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.