Happy Holiday Financial Tips from USAA

The National Defense takes a few minutes to speak with USAA financial guru, Bob Wiedower, about the Fed raising interest rates as well as everyone's favorite holiday dinner topic: LIFE INSURANCE.  Jerry, Randy, Andy, and Nate wish you and yours a very happy, safe, and relaxing holiday season

Andrew Hinton & the Archive of Modern American Warfare

The National Defense welcomes archivist Andrew Hinton from Texas Tech's Archive of Modern American Warfare to the program to discuss his organization's efforts to preserve the history, particularly digital records, of some of the more recent armed conflicts in American history.  For more information on the project, please check out the AMAW website.

Bill Deutch with an update from 'Hiring America'

The National Defense kicks off this week's show by speaking with the creator of the first veteran employment TV program and getting an update on just some of the good work being done for veterans around the country, and the companies benefiting from them.

Ben Patton, Grandson of General Patton, from I WAS THERE films

The National Defense welcomes the youngest grandson of US Military great General George Patton, Ben Patton, to the program.  Randy and Jerry speak with Ben about his family's military history as well as his new project, I WAS THERE Film Workshops.  The I WAS THERE program works to help veterans document their own stories of military service in order to help them both preserve their story of service, but to also cope with the sometimes difficult transition to civilian life.

November 28, 2015

November 22, 2015

November 14, 2015

Paul Katis, Director of 'Kilo Two Bravo'

The National Defense welcomes the director of the fantastic film "Kilo Two Bravo." Paul Katis, to the program to discuss his new film and the process of accurately telling this gripping story.  "Kilo Two Bravo" is the story of a company of British soldiers who found themselves pinned down in a minefield in the Helmand Province of Afghanistan in 2006.  The film is available in many theaters across the country, as well as online.  For more information, check out the webiste for "Kilo Two Bravo."

Nashville Recording artist Amber Hayes and 'Hero's Heart'

The National Defense is proud to welcome Nashville recording artist Amber Hayes to the program to discuss her single "Hero's Heart."  Amber's song was originally created as a tribute to her uncle, Command Sgt. Major Bennie G. Adkins, who was recently awarded the Medal of Honor for his service in the Special Forces in the Vietnam War.  Amber has recently released an EP entitled "Running Out of Memories" and is currently touring the country with Ronnie McDowell.  For more information on Amber Hayes, and to hear her song "Hero's Heart," check out her website at amberhayesmusic.com.

Glenn Towery, Veterans Suicide Prevention Channel

The National Defense welcomes the creator of the Veterans Suicide Prevention Channel, Glenn Towery, to the program to discuss the inspiration for his channel, what exactly his program offers up for programming, and where he sees the Veterans Suicide Prevention Channel going in the future.

Humane Association President Dr. Robin Ganzert

The National Defense welcomes back the President and CEO of the American Humane Association, Dr. Robin Ganzert, to the program to talk about the recent bill passed in both houses on Capitol Hill and awaiting signature from the President to retire American service dogs ON American Soil.  The VFW and the American Humane Association paired up after hearing the story of Army Specialist Brent Grommet and his service dog Matty.

Dr. Andrew Lubin on the European Refugee Crisis

The National Defense opens up this week's show by checking in again with Dr. Andrew Lubin on the rapidly shifting picture of the refugee crisis in Europe.  The Professor talks with Randy about Putin, and his activities in Syria, as well as the current crop of political hopefuls all seeking to be elected to the White House.

Scott Neuberger from Batteries Plus Bulbs

The National Defense opens up this week's show by highlighting a company offering incentives to veterans for starting their own small business.  Scott Neuberger lives in the Kansas City area, and is a 20 year military veteran who now owns three stores in the KC area.  Randy and Jerry discuss the stores, and the franchise's new "Ownership with Honor" program for military veterans; part of the VetFran program.

Phoenix VA Whistleblower, Brandon Coleman

The National Defense speaks with Dr. Brandon Coleman, an addiction counselor for the VA, who took it upon himself to make massive wrongs within the Phoenix VA system public, and has been persecuted for it since.  Brandon just testified before Congress about his experience with the VA, and the retribution that wrongdoers in Phoenix sought to take out against him for blowing the whistle

National Defense from USAA HQ in San Antonio, TX

The National Defense is on the road this week as they return to the World Headquarters of USAA in San Antonio, TX.  To kick off this week's show, Randy and Jerry speak with Eric Engquist, Vice President of USAA's Military Transitions Team, about his background, his work with USAA, and what USAA does to ease transitions for veterans and their families.

Koby Langley, Senior VP at the American Red Cross (09/12/15)

The National Defense opens up the show by speaking with the Koby Langley, Senior Vice President of the American Red Cross, about the support that his organization has given to American soldiers and veterans through their long history.  Jerry and Randy talk with Koby about the partnership that has always existed with the Armed Forces, as well as rolling out an online vehicle to help better serve veterans and their families.

'American Sniper' and the depictions of modern day soldiers

The National Defense looks back this Labor Day weekend on the story and events surrounding the the film "American Sniper" and the life and death of Chris Kyle.  Randy and Jerry talk about the unique position that American soldiers find themselves in both on the front lines and the homefront.

John Biedrzycki, National Commander of the VFW

The National Defense welcomes the new National Commander of the Veterans of Foreign Wars to discuss the first few weeks of his time in leadership for the VFW.  John has been traveling all over the world as part of his duties, and in this segment he shares a few stories of his experiences thus far.

Jerry's Back!

Randy and Jerry are back together after Jerry's lengthy "assignment" as Jerry discusses Randy speaking with John Amos, Jerry's CRUISE, and the most recent word on the Veterans Administration and what the VFW is doing to help out veterans.  Randy and Jerry also speak about the funeral of a Vietnam veteran who passed away and had thousands of strangers attend to his services.

Dr. Steven Stahl on PTSD and his book "Shell Shock"

The National Defense opens up this week's show by speaking with Dr. Steven Stahl about PTSD, it's role in modern combat, and how his knowledge as a psychiatrist helped him write his new book, "Shell Shock."

VFW Legislative Director Ray Kelley

The National Defense opens up this week's show by checking in with the VFW Legislative Director, Ray Kelley, to hear the latest on the work that the Veterans of Foreign Wars is doing on Capitol Hill.  With the recent conclusion of the VFW National Convention, Ray and his staff have their marching orders from VFW delegates and addresses just a few of those issues including the VA and stopping sequestration.

Hale Bradt, author of 'Wilber's War'

The National Defense welcomes retired MIT Pyshics professor, Hale Bradt, to talk about his father, Wilber, and his decorated service in WWII.  Hale came across some lost letters from and to his father and learned a lot of the nuance from his father who sadly took his own life just weeks after returning from the War.  The resultant research has produced a trio of books entitled "Wilber's War: An American Family's Journey through World War II."

116th VFW National Convention

The 116th VFW National Convention has wrapped up in the Steel City, and The National Defense was on locataion in Pittsburgh to speak to various people attending and being honored at the convention.  In this segment, Randy catches up with members of the Minnesota Warriors ice hockey team, and discusses the finer points of custom lapel pins on the floor of the exhibitor's hall.

WWII Veteran Col. Chuck Booth New Book on Internet Jokes

The National Defense relishes the opportunity to speak with any veteran from WWII, especially when they're as full of stories as this show's special guest, Col. Charles Booth Jr., who has released, at age 95, a book compiling some of his favorite internet jokes.  You can find his book on Amazon, or wherever awesome books are sold.

Pizza 4 Patriots Founder Sgt. Mark Evans

The National Defense welcomes back a friend of the program and any active duty service member that has a hankering for pizza, Mark Evans.  Randy talks about the origins of the Pizza 4 Patriots program, the pizzas themselves, and where the program is going from here.

Marty Brounstein, author of 'Two Among the Righteous Two'

The National Defense opens up this week by speaking with Marty Brounstein to talk about his book "Two Among the Righteous Few: A Story of Courage in the Holocaust."  Marty talks to Jerry and Randy about the nature of the Holocaust, and the people he highlights in his new book.  For the millions affected by the Holocaust, there are stories of regular people drawn to heroic acts, and Marty's book highlights just a few of those.  Check it out wherever books are sold.

Dr. Constance Scharff of Cliffside Malibu

The National Defense opens up this week with Dr. Constance Scharff from Cliffside Malibu to discuss the recent partnership between the VFW and Cliffside Malibu to treat various conditions that veterans can be afflicted with.  Make sure to check out their website and their booth at the VFW National Convention in Pittsburgh.  Cliffside Malibu is working on reinforcing existing treatments, and developing new ways to combat addictions of all kinds.

Karen Woods, United Military Women of the Southwest

The National Defense kicks off this week by speaking with Karen Woods of the United Military Women of the Southwest to discuss her group's activities in Las Cruces, NM, especially their efforts to establish a women's veterans memorial.  You can check out more information on the UMWSW on their Facebook page.

Ryan Mauro of The Clarion Project

The National Defense welcomes National Security Analyst for The Clarion Project, Ryan Mauro, to the program to discuss his group's efforts to educate the public on divisions within the Islamic faith in regards to ISIS and acts of terrorism, as well as the efforts his group is undertaking to inform people about the dangers of a nuclear Iran.

Prasad Reddy of Twisted X Boots and the VFW

The National Defense welcomes a fantastic partner of the VFW, Prasad Reddy, President and CEO of Twisted X Boots company in Texas.  When Prasad had completed his American naturalization ceremony in 1980, members of the local VFW handed him an American flag, a copy of the U.S. constitution, and welcomed him to America.  Prasad pledged that day to return the favor and thank the VFW for that moment, and is doing so in a current promotion between Twisted X Boots and the Veterans of Foreign Wars.  Check out their website at TwistedXBoots.com.

Randy and Jerry share their thoughts on CBS' 'The Briefcase'

The National Defense welcomes the Vice President for Talent Acquisition for Comcast NBC Universal to discuss his company's continuing efforts to hire American veterans, reservists, and their families.  Comcast has redoubled their efforts to hire veterans and their families into jobs in various fields under the Comcast umbrella.  To look at the thousands of positions that Comcast is currently seeking to fill, and how your military skills could translate, visit the "Military and Veterans" link on the Comcast job portal.

Mike Vietti from the WWI Memorial in Kansas City

The National Defense welcomes the communications director for the National World War I museum in Kansas City, Mike Vietti, to the show to talk about the traveling Vietnam Wall installation visiting America's official WWI memorial.  Randy and Jerry talk with Mike about the process of getting the wall to the museum, the activities kicking off over Memorial Day weekend, and more.

Julie DeStefano, Producer/Director of 'Journey to Normal'

Randy welcomes the producer and director of "Journey to Normal: Women of War Come Home," Julie DeStefano.  Julie discusses her background in filmmaking and the inspiration to produce this feature length documentary.  Make sure to check out the website for Journey to Home to find more information on the film, and where you can see it soon.

Damon Miller, Director of Marketing for Basis/Intel

The National Defense takes this week to feature partners of the VFW from the corporate sector who are striving to provide quality jobs or products for veterans.  In this segment, Randy speaks with Damon Miller, the Director of Marketing for Basis, an Intel company,  about his company's personal fitness and sleep tracker.  Basis is donating a thousand of their trackers to Walter Reed medical center to assist in studying the sleep and activity patterns of VA patients.  Check out their list of products and features at the Basis website.

Country Music Artist Aaron Tippin

The National Defense welcomes country music superstar Aaron Tippin to the program to discuss his 25th anniversary in the music industry, as well has his long running support of the American military.  For more information on his upcoming shows and new album, check out the Aaron Tippin website.

Gary Groman from Branson.com honoring Purple Heart Recipients

Jerry and Randy speak with Branson.com's Gary Groman about the 7th Annual "Branson.com Honors Purple Heart Recipients" in Branson, MO.  This event covers a fishing tournament, concerts, and entertainment inconjunction with the Military Order of the Purple Heart. 

Dr. Robin Ganzert. American Humane Association

The National Defense welcomes back the President of the American Humane Association to discuss the work of her organization on Capitol Hill and the Representatives and Senators that are working to bring our military and contract service dogs home.

Recent Developments in the Bowe Bergdahl Desertion Case

The National Defense welcomes back Al Lugo from the VFW Veterans Village in Florida to talk about one of the best kept secrets in the VFW, as well as Jerry's golf game. Randy and Jerry discuss the most recent developments in the Bowe Bergdahl desertion case, and USAA's Scott Halliwell talks life insurance. That's all this week on The National Defense.

Erik Fleming, author of 'Rolling Thunder'

This week we look back at the anniversary of the end of the Vietname War, and Randy speaks with Erik Fleming, the author of "Rolling Thunder" to discuss his book and the incredibly exspansive role of aerial combat during the Vietnam war.

VFW Adjutant General, John Hamilton

The National Defense welcomes the Adjutant General of the VFW, John Hamilton, to the program to discuss the most recent VFW Legislative Conference in Washington D.C., as well as some of the members of Congress who are helping veterans by  keeping an eye on the Veterans Administration and staving off sequestration.

Dr. John DeVore, author of 'Sitting in the Flames'

The National Defense speaks with Westpoint Grad and Vietnam veteran, Dr. John DeVore, about his new book "Sitting in the Flames: Uncovering Fearlessness to Help Others."  Randy talks with John about his experiences coming up through the military, his service in Vietnam, and his history that factored into writing this book.

Heath Robinson of Tyler and the Tribe

The National Defense opens up this week by speaking the Heath Robinson, guitar player for Tyler and the Tribe, a Dallas band who has released a great new music video for their song "Best."  The band has used their song as an opportunity to say thank you to all those that have served in the United States military.  Make sure to check out their website at Tylerandthetribe.com

The National Defense on the Environmental and Political climate

The National Defense opens up this week with a look at the current state of global affairs including the role of climate change in national security, as well as the most recent state of ISIS/ISIL in the Middle East

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.

'American Sniper,' and the modern day soldier

The National Defense opens up this week by discussing the recent success of the "American Sniper" film, and it's subject, Chris Kyle.  Randy and Jerry talk about the unique position that American soldiers find themselves in both on the front lines and the homefront.

WWII Veteran Col. Chuck Booth New Book on Internet Jokes

The National Defense relishes the opportunity to speak with any veteran from WWII, especially when they're as full of stories as this week's special guest, Col. Charles Booth Jr., who has released, at age 95, a book compiling some of his favorite internet jokes.  You can find his book on Amazon, or wherever awesome books are sold.

Missouri Senator Claire McCaskill

The National Defense is proud to welcome longtime friend of veterans back to the program, Missouri Senator Claire McCaskill.  Senator McCaskill serves on the Armed Services Committee, and fills us in on just some of the latest development on Capitol Hill regarding VA, funding, and overall veteran care.

Dr. Bessel Van Der Kolk, author of 'The Body Keeps the Score'

Jerry and Randy welcome Bessel Van Der Kolk MD to the program to discuss his book "The Body Keeps the Score."  Dr. Van Der Kolk has worked for decades on attempting to help those that suffer from trauma, particularly PTSD.