Obama's Afghanistan Decision/Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day

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-First this week, we discuss President Obama's decision to send 30,000 more troops to Afghanistan, and his vow to start bringing American forces home in the middle of 2011. We also talk to Ken Langmade, a member of VFW Post 6587 in Spring Lake Park, Minn. The 13th Psychological Operations Battalion awarded him and his wife, Janette, a special medallion of excellence for all the work he has done for the military unit. Many soldiers receive this medal, but the 13th Psyop has never given it to someone in a local VFW.
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-Next, VFW National Commander Tommy Tradewell joins us to discuss his strong support of the president's new strategy to disrupt, dismantle, and defeat al Qaeda and its extremist allies. We also talk about his upcoming trip to Hawaii for Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, Monday, December 7.
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-Finally, we talk with Pearl Harbor survivor and National Vice President of the Pearl Harbor Survivors Association, William Muehleib. Meuhleib discusses his personal experience and the importance of remembering "the day that will live in infamy."
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VFW News from Washington/Outstanding Post 27

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-First this week, we hear from commander of Post 27 out of Wiesbaden, Germany, Steve Slauson. Slauson tells us how a $10,000 VFW Unmet Needs grant helped his Post provide shoes and clothing for the wounded soldiers at the Landstuhl Regional Medical Center. We also discuss the VFW NASCAR program's success, as Ron Hornaday is crowned the 2009 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Champion.
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-Next, we talk to VFW's own Chris Needham from Washington, D.C. Needham discusses the recent veterans benefits bill, and also assures us that the health care bill will not hurt veterans. We also talk about Obama's decision on whether to send more troops to Afghanistan, which he plans to announce on December 1.
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VFW National Home/Harleysville Insurance/VFW Commander-in-Chief Tommy Tradewell

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-Executive Director of the VFW National Home for Children Patrice Green and Program Director Molly Studinger join us this week to discuss how the National Home assists American servicemen and women by providing help and resources for their children or spouse during a period of deployment. They can provide a temporary safe, secure, and loving home for families on its village-like campus of homes.
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-Next, we speak with VFW Commander-in-Chief, Thomas J. Tradewell, Sr., who has been traveling around the United States and the world. Tradewell talks about his trip to the Republic of China, where he believes progress was made in regards to opening POW/MIA archives. He also tells us about his recent trip to Russia on a similar mission.
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-Finally, we speak with Harleysville Insurance Senior Vice President Ted Majewski. This year, once again, Harleysville is sponsoring VFW's Thanksgiving "Free Call Day" for troops stationed overseas. Funding for this Free Call Day is made possible by their "2 for the Troops" program, in which every new personal auto or homeowners policy sold by Harleysville's agents generates a $2 donation to VFW's Operation Uplink.
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USAA/TodaysGIBill.org/Burger King

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-First this week, we speak with Mike Kelly with USAA. Kelly tells us why the fiancial service provider, founded by military officers in 1922, decided to sponsor the VFW Operation Uplink "Free Call Day" this Veteran's Day. USAA is a diversified financial service group among the leading providers of financial planning, insurance, investments, and banking products for members of the U.S. military and their families.
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-Next, we have Jim Selbe, assistant vice president of Lifelong Learning, about the American Council on Education's new website, www.TodaysGIBill.org. ACE launded this website on Veteran's Day in order to provide clear and concise information on all aspects of preparing veterans to enter or return to college.
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-After finishing up with Jim Selbe, we talk to Dan Fitzpatrick, Quality Dining CEO and Burger King franchisee, about Burger King restaurants' "buy a burger; donate a buck" campaign raising money for VFW Unmet Needs through November 30. Fitzpatrick owns 116 Burger King restaurants, and last year his group alone raised more than $100,000.
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-We finish talking to Fitzpatrick with a request we hope he can't turn down: shaving his head for VFW Unmet Needs.
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Veterans Day/"Back from Iraq"/1st Heavy Brigade Combat Team

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-First this week, we tell you about all the Veterans Day specials and events going on at nationwide chains across the country such as Lowe's, Applebee's, SportClips, Golden Corral, Burger King, and more! We also talk with Nathan Tobey, the creator of the Penn State program, "Back from Iraq." This course is aimed specifically to Iraq War veterans to teach them how to use video and web technologies in order to chronicle the stories and experiences of the Iraq War.

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-Next, we discuss the latest Pentagon figures that say 35%, or more than one-third of the roughly 31.2 million Americans aged 17 to 24 are unqualified for military service because of physical and medical issues. According to the Pentagon's director of accessions, Curt Gilroy, the major component of those numbers is obesity.

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-Lastly, we speak with Joel Hamilton, Lieutenant Colonel Commander of the 1st Battalion, 41st Field Artillery. He talks to us about the 1st Heavy Brigade Combat Team and their homeland defense mission that has been going on for the past year. He tells us how their role in that mission parallels their upcoming mission in Iraq as a support role.

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Maid Brigade/VA Secretary Shinseki/Best Warrior Competition

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-First on this week's recap show, we speak with Don Hay, founder and chairman of Maid Brigade, a residential cleaning service with more than 420 locations in the U.S. and Canada. More than 10% of Maid Brigade franchise owners are veterans, and right now, Maid Brigade is awarding 100 qualified veterans with their own businesses by waiving the franchise fees and providing working capital. The contest winners will be announced on Veterans Day.We also discuss the issues surrounding the GI Bill, and the VA's emergency check authorizations.

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-In August, we brought you The National Defense from the 110th VFW National Convention in Phoenix, Arizona. The Secretary of Veterans Affairs, Eric Shinseki joined us to discuss backlogs, budget, and his efforts to improve the VA Healthcare system.

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-In July, the Best Warrior Competition was held at Ft. McCoy in Tomah, Wis. The purpose of the competition was to find the best warrior in the Army Reserves. The week-long event challenged soldiers' physical and mental stamina as well as their will. We speak with a couple warriors in the competition, Sergeant Luke Heideman and Shawn Zimmerman from Hays, Kan., about sore feet and what it's like being in the Army Reserves, working full-time, and going to school full-time.

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SportClips/Defense Commissary Agency/31 Stadiums Tour

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-We kick off this week with Gordon Logan, founder and CEO of SportClips Haircuts. SportClips is a long-time supporter of VFW's Operation Uplink, and this Veterans Day they're donating a dollar for every haircut given in their 660+ stores. SportClips hopes to raise $125,000 on "The Biggest Haircut Day of the Year."

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-Next, we talk to Nate Thompson, friend of Joe Lusk. While training in Fort Rucker, Ala., they discussed how it would be amazing to travel the nation in an RV watching football. Unfortunately, Joe was killed in Kuwait when his helicopter crashed during a training mission. In memory of Joe, Nate is continuing with the dream, while raising money for a memorial fund set up in Joe's name. Nate, his brother Aaron, and friend Nolan Meyers will travel nearly 30,000 miles to see every NFL stadium during the 31 Stadiums Tour. This weekend, the VFW has given the trio tickets to watch the Kansas City Chiefs face-off against the San Diego Chargers.

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-To finish up, we have the director of the Defense Commissary Agency, Philip Sakowitz, talking about their worldwide chain of commissaries that provide groceries to military personnel, retirees, and their families in a safe and secure shopping environment. Those eligible to shop at a commissary save about 30% compared to other retailers. A single service member who shops regularly at a commissary can save about $1,000 a year.

We also discuss President Barack Obama signing into law a bill that provides funding for the Veterans Affairs Department one year in advance, a victory for all veterans organizations.

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Army Reserve Virtual Installation/Student Veterans of America

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-First this week, we speak with Laura Stultz, the face of Army Reserve Families, and the wife of Lt. Gen. Jack Stultz, Chief, Army Reserve, and Commanding General, U.S. Army Reserve Command. She talks with us about the Army Reserve Virtual Installation Program, providing families of all branches of service with information, services, and support via the Internet or at local centers. The program consists of three parts: the unit, community, and web. She says it is the synergy of these three parts that ensures the readiness of Army Reserve Families.
We also discuss what the VFW did for the family of the Laureldale girl made famous for holding her father's hand during his deployment formation.
Also, we have more on the VFW National Commander urging the president for decisive action in Afghanistan.
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-Next, we have the executive director of the Student Veterans of America, Derek Blumke. Derek talks to us about how the GI Bill has the ability to turn this generation of veterans into the "next greatest generation." He also talks about the delays in the VA's GI checks for student veterans, and how they fixed the problem by putting the application process online.
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"Let Freedom Ring"/The History Channel's "Take a Vet to School" Program

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-First this week, we speak with George Ciampa, a World War II Army veteran of five campaigns in the European Theater. Decades after returning home, Ciampa has embarked on yet another campaign--this time his mission is to chronicle the personal stories of civilians, freedom fighters and veterans whose personal wartime experiences are vividly related in his two documentaries, Let Freedom Ring...The Lesson is Priceless, and Let Freedom Ring...Memories of France. Ciampa talks about producing and directing these documentaries, that he says, convey the true meaning and value of freedom.
We also talk about Afghanistan ambassador Saif Jawad asking the United States to send thousands more U.S. troops to his country to help promote stability and train the domestic security forces.
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-Next, we speak with The History Channel's chief historian, Dr. Libby O'Connell, and Mike Stiller, executive producer for The History Channel's landmark series, WWII in HD. Dr. O'Connell talks about their "Take a Veteran to School" program, a national campaign linking veterans of all ages with young people in schools and communities across the country. Last year, more than 600 schools participated. Stiller discusses the coinciding premiere of WWII in HD, a series culled from 3,000 hours of lost color footage which features the epic accounts of ten real soldiers who experienced this defining conflict.
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Flag Burner Duct-Taped to Flag Pole/Run for the Fallen/Maid Brigade

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-First this week, we discuss a story that's been in the news since last week. In Valley Falls, W. Va., at VFW Post 1938, a young man, after being refused alcohol due to the lack of proper identification, burned the flag that flew over the Post. The flag the young man burned once flew over a fox hole in Iraq; a fox hole several U.S. soldiers never made it out of alive. We talk with Post 1938 Commander, Nick Normile, about why they chose this punishment, and why the young man completely agreed to go along with it.
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-Next, we talk with commander of VFW Post 7829, Tony Wolusky, out of Monument, Colo. Tony tells us about Cadet Malcolm Strong and the "Run for the Fallen." The Run for the Fallen's mission is "one mile for every service member killed in OIF and OEF," and in a few months, Cadet Strong will be running in the Disney marathon, in full fatigues, to bring awareness to those killed overseas, and to raise money for the VFW's National Military Service programs.
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-Lastly, we speak with Don Hay, founder and chairman of Maid Brigade, a residential cleaning service with more than 420 locations in the U.S. and Canada. More than 10% of Maid Brigade franchise owners are veterans, and right now, Maid Brigade is awarding 100 qualified veterans with their own businesses by waiving the franchise fees and providing working capital. The contest winners will be announced on Veterans Day.
We also discuss the issues surrounding the GI Bill, and the VA's emergency check authorizations.
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Missouri Veterans Story Program/Mojave Desert Memorial/Post 56

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-First off this week, we speak with Dewey Riehn, VFW Department of Missouri Legislative Coordinator. Riehn is also involved with the Missouri Veterans Stories Program. With more than 500,000 veterans in Missouri, the goal of the program is to record and preserve the stories of veterans for Posterity. The state legislature appropriated $1 million in 2005 to launch the project, and currently there are 1,000 veterans on the wait list.
We also speak with VFW Post Commander 56, Lynn Rolf. Rolf talks about his Post's strong relationship with Ft. Leavenwroth MWR and the Adopt-A-Unit Program. We talk about his Family Readiness Group, and the recent Oktoberfest they held for deploying troops at Ft. Leavenworth.
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-Next, we speak with VFW Director of Public Affairs out of the Washington, D.C. office, Joe Davis. He talks about the recent press event the ACLU held, discussing the court case regarding the controversy surrounding the Mojave Desert Memorial. The ACLU is in favor of tearing the memorial cross down, since it is on federal land. The VFW is fighting to let it stand, and by doing so, save many other memorials around the country. Joe also discusses the new GI Bill, and the health care debate.
We also talk about Obama's suggestions on Middle East peace.
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POW/MIA Recognition Day

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-POW/MIA Recognition Day honors the commitments and the sacrifices made by our nation's prisoners of war and those who are still missing in action. First this week, we speak with Carol Jose, author of "You Are Not Forgotten," a book that relates in amazing detail the history of the National League of Families. Natalie Rauch, an MIA daughter of an Air Force pilot shot down in 1966, also joins us. After reading Carol's book, Natalie reached out to Carol, asking for help in finding any information about her dad, pictured above with Natalie's family. Within 48 hours, Carol had found a pilot who had known Natalie's dad, and saw him the very day he flew out of South Vietnam, never to be seen or heard from again. Natalie and Carol tell us about their emotional journey. We also discuss what our troops need to get the job done in Afghanistan.
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-Next, we speak with Ann Mills-Griffiths, Executive Director of the National League of POW/MIA Families, a position held since August 1978. The League is a non-profit, charitable organization, with voting membership comprised of Vietnam War returned POWs and POW/MIA and KIA/BNR family members. A humanitarian organization, the League is dedicated to securing the return of all prisoners, the fullest possible accounting for the missing and the return of remains of those who died serving our nation in Southeast Asia.
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September 11, 2001--A Day We Will Never Forget

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-Eight years ago today, thousands of Americans lost their lives as hijacked planes crashed into the World Trade Center in New York City, the Pentagon in Washington, D.C., and as a hijacked plane crashed into a Pennsylvania field. First this week, we speak with David Paine, President and Founder of MyGoodDeed.org, a nonprofit group that was created to transform 9/11 into an annually recognized National Day of Service and Remembrance. Paine discusses how they got this legislation passed, and why this is important.
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-Speaking of good deeds, next we talk to Gary DeHaan, Golf Committee Chairman for VFW Post 6444 out of Georgetown, S.C. This weekend they're holding their 8th Annual Golf Benefit, raising money for VFW's Operation Uplink, among other programs and organizations. DeHaan explains why they never hesitate to help our troops.
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-To finish up this week, Ellen Saracini joins us. Ellen is the wife of the late Victor Saracini, pilot of Flight 175 that flew into the south tower on September 11, 2001. Ellen talks about her late husband as a father, husband, and a United Airlines captain. She also talks about the Garden of Reflection in Bucks County, Pa. The memorial was created to remember and honor those killed on September 11, 2001. We also here from a listener about last week's discussion on health care reform.
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VFW National Commander Tommy Tradewell Returns from China

Newly elected VFW National Commander Thomas J. Tradewell Sr. just returned from his first assignment, a fact-finding mission to the People’s Republic of China (PRC), continuing VFW’s long standing effort to obtain a full-accounting of U.S. POW/MIA’s. He sits down with us to talk about the importance of this long-standing mission, the importance of VFW membership and changing the outdated perception of the VFW.

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Blinded Veterans Association/Outstanding Post 3452

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-To start off this week, we talk about health care reform, reflect on the VFW National Convention, and discuss the new VFW National Commander, Tommy Tradewell's trip to China.
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-Next, we talk to Dr. Tom Zampieri, the Director of Government Relations for the Blinded Veterans Association, which was established specifically to help veterans and their families meet and overcome the challenges of blindness. We also have Army Staff Sergeant Sean Johnson, a blinded veteran who lost his vision as a result of traumatic brain injury from an explosion in Iraq. Army Major A.J. Tong also joins us, who lost his vision due to an explosively formed penetrator blast.
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-To finish up, we have Dale Potts, spokesman for VFW Post 3452, talking to us about the reinvention of their Post in Tualatin, Oregon. They re-opened their Post, naming it after a local high school football player, Marine Cpl. Matthew Lembke, who recently died from wounds sustained in Afghanistan. The Post hopes the reinvention will change the image of the Post, making it more family friendly and appealing to younger veterans.
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From the 110th VFW National Convention in Phoenix, Arizona

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-Rocky Sickmann depicts his life changing experience as one of 53 American hostages taken during the Iranian hostage crisis and explains how that’s impacted his role as the current Director of Military Sales for Anheuser-Busch.
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-How do the Vice President of Labor Relations for GM and the Vice President and Director of the United Auto Workers union work together to accomplish the goals of GM while maintaining what’s best for its employees? The best answer comes straight from that unlikely, yet extraordinary team, Cal Rapson and Diana Tremblay. We find out how they make it work, the future of GM, and their generous support of the VFW.
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-Colonel David Griffith of the Army’s new initiative, Freedom Team Salute, explains how the program recognizes the essential bond between Soldiers, family and community, and celebrates the sacrifices made by all those who support our soldiers.
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From the 110th VFW National Convention in Phoenix, Ariz.

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-This week we bring The National Defense to you from the VFW National Convention in Phoenix, Arizona. The Secretary of Veterans Affairs, Eric Shinseki joins us to discuss backlogs, budget, and his efforts to improve the VA Healthcare system.
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-Next, Todd Davis, CEO of LifeLock-Identity Theft Protection, explains how he's protected even though his social security number (457-55-5462) is everywhere!
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-Mike DeRosa of Burger King explains why he and his BK crew have committed to supporting VFW's Unmet Needs program.
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110th National Convention/New G.I. Bill

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-What goes on at the VFW National Convention? Host Jerry Newberry gives us some insight into the daily activities, this year's guest speakers and why the event is necessary.
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-Next up, we speak with April of Operation Baking Gals, a group dedicated to providing our troops over seas with delicious home-baked goods.
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-The new GI Bill went into effect on August 1, 2009. We'll speak with Marine, Student Veterans of America and VFW member Marshall Archer on the importance of the Bill and his involvement.
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Relocation of Guantanamo Bay Detainees

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-This week we focus on the transfer of detainees from the military prison at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. The administration is looking to relocate prisoners to the military prison at Fort Leavenworth, Kan., or a state maximum-security prison in Standish, Mich., that is scheduled to be closed. First, we speak with Leavenworth mayor Shay Baker about Leavenworth officials opposing the use of Fort Leavenworth to house the detainees. They argue the facility in Cuba should be kept open.
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-Next, we speak with national security and foreign policy expert, John Wohlstetter. According to him, President Obama is learning the hard way that campaign rhetoric may not be reality and may not make sense for national security. Wohlstetter says, "Closing Guantanamo will necessitate creating one or more Guantanamo prisons on American soil."
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-To finish up this week, we speak with the Stanish, Mich. city manager, Michael Moran. Standish Maximum Correctional Facility is scheduled to be closed, which would mean approximately 300 people would lose their jobs. We speak with Moran about why Standish officials, prison employees, and residents want to keep it open at all costs, even if it means becoming the new home of Guantanamo Bay detainees. We also discuss the two American journalists who are safe at home in the U.S. after Bill Clinton secured their release from North Korea.
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Richard Botkin, Author of Ride the Thunder/Outstanding Post 2780

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-First off, we talk to Jack Pickard, member of VFW Post 2780 in Traverse City, Michigan. His Post helped raise funds to pay for buses that transferred troops from Ft. McCoy, Wisconsin back home to Northern Michigan for three days before deploying to Iraq. Without the help from Post 2780 and other Posts and organizations, many of these troops would have had no way to travel home to see their family before they left.
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-Ride the Thunder is a new book by Richard Botkin that recounts the amazing exploits of U.S. Marine Captain John Ripley and South Vietnamese Major Le Ba Binh. It recasts Vietnam's tainted image, and tells the inspiring story of American heroism and the South Vietnamese relentless fight for freedom. We talk to Botkin about dispelling the notion that the military situation in Vietnam was lost.
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Best Warrior Competition, Ft. McCoy, Wisconsin

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-We continue the show this week from the Best Warrior Competition held at Ft. McCoy in Tomah, Wis., where the purpose is to find the best warrior in the Army Reserves. First this week, we speak with Lt. Gen. Jack Stultz. He talks to us about the benefits of hiring veterans, and the high retention rate of the Army Reserves.
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-Next, we speak with CSM Leon Caffie with the Army Reserves about winning last year's competition, and the camaraderie among the soldiers. He also talks about the radical change the Army Reserves has undergone, and why 2008 was a pivotal year for the Army Reserves.
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Best Warrior Competition, Ft. McCoy, Wisconsin

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-This week's show comes to you from the Best Warrior Competition held at Ft. McCoy in Tomah, Wis. The purpose of the competition is to find the best warrior in the Army Reserves. The week-long event started Monday, and challenges soldiers' physical and mental stamina as well as their will. First, we talk with Public Affairs Officer, Captain Corey Shultz about some of the specifics of the competition. Tommy Tradewell, who will become VFW National Commander in August, also joins us to talk about the importance of the Army Reserves.
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-Next, we speak with the only female competitor left standing in the competition. Staff Sergeant Elizabeth Carroll from Colorado joins us to talk about what it's like being the only female left in the Best Warrior Competition, and the physical challenges involved. Staff Sergeant Aaron Butler and Specialist Christopher Ludwig also sit down with us to discuss some of the events involved in the competition and the lack of sleep that comes with it.
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-We speak with a couple more warriors in the competition, Sergeant Luke Heideman and Shawn Zimmerman from Hays, Kan., about sore feet and what it's like being in the Army Reserves, working full-time, and going to school full-time.
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Operation Purple Camp/Lt. Brian Bradshaw/Outstanding Post 2473

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-First this week, we talk to Michelle Joyner with the National Military Family Association (NMFA) about Operation Purple Camp: a camp created to help military children struggling with the stresses of war.
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-Next, we discuss the death of Lt. Brian Bradshaw. Bradshaw was killed by an explosive device in Afghanistan on June 25, the same day Michael Jackson died.
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-Jim Mazzo, quartermaster of VFW Post 2473 joins us for our Outstanding Post segment. He tells us what his Post is doing to appeal to younger veterans.
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-To finish up this week, we discuss the latest news from Iran. We also have details about next week's show from Ft. McCoy, Wisconsin.
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Together We Served/Mojave Desert Memorial Cross

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-First this week, we have Roger Byron, Esq. who is using his military expertise in a number of legal battles involving veterans' war memorials, including one case before the U.S. Supreme Court regarding the Mojave Desert Cross Veterans Memorial. Plus, we discuss some hot topics.
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-Next, we speak with Wesley Prater, co-founder of www.TogetherWeServed.com, a social networking site that helps service people re-connect with those they served with and share their service history.
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-To finish up, we have a few details about a new radio network and we discuss the repositioning of our troops overseas.
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Col. Oliver North/Employer of the Year/Post 4075

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-First this week, we speak with Col. Oliver North, a New York Times best-selling author and host of FOX News War Stories. He discusses American Heroes, his new book that documents first-hand accounts of the heroic men and women defending America against radical Islam around the world.
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-Next, we finish talking with Col. North. We also talk to George Nunnemacher, VFW Dept. of KS 2nd District Jr. Vice Commander and KCP&L Senior Contract Negotiator about being awarded "Employer of the Year" by VFW Departments of Missouri and Kansas.
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-We finish up this week by talking with Aaron Cardwell, commander of VFW Post 4075, about what the Post is doing to help veterans facing mental health problems. We'll also tell you how to find the VFW on the popular social networking sites Twitter, Facebook, and MySpace.
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June 30th Pullback/Yankee Air Museum

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-First this week, we talk to Mark Ernst with the Yankee Air Museum. After a fire in 2004, they're rebuilding to continue their 28-year legacy of acquiring, restoring, and flying historic WWII aircraft.
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-Next, American combat troops are on pace to leave Iraqi cities by the June 30 deadline stipulated by the U.S.-Iraq security agreement. We talk with Brigadier General Peter Bayer, Jr. about this impending deadline.
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-Find out how you can win $500.00! E-mail us your poems, essays or thoughts on "What Makes You Proud to be an American" to thenationaldefense@yahoo.com. The deadline is July 4, 2009. We'll read many of them on air, but the best one will win the cash prize! Also, we warn you about a scam artist who is targeting generous, sympathetic veterans.
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NaVOBA/Horse Soldiers/E-Mail Contest

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-First this week, we have Chris Hale and Scott Denniston of the National Veteran-Owned Business Association (NaVOBA), talking to us about how NaVOBA unites current and future veteran-owned businesses by acting as the national voice for the veteran business movement.
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-Next, we speak with Horse Soldiers author, Doug Stanton, about the never-before-told story of the small band of Special Forces soldiers who went on a secret mission to battle the Taliban and Al Qaeda in Afghanistan immediately following the September 11, 2001 attacks.
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-Find out how you can win $500.00! E-mail us your poems, essays or thoughts on "What Makes You Proud to be an American" to thenationaldefense@yahoo.com. The deadline is July 4, 2009. We'll read many of them on air, but the best one will win the cash prize!
Click here to listen.

Outstanding Post/USO/USS Liberty

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-This Memorial Day, VFW Post 5180 placed more than 7,000 poppies on fallen soldiers' graves at Ft. Mitchell National Cemetery in Ft. Mitchell, Ala. We speak with this week's Outstanding Post's commander, Mike Craig, about the many projects they have going on in their local community.
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-Next, we discuss the tough situation GM is facing. We also speak with Joe Meadors, the Director of Operations of the USS Liberty Veterans Association about the anniversary of the "covered up" attack on the USS Liberty.
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-For more than 68 years the USO has been providing morale-boosting programs and services to enhance the quality of life and provide a home away from home for the military and their family members. USO President Sloan Gibson joins us.
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Year of the NCO/My Vetwork/American Flag

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-First, we discuss how the Memorial Day Unmet Needs Radiothon went. We also discuss a disheartening story about a hospital supervisor making an employee take down her American flag.
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-Next, we'll give you the number to call and text to donate to the VFW Unmet Needs program that helps military families during times of financial hardship due to a deployment.
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-In recognition of Noncommissioned Officers' commitment to service and willingness to make great sacrifices on behalf of our nation, the Secretary of the Army has esablished 2009 as "Year of the NCO." We talk with Command Sergeant Major Leon Caffie about NCO's and their commitment.
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-The social networking site, MyVetwork, has started a new initiative to help connect veterans to career opportunities. We speak with MyVetwork founder and CEO John Campbell about the website's progress.
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VFW Unmet Needs Radiothon/Korean War Memorial

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-This Memorial Day weekend the VFW is hosting a radiothon to raise money for Unmet Needs, a program helping military families during financial hardships caused by a deployment. We speak with SSG John Kaiser, who was wounded in Iraq, about how he benefitted from this program.
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-Next, we talk with Jack Jackson of Knucklehead Radio about their Memorial Day program, "Flags for Veterans," an effort to give American flags to veterans as a thank you for their service.
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-The Korean War is often referred to as "The Forgotten War." We talk with Debra Shultz and her father, Corporal Jim Shultz, about their fundraising efforts to erect a Korean War Memorial in the Kansas City area so the "Forgotten War" will never be forgotten.
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-The VFW Unmet Needs Radiothon is taking place Friday, May 22 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. We'll give you the number you can call to donate, and also talk about SportsClips major contributions to the VFW.
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Soldier's Memorial Cemetery/Community Covenant

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-Over 50 soldiers from the late 1800's will be interned at the Southern Arizona Veterans Memorial Cemetery's (SAVMC) new Historical Memorial Section. We speak with SAVMC Director and Post 9972 Sr. Vice Commander Joe Larson about the May 16 ceremony.
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-The Army Community Covenant recognizes the strength of Army Soldiers and their families, and the support of their local community. We talk with Maj. Gen. Craig Whelden about the endeavor.
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HOT TOPICS: Camp Liberty Shooting l Obama Blocks Images l Afghanistan
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VFW/Rheem Host NASCAR Event for Wounded Warriors

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-Starting things off this week, DeLana Harvick stops by to discuss the impact VFW's partership with Kevin Harvick Inc. has had on her life. We also speak with VFW Senior Vice Commander-in-Chief Tommy Tradewell on VFW's involvement with NASCAR.
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-Next, we speak with Ed Raniszeski, Corporate Director of Marketing Communications for Rheem Manufacturing, co- sponsor of the May 1st troop support event in Richmond, VA.
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-Then, we sit down with Sgt. Tanya Day, in from Walter Reed Army Medial Center to get her take on the day's event.
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-U.S. Marine and two-time Purple Heart recipient Russ Friedman is the winner of the third annual Crown Royal "Your Name Here" 400 contest. He talks with us about his award winning essay and his service to our country. We also chat with SFC Chuck Adams, a patient at Walter Reed recovering from injuries sustained from an IED blast in Iraq. He tells us why he serves.
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VetJobs Helps Employ Veterans/Outstanding Post 7504

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-VFW Racing helps raise awareness about the VFW's programs and also gives troops a day at the races. We talk to VFW's Director of Administrative Operations Kevin Jones about the program, teaming up with Kevin Harvick, Inc., and troop support events.
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-VFW Post 7504 out of Piscataway, N.J. donated $55,000 for a Free Call Day for troops in Iraq and Afghanistan on Easter Sunday. But, that's not all they've donated. They've donated thousands more to veterans organizations and other organizations in their community. We speak with Dominic Ciardi about their generosity. We'll also hear a special message from UAW-GM.
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-Finding jobs for soldiers returning home from overseas is sometimes difficult. VetJobs helps troops transition back into the workforce after they return home, and is the leading Internet niche job board for reaching 10.5 million military veterans currently in the work force. Ted Daywalt talks to us about this important subject.
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Tribute to the Troops/Operation Eagle Claw

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-A student jazz band partners up with Barnes and Noble for a "Tribute to the Troops." Sherry Polito with Barnes and Noble and Tom Bates with the 5 Star Jazz Band are with us to discuss the May 2 activities.
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-Operation Eagle Claw was a United States military operation to rescue 52 hostages from the U.S. Embassy in Tehran, Iran on April 24, 1980. We speak with Rudy Wright, a Korea combat veteran and member of VFW Post 2601, about his published novel on the failed Tehran hostage rescue attempt.
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-In our "Outstanding Post" segment, we speak with Post 1461 Commander Greg Kelm about the nearly eight tons of care packages the Post has sent to troops overseas. We also hear a special message from UAW-GM.
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Fallen Heroes Project/Special Message from UAW-GM

-The Fallen Hero Project mission is to "honor the American Fallen Heroes for their ultimate sacrifice during the war against terrorism." Founder, Michael Reagan creates and distributes hand-drawn portraits of families' fallen heroes, free of charge. We speak with Reagan about his dedication to this project.
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-A great number of current and retired General Motors (GM) employees and United Auto Workers (UAW) members have served in the U.S. armed forces. It’s no surprise UAW-GM works hard to honor them and their service through the UAW Veterans Affairs Department, and the GM Affinity Group. This week we read a special message from UAW-GM.
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"Voices of Strength" --- Reconstruction in Iraq

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-This week we focus on the reconstruction in Iraq. We speak with Major General Michael Eyre with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers on this subject.
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HOT TOPICS: DHS Report l Somali Pirates
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Sport Clips Huddle 2009

-Sport Clips has continued to be a dedicated supporter to the VFW Operation Uplink program. This week we travel to the "2009 Sport Clips Huddle" in Orlando to find out why this is such a military-oriented organization. Click here for the full show.

First up, Clete Brewer, Sport Clips president:
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-Next, we have Dick Merrick, former Marine and current Sport Clips franchise owner:
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-Then, we have a quick chat with VFW Inspector General Benny Bachand on his presentation to Sport Clips Founder and CEO, Gordon Logan. Then we hear Logan's reaction to the award:
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-To finish up, we chat with Dick Mueller, vice president of franchise sales for Sport Clips:
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Queensryche/VFW "Outstanding Posts"

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-“…And people sometimes lose the vision of where we came from. They’re sitting in the laps of luxury in a country that was built on over 3.5 million deaths…” So begins the saga of American Soldier, Queensryche's new album. We'll speak with lead singer Geoff Tate on the importance of their new album and what messages it sends.
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-When Sgt. Schafer returned from his second tour of Iraq, he was greeted by an overwhelming display of support thanks in large part to Ralph Gebes, VFW Department of Illinois. We'll speak with Gebes on the biggest event to hit Batavia "since JFK came through." Watch the video.
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-VFW Post 846 is set to participate in the Kansas City Barbeque Society Cook-Off on April 24th. We'll speak with Jim Lilleston on the upcoming event.
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American Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial/"Outstanding Posts"

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-The American Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial celebrates those men and women who may be broken in body – but never in spirit. We'll speak with Executive Director, Victor Biggs on this treasured landmark.
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-Honor Flight Network is a non-profit organization that transports America's veterans free of charge, to Washington, D.C. to visit and reflect at their memorials. We'll speak with VFW Department of Nebraska Adjutant Quartermaster, John Liebsack, on Nebraska's statewide effort to raise money for this important cause.
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VFW Helps Squash New VA Billing Proposal

VFW Commander Glen Gardner just returned from Washington, D.C., where he met with President Obama, testified before the joint Committee on Veterans Affairs, and met with various senators and congressmen. Gardner, relaying the concerns of veterans, played a large part in squashing the recent and controversial VA collection proposal that would charge veterans for service-related care. We sit down with him for an in-depth, 2-part discussion on his agenda for this visit to the Capitol, and his take on this new administration.

Excerpt from VFW news release (3/18)... The national commander of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U.S. has made it absolutely clear to Congress that his organization is adamantly opposed to an administration proposal to bill disabled veterans with private health insurance for the service-connected care they receive at Department of Veterans Affairs medical facilities.
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Click here to listen to Part Two.

John Fair Memorial Ride for the Kids

The John Fair Memorial Ride for the Kids, is a 1400 mile motorcycle ride to benefit the VFW National Home, a multi-faceted facility created to care for the developmental, social and spiritual needs of the children and families of the Veterans of Foreign Wars.We'll speak with Bill Platt on the upcoming event.
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"Brothers at War"/Wounded Warrior Home Makeover

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- Two brothers went to fight. One went to find out why. The highly acclaimed documentary, "Brothers at War," celebrates the courage and integrity of the American soldier and the American family. We'll speak with Jake Rademacher - filmmaker, actor and brother, on his directoral debut.
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-A local VFW group provided some much needed assistance when an injured U.S. soldier returned from Iraq. We'll speak with Rocky Russell, President of the Colorado District 5 VFW Warriors on the Wounded Warrior Home Makeover.

"Voices of Strength - an Hour with America's Army" --- Brain Injury Awaress Month

-March is Brain Injury Awareness Month. We speak with TBI Service Chief at Walter Reed Army Medical Center Dr. Lou French on this important topic.
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New VA Legislation Breaks a Sacred Trust

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- New VA legislation would charge veterans for healthcare? It's true. We'll speak with VFW Director of Communications in Washington, Joe Davis, on this absurd concept and VFW's nationwide call to action on this issue.
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-The Associated Press recently reported the Army Emergency Relief fund (AER) is hoarding money. Col Catherine Abbott, Chief, Media Relations Division of the Army calls in to make sense of the report.
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In Response to the Latest VA Proposal

It’s time for everyone to drop the bag of chips, get off the couch and do whatever it takes to bring some heavy smoke down on the new administration and let ‘em know that we aren’t going to allow them to charge service-connected and wounded veterans for VA care. So let’s get together on this and make some calls, email, and send a VERY CLEAR message to Congress..and do it NOW!

New Legislation by Sen. Claire McCaskill, and The Dover Controversy

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- Just days ago, Sen. Claire McCaskill introduced new legislation that would overhaul substance abuse treatment programs throughout the military. We'll speak with her on this issue and the toll the current economic state is taking on America's veterans.
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- Lance Cpl. Justin Ellsworth returned home from serving his country in a flag draped casket, there were no news media or protesters waiting to take photos or yelling anti-war slogans. We'll speak with Gold Star Father and President of Military Families United, John Ellsworth, on the Dover Ban controversy.
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Everything You Need to Know About the Middle East

- Military analyst for the Fox News Channel, Major General Paul E. Vallely tells us everything we need to know about the Middle East today.

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Major General Paul E. Vallely served in many overseas theaters, including Europe and the Pacific Rim countries, as well as two combat tours in Vietnam. He has served on U.S. security assistance missions pertaining to civilian-military relations in locations around the world.

Gen. Vallely is a graduate of the Infantry School, Ranger and Airborne Schools, Jumpmaster School, the Command and General Staff School, The Industrial College of the Armed Forces and the Army War College. His combat service in Vietnam included positions as infantry company commander, intelligence officer, operations officer, military advisor and aide-de-camp. He has over 15 years experience in Special Operations, Psychological and Civil-Military Operations.

Gen. Vallely was one of the first nominees for Assistant Secretary of Defense for Special Operations under President Reagan, and commanded the 351st Civil Affairs Command during the 1980s. He has served as a consultant to the Commanding General of the Special Operations Command as well as the Department of Defense Anti-Drug and Counter-Terrorist Task Forces.

Gen. Vallely is a military analyst for Fox News Channel and is a guest on many nationally-syndicated radio talk shows. He also is a guest lecturer on the War on Terror and co-authored The Endgame, Winning the War on Terror. General Vallely currently hosts Osprey Media's Internet Radio show Stand Up America www.standupamericaradio.com.

Army Hour #4/"Outstanding Posts" Debut

Beginning this week, The National Defense will begin featuring "Outstanding Posts." We'll hear from active VFW Posts who are doing things big or small to better their communities and the lives of our service members and their families...it's not just about beer and war stories anymore! Click here for the full show!

-"Outstanding Posts" -- We'll speak with Mike Craig, Commander of VFW Post 5180 in Seale, Alabama. on his "Small Post Doing Big Things!"


-MG David Perkins, the Director for Strategic Effects, CJ-9, Multi-National Force-Iraq in Baghdad, Iraq, calls in to discuss Iraqi elections, leadership, and U.S. troop morale.

From the Sinai to Guantanamo Bay

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- First up we'll speak with Major Kathleen "Brogan" Farren, former tax accountant turned commander of the ONLY air MEDEVAC service in the Sinai Desert.


- Col. Gordon Cucullu discusses his book, Inside Gitmo: The True Story Behind the Myths of Guantanamo Bay.

Closing Guantanamo

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- VFW Commander-in-Chief, Glen Gardner, discusses his past visits to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, and what closing the detention center means for the future of the United States.


- Leslie Bryant, Marketing Manager of 97 Burger King restaurants, discusses her take on being involved in their most recent fundraising effort for VFW's Unmet Needs program.