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, N.M., especially their efforts to establish a women's veterans memorial.

Oak Ridge Boys heading to Charlotte for the VFW Nat'l Convention

Randy and Jerry look towards Charlotte, NC for the upcoming VFW National Convention and the musical headliner, The Oak Ridge Boys.  Jerry and Randy talk about the history of Presidential candidates appearing at the VFW National Convention over the years, and Jerry continues to incorrectly guess the discography of the Oakridge Boys.

Dr. Matt Naylor, CEO of WWI Museum in Kansas City

The National Defense welcomes Dr. Matt Naylor to the program to discuss the World War One Museum in Kansas City and it's programs, including special Memorial Day weekend ceremonies.  Randy talks with Matt about this incredible, world-class, facility and just some of the never before seen artifacts that are being displayed for the first time.  Check out the World War I Museum website for more information.

Jim Palmersheim from Snowball Express

The National Defense welcomes Air Force Veteran and American Airlines Captain Jim Palmersheim to the show to discuss an absolutely fantastic program for the children of soldiers who have died while serving our country: Snowball Express.  Jim talks about the program and his involvement flying kids down to Texas around Christmas every year, including those on his plane "Snowball One."

Tracy Libby, Author of 'Reporting for Duty'

The National Defense welcomes the author of "Reporting For Duty: True Stories of Wounded Veterans and Their Service Dogs," Tracy Libby, to the program to discuss her new book about the special bond between American servicemembers and their canine battle buddies. (From Nov. 2015)

BG Moore, Chief of Staff for UST Global, hiring veterans

The National Defense welcomes the Chief of Staff for UST Global, BG Moore, to the program to discuss his company's work in the information technology field as well as their dedication to put veterans seeking jobs in IT to work.  BG talks about how his company feels that they are able to take veterans, place them in their veterans programs, and the direction they head with the proper training.  For more information on their Veterans training program visit their page for Veterans at UST Global.

Stephen Holley from 'Carry the Load'

The National Defense welcomes the co-founder to the "Carry the Load" movement to discuss the origins of this great group, what they do, and how you can get involved in carrying the load.  To find more information on how you can take part in their relays to honor those that have served their countries, visit the website of "Carry the Load."

Josh Peyton, CEO and President of the Veterans Golf Association

The National Defense kicks off this week's show by speaking to the founder of the Veterans Golf Association, Josh Peyton.  Randy and Josh talk about the VGA, and their mission of being a nonprofit organization committed to promoting the game of golf to veterans and their family members.  Josh previews some upcoming Veterans events at the Masters in Augusta, GA.  For more information visit the website of the Veterans Golf Association.

Marine Corps Lt. Col. Justin Constantine

The National Defense welcomes retired Marine Corp Lt. Col. Justin Constantine to the program to discuss his military service, and his catastrophic head injury from a sniper's round in Afghanistan.  Following his recovery, Justin shares his experience in the civilian field, as well as his new book "My Battlefield, Your Office."  For more information, check out his website justinconstantine.com

Dr. Andrew Lubin

This week, The National Defense welcomes back Dr. Andrew Lubin to the program to discuss the various issues in the world that affect our military and our veterans.  Jerry and Andy discuss the election, the presidential primaries, and more.  For more information on Andrew Lubin check out andrewlubin.com.

Police Officer John Howe and Veterans Portraits

The National Defense welcomes Independence, MO, police officer John Howe to the program to discuss his work as a photographer and his recent work to take portraits of veterans, particularly those from WWII and the Korean War.  John contacts veterans, takes their portraits and gets their stories about service in their earlier years.  For more information on John's work visit his website howecreativephoto.com

Kevin Sullivan, Creator of MilitaryTeeTimes.com

The National Defense welcomes the creator of MilitaryTeeTimes.com, Kevin Sullivan, to the program to talk about this fantastic service available WORLDWIDE to veterans and their families.  Kevin talks about how he got the program off the ground with partnerships with the Golf Channel and GolfNow, and how VFW members can take advantage of great golf, while supporting the VFW, at VFW.golf.  There's over 8,000 courses linked with VFW.golf, so get to swinging!

Director Tobias Lindholm, and Oscar Nom. 'A War'

The National Defense welcomes Tobias Lindholm, director of the Academy Award Nominated film "A War," to the program to discuss his film, viewers reactions to it, and the creative process used to capture the authentic feel of a soldier at war in the Helmand Province of Afghanistan.

PGA Phoenix Open, Jerry's 401K, and USAA's Bob Wiedower

The National Defense opens up this week by speaking with USAA's Bob Wiedower about 401Ks, oil prices, stock market corrections, underground caddie racing, and the PGA Phoenix Open.  Bob gives Randy and Jerry a frame of reference when it comes to watching the peaks and valleys of your retirement savings.  The guys also discuss some good (and not so good) suggestions to save a few bucks on your Valentine's date.

Will Baas, Comcast VP of Talent Acquisition and Navy Veteran

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.

Friend of Veterans, Irish Tenor Anthony Kearns

The National Defense welcomes back a longtime friend of the program, Irish Tenor Anthony Kearns, to hear about what he's been up to since we last spoke with him.  Anthony, among other activities, has recently performed for Pope Francis, the New York Mets, as well as participating in an event to raise funds for homeless female veterans.

Mark Evans from Pizza 4 Patriots

The National Defense recovers from their New Year's celebrations by grabbing a slice of pizza with an old friend of the program, Mark Evans, from Pizza 4 Patriots.  Mark and his son cooked up an idea to provide pizza for troops on active duty overseas.  With the Super Bowl coming up, Mark fills us in on his plans for 2016, including the big game, Veterans Day, and more.  For more information check out the Pizza 4 Patriots website.