Veterans and the Job Market

The National Defense welcomes Ted Daywalt, CEO and President of VetJobs to discuss the job market for veterans returning from tours overseas as well as wishing you and yours a very happy and healthy holiday season.

The War in Iraq is Over!

The National Defense welcomes Senator Claire McCaskill back to the program to discuss the end of official military operations in Iraq as well as a multitude of veterans' issues. Jerry broadcasts from San Antonio, TX, and fills us in on Operation Rising Star, as well.

Bean Soup and Tenneesee Hounds on "the Hill"

The National Defense opens up this week by speaking with Major Russell Staley to discuss the upcoming "Operation Toy Drop" at Fort Bragg. Randy also discusses his recent trip to Washington D.C.

'The Afghan Deception'

The National Defense welcomes author W.C. Hatounian to talk about his new book "The Afghan Deception" as well as speak with Prof. Andrew Lubin about the current state of Pakistan and his upcoming Marine documentary.

The National Defense Welcomes Daniel Indiviglio of 'The Atlantic'

The National Defense wishes you and yours a happy and safe Thanksgiving holiday! This week, Randy and Jerry speak with Daniel Indiviglio of "The Atlantic" about recent efforts in Congress to increase hiring rates of unemployed veterans.

Welcome Back VFW National Commander DeNoyer

The National Defense welcomes VFW National Commander-in-Chief, Richard DeNoyer, back to the program. This week, Randy and Jerry discuss with Richard his recent travels overseas to visit our troops, as well as his visits with members of Congress on Capitol Hill.

A Special Veterans Day Show

This week The National Defense serves up a special Veterans Day show dedicated to all American veterans!

Happy Veterans Day!

The National Defense wishes you and yours a happy Veterans Day this Friday, Nov. 11! This week Randy and Jerry highlight some great programs and activities supporting American Veterans all around the world. We speak with Steve Van Buskirk, Director of Programs for the VFW, April Harrington of the Yellow Ribbon Program at Lipscomb University, and “The Cheese Lady” Sarah Kaufmann.

Red Cross and Google Team Up for Wounded Warriors

The National Defense welcomes Peter Maheera from the Red Cross and Joe Demite from Google to discuss the hundreds of new Google Chromebooks being distributed to our wounded warriors at Walter Reed and other military hospitals by the Red Cross. The National Defense also welcomes back friend of the program, Prof. Andrew Lubin to discuss his most recent trip to Iraq and Afghanistan

The National Defense welcomes Secretary of the USDA, Tom Vilsack.

The National Defense welcomes CEO of Sportclips, Gordon Logan, back to the program. We also speak with Secretary of the USDA, Tom Vilsack to talk the American Jobs Act and the "Returning Heroes/Wounded Warrior Tax Credits."

TND Welcomes Singers & Songwriters

The National Defense features singers and songwriters this week as Jerry and Randy welcome Keni Thomas and Darden Smith to the program.

VFW's Emergency Financial Assistance Program and You

The National Defense welcomes Mike Penney, Director of National Military Services for the VFW to discuss the VFW's "Unmet Needs" program as well as the VFW's emergency assistance grants.

Predatory Practices Seek to Take Advantage of College Bound Vets

The National Defense welcomes Ryan Gallucci back to the program to talk about predatory practices by a few colleges and universities seeking to take advantage of American veterans wanting to attend college. Ryan updates us on the latest "Ten for Ten" issues from Capitol Hill as well. Jerry and Randy also speak with Shawn O'Connor of MyMilitaryPages.com .

VFW National Comander DeNoyer and VFW's "10 for 10"

The National Defense welcomes newly elected VFW National Commander, Richard DeNoyer, to discuss the VFW's "Ten for Ten" initiative. Jerry and Randy also speak with author Vicky Benson about her new book "Out of the Turret and into Hell."

VFW: Protecting Veteran's Benefits

The National Defense welcomes Ray Kelley, Director of Legislative Services for the VFW to discuss the VFW's work on Capitol Hill to protect Veteran's benefits. Jerry also speaks with Dan Parker, Associate Director for Membership about the place for younger veterans in college and the VFW.

Deputy Secretary for the VA, Mr. Scott Gould

The National Defense continues it's fantastic lineup of guests for this week's program as Jerry interviews Deputy Secretary for the V.A., Scott Gould to discuss the current state of the V.A. and the opportunities and challenges that exist on the horizon. Jerry also speaks with Iraqi-War veteran John Gallina of Purple Heart Homes, as well as welcoming friend of the program Mike Derosa of Burger King.

Medal of Honor Recipient, SFC Leroy Petry

The National Defense has a fantastic lineup of guests for this week's program as Randy interviews USAA CEO Job Robles, and Jerry brings us interviews from the VFW National Convention in San Antonio, TX as we welcome the most recent recipient of the Medal of Honor, SFC Leroy Petry, CEO of Sports Clips Gordan Logan, and Reese Kimball of Empower Processing. Also, as a special bonus to our listeners on the web, a sneak preview of more great interviews by Jerry Newberry coming up!

Fighting to Make Washington Uphold Promises to Veterans

The National Defense welcomes Deputy Legislative Services Director Ryan Gallucci to the program to highlight the VFW's work on their "Ten for Ten" program as the VFW fights to make Washington DC keep their promises to the American military service members and their families.

KC Chiefs Support VFW's "Return the Favor"

The National Defense is on the road this week in St. Joseph, MO for Kansas City Chiefs training camp. The Chiefs are continuing their support of the VFW's "Return the Favor" program, and our hosts speak with Ryan Kuhn, Mitch Holtus, and KC Chiefs Cheerleaders Liz and Lindsey about their support of our troops and veterans.

The American Soldier and Veterans in the Wake of the Debt Deal

The National Defense welcomes the Director of the VFW's National Legislative Service, Ray Kelley, to the program to discuss the VFW's efforts to protect the interests of the American soldier and veterans in the wake of the debt deal recently passed in Washington D.C.. They also speak with C. Gilbert Lowery, author of "The Untold Experiences of a Navy Corpsman."

The Closing of Walter Reed Hospital

The National Defense addresses the closing of Walter Reed hospital, and again speaks with Dr. Andrew Lubin after his recent trip back to Afghanistan. Jerry also runs down a list of programs and benefits that Congress is targeting against our American Military.

Winner of the 2011 Best Warrior Competition

The National Defense welcomes Sgt. Chris Couchot, winner of the men's division of the Army Reserve's Best Warrior Competition, and longtime friend of the program, blogger and go-getter Kanani Fong.

Iraq: The Current State of U.S. Military Activities

The National Defense welcomes Major General Jeff Buchanan direct from Iraq to update us on the current state of U.S. Military activities within Iraq. Randy also speaks with the VFW's Public Affairs Director and Spokesperson Joe Davis in Washington D.C.

Good and Bad News Across the US

The National Defense highlights news both good and bad around the US as we welcome Ross Cohen of ServiceNation to highlight upcoming efforts to link military spouses with employers in Los Angeles, as well as two individuals fighting for the rights of our deceased Veterans at Houston's National Cemetery.

'Harvest'

This week we welcome director of the movie "Harvest" Marc Myers, and highlight recent acts of blatant discrimination and censorship at the Houston National Cemetery.

Return to the Best Warrior Competition

The National Defense welcomes Dustin Kuhn of Return the Favor to discuss recent developments in corporate partnerships, as well as the activities this great organization can carry out thanks to their sponsors. Randy and Jerry also look back at past guests this year, as well as looking forward to Jerry's return to Wisconsin for the Best Warrior Competition.

the Current State of the Job Market For Veterans

The National Defense welcomes Ted Daywalt, director of Vetjobs, to discuss the current state of the job market for American Veterans, as well as his ideas on addressing possible problems for our Veterans.

Creating a National Desert Storm Memorial

The National Defense welcomes Scott Stump and John Jordan to discuss their efforts in creating a national Desert Storm memorial. Jerry and Randy also talk with Huffington Post contributor Amanda Terkel about the recent controversy surrounding Delta Airlines and baggage fees charges to American service members

Lt Gen William Caldwell and CSM Ralph Beam in Afghanistan

The National Defense brings you Jerry Newberry's exclusive interview with Lt. General William Caldwell; Commander of NATO's NTM-A and CSTC-A in Afghanistan.

Jerry Newberry: Thoughts After Returning From Afghanistan

Jerry relates his feelings regarding our troops and the VFW following a reinvigorating tour in Afghanistan.

NATO's Role in Rebuilding Afghanistan

The National Defense brings you Jerry Newberry straight from Afghanistan to discuss the role that NATO is playing in the important rebuilding of Afghanistan. We are also joined by vocalist Autumn Letendre and listen to her new song "Raise Your Flag."

New Info on US Navy Seals' Take Down

The National Defense brings you Jerry Newberry straight from NATO NTMA Headquarters in Kabul Afghanistan. Jerry has a chance to sit down with Gen. Caldwell and recounts the visit with him, as well as the new information coming out regarding US Navy Seals taking down Bin Laden.

Jerry Newberry Brings News From NATO NTMA HQ in Kabul

The National Defense brings you Jerry Newberry straight from NATO NTMA Headquarters in Kabul Afghanistan. Jerry and Randy get a chance to speak with our soldiers stationed in Afghanistan, and address the latest news surrounding the death of Osama Bin Laden.

Tuskegee Airman and 'Harlem Hellfighters'

The National Defense has Randy Miller flying solo as Jerry Newberry is in transit overseas back to another embed in Afghanistan. This week, Randy speaks with Tara Johnson, daughter of a Tuskegee Airman, and granddaughter of one of WWI's "Harlem Hellfighters" Henry Johnson.

Remembering Tim Hetherington

The National Defense honors the memory of Oscar nominated documentarian and guest of the program, Tim Hetherington. Tim was killed in a mortar attack in Libya this week. We remember Tim this week by looking back on our interview with him and his partner, Sebastian Unger, as they talk about their fantastic Afghanistan war documentary, "Restrepo."

Programs for Soldiers

The National Defense highlights various programs to help out our soldiers, particularly those injured while serving their country. We speak with Paul Roller of the MWR as well as Buddie Butterfield; founder of "Buddie's Buddies."

The Kitchen Dispatch

The National Defense recaps their trip to Texas for the Bataan Memorial Death March, and welcomes the author of "The Kitchen Dispatch" blog, Kanani Fong, as well as author/former wrestler Ron Zuccaro, author of "Heaven, Iron, and I."

Interviews From the Bataan Memorial Death March

The National Defense comes to you this week from the White Sands Missle Range for the 22nd annual Bataan Memorial Death March. We bring you interviews with survivors of the actual march, incoming National Commander Richard DeNoyer, and more!

Current Issues Around the World

The National Defense welcomes friend of the program, Andrew Lubin, to discuss the current issues around the world affecting the U.S. military, and discusses recent guest of the program, Senator Claire McCaskill.

Senator Claire McCaskill

The National Defense is proud to welcome back Senator Claire McCaskill of Missouri to the program this week.

Interviews From Washington

Jerry Newberry brings you interviews straight from Washington D.C. where he is on assignment this week at the VFW National Legislative Conference. We'll hear from the Lt. Gen Stephen Speakes of the USAA, Sen. Tim Johnson, and new information about the National Army museum campaign.

The VFW National Legislative Conference: A Look Ahead

The National Defense takes a look at Jerry's upcoming trip to Washington D.C., "Rolling Stone" magazine, the V.A., and wonders aloud "Where's Senator McCaskill?"

The American Veteran and Higher Education

The National Defense continues to examine the role of the American Veteran and higher education in this week's program. We speak with Richard Baldissari and John McClelland about their involvment with ROTC and the Columbia University. We also salute Anonymous, the "hacktivist" group who is targeting the despicable actions of the Westboro Baptists and the Phelps Family.

The National Defense Welcomes John Montford

The National Defense welcomes John Montford, senior advisor for Public Policy at General Motors to discuss the efforts GM is taking to offer scholarships to young Americans. We also feature a reading of the state of Arizona's winning essay for the Voice of Democracy scholarship by it's author, Mariah Franklin.

U.S. Military's Wounded Warrior Transition Programs: The Truth

The National Defense welcomes Pittsburgh Tribune Review journalist Carl Prine to the program. Mr. Prine brings us the truth about the U.S. Military's wounded warrior transition programs, and his experiences in uncovering what many in the United States had little knowledge of.

TND Welcomes Congresswoman Vicky Hartzler

The National Defense welcomes new Missouri Congresswoman Vicky Hartzler to this week's show. Representative Hartzler replaced long time Missouri rep: Ike Skelton. Jerry and Randy also bring you up to date on all the news affecting our military personal.

VFW Post 56 - New Techniques and Practices

The National Defense welcomes Leavenworth, KS, VFW Post 56 Commander Lynn Rolf to discuss the current goings on at the Post, and the new techniques and practices being implemented by them every day.

American Companies Doing Great Things for Veterans

SportClips and Allied Vanlines chat with us about some of the great work their doing to support troops, veterans and their families.

The National Defense Welcomes Ricky Lee (Part 3)

The Phelps family is back at it again, now attempting to garner attention by protesting at the funerals of those killed in the shooting in Tucson, AZ.

The National Defense Welcomes Ricky Lee (Part 2)

Jerry and Randy chat about Ricky Lee and give you a listen to his new song "Good Morning America"

The National Defense Welcomes Ricky Lee (Part 1)

The National Defense is proud to welcome Ricky Lee to the program this week. Ricky has partnered up with the VFW to bring some great patriotic music to the airwaves. Check him out at rickyleemusic.com

In the Wake of Ft. Leonard Wood Tornado

The National Defense brings you news from Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri, which was devastated by a EF3 strength tornado on New Year's Eve. Jerry Newberry was there to bring you the news, as well as lend a substantial helping hand on behalf of the VFW.

Black Hawk Flight

Happy New Year from The National Defense. The program is joined this week by the founder and executive director of the Black Hawk Flight foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing schoalarships to kids to pursue flight training.