Wreaths Across America

click here for full show.
- Each December for the past sixteen years, Morrill Worcester of Worcester Wreath Company has been recognizing the sacrifices of veterans through the Wreaths Across America project. He'll speak with us about how the project got started and what it is today.


- How important is joining a veterans service organization like the VFW? We'll speak with Bill Bloomquist, VFW Associate Director of Membership on what VFW has to offer veterans.

"Voices of Strength - an Hour with America's Army," #2

COL Bill Buckner, of the 18th Airborne (MNFI) calls in from Iraq to talk Strategic Framework / Security Agreement, credible elections, and the accomplishments of U.S.troops in Iraq.
Click here for full show.

Remembering Pearl Harbor

Dec. 7, 1941 - a date which will live in infamy - the United States of America was suddenly and deliberately attacked by naval and air forces of the Empire of Japan (excerpt from FDR's famous address to Congress following the attack on Pearl Harbor). Click here for full show.

- Jack Green, naval historian and Pearl Harbor expert, discusses the attack on Pearl Harbor and the importance of remembrance. He also explains his experience as the historical advisor on the set of the movie Pearl Harbor.



- Country star, Pam Tillis, talks about her recent visit to Walter Reed.

VFW Day: National Military Service Programs, Youth Scholarships and Women Joining VFW !

It's been a long time comin'... finally, a day dedicated solely to the importance of the the nation's largest, most dedicated group of combat veterans that make up the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States(VFW).
(Click here to hear the full show.)

- First up, we'll speak with VFW Director of Programs and Special Projects, Steve Van Buskirk, on the VFW's military and youth scholarship programs, which disperse nearly $4 million in scholarships and savings bonds each year.


- Mike Penney, VFW Director of National Military Services, provides insight into VFW's many, and increasingly vital, military assistance programs including Operation Uplink, Unmet Needs and Adopt-a-Unit.


- VFW is one VSO where female members are welcomed and needed! A new VFW initiative, "She Serves", is geared to inform women of the new and changing face of the VFW. We'll speak with Debra Anderson, Assistant Director, Quartermaster General Administration, on this effort.

Kevin Harvick's 'Drive' for our Veterans, Extended!

(Click here to hear the full show)

-The Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States (VFW) and Kevin Harvick, Inc., recently announced their existing partnership will be extended into the 2009 season. We'll speak with Cale Gale of the Kevin Harvick Racing Team, and driver of the No. 77 car in the Nationwide Series and the No. 33 truck in the Craftsman Truck Series.

- The VFW upholds a strong presence in the eastern United States. We'll speak with the Commander of the VFW Department of Pennslyvania Commander, Larry Wade, on free VFW membership for OIF/OEF veterans and reaching out to military families.


HOT TOPICS: U.S. ordered secret al-Qaeda raids!lJerry's very interesting Veterans Day!

Voices of Strength - an Hour with America's Army --- Warrior Care Month

The National Defense, is proud to announce a new partnership with the United States Army, "Voices of Strength - an Hour with America's Army." Making its debut on November 7, 2008, The National Defense will dedicate one show each month entirely to the current issues of importance within the United States Army, featuring interviews with lead officers and soldiers currently serving in theatre. (Click here to hear full show)

- BG Gary H. Cheek currently serves as the Assistant Surgeon General of Warrior Care and Transition and as Director of the Warrior Care and Transition Office in the Office of the Chief of Staff of the Army. He speaks with us about Army's many programs for wounded,ill and injured soldiers.


- Being the top medical officer comes with great responsibility. BG Joseph Caravalho, Multi-National Force – Iraq and Multi-National Corps – Iraq surgeon, calls in from Iraq to discuss his duties in theatre.


HOT TOPIC: Vietnam War Hero John Ripley Dies.

MyVetwork Prepares for Veterans Day Launch

-What's it like to run the largest oil refinery in Iraq during a time of war? We'll speak with someone who's been there, done that! Cpt. Kwenton Kuhlman gives us insight.
-OIF veteran, Major Scott Thomas, discusses the importance of Family Readiness Groups.
- Founder and CEO of MyVetwork, John Campbell, provides information regarding the upcoming launch of MyVetwork and the importance of connecting veterans in an interactive environment.
HOT TOPICS: New year to bring restrictions on troops in Iraq! l Chance of delay for new GI Bill! l Pay to veterans is off by $20 million!

Sports Clips Supports Troops Through Operation Uplink

- Now through Veterans Day, Sports Clips locations across the nation will once again offer clients the opportunity to help soldiers call home this holiday season by donating $1 from every cut to VFW's Operation Uplink Program. Last year's efforts raised $90,000, providing 800,000 minutes of free talk time on Dec. 25th for our nation's military. We'll speak with Sports Clips Founder and CEO, Gordon Logan about this initiative.
- Preparing for the worst within our borders. LTC Kirk Dorr will discuss DOD's recent assignment of an enhanced military capability to U.S. Northern Command to assist civil authorities in the response to chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear and high-yield explosive (CBRNE)incidents here at home.
HOT TOPICS: Beirut bombing anniversary! l Enlisted more educated than population! l U.S.-Iraq withdrawl plan removes conditions!

Women in the Military

- LTC Kathryn Ensworth, Branch Chief, Women in the Army, provides insight into the changing role and the importance of women soldiers.
- What goes in to training a Military Transition Team (MiTT) in Iraq? MAJ Sean McWilliams discusses his experience, teaching counterinsurgency and Iraqi culture.
HOT TOPICS: NSA Eavesdropping!l Detroit VA Allegations - hmmm, no one is talking!

"In a Time of War"

- Newly elected VFW Commander-in-Chief, Glen Gardner, sits down with Jerry and Randy to discuss his recent trip to China and his plans for the future of the VFW.
- Author Bill Murphy Jr. chats with us about his latest book, "In a Time of War," the dramatic story of West Point's class of 2002, the first generation to graduate during wartime.
- We have the privilege of speaking with Army Reserve Soldier Sgt. Gregory Ruske, who earned the Silver Star for service in Operation Enduring Freedom.
HOT TOPICS: A Letter: Vietnam huey pilot Ed Freeman vs. actor Paul Newman

Gaining Insight into the New Army Doctrine!

- We sit down with Lt. Col. Steve Leonard, chief, Operational Level Doctrine, Combined Arms Doctrine Directorate, and one of the lead authors of the New Army Doctrine!

Ft. Leavenworth: "The Intellectual Center of the Army"

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-The 305th Military History Detachment comprises the only historical coverage of the war in Afghanistan - a theater with few roads and limited air assets. To date, the 305th MHD has travelled to 21 different bases collecting more than 8,500 photos,3,000 documents and 345 interviews totaling over 317 hours of first person histories. Uniquely, the 305th is able to provide information direct from the battlefield to other agencies within the US Army to include, the Center of Army Lessons Learned at Ft. Leavenworth. We’ll speak with MAJ David Hanselman, commanding officer of the 305th’s most recent deployment to Afghanistan.
- Ft. Leavenworth is widely known as "The Intellectual Center of the Army." We'll sit down with Brigadier General, Edward Cardon, the new Deputy Commandant of the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College to gain some insight into what makes Ft. Leavenworth so important.
- Major Jason Sepanic, a student at the School of Advanced Military Studies at Ft. Leavenworth discusses his experience as a medical company commander during OIF1 and the evolution of healthcare on the battlefield.

POW/MIA Recognition Day!

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September 19 marks POW/MIA Recognition Day, a day set aside to ensure that America remembers its responsibility to stand behind those who serve our nation and do everything possible to account for those who do not return
-We'll talk to Michael Wysong, VFW's Director of National Security and Foreign Affairs on the importance of this day.
- Carol Jose, talks with us about her new POW/MIA inspired book entitled, "You Are Not Forgotten: A Family's Quest for Truth and the Founding of the National League of Families."
- We'll also speak with Ann Mills Griffiths, Executive Director of The National League of Families of American Prisoners and Missing in Southeast Asia, an organization comprised of the wives, children, parents, siblings and other close relatives of Americans who were or are listed as prisoners of war, missing in action, killed in action/body not recovered and returned Vietnam War U.S. POWs.

Lt. Gen. William Caldwell sits down with The National Defense!

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- LT. Gen. Caldwell, Commanding General, U.S. Army Combined Arms Center and Fort Leavenworth joins us to discuss the new Army doctrine and the evolving responsibilities of our military in response to the current wars.
- Sears recently launched a line of Army-inspired All American Apparel in which the design implements insignia from the 1st Infantry Division, the "Big Red One." Is this cheapening or honoring the legacy of the oldest continuously serving division in the U.S. Army? Brigadier General Jeff Phillips, Deputy Chief of Public Affairs, breaks it down for us.
HOT TOPICS: With the presidential election drawing near and more veterans returning home, where do the presidential nominees stand on veterans issues...does anyone know?

Captain Colucci Visits the Studio!

- Captain Craig Colucci: from foxhole to the recording studio. He and Jerry sit down to discuss the war in Afghanistan and returning home with a "survivor's responsibility," the motive behind the Peter's Wish organization.
- For generations, top entertainers have performed both in the U.S. and overseas for our troops in times of war and peace. Now the tradition continues for a new generation of talent and viewers with the two-hour special, "America United: In Support of Our Troops," airing SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 7 (9:00-11:00 p.m., ET) on the ABC Television Network. We'll speak with executive producer, Bryan Edelstein on the star-studded event.

We Chat With Senator Barack Obama Following His VFW Address!

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We Join Senator McCain Aboard Straight Talk Express at the VFW National Convention in Orlando!

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Elizabeth O'Herrin, Executive Director of Student Veterans of America Discusses Her Organization and How to Get involved!

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Ray Hubbard Explains How His Loss of Leg Led to a Gain of Purpose!

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Paul Riekhoff, Founder and Executive Director of Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America Joins Us to Discuss America's Newest Greatest Generation!

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RADM Crisp, Commander Donna Crisp Discusses the JPAC Mission!

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Secretary of the Veterans Administration, James Peak Chats With Us About Where the VA Stands and Where He Wants to Take It!

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General Peter Pace (ret.), Former Joint Chief of Staff Stops By!

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The Canines for Combat Veterans Program Revealed!

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Shere Parker of Hallmark Stops in!

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Cale Gale Stops by to Talk More About VFW Racing!

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VFW NASCAR Driver Ron Hornaday Pits to Talk About His Experience at this Year's Convention!

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A Quick Sit Down With Acting Secretary of the Air Force, Michael Donley

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Con-way Signs on with The Army Reserve Employer Partnership Program!

LISTEN NOW! -Gaining "partnership for a shared workforce," is the U.S. Army Reserve's goal behind their Employer Partnership Program. Con-way, the leader in freight transportation and logistics is one of many corporations jumping on-board to help ensure soldiers have jobs when they return home. We'll speak with Con-way Chief Operating Officer, Dave Miller, on their recent agreement with the USAR.
- The 109th VFW Annual Convention will be held August 16 - 21 in Orlando, Fl. We've got some heavy hitters on the way - Jerry tells us who's coming and who you can expect to hear on the show in the upcoming weeks!
HOT TOPICS: Surge of War Veterans Running for Congress! l The 60th anniversary of Armed Forces Integration! l Taliban "Justice" resurgent!l Sadr to disarm Mahdi Army!l The 911 call!

Changes to U.S. Military Personnel Absentee Ballots for November?

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- Analysis by the federal Election Assistance Commission, estimated overseas and absentee military voting for the 2006 midterm elections at a disgracefully low 5.5 percent. With the Unites States Presidential Election approaching Rep. Roy Blunt has introduced a resolution demanding the Defense Department better enable U.S. military personnel overseas to vote in November. We'll speak with Rep. Blunt about his proposed resolution.
- Transitioning from soldier to student is no easy task. We'll speak with Dan Parker, President of the Collegiate Veterans Association at KU about his base for advocacy on the university level.
- LIVE from Kuwait City! VFW Commander-in-Chief, George Lisicki, calls in from Iraq to report.
HOT TOPICS: Petraes-Crocker partnership in Iraq breaking up! l New VA ad targets suicide prevention! l Iwo Jima Flag raiser gets citizenship papers!

Opportunity: The Army Reserve Employer Partnership Program!

- We'll speak with Col Diana Cleven of the Army Reserve about their new The Army Reserve Employer Partnership. The Army Reserve is partnering with companies like, Inova Health Systems, and the Metropolitan Police of the District of Columbia, to help ensure Soldiers have jobs when they return home. The Employer Outreach programs ultimate goal is to gain "partnership for a shared workforce," as well as enhance the recruitment process through career expansion.
- We'll also speak with SPC David R. Obray, named "Soldier of the Year" at the Army Reserves "Best Warrior" Competition. He'll talk with us about the competition and what this means for his future.
- VFW Comander-in-Chief, George Lisicki, speaks with us about his visit with troups recovering at Landstuhl from last week's attack on a remote outpost in Afghanistan’s Kunar Province.
- With the low level of violence in Iraq, and violence in Afghanistan at its highest, there is a need for more troops in Afghanistan. We discuss the yearning feeling some soldiers have to leave Iraq to fight in Afghanistan.
HOT TOPICS: 8,763 veterans died waiting for benefits!l Airport offers room and free snacks for troops!lU.S pulls out of attacked Afghan base!l Marine gives "Generation Kill" positive reviews!lIraq joins fight against terrorism!

"Best Warriors" Face Scrupulous Tests to Challenge Soldier Skills!

- Fort McCow, located in Wisconsin, is hosting The U.S Army Reserve Command Noncommissioned Officer and Soldier of the Year "Best Warrior" competion. Army Reserve contendors will compete in grueling events to test every skill, quality, and ability a "Warrior" Soldier should encompass.
- Command Sgt. Maj. Leon Caffie provides us with insight into the competition.
- We'll also speak with John Gonsalves, President of Homes for our Troops, a non-profit organization founded in 2004 that assists severely injured returning service members and their families by raising money and materials to build handicapped accessible homes.
HOT TOPICS: New Walter Reed Medical Center ground breaking! l Gays don't harm unit cohesion! l Ohio gives veterans in-state tuition rate!

The Liberty Memorial's Eternal Flame Will Remain Lit For At Least Another Year!

- Live from the "Save the Flame" event rally, we speak with some of the very generous individuals responsible for relighting the Eternal Flame atop the Liberty Memorial at the National WWI Museum in Kansas City.
-Brian Alexander,President and CEO of the National WWI Museum, speaks with us about the importance of keeping this national symbol burning.
- Jeannie Carlson, a neighbor to the The Liberty Memorial, realized the Eternal Flame had been extinguished one evening and decided something had to be done. She tells us her story.
- Thomas H. Holcom, President of Pioneer Services, explains why his company offered to match donations up to $25,500 to help keep the Flame burning.
- Carl J. DiCapo, Chairman of the Development Committee and past President of the Liberty Memorial, talks about the unexpected donation he received at the rally.
- Kristine Krausse, Community Relations Specialist with Lockton Companies, describes the overwhelming response from her organization's employees to support the project.
Click here to find out how you can help!
HOT TOPICS: President Bush finally signs the new GI Bill into law!l General Wesley Clark's remarks about Senator McCain's Presidential capabilities!

Remembering the Start of the Korean War - Exploring the Situation Then and Now!

- June 25, 2008 marked 58 years since the clash of the two rival Korean regimes, prompting what has come to be known as "The Forgotten War." We'll speak with LTC BJ Bailey from the 8th U.S. Army (commanding formation of all U.S. Army troops in South Korea) on the situation then and now.
- The 102 Military History Detachment of the Kansas Army National Guard is preparing to head to Afghanistan to document "the official record" on the war.
- VFW says, "Thank you" for the new GI Bill.
- North Korea has submitted its highly anticipated nuclear weapon declaration. Bush offers cautious praise.
HOT TOPICS: First female 4-Star General nominated! l Army turning trash into energy! l IRS wants to give retired/disabled veterans cash! lDiscount on gas for veterans in New York!

VA Official Takes Heat From VFW Over Chantix/PTSD Disclosure!

-The Washington Times/ABC News investigative report into the VA’s smoking cessation research program involving Chantix, has caused some serious questioning of VA accountability. Chantix has been linked to almost 40 suicides and more than 400 incidents of suicidal behavior. The drug's manufacturer and the FDA have recently cautioned healthcare providers about adverse side effects that could produce changes in behavior ranging from anxiety and depression to suicide. So, why was the drug given to 143 veterans suffering from PTSD? Who better to ask than VA's Chief of Research and Development, Joel Kupersmith? We'll sit down with him for some hard-hitting questions, and hopefully, some answers. (Click here to read VFW's press release)
HOT TOPICS: Scammers prey on troops' families! l Veterans wants Iraq duty to count toward jail term! l Gen. Lynch requires soldiers to take motorcycle refresher course!

The U.S. Army Celebrates 233 years!

- On Saturday June 14, 2008 the U.S Army will celebrate 233 years of protecting our nation. We will speak with Brigadier General Jeff Phillips, Deputy Chief of Public Affairs, a mobilized Army Reserve Soldier who has worked for the Veterans Administration and for Veterans Committees on the Hill, on what this landmark means to the Army.
- Brave Spirits, a new line of patriotic, 100% American-made premium spirits launched earlier this year was founded to honor, remember, and celebrate those who protect and defend America. Founder, David Fox, explains how this new line of product is benfiting veterans, wounded service members, their families, and numerous veterans charities.
HOT TOPICS: Marines smash recruiting records! l Pakistan government groups aid Taliban! l GAO finds Army medical evaluations lacking! l Marine expelled for "puppy-toss" video! l Six get Presidential Medal of Freedom!

Homeless Veterans...A National Disgrace!

- According to the Department of Veterans Affairs, at least 200,000 veterans are homless on any given night, and more than 400,000 are homeless at some point during the year. We'll speak with Arthur E. Fillmore II, Founder and Co-Chariman of Heart of America Standown, an organization dedicated to providing homeless veterans with access to the many resources necessary to begin rebuilding their lives.
HOT TOPICS: Another data breach at Walter Reed!

Finally...A GI Bill for the 21st Century?

- VFW's Commander-in-Chief, George Lisicki, met with President Bush in the Oval Office just days before the new GI Bill was overwhelmingly passed by the Senate. Though Lisicki used the opportunity to voice the VFW's strong support of the new GI Bill for the 21st century, the President is still threatening to veto it! We talk with George Lisicki about his sit-down with Bush and more.
- University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire is one of many universitys across the nation taking great strides to help returning Iraq/Afghanistan veterans feel more at ease on campus. We'll speak with P.J. Kennedy, Director of Counseling Services and co-advisor to UW-Eau Claire's veteran's club on this increasingly important matter.
HOT TOPICS: Congress and funding the GWOT! l IG: Billions in defense spending unchecked! l Number of troops with PTSD up 50%! l Sopranos outfit sale to benefit wounded! l More Iraq veterans running for Congress!

A Memorial Day Special Edition

-Gina Gray, Director of Public Affairs for Arlington National Cemetary, speaks with us about the importance of the upcoming holiday.
- A mother and son are set to deploy to Iraq with the same National Guard unit this September. Well talk with the son, Sgt. Felipe Diaz, on his unique situation.
- ASSIGNMENT AFGHANISTAN:MEDEVAC pilot, CW2 Mike Nielsen, has flown just about every aircraft the Army has to offer. He'll speak with us about the overall theatre air ambulance evacuation and crews.
HOT TOPICS: Congress and funding the GWOT! l Ban on sex for soldiers lifted...sort of! l VA email: Save money, don't diagnose PTSD!

ASSIGNMENT AFGHANISTAN: More Interviews from FOB Salerno!

Continuing our discussion from last week we'll hear more interviews from Jerry's recent embed with the Angels of No Mercy Dust-Off crews!
- For the past seven years, Sgt. Lewis has spent Christmas away from his family, working as an E.M.T at the 48th CASH in Afghanistan. His focus is "winning the hearts and minds" of the Afghani people. He speaks with us about treating the injuries suffered by nationals and soldiers alike.
- CW3 James Vanmeter explains the treatment equality provided by the Aero-Medical Evacuation crews; treating everyone from American soldiers to working dogs.

HOT TOPICS: Lies earned big disability checks for faker! l Family shout-outs from the troops in Afghanistan!l New G.I. Bill's current status!

Assignment Afghanistan: Entry #1

Five days of exhaustive and less-than luxurious travel to reach Afghanistan has left me more than irritated with the entire process of achieving embed status and questioning if it was worth it.

Stiff, tired and sore, finally reached FOB Salerno and after grabbing a few hours of sleep, a shower and some much-needed coffee, I feel somewhat restored mentally and decide get my bearings. FOB Salerno is located in the Southeast portion of Afghanistan, adjacent to the city of Khost, on a broad plateau and consequently is referred to as “the bowl.”

Looming ominously and ringed on the near-horizon are the precipitous, snow-capped mountains and the nation of Pakistan. The peaks, crags and foothills offer avenues of opportunity-freeways for insurgent and Taliban forces smuggling food, weapons and medical equipment into the country.

So I get to work, do some nosing around, make acquaintance with a couple of people: one from the U.S. State Department and a U.S. Army Major, both of whom are members of the Provincial Reconstruction Teams (PRT’s). I explain that I had been in-country a couple of years ago and was curious as to how/what things may have changed since then. They first gave me some background on the region, explaining that during the Soviet-Afghan War, Khost was the object of a siege which lasted for more than eight years. Soon after the invasion of Afghanistan by Soviet troops, Afghan guerillas took control of the only land route between Khost and Gardez, effectively putting a stop to the Soviet advance.

But in spite of its violent history and its fierce and ferocious resistance to authority or semblance of governance it seems as though out of all the provinces located in the eastern part of the country, it’s here in Khost that the Taliban are all but a defeated military force. They’ve learned that attempts at going toe-to toe with U.S. forces is futile-if not foolish, militarily. Instead, the bad guys rely on IEDs or VBIEDs. And it’s here in Khost, that counterinsurgency directed and implemented by U.S. forces have met with success by way of roads, schools, clinics as well as establishing and improving economic opportunities.

Okay, so now that I’ve heard about all of the success, I want to see it…experience it. Haven’t even started the embed with my assigned units and I already know that I have to get off of the FOB and out into the countryside to see what’s going on. Where there’s a will, there’s always a way so it’s time to ingratiate myself to the right people so as to open up the door for additional opportunities whilst here.

But it’s also time to meet the commander of the 48th Combat Support Hospital…and since I want to spend time with the Dust Off crews and fly some missions with them, need to meet the commander of the aviation battalion and get his okay. Hmmm, looks like things are going to be busy.
- Jerry

ASSIGNMENT AFGHANISTAN: VFW Radio, Fresh from the FOB at Camp Salerno, Afghanistan!

Back from his 3-week embed with the Angels of No Mercy Dust-Off crews at Camp Salerno, Jerry and The National Defense bring you interviews straight from the Forward Operating Base!
- What is the mission of the 48th Combat Support Hospital anyway? Commander, Lt. Col. Michael O'Guinn, explains the operations and daily occurrences of the FOB.
- Hospital 5's Chief Nurse, Lt. Col. Kathy Ponder talks about preparedness, injuries, and the unpredictability of serving at Camp Salerno.
- Sp. Heather Baird depicts the life changing experience of her first mission as a flight medic and coping when both loved ones are deployed.
HOT TOPICS: Crowd reaction before Toby Keith takes the stage! l Family shout-outs from the troops!

National Veterans News

- Staff Sgt. Shawnda Bass has overcome her former life of crime, broken homes and youth troubles with the help of a persistent Army recruiter, Sgt. 1st Class Clifton Magwood (retired). The two met again at a suprise reunion in Washington D.C. on April 23rd. We talk with them about a life changed and their reunion.
- Many veteran suffering from muscle and back pain are seeking chiropractic treatment of their injuries. We'll speak with Kansas City chairopractor, Dr. June Rogers and John Falardeau, Vice President of Government Relations for the American Chiropractic Association.
- Snap-on-Tools provides many business opportunities for veterans including a BIG discount on consignment! We'll speak with Tommy Clark, Vice President of Franchising for Snap-on-Tools.
HOT TOPICS: VFW demands passage of new GI Bill for the 21st century! Run-down barracks spark military response! Sharp jump in felons allowed to enlist!

Assignment Afghanistan: Jerry Calls in From Camp Salerno!

- Jerry calls in with details about his current trip and the situation in Afghanistan!
- Marines targeting women? We'll speak with 17-year-old, Ana Castillo, about her recent decision to join the Marines, and Cpt. Eric Tausche of the 9th Marine Corps District, on the Marines innovative outreach to potential women recruits.

Veterans News from Across the Nation

- We talk with Bonnie Carrol, founder of TAPS, a national non-profit organization made up of, and providing services to, all those who have lost a loved one on active duty with the Armed Forces.
- With foreclosures on the rise, Senator John Kerry’s Foreclosure Prevention Act of 2008 recently passed. The Act includes provisions to protect active duty service members and their families from foreclosure. We'll chat with VFW Director of Legislative Service, Dennis Cullinan, for details.
HOT TOPICS: Honor Flight begins its 2008 flying season! Dad fights to keep deployed son’s dogs! Army Reserve turns 100!

DESTINATION: AFGHANISTAN

Senator McCain Visits The National Defense

- Senator John McCain speaks with The National Defense after addressing VFW members at the National World War I Museum. We hear his thoughts on Iraq, Afghanistan and troop withdrawal.
- Major General Rick Lynch currently serves as the Commanding General, 3rd Infantry Division, which has units stationed at Fort Stewart, Hunter Army Airfield, and Fort Benning, Georgia. He talks with us about improvements and stability in Iraq.
HOT TOPICS: General Patreaus and Amb. Ryan Crocker testify before Congress!

A Sit Down with the Iraqi Ambassador to the U.S.

- Samir Shakir Mahmoud Sumayda'ie was appointed as Iraq's ambassador to the United States in April 2006. He has previously served as the Iraq's Permanent Representative to the United Nations (from August 2004), and as Baghdad's Interior Minister. We'll sit down with him to discuss progress and Iraqi perception.
- Families of American troops are asking national newspapers and television news networks not to ignore the three-year anniversary of the day Saddam Hussein fled Baghdad and his statue was toppled. We'll speak with Families United representative, Merrilee Carlson, on Iraqi Liberation Remembrance Day.
HOT TOPICS: Married troops can live together! Colleges must give up names or give up funding! Iraq MIA identified!