The National Defense

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.

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.

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

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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."

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. 

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"

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 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.

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.

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.