'When Football Went to War'

The National Defense speaks with historian and author, Todd Anton, about his new book "When Football Went to War." This new book examines the human intersection between the American sport of football and the United States military. Then, Former Pentagon official for Middle East policy, Micheal J Barton, joins the program to discuss the recent activity within the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf. Scott Halliwell of USAA also talks us through the current state of the U.S. stock market.

Welcome Back Sen. McCaskill

The National Defense welcomes Missouri Senator Claire McCaskill back to the program. Senator McCaskill has been exceptionally active in supporting America's troops and veterans as a member of the U.S. Armed Services Committee. Most recently, the Senator has focused her efforts on stamping out sexual assaults within the ranks of the U.S. military.

Thanksgiving Edition

Randy and Jerry wish you and yours a very safe and happy Thanksgiving holiday! The National Defense welcomes it's newest affiliate in Knoxville, TN, Randy gives his thoughts on Moon Pies and RC Cola, and the guys talk about the VFW's weekend spent at the Chiefs Chargers game in Kansas City.

A Dose of Financial Advice

The National Defense gets a much needed dose of financial advice from USAA and Scott Halliwell as Jerry and Randy pick Scott's brain on all sorts of financial matters.

Gunnery Sergeant Bryce Lockwood, Survivor of the Attack on the USS Liberty

The National Defense welcomes two Marine veterans to the program with wildly different and interesting stories. First, Randy speaks with Gunnery Sergeant Bryce Lockwood, survivor of the Israeli attack on the USS Liberty in 1967. Next, we speak with USMC veteran and talented singer/songwriter, Jimmy Rose, to talk about his recent run through the finale episode of "America's Got Talent."

Veterans Supporter and Irish Tenor, Anthony Kearns

The National Defense welcomes back renowned Irish Tenor, Anthony Kearns, the the program to talk about his upcoming BUSY schedule for Veterans Day weekend. Anthony has supported various veteran and patriotic causes, and is touring solo around the country to support his new album. Check out his new album and schedule at AnthonyKearnsTenor.com

Lou Diamond Phillips Sits Down with John Hamilton

The National Defense has heard you loud and clear so for at least a segment, Lou Diamond Phillips is taking the hosting chair away from Jerry and Randy as he interviews the Adjutant General of the VFW, John Hamilton. Lou Diamond and John talk about various issues related to the VFW and veterans around the world.

Retired SSG Michael Hall

The National Defense opens up this week with Retired SSG Micheal Hall to discuss his experience with one of the many VFW Veterans Service Officers in expiditing his VA benefits claim. SSG Hall was burned over a majority of his body by and IED explosion while serving in the military, and thanks the VFW for the work they did to keep his life on the homefront moving forward.

'Political Football' and Veterans

Jerry and Randy talk with the VFW's Assistant Director of Legislative Affairs, Ryan Galluci, about the work of the VFW on Capitol Hill for veterans, and what exactly goes on when the federal government decides to shut down. Ryan and the VFW legislative affairs staff worked to keep veterans from becoming a "political football" during the multi-week Federal government shutdown.

Welcome Lou Diamond Phillips

Randy welcomes the brand new spokeperson of the VFW, Lou Diamond Phillips, to the program to discuss his new position as the mouthpiece of the VFW. Lou shares his family's military background in the Navy, his support of veterans through the years, and some stories from his long-running career as a Hollywood actor. Welcome LDP to the VFW family!

US Army Sgt and Miss America Contestant, Theresa Vail

The National Defense welcomes US Army Sergeant Theresa Vail to the program to discuss her experience in the military and as a highly publicized Miss America contestant. Scott Halliwell of USAA talks government shutdown, and what people directly, or indirectly affected, by the shutdown need to do in the wake of furloughs and layoffs.

The Doobie Brothers' Pat Simmons

Randy and Jerry are our in California at the 17th annual BR Cohn Charity Music Festival, and Randy fills us in on just some of the weekend's activities before bringing us his interview with original Doobie Brother, Pat Simmons. Pat talks about his involvment in supporting various veterans-based charities and his group's connection to veterans, particularly those of the Vietnam era.

27th Annual B.R. Cohn Fall Music Festival

The National Defense is on the road this week in California, visiting former guest of the program, Bruce Cohn, at the 27th Annual B.R. Cohn Fall Music Festival. Stay tuned for great interviews from Jerry Newberry and Randy Miller at the B.R. Cohn Winery and Ampitheatre.

America's Oldest Living Veteran

Jerry and Randy are very excited to welcome America's oldest living veteran at 107 years old! The National Defense welcomes Alan Bergeron and Richard Arvine Overton to the program to discuss Alan's work with the Texas Honor Flight program, and how he came to meet World War II veteran Richard. Randy and Jerry get to pick Mr. Overton's brain on his secrets to longevity, his military experience, and what he's been doing with himself since he fought in World War II

VFW Helps Recover $500,000 for Veteran

The National Defense welcomes Rachel Powell from the VFW's Veterans Service Office to talk about another great story of the VFW helping out a veteran that had given up hope in receiving benefits that were owed to him. SportClips CEO Gordon Logan joins the program to discuss his company's long-standing support of the VFW and our veterans, and the establishment of a new scholarship to assist those making the transition from active duty to civilian life. Scott Halliwell of USAA gives us the pros and cons of CDs, bonds, and mutual funds.

'West Point Leadership, Profiles of Courage'

VFW member Dan Rice, joins us to talk about his great new book, "West Point Leadership, Profiles of Courage." We also welcome back friend of the program, and more importantly BEST BUDDY of all veterans seeking to wade through the Veterans' Affairs claims process, Ron Cherry. 

Harley-Davidson Celebrates 100 Years

We welcome Stephen Mayes of the Tim Hetherington Trust to talk about the honor being bestowed upon Tim for his work in photojournalism. Randy and Jerry talk with Harley-Davidson owner Bill Davidson, the great-grandson of the company's founder, about the group's 110th birthday, and what's on the horizon for Harley enthusiasts. Scott Halliwell of USAA joins us as he does each week with more helpful financial information.

StatesideManGoods

The National Defense welcomes Mike Lee of Statesidemangoods.com to discuss his company's work in assembling and shipping high quality care packages to servicemembers overseas. Jerry and Randy highlight some great work by Rachel Powell and the VFW's Veterans Service Office, and speak with Scott Huenefeld, Post Commander of VFW Post 764 about a great fundraiser his post participated in. As always, Scott Halliwell of USAA joins us to discuss the pros and cons of student loans.

VFW National Commander Bill Thien

The National Defense welcomes newly elected National Commander Bill Thein to the program to discuss his election at the recent VFW National Convention in Louisville, KY, and highlight the fantastic acceptance speech that Bill gave to those in attendance at the convention.

The 114th VFW National Convention

Randy and Jerry open up this week's show with Jerry on the road from Louisville, KY, from yet another VFW National Convention.  Jerry highlights the new incoming VFW National Commander, and the new role that outgoing commander John Hamilton is undertaking. Jerry also talks, "The Mane Event."

Federal Air Marshal Service in Five Decades

A former NAVY SEAL, and Federal Air Marshal, Clay Biles, joins us to discuss his new book highlight five decades of work done by the Federal Air Marshal Service, with strong ties to the U.S. Military. 

'Heroes Remembered'

The National Defense welcomes Lt. Col. Tim Washington, deputy director for the Dept. of Defense Korean War Committee's effort to honor and commemorate the service of our troops in the Korean War:   "Heroes Remembered"

Welcome Veterans Supporter Humana

The National Defense welcomes Tim McClain, President of Humana Government Business and Ed Sandrick, Director of the Veteran Channel Strategic Alliances for Humana to talk about their organization's support of the VFW and the upcoming National Convention in Louisville. Randy and Jerry also speak with Dr. Bradley Nelson on PTSD treatments and USAA's Scott Halliwell.

The National Defense Welcomes Andrea Hamilton

The National Defense welcomes singer/songwriter Andrea Hamilton to discuss her tour for US servicemembers overseas. The guys speak with manager of the Doobie Brothers, and California vintner, Bruce Cohn, about his group's support of wounded warriors, as well as some music and wine. As always, USAA's Scott Halliwell helps us keep our financial house in order with talk on retirement plans.

'Getting it Done'

The National Defense welcomes John Capozzi back to the program to discuss his book "Getting It Done," highlights the work of the USAA in helping those in need, and we welcome back Dr. Andrew Lubin to the program to talk about national security issues including recent leaks at the NSA.

'Honor Flight'

The National Defense welcomes Kmele Foster, Executive Producer of the new film "Honor Flight" to discuss the new documentary and the people he and the crew encountered during the filming of this great movie.  Scott Halliwell of USAA highlights his most recent blog on the financial effects of furloughs.

'All I Could Be'

Randy and Jerry welcome Miyoko Hikiji, Iraq War veteran and author of the book "All I Could Be" to the program.  Miyoko talks about her experience within the military, her feelings about the current struggles that female soldiers encounter in the military, and her new book.

'Research Week' to Improve Veterans Lives

The National Defense welcomes Dr. Joel Kupersmith from the Department of Veterans Administration to discuss "Research Week" and the fascinating research being done to improve the lives of those that have served their country. While Jerry is on assignment in China, Randy brings you Scott Halliwell of USAA to answer your financial planning questions.

Rolling Thunder

Randy speaks with Erik Fleming, the author of "Rolling Thunder" to discuss his book and the 40th anniversary of the Vietnam war. Also on the show this week, journalist, critic, and author, Aaron Barnhart, to the program to discuss the American Civil War and his new book "The Big Divide." Aaron's book highlights one of the regional hotbeds of activity during the Civil War; the Missouri/Kansas border.

VetJobs

The National Defense highlights employment for veterans this week as Ted Daywalt of VetJobs joins the program to discuss recent work being done on Capitol Hill by VetJobs for servicemembers looking for work. Scott Halliwell from USAA talks with Randy about the important financial planning that surrounds military service, both before enlisting, and after a military career is completed.

VFW Talks Claims Assistance

The National Defense opens up this week's show by highlighting a recent trip that Randy and Jerry took to Texas to meet up with Sport Clips CEO Gordon Logan, and some of the exciting news on the horizon for veterans on behalf of Sport Clips. Then, Jerry and Randy welcome Ron Cherry, VFW National Service Officer, to talk about the work of the VFW on behalf of those seeking claims from V.A.

Public Security

The National Defense welcomes Tim Conahan of Signal 88 Security to discuss a topic very much in the headlines this week, public security. Randy and Jerry discuss the work of the VFW and it's membership to impact the lives of veterans for the better, and USAA's Scott Halliwell highlights the positives and negatives of the housing market.

'Getting it Done'

The National Defense welcomes author John M. Capozzi to discuss his new book, "Getting it Done." USAA's Scott Halliwell joins the program as he does each week, and Randy and Jerry speak with the Director of Membership for the VFW, Bob Crider.

The National Defense Welcomes Back Senator Claire McCaskill

The National Defense welcomes longtime friend of the program, Missouri Senator Claire McCaskill to the show. Senator McCaskill talks about the myriad issues that she is tackling on behalf of the US Military and veterans. We also speak with USAA's Scott Halliwell about his "Final Four" tips for financial security. 

'Apocalypse 101'

The National Defense welcomes Mike Kozeliski of the new Nat Geo program "Apocalypse 101" to discuss his Colorado groups efforts to train people to handle emergencies of any kind. Scott Halliwell of USAA joins the program as he does each week, and the Director of Legislative Affairs for the VFW, Ray Kelley, joins the program to talk about the work being done for veterans on Capitol Hill by the VFW.

The Westboro Church Escapee

The National Defense welcomes Lauren Drain, author of a new book exposing the inner workings of the Westboro Baptist Church, and speaks to her about her own personal experiences, including the picketing of military funerals under the leadership of Fred Phelps. USAA's Scott Halliwell gives pointers on issues to consider when starting your own business.

What Was Up in Washington?

The National Defense welcomes Jerry back from DC. Then Ray Kapaun the nephew of Chaplain Emil J Kapaun. Emil is being posthumously honored at the White House with the Medal of Honor for his amazing feat of heroism during the Korean War.

Chair of the House Veterans' Affairs Committee, Rep. Jeff Miller

The National Defense welcomes the Chair of the House Veterans' Affairs Committee, Rep. Jeff Miller to the program, as well as the National Commander of the VFW, John E. Hamilton, to discuss the sequester and various other veterans' issues.

A Week of Winners

This week VFW welcomes two VFW Voice of Democracy Winners and later welcomes Joel Rubin of the Ploughshares Fund to the confirmation of Chuck Hagel as the new Defense Secretary of the United States.
  

A Fascinating Interview with Wally Funk

The National Defense is digging themselves out from under the winter storm sweeping over the midwest (look out east coast!) This week, check out a fascinating interview with an even more dynamic individual, Wally Funk, the recepient of the VFW's National Aeronautics and Aerospace Award. We'll be back next week with more great interviews on The National Defense!

The Role of Women in Front-Line Combat

The National Defense welcomes Jacquee Alvord to discuss her experience as a woman in the USMC and her take on the recent shifts on the role of women in front-line combat. Randy and Jerry also speak with comedian Bernie McGrenahan about his comedy tour to educate American troops around the world. Scott Halliwell of USAA talks to The National Defense about the pitfalls of student loan debt.

Employment Numbers for Veterans

Randy and Jerry welcome back Ted Daywalt of VetJobs to the program to dig into the employment numbers for veterans, and compares the unemployment rate of our active duty military to those in the National Guard and the Reserves.

Welcome John Bartosiewicz

The National Defense welcomes John Bartosiewicz of Illinois to the program to discuss his groups efforts to memorialize the fallen soliders of the Middle Eastern conflicts. Jerry and Randy also speak with the VFW's Joe Davis from Washington D.C. and USAA's Scott Halliwell with some tax-time-trivia.

Pizzas 4 Patriots

The National Defense welcomes Jerry back to the studio from his trip to Washington D.C. for the inauguration and speaks with Sgt. Mark Evans of Pizzas 4 Patriots. USAA's Scott Halliwell talks with the guys about some issues to be mindful of when preparing to file your 2012 taxes.

Brig. Gen. Gary Profit

The National Defense is proud to welcome Irish Tenor Anthony Kearns to the program to talk about his upcoming performance at the President's Inauguration. Randy also speaks with Brig. Gen. Gary Profit to highlight Walmart's new initiative to hire over 100,000 veterans in the next five years. The show wraps up with a great story of a high school fundraiser in Duran, Wisconsin to support the "Unmet Needs" program.

Command Sgt. Major of the US Army, Raymond Chandler

The National Defense is proud to welcome the Command Sgt. Major of the US Army, Raymond Chandler, to the program to discuss the current state of the Army. Randy and Jerry also speak with VFW Membership guru Dan Parker, "Coach" Soto of California's "Battle for Veterans," Ray Kelley from the VFW's legislative group in D.C., and, as always, USAA's Scott Halliwell.

From the US Army All-American Bowl

The National Defense wishes you and yours a happy New Year! This week's show we speak with Sgt. 1st Class Matt Winters from the US Army All-American Bowl in San Antonio, TX, as well as author and award winning teacher, Lisa Lark, about her new book "All They Left Behind."