The National Defense

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.

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.

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!

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 .

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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!

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

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.