Dr. Rebecca Grant has been a regular contributor on veterans Radio since 2012. She is a Military Historian/Author/Commentator and President of  IRIS Independent Research. She is a regular guest on Fox Business with Charles Payne and occasional appearances on Fox ‘n Friends to inform citizens of  the facts related to global military status. In this interview Dr. Grant covers the Russia Ukraine conflict and many other areas of interest around the world – including China and Iran. Get the straight facts on what's really going on in the world right here on Veterans Radio..

Nathan Ainspan and Kristin Saboe compiled and edited a book to help HR directors and business owners understand the case for hiring veterans, Guard and Reserve members and military spouses. A variety of experts wrote chapters in a book that is full of good information, statistics and data. The authors tackle myths and stereotypes in the military veteran hiring space. Ainspan and Saboe go indepth on the challenges and rewards of hiring veterans with host Jim Fausone.

Happy Holidays to the active duty military at home and abroad! Part of this week’s program is a pre-recorded program about the history of the USO. It was founded in 1941 and is now in it’s 80th year of operations! Our 2012 interview with Mr. Hanson, former head of the USO, will be of interest to you. And on the page below you will find a link to their website and the CALL FOR VOLUNTEERS and financial support.  When we support our active duty military men and women we are supporting them wherever they are and whatever their task – “a force for good in the world.” United Service Organizations (uso.org)

Dr. Laura E. Purdy received her medical training from the Uniformed Services University of Health Services. She spent 14 years in the Army.  Now with MD Integrations, Purdy is assisting in the rollout of telehealth to a wider cross-section of health providers and patients. She talks about some of the challenges of telehealth (acceptance, security, technology) at a time when VA has increased its use by over 1000% post-pandemic. Dr. Purdy, now living in Tennessee, talks with host Jim Fausone about the changes that are coming to this health care delivery mechanism. 

DECEMBER 19, 2021 Our radio broadcast with host Dale Throneberry has three guests. Don Milne, Stories Behind the Stars of WWIIAlexis Casiday, publishing stories from OEF/OIF veteransKeith King, Founder and CEO, National Veterans Business Development Council, aka NVBDC DON MILNE AND STORIES BEHIND THE STARS OF WWII We are doing something historic that has never been done before – we find volunteers to write short stories of the US World War II fallen. These stories will be available via a free smartphone app at any gravesite or memorial. Going forward, visiting any WWII fallen gravesite will come with a story and a photo. A MESSAGE FROM LEXI We are looking for Veterans from Operation Enduring Freedom/Operation Iraqi Freedom who have poems, journal entries, artwork, short stories, etc. from their time in service, deployed, or stateside to create a coffee table-style book. We want veterans to have the opportunity to tell their stories through the creative mediums of their choice. NATIONAL VETERANS BUSINESS