Major Gen. Allen W. Batschelet

Randy welcomes Major Gen. Allen W. Batschelet, the 24th commanding general of Army Recruiting Command, to talk about his role with the United States Army in recruiting, and what is going on with military recruitment in the U.S. Maj. Gen. Batschelet addresses the process of not only volunteering to serve in the Army, but the processes that they address for those looking to end their military service.

Westley Thomas, author of 'A Hard Decision'

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The National Defense opens this week by speaking with Vietnam veteran and author, Sgt. Westley Thomas, about his new book "A Hard Decision." Westley has taken his expereinces serving in the Vietnam war to create a story about what happens when the realities of the battlefield and the homefront collide. Check out his book on Amazon, or wherever books are sold.

Richard Lawrence, VFW National Pre-Discharge Rating Consultant

The National Defense welcomes Richard Lorrance, VFW National Pre-Discharge Rating Consultant to talk about the work the VFW does for those seeking help navigating the VA system, even in the direst of circumstances. Through paperwork being shuffled and reshuffled, a military veteran who's heart "peeled apart like a lemon" was nearly lost to the system, but Rick and his staff helped expidite his claims.

"Rebecca's Soliloquy" author Roberta Adams

The National Defense opens up this week's show by speaking the author of the new Civil War era love story "Rebecca's Soliloquy," Roberta Adams. Roberta has taken a story she was told as a child and exhaustively researched it to flesh out a full civil war era tale. Check out her book on Amazon or wherever books are sold.

Dr. Andrew Lubin on Fallujah 2's anniversary, and ISIS/ISIL

Randy and Jerry get the straight facts on military activity in the Middle East portion of the world with Dr. Andrew Lubin. Andy talks about the 10th anniversary of the second Battle of Fallujah, ISIS/ISIL and their fight, as well as the US Military's role in the

Dr. Robin Ganzert, American Humane Association, with GREAT news!

The National Defense has some great news for you this week as the reunion sought for a wounded American soldier and his service dog has been completed! Brent Grommet and his service dog, Matty, have finally been brought back together thanks to the efforts of Dr. Ganzert's, American Humane Association, the VFW, the NY Post, and many others.

Ed Walters & Chris Norton of Defense Mobile

Randy and Jerry welcome Ed Walters and Chris Norton of Defense Mobile to discuss their companies new mission to supply veterans with a high quality and CHEAPER mobile phone service. Defense Mobile is also offering a suite of products and services that will be unique to those that have served in the U.S. Armed Forces.

'Black Cat 2-1' Author and Vietnam Veteran, Bob Ford

The National Defense speaks with Vietnam helicopter pilot, and now author of the new book, "Black Cat 2-1" an account of his experience as a helicopter pilot during the Vietnam War. To purchase a copy of the book, check out Bob's website for the book.

Jim Murphy, Chairman of Afterburner Inc.

The National Defense welcomes Jim Murphy, Chairman of Afterburner Inc., to discuss how he is utilizing military training principles to advance the goals of professionals in the private sector.

Dr. Andrew Lubin on ISIS

The National Defense welcomes friend of the program, Dr. Andrew Lubin, back to the program to discuss the current events and topics affecting the U.S. military around the world.  For the first segment of this week's show Dr. Lubin addresses the ISIS threat in the Middle East, the role that America and Europe is playing, and what to expect in the future from ISIS.

Veterans Transition Franchise Initiative of the IFA

The National Defense welcomes Steve Caldeira, President and CEO of the International Franchise Association, to the program to talk about the Vet Fran; Veterans Transition Franchise Initiative of the IFA.  Vet Fran is a collection of over 600 franchises around the country that offer special opportunities to military veterans seeking to open up their own franchise.  For more information on this great program of the IFA, check out the Vet Fran website.

It's 'Help A Hero' Time!

The National Defense welcomes Gordon Logan from SportClips back to the program as he continues his run as one of the most frequent and long running guests on the radio show; and with good reason.  Gordon talks with Randy and Jerry about the various veteran support initiatives that his company has partnered up with the VFW on, and this week, he fills us on on the specifics of the "Help a Hero" scholarship.

Mission: Hire

The National Defense welcomes Commerce Bank's Adewale' Soluade and Mike Moore to discuss their company's new veteran hiring initiative, "Mission: Hire."  Adewale' serves as the Inclusion and Diversity Program Manager for Commerce, and heads up the program to bring more military servicemembers and veterans to work for the midwestern bank.  Mike Moore, an Army Veteran and current VP of Commerce Bank's I.T. Business Office also joins the conversation.  For more information, check out theMission: Hire portion of the Commerce Bank webiste.

Legal Asisstance for Service Members

The National Defense welcomes Laurie Neff, Director of the Clinic for Legal Assistance to Servicemembers, joins the program to discuss the new directives handed down by the DoD regarding PTSD, discharges, and medical benefits that once might have been denied.  Beyond simply being compensated for military service after up to even 30 years time, honor is also being restored to those who served

Champion of Change honoree Jim Allen

The National Defense speaks with one of the most recent Champion of Change honorees, Jim Allen. One of Jim's first jobs was as a parking lot attendant at the VFW National Headquarters, prior to him serving in the U.S. Navy as a J.A.G.. Jim was honored for his work in supporting post 9/11 veterans through his company Honor Capital

Sad News on reuniting Brent Grommet and Matty the dog

The National Defense opens up this week's show with some bad news for wounded Afghanistan war veteran Brent Grommet and his families exstensive attempts to reunite him with the military service dog he was partnered with in Afghanistan, Matty. Randy and Jerry also discuss the retirement of the USS Missouri, and talk about what "The Mighty Mo" is headed to go do now.

The VFW's "Unmet Needs" program stepping up yet again

The National Defense opens up this week's show by highlighting another unmet need from an American reserves member that was fulfilled by the VFW "Unmet Needs" program. Richard Sanders of Pittsburgh was injured while participating in a training exercise in California, and found himself not being able to make ends meet in the wake of that injury.

Follow up with Dr. Robin Ganzert, President of the AHA

The National Defense welcomes Dr. Robin Ganzert from the American Humane Association back to the program for an update on the efforts to reunite Specialist Brent Grommet with his working military dog, Matty. The AHA has offered up a $5,000 reward, as well as another military service dog to the family that has adopted Matty. In this segment Jerry announces that the VFW will match the $5,000 total for the reunion of Brent and his combat buddy, Matty.

 

Randy and Jerry then speak with Joyce Raezer, the Executive Director of the National Military Family Association, about a recent study revealing that one in four military families require the services of food banks to make ends meet.

VFW's Work on Capitol Hill

The National Defense welcomes back the VFW's Director of National Legislative Service, Ray Kelley, to the program to discuss the VFW's work on Capitol Hill to get veterans the support they need and deserve from our Federal government. USAA's Scott Halliwell wraps up his financial advice for back to school loans, as well.

Service Shephard Wanted

This week, the National Defense speaks with Don Gromit, whose son, Brent, served and was wounded while serving in Afghanistan who through lost paperwork, miscommunication, etc., had a service German Sheperd adopted out from under them. Don has put in countless hours trying to reach a solution to his problem, and Jerry and Randy throw their weight behind the fight for an American veteran trying to be reunited with his partner.

Sculpting Military Heroes

Randy interviews sculpture artist Micheal Jernigan about his experiences being an "embedded artist" during the Iraq War, and the work he's undertaking to honor those that served overseas in the Middle East.

Onsite at the 115th VFW National Convention

The next few weeks, The National Defense will bring you interviews from Veterans, special guests, and vendors that attended the National Convention in St. Louis. In this segment, Randy speaks with Drew Reilly, the Co-founder of Defense Mobile, a new mobile communications service tailor made for active duty military and veterans who have served. Drew outlines just a few of the valuable services that Defense Mobile is going to be providing in the coming months.

The 115 VFW National Convention is Coming!

Jerry Newberry is on the road this week setting up for the VFW's 115th National Convention in St. Louis, MO, and speaks with Randy about the preparations under way, some of the awards that will be given away, and what attendees can expect when they meet the VFW in St. Louie.

'Transition to Duty: A Combat Medic's Tour in Vietnam with the 101st Airborne Screaming Eagles'

The National Defense features some great stories this week from those that served in the Vietnam era, and begins with Leo Flory, the author of "Transition to Duty: A Combat Medic's Tour in Vietnam with the 101st Airborne Screaming Eagles." Leo talks with Jerry and Randy about the process of writing the book, as well as relating the personal experiences he put into the book. Check out the book on Leo's website; a great read.

A National Defenes Favorite

For the Fourth of July weekend, the National Defense looks back on a show favorite from the 22nd Annual Bataan Memorial Death March at the White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico. In this segment, Randy and Jerry interviewed a survivor of the actual Bataan Death March, William Eldridge, who at the age of 90, took part in nine miles of the Memorial March!

Local Business Across the Country Supporting Veterans

The National Defense opens up with yet another story of local business owners around the country going out of their way to support the VFW and veterans. Greg Crowley from Crowley Furniture operates three stores in the Kansas City area, and recently pledged to donate a portion of sales from their Memorial Day period to the VFW. Crowley Furniture donated over $10,000 from what appears to be a great Memorial Day program for years to come. 

Sokolove Law Talks Serving Service Members

The National Defense welcomes the managing attorney of Sokolove Law, sponsors of the the VFW's National Convention this year in St. Louis. Ricky talks about Sokolove's background in serving members of the veteran community that were exposed to harmful substances during their time in the service, and are now suffering from the variety of conditions that can result.

VFW's VA Town Hall

This week's show is a special edition of the National Defense featuring stories told to the VFW at one of their town hall meetings seeking personal experiences from veterans regarding the VA. VFW Adjutant General John Hamilton begins with some opening remarks, and then the stories begin.

Seabees!

Jerry and Randy speak with the Director of the US Navy Seabee Museum in Port Hueneme, California. The Seabees were the construction batallion of the US Navy, and played a very important role in American military history. Dr. Laura gives us just a glimpse of the fascinating history of the Seabees, including their inception, and how their role in America's fighting force grew.

'Sniper's Honor'

The National Defense, particularly Jerry Newberry, is giddy to welcome the author of the Bob Lee Swagger books, Stephen Hunter, to the program. Stephen speaks with Jerry and Randy about his new book "Sniper's Honor" as well as movie adaptations of his books, and some of the inspiration he used to crafting these novels. A favorite of Jerry's!

Welcome the VFW AG, John Hamilton

Jerry and Randy welcome the Adjutant General of the VFW, John E. Hamilton, to the program to discuss a myriad of issues relating to veterans and the VFW including the organization's continued efforts to track down over 83,000 MIA soldiers since World War I, and just begins to touch on the mess at the VA.

Tractor Supply Company Hosts VFW Memorial Day Events

Jerry and Randy welcome Andrew Heltsley from Tractor Supply Co. to discuss the unique and fantastic partnership between the VFW and TSC for this upcoming Memorial Day weekend. Check out just one of the over 1300 Tractor Supply Co. stores around the country, and stay tuned for the great promotions serving America's veterans over the Memorial Day weekend.

'Out of the Depths'

The National Defense welcomes Edgar Harrell, USMC; one of the few remaining survivors of the sinking of the USS Indianapolis, to discuss his new book, "Out of the Depths." Randy and Jerry discuss the recent scandal emanating from the VA offices in Arizona, and what the VFW is doing about it. Scott Halliwell of USAA brings us some frank advice on how to budget for all things involving marriages!

Welcome Back Jan Scruggs

• The National Defense welcomes back Jan Scruggs, the founder of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund, who speaks with Randy about his group's May presentation of a reading of the names of all those who died in service of the United States in the post 9/11 era. The names will be read chronologically from the first to last casualty. To find details on how YOU can be a part of the reading, visit buildthecenter.org .

APTA's Veterans Hiring Initiative

• The National Defense welcomes the Director of Human Resources for the American Public Transportation Associate (APTA) to the program to discuss her group's history, reach, and the veteran hiring initiatives that APTA is taking on to support America's veterans and to tap into a highly skilled workforce.

Scholarship Winner America Luna

• Jerry and Randy talk with one of the first recipients of SportClips "Help a Hero" scholarship, America Luna, an Iraq war veteran. Hear about SportClips stepped in when GI Bill benefits ran out, and what America wrote about in her essay that was selected. For the full rundown from the VFW, follow this link.

'Pimped Out' Vans

• The National Defense welcomes Jeff Weston of Vantage Mobility to discuss his company's high quality, customized, wheel chair accessible, mini-vans. Listen to the segment to find out how you can find out if you are eligible to WIN one of these "pimped out" vans, or how you can receive an instant discount on these life-changing modes of transportation; simply for being a veteran.

Meet a VFW Teacher of the Year!

The National Defense welcomes just one of the three winners of the VFW's Smart/Maher VFW National Citizenship Education Teacher Award, the elementary school winner, Shirley Harmon Helton. Each teacher recieves a $1,000 award for their own development and another $1,000 award for their schools.

VFW, SportClips Team Up for Student Veterans

Kevin Jones, VFW Director of Administration Operations, joins the program to highlight the recent CONTINUED effort by SportClips to support our active duty and military veterans with the "Help a Hero" Scholarship. This scholarship fund helps veterans that can demonstrate a financial need and supplements the GI Bill, grants, and other sources to support the education of America's heroes.

A Change in Attitude of Elected Officials?

The National Defense welcomes Jerry back into the studio from Washington D.C. and speaks to VFW Legislative Service guru, Ray Kelley, about the work of the VFW in Washington D.C., elected officials working for veterans in D.C., and a possible change in attitude regarding our elected officials and veterans affairs.

Dr. Timothy O'Leary, Dir. of R&D for the VA

The National Defense welcomes Dr. Timothy O'Leary to the program to discuss Type II Diabetes, and the effect it has on the veterans population. The VA is working to tackle this problem, an affliction TWICE as likely to affect veterans than the normal American population!

Photographer, Stacy Perasall

The National Defense opens this week by talking with veteran and award winning photographer, Stacy Perasall. Stacy shares her combat service history, and the process that led her to seek out those that have served our country, and to take the time to take their portrait. Check out Stacy's great work at her website.

Live from USAA HQ in San Antonio

The National Defense live from USAA HQ in San Antonio (02/22/14)Randy and the Adjutant General, John Hamilton, are on the road this week and visit the headquarters of USAA in San Antonio, TX. In our first segment, Randy and John interview the President of USAA Property and Casuality Insurance, Retired Army General Kevin Bergner. Gen Bergner talks about the what drives USAA in their service of those that have served our country, and their families. Then, The National Defense brings in Carl Liebert, head of USAA's Capitoal Corporation to echo the General's sentiments.

Cigar Ink

The National Defense talks with Mike Lopushinsky of Cigar Ink about his company's new patented cigar engraving process, allowing Cigar Ink to customize cigars for nearly any group, charity, or event. Stay tuned for a special VFW themed line of cigars from Mike and the people of Cigar Ink!

Super Bowl Ad

Jerry and Randy talk about the partnership between Budweiser and the VFW in making one of the commercials airing in the 2nd half of this year's Super Bowl. The guys also take to task those that are faulting the folks at Budweiser and the VFW for putting together this ad. Check out the longer version of what was put together down in Florida at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wuSjsLA9Jdo

Pizza for Patriots

The National Defense welcomes Sgt. Mark Evans back to the program to highlight his group's sixth year of operation "Pizza for Patriots" to provide pizza to American troops overseas during the Super Bowl. Jerry and Ryan always love talking with Mark, and he fills us in on how the program has grown over the years and the sheer number of soldiers that it has served.

VFW Experts

Jerry and Randy welcome back Ryan Galluci, VFW Assistant Director of Legislative Affairs for the VFW, to discuss the recent work by the VFW to protect the interests of all veterans on Capitol Hill. A new package of Veterans benefits legislation is currently going through the approval process in D.C., and fully reinstates the benefits that were victim of the massive cuts in earned benefits of veterans: COLA allowanances.

Lt. Col Al Lugo Jr., Director of the VFW Veterans Village

The National Defense is back home, but still trying to talk to people in warmer climes! Retired Lt. Colonel Al Lugo Jr. joins the program from Florida to talk about the VFW Veterans Village. Al and his staff serve the veteran community in Fort McCoy, Florida. Check them out at the VFW Veterans Village.

VFW and Tractor Supply Stores

Randy, Jerry, and John talk about the upcoming opportunities for the VFW to expand its reach on the local and national level by partnering with companies like Tractor Supply Company. Look for the VFW is be out in force at a Tractor Supply Store near you in 2014!

2013 US Army NCO of the Year

The National Defense opens up it's first show of the year by speaking with Sgt. 1st Class Jason J. Manella of the US Army, the 2013 Army Non-commissioned Officer of the year! Sgt. Manella talks with Jerry and Randy about his experience in the military as an NCO and the competition he took part in to earn this prestigious title.